September 13th, 1880. Sundown. Deadwood, Sioux nations

some mood music

Black Hills Mining Supply

Black Hills Mining Supply is an unassuming wooden building sandwiched between the rowdy Wooly Buffalo saloon and Whitewood Creek. It's filled to the brim with pickaxes, shovels, pans, and a host of other mining supplies, as well as a selection of clothing made for rough use such as denim overalls and flannel shirts. The bored-looking clerk at the counter looks up at James Lonefeather's entrance without interest, and the young lady stocking the shelves turns and favors him with a quick smile.

Lonefeather steps up to the counter. "Hello there. I'm new in town and my uncle told me to stop in here if I needed anything. John Turley?"

The clerk looks up at him. "Uncle John Turley sent us another one, huh? Good. Maybe we'll actually get some things done around here."

Lonefeather doesn't comment.

The clerk sighs and hikes his thumb toward the back room. "Mr. Speakman's in charge of the stock. He'll answer all your questions."

"Thank you." Lonefeather says, and steps into the back room.

The back office was just about everything one could expect of the back office of a mining supply store. Desk, chair, drawer filled with files, and a dour-looking man in a dapper suit and slicked-back hair who wouldn't have looked out of place in any shop Back East. But they weren't Back East--they were in Deadwood, and thus the clerk looked slightly out of place here.

"Yes?" he says, faintly puzzled.

Lonefeather sits down and doffs his hat, laying it on his lap.

"Agent Speakman, I'm Agent James Lonefeather, reporting for duty."

---

Ayers and Wardman Hardware

The Brethren gathered in the back room of Ayers and Wardman. It was time. Purple-dyed hands passed around rifles, belts of ammunition, and sticks of dynamite.

"Brethren and Sistren!" The reverend yells, addressing the crowd of robed figures. "That Which Crawls Beneath has seen fit to bless us tonight! We have been warned of a terrible threat to us! The government is trying to stamp on our religious freedoms! Our Pincess of Worms has named those we must bring to glorification! He sources in the shadows have said that we shall find them at the sign of the star!"

"Hail!" The church group says in unison. "Hail the Conqueror Worm!"

---

Mt. Moriah Cemetery

The woman in the dusty vest, stained shirt, and dungarees knelt by the grave, her ratty bowler hat in her hands.

"They're sayin' he's bin caught. McCall's in jail after tryin' to shoot some poor fucker in the back." she says, looking down at the headboard.

The epitaph reads, "Wild Bill – J.B. Hickok. Killed by the assassin Jack McCall in Deadwood Black Hills August 2nd 1876. Pard we will meet again in the Happy Hunting ground to part no more. Good Bye – Colorado Charley C.H. Utter."

The figure next to the grave nods. "I see."

"What're you gonna do, Bill?" The woman asks, digging her toe into the dirt near the grave. "You gonna go after him?"

"I will. But you have to understand...I want the organ grinder, not the monkey. It's time I settled this account." The figure looks at the woman. "Can I count on you?"

"Til the end o' days, Bill." She says.

The figure smiled, as best it could with rotted lips. "That's just what I wanted to hear." It reached behind the gravestone, and pulled up a can of kerosene. "Now. Let's go smoke out a rat."

---

Langrishe Theater

The man in the dapper ringmaster's garb took a peek out of the curtain. "Seems to be more than usual, and we have a half-hour yet before showtime." He says to his pretty assistant. He grins, a not-quite-sane smile that is reflected on the face of the girl beside him. "This will be the last one, you know. The final performance. Once we're done here, we can activate the meachine. We'll certainly have enough for our needs."

"I can't wait." The girl quivers with anticipation.

"Neither can I, my dove. Barring anything unforeseen, we shall soon be rich beyond the dreams of avarice! nothing can stop us now!"

And then he beings to laugh, a cracked and burbling cackle that rises above the din of the half-filled theater.

---

The Deadwood Miner's Alliance stockade

James Wilder, Sam "Fish," and about a half-dozen miners ride out from the stockade, heading to Deadwood. James notices that most of the folks traveling with him are going heeled...it looks a bit more like a lynch mob than a group of revelers heading to town for a good time. It would be worrying even without the fellow they call "Bloody Marty" leading the pack...

((OOC: Please give me a Common Knowledge roll, James. You get a +2 bonus from your background.))

---

Fairchild's Boarding House

Back at the boarding house, Jackie quickly made her exit, saying something along the lines of "I ain't really welcome in the house." She promises to meet the Professor with a carriage after she's returned home and gotten properly dressed.

The Professor has plenty of time to get ready, and he's waiting in the foyer when Matt Broaddale, the vacationing Marshal, enters the room. Now would seem to be a perfect time to recruit another man of the law to stop the terrible Dr. Smythe...

((OOC: And there you two are. Go ahead and chat up for a bit.

Freiherr von Stienhof, I'll add you to the running action, but I want to have you concentrate on dealing with your situation on your other thread.))
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:26, Sat 15 June 2013.

The Professor looked up from his place at the small sitting room table as Matt entered. "Ah, Marshall, you have excellent timing. May I please take a moment of your time?" he gestured at one of the seats around the small table.

The Marshal grinned, and the stitches and bandages on his neck stretched and crinkled unpleasantly as he popped his neck. He took a seat, leaning forward on his knees.

"Of Course, Professor. How can I be of service?"

The Professor tool a deep breath before speaking, "I am afraid I need to ask if you would consider assisting me in your role as a United States Marshall. You see, there is a dangerous criminal here in Deadwood.  Now I know what you must be thinking.  There are many criminals here in town and they are for local law enforcement to deal with.  I can tell you that this criminal is different.  He has killed countless thousands and is an exceedingly dangerous man. The fact that it is very likely that you have never heard of him indicates how successful he has been in evading the law.

His name is Dr. Reganald Smythe, though here in Deadwood he is operating under the alias, Hyram Burns. He is a brilliant Scientist and he and I are well acquainted.  This is why I need to enlist others, such as yourself,to aid me in stopping him.  I don't know why he is here in town, but I can assure you it  will cause death and destruction if he is not stopped.

I have secured tickets to his show this evening in the hopes that we can learn of his motives. I implore you, please assist me in stopping this dangerous criminal."

The Marshal blinked.

Then a wide grin crossed his face.

"...Sure!" he said, "I'd be glad to assist you. When's the show?"

He scratched his head, smiling.

[[OOC: Common Knowledge Roll:
15:52, Today: Matthew Broaddale rolled 3,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1. Common knowledge.
Knowledge (Law): 15:53, Today: Matthew Broaddale rolled 7,2 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+1)7,2.

"This evening. Deputy Wells will be joining us. Thank you for your assistance, Marshal."

In fact, there's a polite knock on the door just as they speak.

((OOC: I'm assuming those rolls are to see if you've heard of this "Smythe" character or his alias? Details in PM))

Location: The Deadwood Miner's Alliance stockade
James himself felt slightly nekkid without his pistol but with everyone else going heeled his feeling shifted to concern.

OOC: Common Knoweldge as requested
09:14, Today: James Wilder rolled 12,7 using 1d6+2,1d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (6+4)10,5. Common Knowledge (+2 GM).

Wilder had heard the name Bloody Marty Coltrane--it was actually quite infamous around the camps of the railroads. Marty had been an enforcer with Black River. He never listened to orders, pursued the enemy even when it endangered his own forces, and generally made the public hate the railroad he worked for. Still, there were uses for a man of Coltrane’s ruthlessness in the Great Rail Wars. There’s nothing Bloody Marty likes better than chasing down wounded prey and stomping it under his heels. As Mina Devlin had once said, “Cry havoc, and let loose Bloody Marty Coltrane into their fleeing ranks!”

He had a reputation for nastiness and had left a trail of bodies behind him, and Wilder had heard someone punched his clock at the Battle of Lost Angels. It looked like the rumors were exaggerated.

Worryingly, he comes up next to Wilder, and holds out a gun, butt first.

"You might need this." He says. "Deadwood can be...combative."

((OOC: It's an El Cheapo Peacemaker, single action.))
This message was last edited by the player at 18:25, Mon 17 June 2013.

James nodded to Coltrane saying, "Thanks." and accepted the pistol. He then gave it a once over. The gunslinger worked methodically - emptying the cylinder, checking the action, and testing the balance. Once mostly satisfied with the feel of the weapon, he slide it into his belt though he longed for his pistol and a proper gun belt.

OOC: I imagine this sort of like the seen in The Good The Bad & The Ugly where Tuco goes into the gun shop.

The Professor stands and goes to the door, opening it to see who it is.  He expects to see Deputy Wells, but who knows who is actually at the door.

It is, indeed, Jackie Wells, but the Professor almost doesn't recognize her in the burgundy dress and makeup she has on. But then the Professor notices the gatling pistol holder on her waist and the cigarette in her fingers. She smiles at him. "Ready to go, Prof?"

Blinking, The Professor is taken a bit aback.  "Deputy Wells. You..um...you look lovely. Yes...sorry..I was just asking the Marshall here to join us." He went to the table and picked up his ever present satchel then returned to Jackie's side. Offering her his arm, he said, "Off to the show then.  Marshall, I think it's best that you not be sen with us given that Dr. Smythe will easily recognize me. You can be our 'ace in the hole' as it were."

The Marshal freezes as the door opens, hand half in his pocket, then returns to a neutral position. He gives a polite, curt smile to Jackie before nodding.

"Of course, Professor. I'm sure it wouldn't do to have me intrude on such a smart-dressed couple, anyways. I'll be there, watching and waiting."

Jackie blushes a bit. "Well, thank you. Only for you do I wear this lacy straightjacket."

The trio head out into the gathering gloom.

---

The gun isn't the finest quality...it hasn't been kept too very clean, and the action is a bit rusted. Hopefully it won't jam or stop up if there's trouble, which Marty Coltrane and the boys going with him obviously seem to expect. James catches some of them muttering darkly about friends who've invested in this magician's act and subsequently gone missing.

But "Sam Fish" doesn't seem that concerned about the grumbling, and the walk is bracing after being cooped up inside for so long, despite the pain from James' wounds. And soon the forest gives way to the town of Deadwood



Evening in Deadwood is the busiest time of day. The sidewalks are packed as miners fresh from a hard day's work weave from saloon to brothel to gambling den. Piles of lumber in the street mark places of new construction, as the area of town near the stockade is part of an area of rapid expansion along the creek. James passes hardware and dry good stores, exporters, a laundry with both English and Chinese characters on the sign, and more saloons than he could shake a stick at.

There's a scream of ghost rock, and several passers-by duck for cover and look to the air as a whirligig takes flight, the steam flying machine passing perilously close to the ground as it floats towards the hills. The smell of baking bread and pastries entices the nose, but the foul stink of the mud below Wilder's feet curdles his appetite.

Soon his group has crossed a wooden bridge near the livery. Horses graze in the coral, watched over by a man with a shotgun and a scowl. Wilder passes a bank and a grand hotel, and notices for the first time a large number of blue-uniformed soldiers in the street, guarding the entry of the hotel and directing traffic away. Now that he's noticed the military presence, it's hard to ignore the soldiers all around, marching through the crowds, off-duty soldiers leaning against posts or weaving from saloon to saloon with the other drunks. Deadwood, it would seem, is occupied.

The group arrives at the Langrishe Theater, where a line has already formed. It seems this magic act is fairly popular. Wilder spots a green uniform in the crowd...it can't be. Is that the loopy Austrian he'd met in Santa Angela?

Meanwhile, Sam has also recognized someone in the crowd. "Professor?" he calls. "Hey, Professor!"

---

Leopold, Freiherr von Steinhof, is in line at the theater, waiting to but his ticket to the show. It promised to be an entertaining evening.

---

The Professor and Jackie Wells have made it to the theater. "I hope you bought your ticket in advance." She mutters...but any reply he might make is interrupted by a familiar voice.

"Professor? Hey, Professor!"

It's Sam Bass!

James arched a questioning eyebrow as he noted the out-of-place Austrian. The gunslinger watched Bass ... er ... Fish wander off and decided he could easily do the same. He moved through the crowd as best as he could, his beating at the hands of the natives was still causing him some pain.

"Excuse me, Major but ain't ya lil'far from Austria?"

The Marshal followed behind the duo, keeping a plausibly-deniable distance from them. He heard some people calling out, and frowned at the growing crowd. Perhaps... perhaps his marshal's badge could get him in.

At first, von Steinhof doesn't react. It seems to take a second that somebody shouted "Major" and "Austria" in the same sentence.
He turns, a somewhat alarmed look on his face, then recognises Wilder.

"Oh, James! That is a wonderful surprise. Come here, come here!"

He waves, his pleased smile genuine. James notices that the Major's accent is as thick and heavy as when he first encountered him. Looks like Leopold is playing up the greenhorn angle again.

James smiled as he closed the gap between them, Always good to have an ally in town.

"Major, you're lookin' well." He extended his hand to the foreigner. "Definitely better than me anyway."

Leopold shakes James' hand, his grip firm. He furrows his brow as he takes a closer look at his friend.
He lowers his voice.
"You are right. You look awful. What happened?"

"Trouble with the natives and me not having a prospectin' permit. Seems they're not happy with folks just riding through their land." James said with  a slight shrug, suggesting that that was all he wanted to say about the matter.

"So what bring the pride of the Austrian-Hungarian cavalry out to Deadwood?"

Actually, I have taken the liberty of purchasing several.." The Professor's voice trailed off as he turned in response to the voice calling his name. When he noticed who it was, The Professor commented, "Ah, Jackie, Marshall, this is Sam Bass. He's the outlaw who held up my coach, though I must admit that for an outlaw he is quite honorable and true to his word. How can I be of assistance, Mr. Bass?"

Von Steinhof smiles. "There is a lesson there, my friend, about laws and authority, which I believe has been completely lost on you."
He chuckles.
"I was brought here by train and horse and carriage. Oh, and by a regiment of armed escorts." He indicates a few Union soldiers in the vicinity.

"It seems the Union recognises my status more clearly than the Confederacy. But they have two commanding officers and they seem to not get along quite well. You have probably heard of Custer, yes? He's named himself military governor of the territory. An ambitious one. The other's a fellow called Manning. I will meet him here, tonight. Care to join us?"

In reply to The Professor (msg # 22):

Jackie Wells glares at Sam. "He is, huh? Isn't that interesting."

The fellow looks at Jackie Wells, then sees Marshal Broaddale coming up from behind them.

"Ah." He says, his smile curdling a little. "I was just wanting to say, hello. Get reacquainted with a familiar face. But I can see you already have some company, so I won't take up any more of your time." he begins to back away. "Enjoy the show, Gentlemen." he tips his hat to Jackie. "Ma'am."

Matt moves to block Sam's path.

"Nonsense. Always good to have a friend when you see a show."

"Now, now Marshall.  Mr. Bass helped save many innocent people's lives. He's not really a bad sort at all. He's a modern day 'Robin Hood', except for the part about giving the money to the poor." The Professor flashed an impish smile at Sam.

Broaddale smiled at the Professor.

"Don't worry, Professor. Remember, I'm on vacation."

Sam smiles at the Professor's "little joke," but his eyes are cold as he looks over the Marshal. "On vacation. Right. Well, as it happens, I'm on 'vacation' myself. So, if you please, stand aside, because while it may always be better to see a show with a friend, you're no friend of mine." He looks over Matthew's shoulder. "But they are."

"Mister Bass," The Professor began, "If you are willing to set aside your personal grudges against the law, I am interested in hiring you in support of a noble cause - that of saving Deadwood from impending doom. Despite your proclivities for thievery, you are an excellent shot and can be trusted in a pinch. So, what say you Sir?"

The Marshal, somewhat emboldened by the presence of Jackie and the Professor, turns his head over his shoulder to see what Bass is looking at.

