GM Edwin's Last Conquistador's Mine

Game Master Insnare

If indeed it is late afternoon, Charlie returns to the saloon to see about getting a room.

It is now late afternoon. The CSA was more of an improvised government. Although compared to modern times almost every government was improvised. In USA, the DOD wasn't given that name until after WW2 before then it was called the War Department. The CSA War Department's Chief of Ordinance was a Josiah Gorgas. They had enough problems trying to make gunpowder. Hopefully, that helps.

Lucas smiles and collects his money, using some of it to pay for Darvins food. He tips his hat to him. Good night. Nice meetin ya. Then, he tries to strike up a conversation with Nickomedos. Nickamedes, your name was? Sorry if I say that wrong, names Lucas. Lucas Brill.

"You can call me Niko, or just Nik, if you like," Nikomedos responds. He offers his hand to the other man and smiles. "Some just call me the Greek, on account of my heritage, but they're mostly the ones I bring back for coffin measuring." He shrugs and takes a sip of his beer (same one from earlier).

"What brings you out this way, Mister Brill? You have the look of a man accustomed to the frontier lifestyle."

Marcus will head up to the bar the next morning before work and listen to stories about the boxing match and then if possible will approach Darvin and buy him a coffee and breakfast saying gee Mister that sounds like a heck of a fight, tell me about it?

Most of you make your way back to the saloon.

GM Rolls [spoiler] 1d100 ⇒ 27

Once inside, an older man in his mid 50s wearing a finely tailored suit walks over to Darvin and says, "Howdy, partner! Mih name is F. Washbuck, I am the proprietor of the D.M.D. or Dead Mule Daily and I wanted to get a statement regarding your recent bout for people."

Darvin rubs his nose. "Name's Darvin, Darvin Tarroh. T a r r o h, D a r v i n. Well, dere not be much to tell. He be a little better than me wit his fists. I tink I could probbly take him 4 times out of 10. He got a better reach, and a little stronger, but he no very fast on his feet. Probably a good bet on him, 'gainst anyone local though. He be well trained. He got a haymaker feel like a mule though!"

--------------------

Next morning

Darvin looks at the kid, and shrugs. "Sure boy, take a seat. Mike be a good fighter, vera strong. Know how to use his hands. Need more work on his feet, he no dodge as well as he could. Got a hell of a haymaker though."

Marcus hangs on every word as if you were speaking the gospel on armegeddon leaning in with a rapt attention

Erik walks up to Darvin once he is out of the ring. "Well, Darvin, you put up quite a fight. Let me know if you need anything," he says as they walk back into the saloon. When they are approached by the owner of the paper, he departs to let them finish their conversation.

He finds the bartender and asks about getting a bath and where he can get his clothes cleaned. "A nice warm bath and some clean clothes sounds good after my trip," he adds.

You fellas just want to go to bed for the evening?

You could say that. Came here to live a quiet life after the stuff I've seen. Explored the local area a bit, figured I could make a living as a guide. Seems to work just fine. He yawns. I'm mighty tired. Gonna rest up for the morning. You coming?
Sure

That is certainly Charlie's intent, GM.

Devon takes a stroll through the town, checking out what buildings and business there are on the main strip.

He's also looking to see if any have empty space he can look at for an office.

Yep, already posted that. Figured he'd be tired after the long day, the fight, and a bath

That's fine. Gambling more will probably just get me in trouble anyway, lol.

Niko's happy to take a load off for today, rest up and get back to it tomorrow.

Downstairs in the saloon gets a bit raucous. You walk the town in the evening. You can tell there is a lot of room to build a storefront if you so chose. But there doesn't look to be spare building available however you may want to inquire in the morning to see if you can find an office in one of the houses that are there.

You wake up with a rooster at about 5am and make your way down to see if you can get some breakfast. You smell coffee brewing and eggs frying and who you can assume to be the proprietor's wife making a real western breakfast.

Marcus will eat his brrakfast and listen until the tale of the fight is done and then shake Darvin's hand and say my names Marcus, local cowboy round these parts working in the stables

Niko is risen bright and early, already in his working clothes with his gunbelts strapped round his waste when he comes down for breakfast. He eats slowly, savoring the flavors of the home cooking. "Finest meal I've had in a long time," he proclaims, sopping up the last dregs with a biscuit. "My finest compliments to the cook."

