Don your TIN STAR and Lay Down the Law in the West (Choice of Games CYOA)

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CountryMatters: Apr 8, 2009; IT KEEPS HAPPENING

This is a great LP, and I appreciate all the effort you've gone in to explain how complex and detailed it is. Read it all in one go and bought the game myself too, so thanks for the thread

# ? Oct 13, 2019 10:47

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# ? May 5, 2024 15:35

LightWarden: Mar 18, 2007; Lander county's safe as heaven,
despite all the strife and boilin',
Tin Star,
Oh how she's an icon of the eastern west,
But now the time has come to end our song,
of the Tin Star, the Tin Star!

We've already seen one of the events with Billy on our previous run. Visiting Preston at the Grand Haven Hotel results in his meal being interrupted as Billy Tate gets into a confrontation with Miss MacMurphy in the hotel's kitchen- Billy tried to get in to visit a girl he was courting, Miss MacMurphy pushed him back, he backed into the stove, burned himself and then struck her. Now she's got a knife and he's got a hand near his gun. The description of Billy actually changes based on whether the Marshal is responsible for killing an Upton at the start of the game- a framed Marshal would see a line about a confused Billy who "stares at his open hand as if it were a giant bug" while a dedicated murderer like Laura sees a confident one with his hand still balled in a fist. Telling them to calm down has different lines depending on if your Persuasion or Intimidate are high enough, or you can level your gun at one of them to bring things in line, but they'll talk regardless.

There are a few different ways to decide the case- siding with Miss MacMurphy is the most lawful option, while siding against her gives a penalty to influence with Preston. Declaring both are at fault gets them to apologize and boosts law, while declaring it a misunderstanding gives a minor law penalty and annoys Miss MacMurphy but she'll still accept Billy's apology. You can point out that Billy is the only one who actually committed a provable crime, boosting honor and law and prompting him to apologize. If you're a lawyer you can just let a judge handle it next month, while with 20+ Legal you can get a jury set up in either the Grand Haven Hotel or the Mother Lode (and the description of the jury size changes depending on the town's prosperity)- the Grand Haven sides with Miss MacMurphy and the Mother Lode sides with Billy. All three of the legal options boost law and order, while the juries also boost honor. If one person gets sided against then there's the option of either letting them off with a warning or arresting them, though Miss MacMurphy is Preston's favorite employee and won't spend even a day in jail.

There's also the option of just murdering people. If you draw your gun on one of them at the start you can simply shoot them down. Shooting Billy is pretty simple (All it takes is a single shot to end the conversation. Then the usual yelling and screaming begins but you leave all that behind when you walk out the door and get on to your other needed work.). Shooting Miss MacMurphy gives -5 to Honor and Law, +10 to Notoriety, and a whopping -40 to Preston, but Billy is pretty compliant after that. Of course, you can kill him too for another +5 Notoriety, arrest him, or stare him down with 41+ Intimidate meaning he comes quietly while less means you have to gun him down after he shoots you. If you're heartless you can go in, listen to everyone's problems, and then get the "Headache pending. Shoot them. Shoot them both." option, which gives you the same outcome of murdering them at the start but with an additional -5 to Law and Order.

If you don't get involved when you hear the commotion Preston will try to convince the Marshal that it's county business. If you don't have an arrangement with him then he'll offer to fix up your office a bit with some new windows, while if you do have an arrangement with him then refusing him decreases the arrangement by one level. If you still decide not to have anything to do with it, then Preston will go into the kitchen and solve the problem himself.

quote:

Some yelling rises up and then a shot is fired followed by a wet second. Preston ambles back out and his pistol is still smoking. "Everyone? You'll need to get your grub elsewhere for a while."

Over at the Mother Lode, if you've already visited the grave and haven't had an encounter with Billy yet then he'll be getting into an argument with the Mother Lode barkeep over a sack of gold and a set of measuring scales. If you're heartless you get this option:

quote:

A bullet is an easy cure for what ails.

A single shot is all it takes to end Billy's argument permanently.

(-10 Caraway)

Caraway 71+:"Oh, heck Laura, I liked Billy," Carrie sighs, "he won more than he lost, and laughed like a drunken mule, but I still did like him."

Caraway 51 to 70: "That's it. I ain't never turning my back on you," Carrie notes, "I liked Billy. He won more than he lost and laughed like a drunken mule, but I still liked him." (-20 Caraway)

Caraway 50-: "That's it. We're done. Billy won more than he lost and laughed like a drunken mule, but I liked him," Carrie notes coldly. "So don't come looking for me again on account of I'll be expecting you to be looking for me like you did Billy." (Caraway abandons you permanently)

You can intervene, or keep watching.

quote:

The barkeep is a fellow with blonde slicked back hair and a fairly white apron wrapped tight about him. Billy lays into him with a icy tongue but the other fella digs in his heels.

"...so weigh it right or you'll be paid in lead too," Billy concludes.

"Now Mister Tate... I don't rightly know what you're talking about," the barkeep says in soothing tones. "I've weighed your gold dust and that's what the scale says."

"I weighed it before I came into town and that ain't the weight," Billy warns and pulls his pistol slow.

At this point you can shoot him even if you aren't heartless, though it still has similar (if reduced) influence penalties to Carrie and the possibility of her abandoning you. You can keep watching him make threats, and then either intervene, arrest him or just do nothing, at which point the barkeep flees and Billy grabs his gold pouch and leaves. You take a law and order hit as the patrons witness your negligence, but they're more sympathetic if you have a deal with Preston since that means you left town matters to him.

At any point in this event you can intervene and talk to the two men.

quote:

Let Billy tell his side of things.
Billy bites his lip as he tries to calm himself down. At last he takes a deep breath, "I weighed my dust. It were twelve ounces and a little more. But this joker..." He jabs a shaky finger at the barkeep. "He's saying its eleven and a half. And I'm saying he's a liar."

"Do you have the scales with you?"

quote:
"Sure do. They're in the hotel and I'll get them for you," Billy offers.

The barkeep shakes his head, "If they were off before, who's to say the trip hasn't changed them more?"

It is something to take into account. When Billy returns he bears a simple set up of weights and a level scale. Nothing seems all that odd about them. The gold, when weighed, comes to eleven and a half ounces.

"That don't mean I'm wrong," Billy says, "if he's been stealing it, it'd be that weight.

Let the barkeep give his account.

quote:
"Marshal, I don't know if you remember me," the barkeep asks, "but I'm Floyd Hill, came over from New York on account of the rush and that I was tired of living rough in the city. Now, I ain't been here long, but I know how to work a scale. Its real easy. Except when people don't believe the numbers."

He sets out the scale the bar uses; a simple lever affair with weights. Not all that different from Billy's own really. The little pouch of gold does in fact weigh eleven and a half ounces and this is all by your own hand. A quick set on a separate prospectors scale confirms this.

"Floyd, I'd like to search you, just to put things to rest.

quote:
"Go ahead Marshal," Floyd allows and raises his hands to his side. "I ain't got no gold nuggets on me."

"Dust," Billy puts in. "I was trying to sell off dust."

A quick pat down the barkeep's pockets and seams doesn't find a thing. However, there is a speck on his finger, nearly buried in a swipe of hair grease; but that could be incidental.

"Tell me about that gold dust speck on your finger, Floyd.
"Must've stuck when I was seeing if it was all gold dust in there. You know, we have to do that on account of them sometimes mixing in rocks," Floyd says, "its happened before."

Ponder the facts and then come to a decision.

Pondering the facts gives you a bunch of information that changes based on if you're a lawyer or not (a lot more legalese), used Billy's scales, searched Floyd or have 41+ Persuasion or Intimidate to convince them to accept your decision or back down entirely.

quote:

"Billy is in the right. Twelve ounces as he weighed."
"Floyd is in the right, eleven and a half ounces as the bar scale has weighed."
"There isn't enough to make a decision either way."
"I believe I know what is really going on here."

quote:
Both men turn to you in full. Indeed, the whole saloon lends an ear.

"Floyd has a set of trick scales."
"Billy is running a line here."
"Floyd slipped a little dust into a hidden pocket while Billy wasn't looking."
"Billy lost the dust during his ride over."
"Floyd slipped some gold dust into his hair with the help of a little grease."
"Billy thought he was using a specially weighted pouch to get an extra half ounce."

Siding with Billy reduces law, siding with Floyd increases it, with it being more lawful to hear out both of them before making a decision. Saying there isn't enough information reduces law and order, but less so if you heard out both of them. If you try to explain what's really going on, most of the options reduce order and/or honor since it's not too difficult to check and find out you were wrong.

One decision ends things amicably...

quote:

"Billy lost the dust during his ride over."

The whole saloon gives out a sigh as they mull that prospect over.

"I... could have." Billy admits.

"The draw strings on the pouch were a bit loose," Floyd recalls.

"Yeah. Maybe they were. Which means the gold dust would still be in my saddle bags. I ain't lost anything," Billy says and offers his hand to the barkeep. "Sorry."

"No apology necessary," Floyd replies. "You thought you were in the right." (+1 Honor, +1 Order)

...but it's not necessarily the one that ends things correctly. At 71+ influence Carrie offers her own input when you're pondering the facts ("Ever wonder why barkeeps always slick their hair? Only one I ever knew that didn't, and they called him Honest Bob."). But you can still piece the clues together by yourself.

quote:

"Floyd slipped some gold dust into his hair with the help of a little grease."

The barkeep freezes in shock and it is impossible for everyone not to notice.

"Why you golden haired swindler..." Billy begins.

In a flash he reaches out, yanks at the man's greased hair and comes away with a handful that sparkles with a hint of gold.

"Everybody does it," Floyd mumbles largely to himself.

Arresting him, and settling things on that end, is a foregone conclusion. (+3 Law, +3 Order)

Afterwards you decide what to do with Billy- let him be, fine him, arrest him, or even boot him out of town, and you can keep some or all of the fine if you choose (+1 or +3 wealth).

If you're visiting Schmidt when you run into Billy, it's this scenario.

quote:

"You're a thief and a liar!" young Billy Tate declares in frothing terms then jabs a black calf skin covered finger at the bald topped assayer. "Its worth twice that!"

"Perhaps to a blind man in San Francisco," the assayer replies coolly.

Between them a pile of gold bits lies on one scale while another holds little led weights. The balance between them is perfect but the fan of local script in the assayers hand seems a little small.

Step forward, see what is the matter.

quote:
"Its thievery Marshal!" Billy says as you step forward. "Plain and simple."

"I'm afraid not, sir. I have weighed it and taken into account the impurity of the sample," the assayer counters then looks to you.

"Sorry Billy, but the assayer has spoken. If you think you are being cheated, go elsewhere."
"Billy, you are under arrest."
Whack Billy on the back of the head, drag him outside.
Stay quiet. This is town business, and the purview of the Sheriff.
Step outside and summon one of Preston's deputies.

quote:
You step outside and give Gleason, the nearest of Preston's deputies, the get-over-here gesture. He hurries over at a trot and doesn't have to ask a thing once he hears Billy's voice rise up inside.

The deputy pulls out his shotgun and cocks the hammer.

"Just watch your back scatter in there."
Gleason gives you a nod and heads on in. Moments later a shotgun blast rings out loud and clear. Consternation follows. (+5 Order)

"Free fire means free gold." (if heartless)
Gleason gives a grin and heads on in. Moments later, a shotgun blast rings out loud and clear. Consternation follows. After that has died down, Gleason steps back out to offer you a share of the 'unclaimed' gold. (-2 Honor, +5 Order, +5 Wealth)

"Its just a kid having a spat. Lay him out, but not for the grave.
Gleason gives a reluctant shrug and heads inside. A solid thump is heard and afterward Gleason returns dragging a limp but breathing Billy outside.

If you don't have a deal with Preston, then convincing Gleason to KO Billy requires 39+ Intimidate or 41+ Persuasion, otherwise it's the buckshot buffet.

Laura could arrest him now, but she's going to see how this plays out.

quote:

Stay quiet. This is town business, and the purview of the Sheriff.

"I won't have this, you little bald turd!" Billy all but spits out at the assayer and lays a hand on his pistol in a rather menacing fashion.

The assayer raises his hands and slowly backs away.

Pull my pistol and gun down Billy.

quote:
43+ Gunfighting: Billy never sees it coming as your pistol clears its holster. A single shot puts the young man on his back, permanently.

"Cold," Dan says as the gun smoke begins to clear. "You didn't need to do that." (-10 Schmidt, +7 Order, -5 Law, -5 Honor)

42- Gunfighting: Billy hears the whisk of your pistol as it clears its holster and spins like he were a ballerina. The two of you fire and the bullets cross each others black powder wakes. Billy's round nicks your shoulder but your own lays him out flat. (-1 Health, +7 Order, -3 Law, -3 Honor)
"Say, Dan. Think Billy knows how deep the hole he's standing in?" 62+ Schmidt)

quote:
"I don't think he's thinking right now," Dan replies softly then eases up behind the young man with nary a sound.

"Did... someone just put up a barn?" Billy asks as the shadow of the Prospector falls over him.

Its not even a struggle as Dan relieves the youngster of his weapon.
"Billy, everyone is watching." (47+ Persuasion)

quote:
"So's your mother," Billy snaps back at you then slowly turns around. "Oh, its you Marshal. I�uh�"

"Eloquent. Gotta give him that," Dan chuckles and steps forward to relieve the man of his weapon.
"Billy, I'm standing right here with my pistol cocked." (42+ Intimidate)

quote:
Billy hesitates finally looks behind and finds everyone, and especially you, staring at him, "Uh..."

A little shift of your pistol is enough for him to take his hand off of his own smoke-wagon. Everyone breathes easier afterward.

"He ain't stupid. Gotta give him that," Dan says then steps over to the cowed man and relieves him of his weapon.
Rush Billy.

quote:
43+ Brawling: You slip in behind the young fella and lay him out cold with a single blow. Everyone breathes easier afterward. After you relieve Billy of his weapon the man comes around and spares you the trouble of having to drag him outside. (+5 Order)

42- Brawling: Billy turns sharply as your foot scuffs the floor behind him. He fires wildly as you lay into him. A shot nicks your shoulder in passing. You quickly relieve the youngster of his weapon and bring him back to his feet. (-1 Health, +5 Order)
Wait.

quote:
"I'm going," Billy declares as he roughly gathers up his gold and sends the assayer's scales flying. "And I'll see you in hell."

Arrest him now that he has his hands full.
[quote]You pull Billy up short of the door with pistol easy in your hand.

"Ah crap," Billy says and can't do much more without scattering his little nuggets all over the place. (+5 Order)
Let him go.

quote:
Billy departs and everyone breathes easy afterward.
Schmidt 50-: "Hey, you didn't kill him," Dan notes.

While shooting him or punching him out does sound appealing, Laura doesn't need the boost to her Order stat. So it's time for the nonviolent approach (also, I like Billy's responses).

quote:

"Billy, everyone is watching."
"So's your mother," Billy snaps back at you then slowly turns around. "Oh, its you Marshal. I�uh�"

"Eloquent. Gotta give him that," Dan chuckles and steps forward to relieve the man of his weapon.

Billy is slow in coming around but he'll get there.

Give him a warning then let him go.
Fine him. (+3 Honor, +2 Law, or -2 Honor, +3 Wealth if you keep it for yourself)
Kick him out of town. (+4 Law, +4 Order, +2 Notoriety)
He's Preston's problem. (+5 Law, +5 Order)
Shoot him while he's down and take his gold too.
Arrest him. (+3 Order, +1 Honor, +1 Notoriety)

This series of choices can occur following the arrest of Billy on any of the three encounters, though it doesn't necessarily mean all of the arrest options lead here- for example, arresting Billy at the very start of his encounter in the Mother Lode leads here (which would have been Laura's choice had it fired after dealing with Carrie), while arresting him after rendering a decision has its own various branches.

Giving him a warning only sticks if you have the 39+ Persuasion or 36+ Intimidate (+3 Law, +3 Order, and a further +2 Notoriety if you used Intimidate to scare him straight), otherwise he just waves you off and you can either let him go (+3 Honor) or arrest him (+3 Order, +1 Honor, +1 Notoriety). If you take the Persuasion option he'll talk about how wants to court Becky but he's short on wealth this month, and if you have 10+ Wealth he'll wonder if maybe you're unfamiliar with that concept.

But we still have the Laura option...

quote:

Shoot him while he's down and take his gold too.

Down a back alley you let Billy have it. Easy enough afterward to box his belongings, including the gold. That the paperwork concerning the shooting gets lost is just a crying shame.

(Law, Order, and Honor reduced. Wealth greatly increased. Notoriety increased.) -5 Law, -5 Order, -5 Honor, +5 Notoriety, +8 Wealth = 48?)

With that out of the way you consider what comes next.

Killing him this way crosses his name off of the list, dumps her alignment stats, lines her pockets, increases notoriety, and doesn't upset any of her minions! What's more, it's an actual murder for the murder counter (the first one since Chapter 3), pushing her up to three (Danny, Harry Winthrop and now Billy Tate) and qualifying her for the Heartless tag at the end of the chapter. Billy sure knows how to treat a Marshal right.

Laura is moving up in the world! What could stop her now?

# ? Oct 15, 2019 09:22

Regallion: Nov 11, 2012

niiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiice

# ? Oct 15, 2019 10:27

achtungnight: Oct 5, 2014; I get my fun here. Enjoy!

Heartless Laura! Xigbar would be jealous of your style.

# ? Oct 15, 2019 11:09

Rogue AI Goddess: May 10, 2012; I enjoy the sight of humans on their knees.
That was a joke... unless..?

Nicely done.

# ? Oct 16, 2019 10:32

Xander77: Apr 6, 2009; Fuck it then. For another pit sandwich and some 'tater salad, I'll post a few more.

A lot of posters following this appreciate the recaps but don't feel like spamming the same "well done, keep this up" in response to each post.

I did rank the thread, just in case I forgot to do so in the past.

# ? Oct 16, 2019 11:27

LightWarden: Mar 18, 2007; Lander county's safe as heaven,
despite all the strife and boilin',
Tin Star,
Oh how she's an icon of the eastern west,
But now the time has come to end our song,
of the Tin Star, the Tin Star!

After three time segments in the investigation phase you trigger the dream sequence.

quote:

Late at night you rise from your blankets as thunder booms. The sky is a dark tapestry as lightning flashes from midnight clouds to dance atop jagged mountain peaks.

A harsh wind begins to blow and brings with it a drizzle of cold rain.

Something. Behind you. A snap turns finds only darkness.

Your throat grows tight. An itch creeps through your jaw but a swallow goes nowhere.

Hot white lightning bursts close at hand and sets the ground to roiling beneath your feet. As your vision clears a hooded figure all in black appears before you with a far too familiar twist of rope in hand.

The executioner almost casually loops the noose about your neck as if it had never left.

Yank the rope from the hangman's grip.
With all your might you yank the rope away from the executioner's grasp. With a low rumble, the ground shifts beneath your feet. The hooded figure begins a black laugh as you scramble for your life.

As you grasp the solid edge of things the figure darts in close and pushes back its hood.

Pull the figure in close.
You yank the figure in close and a sulfurous stench comes with it. Slowly, as if there is all the time in the world, the figure pushes back its hood.

Cut the noose.
Your knife all but leaps into hand. With a single slash you free yourself, but the figure darts in and grasps up the shorter end. Then, as if it has all the time in the world, it pushes back its hood.

"Who are you?"
The figure gives a soft pull of the rope and the noose tightens ever so slightly. Then it slowly pushes back its hood.

Scream.
The ground gives way beneath your feet and you plummet. The noose tightens about your neck and strangles you above an endless abyss. The figure steps out over the edge, peers down and ever so slowly pushes back its hood.

Fly into the sky. (46+ Resolve) (Ends the dream, +4 Survival)
Wake up! (Ends the dream, +2 Resolve)

Most of the responses are just flavor text, though you can punch out early and skip the reveal. By default it's Marshal Steele, and you can choose a response to how you feel about it to boost one of your skills.

quote:

The paunchy features of Marshal Steele are revealed. His head tilts, too sharply, to one side and you catch sight of silvery strings stretching on up into the roiling sky.",

The puppet-strings twitch and Steele's head rights itself. Then his thumbs gouge at your eyes.

That strange memory of Marshal Steele plays over and over again in your mind as dawn light fills the eastern sky.

He was a puppet, not a person. Nothing I could say to him mattered. (+4 Persuasion)
He was made of wood and I couldn't scare him off. (+4 Intimidate)
So close. He liked being up close, and I know I didn't want to be there. (+4 Sharpshooting)
Those strings of his. No knife could cut them. (+4 Brawling)
The way the ground shifted beneath me. It felt like something had exploded far below. (+6 Explosives)
I can't fight a puppet. At least, not like I'd fight a person. (+4 Stamina)

You just know the dream means something. Something terrible. Something that is coming.

But if you're a murderer, you might face the specter of one of your previous victims instead.

If you killed Ben Carson, then he'll appear if you have 51+ Honor.

quote:

The stern, leathery features of Ben Carson are revealed. He smiles a cold smile of far too many teeth as he raises up a boney finger and stabs toward your eye.

The memory of the very dead cowboy remains on your mind as dawn begins to fill the eastern sky. You can't help but think that every time you ride a horse he'll be watching and waiting. (+2 Riding)

If you killed Dan Schmidt, he'll appear if you have 51+ Order.

quote:

The gray grave features of Dan Schmidt are revealed. He glowers and the storm crackling behind him as he reaches an enormous hand out to crush your head.

The visceral memory of the dead prospector remains on your mind as dawn begins to fill the eastern sky. You can't help but wonder if somehow he'll be making trouble for you out there in the wild. (+2 Survival)

Similarly, kill Caraway Hartigan and she'll appear if you have 51+ Law.

quote:

Pale, bloodless skin greets the starlight as Miss Caraway is revealed. Her eyes match the storm as she opens her mouth and lets lightning spill forth to engulf you.

The searing memory of Miss Caraway remains on your mind as dawn slowly fills the eastern sky. You have to wonder if every time you draw your pistol she'll be there watching and waiting. (+2 Gunfighting)

If you don't meet any of the alignment requirements it checks for some of the other murder victims, with first priority going to Denny, the drover you could shoot after you got off the train in Chapter 1.

quote:

Mud spills out from beneath and worms wiggle down to reveal a man you brushed up against in California and shot for touching your horse. He raises up a hand creased by juts of bone and reaches for your throat.

The sharp memory of that dead drover remains on your mind as dawn slowly fills the eastern sky. You have to wonder if every time you raise your hand to someone he'll be there and watching. (+2 Survival)

Last option is Harry Winthrop, the tanner you could have murdered at the start of Chapter 3 to solve the slander problem.

quote:

Tiny silver coins spill out as the gray features of Harry Winthrop are revealed. He looks to you with shining silver eyes and bares a mouth filled with teeth as he lunges for your throat.

The sharp memory of Harry Winthrop remains on your mind as dawn slowly fills the eastern sky. You have to wonder if every time you so much as mention the law he'll be trying to dance upon your tongue. (+5 Legal)

But Laura isn't going to let some conscience ruin her sleep, it's time to take off early (plus the +4 Survival bonus from flying is higher than the +2 Survival bonus from the Denny reveal).

quote:

Fly into the sky.

(Survival increased) (+4 Survival)

You push away from the ground and soar. The rope uncoils endlessly behind you as you charge the stars above.

With a start, you awaken to a quiet land.

Time to round out the investigation of Preston Springs.

quote:

Go see Preston. The 'Sheriff' probably knew Marshal James.

As usual, J.T. Preston is in the dining room of the Grand Haven Hotel. A late breakfast is about to be served; a sliced potato topped with fried bacon and greasy cheese.

"Hey there Laura. Hope you slept well," Preston says as he gets to his feet to welcome you. "Is there something I can help you with?"

"I've got a question. Did you ever know a Marshal James?"

quote:
"James. Marshal James," Preston leans back from the table and considers the name. "Yes, yes I recall the man. Rough fella, a no nonsense strip of rawhide. He seemed to like threatening me with a stare. This was before I became Sheriff. Still, shame what happened to him. Man got shot, got buried and that was that. Except, of course, that they kept sending more marshals."

"When did he die?"
"Last year. Don't remember when exactly, " Preston says and takes a drink. "I do know he got buried up on Boot Hill. Facing east, if I recall correctly."

"How did he get shot?"
"With a pistol I expect. Though, I suppose a rifle or shotgun might have done it," Preston muses a moment. "Wait, this was around New Year's. That's right, everyone was shooting so no one heard the one that got him. When they found him, well there weren't much more to do but bury him on Boot Hill. Facing east, if I recall correctly."

"Who would want him dead?"

quote:
"Plenty of people," Preston notes then takes a drink. "He ruffled a lot of feathers around here."

"That include yours?"
"On occasion," Preston admits, "but I know we'd never have that sort of disagreement. And if you should happen to fall doing your duty, I'll buy you a coffin like I did for him. You can be together, facing east off of Old Boot Hill."

"Anyone in particular?"
"Couldn't say. I avoided him best I could, and he wasn't around all that much before the snows settled in," Preston says. "I expect things will be different with you. And if you should happen to fall doing your duty, I'll buy you a coffin like I did for him. You can be together, facing east off of Old Boot Hill."

"Turns out the Marshal's grave is empty."

quote:
"Someone stole my coffin?" Preston barks out incredulously. "Well, that tips my steer. You just can't trust anyone these days."

"You know anyone who would do something like that?"
"A few. And I'll be checking in on them, that's for certain," Preston promises. "After all, I did buy the pine boards."

"Think there's a market in second-hand coffins?"
"Probably," Preston muses, "if you were to dig them up quickly..."

"You know anything about a second marshal for the county?"

quote:
If it's still the first day of the investigation:"Nope. Why? Should I be worried?" Preston asks.

Post dream: "Matter of fact, a man did come by wearing a tin star. Had breakfast just over there," Preston notes. "I figured he was just passing through. But now I ain't so sure." (-5 Preston)
"I found out what that balloon was about."

quote:
"It was a balloon?" Preston ask then leans back in his chair. "Out here? In the midst of a wasteland? That's the strangest thing I've ever heard. Next thing you know, people will be talking bout airships. So, tell me more."

"It was a balloon. That's all."
"Pity. I'd hoped it was something... juicy," Preston sighs. (-3 Preston)

"It belonged to a band of monks who are setting up a hermitage in the mountains."
"Fine by me I supposed. Monks are men too, and if they don't drink or gamble then they'll play the ponies or some such," Preston notes.

"It belonged to a Mexican Condesa/Countessa. She's here with a band of monks, setting up a hermitage."
"A Countessa?" Preston blinks hard.

(Honor 29-) "Ah, you're just pulling my leg." (-5 Preston)
(Honor 30 to 49) "I want to believe you, but that sounds too bizarre." (-3 Preston)
(Honor 50 to 59) "That's what some woman told you? Strange."
(Honor 60+) "That's a better tale than that yarn about camels being round these parts." (+5 Preston)

"You ever heard of a Marshal Steele?"
"Can't say as I have," Preston says, "but then I don't generally get too friendly with any of those. If you're asking around about people, I'd suggest talking to Dan Schmidt. I heard he's in town again."

"That's all I need for now."
"Well, you know how I aim to please," Preston says and takes up his glass.

The talk with Preston can change based on your influence, if you have an arrangement with him, and if you went to visit the grave first plus there are different questions you can ask based on your suspicions. Laura's selfish motivations don't give up much, but there are some interesting ones out there.

quote:

"Did you see the Marshal buried?" (if Doubts are 1- Fake Marshal)
"No, I had other things to do. But a couple people around here probably carried the coffin over," Preston notes. "Why, you considering visiting with the departed?"

"The departed deserve as much, don't they?"
"I suppose they do. If they're family or close friends," Preston admits, "but it is the living I prefer to consort with. They're much more lively."

"I need to see something for myself."
"Well, if it ain't personal business then that'd be county business. So enjoy," Preston says.

"Know a good medium or conjurer?"
"There's one that comes through Elko from time to time. But its all mummery and farce. I paid good money to speak with my father; he just took it and stayed silent," Preston says then wrinkles his brow in thought. "You know, that might have been my father after all." (+5 Preston)

quote:

"Was there only one coffin on hand?" (if Doubts are 1- Fake Marshal, and visited the grave)
"There wasn't even that. Manfred had to build the thing. Fortunately, I had some good wood set aside," Preston explains.

"Where's Manfred now?"
"Left for California months ago. Family trouble," Preston says. "Which now sounds awfully coincidental."

"Just happened to have that sort of wood lying around?"
"I think he said he was gonna build himself a desk. Never got around to it though, had to run off to California on account of family troubles," Preston says. "Which now sounds awfully coincidental."

Preston and the dream basically represent the only time pressure the game has. In theory Marshal Steele is wandering around doing things and there are traces of mechanics to show it. The dream comes after 3 periods of action representing the first day, and if you show up at Preston's after the first day then Steele has already gotten there for breakfast and Preston is a bit suspicious of your business threatening the town's business. But since you can just not ask the question "You know anything about a second marshal for the county?" then you can avoid the minor influence hit entirely.

Then it's just a matter of finishing off the remaining leads in town.

quote:

Ask around a bit.
All it takes is a short walk out to the slaughter house to find Jeff Donner. As usual, the big man is elbow deep in blood.

"Absolutely I knew Marshal James. He seemed like a good man," the Butcher offers over without hesitation, "but he got shot in the back by some saddle-tramp that we never did find. But I helped make the coffin and carry him out to Boot Hill. Lots of others lent a hand too, even Preston. We buried him facing east because, well, because Simon always liked to watch the sunrise."

He blinks away a tear and stares into the distance for a long moment. The little hill, Boot Hill, lies in the same direction. Upon its rise you can just barely make out a set of crosses and tombstones.

Jeff absently turns back toward the slaughter house, "Uh, I gotta back to work. This town won't feed itself."

quote:

Ask around a bit.
You head on over to the Winthrop Tannery but Larry is in no mood to talk. Apparently you killing his brother has soured him for some reason.

Couple of dead ends here that don't actually provide any concrete evidence. If Harry is still around he'll slip you a bribe if you made an arrangement with him, and his dialogue changes depending on how civil you were to the brothers. Similarly, Jeff's response here is in full because he's opened up to the Marshal after the past few visits- if he was ignored it's a lot more terse.

quote:

Ask around a bit.
All it takes is a quick stroll over to the Mother-Lode for you to see Mother Maddy. Her white hair is bound up as usual though there is a hint of grease on the collar of her dark dress. She's been cooking or else watching someone cook. Could be either. Could be both.

She mixes a few green leaves into a beer barrel and stirs slow and steady while the question steeps, "Yes, I knew Marshal James. A good man. A good marshal too. Rare that. But goodness never last, and so he got shot in the back. I found him�in his office�he� No one can replace him. Not you, not this Steele fella. I swear I seen him before, somewhere, and that weren't the name he'd been using."

"Would you be willing to say that about Steele, out in the open?"
If she trusts you: "Of course I would," she says simply and returns to her work.
36+ Persuasion: "Maybe. Maybe yes. If you promise to protect me. I will," she says and returns to her work.
Otherwise: "And trust in you to 'protect' me? No," she says sternly and returns to her work.

"Mother Maddy, I need your help with this. Let us not let Steele smear the Marshal's good name by proxy." (40+ Persuasion)
"Yes. Yes, I can see that," she agrees. "I'll lend my voice when the time comes.

"I need you to say that, to say the honest truth, out in the open when I ask." (41+ Resolve)
"I get you, and I will," she promises. "When the time comes I'll lend you my voice."

"You're gonna say that about Steele, where everyone can hear. Understand?" (49+ Intimidate)
"Oh, I get what you're saying and I get why," she says coolly. "I heard enough of that over the years to know that I can't say no."

"If you don't tell everyone that about Steele, then best you start running right now." (if Heartless)
"Wolves run in packs, but its the lone ones that are always ravenous," she says coldly. "But I'll be there when you give a howl because I know that if they aren't well fed, wolves like you will keep coming by."

"Well, that's good to know."
"I'm glad," she replies and returns to her work.

Maddy is the first actual concrete lead you can get through asking the townies. Mother Maddy has a trust meter of her own that goes up (well, down- 0 is considered most trusted, 3 is least) when you visit her during the intermission chapters, and you can also annoy her by messing around with Frank Spear's injured body and dragging it all over her bar and tables instead of treating him on the floor. Choosing the Persuasion or Resolve choices improve her trust level by 1, choosing the Intimidate or Heartless choices worsen it by 1. Telling her "that's good to know" improves the trust level by 1, but doesn't get you her testimony as evidence.

quote:

Ask around a bit.

It is a shame you can't talk with Frank Spears anymore. He knew quite a few people from riding shotgun on stagecoaches in his youth. But with him being dead and all, that just isn't an option.

quote:

Ask around a bit.

You ask around here and there, but no one really knows all that much more.

As the game already suggested, Laura's reaping habits have cut her off from a few potential sources of evidence. One is Frank Spears, requiring him to survive the carriage ride.

quote:

It doesn't take much to track down Frank Spears; he's taking his ease in front of the assayers with a bucket of beer and his favorite ladle. He clambers to his feet as you approach, "Marshal."

You quickly set out the questions and he begins to nod along.

"Sure. There was a Marshal Steele down Arizona way for years. Started back before I was born. Gotta be old, lot older than that other fella you're talking about. Unless he comes from real good stock," Frank notes.

"I'd like you to say that in public when the time comes."
"This ain't public enough?" he asks then glances up and down the street. "Oh, you mean legal like. Sure, I'll do it. Got nothing on my plate but beer and sun anyway."

"I'd like you to stand witness when the time comes." (if Lawyer)
"Sure, sure. Maybe then someone will buy me a whiskey chaser when the time comes," he hints subtly.

"Good to know. Thanks."
"Glad I could help," he says as he settles back down and ladles himself out another sip of refreshment.

And the other is Andy Smith, which requires you to have saved his life when he was at death's door in Albion Falls.

quote:

You almost stumble into Andy Smith on main street. The man is far more hale than last you recall and even has a spring in his step.

"Marshal," he says warmly, "great to see you again."

After the pleasantries you lay out your questions.

"Its kind of funny but I think my mother had some correspondence with Marshal Steele from way back when. Well, he wasn't a marshal then, just a young man on the prowl."

"I need those letters, Andy. They could be vital."
"Oh. Well, I'll ride out and get them," Andy promises, "be back before you know it."

"Letters. Handwriting. Evidence."
"Yes, those are all words..." Andy considers, "oh, this is important to you? Well sure, I'll ride on out and see her. Be back before you know it."

"I get you. Take care now Andy."
"You too," he says and gives a wave before he departs with a spring in his step.

With Maddy, Frank and Andy you can always choose the last conversation option if you wanted to not collect the evidence for some reason.

quote:

Go see Carson. He'll make sense of things.

It is just a quick ride north to Albion Falls where Bishop Hancock proves willing to point you in the right direction.

You find Carson out in the valley, minding a little herd of lean heifers headed south. As you approach he tips his hat in greeting.

"What, no rifle shots to announce yourself? Or was that just a summer thing?" he asks wryly.

"I wanted to ask you about something about marshals."
"Ben Carson�do you mind if I just call you Ben?"
"Sure, go ahead Laura," Ben replies.

"How are things out here?"

quote:
"Well enough. I've got a little herd here that I'm bringing down from Big Bell. They're headed down to Jeff Donner and a quick, painless end," Ben explains. "Better now than later."

"Is there something wrong with these animals?"

quote:
"A few things. Bad legs, bad stomachs," Ben says. "Some got growths that ought not be on them. It happens and when they won't likely last the winter, we take them down to lay them down so they won't suffer."

"And you make some money."
"There is that too," Ben nods, "here on Earth most things have a price and this is one of them."

"That's kind of sad."
"Yeah, it is," Ben agrees, "but it has to be done or it gets done badly."
"Moving on�"

"Did Millie give birth yet? Is she well?"

quote:
"Oh my. I completely forgot about that," Ben admits sheepishly. "Yes, and yes. Its a girl and a healthy one too. Named it Laura after you just like we'd discussed. I got to tell you, I'm hoping this one's the last for a while; I'm not sure I've got enough house for any more."

"Not a terrible thing to worry about, all considered."
"Very true. Count your blessings and hold them dear," he says as he gazes fondly into the distance. (+2 Carson)

"If you need more house, I'd be willing to lend a hand."
"Very kind of you to offer," he replies. "I mean, I got enough neighbors to add something on come spring but a burden shared is a burden halved regardless. (+5 Carson)

quote:

"I wanted to ask you about something about marshals."

"Go ahead. Shoot," he asks then snorts at his own choice of words. "I mean, ask."

"Do you remember Marshal James?"
"Course I remember. Good man. Came on up to Albion Falls plenty of times, though I think he were sweet on the girls more than anything. But upholding the law kept him working and he'd be gone for weeks and sometimes months. From the sound of it, he was all over the county doing what needs done."

"Do you recall how he died?"
"I remember hearing�from a couple different people�that he'd been shot in the back round about Christmas or so," Ben ponders, "but it might have been New Years. I don't know the when. He passed on and they buried him, probably out on Boot Hill somewhere."

"Have you ever run across a marshal by the name of Steele. From Arizona."
"Arizona?" Ben muses. "You know, I do recall hearing something about it. Andy Smith would talk about how his mother nearly married a man called Steele. He liked the way it would have sounded as a last name. Well, anyway, Andy's mother didn't, but when she was baking pies, she'd reminisce about the letters she wrote the man."

Too bad Andy passed on. Those letters would've been a good thing to have.

"Forget all the questions. What I really want to know is, if you're going to be in town over the next few days, can I count on your rifle?"
51+ Carson: "Of course. Just leave word at the slaughterhouse about when and where," Ben offers and tips his hat, "and I'll be there." (Carson is now a companion for the showdown with Steele)

50- Carson: "I've got more to do than watch your back. Sorry," Ben replies then leads his little herd of steers onward.

"Well, that's great. Thanks Ben."
51+ Carson: "My pleasure," he says and tips his hat. (+2 Carson)
50- Carson: "Yeah, well, you're the law round these parts so I have to talk with you," he says absently. (+5 Carson)

"I've got to go."
"Guess you do," Ben shrugs and leads his little herd of steers onward. (-2 Carson)

Some minor conversation differences based on things like influence and if you knew about the pregnancy. Ben doesn't help that much with the investigation itself, but he does mention Andy's letters. It's mostly a social call with the option to borrow his firepower when you finally confront Steele. Laura won't be bothering him. He's a man with a job, a wife and a newborn (bearing Laura's name), but more importantly as a god- and law-respecting man he is not going to like what Laura is going to do to this charlatan interloper.

# ? Oct 18, 2019 07:24

achtungnight: Oct 5, 2014; I get my fun here. Enjoy!

Tin Star posted:

"Wolves run in packs, but its the lone ones that are always ravenous," she says coldly. "But I'll be there when you give a howl because I know that if they aren't well fed, wolves like you will keep coming by."

This game has the best dialogue.

# ? Oct 18, 2019 07:35

CountryMatters: Apr 8, 2009; IT KEEPS HAPPENING

It amuses me greatly that the religious upstanding mormon cowboy likes the mass murdering lunatic enough to name a kid after her

# ? Oct 18, 2019 08:44

LightWarden: Mar 18, 2007; Lander county's safe as heaven,
despite all the strife and boilin',
Tin Star,
Oh how she's an icon of the eastern west,
But now the time has come to end our song,
of the Tin Star, the Tin Star!

If nothing else, Laura is very, very, very good at telling people exactly what they want to hear.

Of the remaining options, Yiska, Tumbleweed Jack and the Telegraph Office are located down in Elko. It takes three turns to head down to Elko so it's usually faster to take care of them all at once. Not that the time really matters too much.

quote:

Seek out Yiska about this. His legal knowledge may be useful.

It is the time of the year that Yiska can be found at his office down in Elko. It is a bit of a ride, two days there and back again, but he and maybe a few others down that way can tell you more.

Ride to Elko.
Stay around town for now.

quote:

After two day's ride you reach the town of Elko.

It isn't all that much, just a few plank and timber buildings thrown up on both sides of the flotsam heavy Humboldt river. Even so, just a few years ago it was just cattle country that settlers and stage coaches rolled through. But then the trans-continental telegraph got laid along these parts and all of a sudden this sleepy little cattle crossing became important for keeping the little ticks and taps of the telegraph flowing east and west.

The streets aren't half as dusty as Preston Springs what with plenty of gravel mixed in from prospectorial mines. The usual bawdy saloons let their signs swing but farther on down the playbills for an outdoor theater are posted up. At the edge of things a trio of storage sheds sit side by side while men trundle out fresh telegraph posts and bales of copper wire to string them along the trail. Down the other way lies a cluster of lean-to's, six-pace wood houses and a flurry of tents that have shingles, some for doctors and such, hung up out front.

The only structure of any solidity is a squat stone jail set well off from everything else.

Yiska's office isn't difficult to find, being one of the few six pace house and furthermore marked with a storm worn plank into which are carved the words 'Yiska Navaho Shoshone - Indian Lawyer'.

The door is half open. It seems the man himself is in.

Head right on through the door.
As you set foot on the porch the wood gives a stern creak. From inside Yiska calls out above the protests of exterior wood, "Just a moment, please."

Wait a moment and study the office.
It is a modest affair all around. One door, two windows and a little pipe stove whose iron chimney pokes out the top. Must be cold in the winter.

Call out.
Yiska's voice readily answers back, "Hold a moment."

Footsteps. The door opens in full to reveal a young couple in Sunday bests. Black jacket, white shirt and red bow tie for the whiskerless fella; a bonnet with matching blue dress for the pretty young thing at his side.

Yiska himself wears a button down shirt and long tie. A pair of polished black shoes rounds out the lawyerly ensemble. His handsome native features, proud and potent as the nearby mountains, are flush with ready wit as he directs his clients off.

"Don't forget. Go see the justice of the peace straight away and get his mark," he reminds the pair. As they depart he notes you. "They are the Gantz family and they need a proper marriage certificate. Otherwise, well, they won't take otherwise, Tahoma."

Yiska guides you into his cramped office. Six steps in lie a pair of broad shelves so laden with books that the oak has begun to bow. At the far end rests a big wooden desk topped by a stack of thick papers and a steel tipped reservoir pen that must have come a long way. A half filled ink bottle and eyedropper for the same rests on a low shelf nearby.

