The “concerned citizens” heal after a four-sided battle at the docks of San Francisco which left two of their own with wounds to heal. Several loose ends need investigation and some people has some explaining to do.

With everyone else fleeing, left for dead, or actually dead, the PCs gain possession of both the chest and the payment – which turns out to be a 400oz bar of gold minted right in San Francisco!!

Research check (DC20)

You can “take 10” if you want, but then you won’t get any answers until after the morning — and trust me, you don’t want to wait that long. Once you pass that, there are four other pieces of information

Sam crushed this roll, and learned a few things.

1. The journal is not a diary with clear language, it is dense groups of short notes and codes.
2. The most confusing part is that the journal is not chronological order – pages are skipped and then seem to be filled back in later.
3. At least three, maybe four, pages are missing.
4. The journal is written in two different hands.
5. There are two other (nick)names in the journal – but not sure if they are partners, servants or mules.

Item A – Knowledge (life & earth science) @ DC15 (Untrained roll allowed, but no Aid Another)

You can make roll as untrained, but cannot aid other.

Sam succeeded on this roll – he was able to identify the tagged samples in the trunk and find their notations in the journal. Even more important, the quartz has inclusions of gold, silver, copper and lead and could be worth $20,000 per ton. This would make this find the biggest discovery in the past three years – and maybe one of the top twenty since the rush of 49.

Item B – Automatic if you have Background (prospector) or 5 ranks of Profession in a “gold country” profession

Nope.

Item C – DC25 check with Navigate (Aid Other only from trained characters)

Jost deciphered the notations, and believes this find is in a mountain range southeast of Nevada – probably on the right-hand (western) bank of the Colorado River.

Item D – DC20 check with Decipher Script

Group managed to squeak out this skill as well. The doodles in the margins form part of a map which suggests dry streams leading up from the river into several different canyons.

Shame that important parts are on the missing pages. Oh well … how many dry creekbeds could there be on the 100 miles of river, and how many canyons to search in? With the right prospecting crew you could probably find the strike after looking for a year or two.

California is seeing the Forty-Niner Gold Miners stream east to the Rocky Mountains for what’s being called the Pike’s Peak Gold Rush. An new town has popped up around this, named Denver.

The Democratic Party back east is struggling.

MInnesota is now the 32nd state in the Union. Oregon’s petition for statehood is debated by Congress.

The Marais des Cygnes massacre was perpetrated by pro-slavery forces in Bleeding Kansas.

A young Republican Party candidate from Illinois made a speech that most are labeling a “House Divided” at the State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois when he accepted the Republican Party nomination for a seat in the U.S. Senate. Later this young candidate, holds a series of rousing debates with the incumbent senator, democrat Stephen Douglas.

The Paulist Fathers, a Roman Catholic society of apostolic life for men, is founded in New York City by Isaac Hecker.

Fordyce Beals patents his six shooter revolver which will be produced by E. Remington & Sons of Ilion, New York as the Remington Model 1858.

Is America starting to boil?

Please read the email for details

Thoughts on what really Happened

First off, the players should feel very proud. In the real world, there were about a dozen children reunited by 1859 – but no one was arrested until 1874, and only one person was ever convicted. Your efforts accelerated the process, and the (first) convictions and executions happened within two years of the incident.

IRL the first published report is made by Major Carleton in spring 1859. The territorial government conducts follow-up interviews of several dozen militiamen (mostly anonymously). A federal judge publishes summaries of the interviews in late 1859 and names seven people as the “most guilty”. But the territory government and Buchanan’s administration are unsteady and weak, and nothing is done about it.

The incident lies dormant for over 10 years. Media attention and newspaper interest in the case picks back up in 1872. The incident is included in several popular books of western history, including ones by Mark Twain and T.B.H. Steinhouse.

The Utah state government reopens the case in 1874. Indictments are put out for nine people – five are arrested. $500 rewards are put out for the other four, but they are never arrested.

Four of the arrested militiamen are quickly released. Klingsmen turns state’s evidence. The prosecution elects not to proceed against Colonel Dame, Eliott Wilden & George Adair due to insufficient evidence.

Only John Lee goes to trial. His first trial in 1875 leads to a hung jury, and a second trial starts a year later in September 1876. He goes against the advice of counsel and makes only minimal attempts to defend himself – including allowing prior statements into testimony, minimal cross-examination of the witnesses, and presenting no defense of his own. He is convicted and sentenced to death.

While waiting for his execution, he publishes a book “The Confessions of John Lee”. He acknowledges his role in the assault on the camp, but complains that he is being scapegoated and the real masterminds are escaping justice. Most provocatively, he claims that George Smith (one of the “twelve apostles”, the governing body of the church) was sent from Salt Lake to Iron County specifically to engineer and direct the massacre.
Lee is the only person punished for his part in the massacre. The others (including the fourteen so-called “Self-Confessed” who made public confessions of their crimes) live quiet lives, many into the 1880s and a few into the early 1900s.

REWARDS

Garrett Matthews (Kevin)
• +1 Wealth Level & one Eagle
• Hastings – Attitude downgrade

Gilbert Warfield (John)
• +1 Wealth Level & one Eagle
• Hastings – Attitude downgrade

Jess Connor (Dave)
• +1 Wealth Level
• Edward Beale – Owed one Favor (Take 10)
• John Weller – Owed one Favor (Take 10)
• Allegiance – Person (Edward Beale)
• Hastings – Attitude upgrade
• J. Neely Johnson – Attitude downgrade

Jane Wilson (Judi)
• Allegiance – Group (Republican Party)

John Jost Althaus (Greg)
• None

Samuel Davis (Daniel)
• +1 Wealth Level & one Eagle
• Hastings – Attitude downgrade

BACKGROUND

Beale is supporting the candidacy of his friends in the Society of California Pioneers – a fraternal organization open to those living in California prior to statehood (October 18, 1850). Historically they are mostly Democrats, though that affiliation is fraying as the old political parties rip apart.

These are the Californio landowners who kept their land, the former Army who settled farms, and the first generation of pioneers. The closest thing California has to “old money”. They ran the state in the 40s and early half of the 50s – and still control the institutions of government especially the federal departments.

Beale pays each county representative a salary in advance and a written note to his Sacramento attorney (Lansford Hastings) authorizing the withdrawal of additional funds to pay for your electioneering activity in the agreed county.

He expects you make good use of those funds – but leaves you to decide how to go about it.

RESULTS

Statewide results:
- Charles Scott easily wins reelection to the U.S. House. He remains one of the few figures popular across the state – with strong showing in the gold country, the central valley, southern farmlands and the major cities of San Francisco, Sacramento and Stockton.
- Joseph McKibbin unexpectedly wins reelection. Burch’s supporters believe that poor turnout in Nevada and San Francisco counties made the difference.
- Baker’s supporters believe that his loss was entirely due to late-minute funding of smear campaigns across the state.
- The American Party has lost its statewide power base, and the re-election of Gov J. Neely Johnson and his fellow travelers next year seems impossible.

Local county politics:
- Nevada becomes the stronghold of Republicanism. The last Dems are voted out of office, with only a few straggling American Party incumbents in local office.
- San Francisco fails to consolidate its Democratic or Republican leadership. Local government is owned by the People’s Party with state representatives favoring the American Party agenda.
- Sacramento and Stockton return narrow Democratic victories. Jess Connor is credited with the win – with a strategy that successfully triangulates the Republican, American and People’s Party platforms.
- Democrats and Anti-Lecomptons consolidate control of Southern California. No one from any other party was elected to legislative office, and very few to any local position.

