Into the West (Inactive)

Game Master Simeon

'Full of American food, I like this guy already. I hope he won't be offended if we offer him some TexMex.' Smiling at the lashshiki'i, "Welcome to our camp, what we have is yours. If I may, I'm Angus Elphinestone of Texas." As they walk Angus extends his hand to the elder.

what language is he speaking?

He shakes Angus' hand surprisingly firmly before saying, Well met Elphinstone of Texas. I am Ha'otdanne of the Aashiwi, though I suppose to you it would be the Zuni. The kindness of fellow wanderers is often ignored I find. A shame." He settles down by the fire, and begins humming softly. The tune is quite familiar to what he was singing before.

Angus smiles, "A pleasure Ha'otdanne, have a seat let me rustle you up some grub."

He pulls his cast iron skillet from the fire, quickly putting a fresh made tortilla on it, then putting rice and beans in a tin plate he flips the tortilla and hands Ha'otdanne the plate, "Wait just a moment it's hot." Then pulling the done tortilla off of the pan, he slips it beside the beans and rice.

Serving himself as well, he sits beside the elder gentleman, "So from the Aashiwi, what brings you out this way?" Tearing his tortilla and using it to scoop up some rice he begins to eat, hoping for a story.

looking for a story, but the diplomacy roll is to influence attitude
diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21
would a knowledge history or geography help with knowledge about the Zuni?
knowledge: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

with your permission Angus 'iron pot' is a large cast iron skillet ;)

Zaranna sits close by in order to listen.

Ha'otdanne takes a few bites and smiles, before saying, I am a traveller, I wander where the spirits take me. It is good then, that our paths crossed. The spirits are restless, searching for futures to grasp. Let me see, what do the spirits know of you." He closes his eyes and begins tracing his fingers over the pictographs on his walking stick and says in a voice that is somehow more than it was, "You seek what lies in the west, far from what you know. Through heat and fire, wind and rain, mountains covered in snow. What lay vanquished, seeks to rise, vengeful malice in its eyes. What you shall find where the sun does set, might strike down the ascending threat." His eyes open, and he exhales heavily.

Angus remembers that the Zuni are an ancient tribe, with a very distinct culture from their neighbors. They keep to themselves, so not too much is known of them

Once the old man finishes talking John Thomas is quiet for a moment then smiles good naturally.

"Well mate, that is the right cheer future you have laid out for us. Guess we better bring some furs for the snow covered mountains at least."

'"Seek what lies in the west", well that's true. "What lay vanquished"? is that the Mexicans? What would we find in the west to defeat the Mexicans? That's odd, we put the Mexicans down once. I wonder what tribe is out west and why would they need their help to beat the Mexicans again.' Angus smiles at the elderly man, getting up and fixing another tortilla.

Placing the tortilla on Ha'otdanne's tin plate. "That's down right interestin', I don't recon the 'spirits' told you what that help might look like, did they?"

He takes a bit of the new tortilla and says, "Beyond what I see in the visions, I cannot say what the spirits might know."

Zaranna makes herself a tortilla too.... then, if the man has nothing more to say and her watch is over, she gets some sleep.

Seeing the rest of the party begin preparing for bed, Angus offers their guest. "Well, it is about time to bunk down, your welcome to a spot here by the fire, where it'll be warm and safe. We'll keep a watch, so's you can rest as best as ya can." He gets up and tips his hat to the group and their guest. "You all Have a good night." He checks on Marion one more time and heads to bed.

Kuruk attempts to maintain is dwarven aura of surliness while consuming a burrito, this likely fails.

"Nothing wrong with a nice burrito that is for sure. Were off to a good start with food at least. Of course my dreams will probably be of ascending threats and walking in the snow." he looks at the old man, appraising him again "So where will your travels take you from here? Heading to town?"

If he is John Thomas will offer to stand him money for a room for sharing his vision, probably not where he is headed though i would bet.

"My travels will take me where they take me," he stands up, nods briefly before continuing, "But I must continue my wandering. May the road be kind to all of you."

"Skyfather watch over you"

As Angus returns from checking on his horse, he sees the elderly Ha'otdanne leaving, he lifts a hand and waves then heads to his bunk.

The old man heads off into the dark, and the night passes uneventfully. Morning comes around and the wagon train sets off once more. The caravan moves on for a few more days before finally, Fort Worth is within sight. A wooden palisade surrounds the fort with the roofs of a few buildings visible above it.

"Well this looks secure that is for sure. I guess it will be good to spend some time in walls while we can, and get a nice haul of supplies."

