Following their cold supper of rations they had acquired from Taylor, back in Grafton, the six heroes settled into their overnight camp. The horses had been fed and left to graze on the mesa, with most of them released of their saddles by Daniel Knight, unless any man had objected. Of course, Red Shirt had removed the saddle from his mount, which the others had gathered, recently, was named something like "Poogoo." Obviously a Paiute word ... when asked, the guide said it meant "horse."

Doubling up on the watch, the men with pocket watches had calculated the time that each of the pairs should stand guard, in light of the plan to awake before sunrise and get a head start on day's search for the bandit camp. The result, when factoring in time needed to round up the grazing kids, saddle up and then ride towards Echo Canyon, meant that each of the six men would get only about 5 hours of sleep. Enough under normal circumstances; a mite risky after two days of travel and the possibility of a fight looming the next day, but probably not a substantial threat to their mission.

By six o'clock., still in the pre-dawn, the men were ready to travel.

OOC: The PCs should feel free to converse, in retrospect, if desired during the early morning's preparations, filling in gaps in the Judge's narrative.

When the men were mounting up, Red Shirt spoke. He offfers helpful, if still typically cryptic, thoughts on the general plan that was discussed the night before.

"We should stay together, follow the trail ... the tracks. Nothing to learn from edge of canyon."

In reply to Red Shirt (msg # 3):

Upon rising before dawn the next morning, Jake groaned and rose to his feet, putting his hands in the small of his back and pressing forward, even as he leaned his shoulders back. "Seems a lot tougher to drag mysaelf out uhv my bedroll in the mornin' than it used to be," the Texan groused to no one in particular. "Reckon the years is startin' to add up."

Once he was up and moving, however, Jake set to with a purpose. He munched on some jerky as he set about saddling Jack, punching the horse sharply in the ribs to make his kid expell the extra air that he was holding in so that the saddle girth straps that initially appeared to be tight would in fact fit loosely once the Texan mounted up.

"Quit playin' gaemes with me, Jack," the Texan scolded. "Today ain't the day to be playin' grab-ass an' such-like.

He glanced up at the Paiute when Red Shirt spoke. "Foller the trail. Sounds about right to me," he agreed.

"That, an' keep our heads on a swivel an' our eyes peeled for trubble -- no dozin' in the saddle today."

In reply to Red Shirt (msg # 3):

Earnest paused in his preparations at Red Shirts comment.

You don't think we'll see signs of them from the edge? Surely we would see the cattle at least, which would give us an idea of where they are in the canyon.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 5):

"No, I do not," answers Red Shirt. "If we had a guide here who knew the area, he would agree."

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 1):

Tracy set to work fitting Gus for the day's travel. As he did so, he spoke to the new mount.

"Good boy, Gus. How'd those other men treat you, huh?" The investigator fed the gelding a horse from his saddlebags as he continued to speak softly. "Don't worry; I know Mister Knight will take good care of you from now on." Concluding his thoughts, Tracy patted the horse softly on his neck.

Once he acquainted himself with Gus and finished saddling him, Tracy joined the other men. Hearing the words of the guide, he nodded and turned to Earnest.

"I was looking forward to our survey this morning, but I trust Red Shirt. If he thinks we should head out for the canyon, then we should follow those tracks."
This message was last edited by the player at 18:01, Mon 29 July 2019.

In reply to Red Shirt (msg # 6):

"Another beautiful day in God's country!"

Walker enjoyed the quiet night, looking up at the stars in the vast sky.

"Time to get down to business..."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:52, Mon 29 July 2019.

OOC: FYI, the Judge is holding, temporarily, to give Earnest a chance to follow-up on the conversation with Red Shirt . . . with a plan to advance to the point where the group is following the tracks/trail they found the evening before, within the next 12 hours, which will cover 48 hours since Earnest's last post.

In reply to Red Shirt (msg # 6):

Earnest chuckles at Red Shirt's answer.

Was that an actual joke from you Red Shirt? Very well, we can just follow the tracks, but two things: Why do you think we wouldn't we be able to see an entire herd of cattle from the top of the canyon, is it too narrow? And second, if we follow the tracks, we must be careful... presumably, it will follow the easiest way into the canyon and so is likely to be the most traveled path.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 10):

"Yes, narrow. Not as you seem to think. I do not think any cattle are in the canyon. Nearby, maybe."
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:53, Mon 29 July 2019.

The Paiute leads the six heroes down from the mesa and towards the tracks they had found the previous afternoon. The riders resume the order established at that time, with Daniel Knight taking up the rear along with the extra horses that were now unsaddled.

The cattle and horse tracks begin to veer west on the sloping plateau, toward Zion Canyon and alongside but not down into the narrow Echo Canyon. The enormous chunk of pale sandstone, known to the men as the Great White Throne, towers above the landscape, seeming to beckon them. Meanwhile, it feels like the plateau is receding beneath the rising formations looming around the heroes. Indeed, the tracks are now leading the riders down into a valley between a few stately sandstone elevations -- none as majestic as the Throne, but all capturing one's attention.

Before long, the tracks, which had been somewhat orderly for a half-mile or so, become disorganized, as if the cattle had been herded into this valley and left to graze for more than a short spell. The riders don't need this explained to them by their guide. Anyone with eyes can see that there were cattle here sometime recently -- from evidence such as cow pies and muddy hoof-prints -- although there are none in sight right now.

OOC: Notice, tracking and perhaps other skill rolls are appropriate at this time. The Judge requests narrative that goes along with any rolls made.

EDIT: The Judge somehow clipped the end of the 2nd paragraph when posting. Fixed.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:38, Tue 30 July 2019.

Jake rode along quietly, the Texan trying his best to keep his eyes moving as he scanned the surrounding landscape. His gut told him that it was too early to be making contact with the Yalla-Bandanna-boys -- or, at least the main bunch of them. But it was always possible to bump into some outliers, as they had done the previous day, and whoever spotted the others first would have an advantage.

The Texan's field-glasses hung down on his chest, with the leather strap looped around his neck. Clicking his tongue and flicking the reins, he barely touched his heels to Jack's ribs, and the horse moved up alongside Red Shirt.

"You see sumpthin' you want to taeke a closer look at, you're welcome to borrer my field glasses," he told their guide.

"Just sing out if'n you want 'em."

---

OOC: 17:20, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 5 using 2d6, dropping the lowest dice only, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2.  Notice Check: Ridin' Out.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 13):

"Much obliged," answers the Paiute guide while nodding his head gently, although he doesn't ask for the glasses at this time. Instead, he sidles his horse towards a large pile of cow dung.

"Yesterday," Red Shirt says, more to Jacob than to anyone, although not directly addressing the Texan. "No more than twenty head." He turns Poogoo to the south, guiding the horse at a walk and scanning the ground around him.

"This one from a horse . . . this morning."
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:10, Wed 31 July 2019.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 12):

As their party neared the canyon, Tracy attempted to keep note of the tracks. Although the investigator was sure that Red Shirt kept a firm grasp on their direction and nature, it was still good practice for his own tracking ability. After he lost the tracks totally for a moment, Windham panicked for a split second before regaining his mental focus and acuity.

~Whew,~ Tracy thought. ~That was strange. Perhaps I haven't been getting enough sleep the last couple of nights.~

Having reached the valley where the cattle had obviously grazed, the investigator searched the area for any more leads. If the outlaws had stopped in this area for any significant amount of time, perhaps they left some signs of their next move.

~Could still be a stray Bandana Boy in the area, too,~ Tracy mused to himself. He glanced at Jake, sensing that the Texan might have had the same thought.

OOC:

23:28, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 1,1 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1.  Tracking, following tracks into canyon.

23:28, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 2,4 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4.  Tracking, following tracks into canyon (2).

23:29, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 13,2 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+6+1)13,2.  Notice, area where tracks disperse.

In reply to Red Shirt (msg # 14):

"This mornin' huh?"

Walker has an uneasy feeling about this day. Maybe last night was his last to enjoy the stars as a man on earth.

~ Doesn't matter, I won't be the first to die, and sure won't be the last..."

OOC: Notice check, looking for any signs of ambush.

08:20, Today: Dave Walker rolled 3,10 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(6+4)10.  Keep a look out for ambush.

The heroes take time to scan the area for clues and information in this valley, in addition to what Red Shirt had already indicated.

Richardsen sees the continuation of a trail across the valley, descending to the west-northwest and perhaps into the narrow, smaller canyon as drawn on the professor's map. He would need to get closer or use the glasses to get a better idea about it, but it seems clear that it is the only viable path out of the valley for the likes of livestock, other than the way the heroes had come in.

Windham sees some of the horse tracks moving towards a sheltered grove to the south of their initial position ... similar to the one where the heroes had hidden their own horses the previous morning. Leading Gus closer, the investigator notices the remains of a small fire which was carefully extinguished, although the fact that someone had a made a camp here was not completely eradicated -- at least to his trained eye. The Californian doesn't spy anything like a yellow bandana, or much else in particular. Nonetheless, the evidence of a recent fire and campsite is undeniable, with tracks from a half-dozen or so horses also identifiable near the camp area.

Walker casts his eyes around the general area, and focuses his ears on listening for any sounds of nearby activity that might indicate an ambush. While he convinces himself that there are no bodies near enough for such a bushwhack -- high or low -- the herbalist does notice some signs of livestock trampling the brush around the continuation of the trail across the valley, that is, the same trail that Jacob had noted was probably the only other way out of this valley for anything on four legs, anyway.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 17):

As Red Shirt spoke, the Texan's wandering gaze swept here and there, then swung back to focus on what appeared to be a trail descending to the west-northwest, mayhap leading into the narrow, smaller canyon depicted on the Perfesser's map.

Jacob raised his field-glasses, and took a long look. After a moment he removed his hat, pulled the leather strap from around his neck, and then replaced his Stetson.

Handing the field-glasses to the Paiute, Jake pointed in the direction of the trail that he had been studying. "Have a look right yonder," he suggested.

"Might be that's the way into the canyon we're a-seekin'. Waal . . . the front door, any way."

---

OOC: 17:45, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 5 using 2d6, dropping the lowest dice only, rerolling max with rolls of 5,5.  Notice Check: Using Field Glasses.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 17):

Earnest uses their pause to check the map and then to use his binoculars to look over the two sandstone rises and then the entrance to the small canyon.

17:02, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 5,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,1.  Notice: Binocular scanning.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:04, Wed 31 July 2019.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 18):

The Texan's additional look through the field glasses does nothing to change his mind about what he saw. It's clearly another path out of the valley, but he would still need to get closer to judge the difficulty of it. Still, he notices the same signs of trampled underbrush as observed by Walker, so it stands to reason that the trail must be suitable for their mounts.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 18):

Guiding his horse back to Richardsen, the Paiute accepts the field glasses and peers through them for several moments.

"Seems so. Maybe into the canyon, maybe not," says Red Shirt, returning the binoculars to the rifleman.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 19):

Earnest examines the map and then surveys the landscape with his field glasses. A closer inspection makes it no more clear as to whether the path ahead is taking them into the canyon, away from it, or even around the rim of it. The professor, too, spies the trampled the brush around the entrance to the path, just before it descends from view.

While some of the other men had focused their attention on the trail on the other side of the valley, Daniel Knight had led his small remuda towards the camp ground where Tracy Windham had explored.

Reaching the area and dismounting, the young Knight sees to the kids, first, then watches as the investigator pokes around the campfire.

"I reckon God-the-Father has brought us where we need to be. We are close, do you agree Mister Windham?"
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:20, Thu 01 Aug 2019.

In reply to Daniel Knight (msg # 23):

Tracy remained quiet for a moment, considering his response to the young Knight. While the investigator had been encouraged by their progress, his experiences in this field made him wary of believing he neared the end of an inquiry. You never know what waits around the next bend, whether it be the young Elizabeth Knight you seek, yet another clue, or the realization that you've been following the wrong path the whole time.

However, he didn't want to discourage Daniel. They were seeking his sister after all. Now speaking, he chose his words carefully.

"As far as how close we are to finding your sister, it is difficult to tell. I prefer to simply follow the evidence until the trail ends, rather than think about how much more trail remains. I think it keeps my mind the clearest and lets me do my best work."  He paused a moment.

"That being said, we've definitely found some good leads the last couple of days. It is certain that someone leading cattle camped here very recently, and it could very well have been our targets. It seems to me that we're likely on the right track to finding Elizabeth, as long as we keep up our focus on the task at hand."

Still listening for a reply from Daniel, Tracy walked toward the sheltered grove where the cattle may have been kept recently. He wondered if any evidence of the cattle's next move could be found.

OOC:

10:50, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 13,5 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (6+5)11,3.  Notice, evidence in grove.

Dice hand running hot...

In reply to Red Shirt (msg # 21):

"This is our best lead at this point right? What are we waitin' for?"

In reply to Dave Walker (msg # 25):

"You tell me," says the Paiute, probably answering the second question rather than the first.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 24):

Daniel Knight replies in verse.

"Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen."

In reply to Red Shirt (msg # 26):

Earnest lowers his binoculars and sighs.

I agree... there's nothing for it but to go and look. But let's make sure to watch for sentries.

Earnest rubs his chin as he looks around.

One thing's for sure; they'd never have heard our shots from yesterday down here... so unless those riders I saw did, they shouldn't have any warning that we are here.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 24):

Tracy Windham doesn't find anything new or different than any of the other signs he and his pards had discovered in the valley. The cattle and horse tracks clearly head towards the exit that the others had located.

OOC: The Judge is going to move forward at this point, based on all the PC posts and actions.

The heroes reassemble, resuming their riding order with Red Shirt at the lead as they approach the path that gives egress from the valley. They find that it quickly begins to narrow and descend, as they had surmised from their previous views through field glasses and via the naked eye. Indeed, as they already noticed, signs of livestock trampling the brush are readily evident. The trail twists and turns, similar to the switchbacks by the Narrows but not nearly as difficult -- the turns sweeping and remaining viable for the mounts and riders.

Red Shirt slows down to negotiate a wide, steep turn around a sandstone outcropping and just as you clear it, you see another span of relatively flat land stretching out between rock walls on the right and a precipitous drop into Echo Canyon on the left. Toward the far end of the flat, more than 100 yards distant and penned in near a cul-de-sac of rising sandstone, the heroes see a small herd of cattle and several horses grazing. At the southern edge of the herd, about 60 yards away and to your left, you see about a half-dozen cowpokes resting around a small campfire.

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

OOC: The heroes have Surprise. All of the PCs are on Hold to start this encounter. That means they can all act whenever they want to act, while the cowpokes are not dealt in for the initial round. The Judge dealt action cards anyway, because it was possible that one of the characters would get the Joker, which is even better than Surprise; however, no one drew the Joker.

All PCs should post actions whenever they are ready to do so. Any conflicts will be resolved by the Judge taking into account the initiative order.

Daniel  Five Spades  Third
Dave  Three Spades  Sixth
Earnest  Jack Diamonds  First
Jake Five Diamonds Fourth
Red Shirt Ten Spades, Three Clubs   Second
Tracy  Four Hearts  Fifth

EDIT: Fixed typo and added emphasis.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:56, Sat 03 Aug 2019.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 30):

Earnest pauses to raise his binoculars and observe the men.

12:18, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 1,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5.  Notice: Men at campfire.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 18:19, Sat 03 Aug 2019.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 30):

The moment the other party of men came into view, Tracy readied his Colt. While the investigator was not yet prepared to fire, he wanted to take advantage of his leg up on them.

