Wilde West 4

[5/10/2013 6:58:46 PM] Khiro:  Where were we? She had just talked to the old guys, right? [5/10/2013 6:59:17 PM] Josie: Josie had, yep! And they were going to make her a map. [5/10/2013 6:59:45 PM] Khiro: Well, each of them said they would make her a map. So she might get three maps. [5/10/2013 7:02:24 PM] Josie: Josie will! [5/10/2013 7:02:38 PM] Josie: Josie then went and took a nap. She's not too sure what to do next! [5/10/2013 7:03:14 PM] Khiro: Well, she was also told that the Indian traders might be a good lead for getting around the Caves. [5/10/2013 7:04:05 PM] Josie: ((But that they *probably* wouldn't be around til tomorrow.)) [5/10/2013 7:04:16 PM] Khiro: Probably not. [5/10/2013 7:05:34 PM] Khiro: Right! Naptime, since she really didn't get a lot of sleep last night. [5/10/2013 7:06:37 PM] Josie: Josie sleeps! [5/10/2013 7:07:46 PM] Khiro: Okay! How long does she sleep if uninterrupted? [5/10/2013 7:09:08 PM] Josie: ((Probably 4 hours.)) [5/10/2013 7:12:25 PM] Khiro: She's uninterrupted, so! Four hours. [5/10/2013 7:13:37 PM] Josie: Josie then wakes up! And looks for food. And some coffee. [5/10/2013 7:17:01 PM] Khiro: Well, you smell food cooking downstairs in the inn. It's about dinnertime now. [5/10/2013 7:18:27 PM] Khiro: Sorry, suppertime. [5/10/2013 7:19:29 PM] Josie: Josie heads downstairs, then! [5/10/2013 7:21:19 PM] Khiro: This place isn't anywhere near as busy the Imperial. But the food smells good. [5/10/2013 7:22:18 PM] Josie: Josie looks for an employee! [5/10/2013 7:23:27 PM] Khiro: There's the innkeeper from earlier tending bar. [5/10/2013 7:24:35 PM] Josie: Hey. [5/10/2013 7:24:37 PM] Josie: Josie waves. [5/10/2013 7:24:51 PM] Khiro: Innkeep:  What can I get you? [5/10/2013 7:25:09 PM] Josie: Whatever you got cookin'. It smells good.\ [5/10/2013 7:25:32 PM] Khiro: Innkeep:  Got some roast pheasant and soup and bread. [5/10/2013 7:26:18 PM] Josie: Sounds great, I'll have some of each. [5/10/2013 7:28:14 PM] Khiro: He nods, and goes into the back! [5/10/2013 7:28:29 PM] Josie: Josie looks at anybody else in the place! [5/10/2013 7:28:41 PM] Khiro: There are a few folks in here eating. mostly travelers, you'd guess. [5/10/2013 7:30:03 PM] Josie: Josie listens to them... for signs of trouble, or anything out of the ordinary. [5/10/2013 7:30:16 PM] Khiro: No one really strikes you as terribly suspicious, though. [5/10/2013 7:32:48 PM] Josie: Josie just eats her dinner, then! [5/10/2013 7:35:04 PM] Khiro: While you're eating, a kid comes up to you and hands you a folded up note! "Miss Kate Candlemas?  This is for you." [5/10/2013 7:35:22 PM] Josie: Huh. Thanks. [5/10/2013 7:35:24 PM] Josie: Josie opens it. [5/10/2013 7:38:40 PM] Khiro: It's a note, with big block letters, written with either red ink or... something else red. "LOOKING FORWARD TO MEETING YOU, KATE" is what it says. And there's a heart at the bottom. [5/10/2013 7:39:43 PM] Josie: Josie frowns. [5/10/2013 7:39:47 PM] Josie: Great. [5/10/2013 7:40:02 PM] Josie: Josie hands the kid enough money to buy a couple of sweets. [5/10/2013 7:40:09 PM] Khiro: Kid:  Thanks! [5/10/2013 7:40:11 PM] Khiro: He runs off. [5/10/2013 7:42:26 PM] Josie: Josie inspects the note. If it's still red, probably not blood... [5/10/2013 7:44:30 PM] Khiro: It's not wet, so it's probably ink or paint. [5/10/2013 7:46:11 PM] Josie: Hm. [5/10/2013 7:46:35 PM] Josie: Josie checks for other salient traits. [5/10/2013 7:49:07 PM] Khiro: It's rough paper, probably bought at the general store. And there's no address or name, someone probably handed it off to the kid and told him your name, location, and appearence. [5/10/2013 7:49:52 PM] Josie: Josie is not happy that Fennick probably knows her appearance! [5/10/2013 7:50:38 PM] Khiro: Yep! And he might be in town. [5/10/2013 7:52:55 PM] Josie: Josie stands up, leaves some money and goes to wander around town, just on the offchance! [5/10/2013 7:53:11 PM] Khiro: Hmm. Roll a d10! [5/10/2013 7:54:29 PM] Josie: ((5!)) [5/10/2013 8:00:58 PM] Khiro: ((sorry, ran to make a sammich.)) [5/10/2013 8:01:25 PM] Josie: ((Shoulda warned me so I could too!)) [5/10/2013 8:01:37 PM] Khiro: ((Sorry! Go make one now!)) [5/10/2013 8:02:11 PM] Josie: ((Nope! I'm good. Warn me next time, though. :) )) [5/10/2013 8:02:39 PM] Khiro: ((Sorry!  I was just in the kitchen and I figured 'while I"m here'.)) [5/10/2013 8:04:36 PM] Khiro: You spot something down an alleyway between the inn and general store, something glinting in the fading light. [5/10/2013 8:07:29 PM] Josie: Josie heads down there! [5/10/2013 8:11:56 PM] Khiro: It's a pocketwatch, very well made, lying in a puddle of blood.  The blood is from the corpse of the well dressed gentleman propped up against the wall.  Behind him, someone has written in blood 'HE DIED SCREAMING'.  There's another heart. [5/10/2013 8:12:43 PM] Josie: Josie draws her gun, just in case, and looks around. [5/10/2013 8:13:08 PM] Khiro: You dont' see anyone!  