In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 941):

"No particular reason. I heard they were talented acrobats. I watched them practice in the quad, for a short time. Their performance started about the time of day I usually take a break, so that made it practical." The barkeep pauses and glances at Doney, his face indicating he has just reminded himself of something. He shrugs. "I suppose it is that time now, but with all the commotion in the last hour or so, I am still here."

He leans closer to JEB. "Is Sunday likely to do the deed? I suppose Keogh is asking for it. Still, beefing a man is no small fuss, even if it is a fair fight."

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 936):

ENS grins back at Travis. After assessing the trailing folks, he turns his attention to the ridge they are headed for. He doesn't expect anyone to be there, but he looks it over nonetheless.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 940):

Jake stayed silent as he walked along with Cole and the other men. Obviously, with Cole looking for a straight-up bet and the other fellow mentioning three-to-one odds, there was room to meet in the middle.

The Texan was a little curious as to whether everyone would dig in their heels, or agree on a bet that was not quite what either party wanted. Hell, he thought to himself, it ain't all that often in life that a man gets 'zackly what he's lookin' for. An' if he does, sometimes he finds that what he was wishin' for ain't all it was cracked up to be.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 944):

Travis continues to the place of the stranger's choosing.  Wary of treachery Travis concentrates on his opponent, preparing for a premature beginning to their contest of skill.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 940):

Cole sighs, and subsequently replies.

Ok, tell you what, I'll give you 2-1 odds. $50.

In reply to Whit Hubbard (msg # 942):

"Travis Sunday is a man of his word. Now back to the subject. What did you do after the performance?"

In reply to Cole Trayne (msg # 946):

The three hunters consider Cole's offer. The man called Alfred responds.

"I'll pony up two dollars against your four. Mind you, I would go higher with better odds." he states.

The man who spit nears Cole's boot nods. "Same here. Two against your four."

The hunter with the uncooperative beard chimes in. "I got five for your ten."

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 947):

"Talked to some of the folks who watched, and then I played checkers over at the Post Office until I heard about the fuss over at Planters." He pauses, a look of concern on his face. "Do you think I had something to do with the acrobat's death, deputy?"

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 945):

Despite Sunday's apprehension, the hunter named Keogh does nothing suspicious as they walk. He does take an occasional glance backward--same as Travis--to take note of the five men following the trio of the professor, Travis Sunday and Myles Keogh.

Finally the three men crest the ridge, which abuts another flat area. The terrain here would seem to provide a natural barrier to lines of sight from here to the town, if the men descend the gradual slope to the south.

Keogh stops at the crest and looks back towards the five followers. Apparently he is intent to wait for them to catch up. He says nothing.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 950):

Travis takes a place opposite the stranger 30 feet away removing his fish and handing it to the Professor.

Let it be said of today's events that this gentleman has called me out and I am here to defend myself from his murderous intentions.

Travis looks to the silent man to guage him and test his will.

OOC: Travis Sunday rolled 23 using 1d20+7. Intimidate (Showdown).

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 951):

As the five spectators arrive at the ridge crest, they hear the words of Travis Sunday while observing the two men facing each about twenty yards to the south. Then, they hear the response of the hunter named Keogh.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 952):

Myles Keogh positions himself opposite Travis Sunday. His hand hovers over his Colt Peacemaker.

"If anyone here is transcribing events, let it be known that Travis Sunday is a damned liar. He called me out, not ten minutes ago at Doney's Saloon. I'm here to defend my honor against a known killer."

14:22, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 20 using 1d20+3. Keogh Intimidate.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 951):

ENS takes Travis's fish and steps back away, keeping some space between himself and the other trailing men. He sets his kit down and lays Travis's fish over it. He opens his coat again to be sure he can get to his own Colt if needed, then splits his attention between the two fighters and the approaching hunters.

In reply to Myles Keogh (msg # 953):

Travis draws first.

The Starr slides in his hand as he clears leather slowing his draw to remarkably.  Still his reflexes are quick and his mechanics are sound, the pistol clears faster than most.  He hopes that he is facing most.  He lets two rounds fly in rapid order

OOC: Travis Sunday rolled 24 using 1d20+12. Starr Attack (-2 Double Tap).

Travis Sunday rolled 5 using 2d6 with rolls of 2,3. Action Point.

Attack roll now 27

Travis Sunday rolled 13 using 3d6+1. Starr Damage (+1d double tap, +1 PB).

Without expression, Cole peers at the men in front of him.

He pauses a moment, then nods.

Done, done and done. But has to be a fair fight. Any dirty dealing and the bets are off.

As events unfold, Cole keeps a close eye on things.

