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16:43, 26th April 2024 (GMT+0)

IH - Lincoln, Sunset.

Posted by MarshalFor group 0
Marshal
GM, 131 posts
W6 R1 B0
Mon 16 Apr 2018
at 02:09
  • msg #1

IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Henry Cooper was naturally pleased to see his nephew. As they unloaded the items that Albert had retrieved from Roswell, Henry confirmed that he had heard about the missing children, telling Albert that much of the county had been paralyzed over the students’ disappearance. Everyone, seemingly, except those of The House. ”I certainly admire you wantin’ to help find them young ‘uns,” the rancher said, as he provided two lanterns for Albert to take back to town with him. ”Right thing to do. But you keep out of that business with Tunstall’s hands, you hear? At least until you and I have a chance to talk. Those boys...I think they’re going about things the wrong way.”

Henry also hands his nephew a heavy, long bladed knife in a canvas scabbard. ”Got that from Rentana Montaño. It’s a machete. Helped me clear out the brambles over where I built the horse run. You might need it. These weeds...they’re hard to clear. Since those children vanished, those vines have gotten all over the feed stores. Me and the hands have cut ‘em back twice. Pulled most of ‘em up by the root. Doesn’t make a damn bit of difference. Come sunup, they’re back again.”

Michael Kibbee was, as Albert had predicted, also willing to assist, providing Bryan Lee with a third lantern that he kept as a spare at his office for extra light on evenings we worked late. Jake McGraw, unsurprisingly, possessed his own light source. Desiree Thornton assured the group that she would be at the saloon all night, ready to assist in any way needed, including rousing Doc Wood, if required. She urged the four to return after their investigation to share with her what they had learned.

The misting rain had ceased when the group met at the schoolhouse, the horizon a thin line of orange, slowly yielding to a deep violet as the first stars made their appearance in the early evening sky. Father Narvaez, a dark haired man with a warm, but formal demeanor, was waiting at the road near the schoolhouse when the four arrived. Handing the key to Kate, he said, ”I intend to wait here, until you return. If you are in there...too long, I will seek help and then come to find you.”

From the road, the whitewashed schoolhouse appears almost innocuous, save for the the chain and lock securing the door.
Kansas Kate
player, 66 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Mon 16 Apr 2018
at 02:17
  • msg #2

IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Kate took the key and nodded.  She debated leaving the rifle behind, it would be useless in such tight quarters, but then again you never knew.

She also grabbed a lantern.  Kate practiced firing one handed enough, and didn't go in for that whole dual sixguns schtick.  Not that it wasn't strangely effective, it just wasn't the best when it was time for all slow men to die, at least in her opinion.

"Who's takin' th' butterknife?"  That struck Kate as a good idea, that thing might be useful, not necessarily as a weapon... or it might be useful as a weapon.  Great as the Toothpick was, it wasn't meant to hack through foliage.
Jake McGraw
player, 73 posts
Mad Engineer
P5 T4 W0 F0 W1 R2
Mon 16 Apr 2018
at 04:14
  • msg #3

IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Jake fiddled with his duffel bag, pulling out a contraption that looked like a fire hose nozzle attached to a pistol trigger assembly, the hose itself snaking into his bag. He pumped something that looked like a dynamite plunger a few times, then picked up his lantern. "Thing's pressurized now." He says. Something green dripped from the end of the hose. "This here is supposed to spray a concoction I whipped up to clear weeds. Ain't sure how well it'll work on these Devil Weeds o' ours, but it's worth a shot. Don't get any on you...the stuff'll blister the skin right off your bones, so when I'm sprayin', steer clear o' me."

((OOC: I'm taking an action to set up my bolt power to spray poison. I figure it will work like acid -- deal one less die type of damage (down to d4), but do it's damage a second time the next round (doing one less total die, so a 3d4 bolt will deal 2d4 the next round). Is that cool?))
Marshal
GM, 133 posts
W6 R1 B0
Mon 16 Apr 2018
at 22:30
  • msg #4

IH - Lincoln, Sunset

OOC: Cool.

Wise advice about staying out of the line of fire, everyone. Acid’s the gift that keeps on giving.
Albert Cooper
player, 60 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Mon 16 Apr 2018
at 23:28
  • msg #5

IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Albert was glad to see both his aunt and uncle, and appreciated the chance to discuss what had happened since he left town. He nodded at his uncle's command. "Yessir, I won't go doin' nuthin' with Tunstall's former ranch hands."

His eyebrows raised in appreciation when Henry provided him with a machete. "Thanks, uncle. I'll put it ta good use." That there were weeds on his uncle's farm was telling. "Supposedly these weeds are only showin' up at places what aren't faithful ta the House." Albert clenched his fists briefly, then unclenched them.

He frowned briefly. "I'll update ya once we find out what's in that tunnel."



Albert nodded and offered his hand to Father Navarro. "Thank you, Father. We hope to see you again soon."

Albert listened to Jake's warning about the equipment he'd brought with. "Right, stay outta the way when ya spray. Got it."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:24, Tue 17 Apr 2018.
Marshal
GM, 134 posts
W6 R1 B0
Tue 17 Apr 2018
at 23:46
  • msg #6

IH - Lincoln, Sunset

As the small group discuss their preparations, they notice Jacinta Castillo and Tamsin River approaching the schoolhouse from the eastern end of the street.
Kansas Kate
player, 67 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Tue 17 Apr 2018
at 23:51
  • msg #7

IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Well, ain't that a co-inky-dink."  Kate mused.  She had a certain feeling about this one but wasn't one to operate on trust alone if it could be helped.  She was tempted to make a crass but hilarious crack, but then remembered where she was and what they were doing and forgot about it.  "And if that is a co-inky-dink, ah'm Abraham Lincoln.  Any of ya'll vouch fer this?"
Albert Cooper
player, 61 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Tue 17 Apr 2018
at 23:52
  • msg #8

IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Albert smiled and raised a hand to give a welcoming wave toward Jacinta and Tamsin. He spoke quietly to Jake, Katie, and Bryan while the others were still out of earshot. "Looks like Jay-Lo and Flower Power might be joinin' us. Could be the latter knows a bit 'bout these weeds."
Jake McGraw
player, 74 posts
Mad Engineer
P5 T4 W0 F0 W1 R2
Wed 18 Apr 2018
at 00:04
  • msg #9

IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Jake transfers his lantern to the hand holding his contraption awkwardly and waves at Jacinta. "Good, ya found her!" He says as he swiftly moves his lantern back before he drops anything.
Kansas Kate
player, 68 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Wed 18 Apr 2018
at 00:20
  • msg #10

IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Kate nodded.  That was enough.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 47 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Wed 18 Apr 2018
at 06:04
  • msg #11

IH - Lincoln, Sunset

She approached the group, one eyebrow lifting as she took in the scene.  "Looks like y'all aim to do a bit of mischief.  How come nobody invited me?"  She gave Jake a nod.  "Yep, I found her and the other herbalist, both.  Had some interesting things to say about these maldito weeds, maybe even where they started.  Beggin' yer pardon, Padre."  She tipped her hat to the priest in apology for the foul language.

"What, exactly, are you folk bent on accomplishin'?  Just hackin' in to see what's inside?"
Albert Cooper
player, 62 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Wed 18 Apr 2018
at 06:11
  • msg #12

IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Albert smiled as the pair approached. "Good evenin', ladies. Glad that ya happened by. We understand that there's a hole in the church that leads ta some sorta tunnel underground. We aim ta check it out. Yer welcome ta join us."

Albert's gaze shifted over to Tamsin. "Don't s'pose ya got any thoughts 'bout these weeds or vines or whatever they are?"
Bryan Lee
player, 63 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B3 L0
Wed 18 Apr 2018
at 17:23
  • msg #13

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Bryan thanked Kibbee for the lantern, holding it in his left hand as he made his way forward with the others. He was quiet for much of the discussion, finding his place of calmness as he headed into this new endeavor with a mix of people he knew and chance met strangers. He smiled upon seeing Jacinta again, and nodded to Tamsin as well.

"I'd sooner be off the street and away from prying eyes. Kate, if you could please open that lock, I'd much appreciate it," he said, gesturing to the key that the priest had given her.




Notice: 8

Just checking to see if they're being watched.

12:17, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 8,5 using d6,d6, rerolling max.  Notice.



Kansas Kate
player, 69 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Wed 18 Apr 2018
at 19:56
  • msg #14

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Kate grumbled at the trail dust gumming up the mechanism as she fiddled with the key.
Tamsin River
player, 35 posts
Flower Power
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R2 B0 L0
Wed 18 Apr 2018
at 21:21
  • msg #15

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

”Oh, are we going inside?”

Tamsin is not particularly excited, but she had wanted to see what was going on in the schoolhouse. Eager, was the word, perhaps.

”Well, they stopped the birds from singing around Miss Winter’s house when she ground one of ‘em up, which concerns me. My thoughts are that these vines are evil.”

She is not usually one to comment on the morality of plants, but these weeds are an exception.
Albert Cooper
player, 63 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Wed 18 Apr 2018
at 21:45
  • msg #16

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Albert furrowed his brow and thought about Tamsin's response for a bit. "Ya think the vines themselves're evil? Not just that they were put there by someone that's evil?" He paused a bit and considered some more. "Huh."

He'd seen lots of crazy things, so he certainly wouldn't rule out the possibility of evil vines. All the things he'd seen had instilled an open mind in the ranch hand.
Jake McGraw
player, 75 posts
Mad Engineer
P5 T4 W0 F0 W1 R2
Thu 19 Apr 2018
at 00:07
  • msg #17

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Wouldn't surprise me none." Jake says. "I did some tests my own self, and these things don't act like any natural plants I ever heard of. They're dry inside but don't burn right, and are as hard to cut as barb wire. And they apparently can grow back overnight, least accordin' to what the folks are sayin'."
Kansas Kate
player, 70 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Thu 19 Apr 2018
at 00:14
  • msg #18

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"An' they only grow where it's a might convenient fer certain folk.  Con sarn you open you rusty piece of-"  Kate grumbled.
Marshal
GM, 135 posts
W6 R1 B0
Thu 19 Apr 2018
at 03:47
  • msg #19

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

With a hard twist, the lock yields to Kate’s efforts, dropping into her hand. Pulling the chain free from the door, she opens it.

Lantern light presses into the single room that comprises the schoolhouse. In the area closest to the entrance, all appears as one might expect: rows of well used desks and stairs, their slight disarray more suggestive of children who are eager to be free of class for the day than a sign of anything terrible transpiring. Even the abandoned pencil, stray pieces of yarn, and broken chalk littering the floor do little to alter this impression.

But as the glow of the lanterns reach the back of the room, things change. Vines have overtaken the walls at the rear of the classroom, a crisscrossing pattern of black veins that have greedily covered everything within their grasp: the slate chalkboard, the students’ desks, and virtually every inch of wall space. A large desk, presumably belonging to the schoolmistress, Valentina Perez, has fallen halfway into a large hole, perhaps twenty feet in diameter, that has been torn open in the floor, from which the thorn studded weeds appear to have emerged. A musty scent hangs thick in the air, the smell of a house, abandoned for decades, that has just been entered, or a long forgotten grave recently disturbed.

Nothing stirs in the long shadows of the schoolhouse. At the moment, all is quiet.

Lee takes a long look at Lincoln’s Main Street in the fading light, studying the gaps between buildings and the lengthening shadows. After a moment, the Ranger is satisfied that the group is not being observed by any outside parties.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:32, Thu 19 Apr 2018.
Kansas Kate
player, 71 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Thu 19 Apr 2018
at 11:53
  • msg #20

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Kate's Roscoe was quickly in hand.  She entered cautiously in silence, not going too far, stopping to indicate with gestures she intended the tunnel of the hole as her path.
Bryan Lee
player, 64 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B3 L0
Thu 19 Apr 2018
at 12:09
  • msg #21

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Padre, while we appreciate you wantin' to wait on us, might be best out of sight, maybe from la iglesia, lest we draw even more attention by havin' someone stand outside the church," he suggested, before taking one last glance at the street and heading inside.
Bryan Lee
player, 64 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B3 L0
Thu 19 Apr 2018
at 12:09
  • msg #21

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Padre, while we appreciate you wantin' to wait on us, might be best out of sight, maybe from la iglesia, lest we draw even more attention by havin' someone stand outside the church," he suggested, before taking one last glance at the street and heading inside.
Jake McGraw
player, 76 posts
Mad Engineer
P5 T4 W0 F0 W1 R2
Thu 19 Apr 2018
at 12:59
  • msg #22

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Jake, is makeshift squirtgun at the ready, follows behind Lee.
Marshal
GM, 137 posts
W6 R1 B0
Fri 20 Apr 2018
at 03:40
  • msg #23

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Narvaez nods in response to Lee’s suggestion. As the group moves to enter the schoolhouse, the priest walks back toward La Iglesia de San Juan Bautista, quietly muttering prayers as he departs.

Inside, Kate ventures forward, able to get a closer look at the cavity that has been torn open in the floor. It is immediately clear that the vines entered the schoolhouse from below, though their growth must have been sudden and violent to overtake the classroom in such a short period of time. Peering down, Kate can see the tunnel that Lyle Baxter spoke of: a round passageway, perhaps ten feet in diameter, leading off to the northwest, the earthen walls lined with thorn covered vines. Kate’s lantern is only able to illuminate a short portion of the corridor. The rest is shrouded in darkness.
Kansas Kate
player, 72 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Fri 20 Apr 2018
at 10:32
  • msg #24

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Here... someone hold this temporary.  I don't want to drop it in the hole."  Kate offered up the lantern, implicitly volunteering.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 49 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Sat 21 Apr 2018
at 07:32
  • msg #25

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Jacinta pulled her rifle from its holster and racked the lever to chamber a round.  Holding it one hand, she stepped forward to take the lantern from Kate with the other.  While near the hole in the floor, she leaned over to have a look and give the gunslinger some light.  "If you see any monsters down there, let me know so I can hightail it the other way."
Kansas Kate
player, 73 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Sat 21 Apr 2018
at 13:04
  • msg #26

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Will do."  And Kate made her descent.  Hopefully gracefully, but probably not knowing her luck.
Marshal
GM, 138 posts
W6 R1 B0
Sat 21 Apr 2018
at 23:49
  • msg #27

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

OOC: Jacinta and Kate, please kindly provide me with a Notice roll.

Where is everyone else at this point? Has everyone gathered at the hole in the floor, or are some of you elsewhere in the schoolhouse?
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:52, Sat 21 Apr 2018.
Albert Cooper
player, 64 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Sat 21 Apr 2018
at 23:54
  • msg #28

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Once Kate made her way down into the hole, Albert followed, not wanting her to be down there alone. With his bulk, Albert made the descent even less gracefully than Kate, though possibly faster. Nice thing about going downward is that gravity is always willing to give you some help.

The ranch hand unsheathed the machete his uncle had provided and held it in his left hand while he waited for one of the lanterns to be passed down. As his eyes adjusted to the lack of lighting, he muttered to Kate. "Just like old times, eh?"
This message was last edited by the player at 23:55, Sat 21 Apr 2018.
Kansas Kate
player, 74 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Sun 22 Apr 2018
at 00:00
  • msg #29

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Kate hopes she's not too distracted by the exertion.

18:58, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 4,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,1.  Notice.

Kate couldn't help but smirk at Cooper.  "Oh hell yeah.  I thought I'd have to do all this myself... but this will make for a better story."
Jake McGraw
player, 77 posts
Mad Engineer
P5 T4 W0 F0 W1 R2
Sun 22 Apr 2018
at 01:01
  • msg #30

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

In reply to Marshal (msg # 27):

((OOC: Jake is keeping an eye out, his makeshift acid gun at the ready.))
Jacinta Castillo
player, 50 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Sun 22 Apr 2018
at 03:37
  • msg #31

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Notice: 6

20:36, Today: Jacinta Castillo rolled 6,5 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,3.  Notice.
Marshal
GM, 140 posts
W6 R1 B0
Mon 23 Apr 2018
at 02:15
  • msg #32

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

19:13, Today: Marshal, on behalf of Albert Cooper, rolled 3,5 using 1d6,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,5.  Notice.

The net of vines make dry, rustling sounds as Kate, then Albert lower themselves into the tunnel. The lantern light pushes back the shadows, revealing that the round corridor continues in the same direction as far as can be seen, every inch of the passage covered by more of the dark vines.

Aside from the sounds of Kate and Albert’s hushed conversation, the tunnel is quiet.


19:15, Today: Marshal, on behalf of Jake McGraw, rolled 7,4 using 1d8,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,4.  Notice.

His newest creation at the ready, McGraw catches a brief impression of movement out of the corner of his eye. Glancing back at the entrance to the schoolhouse, the engineer notices a lone figure approaching the building at a brisk pace.
Bryan Lee
player, 66 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B3 L0
Mon 23 Apr 2018
at 16:49
  • msg #33

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Bryan considered the situation as he watched them from above. Of course, he was not as much good from a distance as he was up close, and he wanted to see what was going on down there if anything.

"I think I might join them down there," he said to the others who had stayed up top with them.

Notice: 11

11:47, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 11,2 using d6,d6, rerolling max.  Notice.
Tamsin River
player, 36 posts
Flower Power
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R2 B0 L0
Mon 23 Apr 2018
at 16:54
  • msg #34

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Tamsin paces impatiently through the schoolhouse. ”Mind the vines,” she says, as if it needs mentioning.
Albert Cooper
player, 65 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Mon 23 Apr 2018
at 17:16
  • msg #35

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Albert frowned at what he saw in the tunnel, then spoke back towards those above. "What we have down here folks is a tunnel that heads straight so far as I can see. Which ain't far, granted, but still. It is covered in those vines. It is also something that I, and presumably double-kay, intend to explore further. If anyone would like ta join, ain't no time like the present. I will note that the vines are movin' ever so slightly now and then. Might be a good time for anyone with significant experience in horticulture ta utilize that knowledge."
Jake McGraw
player, 78 posts
Mad Engineer
P5 T4 W0 F0 W1 R2
Mon 23 Apr 2018
at 17:19
  • msg #36

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

In reply to Marshal (msg # 32):

Jake keeps an eye on the approaching figure. "Hold up a moment, Ranger." he says. "Got someone comin'."
Tamsin River
player, 37 posts
Flower Power
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R2 B0 L0
Mon 23 Apr 2018
at 17:31
  • msg #37

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

”Well, I may as well, if you’re asking,” Tamsin says, heading over to the hole. ”Wait, they’re moving more than just...”

She had seen them moving before, but he had said now and then.

”I’m coming down!”
Kansas Kate
player, 75 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Mon 23 Apr 2018
at 20:34
  • msg #38

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Kate didn't comment, but upon getting a better look, holstered her sixgun and retrieved her knife.
Marshal
GM, 141 posts
W6 R1 B0
Tue 24 Apr 2018
at 02:12
  • msg #39

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

As the figure draws closer, McGraw and Lee recognize the stranger as Reverend Allgood, the minister who shared the stagecoach ride to Lincoln with them.


Carefully, River drops down into the tunnel, joining Kate and Cooper. Although all three continue to see hints of movement among the vine encased walls, nothing further transpires. The underground corridor remains eerily quiet.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 51 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Tue 24 Apr 2018
at 05:00
  • msg #40

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Still holding the lantern, Jacinta straightened and looked back to the door at Jake's warning.  "Friend or foe?"  Though at this point, she didn't know how they'd really be able to tell unless someone started shooting.
Bryan Lee
player, 67 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B3 L0
Tue 24 Apr 2018
at 16:29
  • msg #41

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"It's the preacher from our stagecoach ride. My guess is that like us, he couldn't in good conscience sit out the situation knowin' that there were kidnapped children. Y'all go on ahead, I'll sort out his intentions, and join you soon enough," he said to the others.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:37, Tue 24 Apr 2018.
Rev. Earnest Allgood
player, 47 posts
P3 T5 W# F# W2 R1 B1 L#
Tue 24 Apr 2018
at 23:21
  • msg #42

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Earnest steps up onto the schoolhouse porch and peers inside. Recognizing Lee, he touches the brim of his hat and smiles.