In reply to Freiherr von Steinhof (msg # 23):

James nodded, "I'd be honored. Do we have much time before the show?"

Leopold shrugs. "If the line continues to move slow like this, we should have, maybe, a week."

In reply to Freiherr von Steinhof (msg # 32):

James laughed lightly, then stopped as his wounds pained him. "Ahh ... yes I see that. The magician takin' his sweet time or is there just a mad rush to see the fella?"

The Marshal isn't sure which of the milling group of people waiting in line Sam is referring to, but one of them, a stocky fellow with a ragged beard and a black hat, catches his eye. He's sure he's seen that man before...




Sam, in the middle of trying to slip away into the crowd while the Marshal's attention was elsewhere, stops short. "A job, you say? Stopping impending doom? Well, to tell the truth, my last job didn't pan out so well." He gives the Profrssor a wink. "As you well know. So I suppose I say...what does it pay?"

"Ain't you heard o' Professor Burns?" one of the crowd members says in response to Wilder's question (even though it wasn't directed at him in any way). "He's a scientist. One o' them mad ones. He does these shows to found some funky device supposed to put out Satan's Garden. He's offered a share o' the proceeds to them as can donate to fund his work if'n he succeeds, but after a few years o' boasts with nothin' to show for it, not many folk are investin' these days. So he added science displays and magic tricks to his act to gin up more interest. Most of us here want to see somethin' blow up."

"Or just see his daughter." his companion interjects. "She's right purdy, she is."

The Professor turned toward Jackie and asked, "What's the going rate for a hired gunslinger now a days?"

Jackie frowns. "We ain't in the business of hiring killers, so I wouldn't know." She says.

"I'm sorry. I thought you were looking for dependable people good with a weapon that could be depended on in a fight. That, I am." He frowns. "I never killed anyone except in self-defense."

"You killed three Rangers in Texas!" Jackie shouts back, exasperated.

"Yes, in defense of my life and my freedom." Bass retorts. "I didn't start that shoot-out--they ambushed me. I'm not Billy the Kid or Bill Hickok. I don't shoot down those who get me cross. And I certainly don't threaten to withhold medical treatment from a man's sickly father in to coerce him into double-crossing friends, which is what your precious Rangers did to convince Jim Murphy to turn on me. Sister, how can you think of saying 'let me help you pluck that speck in your eye' when you can't see past the log in your own?"

Jackie gapes at him. "You do not get to quote the Bible at me, you thieving son of a bitch!"

There's a sudden silence in the area around the Professor, Jackie Wells, and Sam Bass...

At the sudden silence the Marshal grinned, and watched the exchange with eager intensity. His eye twitched involuntarily.

"Alright then," The Professor chimed in, trying to break the tension. "Glad to see everyone is on speaking terms.  Might I just point out that we can settle all this later, but right now, we have more important things to worry about." He gave Jackie a knowing look.

"Fine." Sam says, not looking at the Professor. He continues glaring at Jackie. "In that case, to business. The going rate to hire this gunslinger, if I am to spend any time at all in the company of this harridan, is fifty dollars--"

"WHAT!?" Jackie explodes, aghast.

"--plus an official pardon for any and all crimes I may be accused of here in the Sioux Nations." Sam finishes calmly.

"That's outrageous!" Jackie sputters. "ain't no way in Hell--"

"That's my price." Sam says. "If I'm going to put life and limb on the line for the town of Deadwood, I'd like to be secure in the knowledge that I won't wind up stuck in a cell awaiting the gallows as a thank you."

The Professor turned to Jackie, arching an eyebrow at her, but remaining silent. His stare said it all. We need to put this to rest and focus on Smythe

Jackie sighs. "Fine. I'll see what I can do about the pardon. But The Professor here will have to deal with the payment...I ain't got near enough on me to cover it."

In reply to Random Bystander (msg # 35):

James shook his head, "Nothing like a little ghost rock hoodoo and a pretty lady to draw folks in." His gaze shifted about the crowd as it often did when such a motley group was gathered.

The Marshal took a step in at that moment, reaching into his back pocket.

"Oh professor, a man of science like yourself surely has better things to spend your money on. Allow me," he said, pulling several bills out of his pocket, "As a lawman, I've little to spend mine on."

[OOC: I'll pay the 50.]

"Well, that's rather kind of you Marshall. In any event, I'm glad we have that all sorted out."  He pulls a handful of theater tickets from the inside pocket of his waistcoat. "It just so happens that I have purchased box seat tickets to accommodate all of us. Marshall, this one shall be on me." He smiled waving his hands to the ticket collector to indicate that Sam, Jackie and Matthew were part of his group for the evening.

Sam looks at the wad of bills in the Marshal's hand as if he'd just been presented with a bouquet of live rattlesnakes for a moment, then shrugs and takes it. He pockets the cash, then takes the offered ticket with much better grace. Jackie bristles, but says nothing as the quartet get waved inside.

Leopold and Wilder finally make it to the ticket booth, make their purchases, and funnel inside the lobby. The Langrishe Theater doesn't seem to have much in the way of a concessions area, so the two make their way to their seats. The toughs from the DMA filter into the room.



((OOC: Tickets are 5 cents. There's a floor level and a balcony level...where are all of you heading?))

"Let us go up to the balcony, James, yes?"

While they are walking upstairs, Leopold presents the handle of his peacemaker.
"It is a beautiful, piece. I am afraid I cannot draw it here, of course... what happened to your gun?"

Apparently, von Steinhof has just noticed the sorry excuse for a gun James is currently armed with.

Even as Von Steinhof laments not being able to draw his pistol, his eye catches a pockmark in the ceiling. Then another, and another...there's actually quite a few holes in the ceiling, and they look distressingly like bullet holes. Apparently, the crowds here can be quite rowdy when having a good time...and who knows how many holes are in the stage from the bad acts, hidden by the curtains?

Oh, what an uncivilized country this is...
He scans the crowd. Apparently, pretty much everybody had brought a gun.

Well... then at least I shall fit right in.

In reply to Freiherr von Steinhof (msg # 47):

James shook his head and looked down, "Not sure ..." his eyes shifted back to the austian, "Think the natives might have left it to rust. Hopin' to get a permit from the mining folk and go lookin' for it in the mornin'."

Von Steinhof looks at his friend with sympathy, then says in a somber tone: "Rest assured, my friend, you will have the full extent of the resources available to me to help you recover what you lost."
He shrugs. "Which, right now, means me. But I will go and help you find your father's gun."
He gestures at James' gun with a look of disdain on his face.
"But this... thing... is not for a man like you. So either you will allow me to buy you a better gun tomorrow morning or will accept the loan of my personal gun. I will not take no for an answer."

James smiled at his friend's concern, he knew Von Steinhof had a thing for fire arms but never realized it was this important. "I have the funds for a new pistol but would rather have my own... as for this less than stellar piece of hardware, it'll get me till I find my pistol or get a new one."

The Professor, the marshal, the deputy, and the outlaw make their way up the balcony to the box seats that had been reserved. It seems they aren't alone, though...a woman in a a maroon dress looks up from the notebook she's marking in to scrutinize the newcomers. The Professor and Marshal Broaddale get the distinct impression she's disceting them with her eyes. Then, with detached disinterest, she returns to her notebook, scribbling something down.

Before taking his seat, The Professor bows lightly to the woman giving her a quiet, "Good Evening" as he escorts Jackie to their seats in the front of the box.

The woman gives the Professor a cursory nod, then returns to her notes. She doesn't seem particularly interested in any of the newcomers.

Sam reclines behind The Professor and looks out to the stage. "So what's this fella supposed to have done, anyhow?"

Though the question was directed at the Professor, the woman with the note book speaks up. "Dr. Hyram Burns. Claims to have been a professor at Harvard, though no records of him exist there. Claims to have a Doctorate in Applied Physics and Aetheric Theory, though, again, his credentials are suspect." she flips through her notebook. "Arrived in Deadwood in February of March of 1877, rented out this theater for the first of his demonstrations. He has been seeking funds for the construction of a device that he refers to as either an Aetheric Vortex Generator or a Phlogiston Extraction Engine...I am unsure if this refers to a single device or a pair of them. He makes the claim that this device can put out the coal fire burning at the Chance Venture Mine, referred to locally as Satan's Garden. Given the loose salvage and property rights as defined by the Sioux, if he is able to put out the fire, he is free to file a claim to operate the mine. He has been promising investors a share of the profits from the operation of the mine, should his device prove successful. I don't know how he can claim that, since the Sioux will not let corporations own mines, only individuals, so his investment pitch is most likely a scam. But he's spent three years promoting this venture. The technology has potential if it does work...there are at least a dozen coal fires in the Black Hills That this could be applied to, and many more in California."

"So you're investigating this guy, too?" Sam says.

The woman shrugs. "My employer has an interest in the proposed technology, yes."

Sam looks at the Professor. "He don't sound all that dangerous. Don't know what you need a gunslinger backing your play for."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:14, Mon 08 July 2013.

The Professor cocked an eye at the young woman as she rattled off Smythe/Burns' recent history. "I'm afraid I have failed to introduce myself and my friends. I am The Professor, this lovely woman to my left is Deputy Jackie Wells. The gentleman behind me is Mr. Sam Bass, and to my right is Marshal Broaddale."

He indicates each in turn as he introduces them. "Might I inquire as to who your employer may be?"

Turning to Sam Bass he comments, "All is not what it seems. I assure you, there is more to this Dr. Burns than meets the eye."

"Professor of what?" The lady says, raising an eyebrow.

"Just The Professor." Jackie says with a shrug.

"Ah. A self-claimed title." She says. She pays only a passing interest to the outlaw and the marshal. At the Professor's question, she shrugs. "You are entirely free to inquire. But I am afraid that my employer values their privacy, and so I am not at liberty to divulge that information." She pauses. "Though if you have prior history with this gentleman, I would of course be willing to learn it, and would consider a trade of information."

"You done parsed that very well." Jackie says. "Would you actually be providing any information, or just your consideration of the offer of trading?"

The woman smirks. "Yes."

"I see. You done some trainin' as a lawyer, then."

"I have learned some skills that may be adapted to such a profession."

"Uh-huh."

"Yes, well I do indeed have a history with this Doctor," The Professor interjected, "And I am quite familiar with his modus operandi as well as his true identity. If you are truly interested in a trade of information, I would certainly be willing.  Let me start off with something to show that I know of what I speak, free of charge of course."

He reached inside his ubiquitous satchel, pulling out his 'sonic spanner' then tossing it back inside and rummaging around again.  This time he produced a vial of the red, viscous liquid that powered his Essence Gun. He showed it to the woman. "Here you go, Miss. A vial of what Dr. Burns and the ancient Greeks would call Phlogiston. I prefer to call it exactly what it is, the distilled, solidified, essence of the combination of energies knows as fire in material form." He unscrews the cap and pours a tiny drop onto the wooden floor, which instantly ignites in a match sized burst of flame.  The Professor stamps out the flame as he reseals the vial.

"It is one of my inventions which Dr. Burns has stolen and now passes off as his own."

The woman watches the demonstration of the Essence of Fire raptly. "Well, you had my curiosity." She says. "But now you have my attention. What process did you use to distill this? Would you be able to do it on a large scale, large enough to do what Mr. Burns is proposing? What else can you tell me about your association with Hyram Burns?"

"Now, now." Sam says leaning back in his chair. "Reckon you owe us some information now. Fair's fair, right?"

The woman frowns as if swallowing a bitter pill. "Fine." She says. "I am Yvonne Rycroft. I studied science, particularly physics, at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, but they refused to grant me a degree, so I came out West looking for an employer who would recognize my talents in the field and disregard my gender. Currently, I am working with a technology company based in Salt Lake City in Deseret."

"So you're with Smith & Robards or Hellstrome Industries." Jackie says.

"Yes. Please do not ask me to clarify which...my employer wishes to keep this affair private, should we wish to bid on Mr. Burns' work."

"Or steal it, perhaps?"

Rycroft glares at Jackie, who just gives the woman a Cheshire Cat grin.

Von Steinhof keeps looking at their tickets, trying to find their seats, as well looking out for Colonel Manning.

"If this was a proper European theater, there would be someone showing us to our seats. And I do not even talk about Paris or Vienna. Could be in Darmstadt, too. Excuse me."
The last is added in a sharper tone to another patron that bumps into von Steinhof. He glares at the man, who barely seems to register the Major, then walks on.

"As you wish. But please do not come crying when you find yourself with a broken trigger in the middle of a gunfight. Do you have any idea where to find your gun?"

In reply to Freiherr von Steinhof (msg # 60):

"Hey!" the man who bumped into Von Steinhof protests. "Watch where you're...YOU! You hornswoggling son of a bitch!"

And suddenly Von Stienhof recognizes a red-faced, very surprised, and very angry Arthur Griffen...
This message was last edited by the player at 20:42, Sun 14 July 2013.

The Professor commented, "Yes, well it is a pleasure to meet you Miss Rycroft. And we can discuss the Science behind the process at some point in the future. What is of paramount importance is that you should not trust this Mr. Burns related to anything he may say or do. Trust me when I say that the man would do anything at all; steal, cheat, or lie to get what he wants. If you strike a deal with him, I promise you that he will betray you in some manner."

"The science is why I'm here." Mrs. Rycroft replies. "Mr. Burns is apparently using a false name, you say, but you have given me no name at all, and have offered little in the way of proof of your claims and accusations. You'll have to give me more than vague warnings. Why should I trust you?"

The Professor replied, "You shouldn't, actually. If you are going strictly by logic. I'd suggest trusting your feelings on this one. Oh, look the show's about to start. Do remember what I said and take precautions accordingly."

In reply to Freiherr von Steinhof (msg # 60)/In reply to Arthur Griffen (msg # 61):

James nodded at Von Steinhof's concern, "I hope to avoid getting into any trouble till tomorrow at lest."

Then came the large man and the name calling. "No need for that sir. I'm sure the Major is sorry and is more than willin' to apologize.

OOC:
12:23, Today: James Wilder rolled 2,5 using 1d4,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5. Persuadin'.

"Ah, please allow me to introduce you to each other."
Von Steinhof indicates Griffin, his tone friendly.
"This is Arthur Griffin. He has a tale of what can happen when your pistol is of bad quality. He tried to shoot me, when was it? A few hours ago."
Suddenly, Leopold's voice turns cold.

"He also seems to have forgotten what I told him about my mother."

He glares at Griffin for a second. "Insult her once more, and it will have consequences."
Then he indicates James and, quite friendly, continues the introduction.
"This here is James Wilder, a dear friend of mine. Have you heard of him?"

Rycroft huffs, and leans back in her seat. "Suit yourself." She says, turning her eyes to the stage. Some jaunty music, a waltz from the sound of it, is starting.

Some mood music

As the music begins, Griffen shoves his hay past Von Steinhof and Wilder. "No, I haven't, and I don't care. Get out of my way." Without further ado, he moves to a seat.

---

Black Hills Mining Supply

"I must say," Richard Speakman, Agent in charge of the local office of the SSA, says as he regards the half-breed bounty hunter sitting in front of him, "you seem to have been busy."

"Oh, Laramie was only the start of our troubles." James Lonefeather. "While traveling the Badlands, my partner and I were beset by devil bats, and one of them carried away his horse. Thus slowed, we ran afoul of a Sioux patrol near Mount Rushmore, and the situation became tense."

"How tense are we talking?" Speakman asked, enraptured by the Agent's tale of toil and woe.

"It turned into a shootout, I'm afraid. They incapacitated us, dragged us to the road outside Deadwood, and strung us up among the Pole Men."

"Good god!" Speakman gasps. "How did you survive?"

