17:57, Today: Jesse Belville rolled 2,11 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,(6+5)11.  Notice, Bennie. –

17:57, Today: Jesse Belville rolled 3,2 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2.  Notice.

Forgot the -2, so that's still a 9.


Jesse had been chatting with one of the other range hands, but moved a few steps away and to the side. That gave him at least somewhat of a clear path of shooting - if it would have to come to that.

He fell into his old "town marshall voice", as he thought of it. Calm, but authoritative. It hat worked on the drunkards and those who's emotions had gotten the better of them for a moment. It rarely worked on hardened criminals.

"You heard him. And her", he nodded his chin at the nun. His right hand hung loosely at his side, ready to draw one of his pistols if need be.

"I'd say it's pretty clear that you fellas overstayed your welcome and you're trespassing on Mr. Sutter's land now. This could still be a nice evening. Why don't you just take your leave and head back into town."
It was phrased as a question. But the inflection in his voice made it clear that it wasn't meant as one.
This message was last updated by the GM at 13:12, Mon 13 Dec 2021.

Luo Jing didn't particularly like the look of these fellows, but he certainly didn't pick up on anything that he judged to be important at this moment in time.

He also didn't particularly like the thought of his eating time being interrupted by violence. So he stood, fanning himself gently as he walked over to the ongoing scene. He snapped the fan shut and listened to the others present as they spoke.

He looked across each of the strangers, memorizing their faces.

Once Jesse had spoken, Jing spoke up: "Forgive my ignorance, but is it not Mr. Sutter's right to deny your business? Please, if he has rejected your business already, does it not seem pointless to press the issue? I think it best if you leave--you are disturbing the workers, as well." He took one more step, assertively he hoped.

OOC: "02:53, Today: Luo 'Lou' Jing rolled 3,3 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,3.  Notice! (-2)."

Then, activating Deflect, and yes, I did spend this benny already (the other roll was a 3):

"02:56, Today: Luo 'Lou' Jing rolled 4,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,4.  benny spent to reroll Focus >:(."

With Dodge, this is -4 for ranged attacks, -2 for melee attacks on Lou.
This message was last updated by the GM at 13:12, Mon 13 Dec 2021.

In the middle of yet another retelling to sceptical ears the stories of the over sized arachnids felled by the others Charlie didn't stop in the story at the arrival of the half dozen fellows, keeping the tale going without any signs of concern. Wrapping it to its close he shifted around in his seat to regard the posturing going on he didn't bother rising from his seat.

With everyone trying to make the fellows back down with thinly veiled threats the time for calmer words was already past and instead he shifted himself to get a clear look at some of those towards the back of the group rather than the fellow up front, letting his hand drift near his pistol patiently watching.

OOC: 0 on the notice with the -2 factored in
This message was last updated by the GM at 13:12, Mon 13 Dec 2021.

Phelps don' seem to know what to make of the good Sister's rambin, trying to follow it seems to wear on him as you notice his countenance drop a bit.   The rest of his hombres look to one another in slight confusion but the hardness never leaves their eyes.....all except the Indian, his eyes never waiver.  With the chest thumpin and threats, both veiled and clear, are made the BV gunman's black Stetson shakes slowly back and forth in a slow motion of disappointment.

"Well sir, I think you'll come to regret that decision, what with this being my employer's final offer."

His eyes make a slow sweep of your group as he turns his horse, with a second confused glace at Deidre, "You and your....odd assortment of hands have a good evening."

The other BV gunmen fall into line behind him, including the Indian in the Union Army jacket.

Once they pass the entrance to the ranch proper Sutter eases the triggers on his scattergun back in place.

There's some grumblin and tough talk from the other hands, cursin the BV and their bullyin tactics.  At least one mention of voodoo and strange BV employees is heard.  Once folks have settled down to eat Sutter addresses the group.

"Listen up.   I...well I owe y'all an apology for not sayin' nothin before about Bayou Vermillion.  They sent an agent out with an offer a couple days ago to buy the whole herd at $5 a head. As you know we can get a lot more from anyone trying to ship the beeves to the Maze. So I said no, that I was gonna drive 'em north to the big stockyards. They implied we'd never make it and I don’t like bein' threatened. We can handle what they got now, but if they send for reinforcements we'll be in trouble. Especially if some of the rumors I've heard about 'em are true. So I'm gatherin' the herd and headin' north in three days. There will likely be trouble. If that's more than anyone signed on for, now's the time to cut out."

You see Kate and Owen look at each other in concern, but Kate gives her brother a nod and he seems reassured.  Sutter's daughter Abby seems content with her father's decision.  Others around you look worried but seem to hold their cards tight.

