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06:39, 29th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Chapter 20: Not in Kansas Anymore.

Posted by Judge MessalenFor group 0
Judge Messalen
GM, 5775 posts
The Hangin' Judge
P:6 T:10 W:0 F:0 B:4+WC
Thu 27 Feb 2020
at 19:05
  • msg #314

Re: Chapter 20: Not in Kansas Anymore

OOC: Further observations and pointers. The Judge will move some of this to the Savaged Goin' sticky forum. You might want to re-read the recent posts in that forum and note this message in your Scratchpad for future reference.

  • Multi-Action: The penalty for muliple actions (more than one action in a turn, max 3) affects ALL actions in the turn. Therefore, both of Rof's throws would have incurred -2 for the multi-action in one turn. Sometimes, an action doesn't involve a Trait test, so the -2 is moot, such as "Running" action to get extra distance in a turn, while also "Shooting" in that turn. Technically, both actions are -2, but since "Running" doesn't involve a Trait test, the -2 for that is moot, but the -2 for the Shooting would apply. In Rof's case, he made two attacks and each action is therefore -2.
  • Modifiers: Typically, there will be some kind of situational modifier that the Judge will apply during combat -- whether it's darkness as it was in this play-test, or cover, or what-have-you. When the Judge makes such a circumstance known and clear, please include the modifier in the dice rolls (and note this when reporting rolls, e.g., "-2 dark, +2 Aim already figured" -- OR note that no mods applied to the roll if none are clearly known). The Judge may apply other modifiers unknown to the players (e.g., an opponent has Dodge) which could change the final result.
  • Range is a factor when using ranged weapons. If the range is already established (e.g., you fired last round and Judge indicated it was Medium range -2, and range is essentially the same in the new turn), apply the range penalty as part of the dice roll and note that.
  • Range impact on Damage: Range is also a factor when using some weapons, such as shotguns, in terms of how much damage is done. Jake saw that when testing the LeMat, medium range is only 2d6 damage with any scattergun. Tommy's up-close shot would have been 3d6.
  • Ranged TN: When using ranged weapons, TN is 4 to hit. Anytime a character reaches double digits on the roll, it is likely to be a Raise (4 more than the TN needed) even after any unknown penalties. For example, both Rof and Tommy's rolls with the Aces were high enough to  be raises unless the penalties would be more than -8, which is possible with really good cover or very far away but unlikely or something you would already know about. Like Tracy did in this play-test, you can assume a Raise in most cases where the ranged attack roll exceeds 10; go ahead and roll the extra d6 for the Raise with the other damage dice -- and as Tracy noted, regardless of the number of Raises on a successful attack, you get only +1d6 so it's just a question of "Raise, or not?"
  • Melee TN: When in melee combat, the TN is the opponent's Parry, not the same TN4 as with ranged weapons. We didn't test any melee here; so simply keep that in difference in mind, especially when thinking about a Raise -- less certain when reaching double-digits than ranged attacks because some opponents may have a Parry score of 5 or 6 or possibly even higher. Of course, if anyone wants to test melee (Fighting) we can arrange that.
  • Movement: Movement is a free action up to normal Pace. Dropping Prone has defensive advantages. It also has some movement implications (standing up uses Pace). Crawling has movement implications as well. Notice that the three Extras didn't use the Prone or Cover tactics this time and they all were good targets. Running is an action.
  • Hold: Based on this play-test and Jake's input, the Judge will be applying the "if on Hold at the end of a round, the character begins on Hold the next round and doesn't get an Action card draw. That character may act anytime during the new round, including first if desired, or to interrupt another's action.
  • Damage Results: Damage total for a given attack determines whether a person is unaffected, Shaken, or takes a Wound. There is text and tables about this in the SW rules. Essentially, ff the damage is <= opponent's Toughness, no affect. If damage > Toughness it is at least Shaken. If 4 or more > Toughness (a Raise above Toughness) then it's a Wound (and another Wound for every additional Raise). In this battle, Tracy's first attack damage (13) was enough for two Wounds (Toughness was 5 for these guys, thus 2 Raises), but Extras only have one Wound so he went down. Tracy's 2nd shot and Jake's grapeshot were only enough for Shaken results. But when you are Shaken and then hit again, you usually suffer a Wound. So Rof and Tommy's attacks only needed another Shaken result to cause a Wound and take down the other two Extras. As noted earler, Rof's 26 damage would have been enough to cause several Wounds on even the Toughest men or critters, even if the opponent weren't already Shaken. Tommy's damage roll was incorrect, but by the Judge's ruling, it would have been 3d6 +1d6 for the Raise on the Shooting roll, which is a minimum of 4 and it is extremely like he would have gotten 5 or better, resulting in a Shaken result at least, therefore a Wound on the Shaken camper.
  • More Modifiers: Edges give various modifiers to attacks. Some of the rules have changed, affecting Edges such as Marksman or tactics such as Aim, where you get either a +1 to the attack roll, or you can negate a number of penalties. Keep in mind that this may offset something like a Called Shot penalty, or something like a Ranged penalty. Other Edges and circumstances also allow the character to ignore some penalties.


