Keeper of Forbidden Lore |
The Keeper of Forbidden lore looks upon many worlds, upon many realities. She sees reflections and possibilities. She sees things that are and things that could be. Today she looks upon the realm of earth, on the western regions of the North American continent. On lands claimed by the United States and things darker and more sinister than most mortals are willing to accept. She sees the tiny border town of Sutter's flats
With the hot Summer's sun beating down, baking you like a three day old kill left to rot in the heat, you find yourself in a tiny one horse boarder town of Sutter's flats. One Horse town fit this place to a T amigo. It lays not 10 miles north of Mexico and roughly 100 miles west of San Antonio, Texas. The town rests in a region of low, grassy hills dotted with the occasional scraggly cottonwood tree. The town isn't much, it seems to have few buildings. A livery, a general store, an under taker, a small saloon and a few scattered buildings. Maybe one is a boarding house, because there does not seem to be a Hotel and you'll be damned if a stage coach had ever graced the sun baked dirt streets.
Rodan Northward |
Ridding into town on his tan colored quarter horse named Sandstone. Rodan covered in dust from a many days ride, trots into town. After taking in the town, or at least what is passing as a town, Rodan eyes lock on to the one place he can get a drink, the saloon. So he gives a soft kick and Sandstone with her rider heads for the hitching post out side the saloon.
Rufus Cooperson |
Dismounting from his 15 hand high dun horse named Abacus, Rufus stretches out, then dusts off the trail dust.
He then enters the Saloon and bellies up to the bar, dropping a quarter on it.
Whiskey, two fingers
I'm riding the grub line, any work to be had?
Moses Hirschler |
Moses Hirschler has been living in Sutter's Flats for about six months, working odd jobs during the day and trying to preach to the local populace in the evenings and on days when no one is hiring. He's had some luck tending to the spiritual needs of the locals, but has recently run into some trouble with a local bully, with whom he does not see eye to eye.
Yesterday he had helped a local rancher with one of his heifers who was having a difficult birth, but today no one called on the friendly Amish man, so he is perched on a stool in front of the saloon taking occasional sips from a flask of water and whittling some kind of figurine. His wide-brimmed straw hat is pulled down to protect him from the sun.
He nods to Rufus as he enters the saloon and whistles in admiration when Rodan ties up his mare/mustang, pushing his hat back on his head as he stands up and casually approaches.
"Zis iz a very fine animal you have zere, Mister. A quwaterhorse, yes? Vee don't get many animals of zat caliber here in Sutter's Flats," he states in admiration with a strong German accent.
Rodan Northward |
Tipping his hat to the stranger "Ye know good horse flesh do ya? Yes Sandstone and I have been on many a trails. I have found that quarter horses are some of the best to do cattle work with.
How's the work in these parts for an old cow wrangler? Ye know of any ranches that could be looking for an extra hand?"
Rodan replies as he ties up. And then stretches to loose up his old bones.
Rodan Northward |
Rodan gives a sigh. "Well thank ya pard. By the way my handle is Rodan, Rodan Northward." Holding out is hand. "I guess I will just get a drink and a room for the night before I move on then. I would offer you a drink but I am a little low on funds right now, sorry. Is there anything like a hotel in this town where I can get a bath and bed?"
Moses Hirschler |
Moses shakes his hand and makes a quick bow. "Moses Hirschler, glad to meet you Mr. Northward. I preach the word of the Lord on Sundays under the big tree if you are interested. He tests us all in a place like this, but he also provides comfort."
"As for a hotel, well ..." and he takes off his hat and wipes his face with a large hankerchief, "... there is no hotel, but there is a boarding house, over there."
He points to a larger single-story structure painted a peeling light blue before leaning in closer to the other man and whispering: "Just be prepared to make some new friends if you stay there, and I don't mean the two-legged kind."
Keeper of Forbidden Lore |
The Lonely Crow is not much to look at, a run down saloon that has seen better day. Or maybe it had never seen better days and this is as good as it ever got, but it was shade from the Texas heat. The barkeep, an older man who looks like life took more than once punch at his weathered face poor Rufus his whisky. Its a bit watered down, but has enough bite in it and looking around the place may be the best he can get.
