Art traded for the pool cue and then stalked around the table briefly as if lining up a shot. He leaned over and closed an eye, looking down the cue before walking back over by Matt. "I think ya gotta chance, fer sure. Trade ya back?"

Art held the pool cue back out for Matt to take.

Matt swapped back and rolled his shoulders.

"Thanks, Mr. Wiley," he said, and fixed his gaze on Sebastian, still awaiting an answer.

The shadow man watches the staff twirling, and ponders the question. "Ha. Well played, sirs. Well played." He says. "But fine. I, being the inveterate gambler that I am, would try to sink 13 in the corner pocket but with enough spin to hit 11 and take it to the side, leaving 9 fairly open for the next shot. Since 13's near the 8, that's a risky play. But you asked about best shots, not prudent ones. Make of that what you will."

((OOC: So for Matthew's shots, I have 10, 15, 12, and one unnamed. That leaves 11, 9, 13, and 14 that have yet to be name-checked.

Roger responds with a Smarts Trick to Goad Matthew into an unwise play. What he's describing is technically the shot with the most upside, but with a stronger chance of going wrong. If you roll a 1 or 2 on the Attribute Die (regardless of the Wild die) attempting to make the shot as described, you'd sink the 8-ball and lose.

01:56, Today: Mr. Sebastian's Shadow rolled 1,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4.  Smarts Trick.

Roll Smarts. If you succeed, you can still try the risky shot if you want.))

Leopold chuckled himself. "Oh, one can have a proper education without University. Not everybody can be a doctor, after all."
He looked over at Moses.
"Let me see what I can do."

But just as he started to move closer to Moses, the black man, without looking up, answered.
"Moses will wait with Little Crow here, for the Woman Who Remembers The Future."

The name takes a second to sink in, but when it does Daisy is all interest and not a little awe. "Really? Was it movin'?" She frowns a bit to hear Kills Iron Horse had been captured by these ill-diciplined irregulars. "Damn. You all right? Ah kin use this ol' white skin to git a rum jasper out near the pig pens if y'need to cut a man's throat," she offers. "There's one big ol' boar who's got the taste n' got canny with it: he's learnt to lure drunks an' drag 'em over the rail, that's how much he likes 'em twitchin'. Blood in the mix, he'll give ye a real show."

"Whal, he sure ain't workin' for you folks, killing a man like that. Sounds like helpin' Custer to me, even if it's jes' to make trouble with th' North. He's not Sioux, is he, this Raven? I thought I heard tell of him 'way South years back."

Daisy just sips her drink, unpeturbed. "Fair 'nough. Me, I'm jes' here 'cause it's a good place if your skills is helpin' some folks not be shot by other folks. I'll jes' move on n' become some other folks' problem, aheheh."

"Sure, when she's drunk. Talks about some damn fool blowin' up the sky n' poisoning the earth so bad there's hardly ennythin not sick or dyin'. No birds, I think she said. 'No good birds.' What a bad bird is I don't know, but the way she talks..." Daisy shivers. The woman who was entirely casual about having a man eaten alive by pigs shivers.

"She says they done blew up God, an' weren't nothin' left in the- the Happy Huntin' Grounds fer you I guess - but demons, 'cause ennything up there got the blast n' got sick, an' she talks about fightin' shit like that. Sometimes thinks she's fightin' shit like that, crazy as a tarred possum, screamin' these names...an' there's times where you know it's jest her crazy, but it sounds so damn true."

Matt recognized the attempt at sabotage. He frowned deeply as the Shadow spoke.

Then he laughed, leaned down, and sunk 13 and 11 like they were leaky boats. In a single smooth motion he turned the corner of the table, waited the briefest of moments for the cue ball to stop, and snapped it into the 9 ball perfectly. The cue ball practically sauntered backwards from the English, coming to rest behind the 8.

"Thanks for the advice, Whateley."


((OOC: I forgot to include the -2 from the Smarts roll into the Risky Shot, but that still leaves me with a 14, which sinks 3 balls. Do I get to roll for the 8 now, or is it assumed I miss my next shot, and let Sebastian go?

06:47, Today: Matthew Broaddale rolled 5,2 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2.  Smarts .
06:51, Today: Matthew Broaddale rolled 16,2 using d12,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (12+4)16,2.  Risky Shot.))

