In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 55):

While they rest, Earnest casts a more discerning eye to the clouds, using what he knows of weather science to assess the clouds.

09:54, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 27,15 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+8+8+3)27,(6+6+3)15.  Science: assess weather.

OOC: Dang! Earnest may be able to predict it to the minute with that roll!

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 56):

Ringgenberg studies the clouds while the men rest. The professor uses his learnings in various ways on the frontier, although his scientific training seems the least prominent.

Fortunately, at this moment, the professor remembers some reading from his university days. An essay about the "modifications of clouds," he recalls, perhaps by a scientist named Howard. These clouds look like cumulonimbus thunder heads, ominous clouds created by hot summer updrafts in this region of the West. These clouds can bring ferocious rains, lasting minutes or hours.

By the looks of these clouds, which are rolling by in waves, Earnest believes it could be like this all day. He reckons there's a fifty-fifty chance it will rain in this immediate area of the canyon sometime in the next hour or so. Almost certainly it's raining somewhere in the canyon area right now. He can smell it.

What he can't say for certain is whether the rain will fall in the next five minutes, or the next five hours. He advises the men of his thoughts, having checked his watch after the first ten minutes of the pause in their travel.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 57):

After listening to the Professor Tommy replies

"Well then I guess we oughta give it a try...I don't know what it looks like up ahead..if it gets rough we'll just have to come back or hunker down in place"

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OOC - What time is it for the pards?  Is it mid-afternoon or later?

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 58):

OOC: No, it's still in the morning, say 10 a.m.. The heroes broke camp not long after daylight and have spent roughly two hours climbing, walking and now resting. Although it's slow going because of the terrain, the characters haven't really traveled very far.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 58):

“I agree with Mister Pearce. If it’s certainly going to rain at some point, I think that it’s best for us to try now, while it isn’t raining.”

Tracy was glad to have a reason to press on; he wanted desperately to reach the hideout. After months of waiting to return, he was itching to finally discover what the caves contained.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 60):

"Waal, if'n w're gonna play out the hand, we'd best git a wiggle on," the Texican muttered.

"Good work, Perfesser," he added, with a nod to the easterner. "I reckon that readin' all them books o' yourn is good for sumpthin', after all."

"We'll foller yer lead, Mister Windham."

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 61):

Earnest rises with a grin towards Jake.

Thanks Jake, glad to know it wasn't wasted time!

He takes up his previous position in line.

Remember to sneak a look around the last bend Tracy... Tommy, be prepared... the ledge is sturdy, but the drop looks intimidating.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 62):

Tracy leads the men onward. Just as the Professor said, he steals a glance around the final bend for any possible adversaries.

OOC:

14:09, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 2,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4.  Notice, look around corner.

14:11, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 5,13 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,(6+6+1)13.  Stealth, remaining unseen during Notice.

I went ahead and rolled Stealth too, as it seemed relevant.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 63):

"Thanks professor, I'll take it slow and steady"

As the group form up and start to move Tommy looks back the way they came and makes another check for any signs of being followed
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OOC - 18:34, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 12,3 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (6+4)10,1.  Notice roll - check behind group.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 63) and Tommy Pearce (msg # 64):

Taking precautions before the men ascend to the ledge, Windham and Pearce scan the area around them. The Irishman focuses his attention to the rear, ensuring no one follows the group. His opinion hasn't changed. If someone is following them, Tommy reckons that body must be an expert at remaining unseen.

Windham hoists himself up from the boulder to the ledge and takes the first few steps, noiselessly. He finds himself in a precarious position, just as Jake experienced a couple of months ago when he went first up to the ledge. The investigator's back is now against a canyon wall and in front of him ain’t nothing but air. The Californian, who has shown his mettle a time or two in these canyons, summons the nerve to look down. He sees a long drop with few, if any, foliage or sandstone buffers to break the fall along the way.

Having done this before, Tracy begins to slide along the ledge, slowly. Jake and Earnest follow, pulling themselves up and onto the ledge. Going last, Tommy's stomach does a quick somersault when he takes his first two steps and the canyon opens up before the Irishman's eyes. Pearce sees his pards inching their way along the ledge. Nothin' to do except follow or go home, he figures.

