[Game Thread] Act I - Caught In A Briar Patch

[austarrowsplitter]

Darren smiled with pride as he said, "That, Mr. Mayor, is Ol' Sweeney. He attacked us while we were followin' a lead we found. But Jeremiah, me an' Severance took him down RIGHT quick. Apparently he didn't like havin' Severance's hammer head smashin' into his spine."

He then turns to the lady and does his best, obviously unpracticed, bow, saying, "Howdy, Miss. Th' name's Darren Coopersmith. Bounty hunter. This here's my sledgeaxe, Severance. We make a pretty good team, as evidenced by the flattened-out robot-cat."

[kdtompos]

"Oh, Dear God." The mayor stammers, the blood draining from his face. He nervously twists the cane in his hand, and rises to his feet. "Kinny is dead?" His eyebrows raised and mouth still slightly agape search for confirmation. "Oh my. Oh my... I need to check that out..." He's scrambling now, looking about the room as though making sure he has everything with him, though he clearly has no idea what he needs nor what he's looking for.

He pauses, rather abruptly, returning his gaze at the group--eyes flitting back and forth between Jeremiah and Darren. "Old Sweeny?! By George, that's him isn't it. Wait a relief at this bleak moment!" The sparkle returns to the gnomes eyes. "Yes, indeed. Seddyn will be so relieved. I'm relieved. I believe there was a reward as well, no?" Leaning on his cane, and placing the tophat back atop his head, he waddles over to the widowmaker and reaches out for the dead animal.

"You gentlemen should stay here. I'll have Sandy bring in some food, as I look into..." His bright features furrow again, "...darker matters. How sad!" As he's leaving the room, dead cat slung beneath his left arm, he turns quickly from the doorway. "I'll get this to Mr. Rackett as well, and be sure to return with your payment should I reach him. Thank you for your work so far!"

The five are then left alone in the awkward silence that always seems to accompany forced introductions.

[Muggins]

"Greetings, how do you do?" the woman replied, her hands neatly folded in her lap and her eyes watching them with care. Most of them seemed friendly enough, from the outside - but Madeline knew that looks could be deceiving. "I was intrigued by notion of others seeking out this task, and thought to remain until you returned," she chimed gently, "perhaps so that you might consider another lending their hand, meager as it may seem to your efforts." If the years had taught her anything, it was not the power of the hand but the skill with which it was used that was important; speed and wit were superior to raw might. While the men before her seemed varied enough in appearance and possible trades, only one matched her own perception of true skill; a boy from a well-off family, and whose face she remembered clearly as an icon of envy from her youth. She decided to keep those thoughts bottled up for now.

"I am well within my rights and ability to aid you, should the need arise," she continued, nodding and offering a smile to those before her. With time, they would become familiar with her way of doing things - and, of course, she would come to understand them. She hadn't had much use of friends or companions in the past, but then neither had she ever committed herself to such a large task before; while she wasn't out of her depth, it was a new experience all the same. "If I am to consider participating in your investigation, however, then I require knowledge of the progress," Madeline mused, "so, how about it? How are you doing so far in your quest for the truth?"

[austarrowsplitter]

Darren shrugged and said, "Truth be told, Miss, we only got into town last night. We did some searchin' today, and checked out Mr. Kinny's house 'cause the locals thought somethin' funny was goin' on... but not much turned up, I'm afraid. He did seem to be eyes-deep in debt to some real snakes in the grass, though. I figure that's probably why he ended up dead. Then again, I'm no expert on th' ways of criminal types. Maybe th' chaplain or th' widowman have different opinions."

[Surgate]

The Widowman cleared his throat to speak, hands promptly folded behind his back in methodic fashion. "The Truth is Kinny was an anarchist suspect, and there were tracks leading away from his house we eventually lost track of." He grumbled, thumb rubbing against his chin as he thought over the situation.

"From the way his house was rigged, and the nature of the tracks leading to the north side of town, the anarchists may have gotten the explosives they need to blow the Chesapeake." Jeremiah shook his head, and then suddenly snapped his fingers"But I may have discovered another lead…" He paused for dramatic effect, shifting his gaze to Darren.

"While you were in the house I found a burned crate buried out back. There was an insignia, and I managed to find three letters left. D----ey'------------, which reminded me of where you and Delth went while Edward and I visited the post. Dooley's Outfitters merits another look."

He sighed. The Widowman wasn't used to speaking often, and felt he shared more conversations with these fellow strangers compared to years spent at the academy. And now he was half-way giving a warm welcome to another addition to the bunch. If only the federal agent could smile. Instead he continued to look grimly aloof, enunciating every word with the same unwavering, disciplined tone."The need for your aid has already arisen, but watch your fire around civilians; what do you make of the Mayor's reaction to Kinny's death? His blue-grey eyes studied her response meticulously.