The strange sister looked at the crowd and was silent for a moment, but such was not her natural state.

"I thank God, whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers night and day.  Greatly desiring to see thee, being mindful of thy tears, that I may be filled with joy when I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also.

"Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflictions of the gospel according to the power of God.

"Who hath saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace, which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began, but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Savior Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.

"Whereunto I am appointed a preacher, and an apostle, and a teacher of the Gentiles.  For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

"Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus! That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us!

"This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be turned away from me; of whom are Phygellus and Hermogenes.  The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for he oft refreshed me, and was not ashamed of my chain, but, when he was in Rome, he sought me out very diligently, and found me.

"The Lord grant unto him that he may find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well."

It was perhaps one of the most normal things she had said up until this point.   Granted, she had her mug painted up like a skeleton when she said it...

Tugging his hat absently at the departing mean Charlie watched them go before relaxing and leaning back. Glancing sideways at Sutter as the man gave his explanations he dug into his food in silence, a small frown playing across his face. The sister's latest preaching gave him plenty of time to think it over though and at her conclusion he spoke up before the silence could be broken up too much more.

"You told 'em to go whistle their $5 a head, if they can't cope with that you can take your goods elsewhere. Signed up to help with that, you want to move them further afield I'm going with." Dabbing at his plate he added, "And I'm with you on not sticking around for them to get enough people together to argue about it. Railroads don't like being told no but it's good for them. Bit more of that and a few paddlin's when they were younger might have made them more tolerable to deal with. Still best to move on after telling them it though."

"I agree. I didn't like the look of his hired guns. I wouldn't put it past them to come sneaking in one night for some payback. Whatever that would be.
Or they try to block off the routes out of here, laying siege until you beg them to take the cattle off your hands.

Either way, best to move out and move quickly."
This message was last updated by the GM at 13:10, Mon 13 Dec 2021.

Luo continued fanning himself, mostly calmly. He listened to the conversation after their departure with some interest, not least to the short speech which the good sister had delivered. "You think these railroad men might come at night?" He had turned to Jesse.
This message was last updated by the GM at 13:11, Mon 13 Dec 2021.

Jesse nodded.
"Depends on what they want. An attack at night of any sort would give them a lot of advantages. They could probably steal half the herd before we'd be able to do anything about it."
This message was last updated by the GM at 13:11, Mon 13 Dec 2021.

Sutter doubts that any more Bayou Vermilion thugs would come back tonight but he can't say for sure they won't.  He tells Canton to get a rotation goin; two hands on watch at all times durin the night.  Luke picks a pair (none of y'all are selected) and things more or less wind down for the evenin after that.

Next mornin Sutter asks to see all of you.  He watches as his niece Abby is gettin the wagon ready, he seems to be makin sure she's out of ear shot before he explains, "Now, I don't trust Phelps or Bayou Vermilion further than I can spit.  And I know that Indian with Phelps is trouble.  Now I ain't got nothin against the Comanche.  Spent a whole summer livin with em once.  But that bastard's made of nothin but hate and vengeance."

"Now Abby's gettin ready to head to Sutter's Flats to get the last of the supplies we'll need for the drive.  I want y'all go along, help load the wagon...but also make sure she's not hassled by any BV men.  Good sized group like this; that should keep any of them varmints at bay.  Seemed to help last night."

If anyone has any questions of their employer, now's the times.  Otherwise Abby will have the buckboard ready and be leaving the ranch proper in less than 5 minutes.
This message was last updated by the GM at 13:11, Mon 13 Dec 2021.

The Sister had no questions.  She had come here to redeem evil men, and the evil men had showed.
This message was last updated by the GM at 13:11, Mon 13 Dec 2021.

Genially grinning at the prospect of a bit of variety in the work offered by a supply run, even with the looming threat of rail workers lurking overhead, Charles did not have anything in the way of questions ahead of heading out though he did do a careful check of his gear before joining the party heading in the direction of the Flats.
This message was last updated by the GM at 13:11, Mon 13 Dec 2021.

Likewise, Lou had no questions. He made ready for the trip, preparing himself for the eventuality of conflict.
This message was last updated by the GM at 13:11, Mon 13 Dec 2021.

Sure enough Abby is ready shortly and eager to get started, forcin ya to quickly saddle your horses (or one of you can hop up on the wagon seat with her).  It's a pleasant day, starting off nice and cool, but otherwise the trip into Sutter's Flats is uneventful.  Once Sutter's niece has stopped in front of the livery she fishes out a list of the supplies needed and asks one or two of ya to come inside with her to help with the carryin.  The rest of ya can wait by the wagon to help load as items are sent out.

Who goes inside with Abby?