Except the deadie. [5/10/2013 8:13:25 PM] Josie: Josie checks his pockets and looks for a wound and a weapon. [5/10/2013 8:14:30 PM] Khiro: Looks like hatchet wounds... that's consistent with Fennick's murders. He has some money on him, and the pocketwatch is probably worth close to 80 dollars. It wasn't a robbery. [5/10/2013 8:15:22 PM] Josie: Josie sighs. [5/10/2013 8:15:40 PM] Josie: Son of a bitch. [5/10/2013 8:15:48 PM] Josie: Josie goes to get Beagle. [5/10/2013 8:17:25 PM] Khiro: He's in the sheriff's office, humming to himself, his feet up on the desk. [5/10/2013 8:17:48 PM] Josie: Beagle, got a problem. [5/10/2013 8:19:28 PM] Khiro: He looks up, startled. "What?" [5/10/2013 8:21:56 PM] Josie: You got my problem. [5/10/2013 8:22:03 PM] Josie: Fennick's killed a man. [5/10/2013 8:22:18 PM] Josie: Sent me a note, left the body in the alleyway. [5/10/2013 8:23:27 PM] Khiro: Beagle goes white. "Who was it?" [5/10/2013 8:23:51 PM] Josie: Not a clue. [5/10/2013 8:23:53 PM] Josie: C'mon. [5/10/2013 8:23:57 PM] Josie: Josie brings him there! [5/10/2013 8:24:13 PM] Khiro: He gets even paler when he sees all the blood! [5/10/2013 8:24:34 PM] Khiro: Beagle:  Oh, dammit, that's Ezekiel. One of the richer men in town. [5/10/2013 8:25:14 PM] Josie: Didn't seem to help him much. [5/10/2013 8:25:30 PM] Josie: He got ties to Viskav? Bad ones or good? [5/10/2013 8:27:05 PM] Khiro: Beagle:  I really don't know. Ain't said more than two words to him. He made most of his money trading Indian goods back with traders back east. [5/10/2013 8:28:11 PM] Josie: How'd the Indians feel about that? [5/10/2013 8:29:20 PM] Khiro: Beagle:  They get stuff in return. Mostly guns. It wasn't like he was stealin' nothin'. That I know of, anyway. Why'd this Fennick kill him? [5/10/2013 8:29:49 PM] Josie: I was hopin' you'd be able to help me out with that one. [5/10/2013 8:30:20 PM | Edited 8:32:02 PM] Josie: Fennick ain't always too *particular* about who he kills, but I wouldn't've thought he just start in randomly, either. [5/10/2013 8:34:08 PM] Khiro: Beagle:  Did he wanna steal from him? [5/10/2013 8:34:16 PM] Khiro: Beagle:  Or send a message? [5/10/2013 8:34:32 PM] Josie: Already checked, he still had his money and his watch. Could be sending me a message. [5/10/2013 8:35:59 PM] Khiro: Beagle turns away from you and throws up! "That's... a lot of blood." [5/10/2013 8:36:46 PM] Josie: Really? [5/10/2013 8:36:49 PM] Josie: Josie peers. [5/10/2013 8:37:03 PM] Josie: Doesn't seem like that  much to me. Think his clothes absorbed a lot of it. [5/10/2013 8:37:24 PM] Khiro: Well, it's an average amount of blood. For someone killed with a hatchet, but it's likely that Beagle hasn't seen a lot of those. Probably mostly gunshots. [5/10/2013 8:38:28 PM] Khiro: Where all the blood politely comes from the hole. [5/10/2013 8:39:02 PM] Josie: Well. You got a mortician or a doc? [5/10/2013 8:40:44 PM] Khiro: Beagle frowns. "We got both.  Same guy." [5/10/2013 8:41:36 PM] Josie: Go on an' get him, then. I'll stay here for ya. [5/10/2013 8:41:51 PM] Khiro: Beagle:  ... all right. Thanks. [5/10/2013 8:42:27 PM] Josie: Least I could do, sheriff. [5/10/2013 8:42:35 PM] Khiro: He runs off! [5/10/2013 8:43:00 PM] Josie: Josie checks the body and the message on the wall one more time. [5/10/2013 8:45:11 PM] Khiro: Roll a d10! [5/10/2013 8:45:36 PM] Josie: ((10!)) [5/10/2013 8:48:13 PM] Khiro: On closer inspection, the pocketwatch isn't ticking, and the time is set to 4:33. Which isn't when he died, the blood would be a lot drier and more congealed, considering it's close to seven o'clock now. [5/10/2013 8:49:44 PM] Josie: Hm. [5/10/2013 8:49:57 PM] Josie: Josie picks up the watch, puts it in a clean hanky and pockets it. [5/10/2013 8:54:02 PM] Khiro: But she doesn't really notice anything else. Beagle comes back a few minutes later with an old, grizzled guy. [5/10/2013 8:54:11 PM] Khiro: OGG:  ... whoa. [5/10/2013 8:54:24 PM] Khiro: You smell alcohol on his breath. [5/10/2013 8:54:31 PM] Josie: Josie doesn't comment. [5/10/2013 8:54:55 PM] Josie: Get used to seein' more of those if I don't catch Fennick. [5/10/2013 8:55:06 PM] Khiro: Beagle goes pale again. [5/10/2013 8:55:21 PM] Khiro: Beagle:  Did he kill him because of you? [5/10/2013 8:55:37 PM] Josie: Mm. Tough to say. [5/10/2013 8:56:26 PM] Josie: Claims he did, obviously. But Fennick ain't the most truthful of souls--if he has a soul--and he never needed me as an excuse to kill before. [5/10/2013 8:57:44 PM] Khiro: Beagle:  Wait, how long ago did this happen? [5/10/2013 8:57:54 PM] Khiro: Doc:  ... no more than hour ago. [5/10/2013 8:59:04 PM] Josie: Yep. [5/10/2013 8:59:15 PM] Josie: Don't think we could catch 'em up. [5/10/2013 8:59:28 PM] Khiro: Beagle:  No? [5/10/2013 9:00:57 PM] Josie: How far's it to the cave? [5/10/2013 9:02:14 PM] Khiro: Beagle:  'bout half a day. [5/10/2013 