conversations.from: system
conversations.value: "and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see." -Rev 6:1
  
  The post came with the final words of Davis le Mesagier, written in a shaky hand and written quickly.  
  
  "Death follows closely after.  We're holing up for the night near the mines, hoping we can lose them in the confusion.  Mortimer Starkey and his gang have been hunting us for a week now and Jim and I are the only ones left.  
  
  I thought I knew what evil was.  I was wrong.  We looked the Devil in the eye and blinked.
  
  And he saw us for what we were.
  
  I'm giving this to Miss Jean Ireland.  If I do not return to her, she will send this along to you, my family.
  
  I'm sorry.  We tried to do good out here, but Judas Crossing is not a place for good men.
  
  --Davis"
  
  Written in beautiful handwriting, Miss Jean Ireland informs you that Davis' body was interred at Judas Crossing and gives the number of his grave.  His belongings have been given into her care, to give to a family member.
  
  Davis likely wouldn't have wanted you to come after him, but family will be avenged.
  
  ----
  Note:  This game will contain elements that seem supernatural.
  
  They are not.
  
  Consider this more like an indie-film western.  There may be visions or those who symbolically seem like they are something else, but nothing in here is anything but what exists in our world.  
  
  I'm borrowing Aces & Eights Judas Crossing setting because it's cool and has a lot of depth.
  
  There will be opportunities for the players to let me know which factions in the town interest them.  By playing cards on those factions, you'll bring them into the game to be more important.  This will help shape the story into something unique to these players.
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You've impressed someone.  But who is it?
  
  The disadvantaged and those of non-European decent have a home in Los Lobos Negros.
conversations.prefix: Sizing Up the New Blood: Los Lobos Negros:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: A map with a number of places marked on it in the local area.
conversations.prefix: Map:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: A picture of Jessica, Davis' fiance, is in the locket.
conversations.prefix: Locket:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: He kept a lot of his thought in here, though he was careful of what he put down.  There'll have to be some reading between the lines to get what you need out of it.
conversations.prefix: Davis' Diary:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: East of town, the Valley is a few hour's ride.
conversations.prefix: Valley:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You've impressed someone.  But who is it?
  
  Decent, hard-working common folk will find Yeates' group to their liking.
conversations.prefix: Sizing Up the New Blood: The Yeates Posse:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Strong and broad of shoulder, his knife always has traces of blood on it.
  
  He rides a red horse and ranges far from the others.
conversations.prefix: Marshawn :
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: South of town, this Gold Claim is supposed to be abandoned.
conversations.prefix: Gold Claim:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Specifically marked, in the desert, this copse of trees found a special spot Davis' map.
conversations.prefix: Copse of Trees:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Marked on the map, this Mine is far north of town.
  
  It's a place to look if you want to see what Davis was doing before he died.
conversations.prefix: Mine:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Where there's gold, there's people.  And greed.  And death.
  
  Judas Crossing stands outside civilization.  It's a home for those who have had to leave behind their lives and make something new.
conversations.prefix: Judas Crossing:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You knew Davis would end up here.  He had to.  He had a death wish since he was young, he just wasn't brave enough to do it himself.
  
  You tried to help him when he was in bad ways but he wouldn't listen to you.  You knew more of the world than he did and that asshole couldn't stand someone he felt was superior to him.
  
  But he had a good heart, deep down.  He was just doomed from the start.
conversations.prefix: Sister:  World-weary:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Momma has been crying for days.
  
  You failed her, to be honest.  Davis could barely be raised by her after daddy left and thank god he did.  You tried to keep him in line, but he took after your father and hell itself couldn't turn his course.
  
  If this family will ever know peace, Davis needs to be put to rest in the minds of those closest to him.
conversations.prefix: Sibling: Eldest:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Even as much as Davis screwed up, you looked up to him for protecting you from daddy, who was not a good man.
  
  You're at the age of majority, when you get to be the captain of your own life.  A chance to see more than your corner of the world and get justice?
  
  Sounds good.
conversations.prefix: Brother: Youngest Child:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Davis was a good man.  
  
