OOC #2 is running out of space. #3 is at your disposal.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #1):

Are our horses able to learn individual tricks?  I know they are trained in Combat Riding, but with Int 2, how many more tricks are possible?


Edit: test
This message was last edited by the player at 19:54, Mon 24 Oct 2011.

Well, I put in a house rule that all PC horses would have the EFFECTIVE benefit of Combat Riding in terms of being a Trained Mount based on the Mounted Combat rules on p 224. I did this specifically so we could have mounted combat without every PC's horse bucking him out of the saddle after the first weapon report.

That doesn't mean they get all the tricks associated with full Combat Riding training as per the Handle Animal skill on p79. In order to get the six tricks that come with that full training, the full training must be applied. Thus, PCs who did train their mounts (hello, Senor Domingo), still had tangible benefits to applying the Combat Riding training.

Separate tricks may be learned through the normal process described in the Animal Handling skill. See the "The Trigger Rule" sidebar on p78.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #3):

A little western for everyone...

http://www.amctv.com/hell-on-w...ll-on-wheels-trailer

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #4):

Hmmm, I'll probably have to check that out. The last AMC western mini-series (at least last one I know about) was outstanding ("Broken Trail" with Robert Duvall and Thomas Haden Church), so I'm definitely willing to check out another one. As long as there aren't any aliens in it. Thanks for the heads-up.

To reiterate, any PCs who have completed their back story--including the story of entry into FG, alone or with pards--as well as completing their leveling-up (with Judge approval) may enter Ch9 when ready.

I would ask for a slow approach. The Judge's preliminary posts set the stage for entry into town. Please post something that advances your PC toward the town, allowing the Judge to follow-up with more description to introduce the flavor of the place. In other words, please don't jump too far ahead all at once, bellying up to the saloon in the first post.

see above
---------

Traveling on business this week. I will read messages and post (if necessary) twice per day (morning/evening).

I have a new profile picture (see to the left) and a new profile. You can see that on the cast list.

In reply to Ayasha (msg #8):

You have shamed me and my pitiful profile.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #9):

I too, am unworthy.

In reply to Ayasha (msg #8):

Nicely done.

Don't forget to update your stats in the bio line. I use those for quick reference, from time-to-time.

Hoping to see some more posts, and other PCs joining the play in The Flat.

If Cole and JEB wish to enter town, they should post in Chapter 9.

Sorry for the pause in posting people, i was struck down by sudden sickness. I'm better now and back to posting.

In reply to Ayasha (msg #15):

Hope you're feeling better.

FYI, the Judge is preparing to present maps to folks exploring particular establishments.

Further FYI, for those who haven't noticed there is a Game Map in place.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #17):

Is there a key for the building numbers?

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg #18):

Perhaps it is redacted!

Perhaps, indeed.

Limited posting through Thursday.

Happy turkey day.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #21):

Happy Sleepy-at-the-Least-Opportune-Time Day.

Happy Pick-On-Your-Old-Uncle-Who-Can't-Hold-His-Liquor-and-Ends-Up-Hitting-On-His-Brother's-Sister-In-Law-and-Embarrasses-the-Whole-Family-Because-You-Invited-Your-Child's-Teacher-for-Dinner-While-Her-Husband-is-in-Afganistan Day

Happy Another-Reason-to-be-Vegan day.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #23):

Silly vegan, thanksgiving is a time to celebrate America not eat turkey, it just worked out that way.

Besides, birds don't like you and would eat you if they could.  They're just feathered reptiles.  Might as well be aliens.

Even so, our bird comes from a big farm which lets them run around and live happily on corporate welfare until they need to give something back to society.  Like native americans I always honor their sacrifice and thank a higher power for the abundance.

Then I pop the top off a Sam Adams Cranberry Beer, procure the turkey's roasted leg and feast as my ancsestors (and Ren Fair people) did in celebration.

Another Reason-to-Reject-the-Notion-of-a-Higher-Power Day.

Hey all! Ayasha, glad your feeling better & your profiles have always shamed mine... all three of them. I hope everyone else is doing well. Happy Thanksgiving to you all! I know I'm grateful to be back on my feet. Cheers Meri

In reply to Meriwether Lewis Smythe (msg #26):

Meri, it's so fantastic that you're up and around these days.



In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #25):

I think in your case it's more like
Another Reason-to-Think-There's-Probably-Not-a-Higher-Power Day.

Nope. My previous statement stands.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #24):

Here, here.

I wholeheartedly agree with the sentiment! Although, I would recommend grilling the turkey. Been doing it for years. Really great. I've also heard great things about fried turkey, but I've read too many horror stories about fryer mishaps to take the risk!

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg #22):

Now that made me laugh out loud! I completely get "complicated" relatives. In fact, I'm dealing with one right now. Holidays seems to brings the eccentricities out of some folks.

As always, the PCs may do as they please but the Judge is a mite puzzled that both JEB and Cole haven't responded to Elias Bennington's introductory posting in #120.

As I am not a gunslinger in the old west I must ask where does one store excessive weaponry.  Are firearms sufficiently ubiquitous that leaving them in one's room is usually sufficient or do you drop them off at the jail or something else?

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #31):

Oversight, on my part. I was focusing solely on responding to JEB. Meant to, however. Well correct it, now.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #32):

First, I find humorous the use of the term "excessive weaponry."

Second, as Travis Sunday would know from years of traveling, that depends on the individual and the town. As some players in this game have groused about previously, some towns REQUIRE visitors to check their guns at the local law office, or notable saloon/town hall/etc., as the townsfolk have passed ordinances limiting the carrying of firearms within town limits (a fact about the old west that most myths leave out, but is easily demonstrable based on historical evidence).

Other towns have no such laws on the books, and people carry what they will.

In Travis' experience, in some places it's plenty safe to store weapons in a hotel or boarding room. In others, that's a good way to facilitate re-distribution of the wealth, so to speak. Depends on the relative security of the establishment, as well as the strength of the resident lawmen to keep order in the town. As The Flat is new to Travis, as is the Planters Hotel, he will need to make his own decision about what is most appropriate in this town. Of course, he could gather some information in that regard, if he so chose.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #34):

I'm down to 5 pistols and 1 carbine, so I'm trying to cut back.

Even Josey Wales carried only four pistols.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #36):

I'm including a derringer.  We'll call it 4 1/2

Hey everyone! Insanely busy at the moment and still getting over bronchitis. Hope to have Yellow up and running by this weekend. Hope everyone had a very happy Thanksgiving. Looking forward to meeting you all in the Flat. Cheers Meri

The Judge had an unintended omission from post #188 in ch9. Edited and highlighted. Doesn't change the situation, just a point of clarification.

Everyone,

I will be out of town, on vacation, starting 12/15. I won't be back until the New Year.

I'm not sure what level of access I will have to the Internet, so I can't commit (right now) to regular participation.

However, if it turns out that I have regular access, then I will log-in accordingly.

In reply to Cole Trayne (msg #40):

Thank you for the heads-up.

It is consistent with 222. Cole would have said his piece and JEB can respond and both men find themselves at the intersection with the four saloons. The Judge's post was to note that there isn't much space between the Sheriff's and the saloons. By the time the Cole and JEB have their spoken exchange, they are right on top of the action Cole is talking about.

It is up to the players to move ahead, by continuing on to Planters/Stables or to do something here at the saloons.

