In reply to Daniel Knight (msg # 21):

The Texican scratched at his chin-whiskers thoughtfully. "Seems to me we oughtta try an' figure out whaere folks are most likely to be a-holdin' out against these banditos, and go thaere first an' try to help turn the tiede against these hard-cases."

"Also seems to me that Springdale an' y'all's ranch," here Jake paused for a moment and glanced at Daniel Knight, "are whaere folks have the best odds to still be holdin' out."

"Now, I know that Grafton -- an' mayhap the Four Oh'Clock -- was hit first, but if the town got hit afore the ranch, it could be that your folks an' the ranch hands got some ad-vance warnin' of what was goin' on, an' was able to get forted up. They'd be a right tough nut to crack if'n that was the case. An' the banditos might've moved on after gettin' a bloody nose thaere, an' went a-lookin' for easier pickin's."

Jacob held up a hand. "Now, I'm jest supposin', here. But it could've happened that waey."

Or, the Texican knew well, the people at the ranch could've been surprised and gunned down before they knew what hit them. There was no way of knowing without going there for a look-see.

"An', thanks to your warnin', Daniel, the folks at Springdale could've got forted up their ownselves, an' might still be holdin' out thaere."

Jake pulled off his Stetson and wiped some sweat from his forehead, then replaced the headgear. "Everything else bein' e-qual, I'd saey we go an' check on the Four Oh'Clock first. But from whaere we're at now, that's a hard road . . . a mighty hard road. Why, I'd reckon it might taeke us . . ." here the rifleman took a moment to count on his fingers, ". . . a week -- or thaereabouts -- to git thaere from here. An' a week in this situae-shunn -- hell, if we was to taeke that long, they might've e-lected a new presy-dent by the tieme we was to git thaere."

The Texican looked at the young man and shook his head in an understanding sort of way. "I know it ain't what you want to hear, Daniel, but I think that we gotta start with Springdale. At least go thaere first, an' see what's what."

---

OOC: Edited the spelling of Springdale. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 15:47, Mon 12 June 2023.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 22):

Earnest listens to Jake and nods.

I agree, Springdale is the most expedient course of action right now... If we can cross the North Fork and get up on the bluff west of the town, we should be able to observe what's going on there.

OOC: Judge, is this a feasible course of action?
This message was last edited by the player at 16:29, Tue 13 June 2023.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 23):

OOC: Going directly to Springdale is the most expedient option. (My apologies for mis-typing it as 'Springfield' in recent posts; fixing those on my posts as I go. Feel free to fix yours or let them slide.)

However, the professor's suggestion about crossing the North Fork is questionable, assuming he means to do it stealthily. The men will need to hike up a ways to avoid being noticed crossing the river, which is also wider closer to Springdale. Crossing the river and staying out of sight of folks in the town is easier said than done. So it's possible, yes. Feasible? That's a judgement call.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:20, Mon 12 June 2023.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 24):

Tommy listens to Jake's assessment and ponders aloud

"Agreed, I think Springdale makes the most sense. I like the professor's idea of not going straight in on the main road. If we could get to a point close enough to see what's what in Sprindale with our field glasses we'll know our options better. If the townsfolk are bunkered down then they'll surely help us across and would make it less risky than sneaking over"

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 25):

Yes, perhaps we could use the bluff north of the Virgin River to get some altitude while we look.

OOC: Other than the recon part, I'm going to ignore what Earnest said in msg #23 since, per the conversation thread, I was completely off about how we are approaching the towns. Added a slight correction above.

OOC: It sounds as if there is a consensus to head directly toward Springdale, with a fledgling plan to hike up a ways into the hills somewhere on the approach to attempt to surveil the area before moving all the way to the town. Or, at least, to attempt to scout ahead somehow with field glasses, even if not climbing up to achieve a view from elevation, before getting too close to town.

If the Judge's read is accurate, for now we can assume the characters are resuming their ride southward to the river and then turning west. You can continue to discuss ideas and plans (etc.) and make any other rolls you want to make as you approach the river and before you turn. As long as players are posting and coordinating, the Judge will give some time for such IC discussion and rolling. If things start to drag, the Judge will move ahead as needed.