9:02:37 PM] Josie: And he's got an hour on us. And he'll be expecting us. [5/10/2013 9:04:11 PM] Khiro: Beagle:  ... all right. I'm gonna get working on rounding some boys up to ride after him. [5/10/2013 9:04:46 PM] Josie: Tomorrow morning? [5/10/2013 9:05:32 PM] Khiro: Beagle:  Yeah. [5/10/2013 9:05:46 PM] Josie: Mmm, that's what they'll be expectin'. [5/10/2013 9:06:10 PM] Josie: My recommendation is to time it so that we get there just before sunset. They'll've been on high alert all night, all day by then. Tired, cranky, bored. [5/10/2013 9:06:48 PM] Khiro: Beagle:  ... all right, tomorrow night, then. Should be able to get more folk together. [5/10/2013 9:07:10 PM] Josie: Josie nods. [5/10/2013 9:07:54 PM] Khiro: The doc burps and gets to work! [5/10/2013 9:09:17 PM] Josie: Good. [5/10/2013 9:09:37 PM] Josie: No hotheads. Only folks with a cool head. [5/10/2013 9:09:53 PM] Khiro: Beagle:  I'll see what I can do. [5/10/2013 9:10:31 PM] Josie: Josie nods. [5/10/2013 9:10:39 PM] Josie: That's the most important thing. [5/10/2013 9:11:01 PM | Edited 9:11:10 PM] Josie: This is your territory, Sheriff. You want to lead this thing, I got no objection, but I got no objection to doing it myself, either. [5/10/2013 9:11:43 PM] Khiro: Beagle:  I ain't the sheriff. I'm nothing but the deputy. [5/10/2013 9:12:29 PM] Josie: Josie smiles, very very slightly. [5/10/2013 9:12:33 PM] Josie: Up to you. [5/10/2013 9:12:51 PM] Khiro: Beagle:  ... you best do it. I'll get everyone killed. [5/10/2013 9:14:25 PM] Josie: You got to have more faith in yourself. [5/10/2013 9:14:39 PM] Josie: But I'll do it. You get the right folks together and we'll do just fine. [5/10/2013 9:14:52 PM] Khiro: Beagle:  All right. Will do. [5/10/2013 9:17:00 PM] Josie: Josie pats him on the shoulder. [5/10/2013 9:18:24 PM] Khiro: He leaves! [5/10/2013 9:20:12 PM] Josie: Josie does too. She goes back to her dinner. [5/10/2013 9:20:26 PM] Khiro: Okay! [5/10/2013 9:22:30 PM] Josie: Josie finishes it even if it's gone cold! And keeps listening to the people around her, and watching them. [5/10/2013 9:23:07 PM] Khiro: All seems to be pretty quiet! There's less people here than there were before. [5/10/2013 9:26:04 PM] Khiro: And your food isn't terribly cold. [5/10/2013 9:26:07 PM] Josie: Josie that makes it easier! [5/10/2013 9:26:10 PM] Josie: Josie eats. [5/10/2013 9:27:54 PM | Edited 9:28:09 PM] Khiro: Before long, people start coming in and murmuring about the murder. [5/10/2013 9:28:26 PM] Josie: Josie listens to them. [5/10/2013 9:30:19 PM] Khiro: Mostly rumors about the killing and that Beagle has put a call out for some men to go to the Caves. You get the impression that Beagle isn't held in the highest esteem around here. [5/10/2013 9:38:12 PM] Josie: Josie isn't especially happy about that. [5/10/2013 9:38:57 PM] Khiro: They have no faith in him as a lawman. [5/10/2013 9:40:16 PM] Josie: Josie worries a bit about the quality of her team for the next day. [5/10/2013 9:42:24 PM] Khiro: Probably something to worry about! [5/10/2013 9:44:36 PM] Khiro: ((Stupid stomach is acting up.)) [5/10/2013 9:49:01 PM] Josie: ((*huggle*)) [5/10/2013 9:49:06 PM] Josie: Josie does worry a bit, but then goes to bed. [5/10/2013 9:51:29 PM] Khiro: Okay! What do you do with the watch? [5/10/2013 9:53:48 PM] Josie: Josie keeps it. [5/10/2013 9:54:00 PM] Josie: Josie does inspect it  a bit more, though. [5/10/2013 9:55:44 PM] Khiro: Well, looks like the back has been opened. [5/10/2013 10:00:06 PM] Khiro: There's some scratches on the otherwise flawless silvery finish. [5/10/2013 10:01:49 PM] Josie: Josie tries to open it herself! [5/10/2013 10:05:23 PM] Khiro: It pops open! Most of the clockwork has been removed. [5/10/2013 10:07:02 PM] Khiro: In its place is a dried flower all folded up. [5/10/2013 10:07:21 PM] Khiro: It's got a potent scent, but you're not sure what kind of plant it is. [5/10/2013 10:09:26 PM] Josie: Josie sniffs it. [5/10/2013 10:12:10 PM] Josie: Josie decides to ask one of the Indians tomorrow, maybe. [5/10/2013 10:12:22 PM] Khiro: it's pungent, but not unpleasant. Kinda musky and cloying. [5/10/2013 10:14:36 PM] Josie: Hm. [5/10/2013 10:14:41 PM] Josie: Josie shows it to the barkeep. [5/10/2013 10:14:59 PM] Khiro: He looks at it askance. "... I got no idea." [5/10/2013 10:15:12 PM] Khiro: Barkeep:  I don't recognize it, though. [5/10/2013 10:15:21 PM] Josie: Know anybody in town who would? [5/10/2013 10:16:51 PM] Khiro: Barkeep:  We don't have an apothecary no more, he moved on. Maybe the Indians might know. [5/10/2013 10:22:42 PM] Josie: That's what I thought too. All right. Thanks. [5/10/2013 10:24:52 PM] Khiro: Barkeep:  Should be in town tomorrow, I think. [5/10/2013 10:27:14 PM] Khiro: Barkeep:  They usually stop by here. At least Follows-Chalk should be in. He loves sassparilla. [5/10/2013 10:29:23 PM] Josie: Josie nods. [5/10/2013 10:29:28 PM] Josie: Follows-Chalk. [5/10/2013 10:29:34 PM] Josie: They all pretty friendly, I expect. [5/10/2013 10:29:47 PM] Khiro: Barkeep:  Yeah, they're good folk. [5/10/2013 10:30:13 PM] Josie: Most folk are if you give 'em a chance. [5/10/2013 10:31:12 PM] Khiro: ((I'm going to be keeping the indians vague since I have no idea where the game is set. :) I don't know what tribe or nation they're from, so!)) [5/10/2013 10:31:40 PM] Khiro: Barkeep:  I don't know about that.  