A motley band arrives at the Mint. A woman with short blonde hair looks at moses. "I sure seem to be popular today." She says. "I'm Jackie Wells. What can I do fer ya?"

In reply to Daisy Hewitt (msg # 31):

Kills Iron Horse nods. "Yes." She does not elaborate. She shrugs. "They did not touch me that way, though there was one who wanted to. He was called 'Wilkins', and he was here today." She listens and nods.

"They call him the last son of the Susquehanna. I do not know that tribe, but then, if he is the last I would not have. He travels many places. He also has many who take his name, work in his place. Screaming Rabbit cut one of these at Bear Butte, but another one took his place."

Kills Iron Horse nods. "Fair nough."

"The Holy Mad One will know if she speaks the truth." Kills Iron Horse says, though she goes quiet as she ponders the death of the Hunting Grounds.

In reply to Matthew Broaddale (msg # 32):

The shadow man frowns. "I suppose I had that coming. Ah, well." He watched Matt's attempt to finish the game off flounder, as the cueball being directly behind the eight left it with no clear pockets to aim for. The balls just careen around. Mr. Sebastian regards the table.

"Hmmm. So I get one last question." The shadow man chalks his cue. "Assuming I do lose this, and we meet face to face, what are you planning to do?"

((OOC: The -2 is actually fairly important there, so yes, you miss and Roger gets one last chance. If he tries for the eightball he'll have a -2 penalty on his roll, and will need a total of three Success and Raises to finish the game on his turn.))

Moses slowly rises from the mud, seemingly growing larger and larger until he towers over Jackie Wells.
"Moses has searched for you, The Woman Who Remembers the Future. Jackie Wells. The Lord's most humble servant has told the people about The Reckoning that lies ahead, of darkened skies and rain that burns the skin like fire."
He looks up into the sky, as if enjoying the present rainfall. He looks back down at her.
"Moses is looking to swell the ranks of the Lord's army when the gates to hell open and the Reckoners will walk the Earth. Some are convinced by Moses' words alone. Others need to witness the Lord's interference. And some",
he looks over at Little Crow, "some are doubting still because they are too afraid to believe. Or because their hatred tethers them to the path of servitude to the Reckoners."
He lowers his voice a little.
"Moses needs your help to save those souls, Jackie Wells. Will you provide it?"

Leopold clears his throat.
"I am certain that Ms. Wells would like to do this in the dry? Maybe your... friend... would allow for that? It makes no sense to invite Death out here, yes?"

Moses nods, slowly and asks Little Crow: [Language unknown: "Ilie ine encbutder Ilch Eentedeen Een Tadi'fill Are Plseha re houie art wasoneant ac our ousatemen difopent ncus estom al?"]

Jackie takes a deep breath. "That's a heavy load to lay on a gal." She says. "But since I was plannin' on tellin' my story to these folks anyhow, so sure. I'll give it a try. But I need a good, stiff drink first." And she pushes into the Mint.

An older man, bowlegged and with a bushy beard, moseys on over to Moses. "Howdy!" He says, offering a hand. "I'm The Prospector. Nice to meet a fella as keen on stoppin' them bastards as I am."

Little Crow sighs. [Language unknown: "Redio avear."] He turns and follows Wells into the Mint.

"What curious happenings to be witnessed by an erstwhile train mechanic."  Belle couldn't help but muse.

She had the intuition this was one of those things which had really nothing to do with her purpose here, but which she would be expected to recall and report on later.  Some grand and important thing was occurring in which Belle herself would play no part, but sometimes it was her duty to be his ears or eyes.  He would know what significance they might have, even if it was nothing to Belle but a curiosity.  And she did actually have an inquiry for this curious Moses fellow and his party, but they suffered from severe delusions.

Still, even if she had a mundane reason for doing it, Belle was also genuinely moved by the hard case she imagined for that poor woman.

In reply to Kills Iron Horse (msg # 34):

Daisy gives a low whistle. "That's a hell of a kill." She nods. "Dint see him, but 'Wilkins'. Got it."

"Good for Screaming Rabbit, I guess," Daisy responds with an amused murine smirk at the name. "Ahh heh hehh...heheh...you're gonna cross Holy Mad One's crazy with her crazy to see what's holiest? Hahaheeheheh...aw, that's some plan! Some plan. Look yonder, though: there she is." Daisy nods over there as Wells and her party enter the building.

