Rob feels it's over, so he gets back to his seat and goes on attacking the chicken. "Sumwun was willin' of a good beatin', oh yeah... uh... you... you ain't gonna do that here, ain't ya?" he says as he points to Alsande's thread and needle.
"I'm afraid to say things have escalated, when on the fringes of society, you something need a heavy hand."
Herman removes his suit jack, placing it on his greatcoat. Unbuttons his shirt for Alsande's thread.
"Now before you sew up like an old pair of pants, let me just remove our friend's little token."
Herman removes his bayonet from his shotgun, he places the tip of the blade into his wound. He winces, but continues to fish out the bullet casing.
He yells to Rob,"Padre, can you go me a favour? I'm in need of a mighty stiff drink."
"Sure as 'ell, son."
Rob goes to the bar, puts some coins on it and asks the bar tender: "Bo'l of the strongest thing you've got 'ere. Quick."
He goes back to were Herman is and hands him the bottle. "'Ere, son. God bless ya."
"That's much appreciated Padre, nothing like a cool drink after a hard days work. Cheers to us, even though we may not have a fancy name or such as the Magnificent Seven."
Herman open the bottle, pour the contents into his mouth. He savors the taste.
"Whenever you're ready Alsande, I won't kick."
Samuel gives a glance over his shoulder as they go to leave and sighs. "Hold on" he says before going back over to the table.
"Hey! Are you lot hard of hearing? We got work to do, c'mon. Haven't you heard it's rude to keep a lady waiting" he asks and kicks the leg of one of the chairs for emphasis, knocking dust from his boot onto the filthy floor. He makes his way out front to collect the others "Well boys, did you enjoy yourselves? Wrap this up, either the birds or the undertaker will be along to collect the sorry sod soon enough. We living have a pressing job."
"Gods of yore, did a butcher teach you first aid? That's the most... ok, nevermind. Just stand still."
From the pockets lining Alsande's clothes come out slender blades and spidery metallic needles. His lean fingers working with clockwork precision, the android douses gauze with clear liquids, numbing the flesh and cleaning the wound before working on removing the bullet and mending the damage as much as he can. Finally, he stitches the cut with a clear wire and pockets his tools back after rubbing them in alcohol.
"The shot got an artery, and you almost opened it with that bloody knife. Dumb luck you didn't bleed yourself out. I gave you tendon stitches, so it shouldn't scar, but if you pull them I'll switch to barbed wire."
"Why thank you Alsande, I don't know what little old me would do with yourself."
Herman looks towards Samuel, sweaty in the face from his recent trauma.
"Now I say Mr.Rodrigues, maybe it's because I'm an older gentlemen. but I don't remember signing up for any work. Perhaps you've misremembering thing with your "itchy trigger finger" rather than your head. Oh, please forgive madam for speak Galt."
Herman takes one last sip of whiskey or bourbon the good reverend brought, placing it in his greatcoat pocket.
"Now I am a man of law and order, it would be a great disrespect to the people of this fine town and myself if I would to just let it slid. Surely the madam understands is willing to give us a ten or so more minutes?"
Last Stand - Oasis Tavern
Herman finds a basic Pistol with 15 rounds. The man also has a dagger, a flask with some sort of alcohol within, a small mirror, a traveler's kit, and a small pouch with 10 GP, 15 SP, and 23 CP. He wears worn travelers clothes but has a brand new hat and boots.
The people on the streets give praise to the job that Herman and Kiana did though a few scowl at them they say nothing. Street traffic moves on continuing as it did before the shoot out, though people give the corpse wide berth.
The man who narrowly avoided a duel responds to Herman, "No sir, I did not know him. Just some hot-head, you see I'm just comin' here from Freedom for opportunity! I've heard there's such in abundance here. Though I've yet to see it". He mutters.
The place returns to normal as quickly as it was turned upside down. Tables uprighted, card games back in action, ladies of the afternoon still turning their ah.. tricks.
The Barkeep provides a strong bottle of whiskey at the Reverand's request.
Naomi follows Samuel back to the front of the Tavern, "Certainly, if you wish I can assist in patching that wound up".
In the meantime, Mylon is writing on parchment furiously while Arcantos the Gunsmith appears to have balls of steel, he never even moved from his seat as the bullets began to fly!