Travis will wait for a few hours or so for Ayasha

FYI, RPoL was down for a while today. Not sure why yet  . . . haven't checked the fora.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #43):

It seems Ayasha is MIA in her game as well.  Previously, she was so ill as to not be able to post for almost two weeks.  I hope she's not in the same situation now.

In a fashion similar to that of Demerello and Little One, I have received a request to join our game from a new player.

This player is known to those of you who are involved in the Madison game.

As before, I put it to a vote. Shall we admit a new player?

BTW, there has been a Yellow Sanders sighting; remains to be seen whether he will mosey into The Flat.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #46):

I vote yes as long as they understand the Judge's style and intent.

I can vouch for the player requesting to join. He's a good player, a good writer, & a better person. He's easy going enough to follow the flow & not make waves. I have actually played with him in other games besides Madison, he's always been a reliable player in every way. I'd like to see him aboard Judge.

Oh, just who is this Yellow fellow anyway? Cheers Meriyellow

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg #45):

I second that Randy. She is in my thoughts & prayers. I have been there myself. No fun. I hope she returns soon & very healthy besides! Cheers Meri

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #47):

I'm good with the new player joining.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #46):

By all means, admit the new player.  Attrition has decimated this group over the past three years.  A reliable player is a good idea and an extra human shield is always a terrific idea.

I absolutely agree with Travis when he note the player should be made aware of the judge's style.  As players, we can tell him (only an assumption) what to expect and the general pitfalls on a Sseleman campaign.

Only one request, the player not be made aware of who plays in other games and the characters therein.  That should be a personal choice of the player(s).  It seems Meri let his cat outta the bag.

Randy and Travis make it sound so ominous. Nevertheless, I agree.


Ooohhhh, secrets.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #52):

I have no problem with a new player.

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg #53):

Who asked you nube?   ;)

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #52):

It"s not ominous.  You just have to say...

Our last adventure was an 8 month cattle drive.
I was the party leader. And at the adventure"s climax when pistols were
Drawn and shots were starting to fire,  I told everyone to stop because
That"s what the part leader NPC would have done.

Not that there"s anything wrong with that, but new players need to know.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #55):

Uh-huh. So I should leave out all the stuff about the skirmish at the cat-wagon, the prizefight and subsequent gunfight in Fort Worth, the extended battle at the Red River with the Cheyenne, and all the interesting RP done over the course of the 8 months?

Since the player may well end up reading these posts, I'll clarify by saying the party leader gave an order to shoot at different targets than the PCs were shooting at, and once the situation was resolved, he ordered the cease-fire. I'll also omit the part about the group being on its own for some time, without the NPC leader (or any NPC) present. No sense in filling up my description with meaningless facts.

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

I already told the potential player that this is a heavy-RP game and explained my view of the game. Of course, the player is welcome to read your comments and take on the game, if you wish to elaborate here. And s/he can read the post-mortem  and game chapters for more perspective, in order to form an independent opinion, if s/he so desires.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #54):

"nube" is the new "cool"

:PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP

Definitely the new black. Cheers Deeds

In reply to Nathaniel Deeds (msg #58):

I like Deeds.  He was an original creation.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #46):

I'm fine with admitting a new player.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg #60):

I admit nothing.  You can't probe I did anything.

I count six votes to admit the new player, none against. It's done.

Hello, all,

Thanks for allowing me to join your game. I believe that makes me officially the newest of the Nubes. :) I look forward to writing and gaming with everyone, and getting to know everyone whom I haven't already met elsewhere on RPoL.

It'll probably be a little while before I join you IC, since I have to work up a character sheet, and I'm not as familiar with the Sidewinder:Recoiled ruleset as everyone else.

I'm looking forward to getting started!

~Jake
This message was lightly edited by the player at 15:12, Thu 08 Dec 2011.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg #63):

Welcome aboard.

Howdy, pard.

I wouldn't assume you are less familiar with the rules than other players. Sometimes I wonder if some of these coffee-boilers have even read the rules.

Your first mistake is assuming I can read?

Interesting the Cole and JEB posted nearly simultaneously at the hotel. The Judge liked both responses.

No. As has either become evident by the play, or because the Judge released information privately along the way, all the heroes aren't in the same time stream. In fact, Travis yesterday posted two messages back-to-back in different time streams. PCs should make no assumptions about what is going on around them. Play things as they come, in whatever time stream is currently happening for your character.

I should have made more clear to Jake what time his entry occurred, when we launched his character from PM to public posts.

see above, two posts in a row
--------------

Also, I don't see any reason to edit Jake's first post, #284.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #68):

Travis is actually a Time Lord from another RPOL game.  Horse is a Tardis and his Starr Pistol is in fact a Sonic Pistol.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #70):

A Time Lord, eh? Well, sure -- that explains it, then!

Me, I had figured that it was all Randy's doin'. I reckon that big galoot'll knock you into a different time zone if he up an' hits you.

Personally, I plan on stayin' on the man's good side . . . :)

~J.

In town, he is wearing a two-gun rig and he actually posted something publicly to that effect, earlier, when Arnie Foster was asking all of his questions.

Sometimes he wears a five-gun rig, apparently, as per our earlier trading of jabs about Travis packing more smokewagons than Josie Wales.

I would like feedback about the non-linear approach to the town gaming so far. Now that PCs have been connected I expect that such multiple RP threads will lessen; however, the nature of time spent in a town, as opposed to the trail, provides more opportunities for sidebar RP, whether in PM or publicly, so I would like to get your impressions of this approach so far.

I'm impressed! Maybe I should have modeled my character after James Coburn's IRA man (and an explosives expert) in "Duck, You Sucker!" (a/k/a "A Fistful of Dynamite"). :)
This message was last edited by the player at 16:04, Wed 21 Dec 2011.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #73):

Well, from my perspective as the newbie, it has worked fine. It seems to me that a non-linear, separated-PC plot puts a bit more pressure on the GM, for he or she has to write for more NPCs and stay active in multiple scenes in the thread, as opposed to just one or two. It's kind of like having to keep, say, five balls in the air, instead of one or two. :)

But in this instance, given the present plot situation (with the PCs coming into town individually, from different points on the compass, as opposed to riding into town as a single, cohesive group), doing things this way was almost unavoidable until the PCs got together again, in-game. And as I say, my personal entry into the game has worked out quite well for Jake and me.

That said, I look forward to the opportunity for some more detailed RP with the other PCs. :)

~J.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #73):

I believe it sets up the potential for story discontinuities, but that's for you to manage. Overall, it seems to be going well; but I'll be happier when we all come together!

I don't like it.  Nope, nossir, I don't like it one bit.

Joking aside, I'm a fairly careful reader, but the non-linear approach makes it difficult to manage the timeline.

On the pro side, it does move things along.

I'm glad you're not thinking Memento-style.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #73):

I was in 3 timestreams at once and didn't mind.  I think the use of RPOL groups and additional threads might have made things easier and promoted more roleplay and exploration.

I think the multiple, disparate, timeline approach  works, as long as we converge into one coherent timeline. I think keeping something like that for too long might cause the adventure to become disjointed.

However, I think multiple, separate, simultaneous timelines is not a bad thing.