Fella that hacked Ezekiel up don't seem too good. [5/10/2013 10:32:36 PM] Josie: Wasn't red, either. [5/10/2013 10:33:41 PM] Josie: Though you're right--that one's bad right through. [5/10/2013 10:36:31 PM] Khiro: The barkeep nods. "Ezekiel didn't deserve that." [5/10/2013 10:37:01 PM] Josie: What was he like? He got friends or family in town? [5/10/2013 10:37:26 PM] Khiro: Barkeep:  Oh yeah, he's got a family. [5/10/2013 10:38:39 PM] Josie: Shoot. Wonder if Beagle thought to tell 'em. [5/10/2013 10:39:42 PM] Khiro: Barkeep:  The doc will, if Beagle don't. [5/10/2013 10:39:53 PM] Josie: That good or bad? [5/10/2013 10:40:28 PM] Khiro: Barkeep:  They'll get told.  Probably better comin' from the doc than Beagle. [5/10/2013 10:42:25 PM] Josie: What'd he do 'round here before he got to law. [5/10/2013 10:43:07 PM] Khiro: Barkeep:  Beagle? Worked at the general store. [5/10/2013 10:44:12 PM] Josie: Huh. Why'd he stop with that? [5/10/2013 10:45:01 PM] Khiro: Barkeep:  Got sacked for skimming off the till. [5/10/2013 10:45:39 PM] Josie: ... which made him a good deputy? [5/10/2013 10:46:17 PM] Khiro: Barkeep:  Bein' the sheriff's brother-in-law made him a good deputy. [5/10/2013 10:47:29 PM] Khiro: Barkeep:  I s'pose. [5/10/2013 10:47:47 PM] Josie: He ain't well liked, is he? [5/10/2013 10:48:11 PM] Khiro: Barkeep:  He never really rose to the station like I think his sister figured he would. [5/10/2013 10:51:38 PM] Josie: He get much trainin'? [5/10/2013 10:51:55 PM] Khiro: Barkeep:  Sheriff Tyler did what he could, I think. [5/10/2013 10:52:34 PM] Josie: Josie nods. [5/10/2013 10:52:40 PM] Josie: Don't think he likes it too much, to be honest. [5/10/2013 10:53:42 PM] Khiro: Barkeep:  Prolly not. [5/10/2013 10:54:03 PM] Josie: Folks don't seem to like him too much either. [5/10/2013 10:58:18 PM] Khiro: Barkeep:  He didn't really make a lot of friends, no. [5/10/2013 10:58:24 PM] Khiro: ((Sorry. Stomach is bugging me.)) [5/10/2013 11:00:10 PM] Josie: ((*hugs*)) [5/10/2013 11:00:59 PM] Josie: Josie shakes her head. [5/10/2013 11:01:04 PM] Josie: How long's he been around? [5/10/2013 11:02:05 PM] Khiro: Barkeep:  Beagle? Only a couple years he's been deputy, but he was born here. [5/10/2013 11:05:52 PM] Josie: Josie nods. [5/10/2013 11:05:59 PM] Josie: Interestin'. [5/10/2013 11:06:09 PM] Josie: Them Indians gonna be okay without their trader? [5/10/2013 11:09:38 PM] Khiro: Barkeep:  Not rightly sure. Guess we'll find out. Only reason Dryknife's still here is because of the trade, trade mostly led by Ezekiel. [5/10/2013 11:10:46 PM] Josie: He got any rivals? [5/10/2013 11:11:22 PM] Khiro: Barkeep:  Not that I know of. [5/10/2013 11:14:15 PM] Josie: Hmm. [5/10/2013 11:15:07 PM] Josie: Interestin'. [5/10/2013 11:15:28 PM] Josie: Well. Feels like I just woke up, but I s'pose I better be goin' back to sleep. [5/10/2013 11:16:20 PM] Khiro: The barkeep nods. "You need anything, you let me know." [5/10/2013 11:17:45 PM] Josie: Will do. [5/10/2013 11:17:47 PM] Josie: Josie heads up to bed! [5/10/2013 11:18:20 PM] Khiro: All righty then! She is unimpeded. [5/10/2013 11:19:12 PM] Josie: Josie wakes up early, probably. [5/10/2013 11:19:39 PM] Khiro: What time? [5/10/2013 11:20:48 PM] Josie: ((Sunrise?)) [5/10/2013 11:24:40 PM] Khiro: Okay! [5/10/2013 11:25:08 PM] Khiro: You wake up to the smell of bacon and coffee! [5/10/2013 11:25:40 PM] Josie: Mm. [5/10/2013 11:27:02 PM] Josie: Josie gets up and gets dressed and heads down for food! [5/10/2013 11:33:12 PM] Khiro: The barkeep already has a cup of coffee ready for you! [5/10/2013 11:34:06 PM] Josie: Josie grins. [5/10/2013 11:34:07 PM] Josie: Thanks. [5/10/2013 11:35:24 PM] Josie: Got breakfast? [5/10/2013 11:36:37 PM] Khiro: Barkeep:  I got bacon, porridge, griddle cakes, and some eggs. [5/10/2013 11:37:14 PM] Josie: Alla the above. [5/10/2013 11:39:43 PM] Khiro: Barkeep:  Well, all right. [5/10/2013 11:39:48 PM] Khiro: He wanders into the back. [5/10/2013 11:40:46 PM] Khiro: You hear him clinking around with flatware. [5/10/2013 11:41:24 PM] Josie: Mmm. Bacon. [5/10/2013 11:41:48 PM] Khiro: He comes out with plates loaded with food. [5/10/2013 11:42:33 PM] Khiro: He puts one in front of you. [5/10/2013 11:42:57 PM] Josie: Josie devours! [5/10/2013 11:44:02 PM] Josie: Josie then asks if any of those Indian folks are in town. [5/10/2013 11:47:44 PM] Khiro: Barkeep:  Haven't seen em yet, but it's still early. [5/10/2013 11:48:53 PM] Josie: Josie nods. [5/10/2013 11:49:06 