For those who remain outside, how do you pass the time?

Jessie volunteers to help her carry the supplies and heads inside with Abby.
This message was last updated by the GM at 03:43, Fri 17 Dec 2021.

With an agenda that only she and her version of God can contemplate, the Sister silently follows Jesse.  Something about the situation had changed once those wicked men had come.  They would come again, like locusts, and God's children must shepherd the innocent through the valley of the shadow of death.
This message was last updated by the GM at 03:43, Fri 17 Dec 2021.

Lou stays outside, keeping an eye on the comings and goings, watching about for anyone approaching. He fans himself briskly, stepping into the shade if possible.
This message was last updated by the GM at 03:43, Fri 17 Dec 2021.

Watching the others head inside and Lou head for some shade Charlie got the wagon turned ready for the return trip before making himself comfortable outside of the store, greeting any passers by amiably enough and striking up a conversation or two with those few who lingered.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 03:43, Fri 17 Dec 2021.

Abby, Jesse and Sister Deidre ain't been in the store five minutes before before Lou and Charlie recognize Phelps walking out of The Lonely Crow saloon, right across the street and grin. He approaches with a swagger and 6 more men follow him out.

In a mocking tone he announces, "I commend you folk on your stubbornness, if not your common sense. Most would have cleared out ahead of the storm that is surely coming. Instead, you chose to leave the Lazy S where you held, at least for the moment, a numerical advantage."

Phelps and his men stop and spread out a bit.  Phelps eyes both Lou and Charlie but seems to settle on Lou, "I believe you asked me to leave yesterday, if you were a smarter man you would have done the same.  I don't see any iron on your hip, do your people not know how to make a pistol.  Are you that backward?  Or...or are you someone that likes to hide a derringer up their sleeve or behind their back?  I bet you are.  Not a bit of honor.  What do you think boys?"

The Bayou Vermillion gunmen with him laugh and agree.  Phelps' eyes narrow and he moves his hand near his pistol, "Watch him close, fellas.  He makes any sudden moves he might be going for a gun.  That's what a dirty little..." he continues with some cruel words for Lou.

22:19, Today: Marshal rolled 6 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of 6.  Phelps Taunt Lou.

Lou please make a Smarts roll to oppose the Taunt

Charlie and Lou may declare their actions
Phelps and his men are 8" distant in a rough semi-circle in front of the store
Sister Deidre and Jesse are unfortunately unaware at this time...
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:55, Fri 17 Dec 2021.

OOC: "03:57, Today: Luo 'Lou' Jing rolled 4,2 using 1d6,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,2.  trying to resist this Taunt, thank you."

I assume he's trying to get me to start a fight?

That's correct.

Charlie you can choose to to roll to Support Lou and try to resist the Taunt or just let the fight start.  He'll need a +2 so will take a Raise to succeed.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:54, Fri 17 Dec 2021.

"Bit early in the day to be this riled up son." Eyeing the crowding men patiently Charlie nodded in the direction of Phelps as the man settled into his tirade, "Guessing your boss gave you some stick about not gettin' the price he wanted for them cattle. That ain't on you though, no need to to be sore about it." Keeping his tone genial as the fellow laid into Lou to try to disrupt the talk Charlie considered the group of me with a relaxed manner even as his hand stayed low enough to go for his own firearm if guns were pulled.


OOC: 12 means he's supported with more than 1 Raise

Lou, nearly enraged for a second at the offensive comport of this near-stranger, was reminded of where they were by Charles. With only a short pause, he continued to fan himself off without making any movements that could be registered as dangerous. He spoke evenly, in an inoffensive sort of tone: "I think my friend makes a fine point. I will not hold this against you, Mr. Phelps. How can we help you?"

((Lou, give me a Notice roll for Jesse))

OOC: Quite a good result of 10 for Jesse.

"23:18, Today: Jesse Belville rolled 1,10 using 1d6,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,(6+4)10.  Notice!"

Phelps scoffs.
"How you can help me? Fucking yellow bastard. You can go home, and I don't mean to Sutter's ranch, either. Not even man enough to protect yourself, are you? Relying on the old geezer to step in?"

---

Inside, Jesse suddenly gets a weird feeling. While Abby continues chatting with the store owner who's putting all the orders on the counter in front of him, offering alternatives for the things she's asking for that he doesn't have.

Jesse takes a few steps to the side and looks out the window. Outside on the porch he can see Charlie and down on the street Phelps, with three men on each of his side, nicely spread out in a half-circle. Nobody has any guns out, but the body language is obvious.
Jesse can't see Lou, who's hidden behind Charlie from this angle, but Phelps doesn't look at Charlie.