JEB continues to pursue the female rider, whose horse hasn't let up one whit. With his spencer now in hand, he guides Diablo with his knees and fires. The shot flies well high overhead.

Quirley has pulled Clementine further away from the beeves and the cowboys. The Major continues to listen as Cole talks.

Travis realizes someone needs to start settling down the beeves. He tries to re-form the right flank (strange, he realizes, as he has been on the left for 40 days) and he hears gunfire from the south.

OOC: Next actions

http://www.doghouserules.net/d...goin/red_river10.pdf

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

Despite the Indian rider's bold and deft moves, Randy Oldman drops his rifle and closes in. The rider hacks through the rope that connects the trio of Snake, Jenny and the Pinto, just as Randy gets within striking distance. Randy unleashes two massive punches, but the Indian defends like he knew the blows were coming and neither the right nor the left land effectively.

Silas keeps Ol'Hank steady, cocks and fires another round at the other rider, who continues to circle from a distance. This Henry bullet impacts the earth far short of the rider. The Indian's aim is finally true, striking Silas shoulder. He curses up a blue streak and calls out to Edwin.

Joe Turner rides up close with his rifle at the ready. Seeing Randy engaged with the Indian, he decides to hold his fire so as not to hit his friend, not to mention the kids.

http://www.doghouserules.net/d...ed_river_remuda4.pdf

Ayasha listens to what the man has to say while she breathes heavily, the combat having excited her. Then she nods. She turns her head towards the leader, asking: "Will you let me go?" in quite good English. She still has her carbine in her hands, yet her horse moves back slowly.

In reply to Ayasha (msg #33):

Noticing that the woman has turned her attention to the Major, Cole takes a moment to call Jack while slowly repositioning Buck out of any lines of fire in case the discussion with this warrior-woman goes bad and the shooting starts up again.

Jack! Come boy!

Immediately after summoning his dog, Cole assesses the state of the wounded/shot attackers to ensure that no one is playing possum.. He then takes a close look at the cattle to see what mess has been left in the wake of the attack.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #32):

JEB gives up the chase, wary of being led into an ambush.

Free Action: None.
Move Action: Slow down Diablo to half speed, follow to ensure the warrior leaves the battlefield.
Combat Action: Aim rifle, hold fire.

As the Indian woman speaks to Major Gray and Cole moves off, the trail boss remains silent, staring at the woman. His Spencer is still cradled in both arms, at the ready.

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

OOC: With dialogue going on, the rounds can get problematic (e.g. Cole's speech before the woman spoke to the Major was really more like two rounds worth). However, now that JEB has cut his pursuit of the other female, the action on the north side of the river doesn't have to be round-by-round. But I will be tracking the time I think is transpiring, as it could have an impact on the events on the south side of the river (or vice versa).

Randy:
Free Action: "Joe, the horses," Randy calls out.
Move Action: Randy presses on with his fists at the Indian, moving only to maintain a close quarter.
Combat Action: Randy swings two more mighty punches.
13:14, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 15 using 1d20+3. R Punch. Lethal Damage.
13:15, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 6 using 1d6. AP R Punch.
13:15, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 9 using 1d6+5. Damage R Punch.
13:14, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 10 using 1d20+3. L Punch. Lethal Damage.


Silas:
Free Action: "Joe, help," Silas cries.
Move Action: Silas falls from his horse because of the wound he just received.
13:11, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 4 using 1d20. Silas: DC 5 Ck to stay in saddle(p92).
Combat Action: None.

Edit: Silas does not fall from his horse.  His ride skill is at least +4.  His actions are restated below.

Silas:
Free Action: "Joe, help," Silas cries.
Move Action: Silas spurs his horse in pursuit of the circling rider.
Combat Action: Hank clears his throat.
19:28, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 2 using 1d20-2. Silas Attack.
It seems Silas ain't up to shooting the ground with his barrel pointing down.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:30, Thu 11 Feb 2010.

Hearing the shots from the south Travis looksto the Major for confirmation that the remuda needs a rider or two to lend a hand or carbine.  Realizing that no such direction could possibly be forthcoming.

Travis reloads and holsters his Starr.  Then spurs Horse southward shouting his intention to help the remuda to anyone who could hear.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:00, Wed 10 Feb 2010.

In reply to Major Gray (msg #36):

JEB pulls up Diablo and heads south at full speed.

When she gets no answer, Ayasha shrugs her shoulders, nods at the men and grabs the reins of her horse with her left hand, not threatening to use her carbine anymore. She then turns her horse and gallops away in a south-west direction.

Randy and the Indian continue their scuffle amongst the horses, almost all of which are growing nervous from the gunfire and the shouting.