As the Wanderers sit out on the porch of the Tavern, an old man comes shuffling down the dusty street, on his left breast is a large electrum badge. This may be the Sheriff...
"Well sir, you have your life at the very least. The wastes are a harsh place, you have the opportunity to take from it, in kind the wastes take a little from you."
Herman collects the few coin and possessions from the corpse.
"Here sir, have a few coins for your troubles and buy yourself a drink. You're might lucky this afternoon. That's a fine looking pair of boots and hat,they're yours as well. " Herman hands him 2 GP,5 SP and 3 CP as well as the boots and hat.
Herman generously accepts help from the Naomi and Alsande.
Herman stands to his feet when he sees the old man with the badge come down the street. He takes out his badge from Alkenstar, pressed and forged in the mills.
"Are you the Sheriff of this town? I'm truly sorry to have played my part in the little ruckus. The name is Herman Oswalden, United Marshall and Sheriff from Alkenstar."
As the discussion grows further from his own interests, Alsande twists and turns the spidery silver needles into a different configuration, prods and blades intertwining with his fingers. With the newly configured device, he starts working on the capacitors lining his gun barrel, discharging sparks with small popping sounds.
"By the way, I have ways of taking out someone without killing them, should you need to."
Last Stand - Oasis Tavern
Naomi speaks the words to a spell - CLW - her magic washes over Herman's wound, knitting it up a bit.
The man nods to Herman as he strips the man's valuable right there in the street, "Thank you kindly, I'll not forget this". He heads off once he sees the Sheriff making his way towards the Tavern.
The Sheriff stops to inspect the corpse, "Yep, he's dead alright!" He then sighs and blinks looking up at Herman as he speaks, "A United Marshall, right here in this town? Son, you looking for a job?"
Naomi frowns at the offer but says nothing.
"You're right friend, I was hoping he'd give up. After getting a bullet to the chest, he was too dangerous to let live. For the sake of this town the man had to die. These lands are harsh and while lady law is blind, her lawmen mustn't."
Herman opens his bottle, slowly sipping on the whiskey. His eyes widen at Sheriff's offer.
"Dear sir are you looking for a deputy to help clean up this town? I would gladly accept such an honour, good hardwork is about as rare as a virgin courtesan."
Herman looks over to his companions, force them into work would be the height of rudeness. That's when Naomi catches his attention.
"Miss Naomi, is something amiss? I thank you for your healing hand, but to see a lady so crestfallen. It breaks my heart."
weighing his options, Herman remains conflicted to what he should do.
"Tell you what Sheriff, allow me to sleep on your offer. Note that your town could use another fine lawmen, if you'd allow me to not be so humble. I take great pride in my work, so consider your offer to be a tentative yes."
offering the Sheriff a hand, he was ready to seal this deal. proving himself to be a valuable resource to this town and wastelands.
When they come, this land will be mine.
"She's probably just upset 'cause she thought she got herself a group of bounty hunters, 'cept now that seems to be changing."
Samuel nods to the other sheriff but doesn't otherwise acknowledge him.
Last Stand - Oasis Tavern
The Sheriff nods to Herman, "Tomorrow it is then!"
Naomi smiles at Samuel's statement, "Indeed, you are quite perceptive. Mr. Herman, at least hear my employers offer before you lock yourself into duty here which will prevent you from entertaining the offer at hand.
If you are all ready, we can go now".
"Sheriff, if you'd be so kind to give me at least one or couple day's grace. I'll do my best to clean up this town. Hopefully with less resistance."
Herman looks over to Samuel, shaking his head before putting his wide brim hat back on."Bounty hunter you mean. I never signed on to any job, it's the height of rudeness son. Perhaps your daddy didn't teach you manners?"
Hermans slips his arms through white jacket, covering it with his greatcoat.
"Now miss Naomi, I will consider your employers offer. It would be the least I could do for patching me up with your magic."
Herman looks over to Samuel, shaking his head before putting his wide brim hat back on."Bounty hunter you mean. I never signed on to any job, it's the height of rudeness son. Perhaps your daddy didn't teach you manners?"
"You just shot a man dead in the street not five minutes ago. I'd say I'm not the only one with an over-eager streak."