He looks Rufus up and down Mayhap, I reckon Bill Sutter's still looking 'or some hands." He shrugs "I say he'll be abouts at some point"
Lord Borak the Despoiler |
Lord Borak rode slowly into town. But not for weakness, or lameness, or even an embarrassment of time on his hands.
He simply refused to hurry.
Even if perhaps hurry he should. His last attempt at forming a cult--centered around himself, or course--had gone poorly after someone misunderstood his attempt to separate an ailing widow from her inheritance. The lunk thought he was seeking to enrich himself, not to save her from the awful fate of indulgence by removing the temptation. Ah, such is the narrowness of low minds.
Passing the front of the the saloon, he sees a brace of men talking. No doubt upon crops or the weather, as locals tend to do. But he needed information, and such a kind were ever the best source of news...or opportunities.
Tossing his reigns an obligatory circle around the post, he approaches the men. One had the large straw hat of a farmhand. Typical. But also the unwavering stance of one who spoke to crowds. A salesman or preacher? Interesting.
The other was covered in the dust of the road. So not a local? A sign of some import then. This required an entrance of special pronouncement.
"Greetings, gentlemen," Borak rumbles out in a tone both calming and hinting at importance and O, great and wondrous things to come.
"Conscious living is a constant.
Power requires exploration. By evolving, we vibrate.
Soon there will be an evolving of intention the likes of which the multiverse has never seen."
He pauses a moment. Letting it sink in. Though he dressed native such verbage made for useable cognitive dissidence.
"I am Lord Borak. So called the Despoiler.
What is the news on this fine day?"
Moses Hirschler |
Moses stares at the newcomer, listening to his bizarre speech. He believes him to either be drunk or insane from the heat. He's certainly seen people raving all sorts of things when they are in that condition.
When he seems to be finished, he replies: "Greetings, stranger. The news is that there is no news; other than your arrival and that of this fine gentleman here. The saloon behind me serves all manner of beverage. How long has it been since your last one?"
J. Thomas Blackthorne |
JT Awoke to find himself in the corner of the stable loft trying to put the pieces of last night back together in his mind. He'd recalled arriving in town, and then a lot of drinking since it seemed to be about the only thing to do. One got tired of playing hands of solitaire, and that was the big reason he'd drank so much. He shook his head and stretched, clearing his mind. "Any day you wake up is a good day I suppose. If nothing happens in this town today, I may have to keep heading down to Juarez or such, at leas tthere I don't get bored, shot yes maybe, but bored never. " His habit of talking to himself was a hard one to break, but was there any harm in it? It's not like he talked and someone talked back from nowhere, was it? In that moment, he saw in the back of his mind, the big grinning face of "The Dealer" as it liked to be called.
JT shook his head. "Nope, not today. None of that for now. maybe later, but not today" He climbed down the ladder, saddlebag over his shoulder, walked out to the corral and dunked his head under the little water there was in the trough there. Even this early in the morning, the water was a bit warm, but it still helped clear his head. He adjusted his shirt collar, dug his string tie out from his bags and put it on before heading over to the Lonely Crow.
As he got there, out of habit he stepped to the side of the door as he looked around the room before bellying up to the bar. "do you have anything besides rotgut? that bottle I got from you last night really did a number on me..."
Rodan Northward |
Squinting his eyes at the newcomer Rodan says "Ye got some fancy words you like to throw about, mister Borak is it. Y'all from back east or something? The last person that I knew that spoke with all the fineries was some tender foot I knew a few years back. And he died on the trail if I remember right. Thinking that the west was like it is written in them dime novels. He learned real quick that you can't believe everything you read.
And no offence but I am not going to call you The Despoiler, it just sounds like some name you made up in the outhouse or something.
But I think Moses has it right, you might want to get out of the sun and get a drink. And if you would be willing to buy, I am sure Moses here and I could be fine company?"
And Rodan smiles at Borak.
Keeper of Forbidden Lore |
The Barkeep shrugs at Kristophe "I reckon so, He has been looking for hands of late". Turing to Thomas he reaches behind the bar "Tequila " He says reaching for a bottle. Not soon after the words are spoken The doors swing open and an older man walks into the dim saloon, shaking dust off his cloths he glances around taking in a room full of mostly strangers.
