Jacob had pulled his feet down off the window-sill, and was now standing. Secure in the knowledge that his feet now smelled evening-breeze fresh, he had not, however, stepped back into his boots.

He listened as his pards discussed the idea of Eirish carrying message to Grafton, including wondering what the message should say.

Scratching his chin-whiskers thoughtfully, the Texican mused "What if'n we was to let on that some uhv the Legion was spotted comin' accrost the river, up from Mex-icoe? If'n these hard-cases are truly dee-serters wishin' to staey clear uhv them that might hang them, we might can tell that from their ree-ackshunn."

"On the other hand," Jake added, "if'n they seem ihn-clined to reach out an' maeke con-tact with them that's suh-possedly comin' accrost the river . . . waal, that'd be a-tellin' us sumpthin' diff'rent."

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 662):

Earnest winces as he pokes at the wound then nods at Jake.

That seems like an excellent idea Jake! It could be very telling! Daniel, you said you know of an overlook where we could keep an eye on Tommy as he enters town?

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 663):

"There are few places, professor. Depends how close we want to be. Perhaps close enough to ride in if things go awry?"

In reply to Daniel Knight (msg # 664):

Tracy nods enthusiastically at the Texican's suggestion, a stronger reaction than normally elicited from the investigator. "I think that's brilliant, Jake."

Then, Windham turns to Daniel. "Yes, that would be best. How far away is the closest spot?"

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 665):

Padre agrees with the Pards. Mr Richardsen and Mr Pearce had been concocting well.

Even if it didn't clear them out it may cause them to send a couple of 'em to scout it out.

Padre rubbed his whiskered chin and twiddled his chained cross in his fingers.

Yes... This is a great idea..

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 666):

Earnest finishes his wound tending and cleans his hands.

Let me see the message Harlay gave you please Tommy... and one of the blank sheets.

OOC: Earnest will craft a message using Harlay's style informing Taylor that a squad of French Legionnaires were observed crossing the Virgin River between Rockville and Springdale... Do I need to roll anything?

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 667):

OOC: Yes, make a roll for Academics. Glad to see everyone chiming in. After the professor's roll, you all need to confirm the time of your departure, based on Daniel's next post.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 665):

Daniel continues to listen to the other men, nodding when Windham asks his question.

"If we head out before daybreak, I believe we can reach a ravine that will hide us roughly 50 yards away. That is, we can reach that spot without being seen by any sort of patrol."

OOC: It will take 2 rounds to travel 50 yards on horseback.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 668):

Here's the roll:
06:47, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 1,8 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,(6+2)8.  Academics - Prepare "telegram".

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 670):
"Spot on Jake!...that's exactly the type of thing I was hoping for"
Tommy removes the two slips of offical message paper from his interior vest pocket and hands them to Earnest
"Here you go Professor, best I think if you keep the second one safe and at the ready in case we need another message to be fabricated"
Tommy goes about preparing himself to impersonate a messenger. He carries only his Webley revolver and sheds his bandolier. Swapping his Australian outback hat in favor of a more American style one he borrows from the kindly matron who offers him one left behind by an earlier guest. "I think maybe I should also switch horses? he asks aloud ...just in case I run into that rascal who got away and he recognizes it"

In reply to Daniel Knight (msg # 669):

"That'll give me tieme to get my boots on," the Texican replied to Daniel with a nod.

"I'll be ready."

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 672):

Probably a good precaution Tommy... you can take Sweet Pea if you like?

Earnest finishes cleaning up and checks his bandages once again, then finds a place to settle in for some shuteye. He pauses when Jake comments, replying with a grin.

None too soon for getting your feet covered Jake!

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 673):

"Just before daybreak sounds good to me."

~Something tells me we'll find Red Shirt there somehow,~ Tracy thinks to himself with a smirk.

“Thanks Earnest, Sweet Pea  lovely II’ll take good care of her”

Looking back at Daniel
“I’m fine with that,let’s get an early start”I can leave a few minutes earlier so we are not seen leaving town together “
This message was last edited by the player at 11:45, Wed 22 May.