PM] Khiro: He eats his own food. [5/10/2013 11:49:58 PM] Josie: Josie goes to the miners and asks them about the map! [5/10/2013 11:50:33 PM] Khiro: You get three different maps of varying quality. One of them doesn't even indicate north. [5/10/2013 11:52:09 PM] Josie: Josie asks that guy which way North is. [5/10/2013 11:53:06 PM] Khiro: He points North. "Just hold the map that way." [5/10/2013 11:56:29 PM] Josie: Josie marks it down. [5/10/2013 11:56:35 PM] Josie: ((Now I gotta sammich.)) [5/10/2013 11:57:01 PM] Khiro: ((mmmm.)) [5/10/2013 11:59:42 PM] Josie: Josie asks them where the Indians usually turn up. [5/10/2013 11:59:56 PM] Khiro: Old guy 1:  Danged if I know. [5/11/2013 12:00:08 AM] Khiro: Old guy 2: Usually show up early in the day. [5/11/2013 12:00:54 AM] Josie: Hm. Where'd Ezekial live? [5/11/2013 12:02:33 AM] Khiro: Old guy 3:  He's got a ranch outside of town. But they come to town first. He's not the only one who trades with 'em. [5/11/2013 12:04:37 AM] Josie: Where d'they go? General store? [5/11/2013 12:05:45 AM] Khiro: Old guy 1:  Usually. They kinda just set up out there in the town square for a day or so. [5/11/2013 12:08:56 AM] Josie: Hmm. [5/11/2013 12:08:56 AM] Josie: All right. [5/11/2013 12:11:00 AM] Josie: Josie heads there to see if they're there! [5/11/2013 12:12:40 AM] Khiro: Looks like they are! [5/11/2013 12:13:20 AM] Josie: Josie heads up to one---hopefully a friendly-looking one? [5/11/2013 12:13:33 AM] Khiro: There are about five indians there with a couple of wagons. [5/11/2013 12:15:07 AM] Josie: Hey. [5/11/2013 12:15:12 AM] Josie: Josie waves. [5/11/2013 12:15:28 AM] Josie: Any of you folks know about plants? Herbs and the like? [5/11/2013 12:15:46 AM] Khiro: One of them looks at you. He looks like the youngest of the group. "Sure.  What have you got?" [5/11/2013 12:17:09 AM] Josie: Josie smiles at him. [5/11/2013 12:18:17 AM] Josie: Josie shows him the flower. "Kate Candlemas. I'm a marshal." [5/11/2013 12:19:02 AM] Khiro: He take it. "Follows-Chalk.  I'm a tracker." [5/11/2013 12:21:16 AM] Josie: Might have a job for you too. You shake hands, or got some other thing I should do to be polite. [5/11/2013 12:22:09 AM] Khiro: Follows-Chalk looks at you and holds out his hand. "Oh, sorry about that." [5/11/2013 12:22:47 AM] Josie: Josie shakes his hand. [5/11/2013 12:25:48 AM] Khiro: Follows Chalk holds up the flower. "This is one of those plants that's been growing new around here since all the ghost people started feuding.  You crush it up, mix it into water, or burn it an inhale the smoke, and you see things." [5/11/2013 12:25:59 AM] Josie: What kinda things? [5/11/2013 12:27:15 AM] Khiro: Follows-Chalk:  Things that you can't see with normal eyes. [5/11/2013 12:28:43 AM] Josie: Josie nods. [5/11/2013 12:28:54 AM] Josie: Otherworlds or false visions? [5/11/2013 12:31:30 AM] Khiro: Follows-Chalk:  Shaman say that it's the otherworlds. [5/11/2013 12:32:15 AM] Josie: What do you think? [5/11/2013 12:32:37 AM] Khiro: Follows-Chalk:  Couldn't say. Never tried it. [5/11/2013 12:33:23 AM] Josie: Josie nods. [5/11/2013 12:33:34 AM] Josie: Ghost people, you mean the fae and the demons? [5/11/2013 12:41:48 AM] Khiro: Follows-Chalk:  Yeah. [5/11/2013 12:43:26 AM] Josie: Josie nods. [5/11/2013 12:43:30 AM] Josie: Good name for 'em. [5/11/2013 12:43:41 AM] Josie: And those plants are new. [5/11/2013 12:44:07 AM] Josie: Well. You think you could track somebody through mines? [5/11/2013 12:44:28 AM] Khiro: Follows-Chalk:  Sure. I used to play in them when I was a kid. [5/11/2013 12:44:50 AM] Josie: How much you charge for a day's work? [5/11/2013 12:51:24 AM] Khiro: Follows-Chalk:  Depends on the work. [5/11/2013 12:51:52 AM] Josie: Trackin' a murderer into the mines with a bunch of folk intent on arrestin' him. Though I expect we'll have to kill him. [5/11/2013 12:52:40 AM] Khiro: Follows-Chalk:  We heard that Ezekiel died. That true? [5/11/2013 12:53:22 AM] Josie: This'd be the one killed him, yeah. [5/11/2013 12:53:34 AM] Josie: Ezekiel do a lot of visitin' of the spirit world? [5/11/2013 12:54:03 AM] Josie: Or strike you as somebody who'd be keen on visions of the otherworlds? [5/11/2013 12:54:59 AM] Khiro: Follows-Chalk:  Nah, he was as grounded in the material world a guy as you'd meet. [5/11/2013 12:56:29 AM] Josie: Hm. Interestin'. [5/11/2013 12:56:49 AM] Khiro: Follows-Chalk: Did you get that flower from him? [5/11/2013 1:01:11 AM] Josie: Found it on his body, yeah. [5/11/2013 1:02:36 AM] Khiro: Follows-Chalk:  That... really doesn't seem like sort of thing he'd carry around. Unless he traded for a bunch of em. [5/11/2013 1:03:48 AM] Josie: Could be, but it mighta been planted on him, too. [5/11/2013 1:03:56 AM] Josie: If Fennick lives we'll ask him. [5/11/2013 1:05:41 AM] Khiro: Follows-Chalk:  Fennick? [5/11/2013 1:06:13 AM] Josie: The killer. [5/11/2013 1:06:18 AM] Josie: Wears an eyepatch. [5/11/2013 