"Besides, forgive me for doing my part to arrange work for our little posse here. I'm so underappreciated..." he says, now feigning sadness.
"Arite, ye folks. If ye finished sizing yer willies, there's a job waiting" says Rob, standing up and putting on his hat. "The Lady is in a hurry."
Last Stand -
Naomi chants the soft words to a spell and Herman's wounds are mostly healed.
The Sheriff nods to Herman, "I've not got much time left but what I do have's yours!" He calls back as he trudges away down the lane.
Naomi smiles tightly, "All ready now yes yes?"
She leads your group in the opposite direction from the way the Sheriff traveled. Past the main road where most of the shops of the town are located and frankly where the town can assemble and be in best defensible position against hostiles from the Wastes.
Perhaps a quarter mile from town towards the Waste looms a house, more of a Manse though still under construction. Several dwarves, humans and gnomes work at the orders of a very tall very gaunt human. He stiffens and turns around to regard all of you with piercing eyes and the perfect handlebar mustache.
"Ah Naomi, what have you brought me?"
Naomi smiles and throws up her arms, "You mean who. I brought you the Magnificent 7!" She elbows Herman in the ribs as she brings her arms down. "Just go with it", she whispers through gritted teeth.
"I brought you the Magnificent 7!"
At the hearing of this, Rob turns his eyes up for a moment and moves his lips very slightly. "God likes that name, she says. Me likes it too."
"Me likes it three. Gotta find some way to use that."
Mylon begins scribbling on his parchment.
"At your service" adds Samuel with a smile.
Herman nods, he certainly looked magnificent with his chest wound.
I most certainly didn't sign up for this, once this meeting is over I'm going to look for the sheriff.
Alsande moves towards the construction site, mentally taking notes on the tools and techniques. They add high-carbon steel for support, rather than tungstenum. Heavier but cheaper.
Last Stand -
The man beams, "Ah my dear, you are so very good at your craft. Come, come. Let's head to the temporary shelter and get out of this blasted heat and grit"
He walks around the Manse under construction to a large metal box, at least that is what it looks like. The entire frame is enclosed, no windows and only one door. As you approach it the man pulls a wand and points it at the door which swings open, you feel a rush of cool air from within.
As you all enter, the place is a cool but dreary space. A place for two beds, some dressers, and a table with a small pantry are all that are contained within. Six chairs surround the table. The man stands and draws another wand activating it a few times. Suddenly several invisible beings begin to move about, pouring drinks retrieving chairs and generally straightening up the table.
"Sit. Sit. I hope that lemonade is sufficient to quench your thirst. I do not partake of liquor. Has Naomi given you a hint of what it is I seek?" He draws a third wand yet to gesture to the door, closing you all in, just as it about to become very dark, a light spring on. A cool bluish glow casting shadows in the far ends of the steel trap room.
Rob witnesses all the magic display without saying a word. Once asked about the drink, he accepts the lemonade without question.
When asked about the task, though, he's quick to answer. "No, sir, we got no freakin' idea. The lady, 'ere, told us nuttin' or if she did me was no payin' no attention, no. Sorry, ma'am" he adds turning to Naomi.
Alsande springs to attention at the apparently unexplained action, then slumps down as soon as he realizes it's magic. Not much he can learn from that.
"Bounties, hunting for criminals and bringing back proof of their demise. Although ears are a terrible marker. First, an ear can be cut off without killing the target. Second, it is hard to recognize an individual just by their ear, one can do using magic, I suppose, but it's quite more tedious. Then again, the only part of body that alone can provide suitable identification is the head, and a head is cumbersome to carry. But this could be avoided should you provide one of those extradimentional manifoldic spaces, I believe usually referred to as bags of holding? The last alternative is for us to bring one of your associates with us, assuming there is someone you trust to report accurately and that you trust us not to murder them, something you have no reason to do."
Someone should create some device for capturing definite proof. How could it be made...
"Capable and willing professionals" summarizes Samuel as he sits down to indulge in the free drinks. "Ones willing to head into no-mans land at that" he adds after his first gulp.
"Aye. All o' this fer a good coin, know ye."
Last Stand -
"Yes yes yes. Ears to be sure to show that progress is being made but that is what I am buying with my coin. Progress!