Again, if all of this rings true, the Judge asks the players to give a little more information, such as who might be do the scouting vs. who is staying with the horses, for example, if you choose to climb for a better view. Moving up the hills on horseback is extremely difficult in this area, even walking them up would be difficult. Also, please give general information such as: who is riding at the point and who is at the rear, whether everyone is staying together or if anyone is riding ahead, if you are doing anything in particular from the point of turning west along the river/road to the point where you pause to scope out the situation.

The Judge also asks the players to give a rough distance from the town for the point where they intend to pause and do their scouting. The map shows the scale (1/2 inch = .6 miles), which is for usage of the map as printed on 8.5 x 11 inch paper. From Springdale icon to the edge of where the hills east of town meet the river is very nearly .6 miles (or one inch on the map), as a point of reference. So you can say about .6 miles away, or about 1 mile away, or whatever, using that benchmark when confirming the heroes' intended plan of action while approaching the town.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 27):

Tracy listens to Daniel recount his battle with the bandits and to his pards discuss a potential plan to recon Springdale. He could feel his desire to rush right into town as fast as possible, but he knows that would put his pards in danger. He shakes off that urge and nods to the Professor and Pearce's scouting suggestions.

"We'll have to split up if we want to scout from the bluff. At least a few of us will have to find a safe spot to take care of the horses. I'll join the party that ascends the hills. How close should our scouting party get to the town?"

Unless anyone objects, Tracy takes point by force of habit.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 28):

Tommy pulled his hat down low and got settled in the saddle. His shotgun was now tied to his pack and he kept the loaded Spencer at his side.

He followed Tracy's lead and manuevered his mount right in line behind the investigator's.

"Daniel why don't you ride in the middle, just follow along and save your strength, we'll keep an eye out for you"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:16, Sun 18 June 2023.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 29):

Earnest will ride alongside Daniel and, as the young man's energy allows, question him about the attackers. Things like did they look anything like the Yellow-Bandana gang, did they look like a Mexican group, how well armed were they, how well organized were they, did they specifically go for certain targets like the sheriff or deputies, etc.

OOC: This is basically a fishing question... let me know if I should roll anything.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:06, Mon 19 June 2023.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 30):

Jacob heard the Wool-verine speak to the pards needing to divide their forces -- some to do the look-see scouting and take the measure of what was going on in Springdale, and somebody to hold the horses.

"Don't matter none to me whaere I end up. I can either join the scouts or hold on to the horses."

"Ah'm ver-sah-tile thatawaeys," the Texican concluded with a grin.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:42, Mon 19 June 2023.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 31):

Padre had been listening to the Pards discuss the when and whyfor's of scouting and positioning. Padre, having seen and heard Mr Windham be forthright about what should be, resigned himself to play the part he needs to, whatever that may be.

I, too, am fine with the horses or with the scouting party.

Padre paused for a brief second not wanting to disrupt the planning, then decided to anyways.

Yknow it occurs to me, that I might be a stranger to Springdale and could, with the lords help, go into and come out of the town unscathed. They might not know who I am to you Pards. That may give an advantage. I could scout ahead for us as well. I could position myself in town as a surprise for when we attack it.

Padre wondered if any of the other horsemen might possibly be a stranger to the residents of Springdale. A little scouting party that could go in might give an edge.

What do you Pards think? If I can get a sense of how many and where they are that could go a long way.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 30):

OOC: No roll is needed for this. Daniel is happy to tell you what he knows, but it was all a flurry of events for him, so specific answers shouldn't be expected.

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

The young Knight converses with Professor Ringgenberg as the men ride. He politely answers questions.

"Other than their yellow bandanas, I would not know how to recognize one of those bandits. I reckon they handled themselves like men who had seen the elephant."

Daniel response to the part about organization is interesting. "They did seem organized, and one man was commanding the ones we fought. None of the men I saw looked like Mexicans or wore any kind of kind of uniform or badge or any such identifier. Still, it seemed like they had fought together before."

When asked about the sheriff and deputies, and so forth, Daniel shrugs. "Like I said, they killed the sheriff but I can't say whether he went after them or they went after him. I reckon it is true to say they showed no respect for his badge. Far as I can tell, they figure they're the law now."
This message was last updated by the GM at 16:11, Tue 20 June 2023.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 32):

Daniel hears Padre's suggestion. "That might work, although I know a couple of folks in Springdale who would have heard your description, Mr. Juhasz." The young man scans the preacher's all-black garb as he speaks.

"None that would see fit to identify you to the invaders," he says. "Well, unless they feared for their loved ones, I suppose."

He adds, "I mean to say, I would be careful iffin' I were you.

In reply to Daniel Knight (msg # 34):

Earnest rubs his chin as they continue.

An interesting notion Padre... I think we should still do the scouting as we've discussed, but if it looks like it's more or less business as usual then having someone ride into the town would be a good check. We could even keep you under surveillance from our lookout spot while you try it and agree on an 'all okay' signal you could show us... and also some sign that there is danger so we can immediately assist.

He also looks at Padre's attire.

Daniel is right though... If you do this, it might be better for you to change clothes to be less identifiable.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:02, Tue 20 June 2023.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 32):

and

In reply to Daniel Knight (msg # 34):

and

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 35):

The Texican nodded as he listened to Padre's proposal, and he also seemed to agree with Daniel's and the Perfesser's additional comments.

"Sounds like a downright good idea to me, Padre," Jacob opined after a moment. "If'n you don't mind takin' the risk, that is."

The rifleman grunted, and then added "The Perfesser's got a good point, though, 'bout us spyin' out as much as we can through field-glasses afore you ride in. Could be two whole other horses of a diff'rent color, dependin' uh-pon whether the townsfolk is still a-holdin' out, or whether the hard-cases have took over."

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 36):

Alright, agreed, pards. Sounds like I should join the scouting party then and if it looks safe enough, from there I can ride into town.

Padre looked down at his duster.

We will deal with my outfit if it comes to it.

Padre sized up the Pards with his eyes, moving from Mr Richardsen to The Professor and the rest. On every pard, Padre's thoughts wavered between Hmmm and That could work... or that'd be a tight squeeze as he wondered if each Horsemens clothes would fit him.

The men continue to discuss their plans as they ride. They reach the river and the road without incident, turning west to follow the road towards Springdale -- with the intention of slowing and stopping when they're a little less than a mile away in order to find a suitable area to linger with the horses while the scouts go ahead on foot.

OOC: The Judge perceives an agreement to move forward to the point where the men would split up, with some scouting ahead and others staying back with the horses. That's fine. The Judge requires a few rolls before providing the narrative about the area where they intend to split up.

1. Everyone needs to make either a Notice roll or a Survival roll (your choice, one not both).
   
2. Everyone needs to make a Stealth roll (the Judge assumes the heroes wish to approach as close as possible on the road, without giving their positions away before they decide to stop and split up).

Make your rolls ... and of course feel free to post narrative and speech; it's still free posting, just need those rolls to proceed.

FYI, the Judge will be offline this coming Saturday, so giving everyone through Saturday the 24th to make the rolls. When the Judge resumes on Sunday, if anyone hasn't done the rolls, the Judge will roll for you.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:12, Fri 23 June 2023.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 38):

As their planning coalesces and they draw closer to the town, Earnest pays more attention to the area and their approach.

These invaders may send out their own scouts... time to stay vigilant.

06:54, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 9,4 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 9,4.  Notice - Observe area during Springdale approach.

06:55, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 2,23 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,(6+6+6+5)23.  Stealth - Springdale approach.

OOC: Apparently Earnest and Patches have achieved invisibility during this ride!

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 39):

"Reckon I'll staey back with the horses," the Texican offered.

"Somebody's gotta do it, an' doin' so don't ruffle my feathers none."

"Oh -- an' anybody who wants to borry my field-glasses for the look-see is welcome to do so."

---

OOC: 16:14, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 1,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1.  Notice Check re: Choosing a Good Spot to Hold Horses.

16:16, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 2,5 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5.  Stealth Check: Approaching Springdale.

Comments: Yikes. I do believe that the Judge jinxed poor Jacob by speaking about a CF over in the OOC thread. :)

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 40):



Dont mind if I do, Mr Richardsen

Padre accepted the offer of the field glasses, hoping it may help. Padre, atop Genny, closely trailed The Professor.

Eyes on the horizon

Padre announces his intent, trusting the Professor to look for scouts in the direction and area of Springdale. Padre would look elsewhere, together they would hopefully not be surprised.

Padre put the Field Glasses up to his eyes.

OOC:

16:46, Today: Albert (Padre) Juhasz rolled 9,12 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 7,(6+4)10.  Notice Roll, Scouting the horizons.
I did not know what bonus, if any, to apply for the field glasses. Judge can say if I get one.


16:48, Today: Albert (Padre) Juhasz rolled 5,11 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,(6+5)11.  Stealth Roll, per judge.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 41):

As they approach town, Tracy studies the bluff, looking for viable paths to climb. ~Should be looking out for tracks as well, just in case,~ Windham thinks, considering the Professor's comment about other potential scouts.

Memories of his childhood flash before the Californian's eyes. He had much practice moving without being seen by others. It was the only way he could have survived.

OOC:

09:39, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 3,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,5.  Survival check.

09:39, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 10,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+2)10,3.  Stealth check.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 42):

"Good thinking fellas,let's keep alert behind us as well...I'll stay with Jake and the horses too, I don't have much experience with reconissance"


-------------------------------------------
08:58, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 2,4 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4.  Stealth Roll .
08:56, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 3,4 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2.  Notice Roll - horizon check.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 43):

OOC: The Judge's takeaway from the narrative is:

Jake, Tommy, and Daniel stay back with the horses.
Tracy, Earnest, and Padre go ahead and climb up to scout. Depending on what they might learn, Padre may go forward into town to scout closer.

Assuming these are accurate assessments, and using the die rolls, here where we are now:

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

While the professor and the man-who-used-to-be-called Albert keep their eyes on the horizon or up the foothills, and the Irishman and the Texican guard the rear, the Californian shifts his attention to the ground. It means the Wolverine dismounts from time-to-time to investigate sign more closely. It proves worthwhile. Tracy knows from previous experience that some traders travel this road between the threes towns and settlements to the east, such as Hite, where he, Tommy, and Jake had gone to deliver El Presidente to the local magistrate. Tracy wouldn't be surprised to find wagon tracks -- old or recent -- although it's just as likely to find none. He wouldn't expect to find much foot or horse traffic, but he does indeed see fresh human tracks as the men near their destination -- cowboy boots and military style books, and horse tracks that loop southwest away from the road.

Just a few minutes earlier, Padre and Earnest had picked out a bluff above they thought would provide a good view above the town. Far enough away to avoid detection, they reasoned, not too far to observe. As Tracy, stops, Juhasz scans the area with the rifleman's field glasses. He spies a group of men on foot, about one-third mile from town -- that is about halfway between town and the spot where the riders had lingered while Windham examines the tracks. They move like some kind of patrol.

Daniel Knight, who had stayed in the middle and rested as suggested, asks to borrow field glasses after Padre alerts the others. He reckons they are some of the same invaders he saw before.

The men realize they need to act now to avoid detection. A nearby gully spotted by Ringgenberg will have to do as a place to hold the horses while three of the men advance up the foothills to the bluff.

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

OOC: We're going to do a quick encounter here. See next message.

OOC: Everyone needs to make one roll to summarize what they are doing as the group splits and enacts their surveillance plan.

For the climbers, Athletics makes good sense, as does Stealth, Notice, or Survival. Provide narration along with your roll, about how your action furthers the goal of sneaking up the hillside to the bluff without being observed by the patrol. Each of the three can make any of ONE of these rolls -- or something else you think of -- and it's more interesting to the Judge if all 3 aren't the same and narration assembled by the group works for the situation.

The other three can make Riding, Stealth, or Notice rolls -- or any other roll you think is appropriate with narration for the situation. This involves moving all six horses from the road to a gully about 100 yards to the east (backwards). Same as the others, please provide narration for how your action helps reach that goal. The Judge skipped rolls for Daniel in the lead up, but will make one for this QE, after Jake and Tommy post.

In general, there's no order in which you need to go, but you should read the previous player's narration and roll before making yours, and then building on whatever was done before your post.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 45):

As The Professor, Mr Windham and Padre move towards the bluff, Padre keeps his eyes, and the field glasses he had gotten back from Mr Knight, trained on the scouting group he had eyed.

Padre figures as long as the group knew where the scouts were and what the scouts were looking at and where the scouts were headed, the pards would be able to ascend the bluff without being spotted.

Someone needed to keep tabs on the scouts. Padre maintained a close watch.

OOC:


08:47, Today: Albert (Padre) Juhasz rolled 3,7 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5.  Notice Roll - Watching the scouts.