[Muggins]

Madeline nodded and accepted their story - after all, there was no reason to deny any of it. Musing internally, she mulled over the details provided to her with whispered notation, eyes drifting in moments of thought. When she was asked a question, she returned her gaze to the brooding man before her and spoke, "honestly, I would consider his response to be suspicious."

"Did the mayor know much of Kinny? Were they companions, coworkers or citizen and mayor?" she queried, "for in the first two cases, such a last-second shift of tone could be considered inappropriate. For the latter case, not so much. However, as a mayor, I would expect a duality in his personality to be natural - and he may simply be making light of harsh matters, besides." Folding her fingertips, she considered the thought of adventurers being led by false leads - then concluded that there was nothing to gain. "Even if he is involved - and I do not accuse him of being such - he would have little to gain from this," she added, voicing her dwindling thoughts on the matter before growing silent once more.

Of course, there was one thing left on the line; his own life, should he fail to cooperate. What did the mayor need to check out so urgently upon hearing of Kinny's death? Records of the slain, wanted posters asking for a dead man? Madeline stared back towards the widowman before her with blue-brown eyes, considering the options. Perhaps Kinny's death was an unscheduled affair, performed to ensure that the mayor knew and understood the underworld's terms - a threat, even, which was conducted with a display of their power. "If you require my aid, then you need only say," Madeline chimed, "for this investigation seems most intriguing, going by what little you have discovered in your latest venture."

Edit Knowledge (Local) roll, for Madeline to consider her options, the possibilities surrounding the mayor and general knowledge of the town? Dice Knowledge (Local): 1d20+4 (10)+4 Total = 14

[austarrowsplitter]

Darren nodded and said, "Fine by me. I ain't opposed to havin' another friendly gun at my back. After all, who knows how many of them anarchists are gonna have guns, and how many there's gonna be?"

He then turned to Jeremiah and asked, "So you think they might be involved? All right. What's the plan then? We gonna just go into the shop and ask some questions? Or are we gonna go around back. He's got some kinda workshop back there. He said he was working on a field trap, but who knows what it could be?"

[TheMystic]

"I'll go in," the gentleman spoke up "Nothing direct for this round I think, but I'll keep him talking so some of you can go round the back without him knowing. It is imperative we do not spook these anarchists more than we already have, lest we prompt them to accelerate their plans" Tucking his cane under his arm, he fishes a token from his pocket, "An outfitter's, you said? I daresay this should keep him occupied some..." Fletcher holds the token between his thumb and the flat of his forefinger. "Who knows, I may even spend it."

To Madeline he offers a small bow, formal and practiced, a noticeable contrast to Darren's earlier attempt, "Care to join me miss? Two charmer's are better than one after all."

[Muggins]

"If only all men were so kindly," Madelina chimed, "I believe I will accept your offer. With any hope, your appearance will trigger less suspicion with a womanly friend by your side." She smiled and stood with some level of grace, nodding once she was level with the rest of the party. "What will our alibi be, might I ask?" she said, "A wedding proposal? Is there a formal event nearby for which we may find ourselves preparing for?" It had been a while since she'd taken part in such a simple task as meeting with an outfitter, but that just made it more interesting.

[kdtompos]

Knowledge (Local) From what Medeline knows of this town, Reverand "Mayor" Reynor Hayes Wyatt is a kind but rather pretentious gnome. He cares for people, but cares significantly more about this town, especially how it's perceived. You can understand why he would be flustered about the death (murder?) of a citizen, but also elated at the knowledge of a pest disposed of. It's all about appearances, and one can be slipped under the rug while the other can be proclaimed. As for the Dooley Outfitters, it's owned by three gentlemen that go by the moniker "Dooley Boys" as they've been called that since their youth. They all work different jobs outside of their outfitters, and all are mechanically inclined. They openned the outfitters by pooling all their money together to purchase the old building, in hopes of selling adventuring and exploring gear to those passing through.

Delth, in the mean time, takes a seat on one of the benches. He's seemed a little off color since the group left Kinny's house. While you're not certain if he's feeling sick, or perhaps disturbed by what you encountered there, you can tell that he's not himself. He takes a long drink from a glass of water nearby, then interrupts the conversation. "If you all are still fixin' to head out tonight, I think I might stay here. I'm not exactly feeling up to adventuring right now."

At that moment, Sandy enters the back room as well, carrying a tray filled with a handful of steaming plates. She sets them quietly on the table, lifting one of the metal covers to release a cloud of steam and the heavenly scent of barbequed pork. The plate has some grilled loins on it, as well as scalloped potatoes and a couple slices of toast. "Mayor Wyatt asked me to bring some sustenance in for you five before he rushed out. He's covered the meal, but you'll need to cover your own tab when it comes to drinks. 'nless you're only drinkin' water."

