Shortly before dark, Renata’s daughter, Patricia Montaño, traveled to the Thornton-Curry Saloon with the makings of chili verde, including fresh New Mexican peppers that she and her brothers had gathered earlier that afternoon. Soon, the barroom was filled with the inviting scent of cooking food. Thornton, keeping her station at the bar, readily served all who sought shelter there for the evening.

Ranger Bryan Lee, Jacinta Castillo, Albert Cooper, Reverend Earnest Allgood, and Tamsin River had all found their way to the Thornton-Curry and gathered at a larger table on the right side of the room. The mustanger, Aileen Kearney, was also in attendance at the saloon, along with Deputy Lena Bauer and the schoolmistress, Valentina Perez. Ava Winter had taken her leave of the gathering, venturing down to the Montaño Store to pass the night with Renata Montaño and her family.

An older man sat a table near the entrance to the saloon, playing soft tunes on a fiddle. Outside, the street had cleared, the windows of most of the businesses dark. Aside from the Thornton-Curry, only Wilson’s Saloon, the Patron House, and the lower floor of the courthouse, showed any signs of occupation. Most residents had made their way to the safety of their homes.

Cloud cover overhead kept the town in deep darkness. If Kansas Kate, the elusive outlaw, had any intent of joining the gathering, she had not yet appeared.

Albert removed his hat when he entered the Thornton-Curry saloon, exposing his brown hair that had been flattened and patterned by his habitual hat-wearing. It sat on the table in front of him as he looked around at the gathering of folk that had probably been poking around the town for various reasons and with varying results during the day.

"So, how y'all been? Day's been fairly interstin' fer me so far. What with Jim McDaniels come callin' ta my uncle's ranch this mornin' lookin' fer who mighta returned them kids. Some ruffian apparently killin' Tom in this here establishment, then givin' me the slip. An then findin' tracks from a monster made o' bones out yonder. Course I'm purty sure some green chili oughta take care o' any worry I've developed since I woke, so there that at least."

"Well, Coop, I was gonna say that I'd had an interesting day, but it didn't involve trackin' critters. I have apparently attracted some attention while in town; word is out that there's a Ranger around. I was paid separate visits by first Sheriff Brady and later James Dolan and Jim McDaniels. The former was honest and sincere. The latter pair were anything but, though they tried to put on appearances," he said.

"I did hear about poor Tom. I helped carry his body over to Ike Ellis's place, then came here to find out what happened. It's a shame for a man to die young, that's what I say. I thought I saw you givin' chase to the shooter. How close did you get?"

Tamsin sits quietly, fingers idly brushing through her hair, getting rid of any leaves or twigs before braiding it again. ”My day went about as well as I expected, up until the unfortunate passin’ of Tom,” she says. ”I didn’ realize you were so involved in it, Mr. Cooper.”

Albert waited a bit for the others to jump in, but it seemed they were a bit tongue-tied at the moment. He was glad to hear that everyone was okay. "It weren't that I was exactly involved, Flower Power. When whoever allegedly did the deed came runnin' out the door I grabbed Brandy and gave chase. Brandy's my horse." In case that weren't obvious.

"The ruffian that went running had a purty big lead on me and made it ta the trees. Lost us in the woods."

He then looked over at Bryan. "Did Dolan and McDaniels visit ya together, General?"

"You were on horseback, and your runner lost you on foot?" he asked, sounding quite nearly surprised - and certainly a bit dubious, even if he didn't give voice to that. He gave a brief pause before continuing.

"I suppose I'd say that's impressive for a runner...as cagey as I've seen. As for Dolan and McDaniels, yes, they seemed to come as a package deal. I admit, I thought McDaniels was his lapdog, but Dolan treated the man with a measure of respect that I didn't quite expect. McDaniels must be higher placed in the syndicate than I would've presumed."


OOC:

Just a check to see if Bryan thinks that Albert is being straight with him on losing the runner, or some such. It's the same die type for Notice, so apply it how best makes sense against whatever secretly rolled aptitude that Coop's using.

15:42, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 5,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max.  Smarts.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:44, Thu 13 Dec 2018.

Desiree Thornton steps over to the table, providing refills for any that require them, before quietly returning to the bar, where she resumes a conversation with Lena Bauer and Aileen Kearney.

Outside, only a sliver of purple light remains on the horizon. Lincoln’s Main Street has fallen eerily silent.

"Sure thing. Like I said, I had ta go fetch Brandy - weren't jus' sittin' atop her waitin' fer murderers ta come runnin' outta someplace. Ain't exactly common occurrence 'round these parts." He made a swirly motion to help with the visual of 'these parts'.

"And then they made the trees. Great equalizer between those on foot and those that ain't."

Albert rubbed his chin as he considered the information about McDaniels. "If McDaniels is placed within an organization to which Dolan is subservient...hm. That changes the math there, don't it?"

"That's fair. It's true that sometimes a horse isn't as much of an advantage as you think it'll be, and that's certainly true when it comes to forested areas. And there's luck. Some folks got all of it. Did you happen to get a better look at the runner, at least?" he asked.

"Well, I don't know that Dolan is subservient, per se. I just meant to say that McDaniels may be an enforcer, but he's a highly placed one. Not a lap dog."

Albert nodded. "Of their back, sure. I could prolly place whoever it were if they was facin' away from me."

OOC: Technically not a lie. He knew who it was when they first burst out onto the scene. But he didn't get a better look while chasing them.

"McDaniels is trouble. That feller seems like the cold-blooded murderin' type. Also tried ta bribe Deputy Bauer - she says she declined. I believer her."

Albert shrugged. "So in addition ta all that, seems the old Reverend mighta gone missin' after takin' a ride out toward Angus. Thinks somethin' suspicious mighta been happenin' out there. I told the Deputy I'd try ta gather a few folk ta go take a look on behalf o' the law."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:43, Mon 17 Dec 2018.

As if to accentuate his claims, the sound of a match striking could be heard behind Cooper, its warm glow lighting up the criss crossed knife scars on the smoker's cheek and casting a ruddy glow on the long dark hair which framed her face.

Kansas Kate entered, though missing the outer layer of her apparel.  Her steps made the floors creak, she did not attempt stealth.  The lack of the duster showed off the fine tooling of her gunbelt, with the Celtic knot detailing on the holster.  Taking a long drag off the cigarillo, she unceremoniously exhaled the smoke not bothering with a sightly ring, cloud or other formation.

She hadn't heard it all, but she'd heard that last bit.

"If'n yer a gatherin' fer th' law, ya might want to head to th' courthouse.  But ah'd go now, an' one at a time."

Albert turned a little and gave Kate a half-smile before returning his face toward the others. "Not sure it's exactly gatherin' fer the law. More like...investigatin' the weird what the law don't necessarily have time, manpower, or inclination ta investigate. Was thinkin' more like this here group might have interest."

Albert let his gaze drift over the other before he thought to add a simple courtesy. "And how ya doin this evenin', double-K? We was all just tradin' a few thoughts on happenins."

"Kansas Kate, I'd say you've missed an eventful day, but I wouldn't be surprised if yours was as eventful as anything I could tell you about. Feel free to join us," he said, gesturing to an empty chair at their table.

"Coop, any idea why the Reverend was headin' out to Angus, or any specific rumors as to why he mighta disappeared?" he asked.

"Ah ain't pissin' on yer leg cowboy, somethin's going down over there an' unlike me, yer the types who care.  Look folks I don't have a lot of time, the old okey doke has a short lifetime as it is.  McDaniels and his gang are doing something in the courthouse tonight, I'm supposed to take up a spot by the Torreon and ice anyone what comes 'a runnin' out of there.  Also..."

She approached Lee and reached into a rather... delicate place in her shirt, pulling out a wad of scrip which she offered up.

"That there is the dinero they paid me to kill that feller.  I reckon that's evidence, ah seen a man hang fer less evidence than that just cuz he porked th' sheriff's wife."

Naturally she didn't tell the Ranger about the half she took in gold and ghost rock dust.  Kansas Kate was cooperative, not stupid.

"There's more, but you'd think I were plumb loca."  She cradled a strange new accessory she was wearing, something that looked like a bird skull necklance.