In reply to Cole Trayne (msg #79):

Separate timelines may be problematic, especially with regards to PCs engaging in multiple timelines as earlier events could seriously affect later ones. For example, suppose a PC were gunned down in an earlier timeline but was an active participant in a later one. Needless to say, the PC's existence in the later timeline has been compromised. I recommend all PCs exist in the relative same timeframe. Separate storylines are fine, but they should occupy the same time stream.

Interesting. Here are a summary of primary points raised:

Possible story discontinuities
More balls to juggle
Difficulty managing the timeline
Go on for too long
Disjointed adventure
Compromised Timeline
Using RPoL Groups

Putting aside the last one, did any of these things happen? Here's my view:

Possible story discontinuities - none so far
More balls to juggle - true, but the Judge likes to play and logs in several times a day and has fun juggling
Difficulty managing the timeline - in the Judge's mind, it all makes perfect sense so far; players need only play the moment, as we have been doing
Go on for too long before cohesive - seems to me it worked out great and didn't go on too long; all the PCs are meeting without the fucking cliche of "everyone meets at the bar"; yes, you are now going to the bar, but you met through RP experiences in town and going to the bar is organic
Disjointed adventure - what adventure? this is town gaming; I have 115 hooks to choose from as per the DHR published Fort Griffin; the PCs will determine the action and now you are together
Compromised Timeline - hasn't happened so far; we are all RL players and can make sure that doesn't happen; the Judge can avoid multiple timelines when it matters
Using RPoL Groups - in my opinion, this would both help and hinder. Help by better organizing the play, which is what I think Travis means; Hinder by keeping information from ALL heroes purview--the way I did it, everyone learned things about the town on their own, and vicariously from each other; to me, that was a beautiful thing

The Judge will likely continue multiple time streams when appropriate.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #81):

On reflection, the Judge is wrong when he says the use of RPoL groups would hinder the vicarious sharing of experiences. That isn't necessarily true, because the groups could be set up to distinguish in-game threads while also allowing others to read those threads even if they weren't participating in them. Still that seems like overkill for a single character thread that lasted a dozen or two posts.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:01, Thu 22 Dec 2011.

Something got really effed-up for me.

I posted Randy's actions after reading all the posts up to that point.  For whatever reason, now there is a mass of posts preceding mine that I never saw.  Absolutely, they weren't there when I posted.

The disparity is inexplicable.  The post times all precede my post seem correct, but the last one I saw was Travis' post #374.  This seems to cause Randy to arrive well after the fight has occurred.

Now this is one for the separate, non-linear timelines.

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg #83):

I disagree. I was reading the posts regularly and didn't see Randy's arrive until well after the others.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:20, Thu 22 Dec 2011.

As heads-up, I may be a little slow-posting the next couple of days, due to holiday/family goings-on.

~J.

Hey all! I just wanted to wish you all a Very Merry Christmas for those who celebrate! I hope you find all the blessings this seasons brings and I hope all are healthy & happy besides. My prayers especially go out to Ayasha, as she is still missing in action. I know Thanksgiving was a while back but I am also thankful on this Christmas morn for all gifts received, with the simple gifts being the best. So let me say thanks to all you for your gift of friendship & well wishes over the years here. I may have not always said it but I have been grateful for them all.

Judge thanks for giving me the chance to join & meet all these fine folk back when, even when you could have just said This is a private game pard! Thanks also for running this game, which has also been a gift to me. Even if for a while, I can ride with the likes of Travis Sunday, Cole Trayne, Jeb, Artemus Carson, ole Silas, Randy Oldman, & Ayasha... & thereby forget RL & all its worries. The time & effort you put into the game is most noticeable & appreciated by all who write & play here! I'm grateful for it & most of all you my friend.

To the two newest members, one I know well & the other I look forward to writing with some day, I only hope you both find this game as entertaining & enjoyable as I have. Its more than just a game, its a group of friends sharing a bit of imagination, good role play, & writing with one another.

Merry Christmas! Meri
This message was last edited by the player at 17:21, Sun 25 Dec 2011.

Yeah! Wot the funny talker said. Anyone seen ma dwag Travis?
This message was last edited by the player at 17:15, Sun 25 Dec 2011.

Bah-humbug! I was visited by three ghosts yestereve! Dominus illuminatio mea! I clearly shot two of them & winged the third. Christmas indeed... just another way for people to pick one's pocket every twenty fifth of December!

Deeds

In reply to Meriwether Lewis Smythe (msg #86):

It's great to hear from you again, Meri. I hope that Christmas has been very Merry for you and your family. :)

And here's wishing a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all on this board -- thanks for all the fun!

~Jake

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg #89):

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg #90):

Mery Christmas & Happy New Year to all my pards.

I'm sorry I've been somewhat absent lately.  Unfortunately, it won't get a lot better over the next few.  I'll do my very best to check in each morning.

Today we celebrate my father's 80th birthday.  I doubt I'll be sober enough to post tonight, but that's never really stopped me in the past.

We know.

And it's starting to rub off on some of the other players, I think.

Something on which the Judge and Deeds see eye-to-eye.

Nonetheless, I do wish all my pards a prosperous new year.

The Judge has been enjoying the RP in town. The multi-thread timeline has provided for the introduction of important town characters (not all of them, mind you), fostered the set up for possible adventure hooks, and given existing PCs the opportunity to meet new PCs and make connections.

With the less frequent posting over these RL holidays, the Judge finds himself wondering whether to allow further RP in Shannsey's, or to fade-to-black and start anew with a new scene.

Seems fittin' to pose the question to the players. Preferences in that regard?

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #95):

Judge,

From Jake's IC point of view, contact with the other PCs has been initiated -- now, he will at least recognize them the next time he sees them, and he has a friendly impression of them. And that is very important from the perspective of a new character, who has no in-game links to the rest of the PCs. :)

Having accomplished that (as well as having most of the other PCs make contact with each other and with Rojas), I would vote to fade to black in the present scene, and to advance to a different scene or scenes.

It seems to me that there is no burning issue in the present scene in Shannseys that demands resolution before we move on,  so I am inclined to do precisely that -- move on. Otherwise, the PCs (in my opinion) run the risk of getting bogged down in a non-productive (and potentially boring) conversation in the saloon.

I am an enthusiastic proponent of the judicious use of in-game time (and plot/scene) advancement by the GM, instead of RPing every possible piece of minutiae.

~J.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #95):

Fade to black would work best for me as I will be travelling from 12/28 - 12/30. Logging in will be intermittent. JM, please handle JEB as appropriate should I exceed the 24 hour rule.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:25, Wed 28 Dec 2011.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg #97):

Ill be on road this whole week. Judges option . No opinion either way.

With a few players having limited availability, the Judge will wait to fade to a new scene. Those of you who can participate, please continue to do so in your current stream or in a new stream if you want your character to do something else in town.

I'm back in the saddle.  I'll need a few hours to catch up on what I've missed.  Posting will commence forthwith.

The Judge has advanced the scene. Characters who were already engaged in a specific activity in PM or in a different timestream may (and should) conclude those activities as we move on.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #101):

I'm back from travel and looking forward to play.

We have discontinuity in player posts.

JEB posted before Travis, advancing toward Griffin Avenue with "the enthusiastic young man" that the Judge assumes is a reference to ENS Ringgenberg, based on previous posts.

Next, Travis posted in an attempt to organize the group, pairing up Jake and JEB (rather than ENS and JEB) and paring himself with Cole. And he has ENS staying at the hotel with Randy (as I read it, although there seems to be a missing work in that sentence in Travis' post so I'm not positive whether my read is correct).

