ROLEPLAY HQ - devil-gets-his-due

CowboyFarmerOnMars 07-Nov-21 07:12 AM

@Bubbles&Pancakes

Bubbles&Pancakes 07-Nov-21 07:56 AM

"Demons will tempt the good man Devils barter with the desperate Angels… simply wait."

Sheriff Rowens BOT 07-Nov-21 08:12 AM

. . . "O, I do 'member."Uttered the old lady, as she adjusted the shotgun against her shoulder. Two shells loaded, fingers hovering over the trigger. Her sheriff's badge lost every bit of it's gold sheen, it resembled a rusted knife. The chair was balanced on the two hind legs. The wooden floor creaking with every slightest movement. "Tis' used to be but a normal town. Had visitors. Merchants. Bandits. Bar was full every Tuesday, Thursday n' Friday. Danced myself, there. In ma prime." She tilted her head to look at her now ghastly thin legs. Bones nearly visible at her knees. Memories, of her youthful self, dancing, raising her legs, getting the audience riled up. "Not 'nymore." She sighed, her gaze shifting back to the sunset. "You see, 'tis used to be a lawless place. People break laws man made, nature of the common folk. But last decade of years, showed someting truly despicable. People been breaking laws not man-made, but made by gods." The mossy floor cried, as she adjusted her place on the chair, crossing her arms over her stomach. ...

"Dead folk been seen living, living folk been seen gone. Back in my day, shot to the head meant the light are out. Now, they be found nights later robbing banks west. It's lunatic. Even the graves robbers are scared." She wrinkled her nose, but continued on. "Stories are being told. 'Bout a man with a blazing skull, who barters with the dead. Giving them purpose, strength. Fusing men and machine. Ungodly..." She shook her head, fresh memories passing by. "If you want to know more, I'm afraid you'll have to ask Peabrain Jeremiah, over at the bar. Only one who survived an encounter with one of 'em. Been drinking ever since. Need a pound of coffe to sober 'im up." There was no reason to assume he wasn't getting himself drunk and sneaking glances at the young dancers, as always. Before you headed away to the bar, the woman exclaimed one last time. "Oi, careful out there, sweetie. Am only sheriff cause I've got nothing to lose. Can't hold a barrel straight, I'm afraid." She stuck out her right hand, trembling from her disease. While the other hand, previously covered in rags, was... non existent.

Kit BOT 07-Nov-21 10:21 PM

He tipped the edge of his hat with two fingers in a silent farewell and left the slouching building. He rubbed his wrist in discomfort, as if her mangled digits were clutched at his skin. Walking through the tiny outpost of a 'town' he hopped the steps to the bar and pushed upon the door hanging on lose hinges. That damned thing was close if they were still buzzing with fear. Kit sighed as he slid onto a barstool and set his ankle over opposite knee. He tucked his braid back over his shoulder to twist the end in his fingers. So close... the last time he had arrived too late. The devil had moved on. He sighed and tapped the bar for a drink and downed the watered down liquor. Hed never drank until this hell had started. Around his wrist was tied a small bracelet of yarn and a thin gold band that matched the one on his scarred hand. "Another drink, please." He slid a bit of money across the tabletop. "And ill give ya another for some information. I'm looking for someone who survived the attack from one of your living dead?"

Bartender BOT 09-Nov-21 09:26 AM

The bartender did as the stranger ordered, pouring more booze from long, thin bottle, keeping it by his side in case he was going to order more booze. Given how miserable he looked, that was bound to happen. He slid the glass back to Kit, his thick mustache rising and lowering when he huffed at the question asked. "Boy, you're diggin' up things that don't need digging up." But he was damned if he would skip a possibility to make easy money. Call him greedy, but these are desperate times. He leaned forward, his one hand clutching the edge of the counter while the other ran its index and thumb along his mustache. "Peabrain's the guy who looks up the dancers skirts and is so thin, you'd miss him if he turns sideways." He was one of the few other patrons in the bar. Dancing on the stage, was a beautifully tanned woman, with voluminous black hair, performing a foreign dance. Her stomach was bare, her muscular legs showed through her long skirt, open on the sides. At on the closest place was aforementioned Jeremiah, lustfully watching the show. His cheeks reddened by all of the alcohol he consumed. Short grey hair. Looking 20 years older than he actually was.