"Evening, Ranger. Wondered if you had some word about the children to bring you to the schoolhouse so late in the day."
Bryan Lee
player, 68 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B3 L0
Wed 25 Apr 2018
at 04:21
  • msg #43

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Come on in, Reverend," he said, hurrying the Reverend inside. "Don't wanna attract too much undue attention. I'm of a mind to investigate this schoolhouse with a few other honest citizens concerned after the wellbeing of the children. If you're of a like mind, we'd be glad to have you among us."
Jacinta Castillo
player, 52 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Wed 25 Apr 2018
at 05:41
  • msg #44

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Tams, take the lantern, will ya?" She crouched down again to give the herbalist the light once she'd found her footing.  While waiting, she kept an eye on Bryan and the preacher.
Rev. Earnest Allgood
player, 48 posts
P3 T5 W# F# W2 R1 B1 L#
Wed 25 Apr 2018
at 12:31
  • msg #45

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Earnest steps inside and glances at the windows for shades or curtains to conceal the glow of their lantern from anyone passing by.

"What brought you here and what have you found?" he asks quietly.
Bryan Lee
player, 69 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B3 L0
Wed 25 Apr 2018
at 13:05
  • msg #46

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Due respect, Reverend, you're comin' in on the tail end o' things, and I can't explain a day's worth of conversations to you right now. There's a tunnel that's come up under the school, and it's got some o' those devil weeds in it. The ones that came when the children disappeared, and the ones that's been croppin' up all over the area on the property o' those that speak against the House. We figure we'd look and see where it leads, see if it might not lead us to the kids or give us some clue as to where they're bein' held."

He gestured towards the tunnel. "Now...let's head on down."
Rev. Earnest Allgood
player, 49 posts
P3 T5 W# F# W2 R1 B1 L#
Wed 25 Apr 2018
at 15:50
  • msg #47

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Earnest peers down into the tunnel, wishing he was not wearing a suit. Trail clothes would seem more suited to climbing around in tunnels.

"Hmmm... Do the weeds always come out of tunnels like this? I wonder if they've shown up on the property of people who are House supporters or simply neutral."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:13, Mon 30 Apr 2018.
Jake McGraw
player, 79 posts
Mad Engineer
P5 T4 W0 F0 W1 R2
Wed 25 Apr 2018
at 16:09
  • msg #48

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"There ain't nothin' normal 'bout these plants." Jake says. "And I'd bet good money that only the folk that have been heard bellyachin' about the House have had these things show up. I thought someone might have been plantin' them...someone's been goin' around smashin' up equipment, so killin' two birds with one stone seemed right. But I ain't so sure on that now."
Bryan Lee
player, 71 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B3 L0
Wed 25 Apr 2018
at 19:52
  • msg #49

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Well, standin' up here and talkin' about these weeds isn't gonna get 'em whacked. I think it's time for us to get down in that hole and see how that weed killin' concoction of yours does." He gestured to Jake and his gizmo. He tipped his hat to Jacinta and the Reverened, and took his lantern, heading down after Albert and Kansas Kate.
Kansas Kate
player, 76 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Wed 25 Apr 2018
at 20:40
  • msg #50

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Kate grumbled just a little, but it seemed everyone was all right.  Having assigned herself the point, she began a slow steady advance, expecting trouble.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 53 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Thu 26 Apr 2018
at 02:06
  • msg #51

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Jacinta followed Bryan, using her free hand to steady herself as her boots hit the dirt.  "You gotta knife?"  She asked the Ranger.  "I don't trust these vines a bit."
Marshal
GM, 143 posts
W6 R1 B0
Thu 26 Apr 2018
at 04:02
  • msg #52

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Kate moves down the tunnel, stepping carefully, her soft footfalls drawing dry whispers of sound from the blanket of vines covering the floor. The passage does not appear to deviate from its path, continuing forward in a relatively straight line. The deeper Kate and her companions progress, the more they become aware of a musty scent, the smell of dark mold growing on walls left to damp corruption. In the shifting lantern lights, there are glimpses of brief, serpentine movements within the black net of weeds, but nothing moves to hinder the travelers and they encounter no one during their exploration.

Continuing on, the group pauses, noticing that the section of tunnel ahead of them narrows, losing enough height to force the tallest among them to stoop, and only allowing for the companions to press on in single file. The implacable vines are clearly thicker in their coverage of the corridor’s walls, a few loose tendrils dangling from the ceiling overhead. Faint rustlings punctuate the silence.

Peering down the passage, several members of the group notice a small object, brown in color, entangled among the weeds on the floor, fifteen feet so from the point where the tunnel becomes smaller.

OOC: Anyone venturing into the narrow portion of the tunnel needs to provide me with a Spirit roll.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 54 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Thu 26 Apr 2018
at 04:26
  • msg #53

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Spirit: 7

21:25, Today: Jacinta Castillo rolled 3,7 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5.  Spirit.
Jake McGraw
player, 81 posts
Mad Engineer
P5 T4 W0 F0 W1 R2
Thu 26 Apr 2018
at 04:55
  • msg #54

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Ain't likin' this much." Jake mutters as he stoops. Poison gun at the ready, he edges closer to the small brown object to shine his lantern on it and get a better look.

((OOC: Hmmm...

21:51, Today: Jake McGraw rolled 2,5 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5.  Spirit.

If this is any kind of fear check, that's not really going to help much, so I'm going to toss a red on top of it for some extra cushioning.

21:52, Today: Jake McGraw rolled 11 using 1d6, rerolling max (((6+5)11)).

...that will do. Total of 16.

and, of course, because he has the Curious hindrance he goes poking about the brown thing.))
Albert Cooper
player, 68 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Thu 26 Apr 2018
at 09:53
  • msg #55

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Albert helped those that were coming down as well as he could, then followed Kate closely with the machete at the ready. The constant chatter that usually accompanied Albert was absent, replaced with quiet contemplation of what he saw.


02:47, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 10,5 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+4)10,5.  Spirit.

Like Jake (and for very similar reasons) Albert was quickly drawn toward the brown thing and responded to the engineer's comment. "Not much ta like, but I do wonder what this thing might be." He moved to get close enough for visual inspection, the machete still held in his hand. He had the desire to poke the thing, but held that urge at bay for the moment.
Kansas Kate
player, 78 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Thu 26 Apr 2018
at 10:55
  • msg #56

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

05:53, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 5,10 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,(6+4)10.  Hope I'm Spirited.

Very nice.

Kate grunted, but it was a weirdly happy grunt.  Just as she was miserable in the stagecoach, she was happy here.  It made no sense, but such was the enigma of Kansas Kate.

"Well only one way to find out."

Kate had her Toothpick out in hand as she, well, crawled forward to approach The Thing That Was Probably Bad.  The tunnel was a tight fit through here.
Tamsin River
player, 38 posts
Flower Power
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R2 B0 L0
Thu 26 Apr 2018
at 14:05
  • msg #57

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

06:52, Today: Tamsin River rolled 3,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,3.  Spirit.
07:02, Today: Tamsin River rolled 7,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,5.  White Chip: Spirit Reroll.

Tamsin feels right at home surrounded by the plants, evil though they may be. ”Someone will need to fill me in on this House business when we’re out of here,” she says absent mindedly as they make their way through the tunnels, ”hopefully not after being injured by whatever that thing is.”

What is it? A part of the plant? Something trapped by the plant?
Bryan Lee
player, 72 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B3 L0
Thu 26 Apr 2018
at 15:04
  • msg #58

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Bryan pulled the Bowie knife out of the sheath at his belt where he kept it as a response to Jacinta's question, offering it to her if she wanted it.

"Yours if you want it. I think someone has a machete as well."


10:00, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 1,8 using d6,d6, rerolling max.  Spirit.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:04, Thu 26 Apr 2018.
Marshal
GM, 144 posts
W6 R1 B0
Fri 27 Apr 2018
at 04:40
  • msg #59

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Those that have descended into the tunnel press forward, the vines catching on their clothing and brushing against their faces as they move ahead, the dank smell becoming stronger in a space that grows to feel more and more airless.

As the group nears the object, its identification becomes clear. It is a single shoe, cut from brown leather. Based on its size, it definitely belonged to a child. A boy, probably around ten years of age.

Aside from the rustle of the weeds being disturbed by the group’s passage, the narrow corridor remains quiet.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 55 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Fri 27 Apr 2018
at 04:49
  • msg #60

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"I gotta feelin' that you're gonna need it," she muttered at Bryan's offer.  She tapped the hatchet she kept at her belt indicating she had her own means of slashy defense.  Her eyes narrowed at the sight of the tiny shoe and then she looked onward into the darkness.  "Keep going," she quietly urged the others.  "We're on the right trail." 
Kansas Kate
player, 79 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Fri 27 Apr 2018
at 10:36
  • msg #61

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Kate just grunted in disgust.  You could cut an adult's head off right in front of her and she probably wouldn't think any less of you, but kids were off limits.

Moving the shoe aside, she continued her crawl without comment.
Albert Cooper
player, 69 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Fri 27 Apr 2018
at 11:03
  • msg #62

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Albert grunted. It looked like someone had lost a shoe, which likely meant they were headed in the right direction. He inspected the shoe and the overgrown greenery to see if he might be able to extract the shoe from its herbal prison. If they found the kids, one of them would need the shoe. If they didn't, well, that wasn't something he was going to contemplate.
Marshal
GM, 145 posts
W6 R1 B0
Sat 28 Apr 2018
at 06:34
  • msg #63

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

With a pair of sharp tugs, Cooper is able to free the shoe from the tangle of weeds.

With Kate in the lead, the gathering ventures on. The tunnel does not grow any narrower, but the foliage that occupies it becomes more dense, requiring those with blades to cut their way through some of the encroaching vines in order to progress. The pace slows, the rustling of the weeds becoming more frequent, the musty scent growing to the point of becoming overwhelming. As the group works their way forward, they perceive that the passage has begun to gradually slope upward.

After an interminable period of hacking back thorns and crawling, Kate sights an opening ahead, made visible by the soft illumination of moonlight. Continuing forward, the companions emerge into a wooded area. Several tall pine trees reach up to the night sky, but a brief examination reveals that most of them are dead, their branches barren, several having vines that have encircled their trunks.

Straight ahead, the ground continues to slope downward, leading to what appears to be a clearing. To the right, the terrain grades upward, the trees more numerous in that direction, forming a dense pine forest.
Kansas Kate
player, 80 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Sat 28 Apr 2018
at 13:22
  • msg #64

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Path of least resistance?"  Kate whispers to the others, switching out her knife for her revolver again.
Bryan Lee
player, 73 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B3 L0
Sat 28 Apr 2018
at 14:23
  • msg #65

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Bryan followed closely behind Cooper and Kansas Kate, keeping an eye out to make sure he would be clear in case Jake decided to unleash his chemical mixture upon the foliage. With his knife in hand, he worked to help clear any unwanted plant life from his path.

When they reached the top, he took a moment to inspect the ground for any signs of passage, though he couldn't make out much.

He sheathed his knife and nodded to Kate's suggestion, but took a moment to look back and take stock of who was still with them.



Tracking: 3, bleh

07:48, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 2,2 using d6,d6, rerolling max.  Tracking.

Doh!

09:20, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 1 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1.  Red Chip.

Doh!
This message was last edited by the player at 14:27, Sat 28 Apr 2018.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 56 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Sat 28 Apr 2018
at 15:44
  • msg #66

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Jacinta hooked her hatchet in her belt and removed her rifle once they were in the open, shaking off any remaining foliage (or the feel of those vines) with a flick of her braids.  Pacing out a short distance from the tunnel, her gaze flitted over the forest, the ground, and the trees.  She paused several times as she made her circuit, cocking her head as if listening.


Tracking: 5
Notice: 7

08:38, Today: Jacinta Castillo rolled 3,5 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,5.  Tracking.
08:38, Today: Jacinta Castillo rolled 9,4 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 7,2.  Notice.
Albert Cooper
player, 70 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Sat 28 Apr 2018
at 16:32
  • msg #67

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

When Albert emerged he wandered over by Kate, but instead of first scanning the countryside, he looked back to make sure everyone emerged from the tunnel.

At her question, the ranch hand tipped his head side-to-side in a noncommittal way, and spoke quietly to Kate without actually looking her way. "Think mebbe we should see where these devil-weeds're comin' from? Flower Power might be able ta tell. Or Jay-Lo said she's a scout, right?"

Albert watched Jacinta pace out with interest.
Marshal
GM, 146 posts
W6 R1 B0
Sun 29 Apr 2018
at 04:52
  • msg #68

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

PM
Jacinta Castillo
player, 57 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Sun 29 Apr 2018
at 07:20
  • msg #69

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Kate's right," she reported quietly as she rejoined the group.  "Small feet, several pairs of them, all leading downhill.  There is another set, unnatural like, going the same way.  Vines trail downhill, too, so watch your step." 
Tamsin River
player, 39 posts
Flower Power
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R2 B0 L0
Sun 29 Apr 2018
at 13:41
  • msg #70

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

When Tamsin emerges she takes a look around. ”Everyone got through the vines safely? Nothing I need to patch up?”

She brushes a hand along one of the dead trees, avoiding the vines. ”Looks like we’re going in the right direction.”
Kansas Kate
player, 81 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Sun 29 Apr 2018
at 14:35
  • msg #71

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Kate nodded and continued.  If there was ever a good spot for a scattergun... but the old Schofield would just have to do.  Not like she was particularly stealthy, especially not with that lantern in hand.
Albert Cooper
player, 71 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Sun 29 Apr 2018
at 15:18
  • msg #72

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Albert nodded at the reports from the others and moved up to walk next to Kate as they descended. He switched the machete to his left hand and pulled his six-shooter out with his right. "Wonder if we still need them lanterns or if we ain't better lettin' our eyes adjust ta the moonlight. Anyone'll be able ta see us coming' with these lanterns from miles out. Course I s'pose that assumes whatever grabbed them kids uses eyes ta see."
Bryan Lee
player, 74 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B3 L0
Sun 29 Apr 2018
at 16:09
  • msg #73

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Before we go any further, I just need to do somethin'," he said, moving to the front of the group for a moment.

"In this matter set here before us today, I'm hereby forming a posse and deputizing all y'all for the purpose of aiding me in finding and rescuing the kidnapped children of Lincoln, arresting any perpetrators that we may discover, and keeping the peace," he said.

"Alright, that's done. Looks like we got the trail confirmed. As to the lanterns, out here in the dark they make me feel like a sitting duck and they take up extra hands. Even if whatever took them kids don't use eyes to see or whatever that means, there are always those wolves we fought earlier that could be literally anywhere. We could leave these lanterns right here by the mine for when we need 'em on our way back, and make our way out to where these footprints lead with the advantage of surprise, that is, if we think we can still keep the trail without much more than moonlight."

He looked to Jacinta to see what she thought about that, but also looked to the others, namely Albert and Kate as they seemed to have been the most engaged in taking the charge on this.
Kansas Kate
player, 82 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Sun 29 Apr 2018
at 17:42
  • msg #74

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Kansas Kate couldn't help but smirk at that.  She'd been deputized before for very, very brief stints, mostly to get some two bit sheriff without any balls plausible deniability.  After all, what was worse, a roving gunfighter in town just long enough to find her quarry and was then gone forever, or a recurring felon who actually lived there?

The law was just the alpha gang, nothing more or less.  They'd use her when it suited them.

"They do cut both ways."  Kate admitted.  "Not against leavin' up, but if there's gonna be any shootin', ain't keen on doin' it in th' dark.  Friendly fire ain't."
Jacinta Castillo
player, 58 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Sun 29 Apr 2018
at 20:51
  • msg #75

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Huh, ain't never been no deputy before.  Ain't never been part of the law." Jacinta smirked at Bryan.  "I expect a badge as soon as we get back to civilization." 

"Take the lanterns, but shutter or douse 'em.  We're gonna need the light if we start shootin'.  Maybe a bit of fire, too, if there are wolves about.  I can track in most light, but if we lose the moon, can't really see in the dark."
Kansas Kate
player, 83 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Sun 29 Apr 2018
at 21:23
  • msg #76

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Split th' diff'rence then?  Ah can oblige that."  Kate responded.
Jake McGraw
player, 82 posts
Mad Engineer
P5 T4 W0 F0 W1 R2
Sun 29 Apr 2018
at 21:41
  • msg #77

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"I don't reckon I want to be sprayin' this stuff blind." Jake says. "I'm with the ladies. Shutterin' the light is probably the best idea." He looks around. "Reckon I can rig somethin' with the foliage that'll serve temporarily."

((OOC: After all, why have McGuyver and not use it for something ridiculous?  Would I need to roll anything, or should I just describe how I'd do it?))
Marshal
GM, 147 posts
W6 R1 B0
Sun 29 Apr 2018
at 23:56
  • msg #78

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

OOC: Creating hoods/screens for the lanterns shouldn’t prove to be much of a test for McGraw’s technical abilities. Just describe how you make it happen. No roll required.
Albert Cooper
player, 72 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Mon 30 Apr 2018
at 03:38
  • msg #79

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Albert nodded at Bryan when he was finished. "Always wanted ta jine the Rangers. Finally got my chance!"

He listened to the discussion and thought the plan for hooding the lanterns was a good one. The best of both worlds, really. By moonlight when they wanted to be sneaky, and by lantern-light when they needed to shoot somebody.
Jake McGraw
player, 83 posts
Mad Engineer
P5 T4 W0 F0 W1 R2
Mon 30 Apr 2018
at 04:58
  • msg #80

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Jake set out to start making his makeshift hoods, taking a pair of clippers and a sppol of wire from his duffel bag. He clipped off a good number of leaves from the vines and strips of bark from the dead pine trees, then used the wire to thread them into crude covers. They weren't the most elegant hoods, but they'd serve to dampen the light and could easily be torn away when the shooting started.
Rev. Earnest Allgood
player, 50 posts
P3 T5 W# F# W2 R1 B1 L#
Mon 30 Apr 2018
at 13:22
  • msg #81

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Earnest turned to find he was talking to himself, the Ranger and the young woman having slipped into the hole.

He peered into the darkness that was leavened ever so slightly by the retreating lantern of the others. Unwilling to risk his suit to the tunnel, he returned to the boarding house.

There, he changed into his riding clothes --boots, sturdy trousers, heavy shirt-- and went back to the tunnel, carrying several short candles in his buttoned-over shirt pocket. He slid into the hole and found his footing in the tunnel below. Lighting one candle, he proceeded to follow the tunnel, which fortunately went along without branching. He fended off the vines and crawled when necessary.
Marshal
GM, 148 posts
W6 R1 B0
Tue 1 May 2018
at 02:19
  • msg #82

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Allgood makes his way to the clearing as McGraw completes the lantern hoods, covering each of the light sources in one of his creations. The moon is a waning gibbous, providing enough light for Castillo to see the trail she identified clearly. The path winds between the trunks of the skeletal pines and is choked with tall desert thistle plants as well as the dark, ropy vines.

A cool northern breeze stirs the dry foliage, the only sound in this isolated corner of the valley.
Kansas Kate
player, 84 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Tue 1 May 2018
at 02:21
  • msg #83

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

The work completed, the direction decided, and the preacher reigned in, Kate nods and resumes her approach.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 59 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Tue 1 May 2018
at 02:51
  • msg #84

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

With the lanterns shuttered, Jacinta began to make her way down the slope and into the clearing, trying to follow the path without getting too close to the weeds growing alongside.  She was cautious, often pausing to listen, gun held at the ready as she walked.
Bryan Lee
player, 75 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B3 L0
Tue 1 May 2018
at 03:14
  • msg #85

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Bryan made his way over to Allgood. "I'm afraid that people who kidnapped the children may take extreme reactions to our presence. Are you armed, Reverend?" he asked, patting his own holstered weapon.
Albert Cooper
player, 73 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Tue 1 May 2018
at 03:45
  • msg #86

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Albert moved to walk behind Jacinta. He wasn't keen on messing up any tracks that their scout was following, and could line up a shot rather easily by sliding to the side if necessary. The machete was still held in his left hand and his Colt revolver was in his right.
Rev. Earnest Allgood
player, 51 posts
P3 T5 W# F# W2 R1 B1 L#
Tue 1 May 2018
at 12:51
  • msg #87

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

In reply to Bryan Lee (msg # 85):

"Oh, no," Allgood relies, "I don't generally carry firearms. It isn't befitting my beliefs or my profession."
Tamsin River
player, 40 posts
Flower Power
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R2 B0 L0
Tue 1 May 2018
at 12:59
  • msg #88

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

“Here.”