  Good enough to bring you under his wing when you got out and try to help you with the straight and narrow. 
  
  But that shit doesn't stick around for people like you.  You've remained on good terms with his family but things aren't working out for you here.  There were plenty of reasons to start anew already.
  
  Now you've got one more.
conversations.prefix: Friend: Cellmate:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Davis was a thief, a drunk, and a conman but your family raised him up more than they ever did you.
  
  He was just about the only member of your family who ever had time for you.  That's not something you just let lie when his breath stops.
  
  There will be a balancing of the scales.
conversations.prefix: Sibling: Black Sheep:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Not many people saw the side of Davis that you did.  Beneath that bravado there was a good man.  A man who was afraid of what he was becoming and hoping to be something else.
  
  And damn you if you didn't think you could help him.  You tried...so hard.  But, in the end, he's left you.
  
  Luckily for Davis, he couldn't have loved a strange spirit, so he stuck with those like him.  And Davis wouldn't have let your death go unanswered, either.
conversations.prefix: Fiance:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: God damn it, Davis.
  
  You played as kids and, as you got older, swore that your kids would be just like you.
  
  He came to you when his family kicked him out after the arrests.  He came to you when he got engaged.  He came to you when you lost your spouse.
  
  Least you can do is go to him now.
conversations.prefix: Friend:  Childhood playmate:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You're not made for the difficulties of life, but people can't help but want to protect you.  You manage to make friends where ever you go and people go out of their way to give you aid and comfort.
conversations.prefix: Sweet as Spring Water:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Your mother was a damned saint, but you don't take shit from no-one.
  
  There may be fellers in this world who get kicked around, but one look in your eyes and people know better.
conversations.prefix: Son of a Bitch:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: A gun comes to your hand like you were born to it.  There's a look in the eyes of a person who's put someone to dirt that others recognize.  That look opens a lot of doors.
conversations.prefix: Gunfighter:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You've a way of belonging that folks just accept.  You're able to make your way into places and situations where you aught not to, but that's where the devil blessed you.
conversations.prefix: Face in the Crowd:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You carry a pain in your soul, one that has kept you from finding the peace granted the simple.
  
  You'll find it out there.
conversations.prefix: Find Forgiveness:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You're a difficult person to get to like.  People sour on you when they first eyeball you but, like the say, sometimes you'll work as hard to get a skunk to leave as you will to get a pretty lady to stay.
conversations.prefix: Son of a Bitch:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You were born yesterday.
  
  And everyone who can use you can smell it.
  
  It turns to your advantage on occasion, but a sucker's life isn't an easy one.
conversations.prefix: Sweet as Spring Water:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You know folks and you know how to get them to want what you want them to.
  
  This comes in handy in more places than just milking an old lady out of her savings.  Once you know people, they belong to you.  For good or ill.
conversations.prefix: The Long Con:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: How does this always happen to you?  
  
  If there was a place you shouldn't be, you'll be there.  If there's someone who shouldn't know you're there, they will.
  
  Life has pissed on you from a great height.
conversations.prefix: Where You Ought Not To Be:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You've a habit for being where people would rather you not be and finding out things that they shouldn't have you knowing.
  
  It's good to be the shadow on the wall.
conversations.prefix: Where you Ought Not to Be:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You were born under a lucky star and god-damn-it if you don't tend to stumble into good things.
  
  Ya bastard.
conversations.prefix: Lucky:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You're able to order the shitstorm around you better than others.  When their minds go to pot, you're able to keep your head.
  
  A lot of people die because they don't see what's coming.  You ain't them.
conversations.prefix: Quick Mind:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You're not someone who's easily fucked with.  When people look up, and up, and up, at you, they know that here's someone they should just let go by.
conversations.prefix: Wall of Flesh:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You've been around a few times.  You've seen how things go and there ain't nothing new under the sun.
  
  All that has been will be again.  And you've been there the first time.
conversations.prefix: Long in Knowledge:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You're a big, dumb lunk and everyone knows it.  As big as you are, you'd think people would at least be afraid of you.
  