Albert nodded at Bryan. "Yup, I got an idea. Can't say it here, though."

The ranch hand looked over at Kate as she provided a bit more information, quirking an eyebrow at her final proclamation. "I doubt that, madam. As ya well know. But seems like we got a few things a bit more pressin' that chattin' 'bout even more weirdness round these parts."

Albert slid his weapon slightly out of its holster and checked to be sure he was full up on bullets in his pistol. Apparently satisfied, he slid it back into its place. He looked at Jacinta then back to Kate. "You lovely ladies use them special bullets I gave ya? If we gotta few minutes, I can replace 'em."

"I thought we were all gathered here because the streets were unsafe due to the imminent passage of the Ghost Train?"

Deputy Bauer’s attention is drawn from her conversation at the bar by Allgood’s comment. Venturing over to the table, glass in hand, she asks, ”Sorry to interrupt, but...um...have any of you actually been here in town when the wagon train comes through?”

"I haven't," Tamsin says. A part of her is grateful for the change in topic- she's not the best liar, and there's only so much talking around a subject she can do, and if they asked about Tom...

"Most of us here at this table came in on the stagecoach yesterday, Deputy Bauer, and are a bit new to town," he said, standing up to extend his hand to her in greeting, giving her a smile. "Bryan Lee of the Texas Rangers. Sheriff Brady spoke quite highly of you. I can speak only for myself, but I'd be rather interested in anything you might could tell us about this so called Ghost Train."

Albert looked up at the Deputy as she approached, and raised an eyebrow at the question. "Like in town in town? Or just, y'know around town?" He shrugged. "Mostly I spend evenin's and night at the ranch. Bein' a ranch hand, and all."

Bauer shakes Lee’s hand. ”Heard a little about you too, Ranger. Sheriff’s pretty relieved to have you here. Feels like you’re the kind of man who’ll ask the right questions.”

She glances toward the batwing doors and the dark night beyond them. “I’m not gonna tell you that the wagon train’s some kinda hoax. I’m convinced it’s real enough. And I understand why people want to avoid it. The dead ain’t meant to be keepin’ company with the living.”

“But...in all the time I’ve been here, I’ve never heard tell of anyone who got hurt by wanderin’ outside when it rolled through. Scared, sure. Plenty scared. But never harmed.”

She shrugs. ”Just always makes me think it’s a good night to do whatever you want kept secret from your neighbors.”

Albert tipped his head slightly to the side. "Have y'all deputies ever watched the town ta see who might be wanderin' 'bout durin' Wagon Train time?"

”Those of us willin’ to volunteer to venture out,” Bauer answers, ”That amounted to three of us, along with the sheriff.”

She nods in the direction of the street. ”We noticed a lot of activity at the Murphy Store, but I’m afraid Deputy Bell got himself seen. Those that were gathered there were able to lose us when they headed north out of town.”

"I heard a rumor that there's something that might be goin' down at the courthouse tonight. Would you be interested in accompanying me there to see what's afoot, Deputy?" he asked.

Bauer's eyebrows raise. "Somethin' at the courthouse?" she asks. "I'll be glad to go with you, Ranger. But...on 'wagon train' nights, the only folks at the Courthouse are Sheriff Brady and one deputy, unless there's someone in the jail. I think it's Diaz that drew the short straw this time around. They stay there til daybreak. Sheriff's made it a habit, just in case someone gets real frightened or needs help."

"Well, I have it from what I believe to be a credible source that there may be some type o' malfeasance goin' on thereabouts. You and I, we could go there on a presumption of speakin' to the Sheriff about somethin' or the other. If I'm wrong, I'll buy you a drink to make up for wastin' your time. If I'm right, it'll be worth it," he said.

Oh Kate had just coincidentally chosen that moment to be quiet is all.  After all, she'd said what she needed to say.

Albert looked back and forth at the conversation. "Y'all think ya might need some backup? If so, I'd volunteer ta do so."

"If any of you end up needing me, I'll be watching for the train," Tamsin says simply. She can't not take a look at this mysterious train if it won't kill her.

”Fine by me. Sheriff won’t mind a visit. Night usually goes by pretty slowly,” Bauer says agreeably.

Gesturing for Lee and Cooper to follow, she leads the pair outside and across the silent street to the courthouse.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:39, Mon 31 Dec 2018.

A short time after the three depart, a trio of riders come galloping in from the west, bringing their mounts to a halt in front of the Thornton-Curry. Hitching their horses to one of the rails, the group enters the bar, most of the conversation within halting as they do so.

Kate recognizes one of the men, a slender figure in a dark colored duster, as “Doc” Scurlock. Castillo notes that another of the riders, shaggy haired and clad in a poncho, is Jose Chavez y Chavez. The third is young, clean shaven, and fair haired, wearing a two gun rig that holds a Colt Lightning in each holster. Each member of the group takes in the room carefully as they step inside before proceeding to the bar, where Scurlock requests a bottle of whiskey and three glasses.

Outside, the wind picks up with a howl, picking up loose dust on the street and carrying it eastward.

Meanwhile...

Kate had not been successful in passing the Ranger the evidence, but... he knew she had it.  She'd cache it later.

She had been given a position to take.  She hoped they'd understood what she'd told them, and wondered how she'd handle it if someone ran for it.  Thankfully she hadn't been ordered in, so she had plausible deniability, but this was still going to be dicey.

Thornton pours a glass for each of the newcomers, eyeing them curiously. ”When the wagon train’s come through before, you boys have kept to the range. Steered clear of town. What brings you in tonight?”

The young man with fair hair cocks a smile and answers, ”We need to have words with one of our elected officials. Figured this would be a good night for it.”

”Nothin’ that need concern you, Señorita,” Chavez y Chavez offers. ”Just gettin’ a few concerns we have aired.”

Tamsin is silent, but her eyes sweep the newcomers for any injuries. Great way for her to start up a conversation,


I don’t know why I did a notice roll, but here it is if I need it:
15:49, Today: Tamsin River rolled 8,4 using 1d6,1d6, rerolling max (((6+2)8,4)).
 

OOC: It wasn't a wasted roll.

PM
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:32, Tue 08 Jan 2019.

Tamsin waves a hand at the man in the poncho to get his attention. “Do you want me to take a look at that before I head out?” she asks with a point to his arm, finishing off her drink.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:01, Tue 08 Jan 2019.

Chavez y Chavez blinks in surprise at the offer of help. He glances over at Scurlock uncertainly. The slender range hand nods. "I believe she works with Miz Winter. The healer lady from San Patricio. Probably a good idea to let her check that arm."

Chavez y Chavez steps over to River's table. Clearing his throat, he says, "I'd be obliged, ma'am. I got it caught on some barbed wire this afternoon."

He loosens the bandage with a tug. Pulling it free, he reveals a series of five puncture wounds, running in a diagonal line across his forearm.

“My reputation precedes me, I see,” Tamsin says, making to get out of her spot, but sitting back down when the man comes to her table. ”Take a seat. What should I call you?” she asks, carefully taking his arm into her hands to investigate the wounds.

”Jose,” the man answers. ”You may not want to get to know my pals and I too well, ma’am. Not everyone here in town thinks well of us. Course, no one’s gonna fault a medicine lady from helpin’ someone who’s hurt.”

”True enough,” the young man with the twin gun rig agrees. He turns his attention back to the saloon keeper. ”Say, you haven’t noticed anyone on The House’s payroll hangin’ about nearby, have you Miss Thornton?”

Thornton shakes her head in reply.

OOC: Tamsin, kindly give me a Healing roll.

"I'll help who's hurt whether people think well of 'em or not," Tamsin says. "And I keep my mouth shut. Yes, people can't find much fault in that."


11:14, Mon 14 Jan: Tamsin River rolled 4,4 using 1d8+2,1d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2.  Healing.

Chavez y Chavez nods his head gratefully in response to River’s answer. He watches as the herbalist cleans the puncture wounds and covers each of them with a selection of ground leaves. As River begins to replace the bandage with a clean one, Scurlock speaks up from the bar.

”Ma’am, if you don’t mind me askin’, are you plannin’ on passing the night here at the saloon?”

Tamsin looks over to the man at the bar as she finishes up, practiced fingers moving automatically. "Not quite. I'm plannin' on takin' a look at the ghost train."