Maddox has stopped working on his map now and is simply sitting up wary and alert, waiting for Zek to either come over and be spoken to or do something that merits his interference.

Matt stretched, trying to plan out Sebastian's shot so as to plan his own.

"Arrest you. Assault, conspiring to incite a panic, impeding law enforcement, anything else I can make stick. Turn you over to my superiors. The Marshal's Service would be very glad to have you in their grasp," he said truthfully.

"But you knew that already."

As they made their way toward the Mint, Katy recognized at least one face, the mechanic that had dropped by at the Bella Union. "Howdy 'gain, Belle."

Of course, once inside, there were plenty more faces she recognized. Mostly folk that were on the same side as her during that shootout, which didn't seem like coincidence. There were also some other rather curious fellows in the Mint. Rain must have flushed them all out of the streets.

In reply to Matthew Broaddale (msg # 41):

"Turn me over to your superiors." The shadow chuckles. Then the chuckle becomes a throaty laugh. "Oh, that would almost be worth it, watching you try to explain to them where you've been since Houston. Watching your face when I tell them what I know about that. Yes, that might be worth it." He takes aim and sinks the 6. "Almost. But I'm playing to win here. 3 in the corner right pocket, 8 in the corner left."

He lines up his shot...and while he sinks the 3, the shot skitters past the eight, only knocking it to the edge of the green. "Darn. Well, you get one last question out of me, at least." The shadow man grins. "Make it a good one."

((OOC: The shadow attempts to finish the game by sinking all the remaining balls. Since he has to call the eight ball, he has a -2 penalty, offset somewhat by his Analyze Foe power. Each success and raise will sink a ball, but he needs 3 success/raises in total to finish the game.

15:43, Today: Mr. Sebastian's Shadow rolled 3,4 using d6-1,d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 4,5.  Gambling.

15:43, Today: Mr. Sebastian's Shadow rolled 4 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4.  Red Chip.

That's an 8, so he sinks his last 2 balls but not the Eight Ball.))

Matt frowned in confusion, contemplating Sebastian's words. He felt his chest tightening in anger as he remembered Houston, remembered ... not remembering Houston. His grip tightened on his cue as Sebastian's hints and mind-games added up to a maddening, half-illuminated answer.

He had a feeling Sebastian would enjoy toying with him further, though, holding this answer out like a carrot to lead Matt where he wanted. He'd find out eventually.

So his question was probably not one the shadow expected.

"In detail, how do Aetheric Pattern Entities and Aetheric Theory allow you to do the seemingly supernatural things they do?" he asked.

He leaned down took his shot. He overcorrected to avoid a scratch, and both balls bounced off the banks and drifted around the table.

Matt swore loudly. Heads-up pool was not a time to choke..


((OOC: Godddddaaaaammmmmiiiittt.
17:29, Today: Matthew Broaddale rolled 0,3 using d12-2,d6-2, rerolling max ((2,5)).))

OOC: Possible for Art to cast 'Entangle' on the 8-ball as the shadow is about to put it in making Matt's next shot virtually impossible to miss?
This message was last edited by the player at 03:20, Sun 26 Feb 2017.

Belle acknowledge being acknowledged.  "Well hello, I take the bullet ridden doorway was not too perilous?"

The shadow man tilts his head. "Heh. Very well. Atheric Theory posits that there is a medium for the propagation of various universal forces, galvanic, gravitic, luminiferous, and so on. This medium surrounds and penetrates us all, but is imperceptible to the normal senses. It takes special training and sensitivity to detect the Aether around us -- and the beings that dwell within. These Pattern Entities are strange byproducts of the Aether -- beings of consciousness but no form. Instead, they adopt forms of mythic significance to those who view them, drawn from the viewer's memories and expectations. The various 'nature spirits' as envisioned by the Indians are such beings."

The shadow man twirls his pool cue as he examines the table. "Now, human consciousness has a fascinating effect on the Aether. Mediums, spiritualists, and occultists throughout the ages have noted how human consciousness and perception shapes the world. Ghosts, for example, are Pattern Entities spawned during a moment of intense emotion, and linger on, retaining an echo of the mind that birthed them. And Pattern Entities are noted to have a stronger concentration in areas where a great many humans experience strong emotions."

