Perez sits as requested, listening attentively to all that Kate tells her, her expression darkening as she understands all that has transpired. Her mouth settles into a thin line. ”James Dolan is a rat faced pendejo,” she tells the outlaw, ”He intimidates las familias here in the valley. Terrorizes good people. Takes from them without any thought or remorse.”

The last of Perez’ words form wisps of steam in the air, the cold within the schoolhouse having become like the deep of winter. The teacher reflexively wraps her shawl around her, crossing her arms tightly. Kate feels goosebumps form on her arms in response to the suddenly frigid temperature.

”I...I have spoken out against Señor Dalton’s actions because it is the right thing to do. I understand what you are trying to accomplish. To protect me from him. Him and the others of the House. But...part of me doesn’t want to give him the satisfaction of thinking I am afraid.”

“Are you sure? Cierto? You truly believe you and these others can stop him? Bring him to justice?”

OOC: Kate, give me a Notice roll.

Reaction once I know the results of this roll...

10:30, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 3,4 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4.  Notice.

Outside, behind the school, Kate hears a gentle, metallic clink, the scrape of a spur on the hard earth.

Inside the schoolhouse, the shadows have grown more dense, the growing darkness seemingly absorbing what little moonlight is able to enter the building. Kate finds her gaze drawn to the corner just right of the front entrance to the structure. There, within the dark, Kate can make out a figure, a tall man in a hat and long coat, his features cloaked by the gloom.

The outlaw is no fool. The schoolhouse was empty when she entered it. Aside from Perez, none have entered since she arrived.

Kate stopped herself.

For clarification, is that entrance which appears to be darkening the only entrance?  I've seen pictures of 19th century 1 room schoolhouses with just the one door and I've seen them with two entrances on adjacent walls.

lol I hope I'm not a pain in the butt it just was dramatically effect what Kate would do.

OOC: There is a rear door as well. But, Kate heard movement (the clinking spur) just on the other side of it an instant before she perceived the figure.

Kate stopped talking.  "I need you to leave.  Right now.  I'll find you tomorrow.  Go."

The Schofield seemed to fly up into her hand.  Kate turned to face the other direction, but said nothing until Perez seemed to have left.

Of course it wasn't this simple.  Nothing ever was.  Not for Kansas Kate.

”Yes, go Señorita Perez,” the figure from the shadows agrees, taking a few steps forward, ”One of the men outside will ensure you reach the boarding house safely.”

Perez gives Kate a concerned look, then does as the outlaw instructed, departing through the back door.

With his movement into the moonlight, Kate is able to see the intruder more clearly. He stands perhaps six feet tall, a wool, charcoal gray coat covering most of his broad shouldered frame. In the deep shadows, Kate cannot see his eyes, but is able to make out a horseshoe mustache, sprinkled with gray, framing a mouth curled in a half smile.

”You didn’t mean to harm her. Not in any serious fashion.”  The voice is deep, with a hint of a hoarse rasp.

Kate smiled bitterly.  "Horse shit you will.  Well, ah knew that jig would be up sooner'n later."

She limbered her fingers.  "Yeah, ah weren't goin' ta do nothin' too 'ornery ta her.  Too bad I can't say the same about you and your boss.  What do you want on your tombstone?  Out with it fast.  Ah have to kill you and then go kill whoever you just sent to kill her."

She was impatient her her frame was tight and taut.  "Well come on now, let's dance!  You'll take her over my dead body so fill yer hand, you son of a bitch!"

The visitor takes a pair of steps closer to the outlaw. He regards her drawn weapon with an expression of contempt. ”Those outside will do exactly as they have been told. Which is to make certain that Señorita Perez returns to the Patron House completely unharmed. None of them are foolish enough to defy my orders. I can assure you of that.”

“Señorita Perez was never to be hurt. Were her students to find her here, viciously stabbed to death, this town would erupt. She would be regarded as an innocent martyr and many of those who were once afraid would be spurred into action, their terror replaced with boldness. This was only to see what you would do, Katherine. To test where your loyalties lie.”

