Over the course of the last two days, Sheriff Andersen had met with each of the men he had deputized for the return to the bandit hideout. The townsfolk had gathered to address the situation after Elizabeth Knight's rescue. The elders decided to take action, now that the heroes had discovered the location of El Presidente's hideout. Concluding that the only way to know for sure that these bandits no longer posed a threat to the three towns, the elders voted to support the Sheriff's formation of a deputized force.

The men that had returned with Elizabeth, including her brother, were the first to be deputized. All five of them took an oath to uphold the law during their temporary service to the towns of Nouveau Zion. Three other citizens had joined the deputies, including the barber Beaucheveux. Lastly, on Poirier's recommendation, Sheriff Andersen had deputized the newcomer Pearce. The sheriff had shown some initial reservations ... while Andersen knew the other men or had seen the evidence of their honor and commitment, he had only met Pearce a few days ago.

The Sheriff had met with each of the men alone, in the lawman's office. The sheriff had visited with Red Shirt at the Four O'Clock ranch on two occasions. Amongst those who had shared anything of their meeting afterwards, Andersen's approach had been the same with all of them. He wanted each man to acknowledge the risks involved, eye-to-eye.

Now, all nine of the men assemble in the Grafton square, the morning of Wednesday, May 8, 1877. The sun has begun its ascent, the remuda has been readied and the nine prepare to mount up and ride out. The sheriff, having given his final instructions to the group, bid the riders farewell.

OOC: The townsfolk (Mr Knight and other ranchers) are providing horses for the group. There are twelve horses for the nine riders (including Poogoo), so horse rotation will be wise.

Feel free to post any narrative or dialogue desired. The Judge will advance the narrative and plot after the players (with Red Shirt and Daniel) discuss their desired route, figure out any riding order, night watch, etc. Please RP those discussions / decisions from this fade up. We will assume that they have already decided to take the eastern route, but how directly and at what pace and so forth should be done through some RP.

The two townsfolk are Hyrum Olsen and Ammon Carr. Like Daniel, both young men are sons of prominent ranchers. They won't talk or interact much at first. The Judge will play the two established NPCs: the Paiute and the young Knight. Probably, the Judge will designate players to handle the two new Extras if and when action is needed.

All players should finalize their gear lists, if you haven't already.

Reset all Benny counts to the starting number with +1 for the Interlude Benny.

Red Shirt begins to ride east along the road. He seems uninterested in any discussion about the route.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 1):

Jake pursed his lips thoughtfully and glanced down at the Deputy-Sheriff's badge that he had pinned to his shirt. ~I ain't so sure how I feel about wearin' this thing. I din't never swear the the blue-bellies' oath after the war*, so I don't quite know whaere that leaves me oh-fish-allie. Oh, well, we're a long waey from Warsh-ington Dee-Cee out here, an' we got us some right diff-rent waeys of doin' things. Thank goodness for that.~

The Texan cut his eyes over at the barber, Mons-shure Bushy-voo. Jake's suspicions were whispering in his ear about the man. ~What good's a barber gonna be on an ex-curshunn lieke this one? Seems to me that the man's a spy for the Frenchies, jest lieke I'm supposin' Mon-shure Pwa-reh-eh to be. That French king's still got his sights set on gettin' that old-timey knights' gold, I'd be willin' to bet. Ain't no other good reason to be fightin' tooth an' nail to hang onto a piss-poor plaece that's full of Messicans.~

---

OOC: *Jake is of the same mind as the fictional Josey Wales (and many RL Southerners) on this point.

I was going to ask the Judge whether badges had been issued by the Sheriff (at least for the PCs), but I did not think of the issue until I started writing the post for Jake, and I did not care to slow down the IC posting by asking the question. If the Judge is of the opinion that no badges were issued, 'twill be easy enough to edit Jake's post. :)

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 3):

OOC: The automatic reaction is: "Badges? We don't need no stinkin' badges."

The better reply is, yes, it's fine to assume at least some of the men were given a tin star of some kind. There is no actual requirement (of which the Judge is aware, at least) that a deputized citizen would need to have a badge, so it's up to the players.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 3):

Earnest looks around at the gathered men, then focuses on Red Shirt.

Well Red Shirt, we took a long east path returning last time... shall we retrace that at a more brisk pace? Or do you have a shorter path in mind?

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

~It certainly seems like he has something in mind,~ Tracy thinks in response to the Professor’s query.

The investigator did not particularly care which path they took. Following their adventure, he certainly trusted the Paiute’s judgement in the matter. With a slight shrug to the others, Tracy urges his mount, Lefty, after Red Shirt.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 6):

OOC: Tracy's comment about Lefty reminds the Judge ... here is the full Remuda. Those who traveled to the bandit hideout last time will recognize most of these names. Tracy has claimed Lefty for the first day. RS is riding Poogoo.

Lefty
Poogoo
Jack
Ned
Sweet Pea
Lucy
Rex
Gem
Gus
Max
Sam
Pepper
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:58, Thu 12 Mar 2020.

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

The Paiute guide shrugs. "We turn north whenever you want."

In reply to Red Shirt (msg # 8):

Rof was deaf to the first discussions about the route which the group would take as he was busy checking his bag to ensure that he had in fact packed both of his blocks of soap for the journey. "~Dieu merci that the Americans learned a lesson in hygiène and started importing more soap to the New World after that war of theirs~" It would be a tragedy if he ran out of soap and unable to wash his hair on this journey.

He looks up to see his companions starting down the road and scrambles atop Pepper. Rof was leaving his own noble mare, Mademoiselle Marie-Élise, behind with the Sheriff. This mission could turn dangerous and his gentle companion was not much of a fighting beast.


"Attends-moi!" He shouts as he gallops forward to catch up to the group, bucking slightly from side to side as he familiarizes himself with his new steed.

In reply to Rofgia Beaucheveux (msg # 9):

As the barber gets a sense of his new mount, a mare like his own, Daniel Knight rides up alongside.

"Pepper is a fine choice, sir. Do you prefer a mare?" asks the young Knight.

In reply to Daniel Knight (msg # 10):

"Oui, I am not a particulièrement skilled rider. I only ever ride from town to town, and so I enjoy the calm tempérament, much like my own Marie-Élise."

In reply to Rofgia Beaucheveux (msg # 11):

Daniel nods as he listens to the barber. The young Knight himself rides Lucy, another mare in the remuda. Most of the other kids are geldings. For the moment, Daniel has left the three unsaddled horses in the care of Hyrum and Ammon.

"A righteous man regardeth the life of his beast: but the tender mercies of the wicked are cruel."

OOC: It would be nice to see narrative posts from other PCs choosing their first day mounts, arranging a riding order and determining whether to take a direct or roundabout route towards Echo Canyon. The professor asked RS, but the Judge wants the PCs to coordinate the plan.

To be clear, the Judge needs:

• Daylight riding order / formation (knowing that the Hyrum and Ammon are responsible for the remuda)
• Night time watch order
• Each rider to choose a horse for the day (most have, but not all, yet)

While we are at it, all PCs should make a Riding roll for the first day. Same as the previous adventure, the Judge will use this as a daily guide for the day's journey, should any rough terrain or other circumstances require adjudication. Doing this up front will allow the Judge to advance the narrative when appropriate.

In reply to Daniel Knight (msg # 12):

"Daniel, you are always speaking the good Lord's riddles, t’sais?"

Settled now on his horse, Rofgia speaks louder to the broader group. "Cavaliers,
je préfère a short route. If I remember, Echo Canyon can be 20 kilometers even with the quickest way there."

He turns with a wide smile to Jake, "Jake, mon ami, I'm sure you have a lot of good knowledge to offer on the matter, what do you think?"

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 13):

Tommy grabs his gear and decides on Jack for his first mount. He settles in and begins to get the feel for riding again, it's been a while since he rode, especially for a full day. He knows there will be a lot more to come. He and Jack follow along just behind Red Shirt, Earnest and Tracy, he hears Rof galloping to catch up and watches him slowdown to talk with Daniel who is just behind him.

Not knowing anything about the area Tommy is more than happy to rely on the expertise of the others to decide the exact route. As he looks around and listens to the conversations ahead and behind him his mind drifts to the evening and the night watch.

He decides to stake a claim on the first watch

"Hey I'll take the first watch tonight if that's alright with you gents"

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
12:02, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 4,6 using d4,d6 with rolls of 4,6.  Riding roll -- leaving town.

In reply to Rofgia Beaucheveux (msg # 14):

Earnest had re-acquainted himself with Sweet Pea before mounting and riding with the group. When Rof catches up and adds his comment, he agrees.

Yes, I think the shortest route that is not very rough would be best as well.

And after Tommy's comment.

Very good Tommy! I shall take the second watch if no one objects?

---

OOC: Earnest will demure to Tommy's stated riding order: 2nd after Red Shirt.

10:15, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 3,4 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4.  Riding Check.

In reply to Rofgia Beaucheveux (msg # 14):


13:36, Today: Rofgia Beaucheveux rolled 2,2 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2.  Day 1- Riding Check.

Jake was riding a kid that he was not all that familiar with -- he had been told that the horse's name was "Sam". The Texan considered himself to be an average horseman, but he had a little trouble with Sam -- the horse seemed overly skittish and inclined to crow-hop at the least hint of something being a trifle out of the ordinary, and Jacob suspected that the kid might prove to be a mite gun-shy, as well.

""Eh, what's that you say, Mon-shure?" he asked when the Frenchman asked him something. Between his being hard of hearing in one ear and focusing his attention on keeping  Sam under control, the Texican heard the barber's voice, but not his words.

---

OOC: Obviously, Jake has chosen Sam for his first day's mount. The Dice-Roller did the Texican no favors today:

16:55, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 3,2 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2.  Second Bennie Re-roll.

16:54, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 3,3 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,3.  Bennie Re-Roll (Riding Check).

16:53, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 2,3 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,3.  Riding Check.

It looks like the first and second Watches have been claimed thus far. Jake will take the third Watch, just to keep things simple.

Insofar as the riding order is concerned, Jacob usually rides near to Red Shirt and shares his field glasses with the Paiute whenever something merits a closer look.

Edit: Added a couple of extra words, as marked.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:18, Fri 13 Mar 2020.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 18):

After initially following behind Red Shirt, Tracy drops farther back in the riding order as others begin to ride. Now just ahead of Ammon and Hyrum leading the remuda at the back of the group, Tracy attempts to get reacquainted with Lefty, his first mount from the previous journey. At first, the novice rider has issues creating a rhythm with the gelding, but eventually the twosome find their way once again.

“Good boy, Lefty,” Windham murmurs to the horse, patting the equine’s neck as he does so. Once he reconnected with Lefty, Tracy adds his own comments on the group’s plan.

“With so many people, should we go with two men at a time for the night watch? I’ll take third watch, should we decide to go one man at a time.”

At the barber’s mention of a shorter route, Tracy nods his assent. “I’d opt for a shorter ride to the caves as well. It’s already been quite some time since our first visit; time might be of the essence.”

OOC:

19:23, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 3,2 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2.  Riding check, Lefty.

19:24, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 1,3 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3.  Riding check, Lefty (2).

19:24, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 5,3 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (4+1)5,3.  Riding check, Lefty (3).

OOC: Succeeding at the initial day's riding roll isn't crucial to the game. The Judge appreciates that Jake and Tracy are willing to spend bennies right off the bat, but failure here isn't necessarily worth spending 2 bennies to avoid. Without telling the players exactly what failure (not Critical Failure) might mean, the Judge will allow the players to take back the second benny and stick with the failure. Of course, that is a different decision for Jake or Tracy, as the latter succeeded on the 2nd benny spend, while the former still failed, but both can choose to take back the 2nd benny and live with the failure.