Now ready for a firefight, pistol in his right hand, Tracy withdrew his spyglass from his bags without removing his eyes from the cowpokes. Lifting the glass to his left eye, the Californian studied the group, hoping to spot a yellow bandana or any other indication of potential hostility.

OOC:

09:25, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 13,3 using d6-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of (6+6+3)15,5.  Notice, cowpokes.

Told y'all, dice are red hot right now...

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 32):

Walker readies his rifle and keeps his eyes on the group of men, looking around at his friends with the binoculars for any sign...

"It doesn't look like Elizabeth is there does it?"

Due to the fact that Jake had been busy using his field glasses and handing them off to Red Shirt, he had his rifle slung across his back, with its leather strap running diagonally across his chest.

Noticing that some of his pards were using their own field glasses to take a closer look at the bunch whom the Texan was pretty damned sure were owlhoots of some stripe, the rifleman readied his Winchester and awaited word from those who had taken a closer look at the men they had just now happened upon.

Between that and the just-around-the-corner reaction of the other men to their having caught sight of the posse, Jake figured that things were about to become very clear, very fast.

Hearing Mister Walker's comment, Jacob drawled "Naw, but I'm supposin' they got plenty of other mens' beeves."

Red Shirt draws his carbine from its scabbard, continuing to move his mount away from the canyon ledge.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:56, Sun 04 Aug 2019.

The young Knight stops and reins in the three horses in tow. Still at the rear of the formation and seeing the other riders turning to the right as the trail opens into a plateau overlooking the canyon, Daniel has the horse-sense to stop all movement. After a moment, he coaxes Rex to back up a few steps -- and the other three kids follow the leader's example.

The mounted heroes allow their horses, which were already moving slowly per the guide's lead, to continue their momentum forward into the valley, coming almost to a natural stop as they readied weapons or set their sights on the men around the morning campfire.

Both Ringgenber and Windham spy a cowpoke wearing a grubby yellow neckerchief. For the moment, neither of the two pards knows whether the other one has spied the same bandit or a different bandit.

Richardsen and Walker exchange words, while the Texan readies his Winchester and the Paiute readies his carbine and the young Knight keeps his attention focused on the kids -- at least until he hears one of the men speak of "Elizabeth." The herbalist fails to located anyone that fits the description of Elizabeth Knight.

A seventh cowpoke's head pops up on a small rise not far from Red Shirt. "HOWDY!" he announces, in a loud voice that alerts the six cowpokes around the campfire.

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

OOC: Because only Earnest specifically stated that he paused, and Red Shirt who was leading continued his slow ride (RS had slowed down per Judge's narrative when navigating the turn into the valley), the Judge is ruling that most of the men let their horses momentum continue forward to some extent.

See the slightly updated map at the end of R1.

New initiative order for R2:
The Judge is drawing individually for the PCs and as a group for the cowpokes in the valley. We will proceed from here in initiative order.

Daniel  Three Hearts  Last
Dave  Seven Hearts  Fourth
Earnest  Jack Clubs  Third
Jake Six Hearts Fifth
Red Shirt Five Hearts, Ace Spades   First
Tracy  Queen Spades  Second
Opponents  Four Diamonds Sixth

It is Tracy Windham's turn.

The Paiute holds his actions, Spencer at the ready.

EDIT: changed word to accuracy
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:08, Mon 05 Aug 2019.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 37):

OOC: Apologies if it was confusing to state that it is Tracy's turn, when RS had the Initiative. As just posted, the Paiute is holding and waiting for the lead of the PCs.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 37):

Spotting the yellow cloth was enough to ready Tracy to fire, especially in the situation where he may need to protect his friends. When he heard the cowpoke ahead of Red Shirt alert the others as to their arrival, he knew that he couldn’t waste any precious moments.

The investigator fired a round at the cowpoke a split second later, hoping to hit him before he dove back down under his cover.

OOC:

12:13, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 9,17 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 9,(6+6+5)17.  Shooting, cowpoke on watch.

Since I am not sure what type of raises this might generate due to cover, I will wait for the Judge’s guidance on damage.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 40):

OOC: That will be a hit and a raise, so +1d6 to normal damage because of the raise. Regardless of how many raises one gets on an attack hit, the maximum added damage is +1d6.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 41):

OOC:

Got it. Thanks, Judge.

14:07, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 2,5,1 using d6,d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5,1.  Damage, lookout cowpoke.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 42):

Windham is certain that his bullet hit its intended target, although he is less certain about the extent of the damage done. The bandit recoils visibly.

Everyone hears the investigator's weapon report. The riders sense some apprehension from their mounts, at the sound of gunfire.

OOC: The Judge had noted earlier in the adventure that those heroes with Riding would be able to control their mounts in battle, at least in regular conditions. However, like the time that Jake shot the buzzard, Windham and Walker must now make a Riding check to keep control of their mounts during what is now the start of a gun fight. The Riding roll is a free action, required by the Judge. It doesn't impact any other PC actions this turn (although it might affect future actions depending on the result).

It is now officially Earnest's turn. The Judge will be giving roughly 24 hours to each PC to post on his turn, when that timing is reached, the next player in the order may post, with the current player effectively being on hold.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:01, Mon 05 Aug 2019.

This message was deleted by the player at 21:35, Mon 05 Aug 2019.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 43):

OOC:

17:36, Today: Tracy Windham rolled -1,9 using d4-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,(6+5)11.  Riding, control mount (2).

17:36, Today: Tracy Windham rolled -1,1 using d4-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3.  Riding, control mount.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 43):

Earnest is caught off guard by Tracy's shot.

~ I'd have preferred if they had shot first... ~

He stows his binoculars and draws his Colt as he urges Sweet Pea northwest (assuming map north is up) to spread out the group.

~ Maybe we surprised them enough to just surrender. ~

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 46):

OOC: Earnest is making at least two different actions here. Sweet Pea's movement is not among them, but stowing the binocs and drawing the Colt are actions. Usually, neither requires a die roll. In this case, the Judge is assigning an agility roll for stowing the field glasses at the usual -2 for performing two actions. (FYI, Windham did something similar, not the same, earlier when he had to apply -2 to his Notice roll when also readying his Colt). A successful roll means stowed as usual; failure depends on how badly he fails.

Correct, the heroes were facing west when they entered the plateau and saw the cowpokes.

It is now Walker's turn.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:11, Mon 05 Aug 2019.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 47):

OOC: BTW, the Judge believes he has stated earlier that in the new rulebook, readying a weapon is no longer an action, but I'm holding to the Deluxe rules for now as we designed our characters with that ruleset (i.e., Quick Draw is an Edge in the Deluxe, if you had wanted that, you oughtta had taken it).

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 43):

~ Well dang! I guess we are off with a bang here... ~

The shot startled Ned, but Walker remained calm and kept Ned under control.

OOC: Holding my action to see what happens with the others...

Riding check roll:

12:55, Today: Dave Walker rolled 0,1 using d6-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,3.  Riding check after first shot.

Burning a benny...

12:55, Today: Dave Walker rolled 6,3 using d6-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of (6+2)8,5.

Hearing the report of Mister Windham's pistol, Jake reckoned that things were going to start happening fast now. ~Band's struck up playin' "Dixie", an' I'd best git a-dancin',~ the Texan thought to himself.

Well before the end of the War, it had become apparent that having cover -- or not -- made a significant difference in a man's odds of surviving a fight. Hence, Jake urged Jack forward, making a bee-line for the low hillock where the lookout had just popped up.

Reaching the cover, the Texan dismounted and let go of the reins, reasoning that he needed to turn his attention to things other than trying to keep the kid under control.

---

OOC:

Move: Jake will ride forward until he reaches the cover of the small hillock in front of him.

Action: Jake will dismount, seeking the best cover available while still providing a view of the men around the campfire.

Seeing the investigator fire upon the bandit lookout and then watching as the professor and the rifleman start to ride their horses to the northwest and southwest, respectively, Red Shirt raises his carbine to fire at the lookout. Unfortunately, his bullet hits the small hillock behind which the opponent his hiding, sending fragments of sandstone and dust flying.

Daniel Knight does his best to keep his own mount and the other three kids calm when the gunfire starts. He remains at the back of the riding order, mostly out of sight of anyone out on the plateau.

The herbalist hears the young Knight speaking to the horses, but with his attention focused on the situation in front of him, Walker doesn't register any of Daniel's words.

OOC: The Judge still needs the results of the Agility check for Earnest.

Walker is on hold. If he intends to act before the bandits, this is the time. If he intends to interrupt a particular action, he should state that intent in a general way (that is, not necessarily a specific bandit's actions, but something like "if I see one shooting, I'll try to shoot one first" or "if I see one running, I'll chase after him," for example). Walker may wait to act after the bandit act, if desired, but the Judge will put a time limit on that option.

The Judge will be posting the actions of the bandits in a few hours and then put the time limit on Walker's hold before advancing to the summary narrative for the round, including an updated map and the initiative draw for the next round.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 53):

18:33, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 5,3 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 7,5.  Agility roll for bino stowage.

Tracy Windham surprised almost everyone when he squeezed the trigger of his Colt. Red Shirt had drifted atop Poogoo just before the revolver's report. It was an impossible shot and yet the bandit lookout showed all of the signs of being hit, including the fact of his hollerin'.

"Son of a bitch, they shot me!" He is clearly shaken, but still has the horse-sense to drop prone behind the hillock.

Earnest Rinngenberg stows his field glasses, realizing for a moment that he might easily have dropped them in his haste to both secure the binoculars and draw his Colt while he urges Sweet Pea to a trot. The mare drifts behind Jake Richardsen, who turns Jack towards the hillock where the shouting lookout resides. The Texan passes near Red Shirt, but fortunately not within the Paiute's line of sight, as the guide discharges his carbine and thereby spews dust from the hillock, just before Jake reaches it and quickly dismounts.

Dave Walker had held any action, waiting to see what the situation develops while Daniel Knight keeps the remuda calm. What the herbalist sees ahead of him are the bandits dispersing from the campfire, spreading out on the plateau. One of stops and shoots a longarm -- obviously at the professor as he rides to the northwest along the edge of the sandstone wall. Even though it is a fair distance, Earnest thanks his stars when he hears the bullet impact against the wall, narrowly missing both Sweet Pea and her rider.

The hard case that shot the longarm and the brute to his right drop prone, while the other four continue to move behind them, fanning out.

OOC: Dave Walker has 24 hours to exercise an action at the end of the round. The Judge is holding the initiative draw until Walker acts or states that he isn't acting this round (which means he remains on hold at the start of the next round no matter what he draws.

See the updated group 3 map ...

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 55):

Not wanting to push his luck with Ned, Walker dismounts and slaps Ned on the ass, then goes prone, rifle in hand, getting ready to shoot the man who shot back at the Professor.

OOC: Initiative order, continuing with individual cards for each of the heroes, one card for the group of bandits. We'll see how this works ... interesting draw here ... the Judge has now drawn roughly 1/3 of the deck and still no Joker. They are looming.

Daniel  Seven Spades  Sixth
Dave  Nine Diamonds  Fourth
Earnest  Jack Hearts  Second
Jake Nine Spades  Third
Red Shirt Eight Clubs, Seven Diamonds   Fifth
Tracy  King Hearts  First
Opponents  Four Spades  Last

It is Windham's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 57):

Very similarly to Jake, the investigator rode quickly towards the other side of the rock formation from the lookout, dismounting Gus and joining Jake behind the low hillock. He wanted to seize some cover before potentially engaging with the other cowpokes once more.

In a low voice, Tracy addressed the Texan, gesturing to the other side of the hill. "Reckon I check on our friend?"

Windham thought that Jake might be able to provide him some cover while he checked the status of the outlaw that he had just shot.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 58):

OOC: It is now Earnest's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 59):

OOC: ENS is on the clock, roughly 6 hours until he goes on hold. Meanwhile, based on Jacob's RL situation, the Judge has told Jake he can post whenever it is convenient as he is next in the order, even if Earnest hasn't posted before his 24 hours expires -- as it is likely based on current position and situation that neither of their actions will impact each other. Taking that a step further, now that WIndham has moved and Walker had gone prone in the previous round with intent to shoot this round, I think Walker should go ahead and post his action/narrative whenever he wants to do so.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 57):

"I'd leave him be, 'less he pops up an' starts shootin' at us," Jake replied to Mister Windham's inquiry about stepping around to the other end of the little rise and checking on the lookout that he had shot. To the Texan's way of thinking, the other side of the rise was way too exposed to gunfire from the owlhoots back around the campfire -- not to mention that if the lookout still had any fight in him, he would have a short-range shot at Windham as soon as he rounded the side of the hillock.

Given the range involved, Jake was primarily concerned with men who had rifles or carbines. He had seen one fellow shoot at someone behind him and knew that he had some sort of a longarm, so he targeted him, aimed, and took his shot.

---

OOC:

Free Action: Speak to Tracy.

Action: 18:20, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 1,4 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4.

Edit: Damage: 19:16, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 6 using 2d8 with rolls of 1,5.  Damage (Winchester).

Notes: I believe that Jake has two positive Modifiers: the Marksman Edge (+2, since he did not move this round), and Improved Trademark Weapon (+2). I think that the hombre who fired at ENS dropped prone, and there is probably a negative range modifier also, so I thought it best to ask the Judge to adjudicate the result of Jake's shot.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:17, Thu 08 Aug 2019.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 61):

OOC: The Judge will do so, but in the future, please go ahead and add mods that you are pretty sure about. The Judge can subtract them if necessary. The Judge always calculates range and other opponent defensive modifiers -- as he did with Tracy although the multiple aces that the investigator rolled was still well-good-enough to hit and raise -- so the PCs should never worry about that part. Apply your own positive mods and the Judge will apply the negatives as needed.

Might as well just walk through this for the benefit of all . . . thanks to Jake for his ongoing public descriptions of his die rolls and why, providing this opportunity to elaborate.

In this case, Jake's result would be 4 + 2 +2 as the PC noted. That's an 8. The Judge would agree that Jake can take the Marksman Edge bonus. Jake will need to either stand up or take a step away to the side of the rise to target anyone near the campfire. The Judge reads Jake's narrative to mean that he does one of those two things, but neither constitutes movement that would disallow his Marksman Edge, at this time.

Prone is same as medium cover (-2). Range is about 140 feet. The Winchester short range is 24. That's 24 x 2 yards or 24 X 6 feet, which is 144 feet. Therefore, close range for the rifleman's trademark weapon.

So the net roll is a 6. (4 +2 +2 -2). TN for shooting is a 4. This is a hit, no raise. Roll damage. (BTW, there's no reason not to roll regular damage every time. It will either apply or not apply based on the Judge's adjudication. It is understandable when a "raise" might be in question, regarding whether to roll the +1d6, but please go ahead and roll damage for attacks unless you are certain it is a miss).
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:11, Thu 08 Aug 2019.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 62):

Thanks, have edited to add Damage to Jake's IC post.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 61):

Just as Walker was about to take his shot another shot rings out and he sees the man in his sights get hit.

~ Say hello to Darla for me... ~

Walker squeezed off a round at the man who was just hit.

OOC: Walker shooting at the soon to be dead man with his Winchester

22:55, Today: Dave Walker rolled 8,2 using d8,d6 with rolls of 8,2.  Shooting at the soon to be dead man.

I realized that I forgot to select the reroll max, if the judge allows it, here is an additional D8 die roll, bringing the overall to hit die roll for raising purposes to 21:

22:58, Today: Dave Walker rolled 13 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of (8+5)13.  Additional d8 for missing the reroll max flag.