The cold has grown sharp, needles of numbness pressing into Kate’s extremities and face. Inexplicably, small patches of hoar frost begin to blossom on the walls of the schoolhouse. The man smiles, clenching and unclenching his gloved hands. ”I’m far better acquainted with death than you are, Katherine. But if you must know, when the day comes, my tombstone will read ’L.G. Murphy’.”

OOC: Kate, if you’re going to start shooting (now or after further conversation), I’m going to need you to make an initiative draw.

lol well crapbaskets

Let's not rule anything out here.  Just in case.

20:07, Today: Kansas Kate drew the single card: 9D using a deck of 54 cards.

Kate contemplated that.  "All right, let's say ah believe that.  Fer now."  But she didn't move.  She did smile a smile of her own though, a sick, twisted smile.

"Ya didn't shoot me down like a dog, and ya left th' school marm out of it.  Out of 'pre-she-ash-un, ah reckon ya ought ta know a couple things.  Fer one, there ain't no Katherine.  There's Kansas Kate, and only Kansas Kate.

"An' ye might know death better'n me, that may very well be true sir.  Him and me, that's strictly a business relationship.  But I'm the pale riders' own number one supplier of quality souls of the damned.  And to him, that's better'n gold, ghost rock or wampum.  An' we both know at the end of the day money's thicker'n water or blood.

"But yer a damn site right about one thing.  Stickin' th' school teacher, yeah, that woulda done exactly what ya said.  But if it ain't her, it's gonna be someone.  The way yer men are goin', it's inev't'ble."  She cocked her chin back.  "Hell, the way yer going, it's inev't'ble."

”You’re correct. A terrible clash, and the accompanying loss of life, is inevitable,” Murphy replies. Despite the icy cold that has overtaken the schoolhouse’s interior, his breath does not steam in the frigid air. ”But it can only happen at the proper time. The hour that she deems appropriate. Until then, the storm builds.”

“You’re reputation proceeds you...Kate. I’ve heard of some of your exploits. So I’m confused about your loyalties here in Lincoln. You aren’t particularly known for...compassion.”

Murphy's question was good, there was a reason, but it was something the infamous Kansas Kate wasn't ready to be honest about, least of all with herself.  But she put that aside.

"Kansas Kate."  She corrected him again.  "And that's good, because ah ain't got any.  If'n yer confused, ah'm inclined ta explain it, though I doubt ya'll give a damn about sech."

The normally verbose Kansas Kate didn't give him a lot here.  But that was on purpose.

Her body was still taut and her hand was frozen in place.  Part of her just wanted to draw and send a .44 slug right through Murphy's noggin.  She'd die, but then it'd all be over.  One piece of garbage like her was a small price to pay for peace.

Except, it wouldn't play out that way.  Dolan would still be around, and she'd never get to him again even if she succeeded here.  Whoever this 'she' is, would still be around.  And yes Kate wanted to know who this was very much, but she wasn't stupid enough to think he was just going to tell her that.  On that note she added.

"But th' short version is, ah has th' uncanny ability ta think more'n five seconds ahead."

I just purposefully ignore it sometimes apparently.

The back door of the schoolhouse opens. Jesse Evans and the female member of his gang enter, each carrying an unholstered firearm. From the front door, Frank Baker, the rifleman, steps inside, his longarm in hand.

”Nicholas saw the girl home,” Evans says.

Murphy regards the outlaw with eyes still shrouded in shadow. ”I would like to hear, and understand more. But first, I think it best you come with us.”

“The question is, are you willing to come quietly? You certainly don’t have to. But whatever you choose, the outcome will be the same.”

Kansas Kate screwed down one eye and raised the opposing eyebrow.

"Now if'n th' outcome is th' same either way, why would it matter?"

”Because I would prefer not to harm you. Or worse,” Murphy replies, ”And because I believe you can still be made to see reason. Someone with your talents, and your disposition, has much to gain by joining with The House.”

“But...the choice remains yours. Whatever suits you.”

OOC To place the rest of the cards on the table...