He invites you to sit in one of the two chairs opposite his desk, takes the other opposite you.

"I wanted to talk with you about something personal first." [Start Romance]
"I need your professional opinion." (if Lawyer)
"I may be in a bit of a bind concerning a second marshal."
"I have this friend who is a federal marshal, and they just found that a second marshal is in their county."

quote:
Yiska listens attentively as you lay things out concerning your 'friend'. As you conclude he leans back in his chair.

Fortunately for your, your friend's answers may be close at hand," he says after a moment. "Please allow me a little while to find the relevant passages for a precise recitation."

Yiska explains more about his guests the more he likes you, and gets increasingly catty the more he dislikes you.

quote:

81+: "Those were Mister and Misses George Gantz. Or they will be once they get properly married. As it turns out, Tahoma, a saloon keeper can't join two people in matrimony no matter how much whiskey everyone drinks."

71 to 80: "The Gantz's need to be married again. It turns out, Tahoma, that a saloon keeper can't join two people in matrimony no matter how drunk they all are."

41 to 50: "Hey, you didn't threaten either of them, Tahoma. Is this a great day or what?"

31 to 40: "Hey, you didn't shoot them, Tahoma. Something must be bothering you."

30-: "It is past noon and the nothing is on fire, Tahoma. What is the occasion?"

Your approach just changes the dialogue a bit, so Laura will just take the opportunity to remind people just how many degrees she has.

quote:

"I need your professional opinion."

"Then please, ab initio," Yiska replies as he settles in to listen.

You swiftly lay out your troubles and concerns. When you conclude Yiska gives a little nod.

"It was prudent of you to seek out a colleague. As it happens, I recently consulted with a client concerning something similar," he then rises and steps for his little library. "Allow me to secure the relevant passage for a precise recitation."

Yiska takes up a thin volume entitled the 'The United States Constitution' from his library shelf. After a brief read he extracts another tome entitled 'Judiciary Acts, 1789 to present'. A simple flip of those crisp pages draws forth a serious nod.

Wait patiently for him to gather his thoughts.

quote:
After a time he taps the page, "I have an answer. Bear with me while I lay it out for you."
"Is there anything in there about squatters rights? Can I just shoot the man?"

quote:
"Ah, Tahoma, how I have missed your forthright declarations," Yiska considers as he runs a finger along a passage on the page. "The short answer is yes, of course you can. But doing so may not be legal."

The second option depends on what your doubt was- it's usually just a different line, but it's more involved if you suspect there's ghosts involved.

quote:

"I know this is an odd question, but do you believe in ghosts?

Yiska peers over at you from above the edge of the book, "That is an odd question. One does not generally go from questions of legal dominion to discussing spirits. At least, not without a lick of peyote."

"Forget I said anything."
"Do you think there are spirits of vengeance?"
"When I was young I believed all kinds of things. That dark riders with flames for eyes would punish those who did evil. When I went to study out east, I met many who were confident that the Great Spirit would smite the wicked," Yiska says. "However, it turned out that their definition of wicked varied greatly. That said, I have seen many unusual things and spoken with several men who might well fit your impression of a spirit of vengeance. So, yes, I believe. Now, let us move on to your earlier question."

"Have you ever known a dead man to get up and walk?" (if you already checked James' grave)

quote:
"Well, there is a precedent," Yiska notes, "recent precedent in fact. Some individuals fall into what doctors call a coma wherein they scarcely breathe and can adopt the pallor of the dead. Sometimes the person recovers, sometimes they do not. And sometimes they are buried too early."

"I knew there was a logical explanation."
Yiska listens as you describe the open grave that housed Marshal James. When you finish he gives a little cough, "I doubt that will hold up in court. Let us move on to something that will."

"The coffin was dug up from the outside and Marshal James was never seen again."
"That does make for an interesting fire-side tale," Yiska admits, "but let us stay to what will hold up in court."

"Getting shot in the back doesn't seem to be recoverable."
"Usually not," Yiska agrees, "so let us move on to the legal aspect of this."

quote:

Yiska lays the book out before you. The page he taps is entitled Judiciary Act of 1789.

"U.S. marshals were one of the first things set down by the founders of America. They acted primarily as federal representation within the states. Because of this, all appointments to the post are made by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Now, I know you haven't been confirmed. No one has owing to the tensions in Washington right now," Yiska explains as he settles into his chair. "After the assassination of Abraham Lincoln by the actor John Wilkes Booth�well, things got thrown into turmoil because nobody expected Vice President Johnson to be anything other than a drunk waiting in the wings."

"So, I haven't been confirmed? And I'm not a marshal?"

quote:
"Well, when this Marshal James you spoke of filled out your paperwork, he said it made you a provisional marshal. That is not quite accurate. You are more of a deputy, and that is something which he, as an appointed marshal, is legally capable of bestowing," Yiska explains.

"So, I am really a deputy marshal until the paperwork clears?"
"Precisely," Yiska says.

"Then this 'Marshal Steele'�"
"I will approach that presently," Yiska says.
"You hesitated there when talking about John Wilkes Booth."
"Well, I knew the Booth family. That is to say, I knew his older brother June from my brief stay in San Francisco and then met the more celebrated Edwin Booth in New York," Yiska explains. "They come from an acting family, heir to the legacy of Junius Brutus Booth. And I can tell you understand the Brutus reference vis a vis the assassination of Julius Caesar nearly two millenia ago. But I digress.

"Yes, I knew Edwin and June Booth, good men though only Edwin has his father's genius when he takes the stage. To watch the man portray Iago or Richard the third is to be thrown back into that very time as spectator. Sad how John Wilkes turned out, but certain causes make men do strange and terrible things."

"What is the trouble in Washington?"
"I would say the usual nails in a horse's hoof, but this time it is different. This time the Republican party is tearing itself apart. The more moderate Johnson is at loggerheads with his own party over the issue of reconstruction and other aspects pertaining to the now disbanded confederacy," Yiska explains, " and because of this the party is fast approaching a cliff and neither side seems eager to quit. Much of the work of congress, marshals included, is being delayed out of spite."

"What about Marshal Steele?"

quote:
"I honestly do not know the man. But chances are that someone else does," Yiska points out.

"You know someone I should ask?"
"Indeed. I know a man who can help. He's been just about everywhere and has brushed elbows with just about everyone. Old Dan Schmidt, though he really isn't all that old," Yiska says. "Though the question is whether or not he is around. I have heard that the man likes to travel and there is an annual buffalo hunt in Wyoming."

"What are you saying?"
"Three words. Trans-continental telegraph. Or is that two words due to the hyphen? Regardless, from the telegraph operator's shack here in Elko you can send messages nearly anywhere east or west. If there are answers to be found, here would be the place to ask your questions."

"Any chance you'll tell me what the name Tahoma means?"
"I imagine it will be some while," Yiska notes, "at least a year or more."

"What does this all mean for Marshal Steele and myself?"
"That is the question," Yiska nods. "There is no law that says only one marshal per county. That is merely custom and precedent. It could be broken any number of ways. Delays in receipt of letters for example, though that is less prevalent now with the telegraph. I suggest you proceed with caution for neither of you are on solid ground. Now, I hate to be a bother, especially to a client, but I also have other clients who have been waiting longer."

He ushers you to the door and offers the usual farewells as you step out.

quote:

Head back to Preston Springs.
Take in a play while I am down here.
Visit the trans-continental telegraph station.
Find Tumbleweed Jack.

It's always time for stat boosts.

quote:

Take in a play while I am down here.

You and a dozen others sit down to a play whose roots reach back to antiquity. One of the last, if not the last, of Shakespeare's tragedies; Coriolanus.

The Romans have only recently expelled the Tarquin kings when their city is freshly rocked by riot and hunger. The mob blames the Brilliant General Caius Martius for their empty bellies, and indeed several of the people's Tribunes work covertly to keep the blame squarely upon the man. However, word comes that a Volscian army has taken to the field against Rome and Caius leaves to city to its troubles in order to dispatch not one but two enemy armies in turn near the city of Corioles.

Hailed as a hero and given the name Coriolanus in honor of his triumph. Caius' mother urges her son to run for Consul, which he reluctantly does and, of course, wins handily. However, his enemies among the Tribunes still wish to see him fall and foment another riot. Called to account for this, Coriolanus dismisses the plebeians concerns and admonishes his fellows in the Senate that they are letting 'crows peck at eagles'.

This single line brings the justification that the Tribunes require. They charge Coriolanus with treason and have him banished from the city. Not to be outdone, Coriolanus replies 'It is Rome who is banished from me."

The cryptic remark bears fruit as Coriolanus travels to the Volscian city and asks their leader Aufidius to slay him in spite to Rome. Aufidius declines and then offers the Roman an army with which to crush the Romans. This Coriolanus agrees to do.

Rome is defeated in the field and the seven hills are laid siege to for days. It seems that Coriolanus will indeed conquer the city that had banished him, but then his mother, his wife and child, and a Vestal Virgin come to his camp and plead with him to turn aside his wrath. Realizing his error, Coriolanus instead has the Volscai sign a treaty of peace with Rome and withdraws the enemy army.

Predictably, Aufidius has Coriolanus killed upon his return. But the Roman knew that from the moment he agreed to lift the siege. And for that, Rome honors him still.

(Resolve slightly increased) (+2 Resolve)

Unlike other trips, this one isn't RNG-based. If you're in a deal with Hartigan you see Coriolanus (while Laura didn't make one originally, telling Carrie that she felt they could work something out counts as a minor deal). If you don't have a deal with Hartigan but you have one with Preston then you see the tragedy of Timon of Athens (+2 Survival). If you don't have a deal with either of them then you see the Merry Wives of Windsor (+2 Persuasion).

quote:

Find Tumbleweed Jack.

A few discrete questions around town steers you directly toward the domicile of Tumbleweed Jack.

The jail is a dark little cave set just a stone's throw from the river. Made of gray and crumbling stone that has many a crack stuffed with other crumbling slats of rock; the whole of it dribbling down into an ever widening pile.

It is also empty. But a steady thump on wood quickly draws you around to the rear. And there, there is Tumbleweed Jack with an ax in hand and two cotton wood saplings before him.

"Marshal?" he blinks repeatedly at the sight of you. "I�didn't expect to see you here. I mean, I, uh, remember that thing from before and, well, here I am."

"Tumbleweed Jack; prospering as usual."
"Funny one," Tumbleweed says and shakes his head slow. "I'm chopping up these here saplings so I can get some supper. This ain't like them lock ups back east. You don't work, you don't eat. Least, not more than dog-mash."

"Jack, what did you do?"
"It weren't my fault," Tumbleweed explains. "I got drunk with them Beard brothers and they, well, I don't rightly know what happened but they say I tried to jump the claim they got. Heck, it ain't even along the river. Why would I want to walk all the way up into the mountains day after day?"

"I got some questions that need answers."

Even if you let Tumbleweed Jack go, he still winds up in an easy-to-reach jail for a completely different charge.

quote:

"I got some questions that need answers."

"Since you're a marshal, that means this is business," Tumbleweed grins as he sets aside his ax and takes a seat on an old and worn tree stump. "And I swear I can smell a stew somewhere."

"Tell me what you know about Marshal James over in Preston Springs."

quote:
"What do I know? Not a lot, except he's dead and I� well, its best you know that I'm the one who pulled the trigger. And I got paid for it. But I reckon you want a bit more than that," Tumbleweed says, "it were last New Years eve when I done it."

He stretches a leg. When he is ready his words drip with regret.

"Now, I ain't gonna say it was my proudest moment. I'd been watching the Marshal, saw what hours he kept. Round near midnight, he broke up a drunken brawl in the Evening Star and that meant he'd go back to do the paperwork on it. Justifying his drinking there, I'd expect. Anyway, I saw him go in through the front and so I went around back, settled in at a notch where the wood had started to warp. I was quiet too, despite this cat that tried to trip me up. I peeked in on the Marshal, found him scribbling away. He had a coffee pot on the stove, it being cold out, and so I waited until he got thirsty then aimed right through the crack in the wall.

"It were a good shot. Took him right down. And what with every other fool firing their guns in celebration, no one came running."

"You were certain he was dead?"
"I went in to check. He got it through the lung so he was done for," Tumbleweed explains. "I was tempted to roll him over and take his badge, but I figured I'd best get going before my luck turned. My brother Brian wouldn't have wanted me to get caught avenging him, and so I left. When the ground thawed, they buried the body on Boot Hill. Nice coffin too. Not the cottonwood scrap they sometimes use."

"Funny thing, he's not in that coffin anymore."
"Don't joke about that," Tumbleweed says and gives a worried gulp when he sees your serious mien. A small and nervous laugh follows, "Don't be like that. Only one man ever came back and it weren't Marshal James."

"You ever steal a body?"
"Never for long," Tumbleweed says then falls silent at the implication. "Oh, I didn't touch that Marshal afterward. I left him right there�are you saying�someone stole�"

He gives a shrug and idly kicks the mud from his boots.

"If I'd know there was a market for it, well, too late for that now."

"You ever run into a Marshal Steele?"
"Can't say that I have," Tumbleweed shrugs and waits patiently for you to continue.

"Let's talk about what comes next for you."

quote:

"Let's talk about what comes next for you."
"Let me be honest," Tumbleweed begins, "and say that I'd like to be a free man just as much as anyone, and I'm willing to barter for it with what I know, or rather with what I haven't heard."

"Tell me what you know and you are a free man." (+2 Honor, -2 Law)
"I'll let you go if you tell me what you know." [lie] (-2 Honor, +2 Law, +2 Order)
"I can't make that kind of deal."
"I hear they serve a tasty potato mash here. That's good because you won't have many teeth." (Intimidate 38+, +5 Order))
"Jack, I can't promise anything on account of what you've done. But I will do what I can to have you serve your sentence where you won't freeze for four months." (Persuasion 36+, +5 Law, +2 Order)

If you tell him you can't make a deal he'll still give you the information if you have 66+ Honor, giving you the choice of either freeing him or leaving him in jail, with the same stat changes as the first two options, respectively.

Laura's going to tell him what he wants to hear.

quote:

"I'll let you go if you tell me what you know." [lie]

"Alright. Now, you know I got paid to kill marshals. Where I picked up my money was right here in Elko," Tumbleweed explains. "And this time around�there weren't no envelopes waiting for me. No messages through the telegraph neither. Its like they just pulled up stakes and left me behind. Guess they must have other plans now."

Other plans. That is certainly something to chew on.

Tumbleweed's anticipatory grin fades as you get up and walk away.

"Marshal? Marshal, we had a deal.�" then Jack's cursing starts and doesn't stop for a good long while.

(Honor slightly reduced, Order and Law slightly increased) (-2 Honor, +2 Order, +2 Law)

Then it's telegraph time.

quote:

Visit the trans-continental telegraph station.

The telegraphy shack isn't much. Solid pine wood walls house a place where the copper wire dips down, slips in one side, and then wanders out the other. Modest by all appearances, but the soft, rhythmic clacks that tumble out the door are a harbinger of great change that began just five years past.

A message can be sent from New York to San Francisco in a matter of hours instead of months. This is what truly brought California into the sisterhood of states instead of remaining an isolated paradise.

The door to the shack opens and a young, bespectacled man steps out. Twenty and some years with only a hint of whiskers, he eases out a cigar and prepares to nip the end with a knife.

"Hello there, I'm Laura Engels."

quote:
"Martin Baldwin," he replies and readily offers a hand. "Let me guess, you want to send a telegram?"
"Yes."

quote:
"Figured as much," Martin says then strikes a match and waves it under the tip of his cigar. "Otherwise, it'd be like going into a saloon for a glass of milk."
"No."

quote:
"Really?" Martin asks then strikes a match and waves it under the tip of his cigar. "Well, glad to meet you all the same."
"Actually, I had a few questions."

quote:
"Yeah. Well, fire away. I'm on a break," Martin says then strikes a match and waves it under the tip of his cigar.

"You there. I'm Marshal Engels and I need to use the telegraph."

quote:
"Of course you do," he replies, "I'm Martin Baldwin by the way. So, how urgent is your need?" (+1 Telegraph)

"Very."

quote:
"Usually is for marshals," Martin agrees then strikes a match and waves it under the tip of his cigar.
"You're lucky I didn't shove you back inside."

quote:
Martin strikes a match then waves it under the tip of his cigar, "Now that could have been unfortunate."
"It can wait a while."

quote:
"Glad to hear," Martin says then strikes a match and waves it under the tip of his cigar.
"Finish your cigar if you like."

quote:
"Most kind," Martin nods then strikes a match and waves it under the tip of his cigar.

"You the telegraph operator?"

quote:
"Good guess," the young man notes wryly. "I'm Martin Baldwin, and yes, I'm the operator and receiver. From that tin star I'd guess you are Marshal Engels."

There's a hidden mechanic in the form of the Telegraph score. It doesn't do much, just affects your notoriety at the end of this section. It goes up when you send more telegraphs, and also when you make it clear that you're an important person doing important business. Since Laura is busy being the best at being the worst, I'm taking the opportunity to boost it when I can.

quote:

The young man gives a puff of his cigar, turns a little green, and nearly retches up.

"Cigar not agreeing with you?"

quote:
"Not a whit. Maybe I should switch to cigarettes, even though they're for women," Martin manages to say between rough coughs.
"You don't smoke that much?"

quote:
"Nope. Just started. Gotta have something to wash the taste of copper out of my mouth," Martin says and waves away the obvious question along with a cough of smoke. "Hazards of a telegraph operator."
"Don't die on me. I've got questions." (+1 Telegraph)

quote:
"Trying," Martin managed to get out, "but it ain't as easy as it looks."
"I'm going to give you two seconds before that cigar is going somewhere you won't like." (if Heartless) (+1 Telegraph)

quote:
"Easy, easy," Martin coughs out. "I'm almost finished. Just gotta get the taste of copper out of my mouth."

quote:

The end of the cigar is snuffed by a pinch of fingers and the tobacco length retreats into a little wooden case in his pocket.

"Say, are you looking into the slaughter out at Red Ribbon?" (+1 Telegraph) Martin asks. "Among other things?" (+2 Telegraph)

"Of course. As Marshal, that is my top priority."

quote:
"Well, good luck with that. Lots of people round here are a bit skittish about the raid. Some say it were Indians, some say it were bandits."
Just stare at him.

quote:
"Oh. Right. Can't talk about it. Well, I wouldn't say nothing to no one, but I get you nonetheless. Some say it were Indians, some say it were bandits."
Give a little nod.

quote:
"Thought so. Some say it were Indians, some say it were bandits."

(if you suspect James was a ghost:)One fella even said it were a hanged man come to take his revenge on the living who'd done it.
"I say it were Indians with bandit guns," Martin puts in. "But anyway, what can I help you with."

"Yeah, and I think the dastardly culprit is close at hand." (if Heartless)

quote:
"Do you?" Martin asks eagerly. "I'll keep an eye out for anyone suspicious."

If you did something big in at least one of the previous two chapters Martin will ask about it- blowing up the dam, seizing the camp, the mining massacre (not that he knows the Marshal did it), clearing Hartigan's gang out of Echo canyon or escorting the wagon safely. You get +2 Telegraph for every except the massacre (which is just +1), and you can get a bonus for both chapters 3 and 4.

quote:

"Tell me about the telegraph here."
"Well, its real simple. Ah, heck. No, its not. Little bursts of electricity come along the wires to here. When they get to the magnet there�" he says and indicates a smooth black stone stuck to one end of a lever. Another rests on the other side of the table. As you watch, the westward one begins to shift down against a ribbon of white paper that lies beneath it, "see it moves just enough to mark those registers."

Soon that strip of white paper is indeed covered with black dots and dashes, "That is all in Morse code, on account that the wire doesn't carry actual words. But its close enough for those who know how to decode it."

The paper feeds out with each mark made and apparently doesn't need anyone there to mind it.

"Now, the signal is apt to be weak when it gets here, so what I do is repeat, dot for dot and dash for dash, the message on east or west as need be. Course, for that I need to put the zinc in the copper sulfate," Martin says then steps over to a jar of blue fluid, one of several, and gives the aqua waters a tap with a long strip of a silvery metal. "Putting these two together makes for a spark on our end and most days that is enough to send the signal on over to the next station and so on until it reaches its destination. Simple enough, right?"

quote:
"What exactly is copper sulfate?"

quote:
"Its something you don't want to breath in, let me tell you. They make it by putting copper in an acid bath. So, it got born rough and dishes it back out whenever possible. At the end of the day, my mouth tastes like I've been brushing with pennies," Martin says.
"Why zinc?"

quote:
"Don't know. It works though. Gets a little less shiny after a dip, but that could just be me. Haven't had to replace them in... well, a while," Martin says.
Just stand there and be impressed.

quote:
"Yeah, it is something alright. I expect every town will have one of these soon. Heck, maybe letter writing will become a lost art and it'll all be little sentences. Fifty words or less means you've really got to keep it short. No 'a', 'the' or 'of' if you can help it," Martin muses. "I swear, I'm all atwitter with the possibilities."

"How fast do the messages go?" (+1 Telegraph)
"Don't rightly know how quick it is. Fast. Mere moments from here to, say, Carson City. At least, most days it would be. Some of the wires came down east of here and it ain't patched up yet," Martin says. "So I get to take a rest until the register clacks again. Soon enough, the all clear will come and then I'll be elbows deep til sundown what with the messages all piled up."

Over yonder the westward register continues to click and clack out a message.

"Where does the telegraph reach?"

quote:
"Carson City to the west, Salt Lake City to the east," Martin replies. "Oh, that's for the local connection. It actually goes all the way from San Fran to New York. Plenty of other places too. Chicago, Washington D.C., Boston. If its big enough, they've got a station."

"What about down south?"

quote:
"Sure, but they don't have as big a net as the north on account of the recent ravages of war," Martin points out. "Sherman really did a number on Georgia. The Carolina's too from what I heard."
"Arizona, New Mexico, Texas?"

quote:
"Yeah, yeah. There too," Martin notes.

Flavor text. Then it's on to the actual messages.

quote:

"I'd like to send a message."

That is what I'm here for," Martin replies then dons a tidy little blue cap to mark his official transformation from bespectacled fella to telegrapher.

He takes out a pad of paper and readies a pen to write down what you want to say and where it needs to go.

"I need to contact Marshal James. City of San Francisco."
"Marshal James�" Martin says as he writes. "Common name. Hope there's not more than one."

"I need to contact the Department of the Treasury, Washington D.C." (if you spoke to Yiska)
"Best title it to the Secretary of Treasury himself, that way they'll look at it quick," Martin says as he jots down your request.

"I need to contact the authorities in New Orleans concerning a marshal who worked in Arizona and Southern Nevada. Last name of Steele." (if you spoke to Carrie or Dan)
"Steel�with an 'e'?" Martin asks then jots down your request. "I'll send it via the Los Angelos connection."

"I need to send a message to Washington D.C. To President Johnson."
Martin raises an eyebrow, "President Johnson, eh? Well, you are a marshal so I guess that makes sense. Mind you, from the chatter I've heard, he's not going to be particularly quick on the response."

"I need to contact Carson City and arrange to have Tumbleweed Jack put in the prison there before winter comes and kills him." (+5 Honor, +5 Law)
"I need to contact Carson City and arrange for the trial, and likely hanging, of Tumbleweed Jack." (-5 Honor, +5 Order)
"Another swinger for the hangman," Martin says with a dollop of black humor. "Didn't think he and the Beard brothers got into it that badly. Guess they did."

"Inform Carson City authorities that I'm dismissing charges against Tumbleweed Jack owing to a lack of evidence." (+5 Honor, -5 Law, -5 Order)
"We're done here."

The exact details regarding Tumbleweed Jack depend a bit on how you encountered him and whether or not you made a deal with him, but you can either release him back when you first encountered him, ignore him, transfer him to a better cell, free him via order, or just send him down the line. Since Laura got all she needed from him, it's one more for the pile. Farewell Tumbleweed Jack.

quote:

"Alright then. Remember, it doesn't take long for the message to get there, but you might be waiting a while for a reply," Martin says then dips the shiny zinc electrodes down into the blue solution of copper sulfate.

A snap and tingle fills the air like the morning before a storm. The taste of copper clings to the inside of your mouth for an instant and vanishes with a swallow. Almost immediately afterward, the register begins to tick down from the eastern wires; coding out a message to be relayed.

"No rest for the wicked," Martin notes as he adjusts his billed cap ever so slightly and returns to his labor.

The reply from Carson City comes fairly quick.

'Prisoner transfer approved STOP'
'Preliminary trial date set STOP'
'Proceedings to follow END'

And with that, the wheels of justice begin to turn for Tumbleweed Jack.

The answer from Marshal James comes after a few hours. A long, boring wait in this cow-town.

'Your message not understood STOP'
'You are Marshal for Lander county STOP'
'Be wary STOP'
'Be confident END'

That is clear enough, if not especially helpful.

Then it's just a matter of waiting for the responses. Marshal James and the resolution to Tumbleweed Jack's fate come within the first turn.

If you were struck by lightning, you get an additional scene before the replies start coming in.

quote:

A miniature arc of lightning bridges the gulf between you and the metal ends with an audible snap of a summer storm. The crisp air is swiftly marred by a touch of copper that disappears only with a swallow.

"What the..." Martin stares over at you in disbelief. "Did you just see..." (+2 Telegraph)

"Happens around me sometimes."

quote:
"I heard of lightning fast gunslingers, but you... you've got to be the first Electric Marshal," Martin says in disbelief that gives way to awe. "I... I gotta write that down."

"Got hit by lightning once."

quote:
"Spectacular. Got hit by lightning and it left its mark," Martin says with rising awe. "I gotta write that down. Nothing is stranger than real life."

Just shrug.

quote:
"Aw, come on. Did you see it?" Martin asks. "There was a lick of lightning between you and... are you packing something special there Marshal?"

Walk away.

quote:
You leave Martin sputtering on about licks of lightning and step back out into the fresh air.

It's an expansion of the Marshal's legend.

quote:

Wait for more telegrams

The inquiry into Marshal Steele's background finds you waiting half the day. But eventually Martin steps out of the shack and gives you a wave, "It's a long one, Marshal. And I think the man is on the other end is waiting for you to reply."

'I am Marshal Steele STOP'
'Retired last year STOP'
'Why the inquiry END'

Ah, you've got the fake Marshal dead to rights now.

Martin invites you back into the shack and settles in beside the sending lever.

'Someone using your name STOP Claims to be a marshal END'
Soon enough the register moves in reply.

'It happens STOP'
'Shoot the bastard STOP'

The receiver wavers a moment then adds.

'Wait STOP'
'Describe suspect END'

Describe the Marshal Steele that I met in Preston Springs.
The usual long pause follows your effusive prose.

'May be my cousin Walter STOP'
'If you want to kill him STOP'
'Don't END'

There is a long pause. Perhaps some confusion on the other end.

'I ask you to arrest him STOP'
'Don't shoot END'

That at least is pretty clear.

'Who does your cousin work for? END'
The expected pause follows.

'Hired gun STOP'
'Sometimes with badge STOP'
'Recently employed by company STOP'
'Manning Upton Pickett END'

Cousin Walter might be working for a business of some kind. Strange.

'How good is your Cousin with a pistol? END'
The pause that follows is a heavy one.

'Better than me END'

Well, of course he is.

'When did you retire? END'
The receiver begins to shift soon after.

'Two years past STOP'
'Took bullet in side during war STOP'
'Could not get it out END'

'Anything else you wish to say? END'
The receiver shifts but briefly in reply.

'Good Luck END'

'Goodbye Marshal END'
And with that the strange conversation is over.

quote:

Martin leans back in his chair and gives a whistle, "That was amazing. Heck, the whole situation is. I mean, stolen identity, mysterious incorporation, and a certain gun duel to follow. You live quite the life."

"I suppose I do."

quote:
"Guess its hard to notice that when you're in the middle of it," Martin says knowingly.

"It only sounds that way."

quote:
"Yeah," Martin agrees, "its exciting to read about Odysseus and the fact that he can't get home to his Penelope, but the man himself would certainly disagree."

"No. No, I don't."

quote:
"I get you," Martin says somberly, "I... never shot no one. Never had to even try. You're carrying around a burden that is heavier than a mountain."

Head for the door.

quote:
You leave Martin to his work of flicking electric sparks along copper wires hundreds of miles long.

quote:

Wait for more telegrams.
You spend the night in Elko, waken to the lowing of cows and the crisp clacking of the telegraph shack. Before you can gulp down a bit of trail bread and think to boil coffee, Martin steps out and waves you over with a crisp telegram in hand, "You're gonna like this."

At the bottom of the page is the name Hugh McCulloch, Secretary of Treasury and above it lie the words;

'Your message received STOP'
'Several marshals named Steele have been appointed STOP'
'None for Lander County STOP'
'Marshal of Lander County remains vacant STOP'
'Appointment of Laura Engels pending END'

And there you have it, bright as the coming day.

quote:

Wait for more telegram messages.
You wait and wait. Lunch comes round, then supper. Martin returns to his shift at the telegraph and takes over for a man with hairy mutton chops.

Finally Martin steps out of the shack and waves you over. A crisp telegram rests in his hand, "I can't believe he actually replied in person!"

The message reads;

'Marshal Engels I have received your message and reviewed same STOP'
'Discrepancy concerning your pending appointment and Mister Steele is troubling STOP'
'Secretary of Treasury McCulloch informs me that you are slotted for appointment to Lander County STOP'
'Other Marshal is not pending for Lander County STOP'
'Suggest you arrest miscreant at earliest convenience END'

There at the bottom of the single page are the words 'Andrew Johnson, Pres U.S.' plain as day.

Martin follows you out into the street and shadows your step for several paces before at last he clears his throat to speak.

"Can I ask what you're gonna do, Marshal?" he wonders as the telegraph register clacks on behind the two of you. "I mean, this is gonna get spread around pretty quick. Lotta people are gonna want to know what is coming."

"Hell's coming, for that lying Mister Steele."

quote:
Telegraph 8+ "I hear you, and I almost pity the poor fool," Martin says as he steps back toward his shack with an eager twitch of fingers. (+7 Notoriety)

Telegraph 6 to 7: "Yeah, I expect it is," Martin agrees as he steps back toward his shack with a sudden twitch of fingers. (+5 Notoriety)

Telegraph 4 to 5: "As you say Marshal," Martin agrees as he steps back toward his shack with an idle twitch of fingers. (+3 Notoriety)

"Well, I'm gonna draw on him and he's gonna draw on me. Then, we'll see."

quote:
Telegraph 8+: "That's the way its done," Martin says then steps back toward his shack with an eager twitch of fingers. (+5 Notoriety, +2 Honor)

Telegraph 6 to 7: "I'll be waiting on the word then," Martin notes then steps back toward his shack with a sudden twitch of fingers. (+3 Notoriety, +1 Honor)

Telegraph 4 to 5: "I imagine you will, one way or another," Martin agrees then steps back toward his shack with an idle twitch of fingers. (+2 Notoriety)

"If I can talk it over with him, that's fine. If we have to throw down, that's fine too."

quote:
Telegraph 8+: "You're covered either way," Martin nods then steps back toward his shack with an eager twitch of fingers. (+4 Notoriety, +3 Honor)

Telegraph 6 to 7: "Guess it comes down to whether he's willing to talk," Martin notes then steps back toward his shack with a sudden twitch of fingers. (+1 Notoriety, +2 Honor)

Telegraph 4 to 5: "Giving him a way out is more than most would do," Martin ponders then steps back toward his shack with an idle twitch of fingers. (+1 Honor)

"I'm going to serve up justice, however I can."

quote:
Telegraph 8+: "Yeah. That's how I would say it," Martin nods then steps back toward his shack with an eager twitch of fingers. (+2 Notoriety, +5 Honor)

Telegraph 6 to 7: "That's one way to say it," Martin notes then steps back toward his shack with a sudden twitch of fingers. (+3 Honor)

Telegraph 4 to 5: "If you say so Marshal," Martin ponders then steps back toward his shack with an idle twitch of fingers. (+1 Honor)
"This has to be settled and settled right. That's for certain."

quote:
Telegraph 8+ "Justice plays no favorites and the Law serves all men," Martin says then steps back toward his shack with an eager twitch of fingers. (+5 Honor)

Telegraph 6 to 7: "The dispute must be settled or there is no law," Martin notes then steps back toward his shack with a sudden twitch of fingers. (+3 Honor)

Telegraph 4 to 5:"Settled one way or another," Martin ponders then steps back toward his shack with an idle twitch of fingers. (+1 Honor)

If your telegraph score is less than 4 then you haven't drawn Martin's interest enough and you can leave without comment. Otherwise he has something to say, and your responses determine

quote:

"Hell's coming, for that lying Mister Steele."
"I hear you, and I almost pity the poor fool," Martin says as he steps back toward his shack with an eager twitch of fingers.

(Notoriety greatly increased) (+7 Notoriety)

Head back to Preston Springs.
Stay around Elko for a little while.

There's nothing else to do in town.

quote:

Stay around Elko for a little while.
You step out and ponder what the little cattle town has to offer.

Head back to Preston Springs.

Time to head on back to Preston Springs. Laura is going to make a social call and then a man is going to die.

# ? Oct 23, 2019 07:11

Regallion: Nov 11, 2012

oh that's not the part where we drown the guy in battery fluid?

# ? Oct 23, 2019 08:19

LightWarden: Mar 18, 2007; Lander county's safe as heaven,
despite all the strife and boilin',
Tin Star,
Oh how she's an icon of the eastern west,
But now the time has come to end our song,
of the Tin Star, the Tin Star!

Martin has survived this encounter with Laura, but his next encounter may be different.

quote:

You saddle up and take ride on back to Preston Springs.

Ponder what I know.

quote:
Whoever is behind this is trying to ease you away from being the Marshal for Lander county. You certainly aren't about to give up your position because of someone else's say so. And this is about more than just having facts in hand. You need to convince people that you are right or else this could get bloody. The townsfolk have already seen several marshals come and go, and so your passing might just be one more. Worse, if enough of them decide they like Steele better, well, they've got pistols and rifles too.

That the grave of Marshal James is empty will be a disquieting thing to the townsfolk. Most liked the man and the desecration will make them thoughtful.

That you have Dan for an eyewitness as to the identity or lack therein of Roger Steele could be crucial. Though there are several Steeles who are marshals, and people can be mistaken. Still, people seem to trust Dan and that could matter for more.

Having Preston on your side in this, or at least having talked to him about it, could go a long way to making sure he doesn't interfere. After all, if the man chooses a side, he has four heavily armed deputies to make it stick.

Mother Maddy's word isn't law but she knows things and people around these parts trust her. That could be important.

The testimony of Jack 'Tumbleweed' Kent will go a long way to convincing people that something larger is at work here. That he got stretched is a problem, but if you explain it as though it were a death-bed confession then that should ease a lot of worries.

Marshal James' telegraph isn't exactly definitive, especially coming from a supposedly dead man. But he is still a recognized marshal by the state and the little piece of paper certainly does cast doubt on Steele's explanation of things.

Having a telegraph from Washington, specifically from Hugh McCulloch, the Secretary of the Treasury himself, pretty much puts paid to anything Steele might try and say. The only question is whether or not people will accept a piece of paper as evidence. It is in the proper format and was legally sent and received, but most of them don't know a whit of all that.

The tidy little pile of telegrams from your conversation with the retired Marshal Steele in New Orleans is pretty effective proof that something is badly amiss and that a certain Marshal Steele in Nevada isn't a marshal at all. Of course, someone is bound to point out that you could have been talking to the wrong Steele. There are more than one of them after all.

A telegraph from the President is no small thing. Even if you faked it such an effort could be easily exposed and everyone knows that.

If Frank Spears testified: Frank knows about Marshal Steele from Arizona; specifically the age of the man and how unlikely it is that he'd be quite so spry as to come to Nevada in his retirement.

If you got Andy Smith's letters: If Andy's mother's letters are as he said then you've got a handwriting sample to test against Marshal Steele. Possible direct evidence too and not just people talking about this or that because when people write something down in confidence it is important.

Head to the lobby of the Grand Haven Hotel and confront Steele with what I know.

Pondering reveals all the evidence you've accumulated so far, which in Laura's case is every lead she left alive, and one she didn't. She's pretty well-set.

quote:

Head to the lobby of the Grand Haven Hotel and confront Steele with what I know.

Your boots pound across the floor of the Grand Haven Hotel as you step inside with your pistol holstered but ready. There is not a sign of 'Marshal' Steele but a swirl of the registry tells you he hasn't checked out. Not unless he left all his luggage and made a sudden run for the hills. "He's not here," a woman's lovely voice sings out and you instantly recognize it as belonging to Miss Maria Agustina.

You turn and find the Mexican noblewoman by the window with a slim book in hand. Her long, dark hair is kept in place by a net of silver that plays well off a summer green dress. A fringe of lace darts about the cuffs and hem right down to polished black shoes. A matching belt, green with a silver buckle, completes the ensemble.

Her gaze is a steady one that meets yours for but a moment before she glances back down upon her little tome, "At least, I assume you are looking for Mister Steele?"

"I am."
"You are focused to a fine point, aren't you? Should I leave the county?"

Steele isn't here. Figures. Just when you were getting your dander up.

"Sorry, you said 'Mister' Steele�what happened to 'Marshal' Steele?"
"Oh, there may be a Marshal Steele somewhere beneath those whiskers, but he is not likely to come out any time soon," she relates calmly. "We had a long talk, him and I. Long enough for me to know that he knows he is not here to enforce laws.

Steele isn't here. That's quite a letdown. But he can't be far, at least not if what Maria implies is true. (+2 Maria)

"Do you know where he is?"
"I believe he is making friends at one of the saloons," she tilts her head back toward the street, "and paying a great deal of money for drinks and such. Far more than an ordinary marshal might consider prudent."

Steele isn't here. That's quite a letdown from what you anticipated. But he can't be far, not if what Maria implies is true.

Maria's line about '"focused to a fine point" scales with the Marshal's Intimidate. At 40- it's "leave you to it", 41 to 45 is "leave the hotel", 46 to 50 is "leave the town", and 51+ is "leave the county".

quote:

A solid thump upon the floorboards makes you turn as Carlos fills the doorway. Maria's uncle appears little different than he had at your first meeting; his nearly bald head is only partially hidden by the jaunt of a tilted, round brimmed hat. In his hand rests a stout mug and judging from the nip of it in the air, it is not merely coffee.

"I see you there, Laura. I saw you before you got up this morning," he warns lightly, "and I will be there when you bed down again."

"Are you�propositioning me?"

quote:
If the Marshal is a man: "No, no!" he waves away the very idea. "I merely intimated... that is, you sleeping and I... never mind." He wanders away. That leaves you and Maria to chuckle over the whole thing. (+5 Maria)

If the Marshal is a woman: "I would never extend such a blatant offer to a lady," he notes warmly but there is something in his eyes that is very cold. "One does not drape pearls over swine. Or... what is the idiot... idiom? Forget it." He wanders away. That leaves you and Maria to shake your heads over the whole exchange.

If the Marshal doesn't have a gender: I am not certain. Did it sound as such? My English, you understand, I speak it rarely," he says absently and wanders away. (+5 Maria)

"I always wanted an angel to watch over me."
"So did I. Once," Carlos says and glances toward the main room of the hotel. "If you should see one, send them by. I could use the rest. He wanders away. That leaves you and Maria to chuckle over the whole thing. (+5 Maria)

"When do you sleep then?""Never," he replies and from the tone you know it is not entirely bravado.

He turns and wanders absently back into the hotel. That leaves you and Maria to stare after him. (+5 Maria)

Most of the responses are an easy way to get some influence with Maria.

quote:

"Forgive my uncle. He prefers the hot lands of his birth," she suggests after a long pause. "Emperor Maximilian�well, things are not going well down there."

"Sorry, Emperor Maximilian?"
"Yes, we've had an emperor for a number of years now," she indicates. "He came over from Austria to rule us in our time of troubles. But things have gone poorly."

"Things are not well in Mexico?"
"No. I fear not. There are many battles. Men and armies striving to control. The Emperor on one side and Juarez on the other," she sighs, "there is much death and destruction. Things were simpler once, but now even the simplest thing is very difficult."

"How does this affect Zapopan where you are Condesa? Or your uncle in Puebla?"
"I can not speak for the province or city of Puebla, but I know that Zapopan and indeed all of Jalisco has suffered. Ravaged really. For when armies march they always leave hungry mouths behind. And when people can not eat, they often steal or kill."

"Let us talk about more immediate concerns."

quote:

"Let us talk about more immediate concerns."

"Yes. A different topic, if not a different subject," she says briskly and glances ever so briefly down the hall. Her Uncle stands by the fire in the main room with a cup of something in hand and definitely seems to be out of earshot.

"Has Steele said anything in particular about what he's after?"
"No. A failing on his part in several ways. Any law enforcer will gladly tell you what he's about," she explains softly. "Which laws he finds important, which kinds of people he has found to be troublesome, and so on. The older they are, the more they know�but Steele does not speak about such things. Ergo, Mister Steele is not here for the laws."

"What exactly has Steele been up to?"
"I couldn't say. His coming and goings are not mine to espy," she replies, "however, I have permitted Eduardo to inspect the saloons and shops here, as a good guardaespaidas should. He says that Roger, Mister Steele, has paid regular calls upon all three saloons as well as the Tannery and Assayers. From what he can tell, making friends is the 'Marshal's' highest priority here. Indeed, he has already dined with Sheriff Preston."

"Did those monks get set up alright?"
"Yes. The brothers are preparing the ground for the hermitage even as we speak," she says and glances out a nearby window at the distant mountains. "One day, alas not anytime soon, there will a sacred place away from the turmoils of man; a beacon for those who wish to come and pray in the still silence of distant peaks."

When she turns back her eyes are as calm as a rare summer day. (+5 Maria)

"How have you been getting along?"
"Just fine, thank you," she says as she idly tugs at the sleeves of her long dress. "It is different than I expected, of course. Indeed, I did not know what to think at all coming across the ocean. I suspected there would be hovels. Trail and track instead of road or rail. Coyotes in the distance not unlike untended dogs. Mountains though, I am always at home amid mountains and so, yes, I believe I am comfortable here."