1:06:44 AM] Khiro: Follows-Chalk:  Hmm. [5/11/2013 1:07:00 AM] Josie: Got a magical eye. [5/11/2013 1:07:47 AM] Khiro: Follows-Chalk:  Think someone like that might've done some trading with us. [5/11/2013 1:09:03 AM] Josie: Josie winces. [5/11/2013 1:09:09 AM] Khiro: Follows-Chalk:  Didn't see him myself, just heard about a fella with an eyepatch. [5/11/2013 1:09:15 AM] Josie: Hope nobody got hurt nor robbed. [5/11/2013 1:09:25 AM] Khiro: Follows-Chalk:  Nah. [5/11/2013 1:10:27 AM] Josie: Good. [5/11/2013 1:10:35 AM] Josie: Glad to hear that, anyhow. [5/11/2013 1:11:16 AM] Khiro: Follows-Chalk:  I'll ask the others if they remember him. [5/11/2013 1:12:12 AM] Josie: Josie nods. [5/11/2013 1:12:18 AM] Josie: Thanks. [5/11/2013 1:12:30 AM] Josie: You gonna take the job? [5/11/2013 1:12:45 AM] Khiro: Follows-Chalk:  When are you goin'? [5/11/2013 1:13:47 AM] Josie: This afternoon. Hope to arrive just before dusk. [5/11/2013 1:18:00 AM] Khiro: Follows-Chalk:  All right, I'll go. Sound more interesting than standing around and occasionally translating. [5/11/2013 1:18:55 AM] Josie: Don't like the translatin', do you? [5/11/2013 1:19:17 AM] Khiro: Follows-Chalk:  It's okay. Just boring sometimes. [5/11/2013 1:21:07 AM] Josie: That what you normally do? [5/11/2013 1:22:42 AM] Khiro: Follows-Chalk:  When I come out here, yeah. [5/11/2013 1:25:24 AM] Josie: What about the rest of the time? Town people good to your folks? [5/11/2013 1:26:05 AM] Khiro: Follows-Chalk:  Sure. Usually I go with hunting parties. [5/11/2013 1:27:24 AM] Josie: Mmm. Still are, I suppose, just huntin' a man. [5/11/2013 1:28:41 AM] Josie: Where can I find you? [5/11/2013 1:29:37 AM] Khiro: Follows-Chalk:  I'll be here or at the inn. [5/11/2013 1:29:59 AM] Josie: Right. [5/11/2013 1:30:04 AM] Josie: We won't leave without you. [5/11/2013 1:30:28 AM] Josie: You got weapons, bring 'em. If not we'll try to keep you behind us. [5/11/2013 1:31:58 AM] Josie: Be back later. Thanks. [5/11/2013 1:32:18 AM] Josie: Josie tips her hat to him and heads to the sheriff's office! And we should probably stop there for the night.

[5/15/2013 9:35:49 PM] Khiro: Soooooo. Kate had been chatting with Follows-Chalk, a young Indian man, and a tracker who says he used to play in the caves. [5/15/2013 9:37:29 PM] Josie: Josie wanted to hire him! [5/15/2013 9:37:52 PM] Khiro: And he was open to that! [5/15/2013 9:39:26 PM] Josie: Right. Well, I'm gonna go see how Beagle's doing. [5/15/2013 9:39:46 PM] Josie: Meet us at the Sheriff's office in a couple hours. [5/15/2013 9:40:06 PM] Khiro: He nods, enthusiastically. "Will do.  I'll be ready to ride." [5/15/2013 9:41:18 PM] Josie: Josie offers him her hand to shake. [5/15/2013 9:41:45 PM] Khiro: He takes it, grinning. "Looking forward to it." [5/15/2013 9:42:35 PM | Edited 9:42:44 PM] Josie: I'm not. [5/15/2013 9:42:49 PM] Josie: Be better with you there, though. [5/15/2013 9:42:58 PM] Josie: Josie nods to him and turns to go to the sheriff's office! [5/15/2013 9:49:26 PM] Khiro: You head back to the sheriff's office. Beagle isn't there. [5/15/2013 9:50:26 PM] Josie: Hmm. [5/15/2013 9:51:09 PM] Khiro: Roll a d10. [5/15/2013 9:51:24 PM] Josie: ((2!)) [5/15/2013 9:54:49 PM] Khiro: You see notheeeeng. NOTHEEEEENG. [5/15/2013 9:55:59 PM] Josie: Josie grumps, and sits down to wait for him. [5/15/2013 9:56:13 PM] Khiro: Roll again! [5/15/2013 9:58:30 PM] Josie: ((8!)) [5/15/2013 9:59:47 PM] Khiro: You pull out the chair behind the desk to take a seat, and you notice some blood on the worn floorboards. [5/15/2013 10:01:13 PM] Josie: Josie freezes for a moment, and then listens. [5/15/2013 10:02:18 PM] Khiro: Nothing but the bustle from outside. [5/15/2013 10:04:02 PM] Josie: Josie stands up and leaves the sheriff's office, heading back to the alley where she saw the ratguy. [5/15/2013 10:04:52 PM] Khiro: He's still there, covered with long rags. [5/15/2013 10:05:27 PM] Josie: Hey. See anything odd lately? [5/15/2013 10:06:06 PM] Khiro: Mick:  Always. Can you narrow it down? [5/15/2013 10:06:47 PM] Josie: Beagle. [5/15/2013 10:07:30 PM] Khiro: He's quiet for a moment. "... oh, shit." [5/15/2013 10:08:47 PM] Josie: 'bout what I was thinkin'. [5/15/2013 10:09:08 PM] Khiro: Mick:  Better hurry. He's in the inn's root cellar. [5/15/2013 10:09:34 PM] Josie: Josie doesn't say a word, but *runs* to the inn and inside! [5/15/2013 10:10:33 PM] Khiro: You find Beagle, lying face down on the ground in a pool of his own blood. [5/15/2013 10:11:17 PM] Josie: Josie checks to see if he's still breathing, and if so, checks for the wound! [5/15/2013 10:11:40 PM] Khiro: He is still breathing, and the wound is pretty easy to spot... his eyes are gone. [5/15/2013 10:12:50 PM] Josie: ((Still have his lids? Is there a lot of blood or is it starting to clot?)) [5/15/2013 10:13:56 PM] Khiro: Starting to clot. Looks like someone just poked his eyes out with something sharp. Not terribly