14:52, Today: L.G. Murphy drew the single card: AS using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

14:53, Today: Jesse Evans drew the single card: 3H using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

14:53, Today: Dolly Graham drew the single card: 8D using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

14:53, Today: Frank Baker drew the single card: 2S using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

"Well that ain't the two bein' th' same now is it."  Kansas Kate replied coolly.  She looked back at him, curious what he'd say next.

”It is for me, Kansas Kate,” Murphy answers, a ghost of a smile playing at the right corner of his mouth. ”I’m not the one who will be doing the suffering.”

Although Kate can feel the tension from Jesse Evans and the members of his gang, none of them have raised the guns in their hands to a firing position.

"True, a forty four slug to the heart is a quick goodbye."  She replied, not even flinching.  "And there's only four of ya'll.  Leaves one spare."

Two, actually.  Kansas Kate would load up the sixth round when she wasn't riding and expected trouble.

"Ya know why the devil's impatient?  Because I learned him!  Come on out with it Murphy, what do ya want!?  What kind of sorry ass duel is this anyhow, ain't there one gunfighter among ya'll!?"

Murphy smiles, seemingly in amusement, giving a barely discernible shake of his head.

And then suddenly, in the blink of an eye, the distance between him and Kansas Kate is closed. With a brief movement of his left arm, he backhands the outlaw.

10:38, Today: L.G. Murphy rolled 5,13 using 1d12,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,(6+6+1)13.  Fighting.

10:44, Today: L.G. Murphy rolled 7,5 using 1d12+1,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,5.  Damage.

Kate is shaken and receives one wound.

The impact of the blow causes Kate’s vision to go momentarily white, sending her staggering backward into one of the children’s desks. She tastes blood and two of the teeth in the left side of her mouth feel suddenly loose.

The outlaw keeps to her feet, however.

”None can claim you lack courage,” Murphy mutters, his voice low and gravelly.

Evans and the other members of his gang raise their weapons.

Initiative Order

AS - L.G. Murphy
9D - Kansas Kate
8D - Dolly Graham
3H - Jesse Evans
2S -  Frank Baker

Kate, it is your turn. You may, of course, make a soak roll prior to taking any action.

One white chip to soak.

12:06, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 9,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+3)9,1.  Try to Soak.

"Not one gunfighter among ya!?  Then ya die like dirty dogs!"

All right Kansas Kate will, naturally, Fan the Hammer.  Shots 1, 2 and 3 are for Murphy, 4 is for Graham, 5 is for Baker, 6 is for Evans, because that's her style.  The good news is, there's no innocent bystanders!

12:14, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 6,6,-1,-1,6,6,1 using d10-2,d10-2,d10-2,d10-2,d10-2,d10-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 8,8,1,1,8,8,3.  Fan the Hammer!

lol that is a crap roll.  It's going to be hard to do a lot better but one white chip to try.

12:15, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 5,5,4,1,4,5,3 using d10-2,d10-2,d10-2,d10-2,d10-2,d10-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 7,7,6,3,6,7,5.  College Try.

Yeah that's not really any better, both rolls have the same result.

Unfortunately shots 1, 2 and 3 all miss since Kate is rolling against Murphy's Parry. Graham and Baker take a slug each though.

12:20, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 4 using 2d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 2,1.  Damage - Shot 5.

12:19, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 3 using 2d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1.  Damage - Shot 4.

*facepalms*

Kansas Kate was a completely incompetent gunfighter who had never fired a round in her life and had apparently mistakenly loaded marshmallows instead of bullets in her cartridges.

"Dammit all to hell!  Well let's do this yer way Murphy!  When you get to hell in six pieces carved up like a Christmas Turkey, tell 'em Kansas Kate sent ya!"

The Toothpick was out in a flash.  He wanted up close and personal?  He'd get it.

12:24, Today: Kansas Kate drew the single card: 5S using a deck of 54 cards.
*facepalms again*
lol yeah that's game set and match right there

The sounds of gunfire are deafening within the small schoolhouse. Despite the close discharge of weapons, Lawrence Murphy seems oddly calm, undisturbed by the sudden chaos.

One of Kate’s shot cuts across Dolly Graham’s ribs. The woman cries out in surprise and pain, blood blooming on her right flank. Rather than return fire, she clutches her side, momentarily staggered.