Move on to more important things.

Infodump time.

quote:

"While I've got a minute, I was wondering if we could talk a bit. Just you and me."

"I certainly have the time," she replies readily and invites you to sit across from her with an elegant sweep of her hand. "Shall I begin or would you prefer to take the lead?"

"Can you tell me a little of where you come from?"

quote:
"How to describe it�" she muses a moment, "I could say much of the mountains. Many poets have. I could say much of the sea, as sailors do. But to me Mexico is far more than the land; it is the flower that blooms in the garden and the wild, the promise of something beautiful yet brief."

"Beautiful yet brief. That's true for a great many things."
"Indeed. Rare are those that endure unchanged as gold or jewel, " she notes. (+2 Maria)
"The poetry that lives only in the soul."
"Yes, you could say that," she nods slowly in agreement. "If you wait too long then you find it withered. If you grasp too soon then there are only thorns." (+5 Maria)

"I don't understand. Your country is a flower?"
"Were you British this would be a ready association. They do so understand gardening. But out here, there are no gardens. At least, not those cultivated for flowers. Crops, yes, but if it can not be eaten, it is not to be planted," she muses on her own words. "At least, not yet. Perhaps that is why I enjoy this land. It could be ever so much."

"Seas and mountains�"
"And the land between is implied," she notes. "Valleys and flatlands with a hint of desert, though nothing quite so expansive as that which lies just beyond the door."

"Where did you grow up?"

quote:
"Many places. That is the advantage of nobility. My father sent me abroad early for the war with the Americans was upon us. I visited Toledo, Santarosa, Madrid and Valencia during my early years. Then came studies in Paris, London, and Prague. Your New York is the only city that comes close to those," she says proudly. (+2 Maria)

"It isn't exactly my New York."
"Oh, but I thought... never mind," she says and tries to hide a little blush.

"Perhaps if you went farther west until you were in actually in the far east..." (if Chinese)
"Oh, but of course," she says and covers her mouth ever so briefly in regret. "I... almost forgot you... it is not important.

"San Francisco is more my kind of place. You can always get a great view of the mountains."
"I imagine, and the weather is always so fair. I wish I had time to live there for a few years, but I fear there will be none of that for me," she notes with a hint of sadness.

"Big cities are fine, but it is in the small villages that people truly live."
"In the peace and solitude of work and worship," she agrees, "at those quiet places where we can open our minds and hearts." (+2 Maria)

"What does a young lady study?"
"Everything," Maria says. "And I am only slightly exaggerating. You see, we are expected to know history, science, etiquette, art, scripture, and more. There is nothing we do not brush against in the hope that it will improve our veneer." (+2 Maria)

"I still can't get over how complex your name is."
"Maria Agustina Theresa, Maria de Zapopan, Maria de la Descalzas Reales, Maria Paulina de Toledo y Santarosa�" she readily recites, "is a complex name. Indeed it must be to distinguish me from the others."

"Others?"
"Others of a title and also named Maria. There are more than you might think," she explains with an even smile. "Maria Agustina Theresa is my given name. I am also Maria of Zapopan, which is my declared home. Descalzas Reales is included owing to my efforts. De Toledo y Santarosa refers first to my Father's lineage and then my Mother's. All of this is so that I will not be mistaken for anyone else."

"Sorry, what does the Descalzas Reales portion of your full name mean?

quote:
"Ah, now that requires some explanation. A long one I fear," she notes and waits on your assent.

"Another time then."

quote:
"As you wish," she replies evenly.

"Please, tell me."

quote:
"Have you heard of the Monasterio de las Descalzas Reales? It is a convent in the care of the Poor Clares, and its name, 'Monastery of the Barefoot Royals', is most apt for many women from titled families have gone there for their vows. I had thought to do the same, but my father wished to make a match with another powerful family and summoned me from quieter confines," she explains wistfully. "I was scheduled to cross the ocean once again, likely for the last time, but I could not leave the convent lighter than when I had come; you see, my dowry had to come away with me.

"They had a magnificent church there, as you might expect. However, there had been a fire just before I arrived and it had eaten up the retablo. That I could not let stand; and so I decided to arrange for a replacement. As no ordinary replacement could substitute for the works of De Mora and Beccara, I petitioned the King himself and after some extra-ordinary correspondence, of which I was only a small part, the convent received a new altar, one that had been commissioned by Phillip the Fifth over a hundred and fifty years before to commemorate the beatification of the Jesuit Jean-Francois Regis.

"It was a masterwork and included a sculpted relief by Rosconi and several canvasses by Michel-Ange Houasse. Sadly, I myself saw it in completion only once and that in passing. But there is a marble statue of Joanna of Austria in the chapel that I can yet contemplate whenever I close my eyes. If you are ever in Madrid, you simply must arrange to see the convent." (+5 Maria)

There's a lot of places to rack up influence with Maria in this section through nothing more than conversation.

quote:

"Is there something you wished to ask me?"

"Indeed," she says then idly taps at the book by her side. "I am fascinated at how�liberated, the state of Nevada seems to be. Those such as ourselves are rarely afforded such an opportunity. That you are of Chinese extraction makes it all the more exotic. But people around here are wondering how you came to wear a badge."

"I am who I am. I make no apologies for that."
"This place has changed me, for the better I'd hope."
"This place has begun to twist me, and not for the better."
"You are kind of a gossip, aren't you?"
"It is what those with titles do with their time. I, less so than others," she explains with a hint of a smile.

Maria gets an influence boost if the Marshal responds with Honor/Law/Order at 61+, or a penalty if the Marshal's alignment scores are 40-. Laura is not a very moral person, so she just dodges the question entirely.

quote:

"How important are your titles to you?"
quote:
"They are part of me. I would rather remove a finger or toe than let them go. That is half my troubles you see. What my family earns, we wish to keep. What we marry into applies fully to that," she explains.

"Is that why you are out here? A marriage?"
"Indeed, or rather because I have been party to a complicated, and doomed, marriage," she says with a sigh.

"I like that. It'd make a great phrase for a coat of arms."
"Quod nos mereri, servemus," she recites in Latin, "and yes, we have long considered adding it and would have but for the alternate translation of mereri as 'deserve' and not earn. But of course you already know that." (if you're a lawyer, she assumes you know Latin, otherwise she'll explain it more)

"You have a married name, but I haven't heard anything about your husband."

quote:
"Nor will you, I expect. I am widowed. It happened very early in our marriage. Indeed, not long after consummating our vows in the wedding bed he�collapsed, and did not recover," she says and looks down a long moment. When she looks up her eyes are twin pools of loss. "I do not pretend to understand God's will in the matter, but if there is a reason then I cannot see it."

"He died�where exactly?"

quote:
"In my arms. You see, earlier he had chosen to wear his full finery to honor me, heavy gold braid, layers of silk and brocade. And in the end, it prove his heart's undoing," she says softly. "And that thrust the entire arrangement, political, financial, and social, into a disarray."

"How old was he?"

quote:
"Just twenty years my senior. A span, yes, but we had much in common," she relates with regret. "And the other matches that had been proposed to my father were far worse. I would have been a good wife, but with the marriage sealed and the groom passed away, the entire arrangement, political, financial, and social, fell into a disarray."

"It must have come as a surprise to everyone."

quote:
"Indeed, most of all the groom himself. He wore his full finery to honor me, heavy gold braid, layers of silk and brocade, and it proved too much for his heart. He collapsed in my arms and that is when the rumors began. They accused me of�things and for that reason, amongst others, the entire arrangement, political, financial, and social, likewise fell into a disarray," she explains softly.

"You are out here on account of your marriage?"
"On account of my being widowed so neatly. Vows before God and consummated before witnesses are binding, but for those who press the issue there are courts and�other methods. Already they spread lies about me, calling me a virgin widow. A cruel twist on the name of the Basilica of the Virgin of Zapopan where we said our vows. But words are not enough for some. More than a few of my husband's family would like me to be buried alongside him, as a convenience," she relates in steady tones that bristle with long familiar anger. "I, of course, refused such a 'settlement' and so�after a little 'disagreement' with some 'debaters', my father bade me to hinterlands until the matter has resolved itself. I have done so, in my uncle's care, to the most remote and most interesting locale I could imagine. A proposed hermitage in Nevada."

"This is all very confusing."

quote:

"This is all very confusing."

"Yes it is," she admits. "I barely understand the twists and turns as they relate to myself. There are almost certainly many that are hidden from my sight."

"Can you explain this all in simpler terms?"
"Perhaps," she muses. "I am here because there are those who are trying to murder me in order that I and my family not inherit my deceased husband's estate. This is the most remote, most difficult place to which I could retire without being entirely cast away from civilization." (-5 Maria)

"Your husband's death threw everyone's plans into the air. To settle that, some would wish you murdered. To prevent this, your father arranged for you to travel here to take part in the founding of a hermitage; this being the very edge of civilization."
"Indeed. I am glad you have been listening," she notes with a small smile. (+5 Maria)

"Let's just skip all that."
"You may do so. I may not, " she notes coolly. (-5 Maria)

The more of the conversation options you explored, the more comprehensive the recap response is and the more influence you gain from it.

quote:

"You are a fascinating woman. I would very much like to know you better." [Begin Romance]
"I think we could have a bond of friendship, you and I."
"That's a great story. Thanks for telling it. I've got to go."
"Don't let me keep you," she replies readily then returns to her book. "I believe you shall find Steele in the Babylon saloon, holding court. That is to say, he is no doubt trying to buy all that others will sell of themselves."

Maria's romance and friendship options differ a bit from the others this chapter in that they're not based on having a high enough influence, but a high enough honor. 51+ is the minimum, with better results at 61+. Laura's current honor is... 3.

quote:

The Babylon saloon fairly churns with townsfolk. Oil lamps are lit against the settling dusk and rambunctious laughter roils out from within.

Dan lumbers over and tilts an ear toward the ongoing festivities, "Sounds like quite a soiree."

Carrie ambles out from an alley and lounges beside the Babylon's swinging doors, "Shall we?"

There is no reason to talk to Steele. I need only pull my gun, go in straight in to throw down against the man.
I had best keep my pistol holstered as I head in. Innocents could be caught up in the crossfire or hit by back scatter.
Head in and immediately begin laying out my evidence to those that Steele so desperately wants on his side.

Ben only shows up if you specifically invited him when you came out to see him, but Dan and Carrie show up as long as you visited them during your investigation. Laura is going to go in with her gun holstered, less out of concern for the patrons and more

quote:

I had best keep my pistol holstered as I head in. Innocents could be caught up in the crossfire or hit by back scatter.

You step inside as if you were just in for a drink. The luxurious interior is grand as always with polished brass fixtures and yawning mirror behind the bar. Paintings of distant parts of the world flicker in the oil light; indeed they shift and stir as if you could step through the canvass and be right there in far off lands.

The saloon is pretty well packed, with people rubbing elbows at the bar and at least four to a table. You briefly catch sight of Sam Pitcavage shuffling cards for a game of faro then dealing them out one by one.

It seems like tonight, like most nights, the Babylon is the place to be.

"The Gibsons, I'll handle them," Carrie whispers over then saunters right on back toward a couple of seedy fellas.

Dan plunges right into the nearby crowd and begins to greet everyone in turn.

if Ben were here: Ben moseys up to the bar and quietly waits to be served.

A burst of laughter erupts from the end of the bar. There the imposter Steele pours out drinks from a nearly empty whiskey bottle as he schmoozes with a cluster of men and women whose red ties and scarves burnish their gold pocket watches and earrings.

He looks up and catches your eye. With a deliberate slowness he sets down the bottle, "What are you doing here?"

"I've come to arrest you. Throw up your hands."

quote:
"You can't arrest me without charge," Steele replies and settles his palms on his pistols. "So, what exactly is your charge?"

"Impersonating a U.S. marshal."
"Resisting arrest."
"Bleeding in public." (if Heartless)
"If you don't surrender your side-arm, there will be trouble."
"I need to talk with you about some of the things I've uncovered recently."

quote:
"Look... Laura, I already know what you know. Weren't hard to figure out," Steele says as he slides a palm down to rest atop his pistol grip. "You ain't no marshal because you said that Marshal James made you one, except he's been dead nearly a year now."

From the grumbles in the saloon a lot of people have a lot of questions about you. This has all the makings of a vigilante mob, the kind that won't let you slip through the noose a second time.

Try and take him into custody anyway.
Lay out my case to the saloon.

"I name you an imposter and I have the evidence to prove it."

Minor detail, but Sam Pitcage's description in the scene changes based on whatever you convinced him to do.

The easiest way to settle up with Steele is to simply arrest him. Normally he refuses to budge when you state your charges, but with around 50-odd Intimidate his tune changes.

quote:

"You... you got my pistol then," he says and lets you ease forward to take the weapon from its holster.

It varies from charge to charge- 53+ Intimidate for resisting arrest or impersonating a marshal, 51+ for telling him to surrender his side-arm. If you go in with your pistol out the difficulty drops around 2 points and you can also use your notoriety instead- 21+ for impersonation, 19+ for resisting arrest, 17+ for surrendering his sidearm. So if you wanted to speedrun this chapter you could skip the entire investigation, walk straight into the saloon and tell this nerd to give you his badge and gun. Laura is scary enough to pull that off, but that does leave this imposter annoyingly alive.

If you're not scary enough, you have the choice of either laying out your case or starting a fight to take him into custody.

The showdown with Steele is a bit different from the other fights since it's a series of hazards you have to manage. There are basically four problems that need to be sorted out.

1) Steele himself.
2) The Gibson brothers, Steele's hired muscle.
3) Ralph the bartender
4) The crowd.

Steele is more or less the Marshal's problem, but each of the remaining three can be handled by one of your companions- Carrie will take the Gibsons, Ben will handle Ralph, and Dan will keep the crowd from getting out of hand. For each companion you don't have, you've got to take care of things yourself.

Steele has a wariness score that depends on how threatening the Marshal was coming in- if the Marshal came in with a gun in hand it's at the maximum of 3 (so Steele also has his gun out) but it can be lower if they talked first. At 3 wariness it's do-or-die time, you need 51+ Gunfighting to get a shot in on Steele before he kills you outright, and he'll still injure you in the process. It's 47+ Gunfighting at 2 Wariness, and 42+ at 1, but failing those just means an injury (though the injury is less severe the less wary Steele is).

With Steele down, Carrie will take down the Gibsons, or it's up to you. You can gun them down with 44+ Gunfighting, or beat them down with 40+ Brawling, but you'll get a minor injury either way. Failing the check means it's -3 health compared to the -1 for succeeding (and you empty your pistol if you failed the gunfighting check). Alternatively, you can call on Dan or Ben to take care of them, but that means you're going to have to deal with whichever threat they were going to deal with. Similarly, ducking for cover will have one of them take care of the threat, or lets you wait it out entirely if you're alone (you're still dealing with everything else though, so it's not that much of an advantage).

With the Gibsons dealt with it's on to Ralph the bartender if you don't have Ben to knock him out. He's not really against you, it's just that as far as he can tell you came in, shot a US Marshal (and two other guys) and he doesn't know what's going on. He's got a shotgun so he's still a threat.

quote:

"Not in my bar!" Ralph the bartender, ordinarily a portly and ordinarily easy-going soul, roars out. "There'll be no murdering here!"

His fingers twitch against the twin triggers of the shotgun but thankfully those are not on a hair-trigger.

"Calm down Ralph."

quote:
"No," Ralph says. His every breath is a heated rush of air. "You shot a U.S. marshal! I saw it with my own eyes!"

"I am a U.S. marshal."

quote:
"I know. But he says you ain't," Ralph points toward where Steele is slumped against the bar.

"Of course he'd say that. He's an imposter."
(Order 51+) "I..." Ralph begins then slowly sets the shotgun down. "I know you try and keep things peaceable, but I just don't know who to believe."
(Law 61+) "I guess. Maybe," Ralph sighs and slowly sets the shotgun down. "I seen you out and about, but I just don't know who to believe."

"I promise to resolve this without further bloodshed.
(Honor 51+) "Well alright," Ralph says then sets the shotgun down slowly. "I'll take your word for it."

"Ralph, set the shotgun down. Now." (Intimidate 37+)
The Bartender hears the promise in your voice and warily sets the shotgun down atop the bar, "Didn't mean nothing personal. I was just..."

"Ralph, you don't want to shoot anyone, do you?" (Persuasion 37+)
"No. No I don't," he admits then slowly sets the shotgun down atop the bar.

"Ralph, you don't have jurisdiction here. Not where marshals are concerned. (if Lawyer)
"Oh, right. I don't," Ralph says as he sets the shotgun down on the bar. "Now... wait a minute." Too late. You slide the shotgun away.

"Ralph, just pointing your gun at a marshal is a serious offense." (20+Legal)
"Oh, yeah, sorry there Marshal," Ralph says as he sets the shotgun down on the bar. "Now... wait a minute." Too late. You slide the shotgun away.

Stare him down.
(Intimidate 41+) Ralph gives a little gulp and then slowly sets the shotgun down, "I... didn't mean... I just wanted Roger there to get some help."

"Sam, vouch for me!" (if Sam Pitcage is present)
"She's a trail worthy gal, Ralph!" Sam declares. Ralph glances at Sam then briefly clears his throat before he sets the shotgun down on the bar, "Well, if you say so..."

"It'll be alright. I'm a doctor." (if you're a doctor)
"Oh. Yeah," Ralph nods as he sets the shotgun down on the bar. "I forgot."

"Ralph, you don't want to murder anyone, do you?" (if 41+ Persuasion)

quote:
"No," he says as he bites down on his own words. "I... you just came in and there was... I like Roger there, and you shot him."

"He left me no choice.

quote:
"He's the Marshal!" Ralph points out.

"So?"
Steele's wet voice rises up from nearby with a simple plea, "Ralph..."

Your world explodes as a double blast erupts from the bartender's shotgun.

"So am I."
Ralph sets the shotgun down, "I'm so confused."

"And I'll see he gets a doctor."
"Will you?" Ralph asks then slowly sets the shotgun down on the bar. "That's fine then... I just got worked up, that's all.

"That's alright. I'm a doctor." (if a Doctor)
"Oh. Yeah. Kinda forgot," Ralph says then quickly sets the shotgun down on the bar. "I just got worked up, that's all."

"Schmidt!" (if Dan hasn't done anything yet)
Dan steps forward but manages not to loom, "Ralph, Laura here is in the right. Trust me." "Well alright," Ralph replies as he slowly sets the shotgun down. "I just want Roger there to get some help. That's all." (prevents Dan from doing anything in the last phase)

"Carrie!"
A single shot rings out and creases Ralph in the neck. The shotgun falls out of line but his finger brushes the trigger. The blast rips out and takes a chunk of your shoulder with it. (-2 Health)

Disable my pistol.
With a quick motion you remove the bullets from your weapon. Ralph sighs in relief as he sets the shotgun down. "I just don't want anyone else shot," he explains. (empties your pistol)

If Ralph's shotgun goes off it's an instant kill in almost every case except for having Carrie shoot him, so getting him to put it down is very important (and failing any of the checks results in him shooting you).

After Ralph puts the gun down the crowd panics and begins to surge towards the exit. If you still have Dan he'll yell to command their attention, otherwise it's stampede time.

To deal with the stampede you've got several possible options. You can push your way through with 45+ Brawling or 41+ Stamina, shoot a round into the ceiling with 45+ Sharpshooting (and having at least one remaining bullet) to get them to clear out, let out a yell with 41+ Survival or 49+ Stamina to startle them out of your way, curse and growl with 41+ Intimidate or 44+ Resolve, or you can call on Ben or Carrie. Ben will shoot the ceiling as well with 51+ Influence, while Carrie has her own method of crowd control...

quote:

Carrie opens fire straight into the crowd. Men scream and fall, a lamp shatters and flames lick at the wood, but the majority are divert and leave only rivulets of blood to dribble your way. Carrie sends you a smug grin as she holsters a still smoking hand cannon. There is nothing left to do but confront the still slumped Steele. (-5 Honor, -5 Order)

Failing the checks (or choosing to follow the crowd outside instead of resisting) means that Steele has enough time to pick himself off the floor for one final encounter. Failing to push your way through, shoot the ceiling (either you or Ben with 50- Influence), or spooking the crowd too hard with a failed Survival/Stamina check means that things get out of hand, a lamp breaks, a fire starts and people end up injured/dead in the Carnage at the Evening Star internal flag (which also gets triggered if you put Carrie on crowd control duty). But if you succeed you can wrap things up with the disabled Steele.

If Steele had enough time to recover then the final encounter is fairly simple. You can shoot him straight in the chest as long you have a bullet left, no check required.

quote:

Your single shot brings the man down.

If you telegraphed Marshal Steele: No doubt the actual Marshal Steele in New Orleans will be upset about that.
(if Heartless) But if he couldn't take a joke he shouldn't have retired.

The saloon is quiet as you holster your pistol and take your leave.

Taking him alive takes 41+ Gunfighting, with 51+ to shoot his gun from his hand, or 41 to 50 to hit him in the arm, 40- means he kills you instead.

You can melee him with 36+ Brawling, though it takes 46+ to do it without getting injured in return for a hefty -3 health. Failing entirely is also fatal.

If you try to shoot him but you emptied your gun in the earlier fights then you're going to die unless you have a companion with you.

quote:

Your hammer clacks on an empty chamber.

"My lucky day," Steele chuckles wetly as he takes steady aim.

If Carrie is present: Carrie's twin guns thunder and the false Marshal collapses. "Talk or shoot," she says as gun smoke wraps wreathes about her, "not both." (-5 Carway)

If Ben is present: Ben's rifle barks and the false Marshal's weapon flies messily from his hand. "That's enough," the Cowboy says as gun smoke curls out his barrel. "I saw attempted murder and I'll say the same in court." (-5 Carson

If Dan is present: Dan's fist crashes down upon the back of Steele's head and drops the Imposter like a rag doll. "Not lucky enough," Dan remarks as he scoops the man up and sets him over shoulder. "Now, let's get you to a nice warm cell so you'll be able to stand trial and then be hung afterward." (-5 Schmidt)

Instead of doing it yourself you can call on one of your companions to take him down for you with the same effects- Ben and Dan capture him, Carrie kills him (and the scene can be a bit different too like "Dan rushes through the back door like a raging bear. Steele barely has a chance to gurgle a scream before he is plowed into the bar."). And if you emptied your gun or you don't remember how many rounds you fired you can still choose to reload and then pick from the option of shooting him in either the chest or hand to kill or capture him.

A violent outcome is pretty tempting, but Laura is still a lawyer somehow, and she didn't run around the county collecting evidence for the past week just to throw it all away. Plus out in the telegraph station she learned a couple of things about the legal system and received a request from the other Marshal Steele. There's more than one way to solve this fake marshal problem...

Next time- the Trial of the False Marshal Roger Steele. You can probably guess what the verdict and sentence will be!

LightWarden fucked around with this message at 07:14 on Oct 28, 2019

# ? Oct 28, 2019 07:10

achtungnight: Oct 5, 2014; I get my fun here. Enjoy!

Guilty, death.

# ? Oct 28, 2019 07:43

Xander77: Apr 6, 2009; Fuck it then. For another pit sandwich and some 'tater salad, I'll post a few more.

Did we miss out on the Gibsons, or do you have to keep them alive for the trial?

# ? Oct 28, 2019 12:09

achtungnight: Oct 5, 2014; I get my fun here. Enjoy!

Xander77 posted:

Did we miss out on the Gibsons, or do you have to keep them alive for the trial?

I think the Gibsons only become an issue if you decide to fight Steele or he attacks you. Otherwise they fade away in the crowd (if he�s arrested or tried & convicted).

# ? Oct 28, 2019 13:18

LightWarden: Mar 18, 2007; Lander county's safe as heaven,
despite all the strife and boilin',
Tin Star,
Oh how she's an icon of the eastern west,
But now the time has come to end our song,
of the Tin Star, the Tin Star!

The investigation is all about collecting up to 11 different pieces of evidence, which get added to a hidden evidence score. Most pieces are worth only one point, but some are worth more. The evidence (and their values) that you can collect are as follows:

-Mother Maddy's testimony (1)
-Franks Spears' testimony (1)
-J.T. Preston's testimony (1)
-Dan Schmidt's testimony (1)
-Tumbleweed Jack's confession (1)
-Visit to Marshal James' grave (1)
-Andy Smith's letters (2)
-Telegram from Marshal James (1)
-Telegram from Marshal Steele (5)
-Telegram from the Secretary of the Treasury (5)
-Telegram from President Johnson (5)

Once you actually start the confrontation, you use your evidence and skills to boost the hidden crowd appeal mechanic. A higher crowd appeal means that the crowd is on your side and is looking to see justice done, or at very least won't get in your way.

quote:

"I name you an imposter and I have the evidence to prove it."

The whole saloon turns an ear as you begin to lay things out. At the edges, some grimace and turn away, bitten by the aspect of your race.

Start slow for the benefit of the inebriated folks and bring out the smallest pieces of evidence first. (Approach 1)
Weave together a startling tale of treachery and deceit. (if a lawyer- Approach 2)
Start with the salacious bits and then spoon-feed the other facts to the saloon. (If Legal 21+- Approach 2)
Start out big and bold then let things develop from there. (Evidence 11+, Approach 3)
Hit out with my biggest piece then let the little things fill in afterward. (Approach 3)

You get a boost to crowd appeal at the start based on your skills- +2 crowd appeal for 51+ Persuasion ("The whole saloon turns an ear as you begin to lay things out."), +1 crowd appeal for either 41 to 50 Persuasion ("Those nearby bend an ear as you begin to lay things out.") or 41+ Resolve ("Those nearby can't help but listen as you begin to lay things out."), but -1 crowd appeal if you're a Native marshal ("At the edges, some grimace and turn away, bitten by the aspect of your race.")

There are three approaches- Small to Big, Mixed, and Big to Small, and each of those approaches has the evidence divided among three phases. A piece of evidence may appear in multiple phases of one approach, but you can only submit a given piece of evidence once, causing it to be unavailable for any later phase.

Here's the Small to Big approach.

Approach 1, Phase 1 posted:

Move on to larger issues. (go to Phase 2)
"You all know Mother Maddy who runs the Mother-Lode? Well, she doesn't like Mister Steele. Not one bit."
"Now, Frank Spears is a regular around these parts. Well, he remembers hearing about a Marshal Steele when he was a wee thing. Think about that, how many years does Frank have on him and how many must Steele then have?"
"I had a long talk with Mister Preston. And he's got some concerns too."
"You might remember Tumbleweed Jack. Well, he had some interesting things to tell me the last time we met."
"I saw Dan Schmidt recently. Did you know he met Marshal Steele? Did you know that Steele was supposedly getting old even then?"
"Now, this other little fact happened some time back. But where Marshal James is buried... the coffin ain't there anymore."
"I've got a telegraph from Marshal James here, straight from San Francisco."

Pretty much running down the line is the best way to do things. The testimonies from Mother Maddy, Frank Spears, Preston and Dan aren't inherently valuable by themselves, but they boost crowd appeal by +1 if you've called upon at least one of the others. Maddy and Frank's get boosts if you've called on the other one already, Preston's gives a boost for both Frank and Maddy, Dan gives a boost if you've already called on Frank.

Tumbleweed Jack's testimony depends on what happened to Tumbleweed Jack afterwards- it's +3 Law and +1 appeal if he's still in jail (transferred or otherwise), +3 order and +2 appeal if he was hung, or a ruckus if you let him go: either +3 honor at 61+ Honor, or -2 Honor, -1 evidence and -1 appeal at 49- Honor because they think you're crooked.

Telling them about the empty grave does nothing on its own other than make Steele think you're telling ghost stories, but it does set the stage for the reveal of Marshal James' telegraph and a +2 appeal. Telling them about the telegraph before you tell them about the grave is just -1 evidence and -1 appeal since everyone knows the Marshal is dead.

Approach 1, Phase 2 posted:

Move on to the big stuff. (go to Phase 3)
"Dan here will testify that he knew a Marshal Steele from Arizona years ago. The same one you supposedly see here today."
"You all know Andy Smith, don't you? Well, his mother corresponded with a Marshal Steele... indeed they courted, years ago. And the letters are here to prove it."

Revealing Dan's testimony in Phase 2 instead results in Steele insinuating that he's only saying things because he's friends with the Marshal, Dan's testimony still gives +2 appeal if you're at 51+ Honor, but only +1 if you're at 50- Honor and they think you put him up to it.

Andy's letters give +1 appeal each if you've already called on Dan and Frank.

Approach 1, Phase 3 posted:

End the oratory and confront the imposter. (ends the trial)
"I have here a telegram direct from President Johnson himself. In it he indicates that I and I alone am the Marshal designate for Lander County."
"I have a telegram from the Secretary of Treasury indicating that I am the sole Marshal designate for Lander County."
"I have this telegram from a Marshal Steele in New Orleans. He is the same one who worked down in Arizona and he has plenty to say."

The telegrams in Phase 3 of Approach 1 follow a similar format- Steele tries to convince the crowd that the Marshal bribed the telegraph office to forge them. At 49- Honor, it actually works for your first telegram submitted, giving -1 to appeal and evidence. Otherwise the telegram offers at least +1 appeal, and a further appeal boost based if it's the second or third telegram you submit and your current crowd appeal- at higher appeals you get a higher bonus since the crowd is less inclined to believe his claims. President Johnson's telegram is unique in that if you submit it first with 0 appeal, it also adds nothing to the appeal because the crowd has no idea what's going on anymore, but provides +2 appeal instead of +1 if you submit it first with an appeal of 3 or more. For the highest bonuses, it's probably best to go Steele, then the Secretary then President Johnson.

Whenever you've taken an action, you can get a sense for your crowd appeal based on the audience reaction:

quote:

0 Appeal: Most of the patrons are far more interested in their beer and games.
1 Appeal: The patrons of the saloon chat quietly with neighbors while you talk.
2 Appeal: Some are listening to what you are saying.
3 Appeal: Most everyone is paying attention.
4 Appeal: The saloon is quiet as they listen to you talk.
5 Appeal: The room is dividing into two sections; those that agree and those who are undecided.
6 Appeal: Most of the crowd seems to accept your evidence.

Once you've hit 7+ Crowd Appeal, you get the following scene.

quote:

You have the crowd in the palm of your hand.

Head over to Steele and invite him to surrender.
Pull my pistol on Steele and gun him down.
Calm the crowd back down and continue laying out my case so that there is no doubt at all.

Inviting him to surrender automatically puts him into custody, while pulling your gun starts a fight as normal but with him at max level wariness. Calming them down lets you go back to what you were doing, sets the appeal back to 6 and also sets the "Oratory at the Evening Star" flag, which is part of your legend. You can still finish things up at any point in Phase 3 by selecting "End the oratory and confront the impostor."

Then there's the Big to Small approach. The Big to Small approach is... not very effective.

Approach 3, Phase 1 posted:

Move on to smaller things. (Goes to Phase 2)
"I have here a telegram direct from President Johnson. In it he indicates that I and I alone am the Marshal designate for Lander County."
"I have a telegram from the Secretary of Treasury indicating that I am the sole Marshal designate for Lander County."
"I have this telegram from a Marshal Steele in New Orleans. He is the same one who worked down in Arizona and he has plenty to say."
"Dan here will testify that he knew a Marshal Steele from Arizona years ago."
"You might remember Tumbleweed Jack. Well, he had some interesting things to tell me the last time we met."

The telegram submission is much like Phase 3 of Approach 1, except that the bonuses for just dropping a stack of telegrams on him are a lot smaller. It's still an Honor check for your first telegram, where 49- Honor gets -1 appeal and -1 evidence, except that you only get +2 appeal for a passing it on your first check and 0 appeal for any additional telegrams after the first while Steele is able to keep the crowd in disbelief.

Calling on Dan is +1 appeal at 51+ Honor or -1 evidence otherwise. Tumbleweed Jack's testimony again depends on his fate- +1 Appeal and +2 Law if he's in jail, +2 Appeal and +2 Order if he was hung, and a ruckus if he got out with +2 Honor and 0 Appeal at 71+ Honor, or -4 Honor, -1 evidence and -1 appeal at 49- Honor.

Approach 3, Phase 2 posted:

Finish things up. (Goes to Phase 3)
"You all know Andy Smith, don't you? Well, his mother corresponded with a Marshal Steele... indeed they courted, years ago. And the letters are here to prove it."
"Now, this other little fact happened some time back. But where Marshal James is buried... the coffin ain't there anymore."
"I've got a telegraph from Marshal James here, straight from San Francisco."

Andy's letters are +1 appeal if you already called on Dan. Marshal James' telegraph is +1 appeal if you revealed the empty grave beforehand, -1 evidence and appeal otherwise.

Approach 3, Phase 3 posted:

End the oratory and confront the impostor.
"You all know Mother Maddy who runs the Mother-Lode? Well, she doesn't like Mister Steele. Not one bit."
"Now, Frank Spears is a regular around these parts. Well, he remembers hearing about a Marshal Steele when he was a wee thing. Think about that, how many years does Frank have on him and how many must Steele then have?"
"I had a long talk with Mister Preston. And he's got some concerns too."
"I saw Dan Schmidt recently. Did you know he met Marshal Steele? Did you know that Steele was supposedly getting old even then?"

Maddy's testimony is +1 appeal, but only if you haven't called on Frank Spears because at this point Steele is just verbally retaliating against an old woman by implying she doesn't like anyone. Frank Spears' and Dan's testimonies don't offer any appeal at this point because Steele is able to convince the crowd that they're talking about one of Steele's relatives. Preston's testimony only gives +1 appeal if Maddy has already testified and they both agree on something.

Approach 3 is the weakest approach because it doesn't build a strong narrative against Steele- he's able to parry the telegrams thanks to his reputation and survive the late-phase reputation attacks once people have already made up their minds that this is a hit job. The other approaches let you just continuously dunk on him as long as you have enough evidence, but the Big to Small approach is an uphill battle. It's still technically possible to win if you're an honorable marshal and submit the evidence in the correct order, but Laura would basically be sunk. Fortunately, Laura is also a legal expert, so if it's a villainous narrative she needs, it's a villainous narrative she'll provide...

Approach 2, Phase 1 posted:

Weave together a startling tale of treachery and deceit.

The patrons of the saloon chat quietly with neighbors while you talk.

Move on to the pertinent details.
"I think it is time to give Dan the floor for a moment."
"I ran into a Marshal Steele down Arizona way a few years back," Dan begins amiably. "Back when silver started coming out mountains down there before the war. I got to know him a little, and while I'm not a spring chicken, I can tell you plain, that the man over there isn't the Marshal I met."

"I don't know you neither," Steele replies from the bar, "and I do have a big family. So, one of us is mistaken."

That is enough to put doubt to Dan's claim but the issue of identity is now in the open.

"You do have a big family. I know because I got in touch with a retired Marshal Steele in New Orleans."
The Imposter blanches at the implication and before he can stammer out an excuse you present the sheaf of telegraphs that burned up the wires a few days ago.

The crowd takes the reading of the electric correspondence rather seriously. (+3 appeal)

"Why has Lander County been plagued with troubles regarding its Marshal? Well, if you recall Tumbleweed Jack�he had some interesting things to say when I saw him last."
Plenty do know Tumbleweed Jack. Its hard not to remember a man who got hung recently.

You describe his contacts in Elko and the bounty on marshals so vividly that it sets people to yelling that justice prevailed. And from their tone they wouldn't mind seeing a little of that closer to home.

(Order increased) ([+4 Order, +2 Appeal)

"You all know Andy Smith, don't you? Well, his mother corresponded with a Marshal Steele... indeed they courted, years ago. And the letters here prove it."
"Now, Frank Spears is a regular around these parts. I talked with him and he remembers hearing about a Marshal Steele when he was a wee thing. Think about that, how many years does Frank have on him and how many must Steele then have?"

Approach 2 is all about parrying and riposting Steele's claims for maximum style. Notably, invoking Dan in Phase 1 doesn't do much, but you can bring up the telegram from Steele for a big +3 appeal boost. Tumbleweed Jack is pretty much the same as in the other two approaches, except the stat bonus is bigger- +4 instead of +3 in Approach 1 or +2 in Approach 3.

Had Andy and Frank Spears survived, their testimonies support each other- Andy gets +1 appeal if you called on Frank first and Frank gets +2 appeal if you called on Andy first.

Approach 2, Phase 2 posted:

Move on to the pertinent details.

"You all know Mother Maddy who runs the Mother-Lode? Well, she doesn't like Mister Steele. Not one bit. There is something to him that just ruffles her feathers."
Everyone in this town knows each other and some opinions matter. Especially if that opinion belongs to the gold-hearted Mother Maddy's.

She steps forward from where she had slipped in just a little while ago. When she is done laying out her feelings about Mister Steele you half expect the paint to peel.

In the back, where a hardscrabble lot lurks, more than a few tilt their head thoughtfully at her words. Like as not they had received a bit of Mother Maddy's grudging generosity and now they can't help but listen hard. (+1 Appeal)

"I had a long talk with Mister Preston. And he's got some concerns too."
The very name of JT Preston is a powerful thing. That he is 'concerned' means other people whose livelihood depends on him are concerned too. Everyone knows you must be speaking the truth since word would get back right quick to the Sheriff and his four deputies. More important is the fact that both Preston and Mother Maddy agree on something; an impressive thing around these parts. (+1 Appeal) If you keep this up then maybe the Evening Star herself will come on over to the proceedings and back your play. After all, she is in business with Preston as well. (+1 Appeal)

"I saw Dan Schmidt recently. Did you know he met Marshal Steele? Did you know that Steele was supposedly getting old even then?"

If you call on Dan's testimony here he gives +1 appeal if you already called on Frank Spears. Similarly, Preston gives an additional +1 appeal if you also called on Frank Spears already, though Mother Maddy only gives +1 appeal if you haven't called on Frank Spears.

That's more than enough to offer Laura the option to close out the case.

quote:

You have the crowd in the palm of your hand.

Head over to Steele and invite him to surrender.
Pull my pistol on Steele and gun him down.
Calm the crowd back down and continue laying out my case so that there is no doubt at all.

Laura's on a roll here, so she's not going to take it- she doesn't want to arrest him and doesn't feel like shooting him.

quote:

Calm the crowd back down and continue laying out my case so that there is no doubt at all.

Most of the crowd seems to accept your evidence.

Prepare to bring out the big guns amongst your evidence.

Approach 2, Phase 3 posted:

Prepare to bring out the big guns amongst your evidence.

End the oratory and confront the imposter.
"I have here a telegram direct from President Johnson himself. In it he indicates that I and I alone am the Marshal designate of Lander County."
"Now, there is one other thing I want to bring up. I went out to Boot Hill and visited the grave of Marshal James. Or I would have, except that the coffin ain't there anymore."
"I sent a telegraph to San Francisco and received a reply concerning my appointment�from Marshal James."

"I have this telegram from a Marshal Steele in New Orleans. He is the same one who worked down in Arizona and he has plenty to say."

Since Laura already submitted Steele's telegram in Phase 1 she doesn't have to worry about the Honor check for submitting another one (which is good, because she'd fail it and get -1 appeal and evidence since she has 49- Honor). Interestingly enough, I don't think the telegraph from the Secretary of the Treasury shows up in Approach 2.

quote:

"Now, there is one other thing I want to bring up. I went out to Boot Hill and visited the grave of Marshal James. Or I would have, except that the coffin ain't there anymore."
That settles people to muttering straight off. Unbelievable is their word for it.

Steele shakes his head, "Don't start throwing out ghost stories; trying to whip them into fear."

"I have here a telegram direct from President Johnson himself. In it he indicates that I and I alone am the Marshal designate of Lander County."
"At least instead of a big sheaf of papers, there is only one to ignore," Steele chuckles out but the crowd falls icily silent after his remarks. (+3 appeal)

"I sent a telegraph to San Francisco and received a reply concerning my appointment�from Marshal James."
A long and incredulous moment fills the saloon. Then Ralph the bartender wonders if someone shouldn't take a walk out to Boot Hill to see for themselves. It doesn't take long and when word returns of the empty grave the saloon breaks out into one great cheer.

You could sell them a bridge across the Mississippi and they'd believe you now. (+3 Appeal)

Like usual, reveal the empty grave first for maximum bonuses. Revealing the telegram first is -1 appeal and evidence, though you can still get +1 appeal from revealing the empty grave afterwards. Revealing the grave and then the telegram gives +2 appeal, and revealing the telegram from Marshal James after you've revealed the empty grave and the telegram from the president gives you +3 appeal. I had to hit the "keep going" button about three or so times during this one, but it's finally time to settle up.

The outcome of the showdown depends on two things- the most important being your crowd appeal and the second most important being your evidence collected. At 6+ (well, technically 6, since you have to either arrest him, shoot him or reset your appeal to 6 at 7+) appeal and 6+ evidence, you get a solid conviction with an angry mob about to grab him and string him up.

quote:

End this oratory and confront the impostor.

You have got Steele square in your sights and despite the man's rhetorical wiggling there isn't a thing he can do.

One by one the patrons of the Babylon Saloon begin to stare and glare at the man. Their collective hate at his base trickery and gall rising up in a wave. When someone mentions that they've got a length of rope you know it is time to act.

Take him into protective custody.
Let them have him.
"Mister Steele... have a good, if brief, trip." (if heartless)

quote:
The crowd closes in and dozens of hands start grasping. Steele screams and struggles but to no avail as he is dragged away to dangle. The imposter's tin star, stripped off in the flurry, clatters about on the floor.

Taking him into protective custody requires 36+ Persuasion or Intimidate, or Dan as your companion to serve as a bouncer. Fail that and the mob gets to him giving -2 Order and -2 Law, but +2 Honor because at least you tried.

At 6+ Evidence but 5- Crowd appeal, you get an uncertain crowd.

quote:

You know you have the facts, but the crowd remains uncertain. After all, the tin stars are identical.

"Steele? Surrender or there will be trouble."
Pull my pistol on the imposter.

Steele will surrender with 43+ Intimidate or 46+ Resolve, otherwise he kicks off a fight. The crowd isn't super happy with this arrest, but will accept it.