NOTE:
– added responses from John, Dave, Kevin, & Daniel

REWARDS:

From James Carleton

Upgraded Opinion

• Garrett Matthews (Kevin) : FRIENDLY
• Gilbert Warfield (John) : INDIFFERENT
• Jess Connor (Dave) : INDIFFERENT
• Jane Wilson (Judi) : INDIFFERENT
• Samuel Davis (Daniel) : FRIENDLY
  NOTE: Samuel & Garrett – You may “trade” your opinion upgrade for a written letter of recommendation from Carleton with official U.S. government seal. If you wish to do so, you must make this decision before the start of next session.

New Opinion

• Gilbert Warfield (John) : INDIFFERENT

Saving your gear from the SS California

• Sam Davis pays a Eagle to get the stevedores to unload your gear.

From Ned Beale

New Opinion

• Gilbert Warfield (John) : INDIFFERENT

Attending the Democratic Fundraiser

• NOTE: you must explicitly tell me that you attend the party before the next writeup is released, or you are not eligible for any rewards
• Pick one of the ten “Rally Attendees” listed below. (default is Ned Beale). If you have no opinion with them, then you may now be INDIFFERENT or UNFRIENDLY (your choice). If you already have an opinion, then you can raise (or lower) that opinion one level.

• Garrett Matthews (Kevin) : unknown
• Gilbert Warfield (John) : unknown
• Jess Connor (Dave) : unknown
• Jane Wilson (Judi) : unknown
• Samuel Davis (Daniel) : Raise J.J. Warner to FRIENDLY

“Better California, Better America” super-PAC county chairman

• Let Ed know ASAP if you want to take up the offer to round-up votes for the 1858 Democratic ticket. Choice of county is first-come, first-served – it will be good money (at least one WL) if you take the work seriously.

- Nevada County : Gilbert Warfield
- Sacramento County : Jess Connor
- Placer County : Garrett Matthews
- San Francisco County : Samuel Davis

After a difficult encounter with the Paiute war chiefs, the party is deep in unfriendly territory in the Red Cliffs. Now the path forward lies through fighting through enemies on all sides, resurrecting Mormon ghosts, and a final frightful confrontation.

The US Army is coming to Utah – but will the cavalry arrive in time to save our “concerned citizens”?

And even if they do – will they emerge any wiser about who is pulling their strings and why?

The party survives two weeks in the deep desert, avoiding bandits and marauders.

Utah is definitely different from California. The Paiutes of Vegas and Moapa valleys are nervous, armed and adopting European ways – and the multiple tribes looking to be building a tenuous alliance, for unknown purposes. In St George, the Mormons are still reeling from the “invasion”.

And worst of all is Mountain Meadows. A massacre, with men, women and children all around – burned wagons and gear – and many broken arrows and the occasional bullet.

But only the vaguest clues can be found – including a few diaries and a strangely out of place young teenager.

September 1858

The mission started out as a civilian observer to the official investigation of Mountain Meadows. Now the Army has been draw off to respond to the Mojave attacks at the Colorado River – and the PCs are left outside of San Bernardino with limited supplies and facing a month long journey across the Mojave Desert and into the Utah Territory.

The third Indian uprising in as many years has settlers across three territories skiddish.

The PCs are stepping into a grisly murder.

What will happen next ??

September 1858

Because of the troubles from “Buchanan’s Folly” (a/k/a the Mormon Rebellion) the federal government have not had access to southern Utah for almost a year – this has meant that Mormon Trail (Salt Lake City to Los Angeles) has become dangerous and deadly.

The most significant event happened in September 1857 when over 100 settlers from Arkansas were brutally murdered with no survivors by a war band of Paiute Indians. Now that there is a political resolution in place between Governor Young and the McCullough/Powell commission, the responsible tribes can be identified, disarmed and relocated. Thus making the trail safe for settlers again and continuing on our journey of California Progress.

Both old friends and new want the PCs involved – each with their own motivations and agendas.

The safety of Southern California is at risk …. 100 souls cry for justice … what will the PCs do?

June & July 1858

The group travels to San Francisco, the city by the bay, for rest and relaxation. The city is preparing for what might be its largest ever Independence Day celebration – though there is much debate on whether such celebration is appropriate for the Sabbath. Do our adventurers ever really get to rest?

Progress and California

Funding for the CCRR has been obtained – with multiple PCs as founding investors.

Site prep is going on at Mississippi Bar for the new railroad bridge over the American River – when finished it will be the largest and strongest bridge in California. But in the 1850s high-quality iron and steel has to be imported from the eastern foundries. Wilson has gone to New York to negotiate the supply of the cable wire for the bridge supports, the support beams, and the first sets of railroad ties – and the first load of supplies is on its way around the horn.

Garrett Mathews is travelling to San Francisco to oversee the first load of supplies for the CCRR and its transport on paddlewheel steamer to the docks at Sacramento.

Adventure Begins

We will pick up the story en route to San Fran. Not all is as it seems though, and many contacts and frenemies are expected to appear. Should be lighthearted though — focused more on negotiation, gambling/drinking, bar fights and maybe a little bit of industrial espionage.

Several letters of interest that the party receives in mid/late June 1858.

Letter #1 : To Jane Wilson

To : Mrs John Wilson, St George’s Hotel, Sacramento
From : Mrs. Aaron Sargent, Nevada City
–
I pray this letter finds you in good health and humor. Although we have had rare occasion to socialize, I always find our visits enlightening and entertaining – and so I hope you will forgive the forwardness of my desire to begin a correspondence.
–
May chance we shall have the opportunity to meet soon – which would bring me good joy. My husband has finished his sulking and promised to once again don his armor and enter the halls of power. I have informed him that he shall not leave three ladies at home saddened by his absence while he speaks, drinks and smokes his way across the west. So I am soon to tour our fair state, while playing not just wife but also nursemaid and tutor to dear little Ellen and Elizabeth.
-
More somberly, I have thought much on poor Lily V and the sorry events that orphaned her at such a tender age. She is fortunate to have family to care for her and honorable prospects – but all too many children could now be living a story even Mr. C. Dickens is loathe to write.
–
California needs more than man’s strength and sinew – she will need compassion, courage and empathy. Thus have I started to communicate with ladies of good character to discuss what this state should become and how we may effect it. I hope you will place thought on this as well, and share your intelligence in good time.
–
One final paragraph and admonition if I may be so bold. Through our mutual acquaintance Mr. L and my own inquiries, I have become aware of certain troubling events of the spring. I applaud your zeal and energy – but we must take care not to put our own soul in jeopardy, even in the execution of such a worthy cause.
–
Yours in Christ,
Ellen Clark Sargent

Letter #2 : To Samuel Davis

From “E.G. Waite, Nevada Journal, Nevada City” and addressed to “S. Davis, St Georges Hotel, Sacramento”

Inside is a packet of a

• dozen newspaper clippings

• small handwritten note : You should share your train story with H.H Bancroft. He pays well for that sort of tale – E.W.