As of my post right now, Jake had observed Travis post and resumed communication with JEB.

The Judge needs confirmation as to what each PC is doing. It might be as simple as "following Travis' plan." Please confirm or deny and elaborate.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #103):




That was what I thought as well, and why I posted the way I did for Jake, IC. However, if we end up proceeding differently, I'll be happy to edit Jake's post.

~J.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg #104):

I'm sorry.   I screwed things up.  I went back and reread stuff and started typing without getting to the end.

Okay. It's all good now. Onward.

Enjoyed the recent PC conversation.

Award one AP to each participating PC (Travis, JEB, Jake, Cole, ENS).

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #106):

Sorry Jake.  Sometimes I read the groups as groups.  I missed our intersection there.

No worries, Travis. In my mind's eye, I was seeing Jake standing out in front of the porch of the post office where you and Cole were, waiting for the Professor and the Sheriff to exit the telegraph office so that he could rejoin them. As such, at least in my mind, I didn't count him as being with you and Cole when you stepped down off the porch and headed over to the hide yard. Perhaps I wasn't clear enough in my description of what Jake was doing.

As I said, no worries, though. I think that we have been able to write the scene so that it makes sense. As the Judge says, "Onward!' :)

~J.

PS. Will post IC for Jake a little later this morning.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:58, Mon 16 Jan 2012.

The play at the Telegraph Office had slowed down because of JEB's absence. I have heard from JEB's pard in RL that the player is ill right now. I don't know how serious--I hope nothing serious--but that is why he hasn't logged in or posted in a few days.

It was JEB's idea to go to the Telegraph Office, so the Judge was being lenient with the 24 hour rule up to now. It would make sense for JEB to follow-up after reading the telegram. I'm waiting just a little bit longer. Other PCs should continue.

Let's assume that ENS helps to herd his new friend the sheriff out of the office.

EDIT: actually, I decided to move on now. JEB can circle back if he desires.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:56, Mon 16 Jan 2012.

Sorry to hear that JEB is ill. Hope that he feels better soon!

~J.

Will post IC in response to the question at the end of ENS' Msg. #578 later this evening, after a late dinner. :)

Thanks,
~J.

As the five men have reassembled for the moment, it's unclear to the Judge whether the group is going to split again or remain together at this time. JEB still intends to visit the sheriff, it seems. And it seems that Travis will be looking for Lewis Kirbee. Not sure if this will be done in two groups (such as those departed from Planters), or as one.

Either way is fine, just requesting that the players clarify the PCs next move.

Officially Cole's new alias.

Cool beans! :)

~J.

PS. But red-hot chile peppers, of course! :)
This message was last edited by the player at 14:31, Sun 22 Jan 2012.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg #114):

Swype strikes again.

The Judge already advanced to the shack in msg 604. Please continue from that message.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #116):

I posted first I'd like my post to stand.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #117):

The Judge posted #604, moving the group to the Kirbee's shack.

Travis posted 606, asking Arnie to take them to the shack.

The Judge posted first in this case.

Cole has already spoken to the men and he has responded. Please carry on.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #118):

Oh wait, Travis, do you mean that Travis posted before Cole's reply, not before the Judge? You replied to the message in this forum, so I thought your message was in reply to my OOC #116 below when I first read #117.

Anyway, as established in the past, when PCs are talking to NPCs, first posts come first.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #119):

Does Travis have any idea how much a guide costs normally?

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #120):

Travis would know enough to know that it depends on the circumstances. Something like the search for Circling Hawk isn't especially dangerous or long term, so it shouldn't be a steep amount. But it would depend on the experience of the guide and exactly what level of service was expected. $5 a day is a pretty high wage for most work, most things considered. But under the circumstances, when time is of the essence and options seem limited (e.g. Sunday morning), it isn't exactly unreasonable,

The Judge's read is that both groups might be ready to meet back at the hotel/livery area (or at least soon).

If either group is going elsewhere first, or needs to continue RP with NPCs, please state so and carry on in the game forum. Otherwise, feel free to pick up at Planters with the group re-uniting. I was tempted to post a Judge narrative message to that effect in the game forum, but I don't want to advance to Planters if PCs have other places to visit in mind before that happens. I know that ENS is still planning to visit the Doc--that would probably be happening when the others are gathering at Planters.

ENS, I think we should play that publicly as it's likely to be information that the character would relay to others anyway. As I've noted before but which is worth repeating as we have a couple of new players: anything posted publicly is public knowledge, with the assumption that PCs tell each other somewhere along the way and the transfer of that information doesn't need to be done with IC posts.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #122):

Jake will need to go by York and Meyers Outfitters and pick up some manner of field rations, since he has none listed on his character sheet and the PCs will be away from town for some amount of time.

This can be played out IC either before or after the meeting at The Planters, or it can be assumed to have happened "off-stage," and I can make the proper notations on Jake's character sheet.

~J.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:38, Fri 27 Jan 2012.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg #123):

Jake, either way is okay with me, but I'm thinking it makes sense to have Jake (and maybe others) RP such travel-prep and since ENS will be going to the Doc's, those activities can be played simultaneously.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #124):

That works for me. When ENS leaves to go and talk with Doc Culver, I'll have Jake excuse himself and head over to York and Meyers.

~J.

FYI, the Judge will post this evening (10p eastern, or so, I expect).

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #126):

Thanks for the heads-up. :)

~J.

The Judge is happy to continue further RP in town, if desired. But the PCs may advance to their departure anytime they are ready. Unless the Judge is forgetting something, the only potential remaining item was that ENS said he might stop in at the AME Church.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #128):

Personally, I'm ready to move ahead to the departure. But if someone wishes to indulge in some more in-town RP, I'm fine with that. :)

~J.

FYI, I'm traveling on business 2/6-2/7 and will probably post only in the evening on 2/6. It's possible I won't post at all on 2/6 (because of RL time constraints, not connectivity).

Please keep the OOC here, or RP this question/resolution in the game forum.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #131):

Okee-doke, I just thought you were trying to advance to the ride out. But I'll RP with Travis and Randy about who's going/staying.

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg #132):

Well, yeah, msg 698 states that all the men are gathered, which was my goal--to re-assemble everyone so the party could depart when ready. But i'm not trying to rush it. If there are unresolved preparations, feel free to resolve--in OOC is fine (just keep it in this forum, which was the point of my message) and likewise RP is fine.

To be perfectly clear: all of the PCs are together in the street between Livery and Hotel. ENS can see JEB standing there with everyone else. NPCs are there, too. But it's up to the PCs as to the particulars (who is going/staying, when the group departs, how the group departs, etc.).

I don't wish to slow down the advancement of the plot by reason of my IC post to  the effect that Jake stayed awake and conversed with ENS during the Professor's first watch, if everyone else is ready to move on.

I'm perfectly fine with assuming that ENS and Jake had a congenial conversation (ENS, please drop me a PM if you disagree, for any reason). Or, if other players wish to indulge in a little RP before everyone beds down for the night, I'm fine with that, too.

Thanks,
~J.

Actually, the Judge would like to know more specifically when each man intends to sleep. For Jake, it seems clear he doesn't intend to "turn-in" until sometime during the professor's watch (and presumably get awoken later for his watch). It seems clear that ENS will do his stint and then get shuteye. JEB has made clear his intention.