Damage roll:

22:56, Today: Dave Walker rolled 8 using 2d8, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3.  Damage on the soon to be dead man.

In reply to Dave Walker (msg # 64):

OOC: NP on the re-roll max, I forget to do that sometimes, too. Glad you caught it right away and added the Ace roll. It does apply, therefore this is a hit and a raise, which adds +1d6 to the damage roll. Go ahead and roll the 1d6, which can also Ace (all damage rolls can Ace).

Earnest is on hold. He may act at anytime he chooses, but the Judge will be continuing later today with NPC posts (both the NPC heroes and NPC adversaries).

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 65):

OOC: Here is the additional damage roll, tempted to use a benny but decided not to get too greedy, there's more people left to murder...

08:43, Today: Dave Walker rolled 3 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3.  Additional Damage die for the Ace.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 65):

Seeing that he is unlikely to hit with his Colt at this range, Earnest spurs Sweet Pea towards the cattle.

---

OOC: His intent is to try to drive some of the cattle into their opponents... will I need to make any special rolls for that (once he gets there of course)?

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 67):

OOC: Yes, that will involve some kind of Situational Combat roll. The Judge might consider this a Test of Will or a Trick (see these "Situational Combat Rules in SW), but it depends on what the professor actually does when he gets close enough.

The Paiute, stoic as ever, had watched as his new pards, scattered ... the Californian joining the Texan behind the rise; the professor riding westward towards the cattle and into the line of fire; the New Yorker chasing his horse and dropping prone.

Now, Red Shirt hears the weapon reports of the rifleman and the herbalist. Issuing a deep-throated war-cry, the guide spurs Poogoo towards the canyon, veering to the west and past the rise where the shaken bandit remains ... and now heading directly towards the campfire.

Daniel Knight keeps his place. Anyone who had seen the gun fight at the switchbacks knows that he has no fear of gunfire, but he seems completely dedicated to the care of the kids at the moment. He talks softly to Lucy, Lefty and Gem, assuaging their anxiety even as he keeps an eye on the action to the west.

As if they had drawn it up beforehand, Richardsen and Walker dispatch one of the bandits. First, after Windham had moved to the rise and the two men had exchanged brief words, the Texan stands up and fires a round from his trusty Winchester. The bullet clearly shakes the man, as he rears up slightly from his prone position. No more than a few seconds later, Walker sights the same yellow-bandana feller, putting a bullet right between the man's eyes. Already shaken by the first bullet, the herbalist's shot ends any debate as to whether the outlaw might have survived the initial round by the rifleman.

Meanwhile, Red Shirt and Ringgenberg had spurred their horses towards the west, on either flank of the men whom they had found around the campfire. Each of the two riders hear a single weapon report from longarms fired in their direction, and see that each shot fell short by a wide margin, tearing into the earth along the path ahead of each of the riding heroes.

Those two shots came from two men who remain in place near the campfire. In the heat of battle, none of the heroes can tell which ones shot, but they can see that two of the bandits are moving towards the cattle. One of them stops briefly to grab the carbine from the dead man's hands. The other closes near the grazing cattle.

It is the professor who first notices that the cattle -- and a few horses as well -- have been spooked by the gun fire. Some of them are starting to run, in random directions it seems.

OOC: See the updated game map for group 3. The Judge is going to randomly determine any moving cattle / horse position during any given round, rather than placing chits on the map. Beware!

Initiative order:

Daniel  Seven Clubs  Fifth
Dave  Jack Spades  Third
Earnest  Ten Diamonds  Fourth
Jake King Clubs  First
Red Shirt Queen Clubs, Queen Diamonds  Second
Tracy  Two Clubs   Last  (a fellow gamer once told me this was just another way to say he went first in the next round)
Opponents  Six Diamonds  Sixth

It is Jake's turn.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:42, Fri 09 Aug 2019.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 71):

Jake wasn't sure how many of the yalla bandanna boys -- and which ones -- were armed with longarms, but as soon as he identifed one, that man became his target. At the ranges that were involved here, he wasn't too worried about being shot by a pistol.

~Although 'cept I reckon I oughtta be glad that Mister Windham ain't shootin' at me. That feller's either very damned good, or very damned lucky -- or mayhaps both -- when it comes to bein' gun-handy when shootin' that pistol of his.~

As the Texan looked on, he saw one of the owlhoots bend over and pick up the carbine from the man that he -- and Mister Walker, he reckoned -- had killed. The second shot to hit the man had come from somewhere behind him, but he could see the Perfesser and Red Shirt doing their best J.E.B. Stuart imitation on both flanks, and Mister Windham was right beside him, so it made sense that the New Yorker had been the one to finish off the bandit.

Now, Jacob wanted to put down the owlhoot who had picked up the dead man's longarm. He sighted on the man and fired, feeling pretty sure that he had gotten a solid hit on his target.

---

OOC:

Action: 20:53, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 11,5 using d10+4,d6+4, rerolling max with rolls of 7,1.  Firing Winchester at Man With Carbine.


20:56, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 14,7 using 2d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,7,(6+1)7.  Damage (Winchester).

Total Damage: 21.

Notes: I added the same positive modifiers as the previous round: +2 for the Marksman Edge, and +2 for the Improved Trademark Weapon Edge. I believe that the 11 rolled for the Attack action will be a Hit and a Raise, so I added the extra 1d6 to the standard Damage roll for a Winchester (2d8).

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 72):

OOC: can we use this dice roller in Vegas?

OOC:

That's a good thought. I would have Tracy do my rolling for me, I think. :)

In reply to Dave Walker (msg # 73):

OOC: You might be forgettin' about the snake eyes you rolled a time or two -- it all balances out, I reckon.

OOC: Yeah, the Dice-Roller generally rolls a mite on the cold side for me. So I'll enjoy Jake's good luck whilst it lasts! :)

Red Shirt continues his ride, and his war-cry, on the left flank. He slows slightly but covers a good bit of ground toward the bandits on the southern side of the campfire.

OOC: It is now Dave Walker's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 78):

OOC: With the low resolution of the map, I'm not quite sure which targets are still alive, who the person that Jake and I shot at, and who is left. So, I will leave it to the Judge's discretion... let's just say I am going to target the next available person in my line of sight.

Die roll to hit with my Winchester:

08:41, Today: Dave Walker rolled 6,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,3.  To hit roll on the next available target.

08:42, Today: Dave Walker rolled 9 using 2d8, rerolling max with rolls of 2,7.  Damage roll assuming I hit.

In reply to Dave Walker (msg # 79):

OOC: It's supposed to be chaotic -- although the Judge thinks it is possible to figure out those things based on the Judge's posts and the map combined. Regardless, Walker's approach to "target the next available person in my line of sight" is perfectly reasonable. That's going to be a close roll to hit because it is medium range for the Winchester, therefore -2 and a result of '4' which is the TN number. Any other negative modifier could cause it to be a miss. Thanks for rolling damage, as noted earlier it will either apply or not apply but the Judge has what he needs to make the ruling. The Judge will adjudicate more fully in the end-of-round narrative.

It is now the professor's turn.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:16, Sat 10 Aug 2019.

In reply to Dave Walker (msg # 79):



OOC: My (And Jake's, IC) read on it, for what it's worth, is that the two hombres who are grouped together, more or less in the center of the bandits' formation (and situated a little to the north and east of the campfire's location), are the men whom Dave and Jake shot.

The forward-most (most easterly) of the two is the fellow whom Dave and Jake both shot during the previous round, and the fellow slightly behind (westerly of) him is the hombre whom Jake shot this round.

Edit: Added a reference to the campfire's location in relation to the two hombres under discussion.

P. S. The above compass direction references assume that the top of the tactical map lines up with "north".
This message was last edited by the player at 15:16, Sat 10 Aug 2019.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 80):

Earnest continues his ride towards the cattle, he will head to the north side of them so that he can try to drive them south towards their opponents. He also keeps an eye on the men moving towards the cattle.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 82):

The professor finds that one of the beeves is running towards him!

OOC: Make a Riding roll..

The young Knight continues to mvoe the kids slowly up the trail, away from the weapon reports that have continued for the last score seconds by his count. Now, Daniel hears the sounds of hooves pounding in the valley and he speaks aloud but to no man in particular, as everyone is either too far away or giving their full attention to what's happening in front of them.

"Father, please calm the beeves, 'fore they stampede."

The bandits continue their mix of actions, some remaining near the campfire and firing their carbines, others running to the west-northwest, others dead on the ground where they were shot by Walker and Richardson, and one man still squatting on the western side of the hillock, not 20 feet from the investigator and the rifleman.

The bandit who had picked up the first dead man's Spencer falls as well, being struck by the bullets of two Winchesters.

But to his left, the man who had fired at the professor shoots again and hits, leaving Earnest feeling shaken atop Sweet Pea.

Meanwhile, the lookout and the bandit to the south of the campfire train their weapons on the riding Paiute. Both fire and neither find their targets . . . although the lookout's bullet graze's Poogoo's right flank.

OOC: Jake's assessment is quite accurate.

The lookout missed RS but rolled a 1 on the die,  which means he hit an innocent bystander (situational combat rule), in this case the Paiute's horse. The horse is now Shaken.

The Judge rolled the base roll for the bandit shooting at ENS, getting an Ace. Then the Judge applied -2 for the distance (medium) and -1 for the professor's Dodge Edge. That's -3, for a result of 5, which still hits. Damage is 6, which is a success and the professor is Shaken (but not a raise and therefore not a wound). Ringgenberg may choose to use a benny to unshake (whenever he wants) or to wait for his next turn to get a free attempt to unshake.

It is the investigator's turn.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 81):

OOC: Thanks!

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 85):

Hearing the shot ring out from the other side of the hill, Tracy considers engaging the lookout after all.

~Jake had some good advice, but I think their lookout might be too focused on shooting other targets to have his sights trained on me once I reach the far side. I've got to take the chance; I can't have him taking free shots at my friends.~

Making his decision, the investigator shuffles quickly around the hillock while remaining as close to it as possible, with his Colt still at the ready. Spotting the owlhoot, the Californian aims and fires.

After firing his shot, Tracy shuffles back around the rock face, hoping to retain cover from the other bandits, as well as a retaliatory round from the lookout.

OOC:

08:48, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 6,1 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,1.  Shooting, lookout.

08:50, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 2,2 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2.  Damage, lookout.

08:51, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 3,5 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,5.  Damage, lookout (2).


Tracy's Colt is 2d6+1, so that brings Damage to 9.

Also, I believe that it's about 20-25 feet of movement to line up the shot, followed by about 10 feet of movement back around the hill, just for clarification.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 87):

OOC: The Judge is waiting for the professor's Riding roll. Giving a little extra time today, before the Judge makes the roll.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 88):

Per the Judge's request:
15:40, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 5,1 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (4+1)5,1.  Riding Roll.

Also, I will spend a benny to fully unshake.

Events are happening fast on the plateau, with a half-dozen or so of the cattle moving eastward, gunfire being exchanged between bandits and the heroes, and two of the heroe's horses pound the earth heading west while a few other kids are now running free after their riders had dismounted.

The rifleman and the herbalist, who shows himself to be competent with the longarm even if perhaps less adept than the Texan, continue to combine their Winchester shots effectively. They drop another of the yellow-bandana hombres, this time the man who had tried to snatch up the first casualty's carbine as he ran to the northwest with a couple of the other bandits. Now, two of original six from around the campfire have fallen, two are moving towards the northwest, and two continue to stand their ground while firing at the professor and the guide, respectively. Meanwhile, the lookout at the hillock seems to have recovered, shooting at Red Shirt but grazing the flank of Poogoo instead as the guide rides towards the campfire on the southern flank. Hearing the lookout’s weapon report, the investigator moves around the hillock until he can sight that bandit, firing his Colt and shaking the man once again — as evidenced by the man shouting aloud again about being hit — and ducking back behind the hillock.

Meanwhile, the professor rides on the northern flank, nearing the cattle grazing area, with the intent to drive them towards the bandits. At least one flaw in that plan reveals itself, as some of the beeves — maybe a half-dozen — are already on the move and headed generally eastward. One of them is headed straight for Sweet Pea. The professor urges the mare to avoid the cow, while at the same time he feels a bullet grazing his left shoulder and leaving him a mite shaken. Fortunately, Earnest shrugs off the effects, noticing that one of the bandits has already reached the grazing area and has a number of beeves between him and the heroes.

Walker and Richardson now see only one man that they can both target easily, just west of the two lifeless bandit bodies. However, both of the heroes have witnessed and heard the movement of the beeves and both realize that their lines of sight could be hindered by the moving cows at any given time. Both of the Winchester shooters see another man farther away near the valley walls; he has a number of beeves between him and the heroes, making him an unlikely target. And Jake glimpses two more on south side of the campfire, but Red Shirt’s current path could easily interfere with his line of sight there, perhaps even putting the Paiute and his mount in jeopardy of being hit. Lastly, Walker realizes that the kids dismounted by Jake and Tracy are headed in his direction, perhaps following Ned’s lead, as that kid had headed north after being slapped by the herbalist.

OOC: On the updated group 3 map, the dead bandits are now outlined in red. Per the narrative above; Dave and Jake see options but all have drawbacks — the best shot is the same for both; that is the man standing firm, who has been shooting at the professor. While Jake and Tracy have some cover behind the hillock, Walker sees that he is in possible danger — in the next 10-12 seconds — from beeves heading east and towards the entrance to the valley where the herbalist is lying prone.

New initiative order (still no Jokers drawn!)

Daniel  Eight Spades  Fourth
Dave  King Spades First
Earnest  Nine Hearts  Third
Jake Two Spades  Last
Red Shirt Ten Hearts, Ten Clubs Second
Tracy  Four Clubs   Sixth
Opponents  Five Clubs  Fifth

It is Walker’s turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 90):

Walker sees the coming cattle and recognizes the immediate danger. Taking a quick look to his left he sees an alcove that would give him cover from both the coming cattle and any gunfire.

~ Seems like an obvious choice - better get a move on ~

OOC: It looks like he is about 10' from the alcove to his left and a bit behind him... I'm guessing an agility test is in order...

12:04, Today: Dave Walker rolled 9,5 using d10,d6 with rolls of 9,5.  Agility to take cover in alcove.

In reply to Dave Walker (msg # 91):

OOC: The Judge has sent a PM to Walker to clarify something during the herbalist's action. The Judge will post for RS later this evening and then it will be Earnest's turn. As before, the actions of Earnest and RS aren't likely to impact each other, so the Judge encourages the professor to make his action post at his earliest convenience, even if the Judge hasn't posted yet for the Paiute.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 92):

OOC: Per the Judge's PM... the movement was a free action... so Walker can take a shot...

As Walker hurriedly makes his way to the alcove, he spots Daniel and the horses in the trail behind him.

~ The kid, and the kids, are all about to get stampeded back there - no one deserves to die that way. ~

Turning back toward the stampede he decides to take a shot at the lead animal.

OOC: take a shot at the cow closest to him:

19:03, Today: Dave Walker rolled 1,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3.  Take a shot at the closest cow.

19:03, Today: Dave Walker rolled 7,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,5.  Burn a benny to kill a cow.

Damage roll:

19:05, Today: Dave Walker rolled 9 using 2d8, rerolling max with rolls of 7,2.  Eating some steak tonight!

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 92):

Earnest continues to ride to the south side of the rocky outcrop he is heading for. He will slow and take a quick shot at the man just south of the cattle, then begin to whoop and use Sweet Pea to move the cattle south.