NOTE: Both Jake and Tracy claimed the 3rd watch. Jake posted first, so Tracy actually claims the fourth, unless the men agree to double-up per the investigator's suggestion.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 20):

OOC:

Sorry, I didn’t see that in Jake’s post.

I’ll also elect to keep Tracy’s success and spend two Bennies. Thank you, Judge, for the option.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 20):

It's a pretty easy decision for me, since Jake spent two bennies and still failed. I'll reclaim that second bennie. Gracias, amigo. :)

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 18):

Attempting to keep the attention of the man he was determined to get a smile from, Rof slips into the order right behind Jake. "Jake, you fleur robuste, you know that you can call me Rof, I believe we must be friends enough now! And I must also say, your doux cheeks, fresh from a shave, are some of my finest handiwork yet."

Bref. I was looking to get your expert opinion on the route, but that may have been settled already?" he says with his voice trailing off as he cranes his neck around to view the other riders around him. "Perhaps I should claim a night watch... I'll take what is left."

In reply to Rofgia Beaucheveux (msg # 23):

For some reason, the Frenchie seemed to have latched on to Jake -- at least that's the way that it looked to the Texican as the other man made an effort to ease his kid in next to the rifleman in their column of travel.

~I wonder what the hell fler roe-bust means in Frenchie-talk?~ Jake mused, stroking his chin-whiskers. Given the Frenchman's tone of voice and facial expression, Jacob didn't think that it meant anything particularly bad or offensive.

~Iff'n I ree-member long enuff, I'll ask the Perfesser. Most likely he knows,~

"Reckon so," the Texican replied to Mon-shure Busy-voo's conclusion that the route that they would be taking had been decided upon.

Jake nodded again when the Frenchman volunteered to take whichever night-watch was still unclaimed. "That's the waey it use-you-allie works," he agreed. "Man waits a mite to speak up, he might end up eatin' low-down on the hog."

After riding on for a short while in silence, Jacob decided to throw out some bait on a fishin' line and see if he could tell how interested Mon-shure Bushy-voo might be in a subject that, truth be told, interested the Texican immensely. "Say, Mon-shure, can you read old-timey French? I reckon that it could be a mite diff-rent than what you speak in modern tiemes."

---

OOC: Fixed a coloration error.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:32, Sat 14 Mar 2020.

"I reckon five watches is plenty," says the rancher's son, after hearing the various men speak up.

The party had ridden past Springdale and is now a few miles east of the three towns. The nine riders had settled into a formation while they talked about their route and plans for the evening. Even with a direct route, they knew it would take at least two days ride to reach the Echo Canyon area, so planning ahead for the night's camp made good sense.

"The others can get a full night's sleep -- and then we can rotate each night."

OOC: The Judge understands the riding order as the following, with the caveat that riders may shift a little to talk or ride two abreast for a time or two. For example, right now, Jake and Rof are riding and talking so it is slightly different. However, if and when an encounter occurs, this will be the default order to start.

Red Shirt
Earnest
Jake
Tommy
Rof
Daniel
Tracy
Hyrum
Ammon

The plan for the first night watch order is:
Tommy
Earnest
Jake
Tracy
Rof

The players should continue to RP as desired as the day continues. The Judge will be posting at least one advancement to the plot daily.

After more than an hour's ride past Springdale, Red Shirt reins in Poogoo and motions for the others to halt.

"We turn here for most direct path," he states, looking to the other men for either affirmation or argument.

In reply to Red Shirt (msg # 27):

As the day wears on Tommy has grown more comfortable with the riding. Jack seems like a good horse. The pace is not hurried and everyone is at ease following the Paiute's lead.

When Red Shirt stops and gives the directions to turn left Tommy takes a minute to take a drink of water from his canteen. As he does so he looks around and scans the area for anything unusual

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
23:34, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 6,5 using d6+2,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,5.  Notice roll:  general area.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 28):

Within earshot of the Texan and the Frenchman, Tracy chuckles at their interaction.

~That Beaucheveux sure is something,~ Windham thinks, smirking to himself.

As Red Shirt stops the group, Tracy offers his opinion on the matter. “I’m partial to the direct route myself.”

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 29):

Earnest looks towards the indicated direction.

Is this route difficult? We have some inexperienced riders... including myself!

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 30):

"Yes."

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 30):

The professor remembers the first time he had set out with the Paiute, albeit on the western route around the canyon. The going had been difficult in places, but the guide seemed to know the passages through the hills and rough terrain ... and they had managed. At the time, Windham and Walker were even less experienced ... and they had managed.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 28):

Tommy Pearce scans the terrain to the north. It's an undulating series of sandstone hills, canyons and mesas, as far as the eye can see -- which isn't very far because of the nature of the landscape. The mechanic can understand why the professor asks about the difficulty of the Paiute's direct route.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 30):

"I have seen the old language before but I don't know much of it, T’sais?" Rof says in response to Jake as they ride along.

As the group slows to a halt Rof chimes in with the professor, "How difficile can it be professeur? I have foi complète that we can manage this path!"

In reply to Rofgia Beaucheveux (msg # 34):

Mon-shure Bushy-voo's reply to the Texican's bait about reading old French was noncommittal -- at least the portion of it that Jacob could understand. The rifleman was left with the impression that either the Frenchman was on the alert and had sussed  that he should feign a lack of interest in such things, or else -- if his lack of interest was genuine -- Jake found himself second-guessing his conclusion that the Frenchman was a spy who had been tasked with tracking down the knights' treasure.

By now the Frenchman was in conversation with the Perfesser, so the Texan turned his attention to idly looking over the surrounding countryside, much as the Irishman seemed to be doing.

---

OOC: 15:26, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 1,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3.  Notice Check: Anything of Interest?

Notes: Hmmm . . . that is four rolls now, with nary a single success. Hopefully this trend will reverse itself before anything serious begins.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 35):

The rifleman stares at the landscape to the north. Nothing as daunting as the western route, but certainly not the kind of ride a man might take iffin' he didn't have a good reason. Richardsen remembers the rattlesnakes, mule deer and mountain lions they had encountered previously, all ahead on the plains. Of course, he sees none of those now, just the sandstone hills, valleys and mountains in the distance.

Hearing the barber's reply to the professor, after others had already indicated the desire for a more direct route, the guide urges Poogoo northward, picking up a trail, of sorts. The Paiute leads the group along the trail as it wends its way through the hilly and rocky landscape -- with regular ups and downs and the occasional need to ride single-file -- for something that feels like a few miles, until the men find themselves on a plateau that stretches for another mile northward and eastward. To the west is a long ravine that looks passable, although that isn't the desired direction.

By the time the group has reached the northern side of this mesa, the sun is drifting westward towards the horizon. Larger rock formations raise up to the west and northwest, promising to block the sun before long. Looks like maybe two to three hours of daylight remain. Red Shirt is leading the group to a passage eastward. So far, no one has had any trouble managing the paths, although a few of the men are beginning to feel the fatigue of the day's ride.

"We get through this pass and find place to camp."

OOC: The only person questioning the direct route in any way was ENS and the Judge sees no reason to delay moving forward. PCs may of course continue any conversation, pausing here for that before next narrative post.

EDIT: some messed up punctuation and missing words that the Judge didn't notice initially.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:06, Tue 17 Mar 2020.

In reply to Red Shirt (msg # 37):

After his initial struggles regaining his comfort atop Lefty, Tracy had found a nice rhythm for the rest of the day. It felt great to be on a journey once again. This time, Tracy tried to take mental notes on the shapes of different mountain passes and hilly landscapes. The investigator wanted to practice his newfound drawing techniques once the group reached camp.

As the day went on, however, Windham grew tired; his extra energy spent at the beginning of the ride now showed its impact. He was glad when Red Shirt announced that the day’s travels would soon end. In his current state, Tracy was not one to start conversation; he remained quiet for now.

In reply to Red Shirt (msg # 37):

Jake was not all that convinced that the fastest route was necessairy the best one, given the present circumstances -- it was not as if they were in hot pursuit of the owlhoots, and the Texican did not see where the time it took to close the distance really made all that much of a difference . . . not if the quickest route was more difficult going.

But, all things considered, Jacob was not concerned enough about the route to argue the point -- he reckoned that he would deal with things as they came along, just as he had during the war.

All the same, he was secretly a little glad to hear Red Shirt say that they would be setting up camp for the evening before too much longer. For whatever reason, Jake and Sam were not a good mix, and the Texan found himself a mite winded after struggling with the troublesome horse over the course of the day.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 39):

Earnest nods to Rof.

Most assuredly monsieur, but no sense breaking our backs in the process, ne pensez-vous pas?

When Red Shirt saw Red Shirt proceed, he gave his head a quick shake and muttered to himself.

Mountain goating again... ah well.

He urged Sweet Pea on and settled into the ride, taking in the new terrain and using his field glasses when something looked interesting. He was also glad when Red Shirt said they would be stopping soon, grinning in his usual way at the news.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:41, Wed 18 Mar 2020.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 40):

Tommy is watching Red Shirt leading the group. While occasionally struggling with a mostly well behaved Jack, he notices the ease with which the Paiute rides, how the horse moves simply as an extension of the man. He wonders about Red Shirt's past. Where was he from? How was he raised? How did they live? A childhood so wildly different from his own upbringing made Tommy curious, he could only imagine...but he also judged him to be a private man of few words

~I'll probably never know too much about any of that ~ he finally thinks to himself

He adjusts himself in the saddle and looks eastward into a landscape bathed in the yellow-orange light of late afternoon. For a few minutes he just takes it all in, appreciating the beauty.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:45, Wed 18 Mar 2020.

The riders, following Red Shirt's lead, cut through the pass that winds between rising rock formations, gullies and streams. Alternatively, Intermittently, the sun is blocked from view as the men move through shadows and then sudden streams of daylight pour through gaps, putting a strain on the men's vision as eyes must adjust rapidly to the changing light.

The Paiute has slowed the pace to account for the various challenges presented by this route -- from rocky ground to narrow passages and steep inclines. The nine riders negotiate the terrain successfully, although the effort involved begins to wear on everyone, especially the two rancher's sons handing the remuda. They had to stop and string the mounts together in single file in order to navigate some stretches of the pass. And a few of the men feel the stress of a full day in the saddle, in mind, body and spirit.

Finally, after ascending a hill via a series of switchbacks, the guide reins Poogoo and waits for the rest of the group to reach a relatively flat, oval-shaped mesa. From here, the setting sun is still visible, but not for long, it appears. The men find themselves on an elevated bluff that provides decent viewpoints in all directions, except to the south. From the look of things, Red Shirt intends to make camp in this area.

OOC: The PCs that failed their Riding check for the day now have one level of Fatigue. They will recover from that with a full hour of rest (whenever they can rest, not quite yet).

Everyone needs to make a Vigor roll now. Failure will mean a level of Fatigue -- which will stack with any existing Fatigue (that is, for the men who failed the Ride check).

Fatigue means -1 to all Trait rolls, so the PCs (and NPCs) that failed the Ride check will suffer -1 to their Vigor roll.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:15, Thu 19 Mar 2020.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 42):

~Waal, hell -- could be that I'm gettin' older than I was a-thinkin' I was,~ the Texican thought as he slouched in the saddle, ready for the day's ride to end.

---

OOC: 18:52, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 3,2 using d8-1,d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 4,3.  Vigor Check (Fatigued).


18:56, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 0,1 using d8-1,d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2.  Bennie Re-Roll (Fatigued Vigor Check).

Notes: Two more failures for Jake, another bennie burned. I was trying to avoid a second level of fatigue, but 'twas not to be.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 42):

Tommy is glad to see they are finally making camp. He dismounts and immediately feels the stiffness in his back and legs but all-in-all isn't feeling too bad. He gives Jack a rub on the nose

"Well done boy" and he leads him over toward Hyrum so he can be reunited with the rest of the remuda.