The trickiest option to get to is the one at 6+ Appeal but 5- evidence since that one requires you to collect only a few pieces of evidence (and probably none of the big three telegrams from Steele, the Secretary and the President) and use them well. But then you get a frenzied mob:

quote:

The crowd has been whipped into a frenzy and they want blood. Steele's blood. Knives come out with a soft whisk from dozens of sheathes and their eyes are wide and staring.

Take Steele into protective custody.

quote:
"We want him," Ralph, the ordinarily mild-tempered bartender, shouts out. "And we will have him!"

"No. He is subject to the law just as anyone would be. Make no mistake; justice will be served."
Brandish my pistol and give them a growl.
Let them have him.

quote:
The knives slice and stab. if Lawyer: You half expect Steele to shout 'Et Tu, Laura'. But apparently there isn't time for any Shakespeare. Eventually someone brings a rope and strings the man up. The imposter's tin star soon clatters to the floor.
"Mister Steele... these people have a pointed retort for you." (if heartless)

quote:
The crowd closes in with knives held high. Steele starts screaming and doesn't stop until someone brings a rope and strings the man up. The imposter's tin star soon clatters to the floor.

Talking the mob down requires 46+ Persuasion, brandishing your pistol requires 46+ Intimidate or 11+ Notoriety, otherwise the crowd manages to get to him.

quote:

The mob is no longer listening to anything but the drum of blood rushing through their hearts. They fall upon the false Marshal, stabbing at him until his screams no longer fill the night air. Eventually someone brings a rope and strings the man up.

If you managed to complete bomb the trial with 5- Evidence and 5- appeal, you get the following

quote:

"Is that it? You're not a marshal. You're not even a deputy dog-catcher," Steele chuckles over. The crowd shifts about uneasily.

Steele unholsters his pistol, "You are, however, in breach of peace. Come quietly."

Surrender quietly.

quote:
You surrender your sidearm and allow yourself to be escorted out, alone. You spend a long night in your own cell and in the morning Steele brings you breakfast. A hard roll and coffee. As you reach for both he suddenly yells that you are trying to escape and unholsters his pistol. With a cruel wink he pulls the trigger and your world turn an impossible white.
Make trouble.

At that point, getting into the shoot-out is the only way to survive to the end of the chapter.

Laura's cells are currently undergoing renovations with a grand reopening on approximately never, so you kids have fun!

quote:

Let them have him.
Steele screams as dozens of hands reach out for him, grasping and tearing even as they carry him out to his appointed drop.

The imposter's tin star, stripped off in the flurry, clatters about on the floor.

(Law reduced, Order slightly increased) (-5 Law, +2 Order)

Pick it up.
Let it lie.

If Ben were with her, he'd take a -10 to influence from witnessing a mob killing.

No matter what the fate of Steele is, there's always the question of what to do with his star. If you talked him into surrendering from the start you get it automatically, same if you managed to arrest him and take him into custody. If you arrested him at the end of the trial you usually have the option of ripping it from his chest to boost your Law and/or Order scores (unless you arrested him with low crowd appeal, in which case it reduces Honor as well since they still think he's a marshal). If you or the crowd killed him, you can take it from his remains or leave it alone.

But hey, free star!

quote:

Pick it up.

You pick the fallen tin star up, dust it off and find it as shiny as ever in the moonlight.

If he was stabbed to death instead: The blood is so thick upon it that only after repeated dunking in the trough outside does the fallen tin star come clean. Though you suspect it never truly will be.

And she kept her promise to the real ex-Marshal Steele- she did not shoot his cousin!

While you can pretty much steamroll the trial by being thorough enough in the investigation, it's got enough complications and variations under the hood that make it pretty interesting to look at.

Next time: Steele is dead, so it's time to wrap up Chapter 5 and move on to Chapter 6.

# ? Nov 4, 2019 07:28

achtungnight: Oct 5, 2014; I get my fun here. Enjoy!

Grinning at the Heartless lines as always.

# ? Nov 4, 2019 08:36

Golden Bee: Dec 24, 2009; I came here to chew bubblegum and quote 'They Live', and I'm... at an impasse.

RIP to a fake one.

# ? Nov 7, 2019 18:35

Xander77: Apr 6, 2009; Fuck it then. For another pit sandwich and some 'tater salad, I'll post a few more.

Light Warden seems to be no longer posting, which is unfortunate. I really wanted to see all the various outcomes for the killer-est marshal.

"Reading through the game script" has been mentioned, but I can't seem to find an explanation of how to do so. Anyone?

# ? Jul 3, 2020 21:25

Golden Bee: Dec 24, 2009; I came here to chew bubblegum and quote 'They Live', and I'm... at an impasse.

Is this ever getting completed?

# ? Nov 24, 2020 10:41

LightWarden: Mar 18, 2007; Lander county's safe as heaven,
despite all the strife and boilin',
Tin Star,
Oh how she's an icon of the eastern west,
But now the time has come to end our song,
of the Tin Star, the Tin Star!

I hope so. I had some personal things happen, my computer failed, I finally replaced it and then the pandemic kicked off. Though I hadn't posted out in my shame I still had a great amount of respect for this game and the mammoth amount of work Allen Gies put into this thing, plus there's still several cool things left to talk about. It's the season for giving, so I wanted to get back on this horse (and possibly get Laura Engels to stop haunting me).

Thank you for sticking around, let's finish what I started.

quote:

You pick the fallen tin star up, dust it off and find it as shiny as ever in the moonlight.

It doesn't take long to get a pine box put together for Steele, or whatever his name truly was or had been before. By the time the hammers fall silent JT Preston arrives and saunters inside with his four heavily armed deputies in tow.

Those four take up position around the saloon with their rifles and shotguns cradled up snug. There is something in the way they lounge that sets Dan to a wary prowl. Carrie idly finishes reloading a cylinder and spins it back into place as if without a care in the world.

At last, Preston clears his throat, "Heard there was a bit of a fight. Here, in my saloon."

"Someone did get killed," Carrie notes, "but I'd hardly call it a fight."

"It were a fight. A small one," Dan corrects.

"More ity-bity."

"Teenie tiny."

"Yep."

"Be that as it may, these antics cost me a night's revenue and then some. Killing people, that's bad business," Preston points out. "Bad for me. Bad for you. Bad for everyone. I don't like it, but I ain't about to compound things by having another one. So, this one's free. Next time, come see me first and we'll work something out."

(-10 Preston)

With that Preston moseys away with his deputies in tow like rosary beads.

"This has been real fun," Carrie notes wistfully. "But since you got a grip on things here, I need to be elsewhere. There's saloons calling and poker to play."

She gives you a parting wave as she saunters on out toward the lamp lit interior of the Mother-Lode Saloon. (+10 Caraway)

Dan looks to you.

The Prospector is a little subdued and a bit ruffled at the edges.

"You had to kill him. I get that. Killing solves problems, but it also makes them. People see you using a gun to settle things and they think, 'why can't I do that? And then, well, things get difficult," Dan says. "It felt good working with you again. Tells me what things might've been like if I'd been Sheriff."

With a parting wave he tromps on down the street.

At the far end of main street, where the Grand Haven Hotel juts out ever so slightly, you catch sight of a figure in a full length dress that belongs in a far away land. Maria Agustina, etc.

She stares over in your direction and offers over a frown that can be seen even from across the way before she steps back inside. (-5 Maria)

Alone again, you catch sight of a single stray snowflake as it drifts down from the heavens.

End of chapter five

The game considers there to be five outcomes for the showdown with Steele:

Outcome 1: Intimidated him into surrendering as soon as you met him.
Outcome 2: Convinced the crowd of his guilt and took him in.
Outcome 3: Didn't convince the crowd- had high evidence but low appeal, though you still managed to talk him into surrendering with a high Resolve or Intimidate
Outcome 4: Fought Steele and brought him in.
Outcome 5: The mob got him. (We are here.)

The scene is a bit different in each case- outcome 1 has Preston show up when you're leaving the saloon, 2 and 3 have him and his deputies hanging out in the Marshal's office when the party shows up to throw Steele in a cell, while 4 has him wait outside the office as the group locks the wounded impostor. In the first three outcomes he'll point out that town business was his domain, but if it's a fake Marshal then it's obviously county business. Steele will then state they had a deal (unless the Marshal already had an arrangement with Preston- in which case he'll wonder if that's the reason they never worked together) only for Preston to inform him that the deal's off if he got himself arrested. Preston likes it if you intimidated Steele (+5) and really likes it if you got the crowd against him first (+10) but definitely doesn't like it if Steele was killed (-10) nor is he happy (-5 influence) if things devolved into a shootout and he'll even comment on hearing Carrie shooting or Dan shouting if either was present in the fight.

Each of your companions has something to say after Preston speaks, and there are different conversations for each combination of party members- trio, duos and solo.

It's pretty impressive.

Example of Arresting Steele posted:

You walk Steele out the door of the saloon and find Preston leaning idly against a nearby hitching post. His jacket has been pulled back from his pistol but the iron remains holstered. The same is not true of his four deputies who lounge about with rifles and shotguns cradled in hand.

"Normally I'd say you were infringing on town business. But if this one isn't a marshal then that makes it county troubles for certain," Preston notes.

Steele looks to Preston with glower of annoyance, "This is why we couldn't come to an arrangement, isn't it?"

Preston gives a low chuckle like that of a wolf pondering a mouse, "What we talked about was predicated on certain things. They certainly didn't involve your arrest."

All 3 posted:
"Hard to be a marshal behind bars," Carrie all but chortles then gives Steele a quick kick in the shins.

Ben moves to intercede against her following up on that, "Can't be a marshal because he isn't. That's all that matters."

"Hey, let's keep it friendly," Dan asks of the two. "The man already pissed himself, no need to scuff his boots too."

Carrie rolls her eyes and reluctantly takes a step back from the prisoner.

Dan and Carrie posted:
"Hard to be a marshal behind bars," Carrie all but chortles and gives Steele a quick kick in the shins.

"Hey now," Dan warns. "I'm the one who has to carry him if he can't walk."

"You don't have to carry him at all if I go get my horse," Carrie retorts.

Dan shakes his head, "Chances are I'd just have to carry your horse too."

Just Ben posted:
"He's not the Marshal, he's not acting as the Marshal," Ben notes then looks directly at Preston. "Any bonds or pledges that Steele gave are worthless. A man's word is everything. Once snapped, it can't be tied back together."

"Don't you think I know that?" Preston puffs and then continues when the Cowboy doesn't answer. "And next time? Smile when you say that."

"Oh, I am smiling. On the inside," Ben replies calmly.

If Steele was murdered by the mob and Preston had a deal with the Marshal then there's also a minor bit where Preston will have his goons present the Marshal with a glass eye, sack of crumbs or sack of feathers if the Marshal made the corresponding joke about a blind eye, crumbs from the table or a pillow back when they first made the deal.

Your companions will break off afterwards, each with their own parting commentary.

Carrie has fun pretty much regardless of outcome and if she's being romanced will ask the Marshal if they know what else might be fun next time they meet up. Ben is happy (+5) as long as it didn't end violently- a heartless Marshal can try to mock him for it but he'll point out this was uncharacteristically nonviolent for them. But if it ended in violence he's not happy (-5) or worse if a heartless Marshal rubs it in (-10). Dan is similarly proud of the Marshal for solving it nonviolently or somewhat uncomfortable otherwise but will accept it either way and mention that he's looking forward to seeing the Marshal again if he's romanced.

If Maria's influence is 51+ then she makes a brief appearance, approving (+5) if things were nonviolent, or disapproving (-5) if they were.

quote:

Marshal Engels Laura:
Traits: Lawyer. Religious. Stoic. Doctor. Chinese. Native.
Current Companions:
Health: Healthy and vigorous.
Wealth: You have people who keep track of this.
Values:

Order: 61% Freedom: 39% (A firm hand makes for a quiet evening.)
Honor: 3% Arbitrary: 97% (Morality is a subjective thing.)
Law: 0% Individuality: 100% (Do what thou wilt.)
Notoriety: 56% Anonymity: 44%

Skills:

Gunfighting: There may be one person who can equal your lightning fast hands, and you haven't met them yet.(75%)
Sharpshooting: Shooting down-range isn't just a skill, it is a way of life. (57%)
Brawling: Precious few can get back up after you put them down. (55%)
Riding: There is hardly a riding trick you don't know. (41%)
Survival: The wilderness is an open book to you. (51%)
Legal Understanding: You could argue a case before the supreme court.(31%)
Engineering: Never build on sand. Never. (12%)
Explosives: You still have all your fingers and toes. (21%)
Persuasion: A few casual words from you can change people's lives forever. (68%)
Intimidate: A rattlesnake once bit itself rather than get in your way. (75%)
Stamina: You are accustomed to difficult days and short nights. (30%)
Resolve: You can out-stubborn a tired mule. (63%)

Influence Carson: He trusts you utterly. (101%)
Influence Schmidt: The two of you are confidantes. (92%)
Influence Caraway: The two of you could not be closer if you were a bottle and cork. (129%)
Influence Preston: He would call you a friend like none other he knows. (97%)
Influence Hartigan: He believes you are just another stuffy tin star. He feels he owes you a small favor. (42%)
Influence Albion: Bishop Hancock has great patience concerning you. (64%)
Influence Maria: She considers you her confidante. (96%)
Influence Marshal James: He believes he chose well. (87%)
Influence Yiska: He knows Tahoma to be worthy of friendship. (67%)

quote:

Winter comes on slow like a herd on the horizon; the cold is there and you can't miss the chill, but it is just strolling along like it has got all day. Stray flakes often drift down during the night and a hint of frost keeps to the corners of the windows until the long sun chases them away.

Those about town swing into an energetic rhythm as they close up and settle fresh panes for windows. Each building is inspected and combed for gaps. Any that are found are sealed up with a splash of mortar or even bricked over completely. Teams of men strain to bring in cords of wood from the mountain slopes to fill each and every firewood bin.

I wonder if they know something I don't. (Winter Expectations =2)
It is just a few snowflakes. What are they worried about? (Winter Expectations =1)
(if Native) I had better prepare myself for these wintry lands. (Winter Expecations =3)
(if Tonga or Yokuts Tribe) I may be too accustomed to the weather out in California. (Winter Expecations = 2)
Winters must be rough out here. (Winter Expectations =3)
I expect to be hip deep in snow before long. (Winter Expectations =4)

The description of the town varies based on prosperity, and it also introduces the Winter Expectations variable. This has no real mechanical effect, just determines some of the flavor text for the Marshal's reaction- 1 is a costal Californian wondering HOW IS THIS HAPPENING!?! while 4 is someone who's distinctly unimpressed.

Laura is a woman who's seen some poo poo, and I'm pretty sure her heart is already frozen over.

quote:

I expect to be hip deep in snow before long.

You begin your own preparations alongside theirs. But despite the incessant labor the townsfolk still find the time to whisper about the mob killing of 'Marshal' Steele at the Evening Star. Most are glad it was done. After all, there can't be two marshals anymore than a man can ride two horses at the same time.

The burial tied up most of the loose ends. You even saved people half the trouble by putting him into Marshal James' old grave. After all, no one was using it.

Preston's latest 'gift' has almost filled your pockets.

(Wealth increased) (+4 Wealth)

Skip the window shopping this time around.
Head over to the Saddler.
Step on over to the General Store.
See if Godfrey the gunsmith has gotten anything new in stock.
Employ some idle men to work on my land.
Gather materials to fix up my office.
Head to the blacksmith.

The townsfolk have different responses to each of the five outcomes in the Steele showdown, with different responses based on which of your three stats (Honor/Law/Order) are above or below 60. While Laura has thoroughly dumped Honor and Law, she squeaked over the line for Order thanks entirely to the +2 from letting the mob have Steele- so they're somewhat ok with this. There's even an unused Outcome 6 that implies there was a way to shoot Steele dead in the fight. As long as you investigated Marshal James' grave you can dump Steele's corpse in it (though you'll bury him in a different hill if you still believe James was a ghost).

There's a smaller interlude at the start of Chapter 6, mainly letting you shop. Not a ton of new things to do but conversations with the store owners hint that Steele might have been planning on something bigger before he got stopped.

quote:

Head to the blacksmith.
An incessant clank and clatter drift out the door of the black-smithy. A half dozen cats lounge about the opening and bask in the heat.

Inside, Kevin Coolidge hammers upon an iron rod beside a fiery pit of coals. Satisfied, he sets it aside and plucks a fresh one out of the pit, examines the ruddy metal then lays it atop his anvil. No doubt each and every one one of those will go to prop up roofs and walls throughout town.

The man looks up from his work and blinks away a trickle of sweat, "Marshal."

"Got a moment to talk?"

quote:
Kevin shakes his head, "Got work."
"I'd like you to re-shoe my horse."

quote:
Kevin gives a nod and has you bring the beast over. "Like him," he says as he gives your salt and pepper Roan a hearty pat.

It hardly takes him any time at all to ease the old, worn shoes off your Roan and affix a new set.

(Riding slightly increased, Wealth very slightly decreased) (+2 Riding)
"Can you make something for my office, or rather the cells?"
"Guess I'm done here. Thanks for hearing me out."
"You're welcome," Kevin replies and returns to his labor.

The sky outside is blue with but a swirl of cotton white clouds above distant mountains.

quote:

See if Godfrey the gunsmith has gotten anything new in stock.

The shop sign in front of Godfrey's has been freshly painted once again and the words 'Everybody needs a gun. Especially those who don't have one' are spelled out clearly. From the constant bustle in and out of his store, business is booming. And with prospectors toting out half barrels of powder that often means literally.

Godfrey looks up from a lead into gold transaction as you enter, "Marshal, be with you in a minute."

"Got a moment to chat?"

quote:
"A moment," he indicates as he steps outside and motions for a young man to tend the customers. "There's been so much gravy in my dish that I hired on an assistant. I can't trust him with a lick of powder yet, but he's honest with the till and doesn't talk back."

"Did you happen to talk to Mister Steele while he was around?"
"You mean before the mob got to him?" Godfrey asks with a hint of a cruel grin. "Yes, he did come by. Laid on a lot of strange questions. About how much powder I stored, how many rifles I had, things like that. I figured he was just hashing out things if he should need to call up a posse, but now I'm not so certain."

"How are you set for winter?"
"Fine, just fine. Assuming the mice don't dig in through the walls like they did last year. Little rodents get everywhere, and sometimes they take a shine to gunpowder. Maybe its like roughage for them. I certainly don't know. The only gunpowder cured steak I ever had came right back up," Godfrey notes with an honest chuckle.
"I'd like to buy something."

quote:
"And I'd love to sell," Godfrey replies with a hint of a grin and sweeps a hand over his [expansive/sprawling/dwindling] stock. (The better Preston Springs prosperity, the fewer things he has)

[quote]"Let me take a look at your handguns."
"I'd like you to give my Colt Navy Revolver a thorough looking at."
"Easy enough," Godfrey says then sets out a full kit of oils and delicate tools. "That's the trouble out here, things get wet when you think its dry and rust tries to creep in. And when winter comes, well, the cold does things to the metal that makes me curse."

You watch him get to work. It is a meticulous effort, sparing no component a pondering or sometimes a rub; done more by feel than anything else. By the time he's got it back together, you know this particular weapon inside and out.

(Gunfighting slightly increased, Wealth very slightly decreased) (+2 Gunfighting, -1 Wealth)

"I've got a few questions about black powder."
Well ask away," Godfrey suggests. "I've still got all ten of my fingers, so I expect I'm an expert in these parts."

It doesn't take long to pick up a few pointers but soon enough a customer interrupts. You just know the man has got plenty more wisdom in the black powder arts in reserve, perhaps waiting for a better time.

(Explosives slightly increased) (+2 Explosives)

"I've got to go, Godfrey. Take care now."
"You too, Marshal," Godfrey says as he waves you on out the door.

The sky outside is a patchwork of fluffy white clouds and dark blue sky set against the distant mountains.

quote:
Step on over to the General Store.

A Wells-Fargo stagecoach pulls away from the front of the General Store as you approach; the four horses pulling the handsome wagon on down the street and westward toward Carson City.

"Welcome back Marshal," Matthew waves to you from behind the counter as you enter. His affable side-burns are trim and oiled. "Take a careful look about, we might have something new."

"Got a moment to talk?"
"What's that washboard doing there?"
"Does that really say 'The Glorious Rush of the Golden Stagecoach'?"
"Be seeing you, Matthew."

The book on the Marshal's exploits in Chapter 4 finally comes in if you successfully defend the stagecoach.

quote:
"Does that really say 'The Glorious Rush of the Golden Stagecoach'?"

Matthew coughs into the back of his hand, "Yes, yes it does at that. The book also says, based on actual accounts. However, if you read it, the author allows certain�embellishments."

He's not kidding in the least. A quick page through finds that a stagecoach made entirely out of gold set out through the mountains; this despite the fact that it'd be so heavy it would never move and quite possibly just collapse where it stood. Nonetheless, it apparently set out for San Francisco, made the journey in just six days and quite possibly trampled every bandit and their sons for seven generations to come.

Give it back to Matthew.
"Yeah, not a lick of truth there," he agrees as he sets the novel back down. "Its like someone heard someone overhead someone talking about what happened and decided that they'd write a novel right quick."
Autograph it anyway, then return it.
[quote](Notoriety slightly increased, Wealth increased) (+4 Wealth, +4 Notoriety)
"Just remember that people are gonna ask where are your twelve mighty white stallions, eight shot revolvers and that solid gold stetson," Matthew chuckles as he pays out an advance for the premium item.

"And I'll tell them the truth; they're all in my pocket."
"Good an answer as any," Matthew says with a grin.

"Solid gold Stetson? As in hat?"
"You're gonna have to have a stiff neck to live up to that one," Matthew notes.

Buy it. Keep it.
You fold it up then slide it into a pocket and that is that.

If you got into a shootout with Steele and didn't manage to control the crowd before things got out of hand then there's another new book in stock.

quote:

Stare at the dime novel entitled 'Carnage at the Evening Star'.

Matthew gives a little cough, "We�just got that in. Baldwin's work, to be certain. Not sure how proper it is to have it here, but it is selling."

Look at something else.
Matthew politely doesn't press the matter.

Offer to autograph it.
Matthew gives a cough of disbelief as you pass it back over, "Well now, this will sell like you couldn't believe�if'n that's what you want. You'll get a cut of it, of course."

It doesn't take long to make an autograph arrangement. A profitable one for the two of you.

(Notoriety and Wealth increased)(+4 Notoriety, +4 Wealth)

Buy up and destroy all the copies.
(Wealth very slightly decreased, Notoriety decreased) (-1 Wealth, -4 Notoriety)

Matthew doesn't say a word during the whole exchange.

Gotta love merchandising. Also one of the few ways to decrease Notoriety, which is surprisingly difficult to shed if you're going for the achievement.

quote:

"Got a moment to talk?"
"I can spare a bit while I stock," Matthew tenders over, "especially considering how you handled that Steele fella. He came sniffing around here, you know, asking all sorts of questions. From the tone of them the man deserved what he got."

"That's a little harsh."
"Not really. See, I could tell what he was really asking. 'How much is the place worth?' and 'Do you have any guns in the back?' Them's the things that marshals don't ask. I figure he was looking for me to be the goose at his Christmas supper. Why exactly, I don't know."

Matthew shakes his head as if to clear away unseen cobwebs, "But enough about that. Is there anything I can do you for today?"

"What do you mean?"
"That man kept giving me an eyeful. Like he was thinking of taking, not buying," Matthew explains, "I seen the same from plenty of people out this way. That's one reason I keep a shotgun under the counter. Thing is, I ain't never seen that from a lawman before."

"The people took the law into their own hands and I can't blame them for it."
"Glad to hear that because a man who would impersonate the law is fixing to do something terrible," Matthew says. "But enough about that. Anything I can help you with today?"

"What's that washboard doing there?"
The wood and iron washboard is quite a sight, what with paint peeling and rust threatening to creep in. It must be years old and yet there isn't a lick of dust on it.

"That there is charity," Matthew says with a sigh. "Settlers rolling through, lost an ox and the rest of their team were getting tired. They wanted to sell what they could so it wouldn't weigh them down. I gave them a fair deal, but all the silver in their pockets won't mean they'll get to Oregon before winter sets in."

"Be seeing you, Matthew."
You head back on out and let Matthew return to tending his store.

The sky outside is overcast with just a few hints of blue sky beyond billowing white clouds that tower above the mountain peaks.

The washboard is one of the random items that shows up in the store- no mechanical effect, just set dressing.

quote:

Head over to the Saddler.

The saddler's workshop is filled people examining the leather work. Timothy notes your arrival and waves you over after he quickly dispenses with a customer by giving the fellow an earnest promise.

"Good to see you Marshal," Timothy says. "What can I do for you? Need a horse-blanket? They're going quick."

Just start chatting.

quote:
"I done heard about that lady and the balloon. Is it true? Because I gots to wonder what its like, being up so high," Timothy wonders.

(Persuasion very slightly increased) (+1 Persuasion)

"You know, I didn't ask her."
"Strange that," Timothy says, "or maybe not, considering. I imagine she's got all sorts of stories to tell."

It is hard not to agree with that. You chat a while longer until it is time to move on.

"Probably like being on top of a mountain peak."
"Maybe. Maybe not. No ground beneath your feet. Just air," Timothy notes. "Scares me something, I tell you. But sometimes I likes a good scare, if'n it ain't followed by worse."

The two of you chat a while longer about the benefits of a good scare until it is time to move on.

"To soar with the eagles would be amazing."
"You think they'd look at me funny?" Timothy ponders. "I'd be coming into their home and all.�"

The graciousness of eagles is a difficult thing to pin down but you chat a while longer until it is time to move on.

"You want me to see if she'd let you up one of these days?"
"Oh, no, Marshal Engels," Timothy says and waves away the notion. "I can't see why she'd allow it. I'm just a saddler wondering about the bird's eye view."

But you can tell he's thinking about it. When at last it is time to move on you catch him staring out the window into the cloud swept sky.

"I'd like to discuss a new saddle for Maria Agustina. Something practical."
"That's all for now, thanks."
"Then you have a great day," Timothy says and clearly means it.

Laura could buy the saddle for Maria but she'd have to actually pay for it at this point in time since she can't just shake him down because she isn't broke. There's still a way to get it for free, but that's something she'll have to do in a later intermission.

quote:

Skip the window shopping this time around.

Head out on the town.
Head over to the hotel and visit with Maria.
See if Dan is around.
Drop in on Carrie at the Mother-Lode saloon.

Laura's a bit lonely with her nemesis gone, so it's time to fill that void in her heart by dating everyone she can.

# ? Dec 25, 2020 04:20

LJN92: Mar 5, 2014

Hot drat, this is back. I almost forgot about this until you posted today.

Excited to finally see the end of Laura Engel's saga.

# ? Dec 25, 2020 05:11

achtungnight: Oct 5, 2014; I get my fun here. Enjoy!

Seeing this thread back makes all the aggravation I�ve been through between the last update and now worth it. Welcome back, and may you stick around long enough to finish things.

# ? Dec 25, 2020 05:34

Rogue AI Goddess: May 10, 2012; I enjoy the sight of humans on their knees.
That was a joke... unless..?

Something awesome this way rides.

# ? Dec 25, 2020 07:37

Golden Bee: Dec 24, 2009; I came here to chew bubblegum and quote 'They Live', and I'm... at an impasse.

It�s back!

# ? Dec 25, 2020 08:30

LightWarden: Mar 18, 2007; Lander county's safe as heaven,
despite all the strife and boilin',
Tin Star,
Oh how she's an icon of the eastern west,
But now the time has come to end our song,
of the Tin Star, the Tin Star!

There are five romantic choices in Tin Star, and while Chapter 4 is the earliest you can get involved in one (going on your second outing with either Dan or Carrie), Chapter 6 is the last chapter you can get into a romance and all five options are available even if you haven't spent too much time with them.

Working our way down the list starts us with Maria. If you have 49- Influence then stopping by just gets you a +2 as she then tells you to leave. Otherwise she says hello, with a friendlier greeting if you're at 71+ Influence.

quote:

Head over to the hotel and visit with Maria.

It isn't hard to find Maria. There are not many women to be found in Preston Springs. There are not any such as her. Furthermore, the Grand Haven Hotel has but one sitting room; a simple affair with three rough chairs and a simple table that she nonetheless occupies as though it were a parlor gilded with gold. Her dress is a shade of jade green woven with silver thread from hem to high neck. A pair of white silk gloves are tucked behind a brocade belt fit with a matching buckle. A wave of dark hair has been braided to a loose coil and topped by an emerald eyed comb.

The tome before her is bound by soft leather; the Holy Bible. From what you can see the words are all in a meticulously hand-written Latin.

She looks up and offers over a small smile, "Ah, Marshal Engels. How good of you to stop by."

"How are you today?"

quote:
"Well enough, I think. Breakfast proved tolerable, though I admit I am not accustomed to frontier fare. Yourself?"

"Excellent."
"Maravilloso," she remarks and motions to the chair beside her. "Let us hope that this continues for the both of us."

"Well enough, though I think my breakfast proved no better than yours."
"I would think you were more accustomed to the frontier," she remarks and motions to the chair beside her. "Or perhaps you were not speaking of breakfast?"

"Nothing hurts too badly."
"You have injured yourself?" she asks and motions to the chair beside her. "That is distressing, though perhaps unavoidable given your profession."

"I didn't sleep well at all."
"That is distressing to hear," she remarks and motions to the chair beside her. "Sleep is a gift from God, for where else can we dream?"

"May I ask what you are reading?"

quote:
"The Bible, of course. Specifically the writings of Luke; they tie the Old Testament to the New, much as I seek to do with my former life," she explains and gently closes the Bible with a hint of regret.

"Everything has changed for you�"
"Yes. From toe to brow, I am a changed woman," she admits, "and I can not say that I like where I am headed." (+2 Maria)

"And you can't leave your old life behind."
"No, no I can not. None can. Indeed, I shall always remember fondly the quiet and contemplative days in which I could pray with all my heart," she says distantly.

"Yeah, that sounds like something you should do."
"Indeed," she notes. (-2 Maria)
"So, anyway�"
She stares at you for a long moment that swiftly becomes uncomfortable one. (-5 Maria)

(if Lawyer)"You are reading the Bible in Latin?"
"Yes. I would prefer it in Greek or Aramaic, but my father would not let me take any heirlooms with me. For good reason I suppose." (+2 Maria)

(if Doctor) "That looks like Latin you are reading."
"It is, in fact. Of course the best way to read the New Testament is in Greek or the or Aramaic, but my father would not allow me to take any heirlooms with me. For good reason I suppose." (+2 Maria)

(if neither) "What language is that in?"
"Latin, of course. Admittedly, the best way to read the New Testament is in Greek or the or Aramaic, but my father would not allow me to take any heirlooms with me. For good reason I suppose."

"Do you have any other books with you?"
"Only my usual traveling companions. The Iliad, the Odyssey, and the Aeneid," she says. "My personal triumvirate as it were." (+2 Maria)

"The Iliad?"

quote:
"Yes, Homer's epic poem of the ten year siege of the city of Troy. It begins with an act of love and betrayal, leads to a gathering of warriors that gives way to battles, duels, love affairs and terrible prophecies of doom. Especially for Achilles. To read it is to walk amongst the heroes of the golden age, feel as they did as they gathered glory and sorrow."

"I think you like it."
"I think you are right," she flashes a little smile. (+2 Maria)

"Is it a long poem?"
"It is a book unto itself," she indicates, "and well worth the reading."

"Why is it called the Iliad and not the Siege of Troy?"
"Because in the original Greek, the city of Troy is named Ilion. Scholars kept the original title even though they translated everything else," she explains.

"The Odyssey?"

quote:
"The very long voyage of Odysseus, hero of the Trojan war. He is striving to return to his wife Penelope after a separation of ten years, but the gods of Greece have other plans, for he has upset them so. Great struggles ensue and perils must be faced, until ten more years later, he again returns to the arms of his wife�after he slays a great many presumptuous suitors," she says almost fondly. "A thing to which we can all relate."

"It seems like an enjoyable read."
"Indeed it is. Best in little gulps though. Too much and it becomes a struggle to pick back up," she explains.

"Your favorite?"
"By far. Everyone should read it. The story stands at the start of a grand tradition of story telling," she says fondly.

"Is this the one where that sorceress turns a whole bunch of men into animals?"
"No, you are thinking of the Argonautica. The quest of Jason for the Golden Fleece," she says. "I only ever read that once. Father forbade it because of the character of Medea who�well, the details are not important." (+2 Maria)

"The Aeneid?"

quote:
"The writer Virgil put an epic poem together to give a more firm grounding to the founding of Rome. It details the plight of Aeneas, his family and other survivors who fled the sack of Troy; the same besieged city from the Iliad," she says. "It is the grand tale of a people looking for a home, their struggles to do so and the price they pay along the way to eventually found Rome. Well worth the read. Anyone who is literate can tell you as much, even though the work itself is unfinished."

"I shall have to read it someday."
"Yes indeed," she replies with a firm delight. (+2 Maria)

"I can see you enjoy it."
"I do, though I admit some of the scenes concerning the Queen of Carthage, Dido, makes me a bit queasy. She�well, you really should read it if you wish to understand."

"Didn't Rome have Romulus and Remus as founders?"

quote:
"Yes, but that was not enough. You see, the Greeks would laugh at the Romans and say, 'Such a backward people, with she-wolves suckling their human children' and so forth. This despite the fact that Greece was held as a Roman Province. So, Augustus, my namesake as it were, utilized this work to change that."

"Wait, the Aeneid is a lie?"
"A glorious one that the Romans wished to believe," she indicates, "and who are we to say it is not true? Much of Rome's history is shrouded in mystery." (+2 Maria)

"Seems like Augustus got what he wanted."
"That he did."

"Virgil died before completing it?"
"Sadly, yes. He caught a fever in Megara and died shortly after sailing to Italy to revise the Aeneid. This all followed a meeting in Greece with Augustus. It was said that Virgil requested of his friends that they burn his manuscript of the Aeneid. Apparently he believed it to be unfinished and furthermore that there were parts in book eight that were�indelicate and immoral. Thankfully, his friends refused," she says. "That proved to be an especially good thing for them as Augustus himself forbade that very thing and later decreed that the work be published with as few changes as possible."

"Will you be staying here through the winter?"

quote:
"I believe so," she admits and folds her hands in her lap. "The hermitage site has only just begun. But come spring, I may need to leave altogether. You see, there are a number of churches I should like to visit. Small, modest beacons of faith in these wild lands. Perhaps afterward, things will have resolved themselves back in Mexico."

"You long to return home?"
"It is a small thing to wait and be patient," she says, "and yet I do have so many other endeavors I should like to attempt rather than remain here."

"You have your husband's lands to look after."
"I do, in fact, have exactly that," she says then glances out the window. "They need a steady hand there. All of Jalisco does. Certainly I know I would be a good steward." (+5 Maria)

"It is warmer there, that is for certain."
"Climate does not concern me," she says simply, "the well being of the people there does." (-2 Maria)

"Can I ask you something personal?" [Start Romance]
"Would you be interested in a game of chess?"
"Well, I must go. It was great to speak with you."

A minor detail in this conversation is that there's a conversation time variable where Maria's flavor text changes based on the order of conversation topics, so she'll go from motioning to the chair beside her to closing the bible to folding her hands to settling back. It's a lot of work for minimal effort so it doesn't show up very much.

If Laura bought the saddle, this is the time when she could give it to Maria for a +10. She couldn't make an attempt to court Maria last chapter since Laura is an honor-less scoundrel, but if she had then she could have continued the romance here.

quote:

"Can I ask you something personal?" [Start Romance]

She looks to you and subtly leans forward, "Something personal? What do you think we have been�"

A steady staccato of thumps sounds out down the stairs and into the hall beside the sitting room. A moment later Carlos swaggers in. If the man has slept a full night since his arrival he certainly seems reluctant to show it, "Maria? What does the Marshal want?"

"A game of chess," Maria replies without pause then gestures toward a checkered board tucked into the corner. "We were just about to play."

Carlos settles in by the window and peers out through the frosted glass at the dusty town, "Don't let me delay you."

Maria turns back to you then gestures to the set in the corner, "Shall we?"

The chess board proves to be a simple affair; a single panel of oak painted with black squares to form the board. The pieces are carved of local granite from the mountains and done to such intricate detail that you can see the features of the horses and sharp tips of the royal crowns.

"Do you know the game of chess?" Maria asks as she takes up two pawns, one white and the other black. She then curls her fingers about each to hide their color.

Carlos continues to stare out the window and seems oblivious to anything else.

"I know all about chess. Its my favorite board game."
"I think I know how to play."

quote:
"Are you not acquainted with the storied roots of the tree of strategy?" she asks. "Chess has a long history that began in India..."
"Tell me more"
"Remind me how to play."
"Let's just play."
"I know next to nothing about chess."

Skipping past the chess discussion since we already saw it.

quote:

Choose her left hand.
Choose her right hand.

Again, it's a coin-flip, and just determines who goes first, which has no mechanical effect on the game.

quote:

Castle my king to a better position as quickly as I can.
Move my pawns up to create a interwoven front.
Hop my knights out to seize control of the center.
Slide the bishops free and pick off a few pieces.
Play conservative, wait for Maria to reveal her strategy.

The chess game itself is weirdly mechanically complicated, since it tracks four different variables- board control, piece advantage, Marshal's Defensiveness and Maria's Defensiveness. If board control or piece control hit 0 the Marshal wins, or if they hit 6 Maria wins. You pick your opening strategy and then Maria picks a number between 1 and 3 to determine how she responds, which determines the opening state of the board. Then you make your next plan and she responds based on how aggressive/defensive she is, possibly changing the board control and piece advantage. The catch is that between each phase of the game (earlygame, midgame, endgame) her defensiveness has a 1 in 3 chance of increasing, decreasing or staying the same and you don't know which one happened at the start of your turn, so it's never entirely certain which move is the best. Generally you want to play to whatever strength you had in the opening- acquire more pieces if you had a piece advantage, or acquire more board control if you had a board advantage.

Winning gets you +20 if you beat her in the earlygame, or +15 if you beat her by the endgame, while losing means you can play again. You get an increasing stat boost based on how many games you play.

1: +2 Resolve
2: +3 Resolve, +1 Stamina
3: +4 Resolve, +1 Stamina, +1 Legal

So the theoretical optimal play would be to throw the first two games and win the last one. Winning is hard, but it is possible to throw a match- reaching the endgame and selecting "wait for her to commit to a strategy" will draw if her defensiveness is 5 (giving you +7 influence), or result in your loss in an increasingly rapid fashion the lower her defensiveness is, but either way gives you +5 influence. The Marshal's defensiveness rating doesn't have mechanical effect, but Maria will comment on it if she wins or you draw the match.

Somehow I manage to pull it off though. v:confoot:v

quote:

Maria sets her pieces to storming your position at a grievous cost to you both.

Maria has lost all but her king and a few pawns. With the writing on the wall, she tips her king over.

"Well done," she says with a definite dint of respect. "I enjoyed this, even though I have lost." (+15 Maria)

(Resolve increased, Stamina very slightly increased, Legal Understanding very slightly increased) (+4 Resolve, +1 Stamina, +1 Legal)

Carlos stirs from his window, "Coffee, I think, and perhaps something a little stronger."

When he is gone Maria glances to her bodyguard, "Eduardo?"

The big blond fellow gives a little nod then steps just outside the door and softly shuts it behind him.

"I get the feeling there is something you want to tell me."
"Indeed I do," she says softly and lays her hand atop your own.

"Look at the time.�"
You stand and she draws you right back down with a firm pull of her hand.

Take her hand.
She allows you that and blushes ever so slightly as fingers touch.

Move in for a kiss.
She halts you with the heel of a hand, "No, not yet."

Then she lets her fingers fall upon your chest then taps out an idle rhythm.

Maria required a 51+ Honor to romance her back in Chapter 5, which was never going to happen with Laura, but in chapter 6 all it requires is that you the 50+ influence to have an extended conversation with her.

quote:

Her skin is smooth, almost silken as it glides across your own. Her breath catches in her throat as she gazes into your eyes.

It is as though spring has come early, for I swear I can hear birds singing. (Kind of Love 1 )
The whole world narrows until it is only her. (Kind of Love 2)
I can feel her pulse as I can feel my own, and we are both in tune. (Kind of Love 3)
My heart is burning and I love it so. (Kind of Love 4)

For most of the romances you have the opportunity to describe the kind of love it is, which determines things like flavor text and what bonuses you get if you romance Dan or Carrie while out in the field. I'm not entirely sure if I'm describing it accurately, but Type 1 is sort of sweet and light, 2 and 3 are something like romantic and serene, while Type 4 is fiery and passionate.

Play with fire and you're going to get burned.

quote:

My heart is burning and I love it so.
"I can feel it," she murmurs, "the passion that I have long denied. The fire I thought quenched is stoked once more."

The moment lasts for a slice of forever before she draws a deep and shuddering breath.

"You must understand, there are troubles involved with this," Maria explains. "Limitations and exclusions. Eduardo is a good bodyguard, but I chose him because he is discrete and utterly loyal to me. Carlos, my uncle, will not be so obliging. I can not be seen with you except as expectations demand. Rumors spread, you understand, and I can not dishonor my family by appearing imprudent."

Nod.
"I am glad you understand. Already there are lies about me, but the tiniest grain of truth could well convince some who would otherwise never doubt my virtue." (+2 Maria)

"Will not your enemies spread lies anyway?"
"Sadly true. They call me 'the Virgin Bride' as they try and strip away what my husband left to me, but they will call me far worse if they learn of us. And if there are details, if people talk, then those lies may well be seen as the truth."

"This is going to be difficult."
"You have no idea." (+4 Maria)

quote:

A soft cough from the hall. Maria eases back then taps the table twice in rapid succession before she sets about putting away the chess board. Eduardo reappears and slides back into the place he formerly occupied.

Moments later the distinctive footfalls of Maria's uncle sounds out in the hall and echoes in through the now open door. Maria herself flashes you a tight smile and you know this is the last you will be able to see of her for some while.

One down, several to go.

quote:

See if Dan is around.

You catch sight of Dan as the Prospector lumbers into the Grand Haven hotel with his saddlebags slung idly over shoulder.