17:26, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 6,11 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,(6+5)11.  Shoot at nearest bandit.

---

OOC: I'm sure he'll have lots of negs, but it's a pretty decent roll so here's the damage (incl the raise) just in case:
17:29, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 22,1 using 2d6+1,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+6+4)16,5,1.  Damage.

Also, I realize that I listed a lot of action up there... not all needs to be accomplished this round, just thought I'd lay out Earnest's plan!
This message was last edited by the player at 23:33, Mon 12 Aug 2019.

Red Shirt senses the imminent panic emanating from his mount. Poogoo had been grazed and the gelding remained shaken, slowing down. Despite his feelings for the horse, the Paiute knows what must be done, under these circumstances.

Swinging his left leg over the back of the saddle, Red Shirt begins to dismount, while keeping his right foot strong in the stirrup. Hanging on in this way, he turns the mount, forcibly, to the north-northwest, dragging his boots into the earth. Finally, the guide disengages, rolling onto the earth not far from the two dead bandits, leaving the spooked horse to its own instincts. All the while, the Paiute keeps his carbine in hand.

Daniel Knight recognizes the oncoming danger, seeing Dave Walker moving to the small alcove on the southern edge of the trail, just above the canyon and then hearing the Winchester's report. Thinking only about the kids in his care, Daniel talks to the horses and begins to turn them around, in preparation for a retreat should the beeves continue to come rushing towards Walker and the exit leading out of the valley.

The bandits continue to fight and flee -- and die.

While the professor's shot takes down the man near the grazing area, the nearby enemy that had been shooting at ENS with a long arm continues to do so. Fortunately, the firing bandit misses, probably high as Earnest detects no impact of the bullet in the nearby terrain. A moment later, the shooter moves toward the man that the professor had just plugged, as does the yellow-bandana boy farthest to the southwest, who breaks into a run towards the southwestern corner of the grazing land.

Meanwhile, the bandit facing down Red Shirt remains patient, waiting for the Paiute to dismount and thereby relinquish the cover gained from his riding trick. The enemy fires a shot that grazes the Paiute although it seems to have no immediate effect, and then begins to move towards the campfire and in the direction of his fleeing pards.

Lastly, the lookout stays hunkered down on the opposite side of the hillock from Windham and Richardsen.

OOC: it is Tracy's turn.

EDIT: Inserted missing word
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:10, Tue 13 Aug 2019.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 97):

~Damn, I don't think I got him.~

Tracy thought that he might have heard a rustling around the bend of the hillock; perhaps the lookout was closer to his side of the rock face now.

Hearing the cattle rapidly approaching from the other side towards Daniel and the kids, the investigator briefly considers intercepting them and slowing them down.

~If I were to go after the cattle, I risk turning my back on the lookout and allowing him to fire at both myself and Jake. I think I've got to take him out once and for all.~

Shuffling back around the hillock with his Colt at the ready, Tracy prepared himself to fire one more shot at the lookout. Sure enough, the Californian met the owlhoot more quickly than his first attempt and fired another round at him before scampering back around to his previous position.

OOC:

10:22, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 8,5 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 8,5.  Shooting, lookout.

10:22, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 3,3 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,3.  Damage, lookout.

With the +1, this brings Damage to 7.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 98):

OOC: It is now Jake's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 99):

"Sumbitch shoulda had the good sense to jest lie down an' bleed," Jake muttered to Mister Windham as the Californian reappeared next to the Texan after scooting around to the far side of the rise and shooting the lookout . . . again.

By the rifleman's count, that meant that Windham had put three slugs into the hombre -- the first shot (which had assuredly hit, given the yelp from the lookout) had been a very tough, long-range shot for a man using a pistol, but the last two had been at very short range -- and given the Californian's skill with his sidearm, Jake would have been willing to give very good odds that they had both also hit.

~Nice one, Perfesser!~ the Texan thought to himself as he saw the Easterner gun down one of the bandits who had almost made it to the area where the beeves had first been grazing.

That still left the owlhoot who had seemingly been targeting Earnest with his longarm. Jake lined up his shot and fired, and was gratified to see his target tumble over backwards as his hat flew up into the air, giving the impression that the hombre had been head-shot.

---

OOC:

Free Action: Speak to Tracy.

Action: 13:58, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 6,5 using d10+4,d6+4, rerolling max with rolls of 2,1.  Ranged Attack With Winchester.

14:00, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 11,9 using d10+4,d6+4 with rolls of 7,5.  Benny Re-Roll (Ranged Attack: Winchester).


14:02, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 20,4 using 2d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,(8+8+2)18,4.  Damage (Winchester).

Total Damage: With Raise: 24; Without Raise:20

Notes: I thought it likely that Jake's shot would result in a Hit and a Raise, so I rolled Damage that way. Obviously, the Judge can deduct the d6 Damage if it does not apply.

With that much Damage, I am reminded of the scene in "Open Range" where Charley Waite (Kevin Costner's character) knocks a hard-case flat on his ass with a head-shot to open the final gunfight.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 100):

OOC: So I suppose it's no coincidence that Jake's icon is KC from that film.

The Judge is preparing for the end of round narrative and next draw.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:19, Tue 13 Aug 2019.

OOC: Award that man a Benny! :)
This message was last edited by the player at 01:26, Wed 14 Aug 2019.

The gun battle continues, with beeves and horses running every which way.

The professor had an inkling to stir up the cattle, but he realizes now that his specific actions had little to do with the chaos on the plateau. The gun fire had spooked the livestock plenty enough. Earnest had to dodge a cow himself already and he had glimpsed a few head running toward the eastern entrance to the valley, from which the heroes had entered. Through all of that, Ringgenberg targeted one of the running bandits and put a bullet in him.

In those same moments, in the vicinity of the valley entrance and the nearby hillock, the professor's pards continue to fire upon the bandits -- or at a stampeding beeve in Walker's case -- while Red Shirt holds the attention of two of the bandits and gives a third the cause to flee. All three of the heroes succeed in their efforts ... the investigator finally taking down the lookout on the other side of the hillock; the rifleman punching the cowpoke who didn't even possess the horse-sense to lay prone during the heat of battle; and the herbalist giving the cow a good grazing, enough to slow the beeve down and alter its course. A good outcome, except for the fact that the big girl is now veering towards Jake and Tracy.

OOC: These are Extras, after all, it's right natural that they get wasted by the heroes in the same fashion as Charley Waite dispensed with the Extras in Open Range. Updated map is ready, blah, blah, cache.

FYI, the lookout was shaken a couple of times but not wounded until this third shot. He failed to unshake after Windham's previous shot and so another shaken result while already shaken results in a wound, killing him.

New round initiative order.

Daniel  Six Clubs  Sixth
Dave  Joker!  First or whenever he wants
Earnest  Nine Clubs  Fifth
Jake Two Diamonds  Last
Red Shirt Eight Diamonds, King Diamonds Third
Tracy  Ace Diamonds   Second
Opponents  Queen Hearts  Fourth

It is Dave Walker's turn, if he wants to go first. Walker may go at any time in the round and the herbalist gets the +2 trait roll bonus this round
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:25, Wed 14 Aug 2019.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 103):

Walker is relieved to see that his shot on the cow had it change its course away from the entrance to the East.

~ Guess I'll have to wait for that steak ~

He looks around the cover provided by the carved rock and sights up the bandit farthest to the west.

OOC: 06:30, Today: Dave Walker rolled 19,7 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (8+8+1)17,5.  Taking a shot at the bandit to the west.

Damage (I assume this does not include the +2 since it's not a trait test):

06:31, Today: Dave Walker rolled 7 using 2d8, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4.  Damage on the bandit to the west (Winchester).
This message was last edited by the player at 01:31, Thu 15 Aug 2019.

In reply to Dave Walker (msg # 104):

OOC: That's a raise on the hit, go ahead and roll the +1d6 for damage.

BTW, there was a risk there that beeves or Poogoo could have interfered with Walker's shot, being so far across the small valley. With the Joker, you can get away with stuff like that.

OOC: Looks like the Judge will need to use some bennies if the PCs keep rolling Aces. So far, have refrained as all of the mooks fought so far have been Extras. While on the topic, it's worth reminding the PCs that one wound drops an Extra.

BTW, that's a good film. It stands up over more than one viewing. A couple of years later, Duvall (Costner's co-star in Open Range), was in yet another western TV mini-series with a similar underlying theme: Broken Trail (a two-parter, really, just a long movie broken in two). Recommended.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:11, Wed 14 Aug 2019.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 103):

OOC: It is Windham's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 105):

OOC: Here is the additional d6 damage:

08:19, Today: Dave Walker rolled 3 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3.  Additional damage for the raise.

In reply to Dave Walker (msg # 108):

OOC: Thanks. BTW, the Joker does get +2 to all damage rolls, as well. Total = 12.

Because this happened with the drawn Joker, the Judge is ruling that all PCs see the result of Walker's immediate shot across the valley. The running bandit falls face first into the rocky valley floor, just south of the edge of the grazing area. Anyone who might have targeted that body can see there is no need.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:30, Wed 14 Aug 2019.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 109):

~ Must be gettin' crowded down there Darla... ~

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 103):

Tracy smiled wryly at Jake. “Would’ve saved me some time—and a bullet.”

Tracy tried to peer around the rock face towards the campfire, hoping to spy the other remaining bandits. Tracy knew that he would have to be careful moving around in open space, as his pistol was no match for their longarms from distance.

“Jake, you got an idea how many are left?”

Turning to his left, the investigator caught sight of one of the beeves lumbering towards their position. He attempted to look closely at its movements and determine whether it was a threat to him and the Texan.

OOC:

I know that Tracy’s study of the cow requires a Notice roll, but I was unsure about the look around the hillock. Here are two Notice rolls to apply for either ruling. First is for the cow, second is at -2 for the look around the hillock should it be necessary.

20:24, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 4,5 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,5.  Notice, cow.

20:25, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 12,9 using d6-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of (6+6+2)14,(6+5)11.  Notice, look around hillock.

Standing tall now, having landed safely on his feet after his riding trick, Red Shirt raises his carbine to his shoulder. He faces the last of the bandits, roughly 40 feet separating them. The guide speaks after hearing Walker's Winchester ring out across the valley.

"Only one chance to surrender," says the Paiute, as if he were reading a list of dry goods he intended to purchase at Taylor's.

In reply to Red Shirt (msg # 112):

The last bandit, a hardcase who had stood his ground for the entire battle and somehow come out unscathed, listens to the Paiute that he had grazed with a ball from his Spencer just a few moments earlier -- not to mention the fact that he had also drawn blood from Poogoo not long before.

Glancing around at the beeves and his dead compadres, the yellow-bandana feller lowers his own carbine.

"I reckon I'll take it."

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 113):

OOC: It is Ringgenberg's turn. Note that the professor can't really hear the conversation between RS and the HC.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 114):

Not taking any chances with the oncoming beeves, and still working hard to keep the kids from panic, Daniel Knight had turned the remuda around, slowly. It had proved difficult, but the rancher's son had persevered. Now, he gently brings the group to a trot back the way they had come, glancing over his shoulder and listening for any indications that beeves might be on the trail behind them.

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

OOC: Given current circumstances, the Judge is open to accelerating the end of this combat. Daniel's actions don't impact any of the PCs, so the Judge posted his actions before Earnest.

The Judge still wants to play out Earnest's and Jacob's actions to complete the round; however it seems unlikely that their actions will directly impact each other, so the Judge has told Jake to post at his convenience.  Technically, it is still Earnest's turn and the Judge will take that into account in any adjudication or summary narration, as needed. Nonetheless, since Earnest has indicated interest in the western area of the small valley, the Judge expects that the professor's actions will keep him in that area during his turn.

Lastly, the Judge had incorporated the possibility of a stampede. That made the combat more interesting (in this man's opinion) but continuing to play out any results of the running beeves would only distract from moving forward at this time. Thus, Windham's Notice rolls (I sent PM about these, both should have been at -2), result in the investigator seeing that the cow grazed struck by Walker is slowing down now, as are the other beeves that were following her. It looks to the Californian that situation will resolve itself, happily.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:52, Thu 15 Aug 2019.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 114):

Earnest was about to close distance with the man running towards him when the runner suddenly dropped like a stone. Looking south, Earnest sees that the remaining man appears to be giving up, so he decides to ride (at a more leisurely pace) more to the west to ensure there are no surprises waiting for them in that piece of hidden canyon.

13:17, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 3,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,5.  Notice: Hidden canyon 'alcove'.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:18, Thu 15 Aug 2019.

In reply to Daniel Knight (msg # 115):

Walker sees the yellow-neck lower his weapon and assumes that Red has given him an offer he can't refuse. Must be tough seeing all your friends getting gunned down and not being able to do anything about it - that will be hard to live with.

Turning back toward Daniel he yells out "Hey kid! Come on back, we're good!"

In reply to Daniel Knight (msg # 115):

"If'n you gunned down the lookout, I think that we're down to one now, and, hold on . . . I cain't tell for shore, but I think that Red Shirt just talked that hardcase into standin' down," Jake answered the Californian's question.

Not entirely sure what the beeves were of a mind to do and a mite skittish by reason of that, the Texan lowered his rifle and climbed up atop the small rise that he and Mister Windham had been using for cover. He didn't think that there were any owlhoots left who would be able to put some lead into him, a runaway beeve could kill him just as dead -- but he hoped that hopefully they would pass around him on the sides of hillock, if it came to that.

---

OOC:

Free Action: Speak to Tracy.

Move: Jake will move up atop the hillock that Tracy and the Texan have been using for cover.

OOC: Please resume free posting (as Dave Walker has already anticipated). This combat is over. The bandit who surrendered is the last one in the valley. The Judge will provide an updated map and add summary narrative as needed, but the PCs should resume free posting (narrative, conversation, etc.) as desired.

The gun battle had lasted less than a minute, roughly two score seconds. Numerous rounds had echoed in the valley and the canyon to the south, it's name on the map now completely accurate.

As Red Shirt convinces the last bandit to surrender, Earnest continues his ride to the west, getting a good look at the western end of this small valley. The Paiute keeps his aim on the bandit next to the campfire, apparently waiting for others to join him. Tracy, casting his glance around the hillock sees this, as does Jacob after the Texan scrambles up the hillock. Dave remains in his alcove, shouting to Daniel, although the herbalist isn't even sure the young Knight can hear him, as the last of the horses is almost out of his view.

OOC: See updated game map. The professor has discovered the passage out of the canyon. If characters move about, please continue to use the map in references, e.g., move to the campfire, go north to round up the horses, move up the eastern trail to help Daniel, move to the passage and explore, whatever.

Please tally your bullets (including all used in the adventure so far) in your character sheet. Each of the PCs took a reasonable amount of ammunition, but bullets are not inexhaustable. No one reached the need to reload in this combat, but that could happen in a longer gun fight, iffin' one were to occur.

In reply to Dave Walker (msg # 117):

Walker hears a holler in return, just as the last horse in the remuda disappears behind the switchback wall. "What was that?" The herbalist realizes that in his position so close to the canyon, his words have echoed mightily.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:47, Fri 16 Aug 2019.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 120):

Satisfied that no one is likely to be coming through here anytime soon, Earnest rides over towards the campfire and Red Shirt.

This one gave up, eh?

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 122):

"So far," answers Red Shirt, keeping his carbine aimed at the bandit.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 120):

Tracy turned around the hillock and ran quickly towards Red Shirt and the final bandit, making a mental note to search the other owlhoots for evidence before they left the valley. Flanking the guide, Tracy readied his Colt, focusing its barrel on the bandit.

