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 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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

"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.

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 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))

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.

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.

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.

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 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?))

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.

"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.

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.

"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 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.

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.)

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!))

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.