  They're not.
  
  They're laughing at you.
conversations.prefix: Wall of Flesh:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You've been working for the family as long as you can remember and they've always been good to you.  But you've been here a long time.  
  
  This is as good a time as any to move on.
  
  Davis was fun, though.  He never  was shy about sneaking you a drink or two.
conversations.prefix: Farmhand:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Who the hell are you?
  
  Not someone to remember, clearly.  If anyone cared enough to notice you, there'd be trouble.
conversations.prefix: Face in the Crowd:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Everyone has their weakness, right?
  Everyone has something they need.
  
  Maybe not everyone has to smoke it or open their veins, but that doesn't mean they can look down on you, does it?
conversations.prefix: Addicted:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Some people have the hands of gunfighters.
  Some have the hands of Angels.
  And some ought not pick up anything breakable or go through any china shops in the short-term.
conversations.prefix: Clumsy:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: It's not your fault everyone can't see you for the prodigy you are.  Why those scum fucks can't get their head out of their asses long enough to do you like they should is a mystery.
  
  Always has been.
conversations.prefix: Full of Your Damn Self:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Things require particular attention....
  Not the things others insist on looking at, but you look at the other picture.  The picture less seen.
  
  Unfortunately, that's the picture less important.
conversations.prefix: Unable to See the Forest...:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Davis wasn't someone you were especially close to, but Pa asked you to see justice done.
  
  Kin of yours, no matter how low, should be seen to a better reward.
conversations.prefix: Cousin:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You're a creature of the alleys and people know it.  You're not used to good company and nice things.  You're not used to people aiding you in the rough times.  You don't have soft edges.
conversations.prefix: Born of the Streets:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You've got your own reasons for going after Mortimer Starkey.
  
  Good enough reason to join up with those itching for his blood.  A common foe makes good friends.
conversations.prefix: Stranger:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: The time to not be here has come.
  
  To be settled in a new home, you need people who will keep you safe.  And power that will secure you against enemies.
  
  Judas Crossing is as good a place as any to take over.
conversations.prefix: Be The New Boss:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Civilization is no place for someone like you.  There are cravings that are ancient, that come from the start of all things, and they live in you.
  
  Death is coming to Judas Crossing and you'll claim your due.
conversations.prefix: Taste for Blood:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: He never had an easy or good life and, while much of it was his fault, he deserves to be set to rest.
conversations.prefix: Bring Davis to Rest:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You've screwed up your life so completely that starting over may be your only hope.
conversations.prefix: Lose Yourself:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Someone has been cast out and needs to be brought back to the family.
conversations.prefix: Return to the Fold:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: There's a fortune waiting to be found out there.  Why return home a pauper?
conversations.prefix: Get rich:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: No one here's been good for you.  There, on the outskirts of civilization, there's someone right for you.  You know it has to be true.
conversations.prefix: Find a Spouse:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You're wanted here and your only chance of not ending up in chains is to get somewhere else where no one knows you.
conversations.prefix: Flee Authority:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: You've never felt like you've fit in.  The answer has to be out there.
conversations.prefix: Find Yourself:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: His face has never been seen during the day, Mortimer comes at night and leaves destruction in his wake.
conversations.prefix: Mortimer Starkey:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Well dressed and short, with harsh eyes.
  
  Others defer to him.
conversations.prefix: Jean--Henri Bordeaux:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: There's no love lost for their boss and some of them in here drinking might not take well to you in the future should you seem too close to their boss.
conversations.prefix: Miners:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: West Main Street, corner of Coyote Gulch Road--
  The Velvet Hotel is a faded red colour with white trim and is well-maintained, aside from the need for fresh paint.  A large, sturdy porc lines the Main Street side of the Hotel with a sign along the lip that read: "THE VELVET HOTEL"
  
  The main foyer has a fine sitting area and high concierge desk and smells of fresh coffee or fine tobacco.  A delicate chandelier hangs from the ceiling and lace curtains adorn the windows.
conversations.prefix: Velvet Hotel:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Miss Jean Ireland was a friend of Davis' and as his goods in her possession.
  
