In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 263):

After hearing Jake and Earnest, Tommy concurs Right, let's go!

Tommy thought to himself
~ Not the friendliest group I ever met, very dodgy bunch. They clearly don't want us any closer and must be up to somethin up there. If there was only a way to get up the hill and get closer...~
Tommy continues to mull over the situation as the group begin to move

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 264):

Not wanting to involve the group in a gunfight, Tracy nods and moves on with the group.

~I wish I hadn’t been so careless. Those tracks led right up to this group, and they were acting mighty suspicious. I might have to ask the others to sneak back around these parts in a bit.~

For now, Tracy moves away from the fellows’ camp, seeking to regroup and discuss their next action.

OOC: For play-testing purposes, the Judge is skipping any PC confabulation about what to do in such a situation. Save that for later.

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

The quartet continues on, circumventing the campers on the hillock. Clearly, those campers had watched the four heroes depart, maintaining their positions around their campfire, but showing no intent to follow or instigate any further interaction.

With the professor's lantern now dimmed to avoid detection, the heroes gather and jaw about their options. They decide to send a solitary scout back towards the hillock, someone who could get close enough to avoid detection while listening in to their conversation.

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

OOC: The Judge was tempted to narrate this in a different direction, i.e., a plan where all four of the men would attempt to approach from different directions. We could still do that or do something in between. The idea of this chapter is to test out the updated / new character designs, so feel free to improvise.

For now, the first of the four PCs to post a desire to be the scout -- and to make a Stealth roll -- will be that "solitary" scout; however, any player that also wants to attempt a stealthy approach or do something else to test out a new or updated stat may simply narrate that fact and then make the Stealth test. This is another opposed roll, against the campers' Notice.

Stealth is a good test case because it is now a core skill so everyone has at least d4 ...

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 266):

Out of the view of the other group, Earnest speaks low.

I propose we brighten my lantern and get somewhere we know they will see and make some noise, like we're drinking or something, while one of us sneaks in from another direction to observe their camp... I will do the reconnaissanse if no one else wants to.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 267):

“No need, Professor. I’ll do it.”

Tracy felt that his slight build and investigative experience made him perfect for the job. Besides, the Californian was just curious what they were up to.

Tracy followed the path back to the camp, being as quiet as possible. Near enough to hear and observe them, Tracy pauses, just out of sight.

OOC:

15:07, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 7,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,4.  Stealth, observing campsite.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 268):

Tommy wasn't sure sneaking back alone was the best idea, but Mr Windham seemed confident, even excited by the task.

Professor I like your idea of staging a scene so they think we are settled in over here but I also don't like the idea of standing around while Mr.Windham is on his own


Addressing both of them

I'm a bit torn bout what to do..wait ere or nip around to the far side, opposite where we passed em....that way we can provide a distraction or cover in case he's discovered

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg #268) and Thomas Pearce (msg # 269):

Windham sneaks back towards the hillock, using the cover provided by the scrub terrain to the best of his ability. It is dark, with just enough moonlight to keep him from stumbling or otherwise making his presence known to the four campers. Once he reaches earshot, he holds in place with what he believes is some cover, listening.

OOC: Now, Tracy needs to make a Notice roll.
08:37, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 2 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2.  Campers Notice (against WIndham's approach).
The Judge is posting opponent rolls for this play-test, even when I might keep such a roll secret in the ongoing game chapters.

Again, this is a play-test. Pearce should just do it to test out his design. Make a Stealth roll. The Judge is pausing at this point until we see the results.

In the regular game chapter, discussion like this amongst pards is encouraged -- and it is no problem here for practice -- but just go ahead and make rolls so we can test mechanics, note changes as we go (e.g. Survival instead of Tracking earlier, nuances with opposed rolls) and get the new players used to making die rolls and finalizing characters.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 270):

Tracy maintains his hidden position, gaining any knowledge he can about the campers’ movements and intentions.

OOC:

14:59, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 7,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,4.  Notice, campers.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 270):

Carrying his shotgun Tommy slowly sneaks around to the far side to where he estimates he is on the opposite the side of the hillock from where they first came upon the group. He slowly works his way up the incline, bending low, crawling the last couple of yards to the crest of the hill.

23:20, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 8 using 2d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5.  Stealth roll -- sneaking up hillock -- bennie roll.
23:18, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 3,3 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,3.  Stealth roll -- sneaking up hillock.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC- rookie dice roller, made roll with the wrong parameter, I believe this result is a 7
This message was last edited by the player at 04:31, Tue 18 Feb 2020.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 272):

OOC: Result = 7 is correct. See msg #259 above.