Lastly, part of the reason for this play-test was for players to see if their design or re-design holds up to some actual gameplay. You should free free to make any legal adjustments to your stats  -- please inform the Judge -- as a result of these tests.
Judge Messalen
GM, 5776 posts
The Hangin' Judge
P:6 T:10 W:0 F:0 B:4+WC
Thu 27 Feb 2020
at 20:27
  • msg #315

Re: Chapter 20: Not in Kansas Anymore

Judge Messalen:
Go ahead and react / act with free posting as to what each PC does next (anything you want to do, other than chase the fleeing camper). There are still potential rolls to be made here, and still a resolution to such an encounter that is worth finishing even though it's a play-test.

Figured it was worth reiterating this part, as it was sandwiched between two longer OOC passages.
Jacob Richardsen
player, 454 posts
Handy With A Rifle
P:5; T:6; W:0; F:0; B:4
Fri 28 Feb 2020
at 00:32
  • msg #316

Re: Chapter 20: Not in Kansas Anymore

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 315):

After lying still for 10 or 15 seconds after he had fired the grapeshot barrel of the LeMat, Jake rose to his feet and dusted off the front of his clothing.

"Perfesser, Mister Windham, Mister Pearce, Mon-shure Bushy-voo -- ever'body all right?" he called out. "Anybody git hit?"


OOC: I am assuming that Jake(IC) has glimpsed Rofgia at some point during the dust-up, as part and parcel of the "If 'tis writ in the thread, all PCs are aware of it" dictum.
Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg
player, 354 posts
The young professor
P:5 T:5 W:0 F:0 B:3
Fri 28 Feb 2020
at 00:56
  • msg #317

Re: Chapter 20: Not in Kansas Anymore

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 316):

Earnest slows to a walk, now more directly to the top of the hillock, and answers Jake while keeping an eye on the direction of the man who ran off.

Okay here Jake... looks like one of them took off.
Tracy Windham
player, 321 posts
Rogue Investigator
P:4; T:6; W:0; F:0; B:3
Fri 28 Feb 2020
at 03:56
  • msg #318

Re: Chapter 20: Not in Kansas Anymore

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 316):

“All right over here, Jake.”

Tracy approaches the new Frenchman and grins. “Nice throwing, Rof. Those blades good for more than shaving, I guess?”

Now moving into the camp, Tracy looks for clues about the nature of their business here.

OOC:

22:54, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 15,8 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+7)15,(6+2)8.  Notice, clues at camp.

I read the fine print on the Investigator Edge, and it seemed that this situation did not quite grant its bonus. Also, would this roll be at -2 in the dark, or was that only for Ranged Attack rolls? Either way, looks like Tracy might find something.
Judge Messalen
GM, 5777 posts
The Hangin' Judge
P:6 T:10 W:0 F:0 B:4+WC
Fri 28 Feb 2020
at 14:21
  • msg #319

Re: Chapter 20: Not in Kansas Anymore

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 318):

OOC: It's a good question re: Investigator Edge +2 ... the Judge's thinking is that the "or spy obscured items from piles of junk or debris" could apply here or in similar situations (such as searching a body). Calling out whether you applied the +2 (or not) to any Trait test, as you have done here, is helpful to the Judge when he adjudicates the roll result and decides whether the bonus should apply. Darkness could definitely be a factor for a Notice roll, in general, but anything near the campfire in this situation wouldn't suffer that penalty.