He tips his hat at you "Howdy, strangers. Name’s Bill Sutter. I know most everyone hereabouts and I didn’t recognize you, so I wanted to say ‘Welcome to Sutter’s Flats.’ Just to clear things up, the town’s named after my daddy. He was the first settler in this area, but that’s as far as my connection goes." He says.
The he shrugs to himself "Aw, Hell. I ain’t no good at small talk. I’m lookin’ for some extra hands. I’m gettin’ ready to pull up stakes. Bayou Vermilion has got a stranglehold on the cattle trade ‘round these parts, due to being the only railroad within hundreds of miles, and calling the prices they offer highway robbery is an insult to bandits.”
Rufus Cooperson |
Standing up and walking over.
Howdy Mr. Sutter, I am Rufus Cooperson and I am riding the grub line, and willing to take you up on the offer of a job.
I ride loyal to the brand, no matter the conditions.
He offers to shake hands.
If accepted, wondering what the pay is like.
Kristophe Kristophson |
True story. I live along the actual Bayou Vermilion in Louisiana. I can walk out my front door and take a picture.
Eh. I'm your man then. Kris says as he knocks back a whiskey
Rodan Northward |
Assuming that they went into the bar with/before Bill Sutter.
Leaning back in his chair Rodan rubs his beard. "So if ye are not going to use the railway. Where are you planing on taking the cattle to? I don't recall seeing any forts or Indian reservations near by.
How big of a heard are we talking about? And have you made this drive before?"
Taking a sip from his glass. "I am not turning you down by no means sir, but being as old as I am, I have been around long enough to know to find out what I am getting into before hand."
Lord Borak the Despoiler |
When he seems to be finished, he replies: "Greetings, stranger. The news is that there is no news; other than your arrival and that of this fine gentleman here. The saloon behind me serves all manner of beverage. How long has it been since your last one?"
Borak nods to the first man. "But you are here. And I am here. That is some news. Indeed, the most important news there is. To us.
This life is nothing short of a flowering metamorphosis of aspiration. To traverse the quest is to become one with it."
Squinting his eyes at the newcomer Rodan says "Ye got some fancy words you like to throw about, mister Borak is it."
"Lord. Borak." Lord Borak says to the second man.
As I wrote this it dawned on me that it just doesn't have the say impact as; "Hodor," said Hodor. ^_^
Y'all from back east or something? The last person that I knew that spoke with all the fineries was some tender foot I knew a few years back. And he died on the trail if I remember right. Thinking that the west was like it is written in them dime novels. He learned real quick that you can't believe everything you read.
"If the man set out to find a beautiful death and fulfill his destiny of escaping the bonds that held him to this Earth, who are we to say whatever he said was wrong?
Although you may not realize it, you are ethereal. How should you navigate this cycle? O man, look within and inspire yourself."
And no offence but I am not going to call you The Despoiler, it just sounds like some name you made up in the outhouse or something.
But I think Moses has it right, you might want to get out of the sun and get a drink. And if you would be willing to buy, I am sure Moses here and I could be fine company?"[/b]
And Rodan smiles at Borak.
Then he chuckles a little.
"And I said I was called 'The Despoiler'. It is not a name chosen by me, but by others who thought it fitting. Do not concern yourself if it is not now easy to the tongue. I foresee the day when the reasoning will unfold before you, and, perhaps, then it will come, unbidden.
And, yes. Let us enter and partake of libations. Simply pledge yourself to me and my cause and I will stand you a drink."
He enters the saloon.
Lord Borak the Despoiler |
"A whiskey for me, and for two new friends," Lord Borak rumbles to the barkeep, his low baritone making even this short saying sound like a pronouncement from a sublime power.
He sips slowly, taking in the interior. As Bill Sutter enters he raises his glass in greeting, as he expected him at exactly this time.
"And I am with you as well," he says simply.
He felt like doing a 'Great Spirit' proclamation...but it just didn't seem like the right time for it.