Seven is an interesting roll in SW. Typically, the TN is '4', with a Raise being 4 more than the TN. So an '8' is a Raise and '7' just missed getting a Raise. But a 7 will often overcome any negative modifiers that the Judge might be applying; e.g., a -2 for darkness in a case like this. It will still succeed against a couple of stacked modifiers that doesn't exceed total -3 when the TN is 4. Just musing; feels like it is making a case for getting at least a d8 in stuff you want to succeed in regularly.

Same as Tracy, Tommy now needs to make a Notice roll.

BTW, the Judge has no problem with players making a couple of rolls in a row for a situation like this when it appears they are successful. The Judge also knows that some players don't like to "tempt fate" by making a roll when it's not needed; but for those who see this the way the Judge sees it -- i.e., it doesn't work that way -- feel free to make a damage roll after what appears to be a successful hit, or a second Trait roll in a situation like the current one, where one roll naturally leads to another if the first succeeds.

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

Like his new pard Windham, the Irishman creeps through the scrub, using the cover of darkness and his stealthy ways to draw near to the campers. Of course, Pearce wasn't certain what route the Californian had taken or where he might have stopped, but the fact that those campers stayed put around their small fire, conversing, gave Tommy a reassurance that both men had found a hidden position from which to observe these men.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 271):

At first, the investigator finds it difficult to hear the men. They speak to each other, but in low tones and so far, of nothing more than banal small talk. Tracy does gather one fact from the first minute or so of listening ... one of their names is "Gus."

Also, it soon becomes clear that one of the men stands watch. He comes into Windham's view, moving to his side of the hillock. For now, he gives no indication that he has seen or heard the crouching investigator.

OOC: Now pausing for Tommy's Notice roll. At this time, the Judge assumes that Tracy is holding his position and continuing to observe and listen. No roll needed for Tracy at this time ... unless he chooses to do something different.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 270):

Jacob glanced at Earnest after Mister Windham and Mister Pearce had quietly faded away into the darkness. "Reckon it's up to you an' me to maeke e-nuff noise to pass for four people."

The Texan chuckled, and added "Too bad we ain't got Mon-shure Pwa-reh-eh along with us. We coulda all four stole off into the dark, an' he coulda been windy e-nuff for all uhv us."

Putting his words into action (and seeing as how the pards would have to tough it out without the assistance of the windy Frenchman), Jake raised his voice a little and said "Now, don't be goin' an' puttin' that right thaere!"

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 275):

OOC: Another good chance to test things. The Judge views this as an attempt to Support the other PCs. The Support rules (p106) give latitude as this is a "relevant skill" Trait test. In the Judge's mind, the most relevant skill here is Persuasion, but others could apply. Jake should indicate what skill he wants to use (and his reasononing) in Support of Tracy and Tommy, and then make the roll, which may result in a +1 or +2 to those players' current Notice rolls.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 276):

---

OOC: Persuasion made sense to me, also, in looking at the situation as Jake (IC) playing a role that he hopes is believable [and fools the (likely-to-be) hardcases].


12:45, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 3,4 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4.  Persuasion Check (To Fool the Campers).

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 277):

OOC: Interesting, so that success means that Tracy gets +1 to his Notice, making it an '8' (see earlier comments). Something to keep in mind for the future is that a Support roll can have a Critical Failure ... in such a case, the Judge might just reverse the outcome, with a -1 to the supported character's roll. In such a situation, the Judge may award the bonus (or apply the penalty) to both of the characters, or maybe only one of them.

Still holding any further Judge narration until after Tommy's Notice roll.

EDIT in aqua
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:55, Tue 18 Feb 2020.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 278):

Tommy listens for a bit, with his face right down in the grass he raises his head just above the crest of the hill for quick peek at the campers

23:20, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 7,15 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 5,(6+6+1)13.  Notice Roll -  top of hill.

Richardsen had made a show of it back at the heroes' temporary campground, thinking he might help his pards advance unnoticed. 'Course, the Texican had no notion of whether his attempted ruse had succeeded in providing any support, but he figured he didn't hurt their chances, either.

Meanwhile, the Californian and the Irishman maintain their vigil. Tommy had drawn closer to the campers than Tracy, but both have decent points of view and can hear the campers talking. Both heroes catch sight of the man standing watch; they hope that their chosen hiding places stand up to the man's scrutiny. So far, so good; however, the watchman does move back and forth around the hilltop, alert to his task. It's possible the watcher could spy either Windham or Pearce if they stay long enough to give him a chance.