Travis and Cole have hinted at not sleeping during the professor's watch, but it's not clear whether either man intends to get sleep.

The amount of rest, or lack-thereof, could affect subsequent skill checks (circumstance modifiers, etc.)--or even require a CON check or other check--so the Judge needs to be able to gauge the amount of rest appropriately. Precise hours aren't needed, but a better idea would be helpful.

It can be clarified here in OOC, or IC in the game forum, as you prefer.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #135):

Per Jake's latest IC post, he will finish up his cigarette, then head to bed. So, he'll turn in perhaps a half hour into ENS's first watch. Other than Jake's own two-hour watch, he'll try to sleep though the rest of the night.

~J.

Here is Jake's Initiative Roll (straight d20, no Dex modifier):

23:47, Today: Jake Richardson rolled 9 using 1d20. Initiative (Sleeping).

Still need JEB's initiative roll. He had logged in shortly before the Judge posted that request last night and so he has the full 24 hours to follow-up.

However, assuming Cole follows-up this evening with posts to continue the play, the Judge will make JEB's roll, if needed, in order to keep things moving.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #138):

Cole, please feel free to wake us up.

<Runs to grab the rule-book and read up on Heroic Surges after reading Travis's IC post.> :)

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg #140):

Travis is crunchy.  Heroic surge is great.

FYI, waiting for feedback from Cole about his action. The stated actions aren't possible, so he needs to remediate.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #142):

Cole may need to know how many feet each square is on the map to determine if he wants to sprint or move and fire.

5 feet squares

Cole has fixed his actions. Now clarifying Travis' actions.

He made nice use of Heroic Surge, but the Judge read his post differently than he intended--and what he intended isn't a valid combination of actions, so we are sorting this out.

FYI, this a.m. the Judge has advised ENS to re-read msg 788 in the game forum. His post will likely be used as his intention, although that intention will be adjusted for reality in the narrative.

Waiting for all PCs to post one round's worth of actions.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #145):

FYI, since Travis is Sergeant Crunch:

The adjudication was that the gun fighter shot twice in the round we just concluced (regular Attack action and Heroic Surge additional action).

In order to get the third attack with his custom Starr, he would have needed to perform a Full Attack action, but Mr. Sunday intended both movement and attack during the round. The Judge interpreted the move and fire actions as two-weapon fighting but that wasn't Travis' intention (which, we discovered when the Judge pointed out that the two-weapon fighting would have incurred negative modifiers).

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #147):

I most likely won't be able to post on my usual mid-morning schedule (U. S. Eastern time zone) today, due to RL. I should be able to post later this morning, or certainly by this afternoon.

Thanks,
~J.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg #148):

Well Weasel will have to make a few more ride checks to avoid getting dehorsed.  If he rides off it's going to be a long night.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #149):

Stealing a horse is bad enough but in the tradition of all westerns when you shoot the dog, you need to pay.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #150):

Even when the dog was ordered by his master to attack? Some folks would call that self-defense.

BTW, Jack was attacking as per Cole's orders, but his attack roll was unsuccessful and the man with the gun had initiative, so probably, the dog would have backed off after getting shot.

Spot is a full round action. Travis can't fire his weapon as he stated AND use Spot in the same round. So the Judge won't be addressing that in the current round's adjudication.

FYI, because none of the PCs made explicit statements about how the horses were left (some did make statements about feeding and grooming but no one specifically addressed whether leaving the horses saddled or unsaddled--unless I missed it), combined with the Judge's experience with 3/5 of this group in terms of sometimes leaving horses saddled at night, the Judge needed to determine whether the horses were left saddled.

Travis wouldn't be certain about how whether Ghost specifically remained saddled.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #153):

Travis appreciates his honor's patience.  Lots of new situations we haven't really covered in detail before.

Travis may have missed with a 29.  That's not the roll it's the 20% miss chance due to concealment.

Don't worry Travis will run down Weasel, unless Ghost is really fast.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #155):

Is the mystery horse and rider on the map?

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #156):

Could you explain this to me? I never caught that there was a third shooter; just Kirbee in camp and Weasel Vickers out sneaking around.

Well, Ghost is normally pretty fast. But I'm not sure how much extra lead he's carryin' around right now.

~J.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:34, Tue 21 Feb 2012.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #155):

Travis statement is misinformed.

First, the Judge never said that Travis missed (wrote that he wasn't sure whether he hit horse or rider). Secondly, there were several modifiers to that shot, not taken into account in the 29.

Range
Cover
Case-specific Defensive bonuses

These things add up, you know.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #159):

I know.  I just didn't want Jake to feel bad this being his first gunfight and all.

ENS (How do I pronounce your familiar name?):  Someone maybe Travis maybe someone else cut Jakes line of sight on a horse. There was also a thrid shot in the initial exchange of gunfire and a third person was at Kirbee's shed earlier. I'm just making sure I couunted bad guys correctly.

Hey, no worries! I figure that Jake qualifies for a consolation prize. After all, he *did* successfully shoot a guy who was standing five or ten feet away from him.

And the consolation prize is . . . Ta Da! . . . a plow-horse!


Eh, life in the Old West gets tough, sometimes! :)

~J.

I believe the player (PC) has indicated it sounds like "Enis" . . . .

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #162):

Correct! ENS are his initials, but most folks just run them together like E-ehn-is.

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg #163):

If only there was some word that rhymed with Enis that I could use as a mnemonic.  How about....

Clean us.

Funny.

Still, is Travis going to make a game post, or merely post OOC jokes?

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #165):

Travis is reviewing rules for riding.  If Travis said "best speed" the judge would be unsatisfied.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #166):

You are probably correct.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #167):

Take 10?

Aid Another?

For future rolls.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:33, Thu 23 Feb 2012.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #168):

You may Take 10 or attempt to Aid Another, but these must be declared (either instead of a die roll, for the former, or in the notes for the die roll, for the latter). And in the case of Aid Another, the person being aided must be declared explicitly.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #169):

Just asking.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #170):

And I was just answering.

Waiting for JEB's Ride checks. He logged in about 1.5 hours before I posted that request; I expect his follow-up this evening.

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

Meanwhile ENS and Jake may continue their conversation--and the Judge will likely chime in with some narrative . . .

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

Therefore, everyone should keep in mind that we will likely have posting in two different timestreams, for a little while.

Cole and Travis should make a second set of two Ride Checks (#3 and #4).

JEB should make four checks.

Wow. The Judge just got some killer rolls, on behalf of Vickers.

Judge,

How far are the riders referenced in your Msg. # 816 from ENS and Jake?

~J.

This message was deleted by the player at 02:38, Fri 24 Feb 2012.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg #175):

Vickers still lost to me twice.

anyway...

Well Jake and ENS, depending who is on that hill you'd better greet our Tonkawan friends or grab the dog and runaway.  I don't know why Vvickers would have made his move with friends on the way.

JEB is a full 24 hours behind; the Judge requested rolls #3 and #4 here before JEB's latest game post (which was simultaneous with the Judge's game post). While being mindful that JEB probably missed the post here for #3 and #4 because he was already preparing his game post, the Judge is making JEB's Ride 3 & 4 checks in the spirit of keeping the game moving.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg #175):

More than a hundred yards?

