Harvardr Eberhardt's page

Cautious but satisfied Harv' moved towards the crowd that had encircled Vincent whilst taking note of the direction Neil traveled in. Keeping track of these guys seemed important, the atmosphere was fairly volatile as it was.

Remaining a part of the crowd he pushed his way to the front to watch what was unfolding.

A game of chance eh? To risk something on gambling he must have something up his sleeve. I reckon people round here don't like those who hide things up their sleeve.

Harv' always aired on the side of caution, his size meant he had a lot of trouble with those looking to establish themselves or look good in front of their friends. Once the fists started swinging who knows where it could end up.

I see, so these guys are recruiting for the Shings' mines then. I appreciate the info' friend.

Harv' moves away from the person he was talking to and stands next to Neil again.

This isn't the family we need then, or at least not the one the bartender told me about. Assuming he can be trusted. Though something is troubling me...

Harv' starts to survey the surroundings he finds himself in, the fella he was just talking to mentioned something about watching his back. Does that mean he was being watched? Though hard to distinguish from the crowds around him Harv' checked to see if anyone was watching him or any of his 'allies'.

I had already assumed as much, you crazy scientists and your need for closets!

I'll keep that in mind

He takes a quick glance over his shoulder to see if there was any reason the person in front of him titled his head.

You mentioned the fams, who are they? Who is the most 'established' shall we say. If they are the law around here it would help to have them ranked. So I don't piss off the wrong people of course. Does the mine belong to the Shings?

Just what Harv' had feared, though the absence of the law was a little reassuring it did him, or his fellow runners, no favours if the local gangs took and interest in him or them. People dissapearing, the thought made Harv' shiver on the inside.

Noticing his compatriot moving up alongside him,

That makes two of us, these guys seem to be recruiting guards or at least security personnel. People familiar with weaponary, and by the sounds of it the work is dangerous. Vincent is just over there.. Nodding slightly enough to point him out but not enough to cause attention I'm guessing he's asking about Ms.Blake. Other then that your guess is as good as mine. Whilst we're here though...

Harv' moves towards the man who asked about the Laohu.

Looking for work too eh? Time's are rough for us common folk, you couldn't do me a favour could you? I've only recently arrived here, heard there would be jobs, could you tell me what the Laohu is? And why gaining standing with them is beneficial?

Harv' continued listening in to what the recruiters had to say, whilst he waited on an answer.

Harv' wanders over to the gazebo with the 'recruiters' and listens in on what they are saying. Who knows there might be something of import. Whilst keeping an eye on Vincent and Kimiko just in case they need him to back them up.

This hasn't really been discussed yet so I'll throw it in here. What are we doing in terms of money in the game, i understand we're working on earning some but do we have any money at all? Just need to know if we start bribing or using money to gain an advantage and how far we can go with it.

I second that thought, don't think the barmen will want to see me again anytime soon

Somewhat hesitantly,

Sure The word drawn out longer then usual. But the lessons might have to wait until after we have our job secured. We need money to fund your 'research'. Or better yet to outfit the ship with facilities more helpful to your 'research'.

I don't want to be anywhere near poisonous plants. poisonous animals I can deal with, plants not so much.

Moving himself away from Crow and Xetsa...

Their willingness to poison us seems all to genuine, and no-one is worried?

Personally I'd prefer it if you didn't poison our air supply, I'm sure you have the know-how to pull it off but I kinda like breathing. I can come with Vincent, I'm not familiar with the affairs but I'm a physical presence. I'm guessing that helps, even if it means having someone to cover you should things turn sour.

Turning back to Crow and Xetsa,

I'm serious, I like being able to breathe and to be alive. You've got that crazy look in your eyes again Crow.

Did you mention how many of us there was to this employer? I agree with resolving the issue as quickly as possible, but having bugged locations to provide intel also seems like a good idea.

He scratches his head awkwardly,

So maybe we split up again? I think mine and crows presence is probably known to at least some organisations around here, the talk with the barmen, it worked but maybe not as well as it could have. We need to check in on the mines and crow's buddy, and set up this meeting.

He sits down and rests his arms heavily on his legs whilst letting out a noticable sigh,

I'm not overly familiar with this type of work or discussion. So I'm not sure whats the best way to go about things.

He takes the note and pockets it. He leaves the saloon, thinking attracting more attention then they already have probably wouldn't be the best course of action. He moves out into the street, and grabs Gunnar by the reins leading him down the road. He wanders till he finds someone who looks as though they work in the mines, once he finds them he asks about the mines and where you can sign up. A couple of passersby grumble some rough directions and point off down a road. Harv' thanks them then decides to head back to the ship.