However, at least one thing to be found is fairly obvious, and something the Judge pointed out before the battle started, when Tommy and Tracy made Notice rolls from their hiding places. It was Tommy who noticed at that time; Tracy now notices immediately.

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

It takes only a few moments for Tracy to spy the body on the ground near the campfire. Earlier, he couldn't see it from the spot where he had hunkered down to observe the campers but as he has moved to the hilltop, there is no missing it.

The body has a burlap sack over its head, and legs and feet bound. At first glance, Tracy isn't sure whether the person is dead or alive, but his keen powers of observation quickly reveal signs for breathing.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:27, Fri 28 Feb 2020.
Rofgia Beaucheveux
player, 15 posts
A Cut Above The Rest
P:0; T:0; W:0; F:0; B:0
Fri 28 Feb 2020
at 18:35
  • msg #320

Re: Chapter 20: Not in Kansas Anymore

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 318):

"Monsieurs! Un triomphe!"


He turns to Tracy and responds with a wink, "Yes, this is why some call me Rofgia The Blade. I knew my blades would fare me well." He retrieves both of his knives, cleaning them on the clothing of the now-dead campers, and sheathes them in his vest.


Rofgia takes a seat near the campfire, pulls out a handkerchief from his pocket and wipes the perspiration from his brow, stuffs it back in his pocket and begins combing his hair back into place with his fingers.

"C'est dommage, they did not leave any food for us."

OOC:This is intended to occur concurrently as Tracy is investigating.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:36, Fri 28 Feb 2020.
Thomas Pearce
player, 31 posts
With No Direction Home
P:4; T:5; W:0; F:0; B:5
Sat 29 Feb 2020
at 14:04
  • msg #321

Re: Chapter 20: Not in Kansas Anymore

In reply to Rofgia Beaucheveux (msg # 320):

Tommy sees the battle finish almost as soon as it began.  He stands up and answers Jake's inquiry  Not a scratch on me.. I'm alright...

He makes his way across the campsite toward the campfire and the figure laying on the ground. Tracy is a couple steps ahead of him and already looking down at the body

Tommy calls out to him as he approaches  Tracy is he alive?

Tracy Windham
player, 322 posts
Rogue Investigator
P:4; T:6; W:0; F:0; B:3
Sat 29 Feb 2020
at 22:13
  • msg #322

Re: Chapter 20: Not in Kansas Anymore

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 321):

“Looks like it, Tommy.”

Tracy kneels down beside the body, taking a deep breath as he does so. Having prepared himself, the investigator removes the burlap sack from the person’s head.
Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg
player, 356 posts
The young professor
P:5 T:5 W:0 F:0 B:3
Sat 29 Feb 2020
at 23:04
  • msg #323

Re: Chapter 20: Not in Kansas Anymore

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 322):

Earnest reaches the camp area as he sees Tracy bend down to the body.

Is that one of the campers? Did they spot one of you and start shooting?

When he sees Rofgia, he is surprised.

Oh, Monsieur Beaucheveux! How did you come to be here?
Jacob Richardsen
player, 455 posts
Handy With A Rifle
P:5; T:6; W:0; F:0; B:4
Sat 29 Feb 2020
at 23:16
  • msg #324

Re: Chapter 20: Not in Kansas Anymore

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 322):

Jake watched with interest as Mon-shure Bushy-voo retrieved his two throwing blades and set about cleaning them. Be right handy for takin' out people quiet-like,~ he thought to himself, ~although I do wonder what sort of range he's got with them things. I'll have to ask him when things settle down a mite.~

The Texican turned his attention to Mister Windham as the Californian knelt down beside the bound person and pulled the croaker-sack from their head. Jacob had his suspicions as to who it might be, and he was curious to see if he was right . . .
Judge Messalen
GM, 5779 posts
The Hangin' Judge
P:6 T:10 W:0 F:0 B:4+WC
Sun 1 Mar 2020
at 03:47
  • msg #325

Re: Chapter 20: Not in Kansas Anymore

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 322):

As the investigator kneels near the bound body, preparing to remove the sack, he notices something he couldn't see before. Red fabric under the man's buckskin jacket.

