Windham leads the group down the tunnel towards the rope bridge cavern. The natural passage bends and narrows, levels out a bit, and then turns sharply to the right after 25 or 30 yards. There is just enough space through the turn to squeeze through -- a stretch of 3 or 4 yards -- without risk of harming equipment (or oneself). The lantern bearers continue to do their best to light the way in this difficult pass.

On the way to this point, the group of nine had a little time to share any last minute thoughts, make a quip to lighten the mood, or recheck their preparations for the ritual. For one thing, Faraday ordered James to release Alejandro's bonds, as he had agreed to drink the potation and attempt to return to his world.

Now, after squeezing through the turn in single file, the explorers step into a relatively flat space ahead of them. It is eerily dark here, especially beyond the range of the lantern light, which illuminates what appears to be the end of some kind of rope bridge. The other end disappears into darkness, across a wide chasm, which the four horsemen had estimated drops more than 25 yards deep.

All except Padre remember this place. It would be hard to forget. And although Juhasz has heard the others speaking of the cave, the rope bridge, and the portal, witnessing the chasm and the bridge with his own eyes has a profound effect on him.

Faraday speaks. “The six of us must cross and set up the cauldron for the ritual. You three ….” she says, “must decide how to best protect us.”

While the scientist speaks, James reaches out to Theo, who hands him a baton. As soon as Faraday trails off, the first soldier addresses the three men who intend to stand guard. “Take these. They could help if you need to fight a swarm of locusts.” He proffers the batons. The four horsemen and Padre detect no smile, although they hear a hint of friendly laughter in the soldier’s voice, even as his offer seems quite genuine.

OOC: Per our OOC 6 conversation msg# 114 - 144, fading up here.

Players should feel free to converse until the six (or more) cross to the other side. The Judge is in fact waiting for the three players to choose their positions before the six (or more) cross to set up the ritual.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 805):

Earnest rubs his chin.

I still think you should stay on this side with longarms ready... we will need a lantern on the other side anyway so we should be well lit for you; you can hide or cover your lantern on this side to remain hidden... Dr. Faraday, we will be sitting while we perform this 'ritual' correct?

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 806):

Faraday nods. "I shouldn't think sitting is required, but I would recommend it."

OOC: The professors words remind the men who had shot across the chasm ... it's within a rifle's short range, while a hogleg's range is less than optimal (medium range) unless shooter and the target are at the very edge of their respective landings. Even then, it's too durn close to medium range to give anyone using a six-shooter confidence in avoiding a penalty.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 805):

and

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 806):

and

In reply to Danielle Faraday (msg # 807):

"Ah'm in-clined to be on the saeme side uhv the bridge as you richual-sitters," the Texican drawled, cutting off a chaw of tobacco and popping it into his mouth.

"'Cause even though thaere's a piddlin' bit uhv cover oh-ver on the far siede uhv the bridge from whaere the richual an' the pore-tal are gonna be, an' Widder-Maeker's got plenty uhv range for me to maeke the shot, Ah'm con-cerned that those uhv us who are standin' Watch might need to physically step between anybody -- or anythaing -- that comes outta the por-tal, afore they can close with the richual-sitters."

"In other words the Watchers might need to do some blockin' so as to keep any ihn-truders awaey from the richual-sitters."

Turning to Farraday, Jake said "That bein' the caese, Ah'm a-thinkin' that we all oughtta go accrosst the bridge, an' you richual-sitters oughtta choose up yore poe-zishunns. Then us Watchers can chose up our spots, based on what y'all have done."

---

EDIT: OOC: I am admittedly a little fuzzy as to whether we should be posting in this thread or the OOC thread at this point. If it should be the OOC thread, please feel free to shift this post over to that thread, Judge.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:33, Wed 22 Mar 2023.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 808):

Earnest shakes his head.

Alright, but it will be crowded... more so if someone does come through! Be careful of the edge...

He rubs his chin again.

It seems to me that the most likely people that could come through are either Dr. Faraday's or Alejandro's... Do you think any of your folks are actively looking for our portal to open Dr. Faraday? ...to come looking for you?
This message was lightly edited by the player at 12:55, Thu 23 Mar 2023.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 809):

The scientist responds to Earnest's latest questions.

"Yes, erm, the thing is ... yes and doubtful," she says, apparently answering both questions in tandem.

"My team is undoubtedly watching the portal. They won't come through looking for us, unless they disobey orders," the scientist clarifies.

