The approaching riders begin to separate, still yelling out war cries that the men at the point can now pick up--it is most definitely some Indian tongue. Most of riders stay to the west of the beeves; two cut across the front of the herd, barely riding past General Washington and the lead steers before reaching the right flank.

Meanwhile, Major Gray continues his ride toward the Indians, maneuvering deftly through the cattle. Cole spurs Buck and begins his ride, but he quickly realizes that the Indians are already fanning out--some of them crossing the herd ahead--and he will have no chance to ride out and get ahead of the herd and confront the riders as he had hoped. Seeing Major Gray riding through, Cole instead joins him and they ride together through the beeves toward the approaching riders. Cole notices that the Major is twirling his lasso as he rides. Quirley takes a direct line toward the oncoming Indians, firing his Webley when two of the Indians ride close in.

Two riders also ride directly toward Major Gray and Cole, skirting the edge of the line of cattle. Both fire longarms as they approach; neither Cole nor the Major appears to be hit.

Travis Sunday and JEB ride to the south bank and launch their mounts into water, beginning the swim across amongst the beeves. Jack and Travis the dog continue to paddle the water on the right flank of the swimming cattle.

The weapon reports on the north side of the river ring out. Some of the beeves react, picking up speed, despite General Washington's steadfast lead. At the moment, most of the beeves are still in the funnel line, but the cowboys on the north side fear that may be a tenuous condition.

The men on the south side of the river hear the gunfire and the men at the right drags see Yellow's waving hat. The cowboys begin to realize that something is amiss farther north. There's no way of telling why Yellow is waving. Randy and Silas see Miles Thomas now waving his hat toward the chuck wagon and the Remuda.
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OOC: State your full-round actions.

http://www.doghouserules.net/d.../goin/red_river3.pdf

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #1):

Free Action: None.

Move Action: JEB continues to the north bank picking up speed as practicable.

Combat Action: None.

Free Action: None.

Move Action: Continues to the north bank picking up speed as practicable.

Combat Action: None.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #1):

Free Action: Look to see what the Major intends to do with a lasso during a fire fight

Move Action: Stay near the Major to support his actions

Attack Action: Return fire at whoever fired at me.

"Silas, I don't knows what Yellow's all up about, but let's stop these kids here.  We can sorts it all out later."

With Silas' help, Randy proceeds to stop the remuda right where there.

Gunfire erupts on the north side of the river, as the men from the No Buffalo Outfit and the Indian riders collide amongst the cattle.

Quirley and the two Indians exchange fire while their mounts close in slow down, slightly, almost circling each other. Quirley holds the reins in one hand and discharges his Webley with the other, striking one of the rider's horses. That same rider fires a shotgun blast that certainly gets the cowboy's attention--and the other rider launches an arrow that grazes the cowboy's side.

One of the Indians rides with the front of the herd, shooting a rifle at the beeves.

The Major and Cole ride through the cattle toward the two riders approaching them. Both Indians fire carbines before the men get too far. The Major is hit by one; Buck whinnies as the other Indian's bullet strikes Cole's longtime steed. Now, the Indian riders start to turn their horses and continue moving down the left flank of the herd, but Virginia is too swift and the Major closes in tight, twirling his lasso. His toss is true, looping over the head of the rider who shot at him. The Major uses both hands to hold his end of the lariat and tightens the rope. The rider's mount continues its momentum and the rider is unsaddled, tumbling to the ground. Cole takes a shot at the other rider--he believes his aim is true as the Indian cries out even louder than before. A moment later, Cole feels a stinging on his arm and what feels like one of Randy's punches to his midsection, as riders from the east fire at him.

JEB urges Diablo to the north bank, swimming past a dozen head of cattle, finally exiting the river and reaching solid ground. Travis Sunday is just behind him, Horse gaining footing in the shallow water.

Jack and Travis the hound continue their swim with the cattle.

With all the gun fire and people yelling and horses riding through, the herd on the north shore begins to scatter from the main path, some picking up speed.
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OOC: New map. State your actions. Check private messages for specifics about hits your PC might have taken.

http://www.doghouserules.net/d.../goin/red_river4.pdf