Once the meal is finished, the Greek approaches anyone who he figures for a local--the innkeeper, his wife, even Marcus. "Could you help a partner out and point me toward the post office, and the local jail, or sheriff's office, or some such? A man needs to work in order to stay in health and home."

Devin comes down a little after dawn, having taken his time getting ready without a reason to rush.

Walking down stairs he asks the inn-keeper, "mind if I take a seat out front, I'd like to enjoy my breakfast with the open air."

Devon nods when he hears Nikomedos, sounds like a plan... he considers joining the bounty hunter.

Charlie eats in silence, accustomed to taking his meals alone, but this pair of strangers interests him. He stays close to Nik and Devon, not close enough to be creepy, but not trying to remain hidden, either.

Erik puts on his clean set of clothes and makes his way downstairs. "Good morning everyone. Mmm, smells delicious," he says as he gets a plate of food and a cup of coffee. He finds a seat at a table with the others to eat.

"Anyone see Darvin yet this morning? I wonder how he's feeling," he says looking around the room for the "boxer".

Once he finishes eating, he takes his dirty clothes from the trip over to the laundry and then heads over to the trading post to ask about mining in the hills around the town.

I had posted a breakfast post, and a what doing the next day post, apparently it got ignored, so I'll redo it.

After telling Marcus about the fight the previous night, he orders breakfast. He's wearing a suit today, and has a rifle case and heavy bag that gives a good solid THUMP as it hits the floor next to him.

Next bit for the GM
He carries his weapons and tools, along with letters of introduction from his contacts at Colt and Smith & Wesson, and a letter of recommendation from former Brigadier General (Infantry) Daniel Weisiger Adams of the (Also formerly a Senator in Mississipi), and another letter of recommendation from Louisiana State Senator and formerly Brigadier General (Artillary) Louis Hebert (Pronounced A-Bear). He also shows his Discharge papers from the Confederate Ordinance Research Division. Not sure exactly what it was called, can't find the official name for it, Confederate equivalent of the DoD.

When Volker asks about him, he waves his hand in a general way. "Ovah here, mon ami. De suit, she done confused you. I clean up nice." He laughs. Then he comments to Niko. "Dis be a one horse town, jest about. If ya go outside, and walk up and down the street, ya'll see 'em all, only one street."

Marcus smiles at Niko and says I'd be happy to take you by all the places ya want Mister. I don't rightly know if yer any good with a horse but my boss is always lookin for a good ranch hand.

Niko gives Marcus a glance and a crooked smile. "Thanks for the offer, but that's not exactly my line of work. I'm more in the human business than horses, if you catch my drift."

While you are talking, a man and a woman with a baby walk into the hotel and are able to get jobs working as clean up help in the saloon. The woman starts to do the sweeping and the man starts cleaning glasses.

Lucas walks downstairs. Must've slept in late... not good at all. He looks around the room. Lookin' good, Darvin. He approaches Niko and Marcus. Mornin. He turns to Marcus and tips his hat.Names Lucas. Lucas Brill.

Darvin finishes his breakfast, and then gathers up his stuff. "Well den, I tink I go on down to find the Banker Man, he got to be in by now." He tips his hat to everyone, including the two new hotel employees, and heads out to find the bank.

Marcus scratches his head and greets the neecomers introducing themselves and then says sure nough I reckon the sheriff and the telegraph station might be fine places to look Mr. Niko

"Well, then, I'd be much obliged if you could show me the way, son." Niko finishes off the last of his coffee and stands up, stretching his back. New horse wouldn't be bad either, but that's probably more than I have just now.

Marcus jumps up and leads Mr. Niko sown the street to the sheriffs office first and will introduce Mr. Niko to the sheriff.

Charlie follows Marcus and Niko again, not intending to be hidden, but not making his presence known.

Devon was just finishing his morning coffee from a seat in front of the inn when Marcus and Niko left. He tipped his hat good morning.

He watched them walk down the street before he turned to take inventory of what business he could see from the inn.

Marcus will be giving a tour of town.

1) Cannon Emplacement: Set on the top of the higher of the two ndges that tlank the southern road leading into town. this cannon was put here for defense. The cannon has a clear field of fire out to its maximum range.