OOC: Around the corner is premature if Tracy meant the part of the ledge where they have to make the jump across the gap to the hideout. The Judge knows it's been a while since the players experienced this, not nearly as long for the characters. I hope the narrative above smooths that—nothing wrong with the rolls for Stealth or Notice, the Judge simply interpreted those rolls in context of the current situation.

At this time, everyone needs to make a Spirit roll for travel along the ledge. All except Tommy get +2 because they have done this before.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 65):

~Din't like this place the first time, an' it ain't gotten no better,~ the Texican thought to himself. ~Leastways, I done it afore -- we all did. Gotta be worse for Irish, since he ain't been here afore.~

With that thought in mind, Jake turned to Mister Pearce. "It looks worse than it is," he assured his pard.

"We all done it afore, an' we're here to tell about it -- waal, 'cept for one of us who went this waey the first tieme, an' he din't fall -- lead poisonin' got him."

"Just take it slow, keep your head, an' slide your feet. You'll do fine."

---

OOC:
17:23, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 5,5 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 3,3.  Spirit Check (+2): The Ledge.

Notes:  Not great, but hopefully good enough. Would have had to burn a benny without the +2.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 66):

As he begins to slide out along the ledge Tommy thinks
~ I'm a chancer alright..but this is not exactly the type of chance I normally like to take~

Jake's words help him focus. "Gotcha, Jake! My feet will not leave the ground and my back won't leave this wall"

As they slide along he can't help himself and he glances down into the abyss just inches from his toes. As he quickly returns his focus to the Professor's shoulder next to him he thinks to himself   ~All-in-all if I gotta go I think I'd prefer that to lead poisoning~
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OOC- 18:36, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 7,9 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,(6+3)9.  Spirit roll - sliding along ledge .
This message was last edited by the player at 23:39, Thu 17 Dec 2020.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 67):

Earnest moves slowly but deliberately.

Exactly as Jake said Tommy, slow and steady!

16:56, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 6,4 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,2.  Spirit - Travel on ledge.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 65):

Seeing the long drop below the ledge, Tracy’s pulse quickens with fear and excitement. He had felt this way many times before. His mind briefly flashes back to his childhood, when he leapt off the ledge to escape the two older boys that had chased him. He shakes off the memory as he lifts his head back up and continues his slide along the rock face.

OOC:

Definitely a case of the player (me) not remembering the surroundings, Judge. Thanks for smoothing it out.

15:12, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 6,7 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,5.  Spirit, ledge.

Offering each other encouraging words as they go, the four heroes continue traversing the ledge, slowly but surely. Although the threat of a mis-step looms in their minds, so far all of the men keep their wits about them. The ledge widens and narrows frequently.

Windham estimates they are roughly halfway to the gap. Although he had mis-remembered the length of the ledge -- perhaps he had put the harrowing memory out of his mind without realizing it -- the investigator recalls more and more as they plod along.

Not far ahead is the bend that keeps them blind to the gap ahead. He thinks it was the slimmest stretch of the ledge. Once they round that turn, the ledge will widen and they'll be able to see the gap and the mesa on the other side.

A few minutes later, all four of the men feel the wind whip up and the temperature drop, noticeably. The draft originates from overhead, flowing west. For a moment, it feels like they will be swept along with it, pulled away from the canyon wall. At least it's not blowing directly into their faces. Earnest smells rain again; it's quite near he thinks. Sure enough, after another minute or so, a light rain sprays across from over the rocky crags overhead. The sound of the raindrops hums rhythmically. Unfortunately, the professor was right. The rain was close and now it has started. Nothing for it but to continue.

With the rain coming down harder after another several minutes, Windham reaches the bend. He glances around it and sees the gap. It looks different than he remembers. Wiping the rain from his face, the Californian focuses, seeing what looks like a number of rocks, crates and other refuse blocking the landing area across the gap. He sees no signs of people on the mesa. Perhaps the professor's obsession about traps wasn't just his imagination, after all.

The rain grows louder around in the canyon. It is about to pour down. Tracy draws a quick conclusion: they need to get across now, or they might never. He proceeds a few steps so the others can round the bend and take stock of the situation. Time to act.