Go in and greet him.
You find him just inside the lobby, slowly pulling off a dusty boot. He looks up and flashes an honest smile, "Laura! What brings you by?"

Wait for him to come back out.
Dan emerges just a minute later with an almost angry furrow upon his brow as he stumps toward a nearby water trough. He glances over then double takes back with a grin, "Laura! I almost didn't see you there."

Peer through a window.
You look in, find Dan at the front desk talking sweet to Miss MacMurphy.

The part owner of the Grand Haven Hotel, not to mention the Babylon saloon next door, idly shifts the high collar of her sapphire blue dress as she most definitely flirts back at the big Prospector. Indeed, they are of a similar age and have an ease to their conversation that lets them flow like twin streams into one river. It is a bit of a wonder then that Miss MacMurphy even notes you in the window, let alone waves you inside.

"Laura!" Dan offers over as you enter. "What brings you by?"

If Laura had visited Preston, got interrupted by Billy Tate confronting Miss MacMurphy in the Grand Haven's kitch and used the opportunity to gun down Miss MacMurphy, visiting Dan now would result in him taking a -20 Influence hit and abandoning Laura for good.

quote:

When he sees you he gives a low growl, "You killed her. You killed Miss MacMurphy. She was my friend and you just�forget it!"

He snap turns and walks away, headless to your voice.

Otherwise how enthusiastic he is depends on how much he likes the Marshal, though if it's 50- and Laura is still outside the rest of the conversation never takes place as he walks off. He's already a fan of Laura so he's happy to see her.

quote:

"I just wanted to see how you were doing."

quote:
"Been better. There is a storm coming. I can feel it in my knees," Dan says and shifts where he stands.

"Storm?"
"Yep," Dan sighs. "And I dreamed of lions."

"You getting old?"
"Starting to feel that way. All sorts of little twinges telling me to slow down. I don't like that a bit." (-2 Dan)

"Hello there Miss MacMurphy."

quote:
"Hello Marshal Engels," Miss MacMurphy replies, "Always good to have you stop by, even if you never stay. Are you in to visit Dan here, or will you be needing a table?"

"I'm just here for Dan."
"I thought so," she offers over and lets the matter rest.

"A table, eventually."
"It will be ready then," she replies.

(71+ Influence)"Got time to swap stories?"
(1+ Wealth)"Interested in dinner? My treat."
(if you asked Miss MacMurphy for a table)"That table, Miss MacMurphy, if you would."
"Well, it was good to see you again. Take care now."

We've already seen the topics of conversation that change based on where this conversation takes place (either inside the hotel with Miss MacMurphy, or outside when Dan has to go clean himself off). So let's go to dinner.

quote:

"Got time to swap stories?"
"Absolutely, over dinner?" Dan asks with a hint of hunger.

"That 'eventually' just became now, did it?" Miss MacMurphy asks, "it does that from time to time, so it does."

Steak, always steak. With so many cattle about, it is hard not to have one with any meal. Not a thin slice of it either, but a big frazzle sided with fat. Potatoes, mashed or whole, boiled or fried, are heaped atop the meat. A fair pile of red beans in their own red sauce is piled beside. Flat bread is next, just about the only thing not covered in gravy.

The Grand Haven Hotel, being a posh place, also has a bowl with a tumble of greens to round things out. Spinach and lettuce mostly, though this late in the year there is hardly enough for the two of you to share.

"Now this is why I come on in," Dan says dives right in and soon has his hands and mouth full.

"Hungry?"
quote:
"Starving. I been living off jerky and mice these past few days. Mice ain't so bad once you clean them out and skin them up."

(if you have a cat) He notes, "ask your cat all about that when you can."

quote:
"I don't speak cat."
"No one really does. But cats can understand you if they want. Trouble is, most times they don't," Dan says between bites. "See, dogs were once wolves that got to liking people too much, but cats have always been cats, and always will be. Something about a feline persuasion takes things as they come and doesn't want to change one bit."

Dan talks a long while about cats, telling tales before his time that touch upon plagues and ancient Egypt.

"Oh, I will. Anyway�" (+2 Persuasion)

(If you have a mouse)
quote:
He chuckles then falls silent after a moment. "I mean, I'd never do that to your mouse. Little <Mouse Name> isn't like other mice."

"No? This I got to hear."
"Too smart. I seen him get around. He knows who is coming for him and when they're not and the cats round these parts ain't caught him yet neither," Dan points out.

"Why, that brings to mind one of my trips down to Mexico. I thought there were these little dogs following me one day, and so I went to say hello. Thankfully, my horse had its wits and�"

Dan talks a long while about large rats and horses, mice and dogs.

"So, anyway�" (+2 Persuasion)

(If you have a snake) He chuckles for a long moment. "Course, a snake will swallow them whole and call all that fur an appetizer."

quote:
"Yeah, <Snake> would do that."
"You named it <Snake>?" Dan asks, "I always considered it trouble to name a anything without shoulders. Though this one time I was up in Dakota country and this big old serpent crawled into my blankets, didn't want to leave because I was so warm and so I got to talking with her and it turned out she was close to giving birth but was too tired so we�"

Dan talks a long while about snakes, birth, knives, and sacrifice. (+4 Survival, +4 Brawling)

"So, anyway�" (+2 Persuasion)

(No pet) Dan notes, "taste like chicken if you do it right."

quote:
"And if I do it wrong?"
"You'll know that right away." (+4 Survival)

(if you're paying)"I'm springing for the meal, so I get to choose the table conversation." (+4 Intimidate)

"So, anyway..." (+2 Persuasion)

"Could you use a fork?"

quote:
"Sure could. Why?" Dan asks then catches your glance and sheepishly picks the utensil up. "I�don't eat much in hotels much."

"You must have stayed in a few over the years."
"Sure have," he says. "There's plenty on the Mississippi and a right pretty one in Vicksburg. Saw it when I was a boy and again when I was older. I swear, the owner hadn't aged a year. But that's how things are when you're young; everything changing.

"My parents�they liked to move around. All smiles too, except when the rough times come. Then they'd spit out sharp words that'd cut your hide. Don't know why they did that, but its what I remember." (+2 Persuasion, +2 Resolve)

"Why not?"
"Most times, I haven't had the money. Other times, it just didn't feel right," Dan considers, "guess I got used to the idea that wherever I lay my head is home.

"I remember my first night out in the wild. Nothing but the shirt on my back and a little knife. Well, I gathered up a whole bunch of pine needles and layered them over top. A bit of a root made a pillow. Rough as all heck, but it got me through the night.

"And come morning, I saw a wolf-print not but twenty steps away in the dew grass. That's when I knew things were going to be alright for me." (+2 Survival, +2 Resolve)

Eat right alongside him.

quote:
It takes some doing because his pace is a voracious one, but soon enough the plates are mostly cleared.

"That's a good meal, and I ain't talking about the gravy." Dan says as he leans back with a sigh. "Just being here, out in front of everything and taking our time. That's the best part of towns like these. Go where you please, but stay if you like. Wolves and bears are fine, but being away from this sort of meal is just unbearable."

"I bet."
"We are all three breakfasts and a bed from taking a bad turn. I know because I've seen it happen. Usually you can talk them back from where they've gone, but sometimes they've been running with wolves so long they can't but growl at you," Dan says then gazes off into the distance. "I knew a man who did that. Seems like his whole family got killed when he was just a boy way off in Minnesota land. Well, not having anyone else around, he started fending for himself and fend he did.

"He ate a lot of meat. So much so that when a wolf pack came round, they took him for one of their own. He grew up with them, howling at the moon. Could still talk a bit, but never for long. Everything about him was eat or be eaten, the pack was the only thing he trusted. I think he's still out there, running with the grays every day; and I have to wonder what's left of him from before." (+4 Resolve)

"Was that a pun? That sounded dangerously like a pun."
"Did it?" Dan wonders, "some days I can hardly tell. Puns are the way people play with words. Though I don't think the French or Spanish do it like the English. And I do mean the English English, from England. You know, where they got all them angles stored."

It proves impossible to stop the punning once it has begun. Only when it has run its course can you move on to other things. (+4 Persuasion)

Dan is a fountain of stories and wisdom. Laura already has an excess of social skill so she just learns some more about survival.

quote:

"I'd like to know more about panning for gold."
"Oh, that's easy enough. Its all about thinking like gold," he explains. "Gold is about as heavy as things get; ounce for ounce. That means it is always going to try and get on the bottom of things. That is what you look for out by the river, where things would come to rest over thousands of years. Try a pan, give a couple of tests and if there is a bit of golden sparkles, then have at it until you can't feel your hands anymore. Sometimes you can use a little gunpowder to blast open rocks and get at the gold that's pooled beneath, but that can be a real problem if�"

He talks and talks a long while about how to prospect in and around rivers and streams from Mexico to the Yukon.

(Survival increased, Explosives slightly increased) (+5 Survival, +2 Explosives)

"You must have had a very strange family."
"Weren't strange at all. Not to me," he says. "They were family. We moved around a lot, I pieced it together only after we got run out of town for selling cure-alls and the like. My father was a charlatan, selling snake oil cures to the gullible. My mother, well, she helped. All of us kids did. I might be doing that right now in some eastern town except that they came for us this one time with torches and tar, pursued us a long while. I fell out of the wagon during the night and fled into the wild."

He takes a deep breath, "Looking back, that might've been the best thing that ever happened to me. I mean, it helped make me the man I am today and I can't and won't take it back. But enough about all that." (+5 Schmidt)

"I been thinking about the two of us.�" [Start Romance]
"Hope you enjoyed the dinner, but I have got to go."

At 70- influence Dan will talk about how he'd rather just be friends.

quote:

"I been thinking about the two of us.�" [Start Romance]

"Have you?" Dan asks as he eases aside his plate.

"And it has taken me a while to realize how much I like having you around." (Kind of Love 1)
"Yes, but we were keeping busy all the while. It is only in this lull that I realized how things actually stood." (Kind of Love 2)
"Some things take a while to grow." (Kind of Love 3)
"I'll admit, I banked this fire for a time, but now my coals are red-hot." (Kind of Love 4)

The thing about the Kind of Love variable is that it's not per romance, it's just reset each time you get into one. So either be consistent or don't worry about it.

quote:

"I'll admit, I banked this fire for a time, but now my coals are red-hot."

"I do so get your meaning," Dan admits and leans in close. "Yes, but I've seen you in the company of that Mexican Countessa."

"Well, that doesn't mean anything. I only have eyes for you."
if romancing Carrie) "You have to admit, Carrie is something else. But compared to you, she's tongue-tied and tipsy."
(if romancing Maria) "That is all it is, company."
(if romancing Yiska) "I like him, but he is often far away even when he is right next to me."

If you're already in a relationship with Carrie, Maria or Yiska then Dan will notice. You can convince him that it's fine with around 51+ Persuasion (41+ for Yiska, 45+ for Maria, 48+ for Carrie), or with a similar Resolve (though he'll take a -5 for it and wait for you to tell them about it). If you can't match the stats then he'll break up, but this can be avoided by romancing him first.

Laura lies as easily as she breathes.

quote:

"Well, that doesn't mean anything. I only have eyes for you."

Dan breaks into a grin, "I've heard that before. Heck, sometimes I'm the one saying it. But I like the way you say it. So, let's talk about us."

It is a long talk. A deep talk. The kind that lasts all day and into the evening. As the sun sets, Dan takes your hand and gently folds it into his own.

"There we are," he murmurs softly. "Keeping back winter; together."

It is impossible to feel otherwise, not with the furnace that has been stoked inside you. All the tender affections that follow only make your separation all the more acute when it comes.

quote:

Drop in on Carrie at the Mother-Lode saloon.

Despite the distant rumble of thunder from the mountains the tenor of singing rises up from inside the Mother-Lode Saloon even before you step through the swinging doors.

There, clustered around a battered piano, half a dozen prospectors and gamblers bawl out an incomprehensible tune with a gusto reserved for horse-races. And there, amidst them all, sings Carrie.

Her features are flushed as she assails the tune with all her might and sways ever so slightly to the rhythm. Whenever she stumbles she just leans on other shoulders and keeps going.

Wait for the song to end.
Head over and get a drink while they sing.
Join in.

Waiting for the song to end doesn't do much, while getting a drink changes a bit depending on how much Mother Maddy likes you- if she does she mentions the round is on the house (but it doesn't cost wealth either way). Then you can have a conversation where she complains about having bought an out-of-tune piano from a traveling piano salesman- a heartless marshal can offer to shoot either the singers or the player! Obviously nothing comes of this so Laura's just going to add to the mayhem in her own way.

quote:

Join in.
You step right in and start belting out the nearly incomprehensible carousing song. They are almost always sung drunk and for good reason. It doesn't matter if you know the words if you can carry the tune.

Carrie catches your eye near the end and when the last echoes fade she takes your arm then stumbles over to a nearby table. (+5 Carraway)

"Laura! What brings you by the merry barn?" she asks with a sloppy smile.

"I'm glad you are enjoying yourself. What is the occasion?"
"There isn't one," she replies and settles a hand within easy reach of a shot-glass. "Don't need one neither."

"How is your father doing?"
"Upset, but I expect you understand that," she notes, "I'll have to see what I can do about that."

"Seen Hungry snake lately?"
"Still shot, but getting better. He says he'll get even. I think he means it too, though Dad won't let that happen while he owes you. Its been a while but he won't forget. Neither of them will," she notes. "I gotta wonder what Snake is up to now. It ain't like him not to come by regular like."

"For such a happy time, you seem a little down."
"Do I?" Carrie considers. "Well, its just the usual things. You know how it is. This and that and such."

(71+ Influence)"There are some things I was wondering about.�"
"Well, have a fun evening."

quote:

"There are some things I was wondering about.�"

"Go on, I got ears," Carrie notes with a flick of a lobe.

"What are your plans for winter?"
"Drinking and sleeping," she says with a chuckle. "Can't do much more. Oh, gambling too because that'll pay off eventually. Other people can go out and freeze by the river, panning for gold. I'll just pan for it in here."

"Is there something the matter?"

quote:
"Nothing," she says and hastily clips the word. "Just the usual coughs in the night. Some days I wish I were a bee so I could sting the men who come up to me. Or maybe a hornet, so I could do it more than once. Maybe a wolf would be even better, except wolves don't sting. Guess I don't know where I was going with that. But with things getting chilly, I'm getting all sorts of offers."

"I see."
(if the Marshal is woman) "Do you?" she asks. "Course you do." (+8 Carraway)
(not a woman, but 41+ Persuasion) "Maybe. Maybe not." (+4 Carraway)
(otherwise) "I'd buy that for a dime."

"Why does that worry you?"
"Because when people start talking, they like making things up. Doesn't help that some of it might be true. But some of the things that aren't, they linger a while and its hard to shoot holes in air," she says.

"Do you want me to do something about that?"
"Nope. Its my problem," she remarks, "though if you tell me before you ride out of town, I'd appreciate it. Easier to talk to some when they know there ain't no tin tin star around for them to go crying to."

"I was thinking we could spend some time together." [Start Romance]
"Well, I'll let you get back to things."

Speaking of random people propositioning Carrie for the winter...

quote:

"I was thinking we could spend some time together." [Start Romance]

"Oh?" She wonders. "What would we be doing to pass the days?"

"Staying warm, by the fire."
"That's good for evenings, but by day there's whiskey," she points out and leans in close.

"Drinking, maybe singing."
"I'm real good at one, but they're both fun," she notes with a chuckle and leans in close. (+2 Carraway)

"Cards, but not for real money."
"I don't really need the practice neither," she notes as she leans in close. (-2 Carraway)

"I think you know what we'd be doing together."
"Oh, that won't take up the whole winter. But it might be fun to try," she says then flashes a grin and leans in close. (+5 Carraway)

quote:

"So what's this about?"

"I like you. I like the way you make everything seem easy. Especially the troublesome things." (Kind of Love 1)
"I dreamed of you�and we sailed across a silvery sea." (Kind of Love 2)
"When you are near, I always know just what to do." (Kind of Love 3)
"Its about the fire you stoke within me with every glance you give." (Kind of Love 4)

Laura's keeping things hot.

quote:

"Its about the fire you stoke within me with every glance you give."

"I like fire. It keeps me warm, cooks my food and sometimes kills my foes," she say as she reaches up to run her fingers through your hair. Then she gives a steady pull and brings your lips to hers and lights an eager furnace inside you.

When you open your eyes again, hers are still closed as she savors the moment. "I thought so," she whispers to herself then opens her eyes to gaze into your own. "When the snows drift down, come see me."

Then with a gentle yet deliberate push, she puts you back on your feet. It proves to be a difficult thing to walk out and get back to the day.

Now, if you were already in a relationship with someone at the start of Chapter 6, these previous opportunities would be expanded or replaced by the ability to continue the romance. Carrie has the option to hang out and help her sift through a new barrel of gunpowder she bought with her gambling winnings (+4 Explosives, plus the opportunity to fool around instead of working), while Dan's is pretty similar to his dinner with Laura save for some new conversation topics.

quote:

"Any new stories?"
"Of course. Couple of fellas from back east told me a whopper about Lee surrendering to Grant. Turns out, they hashed the whole thing out in the living room of some fella who once had a house near Manassas Junction, what where the Union and Confederates first fought," Dan begins, "the fella�Wilmer McLean, had a cannonball fly through his window during that fight and decided then and there that he was going to quit for quieter parts. A good thing too, he missed two more battles in that same place, but it turned out that the war followed him and the surrender was signed right in his home.

Apparently he lost all his furniture too because memento seekers started buying it all up, every piece of his now historic living room; whether he wanted to sell or not. Poor fella was lucky they didn't start on the walls."

If you got chocolate from the general store then you have the chance to give it to him for desert.

The subject of winter lodgings comes up

quote:

"Have you decided where you will winter?"
"Jeff Donner has a spare bed that he's said I'd be welcome to use," Dan explains, "and that would keep me close enough to you. I mean, its a bit of a walk, but that's a small thing when I could be in Wyoming."

If the Marshal has fixed up the office or owns an intact house they can offer him residence but he keeps refusing and gets surprisingly flighty. The Marshal can eventually confront him about it...

quote:

"Dan, you don't want to hurt my feelings, but you are doing that right now with this song and dance."
"Alright. Its�when I was young we were always on the move. Then when I got separated from my family, I lived in the wild for a long time. Never did have a home. Least not anything more than tent cloth and the sky. So�" He starts to say, coughs back the words. "I feel like a piece of leather stretching out. I worry�that I'll snap and it won't be a pretty sight."

Take his hand.
He starts to draw away but hesitates too long and lets you get a good grip. His fingers shiver like a newborn colt in January but at last he begins to calm.

There is not much talking after that and in the morning you greet a beautiful sunrise.

Kiss him.
As you move in he slides back, "I�got to think about things. Maybe a day or two? I'll see you then."

He steps away, settles the bill in passing and heads out onto the street.

And with all of three of them, you have the opportunity to accompany one of them to a play down in Elko. There are five different plays you could see, and the play you see depends on the Marshal's alignment stats.

51+ Honor, 50- Law, 51+ Order: King Lear (+5 Persuasion, +5 Resolve)

50- Honor, 51+ Law, 51+ Order: Julius Caesar (+5 Intimidate, +5 Resolve)

51+ Honor, 51+ Law, 51+ Order: Macbeth (+5 Intimidate, +5 Persuasion)

51+ Honor, 51+ Law, 50- Order: The Tempest (+5 Resolve, +3 Legal, +3 Engineering)

Otherwise: Caliburn (+5 Resolve, +3 Brawling, +3 Intimidate)

Each date option has their own commentary during and after the play. They all like Shakespere, but none of them are particularly fond of Caliburn.

Maria seems to have her own ideas as to why you see each play.

quote:

"King Lear is a classic tale of warning to anyone who would divide their realm."

"Caesar is a classic tale of warning to those who listen without hearing."

"Macbeth is a classic tale of the murderous intents that can mar an otherwise virtuous heart."

"The Tempest is a classic tale on the troubles of debased power, and the virtue that can come about from shedding it."

"But the moral to Caliburn seems to be, 'the most cunning get what they want and the merely virtuous suffer them.' That is not something of which I need be reminded."

Once you've seen a play with one of your romantic partners you can't see another one with a different one.

Anyways, Laura did what she needed to do in town, so next time she's going to meet some new people, go on a date and commit some warcrimes!

# ? Dec 26, 2020 01:57

achtungnight: Oct 5, 2014; I get my fun here. Enjoy!

Good to see the thread moving along.

# ? Dec 26, 2020 07:01

Xander77: Apr 6, 2009; Fuck it then. For another pit sandwich and some 'tater salad, I'll post a few more.

I was idly thinking about picking up the LP where the OP left off (hence my question about reading the gamedata). Glad to see it's back on track.

Xander77 fucked around with this message at 12:42 on Dec 26, 2020

# ? Dec 26, 2020 12:34

LightWarden: Mar 18, 2007; Lander county's safe as heaven,
despite all the strife and boilin',
Tin Star,
Oh how she's an icon of the eastern west,
But now the time has come to end our song,
of the Tin Star, the Tin Star!

Time to meet with Julie.

quote:

Outside, the skies are heavy with clouds, especially over the distant mountains where a light rain has begun to fall.

Later in the day a soft knock on your office door draws your attention. A tall and trim lady, dark of hair and eye, leans in but does not enter; as if the threshold held a razor's edge, "Pardon the intrusion, but I am looking for the Marshal."

"Right here."
"Why?"
"Is there something I can help you with?"
Stare at her.

I've shown off the conversation with Julie before, but the responses do change if you don't say anything at all and just stare at her.

quote:

Stare at her.

"Ah, I appear to have found the Marshal after all," she notes.

There is a long pause as if she were gathering in an impossibly deep breath. Those dark eyes roam about your tidy office; every item is weighed, everything marked.

Her blouse is pressed and white with a lacy collar that ably matches that which droops at her cuffs. A small ruby lies inset upon a ribbon of black silk wrapped lightly about her throat. A brimmed bonnet of a similar fabric rests absently in her hand. A harsh and stinging scent, not unlike spoiled vinegar, wafts in along with her and clings to her clothes.

"So, do you like what you see?"
"I have to say, I ain't liking you much."
Just stare at her.
"What is that smell?"

quote:

Just stare at her.

"Oh, I am being rude, aren't I?" she notes. "Please, call me Julie. Julie Moore. And you are?"

"Annoyed."
"Laura Engels."
"The Marshal."
Stare.

quote:

Stare.

"I love it out here; for the very reason you now give," Julie says softly. "It is only in the quiet that we can hear the important things."

The strange scent that accompanies her assails your head enough to give rise to a pounding ache.

"This has been fun. We ought never do it again."
"Once more, my dear talkative Marshal. Once more at least," Julie says softly as she eases out the door toward a stagecoach before which many a bag has been piled.

"Do you smell that?"
"Indeed, too much so, my dear talkative Marshal," Julie says softly as she eases out the door toward a stagecoach before which many a bag has been piled. "Everyone has, much to my dismay."

Stare.
"Oh, my dear talkative Marshal," Julie says softly then eases out the door toward a stagecoach before which many a bag has been piled. "Thank you for letting me monologue."

quote:

The stagecoach rumbles off and leaves Julie and her bags behind. So many of them, and one all wet from something that�then you see it; on the side of a dark leather satchel are the words 'Julie Moore, Undertaker'. That smell is undoubtedly formaldehyde. Dangerous to inhale and that explains much.

There was something odd, yet almost lyrical about Julie's prose though. (+2 Persuasion, +2 Resolve)
Part of me wanted to shake some sense into her. (+2 Intimidate, +2 Resolve)
That was crazy with a capital 'C'. (+5 Resolve)

Might as well boost Persuasion since it's lower than her Intimidate.

quote:

Outside, the skies are heavy with clouds, especially over the distant mountains where a light rain has begun to fall.

Move on to bigger things.
Raise a glass at the Mother-Lode.
Visit the Babylon saloon.
Stop in at the Evening Star.
Lounge about the Grand Haven Hotel for bit.
Get some pointers from Carrie.
Ask a favor of JT Preston.
Ask Dan for a favor.

This chapter is actually on a clock, represented by the description of the weather. You have eight units of time to screw around, and Laura already burned up four of them visiting the four shops at the start of the chapter, so she only has four left. Fortunately, there isn't anything interesting happening in any of the taverns, but I can show them off thanks to the power of text.

quote:

Raise a glass at the Mother-Lode.
The Mother-Lode, the favorite watering hole of prospectors and those who don't mind drinking with them. Sure the Babylon has style and the Evening Star has quite the looker for an owner, but when you want a drink and don't mind a little mud on your boots, it is the place to go.

It helps that Mother Maddy, owner, bartender, cook and confidant, tolerates you as she does few others who don't pan for gold. She won't speak about what brought her out here though, no matter how you ask after it. Apparently somethings in the west stay secret.

Mother Maddy's description changes based on how much she likes the Marshal, and if you show up while she doesn't like you her opinion gets worse.

quote:

Visit the Babylon saloon.
The Babylon caters to the upper crust of the townsfolk. Those that don't have to get their hands dirty unless they want. Brass fittings, silver mirrors and canvasses from around the world adorn the interior.

Exotic drinks too, and not just whiskey. Cactus wine, authentic honey mead, wheat beer and a few other specialties from who knows where line the back of the bar. It serves a grand pepper steak too, just as good as the one from the Grand Haven hotel. Mainly because they share a kitchen and a cook.

quote:

Stop in at the Evening Star.

The Evening star isn't all that different from other saloons. Oak bar, pine floor and lots of bottles of booze. But when the lantern is hung high up in the rafters, that means the Evening star herself is down and ready to play hostess to thirsty travelers and prospectors.

Eve, as she likes to be called, has the oddest of patois accents. Claims to have been born in Paris, raised in Quebec and schooled in New Orleans. Any one of those would be exotic, but rolled up together in a young and beautiful figure adorned by silk and feathers, well, she's a rarity alright. That she has bought the land to build a library is even more impressive in some ways. Though there are some scandalous rumors about the books she intends to shelve.

Eve's plans for the library depend on Preston Springs' prosperity- at 6+ she buys the land, at 5 she's still talking about it, and at 4- she's given up.

quote:

Lounge about the Grand Haven Hotel for bit.

You head back to the Grand Haven Hotel. A glance about the tables finds that Dan isn't there.

Nor is there any sign of Maria in the sitting room downstairs. Both her and Carlos' horses gone from the barn out back. Wherever they are, they are not here. But there are still plenty of places to put your feet up.

The Grand Haven description changes if you went to visit Dan and/or Maria earlier.

Time to cash in on some favors!

quote:

Ask a favor of JT Preston.

You catch sight of Preston over at the assayers, testing out the scales himself. Each little lead weight gets its turn, sometimes twice. The moment you step inside, his head swivels toward you and a hand slaps down on his pistol. Just as quickly, he lifts it right back up.

"Never sneak up on a man when he's doing his weights," he admonishes lightly, "its a different mind to set them right, and that means the old rules don't always apply."

Two of his deputies, including the tall one, shift about to cover both you and the door.

"I'd like to borrow a sum of money. I'm good for it."
"Can I ask how you got where you are today? Not right here, but Sheriff and owner of nearly the whole town?"
"I have got to get me some deputies like yours. I bet they keep things quiet around you."
"Actually, I was wondering if you could tell me a little about the local law and how you apply it. Just so I have something to compare my own efforts with."
"What's all this I keep hearing about you and women?"
"Forget I came by."

Preston is randomly in one of three locations- the Grand Haven, the Babylon, or the assayer's office, with different intro dialogue for each. Preston has the usual favors for money, Persuasion, Intimidate or Legal training (none of which Laura seriously needs), but there's also one new option...

quote:

"What's all this I keep hearing about you and women?"

"Well, I like women," Preston says, "when they're attentive. And I am the biggest thing around, so it all works out pretty well. Why do you ask?"

"Heard rumors. That's all."
"Well, throw a splash of color in there if you like. The more outrageous the rumor, the more they impress and less likely they are to be believed. A good thing either way."

"They keep saying you don't have no lead for your bullets."
"It ain't that. I"m just picky about things. Don't buy a cow if you don't want to feed it," he recommends.

"I'm sure its all lies."
"They're easier to learn than the truth," he admits.

Any of these choices give you +5 Resolve, and more importantly don't cost any influence, unlike the other favors.

quote:

Ask Dan for a favor.

It is not hard to find Dan, you just ask around and keep following where people point until you come upon him hip deep in a river with pans in hand.

He looks up and tromps right over.

"I was hoping you'd stop by again," he says and catches your eye. "But you aren't here just for me, are you?"

"I half expected you to have a salmon in each hand."
"How do you keep going like you do?"
"I was wondering if you could give me some pointers the next time I have to rush a bear with a knife.

Dan's choices are between Survival, Stamina and Brawling. Laura's Stamina isn't really noteworthy at this point and there's not much point in focusing it, and her Survival is already higher than her Brawling.

quote:

"I was wondering if you could give me some pointers the next time I have to rush a bear with a knife.

"Don't do it. That's my advice," Dan puts in. "But if you have to, slash at its paws after it swings, cut it open, bleed it down and then pray it decides to go away. If not, then bury the knife deep so that the next person it jumps might be able to get at it."

(Brawling increased) (+4 Brawling)

You talk a while longer and as the night settles in there is a fire beside and the stars above.

quote:

Get some pointers from Carrie.

It doesn't take long to find Carrie at the Mother-Lode Saloon; talking on with Mother Maddy beside the bar.

"My Laura can't get enough of me," she says only for your ears and lets her hand briefly brush your own. Then propriety takes over and she eases away. "Business first?"

"I'd like to ask you about the art of the draw."
"Well, getting shot happens. When it does, you'll feel like you want to fall over. Don't mind it none. That's just your body thinking that if it lies down for a bit, everything will get better. If it'll help to stay standing then get mad, get roaring and raging and keep on going. Chances are that whoever shot you won't have another shot lined up and you can get your own licks in. Afterward, sew and stitch yourself back up and use plenty of whiskey on and in you," she advises then taps a nearby bottle. "Half and half as it were."

(Resolve, Stamina, and Gunfighting slightly increased) (+2 Resolve, +2 Stamina, +2 Gunfighting)

After that, the two of you spend another perfectly enjoyable evening together.

Carrie doesn't have much else to teach Laura. And both Carrie and Dan's conversations change if you're romancing them.

If you either run out of time or decide to move on yourself, you get the next plot marker....

quote:

It is the rasp of a horse ridden too hard, too long, or by someone too heavy. In this case it is two of three from Sam Pitcavage.

The man all but flings himself from the saddle. His boots are muddy and his hands are little better, "Marshal, there's Indians out by the river."

"What? In Nevada? Are you certain?"
"Hate sarcasm," Sam shakes his head. "Injuns. A hundred of them if it were one. Headed this way!"

"And�"
"And there's a hundred of them," Sam blurts out. "Headed this way!"

The conversation with Sam has a bunch of different minor differences depending on what the Marshal told Sam he should do the last time they spoke. So if you told him to guard people he's been driving a stagecoach, and since Laura told him to go back to mining he's been running himself ragged and lost some weight.

quote:

"A hundred Indians. Did you count them?"
"No, but I saw plenty. Dozens and dozens of them, men and women both bedding down in the twilight."

(if Native)"Indians like me?"
"No. No tin stars," Sam says between breaths. "Least none that I saw."

"Braves and Squaws? What about children?"
"Yes, them too," Sam nods then gives a long blink. "Oh, does that mean something?"

"It means they're a village on the move, not a war-party on a raid."
"Oh. Well, alright then," Sam says then sits himself down with a thud. "No reason to get worked up. You know, I think I could do with a nap. That was too far a ride and my horse is real new."

"Now, do I want to ask about your horse?"
"For the last time, I didn't get that hungry," Sam says pointedly.

"They're coming here?"
"Yep. The river's swollen right now, but when that goes down they'll be headed straight for Preston Springs. Could be here by tomorrow morning."

"Wait, tomorrow? How fast were they riding?"
"Oh, some weren't. That's the thing. They got horses and mules, but those were all laden down," Sam explains. "Lots of them Indians were just walking."

"Doesn't sound like they are looking for a fight."
"Yeah. Yeah you might be right," Sam says.

"Well, best I go and see to this."

(if Stoic)Wait for him to say what needs saying.
"So, hundred Indians. Yep. Women and children too. Lots of horses, all laden down," Sam says then cocks his head to the side. "Like they were a village on the move. Guess that's why they didn't run me down. They might have, what with my horse being so new."

Conversation ends when you figure out that they're a village on the move.

quote:

Indians. Lots of Indians. Local Shoshone, probably. They are on the move and headed this way. That doesn't mean anything by itself. People can go where they want. No fences around here.

The tribe will be cautious. That much is clear. They've got women and children along after all. But whenever two peoples brush up against one another there is always the chance for trouble. Most of the time there isn't, people being cautious about strangers. Moreover, Indians often have buffalo hides and the like to trade for iron or other worked goods. So everyone usually gets something out of it. You can only hope that will be true here.

Set out at dawn to find the Indians.
Talk to Preston first.
Find Dan.
A quick check of Donner's house finds no sign of Dan's horse or mule. Apparently that dinner and night in the Grand Haven Hotel flung him back out into the wild again.

Track down Carrie.
Strangely enough, you don't find her in any of the saloons. She might be out testing that powder on who knows what.

Dan and Carrie are always unavailable for this bit, the text changing a bit depending on if you saw them at the start of the chapter.

quote:

Talk to Preston first.

You find Preston in the sitting room of the Grand Haven Hotel. Blue smoke rises from a thick cigar between his fingers as he gazes out upon the still dark streets. When he takes a puff the end flares and sets his gold ring to gleaming in a sulfur light.

"Indians," he tells you straight away. "Yes, I heard already. Sam might have the worst luck I've ever seen but he doesn't compound it by keeping secrets. Nor should you; if there's trouble, light a pyre so we'll all know."

"I could use a few extra guns on this."

quote:
"Could you?" Preston inquires lightly. "Well, I trust you know your people, so go round some up then. This is county business if I ever saw it. My men are staying here."

"This could well affect the town, and that makes it town business."
(if 49+ Persuasion or 71+ Preston) "You may be right," Preston muses. "The town is in the county, the county surrounds the town. So, I'll get you an escort."

The man proves as good as his word, and when you step out into the street two rifle armed deputies, Gleason and the one who thankfully doesn't talk, are with you.

(otherwise) "But my deputies are my deputies. You want some of your own, go and roust them up yourself," Preston suggests then takes a long puff on his cigar.

"You are right, of course."
"Glad we agree," Preston says as he absently taps the ash off his cigar. "Now, if there is nothing else�" (+10 Preston)

There isn't, and so you step back out onto the street.

"You are such an rear end."
"If you don't like it, tough," he replies evenly.

Leave the man be.

"I could use some trade goods to earn the Indian's good will."
"I'm going out to meet the Indians. If I don't come back, you'll be having problems."
"Very true." Preston says and continues to stare out into the darkness. "Some days it feels like problems are all we have." (+5 Preston)

He doesn't say another word and so you step back out onto the street.

You can ask Preston for trade gifts, and as long as you have an arrangement with Preston he'll provide the items no questions asked, otherwise you'd have to either spend 2 wealth, or -8 Influence to get a loan from Preston if you have 2 or fewer wealth. But you don't even need to do that much, because as long as you talked to Preston it opens up another conversation option after you leave.

quote:

Go wake up Matthew at the general store and get some nick-nacks for the Indians.
A hard pounding is all it takes to get Matthew awake and moving.

"Nick-nacks for the Indians," he repeats as he tries to blink the rest of his sleep away. "Just get me something back in return, will you? Nothing out here is cheap, even the cheap stuff."

Laura doesn't need an escort, so she just tells Preston to expect trouble and sets out on her way. And grabs the free loot because she can.

quote:

Set out at dawn to find the Indians.

Come the dawn you set out alone. Your saddlebags jingle with every bounce of your Roan, laden as they are with trade goods.

Soon enough you see them; a long line of silhouettes moving against the rising sun. As Sam said, a whole lot of Indians.

In pairs they struggle to cross a swollen river. Close to a hundred of them, with twice as many horses and mules. The men guide the animals across while the women and children labor on a dozen rafts that are set to float across, heap them with all manner of cloth and leather, chests and sacks.

This is a village, or at least a fair number of lodges on the move. Rather late in the year too.

The whiny of a horse sounds out and you turn to find a familiar figure riding close; an Indian in shirt-sleeves with a crisp collar. Yiska, up from Elko.

Yiska tenders over a nod, He rides right up and settles in beside you.

Yiska raises a hand to shade the morning sun and squints toward the Indian column, "Shoshone. Eastern tribe I'd think. Not Bannocks certainly. Too many women with them. Also, we're not being shot at."

The two of you watch as a quartet of Indians finishes crossing the river. Those four leap astride their horses and ride bareback toward you at a slow gait.

"No guns or war-paint," Yiska points out. "They want to talk, Tahoma. Peaceably. That is a good thing too, as thirty braves are worth a hundred soldiers."

"Do you know their leader?"
"I expect I will know of him, even if I have never met the man."

"How can you be certain they do not come to fight?"
"I can't be. But they have nothing to gain but honor by sending equal numbers this way. Everything I know tells me they merely wish to converse, not kill."

"Any idea why they are out here?"
"Several. But it boils down to either they have had very good luck, or very bad."

"What do you mean, good luck or bad?"
"To be out this late in the year means they were delayed in reaching their winter camp. Either they reveled in their good fortune, or were struggling against the ill," Yiska explains. "We shall know more shortly."

(if Native)"Any blood feuds I should be concerned about?"
"I don't think so. But it never hurts to be polite."

"Will you translate for me?"
"Tragedies have their seeds in misunderstanding. And while I do enjoy a good tragedy, comedies are more of a bromide for the soul," Yiska explains and lets his answer rest a moment. "That means yes." (+2 Yiska)

Greet the coming riders and find out what it going on.

Yiska's intro depends on his relationship and whether or not you're romancing him. If you brought Preston's deputies along one of them will ask if you were expecting Yiska, with the answer of "Yes. Somehow I did." giving +5 influence.

quote:

Greet the coming riders and find out what it going on.

The Indians slow to a walk as they ride close. The foremost of them, a handsome if weathered fellow who bears a necklace of bear teeth flush upon his chest, raises a hand.

"Hello. Allons-nous parler dans cette langue�" he says slowly in French.

"Restons avec notre langue natale," Yiska replies.

"Naingi-nananga shoshni newe?" the other answers in the Shoshone language as he lays a hand over his heart. "Taboonsheya, daatsewiti aa'."

The words are not familiar, coming as they do from a different tribe. All except 'newe' of course, which is their name for themselves.

Yiska gives his own name and then gestures toward you, "Ika wa'aipe' nananga-enne, Marshal Engels Laura. Also known as Tahoma. Marshal? This is Taboonsheya, Chief of the Six Horns."

"Tell him it is an honor to meet him."
Yiska translates and Taboonsheya responds in equally measured tones, "It is the same for him. He has heard much of Tahoma, the tin star. (Welcoming Opener, +2 Welcoming)

"Ask him what his people are doing out here."
Yiska translates and Taboonsheya responds in questioning tones, "Journeying to a warmer valley. He thought that would be obvious to Tahoma, the tin star. (Neutral Opener, +1Welcoming, +1 Warning)

"Inform him that many people are worried of his people's presence and that accidents could happen."
Yiska translates and Taboonsheya responds in guarded tones, "Yes, many accidents have occurred over the years, long before the coming of Tahoma, the once-buried Tin Star." (Warning Opener, +2 Warning)

If the Marshal is from one of the river tribes they actually understand the conversation somewhat, though Taboonsheya has a different accent then they're used to. There's two variables being tracked in this conversation- how Welcoming you are and how much of a Warning you're giving. Welcoming is all about being friendly and hospitable, Warning is pointing out They're not mutually exclusive.

quote:

"Ask him what his people are doing out here."
Yiska translates and Taboonsheya responds in questioning tones, "Journeying to a warmer valley. He thought that would be obvious to Tahoma, the tin star. He says you have given your word to others who have had it crumble between their fingers. That your collar keeps your neck stiff even when you sleep. But for all that you are as a mustang on an open plain."

Yiska pauses to catch a breath as Taboonsheya continues to talk, "Taboonsheya knows that you carry a darkness about you. But you have escaped the gaze of those above despite this."

"Yiska, tell him that we need to get to talking about what is going on right now." (Neutral)
(Welcoming Opener) "Tell him that though we first meet here, I feel as though I have known him long." (+1 Welcoming)
(Neutral Opener) "Tell him that I respect his introduction and would wish to hear more of him." (Neutral)
Warning Opener) "Tell him I understand. But introductions are over and questions must begin." (+1 Warning)
(Welcoming 1+)"Tell him I would like to discuss what can be done to help his people." (+2 Welcoming)
(Warning 1+)"Tell him we need to sort this out before his people get hurt." (+2 Warning)
(Welcoming 3+)"Tell him, that though we have much in common, there is much that must be resolved." (+2 Warning)
Warning 3+)"Tell him that I am willing to let the past rest in tales and take up today with both hands." (+2 Welcoming)

Taboonsheya has something to say based on the Marshal's alignment, which gives further bonuses based on stats.

+1 Welcoming for 50+ Honor, +2 for 71+
+1 Warning for 50+ Order, +2 for 71+
+1 Warning for 71+ Law, +1 Welcoming for 49- Law
+1 Warning for 12+ Notoriety, +2 Warning for 31+ Notoriety.

There's supposed to be a +1 Welcoming bonus for having a high Legend score, but Legend is normally only calculated at the end or if you specifically opt to check it at some chapter breakpoints, so it's usually 0 for most players, which translates to +1 Warning.

quote:

"Where are your people headed?"
The chief speaks a while before Yiska catches on to the translation, "He is saying they wish to reach the Green Deer valley before the first snow blows. There they will eat roots and catch fish until winter removes itself from their sight."

"Is Green Deer Valley far?"
The chief gives a little nod and gestures south-westerly toward a distant place that all but clips the corner of Preston Springs. You hardly need Yiska's translation to know what he is saying, "It is a long walk we should have begun when the moon had last been full. When we reach that place, our feet will be sore but unbloodied."

