Storyteller / Shared NPC
Posted August 5, 2018 | NPC: Dancer written by Flip
Dancer had gotten somewhat of a late start, his horse required a shoe be replaced, and even though he was on business for Case Steelgrave, the job took the time it took with three of Elias Steelgrave’s horses ahead of him.
He made camp almost to Kalispell as darkness fell. He saw no reason to spend good money on a room when it could be used for better things, drinks, and ladies. He was in no rush and he was not sent to kill the man, so he found a likely spot with good cover, forage for his animal, and an excellent field of fire. Things a man considers when on the trail.
He built a hatful of fire, fried up some bacon washed it down with whiskey. No proper coffee making utensils, so he made do. Come the morning, he’d get a bit in town, then see what he could find out about the Barnabas fellow, possibly see him, maybe even engage the man in conversation. But, one thing at a time. He rolled up in his blankets and was asleep in minutes.
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Posted August 6, 2018
Dancer rose just at dawn, took his time with some jerked beef and a piece of hardtack, again washing it down with the last of his whiskey. His fire was long dead, but he kicked dirt over it anyhow.
He buckled in his guns, straightened himself up a bit and went to saddling his horse. Dancer was a man that took his time, seldom saw the need to rush, and all he was after was some information on this Pike fellow. That wouldn't be too hard, the man probably had stopped in the Stardust saloon, probably used the livery for his horse, and likely as not ate at either the White Rose or the Bella St.Regis, but more likely the White Rose. Might have stayed there. Though he would have been surprised to learn they had spent the night not all that far apart.
Mounting his dapple grey, Dancer moved toward the trail at a walk. Wouldn't be long before he found out just what and where this Barnabas Pike was, to include his employment. Then a bottle and a woman before heading back to Whitefish.
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Posted August 10, 2018
The main street of Kalispell was busy as the week began. There were folks everywhere on their morning business. Conveyances of several types almost clogged the wide street, but Dancer was on a horse with no need to turn around as would some of the wagons and buckboards. He rode directly, or indirectly as traffic allowed to the Stardust Saloon and pulled up. He climbed down and flipped his reins over the hitch rail and stepped up onto the boardwalk.
In three steps he was pushing through the bat wings into the dimly lit cool room. He noted that the bartender looked up. It was early, but business was business. Dance stepped up to the mahogany bar, dropping a quarter dollar on the bar top. "Rye."
Posted August 10, 2018
Thus far business was not what one would call brisk for a brand new opening of the saloon but it was only still morning and in this business the most customers were expected later in the day and evening, as more work shifts were over. Still Ralph was keeping reasonably occupied manning the bar. A tall silver haired gent now stepped up to the bar, knowing exactly he wanted too.
"One rye comin' up, mister," Ralph flashed what passed as a friendly smile for him.
Another moment and the man had a full to the brim shotglass placed carefully in front of him.
"There ya go. Lemme know if you want another, it's on the house. Openin' day special, buy one get one free. Today only though, just so ya know," he explained.
Storyteller / Shared NPC
Posted August 10, 2018 | NPC: Dancer written by Flip
"Now that's an offer I like." Dancer beamed, a free dirk was always appreciated. "Lookin' for some information." He added then tossed off the drink. A double eagle clattered on the bar top.
"Man name of Pike, likely new to the country." The outlaw asked. Have me another." Since this was the saloon's grand opening maybe this Pike fella hadn't been in as yet. "My boss is the one askin', I'm the one he could spare today."
Posted August 12, 2018
As expected the saloon's opening day special produced a smile then the customer threw down a double eagle. The man was looking for information and willing to pay for it too. He was looking for somebody....a man named Pike. He also was ready for his second shot. Ralph nodded and poured the shotglass full to the rim. As for the information though.....
"Can't say as I heard of that fella. But then I'm new in town. Me n' my business partner bought this place, thus the grand opening," Ralph answered.
While he was curious as to why the man or rather his boss was looking for this Pike, Ralph figured it was none of his business to ask.
Storyteller / Shared NPC
Posted August 13, 2018 | NPC: Dancer written by Flip
Dancer gave his head a shake. "Have me one more." He ordered. "Reckon I'll just have to have a look around town." He paused looking the place over. "Got yourself a nice place here, all the best to you an' your partner. I'll pass the word when I get back to the spread. So, we'll be in time to time."
Posted August 17, 2018
The man wanted a third shot so of course Ralph nodded with a smile, poured him one to the brim of the shotglass and collected his payment. If the jasper took many more he might not be in the best state of mind if he did find that fellow he was looking for. But then it was none of Ralph's business and frankly he didn't care one way or the other. Maybe some local feud....or....maybe it wasn't anything of the sort. The man closed with a compliment before leaving though and that brought a smile to Ralph's bearded face.
"Thank ya! Appreciate it. And you tell your people all about us, we appreciate any business you can send us," he responded.
Storyteller / Shared NPC
Posted August 20, 2018 | NPC: Dancer written by Flip
Dancer tossed off the shot. "Abliged. Be comin' back as time allows." He said, then turned and headed for the door. He'd nose around and surely locate this Pike fellow without a lot of trouble.
It seemed to him that without actually going to the Marshal's office to see what they knew, he'd be able to get what information he needed on the street. Likely this Pike wasn't in town anyway. Likely as not Pike was at Thornton's ranch, waiting for the trouble to start. That all seemed reasonable to the gunman. He moved down the boardwalk a ways then took up a position leaning against an awning post.
Posted August 29, 2018
Pronto pulled the Marshall's office door closed behind him, and as was his custom looked up and down the street. He did not fail to see the man leaning o the awning post. or the young woman who was entering the Emporium. She was something to look at, he was someone to consider.
A man leaning on an awning post in mid-morning of a workday bespoke of one thing, a gunhand. Well, he didn't know the man, had no reason to believe that he might be the one the man was watching for. Pronto stepped into leather and wheeled the horse so he would ride past him. He walked the roan up the street looking directly at the man and nodding. Then picked up his speed to a gentle lope.
Storyteller / Shared NPC
Posted August 29, 2018
Dancer almost straightened up when the man exited the Marshal's office. He was new, Dancer had not seen him before, but he sure as hell recognized the type. Two guns. No ranch hand or squatter, and there was no badge, so whoever he was, it was a good bet that he was this Pronto Pike Case Steelgrave was interested in.
Dancer watched the man as he passed, acknowledged the man's nod with one of his own, knowing the man knew what he was, if not who. He went to his own mount and climbed aboard. Dancer went through an alleyway past some out-buildings and headed north at a casual pace for a ways then spurred the grey to a gallop. Case needed to know about this man, and he needed to send another of his men as Pike had spotted him for what he was.
Dancer was not afraid, he was careful and another man watching Pike would yield more information without the threat of a shooting confrontation. That is until Case ordered it.