practiced at eye-poking. [5/15/2013 10:14:22 PM] Josie: ((Gouged them out, you mean?)) [5/15/2013 10:15:00 PM] Khiro: Yeah. [5/15/2013 10:15:24 PM] Josie: Josie takes out a clean handkerchief. [5/15/2013 10:15:27 PM] Josie: Hey, Beagle? [5/15/2013 10:16:15 PM] Khiro: He moans. He's probably in shock. [5/15/2013 10:16:53 PM] Josie: It's me, Kate. It's all right. You're not alone, we'll getcha some help. [5/15/2013 10:18:39 PM] Josie: Josie makes a bandage, of sorts, with two of her handkerchiefs. She's starting to think five may not have been enough for this trip. [5/15/2013 10:19:49 PM] Khiro: He moans, rather unresponsively. [5/15/2013 10:20:25 PM] Josie: Josie isn't even sure what to do next, but looks around for evidence, since he seems stable. [5/15/2013 10:21:42 PM] Khiro: His nose is a bit bloody, too. And there's a trail of blood leading to the cellar from outside, just a trail of drops. [5/15/2013 10:22:52 PM] Josie: ... how'd you get in here without anybody seein' you. [5/15/2013 10:23:24 PM] Khiro: Well, the cellar isn't accessed through the inn, it's accessed from outside, around the back. [5/15/2013 10:24:30 PM] Josie: Josie frowns, and follows the trail to the stairs, but not further. [5/15/2013 10:25:15 PM] Khiro: Roll a d10! [5/15/2013 10:25:49 PM] Josie: ((1!)) [5/15/2013 10:27:05 PM] Khiro: Just looking at the dirt floor of the cellar, it doesn't look like he was dragged. [5/15/2013 10:29:09 PM] Josie: Josie tries to get him to stand up, gently. "Hey, Beagle? Going to take you somewhere little safer." [5/15/2013 10:30:28 PM] Khiro: He's just on the edge of unconsciousness. He's not standing. [5/15/2013 10:33:03 PM] Josie: Josie curses, and shakes his shoulder, gently. [5/15/2013 10:35:22 PM] Khiro: He's lost a lot of blood. "Helena?" [5/15/2013 10:36:57 PM] Josie: Can you stand up? [5/15/2013 10:37:17 PM] Khiro: Beagle:  I'm sorry... [5/15/2013 10:38:04 PM] Josie: It's all right, just try, would you? [5/15/2013 10:38:43 PM] Khiro: Beagle:  Didn't mean it, Helena... [5/15/2013 10:39:48 PM] Josie: I know. [5/15/2013 10:39:58 PM] Josie: Josie gently tries to get him to sit up. [5/15/2013 10:40:10 PM] Khiro: Beagle:  Why is it so dark? [5/15/2013 10:43:04 PM] Josie: Something bad happened. Don't worry, you aren't dyin'. [5/15/2013 10:43:55 PM] Khiro: Beagle chuckles mirthlessly. "Not like you to be so concerned..." [5/15/2013 10:44:10 PM] Khiro: He sits up! He was laying on a piece of paper. [5/15/2013 10:44:36 PM] Josie: Isn't it? [5/15/2013 10:44:46 PM] Josie: Josie picks it up and glances at it. [5/15/2013 10:44:51 PM] Josie: Take my shoulder. [5/15/2013 10:46:20 PM] Khiro: It's another note. Different handwriting, but it says "you won't catch me until I want you to, Kate". And there's another heart at the end. [5/15/2013 10:47:02 PM] Khiro: It's written in red ink, like the last one, though the handwriting is different. [5/15/2013 10:47:22 PM] Josie: (( http://handwritingonthe4thwall.tumblr.com/  Redid the graphic.)) [5/15/2013 10:48:03 PM] Josie: Josie grinds her teeth. [5/15/2013 10:48:14 PM] Josie: Josie tries to lift up Beagle to a standing position! [5/15/2013 10:48:58 PM] Khiro: He's actualy pretty skinny. She can get him standing. [5/15/2013 10:50:55 PM] Khiro: Though he's wobbly. "Why's it so dark?" [5/15/2013 10:51:13 PM] Josie: Something bad happened. Come on. [5/15/2013 10:51:21 PM] Josie: Josie tugs him gently up the steps. [5/15/2013 10:52:06 PM] Khiro: He mumbles something and you get him up the steps. [5/15/2013 10:52:59 PM] Josie: Josie leads him around to the front of the inn, carefully, and brings him in, so she can ask where the nearest medical treatment is. [5/15/2013 10:53:16 PM] Khiro: Well, you met Dryknife's doctor/mortician earlier. [5/15/2013 10:53:41 PM] Khiro: The barkeep looks at you, opening his eyes wide! "That Beagle?" [5/15/2013 10:54:49 PM] Josie: ((Did I? I thought I met Wilde's.)) [5/15/2013 10:56:14 PM] Khiro: ((No, you met the mortician/doc when you found the guy dead in the alleyway.)) [5/15/2013 10:56:24 PM] Khiro: ((But you don't know where his office is.)) [5/15/2013 10:56:27 PM] Josie: ((Oh, right!! Right, right.)) [5/15/2013 10:56:32 PM] Josie: Somebody tell me where the doc is. [5/15/2013 10:57:33 PM] Khiro: Barkeep: Down the street! Five doors down, and one door to the left! [5/15/2013 10:58:49 PM] Josie: Right. [5/15/2013 10:58:54 PM] Josie: Josie steers Beagle. [5/15/2013 10:58:58 PM] Josie: You're gonna be fine. [5/15/2013 10:59:30 PM] Khiro: He keeps murmuring about this Helena, and apologizing! [5/15/2013 11:00:27 PM] Josie: Josie listens to every word. "Helena, huh?" [5/15/2013 11:01:06 PM] Josie: ((And I changed the background, too. Looks the way I want it... for now. http://handwritingonthe4thwall.tumblr.com/  )) [5/15/2013 11:02:58 PM] Josie: Am I important to you? [5/15/2013 11:03:42 PM] Khiro: Beagle:  Huh? [5/15/2013 11:04:04 PM] Josie: You know who I am? [5/15/2013 