Samuel turns to Many Clouds, a grim countenance having overtaken his already sickly pale features. "Many Clouds, I'm afraid there may be more at work here than traditional illness. The sheriff needs a doctor, but.." He pauses and adjusts his glasses. "Do you know anyone, perhaps from your tribe, who might have knowledge of 'unnatural' happenings?"
If not:
Samuel sighs and stands. "I will proceed as quickly as I am able."
Samuel obliges, helping the man limp across the room. Once the sheriff is comfortable on the bed, the pale Easterner documents his symptoms. His knowledge of medicine is limited, but perhaps his familiarity with the occult can prove useful.
Heal:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16 Casting Detect Magic, as well, just in case. Knowledge (Arcana):1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26
"Whatever that was, it appeared to have more intelligence than a mere animal. There was something sinister about its movements, though I can't quite put my finger on it.." Samuel knows there's more to this creature, but he doesn't know what.
Samuel's face continues to display no emotion. "Mr. Wilson, I understand your panic. However, the safest and most efficient response to this situation is to remain calm. I don't know what that was, but I know we will only help forward its goals by acting irrationally."
Samuel's momentary shock has since developed into deep thought. He speaks without responding to Edward's panic. "This was surely an intriguing encounter. I'm honestly not sure what to make of it. You've never seen anything of this nature before, Many Clouds?"
Samuel realizes he hadn't stopped to think what the creature actually was. Many Clouds' words strike him like a fist upside the head. He studies the ... thing ... in an attempt to recognize any features.
Knowledge (Arcana):1d20 + 9 ⇒ (3) + 9 = 12
Not sure if that's the right knowledge, but all I've got is arcana and local.
After dinner, Samuel forgoes pie in favor of coffee, for which he heartily thanks his hosts. He is polite although not very talkative and slightly on edge throughout the evening. Once the squeal reaches his ears, Samuel's eyes grow wide as he follows wordlessly behind Edward.
Samuel smiles at his host, though the rigidity of his movement may make the action appear dishonest. "Thank you for having me in your home. My tale is not an unusual one out west. I've partaken in some less than honorable activities in my past and I hope to leave them behind me in the city."
Samuel follows the sheriff's direction and makes his way back to the jailhouse.
He addresses his allies, his brow furrowed and his mouth forming a faint scowl. "I hope this altercation does not serve as preview of coming attractions."
Samuel raises an eyebrow at Baker's statement. "Lot of folks lost loved ones on account of buffoons like you shooting with no concern for safety." Samuel's mocking tone is punctuated by his pointing to the roof of the building behind him.
Maybe I can distract them.. Samuel does not address his aggressors. Instead, he focuses on a pebble laying on the ground just behind them. Suddenly, it jumps up and flies towards the back of one of the men's head.
Samuel speaks to Many Clouds without taking his eyes off the approaching trio. "I have a feeling they are unhappy with your presence in their settlement. I believe they perfectly fit your description of Wasicun."
Samuel turns toward the strangers Many Clouds alerted him to. "Interesting." He focuses on the men, hoping learn their intentions and procure a battlefield advantage, should it come to that.
Samuel's face darkens and his voice takes a solemn tone. "It did. Once. I am stronger now." He takes a deep breath, regaining an amiable demeanor. "This curse has haunted me for as long as I have memories. Part of the reason I set out west in the first place was to distance myself from my past. I suppose that in one way or another, many of our friends have similar motivations for their own journeys."
"Well then, I suppose I can trust you. You seem like a man of your word." A heavy sigh escapes Samuel's lips. "You mentioned the unliving. I carry a taint of such in my veins. My birth was an experiment of sorts, conducted by a-" He hesitates, partially out of fear of Many Clouds' response and partially because he's told so few souls this secret. "Vampire. I am half man, half abomination."
Samuel stands by the back door with Many Clouds while the sheriff gathers information inside. He keeps an eye out for any suspicious behavior.
Perception:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
"While I appreciate the offer, sheriff, I've never handled a weapon. I'm afraid I'd be of little use to you in such a capacity." Samuel glances at his timepiece, "In any case it is getting late, I think I will retire for the evening. Thank you again for your assistance."
Hmm, well I figure for now, I can play it off as a hunch. I imagine our little band will eventually get to the point where my ability to read minds is accepted. /shrug
Samuel turns to Edward, "I find this whole situation strange and intriguing. Though I may have differing motivations, I think we share the same goal in this town." Samuel winks and lowers his voice slightly, "Even if I am a jack@$$."
Samuel listens to Tom carefully, "I meant no ill, I am grateful for your assistance. I imagine long-distance communication is more difficult than it is back East, though it sounds like politics still plays a large role out here."
Samuel is relieved and simultaneously disappointed to discover the sheriff appears to be an ally. I'm fairly certain I can trust this man, but I'm no closer to unveiling the true identity and purpose of our attackers.
Samuel takes the sheriff up on his offer and joins him for a game of cards. During their game, Samuel asks, "Are train robberies a somewhat common occurrence out here? You and your men seemed to handle the situation calmly."
Diplomacy:1d20 ⇒ 12
Samuel knows diplomacy isn't his strong suit, but he can get someone thinking and learn what he wants to know through more ... direct means.
Samuel follows Albrecht from a distance.
Stealth:1d20 ⇒ 9
He readies himself for combat, but pauses when he hears the men speak. He approaches the group as Albrecht is apprehended. "Gentlemen, I can assure you the sheriff is correct; we are the survivors. We are trying to make it to our original destination. Please don't hold my compatriot's actions against him, we're all understandably on edge at the moment." Diplomacy:1d20 ⇒ 1I'm very convincing
Now outside the train car, Samuel surveys the landscape spanning the tracks. No movement. I suppose they are well and truly gone, then. For now, that is.
He turns his attention to the two men as one helps an older woman onto a horse. Pulling a weeks worth of trail rations for one man from his pack, he addresses them, "I'm afraid I have no skill with a firearm, but I'll offer what I can." A smile forms thin creases on his pale cheeks. "My name is Samuel Levins."