NationStates Jolt Archive

This rp takes place around 1878. In Arizona in a dusty and dangerous town called Purgatory's End. At this time the west is far from won. bandits and outlaws roam the desert. Indians struggle just to survive against the U.S. government and greedy whites. In this untamed and dangerous land, how will you make your fortune? Will you bring law and order to this area? Or will you plunge it into chaos. What part will you play in one of the defining moments in American history?

OCC: This is open to anyone who wants to join. Just sign-up on the sign-up thread. And as always, no godmodding.

The road was sun parched and harsh. Eli walked down the dirt road, which was hardly noticeable due to it was nothing but dirt. he was sun burnt and broke. he lost his horse, gun, and most of his money to a toguh card shark in the town of Tidwell. Eli hit the road before he lost everything. But of course, he didn't let this get him down. he tried to whistle but was too parched. He walked proudly as the sun beat down on him.

several hours later it was dark.The sun set over the hills and illuminated the skies with red and orange, it began to get colder as well. The soles of his shoes were nearly worn out. He took out an ace card and twirled it in his hand. He reached an old wooden sign. 'Purgatory's End' he thought. which is what the sign said.
"Sounds like a friendly place" he said.

After a few more hours of walking it was now dark when he reached a river's edge. he didn't know what river it was due to he was unfamiliar to the area. A lantern lite the bank. Eli walked over, it was a ferry business. The toe line reached across the river and the barge sat ready. A man sat there, his face hidden by a hat.
"You takin' people to the other side?" Eli asked.
"I suppose" he coldly replied
''Then I'll go, how much?" he asked.
"I see you have no money, pay me back later"
"I promise to do so kind sir"
"I'll hold you to it" the man answered and took him onto the barge. The barge went across the silent and cold river. Eli became uneasy as the barge reached the other side.

The sun was hot, however that was the least of Halona's worries as she walked down the dirt road with the hot dry wind wipping her face. The young woman carried a small bag that held her native clothes, a knife, some dried food and a small pouch of coins that she had stolen. Seeing a river in the distance, her body began to pick up speed as she ran towards it, her long legs reaching out in front of her.
"My damn long dress," she swore as it's cotton material fluttered about her legs. She reached the shore just as she saw a boat leaving the dock.
"Damn it," she said as she pushed her long black hair out of her face and waited to catch her breath.

Eli stood there, the darkness crept over the place. The feeling of dreed also crept over him. He felt uneasy for some reason. He had a gut feeling, wether it was good or not, he didn't know. The ferryman made him uncomfortable. This mans' face was still hidden by the way the lantern glowed as he turned the wheel for the rope. Eli saw a woman running.
''Oh my, I fear she missed the ferry...wait, she's a savage!" he said. The ferryman didn't answer. "She's wearing different clothes, perhaps she's civilized" he said.

The ferry finally reached the other side. Eli wiped the sweat off his forehead and stepped off. ''Good sir, I also promise to pay for that woman's fare. I doubt she has any money either."
'I'll hold you to that" he replied. Something was bugging Eli, the ferryman seemed foreboding. "I feel like I just sailed across the river Styx"
"Perhaps you did" replied the ferryman.

Irving watched as the ferry crossed the river. He rode his horse down from the hill he stood on. Riding down to the river he stopped at a native. Irving had never seen one in his life. Slowing down he looked at him. Seem to him that she looked like any normal woman. Getting off from his horse, Irving took the reins and held them. He patted the horse. The horse was his for a couple of days. Irving thought the horse was a good one. Once in town he would get some food and water for it. He hoped also that the ferry would soon come back.

Halona jumped as she heard the hoof beats come down the hill. Opening her bag, she brought out the knife as she saw the whiteman dismount from his horse, "That's a nice one, you're lucky."
Halona said, her voice strong as she held her head high, slipping the knife up the sleve of her dress and shutting the bag.

"I'm no harm to you. I'm Irving Morrel the new U.S. Marshal sent to this area. You might you be?" Irving tied the reins to a nearby post. The ferry was starting to go back around. Irving took out a canteen and started to drink from it. "Do you anything to drink?"