"And you would stay in Green Deer Valley until spring?"
"Yes." the chief says in English then returns to the Shoshone tongue as Yiska resumes translation, "It is a good place, but we would eat up all that is there when the dry summer comes." (+1 Welcoming)

"Why are your people on the move so late in the year?"
The chief gives a soft sigh then speaks with a darker tone as Yiska translates, "There were many buffalo at Big Horn Basin. We hunted them for some while, taking our ease and roasting strips long into the night. Too long it seems, for the Apaches came to call and two of our warriors went to the stars in turning them back. Even then, many horses were lost and scattered. By the time those were rounded back up, many suns had set."

"Tell me of the Apaches."
The chief stares over at you in small surprise and his tone is incredulous as Yiska translates, "If you have never heard of the Apaches then consider yourself fortunate and do not stray from this valley. There are no more capable or cruel warriors than the Inde. Long had they opposed the Spanish, long had they opposed the Mexican, long will they oppose all who do not speak Mescalero.

"We fought those of the White Mountain. Though we were many more than they, they yet took our horses and killed two of our young braves. Even then we considered ourselves fortunate." (+1 Warning)

"How would I defeat these Apache?"
The chief narrows his gaze upon you, "With many men. With many guns. Gather their women and children and hold them hostage. And even then, you may find only defeat despite years of struggle." (+1 Warning)

"Are your intentions peaceful?"
The chief taps a finger to his ear then gestures to the west. Yiska waits for him to finish before he translates, "We seek no war with the white man. You have many guns and will cry out to the blue-coats if a Newe so much as scratches your boot. And so I agree with Chief Washakie and wish only peace between our peoples. Where the sun sets it may be different, but here we come with open hands and hearts."

"I believe you, but others may not."
"Then it is good that you are the chief," Taboonsheya says as Yiska translates. (+1 Welcoming)

"But not all Shoshone bands are as peaceable, are they?"
The chief shakes his head gravely as Yiska translates, "No. There are the Bannocks. They who turn their backs upon our ways to do as they please. There are many of them in the hills and your people should be careful where they walk."

"Wait, there are Bannock bands around here?"
The chief nods and you hardly need Yiska to understand his words, "Yes. A great many. And they do not fear the winter snow." (+1 Warning)

Move on to more pressing issues.

Just rolling your way through the conversation tree opens up new topics and with them new opportunities for Welcoming/Warning.

quote:

Move on to more pressing issues.

"I would prefer that your people stay well away from the town so as not to provoke an incident."
(if you talked about Green Deer Valley once)"I would like to see your people reach Green Deer Valley as quickly as possible and so will accompany you there myself."
(if you brought trade goods)"I have here tokens of friendship from the people of Preston Springs to give to you before your people depart."
(if you brought trade goods)"I have some goods here you might be interested in bartering for before you head on your way."
"Your people must turn back. The people of Preston Springs will not allow you to pass so close to their lands."
"Do what you want around these parts. Just don't cross me."
"Your people will need to pay a toll for crossing the white man's land."
"I am going to need hostages to ensure that you pass on by without incident."
"You have come to the wrong place at the wrong time. Tell your people to prepare to greet their ancestors."
Pull my pistol on Taboonsheya and end this farce.

There's a bunch of different variations based on your opener and how welcoming/warning you are, which alters the outcome and rewards of the different choices. Yiska is happiest when you're nice to the tribe (even if you take hostages, since it's more that they're your guests for the winter rather than captives), and dislikes if you drive them back or take a toll from them. Taboonsheya reacts based on how welcoming or warning you were during the conversation. He loves it if you're hospitable and help his tribe, but he'll at least accept it if you tell them to leave but have been consitently stern about it. If you were wary he'll be pleasantly surprised by your hospitality but will think you're a dick if you're all smiles and friendship but tell them to leave.

Exacting a toll gets you one of the following:
-A buffalo hide robe (+legend in the end)
-A stack of furs (+2 wealth, or +3 if you have 47+ Persuasion or Preston Springs is 6+ prosperity, or +4 if you have a deal with Preston or +6 if you've got a deal with the Winthrop tannery)
-Gold (+4 Wealth)

Trading gets you a choice of the following:
-A buffalo hide robe
-A stack of furs (+4 wealth, +6 for Persuasion/Prosperity, +7 for a deal with Preston, +8 for a deal with the Winthrops)
-If you're a native you can get the obsidian war-axe
-Gold (+4 Wealth)
-A bear hide if you don't have one. If you killed the bear or scared it off you can swap stories with Taboonsheya (+2 Noterity for killing it, +4 for scaring it)

Finally, offering the goods as a gift gives you a gift in return. If you already scored an obsidian war-axe off of Frank Spears in Chapter 2, he has a different gift for you.

quote:

As the sun sinks into your Obsidian war-ax the old chief tenders over a hint of a smile, "Frank Spears gave?" he asks then continues on through Yiska. "A good man to know, and it says much of you that you know him so well as to receive his gifts."

Taboonsheya then retrieves a tonic bottle from beneath a pile of robes and holds it out toward you.

Let my eye linger upon an excellent buffalo hide robe.
Taboonsheya can't help but note your gaze and so presents the robe to you with a flourish even as Yiska translates, "This will keep you warm when all else is cold. This I know, this I promise."

Take a note of a gleam of gold.
Taboonsheya presents you with an ornate gold bracelet whose markings are strange and worn. Yiska readily translates the chief's words, "This belonged to my second wife. A gift from a wanderer with hair of fire. She always said the golden loop wished to see the world, and so she took it with her to be my bride. For many years we walked these valleys and she carried it upon her wrist. I do not wear it now, but I wish its journey to continue." (+3 Legend at ending)

Gaze a long while at a grizzly bear hide.

quote:
(Fled the bear) There it is, the hide of a beast you had to flee from. Somehow the Six Horns braves brought this one down. It is hard not to be impressed with that sort of trophy and when Taboonsheya presents the massive pelt to you, the thrill of stroking that thick fur is undeniable.

(Scared the bear) There it is, the hide of a beast much like the one you scared off with a roar. Not the same creature, of course, but you can't imagine a world where you could have both scared it off and skinned it. When Taboonsheya presents the massive pelt to you a simple ruffle of the thick fur reminds you well of that encounter.

Naturally, you have to share your tale and the Indian chief reciprocates with his own. (+4 Notoriety)

(Killed the bear) There it is, the hide of a beast you brought down in the wild. While it isn't the same creature, it is hard to see the difference even up close. When Taboonsheya present the massive pelt to you, a long ruffle of the deep fur lets you bask afresh in that victory.

Naturally, you have to share your tale and the Indian chief reciprocates with his own. (+2 Notoriety)

(Either no personal melee weapon, or a personal melee weapon but also a Native Marshal)Take note of an obsidian flaked war-ax.

quote:
Taboonsheya notes your gaze and begins a long tale that Yiska translates with due reverence.

"Long ago, before the white man came, the Newe wandered these valleys without worry. But then the Shining-ones came with their golden armors and strange blood gods. Our arrows could not pierce, our spears shattered, and clubs were turned aside. They took many of us and marched them south to their doom while we wept.

"The Coyote heard our cries and was moved, but Coyote's tricks proved of little use for the Shining-ones were as a pebble dropped from a cliff and knew only one path. So instead he spoke to the Hawk who sent him to the Night Raven, who sent him to the Black Hills and there he wagered his teeth against the secrets of the Lonely Mountain.

"A simple game would be played. Merely guess where a falling stone would land when it tumbled down the slope. The Mountain thought it knew all for it was merely a pebble of great size, but Coyote excused himself just before the contest began and made water all down the side of it. The Mountain, thinking it to be mere rain, took its guess. Coyote, having eaten far too many green berries in the days before, knew otherwise. The stone tumbled then touched upon the thick waters and did not slip quite so much as the mountain thought.

"Coyote learned the secrets of the midnight stones and brought them to us. We flaked the edges to a sharp beyond sharp then fell upon the Shining-ones and sliced through their golden armors to rescue our peoples.

"This ax is a token of those days. Though now there are hard metals, the night stones can yet cut deep even against an armored foe. We of the Six Horns give this to you, our friend, and hope you never need use it as we once did."

The ax is indeed a weighty thing and beyond sharp; a truly terrifying weapon even when it is not resting in your hand.

"I would be honored to wield this as your friend." (+4 Intimidate, +2 Notoriety)
Gently refuse the weapon. It is not mine to take from his people. (+5 Honor if Native)

(if you got Frank Spears' axe)Accept the tonic bottle.

quote:
"Sun Lizard juice," Taboonsheya says through Yiska, "a very rare and powerful medicine for one who shall bleed but not perish."

Drink it.
It tastes bitter and coppery, but as it rushes down your throat a warmth spreads through you. From fingertip to fingertip, and toe to toe, it feels as though summer days have come again.(+10 Stamina)

Hand it back with apologies.

Wave aside the gift. (+5 Honor)

With a peaceful departure, Yiska and the Marshal have a moment to talk about things. At 71+ Influence you can begin a romance with Yiska, while if you're already in a relationship with him you can go down to catch the play in Elko if you haven't already. Otherwise it's time for a nice talk by the river.

quote:

"Before I left for the east, I would have thought Preston Springs to be big town. Fifty permanent residents, perhaps thrice that in the hills and camps along the river. In some ways those grander urban edifices have spoiled me," He explains, "but enough about me. I want to hear about you."

"I'm the Marshal of Lander county, but I won't be serving as such forever."

quote:
"Indeed, I should hope not for that would be a difficult contract to craft," Yiska chuckles. "They could have you stuffed and mounted I suppose, but then how would you make the rounds? Wheels?"

"That's a different thought."
"And it reflects upon my unusual childhood," he says and glances off toward the mountains.

"Funny."
"Thank you. My humor has long been cultivated," he says and glances off toward rough farm fields.

"I left a whole other life back in California."
"I know the feeling all too well," Yiska replies readily and glances toward a nearby lean-to.

(49- Honor)"I think I'm beginning to understand the brutal nature of these valleys."
"Learning begins with understanding, but it doesn't end there Tahoma Yiska says absently.

(49- Law)"I am still trying to understand why people bother with civilization out here."
"They do it because they believe it will bear fruit eventually. Most things do," Yiska points out. (-3 Yiska)

(49- Order)"Since I came here, I'm beginning to enjoy the wide open spaces where nothing hems you in."
"It is indeed a delight, Tahoma, to run free," he says and casts an eye toward the horizon.

(50-69 Honor)"I've been working a lot because there are a lot of things to be done and done right."
"An admirable task, because there are many who would do things poorly or not at all simply so that they can do other things that they wish," Yiska says weightily.

(70+ Honor)"I've been trying to be an example to people, but they haven't been quick to emulate."
"I doubt they would. There is always resistance to change," Yiska points out then glances down at the ground.

(50-69 Law) "Most of my days are spent breaking up arguments and settling disputes. People just don't seem to be able to settle things on their own."
"Of course they don't, Tahoma. We are far from any court or judge and because of that people tend to run free. Perhaps because we all start out that way," Yiska muses for a moment. (+5 Yiska)

(70+ Law)"Recently I'd been pouring over the ordinances, trying to figure out how to enforce what is needed."
"I do not envy you that labor, Tahoma. Far too few understand the need for structure, failing to see its advantages because they must first endure its weight," he says then gazes off toward the horizon. (+10 Yiska)

(50-69 Order)"I've been trying to whip things into shape out here, but my arm is getting tired."
"Try offering an apple instead. Some people respond better to coaxing than coercion," Yiska notes then glances up at the sky. (-3 Yiska)

(70+ Order)"My job would be a lot easier if people just fell into line."
"I imagine it would, only then you wouldn't be a marshal but something darker," Yiska points out. (-5 Yiska)

And then we get to find out what's the deal with Yiska. How'd he get here?

quote:

"My childhood seemed an endless summer in these valleys; even in winter. My father was a great hunter and always loved to entertain guests. They were from all over; Mexicans, Frenchmen, old mountain men, even some Russians.

"I loved to listen. There is a rhythm inherent in a dozen different tongues and soon enough my father kept me by his side whenever he went to meet new people; so that our words could be exchanged without worry. A gift, that is what they called it. And when it came to the attention of the chiefs, they approached my father with an idea.

"It was not my decision. At ten winters old it couldn't be. They decided to send me east for a white education. Mother readily gave up a hundred little gifts she had acquired from guests to pay my way. Others lent what they could. It was not enough though, and so Father went to a Navajo friend of his and together they worked out an arrangement for me, assuming I survived."

quote:

I was a boy and not a man when I crossed the threshold of the Wheatly school for boys in Boston he says and lets out a little sigh. "I do not particularly want to revisit my time there. I was an Indian and completely out of place. I could read but not quickly or well. That earned me many a smack upon the head for 'laziness'. I was also unaccustomed to wearing trousers and shirts, sitting still at a desk and writing neatly. As a result, I spent a great many hours out on the stoop, balancing heavy books as a penalty instead of playing in the sun.

"But as you must have noted, I survived. Not only that, but learned to flourish if not at Wheatly then at the schools which came afterward. I even taught a bit of the Newe tongue out there at the end, but I am getting ahead of myself. It had been decided early on that law should be the subject of my studies, for that seemed to be the primary tool of the White Man when coercing Indians. Say that something is illegal and, even if it not enforced right away, it will eventually become illegal in mind and deed. No, to truly live with the Whites, we had to understand their concept of law and be able to play their game if not win it.

"I studied, oh how I studied for this. The twists and turns of state legal codes, courts and the federal system as well. I saw the gaps, saw how men could exploit them for their own gain, and that is why I went to study chemistry."

"Sorry, what?"
"I studied how to make things explode," Yiska says. "With gunpowder and the like."

"Chemistry?"
"Yes, primarily the combustibles such as gunpowder," Yiska explains, "although I have heard of other more potent agents as of late."

(21+ Explosives)"Gunpowder, or the new nitroglycerin?"
"Combustible agents primarily," Yiska explains. "Developments with nitroglycerin remain merely a concept to me." (+5 Yiska)

As demonstrated, he knew how to blow up the dam.

quote:

"You see, that was something else that the tribes needed to know. How do rifles work? How could we make our own powder instead of solely trading for it? I still haven't worked out the details on that. But we needed to know the way and I was determined to bring the telling of it back with me, and I have."

"Explosives and the law. A strange combination to have at your command."
"I suppose, but I see them as tools. Tools for change. Not just of the Newe, but of the Whites too," Yiska explains. "Perhaps we can both change enough to satisfy one another."

"What are you going to do out here?"
"Whatever needs to be done to protect my people," Yiska says simply. "Change is coming and coming fast. We do not have time to leisurely adapt, and if that means the white man must change a little too, then I shall see to that as well."

(if heartless) "I get the feeling you're gonna try things one way and then the other."
"Yes, the law first," Yiska agrees with a rising intensity. "I believe that the white man can be held to their own standards; that they can be made to abide by the agreements they make. But if not, then I shall proceed differently."

Yiska has lived an interesting life.

quote:

The pace of the walk slows and he turns to you with an open question in his eyes.

Move in for a kiss.
He meets you halfway; your lips brush and the tingle that rises up sends you soaring.

Wait for him to kiss me.
He eases forward, bit by bit until at last his lips brush your own. Like a sunrise on a wintry day; you can't help but feel a tingle of relief.

Ease forward just a little in expectation.
A ghost of a smile rises up from Yiska as he crosses the gap between you and ever so lightly brushes his lips against your own. Like a rush of warm wind on a spring day; a tingle races up your spine.

quote:

I feel as though we frolic together in grassy meadows with not a care in the world. (Kind of Love 1)
It is as if the world stopped for just him and I, not even the wind dare intrude upon this serenity. (Kind of Love 2)
It all makes sense, his journey east and my travels out west. This is a long road where we started at opposite ends so that we might meet in the middle. (Kind of Love 3)
I am on my toes, seeking to breathe this spark into a roaring fire. (Kind of Love 4)

But you aren't here to see Laura make friends, are you? There's only one path...

quote:

"You have come to the wrong place at the wrong time. Tell your people to prepare to greet their ancestors."

Yiska's head whips about as you speak. His lips falter and his voice falls silent.

Taboonsheya doesn't need words. He understands perfectly. He and his braves reach for their weapons as you skin out your own. The gunfight begins and ends when you have dispatched the four Indians. But by the time Taboonsheya hits the ground, the Braves at the river crossing are already taking up rifles.

Your bring your own rifle up and trade fire a steady fire with them. Caught crossing the river, you drop one after another until the hammer clicks on an empty chamber.

The Six Horns lodges swiftly flee back across the river. That settles the situation in full. When you look for Yiska you find him weeping off to the side. Soon enough though he dries his eyes and turns toward you; his features a blank and lifeless mask. (Yiska influence set to 0, ends any romance you might have had with him)

After your weapons cease to smoke you can't help but note how thick and muddy the river has become.

The battle with the Six Horns is a straight combat check. 50+ Gunfighting is required to beat Taboonsheya and his escort, then 50+ Sharpshooting is required to win a firefight with his warriors by the river. Fail a check and you die. If you don't have 50+ Brawling, Yiska will stab you in the back (weeping if you were in a romance with him). If you have Yiska translate first like Laura did then the Gunfighting and Sharpshooting checks go up to 53+ while the Brawling check goes down to 40+ since you don't have the element of surprise. Preston's deputies don't actually contribute mechanically to the combat, just text of them joining the shootout (and killing Yiska if he kills the Marshal).

But yes, it's an attack on peaceful group of travelers complete with women and children. And she gains nothing from it, making it Laura's pettiest atrocity yet. It's the villainous equivalent of doing it for the love of the game.

Let's see what the peanut gallery thinks of Laura's actions so far...

quote:

Influence
Ben Carson: He trusts you utterly. (101)
Dan Schmidt: He loves you like the dawning sun. (92)
Miss Caraway: She loves you more than whiskey itself. (147)
JT Preston: You are his one, true friend. (102)
Maria Agustina: Her love for you could scorch the heavens. (132)
Yiska: He knows that Tahoma must die to preserve the Shoshone people. (0)

Yiska probably has a point.

Next time, Laura just got done clogging this river only to find that someone else might have beaten her to it.

LightWarden fucked around with this message at 22:19 on Dec 28, 2020

# ? Dec 28, 2020 22:15

achtungnight: Oct 5, 2014; I get my fun here. Enjoy!

Dang. Can�t wait to see how Laura handles the other tribe we can meet later on.

# ? Dec 28, 2020 23:17

Regallion: Nov 11, 2012

Ah, is it one of those bullshit cases where instead of getting ALL the loot they carried, you get none? Where did the obsidian axe go? Where did they gold and hides? wtf?

# ? Dec 29, 2020 00:00

unattended spaghetti: May 10, 2013

So glad to see this unexpectedly back. Thanks for all ya do.

drat that�s cold. You can do some nasty poo poo in this game but I can�t ever play a shithead in stuff like this. Thanks for showing it off.

# ? Dec 29, 2020 02:02

LightWarden: Mar 18, 2007; Lander county's safe as heaven,
despite all the strife and boilin',
Tin Star,
Oh how she's an icon of the eastern west,
But now the time has come to end our song,
of the Tin Star, the Tin Star!

Regallion posted:

Ah, is it one of those bullshit cases where instead of getting ALL the loot they carried, you get none? Where did the obsidian axe go? Where did they gold and hides? wtf?

They still have it, it's probably a case of timing.

quote:

Taboonsheya eyes the wares of Preston Springs, obviously pleased with the iron and steel there. His Braves retrieve a number of items from the recently floated over rafts and the older man sorts through numerous wraps with many a fond recollection on his lips.

They bring the loot across the river after everyone is friends. Since Laura shot them where they stood and shot at people until the tribe went back across the river they never brought it over, so it's still with the fleeing remnants of the tribe. We saw this text last time, but I didn't include it since I was more interested in showing off the dialogue about Frank Spears' axe.

# ? Dec 29, 2020 03:26

LightWarden: Mar 18, 2007; Lander county's safe as heaven,
despite all the strife and boilin',
Tin Star,
Oh how she's an icon of the eastern west,
But now the time has come to end our song,
of the Tin Star, the Tin Star!

quote:

The river is a swollen, muddy snake that gurgles its way down south. As you watch, bits of wood swirl atop the silted waters in an eddy before they are sucked down stream with a stunning rapidity. The little trickle that had been there in the months before is now but a memory.

Yiska points to a shattered tree trunk, "Landslide. A whole grove of trees must have come down up in the mountains. That could be enough to block the river."

Ride back to Preston Springs to warn and prepare people there.
(Red Ribbon Mine Intact) Head up to the Red Ribbon site with Yiska.
(Red Ribbon Mine Destroyed)The blockage will likely be temporary and brief. Nothing to worry about.
Ride off. This is town business.
(Survival 51+)Figure out where the flood is going to happen while I am out here. (+1 Effectiveness, Levee location. Returns to town)
(Engineering 22+)Send Yiska back to town to gather people up while I consider how best to deal with the river. (+2 Manpower, +1 Effectiveness, Levee location. Returns to town)

The rising river sequence is the main problem in Chapter 6 and has a fair amount of branching content. Most of the methods to defend it require you to amass Effectiveness before your Time runs out, built up by applying Tools and Manpower, to varying degrees of effectiveness depending on your plan and order of operations.

The single biggest variable that affects this chapter is whether or not you destroyed the Red Ribbon Mine's dam back in Chapter 3. If the dam is still standing because you either did nothing or negotiated an agreement then you can revisit the company's camp. It does take time however.

quote:

Ride up to the encampment.

quote:
A ride through the empty gate finds not a cart or tent left standing. Anya and Randall Admunsen are gone. The whole Red Ribbon mining operation has moved on without saying a word.

All that remains are bits and pieces of discarded equipment, a few stray sifts, rusted shovels, and worn picks. That they left even those behind means they must have been in a hurry. Perhaps they'd noticed the river rising or heard the plaintive creak of the dam and knew they would be blamed.

Gather the discarded tools. They can still be of use. (+1 Tools, +1 Time)
Prepare to set fire to the stockade. (+1 Time)
Have Yiska gather the tools while I set fire to the stockade. (+1 Tools, +1 Time)
Prepare to leave.

Ride over to the dam and see how it is holding up.

quote:
A mere glance at that groaning structure finds your worst fears realized. It is beginning to buckle under pressure with whole shoots of water spraying out of some parts. As things stand, you will have a day, maybe more upon your return to Preston Springs.

Try and bolster the dam.
Engineering 26+
quote:
It isn't a matter of keeping the water contained. Nothing made of wood could do that now. But you might be able to reposition a few critical timbers so that the water flows through without placing quite so much weight on the structure; making this more a sieve than a dam.

You and Yiska put your backs into it. Hours pass like minutes as you labor. Soon the river is flowing through the timbers once again. Though the banks may swell or perhaps even over-top them in places, you doubt that the dam will collapse any time soon let alone make a proper flood of it. (This solves the problem)

(Otherwise)
quote:
It isn't a matter of keeping the water contained. Nothing made of wood could do that now. But if you had a few more hands you might be able to reposition a brace of critical timbers so that the water flows through without placing quite so much weight on the structure; make it more a sieve than a dam.

The trouble is time. Gathering a bunch of inexperienced hands from Preston Springs might not do the trick. However, depending on how far away the Red Ribbon miners happen to be, and if you can talk them into returning, you might well have a solution.

Inspect the track of the Red Ribbon miners and see how far they could have gone.
Follow the Red Ribbon miners.
Return to Preston Springs.

A trip to the mine finds that the company chose to bail on the problem, leaving you the chance to loot some of their tools to help fix the problem. If you choose to burn down the camp, Yiska will ask you why, and you can tell him that it's a punishment or a signal to Preston Springs that danger is coming. Either way you get notoriety and some alignment score. If you tell him that you don't want other miners using the camp then he'll point out that it could still be used by people besides miners, and you can either burn it or leave it alone for +5 influence.

Checking out the mine actually has different text depending on how much time you used up and your engineering skill, with 22+ giving you a detailed description based on the time you've spent (0= 2-3 days, 1= 1 day, 2= .5 day, 3+= no time at all), and 21- just appending modifiers to the situation the less time you have "this is (really) (really) bad."

26+ Engineering means you and Yiska can save the day in secret by fixing the dam so it won't flood.

quote:

Follow the Red Ribbon miners.
Before long the trail sign grows steadily fresher. Flecks of mud mark where the wheels have churned and bits of harness poke up where they have fallen off or been discarded. A whole water barrel lies smashed to one side and a stray donkey idly chews on the nearby greenery; hobbling to the next bush as best it can on a lamed leg.

The crack of a leather whip sounds out into the sky. Over the next rise you find a long line of flat bottom wagons halfway up a low hill. At the front of those a doubled team of horses strains to pull an axle free from deep muck.

The snap of a whip cracks out yet again and you catch sight of Anya plying the leather against each horse in turn. All the while she shouts encouragement until her cheeks turn bright red. Her husband Randall, and big George plus about a dozen equally muddy prospectors, push against the back of the wagon while their engineer Terry tries to lever the wheels with a long iron pole.
But despite all that effort, they just can't get it free.

Ride on down.
Shoot the whip out of Anya's hand.

quote:
43+ Sharpshooting You sight down and observe her rhythm. Two cracks of the whip, then some shouting, then one more crack, and finally a pause. The next time she raises the whip up, you finish squeezing the trigger and with a single thunderous echo, the whip goes flying from her hand. (+3 Notoriety, +1 Marksman counter)

The whole affair down there halts abruptly as the men scuttle for cover like an upended basket of crabs. Yiska barely stifles a laugh at their efforts as he gestures down toward Anya and Randall. There seems little reason not to head down now that they are cowed.

(otherwise you miss and it's just +1 Notoriety)
Fire into the air to stop the whole affair. (+1 Notoriety)
Watch a while.

quote:
The whip keeps on cracking, the men keep on straining, and the team of horses begin to panic. Then a terrible snap is heard and a horse collapses; its leg broken.

Anya calls a halt and the men cease to push against the wagon. The broken beast keeps on screaming. Randall stomps around front and finishes off the broken horse with two shots from his pistol. As the horse finally falls silent, the owners of Red Ribbon mining begin to argue. Loudly.

All is not well in their little world, that is for certain.

"They treat their horses cruelly," Yiska notes coolly, "and soon enough they may do the same to each other. After all, why not?"
(if Heartless) Start picking them off at range.

The Red Ribbon company is not having a very good time. How the conversation plays out and how cooperative they decide to be depends on combination of the Marshal's social skills and a Hostility variable, which starts at 3 and is moved up or down by conversation choices. Randall's greeting depends on what you did at the start of the conversation

quote:

Randall stomps forward with his hands clenched into fists. The big man's wild golden hair is more than a little greasy and flecked by mud. "Marshal," he says simply.

"I'm here to talk about your dam."

quote:
"We have no dam," Randall shrugs.
"What about the dam you left behind?"
"Oh, that dam," Randall says and motions for Anya to come over. "My wife, she explain."

"Yes, you do." (+1 Hostility)
Randall sighs and motions Anya over, "You talk with my wife. She know words."

Stare at him.
(41+ Intimidate) Randall coughs uncomfortably and gestures for his wife to come over, "You talk with my wife. She know words." (+2 Hostility)

(Otherwise) Randall stares back. Nothing at all is said for quite some while.

"I do doubt you could carry one in those wagons." (-1 Hostility)
"Oh, we try. Yes, we try," Randall chuckles.

(Just rode up)"Having some trouble on the slopes?" (-1 Hostility)
"These wagons. Too heavy. Rain too wet. All too bad," Randall explains.

(Just rode up) "Whipping doesn't seem to be doing anything for those horses." (+1 Hostility)
"Horse made to be whipped," Randall notes coolly. "They not work otherwise."

(Just rode up)"Randall."
They two of you stare at one another for a long moment. At last Randall gives a little cough, "What bring you by?"

(Shot the whip out of her hand)"I shot the whip, not her." (+1 Hostility)
"You might hit her!" Randall protests.

(Shot the whip out of her hand)"If I'd been shooting at her, I'd have hit her." (+2 Hostility)
"You might miss. Hit her!" Randall protests.

(Shot the whip out of her hand)"Why not?" (+3 Hostility)
"You not to shoot at her," Randall warns, "not to shoot!"

(Shot the air)"To get your attention."
"You have it," Randall notes.

(Shot the air)"To get you to stop whipping the horses."
"Why you care? They horses," Randall notes.

(Shot the air) "Why wouldn't I?" (+2 Hostility)
"Waste powder. For nothing," Randall spits off to one side.

(Watched, then rode in)"Just dropping by. Wanted to see how you were doing." (-2 Hostility)
"Is not good. All is not good," Randall sighs.

(Watched, then rode in)"Having some trouble on the slopes?" (-1 Hostility)
"Trouble? Lots trouble," Randall sighs.

(Watched, then rode in)"I see you are as kind to horses as you are to Indians."
"More kind. Horses work," Randall replies with half a smile then glances behind you at Yiska.

"Indians also pull their weight. They just don't do it for free," Yiska replies.

Anya then joins in the conversation, with her line depending on how you made contact and the current hostility.

quote:

"Marshal," Anya calls out as she sets aside the whip upon the wagon. Then she modestly hikes her gray wool skirt to reveal high boots and she trundles over despite the mud.

"I have to ask, did the Shoshone keep their word? No more raids?"
"No raid," Randall agrees. "All quiet."

"But we can feel them watching us," Anya puts in, "watching us all the time. Waiting for us to stumble so that can take what we have. There is no safety in these lands. Not while they live."

"Why are you all on the move?"
"No gold in hills," Randall says.

"The hills are nearly played out," Anya agrees. "Which means our returns are down. We thought it best to leave."

"Right after a storm?"
"If we'd left during the storm, that would have been silly," Anya offers.

"You weren't making a profit?" (-1 Hostility)
"Not a large enough one to warrant staying," Anya explains.

"This has nothing to do with the dam that is about to burst?"
"No, nothing," Anya says all too smoothly.

"Can I point out to you the costs with moving your company? Not just lost revenue owing to travel and the starting a new site but the perils you undertake just getting there?" (+1 Hostility)
"We are well aware of all that," Anya insists.

"Those wagons seem heavily laden."

quote:
"Yes," Randall says simply.

"What my husband means is that everything of value that the corporation owns is in these wagons. We dare not leave anything behind for the savages," Anya points out.

"God forbid those savages should come upon something that is not theirs," Yiska notes sarcastically. "They might leave those things alone and go on their way."

"Savages take, they do not�leave alone," Anya counters.

"Actually, I have found that most Indians do not take what is not theirs. So long as it is obvious that it belongs to another, they do leave it alone."
"You may have seen that, but I have not," Anya notes.

"You are lumping all Indians together. Some, such as a the Bannocks or Apache, might do as you claim, but others do not." (+1 Hostility)
"They are Indians. Savages. It does not matter if they wear a shirt and speak with enunciation; they can not hide what they are," she says and looks pointedly at Yiska.

"I've known plenty of thieves who were white." (-1 Hostility)
"Oh yes, there are thieves all over," Anya agrees. "The world is full of those who would rather take than make."

"Why not pack lighter and make two trips?"
"One of us would have had to remain to look after things and we didn't want to be apart," Anya explains a trifle too smoothly.

"What you need is a good road out here."

quote:
"That would be nice," Anya agrees then glances at her Husband.

"No tolls. Just�road," Randall says. "Things go quick then."

"Yes, but who would pay for making and maintaining them?" Yiska inquires. "I would guess the state of Nevada. But how would they raise the funds?"

"Easy," Randall snaps. "They do easy."

"Tolls. Those who use the road should pay for it."
No one can really argue with that. Grumble, yes; argue, no.

"Taxes. Those who profit by commerce in the state should pay their share."
The Admunsens give a low groan at the very idea.

"Bad tax. Bad," Randall mutters.

"Taxes are the easy way out," Anya explains. "By having the producers pay, the incentive for commerce diminishes."

"Unless what is obtained by the taxes outweighs that loss," Yiska notes and draws glares from the others.

"A public subscription. Let those who want to pay for the roads do so." (-1 Hostility)
"Perfect," Anya says with a beaming smile.

"They won't make a road. Not out here. Not until there are a lot more people to justify it."
No one seems to like that idea, but they can't argue against the logic.

"I remember you having more workers."

quote:
"Some stay. Some go," Randall explains. "Some steal then go."

"We have had some trouble with employees," Anya notes. "We paid them a good wage, but they chose to take instead."

"If a crime was committed, I should hear about it." (-1 Hostility)
"No. We can't prove they took our gold," Anya says with a sigh. "We only know we are lighter last month than we should be and not who in particular might be to blame."

"How much did they earn compared to what they produced?" (+1 Hostility)
"I don't see what that has to do with anything," Anya sniffs.

Yiska chuckles into the back of his hand, "Remember saying that the next time you lose some employees."

"Did they injure anyone in leaving?"
"No. They just left in the night," Anya explains.

"Any idea where they headed?"
"Back west I suppose. There are many and sundry delights to be found in California," Anya explains. "More than enough to empty their pockets into."

"Let's talk about that dam you left behind."

quote:
"We have no dam. None," Randall repeats.

"That is right," Anya puts in.

"What about the one you left behind?"
"Oh, that dam," Randall admits reluctantly.

"It isn't really ours anymore," Anya explains.

"You built a dam. It is yours." (+1 Hostility)
The two of them exchange glances. Anya gives a little cough and motions for you to continue.

"I bet you saw the dam about to break and ran."

quote:
"No," Randall says, jabs a finger your way. "We try fix. No fix. So�"

"What my husband means is�" Anya begins to say.

"That must have been an epic amount of trying, what with the packing of these wagons and all." (+2 Hostility)
"You cut your losses. I can understand that." (-2 Hostility)
"Let's just move on."
Stare at them in turn.
(41+ Intimidate))Randall coughs uncomfortably and gestures for you to continue. (+2 Hostility)

(otherwise)Randall stares back. At last Anya settles a hand on her husband's arm.

"We do not seem to be understanding one another," she suggests.

"I do doubt you could carry one in those wagons." (-1 Hostility)
"Oh, we try. Yes, we try," Randall chuckles to himself.

Lovely people, aren't they?

If you're trying to get their help, this is the point where you can make the actual attempt. The effectiveness is a combination of your approach, skills and hostility. The game provides a reminder based on your hostility.

quote:

Hostility:
0-: The Admunsens are all smiles as the conversation continues.
1: The Admunsens seem eager to continue the conversation.
2: Anya seems pleased by where this is going. Randall is clearly less enthused.
3: Both Anya and Randall remain wary.
4: Randall holds a steady glower in check.
5: No one is smiling.
6+: Randall is fit to chew bullets and you can almost hear Anya's teeth grind.

"The trouble is that when the dam breaks, the river is going to flood Preston Springs."

quote:
"And?" Randall asks.
"We don't live in Preston Springs," Anya adds. "We don't know anyone who does."

"If you don't know them, then they don't matter?" Yiska considers softly. "I expect that a great many people don't know you either."

"That doesn't matter. What matters is that many people will be hurt." (doesn't work)

"Yes, but those who live there do know about you. Vengeance will come, I am certain of it."
(Succeeds with Hostility 4+, or Hostility 1 and 41+ Intimidate, or Hostility 2 and 46+ Intimidate)

"You know me."
(Succeeds with Hostility 0-, or Hostility 1 and 41+ Persuasion, or Hostility 2 and 46+ Persuasion)

"You are running away from your responsibilities where the dam is concerned."

quote:
"Responsibilities?" Anya scoffs. "Can we be responsible for the rain too? How about the course that the river takes?"

"Yes. We not responsible," Randall says quickly as if he is somehow piling on.

"The best lies are the ones you want to believe," Yiska notes softly.

"I can make you be responsible. I have the authority."
(Succeeds with Hostility 4+, or Hostility 1 and 41+ Intimidate, or Hostility 2 and 46+ Intimidate)

"It doesn't matter what you think your responsibilities are, it matters what others think they are. Especially if they want to press a lawsuit."
(Succeeds with Hostility 0-, or Hostility 1 and 41+ Persuasion, or Hostility 2 and 46+ Persuasion)

"You are running away. Pure and simple."
(Doesn't work)

"There will be legal repercussions for you in the days ahead."
(Succeeds if Marshal is a Lawyer or has 26+ Legal)

"We can still repair the dam... if you do as I say."
(Succeeds if Marshal has 26+ Engineering)

If you failed to convince them you have one last chance.

quote:

Randall steps in just behind his wife and lays a hand on her shoulder as if to steady her, "We done here."

Let them go. (-2 Law, -2 Order, -5 Yiska)

Arrest them.

quote:
"You can't do that!" Anya screeches as you step forward with the obvious intention of arresting them.

Randall backs away toward the wagon and a shotgun perched on the edge. Terry runs for cover. Big George stands about, clueless, but the other dozen men all start reaching for their guns.

They're resisting arrest. That makes this justified. (+8 Order, starts a fight)

Sort them out later. (-2 Order, head back to town)

"Trying to fix the dam is easier than having to divert the river. Trying to divert the river, is a lot easier than having to deal with everyone who is going to be after you."
(+5 Law, succeeds if Hostility 1- and Intimidate 51+, or Hostility 2 and Intimidate 46+, or Hostility 3+ and Intimidate 41+)

"If you refuse to take responsibility for a dam you constructed on lands you were mining then I doubt you will take responsibility for anything."
(+5 Honor, succeeds with 5+ Hostility and 51+ Persuasion, 4 Hostility and 46+ Persuasion, or 3- Hostility and 41+ Persuasion)

"I'm going to let Yiska here close things out."

(+2 Law, +2 Honor)

(4+ Hostility) "Know this," Yiska begins as he edges forward. "I will file suit in multiple courts concerning both this incident and all others that have occurred. And I will not rest until I have gained full compensation for every aggrieved party. Your corporation will be sold to cover that amount and sizable penalties may well be addressed to your persons."

"No," Randall all but shouts. "Not here. Not in America!"

Anya turns sharply at the sound of his voice and tries to calm him, but her husband is already headed back toward a wagon where a shotgun waits. As he reaches for it, every Red Ribbon man likewise grabs for a gun. (Starts a fight)

(At 3- Hostility it still doesn't work)

"Your gross negligence is going to get people killed. I would think it fair to offer you what you offer them; death." (Starts a fight)

If you failed that stage, then your final choices are just to let them go or try to arrest them and either start a fight or sort it out later, just like in the previous option.

Succeed and you can make your demand.

quote:

"I want you and your miners to repair the dam."

quote:
"No, not repair," Terry puts in as he strides forward.

The Admunsens glances over at him and all but roll their eyes as if they had heard it all before.

"A controlled collapse," Terry continues on. "That's because we can't stop all that water, not now, but we can ease the pressure so that the dam doesn't shatter and the river doesn't flood all at once."

"Then let us do that."
You lead the Red Ribbon miners back to the beleaguered dam. Following Terry's advice they set to work adjusting what portions of the dam are still intact and bolstering those that have begun to buckle.

The myriad creaks and groans of timbers diminish and a steady flow of water begins to churn the river; enough to reach the banks, but not enough to over top them. After a full night of work, wherein even Randall and Anya pitch in, the risk of a flood steadily retreats.

Afterward, you oversee the destruction of the structure in full. Preston Springs should be safe from rushing water for years to come. Assuming there are no more dams. (Crisis Averted)

"No, I think we'd best return to Preston Springs and help them craft a levee." (Return to town, but have the miners' helping)

"Preston Springs is going to need a quick levee set up and that is going to take a lot of tools. Tools you have." (+3 Tools)
The Admunsens look to one another. Anya mouths a word and Randall replies with a nod.

"You want tools. We lend tools," Randall says.

"We'll also take them back after you are done," Anya puts in.

They are even gracious enough to offer you a wagon, free of charge. Soon you are loaded up and headed back to Preston Springs.

"I am here to levee a fine against you."

quote:
"Fine?" Randall half growls.

"Don't you mean a bribe?" Anya asks.

"No. You are in violation of the law after all and in lieu of arresting you, I'll accept bail."

quote:
"However you want to say it," Anya sighs and steps over to a wagon. "Let us talks sums."

You do talk and settle upon a reasonable amount of what they have on hand.

Make arrangements to turn the fine over to the County. (+5 Honor, +3 Law, +5 Yiska)
Keep a portion for myself. (+2 Wealth, +2 Law, -2 Honor, -5 Yiska)
Keep it all. (+8 Wealth, -4 Honor, -4 Law, -10 Yiska)
"Yeah. A bribe. If you want to leave the county, you'll pay it too." (+6 Wealth, -4 Honor, -4 Law, -10 Yiska)

Having them help collapse the dam successfully solves the flooding problem, but if you drive them off or shake them down for labor, tools or wealth then you still have to go back to town and deal with the flooding there.

There are several different ways things can degrade into violence. A heartless Marshal can simply pull out a rifle from the start. Yiska has concerns about it though.

quote:

You unlimber your rifle and take aim. The miners keep on working on the wagon; oblivious.

"I know they are detestable. They ignored my cease and desist order, they held me hostage against my will and they may eventually be responsible for flooding Preston Springs; but this still seems a little extreme," Yiska notes.

"It isn't. Get your rifle."
"I think not," Yiska says and shakes his head. "I can not stop you, but I am loathe to help you." (-10 Yiska)

"You know what they've done."
"I do, which means they should pay for it in the courts. That is the white way," Yiska notes sourly.
"Were I to raise a hand in offense, there could be reprisals elsewhere.�" (-5 Yiska)

"If I go down there, they'll try to kill me. Better to spend a little lead than pay in gold."
"I understand, but I loathe to participate this way," Yiska notes, "to shield my people if nothing else."

Alternatively, a heartless Marshal can start shooting at them after watching them (still -10 from Yiska) or negotiations can fail and you can try to arrest them only for them to respond with lethal force. Yiska isn't pleased with this outcome but accepts it's what must be done and will fight alongside you.

The fight with the Red Ribbon Mining Company is more in-depth than the other fight this chapter, being broken into a series of two to three phases each with a couple of rounds as enemies close in from rifle range to pistol range to melee. The objective is to amass a certain number of casualties to break the morale of the company and send them fleeing.

If a heartless marshal starts a fight before any conversation takes place they have a surprise rifle phase to pick people off at range before they can do much else. Amassing 6 points of casualties will result in victory, and if nothing else it will end after 8 or so rounds.