Pulling off the burlap, the evidence is confirmed. It is Red Shirt. Wounded, but alive. Tracy sees recognition in the Paiute's eyes, even though the guide cannot speak because of gag tied tightly between his teeth.
Tracy Windham
player, 323 posts
Rogue Investigator
P:4; T:6; W:0; F:0; B:3
Sun 1 Mar 2020
at 11:55
  • msg #326

Re: Chapter 20: Not in Kansas Anymore

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 325):

Tracy eyes widen, recognizing his recent compatriot. Quickly, he set about removing the gag and other manners of binding that he campers had tied around Red Shirt.

Once finished, Tracy addresses the Paiute.

“What happened, Red Shirt? Glad to see that you’re alive.”
Red Shirt
Sun 1 Mar 2020
at 15:21
  • msg #327

Re: Chapter 20: Not in Kansas Anymore

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 326):

The current situation changes nothing about the Paiute's penchant for speaking few words.

"Ambushed."

Getting to his feet, Red Shirt looks around the campfire, seeing both familiar and unfamiliar faces. He looks at the moon and then finds the dead man with the rifle, digging inside the man's coat. The guide extracts a folded paper.

"We must go."

Without waiting for a response, the Paiute begins walking north.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:21, Sun 01 Mar 2020.
Judge Messalen
GM, 5781 posts
The Hangin' Judge
P:6 T:10 W:0 F:0 B:4+WC
Sun 1 Mar 2020
at 15:25
  • msg #328

Re: Chapter 20: Not in Kansas Anymore

OOC: Does anyone wish to do further play-testing? We can do a different incident if characters want to test out other skills, types of combat or other Trait tests.
Jacob Richardsen
player, 456 posts
Handy With A Rifle
P:5; T:6; W:0; F:0; B:4
Sun 1 Mar 2020
at 17:38
  • msg #329

Re: Chapter 20: Not in Kansas Anymore

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 328):

OOC: I'll defer to the other players on this issue. I'm good with it, either way. :)
Tracy Windham
player, 324 posts
Rogue Investigator
P:4; T:6; W:0; F:0; B:3
Sun 1 Mar 2020
at 20:28
  • msg #330

Re: Chapter 20: Not in Kansas Anymore

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 329):

OOC:

I feel the same as Jake. I’m fine either way.
Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg
player, 357 posts
The young professor
P:5 T:5 W:0 F:0 B:3
Sun 1 Mar 2020
at 21:14
  • msg #331

Re: Chapter 20: Not in Kansas Anymore

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 330):

OOC: Same here, though I would like to find out what this is about, either through RP or a wrap-up. Is it apropos to the continuing adventure?
Red Shirt
Mon 2 Mar 2020
at 17:09
  • msg #332

Re: Chapter 20: Not in Kansas Anymore

When the professor catches up and asks Red Shirt what this is all about, he hands the folded paper to Ringgenberg. The Paiute doesn't explain further; he continues walking.

Pausing, the professor uses his lantern to read -- and translate for anyone who asked -- the paper. It is a Wanted poster, with text in both Spanish and French. Issued by Miguel Miramón, Great Marshal of the Imperial Army. There is a substantial reward for his capture, alive.

OOC: This was a separate play-test scenario and doesn't have an impact on the impending Ch24 adventure. The Judge is happy to play out any questions or follow-up, but good luck getting much detail from the Paiute.
Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg
player, 358 posts
The young professor
P:5 T:5 W:0 F:0 B:3
Tue 3 Mar 2020
at 00:54
  • msg #333

Re: Chapter 20: Not in Kansas Anymore

In reply to Red Shirt (msg # 332):

Earnest hands the poster to the others, then calls out as he continues following.

