Garrett Rasmin leads a group of riders westward, before dawn on the north central Texas plains.

The riders have covered more than a quarter mile and the horses are all running strong.  Cole Trayne and Senor Rojas had aligned themselves close behind Rasmin up until now, when the bounty hunter eases his horse slightly then matches their pace, to allow all three to form a line some 10 yards abreast of each other.

Meanwhile, Randy Oldman, JEB and Travis Sunday ride slightly behind Cole's line, themselves having aligned into a second rank. While they could push their horses temporarily to catch-up, there has been no reason to do so, at least as of yet.

As the quarter mile turns to a half mile, the riders have not found the source of the battle noises they overheard. The pounding of their horses has muffled any sounds that might have reached their ears from this distance, although the black smoke rising is becoming more evident. If the professor's estimate held they still had a space to ride before they got close enough to learn exactly what it is they are riding towards, but the men would guess that it could be less than another half-mile's ride.

Jake Richardson leads Cruger and Haverty on a looping path northwest-to-west. At first, they were able to keep an eye on the group of riders heading directly westward, but a few rolling hills disrupted the line of sight and now this trio of riders circling to the destination from the north are uncertain of relative distance between them and Rasmin's group. Nevertheless, they remain confident that they are on an approach that is likely a few hundred yards north, although maybe as much as a minute behind the others.

The professor urges Amadeus onward, with the hunters providing an escort. Two of them ride on the wagon's flanks; one of them rides a ways ahead, but still in visual distance under the moonlight. They wagoneers see both groups of riders disappear from sight.

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

OOC: Pausing here to allow for PC-to-PC or PC-to-NPC conversation (keep it among the proper line or group, of course) or any further actions while riding.

"You know this area better'n me, Pete," Jake remarked to the liveryman, raising his voice a little so that he could be heard above the noise of the horses' hooves.

"Reckon these fellers as got jumped by them Injuns is another group of hunters who've set off cross-country, or is thaere another trail of some sort off in this die-reckshunn?"

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 2):

Haverty pulls closer to Richardson, to catch the man's question. Jake realizes he will need to raise his voice more than a little to hold a conversation beyond the exchange of a few words.

But it is actually Cruger who answers the question.

"There's a trail west from Dallas/Fort Worth that caravaners are known to follow."

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 1):

ENS urges Amadeus up to a little speed, mindful of the darkened terrain and the animal in tow. He was going to follow Jake, but decides to follow the more direct path Rasmin took in the interest of timeliness.

If he can get to some high ground without going too far off path or overtaxing Amadeus, he will in order to get a better look with his binoculars.

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 4):

Randy remains quiet in the saddle. He focuses on the impending altercation.

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg # 5):

Travis maintains the pace, singing  "Ride, Captain ride, upon your mystery horse."

Cole rides along in silence, scanning the horizon for any further signs of trouble.

In reply to Cole Trayne (msg # 7):

Pushing on in silence, the three riders approach the smoke they had been targeting, although it has mostly now dissipated and the men aren't exactly sure how straight of an approach they ended up taking. Having traveled perhaps another quarter-mile into a more hilly terrain, Cole Trayne, Senor Rojas and Garrett Rasmin gallop up a gradual slope until a sight reveals itself on the plain below.

The next line of three riders--Randy, JEB and Travis--also realize that they are close to whatever the action might be. They see the three riders ahead, some 50 yards distant, advancing up a sloping hill.

EDIT: factual error
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:55, Wed 01 Oct 2014.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 8):

OOC: Full gallop (run x4) couldn't be upheld the entire ride. For ease of gameplay, the Judge is making some assumptions and fudging rules slightly. Fudging in the PCs' favor, I should add.

The pace was largely being controlled by Rasmin for the group making a straight approach. He pushed pretty hard, but the Judge is ruling that he backed off from time to time in order to avoid harm to the horses during the ride. Nevertheless, the overall pace to get there quickly will warrant a single CON check on all six horses in that group. After that, normal rules will apply as per the rules for Run on p 232 and the PCs will need to explicitly state movement rates during any round-by-round actions.

Jake controlled the pace of the northern group. He was also pushing hard, but also wouldn't want to harm the horses before even arriving. So the Judge is making the same assumptions for that group. A single CON check is required at this time and then same for PC actions upon engagement in any round-by-round activities.

The professor's group is traveling at a pace that won't require any rolls at this time.

To be clear: All riders in Rasmin's group must make a single CON check for their mounts. As will the riders in Jake's group. Please make your rolls the next time you log in.

EDIT: Added aqua text above.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:28, Wed 01 Oct 2014.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 9):

ENS continues the slower pace, using his glasses occasionally to see if he can spot the other groups in order to keep on track. He also looks side-to-side to make sure there's no ambush on the way, though this lessens greatly as the group gets closer to the situation.

The ride does give him time to think... Mine Gott ENS! What have you gotten into! Riding into a gun battle against the very thing you are here to study! Keep a stiff upper lip old boy!

15:30, Today: E.N.S. Ringgenberg rolled 19 using 1d20+4. Operate Vehicle, per Judge.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 9):

Jake listened for any sounds that might tip him off regarding the status of the skirmish up ahead as Haverty, Cruger, and he galloped onwards. He figured that he should be able to hear gunfire -- if, indeed, there was any to be heard -- over the sounds made by the horses' hooves, although he wasn't so sure about human voices.

I surely do hope that guns are still bein' fired . . . he thought to himself.

OOC: 09:39, Today: Jake Richardson rolled 19 using 1d20+7 with rolls of 12. Listen Check.

17:48, Today: Jake Richardson rolled 6 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 4. Ghost's CON Check.

17:49, Today: Jake Richardson rolled 4 using 1d6 with rolls of 4. AP for Ghost.

Total for Ghost's CON check: 10.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 9):

Travis Sunday rolled 8 using 1d20. Con check - Horse (No modifiers).

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 12):

CON check Diablo = 7

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 11):

Richardson focuses his attention on the sounds of the pre-dawn morning, doing his to best to filter out the repetitive pounding of hooves. He hears no sounds of gunfire from afar, although he believes he hears the sounds of horses to the southwest. Possibly those of Cole Trayne and the others that took the direct approach.

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 10):

The professor feels the bumps and jostling of the wagon at his chosen speed. He has maintained a pace that should minimize the chances for damage, but in the moonlit rolling plains things are far from certain. ENS has seen nothing notable on the plains. Not with the naked eye nor his field glasses, although he did catch a glimpse of riders heading west once or twice . . . presumably his pards.

At one point, the wheels on the right side of his conveyance find a groove in the hard-packed earth. That poses no issue, until the groove gives way to a large mound that the professor couldn't serve to avoid. Instead, he wisely chooses to let the wheels hit the mound straight on--hard as it turns out--lifting them momentarily off the ground, first the front wheel and then the rear. The professor manages to keep control of his vehicle throughout, feeling the effects of the bump while mitigating any serious damage, although he hears one of his boxes thump ominously. No sounds of breakage; it seemed he had avoided any harm to the vehicle or his goods. Or to Johnny, as the mule dutifully keeps up the pace while tethered to the wagon.

EDIT: Poor grammar and a typo.
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:40, Thu 02 Oct 2014.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 9):

Con Roll for Fanny = 13

21:23, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 9 using 1d20+2. Fanny's Constitution.
21:24, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 6 using 2d6. AP for Fanny's Constitution.(2,4)

Cole rides directly towards the wagons, maneuvering Bess to keep out of the Indians line of sight for as long as possible.

Randy, JEB and Travis see the line of three horses ahead of them pass over the hill, disappearing momentarily. When their own mounts ascend the slope, they discover that the first line has broken.

Rasmin and Rojas are now riding north, towards two mounted Indians. Cole is heading northwest, making a straight line for two wagons that seem to be the center of a battle, which now appears to be in its aftermath. At least one more mounted Indian is seen on the north side of the wagon. All three riders in Rasmin's line appear to have reined in their mounts now that they have reached the scene of the noise that attracted the bounty hunter's traveling party.

As if the slowing riders ahead are a visual reminder, JEB reluctantly admits to himself that Diablo is played out--at least in regard to maintaining this prolonged run. The mount is still serviceable, but JEB understands that Diablo must be given a break from the full gallop to avoid serious harm. Randy and Travis know that their mounts are nearly in the same condition--they might could push this extended gallop even longer if needed, but every 50 yards will add to the risk of their mounts also needing a rest. Voluntarily reining in the horses may give them the respite they need to sustain another burst at full gallop. It is likely that the men in front of them have come to the same conclusion, either forced to slow their mounts to avoid harming them, or choosing to do so in order to make one more run if lives were to depend on it.

The relative silence of pre-dawn that had resumed since the initial gunfire had ended is now interrupted by the bounty hunter and the Mexican, who both fire their longarms at the pair of Comanche to the north.

Jake and his fellow riders hear new weapon reports ring out as they bend back to the southwest. ENS and the hunters also hear the echo of resuming gunfire.

OOC: PCs should state actions for combat rounds. Initiative rolls made at the beginning of this encounter still apply. Mounts that failed the CON check (for PCs = Bess, Diablo) must reduce to no more than 2x speed for 1 minute (10 rounds) before accelerating beyond that. Mounts that made the check may choose any desired speed, but if the 4x run speed continues, a CON check will be needed each round (with +1 do the DC each round) or they will also need to drop to 2x or less for one minute (this is all in the rule pages I cited the other day). Voluntarily reducing speed to 2x or less for 3 rounds (assuming a check hasn't been failed) will reset the Run ability for those who passed the first check.

http://www.doghouserules.net/d...ews/goin/wagon2.tiff
the diagonal distance across the map is approximately 500 feet.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 18):

Jake expression turned grim as he suddenly hears gunshots after he had heard none only a few seconds before, when he had been listening for them. Reckon that's the first of our group openin' fire. Not hearin' no firin' 'til just now don't seem good for them fellers as got ambushed, the Texan mused.

The threesome of Haverty, Cruger, and the rifleman had altered their angle of approach somewhat, now curving back to the southwest towards the sounds of the weapons' reports. Ghost was still running strong, so Jake continued on at a gallop, hoping to close the distance as quickly as possible.

OOC: 10:17, Today: Jake Richardson rolled 16 using 1d20+3 with rolls of 13. Ghost's CON Check #2 (DC 11).

Edited for clarity.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:31, Fri 03 Oct 2014.

The man and his mare slow their gallop and head due west. They break from the pack of three, assuming no others follow, and change the angles to which the marauders must focus their attention.


OOC: Randy and Fanny are slowed to the recommended 2x speed.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 18):

Cole withholds fire, for the moment. He veers off away from the line of fire of the others, but does not close on the Indians. He allows the Indians to make the first move.

In reply to Cole Trayne (msg # 21):

JEB reduces to 2x speed riding northwest and holds fire this round.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 18):

OOC: in #18 I wrote that the diagonal distance on the map is approximately 500 feet. Players should be able to measure chunks of 50 feet easily enough to get rough ideas of distance.

What I failed to note is that the map is oriented top = North.

Waiting for Travis to post his action for this round before posting my summary for R2.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 23):

Travis slows Horse and moves toward the indian north of the wagon.

The Old Man tried to wet his lips but his mouth was dry as he peered out to see what all the commotion was about. Gunfire and horses were stampeding about! Then there he was... a... a cowboy by dam! Had them boys come through after all? They'd been gone a long time. A life time it had seemed. The old cowpoke had almost given up hope of rescue.

He just couldn't figure why those Injuns  hadn't spotted him or the girls but he was a mite thankful all the same. He had survived more than one scrape and it looked as if he may just do so again. There was one o' those dam raiders nearby but he was unsure how to proceed. He still had the girls to think about. Lorelei stood beside him, defiant as ever! With that longarm in her petite hands and that hell-fire in her eyes. She was ah Winters awright. Johanna  was hiding under the wagon. Lying stock-still and  afraid to move a muscle. Dam me fer an old fool for bringing her along... for bringing all them to this... this sad spot this side of hell.

He swallowed hard but there was nothing to swallow. He had taken a chance to reload, hoping he wouldn't bring unwanted attention to him and the girls. Yet, he had already decided to sell his life at the highest price possible and take as many of these red devils to hell as he could! Now this cowboy, ah gud one riding bare back by dam, sat out yonder eyeing that brave as if to say... I ain't going nowhere but you better!

"Hold yer fire Lorie." he whispered. "We'd best see how this here negotiation goes first yah?"

OOC: 09:45, Today: Theodore Winters rolled 6 using 1d20-1. Initiative .
This message was last edited by the player at 15:38, Sat 04 Oct 2014.

Rasmin and Rojas continue to press north towards the two Comanche riders northeast of the wagon. The fact that Cole had moved toward the wagon and then veered off seemed of no interest to these two men. They had each fired their long arms once  and now they fire again when the Comanche riders turn west-northwest and spur their mounts. The Comanche are clearly riding defensively--not responding with a counter-attack, rather, it seems they are preparing to flee.

Cole had moved Bess sideways, moving out of the line of fire of the two Indians being pursued by Rojas and Rasmin. He found it difficult to avoid line of sight against both pairs of the Indians north of the wagon. As he refrained from firing, waiting to see what the Indians would do, he sees that they all appear ready to ride away, or at least to re-group. At last, he notices two people standing near one of the wagons, using it as cover from any possible Indian attack from the north. Apparently, this battle wasn't completely over, as the wrangler had originally suspected.

JEB and Travis criss-cross their paths, ending up moving roughly parallel to each other towards the north-northwest. It appears that JEB intends to make for the wagons, or to join Cole, while it seems that Travis is taking a path towards the bounty hunter and the Mexican.

Randy Oldman rides due west; he sees the movements of his pards while glancing north. It is difficult to see the Comanche riders from this distance, but the big man believes that they are moving north.

OOC: Please state actions for round 3. A couple of PC statements last round were somewhat vague; the Judge did his best to place player based on their statements (there were two groups of Indians, one to the northwest and one to the northeast of the wagon).

http://www.doghouserules.net/d...iews/goin/wagon3.jpg
(heard from one player that the map couldn't be displayed, trying a jpg instead of tiff; if anyone else is having trouble viewing the map, please say so)

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 26):

ENS's concern increased quite a bit when he heard the gunfire again. He looked to the hunters riding with him.

You men should go on ahead to help, there's nothing out here to harass me and besides, I have my own weapons.

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 27):

Only one of the hunters is close enough to hear the professor's words. "I will ask the others," he answers.

Riding ahead to confer with the lead rider, and calling for the man on the other flank, the man assembles the three hunters ahead of the wagon. They converse while they ride, maintaining the wagon's pace.

Eventually, the man that ENS spoke to returns to the wagon and the other two return to their positions.

"No can do, sir." The hunter begins to ride back to his position but would be in earshot long enough for ENS to respond, if he so desires.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 26):

The wrangler rides directly to the pair of folks using the wagon for cover. His intent is obvious - he inserts himself protectively between them and the Indians.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 28):

ENS looks confused.

Why in the world not? I'll be right along and the others, including your employer, might be in dire need of your assistance!

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 30):

"So might you," answers the hunter.

