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Additionally, his Charm stat had increased from 4 to 5, which was a pleasant surprise. Caleb assumed this boost was due to his ability to navigate the conversation with Dutch and the gang, managing to convince them of his sincerity and usefulness. The upgrade to his Charm stat was particularly significant to Caleb.
While improving his combat skills was important, increasing his charm meant he could better influence others, build relationships, and navigate social situations, skills that were crucial for his long term plans with the Van der Linde gang.
He couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. The gang was proving to be his lucky charm in this world. Since meeting them, he had gained the Map Function, unlocked new skills, leveled up his combat abilities, and now even improved his charm. Despite the bruises and aches from the brawl, Caleb felt a surge of optimism.
As Caleb basked in his small victory, he doesn't know that Arthur and the rest of the gang gathered near Valentine's stable, just to the left of the cluster of camps, where They were deep in conversation talking about some topics they can't talk when Caleb was present.
But even if Caleb wasn't present, the conversation they have was something Caleb will already knew about from the game.
"I went to Blackwater to look for you all, gentlemen," Trelawny said, his tone theatrical yet serious. "And you're not very popular there, it seems."
Dutch nodded, his expression grim. "You're right. We ain't too popular back in Blackwater."
Arthur, still holding his jaw where Tommy had landed a punch, chimed in, while pointing at Trelawney. "We left a lot of money there."
Trelawny raised a finger, as if to emphasize his next point. "And young Sean, it seems."
Dutch's eyes widened at the mention of Sean. "Sean? You've found him?"
Trelawny nodded. "Yes, I have. He's being held by a group of bounty hunters who are trying to see how much money the government will pay for him. I know he's in Blackwater, but there's talk of them moving him soon."
Arthur winced, both from the pain in his jaw and the gravity of the situation. "If we step foot in Blackwater… we're dead men for sure."
Dutch's expression darkened. "There'll be Pinkertons all over the place. But if he's alive, we gotta try."
Arthur nodded in agreement. "Yeah, of course."
Trelawny turned to Dutch, his tone cautious. "It's you they want, Dutch."
Dutch smirked, though there was no humor in it. "Always is."
The gang leader then turned his attention toward the alley where Caleb was previously, who he seen heading north, maybe to the doctor. "This might be a good task to enlist young Mr. Thorne help," Dutch said, his voice carrying a note of authority.
The group was visibly surprised by Dutch's suggestion. Arthur, as the voice of reason and much more brave, spoke up. "Really, Dutch? Asking him to join our endeavors is one thing, but enlisting his help to rescue Sean? Is it really a good idea?"
Dutch's gaze softened as he looked at Arthur. "He's just like you when I first met you, Arthur. And John. And Lenny. When I found you all, you were young, alone, and in need of guidance. I feel the same about Mr. Thorne. Such a young man shouldn't be left to fend for himself in a world like this, especially if he was very far from home."
Arthur hesitated, his skepticism evident, but he didn't argue further. The others, too, seemed to accept Dutch's decision, though Dutch could sense their reservations. Dutch's charisma and leadership were undeniable, and the gang trusted his judgment, for now.
Dutch clapped his hands, signaling the end of the discussion. "Alright, here's the plan. Charles, I want you to find out what you can about Sean's location and the bounty hunters holding him. Be very careful."
Charles nodded, his expression serious. "Understood." After that, Charles immediately went away to do his task.
Dutch then turned to Trelawny. "Josiah, take Javier with you. See if you can gather any more information about the bounty hunters and their movements."
Trelawny tipped his hat. "Consider it done." Trelawney takes Javier, leaving the group.
Finally, Dutch addressed Arthur. "Arthur, I want you to find out more about Caleb Thorne here in Valentine. Discreetly, of course. Then ask young Mr. Thorne if he wanted to join you or not, once you're done, join Charles, Javier, and Trelawny when you're ready."
Arthur gave a reluctant nod. "Alright, Dutch."
As Dutch finished giving out his order, Bill stepped forward, looking confused. "Well, what about me?"
Dutch raised an eyebrow, a confused and angry tone on his voice. "Well, exactly. What about you?"
Bill blinked, clearly flustered. "W-what does that mean?"
Dutch sigh, clapping Bill on the shoulder. "Ah, Bill. Come on, follow me back to camp."
Back to Caleb, just as Dutch had observed, he was heading up the main street toward the doctor's office. The bruises from the brawl were throbbing, and Caleb wanted to buy some medicine to alleviate the pain. He was also curious about the variety of medical supplies available in this time period.
In the game, he remembered there being only a few options like health cures, snake oil, bitters, and chewing tobacco. He wondered if the doctor's office in Valentine might have more to offer.
As he entered the doctor's office, the familiar scent of herbs and antiseptics filled the air. Behind the counter stood Ben Calloway, the town's doctor, whom the locals affectionately called Doc Calloway. The man looked up from his work and greeted Caleb with a warm smile.
"Welcome, Mr. Thorne," Doc Calloway said, his voice friendly. "I've heard a lot of good things about you. Word around town is that you've been a hero for our ranchers. As a token of appreciation, I'll give you the best treatment and medicine available."
Caleb smiled, feeling a small pang of guilt. He remembered the O'Driscolls he had killed in the doctor's backroom during his earlier days in Valentine.
In the game, Arthur's actions had implicated Doc Calloway, leading to him being questioned by the sheriff, ad maybe even extorted. But here, no one knew it was Caleb who had taken out the O'Driscolls. Seeing Doc Calloway happy and thriving, rather than depressed and extorted, eased Caleb's conscience.
"Thank you, Doc," Caleb said, his tone sincere. "I appreciate the kindness."