Faraday takes a turn at asking questions. "Why do you think the she-wolves are less likely to come through again? I ask out of curiosity ... truly ... not because I know something you don't." she adds, trailing off.

In reply to Danielle Faraday (msg # 810):

Earnest grins.

Well I suppose they could, but it would probably be out of some sense of revenge only since they didn't leave anyone here... I get the sense that their appearance was due to just happening to sense our open portal, probably the same as Alejandro's group... speaking of which...

He turns to Alejandro and speaks in Spanish.

Do you think anyone in your world is 'looking' for our portal to open again? Would they send someone through to try to rescue you?

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 811):

The sharpshooter, no longer a prisoner, smirks and shrugs.

"No puedo decir, senor."

He remains tight-lipped despite the professor's efforts.

In reply to Alejandro (msg # 812):

Padre was getting sick of this. He knew Alejandro had declined to be informative and Dr Faraday had all the knowledge about "the other side" and needed our help but didnt want to be forthright.

Colossians. Do not lie to each other, since you have taken off your old self with its practices

The Professor has been trying to get more information for some time. Padre knew that if we were to be prepared and successful we needed all the information we could get. Padre turned to the Professor and asked him to translate what he said into Spanish for Alejandro.

Dr Faraday, Alejandro. It is clear to me that you are trying to 'protect' us from something or someone by withholding something. That is unfair. You ask my Pards here to drink a mysterious potation and chant mysterious words and expose themselves to mysterious dangers and yet you and Alejandro are not as honest as you can be. That is unfair. Only He moves in mysterious ways and we shall not bear false witness. Please tell us everything you can about what we can expect to come through that portal so that we may better prepare.

Ecclesiastes 4:10 -
For if they fall, one will lift up his fellow. But woe to him who is alone when he falls and has not another to lift him up!

OOC:
09:10, Today: Albert (Padre) Juhasz rolled 7,4 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,4.  Persuade to be more forthcoming - Dr Faraday .

09:10, Today: Albert (Padre) Juhasz rolled 1,3 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3.  Persuade to be more forthcoming - Alejandro.

09:11, Today: Albert (Padre) Juhasz rolled 7,11 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,(6+5)11.  Persuade to be more forthcoming - Alejandro - benny.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:07, Sun 26 Mar 2023.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 813):

Earnest looks at Padre before translating.

I think Alejandro is protecting himself, but very well...

07:14, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 1,2 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2.  Language - Translate Spanish.
07:15, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 1,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1.  Language - Translate Spanish - Free Reroll.

Earnest pauses after translating, shaking his head.

I feel like I may have cocked that up...

OOC: Poor start for the new Edge!
This message was last edited by the player at 13:21, Mon 27 Mar 2023.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 813) and Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 814):

The scientist listens to Padre's entreaty. Her face shows signs of sympathy, even while her response isn't what Juhasz hoped.

"Mr. Juhasz, I understand your frustration. You are correct to some extent. I am withholding information to protect you and your world." Faraday inhales and exhales, deeply.

"The thing is ... there is nothing I can tell you about who or what might come through the portal, because I myself don't know. It is possible that nothing or no one comes through. I hope so, but it is best to be prepared -- exactly as you say. Prepared for what is beyond my ken, as Dez might have said."

She notices Alejandro chuckling to himself, but she presses on. "I take issue with your premise. I am not asking any of you to drink the potation. I have told you why I think you should ... to close the portal after we pass through, and to keep this world safe from intruders. Having said that, it is your choice."

She breathes deeply again. "If your friends decline to drink, we shall continue without you."

OOC: The Judge made the opposed rolls yesterday, but was waiting for the professor's post. In an opposed roll, if the opponent meets or exceeds the roll by the acting character, then the attempt is unsuccessful. Faraday got the same result as Padre (a 7). A good try by Padre, perhaps he could have convinced Faraday to say more. For the record, the Judge mentioned this option to Earnest previously -- that is the option to make a Persuasion attempt.

See next message as well.

20:07, Yesterday: Judge Messalen rolled 7,1 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,1.  DF Spirit roll opposed.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 813) and Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 814):

Alejandro laughs after listening to the professor's attempt to translate Padre's words, especially the quoted scripture.

He shrugs and offers only a few words.

"No te pido nada. Lamento eso" Earnest can translate that easily enough.