• reference letter

To Whom It May Concern
–
Be advised that Mr. Samuel Davis, originally of Baltimore and late of Nevada City and Sacramento did serve as writer for The Nevada Journal during the periods of 1857 and 1858.
–
During his tenure, he has worked on routine reporting and transcription of legislative and political matters, and also in the interview of social and cultural affairs as instructed. He also did occasion to perform his own investigations.
–
In all matters, his writing proved competent to the task and compelling to the reader. He was also punctual in his reporting on most all occasions – an important quality for contributors to a daily periodical.
–
Sincerely,
Edwin Waite
Publisher, The Nevada Journal

Letter #3 : To Jost Althaus

Written in German. The return address is a street on Russian Hill in San Francisco.

Good Sir
-
I have heard that you possess three qualities of which I find myself in strong need – an honest and fearless German character, experience upon the southern trail – commonly called the Gila – and a strong sense of adventure.
-
It is my earnest desire to offer you a partnership in a most impressive expedition. The undoubted success of which promises to increase both our fortunes.
-
Please join me for sunset dinner on June 26th to discuss the adventure and its particulars. I would also invite you to bring a small number of companions that you might see fit to include as well.
-
Yours in earnest
J.Abraham, Esq

Letter #4 : To Gilbert Warfield

To: Gilbert R. Warfield, St George’s Hotel, Sacramento California
From: Isaac J. Wistar, Attorney at Law, Baker & Associate, San Francisco, California
-
Dear Mr. Warfield,
-
On May 31, 1858, our law firm was retained by Bejamin Warfield, Attorney at Law of Lexington, Kentucky. We were retained to be the custodians for the Elisha Warfield purchase in the CENTRAL CALIFORNIA RAILROAD and have been entrusted to see this matter to conclusion. The investiture of $10,000 in the CENTRAL CALIFORNIA RAILROAD is a matter for which you will duly understand is of the upmost of importance.
-
As a direct result of this, the Benjamin Warfield, Attorney at Law, has entrusted you, one Gilbert R. Warfield originally of Lexington, Kentucky, to be the guaranteed signature for the Elisha Warfield in all matters in regards to his investment in the CENTRAL CALIFORNIA RAILROAD for matters which can only be finalized the state of California.
-
The contract will be finalized here in our office in San Francisco, California no later than Monday, June 7, 1858. Shortly after that time, we will require your presence in our office to place your signature on the documents which will ensure your fathers investment in the CENTRAL CALIFORNIA RAILROAD. As you, yourself are also an investor of the CENTRAL CALIFORNIA RAILROAD you will recognize that this investment is time sensitive and we will need for you to present yourself on or before Monday, June 21, 1858.
-
Once the contract is signed, Mr. Elisha Warfield investments will be finalized and the funds will be forwarded to the Chemical Bank of New York.
-
I look forward to making your acquaintance.
-
Sincerely,
Isaac J. Wistar
Attorney at Law

Letter #5 : To Garrett & Jess

The session will start with a conversation (and job opportunity) from Judah to support the CCRR.

After surviving the first (attempted, not successful) train robbery west of the Mississippi, the Concerned Citizens arrive in Sacramento.

Violette Washington is deep in hiding in Napa County – but can she safe with two scoundrels hot on her trail?
Gilbert’s injuries have left him near death – will waiting for him to heal cost poor Violette her freedom?
Can our heroes escape a city enflamed by the Lee/Stovall case?

Tune in next time for the next exciting story in our thrilling tail of yester-year.

Once again Gilbert finds himself laid up in a hotel under the ministrations of the lovely Nurse Jane. Finding himself under strict bed rest orders for the next two days Gilbert once again had to find ways to pass the time. He was happy that everyone had picked a nice hotel to stay in the St. Georges Hotel footed the bill nicely. Once Garrett and Jost had helped Gilbert up to the room and got him in bed, Nurse Jane didn’t leave his side until dinner the next day. Garrett came in that first day to ensure Gilbert that Darley was well taken care of and to bring him his supplies from his saddle bags. While Nurse Jane was out of the room, Gilbert implored Garrett to get him a bottle of whiskey and a pouch of jerky so he could help soothe the pains. Garrett thought for sure Nurse Jane would have a mighty fit, but Gilbert worked out a plan to hide the items good so she wouldn’t know. A wink and a smile from Gilbert and a few extra coins and Garrett said he’d be happy to oblige Gilbert as long as Garrett didn’t catch any “heck” from Nurse Jane. Gilbert said not to worry, he’d make sure Garrett was as innocent as the day he was born of this little plan. As Garrett left the room, Nurse Jane was coming back in. Gilbert was already working working on a letter to his sister (Mary Jane Warfield); Nurse Jane smiled as she saw the sweet Gilbert writing to his sweet sister, Garrett checking on his friend, and mostly Gilbert being a good patient. Garrett walked out and Gilbert gave him a wink, knowing that late that evening he would have is “contraband” safely in hand. Gilbert took a gulp of the laudanum and slipped off to sleep the night away. Waking up the next morning with pouch of jerky on the night stand. Gilbert reached over to and picked up the bag; opened it up and found a note inside that simply said: “BOOTS”. Gilbert smiled, leaned over, and reached into his boots. Popping the cork out of the bottle, Gilbert lifted the bottle up, “To ”/characters/garrett-mathews" class=“wiki-content-link”>Garrett", and took a nice long tug.

When the hotel manager came in the next morning, Gilbert paid up for his room and made sure they also delivered the paper daily and that his meals were all paid for. Samuel once again made sure that Gilbert’s letters were mailed and even read some of the morning paper to Gilbert when Gilbert’s energy was waning. Nurse Jane noticed Gilbert was getting tired. She double checked his bandages, gave him a small sip of laudanum; she shewed Samuel out of the room and told Gilbert to get more sleep. After the door closed, Gilbert out his bottle of whiskey; took a couple of tugs and closed his eyes.

Friday evening, Nurse Jane told Gilbert that he could get up and go take a bath and shave and he did just that. He noticed his clothes were full of holes and covered in blood. Jost was in the lobby as luck would have it. Jost said he had some free time and Gilbert said he would love it if Jost could buy him a suit, shirt, and vest; kinda like what he already had. Jost was happy to do it and Gilbert slipped him enough to cover his expenses. Jost noticed Gilbert wasn’t walking all that great and helped him across the street to the bath house with the barber. As they crossed the street a bottle fell on the street. Gilbert reached down to pick it up and gave Jost a little wink. “It goes good with a nice, warm bath. You should try it some time.” Jost rolled his eyes and continued to help Gilbert across the street. Jost left Gilbert at the door, Gilbert turned around and called out, “Jost!”. “Ja Gilbert?”, Jost turned and said. “I was serious about the bath. I’ll put one on credit for you here.” Jost rolled his eyes again and shook his head and started to walk on down the board walk.
“I’m serious, Jost!!!”, Gilbert yelled out and slipped in the door.

Dinner time found Gilbert, resplendent in a new suit courtesy of Jon Jost. buying a nice dinner in the hotel for Jane. With plenty of laughing and smiling at the table with Gilbert “holding court” for him and all his friends. “To Nurse Jane, the best doctor this side of the Mississippi!!” Cheers and glasses were raised. Gilbert sat there and smiled. This is what life was, good time with good friends.

Adding this link for quick stories and character development for the characters time in Sacramento.

Here is what works well for the plot – but is subject to change if you want to go a different way.

• Gilbert R. Warfield (John)

Healing up – that’s pretty much it.

• Garrett Mathews (Kevin)

Spent his time shopping, buying the masterwork rifle.