OOC:You're welcome to wait for the Mayor to return, or head off to Dooley's Outfitters if you'd like. Give me an idea of the consensus and I'll bring ya there.

[Surgate]

Jeremiah grumbled his approval of both Madeline's expertise and their course of action. "Edward and Madeline shall keep the attention up front while Darren and I investigate the back." The Widowman's lip curved ever so slightly up into a subtle grin. "Between the four of us, with Delth keeping a keen eye on things here, there shouldn't be a problem."

He thanked Sandy for the hospitality and took up the offer, "With water of course, as always Ma'am." Before drooling over the pork and potatoes, he looked over his shoulder at the group. "Let's eat, check out Dooley's, and hopefully the reward money for Sweeny will be waiting when we return."

[Muggins]

"These plans of yours grow better by the second," Madeline chimed, dawdling over to the plates to view her options. Having some food before they left wouldn't hurt, and the platters provided were filled with all manners of filling sustenance - with the exception of the toast, at least. "I concur. Let us leave after this meal," she continued, "and continue our work for this restless town." For a moment, she looked back to the man who had taken her spot. It would probably be best for someone as sickly as he to remain behind, but she wouldn't have minded the assistance. More hands make less work, and all that.

[austarrowsplitter]

Darren nodded, "Sounds like a plan t' me. Brains up front, muscle in the back." There really wasn't much else to say about the matter, in his opinion. Now was food time.

And with that, he got himself a hearty plate of barbeque, and began to eat with gusto. He clearly wasn't ashamed of his appetite, and a man his size did need a lot of food.

[kdtompos]

The four quickly finish their meal before leaving the Old Mill and heading south down the main road again toward Dooley's Outfitters. Delth took his time with the meal, and stuck behind to catch the Mayor should he return.

Long shadows are cast across the crushed pebble path now as the sun dips lower and lower in the sky, which is a welcome relief from the earlier heat of the day. There's a bit more activity now inside a few of the houses that line the streets, but the group doesn't encounter anyone outside.

Dooley's Outfitters At the main square now, kitty-corner from a delapidated, boarded-up chapel, where Edward remembered it is Dooley's Outfitters. The large sign hangs loose out front, and you can already see a gentleman inside leaning over the counter. Darren and Jeremiah break off before the other two step up to the porch, creeping behind the back of the building. Stepping through the open doors, Edward and Madeline find the same scene Darren and Delth encountered earlier that morning. Rows of low shelves, populated with all sorts of sundry items and tools surround the pair. The room has a faint smell of spices and motor oil. On the north wall are bags of rice and potatoes, with some hanging jerky. The south wall hangs overalls, flannel shirts, and brimmed hats of a variety of colors and sizes. At the desk at the far end, leans a young balding gentleman with his brimmed hat resting beside a silver bell on the counter--clearly a different 'Dooley Boy' than earlier. He notices as you two enter, and rises up from counting hardward to smile warmly at you both. "Welcome!" He calls out, lifting a finger to his forehead in greeting. "Let me know if I can help you with anything." ---------------------------------------------------------- Back behind the supply store, Darren and Jeremiah appear to be by themselves. The field is relatively empty, though the ground reveals a number of different wheel tracks presumably from stocking. From what you've heard of the Dooley Boys, some may be from some of their own inventions. There's a large shed built against the rear as well, with a window on the east side opposite the store and a lock on the front door. The back door to the Outfitters is open, with only a swinging screen between. Being on the east side of the building, most all of the area is shaded.

[Muggins]

Madeline nodded farewell to those who sought out the back of the building, and kept herself close to the prideful man beside her. She entered the building in silence, stepping with caution and grace; with but a glance to her companion, she parted and inspected a fraction of the merchandise for sale. Knowing the shopkeeper to be nearby, she didn't dare speak out of fear of being overheard. So she browsed, idly and without conversation, along the walls and shelves of the store. Occasionally she would reach out and touch an item, only to withdraw her hand moments later in a flicker of uncertainty.

Slowly, she drifted towards the hats and plucked one from its resting place, slipping it loosely over her head. Although sparsely decorated, it would still stave off the sun - and she needed to get a hat sometime, anyway. "What do you think, Ed?" Madeline chimed politely, gesturing her companion to come closer. After a moment of thought she continued, sparing hints for the man, "perhaps this one? Or can you spy something more fitting from where you stand?" Sighing, she glanced towards the shopkeeper with gloomy eyes which requested assistance. "Alas, I cannot see the higher shelf," she said, "but I am sure you have the height and reach to do so, bless your soul."

Edit Madeline will take 20 on a perception check too, if that's alright. She's got a +4 modifier.