2) Stage Coach Station: This building is built of rough logs. Half of the building is set on stone supports 10 feet high. since the ground slopes away underneath it. It is possible to get underneath the station's northeastern corner. A wobbly staircase goes up to the door. The windows are oilskin. not glass. Inside. the building is a single room with a pot-bellied stove and three benches. This building is normally empty except when a stage is due.

3)Stage Coach Master's home: This rough-hewn log cabin serves as the ticket office and home for the station master. James Grafton and his familv: Jim, his son. and Miriam his wife. Posted on the outside door is the stage schedule with the price being $0.25 per mile.

4) Grafton Stable: This log stable connects to the Grafton house. Inside there are 30 horse stalls, tools on the wall and spare wagon parts. A small loft overhead is filled with feed and other supplies. Marcus introduces you to Ramon Racelis and Jim Grafton who are working in the stable. There are also 13 horses (fair or good quality) in the stable and adjacent corral.

5) Sherriff's Office: Outside this building is a few wanted posters,. both old and new. The glass in the windows is grimy and ny-specked. This one room building serves as the Sheriffs office, and the Sheriff's home. Sheriff Ernest Johnson is friendly and helpful according to Marcus. There is no jail cells in this building but they are in another in the back. He also runs an Assay as well out of this building.

6)Lockup: This 6 feet high building is a very strong wooden jail. The one window is barred and locked.The door has a narrow covered slot through which meals are passed to the prisoners. Inside. the floor is dirt and straw. The only furnishings are a chamber pot and a pitcher. The walls are built from deeply sunk logs.

7) You all stayed their last night

8)The Black Mountain Bank: Day: The only stone building in town. the bank has barred windows and doors. Several potted agave grow on the boardwalk in front. The sign over the door reads. "Black Mountain Miners· Security Building. Owner: Tom Christopher. Assets:." The remainder of the sign has recently been painted over.

9) Ching's Laundry: This small. ramshackle shed serves as both the laundry and home for Su Ching and his wife. Brought here by the owner of the High Pass Hotel when the town was more prosperous, they have remained in Dead Mule. making a small living. Although not persecuted or overly harrassed says Marcus.

10)The Gazette: Outside on 6 ft chain is the pet of owner and editor,Frank Washbuck, a bear. The bear is sleeping in the sun and will not bother people entering the building. This building ( made of adobe and wood) serves as the office. press- room and home of Frank Washbuck.

11) Apache Trading Post: This tile-roofed. wood-and-adobe building is one of the oldest in Dead Mule. Inside are many of the goods found in a general store: food, cloth. shoes. clothes. tools. guns. saddles. etc. The store also stocks prospecting equipment and telescopes. The center of the roof is supported by an old massive tree trunk. There are two fireplaces in the building. one at either end. The store is run by Jack Wesley.

12) Stock Pen: This is a stable owned by Jack Wesley, he has 5 mustangs in there as well as some mules.

13) La Loma Alto: The second oldest building in Dead Mule, La Loma Alta (The High Hill) is a saloon and pool hall. Made of rough hewn logs, it is partially built into the hillside. Inside, the wooden floored room is dominated by a long bar and a pool table. Several tables and chairs take up the rest of the space. The saloon is run by Black Bill Hillert.

14) Justice of the Peace: ( 16). The two storey building Justice of the Peace for Dead Mule. Set on the slope of the hill. a set of old steps leads up to a wide covered wooden porch. Over the door hangs a sign. "Harold P. Race. Justice of the Peace, Town of Dead Mule ... The front room of the house serves as the business office, while the back rooms and the upstairs are the personal quarters of the justice.

Niko takes the full tour of town, getting the lay of the land, and then thanks Marcus and makes his way back to the Sheriff's office. He stands outside, looking over the Wanted posters, pondering over which one to take up. The larger the bounty, the more dangerous the criminal, in most cases--so while a scant twenty dollars may not seem like much, a bounty of several hundred does you no good if you die trying to get it.

Any seem of particular interest, GM? Otherwise Niko will shoot for one with a good mix of payout and trouble as far as he can tell.

Darvin and Devon make their way to the The Black Mountain Bank.

GM ROlls [spoile] 1d100 ⇒ 72

On the front door of the bank, there is a small sign hanging from the door knob stating: AT GAZETTE considering the size of the hamlet you have arrived at, it is not unreasonable to see the banker, somewhere else. You make your way to the gazette across the street and knock on the door. You are let in and there are two gentlemen shooting the shit as they say.