------------------------------

OOC: We are going to do a Dramatic Task p122. The men need to earn 12 task tokens in 3 rounds to move quickly and make the jump across, despite the rain and the obstacles at the gap, before the storm brings real danger. There's a cave they can seek shelter in once they reach the mesa, but they need to get off this ledge and across the gap ASAP.

The Judge will deal action cards as usual, and the heroes can make rolls as they choose each round, attempting to accumulate task tokens with successes and raises towards the goal of 12 for the group. If you earn 12 in 3 rounds, you make it. If you don't you fail -- and the Judge will provide a narrative for the failure.

At least one roll per character must be Athletics. One must be Notice. The characters can make any other skill checks they desire. Remember that you can take Multi-Actions (with the usual -2 penalty). Likewise, you can choose to spend your action(s) Supporting someone else, but it must be in action order and logical for the task. Support doesn't count for a token, but it can help someone else earn a token. Either or neither may be a good strategy; the Judge simply wants to be clear on the mechanics and provide things to consider. You can use Bennies to reroll, as always, except for Critical Failures.

First round action order:
Earnest - Five Diamonds, Fourth
Jake - Seven Hearts, Two Hearts, Third
Tommy - Ten Hearts, Six Clubs, First
Tracy - Eight Hearts, Second

The Judge needs to update the group 4 map ... but it is still useful as is. Ignore the various hero and YBB tokens, they are all from the previous battle. Focus on the area to the far right of the map where the gap is. The players are at the bend just above the cow skull and the 'North' indicator. There is enough room to pass by a man ahead of you, if desired. Doing so simply uses a little extra movement. Tracy is roughly 30 feet from gap, at the front of the line. Tommy is about 10 feet behind, with the professor and Jake in between.

It is Tommy's turn. Remember, you are trying to succeed (getting a raise even better) at skill checks to accumulate 12 tokens in 3 rounds. Please provide narrative description for your turn's actions, and any skill check(s) or Support as well.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:28, Sat 19 Dec 2020.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 70):

OOC: Tommy is now on Hold. It is Tracy's turn. Tommy may go whenever he chooses, per usual Hold rules.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 71):

Seeing the debris scattered across the area past the gap, the investigator refocuses, looking for any space wide enough to land or else another way to make the leap more easily.

~We’ve got one shot at this— we’ve got to make it count,~ he thinks.

He addresses his friends as he squints his eyes, still peering around the bend. “There’s some debris blocking the landing space.” His voice approaches a shout against the intensifying storm. “I’m going to look for the best way across.”

OOC:

10:34, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 7,7 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,(6+1)7.  Notice, best way across.

Alright, let’s keep the successes going!

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 70):

Tracy has stopped and is looking across the gap. Not having been here before and at the back of the line Tommy is not exactly sure what is up ahead. He sees the gap which had been mentioned previously but can't judge how wide nor see precisely what is on the other side. With the driving rain also obscuring his view Tommy just cannot clearly make out the situation and with the wind and rain clearly picking up in intensity he feels a strong urge to take a look for himself

"Gents, I think I need a closer look...may I"

He gestures to show them he wants to move by and then carefully steps past the Professor and Jake and then Tracy.

With his mechanical instincts perked up he stares toward the opposite side to assess the situation.
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OOC - 10:46, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 3,7 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5.  Notice roll- canyon - dramatic task.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:52, Sun 20 Dec 2020.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 72) and Thomas Pearce (msg # 73)::

Tracy scans the landing on the other side. He suspects it's better to stay close to the canyon wall when leaping across. The debris piled closer to the wall appears a little lower and a little less hardy. He tells his pards the same.

A moment later, Tommy speaks up, moving forward and examining the gap ahead. The mechanic sees that a stream of rainwater is flowing over the edge of the landing on the other side. Best to land as far away from the edge of the mesa as they can, as Tracy suggested. The debris is stacked roughly three feet high by his estimation, a little higher toward the edge and a little less near the wall. Leaping over the debris might be possible, iffin' a body had the mettle to try it.

OOC: That's a success and one token for each of the two heroes ... both just missed a raise for a second token each.

2 earned, 10 remaining.

It is now Jacob's turn.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 16:03, Sun 20 Dec 2020.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 74):

OOC: Jake is now on Hold. It is now Earnest's turn. Jake may take his action for this first round whenever he is ready.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:04, Mon 21 Dec 2020.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 75):

The rising wind and the dropping temperature alerted Jacob as to what was coming before the rain started coming down. "Waal, hell," he muttered. "Watch your footin' -- here it comes," he warned his pards -- probably unnecessarily.