OOC: Waiting for Round3 actions from JEB, Travis and Randy, as per request in #26.

In reply to Cole Trayne (msg # 29):

Winters forced a smile upon his haggard face and hiked his hat up with his thumb to reveal a high forehead and a hairline that had began its retreat some years back.

"I"m glad ya showed up Mister! Ah sight fer sore eyes yah! Those red devils nearly got us fer sure. Danke! Danke!"

The tension from the battle seemed to leave the old man in a rush as he leaned against the wagon and wiped the sweat off his brow with the back of his age-spotted hand. In the other hand he carried a  Winchester ‘73. The old-timer before Cole looked like he might be 100 years old, whether from the strain of battle or time just taking its toll the wrangler couldn't be certain.  His grizzled beard, skeletal physique and leathery skin made him appear much like a scarecrow in his plain but dusty trousers and shirt. The old beat up hat upon his head looked like it had been the only one this man had ever owned. It was now complete with the stain of his own sweat. The old man's voice was tobacco-tinged and he spoke with a slight German accent.

"Vhere are my manners!" he said peeking back up at Cole. "My name is Theodore Vinters and this is my granddaughter Lorelei Trautman."

That latter was said as he nodded to the young woman next to him, she too holding a longarm.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:42, Sun 05 Oct 2014.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 32):

Travis continues to ride towards the mounted comanche.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 26):

Jake began to regret, a little, taking this roundabout northern approach suggested by Garrett Rasmin. He could hear sporadic firing coming from the direction where Haverty, Cruger, and he were headed, still at a gallop.

Still some fightin' of some kind goin' on up yonder, the ex-Wells Fargo man thought to himself.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 31):

Ridiculous! We are almost there and there is nothing out here... besides, I am armed! At least two of you could go on ahead.

In reply to Theodore Winters (msg # 33):

Cole takes a moment to glance down at the old man and the woman by his side. Before he responds, he quickly returns his gaze back in the direction of the Indians, his rifle at the ready.

Trayne. Cole Trayne.

Anyone else here?

Randy now guides his mount to a northwesterly direction. He avoids ascending the hill for a few moments more.

In reply to Cole Trayne (msg # 37):

JEB rides at maximum safe speed for Diablo towards Cole's position. As he rides parallel to Travis for a short distance he declares his intention to protect Cole but asks, "What's your play?"

Rasmin and Rojas pursue the Comanche while firing their longarms from horseback for the third time in succession. The Indians continue their re-grouping, the four of them riding low to their horses' necks and making themselves smaller to anyone trying to aim at them.

Cole rides to a position slightly north of the wagons, but close enough to converse with the survivors of the Indian attack. JEB and Travis advance towards the their old trail boss Rojas, seeing the Indians continuing to flee--and hearing quite clearly the weapon reports of the Mexican and the bounty hunter. The gunslinger and the ex-lawman also find themselves with a better view of the Indian riders. The one farthest west has two other horses in tow.

Now, two of the comanche call out into the night, their war cry piercing the hearts of men near and far. In the fog of battle, it is difficult to know whether they called out before or after one of their number, who was struck by Rasmin's bullet, fell off his mount.

Randy Oldman alters his direction slightly, gaining a good line of sight of the fleeing Indians and seeing that Cole has stopped at the wagons, before he hears the weapon reports and Comanche war cries.

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

OOC: Round 4 actions, please.
http://www.doghouserules.net/d...iews/goin/wagon4.jpg

EDIT: typo
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:33, Mon 06 Oct 2014.

Winters appeared somewhat dazed but heard Cole clear enough.

"Just us two and my other granddaughter Johanna." the old man replied softly, almost distantly.

Then he shook his head and knelt by the wagon. Though his eyes appeared to be holding back tears, Winters forced a smile and spoke gently to the girl under the wagon.

"Its awright Johanna. Its awright now. This nice man and his friends have made the Indians go away yah? Come on out now... come ta grandpa."


OOC: Winters will hold his action for now, unless the Indians return and speak to Cole.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:13, Mon 06 Oct 2014.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 40):

Cole takes a moment to glance at Rojas and Rasmin, then turns his attention back to the fleeing Indians. For a moment, it appears as though he is going to take up the chase again, but he does not. Instead, he turns Bess in a tight circle, scanning the area, to make sure that no one else is skulking about.

Subsequently, he directs his next query to the old man.

Anyone hurt?

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 40):

Randy presses on in his current direction and at his current speed.

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 36):

The hunters maintain their current positions, the one who had been speaking to the professor now falling silent.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 35):

The trio of northerly riders, lead by Jake, hears more weapon reports, followed by war cries that seem to be directed at them, even from afar.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 44):

ENS shakes his head. Ridiculous!

He then urges Amadeus to a bit more speed.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 39):

Travis speaks loudly so JEB can clearly understand him.

Trail the forward party.  Eventually run down the Comanche and recover the horses.  Those folks may need them.

He hopes Cole will be gone when he returns but he doubts his friend has the good sense to run while his friends are mingled with the pursuers and can ensure his safety.  Maybe Rasmin will have the decency to take an arrow in the heart or open his piehole and jaw with him when he's no longer necessary for the protection of the group.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 47):

Continue previous action.

The Comanche spur their horses to a full gallop, continuing their bloodcurdling wails. Rasmin pursues, although he doesn't fire a fourth round from his Winchester. Instead, the bounty hunter focuses on his guiding his mount. Meanwhile, Rojas, whose horse had been played out in reaching the action, veers off to the southwest and curls back towards Cole Trayne.

JEB and Travis continue their ride, with Travis yelling loudly to his old pard. Both men see Rojas diverting from the pursuit as the Comanche pull away. He, too, is yelling. Passing by Cole and the wagons, Travis and JEB see evidence of the dead on the cold Texas plain . . . all too clearly.

Cole Trayne engages in conversation with the grizzled old-timer and the young woman. He sees a number of dead bodies from this caravan . . . up close now, and his comment about whether anyone has been hurt seems like a poor choice of words in the moment after the moment. Clearly, he meant to ask if the survivors were injured. Neither the old man nor the young woman seem offended by Cole's phraseology, taking his meaning as he intended. The woman under the wagon seems untouched by the grizzled feller's attempts to bring her out, remaining firmly in place. Who could blame her?

Cole hears some yelling. Perhaps, he thinks, Rojas is yelling at him.

Randy Oldman continues his ride to the northwest. He is also passing by where Cole has discovered survivors, but he witnesses more dead forms than living.

A returned war cry carries in from the north.

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

Jake's trio strains to determine from where the war cries originate--that is, from the direction of the gunfire, or elsewhere? A responding round of similar yells answers the question, as these replies come from due west. And clearly from a different direction than the first set of shouting they had heard.

The professor hears the faint sounds of Comanche war cries. He cannot make out the words. At this speed, his wagon is anything but safe under last of the moonlight.

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

OOC: Please state round 5 actions. Jake and his group are still riding toward the action. They may converse or change direction or whatever, but best guess is that they are 10-15 seconds away from the second chorus of Comanche shouting. All PCs in Cole's group, who reduced speed in the first round, and whose mounts passed the CON check, may increase to full gallop for the number of rounds equal to CON score, unless voluntarily interrupted.

http://www.doghouserules.net/d...iews/goin/wagon5.jpg
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:53, Tue 07 Oct 2014.

"My horse, he is played out. You must give chase if you can. My horse, he is played out . . ."

In reply to Rojas (msg # 50):

Cole shakes head.

Bess is played out, too. And, it sounds like we might have company coming, from the west. And, we got three here who we can't leave unprotected. Still...

The wrangler looks about.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 49):

Jake maintained what he reckoned to be the correct course to reunite Haverty, Cruger, and himself with the others in the camp that had been under attack.

There were new war-cries in the wind, and things were getting pretty confusing as to where everyone was. Jake figured that the best thing to do at the moment was to join up with his companions, then they could put their heads together and decide what came next.

Or, it could be that them Injuns'll take that decision away from us, the rifleman thought to himself.

Winters saw that his granddaughter wasn't budging, so he slowly stood watching the Mexican ride in as he did so. After he heard them talk the old man cleared his throat.

"Vell! If ya can't ride no more you'd best get you and yer horses behind cover."

Theodore Winters took in the carnage around him and shook his head sadly. All these people dead and he led them to it. Well there was nothing for it. He would be dam if them Injuns were go'n to get his granddaughters too!

"Lorelei? Maybe you can comfort Johanna while we got ah moment yah?" he said with a weak smile.

He then readied his Winchester '73 and scanned the area, especially where he thought he heard the last Comanche war cries.

OOC:
Hold action and use Spot skill.
00:01, Today: Theodore Winters rolled 16 using 1d20+5. Spot check.

Randy slaps his Fanny and hauls up the hill at top speed. His ultimate goal is to reach the highest point along the ridge.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 49):

ENS continues at his current speed, both concerned for his friends and annoyed at the hunters' reply to his request. He calls out to the closest hunter.

Be ready! It sounds like we're riding into a fight!

OOC: What is "2" on the map? Jake's group?

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 49):

Travis kicks Horse into a full gallop.

Garrett Rasmin, Travis Sunday and Randy Oldman urge their mounts to a full gallop. Each is hopeful that the brief rest is enough to enable a chase of the Comanche. The bounty hunter, having been at the forefront of this encounter the entire time, remains the closest to the Indians. Sunday and Mr. Big'un trail Rasmin by some 30 yards, equalling his pace--and that of the Comanche.
(OOC: Rasmin has left this map. The Judge is now tracking relative speed and distance.)

Three of the Indian riders continue westward under the moonlight, two of them now with horses in tow. The farthest behind had grabbed the fallen rider's horse by the mane, pulling it along. Rasmin has a bead on that rider, but he hasn't fired his Winchester since taking down the one Comanche horseman.

Randy Oldman had cast his eyes over the landscape as he ascended and then descended the hill. Too dark to see afar, and no sign of other Comanche can be found nearby, at least upon his brief inspection. Travis had taken a direct path to follow the Comanche, and now the two men are riding nearly abreast with intent to pursue the Comanche riders.

Cole Trayne shouted to Rojas and looked around the camp. He finds no other horses here. Winters spoke to Cole and his granddaughters. Johanna shows no signs of willingness to come out from hiding.

Rojas, perhaps hearing Cole's reply or simply understanding his body language, turns his horse again and rides up the same hill that Randy Oldman had just crossed. JEB, knowing that Diablo was played out, continued to ride at the current safe pace, as Travis Sunday started to pull away on Horse. The ex-lawman sees the fallen Comanche rider to the north--the one that Rasmin had gunned down before the Comanche had fled.

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

OOC: I saw that JEB had logged in but not posted an action, so I made an assumption here and moved forward. If drastically wrong, we can amend.

As noted above, PCs that exit the map will be tracked by relative speed and distance. Actions may be taken as desired. Randy and Travis will exit the map in Round 6, assuming they continue to ride their mounts at a gallop. All PCs, please state actions.

http://www.doghouserules.net/d...iews/goin/wagon6.jpg
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:21, Wed 08 Oct 2014.

Jake and his riding companions push onward. They had heard the war cries but that has since ceased. And no further gunfire after the first few reports have reached their ears.

Cruger gets the attention of the rifleman, having spotted movement to the west, roughly 50 yards distant.

"More riders," he calls out.

It's possible that the riders to the west have also spotted Jake's group. It is unlikely that Richardson, Haverty and Cruger will avoid being noticed as they proceed toward their original destination. The group of riders spotted by Cruger seem to be on a parallel path, heading southwest.

In reply to Sheriff Cruger (msg # 58):

JEB kicks Diablo into a full gallop and trails Horse.

The old man continued to scan the area. He nodded a greeting to Rojas.

"Hiya! I thank ya fer com'n when ya did. Don't vorry bout me. I can handle meself but I vant to get my granddaughters outta here as soon as I can. I don't vant them ta be around all of this... " he said nodding around the camp to take in all the dead.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 59):

OOC: Diablo failed the CON check; as stated previously, the horse cannot be taken to full gallop until having rested for 10 rounds (going at the current speed, no more than 2x, is considered adequate). It has been only 6 rounds counting the current round. Horse, Fanny and Rasmin's mount made the CON checks and their riders rested for the requisite 4 rounds to recover, which is why they are able to return to a full gallop. Bess and Rojas' mount also failed, which is why neither of them are continuing the chase.

JEB can push his horse if he desires, but he knows he will be doing serious, if not irreperable, harm.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 00:32, Thu 09 Oct 2014.

Mr. Big'un adjusts the course he and his faithful Fanny to due west. He continues to scan the horizon for other figures.

13
21:30, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 8 using 1d20+6. Spot.
21:30, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 7 using 2d6. AP for Spot.((5,2)).

Cole looks quickly to the old man.

Until we get these Indians taken care of you should get you and your granddaughters  behind cover. You need help?

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 57):

Travis continues on.  He tries to judge if heis gaining or falling behind the Comanche.

"Three or four riders amidst five or six hosses," Jake called out to Cruger and Haverty.

The rifleman pulled his carbine from its scabbard and held it across his saddle-horn, and used his knees to guide Ghost on a new course that would cause him and his two companions to converge on the other riders, whom he assumed to be Comanche raiders. He had checked the load on his long-arm before saddling up, and confirmed that there was already a round in the chamber.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 61):

JEB gives up the chase and returns to Cole at safe speed.

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 55):

ENS, having pushed Amadeus to a speed at which the wagon and its contents are rattling with every bump, feels his frustration growing. The riders refuse to listen to him--or rather, they refuse to do as he requests. The professor's frustration with the hunters, not to mention the fact that he knows he is a good distance behind his pards, prompts the man to risk a faster pace, knowing that he could end up damaging the wagon.

He hasn't heard any further gunfire in maybe 20 seconds.

OOC: I didn't mean to ignore the question about the #2 on the map. Just forgot to address it. It is of no importance to this scenario.

Jake and his fellow riders all prepare their long arms as the rifleman alters course slightly to converge with the Comanche. Haverty and Cruger arrange themselves in a line on either side of Richardson.

Having closed some distance, they all can see the Comanche are heading west-southwest, at a similar pace as the three white riders. The two nearest warriors have no horses in tow; the two farther west each have at least one extra horse in tow. In the darkness, it is still difficult to determine the count for certain.

There is no doubt that the Comanche are aware of Jake's group.

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

OOC: State actions for R7. Like the other map for Cole's group, the distance diagonal is roughly 500 feet. And just like Cole's group the Initiative rolled at the beginning of this encounter is still in effect.

http://www.doghouserules.net/d...views/goin/jake7.jpg

Cole Trayne and Theodore Winters continue to converse. Both seem mighty concerned about the old man's granddaughters, but the one he called Johanna remains under the wagon and the one he called Lorie still holds a longarm--a scattergun, by the look of it--as if she is ready to take on the Comanche should they return.

Rojas had heard the old timer speaking to him as he rode past, but he had not responded. He had reached the hill and stopped, surveying the area. Just below, JEB had realized the others would pull away quickly, given Diablo's condition, and he turned to rejoin with Cole.