In reply to Tamsin River (msg # 42):

Earnest rises from his seat.

"And I'll pray with anyone who wants to, even if everyone thinks badly of them. That's my job.

"Miss River, I'll go along with you to see the truth of this ghost train. No god-fearing person need shrink from the works of evil."

”It’s somethin’ to see, all right,” Chavez y Chavez answers, opening and closing his fist once River replaces his bandage. ”But I sure understand the people here fearin’ it. Whoever’s ridin’ it, they sure don’t seem pleased to still be among the living.” A few people at other tables in the saloon mutter their agreement.

All of the attention in the room goes to Allgood when he stands. After a moment, the young man wearing the pair of pistols asks, ”Say, preacher. You don’t mind me askin’, have you come to speak at the Methodist church here in town? On account of Reverend Benton bein’ gone?”

"I have offered my services to the elfers and deacons,yes, but they have not yet communicated their decision to me. I hope to see you among the congregation, Mr. ... ?"

”Bonney,” the young man replies. He grins, then continues. ”But nobody calls me ‘Mister’. Most around here just know me as Billy.”

“I sure hope you’re able to start preachin’ here, Reverend. After Pastor Benton disappeared, folks’ spirits got real low.” He shakes his head and mutters, ”Somethin’ else the law don’t give two shits about.”

Clearing his throat, he says, ”Point bein’, they could use someone like you. Someone who could give ‘em a little hope.”

He looks to his two companions. ”If that nice lady’s got you patched up, Jose, go ahead and drink up. You too, Doc. We need to get our business seen to.”

Concerned that the three men may be intending to break the law, Earnest doesn't offer to pray with them or to bless them. Instead, he says, "I hope to see you in church, Billy."

Then he looks to see if Miss River is ready to venture out to view the Ghost Train.

The young man smiles. If I’m still among the living, Reverend, I’ll come give you a listen in a few Sundays.”

He moves to the front door, joined there by Scurlock, who is carrying the bottle of whiskey the trio purchased. Chavez y Chavez, nods gratefully to Winter. ”Much obilged, ma’am,” he tells her, before rising and moving to follow his companions. The three exit the saloon, walking purposefully toward the courthouse.

A few moments later, a small group of individuals exit Wilson’s Saloon. All but one, a man in a duster and a black hat, descend the steps of the porch and make their way toward the Torreón.

The wind picks up strength, moaning as it rushes down Lincoln’s Main Street.

“Shall we, Reverend? Tamsin says, standing up.

In reply to Tamsin River (msg # 51):

"Certainly, Miss River." He crosses to hold the door for her and follows her through it onto the street."Did you have a vantage point in mind?"

River and the Reverend step out onto the saloon’s fromt porch. They are greeted by a cold, mountain wind, which howls as travels through the buildings that occupy Lincoln’s Main Street, scattering plumes of dust from the road as it passes.

The small group that emerged from Wilson’s Saloon has moved behind the Torreón and out of sight. Only the man with the duster and black hat remains in view, the orange wink of the cigarette he is smoking breaking the shadows that hang over the drinking establishment. He watches the street for a long moment, then begins walking west, towards the Thornton-Curry, at an unhurried pace.

As their eyes adjust, Allgood and River notice that the street has grown faintly brighter, a weak blue illumination, the source of which they cannot determine, having settled over the town.

OOC: For those needing to keep track, it’s nearing two in the morning.

Kate didn't like the look of that.  Curious, she touched the strange amulet (if you could call it that) around her neck.

Kate finds the raven skull notably cold. Not with the burning iciness that it gave off when she spoke to Jim McDaniels, but cool enough to provoke thoughts of winter and the chilly temperatures of the mountain passes.

“I do not have a vantage point in mind, Tamsin says. “We should be good to see even from here, now that I think of it,”

"As good as any, I expect."

He pulls his father's Testamen out of his inside coat pocket, holding it in both hands.

"Are you from around here, Miss River?" he asks to pass the time.

Kate grunted.  That... that told her a lot and yet absolutely nothing, because what could she do about it now that she knew?

She would give this a bit longer.  Surely they didn't mean her to stand at this point indefinitely.  Hopefully, they'd be smart and avoid the whole thing.  Somehow.  And she could decide what to do by then.

“I’m from San Patricio,” Tamsin replies to the Reverend. “Near enough. How about you, where are you from? “
This message was last edited by the player at 12:20, Sun 10 Feb 2019.

In reply to Tamsin River (msg # 59):

"I was born and raised in Tennessee. Went to seminary in Memphis. Came here to help an old friend with his congregation."

As Allgood and River speak, the blue illumination that has touched the street grows brighter, making the details of many of the surrounding buildings easy to discern.

At once, the wind ceases.

From the east, the pair can hear an approaching rumble, the sound of hooves pounding the ground and wagon wheels rolling over uneven terrain.

Inside, Kate’s amulet grows colder in her hand, becoming uncomfortable to grasp.

The man in the dark hat from Wilson’s Saloon nears the porch of the Thornton-Curry. He tips his hat to River and Allgood. ”Evenin’ folks,” he says without breaking stride, his path apparently taking him toward the Courthouse, ”Might be a good time to get indoors. Let Miss Thornton warm you up with some coffee. Stayin’ out here might not prove too healthy.”

He keeps walking.

In reply to Jim McDaniels (msg # 62):

"Thanks for the advice. Good evening," Allgood replies. In a lower voice he asks Tamsin, "Any idea who he is?"

Kate turned slowly, she knew she wouldn't have very good visibility in the darkness, but the sound of that rumbling was something she wanted to identify ASAP.

Tamsin quirks her head to the side at the Reverend’s question, looking to see if there was anything familiar about the man.  She straightened out out and shook her head. _{“I think I’ve seen him in passing, but I don’t anything about him.”} Tamsin murmurs quietly.

”Here comes the train.” Well, maybe. Hopefully.

Tightly grasping his Testament, Earnest turns toward the approaching sounds.

"From all evil, O Lord deliver us."

It arrives from the west, the pale blue illumination making the street as visible as it would be at twilight.

Although the hoofbeats can be heard clearly, no horses can be seen, though shadows of mounts flicker on the dimly lit ground. Wagons, seven in all, roll into Lincoln, slowing as they travel in an even line down the wide road. The timbers that make up each of the carriages are rotten with decay, buckling as they deteriorate, blackened with corruption. The canvas that covered each wagon has been reduced to stained rags, hanging limply from the frames that once supported them.

Each wagon is empty, without a driver or passengers. None show any evidence of life, only the passage of years and the ravages of the elements. They are skeletons, the bones of a past tragedy that refuse to rest. They continue to slow, the lead carriage coming to a quiet stop in front of the Murphy Store. The entire line halts in response, the vacant vehicles seemingly waiting in silent expectation.

The wind remains still. Nothing stirs on Lincoln’s Main Street.

Nothing, save Jim McDaniels, who crosses in front of the Courthouse, scattering a handful of a powdered substance on the porch of the building, giving out a low whistle as he does so. He continues east, his pace unbroken, moving toward the deep shadows out of town.

The wagons keep their vigil.

Moments later, River and Allgood spy a group of slender figures approach the Courthhouse, moving out of the pine trees to the south, their gait wrenching and stiff, their path appearing to lead them toward the door of the Sheriff’s Office.

"What in the fresh hell is this?"  Kate cursed oh so mildly.  All right, they never said a damn thing about any of this nonsense.

If the devil had a daughter, her name was Kansas Kate.  But there were some things even She of the Horns could not abide, and this was one of them.

Oblivious to other developments, she followed McDaniels with her eye from the top of the Torreón for a moment, then began to descend cursing words unfit for mortal or divine ears to hear.

In reply to Marshal (msg # 67):

"I dont like the looks of those folks, Miss River. Perhaps you'd best go inside."

He steps to the front edge of the saloon's walk and shouts as loudly as he can, years of addressing camp meetings aiding his voice: "HALLOO THE SHERIFF!! DANGER COMING FROM THE SOUTH!"

Rounding the Torreón, Kate passes a pair of Jesse Evans’ gang members, who are lying in wait. One of them, a woman cradling a shotgun in her arms, mutters, ”Where’s she going? Isn’t she supposed to be with us?”