Narrator BOT 09-Nov-21 09:31 AM

You're free to interact with any given character as you see fit

@Vampire-Nerd

Kit BOT 09-Nov-21 09:43 AM

He twisted his ring around his finger anxiously, a common action based on the polished marks on the wedding band. He nodded a thanks and got up, pulling a chair to the man's table. "Jeremiah, yes?" He talked clearly and without the clip of accent, something he'd worked hard on through his childhood. "I have some questions." He said quietly, eyes only on the drunkard. He slid the drink across the table to the man. "I heard you may have some stories to tell."

Peabrain Jeremiah BOT 09-Nov-21 09:50 AM

The man turned around. As he did, Kit could notice that the left half of his face was paralyzed, the skin barely hanging to his bones. His eyes were red as the sundown. Another side effect of the alcohol. Not caring about the strangers problems, Peabrain simply waved him away, taking a big gulp of his pont of beer by the table. Eyes back on the dancer, giving her a wolf whistle for her moves.

Bartender BOT 09-Nov-21 09:50 AM

The nerve on this kid... When the man simply left, the bartender angrily tapped the wood of the counter, waiting for him to possibly come back. But no, straight to Peabrain he went. It wasn't long until he exploded, yelling across the bar. "Oi, fella where's my fucking money? Don't you try to jackass me." Despite his voice overshadowing all the sounds made in the bar, nobody seemed to bother to turn around. Seems like the people were used to it. @Vampire-Nerd

Kit BOT 09-Nov-21 10:01 AM

He grit his teeth at the noise snapping "Ever hear of a fucking tab?" But got up, slamming money on the man's bar. He walked back to the drunkard and put a foot to the front of the man's chair pushing it back onto its back feet, grabbing his shirt. Growling in his face, Kit snapped. "You're looking at me now, old man! You're going to start talking or I'm going to start cutting." He growled and dropped the man back into his chair which dangerously leaned back under Kit's boot. Kit was thin for his height but clearly had been living rough for at least ten years, having the build, tan, and scars to show for it. Green eyes stared from a tired face and his black hair had been lazily tied back. "Now, the attack you survived. I need to know. Everything that happened, tell me."

Bartender BOT 09-Nov-21 10:25 AM

The bartender rolled his lips, not impressed by the man's short fuze. "Stick your tab up your ass, you pay up forward here." He muttered, precisely counting each piece of the money. Everything fitting, he opened the register with a DING, folding the money inside and going back to polishing glasses.

Unknown Dancer BOT 09-Nov-21 10:26 AM

The dancer seemed to enjoy the show unfolding, as she was now dancing with a slight smile on her lips. Her movements became faster, just as the music coming from the piano l.

Peabrain Jeremiah BOT 09-Nov-21 10:31 AM

Jeremiah must have been the bravest man of all, as he seemed unfazed by Kit's violent approach. Or maybe, he was just too drunk to care. It was up to Kit to decide which one seemed more likely. His body seemed nearly lifeless as Kit lifted him up, dropping on his chair like a puppet. No resistance whatsoever. Back on his seat, he spat on the ground -luckily the bartender didn't see- and shrugged his shoulders indifferently. "Have no clue what you talk about fella. Memorie's a little blurry, y'know. Some booze could help me remember."

Kit BOT 09-Nov-21 10:37 AM

"I offered that and you denied me." He sighed in annoyance, gesturing to the abandoned glass behind the man, and crossed his arms muttering 'ten years of this shit.' He stood back straight. "I just want to know who, what, and where they were and I'll buy you a damn bottle. I dont have time to waste on this." He sighed. "I have people to chase."

Peabrain Jeremiah BOT 09-Nov-21 10:57 AM

Again, a half hearted shrug coming from Jeremiah. "I've seen no glass friend. My eyes must have been glued to the ass of that gorgeous dancer. Imagine what she can do between the sheets." He chuckled, nodding to himself and biting his lower lip. His front teeth were a concerning shade of yellow, but he didn't care. Though as he was aware of it now, a free glass of booze was enough to catch his attention for the moment. He grabbed, sipping half of the shot glass before slamming it on the wooden table with a loud Ahhhh. The kind of sound you'd hear from a man drinking his first drop of water after 2 days in the desert. He closed his right eye -his left staying opena s he had no control over it-, crossing his arms and leaning back in on his chair. "Was two weeks ago. One week after the hanging of the Cincinnati brothers. Witness their neck crush with me own eyes... eye. Then, while I me was shoveling cow shit in the night, as a hardworking man does, I've seen a shade under the moonlight. Thought it was a merchant mugged, turned out it was one of the two brothers. Same ones that had their neck broken before me eyes. Lively as ever." He shook his head, downing the rest of his booze for the energy to finish the story. " 'Thout a warning, he shot at me, got me ear clean off." His right index pointed towards his missing ear. "Scurried behind the nearest cover, didn't have me gun with me. Thought meself dead as dinner, but he just left then."