He spots Neil and Vincent already there, as he takes a seat.

Turns out crows friend is still alive and kicking. He seems to be turning a tidy profit from the local mines, but information about what he's selling was a little scant. I got a name and that's about it, On Lok Wu. As you can probably guess subtlety isn't my strong suit.

After listening in and being told about the various work opportunities,

At least it's something, though I have a bad feeling about the kind of work we're likely to get given

He takes the napkin and quickly moves it into his pocket before people notice. Or at least that's what he hoped, he was never really any good with subtlety. Then drops enough cash to cover the drinks and turns towards old crow.

Shall we make a move? Seems our next stop should be the mining offices or whatever they use to conduct the official business. We need to find out what your friend does and of course if there's any work going that could be useful.

Harv' found himself wondering how he is gonna inquire about this On Lok Wu without anyone taking notice. Either way sitting around the bar wasn't going to solve these issues. They still needed to make contacts that could help them figure out why they had been accused of high treason in the first place.

I don't like relying on those outside the law, but I guess that's me now.

Taken a little aback, causing him to spit the drink he had in his mouth back into his glass he turns and looks at his fellow traveller dancing on the bartop squawking.

I guess it's weird but at least it worked. Not entirely sure what I should be doing here.

Harv' continues to stare a little while longer before he catches himself and finishes of the drink. Placing a hand on Crows shoulder he gently but firmly pulls him back to sit in his stool.

Ok old timer, take it easy. We got what we needed, now maybe we can calm down a little. I think enough people are taking an interest in us now. Seems your friend is alive and we know where to start looking

As he waits to see if crow calms down he finally realises something.

Wait a second, is his hair standing on end? Seriously what the hell!

See 5, Remaining 6.

Picking up on the subtlety Harv' had heard something like this before. It was back when he first arrived at the previous colony, and they were trying to stitch him for supplies.

Answered that quick didn't we? Now trying to distance yourself from us eh? Look, give us the information. It's a simple question, and then we can stop this little game of what do I or don't I know. You're holding back something and once we get the answer we'll leave you be. Both parties win.

Raise: 6. Remaining: Nothing. I believe you've not taken off one of your die. The 1 from the first raise (8+1) in our conflict.

5+4 to see. Remianing: 6,6,6,5

I can see where this is going, have a heart. He's just and old timer looking for a long lost friend of his. Who knows he may not have much time left in this world, surely answering a simple question isn't too much to ask for. Think of it as your good deed for the day

As Harv' briefly turns away from the crowds and gives his thoughts, whilst taking another sip from his drink.

Raise: 6+6=12. Remaining: 6,5. Also I'm a little unsure how we proceed here, I took a look at the rules and apparently I have to see crows raise as well? Or he now has to see my raise? Some clarification would be helpful as the example in the rulebook isn't too clear :)

After tying up Gunnar outside Harv' entered the bar. He walks over to the bar and takes up a stool there, gesturing for crow to follow. He raises his hand to grab the attention of the barman

Whiskey, double and on the rocks.

Once the drink is brought over to him he takes a sip. The liquid burning as it went down, not the greatest quality it would seem. People preferring high levels of alcohol to flavour it would seem. Still it hit the spot and helped him blend in at least a little more.

So old man, what does this friend of yours look like? All I see are a lot of drunken faces, some watching us.

He had noticed that certain groups were eyeing the newcomers, whether that was just because they were new or if they had some other plans he did not know, he kept a weary eye on them as he surveyed the crowds in front of him.

No raise here as I don't think I've done anything to warrant a raise. I have no way of knowing who we are looking for at the minute so I'm holding off until then.

I assumed there would be a tying up post or something along those lines. I know it's in the future but i thought it was futuristic western setting so all good saloons have a tie up post.

Standing up looking at the surroundings, Harv' had heard rumours about this place but never really seen it. Oh well live and let live,

I see no reason why we can't start there, you overhear all kinds of talk. Plus it gives Gunnar a chance to stretch his legs. I could do with a drink. If we bump into your friend then all the better.

After brushing down Gunnar and happy with the results Harvardr moves towards the kitchen top and starts rummaging around. Seems fleeing the law drives up a mighty hunger and so he wanted to find something to eat. A lot had happened in the past 24 hours and now he was heading away form all that he knew and loved.