Rounding the wide tower, Kate gets a clear look at the group of figures approaching the Courthouse. Silhouetted within the strange blue light that has settled over the town, the daughter of Hell can see that the men appear to be without flesh; mere skeletons clad in rags, moving as though they are imbued with some semblance of life. Each carries a weapon, a pistol or a carbine.

In the same moment, Allgood and River recognize the interlopers for the undead things that they are. As the Reverend’s warning sounds through the quiet street, two of the skeletons turn to face him.

OOC: Kate, Tamsin, Reverend, could each of you give me an initiative draw?

In reply to Marshal (msg # 70):

Rev. Earnest Allgood drew the 8H for Initiative.

19:14, Today: Kansas Kate drew the single card: 7H using a deck of 54 cards.

02:27, Today: Tamsin River drew the single card: 5D using a deck of 54 cards.

20:54, Today: Marshal drew the single card: AS using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative - Undead.

Initiative Order

1. Forgotten Corpses
   
2. Reverend Allgood
   
3. Kansas Kate
   
4. Tamsin River

The two dead men that turned to face Allgood and River in response to the minister’s shouted warning raise pistols and fire, the crack of the shots piercing the silence of the street.

The first of the dead men shoots at Allgood, the shot ripping into the preacher’s shoulder.

20:57, Today: Marshal rolled 5 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5.  Shooting - Undead.

20:57, Today: Marshal rolled 13 using 2d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(6+3)9.  Shooting - Damage.

Reverend, the bullet leaves you Shaken with 1 Wound. If you wish, you can make a Soak Roll

The other dead interloper’s shot goes wide, thudding into the wall to the left of River.

20:59, Today: Marshal rolled 1 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1.  Shooting - Undead.

The remaining three walking dead move to the courthouse as quickly as they are able. The skeletal gunman in the lead reaches the door to the Sheriff’s Office and grabs the knob with his free hand.

21:03, Today: Marshal drew the single card: 7H using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative - Undead.

As each of you take your actions, please be sure to draw a card for the next round’s initiative.

Reverend Allgood, it’s your turn to act.

This message was deleted by the player at 06:08, Tue 19 Feb 2019.

In reply to Marshal (msg # 74):

The slug slams Allgood back against the board wall of the saloon. He concentrates on keeping his eyes open, fearing that, should he close them, he will surrender to the pain and black out. How can dead things with no eyes shoot so straight?

Then he gathers his righteous indignation at things that defy God's Divine order. His left arm hanging numb and useless at his side, he takes a bold step forward, raising overhead the Holy Book that had been his father's.

In a stern voice, he proclaims: "By the Sacred Word of the Almighty I abjure thee, foul abominations, return to the graves that spawned thee and trouble not the righteous people of this town. In the Name of God I command thee!"

Holy Warrior: Call on God to repulse supernatural evil creatures.

In response to the Reverend’s entreaty, all of the dead men pause, seemingly halted momentarily by the minister’s prayer. A split second later, they resume their actions. Three continue their advance on the courthouse, while one of the skeletal gunman who fired at Allgood and River cocks its weapon.

The other shooter, however, begins to shake violently, as though overcome by some unseen force. A moment later, its bones break apart, clattering to the street in a heap, along with its weapon and the ragged clothes it wore. Wisps of grave dust rise from the pile.

21:06, Today: Marshal rolled 4,1,5,9,4 using 1d6,1d6,1d6,1d6,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,1,5,(6+3)9,4.  Spirit - Undead.

The skeletal gunman who failed his Spirit check is destroyed.

Next: Kansas Kate.

FYI Kate, you have a clear line of sight on each of the dead men.

Sorry, forgot to draw initiative.

Rev. Earnest Allgood drew the AC using a deck of 54 cards.

Kate had done her best to warn the occupants of the courthouse.  Granted, she didn't warn them against this.  But she hadn't known to either.

Kate recognized the man as the Bible thumper.  Kate and God had a few differences of opinion, but the man seemed like the mild sort so far.  Kate picked her target, the only one showing outright hostility to the pedestrians (being as the other, well, kind of done blew up all of a sudden)...

Hooray for Quickdraw, Kate can pick whichever weapon suits her fancy in a given round.  We'll go with the repeater this time.

19:06, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 2,5 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5.  Pew Pew.

I presume that hits?  If not ignore this:

19:06, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 5 using 2d8, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4.  Damage.

lol ignore it anyway.

19:07, Today: Kansas Kate drew the single card: QS using the Deadlands system.

Well I got a nice card at least.

Kate’s shot splinters one of the skeletal gunman’s ribs. It staggers, shifting its attention from the saloon to the outlaw, thumbing the hammer of its pistol.

An instant later, a blast reverberates through the cold street, gusts of dust misting the air. Kate, Allgood, and River see a hole blown in the wall of the courthouse, shattering much of the lower portion of the outside staircase that leads to the upper balcony. Pieces of broken lumber scatter across the thoroughfare, and from the opening emerge two men, one that Kate recognizes as “Doc” Scurlock, the other Allgood and River know to be Henry McCarty, called Billy the Kid.

From within the now exposed Sheriff’s Office, all three can see what can only be described as a creature, constructed entirely of bone, with numerous spindly appendages. It is almost eight feet in height, with a distinctly insectoid appearance. Shots rings out from within the building.

The door to the Sheriff’s Office opens and a pair of men halt, almost running headlong into the gathering of skeletal gunfighters outside.

OOC: Tamsin, it is your turn to act.

Tamsin draws her revolver and shoots In the direction of the remaining skeletal gunman.

“Reverend, how are you doing?”


04:41, Today: Tamsin River drew the single card: 7C using a deck of 54 cards.

03:41, Today: Tamsin River rolled 3,2 using 1d6,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2.  Shooting.

In reply to Tamsin River (msg # 81):

"I don't think I can use my arm."

[ooc - What do I roll to soak the wound?]

OOC: You’ll need to first spend a chip (any color will work, but I’d use a white chip if you have one), then make a Vigor roll. Each success and each raise removes one wound. If you succeed in removing all of your wounds (which is only one in this instance), then you will also remove your shaken condition. You can use additional chips to bolster/reroll a failed soak roll.

Alternatively, you can also spend a chip to automatically remove the shaken condition.

Rev. Earnest Allgood rolled 3,3 for Vigor to Soak

River’s shot cuts through the air just left of the gunman’s fleshless skull before speeding off into the night.

Initiative Order

1. Reverend Allgood
   
2. The Deputies
   
3. Kansas Kate
   
4. Albert Cooper
   
5. The Undead
   
6. Tamsin River
   
7. Bryan Lee
   
8. The Regulators
   
9. The Bone Fiend

Reverend Allgood is currently shaken with 1 wound. (Allgood can make a Spirit roll to do away with the shaken condition, or spend a chip to remove it instantly.)

Four skeletal gunmen and the bone fiend remain active. The members of Jesse Evans’ gang are still gathered behind the Torreón, and have not entered the fray.

Pastor Allgood, it is your turn.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:06, Tue 26 Feb 2019.

“Reverend, I’ll take a look at your arm in a moment,” Tamsin says.

"It will serve until this emergency is past," he replies. Raising his testament high and bowing his head, he intones another prayer.

"Smite these foul and unnatural denizens, Lord of Hosts, as Ye did smite the Philistine that afflicted the Israelites of old. Hurl them back into the depths of Gehenna for the protection of Your righteous flock. We ask this in Jesus'name. Amen."

At the intonation of the Reverend’s prayer, another of the walking dead men, the last of the group gathered at the Sheriff’s Office, crumbles into a scattering of dry bones. His companions halt in their tracks, seemingly stunned, at least for the moment.

The skeletal shootist near the saloon appears unphased, raising its pistol for another shot. Likewise, the bone creature inside the courthouse also seems unaffected.

19:57, Today: Marshal rolled 4,1,3,2 using 1d6,1d6,1d6,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,1,3,2.  Undead - Spirit.

19:59, Today: The Bone Fiend rolled 5,1 using 1d12,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,1.  Spirit.

One of the skeletal gunmen is destroyed. The two dead men remaining near the Sheriff’s Office are shaken.