Pressing in to continue his attack while calling to Joe, Randy launches another combination--left then right--but the Indian deflects the first punch with his knife hand and dodges the second. He grins and stares Randy in the eye while the big man throws his punches, then he drops to the ground and rolls under Jenny, popping up between other horses. Again he grabs a rope tying together horses and cuts cleanly through it with his knife.

Silas also yells out to Joe, spurring his horse to chase the Indian still riding in a circle. He levels Ol'Hank and squeezes off another round, but again he is well off target. It seems 40 days without shooting at much has left Ol'Hank a might rusty. The Indian continues to circle.  Silas makes up a little ground, but he also feels the sting of another bullet--this one not quite as potent as the last.

Poor young Joe Turner is at a loss. Two men he looks up to have called for his help. He rides up near the horses, essentially filling the spot that Silas just departed, holding his rifle and looking back and forth to the scuffle among the horses and the rider on the perimeter.

OOC: Next actions

http://www.doghouserules.net/d...ed_river_remuda5.pdf

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

With a temporary lull, Cole begins to survey the results of the battle. Quirley continues to nurse his own wounds. Ayasha and the Major stare at each other. JEB cuts off pursuit and begins to ride south. Travis rides toward the river.

OOC: Next actions (if continuing what was already, please state that fact). This map doesn't represent the full stated actions of players on the north side, as more than one round is passing while combat continues on the other side. This is essentially the position during the round or so that the Indian woman spoke to the Major and he stared silently.

http://www.doghouserules.net/d...goin/red_river11.pdf

EDIT: edited a sentence for clarity
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:40, Fri 12 Feb 2010.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #41):

Travis rides southerly against the swarm of beeves towards the gunfire.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #41):

JEB rides southwest at full speed.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #41):

Provided all combatants within eyesight are either dead or dying...

Motioning to the herd, Cole looks to the obviously injured Quirley...

You got this? I reckon I should go check on the others to make sure they are all right!

Shifting his gaze towards the Major, Cole says...

Major! You ok with that?

Provided the Major (nor Quirley) doesn't say otherwise, Cole will first check to make sure his injured horse is up for a run. If so, Cole and Buck will move south at a dead RUN to help the others. If Buck is too injured for that, then Cole will settle for a double move.

Additionally, if a safe opportunity presents itself for Jack to join him, Cole will call for his dog.

Randy:
Free Action: "Joe, them horses"
Move Action: Randy lunges under Jenny horse as the Indian.
Combat Action: The lunging leviathan reaches out to grab the Indian.
22:11, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 9 using 1d20+7. Melee Touch Attack.

Silas:
Free Action: "Edwin, catch up now."
Move Action: Silas spurs his horse into a full run. (Run x3 tbl 8.1, ttl rate 180')
Combat Action: Silas continues his pressure on the circling rider.
22:28, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 6 using 1d20-6. Silas firing Ol' Hank again.

A might frustrated with the slippery Indian, Randy follows the warrior under the horse and tries to get ahold of the man. Like his punches, his attempt to grapple fails. The warrior again looks Randy in the eye and then rolls again back under Jenny. He leaps onto Snake's back, then he leans over and grabs one of the ropes yelling again.

Silas pursues the circling rider, urging his mount to increase speed and doing his best to keep the Henry steady and firing. Again the bullet misses it's mark. As he closes in, the Indian fires another round from his carbine, this one striking the horse. It bucks and whinnies from the near-deadly blow, but it stays on all four legs. It's all Silas can do to hang on to Ol'Hank and stay in the saddle.

Joe Turner rides the Bay into the remuda, trying to control the horses who are powerful agitated right now. He weaves through the strung-together mounts and gets quite near the Indian and his friend Randy, Loomis in one hand and reins in the other.

http://www.doghouserules.net/d...goin/red_river12.pdf

Travis Sunday drives Horse to the edge of the water, doing his best to avoid the on-rushing beeves. Just before he urges the mount into the water, one of the beeves gores Horse in the hindquarter. The cowboy maintains control of the mount and the pair are now swimming against the line of beeves crossing to the north.

JEB rides south along the main flank--although there are beeves spread out all across the plain now--pushing Diablo again.

Cole finishes his ride around the fallen Indians, convinced they are all dead, or bleeding out. Quirley moves up and Cole speaks to him. Quirley nods and says, "I'll live."

Ayasha turns her horse to the southwest, having been stared at by Major Gray for several seconds. He pursues, spurring Virginia and catching up to the woman just before she reaches the edge of the river, just wide of the main body of beeves coming ashore. He rides about 10 feet to the Indian's right flank.

http://www.doghouserules.net/d...ed_river_remuda6.pdf
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:02, Fri 12 Feb 2010.

