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.

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.