Bauer rushes to the fallen sheriff, momentarily wide eyed at the extent of his injuries.

Reaching down, the deputy takes Brady by the shoulders and begins pulling him away from the monster, toward the hall that leads to the exit, with as much care as she can manage.

Diaz, still making a series of incomprehensible shrieks, manages to squeeze past Chavez y Chavez and the momentarily frozen skeletons. Sprinting with all the speed he can summon, he runs southward, toward the pine forest beyond the edge of Lincoln.

Initiative Order

1. Reverend Allgood
   
2. The Deputies
   
3. Kansas Kate
   
4. Albert Cooper
   
5. The Undead
   
6. Tamsin River
   
7. Bryan Lee
   
8. The Regulators
   
9. The Bone Fiend

Your turn, Kate.

Kate thought momentarily that if these hombres wanted her to back them up, they should have said something about using monsters to carry out this attack.  It was only reasonable a sensible person would turn against such things.

Sure, they'd buy that.

Kate moved to find an improvised stand, picked a dead shootist, and squeezed the trigger.

Kate will move her pace and shoot a skeletal gunman still standing.

21:38, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 3,3 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,3.  Pew Pew.

Whaaaap whaaaap whaaaap

21:39, Today: Kansas Kate drew the single card: 3C using the Deadlands system.

Albert was glad the thing seemed to be ignoring him, and took aim again with his pistol. And audible bang accompanied the muzzle flash, and the bullet smashed into the creature at supersonic speeds.

OOC: 23 damage (AP1) - note that the bullet counts as magic as it has smite on it.

I assume he doesn't have to move to have line of sight to this thing, but he will move if necessary.

Ignore the boost shooting, I had forgotten I had already done that last round.

6H Init for next round.

19:47, Today: Albert Cooper drew the single card: 6H using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

19:47, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 23 using 2d6+3, rerolling max with rolls of (6+1)7,(6+6+1)13.  Damage!

19:47, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 5,2 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2.  Shooting (normal bullet).

Rev. Earnest Allgood drew the 7S using a deck of 54 cards.

Cooper’s shot leaves the Bone Fiend shaken with 4 wounds. It’s going to try to soak some of that damage.

20:29, Today: The Bone Fiend rolled 13,2 using 1d8,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+5)13,2.  Vigor (Soak Roll).

The roll will soak 3 wounds, leaving it shaken with 1 wound.

20:37, Today: The Bone Fiend rolled 1,1 using 1d12,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1.  Spirit.

It’s unable to lose the shaken condition with a roll, so it will burn a white chip to rid itself of the condition. It still carries 1 wound.

Cooper’s shot staggers the beast causing it to lurch to one side momentarily, cracks appearing within its formerly solid form. It halts its immediate pursuit of Scurlock and Bonney, its attention seeming to refocus on the interior of the sheriff’s office, and those within it.

21:01, Today: Skeletal Gunslingers rolled 2,3 using 1d6,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,3.  Spirit.

The remaining dead men crowding the door of the Sheriff’s Office remain rooted to the spot, apparently still held fast by Reverend Allgood’s prayer to the Almighty.

The dead man near the saloon feels Kate’s shot cut through the air around it. Shifting to face her, it returns the outlaw’s fire.

21:05, Today: Skeletal Gunslingers rolled 4 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4.  Shooting.

21:07, Today: Skeletal Gunslingers rolled 7 using 2d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 3,3.  Damage.

Kate, that shot will leave you shaken.

The skeleton’s shot skids across Kate’s flank, grazing her and leaving a burning abrasion in its wake.

21:10, Today: Skeletal Gunslingers drew the single card: 7D using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

Initiative Order

1. Reverend Allgood
   
2. The Deputies
   
3. Kansas Kate
   
4. Albert Cooper
   
5. The Undead
   
6. Tamsin River
   
7. Bryan Lee
   
8. The Regulators
   
9. The Bone Fiend

Tamsin, you’re next. Ranger Lee, feel free to post after her.

"Yes!" Albert celebrated his well placed bullet with a fist pump. Then noticed that he seemed to have drawn the thing's attention. "Uh oh..."

With the creature turning its attentions back towards Cooper following its successful salvo, Bryan shifted his position quickly towards the area near the opening created by the Regulators, and drew upon his calmness, harnessing his ch'i, and redirecting his energy flow into his hand as he moved toward the creature and struck out repeatedly in rapid succession. While he seemed nearly a blur of motion, it was clear that the Ranger was pounding his fist into whatever he could strike of the bony creature, shards of bone shredding off its form each time his fist pounded it.

OOC:

Quickness and Damage Field are both active now, in their second round of three. This gives him two actions, with an extra attack on each action from his Superior Kung Fu Edge. As a Martial Artist with Damage Field active, he'll do STR+d4+2d8 damage on a successful attack.

Dice logs posted below, but he hits it three times with an 11, 11, and 15, the last with a raise.

Damage 1: 15
Damage 2: 19
Damage 3: 21


(I sort of fumbled up the last damage roll there: the first time I added a +6 instead of rolling a d6; the second time I rerolled the whole batch, instead of just rolling a d6)
08:02, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 27 using d6+d4+2d8+d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,1,(8+2)10,6,5.  Damage 3 (with Raise) correct this time.
07:55, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 22 using d6+d4+2d8+6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2,6,5.  Damage 3 (with Raise).
07:55, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 19 using d6+d4+2d8, rerolling max with rolls of 2,1,3,(8+5)13.  Damage 2.
07:55, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 15 using d6+d4+2d8, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2,6,2.  Damage 1.
07:46, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 6,6 using d8+4,d6+4, rerolling max.  Wing Chun 2 (Wild Attack + Large Size).
07:46, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 14,7 using d8+4,d6+4, rerolling max.  Fighting 2 (Wild Attack + Large Size).
07:46, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 11,7 using d8+4,d6+4, rerolling max.  Wing Chun (Wild Attack + Large Size).
07:45, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 5,11 using d8+4,d6+4, rerolling max.  Fighting (Wild Attack + Large Size Creature).

08:09, Today: Bryan Lee drew the single card: AD using the Deadlands system with rolls of .  Initiative.

Tamsin kept her aim on a dead shootist and squeezed the trigger again.


23:03, Today: Tamsin River drew the single card: JD using a deck of 54 cards.
22:52, Today: Tamsin River rolled 10 using 2d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,5.  Damage.
22:51, Today: Tamsin River rolled 4,3 using 1d6,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,3.  Shooting.

19:44, Today: The Bone Fiend rolled 5,16 using 1d8,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,(6+6+4)16.  Vigor (Soak Roll).

11:24, Today: The Bone Fiend rolled 7,5 using 1d8,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,5.  Vigor (Soak Roll).

11:25, Today: The Bone Fiend rolled 7,7 using 1d8,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,(6+1)7.  Vigor (Soak Roll).

11:26, Today: The Bone Fiend rolled 5 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5.  Red Chip (Soak Roll).

That’s sufficient to absorb four of the five wounds, leaving the fiend shaken with 2 wounds.

19:46, Today: The Bone Fiend rolled 4,4 using 1d12+2,1d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2.  Spirit.

That’ll remove the shaken condition, leaving it with 2 wounds.

For all its size, the monster is forced to backpedal in the face of Lee’s assault, some of the Ranger’s blows smashing fragments of bone free as they land. The beast lets out another screech, whether of pain or rage is impossible to tell, as it struggles to find its balance. Its frame sags, widening gaps appearing in the ossuary that is its form. Within it, flickers of an eerie blue illumination become visible.

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

Outside, Tamsin’s well placed shot frees the skeletal killer that shot at Kate of one of its shoulder blades, shattering it. Although the dead man remains upright, the attack seems to stun him momentarily, leaving him rooted to the spot where he stands.

OOC: The undead gunfighter is shaken.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:43, Fri 08 Mar 2019.

The Kid sees that Chavez y Chavez is trapped at the door by the remaining dead men. Taking aim at the lead skeleton, he squeezes off a shot. The bullet finds its mark, shattering a portion of the revenant’s spine, prompting it to collapse into a pile of dry bones.

20:20, Today: Henry McCarty rolled 3,5 using 1d10,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,5.  Shooting.