12:43, Today: Dolly Graham rolled 1 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1.  Spirit.

Graham is shaken. She is unable to recover this round.

Jesse Evans steps to one side of Murphy and squeezes off single shot, his bullet tearing across Kate’s shoulder, sending trickles of blood down her left arm.

12:28, Today: Jesse Evans rolled 4,1 using 1d10,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,1.  Shooting.

12:29, Today: Jesse Evans rolled 7 using 2d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4.  Damage.

Evans’ attack will leave Kate shaken.

One of Kate’s bullets tears a hole in Baker’s duster, close to his stomach, but he seems unfazed by the close call. Behind her, the rifleman shoulders his longarm and fires, the deep report echoing off of the walls of the vacant building. His shot finds the middle of Kate’s back.

12:46, Today: Frank Baker rolled 10,5 using 1d10+1,1d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 9,4.  Shooting.

12:47, Today: Frank Baker rolled 19,3 using 2d10,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,(10+3)13,3.  Damage.

Total Damage: 22

Given that Kate is already shaken, Baker’s shot will inflict 5 wounds.

12:49, Today: L.G. Murphy drew the single card: 9S using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

12:50, Today: Jesse Evans drew the single card: JH using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

12:51, Today: Dolly Graham drew the single card: JC using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

12:51, Today: Frank Baker drew the single card: QD using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

Initiative Order

QD - Frank Baker
JH - Jesse Evans
JC - Dolly Graham
9S - L.G. Murphy
5S - Kansas Kate

Kate, before I proceed further, I want to give you the chance to make soak rolls, should you want to, and to declare your intent for your forthcoming action, whether that’s to continue fighting or something else entirely.

Yeah, I think I actually have 3 Whites left, since I used 1 to soak and 1 to reroll and started with 5.

14:56, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 5,4 using 1d6,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,4.  Once More.

14:56, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 2,2 using 1d6,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2.  Hilarious Soak Attempt.

So used 2 there, saved the last for Incapacitation rolls if needed.

lol that'll do it

OOC: Kate, based on your rolls, you were able to soak one of your wounds, which leaves you shaken with 4 wounds remaining. That will render the outlaw incapacitated.

I’ll need you to go ahead and make a Vigor roll. Depending on the outcome, you’ll likely need to make a roll on the Injury Table as well.

Feel free to narrate any response from Kate in reaction to what occurs.

lol well here goes

14:48, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 2,-1 using 1d6-3,1d6-3, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2.  Vigor.

Mere failure, which is actually a good result.  If there's ever a time to spend chips though this is it.

14:48, Today: Kansas Kate rolled -2,0 using 1d6-3,1d6-3, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3.  last cheep.

No Failure it is then, that's an Injury.

14:49, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 16 using 2d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+5)11,5.  Injury!

Whoops, that shouldn't Ace, so that's actually 6+5=11

14:50, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 4 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4.  Head Injury.

LOL... and Kansas Kate is now officially a completely worthless character.  That is the kiss of death for a gunslinger.

Kate felt it, but only for a second.  Oh, she'd been winged before, but this one had got her real good.  Most people would be extremely upset about getting shot in the eye.  Kansas Kate however was however dying with a bloody grin.  She'd been proven right.

Murphy was a complete and utter chickenshit villain.  He was a joke.  He was pathetic.  She had called him out to a duel and he had not only refused, he had to use magic AND three hooligans to win.

Maybe the world wouldn't remember Kansas Kate, but a hundred years and longer from now the world would still sing ballads of the real gunfighters, and she went down a gunfighter, one denied her rightful death.  Pieces of shit like Murphy would be celebrated by none.  Not gaining the death she deserved was one of her two only regrets, the second being she'd never put a .44 slug in her pa.

She thought about her whore mother, the years of abuse, the life that had got her here.  She knew how the world worked though, and in her heart had never expected anything different.  This was how trash died.

Well fuck you too world.

The Toothpick fell from her grasp, and she managed to extend the middle finger of the hand holding it before she collapsed into the dirt and darkness overtook her.