The Cocodrilas of Alamosa fulfill a variety of roles. They are midwives, healers, matchmakers, and fortunetellers. They also claim ownership of all guns in the San Luis Valley. An individual wishing to possess a gun must petition the Cocodrilas. Upon that individual’s death—or earlier should the Cocodrilas so chose—the gun returns to the sisterhood.
Over the decades, the oldworld weapons have been customized and illuminated. With each successive owner, the firearms gain fame and infamy. Some have even been ascribed magical powers, like the sword Excalibur.
Manny’s rifle is named Sundance. There is a sun on either side of the butt, and three feathers hang from the end. Its previous owners were explorers; people who ventured beyond the protection of the valley during the Long Winter and returned to tell the tale.