Separating himself slightly from Travis Sunday, Randy Oldman continues his pursuit of the Comanche riders, looking west. Sunday also continued, trying to gauge whether the Indians or the white men were gaining ground. Rasmin remained a short distance ahead of the two old trail mates. After several seconds, Sunday is certain that Horse isn't losing any ground to the Comanche horses. If anything, all three of the white men were inching up on the Comanche warriors to the rear, that is, the ones who were guiding other horses. Inching being the operative word. Although Travis was never much of a gambling man, he figured the odds were that this would be a test of endurance, not speed, if the men were to pursue this chase to a conclusion.

---------

OOC: State actions for R7.

http://www.doghouserules.net/d...iews/goin/wagon7.jpg

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 69):

Randy aligns his direction to that of the Comanche riders. He maintains his current speed atop his faithful Fanny.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 69):

Travis pursues the Comanche's with the extra horses.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 71):

ENS holds his tongue and concentrates on keeping Amadeus, Johnny, and the Wagon safe at the current speed.

Winters watched Rojas ride on by and he turned to Cole once more.

"How many did ya bring? Did Jacob find ya then? Is da boy alright then? He's my grandson. He went fer help. Ya must've seen 'im?"

There was some hope in the old man's eyes now. The Wrangler could see it. The man before him looked at Jeb as he rode up and Randy and Travis as they rode after the Indians like he was making a mental count.

"There's alotta of those red devils out there yah! Lots n' more... they must be out there just waiting. Yer friends shouldn't be splitting up I'm thinking."

In reply to Theodore Winters (msg # 73):

How many red devils are there, old man?

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 68):

Jake decided to fire his carbine at the nearest of the Indians and gently reined in Ghost, both to give himself a steadier shot and to rest his mount a little. He wasn't at all certain whether he could hit his target in the darkness from the back of a moving horse, but he figured that even if he missed, the sound of the weapon report would warn his pards that hostiles were coming at them from this direction.

Holding the reins in the palm of his left hand, he lifted his Spencer to his shoulder, briefly sighted his shot and fired, hoping that he had led the target sufficiently.

OOC: Jake will reduce Ghost's speed to from x4 to x2.

01:11, Today: Jake Richardson rolled 14 using 1d20+4 with rolls of 10. Ranged Attack (-4 for Motion).

Modifiers: -4 for vigorous motion (horseback). Jake has the Far Shot feat (giving his Spencer a range increment of 70 x 1.5 = 105 feet), so an Indian at a range of  +/-150 feet would be in the second range increment. The -2 modifier for that range is canceled out by the custom sights on Jake's carbine (+2 equipment bonus on attack rolls past the first range increment)

01:12, Today: Jake Richardson rolled 2 using 1d6 with rolls of 2. AP to Add to Attack Roll.

Total for Attack Roll: 16

01:08, Today: Jake Richardson rolled 25 using 1d100. Concealment Miss Chance (1-20 Misses).  Success.

01:37, Today: Jake Richardson rolled 11 using 2d10 with rolls of 10,1. Damage Roll (If Hit).

Without hesitation, Pete Haverty reins his majestic gray mare and brings his Spencer to his eye. Some would say he was born to the saddle. His ease of control of the mare in this situation would seem to prove them correct. Richardson was also slowing Ghost, and the two men rode towards the Comanche in unison while aiming their carbines.

And the Sheriff continues his full gallop, taking a line mostly to the west, which results in him acquiring a flanking position as the Indians ride. Two of the warriors had maintained their gallop, extra horses still in tow as they headed southwest. The other two had slowed their own mounts and were turning to face the oncoming white usurpers. The lead warrior has a lance and is ready to charge; the other raises a carbine to his eye.

Unbeknownst to Richardson, the livery owner had targeted the lead the Comanche, while the rifleman himself was targeting the one behind. Clearly, Haverty's shot finds its mark, as the lead warrior his falls backwards off the horse, something still clinging the lance as his lifeless body lands on the plain.

Cruger fires a split second before Jake--at the same Indian the rifleman had targeted. This warrior fires his carbine at Richardson, but that doesn't stop the rifleman from squeezing his trusty Spencer's trigger, having sighted the Indian. In the darkness, it is unclear whether one or both of the white men struck the Indian but someone must have done, as the warrior cries out and then slumps against the horses neck.

OOC: State actions for Round 8.

http://www.doghouserules.net/d...views/goin/jake8.jpg
09:23, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 0 using 1d20-1. Comanche Sharps R7.   EPIC COMANCHE FAIL

The three white riders continue to pursue the Comanche on the pre-dawn plains. They have put some distance between the place where the wagons were attacked. The chase goes on.

Gunfire rings out in the darkness again; three or four shots in succession. Travis and Randy hear the reports, from somewhere behind them. They see Garrett Rasmin ahead, still closest to the Comanche, steadying his Winchester as best he can. He hasn't fired yet, but it appears to be his intent.

ENS and the hunters hear a few more weapon reports. They are much closer this time, perhaps slightly to the north. The professor finds himself and his wagon entering a more hilly terrain, with some twists and turns ahead.

-----------

OOC: State actions for R8. If Travis and Randy continue the chase without other actions, the Judge may accelerate rounds with Jake and NPCs and assume that rounds pass in the chase even if you haven't posted. Please give some indication in R8 actions.

The PCs having conversation with Winters will have rounds counted by the Judge based on the amount of speech. Winters' last post combined with JEB's reply is about two rounds worth, for example. If JEB or Cole or Winters are planning on actions other than speech, please indicate now and curtail the amount of speech to that which can be said in one round. It's no problem to carry on as much conversation as PCs desire, but the Judge will have to measure that against the round-by-round activity going on elsewhere, so this is a heads-up in that regard.

Map has not changed. Judge is keeping track of relative distance for the chase.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:05, Sat 11 Oct 2014.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 74):

Winters heard the newcomers query and he squinted up at him.

"The name is Vinters young man. There's no gud answer ta that question. They attacked in groups ya see. Alvays mov'n yah and pretty dam hard ta count."

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 77):

OOC: Round 8 Actions:

"Good shot, Pete!" Jake exclaimed as his companion's lead knocked a Comanche clean off of his horse. Jake wasn't so sure about his own shot -- seemingly either he or Cruger had hit the Injun whom they had both targeted, but since the warrior was still on horseback, it seemed that he was probably still alive.

Jake continued to close on the Comanche armed with the long-arm and fired again. There was no obvious effect, so he guessed that his shot had most likely missed in the darkness.

OOC:

10:51, Today: Jake Richardson rolled 14 using 1d100. Concealment Miss Chance: R8 (1-20 Misses).  Miss, due to darkness.

Ghost is still moving forward at x2.

Haverty reins the gray mare, keeping her moving but at a much slower pace. He aims at the fleeing Comanche to the southwest, firing a second round.

Also reducing the gait of his mount, Sheriff Cruger holds roughly the same speed as Jake. He also squeezes off a second round at the fleeing pair of warriors.

Neither of the men seem confident in the results. The Comanche continue to urge their mounts to gallop at full speed separating from the three white men and the darkness envelopes them, giving at least a hint that they have withstood the effects of the second round of lead.

Cruger appears intent to continue the chase, even as the Comanche pull away.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 79):

After both men have fired their second shots, Haverty calls out to Richardson. "Graymare is played out. I will round up these kids."

Jake hears the liveryman, and sees Cruger continue the pursuit of the other two Comanche. He had wondered whether the one that he and Cruger had hit was done, and the behavior of the warrior's horse gave him a clue as he had fired and now passed the slumping Comanche at closer range. The warriors horse was obviously moving without the guidance of its rider, who was undoubtedly unconscious. Still he could be alive. The Comanche that was unhorsed by Haverty's first shot remains motionless on the plain, also unconscious, by all appearances.

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

OOC: Round 9 actions.

http://www.doghouserules.net/d...views/goin/jake9.jpg

Travis maintains his gait keeping on the rider's and Comanche's tails.

In reply to Pete Haverty (msg # 81):

ENS continues doggedly on.

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 83):

The professor hears another succession of weapon reports. He turns Amadeus, navigating around a rocky hill. Almost immediatelty he has to navigate a ravine.

OOC: Make a check for Operate Vehicle.

In reply to Pete Haverty (msg # 81):

OOC: Round 9 Actions.

"Understood," Jake replied to Pete Haverty.

The rifleman turned Ghost's nose towards the fleeing Comanches, figuring that Haverty could put another round into the closer warrior who was slumped over the neck of his horse, if need be.

Jake didn't think that he could catch the two warriors who had built up such a lead, but he reckoned that his lead could.* He kept Ghost moving forward at the same rate of speed in order to give him a better chance of hitting his target.

The ex-Wells Fargo man took a little longer to line up his shot and squeezed off a round, but saw no evidence that he had hit the Comanche that he had targeted.

OOC: Ghost is moving forward at x2 speed.

19:01, Today: Jake Richardson rolled 6 using 1d100. Concealment Miss Chance: R9. Miss due to darkness.

*"Lead" having two different pronunciations and meanings in the same sentence. George Carlin would have liked it! :)

In reply to Pete Haverty (msg # 81):

OOC: Judge, you called for two rounds of action within a 24 hours posting period. That has no impact on me, however, it might on others. JSYK.

Randy doesn't actually intent to do anything other than chase at this point. As the judge posted before, it will likely be a test of endurance. Randy has his own thoughts on that matter.

In reply to Theodore Winters (msg # 73):

As the old man mentioned a possible survivor, the wrangler turns sharply, to peer at him.

Jacob? Which way did he go? Quickly now!

As he awaits a response, he scans the area looking for any sign of life among the bodies, focusing on those near cover.

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg # 86):

OOC: I am aware that I called for two sets of rounds. I did it explicitly, with a note that I was likely to accelerate Jake's group because the other PCs were either in a chase, or carrying on conversation that was lasting more than one round.

Cruger and Richardson chase the remaining Comanche riders, even though they are moving at roughly half their quarry's speed. That fact doesn't dissuade either of the men from firing another round from their Spencers; however, the darkness and distance make it quite difficult to determine whether their shots have found purchase. Regardless, the chase continues.

The Sheriff leads Jake by some 40 yards. The rifleman estimates that the Sheriff is some 100 yards behind the Comanche.

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

OOC: Jake is about to leave the map. This chase, like the other, will be measured by relative time and distance.

http://www.doghouserules.net/d...iews/goin/jake10.jpg

Travis and Randy continue to trail behind Garrett Rasmin as they chase the Comanche riders. Both men can sense the slow gains they are making. Rasmin continues to aim his Winchester as he rides, but he has not yet fired another shot.

Cole, JEB and Theodore Winters continue to converse. Rojas remains atop the hill. He calls out, saying something about more riders heading due west.

ENS strains to maintain control of his wagon as he passes over the ravine and ever closer to his destination.

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

OOC: All PCs are in Round 10; except for ENS who must make the Operate Vehicle check in Round 9 and then declare actions for Round 10 as appropriate to the check (DC 12).

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 90):

Randy holds tight the reigns of his dear mare.

As he rides, the big man calls over to his trail mate in a language others cannot understand.

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg # 91):

Travis continues on, conscious of Horse's efforts and attuned to pushing him into harm. He speaks to Randy as he rides.

In reply to Cole Trayne (msg # 87):

The hope in the old man's eyes began to fade as Cole asked of Jacob.

"Vhat? Jacob? He's not vith you? He left ta get help. Some time ago yah... You'll not find him among those... "

The old man said as a near skeletal hand swept the dead lying about them. His shoulders slumped and he leaned next to the wagon as if needing support.

"... too many n' fer vhat?"

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 89):

OOC: Round 10 Actions

Jake could barely see the fleeing Comanches moving at speed across the darkened landscape. He fired off another shot, but didn't feel very confident about hitting anything at this range.

"I think we're just wastin' lead here, Sheriff," he called to Cruger.

OOC: 10:21, Today: Jake Richardson rolled 47 using 1d100. Concealment Miss Chance: R10. Success.

10:30, Today: Jake Richardson rolled 4 using 1d20. Shot at Fleeing Comanche: R10.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 90):

ENS is surprised by the ravine, but manages it well. Once past it, he continues his course towards the action.

11:41, Today: E.N.S. Ringgenberg rolled 19 using 1d20+4. Round 9 Operate Vehicle.

In reply to Theodore Winters (msg # 93):

After hearing that Jacob is likely not in the vicinity, Cole looks to find a defensible position.

First things first, we need to get ready in case those Indians return.

Richardson and Cruger continue their ride, falling farther behind the fleeing Comanche and their extra horses. Both men their carbines into the darkness; neither is satisfied with the apparent lack of success.

The sheriff, hearing Jake calling out to him after he had fired his Spencer, slows his mount to allow Ghost to close some distance. He puts one hand to his ear, as if to suggest he had heard the rifleman speak, but hadn't grasped the full essence of the words.

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

Randy and Travis speak to each other over the pounding of the horses hooves, still trailing Rasmin by some 40 yards, as the chase goes on.

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

With the discussion amongst Winters, Beauregard and Trayne continuing, the wrangler scans the surrounding area. The darkness has not given way to the light of day, limiting his scope of vision, but he catches sight of one of the hunters cresting the hill where he himself had arrived about a minute ago. He then hears and sees the professor's wagon navigating through a space between hills.

ENS himself is glad to recognize JEB, Cole and Rojas near two wagons a few hundred feet ahead.

Just then, Rojas calls out that he is rejoining the chase, riding west-northwest in pursuit of the riders he had seen several seconds earlier. He spurs his mount, now properly rested

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

OOC: It is Round 11. Bess and Diablo, like Rojas' mount, have rested long enough to resume a run should their riders desire it. As have Ghost and Cruger's mount. The professor is just reaching the edge of the map. Rojas' action is for Round 11. All PCs should state actions for this round.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 97):

Randy continues his pursuit.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 97):

OOC: Round 11 Actions

Jake quickly closed the distance with the lawman. He held the reins in his left hand and his carbine in his right, with its barrel pointing skyward and the butt-plate resting atop his right thigh.

"I do believe that we're just a-wastin' lead at this point, Sheriff. Plus, this chase is pullin' us off-course from the way we was headin' afore. An' finally, us two-uns could run up against a larger war party in the dark."

"I'd be in favor of joinin' back up with Haverty, an' checkin' on the sit-u-aeshunn at that camp we was a-seekin'."

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 97):

ENS is relieved to see at least some of his friends apparently unharmed. As he continues his approach to the wagons, he spies the bodies lying in the vicinity, which generates some renewed concern.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:58, Mon 13 Oct 2014.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 97):

Travis continues on.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 97):

JEB maintains position and watches for hostiles.

Cole continues to scan the area, but the expression on his face makes it clear he is disappointed at the sparse landscape.

The wrangler turns to JEB.

There is no decent cover here. We need to get these people out of here, and right quick. We don't want those Indians to come back, not with women and children around.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 99):

Sheriff Cruger listened to Jake as they continued to ride, the Comanche having pulled away to a distance of some 200 yards ahead and barely discernable as they navigate the hilly plains.