He addresses the group in general:

"Well gents I'm willing to admit I'm well out of practice as a horseman, haven't rode that much in donkey's years"

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18:37, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 1,11 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,(6+5)11.  Vigor check --- end of first day's ride.
This message was last edited by the player at 23:09, Wed 18 Mar 2020.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 42):

Happy to finally have his feet on the ground, Earnest takes a big stretch. He retrieves an apple from Sweet Pea's saddlebag and pats her on the neck as he feeds it to her.

Good girl... we'll get you settled soon.

---

17:26, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 5,2 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2.  Vigor Check.

Daniel dismounts as soon as he reaches the Paiute guide his father had hired nearly a fortnight ago.

"I am not ashamed to admit," says the young Knight, "the extent of my saddlesore. These hills and valleys can make a body weary. As soon as these kids are cared for, I have a meeting with my bedroll."

The other two sons of Nouveau Zion ranchers voice their agreement with their peer, Daniel. The three of them set to feeding and hobbling the horses, as well as giving the kids a break from their saddles.

Red Shirt slides gracefully from the saddle, unaffected by the day's journey. He unsaddles the kid and hands him over to Hyrum before beginning to dig a small fire pit.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 42):

Tracy had felt better in his life, but he and Lefty had made the most of the day after their rough start. Back on his feet again, Tracy retrieves an apple from Lefty’s saddlebags and feeds it to the gelding.

“Good boy, Lefty. It was good to see you again,” the investigator murmurs to the kind beast.

Windham finds himself a spot in camp and takes his notebook from his bag. As best as he could remember, he retraces their path in charcoal. Anyone watching him would spot a distant look in his eyes as he peered out at the horizon, periodically looking up from the journal.

OOC:

22:38, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 2,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,3.  Vigor roll, day’s journey.

22:39, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 7,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,1.  Vigor roll, day’s journey (2).

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 42):

Rof slides gingerly off of Pepper, yet still winces slightly and lets out a light grunt as he lands on his feet and the ground sends a wave of ache into legs.

"Well mecs, we have had quite a day of it," Rof proclaims to the group as they begin setting up camp. He leads Pepper over to the young ranchers, "Garçons, fantastic job with the "keeds", as you all call them."

He immediately sits down with his bag, pulls out soap and his canteen, splashes a small amount of water on the soap and begins running it through his hair and mustache. He rinses off his face with a small amount of water, and then sets to combing his hair.


OOC:

22:49, Today: Rofgia Beaucheveux rolled 5,3 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3.  Vigor Check.

Before long, the group settles around the camp fire started by the Paiute. A few of the men clearly need rest, while others seem to have some energy remaining even after the arduous ride. The sun has now departed, the low flames of the fire providing some light for the campers, while the waning crescent moon provides little illumination. Indeed, the next few nights will be dark until the new moon makes itself known. And although Spring had come and the days are pleasant, it proves a mite chilly out here on the plateau once the sun has set.

Tommy Pearce had volunteered for the first watch. By now, the young ranchers have stretched out on their bedrolls, including Daniel Knight, and are either asleep or hoping to be soon.

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

OOC: The PCs may converse, of course, around the fire as desired (feel free to post freely, as usual). Meanwhile, each should state his intentions for when and how to sleep and coordinate with the next person in line for the watch as to how and when the men would change shifts.

Tommy (and each successive watch man) should describe his approach to his shift. The Judge may interject with an encounter overnight -- as we have done before -- but it won't necessarily happen on this night or any night so the Judge doesn't want to drag this out. So each PC should go ahead and post a plan for his watch, no need to do it in order, no need to wait for the previous watch man to post. The Judge will sort things out and interject as needed.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 50):

Jake just piked at his food and had little to say, turning in early. Truth be told, the Texican was feeling really tired out by the day'd ride, and he welcomed the opportunity to settle down in his bedroll.

By the time that the Perfesser waked Jacob up for his turn at watch, the rifleman was feeling much rested -- apparently the sleep had done him a world of good. Jake still had his pocket watch that he had purchased at York & Meyers Outfitters back in The Flat, so he did not have to fret over trying to judge how quickly time passed during his watch, and when he should be waking up Mister Windham.

The fire had burned down low by the time that Jake stood his watch, but the Texan did not even look at the glowing coals, so as to preserve his night vision. He walked the perimeter of the campsite, but spent more time staring out towards the areas that he judged to be the most likely avenues of approach, if someone or something was of a mind to approach the camp unnoticed.

As he paced, he kept his Winchester snugged into the crook of his left arm . . .

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 50):

Tommy grabs his jacket, hat and a bit of hardtack to keep his energy up. He stows his gear by his bedroll and pulls out his shotgun.
He speaks briefly to the Professor

I’m assuming you’re going to get a bit of sleep . I’ll wake you when it’s time to switch.

Judging the situation: he knows only that the trail they came in on is a short distance back to the West. The view to the South is obscured so he walks that way first and looks around, slowly coming around to the East and continuing in a counter-clockwise manner.  He walks slowly around in a circle in this manner about 30-40 yards away from the group. He peers into a dark landscape lit only by stars.

————————————————————————————————————————-———————————-——————-
OOC: I would normally perform a Notice roll at some point while out on watch but it seems like that might not work with the judges desire to keep things moving here, so I haven’t made a roll and stuck to just a summarization. Let me know if that’s an incorrect assumption
This message was last edited by the player at 02:48, Fri 20 Mar 2020.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 50):

After finishing grooming himself, does not do much more than eat and lay down in an odd moment of lethargy for him. The day's exhaustion was creeping up on him as he leaned back. Seeing the charcoal on Tracy's fingers as he drew, Rof quipped, "See you soon Sale," before closing his eyes.

As he falls asleep, he thinks of what he'll do for his shift. ~ I'll probably just sit by the fire and twirl my knife around in my hand to pass the time, maybe look around occasionally if I hear something~

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 52):

Earnest settles in with the others around the campfire and also has a bit to eat. When Tommy makes his inquiry he responds.

Oh I'll probably just doze a bit until you wake me; but first, I think I'll have a look around.

With that, he moves a little away from the campfire and surveys the landscape for signs of other camps. At some point he notices Tommy doing much the same.

---

OOC: A notice roll is cheap and you never know what you may get!

16:14, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 5,9 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,(6+3)9.  Notice: Other camp signs.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 54):

Tracy stirs as Jake wakes him; twisted visions of canyons and valleys from his dreams and drawings intertwine briefly and disperse. His sleep was deeper than normal during these camps. It must have been due to the more greatly taxing day of travel.

“Thanks,” he says to the Texan. “Get some rest if you can.”

Windham paced slowly at the edge of camp, his Spencer at the ready. He decided to peer into the distance, focusing on any significant details he could spot to keep his mind sharp as he waited to awaken his new friend Rof.

OOC:

21:46, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 3,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4.  Notice, at campsite.

The Irishman had walked the perimeter during the first watch. Meanwhile, the professor had also taken time to peer into the night. The vast landscape seemed like another country in the darkness. A man found it difficult to tell the difference between a rising sandstone formation rising up and a ravine or a canyon sloping downward. Tommy's watch concluded without incident, leaving the man a full night's rest once the professor had relieved him. During his turn, Earnest had believed he had spotted a plume of smoke to the northwest, but he could only guess at the distance and he didn't possess skills like those of the Paiute, leaving little hope of finding the location in the daylight.

By the time that Ringgenberg had wakened Richardsen, the rifleman had slept well enough to shake off the fatigue he had felt after the day's ride. Jake took his shift with a clear head staring into the darkness much as the two men before him. The Texican definitely heard more than he saw, listening to the sounds of nocturnal critters and remembering the incident with the mountain lions just several nights ago.

Tracy Windham passed the time on his watch much the same as his predecessors. Like the rifleman, the investigator listened to the noises in the night, hearing what sounded like some kind of night owl screeching nearby. Nothing he could place, nothing that seemed of consequence to the campers. He awoke the barber a couple of hours before dawn and drifted off again. Rof himself took a different approach to his shift, staying near the embers of the fire and stirring it back to life and using the time to practice with his knives until the sun's rays begin to push aside the starlight.

OOC: Another pause for PC conversation to beginning the second day. Three of the nine men will need to rotate a horse. First three to post a preference for a new mount will get a new mount from Ned, Gus or Gem.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:29, Sat 21 Mar 2020.

As he chews on a piece of jerky, Red Shirt tells the men that they should be able to reach the area of Echo Canyon, where they had camped before entering Echo Canyon. Indeed, it's clear that the Paiute refers to the spot where the men had encountered the mountain lions -- or was it the other way around?

"We should see Great White Throne this morning," he adds, gesturing to the northwest.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:27, Sat 21 Mar 2020.

In reply to Red Shirt (msg # 57):

Earnest replies to Red Shirt as he chews his own jerky.

I believe I saw smoke in that direction last night... we should be very alert as we travel today.

OOC: Earnest will stick with Sweet Pea for today.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 56):


Rof takes a bite out of his dried fruit. "Professeur, you think there might be someone out in Echo Canyon already? Did anyone else see anything?"

Rof walks over to Gem to ready the horse for the days travels. "Comment allez-vous?"

In reply to Rofgia Beaucheveux (msg # 59):

“I didn’t see any smoke, but my watch was several hours later than the Professor’s,” Tracy responds to the barber.

“Good spot, Professor,” the investigator adds, turning to Earnest. “Good to know that we should be even more careful today.”

~A lot of us seemed pretty tired after yesterday’s journey; hopefully we’re a little more prepared for today’s travel,~ Windham thinks to himself.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 60):

Tommy is quite well rested having slept soundly after his watch. He decides to let Jack have a break and waves to Hyrum who is attending another horse as he unties Gus's reins and works to load up the new mount with his gear

After hearing the comments of the others he understands they will be getting closer to potential encounters with the bandits or maybe even mountain lions, a possibility which Tommy had not thought about before. The cat had a special place in Tommy's imagination having heard so many stories about this animal since arriving in the West. Having never seen one in person, only drawings in various newspaper articles, he was both excited and a touch fearful at the idea of coming face-to-face with one in the wild.

Addressing the group Tommy voices a concern

"I admit I don't know much about this kind of cross-country traveling but should we be spreading out a bit more today. Maybe a couple of us should ride behind the remuda to make sure we have our backs covered.

This message was last edited by the player at 14:40, Sun 22 Mar 2020.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 61):

The Paiute listens to the Irishman as he readies Poogoo, shrugging at the first part, nodding at the second.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 61):

The young Knight was near Pearce when the Irishman asked his question.

"Mayhap you and I could take up the rear, Mr. Pearce. That sounds like a fine idea. As for spreading out," he adds, "I reckon that will not be possible in some places, if Red Shirt plans to take us along more narrow trails like the ones we followed yesterday."

In reply to Daniel Knight (msg # 63):

The Paiute shrugs again.

OOC: Feel free to continue conversation. Meanwhile, all PCs should go ahead and make Riding rolls for the day.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 65):


Rof boosts himself onto Gem, paying no mind to the worries of the others, he takes in a deep breath and boisterously proclaims, "Une belle journée, I am feeling eager to continue today, I think I would like to join at the front of the line today."

~Mountain lions and bandits, oh mon!~ He thought jokingly to himself. ~This group of aventuriers can handle such trivial threats.~


-----------------------
12:41, Today: Rofgia Beaucheveux rolled 1,4 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4.  Day 2 - Riding Check.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 56):

Jake nodded his approval to the Perfesser as Earnest spoke of spotting some smoke last evening when he was on watch.