Halona flinched as he said what job he had.
'Could he be after me?'
Halona thought;
And although she was thirsty she said, "No, I'm fine. I'll get something whenever the boat comes to take us to the other town."

"Ok." Irving put away his canteen and waited for the ferry to come back. He got his colt peacmaker and put it on his side holster. Thinking in his mind he was ready for this town.

Halona flinched as she saw the gun, knowing it was no match for the knife that she carried.
"What's your name?"
Halona asked, feeling bored standing alone and besides she stayed far from the stranger.

"Well it's Irving Morrel and who might you be?" Irving stated. He kept his gun in a place he could reach it. This town was suppose to be dangerous. He had to be cautious from now on.

"I'm Halona," the young woman stated as she shifted her feet and her dark eyes went towards her worn out shoes.

He was squatting in the underbrush, eyes fixed on the run-down town. Although there was activity there, he wasn't concerned with humanity today. He was looking through his 'spirit-eyes', the better to gauge the unseen atmosphere in and around what the whites called Purgatory's End.

He was Chenoa Tadi, which translated roughly to 'Dove Wind', tribal shaman of the southern Paiute nation. To look at him, you couldn't guess his age except to say he was old. Wrinkles creased his face, his eyelids slit to avoid the hot afternoon sun. He now stood up, but remained perfectly motionless, his concentration now on the far end of town. What he saw neither alarmed nor excited him. They were there......he accepted that fact.

Chenoa reached into his little leather bag he kept tied to his belt, and pulled out a pinch of grains and pollen which he placed in between his lower lip and gum. In a minute or so, he would be among the spirits mingling in the town, and trying to coerce them away from their apparent task. Which just happened to be the total eradication of the human element of the town. For they were on holy ground, an ancient burial site of the Paiute wherein other tribes were also buried, a great sacrifice of many hundreds of years ago where the various nations sought to quell the spread of the black death that was killing so many of the people of the plains.

It had appeased the spirits, but now they were again incensed at the desecration of their territory. Chenoa's task was to appease those spirits once again, and to try and make the whites see that they must leave.

He hung his head. He knew that the whites would not listen. But he had to try......

bump

"I wonder when the boat will come back round?"
Halona asked, her eyes searching the surrounding areas;

As the boat came barge came back, Irving untied his horse and went onto it. He payed the man and waited for Halona to get on.

Walking down the sun-light road into town, a faint trail of dust behind him, a rather tall man, cradling something in his arms, slowly approached the town limits. He was George Leary, a man not known well among public circles...and for a good reason. On his resume were the deaths of twenty-six higher name politicians, gangsters, and sheriffs from towns across the growing and spreading frontier. Leary was devoid of a concience, the only means of drive being the soft green glow of money. His employer mattered not. Leary knew the ins and outs of getting a job done.
He surveyed the town from a nearby cliff, about a half mile from the edge of the small settlement. Didn't look all that promising for a new contract, but one never knew. Garden City Kansas hadn't looked all that promising until the "Midnight Massacre" had struck town-then the sheriff had had Leary after six bandits. All were dead within the week.

Chenoa studied the town for another minute, then focussed on the townspeople. The usual, nondecript lower incarnation souls. They rarely learned their lessons, and so were doomed to an unending rebirth.

There were, however, a couple of exceptions. The man, Leary, was a mid-level killer. Or rather, murderer. The spirit of murder, a higher-level demon, was all over him. He was very good at what he did, hence his higher incarnation.

The other was the girl Halona. One of the People of The Great Spirit. Her incarnation was very high, very advanced. And as usual with these spirits, they were almost constantly being tested, which resulted in the girl's wondering why life was worth living. Chenoa would have to have a word or two with her. It was time she was aware of who she was.

Chenoa started walking towards Purgatory's End. There was much to do if he was to save the people from a death most horrible.