James Lonefeather...or rather, the demon that had crawled into James Lonefeather when his soul departed the flesh, gave Richard Speakman an evil grin. "I didn't. I died."

Richard Speakman gasped, but this time it was from shock and pain. A knife protruded from his chest, held in Lonefeather's hand. The arm attached to it had stretched impossibly, lengthening by double to cover the distance from Lonefeather's chair to the now-stricken Agent. Lonefeather watched the light go out of Speakman's eyes before he pulled his arm back into shape. he wiped the blade, sheathed it, then pulled his gatling pistol and walked back out into the main building.

---

The Deadwood Jailhouse

"How is he, Doc?" Bullock asked Cochran as the sawbones waddled out of the cellblock.

"Well, I've done what I can to minister to his injuries." Doc Cochran replied, rubbing his whiskers. "If you'd called me sooner, I might have been able to do more for him, but he's stable now."

Bullock sighs. "Can he be moved via stage? I want to deliver this son of a bitch to Wyoming as soon as humanly possible."

"I don't see why not. Sure, he's not going to be dancing any jigs for a while, but..." The Doctor's prognosis is cut off suddenly, and he cocks his head to listen to something. "What in the world? Why, that sounds almost like..."

The two men both realize what it sounds like at roughly the same instant. Bullock grabs the old man and together the dive beneath the Marshal's desk just as an eruption that takes down the western wall.

Robed figures with Winchesters storm through the smoke and debris. "Death to the enemies of the Worm! Death to those beneath the Sign of the Star!" One of them shouts.

Bullock doesn't hear them...his ears are ringing from the blast. But he can see them, alright. He draws his pistol. "This is going to be a long night." He mutters to himself.

---

The Langrishe Theater

The waltz builds towards it's climax. A dapper man with an intense, penetrating stare in ringmaster's garb steps onto stage.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" He shouts. "Thank you! Thank you for coming! It is so good to see so many familiar faces in the crowd to night! And to those of you who are new to the show, let me also say...welcome!"

There's a round of applause from the crowd. Wilder notices that some of the toughs he came with tonight are only clapping grudgingly, however.

"Before we begin tonight, I have an announcement to make...this will be our final production!"

There's a smattering of gasps in the crowd, and a bit of agitation.

"Yes, my friends! I am pleased, so very, very pleased, to announce that the work, which your generosity has these last three years supported, is at long last complete! The Atheric Vortex Generator is ready to weed Satan's Garden, and to bring forth the fruit of prosperity to all of you who have stood by me all these years!"

Cheers. Those in the audience who are apparently regulars at this event are even standing up to applause.

"Now, least those of you who came tonight for the first time be disappointed, fear not! Once tonight's show is over, I will be holding one last opportunity for investors to sign on to the prize of a lifetime! Those of you who sign up will be invited to our compound at the site to witness history in the making!"

More cheers, and this time there's far more enthusiasm from the crowd.

"And now, without further ado, let the show begin!"
This message was last edited by the player at 05:01, Tue 16 July 2013.

((OOC: Er...any audience reactions, or do you just want me to go on with the show, so to speak?))

In reply to Freiherr von Steinhof (msg # 66):

"Gettin' into trouble already Major?" James said with a chuckle in his voice as the pair take their seats.

Von Steinhof waves his hand dismissively.
"Just another American who does not respect authority."

"Sort of what we 'Mericans are known for that you should know that by now." the gunslinger retorted. His eyes scanned the theatre looking for anyone he might know.

Leopold smiles.
"Yes, indeed. It is one of your more endearing and at the same time utterly annoying qualities. I do not envy the monarch who will eventually rule this land. You are worse than the Hungarians, my dear friend."

((OOC: So here is the initial set-up for the conflict at the jail. Bullock and the Doc are in the marshal's office. There's a locked evidence chest and a rack of firearms on the wall. He can use the desk as cover.

Bullock has a few deputies aside from Jackie Wells, but they are currently out and about. Hopefully the commotion will draw some of the deputies back, but for now, Bullock is on his own.

Draw a card for initiative.

The Worm Cultists go on AD

Jack McCall goes on AD as well))

In reply to Freiherr von Steinhof (msg # 72):

"Don't know any hungry-ans Major, but I'll take your word on it." James noted to his friend. "But there are worse folks out there probably."

20:08, Today: Seth Bullock drew the single card: 4C using the Deadlands system. Initiative.
Bullock's speech color is Dark Green, I believe?

Is there actually a wall and a door at the southern end of the office where Bullock and Cochrane are hiding or is it a set of bars? Ie, do I see the cultists?

Jack McCall, still nursing his wounds, sits up and winces at the explosion. He scrambles towards the cell door, and presses his face against the bars, trying to get a better view.

"HEEEEELP!" He screams at the top of his lungsw. "Oh sweet Jesus, PLEASE HELP ME!"

He peers through the dust and smoke and catches sight of the robes...and a chill crawls up his spine. The Worm Cult! They'd heard he'd failed to kill that bgirl, the one their reverend was so interested in seeing dead, that they'd sent a squad of goons to slay him!

There was no choice for it...the only way he was going to get out of this alive was to ally himself with his foes. "Marshal! Heeeeelp! They're after me! THEY'RE AFTER MEEEEE! Get me out o' here, and I'll help you! I swear to God I will!"

((OOC: Dark Green is correct. That "wall" is a series of bars, so you can see the cultists. You can control Cochran on your action if you like...he's got Fighting d4, Shooting d4, Healing d10, and the Healer edge. He used to be an army surgeon.

Jack McCall has a wound penalty of -1, after being treated by the Doc. He's going to start screaming for help. None of his edges help him bust down the door, and he doesn't know how to pick a lock. He's effectively On Hold.))

---

Turn Order:
Jack McCall: On Hold
Worm Cultists: AD
Seth Bullock & Doc Cochran: 4C

The cultists pile through the hole in the wall, whooping.

"The worms! The worms have turned!!"

"blibdiblibdiblibdi!"

The first one in goes for the screaming witness in the cells, the comrade behind him close on his heels even when he skids to a halt and levels his shotgun at the lock, grinning like a skull.

[[20:20, Today: Worm Cultists rolled rolls of 2,3. cultists run.]]


Another pair of cultists just run flailing into the Marshal's office, or at least try to. The young slender one with a shotgun slung over her back and her hood slipping a little manages to elbow in and head - flailing - for the Marshal.
"BLIBDIBLIBDIBLIBDI!!"
"BLIBDIBLIBDIBLIBDI-!" *BONK*
The one waving a rifle in his scrawny grip just runs full tilt into the bars in a fit of enthusiasm, somewhat ruining whatever terrifying or confusing inpression they intended to make.

[[Rolled a 1 on that thar Smarts Trick...]]

The plump cultist with almost mauve-pale skin doesn't seem to care her fellow's on the floor, happily splashing long stripes of kerosene across the boards from the can handed to her by the guy outside.

"# Drop 'em or we liiiight it...! #" the girl singsongs, leaning over the desk at perfect range for a bullet in the head to grin at Bullock.

[[Init.10S]]

Jack reacts instinctively, growling like an animal and grabbing the robed man, pulling him forward to ram him against the bars of his cell.

((OOC: Jack MCCall, taking a page out of Alouette's playbook, uses his Held action to grab at the cultist stickig a gun in his face. His intention is to hold the guy and use him as a shield against the other one.

14:07, Today: Jack McCall rolled 3,1 using d6-1,d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 4,2. Grapple!
14:08, Today: Jack McCall rolled 3 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3. red chip.
14:08, Today: Jack McCall rolled 2 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2. another red chip.

Total of 8. Cultist needs to roll an Opposed Fighting roll to resist.

Card for next round: 4D))

The lock-threatening cultist had failed to notice his deep hood was in reach of McCall; his head rebounds off a bar with an audible crack.

[[Ha, like that'll work. *wonders how long it'll take the boys to work out they're suicide cultists*

22:23, Today: Worm Cultists rolled 3 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of 3. Jim resist! Jim does not resist]]
]]

Alright, Seth bullock... let's see what you can do.

Bullock raises the barrel of his gun toward's the girl's head, realizing her gender at the last moment. Instead of pressing his gun squarely between her eyes, he shifts his gun, giving her a painful grazing shot along with a nice ringing in her ears.


Apparently, the die roller hates righteous men!
10:19, Today: Seth Bullock rolled 4,1 using d10-4,d6-4, rerolling max with rolls of 8,5. Shooting to the head.

10:23, Today: Seth Bullock rolled 8 using 2d6+5, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2. Peacemaker Damage, +4 for head.


"Doc... get the rifles."

Doc Cochrane scrambles for the rack of rifles, unlocking it.

10:30, Today: Seth Bullock drew the single card: 7C using the Deadlands system. Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:31, Wed 24 July 2013.

The girl clutches her ear with an expression partway between grimace and grin and staggers aside, blood streaming between her fingers. Her companion scrambles up and leaps at the doctor, but only suceeds in hitting the wall.

[[18:19, Today: Worm Cultists rolled 1 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of 1. cultist grab.
I think this cultist's either a bit Special or kind of drunk...]]

Seeing that the Marshal has not lowered his weapon, the fat cultist now standing on the rubble at the hole calls out to the one with the kerosene: "Mrs.Stollen!"

He beckons urgently until she retreats and pushes her out onto the porch, carelessly lobbing lit dynamite into the Marshal's office as he steps back...or at least, that's where it was intended to go...

[[Fortunately it hates unrighteous ones, too?
18:16, Today: Worm Cultists rolled 2,1 using d6-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,3. Ayers throwing. (MAP, readying dynamite) Um. Did that go in the kerosene puddle?]]

The comrade of the grabbed cultist nabs his shotgun before Jack does, retreating into the furthest corner of the corridor for the best angle on him. The stunned cultist stirs a bit and pushes at the bars.

[[18:20, Today: Worm Cultists rolled 9 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+3)9. unshake Jim? He's restrained but not shaken...
18:23, Today: Worm Cultists rolled 2 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of 2. ungrapple Jim *dope*. Nope. Ignore the other cultist roll, I thought to have him grab Jack but realised props, Cover and grapple rules were against him.

init. JC]]

((OOC: So, figuring out where the wayward dynamite actually lands and what the effects are going to be...

The main pool that might catch would comprise a Small Burst Template in the middle of the main room. If the SBT from the stick of dynamite overlaps that area, then it will count as Volatile (will ignite on anything but a 1 on a d6 roll). If the dynamite boom hits within a Medium Burst Template but not the heart of it there, then the floor is only Very Flammable and will catch fire on a 4-6 on a d6 roll. Anywhere else, it will just be Flammable (catches fire on a 6 on a d6 roll).

A single stick of dynamite deals 2d6 damage in a Small Burst Template (roughly a 2x2 circle). When you throw an area weapon like this and miss, you roll a d6 (to see how many squares the attack deviates by) and a d12 (read as a clock facing). It won't deviate more than 2 squares from it's intended target (the middle of the pool).

I rolled a 5 and a 12, so it's going to land right against the bars. It will catch The Doc and Special Jim in the blast radius.

Marshal, since The Doc is in the area of the blast, you can make an Agility Roll for him at -4 to allow him to pick up and throw the lit stick. He can't throw himself on it to snuff it, though))
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:49, Thu 25 July 2013.

On stage, the doctor and his assistant (a pretty blonde dressed in a sequined gown who, at a glance, doesn't seem to resemble her "father" all that much) roll out a table with various chemicals, flasks, beakers, long-stemmed matches, and other paraphernalia.

Dr. Burns rolls a small bit of cotton into a ball, daubs it with a touch of something, then lights the cotton ball. Then he picks up the small piece of flame and casually rolls it about his hand.

"Man has long had a fascination with flame." The scientist says and he rolls the naked flame from one hand to the other. "What is the essence of fire? How can it be tamed? How can it be made to serve our species in it's struggle for survival?" He holds the ball up and blows it out. His hands seem completely unburned. "Well, you have come to me today to learn the ancient secrets of fire, the key of the phlogiston, that volatile constituent of all combustible substances!"

The Professor crosses his arms over his chest, clearly displeased with Mr. Burns' presentation.  He says nothing, but sits and watches and silently fumes.

The scientist pulls out a large glass jar with a narrow neck. "Phlogiston is the very essence of fire." he says. he indicates the jar, which is apparently empty, though it has a stopper in if for some reason. "Every combustible material is composed, in some part, of phlogiston. The amount of phlogiston in a substance varies, and different materials will react with phlogiston in different ways. Observe."

He unstoppers the bottle, lights a match, and holds it to the bottleneck. A brilliant blue flame jets from the bottle, with the flame traveling down the bottle like a wave.



There's a smattering of oohs and awes from the crowd as the gas burns, and a smattering of applause.

"That was a volume of Phlogiston extracted from ether." The doctor says. "I have with me a number of other phlogistonic substances."

He then proceeds to demonstrate a number of other exciting reactions.

He brings out a series of hollow glass tubes of different sizes, pours a chemical mixture on the top of a piece of filter paper on each in a very deliberate way, then steps back. The tubes suddenly flash, with a bright phosphorescent light and a distinctive sound like a dog bark. The way he's arranged it, the tubes sound like a group of dogs barking out the first few bars of "Jingle Bells."

For his next trick, he mixes up a batch of something, and, taking very delicate care, uses a feather to touch it, causing a burst of smoke and a plume of reddish dust to explode into the air.



Then he looks out over the audience. "For the next demonstration, I would like a volunteer from the audience to assist me. Which of you gentlemen would like to participate?"

The Professor sat there with his arms crossed, quietly fuming as he watched the demonstrations.  When Burns asked for a volunteer, he made no motion to offer his assistance.

In reply to The Stray (msg # 82):

OOC: Actually, I don't have any stats for the Doc, but I assume he'll have average Agility?

So, that'd be a d6 Agility. Well, he can try. :-)
Can I spend Seth's chips for Doc as well?

Because, at -4... that's a failure. :-)

20:00, Today: Seth Bullock rolled 5 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5. Doc Cochrane, Agility.

((OOC: He's a Townsfolk, so yes, that's just a d6 Agility. You can spend Seth's chips on him, if you like.))

I'll give it one shot... or one fate chip, anyhoo...
21:57, Today: Seth Bullock rolled 4 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4. Doc's Agility... white chipped.

No.

Looks like Deadwood might need a new Marshal soon...

Brave Doc Cochran, veteran of the Civil War, knew that time was of the essence. only he was in a position to save the marshal from that errant and carelessly tossed stick of dynamite, so he reached down and scooped it up. Just as he was about to throw it, the fuse hit the the stick.

{{BOOM!}}

The explosion shredded the doc's arm, and though he'd accomplished his task, he felt the life slipping from him. The Marshal was safe...for now. But the kerosene on the floor was lit, a tongue of orange and blue flame rolling from one of the splashes of the coal oil towards the pool in the center of the building. The floor was soon ablaze...

Jack McCall, now desperate, got a grip on the Worm Cultist's head and started ramming it into the bars repeatedly, trying to smash the boy's brain in.

((OOC: more like it'll need a new doctor...poor Doc Cochran takes an extra die of damage from the blast.

Special Jim takes 2d6 damage from the dynamite stick, while Doc Cochran takes 3d6. The kerosene on the floor will ignite on a 4-6 on a d6.

13:05, Today: The Stray rolled 4 using 2d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2. Damage.
13:05, Today: The Stray rolled 10 using 3d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4,3. Damage.
13:06, Today: The Stray rolled 5 using 1d6 with rolls of 5. Fuego!

Special Jim isn't hurt, Doc Cochran will be Shaken with 1 Wound and will be Incapacitated unless Seth wants to spend a chip to attempts a Soak, and the floor catches fire.