Well, it's a good thing you pointed out that fact, because the Judge can count only to 25 and that roll Travis made with the 3 at the beginning was well beyond the Judge's capacity to adjudicate.

EDIT: to enhance sardonic tone
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:18, Fri 24 Feb 2012.

It probably won't change Jake's response. I just wanted to know for informational purposes, so that I could work it into Jake's IC post to ENS.

~J.

I'd be a little surprised if it's friends of Vickers and Kirbee. I don't think that those two have that many friends -- unless it was people gathering together to celebrate their funerals. :)

~J.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:52, Fri 24 Feb 2012.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg #182):

Folks, I've got a family situation that will occupy me pretty exclusively for the next few days.  The Judge is encouraged to play Travis.    I'll be checking in but not frequently and not with any regularity.

Good luck Pards!

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #183):

I hope that all goes well for you and your family, Travis. Good luck, and we hope to have you rejoin us soon for some more fun, Texas-style.

~J.

Travis, best wishes and thanks for the update.

Gamewise: this is a difficult situation for the Judge to play Travis. Sent him a PM about why, but not sure if he will be able to respond.

Please continue with your own posts and the Judge will figure out how to handle Travis. One possibility is for another PC to handle Travis, but the Judge would want Travis to put his stamp of approval on that, and again, not sure whether that can happen.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #185):

Rule adjudication/explanation please:  Spur mount adds 10 to speed.  Is that base speed?  If so are we all traveling at 4x speed.  If so Travis is behind Weasle 150 feet.  Would each Spur Mount close 40 feet?

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #186):

Correct, Spur Mount (if successful) would add 10 feet to base speed for one round. Thus, 40 feet for a 4x move.

However, to say that this would mean closing the distance by 40 feet in that round isn't necessarily true. It would make it possible to close within 40 feet, but it other factors are involved in attempting to close the distance. I'm not saying this because it won't work in this situation, just trying to be clear about the difference between what Spur Mount does, vs. what the outcome would be depending on how it is used in any given situation.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #187):

Travis has prerolled and has passed on intentions to the judge.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #188):

At this point in time, the Judge would much prefer that Travis participates. I have sent PM to Travis and based on recent updates, it sounded like he would be available this weekend, so we'll be lenient on timing.

That doesn't mean that others can't continue, or shouldn't log in daily (for example, JEB and Cole could state follow-up actions based on what they see--JEB sees that Horse and Ghost have slowed; Cole sees that JEB has slowed and fired a round. And ENS and Jake may also have further discourse or action).

Too bad we don't have one of those big plastic cones to put on Jack's head. :)

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg #190):

Nice.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #191):

Agreed (with Travis' reply). One AP to Jake for the gut-buster.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #192):

Thank you, gentlemen.

~J.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg #193):

Maybe ENS can fashion one from a cactus!

re: Travis and Vickers

The Judge will advance to the arrival of JEB and Cole as soon as Travis is ready. It's unclear whether Travis intended to continue talking to the Weasel before they arrive. There is still time for another exchange in dialogue, if Travis desires and the Judge didn't want to cut that off prematurely. We can advance to the group of three riders reconvening, based on Mr Sunday's indication.

FYI, the Judge is traveling on business this week. Morning and evening posting is likely but not guaranteed.

Our family dog of 15 years looks to be on his last legs. It may inhibit my posting over the next few days.

~J.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg #197):

Wow! 15 years is a good run!

Doesn't make it any less painful though... best wishes Jake!

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg #197):

Sorry about that amigo.  We have two and foster rescues for our breed.  A great hound is a good friend and true family member.  My sympathies.

Thanks for the best wishes, guys. The dog has rallied a bit today, but is definitely in decline.

~J.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg #200):

All the best to your family. Hang in there.

Sorry to hear about your dog, Jake. Been there myself a couple of times.

The Judge watched his alma mater win a Big East tournament game last night, after-hours during his business travel to the Big Apple. Wish I could attend again tonight, but have an early a.m. flight and need to get some actual shut-eye. The game will be on the hotel room tv, with the Judge watching until he falls asleep.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #203):

I am on business travel next week, but should be able to post at least once a day.

Thanks for the heads-up, JEB. Do you have an expected time per day (e.g. morning or evening)?

Advancement of the plot is in the hands of the players, for the moment.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #205):

Evening.

Plot advancement is still in the hands of the PCs.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #207):

Travis is waiting for Cole and JEB.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #208):

Travis is willing to go on autopilot at the judge's discretion.

No can do, at least beyond the return to camp. The Judge requires that the men reiterate, or re-establish, the remainder of the night's watch.

Reporting for duty.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #210):

What is the time?

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg #212):

12:20 a.m.

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg #211):

Keep Ayasha safe from the pitchforked townsfolk.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #214):

For the record...  March Madness.  Me #1; the Judge - Last place.

Future Prediction:  This is the last time either of those will remain true.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #215):

Agreed. First round first day means nothing for the tourney points. It's all about whether you get teams in your final four picks.

GO BULLS!

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #215):

For the record. Travis is tied for #1 and I'm tied for last.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #217):

I'm fine with moving on to morning, but do you want me to do any rolls for tending to Ghost? Besides being run hard, what were his wounds?

Ghost has wounds. A TI/Restore Grit would help.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #219):

FYI - Cole is away for the weekend and won't be able to post until Sunday night.

Anti-DFL League

Duke...

Noooooooooooooooooo!

---

For those of you who don't know, or didn't realize, or were otherwise oblivious, or perhaps ignorant to the fact, or didn't care...

Randy ain't been on his Fanny for a while.   He's gone and got back up on her and all seems in apple pie order.  That feller, Judge Messalen has been a right up good egg and done kept Randy from missin' a meal.

He's hopin' ya'll will drop by the Frontier some evening soon for one of the performances.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:09, Sat 17 Mar 2012.

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg #221):

BULLS!

I was looking forward to a match-up with Mr. Sunday's RL alma mater, but, alas . . .

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #222):

<Facepalm> <Brando Apocalypse now voice> The madness... the madness...

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg #221):

I didn't understand a word of that, but it sounds like a things are moseyin' along on the right direction. :)

~J.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #222):

As long as everyone is flying their team colors during The Big Dance . . .

Go Gators!

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg #221):

Glad to hear that you're up and about again, here's hoping you stay that way!

Speaking of MIAs, has anyone heard from Ayasha? Any status on her RL condition?

Various topics:

1. Haven't heard from Ayasha in any way. Her RPoL game remains dormant.

2. The Judge is going to advance the plot now.

3. The Judge will be creating a new thread, but wishes to squeeze in a few more in Ch9.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg #224):


Cryptic is my  13.9.4.4.12.5    name.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:06, Mon 19 Mar 2012.

Going to Phoenix tomorrow, for the tournament. Returning  Sunday. But, I expect to have Internet access, so I should be online throughout the trip.

Thanks for the heads-up, Cole.

For the record, a natural 1 on skill checks ISN'T an automatic failure (p55). A natural 1 on an attack roll is an automatic failure (p201, and potential mis-fire with a firearm, FGE no. 1 vol. 1). The Judge has no problem with Jake's colorful description of the outcome--indeed, his Spot check failed to turn up anything and the Judge added color as well in a PM--but felt it necessary to clarify based on the OOC comment.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:59, Wed 21 Mar 2012.