• Samuel Davis (Daniel)

Need to get you fired from the Nevada Transcript so you are free to go. I’d like to have Niles show up and displace you – along with a letter saying “you did good work but your expense account was too heavy” and offering you a letter of introduction to Hubert Howe Bancroft, a publisher in San Francisco who might be interested in buying your stories on spec.

• Jess Connor (Dave)

In the spirit of “not putting down roots” you might want to write about passing over (or being passed over) for a job on the stage. Or you can take a quick run to Placerville and back, if you don’t want to spend your 20 hours in town.

• John Jost Althaus (Greg)

Nothing right now

• Nurse Jane Wilson (Judi)

Nothing right now

Thu February 4th 1858

The reward money and a mild winter made for easy living the last few months. But whiskey ain’t free, and eventually you got to figure out something to do. Folks are picking up odd jobs and thinking about how to scratch out a living this year – but you miss the excitement of last fall.

The thaws are starting in the high mountains. The creeks are flooding with meltwater, and survey crews have started repairing the damage to roads and bridges from the winter.

Any day now the first riders from the Utah Territory should be arriving in town. Then one day troubling news arrives in Nevada City, and the “Concerned Citizens Posse” rides again to right injustice!

Samuel Davis – Diary from 20 January 1858

Not sure how this all happened, but somehow I am now a reporter for The Nevada Journal, a fine, upstanding newspaper. I came to Sacramento in pursuit of another teaching position as the one I was “promised” in Nevada City fell through. I had a lead for a position at a local college, but that also did not pan out, so an acquaintance suggested working for the local newspaper.

The newspaper gig has been interesting. Ironically, the first story I helped cover was the formation of the Sacramento County Teachers Association. Sometimes I think that God has a wicked sense of humor. I have been helped mightily in learning the business by following the local star reporter F.R. Folger of the Sacramento Daily Union

I confess it was an interesting assignment. The work was being ably discharged by the Sacramento County superintendent of many years (Dr. F. W. Hatch) and then as the deed was almost complete, a San Franciscan of some skill but little formal education (John Swett) attempted to vaingloriously establish himself as the mentor and author of what had been considered a purely local concern.

22 January 1858

With the legislature in session, my life has been rather busy. It is amazing how little can be said by using so many words. Winnowing through to get at the heart of the matter takes more skill than I would have anticipated. The arrival of two federal legislators has the entire city in an uproar. This should be the highlight of the current reporting cycle.

Fortunately I have secured an introduction through Folger to Mr. Cazneau, clerk of the Assembly. I am well aware that his friendship is mostly expediency – but I shall endeavor to generate the most possible benefit to my readers and the Nevada Transcript.

27 January 1858

My world has been upended. Folger has been assailed on the streets of Sacramento and put near death. The publisher (J. Anthony) has been quite supportive and is offering a $250 reward for the prosecution of the guilty – but I fear this attack may go unreported.

Many believe this was a random act – but I suspect otherwise. Folger had told me in confidence that he was conducting a deep investigation into the situation with the escaped slave, Archibald Lee, and I suspect that lead him into mischief.

If only he had told me more, I might be able to track down his wrongdoer.

3 February 1858

It has cost me many nights, and quite a lot of my expense account, but I have secured an itinerary for Senator Gwin and Rep Scott a highly placed source who wishes to remain anonymous. I have it on good authority that they are finishing the tour of the Gold Country in Folsom and then will turn west into Sacramento.

Furthermore it is widely believed that they will be taking the SVR, and that Gwin plans to give an “impromptu” speech on the future of progress from the back of the train upon his arrival.

Late January 1858

Another munitions run into Sacramento.

How in hell did Mr. Johnson get to be a foreman for the Valley Railroad? Maybe it’s just bad because he is the foreman for a demolition crew and he doesn’t seem to get how things should work. He sure as hell doesn’t like takin advice…at least not advice from his crew. I figure I keep gettin the ‘supply run’ cuz he don’t care for my comments, that, and the fact that he keeps wastin explosives on unnecessary and inefficient blasting. Mr. Judah even commented on the fact that it seemed like our crew was going thru explosives like <cliche>. I find it interestin that Mr. Judah didn’t mind my comments regardin a bridge tress construction he was overseein and actually complimented me on my keen eye for weaknesses. Hell, I was right proud when he walked up to me in front of Mr. Johnson and asked if I could spare some time to look over another structure he was concerned about. I almost laughed as I caught a glimpse of Mr. Johnson as I walked away…he looked madder than an Irishman when the pub is closed for holiday.
…
God damn it! I can’t believe Sacramento ain’t got no munitions and I’m pretty sure we already run Folsom dry last month. I’m not sure what other towns in this area would have any. I’m sure San Francisco would have them, but that’s too much open country for a lone rider. I’ll just make a run to Nevada City.
…
Well…got the munitions, but Johnson ain’t gonna be happy considering how inept I am at haggling price. At least, I got a volume discount…I think. Kinda glad to be back here, at least I know where I can get a great meal.
…
I’ll be! That can’t be Gilbert sittin there. I’d figured Nurse Jane would have had to tie him to the bed until he was completely healed. I guess even she isn’t immune to his charming personality. He’s one lucky cuss! Although, he sure has had a bad run of luck when things have gotten nasty. I guess luck likes both sides.

‘Gilbert, I can’t believe you are out an about. What’d you have to do to convince Nurse Jane you were fixed?’
‘Sure I’m up for a night on the town! You don’t need to pay, but if you offer again, I won’t turn ya down.’
…
Gilbert sure knows how to have a good time and how does he manage to land the prettiest dancer? I bet Hazel or her friends wouldn’t have even talked to me if I wasn’t in Gilbert’s company. Well, probably not completely true, since they would probably be friendly if I was throwin around money like Gilbert was. I guess you don’t have to worry about losin money if you make sure you ain’t got much to keep up with. It sure was nice of Gilbert to treat me…sure beats the hell out of sittin in the ‘whiskey tent’ with the rest of the laborers. Looks like Gilbert has plans with Hazel so I’ll make my departure quick and get to my room…Johnson’s gonna be pissed it took me this long, but he’d be pissed at me for something so I may as well give him something.
…
Finally back. Better find Johnson and explain things and find out what I missed. I wonder how long this load of explosives will last…I bet I have to make another run to Sacramento before the month is up.

Monday, January 11, 1858

As Gilbert road back into Nevada City, Nurse Jane strongly insisted that Gilbert spend at least three weeks off of his feet. She had fixed the wounds but she said that his “internal organs” need time to heal proper on the inside and that complete rest is the only way this can happen. With considerable aches and pains after the long ride back to town; Gilbert knew what he must do.

First he made sure that Darley is stabled and setup at the American Livery Stables at 30 Broad Street. Knowing he’ll try and check in on Darley at least every other day. He then makes his way over to the Hotel d’Paris and gets himself room and board for the week. The first couple of days fly by as Gilbert naps the days away, getting the rest his body so greatly needs after the gun fight on the cliff. Nurse Jane is diligent about checking on him every afternoon and Gilbert is thankful for the company. Near the end of the first week, poor Gilbert is getting rather bored. His friend, Samuel Davis, stops by and Gilbert spirits are lifted when Samuel agrees to purchase paper, envelopes, paper, and a fountain pen for Gilbert so he can write his little sister Mary Jane. When Samuel returns the next day with the letter writing equipment; he informs Gilbert that he has taken a job as a freelance reporter for the Nevada Journal – on temporary assignment in Sacramento covering the statehouse beat. Gilbert is sad to see his friend leave, but understands that a man with such smarts as Samuel will be good at writing important reports for the paper. Gilbert wishes his farewell and promises to write Samuel while he is in Sacramento.