The floor is currently only hot enough to deal 1d10 damage, but it takes up the entire Large Burst Template in the center of the floor. Over the next few rounds, Smoke will start filling the jail.

It's Jack's turn.

Jack McCall, still holding the cultist, is going to attempt to inflict damage on the cultist. he rolls Strength, opposed the by the cultist's Strength or Agility, whichever is higher.

13:13, Today: Jack McCall rolled 9,7 using d8-1,d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of (8+2)10,(6+2)8.

For good measure, he's going to toss in a red chip.

13:14, Today: Jack McCall rolled 8 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+2)8. red chip.

That gives him a total of 17 vs. the cultist. He'll roll damage if successful.))

[[21:35, Today: Worm Cultists rolled 11 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+5)11. Regular Jim resist! Nope.

@Bullock - when a kid who blatantly doesn't care about being shot in the head says they'll light the floor, they'll light the floor! Ironically, they weren't shooting because they'd prefer to take the Marshal alive and not hurt the Doc at all...]]

Jack continues to ram the kid's head into the bars, over and over, cracking bone. He feels the boy go limp, then hoists the brained cultist, daring his partner to shoot through his new meat shield.

"You're next, peckerwood!" McCall crows. "Run! Run away or I will kill you the same!"

((OOC: That means Jack hits with a Raise, so he does his Strength + d6 damage.

13:47, Today: Jack McCall rolled 14,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+6)14,4. damage (with Acid).

That's 18, which is 3 wounds for Regular Jim. Since Jim is an Extra, that will Incapacitate him unless he gets a stupendous Soak roll.

Card for next round: 3D))

---

Turn Order:
Cultists: JC
Seth Bullock: 7C (are you going to try to have the Doc soak?)
Jack McCall: 3D

OOC: But Seth Bullock doesn't megotiate with Mobs!
23:11, Today: Seth Bullock rolled 7 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+1)7. soak.

[[22:02, Today: Worm Cultists rolled 5 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5. stupendous soak roll? Just in case. Nope.]]

The remaining purple maniac seems completely unfazed by McCall's brutality, raising his companion's shotgun. "When the Worms turn, there will be nowhere to run to. Repent and be glorified, brother, for the faithful will be eaten first."

An alarmingly cavalier blast sends buckshot pinging around McCall's suddenly small, utterly confining cell.

[[22:05, Today: Worm Cultists rolled 3 using 1d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1. Darren shootin']]

At the more on fire end of the building, the slightly singed cultist gets up, leaving his rifle on the floor, spins around once and windmills his way over to Bullock to try and grab him or something. He seems happy about it, anyway.

"Blibdiblibdi!"

The girl just leans her injured head into the corner, leaving bloody smears, giggling.


[[22:07, Today: Worm Cultists rolled 3 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of 3. Spesh hug!
22:08, Today: Worm Cultists rolled 2 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2. unshake Jenny.
init.9C]]

<small>11:02, Today: Seth Bullock rolled 5,2 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2. Pistolwhippin', white chip. Still Nope.
11:02, Today: Seth Bullock rolled 3,2 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2. Pistolwhippin'. Nope.
Oh my... I hope none of the cultist are gonna be around for the re-election campaign.
</small>

Bullock turns, and tries to bring down his pistol hard on the cultist's head, but merely manages to drive the grip between the idiot's shoulder blades.

"Come on, Doc, we have to get outta here!"
He pulls at Doc Cochrane's jacket, pulling the bleeding man from the fire and together they stumble toward the door.

He pushes Cochrane outside and says: "Run! I'll get McCall!"


11:05, Today: Seth Bullock drew the single card: AD using the Deadlands system. Initiative.

<small>Looks like I'm up first... How many cultists are between me and McCall? And is the fire spreading and in the way?</small>

McCall, meanwhile, shrieks as the shot rips into the wall and crouches behind the body. He spies something attached tot he cultist's belt...a whip! it's made of some kind of strange purple leather, but that doesn't bother McCall. He rips the whip free and starts cracking it.

"Aha!" he shouts at the living cultist. "Thought you had me, did you? Take that!"

He cracks the whip...but the strange, oily purple leather slips from his fingers as he cracks it, sending the whip skidding out of his grasp and slithering into the bars of the cell behind the cultist.

"Oh, SHIT!"

((OOC: Jack McCall still has an action this round, actually.

Currently, it looks like there's 2 cultists outside, 2 in the marshal's office, and 1 near McCall threatening him with a gun. Of those, only Special Jim is in your way, but he might try to tackle you since you failed to knock him into Shaken territory. Then there's Darrin, whom McCall is going to try to deal with.

The fire is spreading, and it is in the way. Right now it's covering a Medium Burst Template in the middle of the floor. It's only at 1d10 damage right now, but that will change as it gets hotter. But I roll that on the Cultist's turn.

Jack McCall takes the whip from the dying cultist he bashed and tries to whack Darrin with it. He has a -1 wound penalty and a -2 MAP

02:18, Today: Jack McCall rolled -2,-2 using d6-3,d6-3, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1. Whip it! Whip it good! Jack does not whip it good. That is, in fact, a critical fumble, and he loses control of the whip.

Card: 10S))

Turn Order:
Seth Bullock: AD
Jack McCall: 10S
Cultists: 9c

In reply to Hyram Burns (msg # 85):

James debated raising his hand but instead nudges the Major. "Raise ya hand, be part of the show Major," he whispered.

Leopold smiles and shakes his head dismissively.
"And give up my seat here on the balcony? No, you should go, James. He might be able to change your recent run of bad luck for you."

20:12, Today: Seth Bullock rolled 5 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5. Do I catch fire?

5. Of course. I should've tried to fool the die roller into me rolling a red chip bonus. That usually comes up 1. Sigh.

I'll be shooting the guy in the back once I'm through the flames. Assuming Special Jim doesn't catch me.


Bullock grits his teeth and jumps through the flames, stumbling a little bit on the slick kerosene.

His pistol fires, once, taking the cultist at the back straight in his chest. Then he turns toward the cell door.

"You are going to stand in front of a jury, McCall. If you try anything funny, I'll burn you on a fucking stake, you understand me?"


20:15, Today: Seth Bullock rolled 10 using 2d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 5,4. Peacemaker damage.
20:15, Today: Seth Bullock rolled 5 using 2d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3. Peacemaker damage.

20:17, Today: Seth Bullock drew the single card: 7S using the Deadlands system. Initiative.



Doc Cochrane, his arm a bloody mess kicks a chair out of his way and towards Special Jim before heading out of the door.

20:20, Today: Seth Bullock rolled 3 using 1d6. Agility trick from Doc.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:20, Mon 29 July 2013.

The killed cultist crumples without a sound.

[[entirely failed his soak.]]

The one subject to the doc's attack, however, seems to be too dim to realise he's being tripped and hops over the chair, whooping with delight.

[[22:35, Today: Worm Cultists rolled 13 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+6+1)13. Spesh vs. chair. ecksdee ecksdee]]

In reply to Freiherr von Steinhof (msg # 99):

James shrugged then raised his hand. "Sure, why not," he said to the Major.

Von Steinhof smiles.
"Good. He is not good, you know? I have seen Eisenstein twice, now that is a master of illusion. All he does is show some scientific experiments."
He furrows his brow.
"Hm. I have seen other scientists before, who were down on their luck, making a spectacle of themselves and their profession. There was always a sense of... shame, or embarassment surrounding them, not matter how much they were trying to hide it.
This Burns character doesn't seem to feel that way. Interesting."

In reply to Seth Bullock (msg # 100):

Jack nods, coughing at the smoke from the blaze. "I'll give you no trouble. Just get me the fuck out of here!"

((OOC: Passing through the fire means Bullock takes damage. Luckily, the damage is only a single d10.

16:51, Today: The Stray, on behalf of Seth Bullock, rolled 3 using 1d10, rerolling max with rolls of 3. Damage.

Bullock walks through the fire without getting burned.

Jack needs to roll to avoid Fatigue from Smoke Inhalation.

16:54, Today: Jack McCall rolled 0,3 using d8-1,d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4. Smoke Inhalation.  He fails, so he gains a level of Fatigue.

He's going to go On Hold as he waits for Bullock to open the cell.))

---

Doctor Han Lee was heading to the Marshal's office to check up on Mr. Bullock...the man had been complaining of the gripe, and Han Lee had been checking on him every so often.

But tonight was going to be different. Lee saw the smoke first, and the crowd of onlookers that were gathering lead him to believe that this was not going to be a normal house call. Lee saw fat robed standing outside a hole in the wall, from which smoke seemed to be pouring.

It looked like a jailbreak!

((OOC: Alright, give me a card draw so I know where you are in initiative order for the next round))

---

It's the Worm Cultist's turn next!

Dr Han pushes his way thru the crowd toward the orange blaze, seeing the hole in the Lawman's building was bad news. [Language unknown: "Ca!"]

He sees someone leaving the building that does not look like a local lawman, not wanting to waste time asking questions he moves towards the man hoping he can remain unseen in the confusion, as soon as he is in range he makes a small leap and thrusts his right foot towards the strangers face.  He could not see Seth, and this worried him a great deal, but to find Seth, Han assumed he would have to go thru this no-good jailbreaker.

OOC: As you no doubt saw I drew the black joker.  Figured barring any objections from you, I would hop right to it and try to engage the Cultist who seems to be standing outside the whole.

I forgot to bloody click the record each die but here is what I got: 21:12, Tue 30 July 2013: Doctor Han Lee rolled 4,8 using 1d10+2,1d6+2 ((2,6)).
21:18, Today: Doctor Han Lee rolled 3,2 using 1d4+2,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2. Damage.

Let me know if I need to make a running roll to get to my target though.

Card for next round: 3H

This message was last edited by the GM at 04:55, Wed 31 July 2013.

"Hey!" the fat man cries as a random Chinaman kicks him in the ear. He makes an ineffectual grab at the youth's chest, annoyed.

The plump woman beside him, however, handily steps in with the can in her hands. Dr.Han feels light, cold liquid splash over his back and spread through his clothing in a matter of moments whilst he tries not to gag on the choking scent of kerosene.

[[5 is right at his Toughness, so I don't think he's Shaken...
07:19, Today: Worm Cultists rolled 2,2 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2. Ayers grab ...well then, roll anything but a 1 to escape...

07:17, Today: Worm Cultists rolled 8 using 1d8+2, rerolling max with rolls of 6. Stollen splash (Touch attack). Congratulations, Lee, you are now Very Flammable!]]

The active-if-ineffective cultist still in the building attempts to catch the fleeing Doctor, oblivious to events outside. Behind him, the spreading fire fingers the gun cabinet...and all the ammunition.

The young female cultist staggers out of the corner but only manages to slump over the table giggling, red hair spilling every which way since her hood's slipped.

[[07:21, Today: Worm Cultists rolled 5 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of 5. Spesh grapple.
07:21, Today: Worm Cultists rolled 2 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2. unshake Jenny. Nope.
init. 6S]]

Han wretched at the feel of the kerosene coating his body and clothes, thrusting his hands out to fend off the fat cultist.

12:31, Today: Doctor Han Lee rolled 8,6 using 1d10+2,1d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 6,4. Opposed fighting/grapple roll.

In reply to Freiherr von Steinhof (msg # 103):

"Can't say I know who that is Major." James said with a slight shrug. "Don't get out to this sort of fancy happenings much."

The professor smiles at the number of hands that go up. He points to James, up in the balcony. It was always good to give the box-seaters a bit of a thrill.

"You, sir!" He says. "Could you please come down here?"

---

Doc Cochran flailed in panic as the Special cultist tried to grab him. He slipped and stumbled out the hole in the wall...right next to the giant Ayers and the plump Mrs. Stolsthiem.

Despite the fire reaching the rack of guns, it hasn't been burning long enough nor hot enough to set anything off. Special Jim is another matter. In his wild grab at the doctor, he had stumbled right into the path of the spreading flame!

((OOC: 01:32, Today: Doc Cochran rolled 6 using 1d4, rerolling max with rolls of (4+2)6. Grapple! Lucky roll.

The fire spreads and is now dealing 2d10 damage to anything in it's path. I roll Damage vs. Objects to see if any of the ammo does, indeed, cook off, but get a 4, which means it most decidedly does not.

Special Jim is in the path of the flames, though, so he might get burned. He needs to make an Agility check to avoid taking 210 damage, and he'll be moved to the nearest open space outside the fire's area.))

---

Turn Order:
Seth Bullock: 7S
Worm cultists: 6S
Jack McCall: On Hold
Han Lee: 3H

Bullock turns the key in the lock, but keeps his pistol trained on McCall.
Once the door is unlocked, he takes a step back.

"Out. Now. And no funny business, or I'll put you down after all. Then I'll pour your ashes on Wild Bill's grave."


10:58, Today: Seth Bullock rolled 10,7 using d12,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 10,(6+1)7. Intimidation.

Forgot to add Strong willed, so that makes the result a whopping 12.


10:59, Today: Seth Bullock drew the single card: 8C using the Deadlands system. Initiative.

"Would ya look at that." James chuckled as he got up from he seat. "See ya in a few Major." The gunslinger slowly made his way towards the stage.

The charging cultist's sleeves swing straight through the flame, though he doesn't seem to be paying it much heed.

[[22:39, Today: Worm Cultists rolled 2 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2. Spesh vs. fire. Perhaps predictably, Spesh does not defeat fire.]]

"...I ain't gonna let you cuff me. Not till we're out of this mess." McCall sulks as he slips out of the cell and picks up the fallen cultist's rifle, but it's only a token protest, and Bullock is pretty sure McCall will do anything he says as long as it means getting out of this situation alive.

He looks over at the fire, which is now between them and any of the exits, and then towards the tiny, barred windows, which were specifically designed to be difficult to get through. "Well, what's your plan now, marshal? We're fuckin' cut off!"

Meanwhile Special Jim's sleeves don't catch fire, but the heat does leave a nasty, nasty burn...

((OOC: McCall has a wound penalty and a level of fatigue, so it's going to be difficult for him to beat that.

14:48, Today: Jack McCall rolled 1,2 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4. Resisting ToW. Ha. No. McCall is Shaken and Bullock gets a +2 on his next action.

McCall uses his Held action. First, he attempts to Unshake.

14:52, Today: Jack McCall rolled 5,2 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 7,4. unshake. That gives him an action a -2, which he uses scooping up Derrick's Spencer Carbine.

Card: 3H

I roll 7 damage for Special Jim, which will make him Shaken (remember that you can move while Shaken, but can't take actions). I also check to see if his robe catches fire, but as his robe is merely Flammable, it doesn't catch from the brief contact.))

---

Worm Cultists go next!

The girl reels up off the desk and plants herself on it as Jim goes wailing out of the doorway, drawing her shotgun from her back.

[[23:07, Today: Worm Cultists rolled 2,3 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,3. Unshake Spesh, Jenny. Y'know, I'm going to throw one of their whites on Jenny, 'cause otherwise she's just going to stand there and burn...she draws her shotgun this round, since the cultists have Bloodthirsty and the intended captives aren't showing any signs of coming quietly. Also now I have this on the brain - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1vNPpf7S3aE]]


The cultists outside are thrown off by Doc Cochran's terrified chicken impression and Spesh barelling after him and only manage to grab vaguely at him as he goes past.


[[23:13, Today: Worm Cultists rolled 2,2 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2. fightin'.
23:11, Today: Worm Cultists rolled 1 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of 1. Stollen grab. Even with gang-up, that's a 2, 3 to catch the Doc...I think he can run away just fine.
init.3H ]]

There's a chorus of disappointing mutters as James makes his way to the stage. He can feel the eyes of the entire room settle on him as he makes his ways into the harsh glare of the blazing lime lights.