Tamsin offers the lantern she is carrying to the reverend. “I’ve got a gun, but I’d best not try shooting it with one hand. Not particularly interested in using them as it is.”
This message was last edited by the player at 13:07, Tue 01 May 2018.
Bryan Lee
player, 76 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B3 L0
Tue 1 May 2018
at 13:02
  • msg #89

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"That's a fair approach, I suppose, though there are more evils in this world than man alone. My hope is to resolve the situation without the use of force if we're given the option. I've seen the words of faith sway wrongdoers in the past, so we could hope for the same here. Just a few minutes before you joined us, I deputized these men and women to provide us shelter under the law in the case that our acting in defense of children should cause us to enter a forceful engagement. As a non-participant in that element, I would appreciate if you could bear truthful witness to what happens here on our behalf, should we come to blows with anyone that is favored by the current powers that be in Lincoln," he said.
Rev. Earnest Allgood
player, 52 posts
P3 T5 W# F# W2 R1 B1 L#
Tue 1 May 2018
at 14:13
  • msg #90

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Yes, Ranger Lee, of course."

"Thank you for the use of the lantern, Miss River."

Earnest will follow along as they start downhill.
Bryan Lee
player, 77 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B3 L0
Tue 1 May 2018
at 16:42
  • msg #91

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

He nodded at the response, satisfied that it was as good as he was going to get. The Reverend was clearly a man of few words. If his sermons were as long, he might be able to have quite the large congregation.

With that out of the way, he moved towards the front of the back, but not in front of Jacinta. She was the expert in this arena, though he did his best to help out as he was able, but either this terrain seemed to be getting the best of him or he had been spending too much time in cities lately and not enough time out of doors.

He sighed, content to follow along, but looked ahead to see if the moonlight allowed him any clues as to what they were likely to stumble upon.

OOC:

Notice: 5
Tracking: 1

He can't track for crap tonight, thank heavens for Jacinta, but maybe he

11:41, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 5,2 using d6,d6, rerolling max.  Notice.
11:39, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 1,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max.  Tracking.


Marshal
GM, 150 posts
W6 R1 B0
Tue 1 May 2018
at 22:22
  • msg #92

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

The group moves cautiously down the slope, sidestepping the dark patches of winding vines, the wind occasionally lending a rustling voice to the overgrowth.

As the slope levels off, the path widens, and the last of the trees yield to what appears to have once been a cultivated field, left to neglect for many years. Dry, sun bleached husks on the ground suggest that it was wheat that was grown there. Now, much of the land is taken up by the familiar, thorn covered vines, which have grown almost waist high in patches, coiling like tall circles of barbed wire.

The trail, however, remains clear, cutting an unimpeded path to its destination: a single story farmhouse with a gabled roof. Even in the dim moonlight, it is apparent that the structure has suffered at the hands of the elements, the clapboard used in its construction now uniformly gray and splintered. On the right side, the roof has sagged, buckling a portion of the covered porch’s overhang. Two windows flank the closed front door, panes of glass in each of them broken. From the window on the left, the group can perceive orange flickers of shifting light. In the gloom, the neglected building has the appearance of a large, crouching shadow.

In the section of field to the left of the abandoned house stand a pair of wooden beams, roughly forming a cross. The wood appears as old as that of the house, and the cross has leaned to one side, lending it a crooked appearance. Scraps of what appear to be cloth hang from the ends of the horizontal timber, shifting listlessly in the cold breeze.

The area is quiet, noticeably free of the noises of nocturnal insects and animals.
Kansas Kate
player, 85 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Tue 1 May 2018
at 23:24
  • msg #93

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Kate said nothing, but she waved the lantern, not unhooding it, and pointed to the flickering light in the window.  The motion was to focus attention without using audible communication unnecessarily.

Kate herself wasn't much for that kind of finesse (she was usually the distraction), but she sure as hell had a lot of appreciation for it.  Kate was thinking her best play was to capture the prey once it was flushed.

As if anything were ever that simple.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 60 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Wed 2 May 2018
at 02:39
  • msg #94

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Jacinta nodded at Kate's gesture, seeing the light in the window.  Peeling off from the group, she cautiously approached the house and crept along one wall to the porch.  Easing quietly onto the aged wood, she ducked sideways to peer through the window.


Stealth: 5

19:34, Today: Jacinta Castillo rolled 4,5 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,5.  Stealth.
Bryan Lee
player, 78 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B3 L0
Wed 2 May 2018
at 16:23
  • msg #95

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Tapping Albert on the shoulder and gesturing to Kate, he pointed out the single set of boot prints on the ground, in case either of them hadn't yet observed the same. As Jacinta headed towards the window, he moved forward along with her, confident that his ability to keep quiet was on part with the scout's. He needed to get some insight into what was in that building before they advanced any further.


Stealth: 7

11:16, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 7,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max.  Stealth.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:24, Wed 02 May 2018.
Albert Cooper
player, 74 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Wed 2 May 2018
at 16:28
  • msg #96

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Albert looked over at Bryan at the shoulder-tapping, and then he looked down and nodded at what was indicated. He hung back as the pair of them went ahead, fairly certain that no more than two pairs of eyes were needed.

His gaze did drift over to the field and the odd pair of crossed wooden beams with cloth hanging off of it.

OOC: Has Albert seen anything like it before, or does he have a clue if it has mystical meaning?

09:27, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 3,2 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2.  Knowledge (Occult).

No, he hasn't and doesn't.
Marshal
GM, 151 posts
W6 R1 B0
Wed 2 May 2018
at 23:36
  • msg #97

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Castillo and Lee reach the porch, stepping carefully on the warped timbers to avoid making any sound. Reaching the window, the pair cautiously peer inside the decaying farmhouse.
Kansas Kate
player, 86 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Thu 3 May 2018
at 00:12
  • msg #98

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Meanwhile, Kate set the lantern down and took up her rifle.  She could switch back fast enough, but if someone came running out that was her best chance.
Jake McGraw
player, 84 posts
Mad Engineer
P5 T4 W0 F0 W1 R2
Thu 3 May 2018
at 00:23
  • msg #99

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Jake, not being especially stealthy, hung back and watched, ready to provide backup if needed.
Bryan Lee
player, 79 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B3 L0
Thu 3 May 2018
at 00:24
  • msg #100

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Bryan moved away from the window slightly with an economy of movement, keenly aware that too much motion on his part might give him away. It had been easy enough when the room had been empty, but with it now occupied sneaking about became a more difficult proposition.

He turned towards the others. Bryan held up a single finger, and then patted his holstered sidearm.

OOC: How big does this place look to be? How many rooms might it reasonably have given the size from what we've seen so far?
Marshal
GM, 152 posts
W6 R1 B0
Thu 3 May 2018
at 00:49
  • msg #101

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

OOC: By your best estimate, based on its size, it’s a four room house. The common room, a kitchen, and likely a pair of bedrooms.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 61 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Thu 3 May 2018
at 03:28
  • msg #102

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

She leaned close to Bryan, whispering. "One man?  He doesn't look to be made of vines.  There's gotta be someone else in there besides los niños.  So do we knock?  Or knock?"    She tapped the butt of her rifle.
Bryan Lee
player, 80 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B3 L0
Thu 3 May 2018
at 16:52
  • msg #103

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

He leaned in close, so that he could hear her better, and also respond in kind. "If you can play the damsel in distress, knock. Then if we need to, we can knock," he said, forming two fists.

He leaned back a bit to study her features in the low moonlight, to see what she thought of his plan. Whatever they ended up doing, the others would need to keep a low profile for the approach to work.

He turned back to the others and put a finger over his lips to indicate quiet, and then made a motion gesturing lower to indicate that they should stay down. Hopefully they could both see him and would understand his gestures, but there was no guarantee.
Rev. Earnest Allgood
player, 53 posts
P3 T5 W# F# W2 R1 B1 L#
Thu 3 May 2018
at 21:12
  • msg #104

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Catching up with the others, Reverend Allgood stays well back from the house, stepping among some leafy shrubs for concealment.
Albert Cooper
player, 75 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Thu 3 May 2018
at 23:20
  • msg #105

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

After his distant visual inspection of the timbers in the field, Albert settled into the darkness and waited for things to develop at the house.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 62 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Fri 4 May 2018
at 03:38
  • msg #106

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

She gave Bryan a nod and stepped up fully onto the porch, giving him time to take cover.  Standing back a bit from the door, she rapped softly to get the man's attention.  Though she was still holding her rifle, she rested the butt on the ground and held it easily and non-threateningly.  Tilting slightly so she could view the man through the window (and be seen, in turn), she waited to see if he'd answer the door or go for his gun.
Manuel Segovia
NPC, 2 posts
Fri 4 May 2018
at 04:36
  • msg #107

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Inside, Castillo sees the man start at the sound of her knock. His free hand falls to his pistol, but sighting the scout through the broken window, he refrains from drawing the weapon. Moving cautiously to the door, he pulls it open, the hinges giving out a brief, rusty squeal.

Holding up his lantern, he peers at Castillo suspiciously. ”I’m afraid you wandered over to the wrong house, señorita,” he says, ”What’s your business here?”

23:21, Today: Manuel Segovia rolled 2 using 1d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 4.  Notice.

OOC: The gunman does not perceive Lee crouching nearby.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 63 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Fri 4 May 2018
at 04:44
  • msg #108

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Jacinta offered a reassuring smile.  "A bit unfamiliar with the area.  I saw your light through the window and was hoping you could help point me in the right direction.  Is this your place?"
Tamsin River
player, 41 posts
Flower Power
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R2 B0 L0
Fri 4 May 2018
at 12:20
  • msg #109

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Has Tamsin heard or seen anything about a cross of this kind?
05:11, Today: Tamsin River rolled 3,4 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4.  Knowledge (Occult).

Tamsin also stays back from the house, hidden in the trees from whoever might be inside, gun at the ready. Her eyes sweep the fields, settling on the slanted cross for a moment.

She shifts her eyes to the house when she hears a knock on the door.
Manuel Segovia
NPC, 3 posts
Fri 4 May 2018
at 17:12
  • msg #110

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Nah," the man replies, "Not mine. Just checking on it for the fella that owns the land. Making sure there aren't any squatters."

He remains squarely in the doorway, his broad stance clearly meant to block access to the house, as well as any curious glances from his unexpected visitor. Pointing to the south, he adds, "You follow that path back to the road, then head east. You'll get to Lincoln before too long. Closest town around these parts."
Rev. Earnest Allgood
player, 54 posts
P3 T5 W# F# W2 R1 B1 L#
Fri 4 May 2018
at 19:18
  • msg #111

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

While Jacinta holds the occupant's attention, Earnest beings to circle the house clockwise, keeping a couple dozen or so yards away. He notes any windows or other access.

When he gets to where he can see the back side of the place, he moves in a bit closer, still looking for windows and such.
Marshal
GM, 153 posts
W6 R1 B0
Fri 4 May 2018
at 20:07
  • msg #112

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

OOC: Reverend, kindly give me a Stealth roll.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 64 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Fri 4 May 2018
at 23:55
  • msg #113

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Jacinta glanced back in the direction he pointed.  "Yea, I been there.  Was actually looking for the Blair place.  Thought this place might be it.  You heard of it?" 
Rev. Earnest Allgood
player, 55 posts
P3 T5 W# F# W2 R1 B1 L#
Fri 4 May 2018
at 23:57
  • msg #114

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

In reply to Marshal (msg # 112):

Rev. Earnest Allgood rolled 1,4 using D4-2,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4.  Stealth
Marshal
GM, 154 posts
W6 R1 B0
Sun 6 May 2018
at 05:49
  • msg #115

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

The man blinks at Castillo in surprise. ”Blair? How in the hell would you know that name?”

OOC: Jacinta and Bryan, each of you give me a Notice roll, please.

Keeping close to the trees bordering the now fallow field, Allgood makes his way around the side of the farmhouse to the rear. There, he sees that a pair of rickety steps lead up to a back door, which is closed. Two windows occupy the building’s back wall, one on the far left, the other just right of the door. The glass in both appears damaged and no light is visible behind either one.

For an instant, Allgood senses a scuttling motion among the tangled vines that fill the field behind the farmhouse. The movement is brief, halting a moment after the minister perceives it.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 65 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Sun 6 May 2018
at 06:10
  • msg #116

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Heard he died.  No relatives, no one jumpin' to take his land.  Thought maybe I'd have a look and see if it was worth settling.  Though, if you've already got claim to the property, then I guess I'm a bit too late."  She shrugged.


23:07, Today: Jacinta Castillo rolled 4,3 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,1.  Notice.
Bryan Lee
player, 81 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B3 L0
Sun 6 May 2018
at 13:50
  • msg #117

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

For the duration of the conversation, Bryan had done his best to remain quiet, out of sight, and ready to spring like a coiled viper at the moment any threat came to Jacinta. At the tone of surprise in his voice, Bryan's attention was even more keen.

Notice: 10!

08:44, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 4,10 using d6,d6, rerolling max.  Notice.


Marshal
GM, 155 posts
W6 R1 B0
Sun 6 May 2018
at 21:11
  • msg #118

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Both Castillo and Lee notice the man’s hand move to tip his weapon from its holster.

OOC: Bryan and Jacinta, please give me an Initiative draw.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 66 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Sun 6 May 2018
at 21:28
  • msg #119

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Jacinta's hand slid down her rifle and she lifted it to rest the butt against her hip.  she warned the man.


14:21, Today: Jacinta Castillo drew the single card: 6S using the Deadlands system.  In.
Bryan Lee
player, 82 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B3 L0
Mon 7 May 2018
at 05:41
  • msg #120

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Bryan had been seconds away from making the first move, but started to feel events outpace him.

Initiative: A lowly 3H

Yesterday: Bryan Lee drew the single card: 3H using the Deadlands system.  Initiative.

Question: With a raise on the Notice roll and being out of sight from Segovia, would Bryan have had the chance to ready a spell in advance of the combat round?
Marshal
GM, 156 posts
W6 R1 B0
Mon 7 May 2018
at 14:50
  • msg #121

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

08:09, Today: Marshal drew the single card: 2H using a deck of 54 cards.

OOC: Well, you did better than I did. :)

Jacinta, you can act (unless your previously posted action is all that you’re doing at this point), then Bryan.

Given the initiative order and the prior Notice roll, I don’t have any issue with Bryan having something prepped in advance.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 67 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Mon 7 May 2018
at 15:48
  • msg #122

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

OOC:  I'll hold Jacinta's action for now.
Rev. Earnest Allgood
player, 56 posts
P3 T5 W# F# W2 R1 B1 L#
Mon 7 May 2018
at 20:38
  • msg #123

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Allgood approaches the rear of the house, trying to see through one of the windows.

Rev. Earnest Allgood rolled 0,5 using d4-2,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5.  Stealth.
Bryan Lee
player, 83 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B3 L0
Mon 7 May 2018
at 21:05
  • msg #124

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

If his suspicious tone hadn't been a giveaway, the moment the man decided to go for his gun set Bryan's course for him. He couldn't recall who Blair was - he had heard so many names recently - but Jacinta had clearly touched a nerve and the man felt a need to respond with some heat. Fortunately, their ruse had worked and she had distracted the man from seeing him crouching nearby in the shadows.

Like an uncoiled viper, Bryan sprung into action against his unsuspecting target in a blur of motion, delivering his trademark double punch to first strike the man's arm, letting his second one land wherever he could make contact. Using the moment to his advantage, he reached in to draw the man's pistol, hoping to fling it out indiscriminately to the side.

The Ranger fell back into a fighting stance that was not common on this continent, save for maybe near Shan Fan, looking both dangerous and despite his traditional Western raiment, altogether somehow foreign.

"Reachin' for guns ain't a sociable way of answerin' questions."

OOC:

With Quickness presumed preactivated based on the Notice roll, Bryan goes twice on his 3H, leading off with his Wing Chun double punch (aiming to do non-lethal damage):

Fighting 1: 11 (Rolled 7, Called Shot -2, Unarmed Defender +2, The Drop +4)
Fighting 2: 8 (Rolled 2, Unarmed Defender +2, The Drop +4)
Damage 1 (if needed): 11 (or 16 with raise)
Damage 2 (if needed): 11

And then trying to pull the man's gun: Opposed Agility 7 (vs. Segovia's 4)

15:57, Today: Bryan Lee drew the single card: 9S using the Deadlands system.  Next Round Initiative.
15:54, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 1 using 1d4, rerolling max.  Damage.
15:54, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 1,10 using d6,d6, rerolling max.  Strength.
15:53, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 5 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5.  If Raise?
15:53, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 7 using 1d4, rerolling max with rolls of (4+3)7.  Damage.
15:51, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 4,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max.  Strength.
15:27, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 2,2 using d8,d6, rerolling max.  Fighting (Wing Chun).
15:27, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 7,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max.  Fighting.
15:26, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 7,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max.  Agility.
15:25, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 2,5 using d6,d6, rerolling max.  Quickness.
15:08, Today: Manuel Segovia rolled 4 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4.  Agility.
Marshal
GM, 157 posts
W6 R1 B0
Tue 8 May 2018
at 04:18
  • msg #125

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

OOC: Segovia has a Toughness of 6, and he’s an Extra. I’ll let you do the math.

Segovia opens his mouth to respond to Castillo just as Lee shifts into the doorway, hammering the gunhand with a swift pair of blows. His eyes roll up as he tips over, landing on his back like dead weight a split second before the Peacemaker that Lee relieved him from clatters to the floor, along with his lantern, which casts a skewed beam of orange light at the sagging ceiling.

Nothing else stirs within the dark farmhouse. The musty scent of corruption within is strong, much like the tunnel beneath the school.

23:05, Today: Marshal rolled 3 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3.  Notice.

Allgood reaches the back of the house without incident. Peering through the window beside the back door, the minister can see the abandoned remains of what was once a kitchen, a long unused wood burning stove leaning against a nearby wall, a broken table and chairs a short distance from it.

Allgood sees no movement within the poorly lit room.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 68 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Tue 8 May 2018
at 05:20
  • msg #126

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Nice one, Chino," Jacinta commented.  She'd seen Bryan in action before, but it never ceased to amaze her just how quickly he could move.  Putting her foot on his pistol, she slid it further down the porch and out of his reach.  The lantern illuminated his face as she took hold of it and held it up.  "He's knocked clean out, looks like.  Those fists of yours still pack a wallop."  She glanced up at Bryan.

"He didn't seem hostile, but somethin's got him nervy.  Remember me saying we might know where this whole thing started?  The vines and all?  That's the Blair place.  The herbalist in town said the old man was a mean, nasty sort, and when he died, these vines sprung up all over.  I'm wonderin' if this is the place or if he knew the man.  The name sure got a reaction."

Lifting the lantern, she swung it to signal the others, and whistled softly like the nightingale.
Jake McGraw
player, 85 posts
Mad Engineer
P5 T4 W0 F0 W1 R2
Tue 8 May 2018
at 05:38
  • msg #127

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Jake, seeing the waving lantern, heads forward. He looks at the unconcious man on the ground. "So...what happened, exactly?"
Kansas Kate
player, 87 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Tue 8 May 2018
at 10:56
  • msg #128

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Kate quit her rifle and resumed her own still hooded lantern as she approached.  She didn't like it, but she probably wasn't alone in that.
Albert Cooper
player, 76 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Tue 8 May 2018
at 11:16
  • msg #129

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Albert moved toward the house as well at the signal, looking in all directions as he approached. He didn't trust that the fellow was here alone.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:16, Tue 08 May 2018.
Tamsin River
player, 42 posts
Flower Power
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R2 B0 L0
Tue 8 May 2018
at 11:56
  • msg #130

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Tamsin holsters her gun and heads towards the house. Her first order of business is to kneel down and poke and prod, make sure the man is at least alive. He may not be good person, but he is a person so far as she can tell.
Bryan Lee
player, 84 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B3 L0
Tue 8 May 2018
at 13:04
  • msg #131

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Bryan quickly picked up the discarded firearm, and responded to Jake's query. "Jacinta said something that spooked him. He went for his gun. I knocked him out and disarmed him."