The heroes settle in for the night, getting some more sleep before an early morning departure. Unfortunately, some of the men oversleep their intended waking time, as it is even before the rooster's call. Fortunately, Daniel Knight, who had suggested the early morning plan, rouses himself early enough to shake the others into action.

Pearce mounts and departs before the others leave the boarding house. It's a precaution, probably not necessary but the heroes had postulated the notion of invader spies and were playing it as safe as reason allowed. He rides slowly, then moves off the road to give the others time to reach their position before he rides into Grafton.

Daniel leads the others to the ravine he had described. They understood his urging to travel before daylight, as the spot is quite near the road, to the south of it, which leads to the eastern edge of the town's buildings. They reach the ravine without incident, although they can't be sure that no one spied their approach. One or two men can dismount and take up a position to observe the road into town, while the others stay in the ravine with the horses, out of sight.

OOC: If we were playing at the table, I might ask all player to make a Vigor (or Spirit) roll to wake up on time. But it's too cumbersome here, so the Judge took liberties ...

The heroes moving to the ravine, need to make Stealth rolls; please do as soon as possible so we can keep moving. Feel free to post any narrative, but the Judge also needs the players to confirm which two heroes are taking the observation positions--and those two men need to make Notice rolls in addition to the Stealth roll. Those who aren't in that position can still make Notice (hearing) or other appropriate rolls to Support the two observers.

The Judge assumes that Pearce isn't trying to be stealthy, but if he wishes to make any other rolls on his approach, please do.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 676):

Earnest will move to one of the observing positions with his binoculars.

06:58, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 1,8 using d4-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(6+4)10. ...Forgot to add the memo, but this is his stealth roll.

07:01, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 0,0 using d10-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2.  Notice - Observe Tommy enter town.
07:02, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 1,2 using d10-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4.  Notice - Observe Tommy enter town; free reroll.
07:04, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 4,3 using d10-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 6,5.  Notice - Observe Tommy enter town; benny reroll.

OOC: Benny deducted.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:04, Thu 16 May.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 677):

Padre dismounts Genny. He stumbled a bit getting out of the saddle. Oversleeping had remaded his mind to being fuzzy for the time being. Never the less Padre felt he had retained a level of stealth.

Padre notice the Professor moving to watch out over Mr Pearce and joined him.


OOC:

15:57, Today: Albert (Padre) Juhasz rolled 4,3 using d6,d6, rerolling max ((4,3)).

5:58, Today: Albert (Padre) Juhasz rolled 7,9 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max ((5,(6+1)7)).

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 670):

OOC: On my original 'telegram prep' roll, I forgot to include the -2 for Earnest's wounds so the roll is actually a '6'; after discussion with the Judge I went ahead and did Earnest's free reroll and then tried a benny reroll...

07:01, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 1,3 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 3,5.  Academics - Prepare "telegram"; free reroll.
07:01, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 3,1 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3.  Academics - Prepare "telegram"; benny reroll.

OOC: I guess the dice gods demanded a sacrifice for my oversight... Benny deducted and '6' it is!
This message was last edited by the player at 13:08, Fri 17 May.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 676):

Jacob saddled up and rode out with his pards, following Daniel's lead until he dismounted in the ravine. He did his best not to call attention to himself, staying quiet during the ride.

Once the Perfesser and Padre moved up to serve as lookouts, the Texican stayed with the kids.

---

OOC: 17:42, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 1,4 using d4,d6 with rolls of 1,4.  Stealth Check: Moving to the Ravine.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 680):

Tracy dismounts as they all reach the ravine. Before Padre leaves, the investigator uses hand motions to give him silent pointers on how best to cover their tracks. With he, Jake, and Daniel behind and out of sight, his advice was probably not necessary. ~Better to be safe,~ he thinks to himself as he watches the two men depart.

OOC:

12:50, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 6,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max ((6,1)). Stealth check.

12:50, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 1,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max ((1,4)).Survival, support.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:51, Mon 20 May.

As the earliest sunlight begins to brighten the horizon behind him and he's confident that he can be seen by the pards, Tommy moves back onto the road toward Grafton.

He rides straight toward the town line, not very fast but not too slowly, trying to maintain what in his mind is an appropriate messenger type pace.