OOC: The result for Alejandro is a little more complicated, because of the professor's translation, which was a Critical Failure. The short version is: Padre wins the opposed roll (11 vs 4), which is also a raise, but the Persuasion attempt includes the need for translation. The Judge asked for a Language roll from Earnest, because it's one thing to express oneself in a "non-native" language, but it's another thing to translate someone else's words and intent, especially when those words include a quotation of yet another source. In the end, because the professor "cocked-up" (his words, paraphrased) the translation, the Judge is ruling that Padre's attempt does improve the interloper's reaction level to Padre, but not enough for him to provide information. He was already lower than Neutral ....

20:08, Yesterday: Judge Messalen rolled 3,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4.  Alejandro Spirit opposed.

In reply to Alejandro (msg # 816):

Earnest sighs, then looks at Alejandro squarely with a tight smile.

In Spanish: But we are helping you get home Alejandro. If any of your people do come through, I suggest you intercede quickly and get them to return with you... You know that we will defend this place and we will not leave you free to wander this world.

After her response to Juhasz, Faraday begins walking across the bridge, followed by the two soldiers. It seems she meant what she said about going it alone if the natives to this world decide not to participate in the ritual.

As Ringgenberg speaks again to Alejandro, the sharpshooting interloper lingers, and then responds.

"Entiendo," he says, cavalierly, shrugging and glancing towards Faraday as the scientist steps onto the bridge.

OOC: The Judge has posted an updated map per my understanding of Pearce's OOC 6 msg #149 comments -- and with a slight difference. Putting the 3 Watchers "between" the travelers and Earnest/Tracy looks difficult. Things would be mighty cramped or the travelers would be very close to the portal wall if the 3 Watchers were between. I simply put those 3 off to the side to illustrate this point.

This map version is only for discussion at this point, to see if there is agreement on Pearce's proposition or to clarify what he meant if the Judge's interpretation is flawed. Anyone can propose something different, from "move my token here or there" to, "changed my mind and ..." to "this won't work, here's what I suggest."

Again, if it's in character (IC) post here. If it's meta (player OOC) discussion of the layout, please post in OOC 6.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:30, Thu 30 Mar 2023.

The investigator listens to his new pard attempt to convince Faraday and Alejandro to be more forthcoming. He admires the effort; the Californian had great respect for those who took big risks. However, he was not surprised by the outcome. At this point, it really seemed like no one truly understood the portal, not even Faraday.

As she and the soldiers traverse the bridge, Windham turns to his friends. "I don't think we're going to make any more progress on this side of the bridge. Let's make sure that there's enough space for all of us over there." With that, Tracy follows the others across the chasm.

Once there, he envisions the ritualists circled around the cookpot, estimating the area of the landing they would take up. Tommy, Jake, and Padre could fit, but it would be pretty tight. To anyone within earshot, Tracy says, "There won't room to maneuver, but I understand why Jake wants to remain close by. I'm on board with the plan as long as the three defenders are still comfortable with it."

OOC:

I'm imagining that at least Faraday and the soldiers accompany Tracy across the bridge. If anyone else follows, Tracy is also speaking to them.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 819):

Earnest nods at Tracy as he speaks.

I am very concerned about the space and the edge proximity... maybe those not on the bridge could kneel or even be prone? For safety?

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 819) and Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 820):

Faraday listens to the two men who volunteered to participate in the ritual, while she moves around the where the rope bridge connects to the portal landing. She sets down the cookpot and takes measured strides.

"It will be cramped, especially for you two if you station yourselves as Mr. Pearce suggested. It should work, I think."

Hearing Earnest's comment about the proximity to the edge, she says, "As I mentioned before, Professor Ringgenberg, I plan to sit. I don't think it's required, but it seems prudent."
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:28, Sat 01 Apr 2023.

Now that the nine adventurers agree upon their positions, they begin the work for the ritual as summarized by Danielle Faraday.

First, the scientist places the cookpot near the rope bridge, as Tommy suggested. With help from James, she starts a small fire underneath it, just as the two travelers had practiced back at the base camp.

The other four participants for the ritual take their places in the circle, sitting and watching as the scientist and the soldier pour water into the cookpot and add the ingredients for the potation. Meanwhile, the three watchers take their starting positions, making their final preparations.

Soon, James takes his place next to Theo. Everyone smells the pungent odor of the brewing potation — an earthy smell dominated by the mushrooms. Finally, after several minutes, Faraday tells the other five participants to begin their chanting — or silently concentrating on the mantra in their own thoughts — as they had rehearsed. She dips a metal cup into the pot and holds aloft the vessel with the steaming liquid, moving to take her seat in the circle.