"If we let them go . . ." Cruger begins to say before Jake had even completed his words, cutting himself off when he sees a rider at a full gallop, coming from the southeast, taking a course to follow the Comanche who have turned slightly to the northwest. Cruger spurs his mount to full gallop. The other rider, who appears to be Rojas, is roughly 50 yards ahead of Richardson and Cruger.

-----------

OOC: The Judge advanced a couple of rounds based on the length of Jake's speech. Cruger's increase in speed occurs in Round 12. Jake may also spur his mount at that time, to keep pace with Cruger, or do otherwise as desired.

Please state round 13 actions, and give an indication of likely course of action in the next two rounds.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:10, Tue 14 Oct 2014.

The professor reins Amadeus enough to gently slow the wagon on the approach to the other wagons and the surrounding dead bodies where Cole and JEB are speaking to an old traveler and a young woman. The hunters have formed a line flanking the wagon, approaching at the same speed.

Hearing Cole's words, the woman that WInters called Lorie harrumphs, looking at the wrangler as if he had called her a name reserved for soiled doves.

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

Travis Sunday realizes that Horse is slightly faster than Randy's Fanny. Over the course of twenty or thirty seconds he pulls away from Mr. Big'un, incrementally gaining on Rasmin ahead--and the Comanche even farther ahead.

A weapon report from in front of Sunday and Oldman pierces the darkness. Best guess is that the bounty hunter finally took another shot, despite the range, speed and darkness. There is no indication that his attempt was successful.

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

OOC: Round 13 -- Travis and Randy have covered some ground over several rounds and the chase continues. Please state actions for this round, and give an indication if any change to their pursuit is expected in the next couple of rounds.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:11, Tue 14 Oct 2014.

OOC: http://www.doghouserules.net/d...ews/goin/wagon13.jpg

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 105):

OOC: At round 21, Fanny will need that rest again. Until said point, Randy will pursue the Redskins.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 105):

As ENS finishes his approach, he calls out to Cole and JEB.

Ho! Cole, Sheriff... where is everyone else? Are they alright?

He will stop his wagon beside the one the new folks are beside, leaving a gap between (but not too much of a gap). He also turns to the hunters.

Would you men please set up a watch for this area? At least until we sort out what's happened?

OOC: The map still shows a Comanche a bit North of us... is he just sitting there watching us or is it an update artifact?

OOC: That is the Comanche rider that Rasmin shot before the other riders took off. There was an earlier post where JEB saw the body lying there, but he turned back to join Cole.

The old man gave Lorie a weak smile "Come now! These nice fellers have come here to help us. Try Johanna again yah! Vee might need ta leave quickly. Go on now."

Then he spoke to Cole "Mister? Vhere shall we go? Now vee have three wagons. Vee can make ah triangle n' stand behind them yah? There's no cover anyvhere bout this place n' those injuns can come from all sides in the dark. The wagons make gud cover yah?"

In reply to Sheriff Cruger (msg # 104):

. . . they'll get away. Jake completed Cruger's sentence in his own head. Well, so what? Let 'em go. We got better things to do than chase Injuns all over hell an' gone in the dark -- Injuns who already got a 200-yard lead on us, or thereabouts.

Then Rojas came streaking by like a flashing meteor, and Cruger instantly spurred his horse to keep up with the Mexican.

Jake didn't understand the hard-headed obstinancy to keep chasing Injuns who, to his way of thinking, were already out of range and gone. However, he had to admit that he didn't have much experience fighting Injuns, and mayhaps Rojas and Cruger understood some things that he didn't.

In any event, he wasn't about to abandon these two men, not when there was the possibility that they might need his gun, if they ran up against a larger force of hostiles.

And so Jake flicked the reins, touched Ghost's flank with a spur, and urged the big gray on to the gallop with a "Heyah, go, go!" in an effort to keep pace with the lawman from The Flats.

OOC: Jake will spur Ghost up to a gallop (x4) in Round 12 in an effort to keep pace with Cruger. Assuming that Rojas and Cruger maintain their speed in the coming rounds, Jake will do the same.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 111):

Travis continues on.

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 108):

The wrangler turns towards ENS and shrugs.

The others are chasing Indians in the dark, without a plan. And, I'm guessing, some are alone. With tired horses. And, I reckon no one knows how many more might be out there, misbehaving.

Unwise.

In reply to Theodore Winters (msg # 110):

Subsequently, Cole turns his attention to the old man.

I reckon you're right mister. Let's set up these here wagons, like you said.

The wrangler proceeds to arrange the wagons, accordingly.

OOC: I amend Randy's chase tactic. He'll pursue until Round 20. This should prevent a Con check. At Round 20 He'll drop speed to 2x for 4 rounds.

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg # 115):

OOC: One of reasons I'm jumping ahead in chunks like this is because it is possible that PCs will want alter their courses of action along the way, either of their own volition or because of external stimuli.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:39, Wed 15 Oct 2014.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 116):

A few dozen seconds pass as a handful of the white men chase a similar number of Indians westward on the Texas plain. Darkness persists, but the promise of the sunrise is not long off. It becomes apparent to each group that another group is riding on a roughly parallel course, separated by a couple of hundred of yards north and south. Travis and Randy find themselves roughly in the same longitude as the Comanche riders being chased by Jake's group to the north. Meanwhile the riders in Jake's group see their counterparts ahead of them and to the south.

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

Winters, Trayne and ENS begin to arrange the wagons into a defensive alignment. Lorie shrugs, but she listens to her grandfather, taking over the coaxing of Johanna to come out from under one of the wagons, while the men work to arrange the other two. The hunters stay on their mounts, keeping watch over the area.

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

OOC: Round 18. Please state or re-confirm actions as desired. Conversation may continue. The wagons are not yet arranged at this time. For anyone who has stated an extended action, no need to post an update unless desired; the Judge will move forward again after 24 hours.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 117):

Mr. Big'un decides to take advantage of the proximity of the second group of Comanche riders. He draws his Spencer carbine from his saddle sheath.

edit:
OOC: Randy isn't adjusting the course of his horse of course.
This message was last edited by the player at 17:26, Wed 15 Oct 2014.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 117):

ENS agrees to the suggested arrangement of wagons and sets to work with the others. While working, he addresses the survivors.

Hello sir, I am Professor ENS Ringgenberg, sorry to have to meet under such circumstances, but please tell me: are you three the only survivors? And how many of you were there here?

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 119):

Winters does his best to help situate the wagons so that it gives them the best cover available. When the professor introduced himself the old man extended a hand and inclines his head.

"Vinters, Theodore Vinters at yer service Professor Riggenberg. Your name is German Yah? Came ta this country as ah young boy meself. I'm afraid its jus me and my two granddaughters Professor. The rest... well the rest are gone. My grandson Jacob and ah friend rode off ta get help."

The old man then nodded toward Cole.

"I asked the cowboy if he saw Jacob but he asked me vhere he vent. SO I suppose he didn't see the boy. I vhas wondering mayhaps if you have seen him then. Somebody had ta tell ya vee vere here yah?"
This message was last edited by the player at 03:22, Thu 16 Oct 2014.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 117):

Travis rides on.

In reply to Cole Trayne (msg # 113):

The tactics are unfortunate but the strategy is necessary. We need to make sure those warriors don't warn the tribe we're out here, otherwise we've got bigger trouble coming. Damnation.

JEB rides toward the sound of battle.

In reply to Theodore Winters (msg # 120):

ENS is looking out over the bodies as he speaks.

Switzerland actually Mr., ahhh, Winters? We never met anybody; we were camped about a mile southeast when we heard the gunshots, we came as fast as we could... have you had time to check if any of those men are just wounded?

Winters' eyes began to gloss over and his head began to slowly shake from side to side.

"Heard the shots ya said? You must have seen Jacob... he vhas my grandson's friend. He vent fer help yah? MY Horst... he's gone now. All of them! My daughter Wilma and her husband Ralph... they're all o'er there Professor. I... I checked them some time back but... "

The old man turned to look upon the dead bodies. A tear finally escaped one eye and found one of the many ravines that lined his face and was lost for the moment.

"It vhas my fault.. my family just vanted ah new start ya see. So... so I... I led them... " Winters wiped his eyes with the back of an age spotted hand.

He swallowed hard and waved ENS on "Yah! Check them yah. I... "

Then the old man squatted on the ground leaning heavily upon his rifle. His eyes had an empty almost haunted look about them.

In reply to Theodore Winters (msg # 124):

ENS looks sadly at the man as he speaks. When he slumps down, ENS steps over and pats his shoulder.

There, there Mr. Winters... you were attacked by a group of renegades... you couldn't have known they'd be out here...

ENS stands by another moment, then picks up his shotgun and walks out to check the bodies for any signs of life. He'll check the downed Comanche last, approaching him carefully while covering him with the shotgun.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:44, Fri 17 Oct 2014.

In silence, the wrangler continues to fortify their position.

Rasmin, Sunday and Oldman continue to gain on the Comanche to the rear. They have now formed a line of pursuit, with the bounty hunter, who takes another shot with his Winchester, in the lead. Horse continues to gain a little ground on Rasmin with each passing second, while Fanny falls to the rear. Once again, there is no obvious result from the bounty hunter's attack; however those warriors release their extra horses.

The three men see that those horses are still running, although the kids have reduced their pace immediately upon release. Rasmin is closing on them quickly.

OOC: Round 20, reduce pace to 2x voluntarily, or make a CON check for mounts. (Understood that Randy intended to slow; he may now act on that intention, or decide to push his Fanny, as desired.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 122):

Riding off, JEB surprises his colleagues, who continue to converse as they arrange the wagons. It is still dark, but Diablo is rested enough for another run. Far ahead, the lawman from Missouri catches glimpses of two sets of riders, one set nearly due west and the other farther to the north.

OOC: Round 20, please state speed and direction and any other actions
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:23, Fri 17 Oct 2014.

Cole works to arrange the wagons as best he can. The professor had maneuvered Amadeus to a helpful position in relation to the wagon under which the young girl was hiding, and was now speaking with the old timer. The wrangler found himself trying to position the third wagon, untilk finally, one of the hunters dismounts to give Cole aid. Just then, the wrangler sees Lorie succeed in coaxing her sister from underneath.

While Lorie seems a relatively tall woman, perhaps five and one-half feet, with long light brown hair tied in a single pony tail and dark serious eyes, the sister that emerges from under the wagon is far more slight. Johanna, as both Winters and Lorie had called her, has darker hair offset by brighter eyes. She seems to catch a piece of the moonlight in them, even as she shivers in her sister's embrace.

The professor and the wrangler understand the look of shock among all of the survivors in the Winters party. Cole, because he has seen it up close. ENS because he is a learned man. People react in strange and different ways, to be sure.

OOC: Actions for Round 20-something-ish. Conversation may continue until the Judge rules there is an external interruption.

Ghost pounds the plain, showing minimal effects of the wounds from roughly a week ago. The powerful horse could gain ground on Rojas and the Comanche, but so far, its rider had kept pace with Cruger's mount. They both continued to make up ground, inexorably. And slowly, to boot.

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

OOC: Round 20. Actions, please.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 129):

Pete Haverty had rounded up the Comanche horses and verified the condition of the warriors. Waiting for several seconds before determining that Jake and the Sheriff had put a sizable distance between them, the liveryman turned to the south, towards where he had picked out a few voices on the morning breeze.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 130):

Round 20 Actions:

Jake had been a little unsure whether Ghost had completely recovered from the wounds that he had suffered about a week ago and, accordingly, he had hesitated to ask the big gray to gallop his fastest. But the Ghost seemed to be running strongly and not laboring, so the rifleman urged his horse onward at his best speed, in an effort to close the distance a little with Rojas and the Comanche whom they were pursuing.

Edit: Struck through extra word.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:21, Fri 17 Oct 2014.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 127):

Randy Oldman releases his Fanny from the harried reins. As his horse relaxes her pace he draws a bead on the nearest of the longitudinal Indians. The big man lets his shot fly.

17
19:19, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 13 using 1d20+9. Attack w/Spencer Carbine.
19:18, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 7 using 2d6. AP Attack. ((3,4)).

19:20, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 13 using 2d10. Damage.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 129):

Travis slows his pace and maneuvers to retrieve the horses.

He keeps his eye on Rasmin.

When Cole finishes positioning the wagons, he turns to the old man.

Mister, do you have any more rifles, bullets or pistols? We may need plenty of each, shortly.

Anything else in these wagons we might find useful to defend this position?

Garrett Rasmin maintains his horse's full gallop, as do three Comanche riders. The bounty hunter fires his Winchester again and it appears that his bullet struck either the hind warrior, or his mount. Rasmin and the Comanche mounts pull away from both Horse and Fanny.

Randy Oldman targets the parallel Comanche riders to the north as he slows Fanny to a speed at which he is certain the kid will be able to recover with a brief rest. Firing his carbine, the big man believes his shot was well aimed, but he sees no indication in the lingering darkness as to whether it was effective.

Slowing Horse, Travis Sunday begins to track down one of the extra horses released by the Comanche. He hasn't caught up to it yet, but he figures it will only be a matter of time before he can round up the kid. Probably no more than ten more seconds.

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

Jake Richardson begins to pull away from Sheriff Cruger. They remain close enough to call out to each other, should they choose to, although that will change over time. Rojas still rides ahead, leading the three men in the chase of the two riders and slowly gaining ground. They all hear a couple of weapon reports from the south.

JEB maintains Diablo's full gallop, trailing the two groups of horses racing west. So far, he hasn't chosen which group to pursue; rather, he rides a ways behind, hoping to assess the situation as things become more clear. He hears the weapon reports, but he cannot determine from which group they came.

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

The men at the Winters' party camp continue to arrange the wagons and converse, hearing additional weapon reports from afar.

OOC: Round 21. State actions

Randy attacks the same Indian again.

10:56, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 26 using 1d20+9. Attack 1 Spencer Carbine.
10:57, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 7 using 2d6. AP Attack 1 ((2,5)).
Riding horse -4 or Galloping horse -8
Unknown Range, Total Defense

Riding      Galloping
 26         26
+ 5        + 5
- 4        - 8
---        ---
27          23

11:00, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 17 using 1d100. Concealment 20%. (unless Judge modifies due to dawn light)
11:01, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 11 using 2d10. Damage.
***

11:02, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 17 using 1d20+9. Attack 2 Spencer Carbine.
11:04, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 6 using 2d6. AP Attack 2 ((5,1)).
Riding horse -4 or Galloping horse -8
Unknown Range, Total Defense

Riding      Galloping
 17         17
+ 5        + 5
- 4        - 8
---        ---
18          14

11:06, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 80 using 1d100. Concealment 20%. (unless Judge modifies due to dawn light)
11:06, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 6 using 2d10. Damage.

As the wrangler completes positioning the wagons, he wordlessly acknowledges the hunter who assisted him with a nod.

In reply to Cole Trayne (msg # 135):

The old man came out of his stupor at the wrangler's question.

"Vhat? Oh yah! Vee have ah few... they vould be out there... among the... my family. Lorelei has her father's scatter gun. There might be three or four more. Herman, my son-in-law's brother had ah Henry I'm thinking... Horst, my grandson had another scatter gun too. Those hired guns had pistols n' longarms ta boot."