Harvardr spent little time in the colony centre, it was too busy and even though this was a fairly new colony (by comparison to others) beggars and other vagabonds had found their way into the community. Harvardr was a straight shooter, never broke the law and never even contemplated it. He had a respectable business and enjoyed the labour, a hard days work was extremely satisfying.

After selling of the remianing cattle he had brought with him Harvardr mounted Gunnar and returned to his family's ranch. It was a quiet afternoon and the sun was low in the sky, time to brush down Gunnar then think about some grub. As he approached his home he noticed the lawmen outside his house, two of them both armed. He tied Gunnar up and approached them.

Afternoon gentlemen, what brings you out our way?

He inquired honestly, seeing a lawmen was nothing unusual especially out towards the outskirts. Bandits and the like tended to remain close enough to colonies to raid them but far enough away so they were not easily spotted. Harvardr had to drive them off on more then one occasion, well him and his fellow ranch-hands. He was certain they must have set up camp nearby.

Please step inside sir, all will be explained.

Came the short curt reply.

All business, well nothing to be done about it

In he stepped and the two guards followed him in. As he entered the hallway he noticed two more guards standing by the door to his sitting room. Four guards seems a bit much to ask some simple questions about bandits but maybe he had already rounded up a posse. He thought he saw Stew', one of the stable-boys out of the side of his vision but is he did they were quickly ushered away and replaced with the stern face of an enforcer. That made at least five, plus the sheriff is six. Something started to seem off.

As Harvardr grabbed hold of the door handle leading to the sitting room he heard a clash of utensils behind him, Stew' forced his way through the door and shouted at the top of his voice...

Don't enter there Harv, they've come to arrest you!

With that he was beaten with pistol butt and knocked to the ground, Harvardr could hardly believe it.

What's going on? I've not done anything? I'm an honest man, why the hell are they here to arrest me!

Before he had a chance to react the two guards had forced him into the sitting room where he saw the sheriff sitting with his family. Though not related by blood they had seen each other through the rough times at the start when the colony was only just born so they were as good as family as far as Harv' was concerned.

Mr Eberhardt... Piped up the Sheriff, You have been found guilty of high treason and are to pay for your crimes

The Women being held, Lavinia who was slightly older then him and took care of the house, piped up next.
Run Harv', they're after you not us!

The sheriff was brandishing the cuffs, he expected Harv' to come quietly. Harv' had learned that not everything those in power tell you is true so before they could incapacitate him he had already made a break for the window knowing the way behind him was blocked.

He dove head first, protecting what he could with his arms, and rolled out onto the front yard. Gunnar had obviously picked up on the tension as he was already restless, wanting to get away. It didn't take Harv' a second though he immediately dashed for Gunnar and ran. He knew it would only be a matter of time till they chased him down, he relied on nature whereas they relied on science and science tends to be more easily manipulated. As he travelled the road, whislt being pursued he bumped into another also running from a group of lawmen. The women was not entirely human, the machinations whirring in a fury as she ran. She noticed Harv' and moved towards him.

High treason? No reason why? Follow me, I may have an idea about how we can get out of here.

As she moved off towards the spaceport. He was skeptical, she may be the real criminal, but with the law hot on his heels what choice did he have? So he followed this mysterious stranger towards the spaceport, hoping he had made the right decision.

Sorry about the wall of text, not sure how detailed you wanted this. Also if I can't speak for kimiko then let me know and I'll patch the end of the story to fix it

Not stopping what he's doing he turns back towards the group.

Nope, can't say that I have. I learnt long ago getting on the wrong side of any official generally ends poorly for those like us. So I kept a low profile and just got on with my job, made life simpler. Crow seems to be a man of experience, maybe he has an idea? Once he has finished telling miss Xetsa how to create poison flowers.

Directing the question to the peculiar old fella, he claimed to be a cryotechnician, but he also had knowledge on how to create poison flowers. He must have a wealth of knowledge surely.

Harvardr looks over to Gunnar with a small smile.

I'd say he seems to be coping better then you my friend. No he won't, I have absolute faith in him. Pleased to meet you all.

Looking at everyone in turn,

So we've all been accused of a crime we didn't commit then. I haven't that's for damn sure. My pa brought me up to respect the law. I think Aether suits our needs nicely, though I prefer open fields to claustrophobic mines, beggars can't be choosers.

He stands up and moves towards Gunnar attaching a feed bag to his face whilst brushing down his mane. He was just as shook up as everyone else, but thankfully nothing soothed him more then Gunnar.