The younger of the two stands up and says, "You fellers, just come from back East, yes... hmmm and the boxer at that. My name is Washbuck, proprietor and editor of the Gazette. What can you tell me about the goings on back East? I done heard Grant is gonna run. I admire that man.. I served under him at Vicks. Second to only Washington if you ask me."

Niko, I would think for you either the saloon or maybe the sheriff's would be best to either get info or see to tracking a bounty.

well there is the nickel tour Mr. Niko, I hope you find what yer looking for. If'n you need any more help let me know, got to get to work now for Mr. Grafton's stable. Marcus tips a pretend hat with a friendly smile and shuffles off to his morning chores.

The sheriff was my intent, yeah.

"Thanks, Marcus." After spending nearly a minute staring at the posters, Niko takes his hat off and steps inside, giving a smile to whoever he sees in the sheriff's office. "Salutations, friend and neighbor. I couldn't help but notice you've got some ugly faces posted out there on the wall. Any in particular you'd like seen taken down?" Niko chuckles at the double meaning of his question, and pats his hat on his thigh.

Charlie waits patiently outside the sheriff's station for Niko to finish his business.

Lucas stands up from the bar and looks for Niko. I heard he was a bounty hunter or something? Might need a guide... He asks around to see if anyone knows where he went. If not, he wanders around looking for him.

A pleasure to meet you, Dr. Devon McBride. Sure seems like Grant will win too. I left because it often seems like the war just ended last week, country's still recovering. Me, I felt like striking out, settling someplace new. Maybe here. Devon doffs his hat in greetings as he looks around, town seems a might small for its own news-sheet, what's it like here?

@Nico, The sherriff says, "Much abliged, friend." he then pulls out copies of the wanted posters you saw out front from his desk and reads them out loud... "1) Iulio Matamoros: Olive skinned, black hair...
Wanted for rustling, murder, and grand theft. A reward of S500 will
be paid if he is brought in alive. He is also wanted in Mexico for similar crimes. Age 33, he is typically accompanied by One-eye Lopez, who by the by, is also Wanted for murder and horse-stealing in Mexico. He is a companion. He is a frail. old-looking man with only one eye.
Age 37. To collect the bounty on him you would have to transport him across the border.

There is another named "Mysterious Dave" but no one knows what he looks like, he usually wears bandages over his face when committing a bank robbery."

@D+D, Washbuck says, "SOmetimes, I wonder as well but it gives me something to do. Plus, I would not want Dead Mule to be uninformed."

Niko muses over the posters and their information for a short while, then nods and taps his finger on Andrew Colder. "That sounds like an important one to take care of. Can't have anyone giving the profession a bad name, after all. Any idea where he was last seen?"

Sorry for my inactivity. Between my taxes and work I haven't kept up with posting.

After dropping his clothes off at the cleaners, Erik went to the trading post. He wanders around the shop and stops to see what prospecting equipment they have and the prices. "what do they mine for in the hills around here?" he asks when approached.

@ Niko, The sherriff says, "I heard he has been traipsin' al erver de New Mexico territry."

@Erik, Jack Wesley, whom you remember from the fight from the day before says, "Supposedly, the Spaniards mined silver and gold. We had a... some... silver coming out when the town was founded just after Scott went down south but that done ran dry around when the latest war started. Now, dem old mines got guano."

GM rolls

Erik nods his head in disappointment. "Not what I wanted to hear. I was hoping to try my luck out west here mining for gold. Sounded more promising than mining for coal back east. Have you heard of any places out this direction that still have some life in them? Maybe I need to continue on my way along the stagecoach line," he says.

I'm looking to find a place to hang my shingle. For starters, just a room I can work in and a cot to sleep on. Somehow I doubt there's need for someone like me full time, at least here in town. Are there many ranches or farms close by? I could see about making the rounds, check up on folks, and their livestock.

Niko shrugs. "Well, I guess I'll look over the territory for a spell, then. Need a horse to do it, though. Don't suppose you'd give me a paper or some such, be able to get one cheap from your local stock? I'd be happy to pay them back in full when I get the bounty." He smiles and pats the revolver on his right hip.

Lucas walks through the town, trying to see if Niko is outside. He sees Charlie. He walks over, and tips his hat in greeting. Mornin.

Charlie nods in response. "Morning."