Winters stood up and shouted out to ENS "Professor? If ya vould be so kind? If ya see any guns out there could ya bring them in? Danke!"

He slowly turned to Cole "I'm sorry Mister. Real sorry. I should've been help'n ya set up those vahgons but I... I've been no gud ta ya. Sides sum furniture, clothes, and food vee have nuth'n else in da vahgons."

Winter held out his hand "Thank you! Danke! Not jus for me but for my granddaughters."

In reply to Theodore Winters (msg # 139):

ENS hears Mr. Winters and waves in acknowledgement. He had been thinking along the same lines but thought that maybe returning for a bag would be prudent. As it stands, he'll continue checking the bodies and will pick up weapons until he can't carry any more; then he'll just note weapon locations for a second trip.

In reply to Theodore Winters (msg # 139):

Cole accepts the man's hand and looks him in the eye. His tone betrays a hint of sympathy as he responds.

I expect I'd not react as well as you if my grand-kids were in danger.

Cole pauses a moment and continues.

You got any oil? Liquor? Or dynamite to remove stumps? That could be helpful, too.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 136):

JEB turns towards the group that is due west.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 136):

Travis continues to wrangle.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 136):

OOC: Round 21 Actions.

Although Ghost was slowly gaining ground on both Rojas and the fleeing Comanche, Jake judged that the distance was still a bit too long for anything like an accurate shot. So he had Ghost maintain his top speed, hoping to close the distance a bit more.

Somebody's still shootin' he thought to himself after hearing some more shots. It sounded like there was at least one other chase was going on, since the weapons reports were spaced out instead of happening more or less at the same time -- which would be the case, he knew, if a general engagement was being fought.

Travis Sunday closes on one of the wandering kids. It seems tired and docile, reacting to the resuming gunfire with a start but not bolting. The other horse had indeed run from the sounds, heading south. The gunslinger figures he will have the first horse in hand, soon. With half his attention on Garrett Rasmin who continues to pull away, Sunday gets a glimpse of a turning point in the chase.

The bounty hunter still pushes his horse forward, using his knees to guide its movement. He rides high in the saddle, his Winchester raised to his eye. The two Comanche riders that he had been pursuing--those who had recently released the extra horses that Sunday meant to wrangle--now slow their mounts. They continue to ride, but Rasmin immediately gains 30 or 40 yards on them and fires his repeater from a short range. Meanwhile, the lead Comanche continues to ride at top speed, pulling away from his fellow warrriors even as Rasmin closes the gap on them.

Randy Oldman continues to guide his Fanny at a safe speed, letting the kid recover from the recent gallop. Although the pair of parallel Comanche riders to the north are still a fair distance away, and the anticpated morning light has not yet dispelled the darkness, he fires another round from his spencer. Again, he cannot discern any immediate effects of the shot, even though his aim felt true.

OOC: Round 22 actions please. FYI, Randy had intended to use his level's capability for multiple attacks per round, but that is not possible while on horseback (unless one has specific feats). The rules for Full Attack and p211 and Combat While Mounted: Full Attack on p225 pertain.

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

Rojas, Jake and Cruger, in that order as the horsemen's line stretches out over the plain, doggedly pursue the Comanche riders. Hearing the weapon reports, the rifleman begins to think that at least some of the shots coming from the south are aimed at the warriors ahead. Judging from the size of the man atop his horse, it appears to be Mr. Big'un, who has now fallen farther behind and whom Jake and Cruger are soon to pass if Oldman maintains his current pace.

OOC: Round 22 actions please

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

The professor had been examining the fallen bodies while participating in the conversation with Trayne and old man who called himself Vinters. He had counted seven--five men and two women--although he had not completed his examination of all of them yet. So far the five he had checked, including one of the women, were dead. Two of them had been pierced with sharp instruments, all of them had been shot with arrows and one of them had gunshot wounds. Probably, for most, it had been quick, as they looked more like regular folks than experienced frontiersmen. He expected the same from the last two bodies, as he began to pay more attention to any weapons they had possessed. Finally, after surveying all seven of the bodies, the professor reluctantly acknowledges that they had all passed on, whether it had been quickly or from bleeding out while the battle continued and no one could help them. Two of them had the look of a hunter or other outdoorsman. Unlike the others, each of those two possessed a sidearm--one of them still holstered--as well as a longarm. A total of four other longarms, either scatterguns or repeaters, lay amongst the dead men. ENS has had time to count them, but not collect them or identify them as he studied the bodies.

The two hunters who had remained on horseback, patroling, call out about an approaching rider, but they immediately follow-up by saying that it is Pete Haverty returning with two horses in tow. The liveryman's face is grim as he takes in the scene near the wagons.

OOC: This group is ahead in time from the other groups. Please continue conversation, etc.; the Judge believes that time will even out eventually--if it seems to be getting too skewed, I will adjust appropriately.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 145):

Travis wrangles and awaits Rasmin's eventual return.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 145):

JEB closes on the action intending to engage when in range.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 145):

OOC: Round 22 Actions

Jake kept up his dogged pursuit of the fleeing Comanches, hoping to use Ghost's speed to good advantage.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 144):

Keeping his same pace, Randy fires once more at his same target.

08:29, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 23 using 1d20+9. Attack.
08:29, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 7 using 2d6. AP Attack ((4,3)).

08:30, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 45 using 1d100. Concealment.

27-8 Gallop = 19
27-4 Riding = 23

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg # 149):

OOC: oops

08:33, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 16 using 2d10. Damage .

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 145):

ENS' sorrow increases as he assesses the state of Mr. Winter's family. He notes the discarded weapons but leaves them be for the moment. Once finished checking the family, he approaches the fallen Comanche cautiously, shotgun at the ready.

In reply to Cole Trayne (msg # 141):

The old man scratched his head as he pondered the wrangler's question.

"Maybe vee do... sum lamp oil and sum liquor but not much I'm afraid. No... no dynamite that I know of. Vhat da ya have in mind. Vee can have ah look around if ya vant?"

He then turned to his granddaughters.

"Lorie? You and Johanna have ah look in da vahgons yah? That's gud girls!"

The two Comanche riders being pursued by Rasmin--having slowed moments ago--now split up and circle around. The warrior in the lead continues his gallop, putting even more distance between himself and Rasmin. Not to mention Randy and Travis who are some 100 yards away now.

Garrett Rasmin guides his horse to a slower pace choosing to chase one of the two splitting warriors. As it happens, that one draws a bow. The white usurper fires his repeater while the brave defender of his homeland lets loose an arrow. The bounty hunter's aim is true, while the arrow flies errant. The third warrior has circled and with lance affixed is preparing to charge after the man from San Francisco (not originally).

Randy Oldman, still riding at a safe pace, takes aim with his Spencer. He has judged the distance; it requires as much hope as it does skill. Nonetheless, he squeezes the trigger and trains his eye to determine whether it finds purchase.

Farther behind on the plain, Travis Sunday wrangles the first horse abandoned by the Comanche ahead. He hears more weapon reports, but it is too far to see what might be transpiring ahead.

OOC: Round 23 actions, please.

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

Sheriff Beauregard--or Deputy, or neither depending upon whom is being asked--chases the men ahead. He sees someone who is apparently wrangling stray kids on the plains ahead. Still a ride further to reach that rider.

OOC: R23

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

The three riders to the north hear more gunfire. It is undoubtedly Mr. Big'un firing at the Comanche that Jake is chasing. He can't be certain, but the rifleman's trained eye has a mind to reckon that the big galoot drew a damned close bead on the warrior, if'n he didn't actually hit.

OOC: You know the drill.

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

The professor concludes his examinations of the dead. He mentally makes a list of the number of weapons he detected, although he touches none of them. Silently, he moves toward the dead Comanche. One of the mounted hunters accompanies ENS.

Unless the warrior is a better actor than Mr. Big'un, he's as dead as powdered wigs.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 153):

Continue pursuing...

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 153):

Resisting an urge to examine the Comanche closer, ENS stands and nods at the hunter. If the warrior dropped a firearm, ENS will collect it; otherwise, he will return to the wagons, carefully gathering the fallen travelers' weapons along the way.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 153):

A pained look crosses Randy. He decided to just keep his safe pace and not fire.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 153):

Wrangling.

In reply to Theodore Winters (msg # 152):

As Cole walks to the nearest wagon, he responds to the old man.

Reckon anything that will serve as a weapon might come in handy. Fire and explosives might work as well as bullets, in a pinch.

Cole commences to search the wagon for anything useful.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 153):

OOC: Round 23.

Jake kept an eye on the Comanche warrior up ahead, waiting to see if there was any reaction to Randy's shot. It was a very long shot, even for as good a marksman as Jake considered himself to be, but the rifleman hoped for the best. As near as he could tell, however, Randy's shot had no effect.

Reckon I need to git somewhat closer, Jake thought to himself.

OOC: Jake will continue the pursuit at Ghost's best speed.

His attention having been trained on the parallel warriors to the north, Mr. Big'un finds his Fanny rapidly gaining on Garrett Rasmin, who is engaged in battle with two Comanche warriors. The big rider hears the bounty hunter's weapon report and then witnesses one of the warriors closing on Rasmin to attack with a lance. It appears that the man from San Francisco (not originally) is holding his own, but two-against-one ain't never a good thing, Randy figures. Rasmin's battle is much closer than the riders to the north.

Travis Sunday turns to the south to retrieve the other kid. Randy has ridden on, following Rasmin. Some 125 yards away, the gunslinger gets a glimpse of the a battle among the bounty hunter and two Comanche. He cannot discern any details, but he sees that Randy is closing on the scene.

Galloping onward, the rejuvenated Diablo brings JEB closer to the man wrangling horses. That wrangler is definitely not a Comanche. The ex-lawman figures he will close to within shouting distance in several seconds; meanwhile, he becomes aware of the source of the gunfire farther ahead, where a few riders appear to be engaged in battle.

OOC: R24

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

Richardson continues to gain on Rojas, while Cruger falls slightly behind. Clearly, Ghost is the fastest of the three men's mounts now in pursuit of the two Comanche riders. Mr. Big'un hadn't fired again. That fact causes all of the men to take notice of an engagement to the south, which they are fixin' to pass in a matter of moments. It appears that the big actor has caught up with the Comanche, who are now engaged with whomever was at the lead of the men pursuing that group of Indians. The continued weapon reports come from that skirmish.

OOC: R24

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

The professor finds no firearm near the Comanche's body. He returns to see Pete Haverty dismounted and inspecting the horses he had collected, from wherever he had collected them. It occurs to ENS that he doesn't know anything about Jake and the liveryman's group.

Cole focuses on the contents of the wagons. Taking an inventory in the dark proves more than a mite difficult. Nonetheless, his impression so far of this first wagon is that Winters' description covered things fairly well. Mundane household items from cookery to scrub brushes, a bureau of some kind, food stuffs, tools such as a hammer and shovel, and the like. He finds a can of kerosene for the caravan's single lamp.

Winters finds his youngest granddaughter still quite shaken from the experience. Lorie remains strong, but her grandfather can tell that she is also distraught by the deaths of their friends and family. Johanna perks up a mite when Pete Haverty asks for the names of the two horses he has retrieved. The pretty young girl (woman?) rushes to the kids and strokes their noses, speaking to the liveryman. Haverty, with a soft note in his voice, introduces himself to the Old Man and his surviving family.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 160):

ENS returns to the group of wagons and unburdens himself of the weapons then walks over to Haverty.

Mr. Haverty, what news? Where's Jake and Sheriff Cruger?

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 160):

Travis divides his attention between Randy and the kid.  He hopes he will not need to pursue the Comanche into the dark to protect his friends flank.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 160):

OOC: Round 24.

Somebody's goin' at it pretty good down yonder, Jake thought to himself as Rojas, Cruger and he were passing by to the north of skirmish. Even in the dark he could recognize Randy's towering frame, but he wasn't sure who the lead rider -- the one closest to the Comanches -- was.

Surprised that at least one o' them bastards that we're a-chasin' ain't wore down his hoss by now, the rifleman pondered.

OOC: Jake will continue the chase, keeping Ghost moving at his best speed.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 160):

Randy beads on the bowman brave.

19:21, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 25 using 1d20+9. Attack.
19:21, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 5 using 2d6. AP Attack ((4,1)).
19:22, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 97 using 1d100. Concealment.
19:22, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 4 using 2d10. Damage.

29
-8 Galloping
-4 Distance
---
17

or

29
-4 Riding
-4 Distance
---
21

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 160):

Winters noticed the strength in Lorie and something akin to pride can be seen in the old man's eyes. Then just a heartbeat later sadness fills those very same eyes as he takes in the youngest granddaughter. He slowly shakes his head. As Haverty rode up, Winters saw the first spark of life come back in Johanna.

The old man inclined his head and forced a smile "Vinters is my name and I'm please ta meet ya. This here is Johanna. She loves horses for sure."

He then swept a skeletal hand toward Lorie and said "This is my other granddaughter... Lorelei Trautman."

The pld man then nodded from the horses back to Johanna and mouthed "Thank you!"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:05, Sat 25 Oct 2014.

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 161):

"They chased two of the Comanche whilst I rounded up these kids." He looks west. "There were four of them, but we took down two and then Cruger and Richardson chased the other pair."

OOC: The Judge made a mistake earlier in narration for Haverty, in asking about the horse names. Doesn't really change much but figured I should mention it.

In reply to Theodore Winters (msg # 165):

Haverty nodded in response to the old man.

Rasmin and Oldman choose their targets as if they had planned their tactics beforehand. The bounty hunter turns his mount to follow the warrior with the lance, while Oldman takes aim at the Indian with the bow. Rasmin fires first, hitting the lance rider but failing to unhorse him. Both Comanche direct their attention towards Rasmin, The brave with the bow lets loose another arrow, aiming again at the bounty hunter. It flies overhead while the lance rider closes again and attacks. Randy continues his ride, firing as he passes the bowman. It seems that both of the white men's shots had found their targets.

OOC: R25

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

JEB is nearly passing the wrangler on the pre-dawn plains when he realizes it is Travis Sunday. He is tracking down a stray kid. The battle ahead is still several to a dozen seconds away.

OOC: R25

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

Just when Jake was wondering about the stamina of the Comanche's horses he sees Rojas--and then feels Ghost--gaining rapidly on the two Indians ahead.

OOC: R25

Cole continues his search.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 168):

JEB passes Travis and continues.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 168):

OOC: Round 25.

Now that's more like it! Jake thought as Ghost suddenly made up a goodly bit of ground on the fleeing Injuns. He realized that the Comanches' horses -- one of them, at least -- had just given out.

The rifleman was tempted to start firing his carbine again, but his shooting hadn't been very good thus far, and he was tired of simply wasting lead and powder. So he decided to close the distance a bit more, and kept Ghost moving ahead at his best speed.

In reply to Pete Haverty (msg # 166):

ENS nods.

Well, we keep hearing gunshots...

He looks out towards the battle.

I hope they're doing well... We need to decide how to proceed, like how long do we wait before we go after them?

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 170):

Travis watches his friends ride to the rescue of a man he wishes dead.