11:05:06 PM] Khiro: Beagle:  Why do my eyes hurt? [5/15/2013 11:05:23 PM] Josie: Answer me first, and I'll tell ya. [5/15/2013 11:06:44 PM] Khiro: Beagle:  ... my eyes. [5/15/2013 11:07:40 PM] Josie: Yeah, that'd be the issue. You remember me? [5/15/2013 11:08:06 PM] Khiro: Beagle:  ... sorry... [5/15/2013 11:08:09 PM] Khiro: He throws up. [5/15/2013 11:09:26 PM] Josie: Josie pauses only to wipe his mouth off with her shirtsleeve (she can wash that later). [5/15/2013 11:09:37 PM] Josie: It's me, Kate. The marshal. [5/15/2013 11:10:12 PM] Josie: I got bad news. Some murderin' bastard gouged your eyes out. Good news is, he didn't murder you and you're not bleedin' to death as far as I can tell. [5/15/2013 11:11:12 PM] Khiro: Beagle:  ...the guy. [5/15/2013 11:12:07 PM] Josie: That'd be the one, yes. [5/15/2013 11:16:13 PM] Josie: C'mon. Get you some water. [5/15/2013 11:17:00 PM] Khiro: Beagle:  Why don't my eyes hurt more? [5/15/2013 11:18:15 PM] Josie: 'cause you don't have any anymore, Beagle. I'm sorry. [5/15/2013 11:19:29 PM] Khiro: You get him to the doctor's office! He's got Ezekiel laid out on a table. [5/15/2013 11:20:22 PM] Josie: Doc, help him. [5/15/2013 11:20:58 PM] Khiro: Doc:  Damn. [5/15/2013 11:21:05 PM] Khiro: He comes over and gets to treating him. [5/15/2013 11:22:04 PM] Josie: Josie holds Beagle's hand and strokes it reassuringly. She's actually imagining murdering Fennick at this point. [5/15/2013 11:26:38 PM] Khiro: The doc works on him as best he can. [5/15/2013 11:27:01 PM] Khiro: Doc:  this wasn't done too long ago. He woulda bled out if it had. [5/15/2013 11:27:38 PM] Josie: He gonna make it? I got him here as soon as I could. [5/15/2013 11:28:21 PM] Khiro: Doc:  Yeah. But whoever did this weren't no go with a knife. [5/15/2013 11:28:31 PM] Khiro: Doc:  Clumsy, even. [5/15/2013 11:28:49 PM] Josie: Fennick isn't a knife artist, no. [5/15/2013 11:30:02 PM] Khiro: Doc:  If he did this, he's probably still in town. [5/15/2013 11:31:55 PM] Josie: Josie stands up and runs back to the alley. "Where's Fennick?" [5/15/2013 11:33:54 PM] Khiro: Mick:  He ain't in town. But he's still the one that blinded Beagle. [5/15/2013 11:34:14 PM] Josie: Josie slumps a bit. [5/15/2013 11:34:23 PM] Josie: The hell is he, then? [5/15/2013 11:35:22 PM] Khiro: Mick:  He's got magic. That eye o'his. He did it, but he didn't do it. [5/15/2013 11:35:41 PM] Josie: ... who'd he influence into doin' it? [5/15/2013 11:39:14 PM] Khiro: Mick:  Not sure. Someone who's been here awhile ,otherwise I woulda noticed. [5/15/2013 11:39:48 PM] Josie: ... isn't rational, but I'm glad it wasn't me. All right. Thanks. Any suggestions on how I find out who's his next victim? [5/15/2013 11:40:06 PM] Khiro: Mick:  He's gonna keep doing this until you come after him. [5/15/2013 11:40:26 PM] Khiro: Mick:  Probably he's tryin' to draw you out on his terms 'stead of yours. [5/15/2013 11:42:42 PM] Josie: Well, he's managed pretty well, since I won't have as many with me when I go now. [5/15/2013 11:43:50 PM] Khiro: Mick:  I'm bettin' he wants you comin' after him alone and angry. [5/15/2013 11:45:07 PM] Josie: I'm pretty angry. [5/15/2013 11:45:18 PM] Khiro: Mick:  That's how he wants you. [5/15/2013 11:45:34 PM] Josie: Can't help it. Anybody else in town likely to help who won't sell me out? [5/15/2013 11:45:58 PM] Khiro: Mick:   Ill get you some help. [5/15/2013 11:46:52 PM] Josie: People. Not supernatural things. [5/15/2013 11:47:05 PM] Khiro: Mick:  ... why's that? [5/15/2013 11:48:30 PM] Josie: Can't trust 'em. [5/15/2013 11:49:02 PM] Khiro: Mick:  .... well, good luck, then. [5/15/2013 11:49:36 PM] Josie: ... what kind of help were you thinking? [5/15/2013 11:50:23 PM] Khiro: Mick:  Might be able to get some critters in the caves. [5/15/2013 11:52:11 PM] Josie: Fine. In for a penny in for a dollar, I guess. [5/15/2013 11:53:09 PM] Khiro: Mick:  Don't worry, you won't have to talk to 'em. You prolly won't even see em. But they'll mess up any traps or ambushes Viskav's gang has in the Caves. [5/15/2013 11:54:47 PM] Josie: All right. Not too sure I like owing you this much, but I do and that's that. [5/15/2013 11:55:22 PM] Khiro: Mick:  All right, then. [5/15/2013 11:56:57 PM] Josie: Josie nods to him. "... what are you, anyhow?" [5/15/2013 11:57:15 PM] Josie: ... 'sides a law-abiding citizen. [5/15/2013 11:57:29 PM] Khiro: Mick:  You don't really wanna know. A supernatural thing. [5/15/2013 11:57:50 PM] Josie: Still want to know. [5/15/2013 11:59:35 PM] Khiro: He lifts his hood. He seems to be a short being somewhere between man and rat. Patchy grey fur, abnormally long nose, very beady eyes. [5/15/2013 11:59:58 PM] Josie: Josie nods. [5/16/2013 12:00:16 AM] Josie: Don't recognize the type or origin. Doesn't matter too much beyond law-abiding citizen. [5/16/2013 12:01:34 AM] Khiro: Mick:  Well, that's good. [5/16/2013 12:01:38 AM] Khiro: He hides himself again.