"What were you all doing out here?" He posed the question to the remaining cowpoke, curious as to what he would reveal.

As the investigator awaited an answer, he scanned the man up and down.

OOC:

13:06, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 4,7 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,(6+1)7.  Notice, final cowpoke.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 124):

The last bandit shrugs. "Mindin' our own business."

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 124):

Windham observes the lanky, hardy-looking feller, who wears buckskin trousers, a plain shirt, military-style boots and a light colored cowboy hat with yellow-bandana tied around it. He has a knife and a sidearm in a holster -- and still holds his carbine in one hand, pointed at the ground.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:20, Fri 16 Aug 2019.

Seeing Red Shirt and a couple of his pards clustering around the captured hardcase, Jake decided that the first thing that he needed to do was to find his own mount -- and Mister Windham's too, if wasn't too difficult to deal with both horses.

---

OOC: Hopefully Jake's and Tracy's mounts haven't wandered so far afield that a Notice Check is needed to spot them. But, with all the commotion, it's possible. Just give me a shout if you need one, Judge.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 127):

OOC: No roll needed; just takes a little time.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msgs # 125 and 126):

"Uh huh." Tracy's eyes dart to the carbine and then back to the bandit. "You mind dropping that weapon? I'm sure my friends and I have some more questions for you, and we'd feel a lot more comfortable talking without it in your hand."

The investigator pauses a moment.

"I for one know I'll be keeping mine pointed at you until you drop it. I imagine my friend here feels the same."
This message was last edited by the player at 21:38, Sat 17 Aug 2019.

In reply to Daniel Knight (msg # 121):

Walker steps out from the alcove to get a better look at the situation unfolding between the yellow neck and Red.

"Shooting's done kid!" he yells back again to Daniel.

In reply to Dave Walker (msg # 130):

"Oh!" shouts the young Knight. "Thank the Father."

With the same care he had taken to turn the kids away from the valley, Daniel now re-directs them back into the valley. Walker can hear the their movement.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 129):

The bandit glances at the each of the nearby heroes, then focuses his attention on the only one speaking to him, Tracy Windham.

"All right," he says, bending his knees and laying down the carbine. "You have me at a disadvantage, which ain't too comfortable for me, neither. "

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 128):

Jake turned his attention to the two horses that he and Mister Windham had turned loose during the heat of the battle.

He resolved to approach Jack first, in the hopes that if his own horse could be gentled and brought under control, that might make it easier to deal with the Californian's mount -- the name of which escaped the Texan at the moment.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 132):

Earnest also looked the man over, with his own pistol still in hand. When Tracy makes his request, Earnest adds to it.

Please include your pistol and knife as well, no need to waste time.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 134):

The bandit sneers. "You want my trousers and boots as well?"

Slowly removing his revolver, the only surviving bandit from the campfire speaks again. "I remind you that you were the aggressors here. Rode in shootin' and killin' and damn near caused a stampede."

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 135):

~He has a point. I fired the first shot on these men, setting off that firefight. And he likely doesn’t know his fellow Bandanas attacked us the other day.~

While thinking, Tracy kept a neutral expression. He didn’t want to give away his thoughts to the bandit. For now, he ignored the man’s remarks.

“Are there any more of your pards in the area?”

He hoped that this would provoke a false response from the bandit.

As he busied himself with trying to gather up Jack and Mister Windham's mount, Jake spied Mister Walker's kid as well, a little ways off.

~Waal, reckon I oughtta try an' bring 'em all three in, if'n I can,~ the Texan thought to himself.

---

OOC:

Edit: Fixed some commands, or prompts, or whatever 'tis that one calls those little doo-hickies.</orange>
This message was last edited by the player at 23:34, Mon 19 Aug 2019.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 136):

At the man's last statement Earnest gives Tracy a stern look, but otherwise remains silent to wait for his answer to Tracy's question.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 136):

"Nope. I reckon it pains you to know there are no more of us to shoot."
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:11, Tue 20 Aug 2019.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 139):

~ Tex is off rustlin' up the horses while the ghosts of these men run the valley - it's a fine line between life and death. ~

Now that the gunfight is over, Walker joins the men holding the yellow-neck at gunpoint. Hearing the man's comment Walker couldn't resist.

"Well, there is one more we can shoot - keep talkin' buddy, you're makin' it easier to finish the job..."

In reply to Dave Walker (msg # 140):

"I figured you wanted me to talk. I can shut up," states the bandit, setting his knife on the ground next to his revolver.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 141):

~Damn it, Walker. Yes, he’s being a pest, but we really do want him to keep talking.~

Still, Tracy thought he had an ace in the hole, should the final bandit attempt to quit talking or give unhelpful information. For now though, the investigator continued his previous line of questioning.

“Sad to hear that you’re the last of your kind,” Windham replied to his prior remark, a bit sardonically in response to the cowpoke’s sneering demeanor.

“Now why’d I spot so many men sporting that yellow bandana of yours in this group? Seems a mite curious that you all should don that same article; I want to know the reason.”

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 142):

"You had to kill six men so's you could ask a question about our neckerchiefs?" The bandit shrugs as if it means nothing to him, although Tracy, Earnest and Dave all notice that he seems a mite dismayed by the investigator's mention of the yellow bandanas.

"That is downright odd itself, but I reckon it does not matter iffin' you plan to shoot me down as soon as you get your answer. I might as well keep you guessing."
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:30, Tue 20 Aug 2019.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 143):

Earnest finally decides to chime in.

So whose cattle are these?

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 144):

"In the end, the good Lord's, I reckon."

Daniel Knight leads the kids into the valley. He stays mounted, watching Richardsen round up three of the heroes horses ... Ned, Gus and Jack.

The young Knight glances towards the others, surveying the battlefield. He lingers on each of the other men his father had hired, who seem to be questioning the only living bandit in sight. Daniel remains near the hillock where the rifleman and the investigator had made their play during the gun fight.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:42, Wed 21 Aug 2019.

The cattle and, a few horses that had been grazing with them, begin to meander back toward the western end of the valley, resuming the feeding and ruminating.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 143):

Frustrated with himself more than with the bandit, Tracy addresses him more stiffly and directly.

“Right then. I got all the shooting going with this pistol; I’d be more than fine with ending it right now, no matter what some of my pards might think.” Tracy shoots Earnest a sharp glance in his mind’s eye.

“Now we’re looking for a young girl, taken from her family by some men around here. That brought us to you. Either you’ve got some information on her whereabouts or the folks who took her, or you’re of no use to us.”

The investigator left the man to imagination the consequences, should he choose not to be of use.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 148):

The bandit's aloofness disappears. His visage turns more serious and his words more poignant.

"I can be of use to you. Now, iffin you are planning to shoot me after I prove useful, anyhow, let us get on with that, directly."

Jake neared the little group of men, riding his own horse and holding the reins of Mister Windham's and Mister Walker's mounts in his free hand.

Once he got close enough, he dismounted. Now holding all three horses' reins, he quietly observed and listened in on the ongoing conversation with the captured hombre.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 149):

Earnest looks over towards the canyon entrance and waves at Daniel to come over, then turns back to the conversation.

I hope you can help, what's your name mister?
This message was last edited by the player at 22:25, Wed 21 Aug 2019.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 151):

"Does that matter?" replies the bandit, returning his attention momentarily to the professor.

"I suppose I ought to make my words more clear," he says, to all of his captors before he lands his eyes on Windham. "I will tell you nothing without some kind of offer to ensure my skin. Back scratching, and all of that."

He pauses but not long enough for anyone to interject. "I mean to say, you have not even had the courtesy to lie to me about my safety, let alone give me reason to believe you will actually spare my life in exchange for the information you want. So just get on with the killing and at least I shall remain loyal to the men you want me to betray. Iffin' I see them in the afterlife, I can at least still look them in the eye."
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:49, Thu 22 Aug 2019.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 151):

Daniel Knight leads the small remuda towards Richardsen and the other kids. He remains mounted, looking over the heads of the other men as the bandit says his piece. If anyone were looking at his face, it would seem he is a mite perplexed -- or maybe just struggling to catch up with the conversation.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 152):

“I’ll let my friends speak for themselves, but if you help us find her, I for one won’t kill you.”

At that, Tracy lowers his Colt and returns it to its holster, waiting for others in his party to make their own decisions.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 154):

The bandit nods at Windham's gesture. His eyes scan the other men.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 152):

Earnest takes in the man's words.

I think I can speak for the group when I say none of us are going to kill an unarmed and compliant man. That being said, we do have some locals with us who I'm sure could tell us whose brands these cattle have, which will likely reveal you as a cattle rustler... what is the penalty for that in these parts?

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 156):

The bandit shrugs. "More threats. All right." He glances at the other men to see if indeed he professor does speak for them, or if any of the others speak up for themselves.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 157):

"Waal," the Texan drawled, "I don't reckon I'll shoot you, not 'less you got a hold-out gun an' try to shoot one of us, or try an' maeke a run for it, or do sumpthin' equally lame-brained."

Jake thought for a moment, and then added "An' respectin' that cattle-rustlin' . . . waal now, I ain't the judge, mind you -- but if'n I was, an' I was to hear that you haelped out the posse who was a-lookin' for that girl . . . waal, that jest might be a waey you could improve the pre-dick-amint that you prez-ently find yerself in."

---

OOC: Edit: Added missing letter and made minor edit, as marked; that was too many "waals", even for Jake. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 16:29, Fri 23 Aug 2019.

The Paiute adds his voice, briefly, after Jacob. "What they said goes for me."

He then moves towards Poogoo and examines the kid to see whether the gun shot that spooked the gelding might have had any lasting effects.

"Daniel," he says, "please help."

The young Knight had needed a little time to catch up on the conversation. Now, as he dismounts and moves to help the Paiute with his mount, Daniel offers his thoughts.

"That girl is my sister, Elizabeth. If you help us find her, and if you repent, I will advocate for your freedom."

"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you."

Hearing most of the men give some assurance -- and finally hearing Daniel's words -- the bandit speaks again.

"I will tell you how to find Elizabeth, if you let me take one those kids," he begins, gesturing towards the horses that are grazing with the cattle, "and ride out of this dale."

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 161):

That deal sounded pretty good to the investigator, assuming that the bandit wouldn’t ride off and let the other men know that they were coming. Tracy needed a few more details before he personally would strike this agreement.

“You mean to say that you’d ride out right after giving us the directions? Where would you be headed?” Windham hoped the cowpoke would see the implication in his questions without having to spell it all out.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 161):

"So, you're pro-posin' that we jest let you ride awaey, trustin' that what you tell us is truthful, an' that it maey prove to be of some benefit to us?" Jake asked the bandit, sounding rather doubtful.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 163) and Tracy Windham (msg #162):

Nodding, the bandit responds to the rifleman and the investigator.

"Much the same as I will be trustin' your word not to shoot me in the back before I even mount up, once I have told you what you need to know."

Taking a breath, the hardcase with the yellow bandana tied around his hat continues the negotiation. "Yes, I will tell you where and how to find Elizabeth. Then you will let me ride out. There is only one way to get there ... you will be goin' that way and I will be goin' the other way." As he speaks of going each way, the bandit initially gestures towards the west and then points to the entrance of the valley where the heroes had gained egress not five minutes ago.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:59, Sat 24 Aug 2019.

In reply to Red Shirt (msg # 159):

Having stated aloud his thinking on the matter, Daniel leaves the negotiating to the men that his father had hired and gives his full attention to what he does best.

The young Knight examines the Paiute's kid and offers a welcome report while cleaning a spot on the gelding's neck. "Just a tiny graze. Spooked him, is all. There's a good boy, Poogoo," he adds, as he continues his ministrations.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 164):

"How 'bout we tie this guy up and leave him over there in the shade for a few minutes while we take a step back and discuss our options in private?"

In reply to Dave Walker (msg # 166):

Earnest nods at Jake's suggestion.

That sounds like a good plan Jake... but first.

He turns to the man.

Why are you so willing to sell out the friends that you were looking forward to "look in the eye" in the afterlife?

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 167):

"A little gun fight 'got you all shook up huh? Walker - the name's Walker... nice to meet ya... " he says with a sly grin.

OOC: LOL
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 17:35, Sat 24 Aug 2019.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 167):

"It is a simple matter, sir. I am willing only because it is my only real chance to survive. But I am unwilling if it means my death in any case, which I think I have made clear."

In reply to Dave Walker (msg # 166):

"I will watch him. You make decision," says Red Shirt to the herbalist, after Walker suggests tying up the bandit and then having a private conversation. The Paiute leaves Poogoo in the care of Daniel Knight, readying his Spencer yet again and taking a position near the campfire.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:20, Sun 25 Aug 2019.

In reply to Red Shirt (msg # 170):

"Thanks," Jake said to the Paiute when Red Shirt offered to keep an eye on the prisoner.

"Walker, hunh?" he dead-panned, playing along with the New Yorker's little joke. "I've heard tell of you. You must be a right big bug."

Glancing around at his other companions, the Texan added "Ready when y'all are."

As if to eliminate any doubts, he added "C'mon, Daniel. You got a seat at this table."

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 171):

Finishing his treatment for Poogoo, Daniel nods and follows the Texan and the New Yorker.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 171):

Earnest dismounts his horse and joins the others, looking with a sheepish grin at Dave as they walk.

Apologies Mr. Walker, I was a bit to focused on our captive here.

---

OOC: ...and that's the truth of it! I was so focused on my question for the guy, I completely misread who posted!

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 171):

Joining the others in the private conversation, Tracy offers an initial thought.

“It seems like he really could point us towards Elizabeth, making me personally want to agree to his terms. However, it might be foolhardy to trust him.” After a quick pause, Tracy continues.

“He seems pretty set on these terms, but perhaps we could slightly alter them. However, if we push too hard to adjust the deal in our favor, he may refuse outright, threatening our chances of finding her. All in all, this makes me want to go along with his deal. What are your thoughts?”

Having finished speaking, Tracy looked at every man in turn, indicating his interest in other opinions.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 174):

"I'm thinkin' we need to somehow make sure he is tellin' us the truth before we go rushing into any situation."

"I guess we have a few options..."

"We could take him with us and see if we can offer him back to them in trade for Elizabeth."

"... or we secure him and come back after we get Elizabeth, then let him go with a horse."

"I'm thinkin' we could also take some of the yellow bandanas here and make ourselves look like part of the group, maybe even ride with some of this cattle up the pass... that way we could get pretty close without raising any alarms, then get the jump on 'em."

"Either way I don't expect this man to tell us the truth about anything unless he sees a real way out for himself."

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 174):

and

In reply to Dave Walker (msg # 175):

Jake bit off a chaw of tobacco and started in on it as the others voiced their opinions.

"Aw, hell," he said after the conversation had reached a lull. "I reckon I'm in-clined to go with the man's deal."

"Law an' order is good, I reckon, but it oughtn't be the be-all an' the end-all."

He glanced at the Perfesser and Mister Walker. "After we couldn't fight no more an' the War ended, thaere was a sizeable con-tin-jent uhv folks from y'all's part uhv the country that wanted to hang those of us who wore the gray -- or butternut, thaere towards the end -- for traitors. Hell, even Marse Robert thought that he might be hung -- an' thaere was some that wanted to do it."

"So I ain't all worked up about punishin' the man. If'n he can haelp us git Elizabeth back, I say we traede him a bandit's horses for his informaeshunn, an' go with it."