The Texican awakened feeling much better than he had when he lay down to rest last night. When he noted that Mister Pearce was switching mounts today, he walked over to where Jack stood and began to saddle the kid. Stroking the horse's neck, he muttered "Tough luck for you, Jack. You'll be totin' me todaey."

Jake welcomed the opportunity to change horses, since the previous day's ride on Sam had tired him out considerably -- for some reason the kid had seemed skittish and difficult to control. He had ridden Jack when the party had gone out to search for Elizabeth Knight, and felt like he knew the horse's ways somewhat better than he did Sam.

---

OOC: 13:16, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 1,4 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4.  Riding Check: Day Two.

Notes: Huzzah! Finally broke my string of bad rolls.

In reply to Rofgia Beaucheveux (msg # 59):

Earnest shrugs at Rof.

I could not tell exactly where it was Monsieur Beaucheveux, just that it was in the general direction that we're heading... The bandit's canyon was an offshoot of Echo Canyon; their leader, El Presidente, indicated that they'd be leaving there, but perhaps he was overruled or maybe they left a rear guard... regardless, we should be on our toes as we get closer today.

Earnest moves to prepare Sweet Pea for the day's ride, mounting up with the others once ready.

---

14:44, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 2,2 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2.  Ride Check.
14:45, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 3,9 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(6+3)9.  Ride Check - Benny reroll.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 68):

Tracy readies Lefty for the journey, leaving another man to take Ned for the day. After Lefty was prepared for the day’s travel, he fed the gelding an apple. “You ready, boy? We might be in for another tough day.”

Now mounted up, he and Lefty joined the group.

OOC:

12:33, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 5,5 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (4+1)5,5.  Riding, day 2.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 69):

Daniel saddles Ned, leaving Lucy to get a day's ride without tack or rider while under the care of the other rancher's sons. The young Knight tips his hat to Rof and Tommy.

OOC: Judge understands the new riding order, based on PC comments (or lack thereof) as:

Red Shirt (Poogoo)
Earnest (Sweet Pea)
Jake (Jack)
Rof (Gem)
Tracy (Lefty)
Hyrum (Rex)
Ammon (Max)
Remuda (Lucy, Pepper, Sam)
Daniel (Ned)
Tommy (Gus)

Rof had indicated the desire to move up, which happens naturally as Tommy takes up the rear. If Rof wishes to push up further, when space permits, that is fine; however if and when the group must go single file, the Judge will use this order.

The Judge still needs Tommy's Day 2 Riding roll.

Stand by for a narrative post later this evening.

The men strike the camp and head out behind Red Shirt and Poogoo. Like yesterday, the Paiute leads a meandering path over hills and dales through the terrain east of Zion Canyon. The riders adjust to their new mounts, or reacquaint themselves with previous mounts during the morning hours while crossing a relatively wide and rocky plateau. As Red Shirt had promised, a towering, pale sandstone formation looms to the northwest, as if beckoning the riders to approach, even as the landscape itself provides no clear path between here and what the Paiute calls the Great White Throne.

Not long before high noon, the Paiute takes a turn westward into a deep gorge where the men must travel single file, at a much slower pace. With sun mostly overhead, the men pass through shifting shadows along a snaking gully, wondering where they will end up. No one could be blamed for thinking the guide had lost his way a time or two ... nonetheless, roughly two hours later the guide takes a turn north and upwards out of the ravine onto higher ground. The Throne is closer now, but it seems even more impossible to reach. In fact, this mesa extends mostly north-northeast and away from the towering peak.

As if an afterthought, the nine riders scan the area ahead, seeing a small group of riders roughly 40 yards to the north on this same plateau. Tracy is the first to spot them, as they turn and begin to ride away. The investigator catches a glimpse of a yellow bandana wrapped around the brim of one of their hats as they race off.

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

OOC: The Judge has drawn action cards for the players and NPCs. We will do a Chase scene here. Players may read the rules beginning p114, but all that really matters is what actions you are taking, including any "Maneuvers" such as "Change Position" or "Hold Steady" in addition to making any attacks and continuing movement. For the first round, PCs should react to the situation as described in the narrative and take a round of action based on whatever has transpired up until their turn, including announcing whether they are joining the Chase or doing something else. Don't worry about the rule specifics, feel free to state actions such as "riding to catch up" or "riding and shooting," etc., and the Judge will sort it out or follow-up as needed. Of course, the players may ask questions publicly or privately as desired, but if posing a question during your turn, please log in and follow-up as frequently as possible to find the Judge's reply and to keep things moving.

Remember that firing from a moving mount incurs -2 to hit for "unstable platform" unless the PC has an Edge or other means to counter the penalty. Range will also enter into this, and the distances between participants will become more apparent as the chase is underway. At the start, range is 15" to the nearest yellow-necks.

See the map for Group 5 -- it is a photo of the Chase card layout and beginning status, with Tracy on the leftmost card and opponents ahead of him (to the right). PC tokens will be added as they join the Chase, if they do.

Initiative
Daniel   Ten Diamonds Sixth (the Extras go on Daniel's turn, for now)
Earnest   Queen Spades  Fourth
Jake Four Spades, Six Hearts  Last
Red Shirt Six Diamonds, Queen Clubs Fifth
Rof Ace Spades, Seven Clubs  Second
Tommy King Spades, Five Clubs  Third
Tracy  Joker First or Anytime   (All Wild Cards get a Benny)
Opponents Seven Diamonds Seventh

FYI, for those who were not involved in the last chapter.
https://commons.wikimedia.org/...ite_Throne_(mountain)

It is Tracy's turn. Remember the advantages of the Joker.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 72):

Tommy gets moving on Gus, who at least initially is skittish, they drift to the very back of the group just behind Daniel.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC -- Benny roll should have had a +2 which would make it a 4

22:47, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 1,2 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2.  Riding roll -- Day2 -- benny roll.

22:46, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 4 using d4+d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3.  Riding roll -- Day 2.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:23, Tue 24 Mar 2020.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 72):

The moment Tracy catches a glimpse of the yellow bandana, Tracy urges Lefty forward. While Lefty wasn’t the fastest horse, nor Tracy the most experienced rider, the twosome speed ahead, having established a better connection today than the previous day. The investigator hopes to gain some ground on the bandits and keep them in his sights.

OOC:

I haven’t read the rules yet, in the interest of keeping the game moving. Tracy is attempting to “ride to catch up” in the words of your post, Judge.

I would imagine that his increase in speed might also “Change Position,” but I’m unsure what that would mean in our circumstances.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 74):

OOC: That's all good. This is definitely "Changing Position" action. It is a Riding roll. You need a success to move one chase card. A Raise moves two.

Two ways to use this "Maneuver":

1. Free Action: regular roll for Riding (Joker bonus for Tracy this round) and you can still do another action, such as Shooting or Notice or whatever without penalty.
   
2. Action: Change Position is an action: you get +2 to the roll. (You may still do other actions, with the usual multi-action penalties. Mostly, that would be the same as above (the +2 and -2 for multi-action offset); in the Judge's mind, it is only a consideration when trying to do three actions in one round -- 3 is the limit).

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 74):

Seeing Tracy gallop forward, Rof knows there must be something wrong. Having woken up earlier that day ready and alert, he springs into action to join the chase."On y Va!", he shouts out as he lowers his head and kicks Gem lightly with his heels.

OOC:
Rof is using Change Position as an Action to move forward.

10:04, Today: Rofgia Beaucheveux rolled 3,7 using d4+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5.  Change Position- Riding Maneuver (Action +2 bonus).

In reply to Rofgia Beaucheveux (msg # 76):

Earnest urges Sweet Pea faster to keep up with Tracy, calling out as he starts.

Tracy! Don't shoot before they do!

---

OOC: Posting early (i.e., before Tommy) just to get it down.

17:22, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 4,7 using d4+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5.  Change Position- Riding Maneuver (Action +2 bonus).

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 75):

Hearing the Professor’s exclamation as he pushes Lefty, Tracy smiles wryly. His mind quickly flashes back to the past bandit encounter that Earnest referenced.

OOC:

Got it, Judge, thanks for the help. Here’s a Riding roll for the “Change Position” action.

22:21, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 12,6 using d4+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (4+4+2)10,4.  Riding, Change Position.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 78):

Tommy hears the commotion up front as they begin to give chase and despite being at the back he puts the spurs to Gus in an attempt to catch them also.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22:55, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 4,7 using d4+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5.  Riding role -- change position (Action +2 bonus).
This message was last edited by the player at 02:57, Wed 25 Mar 2020.

OOC: The Judge would prefer to post in action card order, even if it takes a little longer. In this case, it hasn't mattered and it's not a big deal; however, it is possible that a character (PC or NPC) that acts before another will do (or fail to do) something that changes your decision as a PC about your next action. For example, if Tracy had rolled Snake Eyes instead of Aces, and the Judge ruled that the horse had bolted and the investigator was thrown, Rof or Tommy or Earnest MIGHT have decided to attend to Windham rather than join the chase ...

That said, the Judge appreciates everyone's enthusiasm and willingness to keep the game moving. That's why I think posting in Action Card initiative order will work and make the game more interesting. Remember that if you miss the 24 hour window (most won't) you simply go on Hold.

(We used to post combat actions in any order and then the Judge sorted out how it happened (e.g., in what order). With this ruleset having emphasis on the Critical Failure and Action Cards seems to work better when we post in order. This note is mostly for Earnest and Jacob, who experienced the "Judge will sort it out" method.)
This message was last edited by the GM at 10:52, Wed 25 Mar 2020.

The Paiute reins Poogoo as the others spur their horses towards the fleeing bandits. In fact, Red Shirt dismounts. To those nearby, it seems that something is wrong with the horse or the rider -- perhaps the guide has some specific reason for not speeding off with the others.

OOC: RS had rolled Snake Eyes for his daily Ride check; the Judge had decided what it meant, but it wasn't an immediate effect at that time; it is happening now.

Daniel Knight looks first to the remuda and his fellow ranchers. Taking the extra kids on a gallop would be unwise, he thinks. Fortunately, Hyrum and Ammon call out to him, saying that they would stay put. The young Knight turns Ned, intending the spur the gelding foward, but he stops when he sees Red Shirt dismounting.

"Go on, Mr. Richardsen," hollers the rancher's son, as he swings Ned towards the Poogoo and the Pauite.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:27, Wed 25 Mar 2020.

The yellow-necks race off ahead, pushing their mounts over the rugged terrain. For now, they are still on the plateau, although the pair farthest away is veering east as they approach a rocky hill that blocks the way. As the heroes have already experienced in this day and a half of travel, any path this pursuit may take could suddenly narrow, climb up, twist left, or ramp down ... waal, as Jacob might say, it could change at any moment.

It occurs to all the riders that this terrain could also result in temporary loss of line of sight, not to mention danger to their mounts.

OOC: If you haven't already, update your Bennies total on the bio line.

The Judge forgot to add the +2 to both group rolls for the bandits (Change Position Action). Realized it as soon as I clicked BG2. Result is the same, the first group jumps two cards the second group loses ground, staying on the same card.
08:35, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 1 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1.  BG2 Riding (Change Position).
08:35, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 8 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+2)8.  BG1 Riding (Change Position).

It is Jake's turn and then the Judge will deal a new set of action cards (reshuffled because of the Joker) and post the visual of the positions at the end of the round.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 83):

Jake was all set to pull "Widder-Maker" from its saddle-scabbard and take a shot at one of the Yall Bandanna Boys when he heard Earnest call out not to fire before the hardcases did. THe Texican was not at all certain about the wisdom of allowing the owlhoots to fire first, but he knew the Perfesser to be a smart man, and over the time that they had been traveling together, he had come to trust the Easterner's judgment.