Windham focuses on the conversation among the three campers' around the fire. As far as he can tell, they aren't preparing for sleep, despite the early morning hour. He hears the one named Gus -- whose name became apparent because one of his pards is fond of saying "Shut it, Gus" -- asking questions of the other two men. Now Gus asks, apparently not for the first time:

"When're they comin', boss?"

Pearce hears the same banter, also learning the name of Gus. Like Windham, the mechanic strains to hear the answer but it amounts to nothing more than Gus being told to shut it. As the watchman was on the other side of the hilltop at the moment, Tommy raises his head to get a better look around their campsite. He sees a body on the ground, near the campers, perhaps unconscious or asleep or even dead.  Pearce studies for as long as he dare, seeing that the body is actually bound by the hands and feet. It occurs to the Irishman that he might have lingered a mite too long, as the watcher is now moving towards his position.

OOC:  Tommy needs to make another Stealth roll to oppose the watcher's Notice.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 280):

Rofgia Beaucheveux had grown restless earlier in the evening while staying in Grafton to see an important customer, While staying at the boarding house, he heard the commotion and then followed the four other heroes. He is hiding near the campground after witnessing Tracy's stumble into the campground, watching the new group attempt another sneak plan.

He can see Tommy at the crest of the hill, picking his head up to survey below.

Rofgia thinks to himself, "~I remember these monsieurs to be absolute gentlemen when I came across them earlier in the day. They do not seem to be bandits looking to raid this camp. Perhaps they know something more sinister as to why the men in this camp are still awake so late~"

He thinks even longer, and finds himself wanting to know more about the men in the campsite. He knows that he can get closer to the camp see more. "~There is not une chance, that they could see me.~" He smiles to himself confidently, and moves closer.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 275):

Earnest grins at the mention of the boisterous Frenchman.

You're probably right Jake!

He turns up the lantern flame to make it brighter as Jake starts his act, then joins in with a contrived accent.

Waal, whare shud I put it then dag-nabit!

18:27, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 5,8 using d6+1,d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 4,(6+1)7.  Persuasion: Support the others.

In reply to Rofgia Beaucheveux (msg # 281):

OOC: Rof needs to make a Stealth roll.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:13, Thu 20 Feb 2020.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 282):

OOC: The professor's roll will add +2 to Tommy's Stealth roll.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:14, Thu 20 Feb 2020.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 284):

Tommy stares across the campsite, in the flickering light of the campfire he sees the men sitting and standing around. He then makes out a figure on the ground tied up, as he stares trying to decide if the body is dead or alive, the watchman turns back toward him. Tommy quickly ducks his head down and holds still

23:17, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 4,1 using d6,d6 with rolls of 4,1.  Stealth roll -- camp watchman

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 285):

Pearce avoids detection, but the watchman's proximity makes the mechanic wonder whether the time has come to move on. Sooner or later, he could be spotted. It's too dark to tell anything more about the body.

Similarly, Windham observes the watchman making a slightly wider circle on his return to his side of the hillock. The investigator himself begins to ponder the usefulness of staying much longer. Gus had given them a clue -- clearly these men are waiting for someone, but their fireside conversation reveals nothing more.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:39, Thu 20 Feb 2020.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 283):


11:35, Today: Rofgia Beaucheveux rolled 1,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1.  Stealth Roll - Move Closer to Campsite.

In reply to Rofgia Beaucheveux (msg # 287):

Rofgia Beaucheveux had advanced from his hiding place, confident that no one would notice his approach. He was wrong.

The watchman stops in his tracks and sights the barber.

"Someone's tryin'ta sneak up on us!" he calls out to his pards.

OOC: Everyone hears the call-out, including Jake and ENS. They Those two are roughly 50 yards away. We are now in a combat situation -- each PC can act as they choose, in order, and just to be clear, a combat situation doesn't mean anyone has to fight or shoot on their action, but you will need to state action(s), make rolls and post narrative/speech on your turn. Failure to post within 24 hours of your turn starting means the PC goes on Hold.

Initiative
Earnest   Nine Diamonds Fourth
Rof Nine Hearts, Seven Spades  Third
Jake Seven Diamonds, Six Spades Fifth
Tommy Ace Clubs, Two Clubs First
Tracy  Four Clubs Last
Campers Ten Clubs Second

It is Tommy's turn. (He hears the watchman and sees him looking in another direction -- not Tommy's direction).
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:13, Fri 21 Feb 2020.