Morons. He says softly to himself.

The kids are settled and Horse has had a few heartbeats to rest.  He kicks the spur and rides at best speed towards the conflict.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 168):

Randy stops his horse and aligns for a second chance at the arrow firing Comanche.

Attack One 20
22:04, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 15 using 1d20+9. Attack One.
22:05, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 7 using 2d6. AP Attack One ((5,2)).
22:08, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 41 using 1d100. Concealment Attack One.
22:09, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 14 using 2d10. Damage Attack One.

Attack Two 29 (Critical)
22:09, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 29 using 1d20+9. Attack Two.
22:17, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 19 using 1d20+9. Critical Threat check.
22:11, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 94 using 1d100. Concealment Attack Two.
22:14, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 13 using 2d10. Damage Attack Two.

The two white men and the two Comanche remained engaged in mounted battle. Rasmin maintains his focus on the lance rider, who maneuvers for another pass at the bounty hunter. Guiding his mount slowly with his knees, Garrett Rasmin sights the lance warrior, firing before the Comanche can execute his attack. The ball must have hit; the lance rider is unhorsed.

The bow rider, now fully aware of Mr. Big'un's presence, shifts his attention to the big white rider who guides his mount to a stop while maintaining his bead on the bow warrior. Moving at a simiilar pace as Rasmin, the Comanche looses an arrow that whizzes by Randy's right arm. Fortunately, the shot has no effect on the big man's own shooting; he plugs the Indian with a round from his Spencer. The man drops his bow and slumps against the horse's neck.

Travis and JEB ride askew, both with the same destination and at similar speeds but from different directions. Travis is slightly ahead, having spurred Horse to a gallop, leaving the two kids he had wrangled behind. Both men find themselves some 30-45 yards away when they witness the exchange of gunfire and the two Comanche wounded by Oldman and Rasmin. At this pace, both men will arrive at the scene in mere moments, passing by if they fail to circle or slow their mounts.

OOC: R26. Randy made an argument in PM for being able to stop a moving horse without a movement action. The Judge's ruling is that stopping a moving horse requires a movement action and thus a Full Attack is still not possible. The Judge would consider allowing a full attack from horseback from a horse that had already stopped, given certain circumstances including the nature and training of the horse. Travis cannot spur Horse to full speed and bring the kids along, as both strays are played out and require the full minute to recover (which hasn't yet passed) or else face serious, perhaps unreparable damage (same as the Judge warned JEB before); therefore, the Judge is ruling that Travis let loose the horses, hoping that they were settled enough to stay close and be retrieved again.

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

Jake continues to close on Rojas, who himself has erased the space between his mount and the Comanches. The rifleman sees the Mexican twirling a lasso as he trails close behind the Comanche. Rojas, letting it fly, misses his target--the Comanche on the left--while matching the speed of both warriors.

Richardson and Cruger are now within a reasonable distance for gunfire, although the darkness persists. If Ghost maintains present speed, and the Comanche maintain theirs--Jake will pass by in the next few seconds. Additionally, the rifleman will need to maneuver slightly to reduce the chances of hitting Rojas, should he choose to fire his Spencer. 

OOC: R26

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 175):

Travis slows to engage the enemy at close range with pistols.  He pulls the Starr and aims at the closest.

Free Action: Ready Starr
Move Action: Slow Horse (Trained Mount)
Attack Action: Fire Starr

Travis Sunday rolled 24 using 1d20+10. Starr Attack (+14, -4 for Riding Horse).
Travis Sunday rolled 4 using 2d6+1. Starr Damage.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 175):

JEB slows his mount and brings the Spencer up but holds fire.

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 172):

"Seeing as we took out two of the four right quick, I would not be concerned, professor," says Haverty, without really answering the ENS' question.

In reply to Pete Haverty (msg # 178):

Winters shook his head.

"Ya don't understand Mister Haverty. There's mor of them injuns than just four. I think them others might be out there tracking the horses. Believe me though there be more than four."

In reply to Theodore Winters (msg # 179):

ENS looks over to Winters.

Mr. Winters, please, can you estimate how many there were? And which direction did most of them head off to?

Winters gave ENS a nod.

"Ya! Mayhaps twenty ta thirty I imagine. Yet, it is very hard ya see... ta count them all. Being night n' all... and they came from all sides out of the darkness. However, I know a lot more than four fer sure."

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 175):

Randy Oldman heads to ensure his bounty is truly deceased--one ball in the head should do the trick. He takes Fanny to a trot to catch up with the horse.

In reply to Theodore Winters (msg # 181):

The liveryman had waited while the professor and Winters talked. "I understand there were more than four. That was the number that Richardson, the sheriff and I encountered. Still, if'n there were twenty or thirty we would be engaged in combat right now."

In reply to Pete Haverty (msg # 183):

Perhaps, they certainly should have heard the shooting... but we are a new, unknown element for them, and they have lost surprise. I would imagine that they are observing us right now, we've fortified this position but we should ensure we are ready for an attack at any time. I suggest we check the loads of the weapons I brought back and spread them around the wagons... any other ideas?

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 184):

Cole takes a moment to poke his head out of the wagon he's searching.

Search the wagons for something useful. Weapons. Oil. Liquor. Anything that explodes.

He then returns to his search.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 175):

Jake was surprised to see Rojas try to lasso one of the fleeing Comanche, instead of using a firearm. Mayhaps he figures that the Injun'll savvy Spanish, and he plans on questionin' him.

The rifleman used his knee to guide Ghost off to the side so that the Mexican would not be in his line of fire. Then he pulled back on the reins to slow his horse, and raised his Spencer to his shoulder, sighted briefly, and fired.

OOC: Jake will slow Ghost to a "regular" move pace (65 feet).

22:58, Today: Jake Richardson rolled 69 using 1d100. Concealment Miss Chance. Success.

22:59, Today: Jake Richardson rolled 27 using 1d20+8 with rolls of 19. Attack Roll.

23:02, Today: Jake Richardson rolled 4 using 2d10 with rolls of 1,3. Damage (Spencer Carbine).

Sheesh. All that for four points of damage.

Assuming that both Comanches are within the same range increment, Jake would target the one that Rojas has not engaged.

Horse delivers Travis Sunday to the battle just in time for the gunslinger to see that the skirmish is all but done. He targets the warrior unhorsed by Rasmin, firing a ball from the Starr into the body on the ground. At the same time, Randy Oldman moves his Fanny towards the Comanche who had dropped his bow, catching up easily enough. He prepares to fire another round to finish off the warrior, who appears to be unconscious. If his mount had bolted, the Comanche bowman likely would have fallen off, but the mount seems well trained, continuing to trot at a slow pace.

Meanwhile, Garrett Rasmin looks west. JEB slows Diablo and surveys the scene. Two dead, or dying, Comanche--one being looked after by Randy--and a stray horse.

OOC: R27

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

Richardson maneuvers Ghost to get a clear shot at the fleeing Comanche. The rifleman sees Cruger taking a similar position, his mount catching up as Ghost slows. Both of the men take aim with their carbines, and the combination of their shots knocks the Comanche rider from his horse, which continues moving west along with the horse that the warrior had in tow.

Rojas continues to match the speed of the other Comanche rider, staying so close that any shot from Cruger or Richardson could risk injury to the Mexican. He draws in his lariat and prepares for another toss. The Mexican and the Comanche continue to ride west, gaining some distance on the two white men trailing.

OOC: R27 (The Judge rolled prematurely for Rojas in R26).

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 187):

OOC: Round 27

Jake was pleased to see the one-two punch of his and Cruger's shots tumble one of the Comanche warriors from his mount. He took a quick look and judged that he couldn't fire at the remaining Injun without putting Rojas at risk, so after levering another cartridge into the chamber of his Spencer, he decided to resume the chase at the gallop.

OOC: x4 movement for Ghost, in pursuit of the surviving Comanche and Rojas.

Edit: Added "Round" reference at the beginning of the post.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:33, Tue 28 Oct 2014.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 187):

Randy delivers what he hopes to be a coup de grace. Since he's atop his horse, the outcome isn't a forgone conclusion. He fires his Webley at the Indian.

12:01, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 28 using 1d20+9. Coup de Grace.
12:04, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 7 using 2d6 with rolls of 2,5. Webley Damage.

* = I entered the modifier wrong on the Die Roller.

edit:
This message was last edited by the player at 23:36, Tue 28 Oct 2014.

In reply to Cole Trayne (msg # 185):

ENS calls over to Cole.

I have lamp oil and whiskey, but how do you propose to make them explode? I could mix up something using my chemicals but that would take a while... I think we should just stick to guns unless you find some actual explosives.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 187):

What do you say gentleman?  Get these horses back to the wagon, mount them up and clear the area?

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 191):

Garrett Rasmin turns his attention towards Sunday.

"Short-sighted as usual, Sunday." He says aloud for all to hear. "One of them got away. That knocks all of this into a cocked hat."

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 190):

Haverty nods at the professor's words. "I do not see the advantage in explosives in this dust-up."

Richardson urges Ghost onward, approaching Rojas as the Mexican twirls his lariat. Cruger kept his current speed, giving his mount a needed respite, while moving toward the two newly straying horses.

Jake watches as Rojas tosses the lasso. The old cattle trail boss manages to loop it directly over the warrior's neck, the rope drawing taught quickly. It appears that now it is a contest of strength between the Mexican and the Comanche--at least it looks that way to Jake now that he has drawn even with the riders.

OOC: R28
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:55, Wed 29 Oct 2014.

In reply to Pete Haverty (msg # 193):

No telling if there are more Indians out there, in the dark. Anything that will serve as a weapon will do. Gotta say, I'm a might surprised that the ruckus out yonder hadn't brought out more misbehaving Indians.

Professor, a little fire and a bit of cloth will go a long way to making a right decent explosion. 

The Old Man turned to his granddaughters.

"Lorie ya help Mister Trayne here look through da vahgons fer lamp oil n' liquor yah? Johanna? You look after the horses. That's ah gud girl yah."

Winters then turned to the men.

"I'll see that da veapons the professor brough back are all loaded. I'll try ta space them around the different vahgons so that if vee run out of ammunition vee kin just pick up another veapon and continue shooting. Yah?"

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 194):

OOC: Round 28

Sometimes things just work theirselves out, Jake thought to himself as he felt Ghost begin to strain to maintain a gallop just as the rifleman pulled even with Rojas and the Comanche, and needed to slow down any way.

Jake had guided Ghost to the opposite side of the Comanche from Rojas so that he would have a clear shot if he needed to take it. Now the threesome were roughly in line with each other, with the Comanche sandwiched between Rojas and the rifleman.

"Need any help?" Jake shouted to the Mexican. He didn't much think so, expecting Rojas to loop the lasso around his saddle-horn, bring his horse to a sudden stop, and yank the Comanche off his mount.

OOC: Ghost is now moving at x2 so as to match the speed of Rojas's and the Comanche's horses, and to gain a little rest.

Collecting the aborigine's horse first, Mr. Big'un makes his way back to the wagons at a cantering pace.

edit: changed pace
This message was last edited by the player at 12:57, Wed 29 Oct 2014.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 197):

Jake's thinking proves true, if not precise. The Mexican, shouting "We shall see, Senior," secures his end of the lasso to his mount's pommel, with expert ease. Rojas then turns the horse abruptly south, slowing down immediately but not coming to a stop.

The Comanche, anticipating the lariat's pull, rolls off his horse as Rojas turns to the south. Richardson cannot tell whether that abated the effects of the fall, but he sees the Indian immediately spring to his feet as his mount--and the kid that the warrior had in tow--continue riding westward.

Cruger continues his work to settle the other two horses, from the rider that he and the rifleman had just brought down together.

OOC: R29

In reply to Theodore Winters (msg # 196):

ENS, still dubious of Cole's plan, turns back to Winters.

That sounds perfect Mr. Winters, I will assist you.

In reply to Theodore Winters (msg # 196):

The young woman holding the scattergun seems unenthusiastic with her grandfather's orders, but she complies, setting the gun inside the second wagon before climbing in and starting to search it.

In reply to Rojas (msg # 199):

Round 29

"Mighty fine ropin', Senor!" Jake called after Rojas, as their paths took them in different directions. Jake moved with the Comanche's mount and the horse that the Injun had captured, both of which were still headed westward, and the Mexican had now slowed and turned southward.

Jake maintained the pace of the two horses that he sought to bring under control, and he took a moment to position himself to do so.

OOC: Added Round number reference.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:12, Wed 29 Oct 2014.

In reply to Garrett Rasmin (msg # 192):

I'll find you a 'kerchief to cry into later about the spilled milk.

Travis wheels Horse and heads back to collect the kids.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 203):

"Moron," says Rasmin, under his breath. He proceeds to dismount as the other men ride off.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 202):

Jake hears Rojas say something unintelligible. For a moment, the rifleman thinks the Mexican is speaking to him, that is, replying to the compliment about the roping. It sinks in a few moments later.

No, Rojas is speaking to the Comanche in a language that Richardson fails to recognize. The old cattle trail boss continues directing his mount southward and forcing the warrior to run along or be dragged. For his own part, the warrior manages to pull out his knife.

That choice doesn't appear likely to end well for the Indian, as the Mexican spurs his mount to a speed that can only result in the Comanche tumbling to the ground. By the time Jake has wrangled the first kid, and Cruger has finished gathering the other two and now closes in on Jake's position, the last Comanche rider lies unconscious, still entangled by the rope and apparently unwilling to surrender.

OOC: There is no need for round-by-round structure of posting at this stage. Free posting has already resumed at the wagon-site and can also resume among the two groups of men who were chasing the Comanche. The 24-hour rule is still in effect, as usual, in regard to plot advancement by the Judge or PCs.

Related OOC notes: Randy and Travis have declared actions to return to the wagons. JEB has not posted in more than 48 hours; the Judge is ruling that he turned back with Travis. Rojas, Jake and Cruger have some post-battle actions to take (even if it is merely "ride back to wagons") but there is no rush as that group has just reached end of that battle--so Jake, feel free to post dialogue or what-have-you following up on Rojas #205. The people back at the wagons have spent several minutes now by moving the wagons, searching, gathering weapons, talking, etc., so Travis, JEB and Randy will be returning returning and able to interact with that group at any time, game-wise. PCs at the wagons (Winters, ENS, Cole) should feel free to continue conversation or other free posting as desired, but there is no need for them, or the returning riders, to wait for others to post. The sunrise announces itself at nearly the same time that the first group of riders would arrive back at the wagons.

Carry on.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 206):

Wrangle the kids and back to the wagons.

In reply to Rojas (msg # 205):

The two horses were not trying to run away, so a little time and patience were all that were needed for Jake to bring them under control. Then he turned southward and joined up with  Rojas.

The rifleman glanced down at the unconscious Comanche. "Think we oughta drape him face-down over a horse's back an' tie his hands and feet?" he asked the Mexican.

"That'd be one way to git him back to the camp, assumin' that's what you got in mind."

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 206):

Assist with wrangling if needed and head back to wagons.

During his search, he looks for clothes that will tear easily and places them near the bottles.

Once done he takes cover inside the ring of wagons, and waits for trouble.

