Stuff –

Town: Armadillo
Temperature: High – 95, Low – 52
Appropriate Clothing: Warm weather attire during the day, average or warm weather attire at night.
Fish & Game: Misc small fish, trout, pronghorns, rabbits, armadillos, rattlesnakes, vultures, raccoons, skunks, coyotes, and cougars
Herbs: Wild feverfew, red sage
Danger level: Moderately low. This region is largely devoid of anything useful to most travelers and as such most travelers in the region are on there way somewhere else. While one should always be on their guard around strangers, Cholla Springs is relatively safe.

Armadillo

The town of Armadillo had the good fortune of the Southwestern Railroad Company choosing Armadillo as its New Austin hub. However, it had the misfortune of a devastating cholera outbreak. An infectious disease spread through infected water and food, the “Blue Death” has brought Armadillo to its knees. The skeletal remains of the town hint at the vibrant life Armadillo would have offered had their water and food supply remained clean. Now the only liquid safe to drink is the beer and whiskey served at the saloon, which remains in business.

Aside from the saloon one of the only other businesses still open to travelers is the general store ran by Herbert Moon, the first citizen of Armadillo. While most of the residents are sickly and weak, Mr. Moon is in vigorous health. Does he have a secret that has kept him healthy? “If I did, I’d sell it!” was his reply when asked. Perhaps his good health is simply good luck.

To the the south east of Armadillo one will find the abandoned church, Coots Chapel. Once serving the town of Armadillo weekly, the church now sits in a state of disrepair. While some may still find peace on the churches ground, those dying in despair in Armadillo have lost their faith. In the time of their greatest need, God has abandoned them.

The graveyard on the church grounds is now maintained by the undertaker, who is busier now than any time he can remember. Though he does not serve travelers passing through town – dying locals take up all of his time – he does often require the help of travelers when his wagon is stolen by bandits. However, he does not like talking to strangers much, so see Bonnie MacFarlane in Hennigan’s Stead to inquire about any work the undertaker may have.

Ridgewood Farm

A small farm offering work for former miners out of Tumbleweed, Ridgewood Farm is growing rapidly. The main road through New Austin cuts right through the farm, which enables quick movement of goods and plenty of potential customers passing through. While they do not sell directly, they are happy to direct travelers to the stables in Tumbleweed and to ask for the Ridgewood horses. However, if Tumbleweed continues to decline the owner of Ridgewood Farm says he’ll be happy to sell directly and offer a place for locals to gather.

Lake Don Julio

Lake Don Julio offers a wet reprieve in the middle of a dry desert. The lake offers decent fishing while your let your horse have a rest and some fresh water. Travelers who prefer dangerous work of questionable legal nature should explore the west coast of the lake. You may find someone with work that needs doing.

Oddfellow’s Rest

A somber place of remembrance and reflection. In the middle of nowhere – between two towns in fact – is a cemetery called Oddfellow’s Rest. This is not pauper’s grave, however. Explore the cemetery and see the tombstones which mark the graves and it is obvious the deceased were loved. So why bury the dead so far away?

The Hanging Rock

It is said that the west is a wild place and that frontier justice is harsh. If you want to feel the spirit of frontier justice look no further than the Hanging Rock, so named for the nearby tree used to hang criminals. It is likely that less criminals found their end here than is claimed, but it is a place of eerie ambience all the same. If you stay real quiet and listen carefully, you may hear the whispers of those swung from the Hanging Rock tree. Or perhaps it’s just the wind. You listen. You decide.

Rattlesnake Hollow

An amusing natural formation to explore. The caves do not run deep, appearing to have had a few cave ins over the years. But be weary, new paths could reveal themselves right beneath your feet. Short of that, a rattlesnake could bring an embarrassing end to the overconfident explorer.

Rio del Lobo

New Austin’s desert landscape is not short of amazing vistas. The Rio del Lobo has long been dry. But some say that it was once a powerful river that flowed into the San Luis River, but is now a canyon. Plenty of game traverse the area making it a great place to hunt while taking in the view. Head down to the San Luis River to catch a few fish, including trout.

Riley’s Charge

An abandoned military encampment with leftover artillery can be found west of Lake Don Julio. Exactly what happened here is unknown. Given that much of the equipment was left behind, the defenders likely left in a hurry. However, the equipment was left behind by the attackers as well, so they were either unable to hold on to their gains or were uninterested in the armaments. What is left behind is a puzzle waiting for explorers to put together.