He looked to Tamsin, trying to dissuade her from poking him. "Ma'am, I didn't strike to kill. The man's just unconscious. If you bring him round before we're through here, he'll cause trouble. Let's finish up, and then if you wanna stay behind and nurse him back to good health I won't object."

"Before all this came about, he was lookin' nervously at that door," he said. Poking his head into the house, he took a look around to see if there was anything that looked important or that might speak of children.
Rev. Earnest Allgood
player, 57 posts
P3 T5 W# F# W2 R1 B1 L#
Tue 8 May 2018
at 16:37
  • msg #132

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Earnest moves to the other window and peers inside.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:53, Wed 09 May 2018.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 69 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Wed 9 May 2018
at 02:25
  • msg #133

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"We need him awake.  He might have some information that we could use," she said to Tamsin.  With a practiced hand, she took a length of rope from her bag and hogtied the man, securing his wrists to his ankles.  "You got anything in your bag of tricks that'll bring him 'round?" 
Marshal
GM, 158 posts
W6 R1 B0
Wed 9 May 2018
at 02:56
  • msg #134

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Cooper scans the vine choked grounds around the house, but sees nothing stirring among the dark foliage. For the moment, he is satisfied that no one else is lurking nearby.

Checking over the prone form of the gunman, River finds that he is just as Lee said: unconscious but alive. His breathing is slow and steady, his pulse strong. Castillo is able to restrain him without difficulty.

Checking the interior of the room, Lee notices one item out of place amongst the collection of rotted furnishings: a burlap sack, relatively new from the look of it. Picking it up, he finds it empty, but sees that crumbs of bread, or possibly biscuits, along with fragments of what he guesses to be bacon are clinging to the material on the inside.


Cautiously, Allgood peers into the other dust encrusted window, his eyes able to make out the ruined interior of what was once a bedroom. A bed, its wooden frame broken, occupies the center of the room and against one wall, the Reverend can see a wardrobe, the door of which has fallen off.

21:32, Today: Marshal rolled 2 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2.  Notice.

Near the bed, crouching in the deep shadows, the minister sees a small form, the size of a child possibly seven or eight years old. In the gloom, Allgood finds it impossible to discern any of its features. The figure is still, but after a moment, its head turns toward the door of the room, which is standing open.

It gives no indication that it has seen Allgood.

OOC: The Map for Group 0 shows the layout of the house and what has been explored up to this point. Please forgive its old school construction. I’m currently between map making utilities that I like.
Rev. Earnest Allgood
player, 58 posts
P3 T5 W# F# W2 R1 B1 L#
Wed 9 May 2018
at 04:04
  • msg #135

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Allgood goes to the back door of the cabin and opens it. If it doesn't open, he starts banging on it.
Marshal
GM, 159 posts
W6 R1 B0
Wed 9 May 2018
at 04:10
  • msg #136

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Allgood returns to the back door, but a pair of hard tugs on the rusted handle fail to budge it.

Within moments, the other members of the posse can hear the sound of banging coming from the rear of the building, the noise loud in the otherwise quiet house.
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:31, Wed 09 May 2018.
Bryan Lee
player, 85 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B3 L0
Wed 9 May 2018
at 04:26
  • msg #137

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Looks like they were carryin' food for someone in this bag here," he said at a low volume, handing it over to Tamsin. "If we're gonna wake him, best blindfold him so he can't make everyone's faces. Probably also wanna start with a gag so he doesn't yell."

As the banging started, his expression darkened a bit and he sighed, quietly providing some direction. If there was someone waiting for them, Bryan didn't want to give them a chance to get armed.

"Sounds like someone's ruined our surprise party. Best take what little we can get. Cooper, let's take this door here. Someone cover the other one."

Without further ado, he tried his hand at the closed door to the right, intending to burst in and put an early end to any potential hostilities.


Just in case you need it:

09:05, Today: Bryan Lee drew the single card: 8H using the Deadlands system.  Initiative (if needed).
This message was last edited by the player at 14:17, Wed 09 May 2018.
Albert Cooper
player, 77 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Wed 9 May 2018
at 05:54
  • msg #138

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Albert nodded at Bryan. "Sure thing, General." The ranch hand moved so that he could join Bryan in moving through the door once the other man decided to do so. Albert's pistol was still in his right hand as he waited for things to get interesting.
Marshal
GM, 161 posts
W6 R1 B0
Thu 10 May 2018
at 03:23
  • msg #139

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Lee pushes the door open and he and Cooper find themselves peering into a dark, narrow hallway. The musty scent that permeates the house is much stronger within it and swirls of dust shift through the stale air.

Almost directly across from the door that Lee opened is another door, which stands open. The room beyond it appears to hold a desk which is flanked by a pair of crudely built bookcases that are laden with moldering volumes. A darkened lantern sits atop the desk, beside a pile of yellowed papers.

Looking to the left, Cooper and Lee can see that the hallway continues toward the back of the house. A framed picture hangs at the end of the passage, the details of which are difficult to make out from where the pair stand. On the left and right are doors, which face each other. The right hand door is open, thin beams of moonlight visible from the room beyond it. The left hand door is closed.

OOC: Albert and Bryan, kindly give me a Notice roll.

The Map for Group 0 has been updated.
Kansas Kate
player, 89 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Thu 10 May 2018
at 03:25
  • msg #140

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Kate stayed on the porch but went and leaned into the door.

"Ya'll all right in there?  We're playing lookout out here, that house ain't that big."
Albert Cooper
player, 78 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Thu 10 May 2018
at 04:03
  • msg #141

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Albert looked around at the newly opened area, and swung his pistol to cover each place he looked. Unfortunately, the movement of his own gun seemed to be a distraction. It was an awfully pretty gun, after all.


OOC: 2 on the Notice roll.

21:01, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 2,2 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2.  Notice.
Tamsin River
player, 43 posts
Flower Power
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R2 B0 L0
Thu 10 May 2018
at 11:25
  • msg #142

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"You did quite the number on him. Rest assured he is going to need something a little stronger than me to wake him up," Tamsin says, digging through her bag for what she needed- smelling salts. "Though of course I can bring him round."

First things first: blindfold and gag, then she can wake him.
Bryan Lee
player, 87 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B2 L0
Thu 10 May 2018
at 15:45
  • msg #143

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Bryan took a moment to let his eyes adjust to the light. He didn't know whether someone might be hiding in the dark, hostile or friendly. A little caution and information could go a long way.




Notice: 7

10:39, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 5 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5.  Chippit.
01:02, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 2,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max.  Notice.
Marshal
GM, 163 posts
W6 R1 B0
Fri 11 May 2018
at 02:27
  • msg #144

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Using some fresh bandages from her bag, River is able to fashion a blindfold and gag for the unconscious gunman. Once both are secured, she waves the smelling salts under his nose.

He wakes with a violent start, sitting up and struggling fiercely with his bonds, the gag preventing him from crying out. It only takes a moment for him to settle down, resigned to the understanding that he is a prisoner.
Bryan Lee
player, 88 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B2 L0
Fri 11 May 2018
at 02:42
  • msg #145

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"A small shape, like a kid," he told Cooper in a low whisper. At that size, he didn't see what else it coudl be.

"Hey, kid. You can come out here, we're friends. We're gonna get ya outta here." He still spoke quietly, but a little louder than his whisper to Cooper, so as to not get any other attention. Hopefully whoever was responsible for the incessant banging on the back door would cover up any sound his speaking made. He waited to see what result his entreaty would have.



Persuasion: 4 (Roll 3 + 2 Edges -1 Hindrances)

21:37, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 2,3 using d6,d6, rerolling max.  Persuasion.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 70 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Fri 11 May 2018
at 02:55
  • msg #146

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Jacinta squatted down by their prisoner and spoke softly. "I told'ya that goin' for your gun was a bad idea.  Now, I'm gonna remove this gag for a minute, but if you go hollerin', you're gonna get a belly full of lead.  Nod if you understand." 
Jake McGraw
player, 86 posts
Mad Engineer
P5 T4 W0 F0 W1 R2
Fri 11 May 2018
at 03:12
  • msg #147

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Jake remains at his perch, peering out into the darkness as he kept watch. It hadn't sounded like anyone was in any need of his expertise or his plant killer stuff at the moment, so he was content to keep back and mind the rear.
Marshal
GM, 164 posts
W6 R1 B0
Fri 11 May 2018
at 05:01
  • msg #148

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Silence fills the air after Lee finishes whispering. After a moment, the only response the Ranger receives is a low, wooden thump, a sound not unlike the noise of a trunk lid being shut firmly.

At the sound of Castillo’s voice, the gunman becomes perfectly still. When she finishes speaking, he responds with a single slow deliberate nod.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 71 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Fri 11 May 2018
at 05:58
  • msg #149

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Carefully pulling the gag from his mouth, she kept her fingers clear of his teeth just in case.  "Somethin' in that house had you nervous like," she stated the undeniable fact.  "Tell me what you know, pistolero.  Where are los niños?"
Albert Cooper
player, 79 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Fri 11 May 2018
at 09:49
  • msg #150

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Albert nodded at Bryan's whispered comment, then waited to see what might emerge from the darkness. The sound only made him frown. He whispered back. "I've gotcha covered if ya wanna check that out. I can also grab a lantern if ya wanna see proper."
Tamsin River
player, 44 posts
Flower Power
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R2 B0 L0
Fri 11 May 2018
at 13:31
  • msg #151

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"May I?" Tamsin murmurs as she stands, pointing at the lamp Jacinta picked up off the man on the floor. There isn't much else she can do for him at the moment, but she is curious as to what the Ranger and Mr. Cooper have found. If they want a lantern, she can hold it and they can deal with the guns.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 72 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Fri 11 May 2018
at 20:38
  • msg #152

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Nodding to Tamsin, she passed over the lantern, and then looked back to their captive on the floor.
Kansas Kate
player, 90 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Fri 11 May 2018
at 21:16
  • msg #153

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Don't like it McGraw."  Kate grumbled.  This whole situation... it felt like sitting on a powder keg to her.
Jake McGraw
player, 87 posts
Mad Engineer
P5 T4 W0 F0 W1 R2
Fri 11 May 2018
at 23:08
  • msg #154

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Don't reckon there's much to like." Jake replies. "We still don't know what that thing was that the children said came out o' the weeds. We still don't know how or even if we can kills these weeds for good. We still don't know where the kids who got took are. But we're makin' progress here." he peers out into the darkness. "Least, I think we are."
Manuel Segovia
NPC, 4 posts
Sat 12 May 2018
at 00:52
  • msg #155

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

”You want the kids. Only reason anyone would be crazy enough to come out to this house,” he answers. ”I knew no good was gonna come of lettin’ them get taken.”

“I’m also guessin’ you’re not gonna listen to reason when I tell you to skedaddle. Get off this land and never look back.”

He sighs. ”They’re down below. In the cellar. Door’s in Old Man Blair’s reading room.”
Bryan Lee
player, 89 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B2 L0
Sat 12 May 2018
at 02:15
  • msg #156

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Get the lantern. With the Reverend makin' all this racket, any chance o' surprise is gone," he said.

"If you want, bring one or two o' the others if they got that fella pinned down well enough so we can take the rest of this place room by room."
Jacinta Castillo
player, 73 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Sat 12 May 2018
at 09:32
  • msg #157

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"And who took them?  And why?" she prodded.  "Was it Blair?  Is he the creature that came out of the vines and took them?" 
Marshal
GM, 165 posts
W6 R1 B0
Sat 12 May 2018
at 13:19
  • msg #158

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

The knocking at the back door ceases.

After a moment, Kate and McGraw see Reverend Allgood appear at the corner of the house, left of the front entrance. Aside from a few snags on his trousers, from navigating through patches of weeds, he appears no worse for wear.
Manuel Segovia
NPC, 5 posts
Sat 12 May 2018
at 13:19
  • msg #159

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

”Look, I don’t know all the whys. But, come on. If you’ve been in Lincoln anytime at all, you know why. It was done for Mister Murphy, to get folks to quiet down and cooperate.”

He shakes his head. ”Look, there’s been all kinds of stories about that old man and what he did out here. I don’t know what it is. I just think you’re better off leaving things be.”
Kansas Kate
player, 91 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Sat 12 May 2018
at 13:21
  • msg #160

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Kate presented and then lowered her Schofield.

"Easy there parson.  Where've you been anyway?"
Rev. Earnest Allgood
player, 59 posts
P3 T5 W# F# W2 R1 B1 L#
Sat 12 May 2018
at 15:48
  • msg #161

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

In reply to Kansas Kate (msg # 160):

"Don't you people believe in answering the door when someone's knocking?" Earnest replies as he comes up onto the porch, "I went around back to look in the windows. There's a child in the back bedroom. He looks like he might be sick."

He goes quickly inside and through the front room into the hallway. Taking a moment to get his bearings, he goes down to the second room on the right. He halts when he reaches the Ranger and Albert.

"Have you gotten the child?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:50, Sat 12 May 2018.
Bryan Lee
player, 90 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B2 L0
Sat 12 May 2018
at 16:34
  • msg #162

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

He gave the Reverend a dubious look.

"We're gonna have a talk later about all that racket you were makin'. But no, we haven't gotten him yet. Seems a bit skittish. Maybe he'll be more comfortable around a preacher. Why don't you do the honors, Rev?"
Albert Cooper
player, 80 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Sat 12 May 2018
at 16:35
  • msg #163

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Bryan Lee:
"Get the lantern. With the Reverend makin' all this racket, any chance o' surprise is gone," he said.

"If you want, bring one or two o' the others if they got that fella pinned down well enough so we can take the rest of this place room by room."


Albert nodded. "Sure thing."

Albert looked over at Tamsin and gestured for her to come with. He also waved at McGraw - the other two seemed to still be questioning the prisoner. "You two, come on with us. Bring the lanterns."
Jake McGraw
player, 88 posts
Mad Engineer
P5 T4 W0 F0 W1 R2
Sat 12 May 2018
at 16:41
  • msg #164

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Jake notices the wave and nods, heading in, lantern at hand.
Kansas Kate
player, 92 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Sat 12 May 2018
at 16:49
  • msg #165

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Kate too headed in.  She knew the value of a lookout but it was a boring job, that was for sure.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 74 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Sat 12 May 2018
at 17:32
  • msg #166

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Jacinta plopped down on the porch beside their prisoner to keep the area in view while the others explored inside.  "So why are you out here?  What's your part in all this?"
Rev. Earnest Allgood
player, 60 posts
P3 T5 W# F# W2 R1 B1 L#
Sat 12 May 2018
at 18:21
  • msg #167

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"I'll be happy to try. Tell me, Albert, which child is it? Is he Mr. Kibbee's son?"
Kansas Kate
player, 94 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Sat 12 May 2018
at 19:44
  • msg #168

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Kate walked around, seeing what there was to see.  Upon encountering Manuel Segovia in the flesh again, she had to laugh.

"Of course that loser's here.  Why ain't ah surprised?"
Tamsin River
player, 46 posts
Flower Power
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R2 B0 L0
Sun 13 May 2018
at 15:01
  • msg #169

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Tamsin follows without question, lantern in hand.
Marshal
GM, 166 posts
W6 R1 B0
Sun 13 May 2018
at 19:14
  • msg #170

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

McGraw and River gather with Lee, Cooper, and Allgood at the doorway to the hallway. Peering into the corridor and into the nearby room with the desk and shelves, none of them see any further movement, or hear any sounds of activity. All is quiet.
Manuel Segovia
NPC, 6 posts
Sun 13 May 2018
at 19:14
  • msg #171

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

The gunman scowls beneath his blindfold in response to Kate’s comment. ”Who the hell’s that? I know you?”

“I was bringin’ food out here,” he says to Castillo, ”I come out here once a day to do that. Check on things. Then I get the hell out as quick as I can.”
Kansas Kate
player, 95 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Sun 13 May 2018
at 19:26
  • msg #172

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Kate just smiled.  She waited for some indication whether he was cooperating or not.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 75 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Sun 13 May 2018
at 20:06
  • msg #173

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Guess you got a heart of gold, pistolero.  You are you workin' for, then?"  She used his shoulder as a prop as she reached in her pocket for a cigarillo.  Glancing up at Kate, she lifted her eyebrows in silent question.
Bryan Lee
player, 92 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B2 L0
Mon 14 May 2018
at 20:16
  • msg #174

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Don't think we could tell which one," he said. "Seems a bit cagey. Probably spooked from all this, and I could't blame him. Or her."

Once the others had gathered and lanterns were about, Bryan moved into the room, hoping to find the child that was hiding from them and bring him to safety - by force if need be. The kid would probably be scared half to death by the whole thing, but was better off back with their parents rather than bein' held by strange people among a buncha vines. That and they didn't need a kid running around in the line of fire if some other bad folks were lurkin' about.

OOC:

Notice: 5 - for trying to spot the little tyke
Agility: 12 - trying to catch the little rascal if he tries to run

15:15, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 12,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max.  Agility.
15:15, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 5,2 using d6,d6, rerolling max.  Notice.
Marshal
GM, 167 posts
W6 R1 B0
Tue 15 May 2018
at 03:08
  • msg #175

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Lee ventures across the hall, through the open doorway.

As the lawman had seen before, a desk, warped by moisture, is centered on the wall opposite the door. A cold lantern sits atop it, beside a stack of yellowing papers, which are held in place by a piece of black stone. Bookcases, clearly constructed by an amateur carpenter, hold a number of cloth and leather bound volumes. All of the books are coverered in dust and most bear no markings on their spines.

To the right of the door is a table. Scattered across its surface are a number of dried leaves and cuttings from plants, as well as several sprigs that have been collected in jars. A book lies in the midst of the samples, along with several pieces of rock of differing colors. Lee’s eyes are drawn to a lone piece of paper which sits close to the table’s edge which looks out of place, the color of it almost white, suggesting that it is much newer than the items surrounding it.

To the left is a trapdoor with an iron handle, which is closed, likely the entrance to a cellar.

Of the child, Lee sees no trace.
Manuel Segovia
NPC, 7 posts
Tue 15 May 2018
at 03:08
  • msg #176

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

”Who you think?” he replies with a smile. ”I watch after Mr. Murphy’s cattle and other property. You considerin’ taking me back to Lincoln? Handing me over to the law?”
Jacinta Castillo
player, 76 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Tue 15 May 2018
at 03:20
  • msg #177

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Not likely," Jacinta grunted.  She gave him a smack on the ass as she took a drag from her cigar.  "Ain't stupid, yanno.  Ain't no law in Lincoln that we could trust you with, is there?  Smartest thing'd be to put a bullet in your noggin', 'cept I ain't the sort to go killin' an unarmed, helpless man.  Now, I could let you loose, give you your gun back, and we could see what happened, though that didn't go so well for you the last time."

"So what'd you think we should do with you?"  She glanced back up at Kate.  "Any ideas, chica?"
Kansas Kate
player, 96 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Tue 15 May 2018
at 03:38
  • msg #178

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Kate drew her sixgun... then thought better of it and let it fall back in its holster, opting instead to come up with her knife.

"Oh a helpless man is one thing, but I got no problem with killin' an unarmed, helpless snake, especially one what ain't no help. This son of a bitch ain't got no problem pickin' on folks an' shakin' 'em down fer pennies when it suits 'em, he ought to understand business is just business."

Kate mentioned this all casually while cleaning the nails of her right hand.

"Ya ever met a feller named Pap Finn, down way of Louisiana?  Worst gambler you ever met, but the best knife fighter.  He showed me a spot once where if you stick a man in his neck, he'll bleed out for days, an' won't be able to tell no one what happened.  Poor son of a bitch winds up drowning in his own blood.  Nasty."

She spun the big knife in her hand, the hilt spiraling gracefully around her talented hand.