Ayasha yells something over to the paleface shadowing her, then she leads her horse into the water. She slows down, but she is not stopping.

Travis looks at poor Horse.  Easy Boy.

and continues on.  A little more cautiously.

Randy:
Free Action: "Mind them kids, Joe."  Randy's frustration with the Indian has not distracted him from his charges.
Move Action: The beautiful Welbey RIC emerges from Randy's shoulder holster with but a simple tug.
Combat Action: At times like these, Randy's rampant height lends him favor.  He grits his teeth and fires over the horses at the Indian thief.
17:22, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 10 using 1d20+6. Teeth-gritting shot from Webley.

Silas:
Free Action: "Damn it all, Edwin, this ain't our day."
Move Action: The Arkansan pushes himself and his horse to a total defense.
Combat Action: Silas realizes he might just live to fight another day.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #46):

JEB rides up and down the right flank mindin the beeves and corralin strays. While doin so he keeps a wary eye towards the north for another attack.

The Indian wails and Snake takes off. Jenny and the Pinto come along, as the Pinto is  still connected to the mustang now in the thief's control and the Indian is holding Jenny's lead.

Joe Turner maneuvered the Bay close to the other horses. He couldn't stop the Indian from taking off, but he managed to grab ahold of the main line for another group that the Indian cut loose. He wraps the rope around his elbow and braces himself low against the Bay, keeping Uncle Sam, Francisco, and Sunup from bolting.

Aiming the Webley, Randy Oldman fires at the fleeing Indian. He's careful not to harm the kids, aiming above them. Perhaps the pugilist overcompensated, as the bullet passes over the rider's head.

Silas continues his ride, hunkering down and maneuvering his mount to avoid further gunfire. As it happens, the Indian rider doesn't fire. Rather, he spurs his mount south-southeast, increasing to a full gallop. Silas was already closing in; while he doesn't gain any ground, he doesn't lose any either.

Fred Thomas moves west, shadowing the Indian thief. Rojas, having spent the last dozen or two seconds getting the mules moving, has turned the chuck wagon to the west.

http://www.doghouserules.net/d...ed_river_remuda7.pdf

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

Cole has a sense that Quirley is being less than truthful. Moving closer to his pard on the point, Cole sees the man is bleeding from his side. As Quirley never passed out, Cole reckons he ain't in life threatening condition, but he is obviously seriously hurt and needs attention.

JEB rides down the flank, seeing beeves strewn across the plain. He realizes someone has to mind the beeves.

The Indian woman urges her horse into the water. The Major, still holding his Spencer, follows suit. The two riders and crossing to the west flank of most of the herd. It seems that Yellow and Meri had kept the beeves in order at least to the crossing.

Indeed, Travis Sunday, as he navigates Horse through the swimming beeves, sees Yellow Sanders near the shore. Yellow hollers "More gunfire on the drags! Someone's gotta mind the beeves!" Travis reaches the shore.

Meri, still at his post on the left flank, has moved closer to the river. He is surprised to see Travis crossing against the beeves--and more surprised to see the Major with someone he doesn't recognize, crossing farther west. He draws a Webley and make sure the other is equally handy.

http://www.doghouserules.net/d...goin/red_river13.pdf

Again Ayasha yells something over to that pesty paleface, but she keeps steering her horse further southward through the water, avoiding the beeves that are still crossing.

Randy:
Free Action: "Joe, I'ma gets them kids.  Stay here."
Move Action: Randy picks up his Spencer Carbine, fast-like.
Combat Action: He desperately tries to form a plan.  It remains to be seen if he can.

Silas:
Free Action: "Keep up, brother," Silas says to his 'companion.'  "Let's hope he don't ride back'ards in the saddle."
Move Action: Silas continues to match pace with the fleeing Indian.
Combat Action: Riding this fast and defensively, Silas knows any shot from his Henry would likely pierce only the sky.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #51):

Seeing that the Major has left to chase after the Indian woman, before Cole has had a chance to speak with him first, he decides that it might be a good idea for him to stay here and help Quirley with managing and protecting the herd.

Turning to Quirley, a look of concern crosses Coles face...

Quirley, this herd is a right mess! I think we had best get these here cattle back under control. Now that the Major has left, I think it is up to us to stay at our posts and trust that the other fellers will handle things in the south!

With that, Cole uses all his skill with handling animals to get the cattle under control.


As soon as it is reasonably safe, Cole will summon Jack to help him with the cattle.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #51):

JEB continues managing right flank until others arrive to assist.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg #55):

Travis continues south.