20:21, Today: Henry McCarty rolled 6 using 2d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 4,1.  Damage.

As the dead man was already shaken, that’s sufficient to take him down.

Scurlock remains at the gap in the wall, firing another shot at the bone creature. It ricochets off of the monster’s back, whining as it thuds into the ceiling, causing the beast no apparent harm.

20:26, Today: Josiah Scurlock rolled 5,5 using 1d8,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,5.  Shooting.

20:27, Today: Josiah Scurlock rolled 10 using 2d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,5.  Damage.

Chavez y Chavez pulls his knife from his belt and lashes out at the other dead man near the door. The slash caves in a portion of the skelton’s brittle skull, and it falls to one side, its bones spreading across the open ground.

21:00, Today: Jose Chavez y Chavez rolled 13,4 using 1d8,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+5)13,4.  Fighting.

21:01, Today: Jose Chavez y Chavez rolled 3,2,5 using 1d8,1d4,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2,5.  Damage - Bowie Knife.

The monster’s screech fades, and with some manner of unseen effort, it draws itself together, the gaps in its form vanishing, its very size becoming noticeably smaller as it tightens, it’s undead form shuddering with the strain.

A heartbeat later, it explodes, showering the interior of the Sheriff’s Office with razor sharp fragments of bone.

20:32, Today: The Bone Fiend rolled 13 using 2d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(6+4)10.  Damage.

Scurlock is shaken. Bauer, Cooper, and Lee are all shaken with one wound. Bauer manages to shield Brady from the blast with her own body.

20:48, Today: The Bone Fiend drew the single card: 9D using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

Outside, the courthouse appears to tremble from the sudden jolt of force unleashed within it.

20:53, Today: Henry McCarty drew the single card: RJ! using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative .

20:54, Today: Lena Bauer drew the single card: 4S using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

Initiative Order

1. The Regulators
   
2. Bryan Lee
   
3. Tamsin River
   
4. The Bone Fiend
   
5. Reverend Allgood
   
6. The Undead
   
7. Albert Cooper
   
8. The Deputies
   
9. Kansas Kate

The Kid stops dead in his tracks when the Fiend explodes. Turning back, he rushes over to Scurlock. ”Doc! You okay?!?” he asks.

Scurlock gazes at the scattered bones that once comprised the beast, giving Billy a mute nod in response. As the Regulator watches, the bones begin to move of their own volition, sliding across the floor and pulling together as if being reformed by a pair of unseen hands.

Chavez y Chavez is also distracted by the noise of the beast breaking apart. The young man turns back to the courthouse, then begins running to join his friends.

Ranger, it’s your turn.

Bryan's eyes went wide and he moved to cover them and crouch to make himself a smaller target, but a shard of bone took him in the thigh anyway. He yanked it out, blood leaking down his leg and onto the floor of the erstwhile office of Sheriff Brady. He staggered a bit from the pain before finding his balance, and managed to grit his teeth and ignore it as he rose to his feet again.

For just a fleeting moment, he seemed relieved, thinking that perhaps he had shattered the thing, which would've been worth the cut, but watched in horror as the fragments of bone drew themselves together again. He assumed a fighting stance and took a moment to study the creature to see if he could find a weak spot.

OOC:

Bryan has 1 Wound now, and is waiting to see what he gleans from the Notice roll before I have him act.

Notice: 4
Vigor: 3 (Spent a White Chip to make the roll; Failed to Soak)
Spirit: 4 (to unshake)

10:52, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 4,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max.  Spirit.
10:49, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 2,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max.  Vigor.
10:49, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 4,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max.  Notice.


This message was last edited by the player at 17:00, Fri 08 Mar 2019.

Albert was unsurprised by the explosion of the thing and had already found some cover to help him avoid the shards of bone.

OOC:Soak successful

10:07, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 5,3 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3.  Soak.

PM

"Shoot for that black skull in the middle!" he called out to Cooper and any that might hear him before advancing once again and hurling himself at the construct. For his part, he was too close, and would have to work this way through too much bone to get a shot at it - but the others, with distance, could take better aim. His aim was to keep the thing tied up, and from doing too much damage to anyone else in the mean time.

In the back of his mind, at the edge of his concentration, he knew that there were other threats without. He pushed all of that noise, the stray gunshots, the shouting, and everything else out into a void and with focus, threw himself again at the bone beast.

---

OOC:

Lee's going to go back to beating on it...also known as trying to work down the Marshal's stack of chips.

Damage 1: 15
Damage 2: 17

Fighting 1:  6 (Miss)
Wing Chun 1: 9 (Hit)
Fighting 2:  8 (Hit)
Wing Chun 2: 5 (Miss)

Note: This is the final round of Quickness/Damage Field unless he chooses to extend that next round (probably will do that if it's still up).

14:01, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 1716 using d6-1+d4+2d8, rerolling max with rolls of 2,(4+3)7,3,5.  Damage 2 (with 1 Wound).
14:01, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 1514 using d6-1+d4+2d8, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2,6,2.  Damage 1 (with 1 Wound).
Note: Above I incorrectly subtracted the wound penalty from my damage roll, before remembering that it doesn't affect Strength, as the Strength component isn't a Trait roll.
14:00, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 4,5 using d8+3,d6+3, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2.  Wing Chun (Wild Attack + Large Size Creature - 1 Wound).
14:00, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 8,6 using d8+3,d6+3, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3.  Fighting (Wild Attack + Large Size Creature - 1 Wound).
14:00, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 9,6 using d8+3,d6+3, rerolling max with rolls of 6,3.  Wing Chun (Wild Attack + Large Size Creature - 1 Wound).
13:59, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 6,5 using d8+3,d6+3, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2.  Fighting (Wild Attack + Large Size Creature - 1 Wound).

08:36, Today: Bryan Lee drew the single card: KD using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:37, Mon 11 Mar 2019.

19:29, Today: The Bone Fiend rolled 7,4 using 1d8,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,4.  Vigor (Soak Roll).

19:29, Today: The Bone Fiend rolled 3,1 using 1d8,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1.  Vigor (Soak Roll).

19:30, Today: The Bone Fiend rolled 5 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5.  Red Chip (Soak Roll).

With the additional Red Chip roll, the Fiend manages to absorb the additional wounds dealt to it.

Lee’s additional blows manage to smash additional clusters of bone, scattering them to the far corners of the ruined office. The fragments continue to pull together, the individual pieces adhering to one another, striving to reform the beast’s insect like body. Bauer, Cooper, and Lee each can see the limbs of the monster beginning to take shape.

OOC: The fiend is forced to spend the round to reform.

Initiative Order

1. The Regulators
   
2. Bryan Lee
   
3. Tamsin River
   
4. The Bone Fiend
   
5. Reverend Allgood
   
6. The Undead
   
7. Albert Cooper
   
8. The Deputies
   
9. Kansas Kate

Tamsin, you’re next. Followed by the Reverend.

Tamsin attempts another shot at the undead, but it misses,

22:13, Today: Tamsin River rolled 1,3 using 1d6,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3.  Shooting.

OOC: I will treat the good reverend as though he is holding his  action, which will allow him to take his turn later in the round, if he so chooses.

08:27, Today: Skeletal Gunslingers rolled 3 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3.  Spirit.

The lone surviving undead gunman remains shaken.

As River’s shot whizzes past its skull, the remaining skeleton stumbles backward in the direction of the trees to the south, clearly considering fleeing in the face of bad odds.

Initiative Order

1. The Regulators
   
2. Bryan Lee
   
3. Tamsin River
   
4. The Bone Fiend
   
5. Reverend Allgood (Holding)
   
6. The Undead
   
7. Albert Cooper
   
8. The Deputies
   
9. Kansas Kate

Mr. Cooper, you have the floor.

In reply to Tamsin River (msg # 108):

Yes, please.

Chavez y Chavez appears at Scurlock’s side, his eyes widening at the sight of the rapidly reforming monster. ”What in the...”

Before he can complete his question, Cooper fires. The shot strikes a thick piece of bone within the swirling mass of the reconstituting creature, ricocheting with a loud whine and slamming into Chavez y Chavez’ shoulder.

09:16, Today: Marshal, on behalf of Albert Cooper, rolled 14 using 3d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 5,(6+1)7,1.  Damage.