  She's a beauty, but one tough enough to live in Judas Crossing and thrive.  She brooks no fools in her presence and has a way of pinning a person with her eyes that can be a mite uncomfortable.
conversations.prefix: Miss Jean Ireland:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Someone's here to find out what you're talking to Miss Jean Ireland about.  There are a lot of people milling about the Hotel, enjoying drinks, and many people who have an eye on the newcomers.  There are only a few, however, who seem to be listening intently enough to pick up intentions.
conversations.prefix: You're Being Watched:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: There are several factions in this town and they take a heavy interest in those who are new.  
  
  Who knows, you might impress some.  Or be seen as an easy mark.
  
  Impress someone and this unlocks options.
conversations.prefix: Sizing Up the New Blood:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: In any crowd, they'll be waiting, checking on those who might be carrying what they need.
  
  A good eye can pick them out and keep them at bay.  A foolish one gets robbed.
conversations.prefix: Pickpocket:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You've impressed someone.  But who is it?
  
  The talented, wealthy, and witty, or those possessing exceptional fame or notoriety attract the Gentry.
conversations.prefix: Sizing Up the New Blood: The Judas Gentry:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Yeates' Council has noticed you.
  
  Well meaning businessmen and townsfolk who are trying to keep a hold of the town
conversations.prefix: Sizing Up the New Blood: Yeates' Council:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You've impressed someone.  But who is it?
  
  Cashpaw's Council is the home of mercenaries and desperadoes.
conversations.prefix: Sizing Up the New Blood: Cashpaw's Council:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: He was family.  He wasn't always the best of people, but he looked out for those he could.  
  
  He took secrets with him, however. 
conversations.prefix: Davis le Mesagier:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: West Main Street, between 2nd and 3rd Streets.
  
  A luxurious hotel.  Dark and lit by a sparkling chandelier.  The rooms are small but well lit and richly appointed.  A bar is downstairs.
conversations.prefix: Desert Grand Hotel:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: What was he trying to let you know on the map?
  
  Is it riches? Danger?
conversations.prefix: The Map:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Hearty and proud.  His hat is pinned with the badges of Sheriffs he has killed.  
  
  He rides a white horse.
conversations.prefix: Nickolaus Perry:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Gaunt with burning eyes.  Deny's gaze can humble even the hardest man.
  
  Deny rides a black horse.
conversations.prefix: Deny Reus:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Coin has a long shadow and having caught one of the locals, Barbara has earned enough respect to pay for the whispers that go around Judas Crossing.
conversations.prefix: Network of Thieves:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: People talk.
  
  Especially when you knock a feller on his ass as easily as you did.
conversations.prefix: Made an Entrance:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: Tall as hell and built like a cliff face, Jake's been around awhile and knows the ins and outs of the rougher crowds in town.
  
  Working for Miss Ireland has allowed him to lessen his workload with more respectable work.
conversations.prefix: Jake Sutton:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Beautifully kept, this piece has seen action.  The wear on the grip attests to that.
  
  Along the barrel, the words "and hell followed with him."
conversations.prefix: Colt Army New Model:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: There's a lot of rambling here---Davis may not have fancied himself a poet, but the bastard rambled on like one.
  
  What's here can tell you about what happened, but he's dodgy as hell about it.
conversations.prefix: The Journal:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Matriarch of Los Lobos Negros, Anne Luisa Ortega carries herself regally, with perfect posture.  She's clearly used to being in control.
conversations.prefix: Anne Luisa Ortega:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.value: Davis was a thief, a drunk, and a conman but your family raised him up more than they ever did you.
  He was just about the only member of your family who ever had time for you. That’s not something you forget.
conversations.prefix: Black Sheep:Sibling:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: human
conversations.prefix: Wild:
conversations.from: gpt
conversations.value: You can smell it when things are going south, and you can feel it in your bones when you're on the right track.
conversations.prefix: Sheriffs instincts: