In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 45):

As they approach the bluffs, Earnest casts a discerning eye over the rock face, trying to pick a path that can be climbed quickly with minimal chance of dislodging any rocks that could alert the patrol.

06:48, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 16,7 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (8+6)14,5.  Science - Evaluate bluffs.

OOC: I used science for the examination/evaluation of the rock face... let me know if that's too much of a reach!

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 45):

This time, Tracy brings up the rear as the three men ascend the foothills. Confident in his climbing abilities, he intended to give his pards support should one stumble or fall. While unlikely, such an event could derail their entire plan from the start.

OOC:

10:03, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 2,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,1.  Athletics, quick encounter.

10:03, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 13,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+5)13,4.  Athletics QE reroll.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 45):

The Texican glanced over his shoulder and picked out a gully back the way that the party had come as a likely place to hold the horses while the scouts went ahead for their look-see . . . and mayhap more than that, from Padre's point of view.

Turning his horse around and using his knees and reins to guide his own mount, Jake said "That gully back yonder a waeys looks like just the spot to hold these-here horses."

Using the loose end of his rope, Jacob lightly tapped the now-riderless horses on their flanks and chivvied them along with a combination of whistles and gentle urgings . . .

---

OOC:
11:38, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 10,5 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+4)10,5.  Riding Check re: Moving Horses into Gully.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 49):

Tommy looks back to the spot Jake indicated

"Well spotted Jake, that's your military training kicking in...I didn't even notice that when we passed by"

Tommy helps Jake move the pards horses toward the gully. He follows Jake's lead, imitating his gentle and calm action with the rope, but on the other side of the herd
-----------------------------------------------------
07:56, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 5,5 using d4+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 3,3.  Riding - herd horses toward gully - benny roll.
07:55, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 2,1 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,1.  Riding - herd horses toward gully.
-benny deducted
This message was last edited by the player at 20:20, Thu 29 June 2023.

When Jake talked about the gully, Daniel Knight had nodded enthusiastically. He seemed ready to speak, but waited for Tommy to chime in.

As Jake and Tommy round up the riderless horses, Daniel speaks up.

"I know that wash, Mr. Richardsen. It is a good choice. Follow me and I shall guide us there quickly, safely, and unseen."

OOC: Daniel uses Common Knowledge as a lifelong resident of these parts.

11:17, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 3,11 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(6+5)11.  DK CK terrain.

OOC: The players got good rolls and provided fun role-playing narrative. Both teams succeeded at the Quick Encounter and were able to achieve their goals.

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

Ringgenberg, Juhasz, and Windham pick their way up the hillside. Each of them minds a particular task, and their team work gets them up to a decent spot to both hide and observe—a small bluff with a sizable boulder. Still, they deduce that only one person can observe with field glasses at a time if they want to remain unobserved themselves. The other two must stay about three yards away, backs to the hillside, or flat on their bellies behind the boulder.

The three pards settle in. Who wishes to go first? they seem to ask each other via nods and other gestures.

At nearly the same time, Richardsen and Pearce follow the young Knight over a ridge and into the trench a ways off the road. Daniel leads the mounts into a cave-like space -- with no ceiling, just sky -- just large enough to keep everyone out of view. The young man is confident they reached the ridge before the patrol could spy them. Problem is, they can't see much themselves either from this hidey-hole. The three men endeavor to keep the kids quiet for a spell, while keeping their ears open for any sounds of approach, whispering as needed.

At a precise moment, each man in each three-men group remembers they had seven, not six.

Red Shirt. Gone. Veered off somewhere along the road, lingered at the rear until we forgot about him. Probably, he drifted off just as they witnessed the patrol.

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

OOC: Interesting ... free posting now with limited rolling as needed. One person at a time can observe from the bluff, without risking being seen (Notice roll, the Judge will account for the effects of the field glasses or telescope, but of course weave that into the narrative). First person who posts goes first, etc., unless a player chooses to wait for another to go first or the heroes declare more than one observer at a time, taking the risk.

The group in the gully is essentially waiting it out. But if a hero wants to do something like sneak out and try to observe the road or listen with Notice, post freely and make a roll.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 52):

Padre, crept up from behind the boulder to the vantage spot. Padre, figuring he was already holding the field glasses, the others would expect him to use it. Padre addresses the other two Pards as he creeps forward.

Ill take a gander, stay low.

Padre hold the field glasses up to his eyes and peers through.

The town comes into sharp view. Oddly while Padre was eager to scout, he realizes never having been there before he may be at a disadvantage for landmarks or faces. Never the less, Padre sees what he can.

Padre heads back to the boulder and offers the field glasses to the next Pard, both men of reasoning and observance. A Professor and an Investigator.

OOC:
12:17, Today: Albert (Padre) Juhasz rolled 8,6 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 6,4.  Padre - Scouting notice roll from bluff.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 53):

Tracy had removed his spyglass from his haversack as they neared the bluff. However, seeing the lone boulder, he replaced it. Only one of them could observe at a time, anyway.

The investigator nods and takes the field glasses proffered by Padre. He peers around the rock and lifts the glasses to his eyes.

OOC:

08:01, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 2,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5.  Notice, scouting.

08:02, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 2,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5.  Notice, scouting reroll.

Well worth the Benny, I'd say.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 54):

Earnest takes his turn at the boulder, looking over the town for signs of occupation and looking around the area for roving patrols. He will also note if the patrols get near areas of cover (i.e., potential ambush sites).

06:54, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 3,4 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4.  Notice - scout town/area.

06:55, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 28,3 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (10+10+8)28,3.  Notice - scout town/area, free reroll.

OOC: Another hella roll! Probably ensuring the impending CF will occur at the worst possible time!

Padre pulls himself to the edge of the bluff, using the Texican's field glasses before his two pards take their turn. Padre sees what appear to be regular townsfolk going about their mid-day routines. For several moments, things look normal to him. Soon enough, though, he tracks the movement of the foot patrol they had spied earlier. Juhasz has no doubts about their intent. They patrol a perimeter around the east side town, extending roughly one-quarter mile away and then looping back.

Tracy takes his turn at the edge, borrowing the glasses and gazing down. Like Padre, the Californian sees folks going about their usual chores and such. He recognizes the small public house in town, and sees the proprietor speaking to another citizen. Things seem normal to him, except for the foot patrol.

Earnest takes the last stint, scanning the area. He sees mostly the same as the others, with a couple of additional observations. First, he sights another patrol, this one on horseback, on the western side of the town. It appears they are riding back and forth along the road between Rockville and Springdale -- perhaps all the way to Grafton, although the professor cannot see that far along the road from this vantage point. Second, Ringgenberg catches sight of two armed men walking around the public square. Another patrol, it appears.

So while the three men compare notes and agree the town seems peaceful -- and none of the men spy any signs of a recent struggle, or damage such as fire, broken down doors or any of the like -- it's clearly not the same Springdale that anyone remembers. These patrols are new, and it seems clear they are composed of the invaders as described by Daniel, rather than any local men known to the heroes. The most likely conclusion is that the folks of Springdale capitulated rather than fought. Perhaps a good thing, judging from the observations of these patrols. They have a militaristic and disciplined demeanor, which was certainly not something the regular townsfolk ever displayed.

The men with the horses continue to wait. So far, they've had no cause to alarm. No one comes close to them, at least as evidenced by their own ears. Nothing to do but wait for the other three to return from their scouting -- or venture out of the gully before that time.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 56):

The Texican scratched his chin whiskers. "I got some cards," he observed. "We-uns could pass the time with a little poker."

Then, upon reconsideration, he remarked "Not certain-sure how long we'll be holed up here, howsomever. Edit: Might or might not be here long e-nough to have much of a game."

Then another thought seemingly occurred to the rifleman. He pulled a plug of Bull Durham from his shirt pocket and cut off a piece with his pocket knife. "Anybody care for a chaw?" he asked, offering the tobacco to Eirish and Daniel Knight, in turn.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:54, Sat 01 July 2023.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 57):

"Yeah go on, let's have a piece ..or a plug as you say. Haven't tried chewin tobacco since I was a teen...and yes we'll get to that poker game somehwere down the line"

Tommy looks over to Daniel breifly to see if he'll take Jake up on his offer.
~wouldn't think that's Daniel cup of tea really~

"Jake..dya think we can possibly sneak across that river at night?."

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 56):

Earnest looks pensive.

Well, they certainly seem to have been occupied... but no signs of a fight. Perhaps we should rejoin the others and discuss our plan?

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 58):

Jacob cut off a plug of Bull Durham and handed it to the Irishman. "Thaere ya go. Enjoy it ihn good health."

"Waal, I know for a fact that thaere's at least one ford for gettin' accrost the river," the Texican responded to his pard's question. "But I don't recollect what the cover is lieke on both siedes uhv the rih-ver, leadin' up to it."

Jake turned to the younger Knight. "I reckon that Daniel, here, is our ex-pert regardin' the rih-ver."

The young Knight responds to the discussion.

"I could lead us to a few safe fords, depending on where you want to cross. North of Springdale are more difficult crossings. Back the way we came a half mile or so is easier, if you want to cross to the south banks."

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 59):

I think so. We should make ready with the group before deciding further action.

Padre considered running into down at full speed with Repentance and Redemption full akimbo. That is the kind of entrance these sinners deserve.

He further considered that maybe it was a good thing they would talk about their plan as a group.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 62):

"I agree." He nods to the Professor, who spied their safe route up to the bluff. "I'll be right behind you."

The two groups reconvene roughly 100 yards east of the gully where Jake and Tommy had hidden the horses.

OOC: As always, what's publicly posted is public knowledge; the three pards who climbed up to the bluff don't need to reiterate what they observed. The heroes can simply follow-up about what they want to do next.

It's about 4 p.m.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 64):

Padre, having rejoined Mr Richardsen, Mr Knight and Mr Pierce, along with the rest of the scouting party, handed the field glassed back to Mr Richardsen.

Thank you, sir.

Padre considered out loud what he had seen and what it had meant or not meant to him.

There is clearly a presence there. A head on attack, though the prodigious rifling skill we have amongst us is great, Im not sure would be the most prudent.

Padre considered his scripture.

Judges 20:32: “They are struck down before us, as at the first.” But the sons of Israel said, “Let us flee that we may draw them away from the city to the highways.”

Padre met eyes with each of the pards one by one.

We could draw one or two of the patrols away from the perimeter or out of the town to a point of advantage for us. I will say, I could get into town as a Preacher and be there to blindside any sinners in town that straggle, or the other patrol on the west side.

Padre paused, his mouth curled slightly at the tasty prospects of this plan but he'd best not let on how eager he is for this.

I think Ive got my old priest garb stored back there in Genny's pack. I remember how to play the part.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:51, Tue 04 July 2023.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 65):

Earnest listens carefully.

Trying to draw out a patrol might work... If you went into town, you'd best do it unarmed Padre... or at least with something you don't mind losing. An occupying force will probably confiscate all weaponry!

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 66):

"We don't know how many there are inside. I don't think we can risk any type of attack but harassing their patrols, taking down a few of them at a time, sounds like a good start"

"Padre if you go inside without weapons you'll have to be carefull but if they give you free rein you should be able to find out what's what from the locals"

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 64):

and

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 65):

and

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 66):

and

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 67):


"I'll ad-mit," the Texican said after listening to his pards for a bit, "these-here hard cases is a puzzlement to me."

"I mean, what do bandits do, 'most ev'ry time? They hit hard and fast, con-duct their bizness -- whether it be robbin' a bank, train, or staege-coach -- then skedaddle awaey, as quick as ever they can. But not these rascals."

"So . . . what maekes this group diff'rent? What maekes 'em tick?"

Jacob pursed his lips thoughtfully. "An' I'd be right int-rested to know who is a-leadin' these outlaws, an' what his background is. Is he ex-mil-itary? Puttin' out pah-trols an' taekin' land an' a-holdin' it, lieke it was a mili-tary cam-pain -- that maekes me think maybe he is."

"So . . . how's he liekely to re-act, if'n we start pickin' off his pah-trols? Does he have a sense of honor, so as to keep it betwixt us an' them, an' leave the townsfolk out of it?"

"Or, does he burn down one of the towns, jest to show us how much of a hard case he really is? Or shoot some of the low-cals, an' put out word that he's gonna shoot five -- or maybe ten -- towns-people for ev'ry man uhv his that we kill? Be right diff-icult to deal with a man lieke that."

Jake looked at Padre. "It ah-currs to me that if'n you was to ihn-sert yore-self into the town, yonder, you jest might be able to puzzle out the an-sers to some uhv them thaings."

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 68):

They definitely seem professional... I agree with Jake that they may be ex-military, but we also have to allow that they may be current military. This could be a clandestine incursion by Mexico!

He rubs his chin.

I hate to send Padre in there alone, but the town does seem peaceful enough... He should have at least one pistol since a completely unarmed lone trail rider, even a priest, might also be considered strange.

He looks back towards the bluffs.

One or two of us could also keep an eye on Padre's progress from our lookout spot.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 69):

Certainly want that eagle eye on me. Agreed on a single pistol too. Even had a small one one me as a seminarian, pretty common.

Padre knew what was to come. He hadn't worn that froc and cassock in a long time. Padre still wore the collar as he needed a reminder of why he does what he does but the pomp and circumstance of the vestments was something else.

Let me check Genny.

Padre didnt have to check, he knew it was there. Padre reached into a pack on the back of the saddle on Genny. He found it. He pulled it out. With a flick of his elbows he unrolled the long black robe he had spent so much time of his younger life in. A cloud of dust plumed out of the rippled clothing as it settled and padre held it out in front of him at arms length, sizing it up.

It will fit. It will be uncomfortable but not because of the size.

Padre reached in once more and pulled out a string of red beads at the end of which was a crucifix. He held it in his hand silently.

I think I have the costume ready.

OOC:
As per prior discussion with The Judge, Burning a benny, to find the outfit.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 69):

Jacob turned and stared at Earnest when the Perfesser gave voice to the idea that the intruders might be nothing less than a shadow-invasion by Mexico.

The Texican snapped his fingers. "I'll bet you're right! Them Frenchies -- they're after the trezshure!"

"That's the only reason for them to staey ah-round in Mexico. Ain't no reason for them to be fightin' to hold onto the good-for-nuthin' place, otherwise!"