Keeper of Forbidden Lore |
Moses, give me a Common Knowledge roll. Anyone can to know the basics of who they are, but you will also get local info as you have been here a while. Roll dice in a spoiler tag
Bill Sutter looks you over and says "I’ve got a solid crew, but I’m shy a few hands. I’m lookin’ for experienced trail riders, but I’ll settle for anybody who knows which end of a gun the bullet comes out of. Pickin’s is gettin’ slim and I want to get on the trail before we get
too far into spring." He shrugs " Nobody comes to Sutter’s Flat if they’ve got anywhere else to be, so I figured I’d make you the offer. I plan to head north into the great plains, I've ridden the Goodnight-Loving Trail before and plans to generally follow it for most of the trip. The pay is 30 dollars a month, plus meals and and a bed in the bunkhouse until we head out. I'll provide the horse string as I reckon most of y'all are lucky to have one horse, much less five."
Rodan Northward |
"Sir I can not speak for the others, but I am experience cow hand. I have worked the circle K, and at the Old McDonald's farm just to name a few. With the distance you want us to travel, that is a hard ride for 30 dollars a month. I think my abilities should be worth more." Replies Rodan.
Rufus Cooperson |
30 a month and found.
Those are near fightin' wages. As for which end of a gun the bullet comes out of, I think I can figure that out.
He grins as he takes a sip of whiskey.
As for a horse, that big bay out front is mine, but your right, a string is needed.
I have done most things that can be done on a ranch.
So I guess that means that I am in.
Kristophe Kristophson |
Kris shrugs at the offer. 30 dollars would keep him in drink for a month, he thinks.
I said I's your man. he grumbles and then Nother whiskey to the barkeep while tapping his glass on the bar.
He gives a semi curious glance to the "Lord" Borak and points to him with his thumb
He's buying.
J. Thomas Blackthorne |
JT sipped on his whiskey as he leaned against the bar listening to Sutter's proposal. As the older man finished up his proposal, JT slammed back the rest of his drink, smiling.
"Hell. I haven't had a lot of experience with cows, but I know how to ride and I'm a pretty quick learner. I'm game if you'll have me."
Lord Borak the Despoiler |
Kris shrugs at the offer. 30 dollars would keep him in drink for a month, he thinks.
I said I's your man. he grumbles and then Nother whiskey to the barkeep while tapping his glass on the bar.
He gives a semi curious glance to the "Lord" Borak and points to him with his thumb
He's buying.
Lord Borak gives the thumb-man a sidelong look. Typical bully boy. Brains in his biceps, and has not as much of either as he thinks. Still, such a kind can be useful.
"Greetings to you, O Man. I know you not, but you know me, for I am Lord Borak. So called the Despoiler. I'll umderstand if that title means little to you now, but the Great Spirit tells me the time will come this moment in time will make more sense.
I only cover the tab of those pledged to my cause. You have not given me thy oath, so do not presume liberties.
And do not seek to play thy normal schtick of intimidation. The powers I commune with have made me inured to such."
Moses Hirschler |
Moses moves into the bar alongside Rodan Northward and listens to the man give his pitch about work.
Well, this would certainly beat preaching to the one or two people who show up every week.
He raises his hand when the ranch owner is finished.
"I would take you up on your offer, Mr. Sutter. I have some experience with cattle and don't mind sleeping rough for a while."
Rodan Northward |
So being a noob with the Savage Worlds system to roll is the Skill die plus a d6 for being a "wild card"? What about the attribute that the skill goes to? So for me to try and get more money I should roll:
PERSUASION to get more cash: 1d6 ⇒ 1
Wild card die: 1d6 ⇒ 5
if the attribute SPIRIT is rolled as well: 1d8 ⇒ 1
So that would be a 5 I think.
Moses Hirschler |
Rodan, SW is unlike D&D or PF in that your skills are unlinked from your attributes when you are rolling the skill. When you make a Persuasion check you just roll your skill plus the 1d6 Wild Die, but you don't add them up. You just see what you rolled and anything 4 or above is a success, unless the GM has set the Target Number higher.
Keeper of Forbidden Lore |
As pointed out you only roll persuasion and the wild dice and take the better roll
Bill Looks Rodan over. "I reckon I can go as much as 35 dollars a month but not a damned dime over. I need the help but what else you gonna do in Stutter's Flats?. The pay is fair." He looks the group over. Nodding to those who showed interest but lacked experience "I can use you all, experience is nice but a set of hands that won't fall out of a saddle is better than nothing. if you find that acceptable, I am leaving town in bit, meet me outside."