He saw Red Shirt rein in Poogoo and dismount, but Mister Knight headed towards the Paiute and called for the Texican to go on.

Still somewhat conflicted over not taking his shot, Jake tapped Jack's ribs with his boots -- he disliked using his rowels on kids unless the situation was dire -- and bent forward, leaning over his mount's neck. ~I wisht that I could ride Coe-manchee style, but I cain't. Mayhap if'n I'd rid with Jeb Stuart's boys in the War, but I was in-fantrie.~

---

OOC:

Action: Change Position riding maneuver (+2 bonus to rolls). 12:58, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 4,6 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4.  Change Position Riding Maneuver (+2 Bonus).

Tracy Windham had gotten the jump on everyone, leading the pursuit of the fleeing yellow-necked riders across the mesa towards rocky hills to the north-northeast. Atop Lefty, the investigator quickly gains ground on the pair of the closest bandits, putting distance between himself and his pards, as well.

Four of the heroes urge their mounts to follow Left and Tracy, also gaining ground on the second pair of El Presidente's gang, even as they see Lefty stretching out his lead over Gem, Gus, Sweet Pea and Jack.

The French barber had been the next to react, with Tommy and Earnest just behind. Over the course of several seconds, this trio of riders evens out, each picking a parallel path to keep a line of sight on the bandits ahead. Jake and Jack are still slightly behind, with the rifleman also maneuvering to keep a line of sight, but the distance between the Texican and the other heroes is inconsequential in light of the current circumstances.

All of the men recognize the risk of pushing the kids too hard in this terrain. A mis-step could lead to disaster. Meanwhile, it appears that the farthest pair of bandits is veering eastward to avoid charging up the approaching rocky ridge. Line of sight could be lost on them, at least temporarily, as they lead the chase around the hill.

OOC: See the update Group 5 map. You might need to clear your brower's cache to see the updated map, as we have learned from experience. If you don't remember this from before, or this is new to you anyway, please re-read the previous sentence. Whomever asks about not being able to see the map will owe the Judge a beer.

You will see that we have advanced beyond the first card in the Chase. The relative positions have changed, per the narrative above and the various hero and bandit actions (and the respective resulting successes or raises or failures).

Next round begins with the positions per the Group 5 map. Remember that each card is an increment of '5 inches' range ... that means, for example, that if you are one card away from someone, you are roughly 5" away on the game map, which translates to 10 yards, or 30 feet. If you are comparing that to a weapon's range, and your short range is 12" than you are in short range within two cards, medium range at three cards, etc. Range matters for Tests or skills such as Taunt and even for communication; e.g., Tracy is approximately 10 yards ahead of the other heroes right now and galloping on Lefty, so he might not hear someone yelling at him from behind. And if he were to yell at the bandits ahead of him, they might not hear him. But if wanted to pull his hogleg and fire as he rides, he would be in short range currently, being only one card behind.

Initiative
Daniel   Ten Clubs  Last
Earnest   Nine Hearts  Sixth
Jake Seven Spades, Ace Diamonds  Second
Red Shirt Ten Spades, Four Spades   Seventh
Rof Six Hearts, Queen Hearts  Third
Tommy Jack Spades, Six Diamonds  Fifth
Tracy  Queen Clubs. Fourth
Opponents Ace Spades  First

The bandits go first. Stand by.

Both pairs of bandits continue to ride away, attempting to put distance between themselves and their pursuers. None of them fire any ranged weapons or make any sort of evasive maneuvers; they simply ride on. Soon, the duo that is farther ahead is fixing to bend around the hill.

OOC: Each pair achieves a success ... they will advance one card this round.
19:37, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 5 using 1d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 3.  BG2 Riding (Change Position).
19:37, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 4 using 1d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 2.  BG1 Riding (Change Position).

It is Jake's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 86):

~Waal, hell,~ Jake thought to himself as the hardcases made every effort to leave  their pursuers eating their dust. What's the Perfesser want us to do if'n we catch up with 'em? Play patty-caekes?~

The Texican was concerned that if he simply tried to close the distance, the owlhoots would move around a bend and be out of his sight. Accordingly, he decided to take a shot, in an attempt to knock a horse out from under one of the Yalla Bandanna Boys.

He let his kid seek its own pace without forcing it, and pulled Widder-Maker from its scabbard. Sighting quickly and cleanly, he fired at the mount of one of the leading twosome, figuring that if push came to shove, he would leave the easier shots for his pards.

---

OOC: 00:00, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 8 ,7 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 8,(6+1)7.  Ranged Attack (Winchester).

00:15, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 1,10 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,(6+4)10.  Bennie Re-Roll (Ranged Attack).

Notes Jake is riding and shooting, without attempting to move up in the order of the chase. He will aim at the mount of one of the two leading riders -- if one appears to be the leader, based upon his gear or mount, Jake will try and shoot his horse. If there is no appreciable difference between the two leading riders, the Judge is welcome to flip a coin or otherwise make a choice as to the Texican's target.

Applicable Edges: Steady Hands, Improved Trademark Weapon.

I am unsure of the range or any other modifiers, so I leave it to the Judge to adjudicate the results of Jake's shot. I burned a bennie hoping for a more solid shot, and got a slight improvement. Jake's "Biography" has been adjusted to reflect the loss of a bennie.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 87):

OOC: The Judge is clarifying Jake's intentions in PM ... meanwhile:

Steady Hands is important because that Edge lets the PC ignore the Unstable Platform modifier for Shooting while Riding. That is normally -2 to Shooting roll, so if your character doesn't have SH, keep that -2 in mind.

Jake would get +2 for his Improved TM Edge.

The range is 25" or 5 cards, based on the Judge's ruling. The Judge is counting "how many cards away" which doesn't include the attacker's card, but does include the opponent's card. Jake is attacking the lead group, five cards away; 5 x 5" = 25" and that is just barely in medium for the rifle's range, so -2 to the Texican's attack roll. PCs should be able to calculate range for any combat in this chase, based on this example.

Cover is at the Judge's discretion. You can be pretty sure there will be some kind of cover bonus for anyone being shot at in this terrain. The Judge will determine how much at any given time in the chase. For this shot, the Judge is ruling -2 to Jake's roll because of opponent's terrain cover. The Judge will apply cover modifiers to any PC roll.

The PCs should be able to keep track of the above modifiers, excluding Cover, by figuring range, applying Unstable Platform, applying their own Edges, etc., as we move forward (and if anyone else uses a ranged weapon, of course). Of course, questions are welcome, but the Judge encourages the PCs to figure and cite as much as possible, leaving the Judge to apply Cover or any other circumstantial modifiers that the PCs might not know until the roll is made.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 88):

OOC: Thanks for the clarifications, Judge. Here are the results of Jake's Damage roll. His bennie count has been adjusted to take subtract the bennie used to attempt to raise his Damage roll (it did, but not by enough to justify burning a bennie. Eh, c'est la vie, as our favorite Frenchman would say). :)

11:15, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 2,3 using 2d8-1,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,1,3.  Damage (Winchester, Raise).

11:17, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 5, 1 using 2d8-1,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5,1.  Damage re-roll (Bennie).

Total Damage: 6

Edit: Non-substantive, as marked.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:02, Thu 26 Mar 2020.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 89):

The rifleman had drawn a bead on one of mounts ridden by the lead bandits, some 50 yards away. The Winchester rings out and Richardsen has confidence that he hit the kid, although he also believes the bullet did no more than graze the target's hindquarters. Whether that would affect the mount and rider as they attempt to escape remains uncertain, for now.

OOC: 6 points is less than a Horse's Toughness (which is 8, and would be known to a Veteran such as Jacob).

It is Rof's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 90):

~Quelle folie!~ Rof thinks as he hears a gunshot ring from behind him. He catches a slight glimpse of Jake with his stock still pressed to his body as he quickly peeks back.

He sees the young investigator ahead of him alone and presses on to help back-up Tracy.


OOC:Rof is using Change Position as his action to continue moving forward. Rof was successful in burning a benny in pursuit of seeing the effects of a max reroll in the chase, in a display of confiance effrontée. The bio line with bennys has been updated.

00:05, Today: Rofgia Beaucheveux rolled 5,5 using d4+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 3,3.  Change Position- Riding Maneuver (Action +2 bonus).


00:06, Today: Rofgia Beaucheveux rolled 4,12 using d4+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,(6+4)10.  Change Position- Riding Maneuver (Action +2 bonus) Benny Reroll.

In reply to Rofgia Beaucheveux (msg # 91):

Beaucheveux pushes Gem forward. The mare maintains a steady gallop, slicing through the rocky outcroppings as the pursuers approach the hill.

OOC: Beaucheveux moves up two cards. Temporarily in game terms, he is just ahead of Tracy and one behind the 2nd pair of bandits.

Of course, it is now Tracy's turn so that may change.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 92):

Gritting his teeth, Tracy keeps driving Lefty forward, attempting to match the pace of the bandits and his new friend Monsieur Beaucheveux. The investigator wanted to keep the far pair of Yellow Bandanas in his sights, whatever it took.

A part of him noticed the ground shift unevenly under Lefty’s hooves. However, most of his mind ignored it, as he pressed on.

OOC:

16:16, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 3,3 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,3.  Riding, Change Position full action.

16:17, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 10,3 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (4+4+2)10,3.  Riding, Change Position full action (2).


Tracy is Changing Position as a full action in order to counter the -2 from the Complication. I believe this puts him on the same card as the near bandits as well.

Edit: this post does not reflect it, but I have changed Tracy’s Benny count to 1.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:21, Fri 27 Mar 2020.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 93):

Windham pushes Lefty hard, even though he remembers when, almost a fortnight ago, Daniel Knight had told him that the kid hated to run at full gallop, even though Daniel had never seen a horse beat the gelding when it came to a race over long distance. For now, Lefty doesn't balk in the slightest, surging forward under the Californian's command.

OOC: Correct, Tracy is now on the same card as the 2nd pair of bandits.

It is now Tommy's turn.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:39, Fri 27 Mar 2020.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 94):

Hearing Jake fire his rifle Tommy figures he might as well also take a shot. Knowing his shotgun has limited range he aims for the closest group. Just before he pulls the trigger he sees Tracy and Lefty charging into view, he holds his fire and pushes Gus to go even faster

Come on Gus, move em legs, give it all you got boy


22:16, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 4,9 using d4+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,(6+1)7.  Change position maneuver as Action +2 - benny roll.

22:15, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 4,4 using d4+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2.  Change position maneuver as Action +2 .

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC- Benny count updated to reflect roll (4)

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 95):

Pearce urges his mount forward, not knowing much about the gelding but hoping a little sweet talk might motivate the kid named Gus. The Irishman finds himself catching up to the second pair of yellow-necked bandits -- not as close as Tracy, but managing to stay even with the French barber. A rocky hill looms ahead.

OOC: Tommy moves cards and is on same card as Rof, one back from Tracy and the bandits.

It is Earnest's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 96):

Hearing the shot from behind, Earnest curses and urges Sweet Pea on.

Sheisse!

---

12:33, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 5,5 using d4+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 3,3.  Change Position- Riding Maneuver (Action +2 bonus).

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 97):

The professor, having cursed Jacob even though the rifleman couldn't hear it, cajoles Sweet Pea to keep up. Unfortunately, she falls behind Gem, Gus and Lefty but is still within reach of the bandits ahead. Tracy has pulled even with that 2nd  pair of riders, although the other pair at the front are passing out of the group's line of sight. At least, out of Earnest's sight.

OOC: Stand by. The Judge will post the recap and draw for the next Chase round later today.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 98):

The lead pair of bandits races around the rocky hill. Only Tracy, Rof and Tommy can even see them, but they figure that fact is likely to change in the next few seconds. Earnest and Jake still have clear lines of sight on their pards ahead of them, as well as the 2nd pair of riders galloping nearly parallel to Lefty and the young investigator, but in the moment the professor and the rifleman have no idea whether their pards ahead of them are still able to track the leaders.