"Earn my money! Fry the cripple real good, doc!" shouts some asshole from the crowd, which is followed by some mean-spirited catcalls and chuckles before another section of the crowd, which presumably includes the fellows James arrived with, shout them down. There's a volley of jeers back and forth before someone shoots a pistol into the air.

"Enough! I want to see the damn show! I swear to God I'll fill the next man who speaks so full of lead they'll break off his fingers for pencils afore they bury the sonofabitch!"

The crowd quiets.

---

Up in the balcony, Sam Bass grins, blows the smoke from his pistol, and holsters it.

"I'm not really planning to shoot anyone." he whispers to the Professor...or is he whispering? That gunshot was rather loud and so was that ringing in his ears..."But someone was going to do something like that any way."

Jackie Wells and the mysterious woman stare at the outlaw. Jackie breaks into a rueful grin, while the other woman just looks appalled and aghast.

---

"Pay no mind to the alarmists among the hecklers, sir." Professor Burns says, loudly and with broad placating gestures, to James. "I assure you, the experiment we are about to perform is completely safe!"

"But professor!" interrupts the pretty assistant who had until this point mostly been in the background, setting up experiments while Burns had been performing. This close, she and the professor look even less related. She gives the audience a wide-eyed stare of worried horror. "What about last time?"

"Oh, that." Burns says glibly, waving the concerns away with a flourish "A simple miscalculation. Couldn't possibly happen again." He rests a hand on James' shoulder. "But, just to be on the safe side, why don't you tell the audience here your name, and how we might reach your next of kin?" he gesture to the vast sea of faces out in the crowd beyond the glare of the lime lights, all silent now, all looking directly at him.

In reply to Worm Cultists (msg # 114):

Han's eyes and nostrils are irritated at the smell of kerosene, with a breath he focuses his mind's eye on his first target. The fat man, whoever he was...

"[English]What have you done with Seth?" he calls to both of his adversaries.

Han plants his left foot and brings his right foot around in a high arc, that sails clear over the man's head at first.  With a soft grunt, Han stops his body's follow thru and thrusts his right leg back out, this time seemingly hitting his large target.


02:23, Today: Doctor Han Lee rolled 4,2 using 1d10,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,2. Kick to the head.

02:24, Today: Doctor Han Lee rolled 7,1 using 1d10,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,1. white chip reroll atk.

02:24, Today: Doctor Han Lee rolled 5,3 using 1d4,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (4+1)5,3. Damage.

02:25, Today: Doctor Han Lee drew the single card: AS using a deck of 54 cards. Next round init.

"Stop kicking me, you crazy little yellow bastard! Hkk-" The fat man coughs and reels back at being kicked in the throat. He leans against the wall, forced to wheeze in breath in great strained gulps.

"Who?" the kerosene-throwing lady asks, perplexed. It's not a trick of the light: both robed figures are indeed purple.

"The Marshal...I think..." the fat man coughs.

"Oh. We were going to take him to one of our little meetings, but he's having some trouble with Jack McCall - ever such a nasty man, reminds me of my third husband, died of drink, he did, my husband that is, not Jack-"

"In there," the big fellow interrupts, pointing at the decidedly on-fire jailhouse.

[[Ayers - fat guy - is Shaken. Throwing in a reply, since talking's a free action and Dr Han is top of the next round]]

"Meeting will have to wait, as you will need to be arrested for arson." Doctor Han says as he drives his leg forward at the fat man once more.


18:25, Today: Doctor Han Lee rolled 8,5 using 1d10,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 8,5. 'nuther kick to make a point.

18:26, Today: Doctor Han Lee rolled 5,4 using 1d4,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (4+1)5,4. damage.

18:28, Today: Doctor Han Lee drew the single card: 7S using a deck of 54 cards. Init.

The fat man doubles over at the Doctor's first jab and is neatly smashed into the porch.

"Oh, Marshal Bullock would rather burn than come along, even though we do have cake," the plump lady says brightly. "So, you know, burning." She shrugs. The 'special' cultist continues to run slightly smoking circles in the background.

[[Yeah, that'll drop him. Saving the cultists' last chip...also I'm way too amused at the gang being reduced to li'l Jenny, Mrs.Stollen and Spesh.]]

The Professor gave Sam Bass a disapproving look as the outlaw fired his pistol. Upon hearing the man's explanation he sighed, "Yes, well be prepared for all Hell to break loose. Smythe has something up his sleeve, I'm sure of it!"

The Professor leaned forward, watching the stage show with intense scrutiny.  He was determined to catch whatever trick Smythe had planned before any disastrous consequences were to happen.

Leopold stands up and yells down:"The great Empire of Austria will care about this man's remains.  And funeral. And we will write to his family."
He nods at James,  smiling shrewdly.

((OOC: It's Seth Bullock's turn in the fight...))

"You shouldn't be afraid of a little fire, figuring where you'll end up eventualy. Now go ahead, run! Fires's not too high yet. If the flames catch, keep running till you're outside, then roll around on the floor. MOVE!"

OOC: Going on hold until after McCall's through.

In reply to Freiherr von Steinhof (msg # 121):

The gunslinger gave a bow to the crowd. "Name's James Wilder and much thanks to the Empire of Austria for that their kindness should I perish here tonight." James tipped his hat to the Major.

((OOC: Jack McCall needs to roll 10 or higher to beat the cultists on an Agility check. He has a -1 wound penalty and a -1 fatigue penalty from the smoke.

01:51, Today: Jack McCall rolled 3,1 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3. Opposed Agility.))

---

Cultists up!

In reply to James Wilder (msg # 124):

"Well, then! It looks as though everything is settled!" Burns says with a wide smile. "Now, Mr. Wilder, I'm afraid you're going to need to step over here," he indicates a curtain that's been set up, "and don the suit that is waiting for you there. If you need assistance, My daughter Cynthia should be more than willing to assist you."

There's a bit of ribald catcalling, whistles, and "oo-la-la's" from the audience at theis pronouncement.

James wiggled his eyebrows with a big silly grin on his face - all obviously in jest - as he moved behind the curtain.

Jack starts his run oblivious to the giggling teenager on the desk. He is shortly reminded with a hail of buckshot.

[[20:22, Today: Worm Cultists rolled 11 using 1d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (6+3)9. shootin'. Hit with raise, I think.
20:29, Today: Worm Cultists rolled 11 using 2d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(6+2)8. damage can has?]]

"Arrested, indeed! As though we hadn't burned down the jail...well, I suppose I've made you a proper witness now, and you didn't seem too keen on religion, so you'll have to burn." Mrs.Stollen blurs into action, swinging with the can of kerosene, trying to back Lee up into the rubble. She's surprisingly fast and strong; Dr.Han can just barely stay ahead of her attack.

[[20:32, Today: Worm Cultists rolled 7 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of 7. fightin'.
20:33, Today: Worm Cultists rolled 2 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2. unshake Spesh? Nope and nope.

init.10D]]

"SHIT!" McCall yells as the bullets shred the wall around him. He goes to his knee and takes a shot at the crazy girl, but the flames and his own wounds throw his aim off. "I ain't goin' nowhere 'till you deal with that bitch!" McCall yells at Bullock.

((OOC: The smoke grants concealment equivalent to Medium Cover (-2 to attacks through the fire) but that's still high enough to hit with a raise

Jack is facing a Wound and will attempt to soak. He still has wounds and fatigue working against him.

00:16, Today: Jack McCall rolled 2,3 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,5. Soak! Not quite enough.

00:16, Today: Jack McCall rolled 8 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+2)8. red chip.

That means the GM is very low on chips, and I'm going to need to do something to force you guys to spend Red Chips soon.

It takes an Agility roll at -2 to get through the fire without being burned, given how it's spread. Jack McCall is facing wounds and fatigue, so there's no way he's going to get through there without burning. Instead, he takes a shot as Jenny. his attack isn't going to be much better than his Agility roll would be, given the cover and his own penalties, but at least it won't burn him.

00:27, Today: Jack McCall rolled -3,-2 using d10-4,d6-4, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2. Shooting! Nope, not going to hit.

Card: 3H

Seth, you can take your action now. Jack isn't going to go through the flames while he's being shot at.))

---

Turn Order:
Seth Bullock: On Hold
Cultists: 10D
Han Lee: 7S
Jack McCall: 3H

As Wilder is being lead to the dressing room, there's a commotion near the edge of the theater.

Someone has burst into the auditorium and is shouting.

"FIRE! FIRE! THE DAMN TOWN'S ON FIRE!" He shouts...and then the room begins to stir as the words register. And then suddenly there's a panic...

"Oh, shit." Jackie curses.

On the stage, Burns gapes at the words, then turns to Wilder. "Quick! Don the suit!" He's referring to the lumpy, bulky thing that lays behind the modesty screen, the strange suit which looks like some kind of diving suit.

James looked at the suit with a complete lack of confidence, "Alright..." The gunslinger then went about get the suit on, he wasn't a diver and his wounds weren't healed yet but that didn't stop James.

"Goddamnit, you bloody coward!"
Bullock walks closer and fires through the flames, taking the screaming woman with another bullet to the throat, sending her down in a spray of blood. He points the smoking gun at McCall and growls: "Now, get going."


20:32, Today: Seth Bullock rolled 11,4 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (10+1)11,4. Shooting.

20:33, Today: Seth Bullock rolled 31 using 3d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of (6+2)8,5,(6+6+5)17. Shooting damage.


20:35, Today: Seth Bullock drew the single card: 4C using the Deadlands system. Initiative.
Going on hold until after McCall runs through the fire.

"Well, here's another perfect reason why I always take a seat on the balcony."
Von Freiherr strokes his mustache in an attempt to hide his nervousness.

He considers yelling down to Wilder, but decides against it - not very likely that his voice would be heard over the clamour.
He leans against the rails on the balcony to make room for the panicking people trying to get off the balcony and takes a look around.
There were of course no designated fire exits, as you'd expect in a barbaric, lawless country like this, but certainly there had to be some way out.


20:39, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof rolled 6,3 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,1. Noticing a way out?

Jenny, always somewhat off the wall, ends up all over the ceiling.

[[Yeah, not even going to try soaking that. Bloody hell. Sorry, Stray.]]

"*tch* That'll be Jenny gone, poor baby," The kerosene can whips though the smoke boiling from the jail, blocky and brutal as its wielder. "-but sooner or later, we all have to die." The plump woman kicks out, suddenly, trying to send Lee stumbling back over the rubble and into the fire.

"Food for the worms, you know."

"Hail the worms! The wurms have turned!" the circle-running guy says, stumbling over. It's hard to predict what the idiot might do, though he seems to be drawing some kind of whip...

[[19:55, Today: Worm Cultists rolled 4 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4. Unshake Spesh. Finally! He moves back near the hole in the wall and Draws.

19:54, Today: Worm Cultists rolled 4 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4. Agility Trick. Doctor, your challenge: roll higher than 4.
init.4C]]

The Professor reaches into his satchel and pulls out a round, metallic device the size of his fist.  He reaches over and slaps it against Jackie's chest, pulling his hand away as it sticks itself against the Deputy's body. "Sonic Field Generator.  Should help keep the fire and any debris from harming you. Don't just stand there Deputy, go and do your job."

In reply to Worm Cultists (msg # 134):

"Hitting a woman brings me no pleasure..." he says.  With a step forward he drives his foot into the woman's midsection, unfortunately it does not put the woman down as he hoped.

20:25, Today: Doctor Han Lee rolled 4,3 using 1d8,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,3. vs agil. trick.

Not sure what happens in event of tie.

20:29, Today: Doctor Han Lee rolled 7,2 using 1d8,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,2. kick the worm!

20:30, Today: Doctor Han Lee rolled 3,1 using 1d4,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1. damage the worm! = 4

20:30, Today: Doctor Han Lee drew the single card: 3H using the Deadlands system. Initiative next go.


He grits his teeth and squints his eyes in both frustration and because 0f the smoke.  "But you are dangerous. You are burning and shooting people. You will yield!

"Thanks, Marshal!" The gunslinger says, and runs into the fire...and around the corner, out of Bullock's sight! He laughs as he runs out into the darkness through the door of the jail, his angle delibe4rate in keeping plenty of objects between him and the marshal until he's well clear of the door and into the blackness beyond.

((OOC: Alas, poor Jenny. We hardly knew you.

@Han Lee: Ties mean different things. In this case, the tie means the status quo is maintained, so the defender wins. Since you're the defender, that means you avoid being tricked.

Jack McCall runs for the exit. Not the one in the wall...the actual door, so he can put distance between himself and Bullock. He again has a -4 penalty to his Agility check (-2 circumstance, -1 wounds, -1 fatigue)

20:09, Today: Jack McCall rolled 3,2 using d8-4,d8-4, rerolling max with rolls of 7,6. Agility. Almost.

20:09, Today: Jack McCall rolled 1 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1. red chip.

That will do it, though I'm out of chips (except for those the Wild Cards have).

20:10, Today: Jack McCall rolled 5 using 1d6. Running die. That will get him a pretty significant distance from the jail.

Now Bullock needs to actually find him again.

Card: 6S))

08:25, Today: Seth Bullock rolled 11,3 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of (8+5)13,5. Agility check.
That's not bad, I'm going ahead and roll the rest, in case he doesn't beat that.

08:25, Today: Seth Bullock rolled 29,1 using d10-4,d6-4, rerolling max with rolls of (10+10+10+3)33,5. Shooting, aiming to leg. (-2 aim, -2 smoke)

08:26, Today: Seth Bullock rolled 14 using 3d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of (6+2)8,4,1. damage.

"GODDAMNIT, MCCALL!"
Bullock yells as he realizes what McCall is trying. He cocks his pistol and fires, once.
The smoke obscures if he hit, but right now he has bigger concerns anyway. The fire is spreading.

Grinding his teeth, he steps forward, stumbling through the flames as fast as he can to the nearest exit.


08:29, Today: Seth Bullock rolled 2,9 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,(6+5)11. white chip.
08:29, Today: Seth Bullock rolled 3,0 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2. Agility, to cross fire.

...and Bullock's out of chips and by my count down to 2 rounds in his pistol.


08:31, Today: Seth Bullock drew the single card: 3S using the Deadlands system. Initiative.


This message was last edited by the player at 06:31, Sun 11 Aug 2013.

McCall screams and stumbles, but he's still on his feet. Barely...he probably couldn't outrun much after that shot.

((OOC: 23:33, Today: Jack McCall rolled 1,8 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(6+4)10. Opposed Agility. Of course you'd roll really high when my bad guy is out of chips and I'd really like him to get away... -_-

14 damage is a Shaken and 2 wounds for McCall. That will get through, because he is, as I mentioned, out of chips. He can still move his pace, and since he was in the middle of a run he gets to finish it, but it will drop his Pace by 2. He can still limp his (reduced) pace while Shaken, but he's probably not going to Unshake anytime soon.

Are you going to add a Running Die to that action? The Agility check is a reflexive action, so you still get your action for the turn, and the fire is too large for you to cross it without running (you'd end your move right inside the LBT area, and potentially suffer fire damage from that).))

Jackie looks at the device, nods, and fiddles with it a bit. "Yeah, I should. You comin'?" She says as she stands, drawing her gatling pistol from the purse at her side.

The prim woman looks scandalized by the sudden appearance of the gun. "I say!"

---

The woman helps him into the suit, which is made from a shiny, crinkly materiel he can't quite identify. It's not as cumbersome as it first appears, but once he's finished donning it he looks like a bit like a bipedal lizard.

"This will protect you from smoke and heat from most fires." The girl says as she adjusts the thing. "It won't protect you against a concentrated attack of pure phlogiston, but that sort of attack should be rare here." She give him a smile. "Go on. Be a hero."