"Takes the right kind of knife though, one what comes to a sharp point... like this 'un.  Yessir, this'd do."

Kate was a callous outlaw, but she was running a bluff here.  Killing him wouldn't really get her anything, but if he buckled he might tell them something he shouldn't, or make some fool promise.  At the same time, she had no doubt were their situations reversed, he'd do much worse things to her, and it wouldn't be a bluff, so she didn't feel particularly guilty about it either.

Kate wants to make him squirm a little and bust that smug look off his face.  Maybe convince him to say or do something he otherwise wouldn't.

22:33, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 10,4 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (6+2)8,2.  Intimidation.
Rev. Earnest Allgood
player, 62 posts
P3 T5 W# F# W2 R1 B1 L#
Tue 15 May 2018
at 04:25
  • msg #179

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Allgood goes down the hall to the room where he had seen the child through the window. He peers through the doorway for a moment. There's no need to rush the child.

"Child," he says quietly, "I am Reverend Allgood. I'm a preacher. I want to take you back to your family.

"Will you speak to me? Do you want to go home?"

[ooc: I'm presuming that Lee has entered room #3. Allgood is at the door to room #4.]
Albert Cooper
player, 82 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Tue 15 May 2018
at 12:01
  • msg #180

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Albert moved into the room with Bryan, looking in all directions as he did so. Once he finally felt reasonably certain no one was going to jump out of the shadows at them both, he waved Tamsin and McGraw over. Perhaps she would be able to make something of all the leaves and plant cuttings. And he was just a smart dude. Maybe he could help make sense of everything else. Plus they both had lanterns.

Albert moved toward the bookcase to take a look at what might be of interest there, if anything.
Jake McGraw
player, 89 posts
Mad Engineer
P5 T4 W0 F0 W1 R2
Tue 15 May 2018
at 12:32
  • msg #181

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Jake headed Albert's way.
Bryan Lee
player, 94 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B2 L0
Tue 15 May 2018
at 12:51
  • msg #182

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

He pointed out some of the tracks he noticed to the others. "See there, maybe it wasn't a child but a small animal of some kind." The tracks he pointed out were small enough for a child, but only had three toes and looked like they might have some claws.

Moving into the room, Lee took a detailed look at the single newer sheet of paper, though he spared a cursory glance at the older one.
Albert Cooper
player, 83 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Tue 15 May 2018
at 14:54
  • msg #183

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Albert glanced down at the tracks. "Or an imp, or a satyr, or a were-chicken. That last one is particularly nasty."

OOC: Albert have any clue about what kind of unholy creature might have made these tracks? (if it is indeed a creature)

07:53, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 7,5 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (4+3)7,5.  Knowledge (Occult).
Jake McGraw
player, 90 posts
Mad Engineer
P5 T4 W0 F0 W1 R2
Tue 15 May 2018
at 16:41
  • msg #184

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Could be worse." Jake grunts, then he decided to break the tension a bit. "I done read in the Epitaph about a town in Texas that was beset by vampire watermelons." He shrugs. "I ain't for sure how watermelons can be vampires, but that's what the article said. Those won't even leave tracks, just divots in the dirt."

((OOC: ;) to all of you folks who were there for that particular bit of oddness...))
Bryan Lee
player, 95 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B2 L0
Tue 15 May 2018
at 17:05
  • msg #185

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"If I ever met a vampire watermelon, I'd shove it in a closet," he said absently, his mind not really on the subject, instead focusing on the letter at hand. Another Ranger had mentioned that story to him before - he just had never believed it. You saw some strange things working as a Ranger, but even then, you couldn't just believe everything you'd heard.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:10, Tue 15 May 2018.
Marshal
GM, 169 posts
W6 R1 B0
Wed 16 May 2018
at 02:29
  • msg #186

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Taking the newer sheet of paper from the table, Lee can see that it is a child’s drawing, which he recognizes as a crude representation of the exterior of the farmhouse. The thick, dark lines manage to convey the foreboding appearance of the place and the young artist has included the loops of thorn covered vines crowding the fields nearby. The picture readily transmits the feelings of terror the dilapidated home inspired.

But the Ranger notes one key difference between the drawing and the house he has seen. The child has included a figure, a pumpkin headed scarecrow, hanging from the crossed wooden beams in front of the house. Beams that were vacant when Lee and the others encountered them.

A cursory glance at the papers on the desk informs Lee that most are pieces of correspondence between a man named Elliot Blair and a number of different individuals, some from as far away as London and Berlin.

Examining some of the titles on the bookcase, Cooper surmises that most of the selections appear to be devoted to the study of magic. Several of the volumes are in different languages: German, French, and Latin and a number concern themselves with the religions of Ancient Egypt. A few are devoted to the shamanic legends of the Scandinavian countries, as well as Russia.

The tracks resemble nothing that Cooper has yet encountered, but the minimal outline of the prints suggests to him that whatever left them was very lightweight.

Allgood moves down the hallway to the bedroom he was able to view through the window. The minister is able to get a better view of the framed picture at the end of the corridor as he nears the doorway, seeing that it is a portrait, depicting a severe looking man wearing spectacles, his silver hair swept back from his face, a thick beard concealing his mouth and jaw.

The bedroom’s furniture is in poor condition. Besides the broken bed and wardrobe, Allgood can see, just left of the door, a washbasin that has been tipped over, the bowl within it broken into several pieces.

Of the small figure he saw, there is no sign. Nothing stirs within the quiet room.
Manuel Segovia
NPC, 8 posts
Wed 16 May 2018
at 02:29
  • msg #187

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

21:17, Today: Manuel Segovia rolled 1 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1.  Spirit.

Segovia is Shaken.

Segovia swallows hard at the sound of Kate’s blade sliding from its scabbard. As she speaks, he becomes perfectly still, his breathing growing shallow.

”Listen to me. None of those kids have been hurt. Even Murphy wouldn’t stand for such a thing. He just wants people to fall in line,” he says, any confidence in his voice gone. ”I know that Dolan and Murphy, they had a hand in making this happen. In the kids getting snatched. But...I don’t know how. I swear. Somehow, they’ve got some kind of sway over...”

“If you want them, they’re down in the cellar. Not a hair on their heads harmed. But you’re better off leaving things be. It’s not gonna let you just waltz out of here with them. And even if you somehow get out alive, if Murphy finds out who spoiled his plans, there’ll be hell to pay. I promise you.”
Kansas Kate
player, 99 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Wed 16 May 2018
at 02:45
  • msg #188

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Manuel Segovia:
”It’s not gonna let you just waltz out of here with them.”


Kansas Kate let the edge of the Toothpick pass over Segovia's Adam's Apple, with no pressure on it, just enough to give the filthy loser a bit of a shave.  She whispered harshly.

"What's not going to let us 'waltz out of here with them'?  You better jack them jaws boy."
Manuel Segovia
NPC, 9 posts
Wed 16 May 2018
at 03:05
  • msg #189

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

”Old Man Blair,” Segovia stammers, ”Or...what used to be him. I think.”
Kansas Kate
player, 100 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Wed 16 May 2018
at 03:07
  • msg #190

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Double K looked at Jacinta.  "We gotta warn 'em.  Five minutes ago."
Jacinta Castillo
player, 77 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Wed 16 May 2018
at 04:58
  • msg #191

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Right," Jacinta grinned at Kate despite the situation.  She hustled up the gag around Segovia's mouth to keep him quiet and then tied the rope restraining him to one of the porch posts.  She gave him a pat on the head and hopped up, bounding up the steps and into the house.

Searching for the boys, she found them clustered in the office.  Glancing about, she spotted the trapdoor and pointed.  "Anybody pop down in the cellar, yet?  Kids are down there, 'cept pretty boy outside said they were guarded by something nasty that ain't gonna let us take 'em."
Bryan Lee
player, 99 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B2 L0
Wed 16 May 2018
at 05:16
  • msg #192

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Bryan folded up the white paper, and some of the others and shoved them into his back pocket for later consideration. When Jacinta joined them, he nodded at her suggestion.

"Keep your weapons ready. We're going down. I've got a strange suspicion that whoever is holding them hostage might be a lunatic dressed up as a scarecrow but just...stay sharp for whatever. I'll take the lead. And Reverend, if you could see to kindly not bangin' on things I'd be mucb obliged. Not that there's much surprise to be had after your last assault on the back door, but I'll take what I cam get." He took the lantern Kibbee had given him from whoever had it0 and lifted the lid of the trap door. If there were stairs or a ladder he'd proceed downward.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:17, Wed 16 May 2018.
Albert Cooper
player, 85 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Wed 16 May 2018
at 13:09
  • msg #193

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Albert commented on what he found on the shelf. "Lotta, er, tomes on magic on this bookshelf. Somebody sure wanted ta figure out how they might tap that mystical power what seems so commonplace nowadays. Prolly ain't gonna be a dressed up lunatic we're gonna find. But here's ta hopin' yer optimism is accurate." Albert flipped through a few pages of the texts.

His attention went back to Bryan as the ranger opened up the trapdoor. The ranch hand held up a finger in a gesture that requested a moment of patience. "Whoa up there, pardner. There's some logistics ta headin' down under a trap door while leavin' some fella that would love ta trap us down there squirmin' around up here. And we ain't got no idea when someone else might be comin' by. It's sorta what sucks about trap doors - it's easy ta trap folk under 'em. I ain't volunteerin' ta hang back, but somebody's gotta."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:25, Wed 16 May 2018.
Rev. Earnest Allgood
player, 64 posts
P3 T5 W# F# W2 R1 B1 L#
Wed 16 May 2018
at 13:47
  • msg #194

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Allgood circles the room, calling softly in a reassuring tone. He searches every corner, not neglecting to look under the bed.

[That'll probably be my last post for a week. NPC me as needed.]
Bryan Lee
player, 100 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B2 L0
Wed 16 May 2018
at 15:28
  • msg #195

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

As quickly as he was about to open it to go down, he rested the trap door back down gently to take into consideration Cooper's advice. Curiosity was getting the better of his judgment.

"Did y'all untie him?" he asked Jacinta and Kate. "Either way, probably would work well if someone stayed back and kept watch over him and the general situation. Someone that's not averse to pulling a trigger if necessary."

He looked down the hallway to a door that by his sense of the place seemed to have been a room he hadn't seen. Probably the only one on this floor. "Just a moment. There's one more door on this floor that I don't wanna leave unexplored just in case there's someone in there that ain't friendly."

Bryan went down the hall quickly to test the door.
Tamsin River
player, 48 posts
Flower Power
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R2 B0 L0
Wed 16 May 2018
at 17:16
  • msg #196

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Tamsin came over when signalled, setting her lamp on the table as she took a look at the plants and rocks.

The new situation, lantern light and the stress of finding the children do no good for her memory. Tamsin can't tell, exactly, what this could mean. She does grab one of the jars and puts some of the dried leaves and cuttings off the table into it. Some rocks, too, just for good measure.

If the morning didn't bring her clarity, she could always ask Miss Winter.


09:56, Today: Tamsin River rolled 3,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1.  Knowledge: Herbal. White chip reroll.
09:49, Today: Tamsin River rolled 1,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1.  Knowledge: Occult.
09:48, Today: Tamsin River rolled 3,3 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,3.  Knowledge: Herbal.
Albert Cooper
player, 86 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Wed 16 May 2018
at 19:30
  • msg #197

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Albert nodded at Bryan's wisdom, then did some mental calculations concerning who met the qualifications Bryan laid out, and swore under his breath. "Damn my big mouth, and pardon my French, Rev."

Albert looked over at Kate. "I think it's you or me what gotta sit this one out playin' guards-person, sunshine.  We both know it sucks, so I'll play guard this time so long as ya do so next time it comes down ta you and me."
Kansas Kate
player, 101 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Wed 16 May 2018
at 20:42
  • msg #198

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Oh fer cryin' out loud."  Kate sighed.  "I'm a hired gun here."

Although she wasn't being paid.  "An' I do what I'm hired for."

She headed back to Segovia.  She had other reasons too.
Marshal
GM, 171 posts
W6 R1 B0
Thu 17 May 2018
at 00:22
  • msg #199

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Allgood searches the room carefully, checking every corner and beneath the bed, but finds no trace of a lost child.

The only thing the minister notices is a series of marks in the wooden floor, near where he witnessed the small figure crouching. They are scratches, thin gouges in the wood that appear to have been left by claws of some kind.

Lee opens the door opposite the bedroom, finding that it opens into a storage room. Shelves line the walls to the left and right of the entrance. On the left, several dust encrusted jars occupy the wide, splintered planks, while rotted linens fill the shelving on the right.

Another door, which stands ajar, is opposite the doorway Lee entered. It leads into a ruined kitchen.

On the floor of the storage room are two corpses. One is a young man with short brown hair and a stubble beard, dressed for work on the range. His eyes are wide and bulging and the skin around his mouth is gray and blue in color, suggesting that he died fighting to breathe. Dark bruises on his throat, along with several deep scratches, serve as further testament to the manner of his demise. Clutched in his right hand is a Colt Army revolver.

Beside him is a figure that is no more than two feet in height, by Lee’s estimation, its slender body made up of a twisted collection of the dark vines that filled the schoolhouse and nearby fields. Its hands and feet have three fingers and toes, respectively, all of which end in long, curved talons. Its head resembles a dried out pumpkin with a leering face carved on its surface. Portions of its body are broken, with small fragments of vine littering the floor, suggesting to Lee that the creature was shot several times.

Peering closely at the man, the Ranger estimates that he has been dead no more than a single day.

River is able to collect some of the best specimens of plant from the table into a single jar, along with four of the rocks. Several of the cuttings she takes have thorns of varying sizes, but her practiced hands avoid any injury.
Bryan Lee
player, 101 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B2 L0
Thu 17 May 2018
at 00:46
  • msg #200

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Lee rejoines the others shortly, closing the door behind him. "There's a couple corpses back there. Mr. Cooper, Mr. McGraw, I might need your help with identification later if they're locals," he said. "But for now, the kids. If Kansas Kate is staying up here, then we're covered. She did some good shooting back on the stagecoach. As for what's down below, I don't know the situation well enough for a plan. I hope to do as much as possible without any shooting. First priority is gettin' them kids outta there."
Albert Cooper
player, 87 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Thu 17 May 2018
at 01:17
  • msg #201

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Albert nodded at Bryan's report. He hoped they weren't friends of his. "Here's the plan. We go down there, beat the tar out of whatever's holding those kids, bring them kids back up here, and very, very quietly get them safely back ta town."
Jake McGraw
player, 92 posts
Mad Engineer
P5 T4 W0 F0 W1 R2
Thu 17 May 2018
at 01:29
  • msg #202

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"I don't know how much help I'll be there, but I'll do what I can." McGraw says when the subject of corpse identification came up.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:53, Thu 17 May 2018.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 78 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Thu 17 May 2018
at 04:55
  • msg #203

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Corpses?  Musta been what had the pistolero so nervy when we got here."  She checked her rifle for readiness and rested it on her hip.  "Alright, then.  Let's go."
Bryan Lee
player, 103 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B2 L0
Thu 17 May 2018
at 15:32
  • msg #204

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Yes and no. I think there's somethin' more than that goin' on here. Whatever's got that pistolero all shook up, I think it's down below. Be careful with your fire, and with your device Mr. McGraw, as there will hopefully be children about. But if you have a clear shot and it seems like we're at that point, don't hesitate," he said.

Lantern in one hand, he lifted up the trap door and looked to see what the method of ingress into the basement level would be.
Kansas Kate
player, 104 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Thu 17 May 2018
at 16:54
  • msg #205

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Meanwhile, back at the ranch...

Kate sighed.

She hadn't done this out of some kind of duty, nor cowardice.  The fact was, if it was a Critter, her little six gun probably wasn't going to faze it much.  Weird things tended to laugh at mere mortals.

"Just you and me, loser."  Kate let her presence be known to the prisoner.  Carefully, she removed her rifle from its carrying scabbard and slowly, and deliberately chambered a round as she cocked the Winchester for theatrical effects.  When you were tied up in enemy territory, that was one of the loudest sounds you could hear.  "Or as your people say, pendejo.  Though it don't quite translate, does it, pendejo?"
Marshal
GM, 174 posts
W6 R1 B0
Fri 18 May 2018
at 00:50
  • msg #206

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Lee pulls the trapdoor open.

A flight of crude, wooden plank stairs descends for roughly fifteen feet into a shadowy, dirt floored tunnel. The now familiar vines cover the walls, a thick, tangled net of climbing stems and thorns.

As the lantern light illuminates the descent, the vines visibly contract, shrinking back from the stairwell.
Manuel Segovia
NPC, 10 posts
Fri 18 May 2018
at 00:50
  • msg #207

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

”No. Not quite,” Segovia answers. ”You gonna kill me, señorita? Your friend leave you to do the job she didn’t have the stomach for?”

“Lemme guess. You’re friends of the Regulators. Right?”
Kansas Kate
player, 105 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Fri 18 May 2018
at 01:13
  • msg #208

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

In reply to Manuel Segovia (msg # 207):

Kate laughed.  "Somethin' like that, pendejo, somethin' like that.  But don't take it so personal, in another time, another place, we'd be reversed.  I'm the one on the top side this time is all.  Won't always be so.  Usually ain't."

She mused silently for a moment and asked with just a hint of sarcasm, just enough to show she was insulting his intelligence.  "Now whatever makes a fine upstanding gentleman like yourself make such an outrageous implication?"

Kate is trying to upset him into saying more than he wants to out of anger.

20:13, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 7,6 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 5,4.  Taunt.
Albert Cooper
player, 89 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Fri 18 May 2018
at 03:40
  • msg #209

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Albert looked down into the cellar as the trapdoor opened, but followed Bryan's lead. Given the Ranger's hand-to-hand skill, it would be best to be out of his way when they came into contact with...whatever they found below.
Bryan Lee
player, 104 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B2 L0
Fri 18 May 2018
at 15:58
  • msg #210

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Alright, here's the marching order - Me, Coop, McGraw, Jacinta....and the Rev." The order seemed to make logical sense.

"Reverend, I trust you'll be quieter in this enterprise than you were in the last. Remember, we're here for the kids and how you act has consequences. And Jacinta, if the good Reverend has another fit and starts bangin' on things and makin' a racket, feel free to club him with the butt end of your rifle."

He'd take point, putting himself at most risk over his momentary deputies. Cooper's sidearm would be good at close range. That would give McGraw some space to determine how and when to use his solution on the vines. Jacinta would be towards the back with her rifle, giving her some space to pick targets if needed. And finally the Reverend - an extra set of hands to grab the kids, if he could prevent himself from raisin' hell.

"Time's up. Let's do this." Lantern in hand, Ranger Lee descended into the darkness below, hoping that they'd be able to rescue some children and reunite them with their families, but not truly knowing what awaited him below.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:08, Fri 18 May 2018.
Albert Cooper
player, 90 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Fri 18 May 2018
at 16:09
  • msg #211

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Albert nodded at the plan, then followed - pistol still in his right hand and the machete held low in his left.
Jake McGraw
player, 94 posts
Mad Engineer
P5 T4 W0 F0 W1 R2
Fri 18 May 2018
at 16:46
  • msg #212

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

McGraw also nods, though he doesn't offer any commentary. He still wasn't sure the stuff he'd mixed up was going to work like he hoped...but he could probably figure something out if it came down to it.
Marshal
GM, 175 posts
W6 R1 B0
Sat 19 May 2018
at 04:31
  • msg #213

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

The five descend the steps, the rickety planks creaking ominously beneath their feet. To the left and right, the vines continue to move, their motion reminiscent of snakes slithering through undergrowth, the dry rasp of their shifting filling the quiet that dominates the cellar.

At the foot of the stairs, the group finds themselves in a wide room with dirt walls that have been reinforced with uneven, horizontal timbers. The dark weeds cover the walls and much of the earthen floor, having overtaken much that was once stored in the cellar: shelves, a long tables, and a number of stacked crates. Aside from the vines, the group sees no movement within the basement, the smoky illumination from the lanterns casting long shadows in the chamber’s corners.