All four named characters (Randall and Anya Admunsen, Big George, Terry the Engineer) and generic miners are free kills if you target them on the very first round of the surprise phase, with the Admunsens being worth 3 points, George 2 and Terry (or any miner) is worth 1. If either of the Admunsens are shot in the opening round, the survivor will rush to their spouse in the second round, presenting an incredibly easy target for another 3 points and thus winning the battle.

quote:

Randall reaches Anya's side, scoops her up in his arms, and tries to stir her awake. You squeeze the trigger and let him keep hoping; forever.

Anya cradles her fallen husband and then joins him as you squeeze the trigger.

Randall will actually keep being a target into round 3, while his wife will at least head for cover.

quote:

Randall lets Anya fall, turns and rises with fists balled in anger; a great target. You squeeze the trigger and he joins his wife.

Otherwise it's a sharpshooting check to take one out (43+ in Round 2, then up to 46+ and 49+ in later rounds). Randall joins his men and charges up the hill to get you with his shotgun while Anya fetches her own rifle and shoots back.

Terry ducks into the wagon starting from round 2, though you can catch him that round with a 43+ Sharpshooting check. Otherwise he's gone for this phase.

Big George dies if you shoot him in round 1, otherwise he takes one shot to wound him and another one to finish him off. No check needed, since he's a Big Target.

Miners are free kills in the first two rounds in the confusion, but a 41+ Sharpshooting check after that.

You can also choose to duck down behind a rock. You can either wait around for them to come to pistol range (skipping to a later phase) or pop back up and catch Anya by surprise for no check needed or Randall with a 43+ Sharpshooting check.

As long as you're not terrible with a rifle it's pretty easy to get 6 points in 8 rounds- effortless if you just snipe the Admunsens one after the other. The Admunsens lead command their miners onwards, but if you killed one of them then the survivor is out for your head.

quote:

Smoke streams out your empty rifle as the miners close in.

Randall leads them with a furious roar and a shotgun in hand.

Anya screams at them to fill their hands with your blood even as she wildly fires her rifle in your general direction.

If you either wait or never got a surprise phase then it's on to the pistol phase, which actually has two different variants.

If you have the Nickle 32 pistol (the tiny gun) you can whip it out before anyone else gets their gun out. You only have four attacks before they're on top of you so you need to make them count. You need to get 7 points to win, up from the previous phase. Like with the surprise phase, the first shot requires pretty much no skill. You can take out a miner, shoot Randall in the arm for 2 points, drop Terry or wound Big George. Past that and it's a check. Terry is gone by the second shot, and the miners require an increasing Gunfighting check to handle without getting injured in response (41+, 45+, 49+, 53+). Randall requires a 46+ Gunfighting check to take him out of action past the first shot, otherwise you're going to eat a blast of shotgun for -3 Health, and he can do that twice (third time he's just an easy target, but you might very well be dead after 6 wounds). George requires a 41+ Gunfighting check to injure or put down once he's been injured. If Yiska is backing you because this is self-defense then he'll get three points worth of casualties with his own pistol over four rounds (he doesn't do anything in round 1 because the Marshal is faster on the draw).

If you have a different pistol then the pistol phase is pretty much the same, save for the Gunfighting checks against the miners being about 2 points higher and you have an extra round of attacks.

If you ran out of time, miss the Gunfighting check against George or chose to wait until melee then the melee phase starts, with five rounds to reach up to 8 points (including whatever points you got the previous round). It's the last phase, so it's do or die.

You only have two options here- defend or attack. Defending the first round is free, but will cost you a point of health each round after that unless Yiska is helping you defend yourself. If you defend after round 5, the fight ends with you victorious and the miners exhausted.

If you attack, you have to deal with the biggest threat- George if he's still alive, or the miners if not. Taking down George will scatter the rest of the miners. If you managed to spook George by wearing the bearhide back in Chapter 3 you can growl at him to scare him and then freely defeat him.

It's a 50+ Brawling check to drop George from an uninjured state, 45+ to injure him in round 1, 48+ to injure him in later rounds, 44+ to stall an injured George in round 1, or 49+ to drop him in later rounds.

quote:

(Successfully injuring George) You slam a solid blow into George's side before he can set himself. He gives a grunt and cocks his head thoughtfully to the side.

(49+ Brawling vs injured George) You rain down an onslaught of blows and put George on his knees. The remaining miners take the hint and flee for the hills.

(50+ Brawling vs uninjured George) In a daring maneuver you slide in close and go for the grapple. At first George holds the upper hand but you leverage the initial surprise to gain a choke-hold and the big man starts gasping for breath. Moments later he collapses. The remaining miners don't stick around and scatter for the hills.

Failing a check against George is fatal- dude is just that huge.

quote:

(Failed to injure or take down an injured George round 1) Its like hitting the brother of a brick wall. George gives a little scoff at that and right then you know there is only one way this is going to end. The blows come raining down and leave you broken in their wake.

(Failed to take down an injured George in later rounds) You get in a good jab. Then George swings a hay-maker that could plant a field and the world abruptly turns a permanent night.

(Failed to take him down uninjured) You go for the grapple and George lets you. A hold here, a push there. Then his huge hands grasp you in two separate places and he calmly folds you up. Things go downhill after that.

If George was already shot down in a previous phase, it's just the miners remaining, and fighting them is increasingly dangerous. An attack is free the first round, then requires a 41/45/49/53+ Brawling check in later rounds to avoid injury, with Yiska covering your back against failed checks in rounds 2 and 3 if he's on your side. Winning the 53+ check also wins the fight, but continuing to attack into round 6 means you get mobbed to death by their numbers.

That said, it is possible to win this whole encounter without hurting anyone or taking any injuries yourself as long as Yiska is with you- you just choose to skip from pistol to melee phase and just turtle through the entire phase.

Then it's on to the wrap-up.

quote:

The Red Ribbon mining corporation is no more. What few remain, have fled for the hills. All that remains of them are several wagons, the beasts that were pulling them, and the bodies of the fallen.

The game will note if any of the named characters survived, but they still flee regardless. Yiska's response is different depending on whether or not it was self defense or not.

quote:

(Justified defense) Yiska holsters his pistol, "That was a terrible thing, but necessary. They flouted my cease and desist order, they detained me, and then they tried to flee the scene of an impending crime. Finally they drew on you and that single strap broke the horse's back. Bitter, but deserved desserts have been served." (+10 Yiska, +10 Law, +5 Order, +5 Notoriety)

(Marshal struck first)
quote:
You turn to find Yiska right where you left him, with hands raised in wonder.

"How�how did you�" he sputters. "How could you? I might not have liked them, but that is hardly cause to take their lives!"

"They had this coming, for everything they did before."
"In that case, we all have it coming eventually," Yiska notes. "Which is true. Death plays no favorites, despite what the coyote's tales might say." (-5 Yiska, -2 Law, +5 Order, +8 Notoriety)

"We need their tools."
"We could also have used their hands," Yiska counters. (-10 Yiska, -4 Law, -4 Order, +5 Notoriety)

"I expect they would have done the same to me."
"Perhaps. Perhaps even probably," Yiska begins, "but that does not make it right to just�never mind." (-10 Yiska, -2 Law, -2 Order, +2 Honor, +5 Notoriety)

"Pulling a trigger is easy."
"Living with yourself afterward is what is hard," Yiska recites. "At least for those who are not called Tahoma." (-15 Yiska, -8 Law, -8 Order, +8 Notoriety)

Say nothing. (-7 Order, +6 Notoriety)

(if Stoic) "Right, right. Words are like rainbow days, they only come out with both rain and shine," Yiska sighs.

(Otherwise) "Now you have nothing to say?" Yiska asks incredulously. (-5 Yiska)

And unlike the other fight in this chapter, this one has loot.

quote:

The Red Ribbon wagons catch your eye. One of them is fairly heaped with picks and shovels while another groans under the weight of furniture. Others, however, are heavy with plenty that would fetch a pretty price back in Preston Springs.

Trouble is, there are only the two of you to drive the wagons.

Dig through the wagons to find where the Admunsens kept their gold nuggets and such.
You shove through the contents of the wagon, certain that a strongbox or safe or the like is in one of them; all the while Yiska watches you incredulously,

quote:
(if Justified defense) "I really don't think it proper to loot these wagons like this."

Ignore him. (-2 Yiska, +8 Wealth)

(if Lawyer) "We both know there will be inquiries into this. I'm just heading off the questions by putting the contents of the strong box in my temporary possession." (+2 Yiska, +8 Wealth)
"Oh, of course," Yiska says then coughs out a near-apology. "You might as well do so, as you would be blamed for its loss regardless."

"If we don't take it, someone else will." (+8 Wealth, -5 Yiska if 41- Persuasion)
(41+ Persuasion) "Well, yes. Like as not," Yiska agrees. "Out here, what is found is quickly owned."

(otherwise) "The thief's protest," Yiska remarks, "all that he does not posses may yet be stolen by others."

"The dead don't need gold." (+8 Wealth, -5 Yiska if 45- Persuasion)
(46+ Persuasion) "Of course they do not. They need little except a proper burial," Yiska laments. "But as ever, it is the living we look after."

(otherwise) "Actually, they might need a little. Two gold obli for the eyes. But then again, we live in modern times," Yiska notes coolly.

quote:
(Marshal struck first)"Well, you have murdered them, so why not steal too? It is not like they can hang you twice."

Bark out a laugh at that. (+8 Wealth, -10 Yiska)
Give a cold chuckle. (+7 Wealth, -5 Yiska)
Just grin. (+5 Wealth, -2 Yiska)
Remain impassive. (+4 Wealth)

Ask Yiska to drive the wagon filled with tools. (+3 Tools)
Ask Yiska to drive the wagon filled with valuables. (+8 Wealth)
Take a wagon filled with tools. (+3 Tools)
Take a wagon filled with valuables. (+8 Wealth)
Take the wagon filled with furniture. (+3 to House or Office condition)
Just ride back to Preston Springs.

Both you and Yiska can each take one wagon, but you can only take two total and you need to have Yiska take a wagon first otherwise he'll refuse. Yiska requires a 51+ Persuasion check to take a wagon with wealth in it otherwise he'll refuse. He'll take the tool wagon as long as the Marshal hasn't already grabbed a wagon. This means it is possible to get 24 wealth out of this by grabbing the strongbox, persuade Yiska to take a loot wagon and then grab a loot wagon yourself. Once you have enough wagons and/or are ready to head back Yiska will free the remaining horses and mules so they don't suffer needlessly.

24 wealth is slightly more than the 20 Laura got from taking the camp earlier, but it doesn't come with the satisfaction of wiping the company out to the last man. Too many survivors in this one.

As long as you didn't fix or demolish the dam out here somehow (either with just Yiska through an engineering check or with the mine company by talking them into it) then the flood is still on. You still have to head back to town with whatever tools, manpower or wealth you scrounged up, minus the time you spent dealing with this.

We've seen the lovely folks who are the cause of the Preston Springs flooding problem, and next time we're going to see the rest of the various solutions.

# ? Jan 2, 2021 03:35

achtungnight: Oct 5, 2014; I get my fun here. Enjoy!

Whatever the solution, fixing this problem is always a very cool part of the game for me. It's a unique challenge for this sort of game.

# ? Jan 2, 2021 05:19

LightWarden: Mar 18, 2007; Lander county's safe as heaven,
despite all the strife and boilin',
Tin Star,
Oh how she's an icon of the eastern west,
But now the time has come to end our song,
of the Tin Star, the Tin Star!

Previously we left Laura at the decision point.

quote:

The river is a swollen, muddy snake that gurgles its way down south. As you watch, bits of wood swirl atop the silted waters in an eddy before they are sucked down stream with a stunning rapidity. The little trickle that had been there in the months before is now but a memory.

Yiska points to a shattered tree trunk, "Landslide. A whole grove of trees must have come down up in the mountains. That could be enough to block the river."

Ride back to Preston Springs to warn and prepare people there.
(Red Ribbon Mine Intact) Head up to the Red Ribbon site with Yiska.
(Red Ribbon Mine Destroyed)The blockage will likely be temporary and brief. Nothing to worry about.
Ride off. This is town business.
(Survival 51+)Figure out where the flood is going to happen while I am out here. (+1 Effectiveness, Levee location. Returns to town)
(Engineering 22+)Send Yiska back to town to gather people up while I consider how best to deal with the river. (+2 Manpower, +1 Effectiveness, Levee location. Returns to town)

We saw what happens if you go to the camp, now let's see what some of these other stats actually mean. If you didn't go to the camp and you have either the Survival or Engineering skill necessary then you might as well get the free bonus if you're not trying to intentionally fail. Riding off can have different outcomes depending on things I'll discuss later.

Laura's getting her free stat though.

quote:

Figure out where the flood is going to happen while I am out here.
It takes only a little bit to figure out where the river has flooded before. The ground there is darker and the greens sparser. And if it happened once before, it'll probably happen again.

Then it's back to town. The description changes based on if you sent Yiska back, or if you were accompanied by Preston's deputies who headed back to town to warn him while you went to check on the mine. It also changes if you bring the mining company with you.

quote:

Just a stone's throw from the river, Preston Springs placidly goes on about its business. No one much seems to notice or care about the impending flood. Clearly that needs to change. As you near the Grand Haven Hotel, the Sheriff and owner of the town emerges with a pair of his deputies in tow. Even in a starched shirt with a high white collar, a coal black coat and matching silver cufflinks, he still manages to prowl like a wolf.

quote:
(Recruited the Red Ribbon Mining Company) Randall rides ahead of the Red Ribbon wagons and gives Preston a nod, "Hello again, greedy man."

"Why, its the penny pinchers," Preston notes off-handedly. "I still can't offer you that discount, if that's what you're asking."

"We are not. Things have changed," Anya calls over quickly, "the Marshal made them change."

"Well good on her," Preston chuckles, "heck�I didn't think you'd ever come back, let alone like this. Marshal, what is the word?"

"Marshal," Preston says and idly extracts a tight wrapped cigar from his vest pocket. The crinkle of the paper is a crisp crackle that heralds over the aroma of well aged tobacco.

Down the way you catch sight of Schmidt as he leaves the assayers with a spring in his step.

Carrie leans out of the Mother-lode saloon and watches you pass by with a cup of coffee cradled gently in hand.

"Preston, the river is going to overflow and soon."

quote:
"What?" Preston barks out and that draws every ear. "Are you certain?"

"Yiska believes so too."
"Is that so? "I have seen it happen once before when I was a boy," Yiska relates. "The waters will come rushing down from the mountain and where the turns are sharpest, it will spill over and make a lake. Right here."

"I knew this spot was too good to be true," Preston mutters under his breath as people gather round. "Alright Marshal, what are you suggesting?"

"What did I just say. Are you deaf?"
"I heard you," Preston snaps back. "No need to try and be insulting."

(Doctor and Lawyer)"I'm a doctor-lawyer, not an engineer, but yes, I'm certain."
"I get you. There's no need to flap your books at me," Preston replies sharply.

(Lawyer and Doctor)"I'm a doctor-lawyer, not an engineer, but yes, I'm certain."
"I get you. There's no need to smack me around with your titles," Preston replies sharply.

(Doctor)"I'm a doctor, not an engineer, but yes, I'm certain."
"I get you Doc," Preston replies sharply, "no need to get testy."

(Lawyer)"I'm a lawyer, not an engineer, but yes, I'm certain."
"I get you Bookworm," Preston replies sharply, "no need to get testy."

(Engineering 26+) "I'm an engineer not an�oh, yeah, I'm an engineer. The river is going to flood."
"I get you Engles," Preston replies sharply, "no need to get testy about it"

"I'm a marshal, not an engineer, but yes, I'm certain."
"I get you," Preston says sharply, "no need to get testy about it."

"Absolutely."
(Honor 51+) "Well then, what are you proposing?" Preston asks and that draws more than a few ears. (+2 Preston)
(Otherwise) "Well, I suppose we'll see whether what you're saying is true soon enough," Preston notes and more than a few ears prick up at his tone.

"We'll see soon enough either way."
"I do not need this," Preston sputters then recovers. "What are you proposing?"

(Destroyed the dam in Chapter 3)"It may not happen, what with the Red Ribbon dam removed, but it still could."
"I get you," Preston nods, "if it might happen�what are you proposing?"

"I need a three foot ditch dug around the town. It doesn't have to be filled with anything because the river will do that for us."

quote:
"A three foot ditch?" Preston blinks at your request and more than a few people turn your way in surprise. "We'd never finish that in time."

Then we are in trouble."
"Maybe you won't, what with your soft hands and trim beard.�"
"My hands ain't soft," Preston half growls.

(Didn't send anyone ahead)"You'll want to hold off on that cigar for a while. The river is rising and its going to swamp the banks soon enough."

quote:
"What?" Preston barks out and that draws every ear. "Are you certain?"

"Yiska believes so too."
"What did I just say. Are you deaf?"
"Absolutely."
"We'll see soon enough either way."

(Sent the deputies back when you went to check on the mine)"Gleason told you the truth. The river is going to flood and soon."

(Made the Engineering check to send Yiska back while you investigated the flooding site)"Sheriff? We're going to need everyone who can hold a shovel or swing a pick."

Ignore Preston, remove what I need from my office and leave town. (Lets disaster befall the town)

You can have a quick conversation with Preston before you start if you want to rile him up a bit.

If you didn't decide to abandon the town, then it's on to the preparation phase where you can accumulate tools and manpower, with the description changing as you do. If you recruited the Red Ribbon Mine Company then they'll show up in the descriptions too. With enough Persuasion or Intimidate you can get stuff for free, same if you have a high relationship with some of the NPCs. Carrie and Dan will help you no questions asked if you're in a romance with them, otherwise it might cost some influence. The description for buying tools changes a bit based on the town's Prosperity- high prosperity means miners are willing to sell because they're well-off enough that they don't feel like working this winter, while low prosperity means there's left-over tools because everyone headed back to California. Getting tools from Matthew has a similar minor change depending on how many tools you already have.

quote:

No one seems all that eager to get to work.

No one has so much as a spade. But you have time to gather more given the slow rise of the river.

"Preston, everyone you can pull a favor from needs to get involved; now." (+1 Manpower if 71-90 Influence, 51+ Persuasion or a deal with Preston, +2 Manpower if 91+ Influence)

quote:
(50- Preston) "No, the river is county business," Preston corrects you with a smirk.
"People of Preston Springs, listen up for a sec." (+1 Honor/+1 Manpower with 41-50 Persuasion, +2 Honor/+2 Manpower with 51+ Persuasion, -2 Order if 40- Persuasion. Mutually exclusive with Intimidate)
"You there. You've just been conscripted. You and you, get over here. I'm gonna set you to work." (+1 Order/+1 Manpower with 41-50 Intimidate, +2 Order/+2 Manpower with 51+ Intimidate, -2 Honor/-2 Order with 40- Intimidate. Mutually Exclusive with Persuasion)

quote:
(51+ intimidate) Your orders make people jump right over. No one wants to be the one to defy you, or look like they're defying you, or even standing next to someone who defies you. Soon enough you have got their pledges and begin to tell them what they are going to do.
Buy up shovels and picks.

quote:
There are always mining tools waiting to be bought. The town is built on prospectors all. You listen to the various offers that come your way as store owners sense an opportunity.

Just purchase the dregs; whatever everyone else doesn't want. (-1 Wealth, +1 Tools)
Buy out the bargain bins. (-3 Wealth, +2 Tools, +1 Effectiveness)
Buy out every last pick and shovel I can get my hands on.(-5 Wealth, +3 Tools, +1 Effectiveness, +1 to hidden Big Spender count)
Forget this and return to the street.
"Matthew, does the General Store have any picks or shovels we can borrow?"

quote:
(Matthew will refuse if you already bought out most of the tools in the previous option)
"Borrow?" Matthew asks and idly runs his fingers down the crisp white storekeeper's apron he always wears. Out on the street he seems more like a pillar of salt than anything else.

"Yes, borrow. This is an emergency and you stand to gain as much as anyone if we succeed." (+1 Tools with 41+ Persuasion or 61+ Honor)
"Yeah, borrow. After all, you stand to lose much, if not more, if things go bust. Get me?" (+1 Tools with 41+ Intimidate or 21+ Notoriety)
"Sorry, I meant buy. That is, if they are for sale." (+1 Tools, -1 Wealth)
"Never mind."
Head over to the saloons and recruit those in need of money for this sort of labor.

quote:
There are plenty of people in town that could lend a hand but simply have no stake in trying. You step into the Mother-lode and find more than a few of those sort idling about with whiskey and cards.

Talk to only those who are down on their luck and who can be bought cheap. (-2 Wealth, +1 Manpower)
Talk to anyone who will listen. (-4 Wealth, +2 Manpower)
Let my big bag of gold do the talking. (-6 Wealth, +3 Manpower, +1 hidden Big Spender count)

"Dan! Good to see you again. I need you to round up some working hands right quick." (+2 Manpower/+1 Tools if romancing him, or +1 Manpower/+1 Tools/-2 Influence with 71+ Influence, or +1 Manpower/-4 Influence with 51-70 Influence)
"Carrie! There you are! I need you to roust some idle hands for me." (+1 Manpower/+1 Tools if romancing her, +1 Manpower/-2 Influence with 71+ Influence, or -4 Influence with 51-70 Influence)
"Listen up everyone, it is time to start sweating because there is a whole river worth of trouble coming at us." (Moves on)

The description will once again change to remind you of how much you have in the way of tools and manpower before laying out your options. If you have a high enough Engineering skill it will provide a more in-depth description of how it would work and what you might need.

quote:

The sprawling crowd edges forward eagerly to hear your words. Everyone has their hands filled with a shovel or pick, sometimes both.

(Engineering 26+) The easiest thing to do is shore up the buildings. A few braces in the right place might make the difference between walls standing and crashing down. But if with enough help you might well dig a series if ditches around town to blunt the flow and drain it out afterward.

With enough hands and proper tools, as well as a good siting, you might be able to force the river to flood elsewhere, away from the town. Of course, if you miscalculate, the town is going to get hit hard. But if you have got the numbers and equipment, a levee isn't an impossibility. Trouble is, though it should prevent any harm to the town, it will be a pain to complete in time.

(There's an Engineering 20-25 description too. Pretty similar)

(Engineering 19-)
The easiest thing by far is to shore up the buildings. Lots of braces might well leave a few buildings standing. Same goes for digging ditches through town; the more the merrier.

If you could bring down an embankment across the way and force the river to flood away from the town, that might be a sight better, but figuring out where exactly to do that might well be more guesswork than anything else. On the opposite side of things, building a levee is just plain hard work. But if you've got free hands and tools, it might just save the whole town.

"Here is what we are going to do. We are going to form a levee to protect the town. It won't last long, but it doesn't have to if we get enough hands and shovels into this."
"There is no way to stop the flood, but we can make certain the water doesn't inundate the town too badly. That means ditches and a whole lot of them."
"We'd best lower the bank of a river, make it spill out elsewhere. If done right, some lowland field will become a lake for a little while."
"Every town building needs shoring up if it is going to resist the flood."

(if Stoic)
Make a levee.
Dig ditches.
Divert the flooding elsewhere.
Brace the buildings.

There are four methods to save the town, so let's go through them, starting with the common traits. You have a certain amount of time to hit an effectiveness target, usually enough time to try each option once unless you already spent time at the Red Ribbon Mine. Any option that requires tools or manpower will use one up, reducing your count by 1. There's no option to not use up tools or manpower if you have it. If you don't have manpower than it's just you, Preston and maybe a few other people working at the problem while if you don't have tools it means you have to use sticks, boards or your bare hands. Some options still work without tools or manpower if someone steps in to lend you a hand, and a high Stamina or Resolve character can power through the labor part at the cost of health, usually with the Resolve costing a point of health more than Stamina since you're pushing yourself harder. If you drop below 0 Health you collapse and die. If you don't have enough resources to do everything with tools and manpower then it helps to pick and choose the order in which you do things to make the most out of what you have.

Method 1: Brace the Buildings

As stated, it's the simplest possible method. You need to amass 4 points of effectiveness in 4 rounds. If you have 1 or fewer Tools or Manpower you can shame Preston into buying you more, costing you -4 Influence for +1 or -8 Influence for +2. There are three to four choices you can make:

-Brace the houses. +2 Effectiveness if you have both manpower and tools left. +2 Effectiveness if you have tools but no manpower left since the citizens come out to lend a hand. +1 Effectiveness if you have manpower but no tools. +1 Effectiveness if you have nothing left.

-Brace the businesses. +2 Effectiveness if you have both tools and manpower left. +2 Effectiveness if you have manpower but no tools left since the stores give you supplies. If you have no manpower left it's +2 Effectiveness and +2 Stamina with 46+ Stamina or Resolve though that costs you -1 Health for pushing yourself with Stamina or -2 Health with Resolve.

-Brace your office. +4 Honor if you have 4+ Effectiveness since the townsfolk cover you. -2 Honor if you send a team of men to take care of it, but +1 Effectiveness if you have tools for them, or +0 if you don't. If you have no manpower then it's -4 Honor with 51+ Honor or -2 Honor otherwise as Preston points out how you're just looking out for yourself but +1 Effectiveness if you have tools. If you have neither tools nor manpower than it's -1 Health and +1 Stamina with 46+ Stamina or Resolve or -2 Health and +2 Stamina otherwise, but no effectiveness.

-Brace your house (if you got land). Pretty much the same as bracing your office, but with your personal home instead.

Once 4 turns have passed or you hit 4 Effectiveness or simply choose to stop then it's time for the check.

At 4+ Effectiveness you succeed. Preston Springs is flooded but the buildings all stand- +4 Notoriety and -1 Prosperity. If you didn't get your house or office braced then they take -1 to their condition.

At 3- the waters rip through and knock down a bunch of things. +6 Notoriety and -2 Prosperity. If you didn't brace your house or office they get hammered and can take something like -3 to -6 to their condition (but it can't reduce them below 0).

If you have a pet then there's a brief description of what it does when the waters hit town- your cat climbs to high ground (and is miserable and wet if the town got seriously flooded) while your mouse floats around on a saloon sign and you find out your snake knows how to swim.

Bracing is technically one of the easiest options but there are definitely better ones. The town's prosperity takes a hit either way and it has the shortest amount of time to fix things especially if you already spent several rounds messing around at the Red Ribbon Mine. It's also possible to be too good at it- if you have the tools and manpower to cover both the stores and houses you'll hit 4 effectiveness and kick over into the ending before you can protect your office or house (you know, if you care about them). Even succeeding is still counted as the third worst outcome since the town is still heavily flooded- the only worse options are failing or not even trying.

Method 2: Dig Ditches

Pretty similar to bracing buildings, but with more manual labor involved. You need to get 10 points of effectiveness in about 6 turns. As before, you can shame Preston into getting you more tools or manpower at the cost of influence if you have 2 or fewer of the resource.

Like with bracing you can go around targeting different parts of the town to protect them, but there are a few new options. Again, each takes a turn.

-Dig a perimeter to divert some of the water. If you have both tools and manpower it's +2 Effectiveness or +3 with 21+ Engineering. If you have manpower but no tools you can still get +2 with 21+ Engineering. With no manpower it's +1 if you have 21+ engineering and 46+ Resolve or Stamina, though it does cost you -2 Health if using Stamina or -3 if using Resolve. If you have no manpower and insufficient engineering, tools, or Stamina/Resolve it takes way too much time and jumps right to the end.

-Dig ditches to slowly drain the water after the flood. If you have 22+ Engineering you can dig slanted ditches for +2 Effectiveness if you have a crew, otherwise it's +1 Effectiveness. Without manpower you can still get +2 effectiveness with 22+ Engineering and 46+ Stamina or Resolve (-1 Health and +1 Stamina for Stamina, -2 Health and +2 Stamina for Resolve) otherwise it's +1 Effectiveness for -3 Health. Without Engineering it's +1 Effectiveness for 46+ Stamina/Resolve or -3 Health and +3 Stamina for +1 Effectiveness without it.

-Build a berm and dig ditches to protect the businesses. (A berm is basically a raised wall of dirt) +1 Effectiveness with both Tools and Manpower or +2 if you also have 21+ Engineering to build gradually sloped trenches to divert the flow of water. If you don't have the manpower then as long as you have tools it's +1for 21+ Engineering and 46+ Stamina or Resolve (-1 Health and +1 Stamina for Stamina, -2 Health and +2 Stamina for Resolve). Otherwise, with insufficient Engineering, Stamina/Resolve or tools it takes too much time and jumps to the ending.

-Protect the houses. +2 Effectiveness. The description changes with 26+ Engineering, but the locals will pitch in with tools/labor regardless so it's impossible to not get +2 Effectiveness.

-Protect your office: -2 Honor if you can send a crew, +1 Effectiveness if they also have tools. If you don't have manpower then it's +1 Effectiveness if you have tools or 46+ Stamina or Resolve (-1 Health and +1 Stamina regardless of which skill you use). If you don't have manpower you also take -4 Honor if 51+ or -2 Honor otherwise as Preston praises your self-serving nature.

-Protect your house (if you have one). Like protecting your office, but with your house.

If your time runs out, you hit 10+ Effectiveness or choose to stop working then it's time for one last choice. You can dig one last ditch for +1 Effectiveness with 42+ Stamina or brace one last building for +1 Effectiveness with 21+ Engineering.

It's not necessarily the best idea since if you didn't dig a perimeter you get knocked on your rear end by the water for -1 Health and +1 Stamina. At 10+ Effectiveness it's fine but at 7-9 Effectiveness then things take damage if they weren't protected; -1 Prosperity if you didn't protect the businesses or -1 to your house if it wasn't protected. At 6- things get heavily flooded and it's -1 prosperity i the businesses were protected or -2 if they weren't, same for your house.

There are some interesting quirks to the code- choosing to do one last ditch or building doesn't let you get the best possible town condition, giving you the same end-state as a medium success (7 to 9 Effectiveness), though nothing takes damage.

If you choose to go to the high ground you get the best state with 10+ Effectiveness regardless of what you did or didn't protect (though it's hard to get there without also protecting the town).

Alternatively you can chose to go to the outskirts of town and dare the river to come. If you didn't dig a perimeter you'll still get -1 Health, but as long as dug drain ditches and had 10+ Effectiveness you're fine (though your house will take -1 if you didn't protect it). Even with 7-9 Effectiveness you can still get a great success (again, your house will be damaged without protection). When in doubt, fight the river (unless it would kill you). Just like with bracing buildings, your pet's status is mentioned in the description of the aftermath.

Digging ditches is better than bracing buildings since it offers the ability to get the best outcome for the town and even the worst outcome can be on par with a good outcome from bracing. It's a rewarding approach if you're the poor soul who decided to specialize in Engineering since you can get a serious advantage. If you don't have a pile of tools and manpower it can be hard, though you can save fixing the homes for last since that is +2 Effectiveness even if you used up all your tools and manpower earlier.

The remaining two methods all involve leaving town, which means they reset your Effectiveness if you got some from the Survival or Engineering choice at the start of this post. They're also all-or-nothing: either you succeed and save the town utterly or fail and the town gets trashed.

Method 3: Make it Flood Elsewhere

Once again, 2 or fewer tools or manpower means you can bully Preston into giving you more at the cost of influence.

There's a survey opportunity at the start, where you can get +1 Effectiveness with either 26+ Engineering or 46+ Survival to figure out where exactly you should be aiming to breach the river. If Dan is still around you can instead ask him for advice, giving you +1 Effectiveness and +5 Influence as long as you're either romancing him or have 51+ Influence.

If not, he gets cute.

quote:

(50- Influence)"Want to know how deep it is? It'd be better to show you," Dan offers all too innocently.

"No, I want to know what it takes to sink a body down in the depths. Do I have to stuff the body with iron or just the mouth?"
"No, chains would work. About thirty feet of them wrapped tight round the feet," Dan replies. The man then waxes on about the subject and is just no help at all for the present efforts. (-5 Schmidt)

"Just tell me about the last time it flooded."
He does so in a flat, uninspired tone. Even so, you have exactly what your needed to know. (+1 Effectiveness)

"Look, this is your area of expertise isn't it?"
"Yeah, guess it is," Dan admits then tells you plain what the last flood round these parts was like.

That gives you exactly what you needed to know. (+5 Schmidt, +1 Effectiveness)

(If Heartless)"Hold on, let me get rid of some lead first."
Dan takes a step back and holds up his hands, "I didn't mean it like that�just having a laugh."

A prod from your pistol is more than enough to get him talking about the last flood. Soon you know all you need to know about it. (-5 Schmidt, +1 Effectiveness)

You also have the option to reconsider and go do one of the other three plans.

You need to get 5 points of effectiveness in 5 turns. There are four things you can do.

-Dig on the dry side of the river. +2 Effectiveness if you have tools and manpower, or +1 Effectiveness with just manpower. +2 Effectiveness and -2 Health if you have tools but no manpower, or +1 Effectiveness and -2 Health if you have neither tools nor manpower but have 46+ Stamina/Resolve. Just wastes time and jumps to the end if you have neither tools, manpower nor Stamina/Resolve.

-Dig on the top of the riverbank. Pretty much the same as the dry side except it's only -1 Health if you have tools but no manpower instead of -2 Health.

-Dig on the wet side of the river. Now it gets interesting. If you have manpower you also need 44+ Persuasion or Intimidate to convince them to brave the raging river. +1 Effectiveness, with another +1 if you have tools and a further +1 if you have 44+ Persuasion and Intimidate both. If you have manpower but don't have the social skills you get nothing but a waste of time. If you don't have manpower you've got to do it yourself. If you have 46+ Survival or Resolve you can safely dig into the riverbank, giving +1 Effectiveness or +2 if you have tools (and +5 Survival and +2 Resolve). If you don't have either of those skills then you fall into the river and get knocked around for -3 Health before Yiska fishes you out, with commentary depending on romance or influence level (At 50- Influence, it's "I get the feeling I am going to regret doing that"). If you had tools when you fell into the river you at least get a +1 Effectiveness out of it, otherwise you get nothing.

-Plant some explosives. You need at least 1 unit of tools to have enough gunpowder for this otherwise you're just wasting time. You get the option of packing it in as best you can, or packing it into one of the sections you worked on. Yiska will explain that blowing up the wet side is more effective than the dry side which is more effective than the top which is more effective than just packing it in (which translates mostly to lower Explosives checks). Packing it in wherever is +1 Effectiveness or +2 with 25+ Explosives. Packing it on the top is +1 Effectiveness or +2 with 20+ Explosives. Blowing up the dry side is +1 Effectiveness or +2 for 15+ Explosives. Blowing up the wet side requires a 46+ Survival check to avoid falling in and taking -3 Health before Yiska rescues you. Though if you already fell in the river while digging on the wet side yourself then you're careful enough with your grip this time that you make it. It's +3 Effectiveness or +5 Effectiveness with 25+ Explosives. You can choose not to use the Explosives, for +5 Explosives and +5 Yiska as you recognize the importance of caution when dealing with gunpowder (saves tools, but not time).

After 4 turns or 5+ Effectiveness you're done. Either you got 5+ Effectiveness and the town is saved or you failed and the town gets hit with -2 Prosperity and is worse off than even failing with bracing buildings or digging ditches. You get a Notoriety boost for finishing the project with explosives- +4 if you blew open the wet side or +2 otherwise.

As Marshal Shen Ruolan discovered, this may be the easiest one to get full marks on. You only need 5 points and it's pretty easy to get one at the start if Dan is still around. With two tools you can potentially clear it in two turns if you dig on the wet side and then plant some explosives. Only catch is that while 46+ Survival or Resolve will keep you from falling into the river while digging, you need 46+ Survival to keep from falling in and wasting your explosives, so it is possible to have a high Resolve character succeed at digging but fail at planting explosives. Similarly, with two tools, two manpower and either Dan or the ability to note the correct riverbend you could also succeed in two rounds by digging the top and side. Definitely the choice if you're running out of time.

Method 4: Build a levee

The final method, requires you to get 7 Effectiveness in about 5 or 6 turns. As before, if you have 1 or fewer Manpower then you can bully Preston into calling in some favors for more, but you can't get any more tools for this. The options are a little different from the previous one in that they're all somewhat linked, so while doing one of them might do nothing at first, it can build up quickly once you've gotten more steps rolling. Additionally, each round the levee is at 4+ Effectiveness, it gets another +1 on top of it as things start coming together.

-Find a suitable site for the levee. It's possible that you thought up a suitable site by one of the two options at the start of the post, otherwise you'll probably need to do so now. With 26+ Engineering you can figure out the spot with no time at all, which gives you a further +3 Effectiveness if you already have teams of men who are moving and packing down dirt, or +2 if you just have a team moving dirt. With 16-25 Engineering it takes a turn, but you can still get +2 Effectiveness with teams to move and pack down dirt or +1 Effectiveness with just moving dirt. Without the Engineering skill you just spent a turn to figure out a site with Yiska's help.

-Harvest Logs. +2 Effectiveness if you have both tools and manpower, +1 Effectiveness with just manpower as they gather up branches. With tools but no manpower you can get +1 Effectiveness by chopping down trees with 46+ Brawling, or 46+ Stamina/Resolve with a further -1 Health and +1 Stamina. If you don't have the skills it's just -1 Health/+1 Stamina and if you don't have manpower or tools you accomplish nothing.

-Make teams to pack down the dirt. If you have manpower and tools it's +3 Effectiveness if you have a teams digging and moving dirt to the levee site, +2 if you have teams digging and moving dirt with no site, or +1 if you have teams digging but not moving dirt. If you don't have tools it's +2 for teams digging and carrying dirt to the site, +1 for digging and carrying without a site, or +1 for teams digging dirt without anyone moving it.

With no manpower, you do it yourself. 46+ Stamina or 43+ Resolve means nothing without a levee site, but if you have teams to dig and carry the dirt it's +2 Effectiveness, -1 Health/+1 Stamina, or +1 Effectiveness at the cost of -2 Health/+2 Stamina if you have to carry and stomp it yourself, or -3 Health/+3 Stamina if you have to dig, carry and then stomp it yourself. But only -1 Health/+1 Stamina if you have to stomp and dig it yourself. If you don't have the stats you just waste your time and it's on to the last phase.

-Have people dig up dirt. With manpower and tools it's +3 Effectiveness if you already have a site and people to carry it, +2 if you just have the site, or +1 otherwise. Without tools it's +2 if you have a site and people to carry it, or +1 if you have a site but nobody to carry it.

Without manpower you can use tools with 46+ Survival to find easy soil, granting you +2 Effectiveness if you have a site and people to carry it, or +1 otherwise. With 46+ Stamina it's -3 Health/+3 Stamina, but +2 effectiveness if you have a site and people to carry it, or +1 otherwise. Without those stats or tools it just wastes time and goes to the end.

-Organize teams to move the dirt. With tools and manpower it's +3 i you have a site and people to tramp it down, or +2 if you have either a site or a packing team, or +1 otherwise. Without tools or a site it's just +1, but with a site you can improvise for +2 if you have extra manpower, 41+ Riding to use saddlebags and horses or 41+ Survival to craft crude litters to drag dirt. No manpower and things are pretty dire, you can get +1 Effectiveness with 46+ Stamina and -2 Health or 46+ Resolve and -3 Health otherwise you're just wasting time and jump to the end.

Once you hit 7+ Effectiveness, run out of time or choose to stop it's time for the last push. You can stand on top of the levee or at a discrete distance away, or you can brace it either by yourself or with one manpower if you have any left. Bracing it with a team gives +3 Effectiveness with 26+ Engineering, +2 with 20-25 or +1 otherwise, while a solo brace is +2 for 26+ and +1 for 20-25.

7+ Effectiveness and you succeed, while 6- means the levee is washed away and you along with it if you're on it or bracing it. You need 51+ Survival to swim free of a failing levee or you die. If you survive your failure (or kept your distance in the first place) Preston Springs gets hammered for -2 Prosperity and +5 Notoriety and is in terrible shape. Succeed and the town is perfectly safe and you get a varying degree of Notoriety- +3 for solo bracing, +2 for team bracing, +5 otherwise.

Building a levee is the most manpower-intensive solution, and really shouldn't be attempted solo. Being good at engineering means you can get a lot done here, putting it up there with digging ditches.

So what's Laura's solution? Well, it's pretty simple...

Step 0: Gather up every freely available source of tools and manpower Preston Springs has to offer.

quote:

"Preston, everyone you can pull a favor from needs to get involved; now."

"Well of course," Preston replies. "This is my town and I won't let it get washed down river."

He turns and starts calling out people by name on the streets. Just like that people start coming over.

"People of Preston Springs, listen up for a sec."
Your voice rings through the chilly autumnal air like a church bell. People on the streets stop and stare. Quickly, you lay out what needs to be done and why and afterward they hustle over in droves.

"Dan! Good to see you again. I need you to round up some working hands right quick."
"I've got that covered," Dan promises with a happy grin then hurries off.

Before long he is back with a passel of friends; most of whom tote their own shovels and picks.

Carrie! There you are! I need you to roust some idle hands for me."
"More than my usual two?" she asks with a knowing glance. "I'll see to that."

Before long she is back with back with a few friends; all of whom heft shovels.

"Yeah, borrow. After all, you stand to lose much, if not more, if things go bust. Get me?"
"I don't want to lose what I got. That's for certain," Matthew agrees warily. "I'll chip in the few picks and shovels I've got lying around."

The man proves as good as his word. Its not much but at least he'll feel good about adding them to the immense pile.

Step 1: Drag them out of town to build a levee.

quote:

"Here is what we are going to do. We are going to form a levee to protect the town. It won't last long, but it doesn't have to if we get enough hands and shovels into this."
It is no small thing you are asking of the eager crowd. But if it can be done, they'll do it.

The river, while swollen, isn't close to topping its banks.

No real work on the levee has been done.

A few logs would be a good thing to bulwark the earth.
Set up teams to pack down the dirt at the river so it doesn't go just get swept away.
We need to start breaking apart and digging up earth so we can transport it elsewhere.
Organize teams to move the dirt.
This is all that can be done to prepare. Let the river rise and see what its plans are.

Step 2: Do nothing.

quote:

This is all that can be done to prepare. Let the river rise and see what its plans are.
The river rises to a low roar as raging white water sweeps toward your levee.