In reply to Cole Trayne (msg # 956):

The man who spit before, spits again after Cole insinuates the men might be inclined toward a dirty deal. Again, the brown juice lands quite near Cole's boot.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 955):

Myles Keogh had finished his retort, leading to a pregnant pause felt by everyone gathered here in the rain at the ridge south of The Flat. Before any of the men can blink twice, Travis Sunday skins his Starr, and with the experience gleaned over a decade taps the trigger of his custom revolver twice, sending two balls toward his target.

Keogh pulls his Peacemaker and staggers backwards a full step. His hogleg remains aimed and held level in his right hand as his left hand reaches for his gut. Travis Sunday has seen this reaction before, but he knows the outcome is far from certain.

----------------------

OOC: State actions for the next round. Anyone who wishes to act in any way should roll Initiative. Any actions that require checks should have die rolls made. No one who chooses to make a skill check may Take 10; the roll must be made.

For the moment, Cole chooses not to allow the spitter to distract him from his primary duties of watching Travis' back.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 959):

OOC: Travis will use Heroic Surge after his second attack action and will attack 3 times unless the situation dictates otherwise before his H.S.

Travis Sunday rolled 15 using 1d20+12. Starr Attack (-2 Double Tap).
Travis Sunday rolled 11 using 3d6+1. Starr Damage (+1d double tap, +1 PB).
Travis Sunday rolled 11 using 1d20+9. Starr Attack (+1 bab).
Did not roll damage
Travis Sunday rolled 19 using 1d20+14. Starr Attack (Heroic Surge).
Travis Sunday rolled 9 using 2d6 with rolls of 5,4. Action Point.
Attack roll now 24
Travis Sunday rolled 4 using 2d6+1 with rolls of 1,2. Starr Damage.

Nice Rolling.  I'm off to the Casino.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:15, Mon 03 Dec 2012.

Jake had seen plenty of men get shot during the War, but not like this -- this was more like a formal duel, and there was no denying the visceral, man versus man appeal. So the action unfolding before him drew his eye, even though he knew that he should be concentrating on the three men who appeared to be acquaintances of Keogh.

Travis Sunday drew and fired with a practiced speed and smoothness that was deadly in its efficiency, and Jake sucked in a breath as he saw Keogh stagger under the impact of two rounds.

A second or two after he saw that Keogh get  hit by the lead slugs, Jake tore his eyes away and  glanced at the three hunters, alert for the possibility of any of the men raising a weapon to fire at Travis or any of his pards.

OOC: 23:48, Yesterday: Jake Richardson rolled 7 using 1d20+3. Initiative.

00:03, Today: Jake Richardson rolled 5 using 1d6. Action Point (Add to Initiative).

Final Initiative Roll: 12

Jake will ready an action in the event that any of Keogh's three acquaintances attempt to draw or point a weapon at Travis, Cole, ENS, or (unlikely, I know) himself. Jake will take a step if need be, and will use his rifle-butt or barrel to strike the person attempting to bring a weapon to bear, with the intent of disabling him or otherwise preventing him from firing. If the triggering action does not occur, Jake will simply observe . . .

Edited as marked by color.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:20, Mon 03 Dec 2012.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 962):

ENS is surprised at the rapidity of the action, he barely had time to open his coat before lead flew. For the moment he is focussed only on the two combatents.

In reply to Mr. Xu (msg # 939):

Randy is a bit surprised to find the Chinese man waiting outside the Frontier for a person and not the show.  What's this feller got in his noggin' to do about anything.  I hope he ain't aimin' to kill nobody.

"Mr. Xu, if you can wait here a few moments, I'll see if I can find who you're lookin' for."  Randy nods and steps to the door.

Mr. Oldman is fairly certain Mr. Xu will not be so interested in exhibiting patience.  Nevertheless, Randy decides to go ahead and knock on the stage door.

OOC: We've never discussed the entrance procedure for the theater during off hours.  My guess is the stage door would be locked--provided there is a stage door.  If my guess is right, woohoo!!  If not, please modify the entrance and make not of it in the narrative.

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg # 964):

The Chinaman nods and retakes his seat against the theatre wall. "I wait."

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 961):

Travis Sunday had seen gunfighters pause, often to their detriment. He had been in gunfights himself, some that he couldn't forget. San Francisco came to mind.

These thoughts pass through a compartment in the gunslinger's mind in the time he takes him to fire his second volley of lead. He double-taps again, sending two more balls at the brash young hunter. Keogh, for his part, squeezes the trigger of his shiny new Peacemaker. As each man registers the sound of his opponent's weapon, time slows to a crawl.

Travis Sunday squeezes twice more, unable to stop himself as Myles Keogh falls in a heap. By the time the sixth .44 explodes from the Starr, it becomes a waste of powder.

If Keogh isn't dead, he's a better actor than Randy Oldman.