At the start of the second week of his interment, Gilbert is downstairs paying his bill and Nurse Jane walks in. She makes an awful ruckus about Gilbert being up on his feet and rushes him up to his room and back into bed. Gilbert only imagines what she would have done had she known that Gilbert had just returned from the American Livery Stables and paying Henry Clements for looking after Darley. After a few days, Gilbert once again grows tired of watching the snow fall outside his window. He’s happy that he can spend time having Nurse Jane buy him a nice vest, Gilbert fells a bit bad that he sent her out a couple times claiming he didn’t like the pattern of the first few, but really he was just trying to pass time and enjoyed her company. That week, he also spent some time talking to Jess, and she helped Gilbert by buying him a brand new Sharps Carbine, a couple boxes of ammo, a cartridge belt, and rifle scabbard. Jess certainly knew her weapons; she has bought him a carbine telling him how it would be better for him with his riding skills. Gilbert had always been better with a rifle back home and was glad that he could finally afford one now that he was out West. He was even happier when Jess pointed out the window to show him that she had setup 3 bottles in the empty space behind the National Gymnasium. She opened the window slightly and Gilbert took some target practice before anyone could figure out where the shooting was coming from.

As the days dragged on Gilbert convinced Jon Jost to buy a pair of chaps for Gilbert so he could get back to ranch work as soon as the snow melted. He had a promise of work at Van Young spread up in Grass Valley and Gilbert couldn’t wait to get out there. Finally, Nurse Jane examined Gilbert and declared him fit and ready to get off of his feet. Gilbert let out a yelp of excitement and got dressed as quick as he could. As Gilbert was eating lunch downstairs, Garrett walked in and Gilbert convinced him to join him for a night on the town to celebrate his release! Gilbert took Garrett to get a bath, shave and a haircut, with Gilbert paying for it all. They spent the night drinking and dancing with the saloon girls. Gilbert didn’t mind spending his reward money to finally celebrate. Gilbert wasn’t quite sure how Garret ended his night. But Gilbert ended up spending it with Hazel, a lovely women he met somewhere during the night. They became such good friends that night that Gilbert shared his Gold Eagle coin with her.

A couple of mornings later, Gilbert loaded up Darley, purchased some rations and headed out to the Van Young ranch…

Players – please add comments to this adventure log with any details on what has been happening.

Here is what works well for the plot – but is subject to change if you want to go a different way.

• Gilbert R. Warfield (John) Working a ranch hand for room & board at Van Young’s place in Grass Valley. Racing Darley whenever the opportunity presents itself – for a little coin, and the opportunity to stud in the spring.
• John Jost Althaus (Greg) Trapping beaver in the Sierra Nevada, and just about to head back to Nevada City for a hot meal, soft bed and a bath.
• Garrett Mathews (Kevin) Working for the Sacramento Valley Railroad clearing the tracks between Sacramento and Folsom. Angling to get a job as foreman when they start expanding the line to Placer County.
• Jess Connor (Dave) Express messenger (later called “riding shotgun”) for the Pioneer Stage Line, making the run from Placerville to Folsom to Sacramento to Stockton and connecting to the Butterfield Express at San Jose. On the road between San Jose & Stockton on the return leg when the session starts.
• Nurse Jane Wilson (Judi) Struggling to stay afloat in Nevada City with business turning sour.
• Samuel Davis (Daniel) Freelance reporter for the Nevada Journal – on temporary assignment in Sacramento covering the statehouse beat

Tuesday December 1, 1857

Sunrise – 7:00 am
Sunset – 4:45 pm
New moon today

Winter starts to set in in North California. People are settling in for a long winter in Nevada City, while others are counting their dollars to make sure they can see it through. Mines are getting their gold to San Francisco before the big snows come in. A group of “upstanding citizens” get pressed into action.

Recollections from September 1857

Nevada City was a rough place for Samuel Davis. The lure of a profitable and promising position was dashed when Joseph Clark casually told him – “Well sorry ’bout that. You want a job at the diggings? I have a position opened up that could use a man with some education”. Davis had been working to string together enough private tutoring and teaching jobs to make ends meet, but it wasn’t going so well.

One of his few students was a bright boy of about seven named Willie D’Arcy. Willie comes from educated Philadelphia family and lived in a small hour just outside Nevada City on Rigby Hill.

His father (W.A. D’Arcy) caught gold fever and moved out in 1851. W.A.initial worked as an engineer to expand the hydraulic diggings at Sutter’s Mill and saw a string of successes. Willie and his mother Costance came out in the spring of 1853, and they have moved around several times going where his father found work.

In February ’56, W.A. got a job as engineer a big mining operation in Placer County – and he finally built the family house they wanted up on Rigby Hill. Life is looking great!

But it all came crashing down in June. The father took some poison gas and almost died, and still has health problems. He took to tonics and then whiskey to help dull the pain. Then in July the mule train got robbed with a month’s worth of gold – and the father took the fall.

Samuel ran into the D’Arcys back in September, about two weeks after coming to town. He met the kid, and was excited that this might be a real job. The house was so nice looking on the outside, that surely there was a family here that could pay cash money.

But the truth was different – W.A. hasn’t been able to get a job cause “he’s not trustworthy” and Constance has started taking in washing and mending work just to get money for bills. They don’t have the land to farm – so they are thinking about moving out to make a homestead along the Sacramento come the spring and trying to set aside as much as they can.

Samuel wanted to say he couldn’t help – but Willie is a bright boy, so he relented. So Constance darns his socks and washes his shirts – and Samuel spends one afternoon a week teaching the boy geography and history, and usually takes dinner with the family

Friday, November 13, 1857

Gilbert was flush with cash as he walked the streets of Nevada City. And every dollar burned a hole in his pockets. First things first, Gilbert made arrangements to purchase the best saddle and bridle set the city had to offer, he also had a pair of special riding spurs made. Darley deserved the best and Gilbert intended to that he had it. The spurs were blunted on the ends so as to not damage Darley’s pristine coat. The saddle was made and remade to Gilberts demands and to fit Darley perfectly. While he was working on the saddle with the leatherworker, Gilbert started to fill bad and purchased an expensive holster. After all, Gilbert had made him remake the saddle twice now, but finally he had got it just right. The holster fit so that it was on his left hip with the grip (handle) facing towards the belt buckle. It wasn’t the way most people wore their pistols, but Gilbert knew it would make him stand out and more importantly, the cross body draw worked for him.

Next Gilbert went and purchased a fine Stetson with was a dirty grey in color. As he walked out of the store with his new hat and recently cleaned clothes. Gilbert felt like an important man about town. Gilbert knew he wasn’t yet the biggest horse breeder in California, but he was well on his way.

As he walked through the town, he couldn’t help but feel that he something was just not right. This pain was eating at him. That pain was right above that brand new holster on his left hip. That pain was caused by the wound that (Former) Sheriff Henry Plummer has created when he caught Gilbert with a shot from his pistol at the old abandoned mine. No matter how he tried to carry himself or ride Darley, that wound always caused a twinge of pain.

Gilbert knew it was only because of the doctoring skills on Nurse Jane that he was still even alive to be able to walk down the streets of Nevada City.