On the eastern wall, to the right of the stairs, a ten foot section of the wall has collapsed, revealing a dark tunnel beyond it.
Manuel Segovia
NPC, 11 posts
Sat 19 May 2018
at 04:31
  • msg #214

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

23:22, Today: Manuel Segovia rolled 3 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3.  Spirit.

Segovia grits his teeth. ”Why in hell do you think? They’re the only ones foolish enough to buck Mr. Murphy and the House here in Lincoln. The only ones that think they can actually change the way things are,”

“Don’t you get it? Mr. Murphy’s influence in this valley, it goes a lot deeper than him having the biggest cattle herd in the area. Billy and his crew, they’re not the first to challenge him. But do yourself a favor. Ask around town how its turned out for the others that have tried to buck The House. What’s happened to them will happen to the Regulators. They’re not going to accomplish a damn thing.”
Albert Cooper
player, 91 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Sat 19 May 2018
at 04:51
  • msg #215

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Don't s'pose they put the kids in them crates." Albert sighed. Another godforsaken tunnel. As he walked he gave a slightly annoyed look at the weeds on the floor. It would be nice if they weren't there. Weedkiller McGraw might be the one to see to it that happened, though.
Kansas Kate
player, 106 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Sat 19 May 2018
at 13:12
  • msg #216

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

In reply to Manuel Segovia (msg # 214):

Kate played dumb.  "There ain't no man what can't lose everything by catching enough bullets.  What other influence does a man need other than havin' all th' cattle, figuratively or otherwise?"
Jake McGraw
player, 95 posts
Mad Engineer
P5 T4 W0 F0 W1 R2
Sat 19 May 2018
at 16:04
  • msg #217

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

In reply to Albert Cooper (msg # 215):

McGraw carefully threaded his way through the vines, and headed over to the crates to take a peek inside. He suspected they'd have to go down into the tunnel, but there might be some sort of clues he could glean. He was tempted to spray the floor to clear his path, but he wasn't keen on provoking the vines or whatever was controlling them just now.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 79 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Sun 20 May 2018
at 06:59
  • msg #218

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Somewhere in the middle of the pack, Jacinta entered the room with the others, keeping quiet for the time being.  She had her rifle at the ready, but was cautious on account of them possibly encountering the children.  Her eyes darted over the room in search of anything unnatural, and she frowned upon seeing the tunnel.  She really didn't want another long jaunt underground, but it seemed as though that was in their near future.



Notice: 6

23:56, Today: Jacinta Castillo rolled 6,3 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,1.  Notice.
Tamsin River
player, 49 posts
Flower Power
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R2 B0 L0
Sun 20 May 2018
at 08:06
  • msg #219

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Once Tamsin has collected enough plant material, she steps out of the room. She does not follow down the stairs- she was not invited, and anyways, it's better for her to stay out of the line of fire.

"I'm going to take a look at the corpses," she says quietly to Kate.
Marshal
GM, 176 posts
W6 R1 B0
Sun 20 May 2018
at 16:39
  • msg #220

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

McGraw carefully peers into a few of the crates. For several, the passage of years and ongoing neglect have reduced their contents to ruin. McGraw encounters broken jars and rusted metal containers, whatever they held long lost. However, the engineer does locate a set of digging tools in one large crate: shovels, pick axes, and other implements of excavation. In another, he finds a trio of burlap sacks containing seed: black kernels the size of pumpkin seeds. McGraw notices that the crate containing the seed has faded stenciling on its side, which indicates that it originated from England.

The vines that cover the walls and ceiling of the cellar continue to shift, their movement slow, like serpents in their den stirred from sleep. Aside from the dark colored plants, Castillo does not perceive anything else within the room. No threats lurk within the shadows or behind any of the stacked crates.


River ventures back to the storage room, pausing to regard the portrait of the stern looking older man hanging at the end of the hall.

Taking in the two bodies, RIver has no doubt that the young ranch hand has been strangled, the last moments of his life spent in a desperate struggle to draw breath.

The other corpse is assuredly not human, much of its form comprised of the same vines that occupy the fields outside the abandoned farmhouse, the plants that River first stumbled across behind the schoolhouse. The creature’s hands and feet end in claws that, upon close examination, River can see are thorns that have grown to a much larger size, and that have taken on a distinctive, curved shape.

The creature’s head resembles a pumpkin, dark orange in color with streaks of black crossing its leathery surface. The head appears sunken in, much like a melon that has been left to spoil. However, River can make out crude features that resemble a face: deep slits for eyes and a jagged mouth that is turned upward in a perpetual, leering grin.
Manuel Segovia
NPC, 12 posts
Sun 20 May 2018
at 16:39
  • msg #221

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Segovia shakes his head slowly. ”I don’t reckon it would hold much water with you, but the way I heard it told, it’s akin to the Apache or Comanche, having a bond with the land itself. Since Mr. Murphy came down from the Capitan Mountains years back, this valley’s belonged to him.”

“Look, I already done told you that those kids aren’t gonna come to any harm, chica. You and your friends are just plain stupid for tryin’ to interfere in this thing. Be smart. Gather your people up and get the hell out of here. Don’t line up to get yourselves killed like McSween and John Tunstall’s crew.”
Kansas Kate
player, 107 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Sun 20 May 2018
at 16:48
  • msg #222

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Kate smiled bitterly.

"Yeah, funny thing about that... what no one ever took a chitlin from its folks... lessen' o' course those folks are Satan's own asshole, ever had them a good reason fer it."

She chuckled bitterly.  "You know why I called you a loser?"
Jake McGraw
player, 96 posts
Mad Engineer
P5 T4 W0 F0 W1 R2
Sun 20 May 2018
at 17:22
  • msg #223

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Huh." McGraw grunted. He set his makeshift pistol down, pulled out the mason jar that held the remnants of the clipping he'd taken, opens it, and scoops some of the seed into it. Closing the jar, he put it back in his bag and withdrew a notepad and a pencil, then made some notes about the stenciling, copying it as best he could. "I wonder if this here is the seed they used for them vines." he muttered. He looked around. Tamsin wasn't down here, so he couldn't ask her. Still, he had a hunch. "I think we oughta get these out of here," he says, addressing no one in particular. "I don't like the look o' them. I reckon we can destroy 'em, cripple their ability to plant more vines to hassle folk they don't like."
Jacinta Castillo
player, 80 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Sun 20 May 2018
at 19:43
  • msg #224

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Your acid would be perfect for that, no?"  She sidled up to McGraw to have a look in the boxes, but her interest wasn't in seeds.

Doing a circuit of the room, she paused near the tunnel and crouched, head slightly tilted.  "Los niños," she reported quietly.  "I can hear them crying."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:58, Sun 20 May 2018.
Jake McGraw
player, 97 posts
Mad Engineer
P5 T4 W0 F0 W1 R2
Sun 20 May 2018
at 21:46
  • msg #225

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"It's poison, not acid." Jake says absently. "The Ph balance isn't what causes the reaction, it's how this stuff interacts with living tissue...it shuts off cells and organs while leaving them intact. Acid is corrosive, actively trying to destroy tissue through sheer strength of chemicals..." he trails off. "Sorry. But either way, I don't just want to spray it without being sure it's gotta go. I ain't got a whole lot of it."

He frowned. "Cryin'. That ain't good. Think the ruckus upstairs woke 'em?"
Albert Cooper
player, 92 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Sun 20 May 2018
at 22:05
  • msg #226

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Albert listened a little to the discussion, then shook his head. "Don't really matter what woke 'em. Matters that we know where they're at and that we get 'em out."

Anyone looking closely would notice Albert's knuckles were white as he gripped both revolver and machete. If he didn't think it were a dumb idea, he'd have sprinted down the tunnel as soon as Jacinta mentioned crying children.
Tamsin River
player, 50 posts
Flower Power
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R2 B0 L0
Sun 20 May 2018
at 22:51
  • msg #227

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Well, they’re dead, that’s for sure. Tamain sighs and shakes her head. ”Corpses,” she mutters to herself. She kneels down and gives the man a cursory search before going to look over the vine-creature. Eyes, mouth, hands.

She still wouldn’t have called it a corpse.
Bryan Lee
player, 105 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B1 L0
Mon 21 May 2018
at 15:50
  • msg #228

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Agreed. Let's get to it," he said. "Keep your wits sharp and your weapons ready. Jacinta and I'll take point, everyone else a few feet back. Let's keep quiet and take what surprise we can get."

When they seemed in position, he moved up ahead towards the source of the sound.



Stealth: 4

Just barely there.

10:48, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 1 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1.  Blue Chip.
10:47, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 2,3 using d6,d6, rerolling max.  Stealth.
Marshal
GM, 177 posts
W6 R1 B0
Tue 22 May 2018
at 01:48
  • msg #229

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

With great caution, Lee and Castillo peer into the dark tunnel that extends from the cellar.

The floor is only level for a few feet, before sloping downward at a sharp angle, leveling off again roughly fifty feet away in a vaguely circular chamber with a high ceiling. The vines are more dense in this area than anywhere else the group has encountered them, including the fields above and the schoolhouse, the foliage so thick that it renders an accurate estimate of the room’s size impossible.

Thorn studded tendrils dangle from above and the weeds cover the walls, but not the floor, of the sloping descent completely. In the chamber below, the hanging vines hang down like long ropes from the ceiling on the right and left, meeting at the floor in the center to form what resembles an enormous hammock, or a cradle, the intertwined runners blocking out any view of the surrounding stone walls.

In the cradle’s center, which is perhaps forty feet in diameter, eight children sit atop several blankets. A pair of lanterns providing them with dim illumination. A boy, one of the youngest, is weeping, an older girl with dark hair comforting him. Some of the children are eating what appear to be biscuits, while another girl recites a story involving brave soldiers to a portion of the small group. One of the boys has a thick piece of wood that he is practicing swinging like a club.

Studying the scene carefully neither Lee nor Castillo see anyone but the children in the room below. As best either can tell, there are no other exits from the chamber, save for the slope that leads up to the cellar.

OOC: Tamsin, kindly give me a Knowledge (Occult) roll.
Manuel Segovia
NPC, 13 posts
Tue 22 May 2018
at 01:48
  • msg #230

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

An expression akin to a sneer crosses Segovia’s face. ”I’m sure you’ve got your reasons. Same as your opinions about the taking of those young uns. But I tell you what...”

He whistles three notes, the sound reminiscent of the opening tones of a mournful ballad.

”...why don’t you share your thoughts with the owner of the house?”

A few feet beyond the porch, the vines covering the field come alive with motion, thrashing in waves like the surface of the sea in a violent storm. In the midst of the sudden movement, a large group of the weeds begin to climb toward the moonlit sky, rapidly forming a thick column of foliage that is easily seven feet in height.

Segovia lets out a sharp laugh. ”Guess I’ll see you in hell, pendeja.”

OOC: Kate, kindly provide me with an Initiative draw.
Kansas Kate
player, 108 posts
Hot words and cold slabs
P6 T5 W0 F0 W1 R1 B0 L#
Tue 22 May 2018
at 01:56
  • msg #231

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

20:55, Today: Kansas Kate drew the single card: 5C using a deck of 54 cards.

In typical diceroller fashion
Bryan Lee
player, 106 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B1 L0
Tue 22 May 2018
at 16:54
  • msg #232

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Taking a step back, Bryan beckoned for the others to catch up and join them. When they got there, he spoke quietly.

"Looks like the path is clear to get to the kids, but they might need to see some faces they'd recognize before they come with us willingly. That means Cooper and McGraw, if y'all are comfortable takin' the lead with showin' yer face and talkin' these kids, I think that might be a faster way to gettin' their trust. We wanna get clear of here before the vines start actin' up. I'll be right behind you and the rest of us too, ready to step in and deal with any funny business from plants or otherwise."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:12, Tue 22 May 2018.
Albert Cooper
player, 93 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Tue 22 May 2018
at 17:22
  • msg #233

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

((OOC: Hey, dark green is mine, bub. Get back to your dark blue.))

Albert gave a sigh of relief at the report, and nodded at the suggestion. "Sounds good ta me." He looked over at McGraw. "Weedkiller, ya up fer wranglin' some young 'uns?"

Albert's pistol hovered close to his holster. He didn't plan to go chat with the children armed with a gun. The machete, though, he would keep available.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:23, Tue 22 May 2018.
Jake McGraw
player, 98 posts
Mad Engineer
P5 T4 W0 F0 W1 R2
Tue 22 May 2018
at 18:06
  • msg #234

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"I ain't sure how familiar I face I'll be, but I'm up fer it." Jake whispers back. He holds the weedkiller squirter ready, his lantern in the other hand. He takes a few cautious steps forward.
Albert Cooper
player, 94 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Tue 22 May 2018
at 18:19
  • msg #235

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Albert holstered his gun after Jake agreed, then moved toward where the children were. The machete was held point-downward in his right hand as they approached the kiddies. Albert had quite a bit of experience with children, and his comfort with them showed as he approached. He held the index finger of his right hand up to his lips as he approached, and spoke quietly. "Hey kiddos, keep it quiet but we're gonna get y'all outta here and back ta yer parents."
Marshal
GM, 179 posts
W6 R1 B0
Tue 22 May 2018
at 18:42
  • msg #236

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

OOC: Mr. Cooper, Mr. McGraw, please provide me with a Notice roll.
Albert Cooper
player, 95 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Tue 22 May 2018
at 18:45
  • msg #237

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

OOC: 4 for Notice

11:44, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 4,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,1.  Notice.
Jake McGraw
player, 99 posts
Mad Engineer
P5 T4 W0 F0 W1 R2
Tue 22 May 2018
at 22:48
  • msg #238

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

((OOC:
15:45, Today: Jake McGraw rolled 15,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max (((8+7)15,3)).

I can see forever!))
Marshal
GM, 181 posts
W6 R1 B0
Wed 23 May 2018
at 02:35
  • msg #239

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

One of the boys, the brown haired youngster with the stick, approaches Cooper, looking at the man closely. ”I’ve seen you before,” he says quietly, ”You’ve come to visit my Papa at the newspaper office.”

The girl telling the story gazes at the two men with wide eyed apprehension. ”You shouldn’t be here. You’re going to make them angry. You need to leave, before it’s too late.”

As the children are speaking, both Cooper and McGraw glimpse distinct clusters of movement among the vines to the left and right. Glancing at the sloping walls of the cradle, the two men can see figures forming within the shifting plants, each one small, no more than two feet in height. But there are several. A quick count informs the rescuers that there are six in all, each one with a bulbous, pumpkin-like head.

OOC: Albert and Jake, please give me an Initiative draw.

Jake, in honor of your exceptional Notice roll, you can draw two cards and take the best result.

Note that both of you would guess that, at this stage, those up at the entrance to the “cradle room” cannot easily see the figures forming within the weeds.
Jake McGraw
player, 100 posts
Mad Engineer
P5 T4 W0 F0 W1 R2
Wed 23 May 2018
at 02:49
  • msg #240

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Crap." Jake mutters as he looks at the pumpkin people. He raises the arm holding the lantern and waves it a bit, hoping the others near the entrance can spot the things. Then he grits his teeth and prepares for a fight.

((OOC: 19:46, Today: Jake McGraw drew the 2 cards: 2H, KS using a deck of 54 cards.))

Albert Cooper
player, 96 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Wed 23 May 2018
at 05:09
  • msg #241

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

OOC: I thought Bryan said they'd be right behind us. Unless that thing about the speech colors made him mad...

22:06, Today: Albert Cooper drew the single card: JS using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

"Yup. Trouble's a-brewin', folks. Time ta show these plants who's boss."
Jacinta Castillo
player, 81 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Wed 23 May 2018
at 05:39
  • msg #242

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Cagada," Jacinta echoed McGraw's sentiments as she stepped further into the room and saw what was coming toward the boys.  She butted her rifle against her shoulder and took aim at the munchkin creatures.  "Ranger, those corpses you saw upstairs... did they look like they'd been killed by a bunch of walking... ah... Cómo se dice calabazas?"


22:38, Today: Jacinta Castillo drew the single card: 8H using the Deadlands system.  Initiative.
Marshal
GM, 182 posts
W6 R1 B0
Wed 23 May 2018
at 11:18
  • msg #243

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Albert Cooper:
OOC: I thought Bryan said they'd be right behind us. Unless that thing about the speech colors made him mad...

OOC: You’re quite correct. The rest of the group should follow Jacinta’s example and go ahead and make an initiative draw.

Since he’s absent...

06:17, Today: Marshal, on behalf of Rev. Earnest Allgood, drew the single card: KD using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:07, Fri 25 May 2018.
Bryan Lee
player, 107 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W0 R1 B1 L0
Wed 23 May 2018
at 14:43
  • msg #244

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

As soon as he spotted the strange movement, Bryan called to mind the site he had seen upstairs.

"Pumpkins," he said quietly to Jacinta.


"Bullets'll do just fine for 'em - but don't let 'em get too close. I think they go for the throat," he said loudly so that the others could hear him clearly.


OOC:

Initiative: 7H

07:03, Today: Bryan Lee drew the single card: 7H using the Deadlands system.
Marshal
GM, 185 posts
W6 R1 B0
Thu 24 May 2018
at 03:25
  • msg #245

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

22:07, Today: Marshal drew the single card: 5S using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative - Stalkers.

22:07, Today: Marshal drew the single card: 3H using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative - Kids.

The figures begin to push free of the entangling vines, talons extending from their reaching hands, leering faces taking shape on their distended heads.

From upstairs, there comes the sharp crack of a rifle shot.

Intiative Order

KS - Jake McGraw
KD - Rev. Earnest Allgood
JS - Albert Cooper
8H - Jacinta Castillo
7H - Bryan Lee
5S - Stalkers
3H - Young Uns

Mr. McGraw, start us off.

After each of you take your action, please be sure to make an initiative draw for the following round.
Jake McGraw
player, 101 posts
Mad Engineer
P5 T4 W0 F0 W1 R2
Thu 24 May 2018
at 04:07
  • msg #246

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Whelp, this was why he'd mixed up this stuff in the first place. Jake took aim at one of the tiny horrors headed his way and pumped the trigger on his make-shift pump gun. A burst of greenish stuff blasted from the nozzle, hopefully drenching the little monster and killing it.

((OOC: I'm going to fire off a bolt of weedkiller at one of the pumpkin people, spending 2 pp to make it deal 3d4 damage this round and 2d4 damage the next (as per the Trapping)

20:57, Today: Jake McGraw rolled 4,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,5.  Shooting.

That might or might not be a hit, depending on whether these things are small enough to get that Small penalty. So I'll spend a Red chip on top of that to guarantee a hit and possibly get a Raise. The Gm gets a draw from the pot.

21:01, Today: Jake McGraw rolled 3 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3.  Red Chip.

That's an 8, which is currently Schrodinger's Raise.

21:02, Today: Jake McGraw rolled 13,8 using 3d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (4+4+2)10,2,1,(6+2)8.  damage.

13 damage if it's a normal hit, 21 if I got the Raise.

Card for next round: 2C. Well fuck you too, Dice Roller.))
Rev. Earnest Allgood
player, 65 posts
P3 T5 W# F# W2 R1 B1 L#
Thu 24 May 2018
at 18:13
  • msg #247

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Reply to msg #210
Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset
Bryan Lee:
"....and the Rev."
"Reverend, I trust you'll be quieter in this enterprise than you were in the last. Remember, we're here for the kids and how you act has consequences. And Jacinta, if the good Reverend has another fit and starts bangin' on things and makin' a racket, feel free to club him with the butt end of your rifle."

And finally the Reverend - an extra set of hands to grab the kids, if he could prevent himself from raisin' hell.

[ooc - Please note, the Reverend was still in Room #4 at that point.]
This message was last edited by the player at 18:30, Thu 24 May 2018.
Marshal
GM, 191 posts
W6 R1 B0
Fri 25 May 2018
at 03:18
  • msg #248

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

As the small creature nearest McGraw pulls free of the tangle of vines, the engineer coats it in a spray of green liquid. White fumes arise from the monster’s slender form, its head turning gray and sinking inward, its face becoming unrecognizable. It takes a step forward and collapses, brittle pieces of the weeds that made up its body sliding across the floor.