((OOC: The suit is the Environmental Protection power. It's currently set to protect against the environmental hazards of a building fire, and the protection will last 25 hours (the suit has 25 pp). The girl made the activation roll, so all you have to do is go out and get into a fire.))

15:32, Today: Seth Bullock rolled 8 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+2)8. running.

There's the front entrance, of course...which is currently jammed by all the people running towards it. There are also a couple of side exits...which are, naturally, jammed up with all the people running for them. There might be an exit behind the stage, but he can't see it from here.

The Professor nodded to Jackie, pulling his Essence Gun from his satchel. "Of course.  I wouldn't let you go in alone."

"I ain't entirely sure how your fire-makin' device is gonna be that helpful, but thanks." Jackie says. She looks over at the chaos around the doors. "First, we gotta get outside. Suggestions?"

The Professor looked around, then pointed to one of the windows located on the exterior wall, high above the balcony seats. "Up there....we just need a way up."

Yes... that should do it.

Von Steinhof waits until most of the audience have cleared some room, then most gracefully swings himself over the rails and jumps down to the floor, catching his fall with a slight step forward.

19:27, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof rolled 11,15 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of (8+5)13,(6+6+5)17. Agility.

I don't happen to land near the Professor and the others, do I?

"Ain't much for hero'in ... but I'll see what I can do." James said firmly. but he turned looking for an exit so he could help out. The gunslinger's mind recalled vividly the last time he'd been in a fire and the memories were less than pleasant.

Bullock barrels out of the burning jailhouse, and he's easily able to catch up with the limping McCall, who turns and stares at him.

"Wait!" He shouts. "You got this all wrong! I wasn't trying to escape...I know where these jokers are coming from! I saw their lair...I can take you there, if'n you let me go!"

((OOC: Since running die don't Ace, that's going to be a 6 there for Bullock. Still more than enough to catch up with the limping.

McCall's action is first, though, so he attempts to negotiate with Bullock. He's On Hold.))

---

Turn Order:
Jack McCall: 6S
Worm Cultists: 4C
Seth Bullock: 3S
Han Lee: 3H

The doctor's foot just seems to sink into the purple woman's matronly midriff without moving her at all. The cultist frowns, beginning to get cross with Lee's interference, then stares at something over his shoulder.

"Fetch, boy!" The dim cultist goes to do exactly that. Meanwhile, the plump lady lets go of the kerosene can with one hand and tries to get Lee by the scruff, failing entirely due to the doctor's agile stance. "You are dangerous, young man, and quite deserve a hiding. Yield indeed. Whatever would you do if I did? I bet it's something nasty, you Celestials are famous for torturing folks. Tch!"

[[21:47, Today: Worm Cultists rolled 1 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of 1. Stollen grab. Yeah...no.]]

Around the corner, Bullock's confrontation with McCall is abruptly interrupted.

*wh'kash!*

[[21:49, Today: Worm Cultists rolled 10 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of (8+2)10. Spesh vs. law. I don't think he needed to run there: if I'm correct, is that a raise and does that make Bullock Entangled or just de-parried?

Damage roll in case (minus raise, if existing): 21:53, Today: Worm Cultists rolled 1,3 using d4,d6 -> 4 ha!
init. 3H]]

((OOC: With the whip's reach of 2, yeah, he wouldn't need to run to get there. And since Bullock's Parry is 6, that is, in fact, a raise.

A raise on a whip attack gives Bullock -2 Parry, rather than doing extra damage. It does not Entangle, though I could see an argument for using it to make Reach 2 grapple attempts.))

Jackie looks up where the Professor is pointing. "Huh." She say, then grins. "Ain't this a familiar sitiation?" She reaches over and grabs a curtain that reaches most of the way there, and twists it into a makeshift rope. "Don't reckon this will hold long." she says.

Sam Bass stares at them. "This is insane. You know that right?"

"I don't recall invitin' you along, Bass." Jackie says as she tests the makeshift curtain rope. "Yer free to sit here and burn if'n you like."

"What about me?" The prim woman asks. "Surely you don't intend to leave me behind!"

"If you can climb, you can come." Jackie says. "The theater itself ain't on fire, as far as I can tell. Get to an exit if'n you think you can. Climb if you think you can. But either way, I got a job to do."

((OOC: If you want to try and scale the wall, it will be a Climbing check (+2). The bonus will probably be canceled out by any default penalties you might have. If you roll a 1 on the skill die (regardless of the Wild Die), the curtain will fail and break.))

---

"Here." The girl says, parting the curtain. "There's an emergency exit just past the dressing room. Go get 'em! And when you save lives, make sure you mention who built the suit making you look all heroic!" She gives him a quick peck on the faceplate of the suit.

---

Leopold sticks a landing that would make any acrobat proud. He spots a group of people on the balcony across from him attempting to scale a wall toward a tiny window above them, and the girl on stage is ushering Wilder behind a curtain.

((OOC: Nope. They were on the other side of the theater from you. But you can see them from where you are.))

"I hope y'all ain't burning down the town to get ya name in the paper for savin' it." James said with a half chuckle before making his way outside. He wasn't too sure of the suit but hoped for the best.

For whatever reason, The Professor is having a hard time climbing the rope.  He gets a few feet up and stops, hanging in mid air, unable to gain purchase to climb higher.

OOC -
19:17, Today: The Professor rolled 2,1 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,1. Climbing.

"MCCAAAALLLLL!"
Bullock screams, as the whip wraps itself around him.
He turns around and follows the leather of the whiüp with his eyes to the one holding it.
Another single shot rings out.

10:49, Today: Seth Bullock rolled 1,4 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4. Shooting.
10:49, Today: Seth Bullock rolled 16 using 2d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 4,(6+5)11. Shooting damage.

One bullet left!


10:50, Today: Seth Bullock drew the single card: JD using the Deadlands system. Initiative.

Leopold looks around. Apparently, nobody had really noticed his acrobatic landing.
Slightly disappointed, he straightened his uniform, then sees the Professor hanging on the rope on the balcony on the other side.

He hurries over, grabbing the robe with one hand, reaching the other out to the man.
"Careful! Let me help you!"

OOC: Anything I can roll to help The Professor?

The Doctor's eyes blaze. "You dare, I am a healer of bodies and minds!"  Forgetting his discipline for a moment, the Doctor leaps into the air and thrusts both of his feet at the attacker with a drop kick maneuver.


23:34, Today: Doctor Han Lee rolled 1 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of 1. avoid grapple.

23:32, Today: Doctor Han Lee rolled 9,11 using 1d8+2,1d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 7,(6+3)9. Wild 'fightin' atk.

23:33, Today: Doctor Han Lee rolled 5,5,1 using 1d8+2,1d6,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,5,1. Damage w/ one raise.= 11

23:34, Today: Doctor Han Lee drew the single card: 3C using the Deadlands system. Init.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:54, Thu 15 Aug 2013.

The cultist with the whip continues to stand there and grin despite the smoking hole...then keels over, almost gently.

[[Worm Cultists rolled 2 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2. Spesh vs. law.
...and the law won.]]

The purple woman staggers...staggers...and does not go down. "The hell you are!"

[[Worm Cultists rolled 5 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5. soak attempt. Go Mrs. Stollen! Ironically, if Lee hadn't attacked her, she might've actually surrendered there. Cultists're out of chips! *so amused by doctor reacting to being called violent by doling out beatings*]]

James Wilder, please resume posting in the new Chapter 4.2: Deadwood Burning thread.

Professor, Von Steinhof, you will be moved to that thread as you leave the theater.

Han Lee, Bullock: you will continue to post in this thread until the situation with the cultists is resolved and you figure out your next moves.

With the whip going limp, Bullock steps away, his pistol once more trained on McCall.

"You are a fucking coward and a liar, McCall. Why should I trust you? And since you're also bleeding as hell, you might want to try to convince me, quickly. Or I swear to God, I'll bring you back into that jailcell."

Behind him, the blaze crackles as part of a wall collapses.

In reply to Freiherr von Steinhof (msg # 155):

((OOC: You can hold the curtain steady, which will add a +1 to his Climb roll. It's up to The Professor to make the roll, though.))

In reply to Seth Bullock (msg # 159):

"Oh, fuck you Bullock!" McCall spits back. "I'm you're only fucking hope of putting an end to this! There's more where these nutcases came from! You think they attacked here at random? LOOK!" He points down the street, where another fire burns. "Ain't that the hardware store you own with that Jew? They ain't after me, marshal--they're gunning for you! So get that gun out of my face!"

And indeed, it does seem to be the store Bullock has a part interest in...and suddenly, Bullock has to wonder what's become of his business partner Sol Star...

((OOC: 00:38, Today: Jack McCall rolled 7,0 using d8-3,d6-3, rerolling max with rolls of (8+2)10,3. Resisting ToW. He actually managed to resist that. I'm impressed.

Jack's still On Hold, but talking is a free action.))

---

Doctor Han Lee is before the remaining cultist.

Dr. Lee regains his composure for a moment as he notes that his reckless attack did in fact get thru the woman's bulky frame. Putting his whole body into seemed the only way of slowing this woman down.  So once again, Han leaps off the ground, twisting his whole body around to deliver a wheel kick to the woman, hoping to slow her down once more.


10:06, Today: Doctor Han Lee rolled 8,5 using 1d8+2,1d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 6,3. wild attack.

10:09, Today: Doctor Han Lee rolled 4,5 using 1d4+2,1d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,3. Wild damage. = 11

10:10, Today: Doctor Han Lee drew the single card: 7C using the Deadlands system. Initiative.

The second attack does indeed send the cultist to the boards. The kerosene can clanks across the broken wall and glugs its dregs into the flames.

[[ Soak roll: 2. Victory for Dr.Han!
...hopefully not just in time for James to see a random Chinese guy beating up an older woman in front of the burning building there...]]

((OOC: With the primary threat neutralized, you're out of combat rounds now. Fred and Mrs. Stollin are unconscious, Special Jim is actually clinging to life (incapacitated and not able to be moved without aggravating his injuries (and may die to bleeding out without medical treatment), but the rest of the cultists are dead.

So we're in free action. I'm just waiting for Bullock to post, unless the player controlling him wants to give him back to me.))

---

((OOC: Just waiting on a post from Von Steinhof or The Professor to move things along...))

Han moves amongst the unconscious forms and sees Special Jim. Moving to him quickly, he tends to the man's wounds using the arts his father taught him.


15:17, Today: Doctor Han Lee rolled 1,4 using 1d8,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4. Healing.

I assume he is someone I can heal.

[[You can heal NPCs, but there's a penalty for physical healing (i.e. with bandages rather than supernatural means) if you don't have sufficient equipment. Dunno about wound penalties for Extras...Stray?

Also, if you heal Spesh enough to move he's just going to attach himself to Jack/Bullock's ankles and get shot again, because he's...special and Bullock is having a Bad Day.]]

((OOC: Extras don't suffer from Wound Penalties like Wild Cards do--they go straight to Incapacitated when injured. So no wound Penalties on this healing check.

For the sake of not complicating things further, Special is healed enough that he won't die, but is still going to be unconscious. Whether he comes back again is something we'll have to worry about later, won't we? ;) ))

Von Steinhof grabs the rope, pulling it taut.
"Come down, now, my good gentleman. Careful about that chair. You can let go now, it is not high."

He keeps talking the whole time while The Professor slowly climbs down.

"Major von Steinhof. I think we have to wait for a more formal introduction."

He pulls on the rope once more.
"Good, now the next one, please!"

In reply to The Stray (msg # 167):

The healing is magical actually (Shaolin Healing is described as massage and acupuncture, should have made that more clear), but yea, since Speesh jim is an extra I was basically just trying to make sure he didn't die.

((OOC: All healing, whether using the skill or magic, has to deal with the wound penalty as a modifier. The wound penalty thing is mentioned specifically in the power's description.

The main advantages of the power over the skill is that you don't need supplies unless it's part of your trapping, you can make multiple attempts to heal wounds (you only get one attempt when you use the skill), you can heal more than 2 wounds at a time, and you don't have to spend 10 minutes on each healing attempt. The penalty to checks is part of the balancing mechanism (though the Healer edge adds to both natural and magical healing).))

OOC: My apologies for the delay... missed this post.



Bullock grits his teeth, then notices Han.
"Doc!" he yells, then once he has Han's attention continues:
"Would you mind making sure that this man here doesn't bleed out? I have to look after my business associate. Do you have a gun?"


Bullock's voice is pressed, his anger barely bubbling under the surface of politeness. But it is obvious to Han that Bullock's anger is not directed at him.

Han looks up from Special Jim, "You wish me to mend Mr McCall?" He rises once he is sure the special cultist is stabilized and walks towards the two men.

"As you insist, Seth.  Please Mr. McCall, try and relax." Without another word Han sets to work, his fingers hitting pressure points in just the right order to unlock some of the deeper secrets of the bodies natural means of healing.  After a moment he nods.

"He will not die on you as he currently is. More mending can be given but I do not know how healthy you want a condemned man to be. And yes Seth, I have a gun, but I have much less control over the type of wounds a bullet does than those I inflict with my feet."

15:36, Today: Doctor Han Lee rolled 5,7 using 1d8,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,(6+1)7. Power: Healing roll.

So that 7 with what I assume is a 3 wound penalty will be enough to heal a single wound for Jack McCall.

"Good. Would you mind keeping an eye on him? Use the gun, if you have to. He already tried to escape once."

He nods in the cultist's direction.
"We'll have to find a safe place to lock the two of them in until we have a new jail."

"Three of them, Marshall. I just made certain that other one doesn't die.  Do you have bindings for them? We could put them in a barn or something."  Han rose and pulled his gun. He pointed it at McCall, "Shouldn't we put this one with them?"

McCall, still armed with the rifle he'd purloined from the cultist, points the weapon right back at Han. "Don't you fuckin' think about it, chink. I got your number."

"Hey!" he shouts at the Marshal. "Bullock, you ain't gonna get through this without my help! I told you, I know where these jokers came from, and I can take you there. And if they were trying to snatch me and you, it's a good bet they were goin' to snatch up the Jew as well!" His aim is a little unsteady, but at the distance between him and Han, he doesn't need to be that accurate. "You want my help, have the chink heal my leg all the way! And then, when all is said and done and we've taken down these pricks, I get to ride out of here, free and clear. That's my price!"

Han scowls, and resists the urge to put his foot into the man's mouth.  He lets Seth make the call, since he is Seth's prisoner.

The woman with the short blonde hair and burgundy dress is already up on the curtain rod, opening the window, while the professor-type person struggles with the climb. Another lady, looking quite nervous at the prospect of trying to climb a flimsy curtain to any sort of safety, stands nearby.

A fellow with a wide-brimmed hat, who looks a bit like he's spent time on a dusty trail, points towards the stage. "I think there's another exit back there. I saw the guy who volunteered back out behind the curtain, and I don't see the Professor or his daughter anywhere...I reckon they've skedaddled."

"I can make it from here." The blonde yells down. "There ain't much in the way of hand holds or fire exits, but I think I can make the drop without breaking anything." She unlaces and then kicks off her high-heeled boots. "Especially if'n I don't wear those."

"Allright, I am right behind you," The Professor calls out.

((OOC: So the Professor is going up with Jackie? Down with the mysterious stranger?)

OOC - Up with Jackie

VOn Steinhof furrows his brow as he apparently just scared the distinguished-looking man away back up the rope.

Well, to each his own.

He let's go of the rope, bows slighlty and yells: "Maybe another time, then!"

Then he climbs up the stage, going towards the back, searching for the exit that James most certainly must have taken.