Halona walked straight onto the boat, paying the boatman as she held her head high. The native woman wondered if she would be able to stop running for a while, she wondered if she were able to rest. But the woman fercely shook her head, knowing better than to let her guard down.

Leary walked down the streets of the main town, his two pistols concealed from sight, his other supplies left at the little inn on the outskirts of town. Now he wanted a drink...and maybe some information. The three characters ahead of him down the road didn't look like they were willing to let him pass, standing erect int he middle of the street. Leary could already see how these three had put themselves at disadvantages, being clumped together instead of spread, standing straight and narrow instead of poised for a fight, their arms clearly visable and not down and reaching for a weapon, and they, being the ones in the set position, hadn't thought to be behind any sort of cover. Their mistake.
The middle man, a lanky, dark-haired guy with narrow cheekbones, pointed his right index finger at Leary.

"Hoa, hey guys, look...we got a new one here. Get out of here, shclummy. This ainture town."

And drunks too...Leary would keep this in mind.

"So whatcha want, schullumy? Yous want to gets mugged?
"I'm just here for a drink. Maybe a round." replied Leary, not specifying what his "round" meant.
"Ohhoa, a drink. Whys not you buyss all ussa drink, yeah?"
"I ain't got the money to buy all ya drinks. Besides, I don't want to."

The middle one raised a gun now at Leary.

"Well, yousha rethink that, schllummy...wes thirsty too, yeah."
"I suggest that you go find someone else to try and banter on for a drink."
"You bes here, schlummy..."
"As you wish."

Leary wasn't in the mood for using deadly force. Quick as a cat, he jumped to one side, than swung up into the leader's chin with his fist. He kneed the man in the groin, doubling him over, then diverted his attention to the one on the left. His right hand struck the man's clavicle, causing the gun in the man's hand to drop. Leary grabbed the right man around the neck as he dealt with the left man, kicking the leader on the ground again. As the man on the right began choking, and the man on the left was getting the stuffing beat out of him, Leary threw the two to the ground.

"I think you boys've learned your lessons today...I'll leave you here to think about it."

He kicked the leader in the teeth for good measure, then walked into the local saloon and took a seat up at the bar.

"Gimme a round and keep 'em coming."

After a rest in the stables, Eli got up and dusted the hay off and strolled through town. He needed to make some money, what with the worn out soles and the utter lack of everything else. He brushed up against a citizen and said "Excuse me, sir". The citizen kept walking. Eli took a gander at the wallet he just took, not much money, but it's a start. He walked into the saloon, looking for some other hapless dolt to con out of money. At the bar was a man and he approached
"How do you do, stranger? My name's Eli, what might be your name, friend?"

Walking up toward Halona, Irving took his hand off of his revolver. He face Halona, then stopped right next to her. "So what are you doing in Purgatory's End, Halona? I heard that's it's a bad place for women. That's why the Marshal service sent me."

Leary looked up from the glass of whiskey he was half-submerged in.

"Eh? Who are you..." Leary, ever-cautious, reached his hand slowly down to his pistol.

"Woah, hold on there stranger, I'm not looking for a confrontation. My name's Eli, just trying to be friendly in an unfriendly place. What would your name be?" Eli got a bit nervouc but he was good at talking.

"Leary. George Leary. Lookin' for a few rounds here in Purgatory before I gotta head off again. Maybe one day I'll sit down in one place, but it ain't now."

"I know what you mean. This place isn't exactly full of scholars, but more of the ruffianesqe kind" Eli replied "I myself am just looking to earn some cash and then move on as well. I am a professional entrempeneur and adventereur, what might your trade be?"

"So what are you doing in Purgatory's End, Halona? I heard that's it's a bad place for women. That's why the Marshal service sent me."

The young woman edged away from the man, placing her arm next to her side and feeling the coldness of the knife against her skin she replied looking in his eyes, "Everywhere is a place that's bad for women. You don't need no town to show ya that."
Halona smirked at the man, "Aren't ya the hero coming to save us all; I wish ya luck I do."

