IHMN: The Americans in the War of the Witches, Part 1

 "The health of a democratic society may be measured by the quality of functions performed by private citizens."  Alexis de Tocqueville  Photo: Teddy Roosevelt looking for the missing Professor Challenger, Library of Congress #395847USC5.

1. Teddy Roosevelt and Friends. The adventuring company that is always changing but has one thing in common - the American adventurer Theodore Roosevelt, Jr.

Roosevelt's first African expedition to the lost Roman outpost of Castellum Dimmidi in 1890 and the discovery of the horror of the Witch King of Sokar.

Roosevelt was born a sickly child with debilitating asthma, but he overcame his physical health problems by embracing a strenuous lifestyle. He integrated his exuberant personality, vast range of interests, and world-famous achievements into a "cowboy" persona defined by robust masculinity. Home-schooled, he began a lifelong naturalist avocation before attending Harvard College. His book, The Naval War of 1812 (1882), established his reputation as both a learned historian and as a popular writer. After the death of his wife and mother, Roosevelt focused on his work, specifically by re-energizing an investigation prompted by a visit by Randolph Carter, a former student of Miskatonic University that Roosevelt had met while he was visiting Harvard.  What Carter told him passionately made him the nemesis and driving force in the war against the Witch King.

 "Fast is fine, but accuracy is everything", advises Wyatt Earp.  Teddy replies, "No. I'm not a good shot but I shoot often."

After his first encounter with the Witch King, no one in polite society would believe him - so it took members of not so polite society to act.  Roosevelt became fast friends with Professor George Edward Challenger - who then mysteriously disappeared in South America while pursuing a clue about the Witch King's plans.  Fortunately, after his fruitless search for Challenger, Roosevelt met Mr. Sherlock Holmes who immediately deduced the threat to the world. Roosevelt was no ready for the war.

  Roosevelt and Friends assisting Scotland Yard in the Great British Museum Robbery in North Piddle, England. Teddy Roosevelt leads a stalwart band of heroes including Special Agent Thomas Sawyer and Colour Sergeant Bourne.

(Editor's Note: Players who use Teddy Roosevelt in a game must use one Teddy Roosevelt quote per turn.)

2. The US Marshals. You want law and order?  We've got law and order. It is the oldest American federal law enforcement agency and was created by the Judiciary Act of 1789 during the presidency of George Washington. During the settlement of the American Frontier, marshals served as the main source of day-to-day law enforcement in areas that had no local government of their own. U.S. Marshals are instrumental in keeping law and order.

 L to R: Special Agent Thomas Sawyer (on loan to the US Marshal Service), Volunteer Huckleberry Finn, Marshal Wyatt Earp, Marshal Grant Johnson and of course Teddy Roosevelt.

They have been involved in apprehending desperadoes such as Bill Doolin, Ned Christie, and, in 1893, the infamous Dalton Gang after a shoot-out that left Deputy Marshals Ham Hueston, Lafe Shadley, and posse member Dick Speed, dead. Individual deputy marshals have been seen as legendary heroes in the face of rampant lawlessness with Wyatt Earp, Bat Masterson, and Bass Reeves as examples of well-known marshals. They always get their man . . . or witch . . . or gargoyle.

 African-American US Marshal Bass Reeves

 US Marshal Rooster Cogburn

When he’s not staggeringly drunk, Cogburn’s good at what he does, but he’s lost the calling and in fact seems to have lost respect for human life. In the Coen brothers noir Western ‘True Grit’, Jeff Bridges’ plays Rooster Cogburn as an amiable mess of a character; a flawed U.S. deputy marshal, but someone you can rely on and would want by your side in times of trouble . . . especially during the War of the Witches.

 Wyatt Earp: "All right, Mr. Gargoyle ... you called down the thunder, well now you've got it! You see that? (pulls open his coat, revealing a badge) It says United States Marshal! 

Gargoyle: RRROOOAAAARRR!!!!

Wyatt Earp:  You die first, get it? Your friends might get me in a rush, but not before I make your head into a canoe, you understand me? POW POW POW POW KACHING! (That's the noise pistols make when you roll two "10's" and you are shooting using the gunslinger talent.)

Next up:  The New World(s) in the War of the Witches, Part 2

The health of a democratic society may be measured by the quality of functions performed by private citizens.
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/alexis_de_tocqueville_387422

The health of a democratic society may be measured by the quality of functions performed by private citizens.
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/alexis_de_tocqueville_387422

The health of a democratic society may be measured by the quality of functions performed by private citizens.
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/alexis_de_tocqueville_387422

The health of a democratic society may be measured by the quality of functions performed by private citizens.
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/alexis_de_tocqueville_387422