In reply to Randy Oldman (msg # 932):

OOC: Lars departed as part of the Judge's narrative. Lars = Randy's new friend, established in previous gameplay.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg #929) and E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 931):

Bennington's draw results in both Jake and ENS winning their bet. A couple of other bets are pushed, while two more are collected by the house.

"I am sure the cavalry is up to the task, regardless," chimes in Bennington.

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

OOC: It has been intersting making some gambling checks during RP conversation that is germane to possible plot advancement. We don't have to make one for every draw of the night, although the players may continue until all are ready to move on. The Judge would like to conclude a couple of PC interactions and then we could advance for time spent in the saloon, or advance to the next morning or the next PC action or what-have-you. We need to complete Randy's pre-show conversation and Sunday's encounter upstairs. JEB has lingered at the bar, placing an order that would last a while if he wanted it to, so for the moment, things are mostly dependent on Travis finishing PM. He's been AFK for three days now, but I would expect to see him back soon. So Jake and ENS can continue this thread as long as desired, and end it when desired. A final wager of at least half the total original stake would be a good closing roll whenever the PCs want to stop the turn-by-turn Faro and conversation.

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg # 932):

Muriel Hervey shrugs and speaks first, looking at Randy. "I understand that a number of the men mentioned in the Echo are your acquaintances. It is good for the show, as people are talking about you, about us," she adds, glancing at Soledad and around the theatre, "but with notoriety also comes trouble."

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 930):

The fellow who spoke of fighting Indians at the Red River had, to Jake's eye at least, a demeanor of calm self-confidence that one sometimes glimpsed among the men who had seen the elephant and, by reason of their own skill and pluck -- and, perhaps a dose of good luck -- lived to tell the tale. Jake felt an instinctive respect for his fellow-Texan.

The ex-Wells Fargo man paused in his card-play for a moment, and gave the other man his full attention. "You mentioned the Red River war, sir. Was you mayhaps at Adobe Walls? Or mayhaps you did some scoutin' for the blue-bellies . . ."

Jake colored a little at using a war-time term that rolled off his tongue before he thought about it, and flashed a half-apologetic little smile. "S'cuse me . . . the army."

OOC: ENS, what's your pleasure with respect to continuing the Faro betting, as alluded to by the Judge in the OOC thread his OOC comments at the end of Msg. # 934, above?

Edited OOC comment.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:50, Mon 10 Feb 2014.

In reply to Muriel Hervey (msg # 935):

"I 'spose the show will benefit, though I wishes it weren't for such a case as me and who I knows.

"Them fellers is my pards as we rode the trail years back. We watched over each other as much as the herd we had to. And Travis Sunday even saved me years after in a way few folks could ever understand.

"Miss Hervey, it's my full intent to give this town a better show than last night--they fer sure deserve it. I'm gonna use all this here attention to the benefit of our troupe. If it is my lunk-head what puts 'em in the seats, then I know it's your sweetness what keeps 'em there." Randy bows gentlemanly to the lovely Muriel Hervey.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 936):

ENS listens to Jake and the hunter talk, but perseveres with the game. He decides to up his stake to a dollar this round.

15:45, Today: E.N.S. Ringgenberg rolled 19 using 1d20. Gamble check #9.

OOC: I don't care either way since it seems we're waiting on Travis. We could finish the coffee and then move to JEB at the bar, perhaps with one grand bet of the stakes provided.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 936):

Jake's comment about the bluebellies elicits chuckles from a few of the nearby patrons, including the seasoned hunter himself. In a clear voice he says, "11th Infantry, under Buell, out of Fort Griffin."

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg # 937):

Muriel offers a measured smile. "How gallant, Mr. Big'un. I shall not worry. I simply thought it best for you to know the concerns of some of us here at the Frontier House." She glances at Soledad Sanchez. Seeing that the Mexican continues to linger with a look of pre-occupation, Muriel Hervey curtsies to Randy, and returns to her own preparations for the show.

In reply to Muriel Hervey (msg # 940):

The singer's departure leaves Randy alone with the sultry Miss Sanchez. The start of the show is not far off, the theatre's staff is busy with all manner of tasks as they ready for the night's performance.

"Finish your preparations, Randy," she orders in a way that sounds like a good idea. Soledad helps Randy with the fine points while she speaks to him in a quiet voice.

"Do you expect to see your friends at the show tonight? Or after? I have an interest in a word with the man they call the Professor."

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 939):

Jake nodded courteously to the man who had just spoken. "Hood's Texas Brigade," he replied.

"Right pleasurable to meet another infantryman. Seems like all you hear about these days is the cavalry."

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 942):

"No, sir, you have mistaken my meaning. The 11th infantry of the United States Army, operating from Fort Griffin," he tilts his head as if pointing to the fort on the hill above The Flat, "and dispatched to Fort Sill and then the Red River in 1874, to fight the Indians."

After some time, the sheriff opens the jail door, enters and closes the door behind him.