"There is nothing to be afraid of because of me. I only hunt criminals, Halona. Also I have never hurt a woman in my life." Irving grabbed her hand and kissed it. Then tipped his hat and walked back to his horse since the boat was almost to the other side.

Eli sat there and chatted with Leary. He contemplated wether or not to pick pocket him. This stranger did seem a bit "different". So, he played it cool, for the moment.
"What's your trade?" he asked again, after recieveing no reply earlier.

Halona had no care for what the man had said, to her he was no different until he proved it to the native woman. When he had grabbed her hand in order to kiss it, and after the kiss the woman raised her hand, wanted to slap him before she thought better of it and put her hand back down.
Glairing at his turned back, Halona thanked the spirits as the boat made it to the other side and after the plank was lowered in order for her to walk onto it she nearly ran off the boat.
Walking down the street, she came across the town's bar; seeing that it was open and that she truly was thirsty she opened the door and walked in.
She noticed two men chatting at a table and placed herself some ways off, ordering two glasses of water before sitting down.

Eli looked up to the mirror at the bar to see the people coming in. He became weary and alert when people entered where he was. His life made him like that. It was the native woman. 'What's she doing in this place?' he thought.

The bartender ignored the native woman as she asked for something to drink. Eli felt bad, she was in just as bad shape as he was.
"I don't serve savages" the bartender, an older man with a beard replied.
"Then, I'll order some water for her" Eli replied and paid the bartender. Eli said his goodbyes to Leary and decided to steal from him later.
"Here you go ma'am he said" and laid the water on the table.

Halona was about to reply to the bartender's rude comment when a stranger had given her a glass of water.
"You didn't have to do that," Halona said, "But since you did I suppose I should say thank you."

"No thanks required" Eli replied "I was on the ferry before you, I'm sorry that you had to wait. Not that anyone should be eager to come to this town"

Irving just stared and smilied. It didn't matter to him. He was just here to clean up this town. Getting up on his horse he rode off. Once in town he got of his horse. Irving saw two men harassing a lady. Going up he talk to the men.

"Would you two men stop bother this lady?"

The two men turned around then went back to their business. Irving tapped them on their shoulders. That pushed him aside. Irving pulled out his Peaceamaker and shot one of the men in the head. The other man turned around with, but Irving pulled the trigger. The other man fell to the ground.

"Your fine now lady"

The lady ran away. Irving kicked the two dead men's bodies. Other men looked toward him after the gunshots ran out. Irving pulled his Winchester Rifle. If any men tried to attack him that would be dead.

Eli was a bit startled by the gunshots "It seems the scholars are debating outside" he said.

Halona smirked but said nothing as she downed the water, keeping her bag close to her. The woman was startled slightly as two gun shots rang out, but figured that it had nothing to do with her so she ignored it.

"Though, not a long winded one" Eli replied

"Yeah," Halona said as she wondered if he'd come in here.

Irving aimmed his Winchester Rifle at a man who was pulling at a gun. Then he pulled the trigger. The bullet hit the man's head. The man's body fell to the ground as he reloaded the gun by pulling down the trigger then back up. Man started to fire down at him. Irving hit the ground. Man he must of pissed of some gang. They all seemed to have a tattoo on their hand. Irving got up and fired his gun then started to run to a table then kicked it over. The man fired at him then at the table. Irving looked around the table then fired the Winchester. One of the man fell over. It seemed that at least five men were shooting at him now.

OCC: did you just come into the saloon?

OOC: No

OCC: Oh, okay

IC:

Eli was startled once more, then he rubbed his eyebrows. He wasn't much of a fan for violence. "I don't understand people" he said.

Leary looked up from the bar...some sort of commotion goin' on outside, apparently. It was none of Leary's business...yet shooting always got him aroused.

"Dang, what in be-jeez is goin' on?" he shouted from his barstool to no one in particular.

"You ain't the only one curious about that," Halona yelled, "damn men always think they got prove somethin."

"That's not true. Plenty of guys don't go wavinf guns around. They just aren't in this town" Eli replied.