Without knowing it, Gilbert had stopped walking down the street and was actually staring into the window of the finest women’s clothing store that Nevada City had to offer. Gilbert walked right in and purchased the fine women’s jacket he had been staring at in the window. He had the shop keeper wrap the jacket up and Gilbert started to walk straight to the Hotel d’Paris where he knew Nurse Jane would be eating dinner.

Gilbert stepped right up to Nurse Jane who was eating dinner with Samuel Davis as they most always did on weekday evenings. “Nurse Jane,” Gilbert said with a broad smile on his face, “I owe you for what you did for me. You know patching me up and all. And ma’am if it weren’t for you…well…I might not…well, you know…I might be in a most horrible way. And to say thank you, well…I wanted you to have this!” With that Gilbert handed Nurse Jane a wrapped package. As Nurse Jane opened it, inside she saw a beautiful and detailed Zouave Jacket (which were all the fashion these days).

Nurse Jane Wilson is now an owner of a “Fine Women’s Wrap” couresty of Gilbert R. Warfield

Thursday, October 22, 1857

Well another night drinking alone watching others stare and whisper. I guess they know me now, but not necessarily in the best way.
I’m gonna pound Rory for taking that dive!
Guess I’ll finish one more and head back to my room. Sure is nice to be able afford something more than a straw bed and …

“Garrett Mathews!”…
“Garrett Mathews!”

Great! What does this one want? Probably to tell me how much of a thief I am. Isn’t there something else to talk about in this town?

“I see you boy! Yeah, you!”
“You don’t look like a County champion to me and certainly don’t deserve that Double Eagle you’re walking around with!”

What does a pompous, well-dressed townie care about me for?

‘What do you want? I ain’t fightin nobody in this town anymore. I done spent time in jail and don’t intend to repeat the experience.’

“Just what I thought, you aren’t in the mood to fight unless you know it’s fixed.”

‘Mister, I don’t mind fighting when there’s something at stake, but taken you on isn’t enough challenge and you ain’t sporting anything I want’

“Me?!? You misunderstand boy. It’s my son, Jonathon, that wants his shot at that Double Eagle.”
“Jonathon wasn’t feeling well the night you won that coin, otherwise you’d have taken a dirt nap.”

Hmmm, Jonathon is sizeable enough, but doesn’t look like a seasoned fighter…should be easy enough

‘I see. And exactly what are you offering?’

“Jonathon, fetch our ‘offering’ from the carriage.”

For the Motherland! I ain’t one to consider guns a form of art, but that rifle is right nice! And sure beats my ol’ musket. Hell, I might even try to get good with a gun if I owned that.

“You smart enough to know where <tbd> street is in town?”

‘Yeah, I know that area’

“I own the <tbd> and it has plenty of room. How about we settle this matter now?”

‘Mister, it’ll be a pleasure to relieve you of that gun and teach your boy that daddy can’t help him when he’s getting a lickin.’

Garrett and saloon patrons mosey to the fight location.

As Garrett and Jonathon prepare, Hendrickson saunters up to Garrett…

“By the way boy, this ain’t no ‘bout’ with a fixed number of rounds. The fighting isn’t done until you are lying face down in the dirt, so that you learn your proper place.”

The combat goes like most of the other combats, neither Garrett nor Jonathon can score the massive blow needed to end the fight. However, Jonathon has come close several times and Garrett is feeling the brunt of taking those hits. At one point, both men exhausted, Garrett manages to score a hard punch to Jonathon’s solar plexus taking the last of Jonathon’s wind and laying him out in the dirt. Too exhausted to lift himself, Jonathon lays there even as his father screams for his continued participation. Garrett climbs onto Jonathon’s back, pinning him, and delivers a Knockout Punch.

Red faced, Hendrickson can only stand by as Garrett is handed the Double Eagle and the Masterwork Sharps Rifle.

Unfortunately, before Garrett can exit the building and revel in his ‘victory’, there is a pounding at the back door. Upon opening the door, Hendrickson discovers the Sheriff and several of his deputies.

“Rumor has it there’s a fight taken place…in this building…in MY town!”

Ah, sh**!

The sheriff scowls as his eyes land on Garrett.

“Either you don’t respect my authority in MY town or you’re slow. I see you are also unlawfully carrying a firearm in MY town… Seize his property and escort him to his ‘vacation’ home.”
“Mr. Hendrickson, I’ll need to speak with you back at my office. Don’t disappoint me.”

After a quick trip to the jail, Garrett has to endure the deputies handling his new rifle. Fortunately, they do it respectfully.

“I betcha Hendrickson is pissed he lost this! It took him forever to get it made and cost him a pretty penny, too.”

Later, the sheriff arrives and joins Garrett in his cell.

“Son, I don’t quite get what you don’t understand about the new rules in MY town, but I’m tired of your sorry a** taken up space in my jail. I have a right mind to impound that rifle of yours and turn it into county property for my use. However, I don’t care for Hendrickson or his spoiled son and the price for that gun will be better spent on other needs of my office. Therefore, I’m setting your fine at the price of that gun. It’s your choice, you can leave the gun with me or you can take it with you after paying your fine.”

‘I’ll take the gun, sheriff.’

“And Garrett…this is the last time you’ll spend a night in my jail. There are better facilities in San Francisco, for those that don’t have a decent respect for laws or the individuals that enforce them.”

…

Upon arriving at his room, it was all Garrett could do to flop into bed after leaning the Sharps against a chair. As he lay there, eyeing the rifle, a smile emerged.

That thing belongs in the hands of the Nevada County Champion.

Monday September 28, 1857

Scene 1 The Hotel de Paris at the breakfast table.

The group is sitting around a table eating a quick breakfast . Up walks a man looking a little “worse for the wear”. His suit is very dusty and has a couple of recent, small tears in it. And he has a good size bruise on high on left cheek under the eye. He is tall, thin, and has a wiry mustache. He introduces himself as Reginald T. Richardson and says that he is a travelling minstrel passing through town on his way to perform in San Francisco. Says that as he was riding into town late last evening, his horse was spooked and threw him off. The horse ran off and in doing so, tripped over a rock and came up with a broken leg. He had to shoot his horse and walk into town. He walked into town and decided to spend the evening with Pauline, a lovely lady from The Faded Rose. Pauline told him about Nurse Jane Wilson and that she was better than either of the doctors in town. He would like to catch the next stage coach out of town and would like for her to look after him “real fast like” so he can get on his way.

He will also over-pay for Nurse Wilson’s services.

Scene 2 As the group leaves town …

Corbett and three deputies meet the group about 10 minutes out of town. They are blocking the road so the party cannot get through. Corbett will lean over his pommel and say that he is concerned that “You all have created your own little ‘ill-legal’ posse and the punishment for that is a month in the county jail. And that’s if Judge Searls is feeling kind. I should take you all in and right now!” He will them go on to say, “Now I think you all just either need to go back into town and get about your own business. Or maybe Nevada City would be better off if you all just moved on somewhere. You know Jane … there are whores to look after in every town. And Gilbert every town has horse stables you can muck out. Jess, as pretty as you are you might … well now I think you might make a good wife.”

The party blusters through with their (real but valueless) gold claim – seeing no way to force them back, Corbett huffs and puffs and lets them pass.

Scene 3 On the road again …

An hour (or two) past where the group ran into Corbett, outside of town they run into a husband, wife, with two small children. Two horses lay shot dead that used to pull their wagon. The wife is sobbing and their wagon looks like it had a small fire on one of the wheels. The kids are trying to make momma stop crying and the husband looks beat up and dazed by a small camp fire.