He picks a spot, and chalks up the cue. "Now, Pattern Entities have a desire to affect the physical plane, but lack the ability to do so effectively. What they do possess is energy, in abundance. And they can serve as a channel for that energy, when properly contacted. Humans, meanwhile, have abundant capacity to imagine. So if a connection can be forged, and the human can convince the Pattern Entity to provide the necessary energy source, then his will and imagination can channel that energy into a concrete form. It takes extensive training, but well, there you have it."

"Roger. Sebastian. Whateley." growls a voice from behind the shadow man.

The shadow man sighs. "And as if on cue..." he turns to face Jackie Wells, who is standing with her hand on the grip of her gatling pistol. "Why, Deputy Wells! Fancy meeting you here. Oh, wait. That's former Deputy now, isn't it?" The shadow man gives Wells a thin smile. "Meaning you have no legal authority in Deadwood, even if -- and I say if -- you might suspect me of some sort of criminal offence. Can you leave me in peace? I'm in the middle of a game here."

((OOC: Possible? Sure, but the shamantic trapping for Entangle is "animated roots and branches," which would pretty clearly be outside interference, allowing Mr. Sebastian to back out of the deal. If you're going to try cheating, do so in a way that won't get you caught. Like psychological Tests of Will, Tricks, or powers that don't have an obvious effect.

Of course, you do have Jackie Wells around to aid you in whatever you decide to try.))

"Goddamn stinking, rotten Whateleys everywhere I go. If you think shooting killer mojo at me is diplomacy, you must have gotten smacked around by yer kin once too often." Zek growls as the shadow man calls over to him.

"What's the matter? You buying time so Nicodemus can show and kill everyone in the bar? Like at the Woolly Buffalo Saloon? Or the Bella Union? Or at yer rotten cesspit of a man eating house? How many innocent people have to die before you damn cowards come out? Or are you gonna keep hiding behind yer shadows like now!? And what is it with you lot and Saloons, anyways? You Whateleys seem to have it out for people who just wanna drink more than me!"

He notices Jackie there. "It won't do no good. He's not actually here. His real body is hiding somewhere safe and secure..."
This message was last edited by the player at 05:06, Sun 26 Feb 2017.

"Maybe you should avoid saloons, then." The shadow man says. "I'm sure your own odoriferous presence would not be missed. Nor would your persecution complex. In point of fact, I was aiming at the gaseous cloud of screaming death, the psychopathic shootist, and the homicidal revenant. You were regrettably close to them all, through your own doing I might add. Likewise, I had nothing to do with this alleged incident at the Woolly Buffalo, and the Bella Union incident was kicked off by the aforementioned psychopath. All I wanted to do was drink and play cards. That's what saloons are for."

Jackie nods. "Good to know. Got an idea where?"

The shadow man sighs. "I'm not here for a fight. I'm here because I wanted a good game, which you are currently interrupting. But since you are here, I wanted to offer an olive branch. Or a bribe, if you want to think of it that way. I want you to leave me and mine alone, and I'm willing to make a deal to that effect." The shadow man leans against the table. "What will it take for you to let go of this ridiculous feud? What will make you go away?"

In reply to Mr. Sebastian's Shadow (msg # 49):

Zek nods at Jackie, and glances back at the shadow man.

"Riiiight. We should take your word because you Whateley's are such trustworthy mass murderers. I may go to Saloons-but its your kin that keeps burning them down with the people inside. At the very least, yer an accomplice to all those deaths-and no one should believe a goddamn thing ya got to say."

He growls as Sebastian makes his 'offer', which Zek does not really seem to believe what so ever.

"As long as yer making deals though-I will take the location of yer damn kinsmen Nicodemus. And the feud's over only when he's dead for good-and the rest of you damn subhumans piss off to parts elsewheres."

"Now, see, it is responses like that that show you to be a danger to society. The unfounded accusations, the bigoted vitriol, your appalling grasp of the legal system...you're a rabid dog. Hyram Burns and his daughter were mass murderers -- I didn't see you leaping after him, and his daughter is still somewhere out there. Oh, and Darius Carter -- he's a mass murderer and serial rapist. I've seen the wanted posters. But you didn't go after him, either. Or Wild Bill Hickok! How many people did he murder in the Bella Union, right in front of us all? how many did he kill in the Gem before that? And yet you didn't actually do more than shove a drink down his throat." The shadow man shakes his head. "Stop pretending this vendetta of yours is justified. You're no better. Just a vicious, atavistic savage, attacking whatever's irritated him at the moment."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:40, Sun 26 Feb 2017.