"Oh sure..."
Halona said as she looked around the bar, "I could go for another drink of water."

"Well, if you ain't wavin' a gun, you probaly gonna get shot." remarked Leary, who went back to his fourth round.

Eli was quick to oblige "Barkeep, another water!" he called out. The bartender sneered but money was money and got another water "Thank you kind sir, and here is you water" Eli said.

Irving heard the gunshots. The bullets kept on hitting the table. Then he heard a shotgun. It blew a hole in the table. Getting up Irving aimmed and shot the Winchester. Another man fell to the ground. Threw the hole he shot the Winchester and another man fell. He got up and ran while shooting his Peacemaker. Two men fell to the ground. Then aimming his Winchester he shot the last man in the leg. The man fell to the ground. Going up Irving looked at the man. He was begging for mecry. Irving pulled out his Peacemaker and shot the man in the head. The shot range out. That was the finally shot. Irving looked around. He had killed eight men. Walking off he went toward his horse.

"Well Leary, I believe that the pen is mightier than the sword" Eli replied

"Heh, not if you talk to that crazy guy who's shootin' up the place." Leary cracked back. "The pen might beat the sword, but it seems that the good 'ole gun seems to take all."

Halona nodded as she took a sip of the water, "How much money are these two glasses of water?"
"I don't have a gun," Halona stated, "Just a knife."

"I, goos sir, prefer not to cross swords with anyone, but prefer to talk. Not to sayI am no fighter." Eli replied as the shots continued.

"No need to pay me ma'am. By the way, what is your name? If I may ask. My name's Eli" Eli replied

Irving put his Winchester away and walked into the Saloon. He walked up to the bar and ordered some whiskey. Once he got it he started to take some sips. He looked over and saw Halona talking to two men. Then he turned back to drinking.

"I'd give you one of mine, but generally I need 'em all with what I do." said Leary.

Eli interjected "Thanks for the offer, friend. But I will have no need of a revolver"

"That's nice of ya to offer," Halona said, "I could give ya some money for one; I haven't seen a gun store around and plus, the gunsmith most likely wouldn't sell me one."
Halona said as she stood up, "My name's Halona."
She reached in her bag and tossed down two coins, "Take it, I'll not be a charity case; just cause i'm a so called savage don't mean I don't got money."
She said as she glaired at the barkeep;

Eli took her hand and placed the coins back in them "It's my pleasure to have had this conversation, save your money"

"Sure, I got a couple lying back at the inn at the side of town...and I got three on me now."
Leary pushed aside his loose shirt a bit, revealing his belt carrying three gleaming pistols and various bags of ammo and powder.

"Excuse me, but what is it that you do for a living?" Eli asked, seeing the guns. he began to wonder
'I thought about robbing this guy!' he thought, astonished by what he saw

"I kill people for a living." responded Leary nonchalantly. "Whoever pays me the most to kill, whether that be the local sheriff or a gang of outlaws. Pays pretty damn good, but I've never been great with money."

"-Oh" Eli replied "Quite an interesting profession, has its' hazzards"

"Say," Halona said as she walked over to the man, "How much would it be for me to buy a gun and some powder and such to go with it?"

Leary looked at his change pouch, seeing it relatively empty.

"Enough for me to buy two more drinks...with that you can get a gun, and enough powder and ammo for 12 shots, this is a six-shooter...so one load and a re-load."

Halona was no fool so she chose her words carefully, "How much would that cost me if say, a store owner would sell me all that?"

"Store owners are picky business people." replied Leary, aware of how he could capitalize. "They'd probaly start their bargaining at triple that price. Maybe you'd be able to lower it to around double what I'm asking. And that might be just for the gun itself."

"In all," Halona began looking the man over; starting with his eyes and holding his gaze, "In all I have 20 coins; I'll give you 5 of them. That's more than enough for two drinks."

(OOC: I'm not sure about how money and stuff worked back then, so I'm going by coins and such.)

(OOC: Bump)

(OOC: Bump)

(OOC: I don't know why I bother to say: bump.
Bordom?)