They are heading west so the husband can strike a claim and his wife mind the children as they make their mark in California. They tell a story of a tall, thin well-dressed man they came up to at this point in the road and he was sitting next to this fire; late yesterday afternoon. They stopped to offer him a small bit of food they had and then proceed into town for the night. As soon as the wife offered him a plate, he grabbed her and put a knife to her throat and said he was taking all their cash. The husband was able to make a jump at him and a tussle broke out. The husband was able to land a good right hook, but the thin man was better and landed a mean uppercut that knocked the husband down and he hit his head on a rock and was out cold. The man then shot their horses, stole all their money (they actually had a decent amount as they had saved really good), tied up the wife and kids to a tree nearby and then threw a branch from the fire at the wheel of the wagon.

Up to the PC’s to take it from here…what do they do???

Scene 4 Da bears, da bears, da bears …

Group stops meal by a creek side. Two black bear cubs coming splashing down creek chasing a fish and finally catch it right in front of the group. After two rounds of the cubs catching their fish and playing with it, their mother bear comes out of the woods on the other side of the creek. She is the largest black bear anyone in the party has ever seen, standing taller than the PCs.

Her immediate action upon seeing the party is to let out a mighty roar and stand up on her hind feet.

Next round the cubs run behind their mother (medium cover +4) and the horses will spook.

Mama bear does not want trouble. She will move to light cover (2 to defense) in the underbrush the following round – then all bears move to higher cover each round (4, +7, +10 to defense). If the PCs have not started following at this point then the encounter is over.

In actuality, Jess gets a lucky shot (critical) and drops the mama. The little ones scamper off into the woods – to get picked up by coyotes.

Scene 5 Everybody gets wet

Skinning and preping mama bear delays the party several hours. Shortly after they finish, the cloudy skies start to open up in a light but constant rain. The closest ford to the Yuba River is already starting to flood and water is speeding up.

Gilbert and sure-footed Darley cross first – despite some difficulty, they manage across and declare the river … well not exactly safe … but they ain’t gonna find better unless they plan to wait a day or two.

Jost and his mule start across, and the water is visibly rising as they do so (GM: Riding rolls to cross, REF save if you miss to stay horsed, REF save and d4 grit as you are passed down the river. DC goes up for each character.) Sam manages to fall off his horse, and gets a little banged up. Jess gets the worst of anyone, getting swept downriver and thrown against the rocks until she drags herself exhausted up against the bank.

The cold, wet, exhausted party makes camp to dry out. They are far short of their goal – but still in good spirits.

Tuesday September 29, 1857

Scene 6 Plummer and Lucy @ the camp site.

There are a couple of fish hanging from a line on one side, a clothes line on the other, a small fire just outside the cave mouth. One horse tethered loosely.

If the group arrives in the AM, they will see Lucy & Lilly just walking around the campsite doing normal mother and young daughter things. If they watch for more than an hour, Plummer will return with a pail of water in one hand and a couple of logs under the other.

They will go about the rest of the day doing things a family would do. Plummer will bounce Lilly on his knee, play peek a boo with her, and will basically entertain the two until Lilly gets hungry, or fussy, or needs to be changed. He will promptly turn Lilly back over to Lucy for her to “mother her”.

What do the PC’s do…

Key Motivations – Plummer

• Infatuated with Lucy, but not willing to hang for her
• Upset that she freaked out (convinced he could have covered it up otherwise)
• Wants to stick to the original plan (3 of them run away to Idaho)
• Waiting around, so Corbett can get his money to start a dry goods store in Fort Hall

Key Motivations – Lucy

• Loves her husband, even though he got mean when he was drinking
• Terribly guilty, never even really hurt anyone before
• Thinks Vedder Sr isn’t much better
• Loves Lilly more than life itself, and doesn’t want her to think bad about her father

NOTE: would love to get a recap of the combat

Scene 7 Meeting Corbett in the woods

Corbett was waiting to ambush the party – but they outsmarted him and took the long way around back to town.

They reach Nevada City two days later, but no deputy in town to deal with.

Scene 8 Crime & Punishment

Not vigilantes, we are concerned citizens. Nurse Jane Wilson

Now we introduce three new NPCs. The doctor (Hunt), the prosecutor (MacFarland) and the judge (Searls).

Topline things that happened

• Wilson and Gilbert meet with the newspaperman and tell an almost complete story – unfortunately the Hearst name gets dragged into it.
• Each PC is interviewed by both Waite and MacFarland – and they consistently refuse to implicate either Lucy or Plummer beyond “speculating”.
• Van Young puts extreme pressure on all parties to get Lilly in Vedder Sr’s custody – including “bribing” Gilbert with thoughts of breeding Darley in the spring.
• Mrs. Sargent asks Nurse Wilson and “The Other German” to evaluate Lucy. She is an hysterical mess, and the two PCs tell Mrs. Sargent that “Lucy is an unfit mother”.
• Mrs. Sargent gives Van Young the Girl.
• Lucy is arrested – and promptly hangs herself that night.

Scene 9 Aftermath

• Plummer & Corbett “disappear” a couple of days later – rumor has it they are paid off by the “townies”
• Hunt declares the death an “accident under suspicious circumstances” which satisfies no one.
• The town council appoints Thompkins as “interim sheriff” pending a special election over the winter.
• The Downie Boys hold their boxing competition a few weeks later. Garrett Mathews becomes the “Champon of Nevada County” – but secretly knows that Rory Downie threw the match.

Friday September 25, 1857

6:30 pm – John Vedder shows up at HdP and orders dinner.

• He is actually there to “find his daughter” and check up on his wife.
• He is “acting strange” looking around for something

7:30 pm – Alfred Jackson (HdP owner) asks Vedder to leave.

• He threatens to make a scene but eventually leaves quietly
• Sam overhears : “… that bitch ain’t leaving with my girl …”
• Wasn’t Jackson talking with that deputy (Corbett) right before hand?

8:00 pm – John Perry starts the piano playing and singing. It gets louder as the night goes on.

8:30 pm – Alan Downie & cousin Rory show up. They grab a seat with Garrett and order the special – black bear brisket with apple & pepper, fried onion & potato, and Indian (corn) pudding. If asked, they will say Jacob is over in Grass Valley scouting “talent” – which is true.

8:45 pm – Plummer comes in, he’s wearing his badge and pistol. He and Corbett have a quiet
talk then Corbett leaves.

9:00 pm – Lucy comes downstairs carrying Lilly in one arm, and carrying her dinner plate. She sits near the fire away from the raucous piano. Claudette Jackson comes over (doll in hand) and plays with Lilly. Marie Jackson brings over a slice of pie, mug of coffee and a small glass of milk. They chat for a few minutes.

9:10 pm – Chair opens up near Lucy and Plummer grabs it.

9:30 pm – Marie comes back, clears the plates and takes the kids upstairs.

10:00 pm – The show at the theatre next door closes, the place gets more crowded. PCs are going to have to give up extra seats or start a brawl/tussle. Drinks are now required (if they weren’t before).

10:30 pm – The Chapmans show up at HdP. William heads to the faro table with Caroline behind him. She will get noticed and pressured to perform. Eventually she obliges and joins in at the piano

10:55 pm – Plummer leaves. Five min later Lucy leaves out the back. They head to the theatre.