Agreed

'so this is Fort Worth' Angus nods his head in agreement with John and Zaranna, "Yes good in deed." Turning to Officer Jenson he ask. "Will we need to bunk in the barracks, or set up tents here outside the fort or are there other sleeping provisions available?"

"You'll be setting up tents inside the palisade."

"Inside the walls is better then out. I am sure we can find a spot. Is there someone we need to check in with?"

sighs in resignation

"Yes, on to the Yankee Fort"

'Well, we knew tents were going to happen eventually.' Smiling as they ride into the fort, "Tent's are ok with me, do you mind if we borrow a couple for the duration?"

making a request.
diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

The palisade gates swing open to reveal the inside of the fort beyond. Soldiers bustle back and forth, mostly human with a few halflings and dwarves here and there. To the right sits a saloon, while on the left sits a command post and a squat post office. On either side, tents are pitched in neat rows, with a few large open spaces likely used for drills and reveille.

Zaranna looks around at the others and says We probably need to report in and arrange for our supplies.

She heads for the command post.

Angus nods towards Officer Jenson "Been a pleasure riding with you Jenson."

Then follows Zaranna toward the command post. Tying Marions reigns to the hitching post he whispers in the Mustangs ear, "You stay here and don't cause any trouble, I'll find an apple for you later."

Once the party is ready he accompanies them into the command post.

Jenson smiles and replies, "Good riding with you too Elphinstone. Hope our trails cross some other time."

The command post is a low, wide building made of stacked logs, like nearly of the solid structures in the fort. Opening the heavy wooden door, you walk into a tidy reception room, with doors on the left and right, and a desk directly in front of you. Sitting at the desk is a dark-skinned man dressed in a military uniform busily signing and sorting paperwork.

Hello. I'm Zaranna. Well, Captain Zaranna, I think. Anyway, Colonel Reginald Swift sent us here to get supplies so we can do some work... or a mission? for him.

She looks around at her companions to see if anyone wants to say it better.

'Tidy, I hope that bodes well.' Following Zaranna into the building, Angus, seeing the uniformed gentleman, tips his hat. "Good day sir, I'm Angus Elphinstone and as my esteemed colleague, Zaranna, has pointed out we have been sent by Colonel Swift as the new Corps of Exploration. We have just arrived with your Officer Jenson and his wagon train."

Just wanting to influence attitude
diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24
what rank is the gentleman at the desk? When he gives his name does Angus recognize it? Will a knowledge (history or nobility) help?
knowledge: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

The anti-surliness effects of the burrito wear off at the prospect of being inside a Yankee Fort. In an effort to be a good companion Kuruk tries smiling but it looks exactly like it looks when someone is unaccustomed to the act, an awkward display of teeth. This may well come off threatening.

"Greetings and Salutations.

Dammit why'd I talk.

John Thomas stands with the others, a somewhat goof grin on his face. For once he finds himself with little to say as he is about out of his element. Suddenly in the military and not in a saloon.

When the dwarf speaks a small chuckle escapes his lips at the awkwardness of it reaffirming his decision to, for one, zip his lips.

The man looks up at the group and nods, "Afternoon Captain. I'm Private Matthews." He gives a crisp salute before continuing, "Corps of Exploration eh? You'll want to talk to Major Arnold. He's through that door on the left."

Thank you, Private.

Who would name a child private?

Zaranna waits for someone else to go first this time. She isn't always sure what she is supposed to say with all the titles.

Angus nods, then remembering, he gives a salute. "Thank you Private." He nods to the others and opens the door holding it open for Zaranna, "After you, Ma'am."

Walking into the office he smiles and tips his had to the Major. "Good day sir, I'm Angus Elphinstone my colleagues and I have been sent by Colonel Swift as the new Corps of Exploration. We have just arrived with your Officer Jenson and his wagon train. The fine private out front told us to come right in."

influence attitude
diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (6) + 11 = 17

Major Arnold smiles as Angus introduces himself, "So this is the Corps of Exploration I've heard about. So you're going to be exploring the new territory. Well I wish you luck, from what I've seen, it can be mighty treacherous. Well, we've got plenty of supplies here, so stock up before you head out. Swift probably briefed you well enough, but if you got any questions I can likely answer them."

My apologies for the lack of posts. A paper turned out to be a bit more demanding than expected.

Do we need anything that says you said it is okay to get supplies? Where are they stored? And where can we get some pack animals?