Bullock raises his gun and points it at McCall's head.
"You drop the rifle right now, McCall, or I'll repay your crime against Bill Hickock right here on the spot. The only difference would be that you'd see the man who's shooting you in the head.
Then we'll see about Sol. Then we might see about those idiots." He indicates the dead and injured worm cultists with a slight nod of his head.
"And then you'll stand trial. And then God may have mercy on your soul. Or I'll shoot you right now for threatening a citizen and for escaping jail. Should I count to three or will you drop the rifle now?"

McCall rolls his eyes. "You ain't listenin' to me. I ain't the one with shit to lose here! You shoot me, you won't ever find them, not before they've taken away everythin' you love! They've already destroyed your jail and your place o' business. What's next? Don't you got a wife and kid? And worse, don't everyone in town know that? How safe are they right now, while you're here yellin' at me?" He smirks. "Face it, Bullock. I am the only thing standin' between you and utter ruin. I know what you need to, and I have a price. Or you can shoot me, and lose it all! Sure, maybe you can beat the info out o' these pricks you got here...but it'll be too late to save anyone you care about from them! So what's it gonna be, Bullock? What's it gonna be? Because I tell you one thing. One way or another, I am not going back to jail!"

Han cares greatly for Seth, the man had always been kind to him, shown him respect.  He looks over to Seth, "Marshall, those others will not been waking for a while, we should check on your family, we can bring McCall with us and see if his doomsaying has truth. If he double crosses us, well he can be put down elsewhere just as easily as here."

Von Stienhof, the woman, and the dark-dressed bloke with the pencil mustache make it out to the street. Deadwood is in Chaos. They can see the smoke from three--no, four fires rising into the night sky. People from the theater have mingled with the panicking crowds, while soldiers rush about ordering civilians out of their way. A few bucket brigades have formed, lines of people passing water from the creek to toss on buildings that haven't yet caught, but a wind is picking up...this fire is going to spread.

Someone behind the theater screams--it sounds like the girl who was with Professor burns. "Help!" she screams. "Get away from him! Stop! Somebody, help!"

((OOC: Which way are you headed, Von Steinhof?))


Here's a map of where the fires are in relation to each other, though there's one more that can't be seen from this map, as it's a bit further away. As you can see, James Wilder's quite a distance away from the nearest fire, which is the one at the jail.

The curtain rod was not meant to take much weight, so Jackie drops down, rolling in the mud and staining her dress. She looks up. "Come on, Professor!" She shouts. "I got you!"

Even as she speaks, there's a scream from the back of the theater. "Help!" The girl (it sounds like a girl, at any rate) screams. "Get away from him! Stop! Somebody, help!"

((OOC: Professor, make an Agility check as you drop. If you succeed, you roll with the fall and take no damage. If you fail, you take 1d6+1 damage from the fall))

Bullock seems to consider this, his eyes burning just as much as the inferno that used to be the jail.
Finally, he relents. "Alright. We make sure these idiots can't escape, then check out the store and my home. Let's see how reliable you can be, McCall. Why don't we start with everybody lowering their guns right now?"

He waits until McCall and Han do so, then lowers his pistol as well.
"Let's tie them up."

When they finally start walking toward his store, Bullock carefully reloads his gun.

((OOC: Well, a damsel in distress clearly asks for an intervention from me, right? Unless I see James somewhere around?))

Von Steinhof seems calm, even amused about the chaos erupting all around him.

"There will be a lot of rebuilding necessary." He points at one of the bucket line. "And perhaps someone will start a, what do you call it? Fire company?"

He turns toward the scream. "Hm. If you will excuse me, Madame, but I believe that there is someone needing my assistance. You, my dear gentleman", he nods at the mustache, "will you guard this woman? It would be very unfortunate if something happened to her."

He strokes his own mustache. "My, my, Colonel or General or Governor Custer will certainly be happy about this possibility to proof his merit as an administrator."

Han happily holsters his gun, and he backpedals to the unconscious cultists. He never shows McCall his back, if he can help it, but proceeds to tie up the cultists.

James arrived on the scene not sure what exactly was going on. People were tying up other folks and no one looked particularly friendly. "The hell... ain't folks got better things to do right now?" he muttered as he approached the jail.

McCall, for his part, doesn't take his eyes of either Han Lee or Bullock, and never really lowers his rifle, which makes him less than helpful tying up the cultists. Still, Han and Bullock are mostly finished with the task when Jack suddenly shouts "What the HELL is that!?" And starts waving his rifle at an approaching figure.

The figure is...strange. It's clad in a bulky-looking suit made of a baggy-looking brown material, with a helmet a bit like that on a diving suit with a clear faceplate that shows a face behind it. Despite how ungainly it looks, the man inside doesn't seem to be encumbered by it much. Behind him is another man, who looks like he's been in some kind of fight and is staggering along in a bit of a daze. The second man has a thousand yard stare, and there's blood on his shirt and duster--he might be injured.

"It's more o' them!" McCall shouts as he levels his rifle at the new arrivals.

"Aye aye, cap'n!" The gunslinger gives Von Steinhof a mock salute. "Come on, darlin'." he says to the woman, grabbing her arm. "We gotta mosey."

The woman protests, and shrugs out of the gunslinger's grasp, but she follows along as he leads her back towards the street, leaving Von Stienhof to head off to the rescue.

The scene when he arrives is less than reassuring. Half a dozen thugs with drawn pistols stand in a semicircle around Professor Burns, his daughter, and a tall, hard-looking fellow. The tall fellow has the Professor up against the wall and is threatening him with a very large pistol.

"I'm only going to ask you one more time, Professor." The hardcase growls. "The DMA wants to know where them miners went. You're going to tell us, or I will blow your brains out. Hell, I might do it anyway, just for fun. Start talking."

"This is all a simple misunderstanding..." The Professor babbles, but it's the girl who leaps in and tugs at the violent man's gun arm.

"Let him go!" She yells "Get off him!"

The hradcase backhands her with his pistol arm, sending her falling into the mud. he returns his pistol to Professor Burns; temple, and cocks the gun. "Now, what were you saying?"

Pity. James would've loved that.

((OOC: Also, they're lucky they're running into Leopold and not Pierce.))

For a moment, Leopold regrets having brought only one gun. But then again, he'd still be outnumbered. This ould not be won by bullets. At least not only bullets.

"Ah, here you are!" he exclaims, to draw the men's attention. Leopold hurries forward, hands clearly visible.
He takes a moment, quite theatrically.
"The DMA has sent me to find you... this here..." he waves his hand at Burns and his "daughter", "can wait. In case you did not notice, the town is on fire!"


OOC: Persuasion power!
09:43, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof rolled 7,9 using d8+4,d6+4, rerolling max with rolls of 3,5. Persuasion.

"Who the fuck are you?" The hardcase growls, but the other men look nervously at the columns of smoke that are rising from around them, distant as they may be.

"You know, Marty, maybe we should..." one of the men starts to say, but the hardcase's deathglare cuts the sentence short.

"Let the fucking soldiers handle it. They wanted Deadwood? They got it. It ain't got nothin' to do with us. Frank himself wanted us to put the boots to this asshole. You got a problem with that?

((OOC: 00:56, Today: Bloody Marty Coltrane rolled 5,2 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2. Resisting ToW. Marty buys into the premise.

I'm counting this as a Social Conflict. You're going against Marty's Intimidation. he has the Strong-Willed edge, which adds to his Intimidation rolls. You will have to make arguments persuasive enough to beat him to convince his men to break this off.

01:09, Today: Bloody Marty Coltrane rolled 4,6 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4. Intimidate.

01:10, Today: Bloody Marty Coltrane rolled 5 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5. red chip.

Total of 11, which means Coltrane has matched von Steinhof in this round. Von Steinhof has 2 more tries to get an edge over the leader of the DMA thugs.))

"I am the man Frank said to tell you to stop wasting time with him and come back and help put out the fire threatening the DMA premises!"
Leopold shrugs. "If Frank wanted to know you my name, he would have, don't you think? Anyway, we can discuss that later.
Here, why don't I keep an eye on those two until this fire has been taken care of?"


((Chip count updated with this post.

15:59, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof rolled 10,9 using d8+4,d6+4, rerolling max with rolls of 6,5. One more white chip.

15:58, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof rolled 5,7 using d8+4,d6+4, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3. Persuasion, white chip.

15:58, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof rolled 7,6 using d8+4,d6+4, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2. Persuasion.))

"Frank, Mebbe we should..." One of the men starts, but Marty cuts him off.

"I don't think so. The whole fucking forest would have to be on fire before the stockade went. And I don't remember any fucking Germans hanging around...except in line at the theater." He looks at Von Stienhof and grins. "And tell me this, friend. What's Frank's last name? Eh?"

((OOC: 10:23, Today: Bloody Marty Coltrane rolled 7,10 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 5,(6+2)8. Intimidate. He's managed to match you again...hope you have a clever ruse and a good roll!))

Leopold rolls his eyes.
"Yes, now why did you not see me before with Frank, what do you think, Marty? It could not possibly have anything to do with his secret plans regarding Custer and the... whatever bloody tribe those indians around here belong to. I mean, what possible reason could there be for me staying in the bloody room right next to Custer."

He shrugs.

"You know what, forget it. I thought I would do you boys a favor, but please, be my guest and sort it out with Frank later. I'm sure he'll understand why you didn't follow his orders. He doesn't put that much weight on loyalty, right?"

He takes a few steps backwards, slowly turning, as if he was leaving.

That better work now...


22:27, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof rolled 19,7 using d8+4,d6+4, rerolling max with rolls of (8+7)15,3. White chip!
22:26, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof rolled 6,5 using d8+4,d6+4, rerolling max with rolls of 2,1. Persuasion.

"Oh, that." Marty rolls his eyes. "Right. Fine." He looks at the rest of his men. "Go with the lieutenant or whatever there. I'll handle these shits on my own."

The six men nod, and start following behind Von Steinhof.

((OOC: 13:33, Today: Bloody Marty Coltrane rolled 8,3 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 6,1. Intimidate. Nice job.

Marty isn't convinced, but decides it's better safe than sorry. He provides the minimum amount of support possible.))

Leopold leads the men back around the corner of the theater.
"You go on, now. In this chaos, most will not think twice about seeing me with you, but if someone with half a brain does, the game, as they say, is up. We have spent too much time preparing all this to blow it on a stupid mistake.
Go on, I'll walk the other way and meet you there."

22:45, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof rolled 8,9 using d8+4,d6+4, rerolling max with rolls of 4,5. More white..
22:45, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof rolled 5,7 using d8+4,d6+4, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3. More lying... I mean Persuasion.

The thugs, being preoccupied by the thought of their stronghold ablaze and not being all that bright, take this at face value and head off around the building, out of sight.

Leopold forces himself to wait a few moments, before going bqck behind the theater again. He draws his pistol. He was no gunman, but the liked his odds a lot more now, if his words failed him.

((If possible, I'd like to take a route to the back of the theater, where Marty wouldn't see me right away, ideally turning up behind him.))

((OOC: Make a Stealth check, then. He counts as an Active Guard))

09:11, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof rolled 5 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5. red chip.
09:11, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof rolled 3,5 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,5. Stealth.

Total of 10

Von Steinhof retraces his steps back behind the theater, to the alley where the hardcase is still threatening the Professor.

"Look, I don't know what happened to the gentlemen you're referring to." Professor Burns is on his knees, speaking rapidly as Marty presses the gunbarrel into his temple. "I remember them, certainly--very generous they were, to invest in my endeavors. But I haven't seen any of the gentlemen you're asking about in weeks, some of them in months! Why on Earth are you doing this, man?"

"The DMA protects it's own." Marty snarls. "Kent and Locke might have pulled up stakes and left, sure. But Copeland? Lawrence? They were pretty big men around here. They wouldn't just get the urge to walk away. And they were last seen talking to you!"

"Yes!" The Professor snaps. "They came by my residence to discuss the project. They were impressed, they invested a modest sum towards it's completion...and then they left! What are you insinuating? That I am responsible for your miner's alliance falling out of touch with them? You're blinkered!"

((OOC: 00:20, Today: Bloody Marty Coltrane rolled 2,4 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4. Notice. Sorry, Marty.

Looks like Von Steinhof has caught him unawares. Since you got a Raise and the circumstances warrant it, you also have The Drop.

However, Marty currently has The Drop on Professor Burns there, so you'll have to approach this delicately.))

Ah. This might call for a more dramatic entrance.

Leopold pondered the situation for a moment. He could shoot this man, certainly, and it would probably be the easiest way of dealing with this situation.
But it would raise many questions and hinder his mission longterm.

But he could shoot the gun out of the man's hand, certainly...

Leopold raises his pistol, closes an eye and takes careful aim.


12:57, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof rolled 5,12 using d10+4,d6+4, rerolling max with rolls of 1,(6+2)8. Disarming Marty.

Unsure about the other modifiers, but I'm thinking: -4 for small target, possibly a +2 for Aim maneuver.

So that would result in a 8 or 10, still a hit with a raise.

12:58, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof rolled 10 using 3d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2,4. Damage for Disarm.

Hm. I was hoping for more, but you have to take what you can get.

In reply to Jack McCall (msg # 191):

James raised his hands in a hurry - knowing it to be a good idea. "No no I'm here to help!" He paused to let that set in before continuing, "This is a suit from Hyram Burns and is supposed to protect against fire."

Han's eyes are filled with wonder. He speaks to the helmeted man (James W) "Please, let us not delay you from helping with the fires then. What can this one do to help you?"

"Lower your damned rifle, McCall. You ain't shooting anybody without askin' first, get it?"
Bullock growls.
The Marshal nods at James, more friendly than before.
"Your help's much appreciated - we were about to see about my partner and our store", he points in the directon of the building, already starting to walk.

James looked confused, but no one could really see it. He glanced back as he followed after the authoritative fellow (Bullock) to see if Jimmy had come along for the ride or not.

As they walk off, Han looks over the contraption. "Is this some design from an inventor of some sort, how long did it take you to get all this stuff on?"  For not the first time this day, Han's youth is showing for all to see.

"We'll see about that, asshole." Jack mutters beneath his breath, but he does, in fact, lower the rifle. Out loud, he says, "Hey! Chinaman! Quit ogling the spaceman and finish fixin' my damn leg! I ain't gonna be no good at all to you if'n I have to hop over all o' Deadwood."

"Deadwood..." the disheveled man next to the man in the suit mutters. "...but how..?" he shakes his head, then nudges Wilder.

((OOC: Disarming with a Ranged weapon is -2 (called shot to limb), -4 if you're trying to make it nonlethal (aiming at the weapon itself instead of the limb). Aiming adds +2 as normal.

I need to know what modifiers you were going for before proceeding--lethal or nonlethal? Aim maneuver added in or not?))

((OOC: Nonlethal, shooting the gun itself. And I'd take the time to aim. So that's...

+4 The Drop
+2 Aim
-4 Small Weapon

Total of +2
Result: 10))

"Yep the fella playin' at the made it Langrishe Theater. Didn't take long to get into, but I had help." James said frankly, he had no clue how the thing worked. His eyes shifted to McCall for a long moment as though trying to piece something together. The gunslinger looked back at his friend and shrugged slightly.  His feet kept pushing him towards Bullock and his building.

"You seem to be in as good of spirits as one can expect, the rest of the mending will occur when we arrive at Seth's house. Time is of the essence." he says not taking his eyes off Wilder's outfit. "And the Chinaman should be addressed as Doctor Lee."

In reply to Bloody Marty Coltrane (msg # 212):

Ah. This might call for a more dramatic entrance.

Leopold pondered the situation for a moment. He could shoot this man, certainly, and it would probably be the easiest way of dealing with this situation.
But it would raise many questions and hinder his mission longterm.

But he could shoot the gun out of the man's hand, certainly...

Leopold raises his pistol, closes an eye and takes careful aim.