11:10 pm – Alan suggests they do a quick little “brawl” to advertise. Garrett & Rory go outside – along with a crowd of PCs and interested bystanders.

11:20 pm – Vedder walks up even drunker than before and carrying his pistol. He spies Lucy & Plummer in the theatre.

11:25 pm – BANG … BANG, BANG … BANG

Most everyone outside scatters immediately, but it’s so loud in HdP that no one seems to notice.

The party pulls weapons and advances slowly around the corner. No one’s there – but there seems to be something in the window of the theater. The figure doesn’t move – and Nurse Wilson steps in to check him out.

John Vedder has bled out right next to the far window, pistol lying limp in his hand. No one else is there.

Folks go looking for the sheriff – but he can’t be found. Garrett looks for a back exit to the alleyway and outhouse. He sees a woman leaving HdP carrying a bundle, but she’s gone before he can stop her.

A few minutes later, the deputies arrive and Corbett shoos the party out of the theater, then takes down everyone’s name and a quick statement.

Sensing something is going on, Gilbert and Jost decide to follow tracks out back (as that is almost certainly where the shooter left). They lead to the stables – where Gilbert discovers that Darley is gone !!

The trail heads into the “good part” of town – and seems to lead past the sheriff’s station. They report Darley’s theft to the deputy on duty – who does not seem to care (“there has been a shooting, you know”) and has no idea where the sheriff is, or so he says.

Deciding there is only one real reason to steal Darley (he’s the best horse in the stable) – the party decides they must be heading east to Soda Springs and the pass. But its the middle of the night and too dark to follow so Gilbert along with Jost, Jess and Garrett head out before dawn the next day.

Saturday September 26, 1857
Group #1 : The “action four” head east out of town. They find a rest area and confirm there are two fugitives and two horses. The trail heads north off the road around early afternoon – with the party only a couple of hours behind.

Next they find a hard-scrabble area with slide marks. One of the horses has fallen and is probably injured!

An hour later they find a 40-foot deep ravine and on the other side is a limping Darley. Having retrieved their quarry, the Fab Four rest up and then head back to town arriving around sundown.

Group #2 : Wilson & Davis start asking questions – and the situation gets curiouser and curiouser.

By the end of the day, they have discovered

• The Vedders had an unusually difficult relationship. They were constantly fighting, breaking up and making up – both were violent, and both loved their little girl. More than one person said “don’t know why those two stay together – ok, well maybe I do”.
• John Vedder was seriously down on his luck. His temper lost him a job at the Van Young ranch, then he got in an accident with some fireworks at the 4th of July festival. He had a job dealing faro but lost it because “don’t nobody need a half-blind faro dealer”.
• They were supposed to be planning on a divorce – and Lucy had moved out. Though she was still doing his washing.

The two also discover (accidentally heard at the sheriff’s office) that a robbery had been reported at a local dry goods store. But their store owner denies anything actually was stolen saying “one of my stockboys reported it, and he was mistaken”. Jane spies a half-hidden scrap of paper saying “… covers everything -HP” but the owner sticks by the story.

But the biggest discovery is a locket. Jane takes advantage of Marie Jackson’s momentary inattention and sneaks into Lucy’s room (which has yet to be cleaned out). She finds a locket which contains a daguerreotype of the sheriff ! She drops it into her pocket and sneaks out of the room – none the wiser.

Jane & Samuel visit all five photographers in town. No one claims to have taken the sheriff’s picture recently. Two of them sell display lockets – and one of them is nervous. He’s surely lying ! But they have no leverage to force him to change his story.

Reunited the party swaps stories and decides to go and find Plummer.

Sunday September 27, 1857

Jane is summoned to meet Mrs. Ellen Sargent – wife of the district attorney and state senator, Aaron Sargent. They have a brief conversation with Mrs. Sargent particularly worried about “poor Lucy” and “what about their little daughter Lilly”. She then takes Jane to meet “my husband’s good friend” Edwin Waite at the offices of the Nevada Journal. He commissions the group to “find out the truth of these circumstances” which “the readers of the Nevada Journal will most certainly want to know” – and advances her a significant sum against the “what may be the important exclusive of the year”.

The group is convinced Plummer and Vedder must be holed up somewhere in the hills – but where? The “old timers” remember that Plummer had several claims in Nevada County – and that would certainly be where he headed.

They concoct a plan to “stake a claim” at the gully where Darley was found – and use that as pretext for searching the claim maps to find any strikes Plummer might have that would be suitable. Jane procures some dust that would be suitable for assay (from a “professional girl” who owes her a favor).

Samuel, Gilbert and Jost head to the claims office. They talk their way past the clerks and get a couple of hours alone with the records. They find three claims in the right general direction – including one that was found by Plummer & Corbett together, sold to the Hearst family, and then was actively worked for a couple of years but is now abandoned. They have a target – but it is a long ride north and across the Yuba River.

Later that afternoon, Samuel is rounded up and brought to the sheriff’s office. Corbett intimidates him saying “he’s been poking around” and “we have a law in this town and it ain’t you” and “there is no need, and no tolerance of vigilantes in Nevada County”. He physically threatens him if he “stirs up trouble” but lets him go.

There are a few questions that I would like everyone to think about – as they will place how/why you get involved in the adventure.

Q1. How did you get here? There are five basic answers and all of them are miserable awful journeys.

Three common routes for people who came from the east looking for gold, and two unusual answers.

1. The northern overland route aka “The California Trail”. Across Kansas/Nebraska and Utah, then over one of the Sierra Nevada passes.
2. Panama. Steamer/clipper ship to Panama/Nicaragua, then trail through the jungle, then another ship to San Francisco
3. The Drake Passage. Clipper ship to Tierra del Fuego, around Cape Horn and up the Chilean and Mexican coasts to San Francisco.
4. The southern overland route aka “The Gila Trail”. Either through Texas or Indian territory, through the southern Mexican Territory (New Mexico/Arizona) and then up the central valley.
5. The Oregon Trail. There are a few weirdos who traveled to Oregon in the 1830s and 40s, and then got gold fever and headed south in ’49 to ’51.

Q2. How long have you been in Nevada City? Is this your first winter in the high Sierras?

Q3. If you have been here awhile, how did you end up broke and jobless? What enemies have you made in the town?

I have some specific hooks that I want to add, so I may followup with questions.

The campaign will start with a typical “PCs meet in a tavern” scene. The scene will open at the Hotel de Paris – a combination saloon and boarding house, and one of the nicer establishments of its kind.

Anyway … please take a few minutes and let me know your thoughts.

The year is 1857, and the setting is Northern California

More immigrants arrive every year. Gold and silver still come out of the mountains, but the new strikes are smaller and some mines are starting to play out.

The story opens in Nevada, California (later called “Nevada City”) also known as Coyoteville or Dry Diggings. Nevada is a Gold Rush town, built on the Deer Creek tributary of the Sacramento River and nestled in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada. In 1851 she was the third largest town in the state, but five years later fire destroyed most of the buildings and now the mines are starting to play out.

This town ain’t been so good to you. You are out of a job and out of luck. Whether you have been in town a day or a decade, you have few friends and no prospects. To make matters worse, Nevada means “snow-covered” and the nights are already starting to get chilly. The last group of immigrants should be coming over the Donner Pass in the next week or two. After they pass through, everyone will likely tie down for the winter.

Maybe it is time to leave. The land is full of God’s own beauty, but the town is mean as sin.