Unbeknownst to the heroes involved in the Chase, Daniel and the other ranchers' sons are tending to the other mounts, including Poogoo. Red Shirt has unsaddled his mount with a distinct sense urgency as the young Knight continued to assess the gelding's condition.

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

OOC: For round-by-round purposes of the Chase, the Judge is only summarizing the actions of the NPCs that stayed behind. Decided to deal in Daniel and Red Shirt even though they aren't engaged in the Chase itself, at least for now.

See the updated map for Group 5.

Initiative
Daniel   Eight Clubs  Fifth
Earnest   Three Spades  Eighth
Jake Three Diamonds, Four Clubs  Seventh
Red Shirt Eight Diamonds, Queen Diamonds  Third
Rof Eight Hearts, Seven Clubs  Fourth
Tommy King Spades, Five Clubs  Second
Tracy  Joker   First or Anytime  (all PCs get a Benny)
Opponents Seven Diamonds  Sixth

It is Tracy's turn ... with the benefits of the Joker.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 99):

Now even with the rear bandits, Tracy knows he must take advantage of his position. “Get ready, my friend,” he growls to Lefty.

As he spots a rougher patch of terrain just ahead, he attempts to ram himself and Lefty into both bandits, hoping to knock them off-balance or off of their steeds entirely. Having attempted his attack on the twosome, he spurs his own gelding on, still trying to keep pace with the furthest duo of hardcases.


OOC:

12:16, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 1,1 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1.  Force vs Bandit 1 (Riding).

12:19, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 5,4 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (4+1)5,4.  Force vs Bandit 2 (Riding).

12:20, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 3,7 using d4+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5.  Change Position (free action Riding).


Tracy attempted a Force action against each bandit near him at an even 0 modifier, then Change Position as a free action with the Joker +2.

Can an opposed snake eyes roll be rolled again with a Benny?

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 100):

OOC: No, an opposed roll is a Trait test and a Snakes Eyes on that roll cannot be re-rolled with a Benny. Tracy knew the risks.

The Judge will follow-up soon.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:38, Sun 29 Mar 2020.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 101):

The young investigator veers Lefty towards the two bandits that he had chased down. In a move that appears reckless to his pards galloping just behind, Tracy attempts to force contact with the yellow bandana boys. He urges Lefty alongside and one of the bandit's geldings, making contact and diverting the path of all three of the kids.

The move spooks Lefty. The kid rears up and barely avoids landing on top of a rocky outcropping while throwing Windham from the saddle. The sudden movement also spooks the other two horses, one of them colliding with the other as Lefty runs onward without a rider. Landing on his side on the hard-packed mesa floor, the Californian now sees that both of the bandits have managed to remain in their saddles, although both have also deviated from their intended path. Lefty is still running and the riderless kid pulls ahead of the bandits.

OOC: Tracy takes 5 damage from the fall but his Toughness is 6 so there is no effect (other than a knock on his pride and the fact that he will now be on foot in this Chase).

It is Tommy's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 102):

Tommy sees Tracy jostling with the bandit's horses and then suddenly get thrown clear of Lefty. For a split second Tommy thinks of stopping to check on him but in the same instant it's clear to him he must keep chasing. He knows he could do nothing for Tracy's injuries and now he and Rof are the closest he must keep going. He also feels a rising anger toward these Yellow Necks a personal need to apply payback for whatever has now happened to Tracy

With Gus still running hard Tommy pulls up the shotgun and aims again, this time firing at the nearest bandit


15:35, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 2,4 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4.  Change Position role (free action).
15:41, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 2,4 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4.  Shooting role -- closest bandit - benny reroll.
15:40, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 3,2 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2.  Shooting role -- closest bandit.
15:44, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 13 using 3d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1,(6+3)9.  Damage roll - closest bandit.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tommy is using his action to perform a ranged attack and a free action to change position
Range is 10" which is short range for shotgun (-2 unstable platform offset by +2 for shotgun shooting) 0 modifier
Easy come, easy go on the bennies, got one and burned one

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 103):

The Irishman lets his mount maintain its pace; focusing his attention on lining up a shot with his scattergun. Gus seems to enjoy the gallop and the distance between Tommy and the bandits is just to the mechanic's liking. Although he wasn't accustomed to firing buckshot from the back of the mount, it wasn't the first time either.

With Gus holding his own, Pearce fires and hits the yellow-neck, plainly for all to see, as the bandit grabs his side and lets go of the reins. After he howls at the face of death, just a few horse strides later, he falls from the mount and lands on the earth like a sack of oats..

OOC: Shotguns are +2 at short range. Tommy has that right, but truly it was only 5" (one card) distance. The calculation is correct. In this case, with the bandits temporarily distracted by Tracy's gambit and the range being optimum, the Judge decided not to apply any cover modifiers and therefore Tommy hits. Extras have only one wound, so a 13 takes him out.

It is Red Shirt's turn; he is still saddling up a second horse. It is now Rof's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 104):

Rof tries to urge Gem even faster as he sees the commotion in front of him but he feels no reaction from her. He pulls a knife from his vest with his right hand, holds the reins tightly with his left hand, and knowing that his blade will strike true, he throws with all his strength at the other bandit still in his saddle.



OOC:

13:05, Today: Rofgia Beaucheveux rolled 1,3 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3.  Change Position- Riding Maneuver (Free Action).


13:16, Today: Rofgia Beaucheveux rolled 5,5 using d8+1,d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 4,4.  Throwing Knife at 2nd Bandit.

Rof has taken Hold Steady (Free Action) and ignores Unstable Platform penalty of -2, and then is able to ignore his Medium Range penalty of -2 due to Marksman Edge. Additionally, with Trademark Weapon Edge, he gets a +1.


13:20, Today: Rofgia Beaucheveux rolled 9 using d6+d4, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(4+2)6.  Damage against 2nd Bandit.

OOC Edit: Wonderful learning moment. Rof's failed roll to Change Position is now being interpreted as a failed roll to Hold Steady, and the Unstable Platform -2 penalty would apply, resulting in a failed attack. Rof has elected to spend a benny to reroll the attack, and has succeeded on that roll.


01:06, Today: Rofgia Beaucheveux rolled 4,7 using d8-1,d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 5,(6+2)8.  Throwing Knife at 2nd Bandit. Benny Reroll.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:10, Tue 31 Mar 2020.

In reply to Rofgia Beaucheveux (msg # 105):

OOC: An interesting tactic by Rof, but there are some considerations for adjudication ... the Judge is PMing with the player and then will explain fully, here, after that is concluded.

EDIT: It will be the bandits' turn next, so the Judge and Rof will move this forward before long and Earnest and Jake will be up next (Jake elected to take the lower card to avoid Complication this round, so Earnest will go before Jake).
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:04, Mon 30 Mar 2020.

In reply to Rofgia Beaucheveux (msg # 105):

The blade-throwing barber steadies Gem as he continues to ride, readying one of his throwing knives and hurling it at the remaining bandit. The knife hits, but fails to bury itself in the rider's body, glancing off but clearly putting a scare into the yellow-neck.

Beaucheveux had hope to gain ground even as he delivered the blade, but that proved much more difficult than he had imagined.

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

OOC: Note that Rof used a Benny to re-roll. The short version is that the barber hits the remaining bandit, but 9 points of damage is only enough for a Shaken result (as noted earlier, these bandits have Toughness = 6, so 9 isn't enough for a raise and a wound.

The long version, which should be read by all for future reference and is essentially the Judge's ruling as communicated to Rof, along with notes about his decision, follows:

First, the barber's tactic to negate the Unstable Platform penalty, by using the Hold Steady maneuver as a free action, is valid. More on that below.

For the Marksman Edge, that was more of a poser for the Judge.The key to that rule is that the hero "doesn't move in a turn." Obviously, Rof is "moving" because he is atop Gem who is galloping. So it becomes a question of whether the rule means the character is "in motion" or "using movement." Technically, Rof isn't "using movement," the horse is using movement, but as already stated, Rof is "in motion." Having pondered this a mite, the Judge is ruling that Marksman can apply as long as the character isn't "using movement" so Rof can negate the -2 for medium range (that's the correct range) on this attack. And that ruling will apply for anyone using Marksman (Jake) -- while moving via a conveyance (mule, horse, wagon, whatever) as long as the character is not "using movement" then the bonuses from that Edge can be used. Note that "using movement" is also at the Judge's discretion, but for example: he would see a difference between staying the saddle and shifting to Comanche-riding, and he would see a difference between staying in the saddle and moving from the front to back of a wagon during combat.

So, If Rof can Hold Steady he would have hit with the initial attack roll; however, that is a Chase maneuver that requires a successful skill roll for Riding. The barber didn't make such a roll, I assume because it doesn't say it requires a roll in that paragraph. But earlier, on p113 under Maneuvers it does say that the "following rules call for maneuvering skill rolls" so you do need to make a roll to do any of these -- whether Change Position, Force, Hold Steady, Ram, Evade, or whatever. Hold that thought.

Meanwhile, the Judge is also ruling that a hero CANNOT do both "Hold Steady" and "Change Position" as free actions in the same turn during a Chase, because those two things are at odds with each other. The intention of the latter is to gain ground (move from card to card) in a Chase such as this, while the intention of the former is to hold a steady position in order to make a ranged attack without suffering penalties from Unstable Platform (or Running multi-action). Therefore, the Judge rules that a body can't "hold steady" and "change position" at the same time. By using "Hold Steady" the character is voluntarily not trying to catch up or fall back, just trying to maintain a steady position in a horseback chase. For this particular turn, it doesn't matter as Beaucheveux failed the Trait roll to Change Position -- but even if he had succeeded, the Judge wouldn't have allowed that action in combination with the Hold Steady action.

Therefore, the roll for the Change Position was moot, and there was no roll for Hold Steady. The Judge could look at this two ways:

1. Ignore the CP roll and ask the player for a HS roll.
   
2. Apply the CP roll to the HS roll.

The Judge chooses #2, which would mean that Rof failed to Hold Steady and therefore does incur -2 for Unstable Platform, which means he would miss with a modified attack result of '3'. The Judge gave Rof the option to use a Benny to re-roll either the HS or the Throw Knife. Per the players edit to msg #105, Rof chose to spend a Benny to re-roll the attack with -2 for Unstable Platform and succeeded on the re-roll, with damage already rolled applied (the Shaken result).

It is now the bandits turn. Stand by.

The second pair of bandits, being reduced to only one rider by Pearce's scattergun attack, fail to advance in position. Both horses continue to run, the riderless one keeping pace with the remaining yellow-neck still atop his mount. The combination of Tracy's gambit, Rof's well-thrown knife and Tommy's buckshot results in a pack of horses and men racing across the mesa in close quarters.

Meanwhile, the second pair of bandits stretches the distance from the nearest hero ... now being the Irish mechanic. The scofflaws bend around the hill, to the northwest, and then out of Tommy's sight. He figures he could pick them up again -- iffin he can gain some ground immediately.

OOC: The 2nd pair are now out of sight of everyone, at least temporarily, having advanced a card and around the hill.
08:28, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 3 using 1d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1.  BG2B Riding (Change Position).
08:26, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 5 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5.  BG2B unshake.
08:20, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 5 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5.  BG1 Riding (Change Position). forgot to add +2 for CP as an action, but result is same: +1 card

It is Earnest's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 108):

Seeing first Tracy, then the bandit fall, Earnest pulls up from the chase, riding up to Tracy first.

Tracy! Are you alright?