For two lifetimes now has the Waste sat desolate only the brave willing to enter it. What most see as a tomb I see as an opportunity.
What I am building here is not a home but a hub. You all know what I mean?! A hub from which vehicles, unmanned carriages on tracks mind you tracks, will bring goods and folk across the Waste to the other side.
What I need are those willing to do what must be done for progress. Spill blood!"
He slams his fist down on the table.
"Oh? Now that is interesting. An unmanned garriage could draw electrical power from a rail, turining it into motion like my rifle does. Although someone should find an alternative way to avoid the sudden acceleration, well, killing everyone. And it can be done without magic!"
"Uh... travelling through the Waste? Not sure what God thinks 'bout that... Imma ask ye, though, what kinda blood is that ye want to spill?"
Last Stand -
He looks at Alsande with admiration, "Certainly an interesting theory! My alchemist and summoner had an altogether different idea in mind".
He turns to the Rev, "Why, whatever's in the way on the lines I draw upon the map!"
Hermans retrieves the bottle of whiskey from his storm pocket, pouring a healthy dose into his glass of lemonade.
He swirls his glass allowing the two liquids to intermingle.
"I say don't mind me, I'm just in need of a little medicine to fight of the lead that when through my chest"
He turns to the Rev, "Why, whatever's in the way on the lines I draw upon the map!"
"Ah, gotcha. Local fauna and the like o' the Waste. God approves, sign me in."
Alsande slumps back into the chair, muttering under his breath. "Typical. Never try to innovate, keep on the old solutions. No wonder the world went to hell."
"Ok, I understand the outline. What're you offering us?"
Last Stand -
He smiles at Herman, "Ah another shoot out? You see this is why we need to expand and civilize this wild terrain! The men act like animals because the land infects their souls with chaos!"
The man sits back and turns to Alsande, "The pay rate is a silver per day each day you are out in the Waste. For each Mutant ear you bring back one gold.
For bigger game, 10 gold per carcass.
We'll need to start small. Perhaps a mile, two at most west of here. If we can't secure that with relative ease, what the hell hope do we have to reach the rest of the Wastes?
If you can map the area in some meaningful way, I'll pay another 5 gold".
After listening carefully to the man's offer, Rob nods. "Aye, God says that's a fine agreement if ye add the provisions to the lot. Me's be willing to sign if any other also does - not willing to explore on me own out there, mind ye."
He turns his head left and right and see what the others think, as well as keeping an eye on the man's face.
"Sounds amiable to me as well" adds Samuel
"I could use some cash for materials. I'm in."
"Why not? Songwriting doesn't pay like it used to."
"On that note, if you're in need of advertising for the opening of your hub, I would be happy to compose something praising its greatness. You'd be surprised how far a catchy tune can travel, especially compared to word of mouth. But we can discuss that after the local fauna's been dealt with."
"Hmm, bring progress to the wastes. There could be much good brought on with that. I will need to think of this, if you don't mind."
He brings his drink to his lips, "Nothing like a cool Alkenstar lemonade."
Samuel nods along with the rest.
Last Stand -
"Ah god, I am glad I find you all agreeable.
Advertising eh? I like that word, catchy! Let's talk more about that once it's clear a I have a hub to open.
Now that we've a Gentlemen's Agreement, I suppose introductions are in order, you can call me Dr. Loveless.
Feel free to take a room at the Armadillo, oh its a bit run down but I purchased it last week and the food is good and the water clean. Ya'll can set out tomorrow on your hunt!"
Post introductions, the good Dr. opens the doors allowing you all out.
Herman tips his hat to all the gentlemen in the room,"it will be a pleasure to see what comes of this, now I believe I must be going. Thank you for the cooled lemonade on this must needed hot day and your hospitality."
Herman makes his way to the Sheriffs office, curious about his offer.
Moving to the main shop, Alsande buys an outstanding amount of trail rations, indulging in dried nuts. He then moves to the inn, where he finds a quiet spot to set up a large collection of small devices, assembling and combining them with the silvery, spidery arms of the Any-Tool peeking from his sleeves to help.
Sam spends his time asking around town, getting a feel for how the wastes are about now - particularly the area they're heading into tomorrow.