THAT is a story you must tell us sometime Red Shirt!
Thomas Pearce
player, 32 posts
With No Direction Home
P:4; T:5; W:0; F:0; B:5
Tue 3 Mar 2020
at 01:46
  • msg #334

Re: Chapter 20: Not in Kansas Anymore

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 333):

Tommy is relieved that this is indeed the missing Paiute and that he is still alive but before introductions can take place Red Shirt takes off.

Guess he's headed back to town to get his horse Tommy says barely out loud, almost rhetorically

Before he leaves Tommy takes a quick look around the campsite to see what else might be of interest

20:43, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 9 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+3)9.  Notice Roll -- campers campsite.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC: I'm happy to keep the play-test going and see what happens with this storyline.
Judge Messalen
GM, 5783 posts
The Hangin' Judge
P:6 T:10 W:0 F:0 B:4+WC
Tue 3 Mar 2020
at 13:54
  • msg #335

Re: Chapter 20: Not in Kansas Anymore

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 334):

Tommy had already seen the three dead men's guns. The one with pistol actually has a second one in double-holster -- and two of the men have knives as well. Other than that, just normal looking lads. A search of their pockets or bags reveals some regular and useful items.

OOC: In the spirit of the play-test here, worth noting that Tommy's roll should have included the Wild Die. I noted that in PM, but useful to reiterate for Rof's benefit as well. All Trait rolls include the Wild Die 'd6' for PCs.

Regarding Notice: anything found in this play-test won't affect the regular game chapter, except that it is valuable testing the new players. Tommy's good roll would impart information such as the above, with more detail in regular play. For example, it's likely that these fellers would have had a few coins in their pockets, some rations, ammunition, guns (as already evidenced by the combat, even though only one of them ever got to shoot), and so forth. These were Extras, so not much money, not shiny new guns, a few strips of jerky but no side of bacon like Jake bought from Taylor, etc.
Tracy Windham
player, 325 posts
Rogue Investigator
P:4; T:6; W:0; F:0; B:3
Tue 3 Mar 2020
at 14:13
  • msg #336

Re: Chapter 20: Not in Kansas Anymore

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 335):

Tracy follows the group to the rear, keeping an eye behind them to the south.

Just loud enough for Red Shirt to hear, the investigator addresses the Paiute. “How much danger are we in here? It seemed like someone was coming to meet them.”
Red Shirt
Tue 3 Mar 2020
at 14:20
  • msg #337

Re: Chapter 20: Not in Kansas Anymore

When the men had returned to the road outside of Grafton, Red Shirt slowed and caught his breath. He asked about Poogoo; the men knew that the gelding had been taken safely to the stables. The Paiute sighs.

"Thank you."

He looks around, seeing that for the moment, the men are alone here in the thick of night. A street lamp glows nearby, but the locals have taken shelter. Sussing that his rescuers weren't going to settle for his vague explanation and the Wanted poster itself -- which he retrieves from whomever had it last -- the guide offers everything else he is willing to say.

"It is best if you do not know too much," Red Shirt begins. He takes a breath before continuing. "To help a friend, I interfered with les Legionnaires." The french words sound odd coming from the Paiute's mouth, but his meaning is clear. It is also clear that he considers this the end of the conversation.
Judge Messalen
GM, 5784 posts
The Hangin' Judge
P:6 T:10 W:0 F:0 B:4+WC
Tue 3 Mar 2020
at 14:21
  • msg #338

Re: Chapter 20: Not in Kansas Anymore

OOC: This is the end of this play-test incident. The story line is what it is, the Judge improvised this on the spot, but it is separate from the regular game forums -- designed only for play-test, just like back in the day when Jake met the infamous AFJ.

We can do another incident as needed, but it seems like the players are ready to play; designs are solid. The Judge would rather focus RP energies to the Interludes to conclude Ch23 and the start of Ch24. Mechanics testing we can do here with another off-the-cuff incident, whether combat or skill use in town.
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