Watch confidently from atop the levee itself as the river begins to bite into the embankment.
Stay a discrete distance away.
Gather those I kept rested and brace the levee.
Brace the levee by myself.

Step 3: Challenge the river to a staring contest.

quote:

Watch confidently from atop the levee itself as the river begins to bite into the embankment.

Preston watches you step atop the levee and shakes his head in equal parts disbelief and awe.

The river rises and laps at the edges of the levee but does no more than that. A great cheer rises up from those nearby and with it dawns the realization that you have definitely saved Preston Springs from the flood and done so in style.

(Notoriety increased) (+5 Notoriety)

Step 4: Win.

The other trick to the levee (and only the levee) is that if the dam was destroyed then it's an automatic success because the river is never going to actually flood.

The "Ride off. This is town business." choice at the start of this post plays out very differently depending on whether or not the dam was taken down (Yiska will helpfully point out if it's either a tree from a landslide or a log from the dam). If it's still standing then Yiska will try to talk the Marshal into coming back to town, while if it was destroyed you're free to ride off and have a stat-building interlude where you can practice with your guns or read or pan for gold or whatever else you want to do. The game still allows you to play out this section as though the flood danger is real if you want to experience the plot changes or character interactions but you aren't forced to if you don't want to. Since there's several things I want to show off that are way more interesting than a +3 to Sharpshooting, of course we're doing it.

Laura is now the hero of Preston Springs for solving a problem that never actually existed. Next time she claims her reward as we explore the various ways this chapter can end.

# ? Jan 5, 2021 07:17

achtungnight: Oct 5, 2014; I get my fun here. Enjoy!

Nice one, Laura. Now did we know there was actually no issue? I can�t really tell.

# ? Jan 5, 2021 10:01

Rogue AI Goddess: May 10, 2012; I enjoy the sight of humans on their knees.
That was a joke... unless..?

Nicely done.

# ? Jan 5, 2021 16:16

Golden Bee: Dec 24, 2009; I came here to chew bubblegum and quote 'They Live', and I'm... at an impasse.

We did option five. Fill the river with enough bodies it can�t flood

# ? Jan 5, 2021 17:28

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# ? May 5, 2024 15:35

LightWarden: Mar 18, 2007; Lander county's safe as heaven,
despite all the strife and boilin',
Tin Star,
Oh how she's an icon of the eastern west,
But now the time has come to end our song,
of the Tin Star, the Tin Star!

The game recognizes seven different outcomes for the flood of Preston Springs, and changes the ending accordingly.

Outcome:
1: You and Yiska fix the dam by yourselves with 26+ Engineering
2: Controlled collapse of the dam with the help of the Red Ribbon Mining Company
3: No flood damage after a successful defense with a levee, lake or ditch
4: Some flooding, minor damage. Moderate success with ditches. The last result the game considers to be successful
5: Heavy flood damage. Successfully braced the buildings or failed with the ditches.
6: Severe flood damage. Failed with the levee, lake or bracing of buildings
7: Completely walked away from the town and left it to fend for itself. Severe damage.

If it's just you and Yiska then there's a scene where the two of you return to town.

quote:

You return to Preston Springs and find the town the same as ever. Wet and weary prospectors staggering into town or drinking their weight in beer as they wander from saloon to saloon. The local folk pass by and tip their hats or flash a little smile of nervous respect as they go about their day. No one seems to have noticed the rise in the river. No one even seems to care.

"I know," Yiska notes softly as the two of you observe the comings and goings of the oblivious crowd. (if romanced):"And I care."

"It doesn't matter. The flood was averted. That is all that counts."
"Of course," Yiska agrees and sounds oddly proud. (+10 Yiska)

"Strange how people can ignore what happens just over the hill. And maybe that is sometimes for the best."

quote:
"They can't ignore everything, especially not if I tell Preston all about it," Yiska offers. "He'll believe me too. After all, I am already on retainer."

"Yes, go and tell him."
Yiska gives you a nod then heads on over to the hotel. A few minutes later, Preston steps on out onto and stares over at you in wonder. (+10 Preston, +5 Notoriety)

"Don't bother. I don't need my name attached to this and I don't want it to be."
"Your choice, of course," Yiska says and sounds strangely proud. (+10 Yiska, reduces Notoriety by up to 7 but not below 0)

Say nothing.
(Stoic)"You don't have to say anything. I understand," Yiska relates. "Sometimes, saying nothing at all says everything." (+20 Yiska)

(Otherwise)"Oh, now you fall silent?" Yiska asks then gives a little chuckle. "Well, whenever I need you shut up for a while, I'll know to bring a flood with me." (+5 Yiska)

The dialogue changes a bit based on your reputation and relationship with Yiska. You can choose to let him tell others or keep things quiet.

Meanwhile, if you dealt with the dam with the help of the miners, there's a scene where you figure out what you're going to do to them.

quote:

As the last of the dam is safely swept away, Anya turns to you, "There. It is done. Will you still arrest us?"

Beside her, Yiska cocks his head for emphasis to that same question.

"Of course not."
"Well then�" Anya indicates and steps back toward the waiting wagons.

"They have not learned a lesson," Yiska notes once they are gone, "but I do not think they ever will."

Together you ride back to Preston Springs and discuss the matter further. (8 Law, +5 Legal, +15 Yiska)

(if a Lawyer)"There is no need. This was the necessary renunciation."
"We go?" Randall asks and seems relieved when his wife guides him back to the wagons.

"Well said," Yiska admits once they are gone. "The very crux of it I would say."

During the ride back to Preston Springs you can feel his approval radiating out like a second sun. (+10 Law, +2 Legal, +20 Yiska)

"A fine will do."

quote:
"Of course it will," Anya sighs and motions for her husband to produce the treasury box.

Set it all aside for the proper authorities.
As you ride back to Preston Springs you can feel Yiska's approval radiating out like a second sun. (+5 Honor, +2 Legal, +5 Law, +10 Yiska)

Pocket half.
As you ride back to Preston Springs you can feel Yiska glancing at you. And you know, just know, that he is going to note the discrepancy sooner or later. (+5 Wealth, -2 Honor, -2 Law, -5 Yiska)

Take it all.
As you ride back to Preston Springs you can feel Yiska watching you and you know, just know, that he is going to figure things out eventually. (+8 Wealth, -5 Honor, -2 Law, -10 Yiska)

"Of course I am arresting you."

quote:
Anya give a sigh.

Randall folds his arms across his chest, "Arrest now?"

"Maybe in a few weeks, if you are still around."
"Exile," Anya notes then glances briefly at her husband. "We can accept that."

With that they return to their wagons and leave the county. (+8 Law)

"Yep. You will eventually be taken to Carson City. Your wagons can come too."

"Typical," Anya sighs. "But we'll get bailed and we'll get lawyers."

"That is how it is done," Yiska puts in and draws a glare from them both.

Thankfully that is as hostile as they get as you corral them back to Preston Springs for processing. A trip to Carson City isn't something lightly undertaken. (+5 Law, +5 Order)

Unless you told Yiska not to tell Preston, it's on to the scene where he talks to you about the outcome.

quote:

(Outcome 1: Fixed the dam with just Yiska) It takes a little while to unsaddle and rub down your horse, but even that ordinary effort is a relief after the momentous events of the past few days. Then a soft cough breaks apart your reverie and the tang of tobacco fills the air.

Preston swaggers into the barn with a lit cigar in hand, "Yiska told me about all your dam exploits. Well done, miss. Done nice and quite too, keeping the town running as smooth as a greased pig." (+10 Preston)

A ready bustle rises as townsfolk step out on the streets to go on about their day or clean up after the weather. It is almost as if nothing happened.

"It seems I'm feeling magnanimous," Preston notes then pauses to take a puff and let blue smoke rise. "So, if you have anything to ask of me, now would be the time."

"I could use a low cost loan to cover my expenses."
"Certainly," Preston says. "That'd be the least I can do. Don't worry about paying it back anytime soon neither. In fact, I might just lose the paperwork 'accidentally'." (+8 Wealth)

(if you haven't heard all of Preston's story by now)"Would you be willing to tell me how you managed to own a whole town?" (+8 Persuasion)
"Of course. Won't take longer than I need to smoke my cigar. Now, where to start�" he muses briefly. "Truth be told, I had the advantage of being, in the beginning, the sole resident of Preston Springs. I tasted the well water and found it good enough to site a town. That made selecting the name easy, as you might expect. That's the first lesson you should take away for being successful. Be first. Everyone who comes after will have to eat your dust.

"Claiming the land was easy. All that took was a little trip to Carson City and a few 'gifts' in the right places. Afterward, I tacked up sign and offered free land. I was naive. No one came. They already had all the free land they wanted. So, I brought out prospectors instead. They got to work and, naturally, wanted somewhere close to whet their whistles. And then people started coming out here, looking to get a little gold without having to get so dirty. That's the thing. You can't sell to people what they don't want. They gotta want it first. You gotta make them want it.

"So, people were coming in and that was good. Some people wanted to run things their way, that was bad. Some of them took a shot at me. That's why I hired a sheriff. But�things happened and then no one wanted to be Sheriff no more. But a lot of people just wanted to make money, not sew dragons teeth in the land. So, I took up the task and hired four of the hardest men I could find to be my deputies. Together we cleaned up this town like people wanted, made it run nice and neat. You see, everyone has their own ideas. The real trick is getting them to their your ideas are their own.

"So, that's it then. Be first, be passionate, be persistent." He says and taps out his cigar. "If you ever get your own town going, why don't you invite me over and we'll compare notes. I got an idea for a book on the subject."

"What I want is your word that you will not seek to limit my jurisdiction within the bounds of the town."
"I can do that. Don't want to�but I suspect that won't matter none anymore. People like a winner, and right now you are the horse they want to back," Preston relates and puffs out a stream of blue smoke. "So, if I give you a hard time about it, just remember, I don't really mean it. Here in Preston Springs, your badge is as good as mine." (+8 Law, +2 Legal, -2 Preston)

"I'd like to discuss implementing some ordinances with you."
"Ordinances," Preston rolls the word over his tongue and spits it off to the side. "I don't like that, but I expect most people won't care all that much after today. So go ahead, give them a bit of easterly order. I'll even enforce the ones I don't like." (+8 Order)

"I don't want anything, so I'm not going to ask."
"That's your right," Preston notes then takes a puff of his cigar and considers it. "Some might respect you for that. I'd be among them. Easy on the pockets too." (+8 Honor)

"You will not like what I am going to say." (Skips ahead to Preston romance scene)

(Stoic)Shake my head and walk away.
You leave Preston behind and hear him start to chuckle, "That's a fine piece of theater, right there. And I admire you for it." (+8 Honor, +5 Intimidate)

"Let's have a drink together sometime."
"A grand idea. Tonight or tomorrow," Preston agrees and shakes your hand on it. "See you then." (+10 Preston, +4 Persuasion, +4 Intimidate)

(if you have a low-paying deal with Preston)"I think we should renegotiate our pecuniary understanding with one another."
"Absolutely. You are worth your weight in gold," Preston says then draws a puff and adds. "Metaphorically speaking of course. But there will be a nice gift from the town coming, you'd better believe that." (+5 Wealth, -2 Honor, Deal with Preston set to second highest)

quote:

Your return to Preston Springs finds the town the same as it ever was. The whole river thing might as well have been in another country. It takes a little while to unsaddle and rub down your horse, (arrested the Red Ribbon:) to say nothing of locking up the Admunsens, but even that ordinary effort is a relief after the momentous events of the past few days.

A soft cough breaks apart your reverie and the tang of tobacco fills the air.

Preston swaggers into the barn with a lit cigar in hand, "Yiska informed me about all your dam exploits. Well done, miss. That you managed to squeeze an ounce of unpaid sweat out of Anya and Randall makes me believe in miracles. (+10 Preston)

So, I'm feeling magnanimous."

He pauses to take a puff and let blue smoke rise, "If you have anything to ask of me, now would be the time."
(Same choices as last time)

quote:

Preston swaggers over with a lit cigar in hand, "Well done, miss. The town, my town, is going to be just fine."

A ready bustle rises as townsfolk step out on the streets to go about their day or clean up after things. It is almost as if nothing happened.

"It seems I'm feeling magnanimous," Preston notes then pauses to take a puff and let blue smoke rise. "So, if you have anything to ask of me, now would be the time."

(Same choices)

Then we get to outcome 4, which is the last one the game considers to be decent. Similar to the previous outcomes, but the rewards are worse.

quote:

Preston steps over with an unlit cigar in hand, "That could have been worse. Much worse. Shouldn't take long until things are back to normal." (+5 Preston)

Splashes sound out as townsfolk set about cleaning up after the flood with buckets and brooms as need be.

"Indeed, I'm feeling charitable," Preston notes then pauses to take a puff and let blue smoke rise. "So, if you have something to ask of me, now would be a good time."

"I could use a low cost loan to cover my expenses." (+5 Wealth)
"If you had supported me, even this wouldn't have happened."
"Oh, its on me now?" he bellows back. "Well great swimming salmon, glad we got that sorted out. Its on me because you say so." (+4 Engineering, +4 Survival)

"Would you be willing to tell me how you managed to own a whole town?" (+5 Persuasion)
"What I want is your word that you will not seek to limit my jurisdiction within the bounds of the town." (+5 Law, +2 Legal, -2 Preston)
"I'd like to discuss implementing some ordinances with you." (+5 Order)
"I don't want anything, so I'm not going to ask." (+5 Honor)
"You will not like what I am going to say."
(if Stoic)Shake my head and walk away. (+5 Honor, +5 Intimidate)
"Let's have a drink together sometime." (+3 Persuasion, +3 Intimidate, +5 Preston)
(if lowest or 2nd lowest deal with Preston)"I think we should renegotiate our pecuniary understanding with one another." (+4 Wealth, -2 Honor, Preston Deal set to 3)

Then we get into the fail states. First the successful bracing...

quote:

Preston sloshes through the water to reach your side, "What happened? What went wrong?"

"I don't know. But you can bet I'll look into levees and such."

quote:
"You and me both," Preston agrees. "I'll send for an engineer first thing. No, wait, maybe a surveyor first."

You readily leave him to his musings. (+6 Preston, +5 Engineering, +5 Survival)

"If you had supported me, this wouldn't have happened."

quote:
"Oh, its on me now?" he bellows back. "Well great swimming salmon, glad we got that sorted out. Its on me because you say so." (+4 Engineering, +4 Survival)
"I didn't work as hard as I could have."

quote:
(Health 1 or 0)
"You nearly worked yourself to death," Preston points out. "I don't see how you being a corpse could have contributed more."

From the countless aches and bruises upon your body, he does have a point. (+10 Stamina, +8 Preston

(Health 2 to 4)"You did enough," Preston says and gives a shake of his head. "Can't ask someone to shoulder more than they can carry." (+8 Stamina, +4 Preston)

(Otherwise)"Maybe," Preston muses. "But there is digging and then there are diggers, if you get my meaning." (+8 Stamina)

"Everything. But next time, we better be ready."

quote:
"You're dang right we better," Preston puffs. "I'm going to get an engineer in from California and give him the run of the river. Or�maybe we best do a survey first."

You leave Preston to his musings and splash on through the town. (+4 Survival, +4 Resolve)
"That's what I aim to find out."

quote:
"Yeah, you do that. This is county business on account of the river," Preston huffs and heads off. (-2 Preston, +8 Resolve)

(Stoic) Shake my head, turn and walk away.

quote:
"What? What is it? Speak, dang it!" Preston calls out as you splash on through the soggy town. +5 Intimidate, -5 Preston)

Then an unsuccessful plan...

quote:

"This is a disaster!" Preston calls out from across the flooded street.
"Yeah! We need to look into levees and such." (+6 Engineering, +6 Survival, +2 Preston)
Preston agrees, "I'm gonna send for an engineer first thing. No, wait, maybe a surveyor first. A whole team of them for the river!"

You readily leave him to organizing things.

"If you had supported me, this wouldn't have happened." (+5 Engineering, +5 survival)

"I should have put my back into things."

"Everything went wrong. Next time it could be worse." (+4 Survival, +4 Resolve)
"Worse?" Preston asks then gives a low grunt of understanding. "Yeah, it could always be worse. I'm going to get an engineer in from California and give him the run of the river. Or�maybe we best do a survey first."

You leave Preston to his considerations and splash on through the town.

"That's what I aim to find out." (-5 Preston, +8 Resolve)
"Yeah, you do that and quick. This is county business on account of the river," Preston huffs, "and people are going to want to know everything."

With that veiled warning Preston heads off to do what he can right now.

(Stoic)Shake my head, turn and walk away. (-10 Preston, +8 Intimidate)
"Silent, even now? Dang it, Marshal!" Preston calls out as you splash on through the soggy town.

And finally if the Marshal just walked away...

quote:

"This is a greased pig worth of disaster!" Preston all but screams out as he sloshes through high waters toward you, clearly about to lay down the blame.

"No, this is town business."

quote:
Preston stares over at you a long, hard moment,
(Deal with Preston)"You aren't worth the price of dirt." (-15 Preston, deal set to lowest level)

(No deal) "That's real smart. I told you that and this time you follow to the letter. Well, that might make an argument, but that don't make you right." (-5 Preston)

With that he turns on his heel and sloshes back through the water to the row of flooded saloons in which he is a partner.

"If you had supported me, this wouldn't have happened." (+5 Engineering, +5 Survival)

"I'd start believing it if I were you." (-15 Preston)
"Funny. Funny girl. While you are here cracking wise, I'll be cleaning up. This is my town and I'm suffering along with it," Preston says coolly.

With that he turns on his heel and sloshes back through the water to the row of flooded saloons in which he is a partner.

Just stare at him. (-12 Preston, +5 Engineering, +5 Survival)
(Stoic)"Of course you've got nothing to say," Preston growls.

(Otherwise)"Not going say anything? Guilt got your tongue?" Preston growls.

"If I were you, I'd find your voice and soon because if not then I'll come looking for it."

With that he turns on his heel and sloshes back through the water to the row of flooded saloons in which he is a partner.

"Yelling won't solve anything." (-10 Preston)
"It'll make me feel good!" Preston points out, "and that is something�Marshal."

All around the town, the folk of Preston Springs strive forlornly to pick up the pieces of their livelihood. Not a building was spared, not a timber wasn't battered.

"You and me, we need to have a talk and soon," Preston says curtly before he sloshes back toward the line of flooded saloons in which he is a partner.

As for Laura, she did well and doesn't really need most of the skills so it's time to just make fun of Preston.

quote:

"I'd like to ask why you act like a rooster when your wings are clipped."

Preston replies with a low chuckle, "Oh, its like that is it? I can't be nothing because I'm trying to build up a town. Well, we can't all be a marshal with powerful friends back in Washington."

(Engineering increased, Survival increased) (+4 Engineering, +4 Survival)

One of the things you can do in chapter 6 is deliberately antagonize Preston. This builds up a hidden Preston Passion counter. You can build it up by doing the Resolve training in the intermission (asking him about his luck with ladies), being snappy when announcing the incoming flood (the "...Are you deaf?", "I'm a ____, not an engineer..." or "We'll see soon enough..." responses), berating him into getting you more tools/manpower if you're low, working alongside him to fix things if you run out of laborers, doing something daring with the defense plan (like standing on the levee) or telling him off at the end. With 1 or more points in the score you have the opportunity to get into a confrontation with Preston.

quote:

Really lay into Preston for all he did and didn't do.
I am bothered by Preston just now and can't hide it.
Let it go. Preston is not worth it.

The first two options both go to the same thing, the last one backs off. The "You will not like what I am going to say" choice when Preston is offering you a reward also jumps into this sequence directly since it gives enough Passion to automatically qualify.

quote:

Really lay into Preston for all he did and didn't do.

Preston toys with that cigar he so dearly loves to smoke and narrows his steely gaze at you, "What? Have I got something in my mustache?"

With an idle brush of a manicured hand he flicks at the tidy hairs. The silver of his cufflinks gleams softly in the setting sun.

"I've decided I hate you."
"You are insufferable. It is all about your little town, isn't it? Mister Greedy grab has to have it all his way."
Slap him.
Let it go. Preston is not worth it.

The dialogue options have different branches depending on what your current influence is. At 50-69 he's curious, 70+ he's surprised because he thought you two got along well before, and at 49- he's pleased and wants to know what he did to annoy you so he can do it more. The Marshal's responses all lead to the same place, though telling him "never mind" or "forget it" backs out of the whole thing with an influence penalty.

Assuming you play through the conversation he responds, with different dialogue depending on how many crimes you committed on the way.

quote:

"Now I get to say my piece," Preston replies sharply, "You come here, (if you have a deal) you take my money, (if you're a murderer) you shoot people, you kill Miss Caraway, you kill Miss MacMurphy, you screw up my stagecoach plans, and to top it off, I have to put up with you or I lose everything. All because I know you got fierce connections west and east."

Preston's two deputies tense up as they wait for a definitive word.

Slap him.
Let him slap you

quote:
You take it on the cheek and let the sensation rip through you like a bolt of lightning that rouses your every fiber to life.

Slap him back.
Walk away. (Cancels romance attempt, +5 Preston)
Walk away. (-10 Preston)

Hitting Preston is the key to hitting on Preston. In fact, if his Passion is 2 or higher you can do as Laura did and skip the conversation entirely by just walking up and decking him (though if it's just 1 then hitting him without having a conversation just means you take -10 influence and end the attempt). And if you completely skipped over the whole flood sequence by destroying the dam then you just won't ever get a chance to romance him.

quote:

Slap him.

The blow leaves your hand numb and Preston reeling back a step.

"Well?" Preston bellows.

Kiss him. Hard. [Begin Romance]
Walk away. (-5 Preston)

Laura subdues her prey with practiced technique.

quote:

Kiss him. Hard. [Begin Romance]
The kiss is a powerful thing that obliterates all thought as anger burns up into something else. When wit does return, you find yourself held tight in Preston's arms.

"The hell?" he manages as he gasps for breath before the two of you resume.

Some time later, the two of you finally untangle.

"So, what was that?" Preston asks as the inferno slowly begins to cool.

"I don't know." (Kind of Love 1)
"It just seemed right." (Kind of Love 2)
"I've never wanted to kiss anyone like that before." (Kind of Love 3)
"I have no idea, but I want more." (Kind of Love 4)

Laura remains on fire.

quote:

"I have no idea, but I want more."
"Yeah, I know. I know you know, and you know it," Preston gives a disbelieving chuckle then idly flips his trampled hat back into hand with a flick of a boot-tip. "So, what exactly do we know?"

"We've got something."
"We can't go on like this. It just won't work." (Ends romance)
"Even if I have to take this to an early grave, I'm taking it."

quote:

"We've got something."

"We do," Preston admits. "And I know you're sweet on Dan Schmidt, and that's kind of a deal breaker for me. So fix that," Preston says then settles the crumpled hat atop his head and staggers off.

Preston will comment on any other romance you're in, picking the first on the list from Dan, Yiska, Maria and Carrie.

If you're romancing Yiska but start one with Preston then Yiska will leave you alone, otherwise it's a conversation with him. He'll have something to say about the fate of the town (with -5 influence if you walked away without even attempting to help).

If you're in a romance with Yiska you have the chance to catch up

quote:

"You have to get back to the lawyerly work, don't you?"
"That I do. Obligations are many and freedoms are few. At least if feels that way some days," he says.

He eases in for a kiss and when your lips brush, the weights of the world do not press quite so much.

(Kind of Love 1)"We should take a day to ourselves."
"Soon. I have other obligations that will not wait. But when those have concluded we will have days and days together," he promises as he gazes deep into your eyes.

He offers over the briefest of toe-curling kisses and then slips away with a happy smile.

(Kind of Love 2) Regard him with a knowing look.
"I know, I know," Yiska offers over. "I should enjoy the still silence after a storm. Perhaps there will be time to do that soon, once my obligations are fulfilled."

He eases in for a kiss and when your lips brush, your worries and cares fade away.

(Kind of Love 3)"You have things to tend, and so do I. But we both must sleep and at night.""How true," he agrees then eases in close and takes your hand. "And darkness shall conceal our worries until morning."

He offers over a kiss that all but sweeps away the recent days.

(Kind of Love 4)"You should probably shut up and kiss me."
"Can do," Yiska grins then eases in to let your lips brush and whisk the world away.

"This�can't go on. I'm in love with someone else."
"Oh?" Yiska cocks an eyebrow. "Do they have a name, Tahoma?"

"They do. And like the Indian name you bestowed upon me, it shall remain a mystery."
"This is precisely why I like you so," he admits then touches your hand with a gentle press of fingers. "And why I shall miss you so." (Ends romance)

"Carrie."
"Ah, that explains it. She is a charming woman, but I would not dare to upset her."

quote:
"Charming? Her?"
"Flirtatious would perhaps be a better word," Yiska offers then touches your hand with a gentle press of fingers. "Treat her well, Tahoma." (Ends romance)

"Yeah, I got that feeling too. Her guns aren't for show."
"Most definitely," Yiska agrees then touches your hand with a gentle press of fingers. "May you always find shade, Tahoma." (Ends romance)

"Dan Schmidt."

quote:
"The old bear strikes again," Yiska chuckles to himself. "Well, I am certainly not one to stand in his way. But he is often gone for so long, out across mountains and ridges far from here. Indeed, so am I. Perhaps�well, must you be hasty about this?"

"I am afraid so. My mind is made up. I love him."
"Very well, Tahoma," Yiska says with a sigh and takes your hand in his own for the briefest of moments. "Perhaps in another life�" (Ends romance)

"I�don't know."
"When you do, Tahoma, let us talk again," Yiska says and gently folds your hand into his own for the briefest of moments.

"Yes. Let us take our time."
"You should know that my heart sings to hear that Tahoma," Yiska says and gives a sigh of relief. Ever so gently he folds your hand into his own. "Until next time." (+10 Yiska)

"Maria Agustina, etc."

quote:
"The Mexican Condesa?" Yiska blinks. "Well, if you are to set me aside, it is good that it be for an equal."

"An equal?"

quote:
"Yes. Intellectually at least," he says then gives a sad smile. "I wish it were not so, of course.�"

"This is the way it must be. Farewell."
"May you always find shade Tahoma," he says then briefly folds your hand into his own. (Ends romance)

"I could introduce you to her, see what happens?"
"That is rather forward of you. I can only imagine how that would play out," Yiska says and gives a little frown. "Actually, I can't imagine it at all. We should try it then, if only to see."

With a grin he gently presses his finger tips upon your hand for the briefest of moments. (+5 Yiska)

"You like her?"

quote:
"Of course. What portion of Mexican Condesa is not appealing?" he asks. "But she will not be, I mean, have your told her yet?"

"Yes. This is the way it must be. Farewell." (Ends romance)
"No. And I could introduce you to her, see what happens?"(+5 Yiska)

It's possible to come clean to Yiska if you're seeing someone else. Unfortunately Laura isn't involved with Yiska due to the whole war crimes thing so it's just a conversation.

quote:

"Well, this was good work and an excuse to leave the office behind for a little while," Yiska remarks.

"I take it you are about to say goodbye?"
"This has been an odd sort of day."
"What is next for you?"

quote:
"Work," Yiska says without hesitation. "Preston has several contracts he wants me to review and there are land permits and allocations to file in Carson City."

"In short, no rest for the wicked?"
"Was that a lawyer joke? because if so, I have a good one," Yiska considers then clears his throat. "How many lawyers does it take to fill up a pig-pen? The answer is simple; how many were in there to begin with?"

He flashes you a tight smile then steps away.

"Sounds fun."
(Stoic)Silently agree.
"A pleasure conversing as always," Yiska remarks and then steps away.
Offer your hand to shake.

Yiska's responses depend on your influence, and since it's 50- he's in no real mood to exchange niceties with Laura.

If you're romancing Carrie then she shows up.

quote:

"What was that all about?" Carrie asks. "I heard this sudden gasp of disbelief out here while I was refreshing my flask."

"Ah, there you are."
(Yiska Romance) "Oh, Yiska was just being friendly."
(Preston Romance)"Preston and I got into something."

quote:
"Really? I would've liked to see that," she considers and eases in close.

"No, we really kissed and it was better than anything I had with you."

quote:
Her eyes widen in surprise and then narrow fast, "Is that how it is?"
"I'm sure we can work something out."
"I doubt it," she remarks and slips away from you.

"Just kidding."
"Very funny," she says with a sharp smile.
"I imagine."
She gives a sharp little smile and you can feel the heat of her breath roil out.
(Yiska Romance) "I can't lie to you. I have feelings for Yiska."

quote:
"Oh?" Carrie blinks and gives a little laugh. "So did I, once. I mean, have you seen him?"
"What do you mean?"
"He's a lawyer and an Indian. That's like a bear that's got silk for fur. I�like that combination, that's all. He's like milk and sugar in coffee," she says then watches the Indian walk away for a long moment before she turns back to you and eases in close.

"He is smart, strong and supple."

quote:
"That he is," Carrie agrees whole-heartedly. "I�well, I can see you like him. Now, normally I don't go in for sharing, but there might be something we can each get from him."

"Wait, what?"
"You'll figure it out when the time comes," she says with a knowing smile and eases in close.

Just stare at her.
She stares right back then eases in a little closer.

"No, this runs deeper than that."

quote:
"What about me?" Carrie asks with a catch in her throat.

"You too. I�it is complicated."
"Might be less complicated than you think," she says and eases in close.

"I'm sorry Carrie. It just isn't going to work out. Can we still be friends?"
"Friends," she muses then glances down and away. "Yeah, I suppose. Mainly because I don't have it in me to shoot you. So, friends."

She turns and, with shoulders stiff, walks away and doesn't look back. (Ends romance)

"I'm sorry, Carrie. This ends here."
She stares at you long and hard. Whole mountains could rise and fall around you and she'd scarcely notice.

At last she speaks, "I can't live without you, and I expect that'll prove true for you too, whether you say so or not."

She eases back. One hand of hers settles on a pistol grip, "But today isn't the day. My heart isn't in it. Yet." (Ends romance, Carrie leaves town)

If you didn't break up with her then there's a follow-up scene where Carrie invites the Marshal to visit her later, and the text changes a bit based on the state of the town- if things got varying degrees of flooded then she's picking her way through the mud or even wading through the waters. You can also opt to break up with her here by telling her that there's someone else.

quote:

"You must. There is someone else."
She drops a hand atop a pistol, "Who?"

"I won't name them."
"That's smart of you," she notes as she backs away with a rising hate in her eyes. "But not real smart." (Ends romance, Carrie leaves)

"Dan Schmidt."

quote:
"The old bear?" she frowns. "I like him, he's funny. But its either him or me. Not both."

"Him."
"Then its a good thing he's been shot before," she promises as she steps away with a rising hate in her eyes. (Ends romance, Carrie leaves)

"I don't know."
"Then mark it out somehow," she insists then turns and heads off down the busy street without a backward glance.

"Maria Agustina�etc."

quote:
"Her? The princess with all them bodyguards? You aren't making this easy for me," she fumes.

"I know. Good-bye."
Her glare says it all. Her hands twitch toward her pistols but she does not pull them free but instead turns and instead stomps off down the busy street without a backward glance. (Ends romance, Carrie leaves)

"Maybe we can work something out."
"I doubt it. Hawks don't sit with doves and dross don't shine like gold," she says and manages a calming sigh. "But I want to try. I want this to work like nothing ever has."

With that she turns and totters off down the busy street without a backward glance.

(if you already mentioned Yiska)"Yiska, remember?"
"If its just him�we can work something out," she promises and gives your cheek a slow caress before she turns and heads off down the busy street without a glance back.

(Otherwise)"Yiska."

quote:
"Oh," Carrie blinks and clears her throat. "Good choice."

"Sorry, what?"
[quote]"I like him. He's a hard fighting book-learner. Like honey on pancakes. I might be amenable to�an accommodation."

"I'll see how he feels."
"Do that," she says then gives your cheek a slow caress before she turns and heads off down the busy street without a glance back.

"That won't work."
"No?" she asks as her eyes slowly harden toward sharp steel. "Well, it'll be alright for him at least."

With those cold words, she turns and heads off down the busy street without a glance back. (Ends romance, Carrie leaves)

"Did you just suggest�"

quote:
"Yep. It'd be real practical. Like putting honey on pancakes. Father won't like it, but that don't matter to me."

"I'll see how Yiska feels about�this."
"It just won't work."

Let my jaw drop in shock.
"What? He's a tasty bite. Like honey on pancakes."

"I'll see how he feels about�this."
"It just won't work."
Give a shrug.
"I like strong and silent. Well, strong all the time anyway," Carrie notes. "Go see him, see if your can't use your silver tongue to convince him to be flexible."

She flashes a naughty smile then gives your cheek a slow caress before she turns and heads off down the busy street without a glance back.
"There isn't anyone else. Just me."
"Then I guess you'll have to do," she says with a cold promise then turns and heads off down the busy street without a glance back. (Ends romance, Carrie leaves)

Carrie has... mixed opinions about the Marshal's romantic partners. She won't put up with Dan but she's definitely interested in spending quality time with the two most attractive people she knows.

Then it's time for Maria to show up if she's still around. I've already shown off the conversation with her and her uncle and I'm pretty pressed for space here. You can also tell her if you're romancing Dan or Yiska and either end the relationship there or brush it off as you just joking for -2 Influence. An interesting thing to note is that each of the dialogue choices with her uncle tends to change based on how the town endured the flood and whether or not Maria is in a relationship with Marshal, a friend, or just recently dumped.

quote:

Town partially flood damaged
"The river ran its course and I followed mine," Carlos indicates. "And much of this now involves tying barley to the tail of a dead donkey."

(Broke up)"The donkey, being dead, will not chase the barley," Maria explains. "I certainly know how it feels."

(Romance)"A living donkey will chase the barley most vigorously, sometimes to the point of falling down," Maria explains. "A most amusing sight, especially if it somehow manages to catch it."

(Otherwise)"You have a similar proverb about horses and barns I believe," Maria notes.

Then Dan shows up. Your romantic partners can find out about each other, as Dan already demonstrated earlier when Laura met with him in the previous chapter. Telling your romantic partners about your other romantic partners in the previous conversations is also a way for them to find out. If he already knew about your other partner he'll bring it up- in this case it's Maria.

quote:

"You and the Mexican lady sure talked a while," Dan calls out as he stumps over. "Did you return her affections or brush her aside?"

"She is still in my heart." (Ends romance)
"I told her," (+5 Honor)
"I told her." [lie] (-3 Honor)

Technically, even if Laura told Maria about Dan and brushed it off as a joke, she could still honestly tell him that she told Maria about it. But she's going to lie her rear end off out of principal.

quote:

The big Prospector carries a stack of pans and a spade under one arm. "But enough of that. I came by to see you."

"Looks like you have your hands full there."
"You headed out to pan for gold?"
Let him talk a bit.

Dan's conversation differs a bit depending on the state of the town. If it's fine he's heading out to pan for gold now that the river made it easy, while if it's damaged he's sticking around to help with the clean-up.

quote:

"I was thinking about things; homes and house and such," Dan begins uncertainly. "Maybe a place here. I mean, it don't really have to be anywhere in particular except I'm here and so are you. But I reckon I wouldn't mind having four walls to call my own."

"I'm glad to hear that. Any thoughts about a roof?"
"And a floor," Dan relates with a wide smile. "Don't know about a cellar or attic, but that's farther on."

He takes your hand and gently pulls you over. For a long moment, nothing else matters. Then a clatter from the street breaks apart the moment. As he draws in a long breath to expound he then abruptly blinks and peers into the distance. (+5 Schmidt)

"I�I have to tell you something. I'm in love with someone."

quote:
"What?"Dan gasps. "Who?"

"I'd rather not say."

quote:
"I don't understand," he blurts out. "How�why?"

"I'm sorry, but it has to be this way."
He hangs his head low. For a long moment he doesn't even seem to breathe. Then, suddenly, he blinks and peers off into the distance. (Ends Romance)

"I can't explain�but maybe, with time�"
"Maybe," he repeats hopefully. For a long moment he gazes over at you then abruptly blinks and peers off into the distance. (-10 Schmidt)

Carrie

quote:
"You can do better," Dan blurts out. "She's living by the gun, and liable to die by it and take you with her."

"I'm sorry, but I love her."
"I get you," Dan sighs looks away. "If�never mind. Good luck with her."

He looks back over for a long moment then abruptly blinks and peers off into the distance behind you. (Ends Romance)

"Maybe you are right."
"I know I am. I've seen it before. Too many times, with good folks and bad," Dan says with a long shake of his head. "Best you untie those heart-strings before they get broke."

He gazes over for a long moment with his features tight. Then he blinks and peers off into the distance behind you.

"Think she'd be flexible?"
"Flexible?" Dan asks, his features darkening. "I don't like the sound of that. I don't much like the sound of you at all when you talk like that. Maybe I was wrong to open up my heart.

"Maybe you were. Maybe we just aren't right for each other."
"Yeah. Well, it was fun while it lasted," Dan notes then falls silent and peers into the distance behind you. (Ends Romance)

"Look, she's a sweet gal. I bet you just never got to talking with her."
(50+ Persuasion)"Yeah. Yeah I haven't. Her father�I expect we'll have to talk to him eventually," he then lets out a long sigh and something stirs behind his eyes.

(Otherwise)"I know her father. It'd be wrong in so many ways. That you'd even ask it�I can't know you no more," he turns to leave then halts on his heel and peers into the distance. (Ends Romance, Dan leaves)

"Maria Agustina."

quote:
"Her?" Dan deflates visibly, "I�can't swing a big enough ax to bring down that kind of tree. Not even chip the trunk. Pretty, smart, educated, and�titled. If you hadn't staked your claim, I'd be tempted to try myself."

"I'm sorry, but my mind is made up."
His eyes close for a long moment and a long shudder ripples through every inch of his frame. After a deep breath he finally says, "You got to move on. I can respect that. That Maria�she seems like a fire-cracker and I hope�you'll�be happy."

He pauses for a long moment, prepares to say something else but then he stares off into the distance behind you. (Ends Romance)

"Maybe�we can work something out.
"I hope we can be together," he says sincerely as he takes your hand and gently pulls you in close. "I really do."

A clatter from the street scatters your response. Dan takes a step back then peers into the distance behind you.

"Yiska."

quote:
"The Newe lawyer? Well, I can see what he's got that I haven't and can never have," Dan says and gives out a sigh. "But don't worry. I ain't gonna throw down on a Newe over this. They'd find it too funny and it would be�eventually. So, let's say good-bye to what was and both get on with things."

"I'm sorry, but this is the way it has to be."
"I understand. I've done plenty of things I haven't liked. This is just one more," Dan says with a touch of bitterness.

He stares at you for a long moment and begins to say something more but then he glances into the distance behind you. (Ends Romance)

"Don't be like that. Maybe Yiska would be amenable to�something else."
"Amenable?" Dan says then shakes his shaggy head slow. "I�don't like the sound of that. But if it means being close to you for another day, I'll take it."

Then his gaze flickers as he spies something in the distance behind you.

"A frontiersman who kills bears and conjures storms. At least, that is what people say he does."
"I'm no legend," Dan gives a happy sigh. "I'm Dan Schmidt and I've been wandering long enough." (+10 Schmidt)

He scoops you up and holds you close for a slice of forever, and your feet never touch the ground.

When at last you part. Dan favors you with a long gaze that flickers as he stares over your shoulder.

Confessing to your involvement with more than one partner does give you insight into how the various bachelors and bachelorettes view and relate to one another. Some of them don't like each other, and some of them are incredibly into each other. This will come to a head later on. In most cases, ending a romance triggers the spurned tag on the character, which tends to mean that they're going to be upset about it in dialogue choices, though there are occasionally ways to remain friends.

quote:

When at last you part. Dan favors you with a long gaze that flickers as he stares over your shoulder. "I see smoke. Thick. black gouts of it. I expect trouble. But I say bring a storm because the fields will be sweet afterward."

You turn to look and there in the north a great gout of black smoke threatens to blot out the sun.

End of chapter six

And that's chapter six. Hardest part was trying to fit this into one update under the character limit. If Dan isn't dead then he's the one who spots the smoke, otherwise it's a random resident. If the dam was destroyed and you skipped the flood sequence entirely, after about three or four turns of messing around in the stat boost zone you'll spot smoke on the horizon.

With only one crime to her count Laura has had a pretty quiet chapter. She could have botched the attempt and let the river take the town but that wouldn't be good for her long-term. Sadly, her one crime this chapter was enough to prevent her from getting the full house of romances but she does have four different lovers each convinced they're the only one for her. Nothing could possibly go wrong.

Next time something else is competing for Laura's title of biggest threat to Nevada, so she's going to have to do some actual work.

quote:

Marshal Engels Laura:
Traits: Lawyer. Religious. Stoic. Doctor. Chinese. Native.
Current Companions:
Health: Healthy and vigorous.
Wealth: You have people who keep track of this.
Values:
Order: 61% Freedom: 39%
Honor: 2% Arbitrary: 98%
Law: 0% Individuality: 100%
Notoriety: 63% Anonymity: 37%

Skills:
Gunfighting: 79%
Sharpshooting: 57%
Brawling: 59%
Riding: 43%
Survival: 64%
Legal: 32%
Engineering: 16%
Explosives: 25%
Persuasion: 71%
Intimidate: 75%
Stamina: 33%
Resolve: 76%

Influence
Influence Carson: 101% He trusts you utterly.
Influence Schmidt: 102% He loves you more than all the stars in the sky.
Influence Caraway: 147% She loves you more than whiskey itself.
Influence Preston: 112% He loves you more than the very idea of money.
Influence Hartigan: 42% He believes you are just another stuffy tin star. He feels he owes you a small favor.
Influence Albion: 64% Bishop Hancock has great patience concerning you.
Influence Maria: 142% Her love for you could scorch the heavens.
Influence Marshal James: 87% He believes he chose well.
Influence Yiska: 0% He knows that Tahoma must die to preserve the Shoshone people.

LightWarden fucked around with this message at 04:10 on Jan 30, 2021

# ? Jan 29, 2021 05:06

The Something Awful Forums > Discussion > Video Games > Let's Play! > Don your TIN STAR and Lay Down the Law in the West (Choice of Games CYOA)

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