Kit BOT 09-Nov-21 12:56 PM

Kit nodded gently, chin resting in his hand. He sighed gently and sat in the chair at the table resting his head in his hands. "Damn it..." He said gently into his fingers, and sat up leaning back in his seat. He passed enough money to the man for him to buy a bottle, tucking his last bit of cash away in his coat with a quiet thanks for the information. Sighing gently he sat his hands in his lap and rolled the ring in his fingertips. 'I'm sorry...' he thought to himself. 'I know its foolish to search for them. Hopeful dreams that I could get you back to me." He closed his fist around the ring.

Peabrain Jeremiah BOT 09-Nov-21 01:12 PM

Jeremiah seemed taken aback by the money, his eyes gleaming like a pair of diamonds. Quietly, he stashed away the tip given to him and nodded the stranger good bye. Going back to watching the performance of the dancer.

Narrator BOT 09-Nov-21 01:17 PM

There were some other patrons in the bar. A group of three sat by a table far in the back, playing blackjack. Some more men were scattered around tables, watching the performance of the young dancer as a way to escape their wives. That's what they would tell you. The piano was played by an extremly pale young woman. The dancer performed a foreign belly dance to the melody. There was also a billboard for wanted criminals by the Sherrif's office, back where Kit hat talked to Sheriff Rowens. The town didn't have too much else to offer. A market, a gun shop, a hotel. The usual stores, mostly closed by this time of the day. (You're free to converse or go wherever you want inside the town.)

Kit BOT 09-Nov-21 05:10 PM

He stood up with a tired sigh and stepped out into the 'fresh' air, face tipped up to the sunshine. He crossed over to the hotel while swinging his bag back over his shoulder. Pushing open the door he glanced around the lobby trying to gage a possible price. He'd need to find a small bit of work soon...

Hotel Clerk BOT 14-Nov-21 05:25 AM

The reception was being worked by an older man, leaning his boots on the reception desk and turning the pages of yesterday's newspaper. When Kit entered the hallway, the bell above the door jiggled, causing the clerk to peak up from his paper. As he saw the potential customer, he quickly folded the newspaper on his lap, removing his dirty boots from the desk. "Ah, c'mon in, c'mon in. Don't be shy. I can give you a fair price for the night." He said as he gestured for the man to come closer to the desk. @Vampire-Nerd

Kit BOT 14-Nov-21 07:02 AM

He tipped off his hat in greeting. "I just need a night before I shove off in the mornin. Bath too jesus..." He chuckled when he saw his dirt smeared and disheveled appearance in the mirror behind the receptionists head.

Hotel Clerk BOT 14-Nov-21 08:03 AM

The man smeared his fingers along side the stoppers on his chin. "Well, that can be arranged. A bath is paid extra, we offer a service to accompany your bath by one of our beautiful hostesses, if you so wish. Money upfront." He grinned, tapping his index fingers on the desk. "The whole package would be 23 dollars." He rubbed his hands together eagerly.

Kit BOT 14-Nov-21 07:17 PM

Kit visibly winced, feeling the last of his money weigh heavily in his pocket. "And without the lovely lady?" He asked weakly, trying to keep up some face but clearly failing. *I might have to sleep outside tonight..." he thought to himself.

Hotel Clerk BOT 15-Nov-21 10:45 AM

The man moved his jaw forward, itching the short grey stopples on his chin. Thinking about giving the man an honest offer. "Mister you seem a little desperate. I'll give you a stay for the night for 10$, bath included. Just don't cause no trouble."

Kit BOT 15-Nov-21 10:56 AM

he smiled gratefully passing over the cash. "Swear on God, best behavior." He grinned crossing his heart. Once he was shown to his room, he yanked off his boots, groaning and looking at the torn up soles with a sigh and stretched his feet, setting them down next to him on the wooden floor.