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 109):

OOC: The professor still has some distance to cover before reaching Tracy. The Judge will indicate when that occurs, via narrative or OOC.

It is Jake's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 110):

Jake was a little surprised that the hardcases were not returning fire, now that his companions were shooting to kill. But the Yalla Bandanna Boys seemed to be concentrating all their efforts in putting some distance betwixt theirselves and their pursuers instead of getting into a running gunfight, and the Texican had to admit that it might be working for the two front-running owlhoots.

As Jake looked on, Mister Pearce blew one of the outlaws out of the saddle with a close-range blast of his scattergun, Mon-shure Bushy-Voo threw one of his daggers at another one, and Mister Windham took a tumble when his horse got spooked and threw him.

To the rifleman's way of thinking, a live Yalla Bandanna Boy who could be questioned would probably be more useful than a dead one, at least at this point in the goin's-on. Accordingly, Jake sighted and once again fired at the mount of the hardcase who was lagging behind. This time, instead of just creasing the horse, the Texican felt certain that he had gotten a solid hit.

---

OOC:

Free Action: 10:21, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 2,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,1.  Riding (Change Position). Failure.

Action: 10:25, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 14,6 using d10+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (10+2)12,4.  Ranged Attack (Imp. Trademark Weapon, Marksman). Hit, Raise.

10:26, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 6 using 2d8-1, rerolling max with rolls of 6,1.  Damage (Winchester, Raise).

10:27, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 17 using 2d8-1, rerolling max with rolls of (8+6)14,4.  Benny Re-Roll (Damage).

10:49, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 4 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4.  Raise Damage Die.

Total Damage Dealt to Horse: 21

Notes: I forgot the "Raise" d6 when rolling for Damage, so I rolled that die separately. Applicable Edges: Steady Hands, Marksman, Improved Trademark Weapon. It appeared to me that the Marksman Edge would cancel out the Distance (Range) penalty, resulting in a +2 to Jake's Attack roll due to his Improved Trademark Weapon Edge. I have deducted a Benny from Jake's total to reflect the one used this Round (Damage re-roll).

OOC: The Judge will include results of Jake's attack in the narrative summary for the close of this round to the beginning of the next, with the new initiative order, etc. That will happen later today.

As the first pair of bandits race around the hill, and all hell has broken loose around the second pair of riders, Jake Richardsen squeezes off a shot with his Winchester. The result is far more satisfying than his previous attempt. The rifleman believes he made a clean kill, the kid probably felt little pain. The rider however, now that remains to be seen.

In fact, the bandit goes down with his mount, falling out of the saddle slamming into the hard-packed mesa. He appeara to survive, but no one can tell for certain, at least not immediately.

So now, Tommy Pearce races past two men on the ground -- Tracy and the bandit -- and one dead horse, whille two riderless horses keep pace. The Irishman is followed by ROF and then ENS and Jake. Tommy still thinks he might be able to catch up enough to stay on their tail if he gains some ground straight away. A similar thought occurs to the barber as he looks ahead, although the professor begins to slow down, thinking to stop near Tracy.

OOC: It is a new round. Jake should go first, then the bandits, RS and DK will go, and then it will be heroes in succession, starting with Rof, so stay tuned. The Judge will be updating the card map soon. (Updated).

Initiative (holy cow)
Daniel   King Spades Fourth
Earnest   Five Clubs Seventh
Jake Joker, Six Spades First or Anytime (all PCs get a benny)
Red Shirt Ace Clubs, Two Clubs  Third
Rof Queen Spades, Nine Diamonds Fifth
Tommy Jack Clubs, Two Diamonds Sixth
Tracy  Two Hearts  Last
Opponents Joker First or Anytime

It is Jake's turn. Remember the benefits of the Joker.
This message was last edited by the GM at 23:19, Wed 01 Apr 2020.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 113):

~Rather have shot the hardcase than the kid,~ the Texan thought to himself as he saw the horse go down, ~but I figure that we can most likely learn more from a live Yella Bandanna Boy than a dead one.~

He nudged Jack forward using his knees, with his rifle trained on the prone bandit.  "Hands up," the rifleman called out as he approached, "an' I won't shoot you."

---

OOC:

Free Actions: Standard move forward for the Jack (no roll), speak to the Yella Bandanna Boy.

Action: Jake will hold his Action for the time being, waiting for a response (including an action of some sort) from the bandit who is down. If he takes a hostile action, the Texican will seek to interrupt and fire at him.

Edit: Struck through extraneous word.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:06, Thu 02 Apr 2020.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 114):

Their whereabouts unknown to Jake Richardsen, the first pair of bandit riders is long gone from his perspective. For all he knows, they have already escaped.

Meanwhile the one who had been unhorsed by the rifleman's deadly aim now gets up and starts to run. Jack will catch up soon, but not for several seconds. On the other hand, iffin' the yellow-neck makes it to yon rocky hill, he might be able to make the chase a mite more advantageous for a body on foot.

Red Shirt finishes a quick saddle with Hyrum's help, while Daniel and Ammon care for the remaining kids. The Paiute joins the chase.

OOC: The Judge made maneuver rolls for the first bandit group, using the secret roll for now, because none of the PCs can even see them at the start of this round. The Judge will reveal what the characters can know when they can know it.

The Chase isn't over simply because the bandit was unhorsed. There's such thing as a foot-race, too, pards. Horses are faster than people, of course, but terrain figures in here and there is already some distance between the card where the bandit and Tracy just landed and the cards where Jake and Earnest start this round.

It is Rof's turn. Jake is on Hold and my attempt to interrupt an action, or just take his turn whenever he wants.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 115):

Rof tries to focus on the bandits disappearing into the distance, but as he focuses up, he notices the dismounted bandit begin to run away from the scene. "Allez!" he says aloud exasperated.

He surges forward to catch up to the bandit and tries to round him up, back towards his nearby associates.


OOC:
Rof is using Change Position as a Free Action, and then using Force as an Action with a benny reroll. Since all PCs just gained a benny from the joker, I am effectively using the benny I just gained.

14:48, Today: Rofgia Beaucheveux rolled 5,3 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (4+1)5,3.  Riding (Change Position).

16:50, Today: Rofgia Beaucheveux rolled 2,1 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,1.  Riding (Force).

16:50, Today: Rofgia Beaucheveux rolled 3,5 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,5.  Riding (Force) Benny Reroll.

In reply to Rofgia Beaucheveux (msg # 116):

Beacheveux urges his mount forward, catching up to the running bandit and attempting to force the yellow-neck back towards the rest of heroes. Despite the Frenchman's best efforts, the man dashes into a craggy patch on the mesa, hopping onto and over a small boulder that forces the barber to veer off. The bandit keeps running.

OOC: The Judge finally got a good roll.
17:18, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 9 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+3)9.  BG2B Opposed to Rof's Force.

Rof was able to move up one card (currently on the same card as Tommy, Tracy and the running bandit) but his opponent won the opposed roll for the Force attempt, as narrated above. This is all part of the Chase concept, the rolls are simulating a chase in terms of relative speed, distance and terrain, with the result of the various "maneuver" and attack rolls being interpreted by the Judge in context of the situation.

FYI, when a Chase participant has a faster "vehicle" or base speed, that participant gets +1 or +2 bonus to Change Position. it didn't matter here because Rof succeeded in that roll, but he would have had +1 to that roll because the horse is faster (but not quite twice as fast) than the man on foot. The full result is '6' but that is same as the '5' (an '8' would have been a raise).

It is now Tommy's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 117):

Tommy glances around to see Rof chasing the horseless bandit. ~He won't get far~ he thinks to himself

Being the closest to the leaders and with Jack running well he pushes on hoping to get a shot at the other two Yellow Necks

20:57, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 9,4 using d4+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (4+3)7,2.  Change Position  (Action).
This message was last edited by the player at 01:02, Fri 03 Apr 2020.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 118):

Tommy Pearce sweet-talks his mount to a powerful gallop, reaching the rocky hill and starting to bend around it in pursuit of the two bandits. He catches a glimpse of the riders ahead, as they cut through a twisty pass between two hills. They could easily ride out of the Irishman's line of sight at any moment, but Tommy is confident that he can continue following them, as long as he doesn't lose any further ground.

OOC: Tommy got a raise and therefore moves two cards forward. Soon, he will be beyond the lines of sight of the heroes at the rear of the  Chase. The mechanic faced a Complication with the action card of a club, but he was fortunate to be on a Heart card in the Chase, which has 0 modifier. Tommy choose a maneuver, and in such a circumstance, the Judge is inclined to apply the results of the Complication to a maneuver action that is already being taken. A failure on the roll would have bumped Tommy, but he succeeded, with a raise.

It is now Earnest's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 119):

Earnest continues his ride to get to Tracy's position. Realizing that he was too far away before, he calls out again as he gets close.

Tracy, are you hurt?

---

17:34, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 7,5 using d4+4,d6+4, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1.  Change Position - +Action+Speed.
17:36, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 6,9 using d4+4,d6+4, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5.  Change Position - +Action+Speed - Benny Reroll.

OOC: Went ahead and burned a benny since I've been stacking them up... and it paid off with a raise!

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 120):

Sweet Pea gallops ahead, bearing Ringgenberg closer to the spot where Windham had been thrown by Lefty. Nearby, the professor sees the remaining bandit running towards a rocky hill and using the uneven terrain to avoid being corralled by Beacheveux. The professor calls out again to the investigator.

OOC: Earnest's raise moves him two cards forward.

It is Tracy's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 121):

The fall had knocked the wind out of the investigator, but he didn’t feel any lasting damage. Hopping back to his feet, Tracy puts a hand to his sore ribs; indeed, it seemed that he had sustained no real injury.

“No, I’m all right! I’m going after our friend over there before he gets away.” Windham’s last words are spoken as he has already broken into a full sprint after the bandit escaping on foot.

OOC:

Tracy would do a Chase action if possible this round, but I wasn’t sure how that would work on foot exactly. If Tracy needs a Full Action to run to keep up, then that will be the action. If he can catch up to the bandit without a full running action, he would also do something else.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 122):

OOC: Remember that a character can participate in a Chase while doing other actions, whether multi-actions or free actions. Some Maneuver actions can be free actions. And the Chase is built to work on foot, on a mount, in a vehicle, etc.

So, for example, Tracy can do Running as his action and Change Position as a free action in the same round. Running is a d6 roll (no Wild Die, not a Trait roll so therefore no Benny re-roll) for humans on foot, unless you have an Edge or other factor that improves Pace. The character gets that number of extra inches of movement in that round. Running speed is a factor for CP, which would use Athletics for the CP roll, when comparing a foot racer with another foot racer, as well when comparing someone on-foot to a ridden horse.

Because Tracy and the bandit are in the same square already, he could also try specific Chase maneuvers, such as Force, as he tried before. Or he could move and attack like normal, as the combatants are on the same card, essentially within one normal move round for a human. This could be Shooting, throwing an object, or using one of the Situational rules such as Grappling, Push, Test, Non-Lethal damage. As always with SW, you can just say what you're trying to do (e.g., "Tracy runs and tries to tackle the bandit" or "Tracy grabs a rock, stands up and throws it at the yellow-neck's head" or Tracy runs, keeping pace with the bandit, holding his action for the moment," etc.) and make what seem to be appropriate rolls. The Judge will adjudicate and ask for new rolls or apply those rolls as appropriate.

Regardless, 2" of movement is required to stand up from what the Judge considers a prone position at the start of the round for Tracy. Same was true for the bandit. Another reason why Running could make a difference, right now.

