Hail to the King, Baby

John Henry
Railroad Worker

by Rob Vaux and John Wick

(Calling John Henry a "railroad worker" is like calling the Eiffel Tower a TV antenna.)

Dexterity: 11 Melee Weapons - Hammers 16 (be afraid) Strength: 17 Toughness: 17 (treat these as "Super Attributes" from the Nile Empire Sourcebook) Perception: 9 Mind: 9 Willpower: 12 Charisma: 9 Spirit: 12 Faith 14, Focus 12 Possibilities: 10

Equipment: Overalls, workboots, sledgehammers.

Quote: "You asked why I'm here. I'll tell you why I'm here. I'm here to prove to you folks that there ain't nothin' a li'l determination and faith can't do. Trust me, I know."

One night in the middle of the Missouri marshland, Elvis was singing an old folk song to a little boy whose parents had disappeared into the Living Land. The folk song told the story of John Henry, the Big Man Who Beat The Machine, and out of the darkness the Man appeared. He was as big as a bear, was wide as a Texas sky and he was carrying two sledgehammers, each bigger than Davy Crockett's head.

Ever since that night, John Henry has been riding with the King, He doesn't talk, much, but when he does his voice is low and harmonic. He sings most of the time: always old railway songs and gospel melodies, something that makes the King smile. Most of his, activities have consisted of helping various communities with construction projects, and he has gone a long way towards restoring the nation's railroad network. Many eidenos have crossed his path, and none have lived long enough to regret it.

John rides alongside the King in a big blue rusty Ford pickup truck. His bald head and inhumanely huge muscles seem constantly bathed in a sheen of sweat. He wears a pair of denim overalls and workboots, and his hammers are either carried in each hand or strapped across his back.

Hail to the King, Baby

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