OOC: For future reference, the Stalkers have a Parry of 6 and a Toughness of 6. They are [i]not[/i Wild Cards.

Intiative Order

KS - Jake McGraw
KD - Rev. Earnest Allgood
JS - Albert Cooper
8H - Jacinta Castillo
7H - Bryan Lee
5S - Stalkers
3H - Young Uns

Your turn, Mr. Cooper.
Albert Cooper
player, 104 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Fri 25 May 2018
at 04:33
  • msg #249

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Albert sighed. Almost as soon as his gun hit his holster, he needed to pull it out again. The gun crackled with energy as he drew it, as did his eyes.

The quickly made shot was on target, and the carved bullet seemed to explode on impact.

His eyes quickly searched for the next target. "Keep yer heads down, kids."

OOC: Used a free action to boost shooting and got a raise (only uses one PP). That should leave 6 of 10 PP unspect (Albert had one bullet, Jacinta has a bullet that is Loaded for Bear, as does Kate).

Albert hits with a 4 (at least I think that's a hit) and does 15 points of damage.

He did earn himself a BJ with that shot, so expect him to explode onto the scene next round.

21:27, Today: Albert Cooper drew the single card: BJ! using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

21:14, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 15 using 3d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+1)7,4,4.  Damage (LFB).

21:14, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 4,3 using d12-1,d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 5,4.  Shooting.

21:12, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 4,13 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,(6+6+1)13.  Hexsling (boost shoot).
Jacinta Castillo
player, 82 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R0 B1 L0
Fri 25 May 2018
at 06:17
  • msg #250

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Jacinta was too distracted by the pumpkin heads to notice Albert's lightshow.  She sighted in on one of the creepy creatures, ever mindful of the children nearby, and pulled the trigger.


Shooting: 13
Damage: 15

23:11, Today: Jacinta Castillo rolled 13,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+5)13,3.  Shooting.
23:15, Today: Jacinta Castillo rolled 14,1 using 2d8,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+4)12,2,1.  Damage (w/ Raise).

Initiative next round: 2H

23:18, Today: Jacinta Castillo drew the single card: 2H using the Deadlands system.  Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:19, Fri 25 May 2018.
Marshal
GM, 192 posts
W6 R1 B0
Sat 26 May 2018
at 15:33
  • msg #251

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

The sounds of the sudden gunfire fill the room, the blasts echoing off of the cavern walls. Both Cooper and Castillo’s shots find their mark, felling two more of the creatures as they emerge from the tangled vines, their bodies tumbling onto the blanket of weeds on the floor.

Intiative Order

KS - Jake McGraw
KD - Rev. Earnest Allgood
JS - Albert Cooper
8H - Jacinta Castillo
7H - Bryan Lee
5S - Stalkers
3H - Young Uns

Your turn, Ranger Lee.
Bryan Lee
player, 116 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Tue 29 May 2018
at 23:43
  • msg #252

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Bryan had promised his immediate support in the case of a combative engagement, and he delivered on that. He wasn't always quite as fast as a weapon, though he closed the distance quickly, 'Seeking the Bridge' as he had been taught. When his fists flew, they so quickly delivering the snapping double punch of the Wing Chun style.

OOC:

Fighting 1: 4
Fighting 2: 7
STR+Dmg: 14

21:18, Yesterday: Bryan Lee rolled 14 using d6+d4, rerolling max.  Strength.
21:15, Yesterday: Bryan Lee rolled 7,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max.  Fighting (Wing Chun).
21:13, Yesterday: Bryan Lee rolled 2,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max.  Fighting.
18:42, Today: Bryan Lee drew the single card: 4S using the Deadlands system.

Sorry for being dilatory. Memorial Day Weekend, moving today, etc.
Marshal
GM, 196 posts
W7 R1 B0
Wed 30 May 2018
at 03:21
  • msg #253

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Lee’s blows cave in another of the creature’s heads, sending it toppling drunkenly to the floor, where it lies motionless.

One of the two remaining monsters charges Lee, apparently intent on avenging its sibling. It slashes at the Ranger with its claws, but the lawman is able to turn its blow aside with a deft move of his forearm.

21:34, Today: Marshal rolled 4 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of 4.  Stalker - Fighting.

The other creature hurls itself at McGraw. Its talons tear a gash in the engineer’s shirt, but don’t manage to cause him any significant injury.

21:40, Today: Marshal rolled 7 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of 7.  Fighting - Stalker.

21:41, Today: Marshal rolled 1,1 using 1d6,1d4, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1.  Damage - Stalker.

The vines that make up the cradle shift beneath the rescuers’ feet, several of the dark tendrils seeking out the four creatures that have been felled, the weeds seeming to fill in the injuries that each of the monsters has suffered. Within the space of a heartbeat, each of the stalkers begin to stir to life, struggling to rise to their feet.

21:45, Today: Marshal rolled 6,7,7,7 using 1d6+2,1d6+2,1d6+2,1d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,5,5,5.  Vigor - Stalkers.

Michael Kibbee’s son, his stick raised over his head, takes a heavy handed swipe at the creature that attacked McGraw, but the monster manages to sidestep the clumsy attack.

21:56, Today: Marshal rolled 1 using 1d4-1, rerolling max with rolls of 2.  Fighting - Michael Jr.

The girl that had been telling the story to her fellow captives urges the other children to gather near her, to stay out of the thick of the fight. ”We need to run!” another of the girls urges, ”To try to get to the cellar!”

As the children move toward the storyteller, one of them tips over one of the guttering lanterns. A small puddle of oil spills out of it, creating a pool of flame the size of an apple. The vines stir, pulling away from the fire.

22:06, Today: Marshal drew the single card: QS using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative - Stalkers.

22:06, Today: Marshal drew the single card: 3H using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative - Young Ones.

Initiative Order

BJ! - Albert Cooper
QS - Stalkers
4S - Bryan Lee
3H - Young Uns
2H - Castillo
2C - McGraw

Mr. Cooper, it’s your turn.
Albert Cooper
player, 106 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W2 R1 B1 L0
Wed 30 May 2018
at 06:18
  • msg #254

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Albert growled as he saw the plants starting to stitch themselves back together. "If any of y'all can set them weeds on fire - please do so."

Albert didn't have a lantern nor any fancy fire-making magic. So he just shot one of the two remaining stalkers.

OOC: 21 damage to one of the things. 2H for Albert's next initiative.

23:14, Today: Albert Cooper drew the single card: 2H using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

23:14, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 21 using 2d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (6+3)9,(6+4)10.  Damage.

23:14, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 6,7 using d12+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,5.  Shooting.
Marshal
GM, 200 posts
W7 R1 B0
Fri 1 Jun 2018
at 02:44
  • msg #255

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Cooper’s shot bursts the head of the creature attacking McGraw like a melon, showering the engineer and Michael Junior with small fragments of pumpkin.

The monster stalking Lee redoubles its attack on the Ranger, but the lawman is able to skillfully evade another swipe of its talons.

21:35, Today: Marshal rolled 5 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of 5.  Fighting - Stalker.

The four creatures that had been struck down rise to a full, standing position, pulling themselves free from the vines that have rejuvenated them. They gaze at the trespassers and their captives balefully as they prepare to attack.

The restored Stalkers can act on the next round.

21:40, Today: Marshal drew the single card: KH using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative - Stalkers.

Initiative Order

BJ! - Albert Cooper
QS - Stalkers
4S - Bryan Lee
3H - Young Uns
2H - Castillo
2C - McGraw

Ranger Lee, it’s your turn.
Bryan Lee
player, 117 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Fri 1 Jun 2018
at 02:58
  • msg #256

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Evading the next blow at him, the Ranger flowed from stance to stance, quickly delivering another double strike at the creature that was attacking him, all the while watching the group's progress to get an idea of what move to make next. He knew that even if he struck this down, it would rise again.

"Retreat with the kids and see them safe. I'll hold our retreat," he said, dancing backwards, not to escape but to gain himself a measure of freedom from attack, though he wouldn't move away from any creatures still looming against him.



OOC:

At P6T6, the first punch should do the trick, so the second is just for kicks/looking cool.

If Lee isn't in melee with any other Stalkers, he'll move back to try to get better 'court vision' to help in planning their retreat and finding a good spot to help support the escape. His general hope is that if others pull back at range and help the kids out, he can intercept any of the things that go towards them.

Fighting: 10
Fighting: 8 (Wing Chun)
Damage: 10
Damage: 5 (Wing Chun)

21:49, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 5 using d6+d4, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2.  Damage (Wing Chun).
21:49, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 10 using d6+d4+d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2,3.  Damage + Raise.
21:47, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 6,8 using d8,d6, rerolling max.
21:47, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 6,10 using d8,d6, rerolling max.  Fighting.

21:54, Today: Bryan Lee drew the single card: 8D using the Deadlands system.

This message was last edited by the player at 03:15, Fri 01 June 2018.
Marshal
GM, 202 posts
W7 R1 B0
Sat 2 Jun 2018
at 22:12
  • msg #257

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

The Ranger’s twin blows strike the creature he is facing with lightning speed, sending its limp form tumbling head over heels into the center of the room, where it comes to rest, unmoving.

Michael Junior takes another swipe at one of the risen creatures with his makeshift club, but misses. The storytelling girl calls out to him, ”Michael! Leave the monsters to the grown ups! Help me get the little ones up to the cellar!”

16:58, Today: Marshal rolled 1 using 1d4-1, rerolling max with rolls of 2.  Fighting - Michael Jr.

Chastised, he jogs over and joins her, the pair leading the group over to the right side of the room, away from the creatures and the ongoing fighting.

The flame from the fallen lantern gutters out and the vines close in around it.

17:06, Today: Marshal drew the single card: 4C using a deck of 54 cards.  Intiative - Young Ones.

Initiative Order

BJ! - Albert Cooper
QS - Stalkers
4S - Bryan Lee
3H - Young Uns
2H - Castillo
2C - McGraw

Your turn, Señorita Castillo.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 84 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R1 B1 L0
Sun 3 Jun 2018
at 08:30
  • msg #258

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Ándale!  Quickly, children!"  Jacinta gestured to the children to hurry as she moved to open the way to the cellar.  While they passed behind her, she fired her rifle once again, though this time she aimed at the second lantern that had given the children light, hoping to douse the vines in fire and flame.



Shooting: 4 (8-4 = Assuming a -4 for small target?)
Damage: 13  (9+4 = Would +4 advantage be applicable here?)
Initiative: 7D


01:18, Today: Jacinta Castillo rolled 4,8 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,(6+2)8.  Shooting.
01:22, Today: Jacinta Castillo rolled 9 using 2d8, rerolling max with rolls of 7,2.  Damage.
01:24, Today: Jacinta Castillo drew the single card: 7D using the Deadlands system.  Initiative.
Marshal
GM, 204 posts
W7 R1 B0
Sun 3 Jun 2018
at 18:42
  • msg #259

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Castillo’s well placed shot destroys the remaining lantern in a shower of metal and glass. The vines reflexively try to pull away from the resulting burst of flame, but a few catch, along with one of the newly arisen creatures, which lets out a rasping cry as the fire greedily consumes it.

13:10, Today: Marshal rolled 1 using 1d3, rerolling max with rolls of 1.  Creatures in Burst Radius.

13:22, Today: Marshal rolled 14 using 1d10, rerolling max with rolls of (10+4)14.  Damage - Fire.

The stalker is destroyed.

The creature is reduced to ash, its fellow monsters drawing away from it, the flames quickly spreading to cover a circle that is almost three feet in diameter on the left side of the cradle.

Initiative Order

BJ! - Albert Cooper
QS - Stalkers
4S - Bryan Lee
3H - Young Uns
2H - Castillo
2C - McGraw

Mr. McGraw, it’s your turn.
Jake McGraw
player, 103 posts
Mad Engineer
P5 T4 W0 F0 W1 R2
Sun 3 Jun 2018
at 19:59
  • msg #260

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Jake swore a bit as the pumpkinheads began re-knitting themselves, but the fire aversion gave him an idea. he reached into his bag, and hastily began pulling out some doodads. He took his makeshift nozzle and added on a crude sparker assembly...flint and steel that would flash as he pulled the trigger and ignite the poisonous concoction he'd made up.

((OOC: So going to spend an action adjusting the Trapping of my power to spit Fire instead of Poison. This will be a standard d6 bolt with the potential chance of setting flammable things alight (6 on a d6).

12:58, Today: Jake McGraw rolled 17,2 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (10+7)17,2.  Weird Science.

I don't get another action this round, unless the GM wants to say that the Raise allows for that.

Card for next round: 7S))
Marshal
GM, 207 posts
W7 R1 B0
Mon 4 Jun 2018
at 01:09
  • msg #261

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

19:39, Today: Marshal rolled 3 using 1d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1.  Stalker - Vigor.

19:39, Today: Marshal rolled 13 using 1d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (6+5)11.  Stalker - Vigor.

Of the pair of creatures that have been felled, one pushes up out of the morass of vines, regaining its feet, claws extending from its three fingered hands. The other does not yet stir, the vines continuing to slither around its prone form.

The three remaining monsters that are upright all unleash rasping shrieks at the death of one of their own.

The first of them launches itself at Castillo, its claws raking the scout’s left arm.

19:44, Today: Marshal rolled 4 using 1d8+2, rerolling max with rolls of 2.  Fighting - Stalker.

19:48, Today: Marshal rolled 3,6 using 1d6,1d4, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(4+2)6.  Damage - Stalker.

Total Damage: 9

The second of the creatures bounds toward Cooper. Cooper is able to anticipate its attack and sidestep its charge, evading the monster’s talons.

19:54, Today: Marshal rolled 1 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of 1.  Fighting - Stalker.

The last of the monsters glowers at the rescuers, making a low hissing sound. Suddenly, it sinks down into the bed of vines at its feet, disappearing from view.

Initiative Order

KH - Stalkers
8D - Bryan Lee
7S - Jake McGraw
7D - Jacinta Castillo
4C - Young Uns
2H - Albert Cooper

The recovered stalker will be able to act on the next round.

One stalker has not yet regenerated from its previous injury.

Three stalkers are active. Two are currently visible.

The stalkers have a Parry of 6 and a Toughness of 6.

The Stalker’s attack leaves Jacinta shaken with 1 wound. The scout can make a Soak Roll.

One stalker has been destroyed by fire.

A circle of flame, approximately three feet in diameter, remains present on the left side of the room

Ranger Lee, you’re up.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 85 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W2 R1 B1 L0
Tue 5 Jun 2018
at 06:43
  • msg #262

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Soak: 8

Used a white and a red to eliminate wound & shaken.

23:40, Today: Jacinta Castillo rolled 1,3 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3.  Soak.
23:41, Today: Jacinta Castillo rolled 5 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5.  Soak - Red Chip.
Bryan Lee
player, 118 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Tue 5 Jun 2018
at 15:34
  • msg #263

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

From his vantage point, he saw what he thought was one of the little creatures scoring a solid hit on Jacinta. A woman that excelled with her rifle, he wanted to make sure she'd have a good chance to get back and help from a distance, so he moved to close in on the stalker that was attacking her.

His fist almost felt numb from the amount of vegetable matter he was pounding into it with as he slammed it into the pumpkin head once, barely seeming to crack it, and then twice, which he expected would send shards of it scattered about the area.

He waited above the creature for it to rise again, his fist now in place to deliver a punch as soon as he could manage it.

"Shoot the one that's on Cooper, and help get these kids outta here. I'll bring up the rear," he said to Jacinta. "My guess is that they can probably pop out at the front too, and we'll need some support up there as well. If y'all can get ahead, you can start takin' 'em out from a distance."



OOC:

Going for the Stalker attacking Jacinta. Usual Wing Chun double punch move should do for it. Used a +1 Gang Up bonus from Jacinta being in proximity.

Decided to make them Wild Attacks so both hit, for an additional +2 Attack/Damage and a reduction of Lee's Parry to 4 until his next action, for the following results:

Fighting: 12 (9 + 1 Gang Up + 2 Wild Attack)
Damage: 10 (Base + Raise + Wild Attack Bonus)

Fighting (Wing Chun): 7 (4 + 1 Gang Up + 2 Wild Attack)
Damage: 17 (Base + Wild Attack Bonus)

10:18, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 15 using d6+d4, rerolling max.  Damage (Wing Chun).
10:18, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 8 using d6+d4+d6, rerolling max.  Damage.
10:17, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 5,3 using d8+1,d6+1, rerolling max.  Fighting (Wing Chun).
10:16, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 10,2 using d8+1,d6+1, rerolling max.  Fighting.
10:25, Today: Bryan Lee drew the single card: 10D using the Deadlands system.

And if it makes a difference, he's poised with his fist over the base of the vine bed where it went down to play whack-a-mole on another one if it gets up from a similar spot.
Marshal
GM, 209 posts
W7 R1 B0
Wed 6 Jun 2018
at 01:31
  • msg #264

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

The creature that attacked Castillo doesn’t have time to turn about before Lee is upon it, the twin blows flattening it. Dropping face first to the floor, it does not move, though the nearby vines immediately begin to reach out for it.

Initiative Order

KH - Stalkers
8D - Bryan Lee
7S - Jake McGraw
7D - Jacinta Castillo
4C - Young Uns
2H - Albert Cooper

Lee’s attack puts one of the stalkers down.

One stalker has not yet regenerated from its previous injury.

The stalker that recovered this round will be able to act on the next round. It can be targeted with attacks.

Two stalkers are active. Only one is currently visible.

The stalkers have a Parry of 6 and a Toughness of 6.

One stalker has been destroyed by fire.

A circle of flame, approximately three feet in diameter, remains present on the left side of the room

Mr. McGraw, it’s your turn.
Jake McGraw
player, 104 posts
Mad Engineer
P5 T4 W0 F0 W1 R2
Wed 6 Jun 2018
at 03:17
  • msg #265

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Jake scowls. He turns his makeshift squirter at the critter going after Cooper, but the assembly he'd rigged failed to ignite the goop and made nothing but a mess. He cursed, readjusted it, then turns and looks at one of the critters that had rebuilt itself. "Stationary target." He mutters, and pulls the trigger again. This time, the sparkler flashed, and a stream of burning glop splattered the little horror. He watched the thing dance around for a bit as the flames ate at it.

((OOC: I'm going to spend 2 PP for two bolts, one aimed at the active one and one aimed at the recovered one.

20:09, Today: Jake McGraw rolled 2,15,1 using d8,d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,(8+7)15,1.  Shooting. One Miss, one Hit and Raise.

Damage: 20:10, Today: Jake McGraw rolled 11 using 3d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4,4.  damage.

Card: JH

Do you want me to roll to check if it's still on fire?))
Marshal
GM, 210 posts
W7 R1 B0
Wed 6 Jun 2018
at 03:54
  • msg #266

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

22:29, Today: Marshal rolled 4 using 1d6 with rolls of 4.  Fire - Stalker.

McGraw’s gout of fire engulfs the recently reconstituted monster. The creature lets out a dry shriek as it is consumed, tumbling backwards onto the bed of vines. It continues to burn brightly even as it becomes still, lighting the surrounding weeds, creating a second circle of flame within the cradle, this one crackling with greater strength than the fire created by the lantern fuel.

Initiative Order

KH - Stalkers
8D - Bryan Lee
7S - Jake McGraw
7D - Jacinta Castillo
4C - Young Uns
2H - Albert Cooper

One stalker has not yet regenerated from its previous injury. A second has just been put down by Ranger Lee.

Two stalkers are active. Only one is currently visible.

The stalkers have a Parry of 6 and a Toughness of 6.

Two stalkers have been destroyed by fire.

A circle of flame, approximately three feet in diameter, remains present on the left side of the room. A second circle, closer to four feet in diameter now occupies the center of the cradle.

Es tu turno Señorita Castillo.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 86 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W1 R0 B1 L0
Wed 6 Jun 2018
at 05:42
  • msg #267

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Gracias!"  Jacinta said to Bryan for his impressive display of defense.  Fortunately, the attack looked far worse than it had been, and she'd escaped with a ripped sleeve and minor scratches.  "We have to get topside.  I heard gunfire when these monsters appeared.  Kate & Tamsin are up there alone!"  Holstering her rifle on her back, she grabbed the littlest of littles -- one in each arm -- and hauled ass for the cellar stairs.
Marshal
GM, 211 posts
W7 R1 B0
Wed 6 Jun 2018
at 23:44
  • msg #268

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

The gathered children readily follow Castillo, running up the slope behind her, fleeing the cradle as quickly as their legs can carry them. With the scout in the lead, the group moves quickly through the cellar toward the steps leading up to the trap door.