"Even if'n he lies to us, it ain't like we've given up sumpthin' of all that much value to us in re-turn."

In reply to Dave Walker (msg # 175), Jacob Richardsen (msg # 176):

Listening to Walker and Jake voice their opinions, Tracy found that he had some responses of his own.

To Walker, the investigator began.

“Problem is, he has made it pretty clear that he won’t reveal Elizabeth’s location without a mount and an escape. Before he’s given his horse and the promise we won’t shoot him down, there seems to be no way he’ll give us the information he possesses. In my eyes, that truth makes it difficult to move forward with the plans you proposed, as they all require young Miss Knight’s location.”

After looking thoughtfully into the distance for a moment, Windham nods.

“Yes, Jake’s thoughts have further convinced me. Unless I receive some stronger reasons otherwise, I think it’s worth taking the Bandana Boy’s terms.”

Speaking of the bandanas, Tracy has a final idea.

“Perhaps we could convince him to add the meaning of the bandanas to the deal, plus the bandana itself. Since he claims to be betraying these men by giving us this information, I imagine he won’t be spending any more time with them in the future.”

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 177):

and

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 174):

"Well, just a few minutes ago neither of you sounded like you trusted the man... and now you're thinkin' he's tellin' the truth?"

"Y'all ever play poker?"

"If after 15 minutes you don't know who the sucker is... then you're it!"

"I don't trust a single thing comin' out of his mouth, I say we shoot him now and stop wastin' our time here."

In reply to Dave Walker (msg # 178):

Earnest listens and rubs his chin.

I like the idea of tying him up until we return from getting Elizabeth, but I doubt he'd go for it... Mr. Walker's idea of "riding up the pass" won't work... that western passage  is only enough for a man to squeeze through.

My main concern about letting him go is that he knows of some route that he could take to warn the other bandits... is that a possibility Red Shirt?

In reply to Dave Walker (msg # 178):

Tracy shook his head.

“It’s not about whether or not we trust him. As Jake said, we don’t give up much by letting him go with a horse, but we potentially learn how to find Elizabeth, allowing us to complete our mission.”

Reiterating his point, Tracy concludes his thought.

“It’s not about trust; it’s about taking a calculated risk. That’s a part of poker as well.”

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 179):

"Well - we don't have to tell him about tying him up until after he tells us about Elizabeth... see if he changes his story."

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 179):

OOC: Per msg # 170 and # 171, Red Shirt is keeping watch over the bandit and not participating in this discussion. The Judge notes this because of the professor's question in msg # 179.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 179):

Daniel Knight had listened to conversation, keeping his thoughts to himself until now. His words seem to indicate that he is leaving the decision to the others.

"I am curious about this western passage, professor. What else do we know about it? Maybe he has already told us something worth knowing. Anyhow, I reckon it is time we moved on, whatever you decide."

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

OOC: The Judge is reluctant to have Daniel involved in any given decision. He has, and will, participate in conversations, but the decisions must be made by the players. Moreover, the Judge is leveraging the "what has been posted publicly is common knowledge" in regard to the western passage. Only Earnest has seen it, but the Judge assumes that all PCs now know about it -- and the bandit gestured in that direction in an earlier IC post.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:57, Wed 28 Aug 2019.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 180):

"I figured you to be more of a Donkey player ."

OOC: OK a bit of a delayed reaction there post-wise, but bored waiting for a conference call to start and figured Tracy's post deserved a witty reply :)

OOC: So when is the witty reply going to happen?

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 185):

OOC: LOL - award a benny to the Judge... who is most likely also on stand-by waiting for a conference call to start...

In reply to Daniel Knight (msg # 183):

Earnest turns towards Daniel.

As I mentioned, it's a very narrow passage, but I never went down it so that's all I know. Some of these bandits were heading for it, and our 'friend' over there already indicated that it was the way we should be going...

He pauses to rub his chin.

I propose we give him this offer: We are tying you up and securing you here. If you give us helpful information about retrieving Elizabeth, we will release you with a horse when we return. If not, then we will take you into the Sheriff when we return; and if we don't return, you'll have to hope your 'friends' find you.

That puts him in the position of having to trust us, which I much prefer to having to trust him! It also gives him incentive to help us, since it ends in a better deal and increases the chances of us returning. What do you think gentlemen?

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 187):

Tracy nodded approvingly. The professor’s plan was quite clever. The investigator did see one potential problem, however.

“What if he rejects this plan? I see that as quite possible, personally. While he might agree as it could save his skin, it could also leave him out to dry pretty easily. And what if his ‘friends’ come across him before we return? I doubt they would treat him kindly. Based on his comments this far, I think that he could conceive of these issues as well.”

“Again, all that being said, what if he refuses? Do we take his terms? Do we reject his terms and venture down the passage with no knowledge of what we’ll find?”

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 188):

Walker looks at Tex and gives him a wink...

Addressing Mr Windham: "What if we tie you up and leave you here with him as a sign of good faith?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:50, Thu 29 Aug 2019.

In reply to Dave Walker (msg # 189):

Tracy grinned at the New Yorker.

“I’m sure I’d be safe here while you made all your reckless decisions without me, Walker.”

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 190):

~ Gotta hand it to the kid Darla - he's got spunk! ~

OOC: The Judge is enjoying the PC conversation, but the players need to move the plot forward. Some kind of consensus needs to be reached.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 192):

OOC: I think we settled it... we are tying up Tracy and bandana cowboy in very compromizing positions and coming back for them later.

In reply to Dave Walker (msg # 193):

OOC: On a related note... just for shits n giggles I was going to paste a link to a picture of two guys hog tied... then I googled "two men hogtied" - Adding this to my list of things not to google... DON'T GOOGLE IT

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 190):

Earnest continues after the banter.

It would be better for him to help us, but even if he doesn't we already know the general direction to go and we've handled everything so far... we'll just have to go much more carefully.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 195):

OOC: Sounds like the PCs are close to agreement, per Earnest's summary.

Based on the professor's post, the Judge is prompted to reiterate: this adventure is designed to work regardless what particular choices are made in the adventure. Thus, Earnest is correct in this case, as it isn't critical for the PCs to "get information" from this bandit captive. It could help, but it isn't pivotal to continuing the plot.  As ENS put it -- you could just go down the next passage and see what happens.

At this time, the Judge asks the PCs to return to the bandit and make their pitch and see how he responds -- and then continue the negotiation, or tying up, or shooting dead, or whatever, as appropriate.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 195):

Tracy nods.

“That makes sense. Let’s do this.”

OOC:

This post indicates that Tracy is ready to go along with the Professor’s plan and head back to the bandit.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 197):

Jake shrugged, but made no comment. He felt that his companions were making too much of the fact that they didn't know if they could trust what the bandit told them.

The Texan wasn't really worried about giving the man a dead bandit's horse, on the possibility that they *might* gain some useful information about Elizabeth -- the potential gain was worth the negligible loss, in his opinion.

Still he wasn't inclined to keep arguing his point.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 197):

"OK, let's see what the man has to say."

OOC: From the Judge's perspective, all four PCs have agreed or at least not objected. Please rejoin the conversation with the bandit.

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

The bandit watches as the men who had moved away to confer now return as a group.

"Do we have an accord?" he asks.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 200):

Earnest looks steadily at the man.

Not yet, here is the deal we are offering. We are going to tie you up and secure you here... that is non-negotiable. If you help us with information, then upon our return here, we will release you with your horse and you can be on your way. If you decide to withhold your information, then upon our return we will deliver you to the local sheriff. If we don't return, you'll just have to hope for the best, but it stands to reason that you will increase our chances of return, not to mention your subsequent freedom, if you help us.

Earnest pauses to look at the others a moment.

What say you?

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 201):

The bandit pauses for a moment. The unarmed feller starts walking toward the hillock.

"To hell with that offer, that is what I say."

He breaks into a run.

OOC: Initiative. The Judge is using the honor system to determine whether any men have weapons ready. Think about what the PC has done since the combat ended -- if anything was stated explicitly as well as what the character would have done during he conversation.

Daniel  Nine Diamonds  Sixth
Dave  Jack Hearts  Fourth
Earnest  Nine Spades  Fifth
Jake Eight Clubs  Last
Red Shirt Eight Diamonds, King Diamonds Second
Tracy  Jack Spades   Third
Bandit  Joker!  First

(Wow, this was the actual draw, made after the Judge had decided the Bandit would reject the offer and start walking away. Added the "breaks into a run" before posting as a result of his Joker draw, and rolled his +1d6 for running.)

It is Red Shirt's turn (Judge will post momentarily), then Tracy's turn.

The Paiute raises his Spencer to his shoulder, but he holds his shot, at least for the moment.
This message was last updated by the GM at 23:57, Fri 30 Aug 2019.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 202):

When he hears the man’s retort, Tracy has one thought.

~I’m not surprised.~

As the man breaks into his run, the investigator leaps into action, drawing his Colt and sprinting headlong after him.

OOC:

12:15, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 4 using 1d6 with rolls of 4.  Tracy run.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:28, Sun 01 Sept 2019.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 204):

OOC: It is Walker's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 205):

OOC: I posted already (my die rolls are there, my benny was taken, but my post was not posted... weird). Here it is from memory:

~ Geezaz Darla, there goes another one ~

Walker calmly shoulders his rife and takes a shot

OOC: Assuming that getting ready with his rifle is his first action, shooting is now at -2:

14:54, Today: Dave Walker rolled 1,2 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4.  Shooting at the running bandit.

Burn a benny - want to get this guy!

14:56, Today: Dave Walker rolled -1,1 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3.  Burn a benny try to hit the running bandit again.

Nope, not this time!

In reply to Dave Walker (msg # 206):

OOC: I'm sure it couldn't possibly have been user error.

It is Earnest's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 207):

Earnest joins Tracy in running after the man, but tries to avoid getting in the shooting line until he gets closer.

10:11, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 1 using 1d6 with rolls of 1.  Running after bandit.
OOC: Off to a slow start.

The young knight sighs after the bandit starts to run and the other men react. He moves immediately to the horses and works to grab the reins as a quickly as possible in case any of them might get spooked by the resumption of gunfire in the dale.

OOC:
12:59, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 7,2 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+1)7,2.  DK Riding (calm horses).

It is Jacob's turn -- and RS option to use the held action -- and then the Judge will provide a narrative summary, re-shuffle and deal a new round of initiative.

In reply to Daniel Knight (msg # 209):

Jacob turned and hustled over to where Daniel was holding the reins of the horses. He quickly mounted Jack and sheathed his Winchester in the saddle-scabbard.

"Toss me the reins, Daniel," he said.

Once he had Jack under control, he called out to his companions, "Y'all don't shoot me. I'm goin' after him."

---

OOC: Jake will mount up in preparation for chasing the bandit. I leave it to the Judge's discretion as to whether he will have started off in pursuit as a result of this post.

The Paiute, his carbine still leveled as he looked down the sights, decides to hold his shot rather than mistakenly hit either Earnest or Tracy as they raced after the bandit.

Perhaps predictably, at least as evidenced by the bandit's own words before the men had congregated to discuss things, the last surviving yellow-bandana wearer had scoffed at the idea presented by the professor -- and then the man had made a dash.

He runs directly towards the hillock, catching the heroes off-guard. Not unawares, of course, just a mite flat-footed for a second.

The investigator is the first to act, chasing the bandit while drawing his Colt. Meanwhile, Red Shirt had aimed his carbine but held his shot. Walker decides to fire his Winchester, missing the bandit and almost hitting Windham instead. The professor begins to run eastward as well, not nearly as fast as Windham, who is catching up to the fleeing bandit, now roughly 20 yards from the hillock.

Daniel and Jake move towards the horses, which were 20 yards or so  north of the gathering near the campfire. The rancher's son tries to grab as many of the reins as he can, hearing herbalist's rifle report and thinking he needed to keep the kids from panicking all over again. The rifleman calls out, finding Jack amongst the kids and mounting up as quickly as possible.

OOC: See the updated group 3 map.

Daniel  Two Diamonds  Last
Dave  Eight Hearts Fifth
Earnest  Ace Clubs  Second
Jake Ace Hearts   First
Red Shirt Six Diamonds, Eight Spades  Fourth
Tracy  Five Spades  Sixth
Bandit  Queen Clubs Third

Grabbing the reins from Daniel, Jake spurs Jack and races towards the hillock.

OOC: It is Earnest's turn. Per the map, he finds himself about 10 yards behind Windham and bandit and he hears one of horses pounding the earth just behind him.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 214):

Hearing the horse behind him, Earnest redoubles his effort.

13:22, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 6 using 1d6 with rolls of 6.  Continue running.
Movement = 12" or 72 map ft (if I read the rules correctly?)

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 215):

OOC: Correct (with the roll of 6 on the +1d6).

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

The bandit continues running, picking up speed as he tries to stay ahead of his pursuers.

Red Shirt moves towards Daniel and the kids, finding Poogoo and mounting.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 20:16, Mon 02 Sept 2019.

OOC: It is Walker's turn. He sees two of his pards -- the investigator and the professor -- close behind the fleeing bandit, and Jake racing upon Jack slightly to the north. He believes he could take another shot, although there is a danger of hitting one of the two heroes.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 218):

~ Guess I'm gonna have to be extra careful with this shot... ~

OOC: Take a shot at the fleeing bandito

19:21, Today: Dave Walker rolled 14,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+6)14,4.  Take a shot at the fleeing bandito.

I believe that's a raise... rolling 2d8 + d6 for damage...

19:22, Today: Dave Walker rolled 9,8 using 2d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,5,(6+2)8.  Damage on the soon to be dead fleeing bandit.

In reply to Dave Walker (msg # 219):

OOC: It is Tracy's turn; he hears a weapon report from behind as he chases and sees the bandit lurch forward, apparently hit.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 220):

Seeing the man lurch forward, Tracy continues his chase.

OOC:

08:26, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 2 using 1d6 with rolls of 2.  Tracy run.

While Jake and Red Shirt had mounted up, with the Texan spurring Jack towards the hillock, Earnest and Tracy had continued their pursuit on foot. The bandit had managed to stay ahead of the investigator, almost reaching the hillock before he stumbled forward after being hit by a bullet from Walker's Winchester. Despite the fact that his pards could have been hit by any stray shot, the herbalist had chosen to fire again. Fortunately for the heroes, his aim was true.

Windham, being the closest, sees the bandit lurch forward and stumble three or four steps before collapsing on the floor of the small dale. Tracy reaches the spot where the bandit falls, with Earnest arriving a second or two later and Jake approaching atop Jack at the same time. All of the men see the spurting wound in the small of the man's back, while his cowboy hat rolls a foot or so away from the body. It is clear that the man is near death -- without any reasonable chance of recovery -- iffin' the shot didn't kill him instantly.

Meanwhile, Daniel continues to keep the kids calm -- and he thanks the Father for keeping the beeves from stampeding, again.

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

OOC: The Judge is summarizing here to expedite things, since Walker's shot will bring down the bandit. There is no need to update the map in the Judge's opinion. Let's resume free posting. The PCs need to move the plot forward at this time. A reminder for the PCs to take stock of ammunition used, as well as any items retrieved from dead bandits. The Judge would prefer explicit statements about anything that might be confiscated, as well as statements about re-loading weapons and what the PCs intend to do with the fallen bodies, the cattle and the couple of horses that the bandits possessed. Finally, as noted earlier by the professor, the passage to the west appears too narrow and treacherous for cattle or mounts, so if the PCs do indeed go that way as was mentioned earlier, they will have to decide what to do with their own mounts. Again, the Judge prefers explicit statements in this regard, and expects that the group might need further RP to sort all of this out before proceeding any further.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:27, Tue 03 Sept 2019.