Bayou Vermilion is the nearest railway and has of late been under paying for cattle, its the only railways after all. They have men who visit ranches, and look to be strong arming ranchers into selling or unfortunate accidents seem to happen. Moses has heard rumors some ranch hands from the Riding L ranch vanished recently while out on the range. Maybe it was an innocent accident, but the Riding L sold their herd to Bayou Vermilion soon after.
Rodan Northward |
Got it Thank you
Finishing his drink, Rodan says "Done, $35, a string of horses to use, room and board. Sounds about right." He stands and screeches his sore muscles due to too many years working cows and knowing the kind of work that is being asked. Lots and lots of hard riding.
He heads outside to make sure Sandstone is watered and has some grain since he is not sure how long a ride it is to Stutter's ranch. But a job is a job.
Moses Hirschler |
Moses nods to Bill. "Yes, I haff been hearing of ze railroad and zey are bad for business. Better to drive dese cattle unt get an honest price. You offer honest vork for honest pay. I can believe in zat!" He then gives the rancher a big thumbs up.
Its pretty clear that Moses has a pretty strong accent; German, you would guess.
Keeper of Forbidden Lore |
As you meet Bill outside, he is not alone, a few other men and a young woman tend the Horses. Bill Nods to you, "This is Owen, Perry and Alfred" He says pointing to the three men. One a tall scraggly man with a handlbar mustache, the second a dark haired fella with leathery skin and a scar on his left cheek and the third a light skinned fella with a dirty blood beard and blue eyes.
Waving his hand toward the young woman with red hair and a sun kissed complexation."And this is my Niece Abigail, right, right Abby. No need to be rolling those eyes" He says shaking his head. " If you fella are ready to ride, lets get at it."
Rodan Northward |
Tipping his hat to the lady. "Nice to meet you mam."
Then looking at the other three men, he nods to them "Howdy gents." And then goes and shakes each of their hands in turn.
Rodan then thinks to himself I bet I look as unfriendly to them as they do to me.
Once he was on Sandstone. his hand drops to make sure his over sized pistol will not be digging in to his side as they trotted away.
"Mister Sutter, how large of a herd will we be moving north?"
And I hope they are all owned by you in the first place. Rodan muses to himself.
J. Thomas Blackthorne |
Waving his hand toward the young woman with red hair and a sun kissed complexation."And this is my Niece Abigail, right, right Abby. No need to be rolling those eyes" He says shaking his head. " If you fella are ready to ride, lets get at it."
JT threw his saddlebags over his shoulder and followed the others outside. At the introduction of Abigail, he removed his hat and bowed his head slightly. "A pleasure Miss Abigail."
He turned to Bill. "I'm afraid I'm in a bit of a bind. I lost my horse getting here. However, if you would be willing, and have one, I'd like to buy one from you, with half a weeks wages until it's paid. Naturally, should anything occur which would result in the loss of said horse, an amount of my wages would be forfeit equal to the value of the animal. If you're willing and able that is..."
Lord Borak the Despoiler |
As Lord Borak is introduced to Owen, Perry and Alfred, he holds his hands up, palms facing toward them. His steady, deep voices proclaims, "Do not fear me. Today we are being called to explore the planet itself as an interface between knowledge and POWER.
It is time to take presence to the next level. We must learn how to lead karmic lives in the face of suffering."
To Abby he nods as if acknowledging a familiar comrade. Again he addresses her, but he seems to put some special emphasis on his words, as if trying to tie them into a larger theme. "You must take a stand against illusion. Where there is discontinuity, stardust cannot thrive. Only a being of the cosmos may release this evolution of empathy."
Persuasion!: 1d8 ⇒ 5
WILD Persuasion!: 1d6 ⇒ 5
He nods, sagely, and gives no further explanation before mounting his horse and looking expectant.
Keeper of Forbidden Lore |
Bill Nods to Roden "We have about thirty five hundred head. I reckon with you lot and the rest of the boys we'll be fine." He looks over at Thomas "I brought a few extra into town in case any stragglers I might pick up. I'll provide mounts if you need them for the job, be happy to sell you one when the jobs done."
Abby Nods to the gentlemen and Owen, Perry and Alfred look at Lord Borak seeming a bit confused. Alfred nods and smiles " As you say old boy" He says with a English accent [b]"Lots of the bonny blue for a man to explore"[/b}