The pistol cracks, and Marty's pistol goes flying off into the darkness. "Son of a whore!" he swears, and whirls to face von Steinhof. His hand dips towards his belt as he yanks a curved cavalry saber free. Von Steinhof sees metal shards sticking from his flesh as he brandishes the weapon, but Marty doesn't seem to even feel it, and the blood oozing from the wounds is dark and sluggish.

"You're gonna rue the day you ever set eyes on Bloody Marty Coltrane, asshole!" The man growls as he charges the major. He moves quickly and competently into a fighting stance that will make further gunplay against him difficult at best.

((OOC: And here's why I needed to know whether it was lethal or nonlethal: Marty's a Harrowed, and thus immune to nonlethal damage. He still has to roll to see if he can keep a hold of his gun, but he won't be Shaken or suffer any wounds from the attack.

He has to roll 14 or better on a Strength check to see if he keeps hold of his gun. (you forgot to add in the damage bonus from The Drop in your original post).

10:16, Today: Bloody Marty Coltrane rolled 4,1 using d12,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,1. Strength! Nope. His gun goes flying off somewhere.

Marty snarls, draws his cavalry saber, and moves into Melee range to cut off any further attacks.

Draw initiative!

Marty's card: 4D))

19:43, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof drew the single card: RJ! using the Deadlands system. Initiative.

Gotta go, will post later.

020:19, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof rolled 3,10 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,(6+2)8. white chip.
20:19, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof rolled 5,3 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1. Knowledge Occult, Joker Bonus.

I'm assuming a 10 is enough?
I'll go ahead and post accordingly and edit if needed.


Leopold notices the oozing blood. The dark color might be attributed to the bad light. Ignoring the pain in his hand, well, Leopold had gritted his teeth and fought through the pain a few times himself.
But as Coltrane closes in, more things become apparent. The pale flesh. The general look of... unhealthyness. The eyes, slightly sunken into the skull. And that smell. More than a "desperately needing a bath" stink. More of a "that piece of meat has been lying to long in the sun" stink.

That changes a few things.

Leopold doesn't waste time with a witty reply. Instead he reels back from bad swing of his assailant, bring his shiny new peacemaker up against Coltrane's chin and pulls the trigger.

20:45, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof rolled 16,2 using d10-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of (10+8)18,4. white chip.
20:44, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof rolled 4,-1 using d10-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 6,1. Shooting, head shot, Joker Bonus.

20:47, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof rolled 11 using 3d6+3, rerolling max with rolls of 2,1,5. Peacemaker damage, +2 Joker damage.
Not sure if I get +4 damage for the headshot, or of The Drop still applies... That damage roll kinda sucks. :-)

"The name's Major Leopold von Steinhof, Mr. Coltrane. And your a lot easier on my eyes than my nose, I have to confess."


21:15, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof drew the single card: JS using the Deadlands system. Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:16, Sat 07 Sept 2013.

"FUCK!" The dead man growls as the Major attempts to blow his head off. He jerks just as the hammer clicks down, and the bullet traces an oozing, dark line up his jaw instead.

He growls, not the most articulate response, then lunges forward, slashing through the major's sleeve. The saber digs into the muscles of his arm...

((OOC: Yup, that's enough, and the raise can justify the headshot.

The +4 Headshot damage applies, but the Drop is one-and-done. 15 damage total, which is only a single wound vs. his Toughness.

Marty attempts to Soak: 22:37, Today: Bloody Marty Coltrane rolled 8,2 using d12,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 8,2. Soak! That will do it.

Marty attempts to disarm The Major. Literally. He makes a Called Shot against the Major's gun arm. Marty has an Edge that allows him to cause Injuries when he makes Called Shots. The injuries are only temporary (until the end of the encounter) but can cause significant problems.

22:39, Today: Bloody Marty Coltrane rolled 2,12 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,(6+6+2)14. Disarm!

Damage: 13. That's a Shaken and 2 wounds for Von Steinhof. Also, he needs to make a Strength check vs. 13 or drop the pistol, as well as a Vigor check or gain the One-Armed hindrance for the rest of the encounter.

Card: 6H))

Bullock, Wilder, Han Lee:

Please resume posting on the new Chapter 4.4: Cult of Worms thread.

I'm thinking about playing the Ace adventure card, which would give me an automatic success and raise.
Question is: are the rolls depending on each other? Ie, if I take any wounds, then I have roll Strength and if I don't make that roll, then I need to roll Vigor?
Or do I have to roll all of them, anyway?

((OOC: The Soak roll (should you spend a chip), Strength roll, and Vigor roll are all separate rolls. Succeeding on one won't obviate the need for the others. Of the three, the Vigor roll is the easiest, since it only requires a normal success. The Soak roll requires at least a success and raise to soak both wounds. The most difficult one is the one that keeps hold of your gun, since you need a 13 to keep it. A raise on that roll doesn't do anything special. Of the three rolls, losing his weapon is probably the least problematic, at least if the Major learned to keep his own cavalry saber handy.))

Alright, let's do this.
Spending a red chip to soak.

20:33, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof rolled 1,4 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4. Soak.

That takes care of one wound. Still shaken.

Strength! 20:34, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof rolled 0,3 using d6-1,d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4. Strength.
Okay,... Pistol dropped.

Vigor:
20:35, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof rolled 3,3 using d6-1,d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 4,4. Vigor.
Adding a red chip on top of that...

20:36, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof rolled 8 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+2)8. Red chip on top.

Total of 11. Not that it does anything for me.

Unarmed, down to 1 Blue chip. But I carry my cavalry saber, of course - it was supposed to be a fashionable night out to the theater, after all. An officer can't go to such things naked.

Coltrane's saber cut down into Leopold's arm and Leopold winced, the heavy peacemaker falling from his hand.
He stumbled back and gritted his teeth.
"Ow. That hurt."

My turn!
Can I recover from being shaken?
20:39, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof rolled 3,3 using d8-1,d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 4,4. Recover from shaken.
Curses. Adding my last and blue chip.

20:40, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof rolled 8 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+2)8. Blue chip.
Huh, would you look at that. Usually those rolls come out to '1's only.
So I have an action without further penalty.

Leopold feigns a step to the left, then swirls around to the right, pulling his own saber from its sheath.
"If you prefer to do this the old-fashioned way, my good gentleman..."
Another feint and then he cuts upwards, again going for Coltrane's head!

Alright, here are my modifiers...
-1 wound
-2 multiaction (drawing saber + attacking)
-4 attack to the head

That's -7 on the roll.... I make a Called Shot attack against Coltrane's head and... drumroll, please... play the ACE adventure card, giving me an automatic success and raise.

Marshal: you get to draw two fate chips for that.

Damage roll: +4 for head attack. Extra d6 for Raise. d6 for saber. d6 for Strength.

20:45, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof rolled 15 using 3d6+4, rerolling max with rolls of 5,5,1. Saber damage to Coltrane's head.
Oh, for fuck's sake....


20:47, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof drew the single card: 6D using the Deadlands system. Initiative.

Coltrane's quick for a dead guy. He's able to duck just enough to turn the potentially lethal hit into a shallow slice across his larynx. Dark blood oozes from the ghastly slash, and Coltrane grins. There's a dark, evil promise of pain and lingering death in his eyes.

"Run." he says as he advances.

((OOC: 15 is still a wound. Coltrane here is a Henchman, not a full-on Wild Card, so unless he soaks, he's down. Still, he has a vigor of d12, so he's not going down easy.

12:01, Today: Bloody Marty Coltrane rolled 1,9 using d12,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,(6+3)9. Soak!

Since you used an Adventure card to little effect, I'll allow you to get a single additional use out of a card you have without spending any chips.

Coltrane takes the opportunity to initiate an Intimidation Test of Wills against Von Steinhof.

12:12, Today: Bloody Marty Coltrane rolled 2,8 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,(6+2)8. Intimidate.

Leopold, roll Spirit to resist.

Card: 3S. At least he's still rolling shit for initiative.))

21:37, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof rolled 1,8 using d8-1,d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 2,(6+3)9. Resist intimidate?
Hell, yeah!

I'll be trying a little Test of Will myself...

21:40, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof rolled 3,5 using d8+1,d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4. Test of Wills vs. Coltrane's Smarts.

Hmmm... +2 from Charismatic. If I read Snakeoil Salesman correctly, I only get +2 outside of combat.



Leopold seemingly relaxes slightly.

"Run? That won't be necessary." Then, louder, "Shoot him in the head, James. I'm getting tired of this."


21:43, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof drew the single card: 10C using the Deadlands system. Initiative.

Where's Burns and his assistant, by the way? Still gawking or did they get away?

Marty looks around. "Wha..?"

"The name is Hyrum, not James." Says a voice from behind the Major. Professor burns stands there at the edge of the alleyway. He's toting a device that looks a lot like a canister of some kind on his back, while in his hands are a rifle-like device with a wide nozzle with a burning blue match glowing in front of it. The rifle-thing is attached to the canister on his back by way of a hose. "But I think I'll 'shoot him' all the same. Thank you for rescuing me. Now prepare to DUCK!"

And with that, he squeezes the trigger of the device. Fire spurts from the device in a wave...

((OOC: Nice.

The Snake-oil Salesman bonus only applies outside of combat, yes. Marty rolls to resist: 15:12, Today: Bloody Marty Coltrane rolled 1,3 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3. Smarts.

Good enough for a +2 bonus to your next action.

Speaking of Burns...

Burns and his "daughter" snuck away to get their inventions at their nearby steam wagon. Burns is getting the Flamethrower he keeps as part of his act, while Cynthia is getting her Hellfire Suit on. Mad Scientists are not much good without their devices. I didn't want to just drop them on you like Deus ex Machinas to save your bacon, but now that you've asked about them, I feel justified adding them to the initiative count.

Card for the Burns: 7C That puts them ahead of Marty.

The Professor uses his flamethrower to attack Marty (and von Steinhof indirectly, as they are both in the Cone template). Professor Burns at least has the courtesy of warning von Steinhof about the attack...

15:22, Today: Hyram Burns rolled 7,6 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 5,4. Shooting!

Leopold, make an Agility check vs. 7 or be caught in the blast. I'll roll for Marty once you've rolled.

The Professor just let me know he's dropping the game, so he's giving me his character as an NPC. That means he and Jackie Wells might be along shortly.))

Oh, they can Deus ex Machina my ass outta trouble any day! :-)!

07:56, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof rolled 2,8 using d8-1,d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(6+3)9. Agility.

Obliged for the warning, Leopold jumps and rolls to the side, wisely choosing to go in the direction where he dropped his gun before, his eyes scanning the ground for a glint, a sparkle, where the flames would be reflected.

08:00, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof rolled 2,5 using d8+1,d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4. Notice - Dude, where's my gun?

Marty screams as the flames envelope him, flails around, and dives into a nearby rain barrel. He looks singed and pissed off when he emerges from the waters, but instead of attacking, he takes off down the alley, apparently deciding he's had enough.

((OOC: I'll keep that in mind for when you get to know them better. }:D

Von Steinhof can easily find his gun in the flash of firelight, though it will take an Action to retrieve.

Marty attempts to dodge: 12:36, Today: Bloody Marty Coltrane rolled 3,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1. Agility. No. No he does not.

Damage: 18 (Shaken and 2 wounds), plus I check to see if he catches fire.

12:37, Today: Hyram Burns rolled 2 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2. Fuego! Since Coltrane is not especially flammable, that's a no on fire.

12:39, Today: Bloody Marty Coltrane rolled 7,2 using d12,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,2. Close! So I spend a Red Chip.

12:39, Today: Bloody Marty Coltrane rolled 3 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3. red chip. That's a total of 10, which is enough to soak both wounds, but Marty's had enough and knows that he can't take on two wild cards by himself.

He spends his action Defending and Withrdawing from combat. This increases his Parry by 2 (to 9) and he gets to move his pace. Major, you get to make a free attack on him.))

21:47, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof rolled 11,2 using d8-1,d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of (8+4)12,3. Fighting.

21:48, Today: Freiherr von Steinhof rolled 3 using 2d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,1. Damage.

Leopold slashes once more after Coltrane, but the tip of his saber is barely slashing the dead man's fabric.

Leopold stands up and again looks for his pistol.

Picking it up, he nods at Burns.

"Thank you. I am afraid I cannot let him get away."

There's a dead man running around... and he has a whole gang.

"No, sir. YOU are the one who deserves thanks. If not for you, my daughter and I...well, I'm not sure just what might have happened, had you not intervened." The professor says. "Be warned--he's with the Deadwood Miner's Alliance. Should you strike him down and your involvement is discovered, you will have made yourself a very large number of enemies. That poncy fellow Custer can claim what he likes...the true power in Deadwood is the DMA."

Von Steinhof is only half-listening to Burns as he uses his jacket sleeve to clean off most of the dirt from his gun. He opens the cylinder... 4 bullets left.
He looks around for Coltrane's gun in the hope of salvaging some ammunition. He'd left the rest in his hotel room, after all.

The hotel....

"Mr. Burns, I am very sorry to interrupt. We do not have time for formal introductions, so it has to be enough to tell you I am the Major, Leopold Freiherr von Steinhof of the Austro-Hungarian Diplomatic Corps to the United and the Confederated States of America. How do you do?"

He holsters his pistol and shakes Burns' hand.

"While Mr. Coltrane and I have unfinished business, as it seems, it will have to wait. The town is burning, after all."

And who knows when the fire is going to reach my luggage.

"Please say, do you have a trumpet in the theater? Or something to help me raise my voice? Somebody will have to give an order or two soon and my voice is already strained from cheering your performance."

Coltrane's gun is easily found, but the damage the major did to it when he shot it out of the man's hand has rendered it inoperable, and von Steinhof finds he can't open the cylinder to get at the bullets within.

Burns nods. "Indeed I do. The crowds at the theater sometimes get rowdy as we near the more spectacular portions of our act." He leads the Major to his Steam Wagon, and rummages around the back of the conveyance a bit. Von Steinhof might note that the wagon has a much larger boiler than normal, and there's a faint rumbling grind from it, as if it were already powered up.

Burns hands the trumpet to von Steinhof. "Is there anything more I can do for you, Major?"

Von Steinhof takes the trumpet and strokes his mustache.

"Hm... would you mind driving me to the hotel, Mr. Burns? your steamwagon could do wonders to attract attention. And how mcuh water do you have in there?"

Burns shrugs. "I do not mind giving you a lift, but the chemical mixture in the tank is not going to be helpful for combating this blaze. It's a phlogistonic extraction elixir for my Aertheric Vortex Generator. It's very expensive to produce, is specially formulated for Ghost Rock fires, and cannot be used without the rest Extraction Engine, which has been constructed on-site at Satan's Garden. It has taken me three years to collect the crucial ingredients necessary for the mixture, and if our encounter with Coltrane is any indication, my investors are not willing to wait much longer for returns on their investment."

"Do you have anything else in your arsenal that would help?"

Von Steinhof is already climbing up on the wagon as he asks.

"We have a second Inferno suit," says Burns' "daughter" as she and Burns climb into the wagon. "The one we lent to the cowboy was the one we use for stage work. We've built a much better one since then."

"Though the improvements to the suit are more in the area of personal defense." Burns says. "There are creatures in the Black Hills that can be particularly dangerous."

"In any case, we have the means to allow one more person to explore a burning structure." The girl continues. "Useful for rescuing people who may be trapped."

"I also have a device that can be used to inject a mixture of chemical compounds that can grant temporary increases in strength, hand-eye-coordination, mental fortitude--it's really quite amazing what one can improve with the right mix of drugs." There's a slightly unhinged quality in Burns's grin. "Though I should stress that the boosts are only temporary, and wear off quickly."

He starts up the steam wagon, which lurches forward as the Ghost Rock boiler begins to wail in earnest. "Right! Destination?"