Thanks for the clarification, Judge. In this instance, I was aware that a natural 1 on a skill check wasn't an automatic failure. That's consistent with the D&D 4e rules, with which I am familiar. But, again, thanks for the clarification -- sorry to have confused things with my OOC comment! :)

~J.

Jake, you didn't confuse anything. Just thought it was worth posting the clarification in case anyone might have gotten the wrong idea.

Opened Chapter 10

The PCs out on the plain should return to town, as per Circling Hawk's requirement. Travis should post an introductory message leading the group toward town. Of course, PCs may carry out conversation on the way to The Flat, as desired.

I suppose the Judge will determine the pace of the riders on their way back to town.

The PC statements about who is going where/staying where are less than clear to the Judge. And ENS himself hasn't weighed in yet.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #236):

I've just been waiting for something that warrented a response from ENS. But things are moving now!

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #236):

Hopefully Jake's latest IC post has clarified his intentions.

~J.

Now that ENS has posted and Jake has clarified, the Judge has a decent idea of each man's next move. But there are still a couple of gaps that might need addressing by each PC.

Presently, the Judge has a PM out to Travis to clarify something. Assuming Travis confirms, the Judge understands the situation as follows:

Travis is waiting near 'X' watching for the Tonks, with Horse.
JEB and Cole are heading toward the sheriff, with Vickers (and three total horses).
Jake is taking Ghost to the livery.
ENS is going to Planters to check on Ayasha, with his horse.
Randy remains at Frontier House rehearsal.

The Judge will be making posts relevant to each "group" of PCs, during simultaneous activities that will all need to fit together in an event that is occurring in town. It is important for PCs to state actions explicitly (can be weaved into the narrative, of course) over the next few posts. The Judge will fill in gaps if needed . . . much like the question of whether horses were saddled last night . . . so if it matters to anyone whether he is still mounted, or is taking time for a specific action on the way to a stated destination, or moving quickly or slowly or what-have-you, then such a concern should be stated during upcoming posts. And it is important to maintain the 1/day posts; the Judge won't be giving much slack and would appreciate more than 1/day if possible.

To be clear: I'm not asking PCs to state everything right now. I'm saying that PCs should post thoughtful and detailed posts over the next several days of posting; that, along with regular log ins, will improve the RP experience, I believe,

JEB and Travis:

JEB and Cole still on Griffin Avenue. JEB is stopped by the crowd of drinking men in the intersection (just north of #20 and #21). He can't see Travis or the others.

Travis, Jake and ENS are stopped by the collection of people on Fourth Street (north side of the street, at the eastern edge of #33). He can't see JEB.

EDIT: clarification
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:12, Sun 01 Apr 2012.

Please see above, edited.

Sorry this is so late, I guess it's a wayhomer,



Is this a picture of Kirbee?

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/6204058/is_this_Kirbee.png

LOL. If the hombre looked like Kenny, I woulda shot him a lot sooner'n I did, just on gen'ral principles! :)

~J

I don't pick on language, ever.  However in this case, I laughed, guffawed and maybe even snorted a couple of times.

Other things Travis might have done (and still might):
- Quieted the silent crowd
- Fed the sated dog
- Shaved the hairless cat
- Added water to the overflowing trough
- Lighted a lantern in the noonday sun
- Looked at his watch when the church bell struck noon

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg #244):

"Perhaps this is the time for a colorful metaphor." -- Mr. Spock

Is it time to call in the 'vo-cabalry'?

Ha! A well-turned phrase, sir! :)

~J.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg #247):

I agree, that was a good one.

Thanks to all the players for logging in and posting regularly during that period. The Judge knew there would be various RP to do and he appreciates that everyone kept up.

Now, the advancement of the plot is back in the PC's hands . . .

Well, ENS told Randy about the dead Chinese woman in message #158 of Ch10. It wasn't necessary to play Randy as if he didn't know about that . . . .

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #250):

Just remember, Randy's not simple-minded, he's single-minded.  Nevertheless, thanks for the research.

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg #251):

My point was that the "Judge's blessing" (your words ) isn't needed for Randy to be aware of the dead Chinese woman. Another PC told him that fact. It is up to the player in regard to whether Randy is aware of that fact. The player could decide that Randy's single-mindedness means he missed the professor's information (as it appears to have been played out), or the player could decide that Randy did indeed hear and understand the professor's information.

The Judge will make no ruling on that account.

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (Chapter 10, msg #246):

For the sake of clarity, the Judge will note that Jake was never on the porch with the deputy. He had turned away as ENS approached. The two men may converse, but that would happen in the street and not on the porch.

I would like to take a quick minute to applaud, encourage and thank Jake and ENS.  They have merged nicely and to my reckoning have enhanced the game.

I salute you with the ultimate western background music...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZNGe7iK1O-4

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #254):

Thanks for that video, Travis (great movie, great music), and thanks for your kind words. It's always a bit of an iffy thing to join a long-running game, so I'm glad to hear from one of the "veterans" here on the board that I'm doing a good job with Jake. I certainly do concur in your comments about ENS, too -- he's a very enjoyable, believable character -- very well-written.

~J.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg #255):

Thank you both, I think everyone is a pretty well-rounded character. And I'm also appreciative of the acceptance of the group for us newbies!

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #254):

and let me also extend my apologies to the newcomers for the writing and play of the someday-he'll-write-enough-to-be-Hemingway-short, and yet still annoyingly obstinate, bulldoze- in-a-straight-line Travis Sunday.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #257):

No worries on my account, Travis! Everyone has a different writing style, and some characters are the souls of brevity, as the saying goes. Come to think of it, Clint's character in those spaghetti Westerns wasn't all that chatty! :)

~J.

PS. Tuco, on the other hand, is a regular chatter-box! :)
This message was last edited by the player at 15:04, Wed 18 Apr 2012.

Oh, stop.  Stop.  Please, stop.  My side hurts.  Stop.  Let me catch my breath.  Oh, my side hurts so much.  Stop, please.  I'm laughing too hard.  Please, stop.

As the saying goes...

... more flies with honey (than with vinegar), sweetie.

The expression is known to exist as early as the 1600's.  It was common to leave a saucer of honey on the table in the kitchen to catch flies. It stopped the annoying buzzing and unsanitary bacterial deliveries of the common house and fruit flies.


Frickin' minutia

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg #259):

Why do I hear Eddie Murphy's voice as you mock me?

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #261)

...as Donkey?  Fitting.

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg #262):

More like Billy Ray Valentine.

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg #260):

I guess I was thinking sugar water, but you're right... that does sound more correct.

That's fine. From a message during the conversation with Cole, it seemed that Randy was leaving.

FYI, I'll be traveling on business week of 4/23/12. And traveling for pleasure week of 4/30/12.

I expect to log in morning and evening while traveling, as usual.

Holy $hit, I haven't laughed ⅎuckin' this hard since... I haven't laughed this ⅎuckin' hard I think EVER!

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg #267):

Happy Birthday JEB!!!!!

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #268):

The Judge needs to know whether ENS, Cole or Randy are following the others, or staying at the corral with the third Tonkawa.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #268):

Thanks, it feels good to be 29!

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg #270):

I think you transposed the numbers in your age, deputy.