'Good question, supplies are important.'Angus nods his head in agreement with Zaranna. "Yes supplies are very important. I assume we can sign off on a voucher that you can send back to Colonel Swift." He thinks for a moment. "Is there a local guide that can head west with us for a bit, to at least speed us on our way?"

"There's a storehouse here in the fort, should have quite a few supplies. As for a guide, I can't spare any men right now. You might want to talk to the bartender over at the saloon, fella named Mortimer. He'd probably know more than I would."

John Thomas smiles. "Well a bartender, made a deal or two for information with them over the years. Thanks for the friendly tip."

Assuming they are heading to the storehouse John Thomas only mentions that plenty of food and medical supplies would be in order.

do we want to head to the storehouse first, or the saloon to make a requisition list and speak to the bartender?

"Who is the officer in charge of the storehouse and who do we speak to at the stables to requisition spare mounts and pack animals?"

He looks to the others to make sure he hasn't forgotten anything, then nods to the Major as they get ready to leave the office. "Thank you for your time sir. We will turn in a requisition list for proper records and be on our way in a day or two."

"Good to hear. There is an officer in charge there, Officer Clyde. You'd speak to him for requisition of mounts and pack animals as well."

"I'm going to see to Huera and brush her out, make sure the atbles can accomedate her."

Okay Kuruk. Sure you don't want to requisition stuff with us?

As they leave the office Angus nods towards the Saloon, "Shall we head to the saloon, ask this Mortimer about a guide and double check our list?"

'Hope they don't mind hitting the Saloon first, no reason not to wet our whistle before we get down to business... oh the list.' As they walk Angus pulls a folded piece of paper out of his shirt pocket. Handing it to John. "A couple nights back I was working on a list of items similar to what we used in the 'Rangers' thought I'd write it down. Take a look at it and see what you think."

He turns toward Zaranna, "You take a look at it too!"

Nodding toward the Saloon "We can have a drink while we finish it up."

I hope the Saloon is fine
As they walk through the swinging doors of the Saloon Angus calls out to the Barkeep. "Might you be Mortimer? Major Arnold told us to speak to you."

He motions toward himself and the others. "A round for my friends here."

Angus slaps a couple silver coins on the counter. "Like I said The Major told us to inquire with you. We're members of the "Corps of Exploration" and were headed toward California, Looking for a scout who might know the area and the people hereabouts. Might you be able to help us out?"

diplomacy: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (10) + 11 = 21

Zaranna refuses the drink, but she looks at the list, and thinks it looks good, except they might need a little more food for the animals.

She listens in to see if there is a good scout available.

"Mhm, most folk around here just call me Morty though. So you're the new Corps of Exploration? In that case, drinks are on the house. I've always been fond of the first one. William Clark's son was a good friend of mine when I was young, so I grew up listenin' to his pa's stories about explorin' and such." He gets down a glass decanter of tequila and pours for anyone who wants some, before saying, "So you want a guide? Some of the men have told stories about some legendary native tracker, goes by the name of Halftail I think. There's a village a few days ride out where you can get in touch with her. I'm afraid I don't know too much more than that."

Angus smiles after he finishes his drink, he tips his hat, "Well, Morty it is then. Thanks for the drink and the tip about Halftail. we'll head out that way and have a conversation with her."

Angus waits for the others to be ready and walking out of the tavern he nods toward the storehouse, holding up his requisition note. "Lets go speak with officer Clyde about this list and ask him which horses are available. These Cavalry soldiers are persnickety about their mounts."

As they walk in the storehouse, Angus tips his hat and then holds out the requisition note and introduces the party. "Good afternoon Officer Clyde, I'm Angus Elphinstone my companions and I are members of the "Corps of Exploration" and were headed toward California. The Major told us you were the person to speak to about requisitioning supplies and acquiring four pack horses."

As he hands the note over he looks around briefly and then adds nodding toward John. "I'd like to add a couple of Rifles and a hundred rounds of ammunition that way I can teach my friend here to shoot."

He smiles and winks, "For hunting purposes of course."

Kuruk comes back from the stables having spent some time brushing out Huera, and catches the tail end of the conversation about there being a native female tracker named halftail.

Halftail, hmm hopefully that is some sort fo comment that she tracks as good as a dog and not an indicator she's a kobold.

"Morty, does this fort have a proper barber?

Might as well groom just in case.

After talking with Morty John Thomas nods but does not comment until they are heading back to requisition supplies.

"Seems we are getting about ready to head out. The guide sounds like a good idea, could even help us when we run into more natives out in the wild."