Faraday hands the cup to Alejandro, who pauses his chanting and takes the first draught from it. He clears his throat and makes a face after swallowing, and then hands the cup to the scientist before resuming his audible chanting. She drinks, gags, and makes an even more striking face before she passes it along to James. Next is Theo, who hands the cup to Earnest, who finally passes it to Tracy. Now, all of the participants focus on the mantra, whether they do so aloud or in their own thoughts.

OOC: The Judge assumes the characters have placed lighted lanterns around the landing — unless anyone says they are holding one of them. Players are free to elaborate on their positions, preparations, etc.

For example, if Tracy or Earnest prefers to kneel or stand rather than sit, that's fine, just say so in your narrative posts. Similarly, if either decides at the last moment not to drink the potation, then state that along with whatever they do instead. And if anyone wants a particular placement of one of the lanterns or torches, please state that, too.

If the three watchers have any specific preparations with weapons or whatever, that's fine, too, but nothing needs to be specified unless it's different than what the character would usually have at the ready. If Jake decides to sling Widder-Maeker instead of having it ready for shooting, for example, the Judge needs to know that.

None of the three watchers posted anything about accepting James' earlier offer of the two batons. That's fine, he and Theo would simply shrug and stow them as usual, but if in fact anyone did want to take the offer, then please state that, and describe what you do with the baton (see above re: what each person has "readied").

It's worth noting that the positions for the 3 watchers aren't fixed -- it's the starting point. During each round of the Dramatic Task, the watchers can move, if desired, of course. The participants, having taken a draught and continued the chanting, must stay where they are in order to participate fully in the ritual (emphasis because of the OOC discussions about whether participants can do other things at the same time as participating in the ritual).

A reminder to Jake and Tracy: each of the pards has one Conviction token to spend (EDIT: actually, Jake has 2). You can spend it whenever you want (or hold it). The effects last until the beginning of your next turn, and you can keep the effects going for another round by spending a Benny at the beginning of the next turn (SWADE p136).

The Judge will draw Action Cards, begin the Dramatic Task and call for the first set of dice rolls as soon as Tracy and Earnest post confirming they take a draught. As always, the Judge encourages and appreciates good narrative and flavor text and MIGHT award Bennies during the DT for such.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:07, Thu 06 Apr 2023.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 822):

Earnest takes his place in the circle; he sits cross-legged and places his unholstered pistols in his lap (after ensuring they are loaded one last time).

He pays close attention to Dr. Faraday's preparations as he joins in with the chanting, audible but low. When the cup comes to him, he takes his sip (probably making the same face as others) and passes it on to Tracy.

As he focusses on the task at hand, he tries to open his perception to the unknown energies that they are about to access.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 823):

Tracy sees Earnest place his unholstered pistols in his lap and does the same. Ease of access would be paramount in the extreme situation where they would be necessary.

Windham takes the cup from the professor. Anyone watching could see the excitement in his eyes as he quickly takes his sip and swallows. He shudders, both in reaction to the shocking taste and the anticipation of what was to come. He hands the cup back to Faraday and resumes his chanting.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 822):

In his time, Jake had tasted some pretty nasty concoctions that passed for rot-gut whiskey. He was pretty sure that some of the so-called "brewers" added tobacco to the bottom of the barrel to achieve the right color, and he had heard of some men who used snake-venom to provide that little extra "kick" that whisky-drinkers expected.

The Texican couldn't place the smell of the concoction that the ritual-drinkers were consuming, but he decided that it was not too bad -- he had smelt better, and he had smelt worse.

Howsomever, based upon the expressions on the faces of those who drank down the potation, it seemed that it would not likely win any awards at the county fair -- waal, not unless Old Scratch hisself was doin' the judgin', and he was a-wishin' to stir up some devilment.

Jacob grunted and turned his attention to the blank wall where he reckoned the portal would appear -- hopefully to allow Farraday and the others to return home . . . wherever that might be. But the Texican could not discount the possibility that others could come through from "the other side".

~An' if them curly-wolf wimmin is any in-di-caeshunn of who might be a-passin' through from the far siede, we'd best be loaded for bear.~

He held Widder-Maeker in both hands, ready to aim and fire with little notice, if need be . . .