The hit leaves Chavez y Chavez shaken with two wounds. Normally, I would make a soak roll for him, but I’m completely out of chips.

The young ranch hand cries out in pain, tumbling backwards onto his back on the deck outside. Scurlock’s expression is one of stunned surprise. The Kid’s face registers sudden rage.

Momentarily transfixed by the beast reshaping before her eyes, Bauer returns her attention to the fallen sheriff. Pulling the bandana from her neck, she tries to bind the worst of his wounds.

11:04, Today: Lena Bauer rolled 6,2 using 1d4,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (4+2)6,2.  Healing.

Brady stabilizes.

Brady gives out a soft groan. The bleeding from his head and neck begins to slow.

Outside, Deputy Diaz disappears into the forest south of town, his panicked shrieks still audible even over the cacophony of gunfire.

Initiative Order

1. The Regulators
   
2. Bryan Lee
   
3. Tamsin River
   
4. The Bone Fiend
   
5. Reverend Allgood (Holding)
   
6. The Undead
   
7. Albert Cooper
   
8. The Deputies
   
9. Kansas Kate

OOC: Your turn, Kate.

In case there’s any confusion, Kate can see both the torn open courthouse, and the swirl of bones within it, as well as the last skeletal gunfighter standing.

"Well this here's a bag of nails."  Kate weighed the options.  They weren't good, but she weighed them.

That big critter was a problem, sure, but it wasn't all up to Kate to deal with it.  In fact that feller seemed to have it pretty well handled.  Kate reckoned he needed the help less than the walkers by who might get picked off by a damn shooting skeleton.

Eye on the front sight.  Fire.

So let's try for the skelly, to get it down to one, plus who knows who this skeleton will shoot at.

19:33, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 8,9 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 8,(6+3)9.  Pew Pew.

19:34, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 7,3 using 2d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5,3.  Damage - Rifle, Raise.

lol still not enough damage to matter

19:34, Today: Kansas Kate drew the single card: 10C using the Deadlands system.

OOC: The undead gunfighter was already shaken. Kate’s gunfire finishes it off.

Kate’s well placed shot blasts the skeleton’s skull away from the rest of its fleshless form, the remainder of which collapses to the street, bones bouncing on the hard earth.

From behind the Torreón, Kate can hear a group of voices hissing in a quiet argument. As the report from her own weapon fae from her ears, she catches a male voice saying, ”...care. No one said anything about monstruos. We need to go. Leave while we still can.”

Inside the sheriff’s office, the creature’s body continues to take shape, moment by moment, as it somehow works to draw itself together once more.

22:33, Today: Marshal, on behalf of Tamsin River, drew the single card: 9S using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

22:35, Today: Marshal, on behalf of Rev. Earnest Allgood, drew the single card: 10C using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

22:35, Today: The Bone Fiend drew the single card: JH using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

22:36, Today: Lena Bauer drew the single card: 10H using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

22:40, Today: Marshal drew the single card: 5D using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative - Regulators.

Intiative Order

1. Albert Cooper, Bryan Lee
   
2. The Bone Fiend
   
3. Lena Bauer
   
4. Kansas Kate, Reverend Allgood
   
5. Tamsin River
   
6. The Regulators

Albert, you’re next, followed by the Ranger.

After his mis-fire, Albert lined up another shot at the skull before squeezing the trigger. This time the bullet flew true and slammed into the black skull that was within the tangle of bones.

OOC: Used a blue chip to hit (at -4). Damage is 10, AP1. It is magical damage.

Initiative for next round is KD.

10:59, Today: Albert Cooper drew the single card: KD using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

10:58, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 10 using 2d6+3, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4.  Damage (Smite).

10:58, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 4 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4.  Blue Chip.

10:56, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 1,-1 using d10-4,d6-4, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3.  Shooting (skull).

The well aimed bullet streaks through the shifting column of bones, slamming into the blackened skull at its center. The skull shatters when struck, breaking into numerous jagged fragments, wreathed in blue light.

As the skull explodes, the innumerable bones immediately become motionless, floating in place for a moment before falling to the floor in a shower of skeletal fragments, creating a momentary percussive commotion. Silence overtakes the interior of the sheriff’s office, the musty scent of the grave overwhelming the space.

Outside, those waiting behind the Torreón scatter, heading out into the dark foothills north of Lincoln. Save for a handful of witnesses, the lone occupant of the street is the decayed wagon train, still resting where it came to a halt, keeping a quiet vigil over the town.

OOC: Combat over.

Kate moved quick, trying to converge on the source of the voice.  Let everyone else worry about that debacle, she had enough irons in her own fire.

The blur of lightning-quick motion that had been the Ranger settled down into place as the skull shattered.

"Told ya there was gonna be trouble," he said to no one in particular, taking a moment to catch his breath before heading over to check on the Sheriff, who appeared to be sheltered behind Bauer.

"Hang in there, Brady," he said, crouching momentarily over the injured man to inspect his condition before rising again to his feet venturing to the hole in the wall to see who he could see out there, hoping he could spot Tamsin River or the Reverend.

Albert spun his gun on his finger before depositing it back into its holster. He looked over at Brady to make sure he wasn't a corpse and started yelling. "Hey! We got wounded in here! Send a doc!" He had discovered during the rail wars that yelling for a doctor sometimes got you someone that was capable of providing some sort of medical attention.

Albert nodded at Bryan's musings. "Sure was trouble. Good instincts, General."

He then looked over toward Chavez y Chavez. "Ya alright Jose? Sorry 'bout gettin' ya caught in the cross fire."

Lee can see that Brady is breathing, slowly but steadily, a hint of a rasp audible when he exhales.

”I can get him over ta Doc Wood’s if need be,” Bauer offers. ”Might need some help movin’ him, though.”

Billy’s face twists in anger. ”Sorry? Damn right! What in the hell were you even aimin’ at with that first...”

”Billy, it was an accident. A ricochet,” Chavez y Chavez manages hoarsely as he sits up, the right side of his poncho darkened with blood. ”Could’ve happened to anyone. Even you.”

He grins and coughs. ”Sides, I’ve had worse. Susan’ll see to it I’m patched up.”

Scurlock stoops down, helping the wounded man to his feet. ”Think you can ride?” he asks, ”Might be wise for us to make ourselves scarce. Even with a Ranger present, I can almost guarantee you that, by mornin’, a fair number of the folks around here, especially the Murphy faithful, will have figured out a way to pin some of this on us.”

Moving in the direction of the overheard voice, Kate circles around to the north side of the Torreón. There she sees several figures making haste for the stands of pine to the north of town, doing their best to keep to the deep shadows.

One lone individual has remained at the old tower. Jesse Evans lights a cigarillo as Kate approaches, the match flame briefly illuminating his features. He shakes his head, exhaling smoke. ”Old habits. They don’t have any trust in the way of things around here. I understand ‘em. I’ve spent plenty of time runnin’ But there’s no reason for it now. We’ve got benefactors that will ensure we’re in good standing with the public.”

He frowns as he regards her. ”What led you to start shootin’ out there? Weren’t expectin’ what came callin’?”

Looking outside, Lee can see Allgood and River still loitering on the porch of the Thornton-Curry. After a moment, Desiree Thornton emerges from inside, clearly concerned for the minister and herbalist’s welfare. She is carrying a bottle of whiskey, which she offers to River, apparently for the purpose of cleansing the pastor’s wound.

Lee, River, and Allgood can all see the ragged form of the wagon train, still lined up along Lincoln’s Main Street, silent and seemingly awaiting something. Moments pass, and the door to the Murphy Store opens, the faint light from a single lantern slanting across the porch. A lone figure emerges, tall with a measured step, moving out to the edge of the deck. The dark conceals most of the man’s features, but he is clad in a long coat, and wears a wide brimmed, cavalry style hat. He stares straight ahead at the vacant wagons.

Albert winced at Billy's response though he was heartened by Jose's response. After a pause, he answered the question. "Was a little black skull inside that bone thing. I was tryin' ta hit it the first time, but it deflected and hit Jose instead. Second shot's what took it down. Not all of us is as accurate as ya are."