Narrator BOT 15-Nov-21 11:00 AM

The room given to kit wasn't any luxury sweet, that much was certain. There was a razor in the bathroom, in case he wanted to trim his beard, a window that showed the central point of the city. The bed was hard, the pillow small, but at least he had a blanket and a roof above his head. The bathtubs were on the first floor, while Kit's room was in the third. (edited)

Kit BOT 15-Nov-21 11:33 AM

he fell gratefully onto the bed, arms stretched out wide before pushing himself back up to wandering down in moccasins his wife had sewn for him a long while ago. He knocked at the bath door. He didn't expect a woman to come bathe him for the price he paid, and was content on his own. He always struggled with communication with the opposite sex after his wife passed. Guilt he supposed, despite her passing and probable expectation for him to 'move on.'

Narrator BOT 15-Nov-21 11:35 AM

The bathtub was in the middle of the room, and besides it, there wasn't a whole lot in it. A small sink, a small wardrobe with towels and a window, curtains closed. Kit seemed to be by himself, until the door creaked open and someone stepped inside.

Unknown Dancer BOT 15-Nov-21 11:38 AM

A familiar face entered the room, wearing different clothes this time. Working clothes, to clean the rooms in the hotel. The woman covered her mouth as she noticed the same men from the bar. She spoke with a foreign accent. "I'm terribly sorry to barge in like this. My chef has told me to help you out once you decided to take a bath. May I?" She gestured towards his clothes, taking a step closer in an attempt to help him take them off.

Kit BOT 15-Nov-21 12:06 PM

He held up his hands smiling. "Thats not necessary love, if you have other things to do..." he said softly, despite his desire for her to help. He stopped protesting when she started on the buttons of his shirt. He sat back on the tubs edge relaxing. "You ever stop working love?"

Unknown Dancer BOT 16-Nov-21 08:54 AM

She folded the shirt neatly on the wardrobe by the edge of the room. Putting on the running water as she passed by the tub. "I'm a afraid I can't afford to. 3 kids don't feed themselves when there is no father to provide." A sigh escaped her mouth. Her eyes wandering off to the window. "How long are you staying sir?"

Kit BOT 19-Nov-21 12:39 PM

"In town? Just tonight." He sat on the tubs edge, wetting his hands to rub over his face and streaking away the dirt. "Three kids eh?"

Unknown Dancer BOT 20-Nov-21 02:51 AM

The woman fumbled a little with her own pockets, before turning back to face Kit. "4, 7 and 11 sir. Only God knows if I'd do it again." She went around, the tub, putting her hands on Kit's shoulder, beginning to massage them. "Enough about me, my job is to-..." That was when a shout came from outside the room. It was the hotel clerk, his voice high pitched and clearly angry. "JESSICA". The woman flinched and the sudden shout, but quickly relaxed. "Apologies, but it seems I'm needed elsewhere. I wish you a relaxing bath." And thus she had left just as quickly as she arrived.

@Vampire-Nerd

Kit BOT 20-Nov-21 06:34 AM

He watched her leave blinking at the tone the clerk used and grit his teeth slightly before stripping. He sunk into the water to his chin with a quiet groan and leaned his head back for a moment enjoying the water.

Kit BOT 21-Nov-21 08:25 AM

After scrubbing himself clean, Kit got up and dressed in one of the few clean shirts and pants he had left. He picked up the razor, shaving his face carefully then washing it in the basin. He stepped into the hall still belting his pants. I should check in on that woman. Jessica. he rubbed the back of his neck and stepped through into the main lobby to head for the steps.

Hotel Clerk BOT 21-Nov-21 08:30 AM

The hotel clerk was currently conversing with one of the other hostesses. A long haired short blonde. "Listen Jessica. You have to start being more thorough when cleaning the rooms. I've got another complaint about a non properly bedded room. And one about you insulting one of the patrons." "But he grabbed me by my groin... should be glad I didn't kick him in his." She was visibly upset, but didn't protest any more. The man just shook his head. "I don't care. Customer is king, you've lost a good tip." (edited)

@Vampire-Nerd

Kit BOT 21-Nov-21 08:40 AM

He grit his teeth crossing his arms to keep silent, but wanting to step between, but worried it'd be worse for her if he did. He leaned into the doorway silently.

Rubbing his chin he eventually got sick of the tone of voice he was carrying on with. "If you let her do her job she's fantastic at it. If she wants to 'ruin' her tips by protecting herself its none your business." He growled as he passed shooting the clerk a look.