Congratulations, JEB. I agree -- it *would* feel good to be 29! :)

The professor would never have heard the term 'Oklahoma' in 1877. My research indicates that the term wasn't even suggested for that territory until 1879. That area, where the 5 civilized tribes were relocated, was commonly known as "Indian Territory" or "Indian Nation" or "The Nations". Those of the PCs who participated in the last adventure will recall the Judge using such terms during that adventure, when the cattle drive passed through that area.

The Oklahoma Territory wasn't officially created until 1890.

Pursuing such a conversation with the Circling Hawk would require ENS to use terms such as those above.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:05, Fri 27 Apr 2012.

Posting at 30,000 feet this morning on my way home. Nothing like sitting in first class and participating in play-by-post game while far above the earth.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #273):

Fixed in both posts.

Posting at 12,000 millimeters this afternoon at home.  Nothing like sitting in my office with a cold cup of water, listening to my favorite tracks in 5.1 without the chance of catching Monkeypox and participating in a play-by-post game while 14 feet above the earth (second-story).

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg #276):

Ruling: The Judge wins.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #277):

The transporter will spoil your win soon enough.  Mark my words!

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #362):

FYI, Travis was downstairs when he was talking to Mr. Xu. In the lobby, as stated in the various descriptions.

I'm not absent from the game.  Randy is off at his boarding house having his dinner.  When the judge feels the time is right, we'll move Randy on to his next action.  Big Randy is Always Watching®

Advancement is incumbent upon the PCs right now.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #281):

LOL -- is that a polite way of saying "It's time to get off your asses and write something, people"? :)

~J.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg #282):

The Judge's sentence was designed to be read on multiple levels. If that is a level you perceived, the Judge will not argue.

Something I always remembered... The Judge is always right. Hey all! Just thought I'd stop by & give a shout out to everyone. I hope all is well with everybody. Still real busy but think of you all & the game often. I hope you are all having a blast. Take good care! Many Blessings Meri

In reply to Meriwether Lewis Smythe (msg #284):

Howdy, Meri! It's great to hear from you -- hope that all is well with you and your family, as well! :)

~J.

In reply to Meriwether Lewis Smythe (msg #284):

  MLS:  Come back soon.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg #286):

He's dead, Travis.  Wow, what a short memory you have.  It only happened five years ago game time (and nearly the same in RL).

But, the sentiment is true.  Demerillow, you are missed.  I hope all is well.  I do often think of what Deeds, or especially our long departed friend, Meri, would do in some situations.  I'm pretty sure there would be Irish whisky to be found in the Flat.

To be precise--not that the Judge cares much about that--there was no description of Lizzie sitting at the table. The Judge can see how a reader might interpret the description that way, but nothing explicit indicates that she is sitting.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #288):

Lizzie is kneeling at the table.

Thanks for the kind words partners. I may try to return if my schedule becomes a little less hectic. I miss you all as well! Many Blessings Meri

In reply to Meriwether Lewis Smythe (msg #290):

You are always welcome.

I believe I used "damaged" out of time here.  Without any research, using only reasoning, describing a person's psyche as damaged is anachronistic.  It makes sense the term developed as pyschobabble progressing through the 20th Century.  Even if it were in use in the 19th Century, I doubt it was used in many, if any, frontier towns.


Now, shall we talk about Cole's fixation on cigars?
This message was last edited by the player at 00:13, Wed 09 May 2012.

Yes, go on.

In reverse order:
The Judge was planning to give a description, but until Jake and Cole sat down, these men were just two silhouettes (at least metaphorically) and not worthy of description. Be patient, Rifleman.

Yes, no skill for Gambling means straight roll +wisdom bonus. The stated stake is reasonable. The Judge will provide narrative for the first stake, appropriately.

I'd like to note something here, because it is very important.  Randy wasn't confused as to whether he could visit his animals--he was told that before.  Randy was asking permission to enter someone's private property and showing respect for the folks with whom he does business.

Randy's question wasn't phrased so that was the obvious intention, true.  That really wasn't the point.  I didn't anticipate the judge's response phrased as it was.  There is no complaint about his response, whatsoever.

I just need to tell the players what their characters would witness; Randy's anger was not transferred to the next person he saw.  He simply moved from one encounter to another just like stepping from one room into another--the whole situation starts fresh.  My narrative failed to make that clear.

Please excuse this extended explanation of exact expression.  Excellent!

The Judge is moving forward with JEB and Travis.

All,

An elderly aunt has passed away, and I will be traveling to the out-of-state funeral once the date has been set. I will be away from the game until some time this weekend, or possibly early next week.

Thanks,
~Jake

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg #297):

I am very sorry to hear of the loss to your family.  Please, take the time you need to look after your family.

Know we will be here upon your return, losing money and slowing getting more soused as the minutes drift by.

Sorry for your loss Jake. Take good care & be safe upon the road. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. Many Blessings Meri

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg #297):

My deepest condolences to you and your loved ones.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg #297):

Condolences mon! Be safe on your trip!

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg #297):

Best wishes to you and your family. Thanks for the heads-up, gamewise.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg #297):

Family first, always. Take care.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg #297):

I'm Sorry for your loss. Hope you get back soon.

This Saturday I will be out of town, until the following Saturday. I expect to still be able to post, however.

In reply to Cole Trayne (msg #305):

I will be traveling on business 5/21-5/26, but expect to log in and post morning and evening.

As has been stated, the men are playing five card stud. There can't be 'cards' in his hand. There might be one card in his hand, if he always picks up the first-dealt hole card.

Thanks for the kind words, everyone.  Funerals are never a happy occasion, but at least we were able to visit with some of the extended family with whom we rarely get to spend time (in some cases, that's unfortunate -- in others, not so much!) :)

I'll catch up on reading the in-game posts that I have missed, and I should be able to post something for Jake, IC, some time today.

Glad you made it back safeen' sound. Again sorry for your loss my friend. Many Blessings Meri

In reply to Meriwether Lewis Smythe (msg #309):

Doing some serious lurking lately, I see, Mr. Smythe.

I was thinking more figuratively than literally.

Perhaps, "under" his hands would have caused you less angst?

No angst, Mr. Trayne. Merely disappointment that players don't pay attention to the details, especially when those details are often metaphors for, and allusions to, other elements of the game.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #310):

Yes! Just a bit more time on my hands right now. I have enjoyed reading over my ole partners' stories. I hope everyone is doing well? Cheers Meri

In reply to Meriwether Lewis Smythe (msg #313):

It's great to hear from you again, Meri. I'm doing quite well, and I hope that the same is true for you and your family. :)

~J.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #312):

BTW, having re-read my reply #312, I realize that it could be read as an attack on Cole. It wasn't intended that way. Cole's question prompted the Judge to comment on a general thought percolating in his mind, as some important details have been quickly muddled during the course of the play since the party's return to The Flat late Monday afternoon.

My apologies to Cole.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #315):

No worries.

On a lark, I decided to Internet search C L Hawley.  As soon as the results appeared, I thought the Judge either too clever or too coincidental.

C L Hawley is a retailer in the UK specializing in out-of-print and rare books--both of which are of interest to our male-/benevolent judge.

That is all.

The Judge reserves the right to let the PCs speculate, without interference.

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg #317):

If he tries to sell Cole a first edition Shakespeare folio, then we'll know for sure! :)

~J.

The irony is that what Travis Sunday doesn't know is that this has been a relatively quiet few days in The Flat.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg #320):

A month of this and there'd be no one left.  :)