Glancing over his shoulder, Harvardr is happy that Gunnar isn't too shook up by the sudden upheaval. If they were unhappy now, imagine if he was kicking and fussing about.

My name is Harvardr Eberhardt, local creature whisperer and ranch-hand. Or at least I was local until recently. Call me Harv' for short as I'm sure saying my full name over and over again will become tiresome quickly.

Gunnar and I have been friends for a long time, and unlike people he has never betrayed me or sent me on the run. I couldn't leave him behind to suffer the consequences in the absence of the 'real' criminals. So yes I do think it was necessary to bring him. Plus once we land he'll make travel a lot easier and supply runs a lot simpler. He's cool under pressure and whilst this ship will get us between planets local travel may be an issue.

He looks around to take in his new 'friends' maybe a loose term but for now he could come up with no better.

Where exactly are we headed anyways?

The question offered to the entire group, or anyone who would be willing to answer.

See 2+2=4

That seems to have gotten the message across, probably some politician causing grief for the locals. It always is, people who feel they are above all others.

I'm glad to see we've reached an accord. As I recall all I asked for was the resources to build a respectful home for my horse and a home for myself. I don't need anything luxurious so I'll take about 90% of what's owed to me. Keep the other 10%, think of it as me investing in the future of this colony.

With that Harvardr signs the relevant documentation for 90% of the resources and leaves. He loads up the supplies into a cart, pulled by Gunnar. Takes his horses reins, deciding to walk rather then ride. He's gonna be under enough strain, the least Harvardr can do is make it a little easier for his partner.

New trait: Physical persuasion (1d6). Harvardr knows he isn't the greatest talker, but he is a domineering form. Where words fail surely actions will prevail.

See: 6+3=9
Raise: 6+3=9
Remaining: 2,2,2,1

Noticing the ease at which he bent the table he releases the pressure to allow it to creak back into it's normal position.

So do we have an agreement? Give me the supplies I need to build a respectful home for my colt, give me enough supplies to build myself at least a simple home and maybe you won't find yourself in the same position as your table here.

His glare never leaving her eyes, waiting to see her response. Not the greatest way to introduce yourself to a new settlement but Harvardr was certain she was holding back the supplies. The reason for this he didn't know but that didn't change the task at hand.

He can see that this isn't going as he planned. Priorities being what they are if Gunnar suffered because his master was unable to broker a fair deal for them Harvadr would never be able to forgive himself.

This isn't usually how I like to do things, but I can see I'm butting against a brick wall here.

Listen, I don't think you understand the situation we're in. I'm not asking for much, only enough for me to complete the job that is assigned to me. I'm going to be you're new rancher, you want top notch food I'll need the tools to make it happen

As he starts saying this he slams his hands down onto the table the supplier is currently leaning in on. The table's legs bend under the force, and he brings his face down to match her look and continues to stare her down as he speaks next.

Give me the supplies I need to ensure my horse will not suffer, I can live rough that is not a problem. Do this and maybe I will do exactly as you said and take my supplies and leave.

I'm not entirely sure how we proceed from here, he is using his physical form and strength as an intimidation tool. Escalating the conflict.

Okey dokey, we'll just have to see how this turns out. Which will probably be bad :) but that's part of the fun.

Just to clarify, because with my rolls there is no way I can possibly resolve the conflict in my favour without escalation. Does escalation always have to be a resort to violence deal or are there other ways to escalate? Or is it a judgement call by the GM?

I realised just now I took the wrong figures, will have to switch it from 6+3+1 = 10 and take the hit, raise still stands leaving my dice pool at 2, 3.

See - 6+3 = 9
Remaining - 1, 1, 2, 3, 5.

Are resources really that low? I'm not a man of luxury but even you should know that won't work!

He takes a moment to consider his options. Then he makes a decision on a compromise.

How about you give me just enough resources to at least ensure my horse will be safe. If he goes down then that will reduce my effectiviness meaning the shortage will only get worse. Say 3/4?

Raise - 5+1 = 6
Remaining - 1, 2, 3.

The Character alias will be the name I use here which will hopefully be my character's actual name. My account alias is RanmaruC. I'll give you both as I'm not entirely sure which you need.

'I hope my character finally understands that not all faces are honest, and that not all spoken words are truths.'

I'm assuming this is part of the character gen process, step 5, so I'll go with that. If it's a campaign long 'I hope' goal let me know and I'll change it.