Cole Trayne isn't certain exactly how long it has been since the deputy had delivered the meager meal, but the wrangler guesses it has been an hour or so. Kate has napped during that time and Cole felt himself doze off now and again. The break in their conversation spanned the whole time since the meal. One thing that he had found interesting was how much of the town activity he could hear while inside the cell--primarily from the nearby saloons. Although he couldn't make out specific conversation most of the time, he could hear when men were laughing, or arguing, or singing, or when horses passed by in the thoroughfare, and so forth. Shortly before the sheriff entered, Cole heard him speaking with someone on the porch, but he couldn't make out the words.

"Something to pass the time?" Cruger asks, holding up what appears to be a folded newspaper.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:37, Wed 12 Feb 2014.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 943):

There was briefly a look of puzzlement on Jake's face, then it passed and he nodded his agreement with the hunter. "Reckon so," he agreed with the other man's statement that he had misunderstood his meaning.

"When I asked if you had been at Adobe Walls or had scouted for the army and you replied 'bout the 11th Infantry, I took you to mean that you was servin', or had served, with that outfit. My mistake."

Noticing that ENS and some of the other players had already placed their next wagers, Jake reached over and placed another fifty-cent check on a card.

OOC: 09:22, Today: Jake Richardson rolled 19 using 1d20+2. Gamble Check #9.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 945):

The seasoned hunter now looks a mite perplexed. "I did serve in the 11th, under Buell. That was not Hood's Texas Brigade. You have your armies confused, sir."

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 946):

Jake sighed. "Now you mistake my meaning, sir. I meant that I served in Hood's Texas Brigade during the War."

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 947):

The seasoned hunter laughs. "It's no wonder neither of us can win at Faro. As you said before, it is a pleasure to meet a fellow infantryman."

In reply to Soledad Sanchez (msg # 941):

Mr. Big'un appreciates the hand with his preparation for the show. He keeps his wants in check when Soledad leans in a bit close or brushes her body against his.

"I figgur they'll be on about themselves tonight, but I'll likely see ENS later." Randy is even more quiet than the Mexican woman since his voice carries more easily. "You wanna see him first thing in the morning? I could set it for him to 'spect you for breakfast at the Planter's."

In reply to Sheriff Cruger (msg # 944):

The wrangler stands up, walks to the cell door, and accepts the newspaper. As he returns to his bunk, he glances about in an attempt to assess if he has enough light to properly read.

Much obliged , sheriff.

In reply to Cole Trayne (msg # 950):

The sheriff nods and exits the jail. Cole hears the pad lock being applied from the outside.

A single kerosene lamp lights the room and provides some warmth. It is attached to the wall across from Cole's cell. He knew this, but he had not attempted to read until now so it didn't seem to matter much.

Experimenting, the wrangler sits at the edge of the bunk and checks the headline on the front page of the Fort Griffin Echo. He can read it, as well as the three sub-heads, but the main columns of print are difficult. He could get a little closer if he sat on the floor near the cell gate.

Kate takes a sip of water. She extends the skin and with a serious tone says, "You will need to wet your whistle before you read that out loud."
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:29, Thu 13 Feb 2014.

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg # 949):

Soledad smiles. "Excelente. Gracias. Thank you, Mr. Big'un."

When they are done with his preparation, Randy is pleased with the effect.

Bennington performs another turn, and it is a winning hand for most players, including Jake and ENS. With some players having the winning card and others correctly coppering bets, four of the five players on that turn had their wagers paid.

The game continues, with roughly half of the box remaining.

OOC: At this time, the Judge is calling for a final bet from the two PCs at the Faro table. Place an appropriate stake for staying through the deck and make the final check. RP may continue if desired, but we will be advancing, soon, for time spent in the saloon, at the Frontier House and in Picket Jail.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 953):

Counting his winning wager and placing a new one, the hunter from the 11th says, "Mayhaps I spoke to soon. Good fortune to us all." He orders another beer.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 953):

ENS collects his fresh winnings then looks over to Jake.

Well my friend, I propose we wrap this up and go over to see how the Deputy is fairing.

ENS sees that he is up $2 from the original $2.50 Jake gave him, so he puts $2.50 on a card and looks back to Mr. Bennington with a grin.

Only fair to give you a chance to win back your gift!

15:15, Today: E.N.S. Ringgenberg rolled 8 using 1d20. Gamble check #10.

In reply to Indian Kate (msg # 951):

Cole accepts the skin and drinks, careful to leave more than enough for his cellmate. Returning the skin, the wrangler nods in appreciation.

In silent understanding of her indirect request, Cole attempts to position his cot so that he might read in the best light possible, without having to sit on the floor. If he finds this impractical, he will brave the floor.

He commences reading aloud, being sure to speak loud enough for Kate to hear, but not too loud so as to be easily heard in the next room.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 953):

Jake nodded his agreement with ENS's suggestion that the two of them finish up at the faro table and go over to speak with JEB.

"Lady Luck's been pretty good to me tonight," he remarked. "Let's see if'n She stays true."

The ex-Wells Fargo man put four dollars worth of checks on his card -- his half of those that Mister Bennington had previously gifted to him, plus some of his own money, as well.

Edit: Rolled Jake's Gamble Check.OOC: 22:58, Today: Jake Richardson rolled 22 using 1d20+2. Gamble Check #10.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:01, Fri 14 Feb 2014.