Doc Calloway nodded, his expression professional but kind. "Now, what can I do for you today?"
Caleb explained his needs. "I've got some bruises from a recent… altercation. I'm looking for ointments and tonics to help with the pain. I'd also like to stock up on some basic medical supplies, bandages, elixirs, anything that might come in handy. Oh, and some horse medicine, if you have it."
Doc Calloway's eyes lit up. "Ah, a man who likes to be prepared. I like that. Let me see what I've got for you."
The doctor moved around the shop, gathering items and placing them on the counter. He listed each item and its price as he went:
- 2 Bruise ointment: $5.00
- 3 Pain relief tonic: $8.50
- 6 Health cure elixir: $12.00
- 3 Snake oil: $6.00
- 2 Bitters: $4.50
- *Bandages (pack of 10): $7.00
- Horse medicine: $3.57
"That brings your total to $46.57," Doc Calloway said, tallying up the prices. "But since you've been such a help to the town, I'll give you a discount. Let's call it $40 even."
Caleb nodded, appreciating the gesture. "Thank you, Doc. That's very generous of you."
He handed over the money and began packing the supplies into his satchel. As he did, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction.
These supplies would come in handy, especially if he was going to be involved in the gang's activities. The horse medicine, in particular, would be useful for Morgan, who had been his steadfast companion since he arrived in this world.
As Caleb finished packing, Doc Calloway leaned on the counter, his expression thoughtful. "You know, Mr. Thorne, it's not often we get newcomers who make such a positive impact on the town. You've got a good heart. Just be careful out there. Valentine can be a rough place."
Caleb met the doctor's gaze, nodding solemnly. "I'll keep that in mind, Doc. Thanks again for the help."
With his supplies secured, Caleb left the doctor's office and stepped back onto the bustling streets of Valentine. The town was alive with activity, ranchers talking and haggling over livestock, children playing in the dirt, and townsfolk going about their daily routines.
As he walked toward the Saloon to put his belongings on Morgan, Caleb's mind turned to the task ahead. Dutch had hinted at involving him in some of the endeavors of the gang and even if they can't takes about it to his face, he knew that the next mission of the gang was to rescue Sean, and Caleb knew this was his chance to prove himself to the gang.
He knew the risks, the area of Blackwater and it's state was crawling with Pinkertons and bounty hunters, and stepping foot there was a death sentence for anyone associated with the Van der Linde gang. But Caleb was determined. He had a plan, and he was ready to see it through.
Caleb didn't know when the gang would start the mission to rescue Sean. In the game, Arthur could initiate the mission whenever he wanted, but here, Caleb had no control over the timeline.
He realized he might have to stay in Valentine for a while longer, even though he had plans to explore and open up more areas on the map. His initial plan was to take a coach from Valentine to Strawberry and then from Strawberry to Emerald Ranch, with Morgan following behind.
Emerald Ranch was a place Caleb wanted to investigate. He remembered the rustlers' problem that Jed and Tom told him about, and thought he could solve it, earning some money and reputation in the process.
He also wanted to meet Seamus, the fence Arthur and Hosea had partnered with in the game. Seamus bought stolen wagons for $20 to $40, and Caleb saw this as a lucrative opportunity. From Seamus, he could also purchase useful items like dynamite, throwing knives, tomahawks, and other tools that a fence typically sold.
But Dutch's offer or rather, his calculated suggestion, to involve Caleb in the gang's endeavors had thrown a wrench in his plans. Caleb wasn't sure if Dutch was genuinely trying to help him or simply using him for his knowledge of Valentine and the surrounding areas.
Dutch was a complicated man, and Caleb knew better than to take his words at face value. Still, he couldn't deny that this was an opportunity to prove himself and gain the gang's trust.
As Caleb pondered his next move, he arrived back at the front of the saloon where Morgan was hitched to the hitching post, and he out the things he have inside Morgan's saddlebag.
He then gave Morgan a treat of oatcake for waiting patiently, patting her affectionately. Nearby, Mr. Douglas and a few hired hands were cleaning up the mess from the earlier brawl. The saloon owner looked up and gave Caleb an angry glare, causing Caleb to smile awkwardly before mounting Morgan and riding toward the butcher stall.
Caleb planned to buy some meat from Old Bob and cook it over a campfire later. But as he approached the butcher stall, he heard shouting coming from behind the hotel.
Curiosity piqued, he guided Morgan toward the commotion. Behind the hotel, he saw two men intimidating and roughing up another man near a tree. Caleb immediately recognized the situation, it was the O'Driscolls collecting a debt, a random encounter from the game.
Caleb dismounted Morgan, thinking this was a chance to make a small profit while also dealing a blow to the O'Driscolls operation and influence here in Valentine. He approached the scene, his hand resting on the hilt of his knife. One of the O'Driscolls had the man pinned against the tree, his left hand gripping the man's shirt while his right hand delivered a punch to the gut.
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Name:Caleb Thorne
Age: 23
Body Attributes:
- Strength: 6/10
- Agility: 6/10
- Perception: 8/10
- Stamina: 6/10
- Charm: 5/10
- Luck: 5/10
Skills:
- Handgun (Lvl 1)
- Rifle (Lvl 1)
- Firearms Knowledge (Lvl 2)
- Past Life Memory (Lvl MAX)
- Knife (Lvl 1)
- Blunt Weapon (Lvl 1)
- Sneaking (Lvl 1)
- Horse Mastery (Lvl 1)
- Poker (Lvl 1)
- Hand to Hand Combat (Lvl 1)
- Eagle Eye (Lvl 1)
- Dead Eye (Lvl 1)
Money: 151 dollars and 94 cents
Bank: 40 dollars, 2 gold bars, and a large bag of jewelry