His plan is to make his way to the Grafton messenger office but fully expecting to be stopped by the invaders he watches for signs of anyone approaching
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC -
08:33, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 5,3 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1.  Notice roll - benny roll - check pards are in position
08:30, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 8,10 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+2)8,(6+4)10.  Stealth - hide on the road
08:17, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 2,3 using d6,d6, rerolling max ((2,3)).
- benny deducted
This message was last edited by the player at 12:37, Wed 22 May.

The Irishman waits patiently for his pards to take their position ahead of him. Sneaking off by himself had proven easy enough. He is sure he avoided any eyes on him under the cover of darkness, although he wonders whether he will spy the others since he doesn't know exactly the route the young Knight would take to the ravine.

Tommy finds his question answered as he easily spots the silhouettes of two riders to the south of the road. To their credit, he sees only three of them in total, but he is certain-shurre, as the Texican might say, that two of them are Jake and Padre. They disappear soon enough, likely reaching the ravine and taking cover as Daniel had suggested. He wonders whether anyone from Grafton also saw the riders.

Meanwhile, three of the five riders stay in the ravine with the horses. They can't see the town from here although they had some time to observe it as they approached. Things seem quiet. Tracy offers some advice based on his quick assessment, just before Padre and Earnest lift themselves up to the small ledge Daniel identifies. The two men scan the road, which passes directly through the small burg, and the buildings at the eastern edge. After a few minutes, Juhasz sees a group of men assembling on the road, between the eatery south of the road -- what was that place called? -- and the boarding house to the north. The professor sees them, too. It's possible, the men think, that those people had spotted the five riders on the approach. But who exactly they are is unclear. Invaders? Or townsfolk?

Padre and Earnest continue to watch, ready to move if needed, after alerting their pards to what they have seen. A few more minutes pass, and as the first hint of sunlight glows from the east Padre notices one last thing. He sees a man on the roof of the boarding house, lying flat.

Now, as the rays of light appear from the east, Pearce rejoins the road and rides into Grafton. He pulls roughly even with the ravine where his pards lay in wait, only 50 yards or so from the small eatery where he first met Jake, Earnest, and Tracy. The mechanic can clearly see two men men waiting in the road between the easternmost buildings, and another standing near each building on either side of the road. To Tommy's eye, as he closes to within 25 yards, they have the same bearing as the invader patrols they have encountered.

Just then, one of the men speaks. He is shading his eyes with one hand against the rising sun behind Tommy. "That's far enough. State your business." The other man, a step or two away from the first, holds a carbine in the crux of his arm, but not pointed at Tommy.

OOC: The Judge gave Tracy's bonus to the low roll (Earnest) but it really wouldn't change anything in terms of the Notice results for the two lookouts because of their raw rolls. The Judge made some opposed rolls and the results have brought us to this point.

The five heroes in the ravine have a little time to talk or act in the short time that Tommy passes them and the man speaks to him. They could hold tight, begin to move, whisper to each other, whatever. The Judge is assuming they won't rush out the ravine at this time to launch an attack, because that wasn't the plan. And even if they did, it would take a couple of rounds to communicate and exit with their horses or otherwise under the circumstances. So the Judge is ruling that Tommy has approached and met a verbal challenge to which he must respond. Meanwhile, the other characters have seen Tommy approach and have seen what looks like a patrol awaiting him -- and they can continue free posting or state whatever actions they want to state as we proceed.

Earnest whispers to Padre.

Well, 5 so far with your man on the roof... There are likely more resting in the Boarding house at least.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 684):

Aye, agreed, Professor. Padre whispers.

Padre turns to his pards in the ravine and in hushed but deliberate tones:

We spot five with one on the roof.

Padre attempted to whisper loud enough hopefully that Mr Pearce hears him as he passes but at the very least the rest of the pards will know.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:57, Yesterday.

Tommy pulls back on the reigns, Sweet Pea stops immediately. Doing his best to disguise his accent he speaks slower and tries to sound a bit more like Jake or Tracy.
"I'm the new messegner from Rockville, brung some messages for the folks here in Grafton"