Hotel Clerk BOT 21-Nov-21 08:45 AM

Both the clerk and the woman seemed confused at the sudden entry of Kit. The woman was first to speak, a wrinkled forehead on her face indicating confusion. "I'm sorry, who are you?" Meanwhile, the store clerk went to direct his anger towards Kit. "You've got some nerves fella. I offer you a cheap stay at my establishment and you come up shouting at me." The clerk slammed his hands on the counter. "Get lost in your room before I call the sheriff."

Kit BOT 21-Nov-21 08:49 AM

"I'm out anyway. If you're already mistreating your staff, ruining my own experience, then visibly chewing out your employees, I gladly leave." He balled his fists. She reminded him too much of his daughter.

Hotel Clerk BOT 21-Nov-21 08:52 AM

"You've got no idea what you are talking about. Get your stuff from the room and get out of my sight." He swung his newspaper open, sitting back down on his stool. "Don't you dare come crawling for the money." He spoke, not looking up from the newspaper. The hostess was already gone.

Kit BOT 22-Nov-21 12:40 PM

Kit cussed as he took the steps up chastising himself for opening his mouth as he repacked his few things. *just because she has the same name and looked like her a bit doesn't mean you fucking talk, kit." He growled at himself and heaved his bag over his shoulder. Learning experience considering how much money he had lost of it. He kept his bracelet in a fist as he left the building, content he had at least had a bath before fucking it up for himself.

Narrator BOT 22-Nov-21 12:47 PM

As Kit had headed up for his room, something strange occurred. Coming from the room next to him, a faint knocking sound could be heared, together with an even lower muffled screaming.

Kit BOT 22-Nov-21 12:49 PM

he paused, disliking the tone. His fingers drifted to his belt then cursed, his gun and knife being in his room. Its probably fine he reassured but waited.

Narrator BOT 22-Nov-21 12:51 PM

It didn't sound fine. The same sounds continued on. The knocking got a little louder but then. Thud, thud, thud. Someone was struggling in that room, according to the sounds he was hearing.

Kit BOT 22-Nov-21 12:55 PM

he grit his teeth then decided, fuck it. He was never coming back. He slammed his boot into the latch of the door, and slammed it open with a shoulder as the lock broke open. He winced at the aching pain and quickly surveyed.

Narrator BOT 22-Nov-21 01:01 PM

Inside the room was a dim candle lit. Not much light, but enough to see a confusing scene. A man was tied to the bed he laid in. Hands knotted firmly with what seemed to be stockings. His eyes covered by a blindfold and his mouth stuffed with a sock. He was bare chested, but still wore his pants, kicking up with his legs to lift the bed and creating the loud sounds he Kit heard, as well as his screams into the fabric. He had a bad bruise on his head, blood already having dried out in his hair.

Kit BOT 22-Nov-21 01:04 PM

"Jesus bloody..." he blinked confused but quickly fought with the ties after yanking the sock from his mouth. "What the hell happened?" He asked, tearing the stockings in an attempt to free his hands.

Jehu Gillcrest BOT 29-Nov-21 10:59 AM

Being tied up and practically robbed of all his money, Jehu was furious. The first thing that came out of his mouth once the sock was pulled from his mouth was. “CHAROLETTE! YOU STUPID BITCH I’M GOING TO UNLOAD ON YOU!” His voice had been full of rage, before a loud sigh came from his lips. The man’s head was thumping, as if someone repeatedly jumped on it, and there had been dried blood in his hair, and a large bruise on his head, with more to be revealed. There was also a multitude of bruises and cuts along his stomach and chest, and the blonde haired male was craving to kill the woman who did this to him. Jehu didn’t even bother to pay thanks to Kit, watching as he struggled with the stockings, pulling his wrists to help free himself. “Thank you kindly…” Jehu mumbled after a few moments, finally thanking the man. @Vampire-Nerd

Kit BOT 29-Nov-21 04:57 PM

"Calm down. You've got a massive wound." Kit tried to keep him from straining himself and was promptly ignored. He nodded acknowledging the thanks. "So... robbed I'm guessin?" He wet a cloth in the basin and rung it out, offering it over to clean up the man's head wound. He didnt know why he was bothering. Not like it was his business, but what else was he to do. He had no leads and no where to really go...