As Mister Windham peered across the gap and Mister Pearce eased by so that he could get a better look, the Texican concentrated on maintaining his balance in the gusting winds, and in not letting that little devil who was whispering in his ear about "Ye'd best hurry along afore it gets any worse" tempt him into moving more quickly than a smart feller should . . .

---

OOC:

16:56, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 4, 6 using d8,d6 with rolls of 4,6.  Athletics: Holding Steady in Wind and Rain.

16:58, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 22 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+6+6+4)22.  Forgot the Re-roll Max: d6.

Total Roll: 28

Notes: I'm pretty sure that with that roll, Jake is doing jumping-jacks and backwards somersaults along the ledge and calling out "Y'all see how easy this is? Ain't nuthin' to it, pards!"

I suppose that I should have made the roll before writing the post -- with that roll, Jake should go ahead and make the jump. Is there room to squeeze past Tracy and Tommy in order to make the jump, or are things bottle-necked up front?

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 75):

While Tracy and Tommy look over the landing area, Earnest looks above them along the cliff face while thinking: ~ Those bandits had to get back this way with all that debris there... I wonder if I can spot how? ~

16:27, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 1,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3.  Notice: Bandits' trick for crossing.
16:28, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 1,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4.  Notice: Bandits' trick for crossing - Benny reroll.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 76):

The Texican braces himself against the wind and rain. While his pards reconnoiter, he figures the best thing he can do is hold steady. As the rain comes down heavier, Richardsen pulls the collar of his duster up. His Winchester is getting soaked.

"Waal, hell," he thinks. "This ain't no time for standin'round."

Uncharacteristically, the rifleman acts rashly. He slings his baby over his shoulder, slides by the other two men, and dashes towards the gap.

Tracy and Tommy can't react. They can't even believe what they're seeing, as the Texican leaps the gap and somehow clears the debris. He even seems to land on his feet, dropping out of their sight for a moment.

For himself, Jake feels his feet land on the earth. His momentum carries him forward but he manages to roll gracefully, ending up on one knee. He hasn't had time to see what might beyond the debris barrier.

OOC: The Judge is glad that Jake decided what he was doing in his post BEFORE he made the roll. That's how it's supposed to work ....

Because Jake got such a high roll, the Judge decided to listen to the dice (roller) and go with the player's idea.

That's 2 more tokens. Remember that you need 12 total tokens to succeed in this task. Jake's post got me thinking: you could all end up on the other side of the gap and still fail this Dramatic Task. The Judge would narrate something appropriate to the circumstances with the weather.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 77):

The professor misses Jake's leap of faith. He busies himself with scanning the ledge and the cliff going upwards for some sign of another egress, or some trick to navigate to the mesa.

Earnest must conclude, as he hears a gasp from his pards, that there is no other such trick. At least that he can spot in the now driving rain. They must go this way.

OOC: That's good, creative use of a skill during a Dramatic Task. Even though he doesn't find anything, it's still useful as Earnest is convinced they must get across just like their friend Jake has unexpectedly done.

That's 5 tokens earned, 7 to go. See the reply to Jake above re: needing 12 to succeed.

Second round action order:
Earnest - Queen Hearts, Second
Jake - Queen Spades, Four Diamonds, First
Tommy - Five Spades, Six Spades, Fourth
Tracy - Nine Diamonds, Third

Hmmm, no clubs. Pearce got one last time but made no sense to use that card. Lucky you.

It is Jake's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 79):

"Yaaahoo!" Jake shouted as he landed -- his exclamation consisting of equal parts of excitement and relief.

He was grateful for Mister Windham's and Mister Pearce's advice about where best to land on the mesa -- it would have been pure aggravation to have made the jump but to have been unable to clear the barricade, or to have landed in the water near the edge and had his feet fly out from under him.

"Lemme take a quick look an' make sure there ain't no unseen sir-prises a-waitin' for us over here, an' then I'll start movin' some of these crates an' rocks out've y'all's waey.

---

OOC: 20:32, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 4,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,3.  Notice Roll: Checking for Threats