When the men had confirmed the bandit's death and began to re-gather, Daniel spoke aloud, although not to anyone in particular.

"And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it, from whose face the earth and the heaven fled away; and there was found no place for them."

The young knight continues with his caretaking of the remuda, now moving them into the grazing land with the cattle and the other two horses.

In reply to Daniel Knight (msg # 223):

Earnest works to catch his breath while looking at the fallen man.

Well... That's that I guess... We could've run him down... but we've killed everyone else in this Gott-verlassen valley... so why not?
This message was last edited by the player at 00:24, Wed 04 Sept 2019.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 224):

"Yep, lot's of dyin' but it's OK - the good shall prevail!"

With a quick flick of his head toward Daniel he adds: "Ok maybe that doesn't sound as godly as the kids quotes, but hey - they're dead, we're not."

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 222):

Tracy was a bit disappointed that they didn’t receive any information from the bandit, but glad someone took him out before possibly warning of their arrival.

With his eyes still on the fallen man, Tracy responds to the others.

“At least now he can still look his pards in the eye.”

After a break, the investigator continues. “What now? I’m inclined to pause and search these men before we head out.”

Seeing the man take his final breath, he bends down to look for evidence within the man’s pockets and other clothing items.

OOC:

11:02, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 5,6 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4. Notice, evidence, final man’s person.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:07, Wed 04 Sept 2019.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 226):

~ Don't have too much fun with these men down there Darla, you know how I feel about sloppy seconds ~

Agreeing with the young investigator, Walker makes his way to a nearby dead-bad-guy looking for anything noteworthy, pulling any weapons or ammo our for the group to inventory.

With a slight chuckle he yells out to his fellow good-guys "Y'all let me know if any of these guys are packin' any herbs I might be interested in, and I'll let you know if I find any books or maps to a bad-guy hangout."

In reply to Dave Walker (msg # 227):

Seeing some of his pards beginning to search bodies, Red Shirt rides Poogoo over to Daniel and the other kids and then dismounts, leaving the horse to the care of the rancher's son. The Paiute then walks toward the western passage that the Professor had told them about. His path takes him out of sight of the rest of the heroes, except for Daniel Knight.

In reply to Red Shirt (msg # 228):

As the others start searching, Earnest comments.

We should probably drag them all over here by this hillock... the Sheriff may want to investigate this later.

When he notices Red Shirt heading for the west gap, he calls out.

Hey Red Shirt, wait up.

Then heads toward him at a light jog.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 229):

The Paiute guide does not wait. Earnest sees him disappear around the craggy corner.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 226):

The bandit has nothing of interest on his person. A few coins in his pocket, maybe three to five dollars, as well as a dozen bullets that look like the same as his Colt uses... another yellow bandana in his pocket. The bandit had already taken off his gun belt and left his carbine back by the campfire, when Windham and his pards had ordered him to set down his weapons. And his cowboy hat with the bandana tied around the crown.

The investigator sees the lookout near the hillock, the one who had taken three shots from Tracy's Colt.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:32, Thu 05 Sept 2019.

In reply to Dave Walker (msg # 227):

The first man that Walker checks has a Starr Army Revolver, one spare cartridge (loaded) and 12 bullets loose in his pockets. He has a knife on his belt.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:32, Thu 05 Sept 2019.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 231):

Tracy loaded three of the found bullets in his Colt, placing the other nine with his ammunition in his haversack. The money joined its fellows already within his bag as well.

Holding the bandana in his hand, the investigator briefly considered tying it around his hat, in the fashion of the newly fallen cowpoke. He thought that the gesture might confuse the bandits holding Elizabeth once the party reached their hideout. For now, however, he only added it to the contents of his sack. Tracy figured it would be best to propose that idea to his pards first.

Seeing the lookout near the hillock, the Californian began to drag the fallen man in that direction, as the Professor had suggested. Upon reaching that position Tracy searched the lookout’s clothing items in the same, previous manner.

OOC:

08:58, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 6,12 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,(6+4)10.  Notice, evidence on lookout.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 232):

Walker joins Tracy in dragging this man to the pile of dead yellow-bandana bandits.

Tracy's idea of wearing the yellow bandanas had also crossed Walker's mind.

"Yeah - I was thinkin' that could help us get closer to them, get the jump on 'em. We should have enough here for all of us."

"This guy just has a Starr revolver and a few bullets, anyone got use for that?"

OOC: Seeing as Windham and Walker (and the Judge will assume Jacob as well), are now dragging bodies, searching bodies, etc. the Judge will summarize here. Completing all of this work will take 10 or 20 minutes. Feel free to continue conversing about the items or narrating what's done with them.

Meanwhile, the professor needs to RP his following (or not) of RS at the western passage.

Four of the men had the following (including the last bandit and the lookout)
Colt New Model Army, loaded; spare cylinder, loaded, 12 loose bullets, holster
Spencer Carbine 5 loaded, 7 in spare magazine; 10 bullets, loose or in bullet loops
Knife
Buckskin trousers, plain shirt, cowboy hat, military boots, yellow bandana (on hat, in pocket, or around neck)
Coins worth $3-5 total

Three had the following:
Starr Army Revolver, 4 shots loaded, spare cylinder, loaded, 12 bullets, loose or in bullet loops, holster
Loomis Side-by-Side shotgun, 8 shells total (2 loaded, 6 loose) -- these are all lying around the campfire, left there when the bandits moved
Knife
Cloth trousers, plain shirt, cowboy hat, vest, cowboy boots, spurs, yellow bandana on hat, in pocket, or around neck)Coins worth $3-5 total

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 235):

Earnest picks up the pace to catch up with Red Shirt.

18:34, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 2 using 1d6 with rolls of 2.  Run to catch up.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 236):

Ringgenberg increases his pace toward the western end of the valley, passing the horses and cows and Daniel Knight. When he curls around the rocky outcropping and sees the narrow exit ahead, to the southwest, he also catches a glimpse of the Paiute's back as the guide squeezes through a tight space and continues onward.

Slowing down to enter the gap, Earnest continues to follow Red Shirt. The professor himself slides through the tight space in the passage where he had momentarily lost sight of the Paiute guide, now finding himself less than a dozen yards behind and unable to catch up any further.

As the guide and the professor squeeze through the twisting rocky passage, they come to a dead end—a wide, almost circular open space at least 20 yards in diameter at the end of the passage. Red Shirt has finally stopped just beyond the entrance to the circle, with Earnest joining him a few moments later. Sandstone walls rise high around the two men, except for straight ahead, where a sizable gap opens above a small rockslide about 50 or 60 feet up.

OOC: For expediency, the Judge is assuming that ENS follows RS, since the guide has not stopped and showed no signs of stopping.

Jake had seen plenty of dead men during the war -- literally thousands of them at one time, littered across the field of battle -- and had looted quite a passle of dead Yankees over the years in order to replenish or replace his own worn-out or used-up gear. So experiencing the same sort of thing once again with the dead bandits did not bother him much, other than putting some scenes front and center that he generally tried to keep pushed back into the dark corners of his mind and out of sight.

He already had a sidearm and much preferred his Winchester, so he contented himself with looking for ammunition that could be used in his rifle. He also looked over the Spencers, to see if any were in good enough condition to consider keeping as a back-up longarm.

---

OOC: Judge, does Savage Worlds make a distinction between using rifles and carbines when firing from horseback, or is it just that better, more detailed Western-genre game that does so?

Edit: As marked.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:33, Fri 06 Sept 2019.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 235), Dave Walker (msg # 234), Jake Richardsen (msg # 238):

Tracy nodded to the New Yorker.

“That’s what I was thinking, too.”

Turning towards the Texan, Windham asked his opinion. “Jake, what do you think? Should we each don a yellow bandana?”

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 237):

Earnest catches up to Red Shirt, then looks over the new area to determine if it looks like people have been here recently.

09:04, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 12,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+4)12,3.  Notice: Signs of recent travel.

In reply to Dave Walker (msg # 234):

and

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 239):

As he was taking a closer look at one of the carbines, Jake heard Mister Walker and Mister Windham discussing having the group wear yellow bandannas. "Couldn't hurt," the Texan agreed.

Glancing at the New Yorker, Jacob shook his head at the man's question about the Starr. "Naw, I reckon I'll stick with my Winchester -- an' I already got me a sidearm for plinkin' at things as is a-bout six inches in front of my nose."

Pursing his lips thoughtfully, the Texan added "I've heard tell a-bout them Starrs, but I ain't never studied one up close. If'n you ever figure out how they made it so's it can shoot the way it does, I'd like to hear it."*

---

OOC: *Jake is referring to the fact that the Starr is a double-action revolver, which does not require the hammer to be cocked (or fanned, if you are Travis Sunday) in order to be fired.

Edit: Fixed a coloration issue, and added slightly to Jake's drawl (as marked).
This message was last edited by the player at 16:38, Sat 07 Sept 2019.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 241):

“I reckon I should take one of these Spencers, since I’ve been using my Colt in every situation. To use your words, I’ve been shooting at everything like it’s six inches from my nose for a while.” Tracy grins at the Texan.

With those words, the investigator turns to the carbines to inspect them, hoping to pick the one in the best condition.

OOC:

21:02, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 3,2 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2.  Notice, weapon condition.

21:09, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 5,5 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,5.  Notice, weapon condition (2).

Judge, was this the correct roll?

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 240):

The professor scans the circular area, looking for signs of recent activity. Knowing that he is no tracker, Earnest thinks to himself that the Paiute might have a better chance to detect where anyone has been here recently. As an educated man, Ringgenberg is savvy enough to understand his own limitations. Possibly, he could spot the remains of a fire or spy any refuse that men who had camped here might discard ... perhaps he could observe other clues as to the presence of humans or even animals ... although determining the recency of such activity poses more of a challenge.

As it happens, Earnest notices none of those things. It doesn't look like this area serves as a campground -- especially since the heroes had already found the campground where they had gunned down seven yellow-bandana bandits. No semblance of a fire pit, no refuse, no spoor nor waste.  Finally, however, the professor notices two things about the rockslide, leading him to conclude it is a means for human passage. He sees what appear to be several good hand-holds and foot-holds suitable for climbing and then his eyes land on a few metal spikes embedded into larger rocks.

The Paiute had needed no prompting from the professor, stooping near the entrance to the circular area and beginning to inspect the ground for tracks.

Soon, the guide starts to walk west towards the rockslide, stopping a time or two to study the ground more closely. Like Earnest, Red Shirt's attention lands on the rockslide.

"This path is used regularly." He gestures up the slope.

Both the guide and the professor can see what appears to be a trail at the top of the slide, stretching generally to the north and south, but neither of them can discern anything more about that trail, from this vantage point.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:52, Mon 09 Sept 2019.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 242):

OOC: Not exactly the correct roll.  Shooting would be a better roll when trying to gauge the condition of a firearm.

Notice is used to observe, or hear or smell, etc., the world around the character. Assessing the condition of an item requires some knowledge about the item (even if just general knowledge) and requires handling it and such. A person who had never shot a longarm might Notice that one of the carbines is shinier and therefore think it was in better condition, but someone who had shot a carbine might inspect it and notice that the sights are broken ....

Since Tracy used a benny (and because the Judge appreciates the "forge ahead"  approach, making a roll to see if it is viable as opposed to waiting for the Judge to declare what the correct roll would be), the Judge will allow a "do-over" with a shooting roll. It's possible that a benny re-roll would still be needed, but since Tracy's Shooting is a better die type than Notice, a re-do on the roll seems most appropriate, perhaps not needing to use the benny.

In general, the Judge will say that the Spencer's are in similar condition. They are all older weapons that have had decent care. A successful Shooting roll would mean the PC could avoid choosing one that is in the poor condition, but none of them stand out in any particular way.

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

FOR ALL PCS: it seems clear that the PCs intend to take a few things, even if it is just a number of bandanas, a little ammo and maybe a firearm or two. The Judge appreciates the RP around this, but also requires explicit statements IC, OOC or PM for everything taken. For example, Tracy has mentioned taking some of the coins he found in one bandit's pocket, but it isn't clear to the Judge whether the PCs as a group had decided to collect all monies found amongst the bandits, or what they intend to do with things they don't take (unless the Judge missed that level of detail somewhere along the way).

For the record, the Judge is addressing this because such facts could be important later. Think about it this way -- if the heroes came into this valley and found a bunch of dead men here, they would probably look around for contextual clues. Something like "all the bodies are lined up, apparently stripped of all their belongings except for clothing, with no sign of any supplies anywhere" would probably be understood differently than "all the bodies are lined up, apparently stripped of their guns and sundries, which are arranged near the campfire" or "all the bodies are lined up, gun belts still on their hips, coins still in their pockets and longarms strewn across the valley wherever someone might have dropped them during whatever battle claimed their lives."  So if anyone else comes into this valley, they would probably look for contextual clues, just like the PCs. What they might find, depends on what the heroes do. Finally, the Judge isn't requesting an item by item inventory, just a more explicit "we take X and we put/leave/hide Y and Z whereever."
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:49, Mon 09 Sept 2019.

In reply to Red Shirt (msg # 244):

Earnest nods then speaks quietly.

Let's take a quick, careful look at that trail up there but then we should head back and get the others... be wary of sentries up there!

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 241):

Tying a bandana around his neck Walker joins the texan and shows him the Starr.

"You ever seen one up close? Seems like it should be able to shoot faster, you know anything about their accuracy? "

Not really waiting for a response from Jacob, Walker takes the gun and walks off trying to figure out how best to carry it. He decides on adding a second belt with holster for the Starr, filling the belt loops with extra ammo.

OOC: I think this means I am taking one Starr revolver, loaded w/ 4 rounds, spare cylinder w/ 6 rounds, a belt and holster, and taking the liberty of specifying that the belt holds 12 additional rounds in bullet loops.

OOC: minor edit, saw some awkward wording there...

This message was last edited by the player at 23:23, Mon 09 Sept 2019.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 246):

"Can you climb?" asks the Paiute, in a non-judgmental tone. "If not, we should go back now."

The professor comprehends the Paiute's meaning -- the rockslide incline looks navigable, especially if using rope and the pitons he had spied , but it does appear to be potentially dangerous and certainly not something to be attempted on a whim.

OOC: Ascending the slope will require a climbing check.

FYI, 'piton' is a word that probably wasn't used, historically, at this time. The Judge is using for convenience.

OOC: That works. This is the kind of explicit statement for which the Judge is requesting.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 242):

and

In reply to Dave Walker (msg # 247):

Jacob had been rather lackadaisically glancing over some of the Spencer carbines that the dead men had been carrying, trying to decide whether he wanted to claim one, when Mister Windham spoke up and indicated his own interest.

"I think that you're wise to carry a ree-liable longarm," Jake replied to the Californian. "Let's you an' me look 'em over, an' pick out the most serviceable lookin' one."

Just about then Mister Walker approached and showed him the Starr revolver that he had picked up. "I know a man who favors Starrs, an' he's plenty fast an' plenty accurate. 'Course that may be mostly a-tribute-able to him, but I'm a-thinkin' that the fact that a feller as gun-handy as him chose Starrs as his hoglaigs is a mark in their favor."

When the New Yorker ambled off, the Texan turned his attention back to looking for a serviceable Spencer for Mister Windham . . .

---

OOC: 19:02, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 2,2 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2.  Shooting Check: Picking out a Spencer for Tracy.