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 825):

Tommy reacts to James' jest with a wry smile and accepts his offer of the batons.
"Tank ye James, ahm quite sure these can do a good bit more than defeat locusts. I haven't seen you let go of them once since we first seen ya come through.....but I doubt you'll be telling us their secrets. Not unless you want to get in very serious trouble with your boss over there" He nods toward Faraday and then examines the batons as he continues

"I'd like you to give you something in return" Tommy rummages inside his vest and presents him with his St. Christopher medallion. "This is good luck for those travelling far'n'wide like yourself"

Tommy senses James hesitance in accepting "ooh don't worry I have two more. I'm a chancer yes, but I do like to bend the odds my way whenever I can"

Later at the landing Tommy leaves all the lanterns near the ceremonial circle. He moves carefully over to his side of the landing hoping for some cover of darkness, at least compared to those around the fire. He gets into prone position with the Remington shotgun in his hands and the Spencer on the ground beside him, both loaded and ready.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:20, Fri 07 Apr 2023.

The chanting continues. The five men and Danielle Faraday focus themselves on the mantra, and therefore immerse themselves in the experience. All six are chanting aloud now, even though Theo and Alejandro hadn't done so initially or during the group's rehearsals. Minutes pass.

To the three watchers, who find their minds wandering, the minutes seem to crawl.

To the six participants in the ritual, the minutes mean nothing. Each of them begin to feel what they might best describe as "relief." Or perhaps "comfort." Saying the words along with the others fills them with a sense of community. Suddenly, or maybe it was forever ago, the confines of the cavern melt away. The six sit in the deep dark space, surrounded by points of light, no not points of light more like fibers of light no more like ... a fiber of light what's that ... focus on the mantra, breathe, focus on the mantra, breathe, focus on the mantra, breathe, focus on the mantra ....

The three watchers suddenly hear a rising crescendo from the chanting ritual participants.

OOC: We are now starting a 5 round Dramatic Task, which will be done in parts. The Judge will describe each part as we get to it.

Part 1: Two Rounds; the ritual participants make a Spirit roll in each of the two rounds. The Judge is treating the two Extras as one group roll, so the group needs 10 tokens (2x5) to open the portal within the two rounds. With a success on the Spirit roll, you get 1 token. With a raise (and no matter how many more raises), you get 2 tokens.

For this part, the Watchers can take usual movement and action in each of the two rounds, like a normal combat round, except they cannot Support or otherwise engage with the ritual participants. There is no adversary to do combat against, at this time, but the heroes can take actions to prepare for that possibility. Tommy goes prone (movement), for example, and double-checks the reach to the carbine. Jake spends the round to Aim (full round action with possible effect next turn), for example. Padre stares at the wall, hoping to Notice something everyone else missed in their previous time in the cavern, for example. The watchers can choose to go on Hold, which means they're not dealt a card the next round, but they can act whenever they want in the next round with options to interrupt another's action.

The Judge is drawing cards because they could cause a Complication (if your card is a club), and we're still doing this round by round but the order of any actions this round is immaterial. All five heroes can make your posts and die rolls for round 1 -- as noted above based on participant vs. watcher -- whenever you want. The Judge put the order there as usual because the action order will probably come into play during DT.

The Judge will make Spirit rolls for Faraday, Alejandro and the group roll for two soldiers in the first round. Tracy and Earnest can make their rolls whenever they read this. As usual, you can spend a Benny to reroll, or spend Conviction, or add/subtract Spirit related modifiers if they apply (Judge's call here), but the only thing you can do is roll Spirit in each of the first two rounds.

Initiative
Earnest Five Spades Sixth
Jake Two Spades, Nine Spades Fourth
Padre Two Diamonds Seventh
Tommy King Spades, Ten Hearts Second
Tracy Jack Spades Third
Danielle & Extras Eight Spades Fifth
Alejandro Seven Clubs, Ace Diamonds First

The Judge drew a bunch of Spades. Only one Club (the Complication card) but Alejandro is using the Diamond.

It is everyone's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 827):

Earnest concentrates... he can almost 'see' something...

16:26, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 9,11 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+3)9,(6+5)11.  Spirit - Dramatic Task, round 1.

OOC: Strong starting roll!

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 828):

Padre watched as a few of the Horsemen and the others drank their potation and chanted their words. It certainly smelled bad. Padre was focused on the wall where the portal was supposed to appear. Nothing had happened yet but there were only a few pards ready to take action if and when something did happen.

Padre had slightly bended knee, much in the same way a cat prepares to pounce on its prey. Padre had his hands on his revolvers and watched and listened and focused. He wasn't allowing anything to take the potation-drinkers by surprise.


OOC:


14:11, Today: Albert (Padre) Juhasz rolled 9,5 using d8+2,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,5.  Notice roll for ritual effects.