Everyone take cover, just in case we have some more unwelcome visitors. And make sure that little girl is taken care of.

Winters nodded to the Wrangler and then placed the extra Scatter Gun (Hortz's) near the  wagon where ENS is stationed. He places the the old Henry near Cole. The old man took the old navy pistol and tucked it in his belt. He placed the loaded extra Winchester between Cole and him. and the Spencer Carbine between him and the professor.

He then faced another direction from where ENS and Cole was looking.

"Vell! Now vee vait yah?"

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 208):

"That, senior, is what I have in mind. Let us work quickly." Rojas dismounts, fetching rope from his saddlebags.

OOC: To clarify the above, PCs should not be waiting for the Judge. Travis and JEB posted messages that seem to be waiting for the Judge. PCs should move forward on their own.

In reply to Theodore Winters (msg # 211):

ENS nods at Mr. Winters statement.

I think we're as prepared as can be.

He retrieves his binoculars then turns towards one of the hunters.

What will you men do? Stay on your horses or join us in this barracade?
This message was last edited by the player at 21:38, Fri 31 Oct 2014.

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 214):

The same hunter who had exasperated the professor earlier, replies. "I reckon we'll stay mounted."

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 215):

Travis rounds up the loose horses and brings them back to the wagons.

Cole he looks at the horses  See to them please.  He dissomounts from Horse and begins to look around and take stock. I think we may need to ride out of here.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:31, Fri 31 Oct 2014.

In reply to Rojas (msg # 212):

"I'll bring the hosses over close an' hold 'em steady, so you can get him slung acrosst one an' tie him off," Jake replied to Rojas.

The rifleman was as good as his word, taking both of the horses that he had recently brought under control over next to where the unconscious Comanche lay on the ground.

"Reckon I'd put him accrosst that one, which ain't the one he was ridin'," Jake remarked, nodding towards one of the horses with his chin.

"Wouldn't want his hoss recognizin' his voice iff'n he's slung accrost him, an' mayhaps gettin' a mite fractious."

OOC: Edited as marked by aqua.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:24, Fri 31 Oct 2014.

While Richardson and Rojas worked to lift the Comanche onto the horse indicated by Jake, Sheriff Cruger dismounted and inspected the rider that he and Jake had shot no more than a minute ago.

By the time the men have finished their tasks, including securing the Comanche to a horse, they realize that a rider approaches from the south, having closed within shouting distance. It is Garrett Rasmin, who tips his hat to the other men as he closes to within easy speaking distance.

"Buenos dias," says the bounty hunter, as the first hint of morning daylight makes itself known.

Speaking directly to Cruger, he adds. "One them got away. The way I figure it, that means we have some decisions to make."

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 216):

Pete Haverty, who had remained sitting atop Graymare, interjects. "Allow me, Cole."

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 216):

Winters looked at the new arrival and inclined his head.

"Hullo there! The name is Vinters! You'd best see ta yer own mount Mister. I don't think vee vill be going anyvhere soon yah? Those vahgons are too slow ta out run those injuns. Its best ta face 'im here vhere vee have cover and not from horses galloping about. I thank ya for helping out. I am most grateful."

In reply to Garrett Rasmin (msg # 218):

Jake supposed that keeping any Comanche from getting away and alerting others was why Rojas and Cruger had been so dead-set on keeping up the pursuit, even when, to the rifleman's eyes, the Injuns had built up what appeared to be an insurmountable lead on their pursuers.

Hunh. I figured that all the shootin' would be enough to bring them others down on us. Didn't reckon that them that we was chasin' would ackshually have to get away for the others know that sumpthin' was goin' on. Guess I was wrong about that.

Since Rasmin was speaking directly to Cruger, Jake waited to hear what the sheriff would have to say in response to the news that the bounty-man had brought.

In reply to Garrett Rasmin (msg # 218):

We need to keep moving, and fast. What other decisions are there?

Cole glances at Pete, and nods.

Much obliged.

Then turning to the old man.

Yessir. Now we wait until the others come back. I just didn't want us to be caught with our pants down, if there are any more Indians about. Particularly, with young ones about.

The wrangler looks to ensure the little girl and the woman are as safe as can be expected.

In reply to James E. Beauregard (msg # 222):

OOC: JEB is replying to a statement made by Rasmin to Cruger, Jake and Rojas before that group arrives back at the wagons. JEB may certainly engage Rasmin or anyone else as desired at the wagons, but a response to that particular statement, is out of sequence. The Judge won't be replying on behalf of Rasmin at this time.

In reply to Garrett Rasmin (msg # 218):

"We should head east to rejoin the others, collect our facts and then talk about what comes next," says Cruger.

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

The second group of riders approaches the wagons, with the morning light bathing the area. Rasmin, Rojas, Richardson and Cruger see the three hunters mounted and patrolling, while the others are all gathered within, or near, a barricade of three wagons.

In reply to Sheriff Cruger (msg # 225):

Jake was pleased to hear Cruger give voice to the choice that the rifleman would have opted for, had he been asked. Indeed, the "decision" seemed so obvious to him that he wasn't entirely sure what other choices Rasmin had been considering.

The ex-Wells Fargo man was also pleased that the ride back to the area where the others were gathered was uneventful. Jake took advantage of the opportunity to take a moment to change out the nearly-empty magazine of his carbine for a new, fully-loaded one that he pulled from the bandolier that he had looped around the outside of his leather duster. He also made a mental note to re-fill the near-empty magazine that he had just removed with cartridges from the boxes of ammunition that he carried when he had the time.

Jake pulled his field-glasses and studied the scene in front of him when he and his trail-mates came within viewing distance of the rest of the party. For the benefit of those who did not have field-glasses, he announced, "Looks like whaere the attack we heard earlier must've took place, up yonder. Rasmin, I can see yer three boys mounted up an' on patrol. I can also see three wagons drawn up together to make a fort, an' some others movin' round on foot."

He took off his hat and waved it over his head, so that the men at the campsite would know that the approaching riders were white men . . .

OOC: Cleaned up overly-windy post.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:44, Sun 02 Nov 2014.

When Randy arrives with the native's horse, the Indian is still on the back. The man has remained motionless and limp the entire way back to the wagons. The big man figures it's time to measure the life of the aborigine. If he's not dead now, he'll be dead within a couple of minutes. Mr. Big'un takes the redskin's knife and slices the neck in a final coup de grace. He keeps the knife.

The actor turned protector passes the horse to whomever is taking charge of the beasts.

"Who's taken charge, now? We gonna tough it out or git gone?" Randy asks.

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg # 227):

ENS is happy to see the rest of the group return hale and hearty. But when he sees Randy's act, he is taken aback.

Wha-what was the point of tying that man up and returning him here if you were just going to kill him anyway?

In reply to Theodore Winters (msg # 220):

Hello Winters.  Quite a mess you've found yourself in.

Travis looks around and joins Cole securing the Horse.

We'll wait for the others to decide what's to be done.  We may need to abandon this position or reinforce it.  We'll know in a few minutes.

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 228):

The wrangler allows a subtle grimace to appear on his face upon observing Randy's execution of the Indian. Turning to Travis, Cole keeps his voice calm, but low.

Seems to me we are being a might casual considering we haven't secured the area.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 229):

Winters nodded at Cole's statement and glanced at the newcomer. He looked a lot like the hired gun-hands Ralph and he had hired for the trip west.

"Nice ta have ya wi' us Mister but it ain't just my mess yah? You're right in the middle of it looks like."

The old man watched the Indian dispatched without any emotion. He spoke softly to ENS
.
"Ya look like ah gud man ta me professor but they ain't taking any prisoners that I see. I'm not one for senseless kill'n but we wont have any injuns among us.  Nein! He gut better than any of my folk yah? No sir! Not here... not wi' my granddaughters."

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 228):

"Don't shed not a tear on his behalf--that one was likely dead afore we got here. I didn't tie him or nothin'. All's I did here was to be certain we didn't get a knife in the back. Well, that and make sure I made good on my promise to Circling Hawk." Randy is bemused at the prospect of killing Comanche in any light.

Randy reloads his carbine and hogleg.

When Rojas and Richardson arrive at the wagons, everyone sees that they have a Comanche tied to one of the extra horses they are leading.

Cruger and Haverty shake hands when the group is fully re-united.

The Mexican wrangler takes stock of the situation at the wagons. "Amigos, now we know that the Comanche threat is geniune. We, all of us," he says, glancing among the men he has ridden with, "need to work together to sort out this difficulty."

In reply to Rojas (msg # 233):

While Rojas spoke, Jake sat astride Ghost and looked over the group of men who were gathered near the wagons. He was surprised to spot only one man whom he did not know -- a dried-up, leathery-skinned old coot who looked skinny enough to blow away in a strong wind.

Damnaeshunn, is he the only survivor out've this whole group? Did them Injuns wipe out ever'body else? the rifleman wondered.

If'n that's the case, that rascal must be whipcord tough, or mighty damned lucky . . . or mayhaps both, I s'pose.

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg # 232):

ENS looks from Winters to Randy as they speak.

I understand the sentiment gentlemen, but with a live prisoner we may have a chance to negotiate passage without more bloodshed... Mr. Winters here estimated 20 or 30 attackers... you didn't get that many out there I expect.

When the others arrive ENS notes the tied up Comanche. After Rojas speaks he pipes up.

Indeed Senor Rojas, we do, but first, what do you intend to do with your prisoner?
This message was lightly edited by the player at 22:02, Mon 03 Nov 2014.

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 235):

Rojas shrugs. "I suppose, el profesor, that depends on him. So far he does not wish to talk."

The Mexican moves to the horse upon which the Indian is tied. He says something that most of the current company cannot understand.

When the Indian says nothing, the ex-cattle trail boss looks at ENS and shrugs again.

In reply to Rojas (msg # 236):

There are no two ways about it, Randy's not in the mood for trifling. He's surged with adrenaline from the chase. If something needs to be done, there won't be a debate. He pulls his ax from the back of his mule.

"C'mon Rojas," he says while approaching the Mexican and the Indian, "let's negotiate the boy to sing us 'Yeller Rose of Texas'."

Winters went to Lorie and asked her to take Johanna into one of the wagons not wanting her to be exposed to anything that might happen. The old man thought she had seen enough for a life time.

"Vhat do ya think that injun will tall ya? That ya don't already know! That them injuns who went out ta gather our horses is coming back n' soon? That they ain't coming to smoke no peace pipe? That once they are through with us what they'll do ta my graddaughters? I'm not one fer torture. No siree! However, I'm not fer let'n him go neither. Those other injuns vill be here soon enough. Ya better believe it. Professor? Ya vant to vahtch him while the rest of his buddies are trying ta kill us... him just vaiting for ah chance ta make us as dead as my daughter... my grandson... my family. Ya do vhat ya vant but that injun ain't leaving n' if his buddies show up I'll shoot him myself. Its not up fer debate." The last was said quietly as the old man cocked his readied his Winchester.

In reply to Theodore Winters (msg # 238):

Cole glances at the old man, then gazes at Randy. He says nothing.

OOC: at least that's what I heard and saw.

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg # 237) and Theodore Winters (msg # 238):

The Mexican shakes his head at Randy. He turns to Winters. Mr. Big'un and Cole Trayne see the look of the boss they knew years ago, when a serious matter is at hand on the trail. "He is my prisoner, old timer."

In reply to Rojas (msg # 241):

As the discussion continued over the way in which the Comanche's life was to be ended, Jake unbuttoned a couple of buttons on his duster and reached into a shirt pocket. He brought out some chewing tobacco, cut off a plug and popped it into his mouth, where it settled against a cheek.

A bit of movement at the edge of his peripheral vision caused him to turn his head, and he caught sight of two more survivors of the Injun massacre -- two girls, who were standing near one of the wagons. No, not girls -- young wimmin, Jake quickly corrected himself.

One was slightly older than the other, and even though they looked enough alike to be related, they gave very different impressions to an observer. One appeared reasonably composed and looked to be generally frontier-savvy, while the other seemed to be ill-at-ease and had Jake thinking that she would be much more comfortable enjoying high tea with the fancy-britches crowd.

Not that rifleman was entirely sure what high tea was. But he had at least heard of it. He had once heard a couple of Yankee occupation troops sneeringly remark as they walked by the burned-out shell of a fine old ante-bellum home in Austin, "Don't reckon the Rebs'll be enjoyin' no lawn bowlin' nor high tea at that place no more."

OOC: Minor grammatical edit.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:00, Tue 04 Nov 2014.

In reply to Rojas (msg # 241):

ENS sighs heavily.

I cannot even fathom your loss Mr. Winters, and your rage is justified, but there is information that could be gained; and as Senor Rojas said, the man is his prisoner, so I ask for your restraint for the time being.

ENS gestures towards Cruger as he continues to speak.

Additionally, Sheriff Cruger here is an advisor to the Texas Rangers on this Comanche matter, so as an authority here I expect he'll have an opinion on this situation... Sheriff?
This message was last edited by the player at 19:56, Tue 04 Nov 2014.

In reply to E.N.S. Ringgenberg (msg # 243):

Cruger listens to ENS. "You speak well, professor. Not sure I could improve on it."

Nonetheless, the Sheriff turns to the leathery old man. "Mister . . . Winters, is it? There is nothing I can say to ease your loss. These men have dispatched some of the Comanche that attacked your family, but there are more on the plains. If Rojas can get information from this one we may save lives. And I will not allow you, or anyone, to kill a bound man. Even a Comanche."

In reply to Sheriff Cruger (msg # 244):

"I don't mean to kill'em, Cruger." Randy grabs the ax in a woodcutter's stance while staring at the Comanche. "Just wanna take 'em to the woodshed."

In turn, however, he acknowledges his employer's wishes, "but, I'm curtailed... for the moment." He lets the ax slide down in his hands.

Randy knows the menace of torture often as persuasive as the act itself. Commonly, in the saloons he grew up in, he saw tabs collected without drops of blood spilled. He, himself, was used as backup for the collection process from time to time--it's how he got into pugilism.

"Now, lets do something to prepare for the next attack or leave. Just let's stop this yammering, please."

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg # 245):

Travis moves over to Horse and pulls his carbine from the scabbard.  He rests his forehead on Horse's nose and scratches his ear.

Who's a good Horse?  Who chased the Comanche?  You did.

Winters pursed his lips and then shook his head.

"He may vell be your prisoner Mister but if you want information from him... like you could believe it... you'd best be get'n it! Them injuns show up n' you don't see ta him then I vill."

He turned to ENS and forced a smile.

"Like I said Professor, you seem like ah nice fella fer sure. I vould hate ta upset ya but you're right. No one here can know how I feel. My daughter lying out there yah? Ya saw the body yah? Can't even bury her proper. You just go out there and look real close ta the girl I raised up and her boy I... I promised ah better life! You look at that boy who never... never even raised his voice in anger! You do that and then come back and talk ta me."

The old man then turned to the Sheriff his eyes hard.

"Now then... I've never broke no law afore now. You are right! You can't ease my pain none. I tell you like I told that other feller there. You want information from that murderer then you best be get'n it or take'n him to those Texas Rangers. If his buddies come back and that injun is still here then you'd best shoot me first. I vont think twice."