Jacinta, you’ve removed yourself from the battle in the cradle, along with the captive children. Before proceeding further, I need you to give me a Notice roll.

Initiative Order

KH - Stalkers
8D - Bryan Lee
7S - Jake McGraw
7D - Jacinta Castillo
4C - Young Uns
2H - Albert Cooper

One stalker has not yet regenerated from its previous injury. A second has just been put down by Ranger Lee.

Two stalkers are active. Only one is currently visible.

The stalkers have a Parry of 6 and a Toughness of 6.

Two stalkers have been destroyed by fire.

A circle of flame, approximately three feet in diameter, remains present on the left side of the room. A second circle, closer to four feet in diameter now occupies the center of the cradle.

Mr. Cooper, you have the floor.
Bryan Lee
player, 119 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Wed 6 Jun 2018
at 23:54
  • msg #269

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Coop, Jake, move out with the kids and Jacinta! There's shootin' up top, too. I'll bring up the rear," he said.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:55, Wed 06 June 2018.
Albert Cooper
player, 107 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W2 R1 B1 L0
Thu 7 Jun 2018
at 05:52
  • msg #270

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Albert nodded at Bryan's orders. "You got it, General." Albert followed Jacinta as quickly as he could, leaving the completion of the work with the plants to anyone Bryan wanted to stay back. Albert slipped a couple rounds into empty chambers as he moved to catch up to the beautiful scout and the town's missing children.

OOC: Albert will move in Jacinta's wake and reload the chambers that are empty (assuming he can do so while keeping pace with the others). Let me know if you need a running die or anything of the like.

22:50, Today: Albert Cooper drew the single card: 9D using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 87 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W1 R0 B1 L0
Thu 7 Jun 2018
at 06:28
  • msg #271

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Notice: 8

23:23, Today: Jacinta Castillo rolled 8,5 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 6,3.  Notice.

(+2 if notice roll is to avoid surprise.)
Jake McGraw
player, 105 posts
Mad Engineer
P5 T4 W0 F0 W1 R2
Thu 7 Jun 2018
at 07:06
  • msg #272

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

In reply to Bryan Lee (msg # 269):

"Lee, with all due respect, I'm the one with the fire-squirter." Jake says. "I reckon I oughta be the one makin' sure this nest is all burned out, 'cause that's what seems to be keepin' 'em down."

((OOC: Heroic hindrance!))
Marshal
GM, 214 posts
W7 R1 B0
Fri 8 Jun 2018
at 02:38
  • msg #273

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

OOC: For the moment, Jacinta, Albert and the children are effectively out of combat, though that state of affairs may change quickly.

21:20, Today: Marshal drew the single card: KH using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative - Stalkers.

Which leave us with...

Initiative Order

KH - Stalkers
JH - Jake McGraw
10D - Bryan Lee

Before we proceed further, Mr. McGraw, kindly provide me with a Notice roll.
Bryan Lee
player, 120 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Fri 8 Jun 2018
at 03:17
  • msg #274

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Fair's fair, Jake, but I'll ain't gonna leave you behind," he responded to Jake. His firestarting device would surely come in handy, and it wasn't the first time he'd faced down something strange along the tinkerer.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 88 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W1 R0 B1 L0
Fri 8 Jun 2018
at 03:45
  • msg #275

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Jacinta poked her head up above the stairs and then ducked back down quickly.  Ducking low, she whispered to Albert.  "There's a creature -- a big one -- upstairs in the hallway.  I think the children should stay down here and hide.  We need the lantern.  Fire worked against the little ones.  I'm thinking it'll probably work against the big one."  She pulled rounds from her belt and reloaded her rifle.
Jake McGraw
player, 106 posts
Mad Engineer
P5 T4 W0 F0 W1 R2
Fri 8 Jun 2018
at 03:46
  • msg #276

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Fair enough." Jake says, scanning the burning room for the next wave of critters.

((OOC: 20:45, Today: Jake McGraw rolled 7,2 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,2.  Notice.))
Albert Cooper
player, 108 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W2 R1 B1 L0
Fri 8 Jun 2018
at 19:41
  • msg #277

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Albert nodded at Jacinta's thoughts. He really wanted to go make sure Kate was doing alright, but the kids appeared to need him. Time to trust his new friends. "Okay - I'll stay here with the kids. Least I'm a face they can recognize."

He raised an eyebrow. "Don't ferget 'bout that bullet I gave ya. Might pack a little extra punch. An mebbe I gotta another little present fer ya." His eyes and fingers crackled with energy as Albert touched the rounds Jacinta pulled from her belt, as well as the belt itself.


OOC: Albert casts Smite on Jacinta's ammo. It affects up to 20 shells and will provide +4 damage to every shot she takes. As Albert again got a raise, the PP cost is only 1. He still has 5/10 PP remaining.

12:35, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 5,9 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,(6+3)9.  Hexsling (Smite).

"Now everything's gotta little more punch. Go get 'em."

He turned to the children. "Alright, youngsters. We're gonna hold tight fer a pinch. Once we get the all-clear, we'll getcha back ta yer families, okay?"

Edit: I'm not sure if the lantern came with us as we left or not. If not, Albert will wait to cast his spell until it's been retrieved.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:43, Fri 08 June 2018.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 89 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W1 R0 B1 L0
Sat 9 Jun 2018
at 18:48
  • msg #278

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Santa Madre!"  Jacinta's eyes widened at Albert's overt use of what she could only describe as magic.  After staring at him for a moment longer, she finally nodded, said a quiet 'gracias' in thanks, and crept back up the stairs, rifle at the ready.  She crossed herself before disappearing upstairs.
Marshal
GM, 216 posts
W7 R1 B0
Sat 9 Jun 2018
at 18:49
  • msg #279

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

13:20, Today: Marshal rolled 3,3 using 1d6+2,1d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1.  Vigor - Stalkers.

Neither of the creatures that have been recently put down stir from where they lie. The vines continue to snake around them, seemingly working to restore them from their injuries.

McGraw notices that the vines at his feet begin to writhe violently. The engineer’s sharp eyes prevent him from being caught off guard when the creature that had disappeared springs out of the mass of weeds at him, its claws extended. Nonetheless, its attack is savage, ripping at the inventor’s chest with its talons.

13:24, Today: Marshal rolled 15 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of (8+7)15.  Fighting - Stalker.

13:25, Today: Marshal rolled 2,3,3 using 1d6,1d4,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,3,3.  Damage - Stalker.

Total Damage: 8

The other remaining creature, its initial charge at Cooper foiled by the man’s quick reflexes, pursues him and the fleeing children up the slope to the cellar.

The stalker’s move will take it up to the cellar door. It’s clearly visible both to Cooper and to those still in the cradle.

13:48, Today: Marshal drew the single card: 6S using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative - Stalkers.

Initiative Order

KH - Stalkers
JH - Jake McGraw
10D - Bryan Lee
9D - Albert Cooper

Albert, since you’re remaining with the children, as opposed to moving upstairs, I’m going to keep you as part of this scene’s initiative order.

I’ll say that Cooper was able to snag one of the lanterns when he made his way up with Castillo and the children. McGraw and Lee don’t need the light source. There’s currently plenty of fire to illuminate the area below.

Two stalkers are on the ground, put out of action by successful attacks. Neither has yet regenerated.

Two stalkers are active. One is at the cellar door, the other within a couple of feet of Jake McGraw.

The stalkers have a Parry of 6 and a Toughness of 6.

The stalker’s attack on McGraw leaves him shaken with 1 wound. The engineer can make a soak roll, if desired.

Two stalkers have been destroyed by fire.

A circle of flame, approximately three feet in diameter, remains present on the left side of the room. A second circle, closer to four feet in diameter now occupies the center of the cradle. The flames that make up the second circle are gaining strength.

Your turn, Mr. McGraw.
Jake McGraw
player, 107 posts
Mad Engineer
P5 T4 W0 F0 W1 R2
Sat 9 Jun 2018
at 23:26
  • msg #280

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Jake yelped as the thing slashed up his shirt, scoring a series of long cuts across his chest. But he'd jumped just in time, and the thing didn't score more than a flesh wound. "You son of a..." Jake cursed and turned his makeshift flamethrower on the thing, hosing it down with flaming, poisonous goop and giving it an extra squirt for good measure.


((OOC: Ouch. Spending a white for a Soak roll.

16:13, Today: Jake McGraw rolled 1,4 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4.  Soak.

Cool. Soaked it.

So I'm going to return the favor. Since this thing is right in my face, I'd have to hit its Parry. But I also have an Adventure Card for situations like this. I will spend 2 power points to do a 3d6 bolt, and play my Ace of Spades card to turn

quote:
AS - Ace
“Never tell me the odds.”
Play instead of rolling to make a trait test with a single automatic raise. The Marshal gets to draw 2 random chips from the fate pot.


That means I auto-hit, and get a raise. That's 4d6 damage in total.

16:21, Today: Jake McGraw rolled 19 using 4d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5,3,(6+4)10.  damage.

That oughta make this critter a mite crispy.

Card for next round: JD))
This message was last edited by the player at 23:27, Sat 09 June 2018.
Marshal
GM, 218 posts
W7 R2 B0
Sun 10 Jun 2018
at 03:00
  • msg #281

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

The creature doesn’t have the opportunity to let out a pain riddled shriek before the flames from McGraw’s device have enveloped it. It staggers backwards, then falls on its back, the fire rapidly reducing it to cinders.

Initiative Order

KH - Stalkers
JH - Jake McGraw
10D - Bryan Lee
9D - Albert Cooper

Two stalkers are on the ground, put out of action by successful attacks. Neither has yet regenerated.

Only one stalker is active, the creature at the cellar door.

The stalkers have a Parry of 6 and a Toughness of 6.

Three stalkers have been destroyed by fire.

A circle of flame, approximately three feet in diameter, remains present on the left side of the room. A second circle, closer to four feet in diameter now occupies the center of the cradle. The flames that make up the second circle are gaining strength. A third patch of flame has been created a few paces away from Jake McGraw.

Ranger Lee, you’re up.
Bryan Lee
player, 121 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Tue 12 Jun 2018
at 16:20
  • msg #282

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

As he studied the situation, he came to realize that while pugilism seemed effective in temporarily taking these plant-based beings out of commission for a short duration, it was only fire that was taking them out for good. He fought against the instincts that pushed him to take on the being pursuing Cooper; after all, the gunslinger could handle himself.

Instead, he moved towards the stalkers, setting his lantern down, picking one of them up under each arm, and moving to drop them into the nearest circle of fire.



OOC:

Agility 6 (if needed for anything)

11:14, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 6,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max.  Agility.
11:18, Today: Bryan Lee drew the single card: 7H using the Deadlands system.

Albert Cooper
player, 109 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W2 R1 B1 L0
Tue 12 Jun 2018
at 16:51
  • msg #283

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Oh no you don't...." Albert tracked the plant-creature heading his direction and plugged it with a bit of lead.

OOC: Hit with raise for 7 damage.

KD for initiative.

09:50, Today: Albert Cooper drew the single card: KD using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

09:49, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 7 using 3d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3,2.  Damage (with raise).

09:49, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 10,2 using d12,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 10,2.  Shooting.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:52, Tue 12 June 2018.
Marshal
GM, 220 posts
W7 R2 B0
Wed 13 Jun 2018
at 01:27
  • msg #284

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Dumping the two unmoving monsters into the growing fire, Lee watches as the flames readily consume them both, the conflagration growing as the monsters’ corpses add fuel to the blaze.

Cooper’s shot blasts several pieces of dark vine from the remaining creature’s side, causing it to stagger backward a step. It remains upright, but the injury appears to have left it stunned.

Jacinta Castillo descends the cellar stairs, reaching the gathered children a moment after Cooper fires.

OOC: Jacinta, go ahead and give me an initiative draw for the current round.

Only one stalker remains, the creature at the cellar door.

The stalker has a Parry of 6 and a Toughness of 6.

Cooper’s shot leaves the stalker at the cellar door shaken.

Five stalkers have been destroyed by fire.

A circle of flame, approximately three feet in diameter, remains present on the left side of the room. A second circle, closer to four feet in diameter now occupies the center of the cradle. The flames that make up the second circle are gaining strength, made even larger by the two fallen stalkers that have been depositied within them. A third patch of flame has been created a few paces away from Jake McGraw.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 92 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W1 R0 B1 L0
Wed 13 Jun 2018
at 03:14
  • msg #285

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Jacinta whistled as she crouched on the stairs.  "Hey, y'all ain't taken care of this little guy, yet?  Kids!  Come on up.  It's safe enough.  Just watch out where you step."


19:49, Today: Jacinta Castillo drew the single card: 3H using the Deadlands system.  Initiative.
Marshal
GM, 222 posts
W7 R2 B0
Wed 13 Jun 2018
at 03:28
  • msg #286

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

The children, needing little encouragement, eagerly move toward Castillo and the stairs.

Initiative Order

KD - Albert Cooper
JD - Jake McGraw
7H  - Bryan Lee
6S - Stalker
3H - Jacinta Castillo

Your turn, Mr. Cooper
Albert Cooper
player, 110 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W2 R1 B1 L0
Wed 13 Jun 2018
at 07:21
  • msg #287

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Albert will hold for McGraw. I think he's got some kind of flaming device?
Marshal
GM, 223 posts
W7 R2 B0
Wed 13 Jun 2018
at 16:22
  • msg #288

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

OOC: Your turn, Mr. McGraw.
Jake McGraw
player, 109 posts
Mad Engineer
P5 T4 W0 F0 W1 R2
Wed 13 Jun 2018
at 19:07
  • msg #289

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Jake began heading back up the tunnel, back to the main part of the cellar. He spies the critter Cooper shot, and gave it a good dousing of flaming poison. He didn't get a terribly good amount of coverage. "Keep goin'!" Jake says. "I'll keep it busy!" he took a look over at the seed bags. Those also needed seein' to.

((OOC: Another 2 points for a 3d6 bolt

12:02, Today: Jake McGraw rolled 7,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,1.  Shooting.

Hit

12:04, Today: Jake McGraw rolled 5 using 3d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,1,2.  damage.

Boo! Boo I say!

Maybe it'll catch fire on its own.

Card: 8C))
Bryan Lee
player, 122 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Wed 13 Jun 2018
at 21:37
  • msg #290

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Picking up his lantern, he moved towards the sole remaining creature and slammed his fist into it twice, only making contact with the strange, wiry plants once, and not with any effect, it seemed.

OOC:

Bryan executes his double punch, hits once, but not hard enough to do any damage.

16:25, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 4 using d6+d4, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3.  Damage.
16:25, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 6,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,3.  Fighting (Wing Chun).
16:24, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 2,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,1.  Fighting.
16:36, Today: Bryan Lee drew the single card: 7H using the Deadlands system with rolls of .  Initiative.

Also...unless I'm mistaken, the seed bags are still in the cellar, while Jake and Bryan start this round currently in the cradle. I didn't see anyone bring them with us - though it would be a good idea to set them on fire on our way out.

And it seems I really like to draw the 7H!
Marshal
GM, 224 posts
W7 R2 B0
Thu 14 Jun 2018
at 03:08
  • msg #291

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

 OOC: Just for my clarification:

Jake, you moved up the slope and into the cellar, taking a shot at the last remaining stalker as you did so. That’s a perfectly legal course of action, if I’ve understood it correctly. This isn’t Pathfinder, so you can move through the same space occupied by an enemy, especially one that’s small and shaken. But, if that is your intention, I’d have to say you’re just inside the cellar at this point.

Bryan, you’re located near the door to the cellar, but still technically in the cradle, within melee range of the last stalker.

Do I have that right?
Bryan Lee
player, 123 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Thu 14 Jun 2018
at 03:21
  • msg #292

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

OOC:

For my part, yes.
Marshal
GM, 225 posts
W7 R2 B0
Thu 14 Jun 2018
at 04:38
  • msg #293

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

14:50, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 17,7 using d12,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (12+5)17,(6+1)7.  Shooting.

14:51, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 8 using 3d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 2,3,2.  Damage.

With deadly accuracy, Cooper snaps off a shot at the stumbling creature, the bullet shattering its chest in a spray of black fragments. Thrown back violently, the monster lands on its back a couple of paces away from the cellar door, its broken form completely still.

OOC: Combat over.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:09, Fri 15 June 2018.
Jacinta Castillo
player, 93 posts
Half-breed Scout
P4 T5 W0 F0 W1 R0 B1 L0
Thu 14 Jun 2018
at 06:00
  • msg #294

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

"Bueno!"  With the creepsters gone, Jacinta holstered her rifle and helped the kids up the stairs. "We're gonna get you back to your parents, but let's get outside first.  Things are gonna get toasty in here.  Everyone okay?  Anyone hurt?"  She hustled them up to the room above
Jake McGraw
player, 110 posts
Mad Engineer
P5 T4 W0 F0 W1 R2
Thu 14 Jun 2018
at 07:53
  • msg #295

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Jake nods as the creature shatters, then moves closer to the seed bags, lines up a shot, and douses them with flaming poisonous goop. He also makes sure to cover the remains of the critter while it was down.

((OOC: Should I roll anything? Or just assume a 2 pp bolt will get the fire going on the seeds?))
This message was last edited by the player at 02:24, Fri 15 June 2018.
Bryan Lee
player, 124 posts
Texas Ranger
P6 T6 W0 F0 W1 R1 B1 L0
Thu 14 Jun 2018
at 15:44
  • msg #296

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

As the last of the critters was burned to a crisp and Jake lit up the seeds, Bryan sprinted to join Jacinta and the children, pausing a moment to catch his breath before going up.

"Let me go up ahead of 'em and prepare the way," he suggested quietly to Jacinta. He was concerned about the critters popping up in any vines that may have crawled topside - especially that last one that they hadn't been able to subdue.

Ahead of the kids, Lee quietly moved up the stairs.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:29, Fri 15 June 2018.
Albert Cooper
player, 111 posts
Gun Wizzerd
P5 T6 W0 F0 W2 R1 B1 L0
Thu 14 Jun 2018
at 21:01
  • msg #297

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

Albert looked at the children and holstered his weapon. "Like the purty lady said, we're gonna get y'all outta here. Jus' stay patient while we make sure the way is clear."

Albert nodded at Bryan's suggestion, then spoke quietly in return. "Lead the way, General."
This message was last edited by the player at 15:51, Fri 15 June 2018.
Marshal
GM, 229 posts
W7 R2 B0
Sat 16 Jun 2018
at 20:59
  • msg #298

Re: IH - Lincoln, Sunset

The children readily gather around Castillo. None report any injuries and most respond to her and Cooper’s instructions with a whispered ”Yes, ma’am” or ”Yes, sir.” Two of the youngsters, a boy and girl, begin a quiet conversation about how they each want to become a sheriff or a town marshal when they grow up. Michael Kibbee, stick still in hand, stares at Castillo with undisguised wonder and admiration.

McGraw is able to dispose of the store of seeds and the remains of the last of the monsters in short order, the fire from his invention consuming everything readily.

Below, the flames in the cradle continue to gain strength, the vines providing ready fuel for their expansion.

Cooper and Lee climb the stairs, emerging into the neglected library without incident. Peering through the doorway into the adjoining hall, the pair can see Kansas Kate dragging the muddy, and apparently unconscious, form of the gunman who greeted Castillo toward the front door. Lying partially in the hallway is an enormous gathering of vines which still retains the vague outline of a body, a larger version of the creatures the group encountered below, roughly seven feet tall at a guess. Its head has been blasted into fragments and laying close to its inert form is a curved sickle with a worn wooden handle.

OOC: I’m going to ask that everyone start posting in the ”From the Fields” thread as the heroes regroup upstairs.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:07, Sat 16 June 2018.
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