19:04, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 5,1 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,1.  Benny Re-Roll: Shooting Check.

Notes: I don't know whether SW contemplates PCs working together to accomplish a task. I checked the index under "Help" and "Aid" (as in "Aid Another"), but did not find anything. So, I just rolled separately for Jake. Jake's Benny total has been reduced to account for this roll.

Edit: Jake's Benny total should be 3 instead of 4. I had made the change, but neglected to click the "Update" button. I have made the change again, and this time the "Biography" lists the correct total.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:36, Mon 09 Sept 2019.

OOC: The newer version of SW does have a "Support" action. The Judge has used it previously in this game, as a sort of house rule. Regardless, there is nothing wrong with making the roll and letting the Judge decide how to apply it. Still waiting for Tracy's updated roll, as well.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 245), Jacob Richardsen (msg # 250):

“Thanks, Jake. Let’s give them all a look.”

OOC:

07:49, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 7,7 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,(6+1)7.  Shooting, best Spencer.

Thanks for the clarification, Judge.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 252) and Jacob Richardsen (msg # 250):

The rifleman and the investigator inspect the four Spencer carbines used by the yellow-bandana bandits during the fight. They agree than none really stands out. All of these old carbines were probably manufactured during the war, favored by the Union cavalry because of the shorter barrel. All seem to be serviceable -- none immaculate but all clean enough for use -- as do the extra tubular magazines that the bandits had on their persons, each loaded with seven bullets. In end, the one that rises to the top of their assessment is the one that had a new leather strap affixed for carrying over one's shoulder, something that could prove valuable while on foot, especially for Windham as he is accustomed to having both hands free most of the time.
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:25, Tue 10 Sept 2019.

In reply to Dave Walker (msg # 247):

Turning to the other men, in a loud voice he says "How do I look? I feel like a marked man with this thing on me. Just remember, I'm a better shot than they are... well... than they were..." he says with a wide grin.

In reply to Red Shirt (msg # 248):

Earnest looks at the slide area, then back to Red Shirt.

Probably wise... let's go.

He'll follow Red Shirt back to the others.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 255):

OOC: The PCs may converse freely after ENS and Red Shirt return. The "whatever posted is public knowledge" applies here. The professor doesn't NEED to recap what was learned in previous posts, although he may certainly talk about it IC in any way he pleases and PCs may ask whatever clarifying questions. The Judge has a map for the area found by RS and ENS, but the other PCs will not be able to view the map until they see that place for themselves.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 253):

Taking the agreed-upon Spencer in his hands, Tracy swings it over his head, with the leather strap sling across his chest.

“Next time we happen upon a firefight like that, look out for me to give you some cover.” After a brief pause, the investigator adds, “...and that might be soon, given the action lately.”

Windham picks up the extra tubular magazine and joins it with the other contents of his haversack.

“As for their other belongings, what do you think we should do? It’s high time we decide; once Red Shirt and Earnest return, we had better get a move on.”

“I say we collect their money and all of the bandanas, but I’m unsure about the rest of it.”

In reply to Dave Walker (msg # 254):

and

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 257):

The Texan guffawed loudly when Mister Walker asked how he looked. "I do bee-lieve that's a queschunn best asked of a fee-male," he replied, with a twinkle in his eye. "I don't bee-lieve none of us hereabouts roll in that die-reck-shunn."

Noticing Mister Windham picking up a single extra magazine for the carbine that he had chosen, Jake said "In my oh-pin-yon, ye'd be best served by pickin' up as many uhv them as you can find, includin' pullin' the ones out've the Spencers that we don't taeke with us."

"Load them all up with cartridges, an' keep 'em handy -- it's a quick waey to re-load that longarm if'n you run dry whilst the lead is a-flyin'."

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 256):

As they return, Earnest will ask for Red Shirt's help to drag any remaining bodies over to the others. Once together and everyone is caught up on what they found, Earnest continues.

We need to be careful in that next open area... there's no cover, our entrance is very restricted, and the other side has cover and the high ground; seems like a potential killing zone to me! I suggest that two of us cross the area while two with longarms cover them... once the other entrance is secured we can all cross the area.

OOC: Now that the professor has begun talking about the next area, the Judge has included all PCs in Group 2. See the Group 2 map.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 257):

OOC: Tracy has made an attempt to start the summary of how the PCs leave things in the valley (whenever they are ready to move on). Jacob and Dave have posted about some particulars. That is all appreciated ...

That said, to reiterate, the Judge is looking for a summary of how the PCs leave things, not an itemized list of what is left in any given spot. It's clear that the bodies will be lined up. It is clear that some people are taking specific things (Dave and Tracy have specified and Jake has made suggestions). It is not clear what the men intend to do with other items, including their own mounts, which, as ENS already noted, CANNOT be taken through the narrow passage to the area that the professor and ENS found. As you, the players, continue, please make sure to provide such a summary -- perhaps one PC could attempt to do so and others could assent or suggest otherwise, or maybe conversation is needed, especially in regard to the horses -- assuming the men are going to go forward to the map shown for Group 2.

The Judge has considered hand-waiving all of this, but that is not preferred, therefore, these prompts and suggestions.

The rancher's son returns to the other men, having seen to all the mounts. Daniel had cajoled the kids towards the grazing area, where they found some rest and contentment. All of twelve of them, including his father's horses, those they had picked up along the way to form their own small remuda, and now the three mounts that had served the yellow-bandana bandits. Ensuring that none were injured beyond the likes of Poogoo's graze, the young Knight joins as the men complete their undertakings and all of the men have once again rejoined.

"Are we going to leave the horses here to range? From the sound of it," he adds, glancing towards the professor, "that passage is the way we must go ... and these kids cannot get through it. I reckon they will stay in this dale, at least for a good while."

In reply to Daniel Knight (msg # 262):

"What would the horses do if we put dead bodies on them and made them ride out to the east?" Maybe load up a couple horses and let them figure it out, dispersing the bodies?"

Looking at Daniel, then the others he adds "... is that an option?"

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 258), Dave Walker (msg # 263):

Tracy nods to the Texan. “That’s good advice.”

Following that exchange, the investigator went to work removing all of the cartridges, as it seemed that no one else planned to take a long from the fallen bandits.

Once finished, Windham moved from the line of bodies near the hillock towards the gathering of the other men, all discussing how the discovery of the next passage would affect their mounts.

At Walker’s words, Tracy had a puzzled expression. “Why would we need to do that? Also, I’d be worried about losing the horses, as we wouldn’t know where they had traveled.” The investigator attempted to make clear with his tone that he was simply a bit confused; he did not intend to criticize the New Yorker’s idea.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 264):

"Well - I am not used to goin' around murderin' as much as we have been lately - I guess I'm good at it but also admit not being sure of what do to with all the bodies after? You know - there's a lot of dead men where our paths cross..."

In reply to Daniel Knight (msg # 262):

and

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 264):

and

In reply to Dave Walker (msg # 265):

"I reckon that ye've got the right uhv it, Daniel," Jake replied to the younger Knight's suggestion that they leave the horses to graze, given that they would have to proceed on foot. "I reckon I'd be ihnn-clined to taeke their saddles off and jest let 'em be kids for a while."

Overhearing the discussion as to what to do with the bodies of the dead outlaws, Jake scratched his chin-whiskers and drawled "Waal, if'n ye was to ask me, I'd saey that we're over-thinkin' this a mite."

"Ain't nobody likely to stumble ah-crosst the bodies waey out here 'cept more uhv them yalla-bandanna boys. An' seein' as how these hombres all died from gunshots, it prob'ly don't taeke no you-nee-versity skollaar to figure out that trubble is headed their waey. Arrangin' the bodies this waey or that won't change that none."

"Speakin' uhv which, I'd saey that thaere's a pretty fair chance the rest uhv them owlhoots heard all the shootin' an' carryin' on over here. I'd saey that we oughtta git a wiggle on after the rest uhv them, an' spend the tieme that we saeve from not dealin' further with the dead uhns to close the distance with 'em."

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 266):

"Let us go, then," says the Paiute, seeming to agree with the Texan, even if he doesn't address him directly.

In reply to Red Shirt (msg # 267) and Jacob Richardsen (msg # 266):

"Will not take more than a few minutes to relieve the kids of their saddles, Mr. Richardsen."

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 266):

Earnest rubs his chin.

These canyon sections are pretty isolated and Red Shirt and I didn't see anyone... I don't think the sound of our gunfire travelled very far. But yes, let's see to the horses and get moving. Since I don't have a longarm I will be one of the two to scout the rockfall... we should bring a rope.

Having sorted out the situation with the horses and the dead bandits, the heroes squeeze through the narrow passage, with Red Shirt in the lead. If any of six men had harbored questions about why the horses couldn't proceed, those questions were soon answered by a sharp turn early in the passage. It requires each man to turn sideways for a few seconds, slowing down to navigate the turn. It is no hardship for a man, but impassable for anything larger than a mountain lion.

Daniel and Jacob had unsaddled the kids, with Red Shirt's assistance, while the others finalized their preparations. What started as six horses is now twelve, but all of these kids seem happy to graze here, where the cows had also re-gathered. As the men complete their task, the young knight mentions that he doubts this place could feed this many critters for long stretches, although they should be fine for a time.

Now, having passed through the twisting rocky passage, the heroes come to a dead end, as described by the professor ... a wide, almost circular open space at least 20 yards in diameter at the end of the passage. Stopping just beyond the entrance to the circle, the men take in the sandstone walls rising high around them, except for straight ahead, where a sizable gap opens above a small rockslide about 50 or 60 feet up. It looks steep ... and high enough to the trail above to require some kind of climbing effort upwards.

The professor and the guide point out the two paths upwards, each of which has two spikes embedded in the rocks for tying rope -- one roughly halfway up and one near the top -- although no ropes are affixed, presently.

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

OOC: See the map for group 2.

Do any of the PCs actually have rope? It doesn't matter for advancing the plot, as the Judge would rule that the PCs could find some amongst the bandits' horses, except that the Judge might reward someone with a benny who had the foresight to bring rope (and the more available, the better). As noted earlier, this will require a Climbing check. Using rope will help ... see below.

In SWD, Climbing is a separate skill. In the new rules, it is covered by a more generic Athletics skill. The Judge mentioned this earlier, at the switchbacks where Agility rolls were used get over the switchback walls (two characters needed to make Agility rolls in same turn to boost and climb). It appears that none of the PCs has the Climbing skill. Red Shirt does.

If unskilled, with the Wild Die it is d4-2, d6-2. Using a rope could give a bonus of +1 to +4 depending on over circumstances; the Judge leans towards +1 or+2 in this case, although the ropes will need to be affixed by someone who climbs up high enough, to begin with and the Judge needs to assess the actions of the PCs. RS is the only one who could make the initial climb without penalty, but he will still need to succeed at the check. The Judge is stopping to allow the PCs to decide how to approach this. The professor had suggested an idea already, but now that all six of the men are standing here, the Judge is pausing for RP and action statements.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 270):

Earnest looks over the opening above the slide carefully, trying to see if there are any guards there. He speaks in a low voice.

As you can see gentlemen, an easy trap if they are prepared... Since I don't have a rifle, I'll go in the first group... is anyone good at climbing?

---

OOC: About the rope... looks like Jake was on point! See Chapter 22, msg #125.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 271):

“I’ve never really climbed before, but I’d give it a shot,” Tracy replies in an equally low voice.

“If anyone thinks that they should go before me, go ahead and speak up now.”

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 270):

"Any of those dead men back there have any rope?"

"I'm not the best climber, but probably not the worst either!"

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 271):

"I am not practiced, but it sounds like I can climb better than any of you. I will go first with the professor."

He puts out his hand, palm up, to take the rope from Jacob.

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

OOC: The Judge is assuming that rope is available, one way or another as already stated ... PM sent to Jacob to confirm and award benny per Earnest's note.
This message was last updated by the GM at 14:37, Mon 16 Sept 2019.

In reply to Red Shirt (msg # 274):

Jake took the coil of rope that he had carried in a loop around his left shoulder and handed it to Red Shirt.

"Here you go," the Texan replied. With a hint of a smile playing about the corners of his mouth, Jacob added "An' if'n you're offerin' to scoot up yonder an' set the roepe in place, I ain't ihn-clined to arm-rassle you for the honor."

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 275):

The Paiute takes the rope from the Texan and advances to the base of the rockslide. He stops and waits for the professor.

OOC: The Judge will make a climbing roll for Red Shirt after Earnest describes in narrative the approach he intends for the two men to take, in order to ascend and thereby prepare the way for the others. Red Shirt will go first if asked -- in general he will act as instructed by the professor.

In reply to Red Shirt (msg # 276):

Earnest looks to the others.

Cover us in case anyone pops out up there while we're climbing... once we get up there we'll wave you over... Mr. Windham, you're welcome to join if you care to.

He then joins Red Shirt in the approach to the rockslide.

I believe that you are best for the climb. I'll cover you from the bottom until you secure the rope, then I'll join you as fast as I can.

As they walk Earnest unholsters his Colt and makes sure it's ready.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 277):

Looping the coils of rope over his head and resting them on his right shoulder, slung and across his body and under his left arm, the Paiute begins the ascent. He tests the rocks, finding them mostly stable. He pulls himself up with hand holds while carefully lifting and placing one foot after the other in a position to push upwards, yard by yard and in no hurry.

The rockslide, while steep, is not as treacherous as the face of one of the sandstone canyon walls. The other men watching Red Shirt learn what they can from observing his climb. Now, they have a better understanding what appears to be a defined path up toward the first of two spikes along the way, as observed by the professor and the guide when they first entered this area.

The guide moves even more slowly once he is is within 5-10 feet of the first piton, which is roughly halfway up. Red Shirt studies the way above him for a spell, breathing deeply and feeling out with his fingers to achieve a good hand hold to pull himself atop a boulder just above the spike. Now, jabbing a few times with his right foot, he searches for a foothold to launch himself upwards. Suddenly, he pushes and pulls, scrambling to the boulder and sitting atop it like it was Poogoo, while facing east and looking at the men that Mr. Knight had hired him to guide.

Calling to the professor, the Paiute says "I will tie here, first. You should climb here before I go up." Red Shirt then begins to measure out rope, dropping a coil downward while holding his mark roughly in the middle. He loops the rope around the piton and ties it, wrapping the remainder once around his waist and twice around his wrists before he grasps it, apparently as a precaution in case the spike might fail.

The men have seen nor heard no indications of anyone else near the top of the rockslide.

OOC: The professor needs to make his Climbing roll. It is d4-2+2, d6-2+2, or d4,d6. The Judge is giving +2 for the rope. RS received +1 as a combination result of the professor's study of the rockslide and the Paiute's Tracking skill in discerning the regularly used pathway. The other heroes will not receive that +1 bonus because they have no Climbing skill. But they will get the +2 for the rope.

08:42, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 4,2 using d4+1,d6+1 with rolls of 3,1.  RS Climb (+1 Earnest's observations).
Forgot to click re-roll max but it didn't matter.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 277):

“Now that the two of you have decided to go, I’ll wait and cover you until the rope is set.”

With those words, Tracy readied his newly-acquired carbine, focusing its sights at the top of the rock face, where Earnest was worried that bandits might ambush them.

As Red Shirt made his ascent, the investigator let his gaze wander to the guide every so often, attempting to learn anything that he could from his steady, calculated motions.

~This will be challenging,~ Tracy concludes to himself, seeing Red Shirt deftly land atop the boulder.