FP-S0: Introductions

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September, 1923: Between semesters, Dr. William Baker got ‘the itch’. So many dinosaur discoveries being reported. As head of the department (started in 1907) and senior Paleontologist at the University of Cincinnati, Ohio, he decided to review some of their own museum finds that were still unlabeled. Most interesting was the single bone that deserved closer inspection. The label only said, “sold by a farmer from northeastern, SD near West Haven. Borders Tri-State Indian Reservation.”

October, 1923: So he gathered his team. They left the University on October 2nd, 1923 on what they imagined would be a rather simple dig. Ten-days later (Oct. 12) Dr Baker contacted the university explaining that his initial digs had yielded some remarkable finds and that they should send more students and paleontologists, maybe a journalist from the school. “And someone from the Archaeology Dept.”


Joanne Smythe, Dr. Baker’s personal secretary back at CU, contacted Professor Hall, the next man up. “Here’s a telegram from Dr. Baker with your instructions.” Including Prof Coppersmith was a non-brainer given his youth and impressive field work. An Archaeologist? Dr. Wrathmore would be a good addition given his calm demeanor and devoted work. His students like him. Which will come in handy considering the 2 students joining the team. For it turned out, Dr. Pete Garfield, professor of Biology, was unavailable per ongoing projects. So, he submitted his star pupil, Byron Phillips to represent the department. And finally, young Mr. Zundel with his camera and notepad to document all. And it seemed the 2 students hit-it-off, apparently already knowing each other. [Marcus’ campus article highlighted some of Byron’s accomplishments. After filtering out oh so many private affairs, his partying, and host of college-girls fawning over him. Surprisingly some actual Biology accomplishments (besides studying the female anatomy).] 


Professor Hall briefed his team, “We’ll leave Friday 19th, per train to northeast SD. Should arrive Saturday 20th. Hopefully we can get wrapped up before the snow and freeze. Pack appropriately. Here’s a map to give you an idea of the area.”

PC Player

Character

Field

Bill Riggle

44yo, Prof. Clive Hall

Paleontology

Jon Hook

34yo, Prof James Coppersmith

Paleontology

Harish Rao  

30yo, Dr Harold Wrathmore

Archaeology

Josh Harwood

21yo, Byron Phillips

Biology/Literature Student

David Gassaway

19yo, Marcus Zundel

Student Journalist

The Original Team:

Dr. William Baker, head of the department. Older man, brilliant, affable. Still has a bit of that child-like wonder that makes him a pleasure to work with.

Dr. John Tucker, a funny man, the youngest of the bunch but still a very competent paleontologist.

Dr. Eugene Stewart, very opinionated and serious. Sometimes cantankerous. Thinks that Dr. Lynch’s theories are rubbish. They argue climate change versus disease killing the dinosaurs.

Dr. George Lynch, somewhat somber and serious. Deeply interested in fossils, but not very interactive.

Victoria Winters, Dr. Baker’s field assistant and team organizer. A matronly woman but also a strong willed person. Adventuresome.

Henry Bates, Geology Student – Junior class

Clara Potter, Paleontology student – senior class

            Martin Butcher, Paleontology Student – Senior class 

NEXT SESSION: https://rigglefp.blogspot.com/2020/10/fp-s1-did-they-forget-about-us.html


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