The old man then turned back to look out over the plain, doing his best to avoid looking at the bodies of his love ones.

"Maybe you'd being do'n me ah mercy Sheriff and vee vill see. Maybe I just lived too long yah? Now I said my piece. No more yammering yah?"
This message was last edited by the player at 00:15, Wed 05 Nov 2014.

Cole continues to scan the area, as the others continue to behave as though the threat has been eliminated.

Jack, come!

"Rojas, dangit, I'm standin' around with my Johnny danglin' about and my Fanny facin' the cold. We gots enough horses to ride--let's git gone, already--that's my idea." Randy Oldman's had his fill of long winded fools espousing opinions over stupid matters that will ultimately mean the demise of them all. "I knows at least two fellers what would help me take Cole to safety 'bout now lest somebody shites in the damned pot.

"If you ain't plannin', shut the fuck up!"

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg # 249):

"Senor Big'un, this is no time to panic."

Rojas looks around at the wagons and the horses assembled. Most of the horses have no saddles, having been salvaged from the Comanche riders.

"Unless we abandon the wagons and your mule, Senor, and Jack, we will not be able to ride fast enough to escape the Comanche. And I could be wrong, but I suspect that riding bareback is not . . . como se dice . . . ideal." He looks to Cole Trayne. "Although there are exceptions. I also suspect," the Mexican adds,"that el professor would not wish to abandon his conveyance."

"So mounting up and riding off in a rush does not serve any of us."

In reply to Rojas (msg # 250):

Jake nodded as Senor Rojas was speaking. It appeared that he was in agreement with the Mexican trail boss. When Rojas fell silent, Jake scratched his chin-whiskers thoughtfully, then put his own thoughts into words.

"Way back towards the beginn' of the War, we had ourselves a Colonel who wenthad took hisself off to school -- VMI, as best I recall -- to learn soldierin'. He made a point of drillin' the regiment 'bout how to form ourselves into a square, in case we ever got caught in the open by a mess of Yankee cavalry. He kept tellin' us how the British squares held out 'gainst thousands of French cavalry at a place called Water-sumpthin'. We never ackshually used them squares in battle 'cause the Yankee cavalry never came at us -- but we was damn-sure drilled on how to do it."

The rifleman nodded towards the wagons, whowhich were drawn up in the formation of a rough triangle. "Now, we ain't got us no square, but I reckon this try-angle'll work near as good 'gainst a charge by mounted cavalry -- it'll keep most of them Injuns outside, whaere we can pick 'em off. Any as get inside the try-angle, we don't panic an' we shoot 'em down, right quick-like."

Jake glanced around at the assembled men. "Those of you who was in the War will remember that thaere warn't hardly never no successful cavalry charges 'gainst infantry with cover -- an' who kept their wits about 'em an' didn't panic."

"So, I say, we don't cut an' run for the reasons that Senor Rojas has just now spoke of. Put our hosses -- leastways, as many of 'em as'll fit -- inside the try-angle of the wagons. Them as don't fit may git run off by the Injuns, but any hosses as is outside the try-angle ain't worth losin none of outr lives tryin' to pro-tect."

"Then we hunker down behind the wagons an' wait. When wethey come at us, whoopin' an' hollerin' like so many devils, we stay cool, we don't panic --  an' we shoot the hell out've 'em."

OOC: Fixed typos.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:59, Thu 06 Nov 2014.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 251):

ENS sensed the best course with Winters was to just keep quite for now. He listened close as Rojas and Jake laid out options. Indeed I would not like losing my equipment... still, not worth losing your life!

Having nothing much to add right now, he just keeps listening.

Cole walks over to the professor's wagon.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 251):

"We can make up your square if'n you gots the stomach for it." Randy posits his idea. "Gather up all the scattered homewares and bodies and make the fourth wall. That'll give us more area to put the kids and all."

Randy concludes, "Then if anybody gots the knowin', we can set some traps with ropes and such--I ain't got the mind for it."

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg # 254):

Jake did not at first immediately respond to Randy's suggestion. Not verbally, any way; instead, he turned his head and stared off into the distance. When he turned his gaze back to the big man, his response was quiet, although it carried well enough.

"Oh, I've got the got the stomach for it, all right. I seen it done afore -- the dead used as breastworks for the livin'. The Bloody Angle at Spottsylvania Courthouse comes to mind."

"But it's not sumpthin' that I'd care to put upon this gentleman's shoulders," here he nodded his head towards the leathery-skinned old man, "nor upon them yong wimmin right yonder -- seein' the bodies of their friends, acquaintances an' family stacked up like so much cordwood an' used for cover. Pullin' over some wooden furniture wouldn't be quite so bad as all that, but let's see how good the hosses'll fit inside afore we start breakin' apart our try-angle."

Raising his voice now and looking around the group of men, he said, "One thing as strikes me as haelpful is to put some mounted pickets -- preferably men with field-glasses -- out in the direckshunn them hostiles is most likely to come at us from. Be right haelpful to git ourselves a little warnin' afore they git right on top of us."

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 255):

Rojas listens to the exchange between Oldman and Richardson.

"Senors," he says, "I was not suggesting that we build a baluarte, either. I was stating that mounting up and riding off without considering a strategy--or thinking about where we are going, or making sure that we can move the women to safety--was not in anyone's best interest."

The Mexican calls out to Winters, despite the old man's apparent inclination to be done with the ex-trail boss.

"Where were you headed, Senor? Would you be willing to consider a new destination, under these circumstances?"

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 255):

I've got field glasses and no sense of tactics.  That's why I was mostlty a courier.

Travis swings up on Horse.

Where do you want me Jake?

Cole walks over to the professor.

Professor, I see my saddle is in your wagon. I'm guessing you picked it up on the way here? If so, I'm much obliged.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 257):

"If'n ye're wantin' to ride picket, I'd say off to the north, in the gen'ral direckshunn that we all rode in from," Jake replied to Travis.

"But it sounds like Senor Rojas's got some ideas different from me, so we may not be hunkerin' down here after all. You may want to wait an' see what we end up doin' afore ye take up yer poe-zish-shunn."

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg # 254):

The old man turned to glare at Randy as he spoke about using his family and friends like so much drift-wood. Winters became silent as he took a few steps toward the big man.

When he was within ear shot he spoke quietly with a measured toned.

"Mister I vill thank you for yer help n' risk'n yer life ta help us all. My youngest granddaughter is near shock yah? Vee... vill... NOT... use my family ta block bullets n' arrows. She's seen enough. Its bad enough they lie out there like that. I know you did not know them but I loved them. You'll not being doing that while I draw breath. Now the tables n' chairs... take the whole dam lot."

The old man walked up to Jake and nodded his thanks.

"Danke Mister!... Thank you for... well thank you." he held out a near skeletal hand. For the first time Jake could see the small trickle of blood that ran down the old timer's arm and stained his sleeve. It would seem he had not come away unscathed in the Indian attack after all.

The old man then turned to the Mexican.

"Vee vere traveling to Arizona! From Missouri ya see. They vanted ah new life fer themselves... " he stopped and shook his head as he glanced toward his granddaughters and quickly avoided their eyes.

"I would go jus about anyvhere as long as it vas away from here yah? So vhere ever your headed vee vill go if you vill have us. Oh! I vould advise against mov'n away from the vahgogs yah? out in the open vee vould have no cover and them injuns could come from any side. Here vee have vater n' food. Besides the cavalry could not be far away. I heard them in the night... da bugle vas loud n' clear. I thought you boys vere them come last night. If vee vait here then they should come yah?" he said with a nod as he looked around the group.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:39, Fri 07 Nov 2014.

OOC: All PCs should roll Initiative. The Judge will roll for anyone who doesn't make his roll within 24 hours.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 261):

OOC: 08:06, Today: Jake Richardson rolled 23 using 1d20+7. Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:43, Fri 07 Nov 2014.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 261):

OOC: 07:21, Today: Theodore Winters rolled 10 using 1d20-1. Initiative .

In reply to Theodore Winters (msg # 260):

Randy tries to listen to the old man, but only feels agitation with his extended diatribe. He passes the seemingly endless time by collecting his boxes of shells.

He heads toward the collected weapons and asks Winters, "where's the rounds for all these diff'ernt firearms?"

Then to everyone else, "you'ns best get your rounds ready as well."


10:52, Today: Randy Oldman rolled 15 using 1d20+2 with rolls of 13. Init.

edit: format
This message was last edited by the player at 16:02, Fri 07 Nov 2014.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 261):

Travis Sunday rolled 20 using 1d20+11. Imitiative.

In reply to Theodore Winters (msg # 260):

Jake looked momentarily surprised when the old man came over and thanked him, and offered the rifleman his hand. Jake shook hands with him and replied, "Glad we could haelp. Wisht we coulda got here sooner, but we came as quick as we could once we heard the shootin' an' carryin'-on."

"Name's Jake Richardson, by the way."

OOC: Fixed typo.
This message was last edited by the player at 22:56, Fri 07 Nov 2014.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 265):

16:26, Today: E.N.S. Ringgenberg rolled 7 using 1d20+3. Initiative.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 261):

Initiative =12

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg # 264):

If the old man is bothered by the big man's irritation, he's a better actor than the Big'un. He nodded around the various wagons.

"Vee spaced the veapons around the vahgons and the shells should be nearby yah? At least vhat vee had. So vee didn't have to reload. Your velcome to them vhen yer gun runs out."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 13:38, Sat 08 Nov 2014.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 266):

The old man gave Jake's hand a squeeze and shook his head. There was a sadness in those old eyes.

"You came yah? That's gud enough for me Mr. Richardson. You all saved my granddaughters and fer dat I"m very happy. Thanks fer wot ya said too. If something should happen ta me... vell could ya see to it that Lorie and Johanna gets somevhere safe. It vould ease my mind if I could... vell count on someone ta look after them."

As if ta change the subject the old man nodded to the Jake's longarm.

"Ya pretty gud vith that thing there yah?"

In reply to Theodore Winters (msg # 270):

He's good.

Travis looks to the horizon.

He's very good.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 271):

The old man turned to look at the gunman.

"Yah! I thought so n' yer pretty gud too I reckon. Vee hired ah couple of gunhands vhen vee started west. Shoulda hired you I' thinking. Vinters is the name."

The old man held out his age spotted hand.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:09, Sat 08 Nov 2014.

In reply to Theodore Winters (msg # 272):

Travis removes moves the carbine to his left and reaches down to shake the hand.

Sunday, Travis Sunday.

He looks back out waiting for danger.  He puts Horse into a walk around the wagons.

Winter's brows shot up and he nodded slowly as if in recognition.

"Hmmm... that's so. Gud ta have ya with us then Mister Sunday. Das gudden!" he said softly as he too peered outward to the plains beyond the wagons.

Without looking he said aloud "Lorie! See to Johanna yah?"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:40, Sat 08 Nov 2014.

Randy positions his horse, his mule and the mount of his employer within the wagon fort. He's prepared for an attack rather than bellied up to the bar.

"Old man," Mr. Big'un calls out, "what was the Injuns fighting with? How was they comin' at'cha?"

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg # 275):

"Vell it vas dark yah? But they had bows n' guns ta boot. Seems they'd used the darkness ta their advantage. Striking here and there, alvays coming out of the dark... first this place then that. Jus ah few at ah time to draw our interest then com'n from another side vhen vee veren't look'n. They vont have that advantage today! No sirree! They vill have to show themselves right gud. I hope you boys made them mad. Real mad yah? So they forget about that advantage."

The old man turned briefly toward Randy and gave him a wink and nod. For maybe the first time there was a hint of a smile on the old man's thin lips.

In reply to Theodore Winters (msg # 276):

Having listened to all the discussion, ENS finally chimes in.

Gentlemen, it sounds as though we intend to make a stand here, which may be enough but I feel compelled to remind you that the Flat's Calvary is somewhere in the area. While I'd hate to diminish our numbers, shouldn't we send someone to see if they can also be brought here? At least then they'd know where to look for the Comanche renegades!

He looks over to Cruger.

Sheriff Cruger, do you have any idea where they might be in relation to here?

Initiative: 10

Winters looked to the professor and appeared to think upon it for a few moments.

"Its vorth considering Professor. Vee thought the same thing. So far they have not returned and the Calvary neither. I vould not vish to send anyone out there especially not knowing vhere the Calvary or the Injuns are. I vould rather have their gun here. If the Calvary is close they should hear the gunfire yah? If not those vee send vould not make it to them I'm thinking."

The old man continued to search the horizon for any movement...

In reply to Theodore Winters (msg # 270):

Jake shook the old man's hand and listened as he described the two young women as his granddaughters, named Lorie and Johanna. The next thing that the old fellow said took the rifleman by surprise, as he asked if Jake would see to it  that his two granddaughters got somewhere safe if something happened to him.

Jake's eyes widened in surprise, but before he got a chance to reply the conversation had moved on, with Travis assuring the old man that the ex-Wells Fargo man was good with his Spencer. Jake smiled and nodded to Travis.

Jake was just about to reply to the old fellow's request when a bit of movement at the edge of his peripheral vision attracted his attention. He turned his head and saw the older of the two women aiming a scattergun at the head of the Comanche.

Several conflicting emotions flashed through his mind, but the one that won out was sympathy for the young woman's loss and the realization that 'Spect I'd be doin' the same damn thing if'n 'twas me in her shoes.

So, even though he had opened his mouth to shout, in the end he did nothing.

In reply to Jake Richardson (msg # 280):

OOC: the Judge is waiting for one more PC's action. Conducting this particular round in initiative order.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 281):

Christ!

The Carbine comes to his ear as he squeezes off a shot.

Free Action: Curse

Move: None

Attack action: Fires carbine at dirt at the old woman's foot.

Travis Sunday rolled 29 using 1d20+12. Carbine Attack.

In reply to Travis Sunday (msg # 282):

Sunday's shot impacts the hard-packed Texas plain, startling the marrying-age woman whom Winters calls Lorie. She had moved deliberately toward the bound Comanche while the men jawed, and having lined up her shot from close range, she had expected to finish off the warrior as easy as shooting a tin can from a fence rail.

Nonetheless, Sunday's attempt to distract her from her task proved to be of no avail. Backing up a step, Lorie maintained her composure. As she pulled the Whitmore's trigger, there could be little doubt that she had practiced with the weapon in her adolescent years. She held it steady, delivering the buckshot to its mark. The Indian's head showered a rain of blood against the mount and back toward Lorie. The mount bolted, racing west.

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

OOC: All PCs with Init above 12 see the event, but were helpless to stop it. Those below 12 heard the shotgun report and look toward Lorie to see the result. All PCs that haven't acted yet may post an action for the remainder of the fast draw round (one action, either move or attack).
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:04, Sun 09 Nov 2014.

In reply to Lorelei Trautman (msg # 283):

"Then that happened," Randy mumbled.

In reply to Randy Oldman (msg # 284):

ENS starts hard.

Schiesse!!

He turns where everyone else looks in time to see the Comanche horse running off with most of a Comanche. He stands, mouth agape.