He gave Jose another concerned look and also helped him to his feet at the same time as Josiah. "I think the law done saw ya didn't have nothin' ta do with it, but travel safe if yer so inclined. And think 'bout what I said, Jose."

Tamsin gets to work once the threat is gone. “Reverend, come here, let me see,” she commands. She takes the bottle, wanting to get the wound cleaned up.

04:28, Today: Tamsin River rolled 19,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+8+3)19,1.  Healing.

Supposing the Reverend wants my services, of course,

"Miss River, if you don't mind comin' over, we got an injured man in here," he called out with a beckoning wave before moving over to where Lena Bauer was.

"I'll help you move him if it comes to that, but in my experience, best not to move a fella when he's wounded. I think we can get at least some temporary relief over here before we have to move him." He looked at the massive hole in the wall.

"Good time to be a carpenter in Lincoln, I suppose."

In reply to Jesse Evans (msg # 124):

"What? That was on yer side? Then what in the thrice damned tarnation was that?"  Kate replied, her voice raspy but she kept it low.  "That ain't what no one talked about.  It were ignert ennyhow, ya didn't flush out jack rabbits with that little stunt."

She pinched the bridge of her nose with her fingers.  "Con sarn it, ya don't use a mule team when all ya need is a pony.  Damn yer eyes, ya ought to have told me an' ah could'a had ya kill every'un of 'em."

”I’ll do that,” Chavez y Chavez replies to Cooper’s suggestion.

”Gentlemen, let’s ride,” Billy says. Looking to Lee, he adds, ”Ranger, I reckon we’ll speak again soon.”

He takes a last look at the fallen sheriff, then gives Cooper and Bauer each a quick nod before departing. Scurlock follows, keeping pace with Chavez y Chavez, to ensure the wounded man doesn’t falter.

With practiced efficiency, River cleans Allgood’s wound, dressing it with a selection of herbs and a bandage from her pack.

OOC: Allgood’s shaken condition is removed. His wound is healed.

From across the street, the herbalist can hear Bryan Lee call for her.

”Why don’t you come inside after you’re done out here?” Thornton suggests, ”Get warmed back up. Maybe have a drink and some food. On the house.”

Bauer nods at the Ranger’s instruction. She looks down at Brady and sighs heavily. ”Hope this friend of yours can help him some. But...I’m afraid...lookin’ at this head wound...I ain’t sure he’s ever gonna be the same.”

Evans listens intently to Kate’s words,. He takes a draw on his cigarillo, his attention drifting over to the street. ”Someone should’ve warned you. Some things around here...they require a little adjustment in how you see the world.”

He considers the damaged courthouse. ”As to what it was, you’d have to ask McDaniels. I’ve got an instinct it did some good.” His eyes shift to the Regulators mounting their horses. ”But not quite enough to settle everything down.”

“Remember, we were just here to clean up. Wasn’t our show. But with as many as walked away, there’s no sense in unnecessary risks. There’ll be other opportunites. We just gotta keep an eye out for ‘em.”

Once she is finished with the Reverend, Tamsin goes to where they were calling for her.

In reply to Tamsin River (msg # 127):

Earnest smiles at Miss River, though there's not much life to the expression. With the threats removed, he lets himself relax, slumping against the wall of the saloon.

"I believe I'll just sit down for a bit," he says, slowly slipping down until he's seated on the floor.

In reply to Jesse Evans (msg # 134):

Kansas Kate was clearly not happy.  Well actually she was, but she was channeling her inner anger to put on a show.

"Of all the dumbass cockamanie... don't you people know how to outlaw?  I oughta tan his hide for somethin' like that.  Look we need to get the hell oughta here, they won't be distracted any longer'n takes ta skin a rabbit."

"I've seen folks get better from worse, so let's hope for the best. Sheriff a religious man?" he asked Bauer.

When Tamsin came over, he beckoned her over and pointed to Brady. "Miss River, the Sheriff took a wound in the fightin'. I was hoping you could stabilize him before we move him to the doctor."

“I’ll do what I can. Anyone else? I’ve already patched up the Reverend, he should be fine.”

Tamsin knelt down next to the sheriff, pulling out what she needed to work with.

00:20, Today: Tamsin River rolled 1,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5.  Healing.

Albert nodded at River. "Yup, Jose got hurt as well. Although..." Albert looked at the injured man receding into the distance. "Looks like he got his own trusted healer."

Albert smiled at Tamsin. "So what've y'all been up to since we left?"

River steps inside the ruined Sheriff’s Office, pausing to take in the gaping hole in the floor and the bones scattered everywhere she can see.

Moving to the fallen form of William Brady, River can easily see that although the bleeding from the worst of his wounds has been halted, the lawman is still in a fragile, dangerous state. With some work, the herbalist is able to further stabilize him.

OOC: One of the sheriff’s three wounds is healed.

”Part of the idea behind this...we help the right people, we don’t have to outlaw anymore. At least not the runnin’ and hidin’ part.”

He nods in the direction of the shadowed foothills. ”You want to skedaddle, feel free. But I promise you, even if a few deputies do come lookin’, nothin’ they’re going to say will stick. Not for long anyway.”

He points to the Courthouse with his cigarillo. ”There’s a lot that didn’t get solved tonight. Not like we were hopin’. But one thing’s for sure. No one’s gonna doubt where the real power is around here.”

Seemingly satisfied, the tall figure on the porch of the Murphy Store retreats indoors. As he turns his back on the somber sight of the wagon train, a gust of wind moans as it travels the length of Lincoln’s Main Street. And a moment later, the ruined caravan is gone from sight, vanishing within the span of a heartbeat.

”I think he’ll live,”  Tamsin says as she finishes up. She cleans up the blood she can now that everything’s covered, making sure she didn’t miss anything.  ”Definitely needs Doc Woods, though. I can come if you’d like, though I don’t know there’s much more I can do for him,

She stands up, brushing her hands off on her skirt, turning to face Albert. ”Well, Miss Winter showed me some more of the area around Lincoln, wild herbs, all that. And you, Mr. Cooper?”

"Thank you kindly, Miss River," he said, turning his attention back to deputy Bauer. "Now that he's a bit more stable, I can help you cart him over to the Doc's place."

"Feller, have you done gone plumb loco?  You done sent that big ornery critter against 'em, and hell knows how you even done that but let's not worry about that just yet, and they done made it look a fool."

Kate looked at him square on.  "Why do ya think they call me Kansas Kate and not Shotgun Sally?  Because Bloody Kansas is scarier than a scattergun pointed right at yer noggin."  She shook her head.

"Look ya'll got the resources, but ya'll don't know a blessed thing about fear.  Fear don't come from a gun.  It don't come from no monster.  Fear comes from the heart."  She patted herself down for a smoke and then realized she didn't have any.  "That whole lot over there could all be after me, and I would fear them less than that old half-consumed whore that called herself my mother.  But don't you worry none.  I'll learn ya."

Albert nodded at Tamsin's response. "Well, mostly talkin' with the law, Flower Power, and then some with the not-so-law. Think they call themselves the Regulators? They seem ta be hot under the collar, and not thinkin' so clear. Hope I gave 'em a little somethin' ta chew on."

He pointed toward the second story of the courthouse. "Found a skeleton on the top floor in here as well. Holdin' a weapon. General was too fierce for it, though."

Evans draws a flask from his pocket and takes a drink from it. ”Well, I look forward to gettin’ an education.”

He indicates the Murphy Store across the street with a nod. ”Tomorrow. Ten in the mornin’. Meet me at the steps over there. You can show me how a real outlaw solves a nagging problem that doesn’t seem to want to go away.”

With that, he drops his cigarillo to the ground and crushes it. Tipping his hat to Kate, he sets off westward, into the night.

With some careful effort, Lee and Bauer are able to carry the still unconscious Brady over to Dr. Wood’s office. Unsurprisingly, the physician is wide awake, having been pulled from slumber by the sounds of gunfire. It takes little time to get the sheriff situated on a couch in his office. Wood assures Bauer and the others that he will see to Brady’s treatment around the clock, but expresses trepidation about the terrible wound that the lawman sustained to his head.

Once outside the office, the group separates, heading either back to the Thornton-Curry, to the Patron House, or even to their homes, agreeing to meet early on the following day to discuss all that has transpired.