Lastly, the Judge will note a rule called the Wild Attack. In a situation like this, it can be used to good effect, where a character gets +2 to Fighting rolls. The downside is that the character is Vulnerable -- opponents get +2 against the character -- until the end of his next turn. But when there aren't a bunch of enemies attacking, that factor is minimized.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 123):

Climbing quickly up the rocky terrain, Tracy gathers speed and launches his body at the bandit, attempting to tackle him and pin him down. The investigator was not particularly equipped to throw punches, but his agile frame and quick usually made him a strong grappler.

However, today was simply not his day. The investigator mistimed his leap, not hitting the hardcase as squarely as he had planned. Windham simply hoped that the bandit was surprised enough to still go down.

OOC:

10:57, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 1,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1.  Athletics, grappling vs. bandit.

Tracy can’t catch a break, huh?

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 124):

Windham had scrambled to his feet, chasing the bandit on-foot into the scraggy terrain and towards the hill. While the investigator stays within the distance needed to grab the bandit, he mis-times his leap and watches the hardcase clambering up a short but steep outcropping. Fortunately, Tracy suffers no damage or other ill effects.

Three of the heroes had bunched together in a radius on the mesa during the Chase, while Tommy Pearce races ahead and Jake Richardsen lingers behind. Jake notices that Red Shirt is riding up behind him.

OOC: Indeed, looks like it ain't Tracy's moment. He's had some stellar moments in this game, I suppose a comical moment is also due. The Judge's ruling on the previous Snake Eyes was a little harsh, making this one less so. Essentially, Tracy just loses his action this round. And if it's any consolation, at least he's not last again next round.

No one on horseback can reach the bandit right now, physically. Obviously, he is in close range for most ranged weapons, but the terrain here prohibits a horse getting close enough to Force or attempt melee from horseback.

Updated map.

Initiative
Daniel   Six Diamonds  Fifth
Earnest   Queen Clubs  Fourth
Jake Ace Spades, Eight Clubs  First
Red Shirt Three Spades, Four Spades  Seventh
Rof Six Hearts, Queen Hearts  Third
Tommy Five Hearts, King Clubs Second (unless choosing otherwise)
Tracy  Five Diamonds  Sixth
Opponents Two Diamonds  Last

It is Jake's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 125):

Jake frowned as he saw the hardcase successfully avoid two efforts by the Texican's pards to halt his flight. ~I'm losin' my paeshence with this dodgy sumbitch. If'n this goes on much longer, the hell with it -- I'm gonna jest shoot his mangy ass."

The Texan nudged Jack in the ribs, intending to close the distance with the owlhoot.

---

OOC:

Action Change position. 13:37, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 6,9 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,(6+1)7.  Riding (Change Position).

Notes: The +2 is derived from the Joker. Wish I could have given you one of Jake's nice rolls, Tracy. The hardcase is lucky that the Texican's patience is not altogether gone quite yet.

If the Raise on the Riding Check will allow Jake to head off the hardcase from heading deeper into the rocks, the rifleman would do so.

I gave some thought to having Jake roll for a called shot and shoot at the bandit's legs, but even with a called shot I suppose that there could be a risk of  a high damage roll -- a man can die from getting shot in the leg, if, say, his femoral artery gets hit.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 126):

The rifleman urges Jack forward, closing the distance to the others. They remain about 10 yards away. Jake finds that he cannot do anything to stop the bandit, short of plugging him with the Widder-Maker. Looks like Tracy has the best chance of that, right now.

OOC: The Judge forgot that Jake was on Hold from last round ... he drew the high card in the initiative but he could have been first anyway, as he was on Hold from the previous round. However, the Judge assumes that Jake refers to the +2 for the Joker in the previous round (there was no Joker this round) and that bonus doesn't transfer from round-to-round. So, now +2 for that, but if Jake does CP as an action (instead of free action) he gets +2 for that. The Judge suggests that we leave it at that -- Jake makes his CP as an action and advances two cards and is now very close to the action.

It is Tommy's turn, unless he elects to go later with the lower card, to avoid the Complication. If true, please state so here and it will automatically become Rof's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 127):

As Gus continues to fly along over the mesa Tommy realizes it's just him now chasing the first group of Yellow Necks. He's knows it's too dangerous to get much farther away from his pards. He will break off the chase but not before he tries to get a bit closer and take a parting shot

21:44, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 1,1 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1.  Riding CP roll(free action).

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC -- Tommy elects to take his action now hoping he can get past the complication again but this time his luck runs out.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 128):

In an effort to catch up to the fleeing bandit riders, or at minimum to keep eyes on them, the Irishmen guides Gus around the hill. The kid continues to show stamina and power, but the terrain proves itself a nemesis. Suddenly, a outcropping appears in front of the horse and rider, causing Tommy and Gus to swerve away. Neither rider nor mount suffer from the unexpected event, although the kids slows down drastically. Pearce calms the mount in short order, while fearing that he has lost ground now, rather than drawing any closer. He hasn't seen the bandits for several seconds.

OOC: Tommy suffered the complication -- the Snake Eyes roll did him in, but part of the complication for the card the mechanic was on when he made his roll was a Diamonds, for which the Critical Failure result is getting "bumped." The Judge is applying the bump (one card backwards), with Pearce effectively losing his turn as well -- no further action.

It is now Rof's turn. He sees that the bandit on foot cannot be reached by horseback.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 129):

OOC: Rof is now on Hold ... it is officially Earnest's turn, but of course, Rof may post his turn anytime, being on Hold, including before Earnest if it turns out that way.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 130):

Earnest watches Tracy take off after the man on foot. He then dismounts, pulls his Colt, and approaches the man that Tommy shot to check on him. He is alert to any tricks the man might pull.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 131):

OOC: The professor should make a Notice check for such a stated action.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 132):

As you wish!

17:11, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 6,2 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,2.  Notice: Downed bandit.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 133):

Ringgenberg approaches the fallen bandit, Colt in hand. Stopping at a safe distance, the professor examines the body, visually. He determines that the man must be incapacitated ... certainly unconscious, but possibly still alive even though he appears to be bleeding out.

Earnest knows that the man needs attention, soon, if there is any chance to rescue him from the clutches of the grim reaper. Of course, there is no guarantee that the man can be saved, even if the professor or someone else attempts to do so.

OOC: Daniel Knight continues to administer treatment to Poogoo, staying behind with the other rancher's sons.

It is Tracy's turn. Rof is still on Hold -- and he may still post at anytime.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 134):

Frustrated but undeterred by his unsuccessful attempt to pin the hardcase, Tracy scrambles to his feet. Without giving the man any time to react, the investigator springs at him once again, hoping to take him down this time.

OOC:

21:59, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 6,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,1.  Athletics (Grapple vs. bandit).

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 135):

The young investigator remains resolute despite the slippery nature of this bandit. Tracy lunges at owlhoot's legs as the two men continue their scramble up the rocky hill, sometimes hopping from space to space or pulling oneself up to a ledge that provides further passage as it was just now. Still, Windham cannot best the yellow-neck, who shakes off the attempt and then pulls himself up and over an outcropping that puts separation between the two, once again.

The Californian figures he might lose a bet over shootin' fish packed into a barrel, today.

OOC: The bandit had a better Athletics roll on the opposed Grappling. Then he made his Change Position roll and moved one card (the Judge mis-rolled with wrong die type, originally as seen in the dice roller).
06:48, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 8 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+2)8.  BG2B Athletics (opposed).
08:28, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 6 using 1d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 4.  BG2 Athletics (CP+2, corrected die).

As most players in this game know, the Judge is fascinated by Old West idioms and whether they are historically accurate or timely. In this case, the idiom "shooting fish in a barrel" has been documented to around the turn of the 20th century. There are different opinions as to the "origin" story of the phrase, but the one that makes sense to me is: before refrigeration, fish were packed tightly into barrels for transport and you would have to be a terrible shot to aim into such a barrel (with crossbow or longbow or firearm). It seem reasonable to assume that it entered the vernacular earlier than 1900 and so I'm using it here with my slight alteration. BTW, if you have seen the film The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug, then you have a visual with Bard smuggling the dwarves into Laketown ...
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:47, Tue 07 Apr 2020.

The Paiute nearly catches up to the Texican, riding atop Lucy after the mare was hastily saddled. Red Shirt calls out to the rifleman and in the lull of gunfire, Jake can hear the guide and the kid approaching, although he cannot make out the words.

OOC:
08:21, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 8,3 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 6,1.  RS Ride (CP +2).

OOC: The first group of bandits is still getting a secret roll, as none of the heroes can see them at this time. The Judge and all PCs have completed their actions this round, except for Beaucheveux.

Rof is still on Hold and able to act this round. The Judge will give roughly another 24 hours for the barber to post ... before drawing new action cards and starting the next round.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 138):

His brow furrowed from his inability to corral the slippery bandit, Rof slows Gem down and dismounts the horse as the investigator tangles with with bandit. As he sees the bandit begin to breakaway from Tracy, Rof breaks out into a full sprint after him.

He lunges after bandit, "Reviens ici," he mutters to himself and attempts to force him off the ledge, back towards Tracy.


OOC:

Rof is using Change Position as a Free Action and then using Force as an Action. If the Judge feels that Rof would not be able to accomplish both change position and force in a turn, we can scrub the Force roll and make the Change Position an Action and apply a +2 to it to give it a raise.

12:34, Today: Rofgia Beaucheveux rolled 6,6 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,4.  Change Position- Athletics (+2 Free Runner).

12:38, Today: Rofgia Beaucheveux rolled 15,6 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (8+5)13,4.  Force- Athletics (+2 Free Runner).

In reply to Rofgia Beaucheveux (msg # 139):

The French barber had already diverted from the chase after the lead pair of riding bandits when he had tried force the unhorsed bandit. Now, having seen Tracy Windham attempting to stop that same bandit's escape up the craggy hill, Beaucheveux decides to dismount and enjoin the chase on foot.

Perhaps to the surprise of his new pards, Rof displays a distinct talent for negotiating the difficult terrain. He bounds over the rocky mesa and up the hill, leaping from boulder to crag to ledge with speed and grace, quickly passing Tracy and drawing even with the yellow-neck. The barber cuts off the bandit's path, forcing him back down the tricky slope to a landing quite near the investigator.

OOC: As included in the narrative here, the Judge determined that Rof was near enough and moving slowly enough atop Gem, based on the previous round's action, to be able to use normal movement to dismount and move into the footrace up the hill. Essentially, Rof is designed for such a thing, with the Free Runner Edge, so the Judge is allowing the CP free action and force here. He cannot "break into a full sprint" because that would be Running, which uses an action; however, neither Tracy nor the yellow-neck were running this turn, both going at normal 6" pace and using actions for attack and CP respectively, so Running was not required to be successful. The bandit got a decent roll, but nothing close enough to meet or beat Rof's raise on the Force, so the bandit is bumped back one card. The yellow-neck and the investigator are less than 10 feet apart now, slightly below Rof on the hill. All of the other PCs can see the men on foot on the hill -- although the Judge will remind everyone that horses cannot chase the foot-racers up the hill because of the terrain.

17:03, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 7 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+1)7.  BG2B Athletics (opposed).

See the updated map --the Judge only provided part of the sequence of chase cards, where the PCs are now -- the first pair of bandit riders are beyond the Ace of Spades and cannot be seen, so the PCs don't even know how far ahead they might be. Remember that you might need to clear your browser's cache to see updated images, depending on your browser preference settings.

Initiative
Daniel   Two Hearts Eighth
Earnest   Ace Hearts Second
Jake Ace Spades, Seven Diamonds  First
Red Shirt Jack Clubs, Jack Diamonds Sixth
Rof Ten Hearts, Jack Spades Fifth
Tommy Three Clubs, Four Diamonds Seventh
Tracy  King Diamonds  Third
Opponents Queen Spades Fourth

It is Jake's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 140):

Jacob watched the chase play out from his vantage point on horseback. Whilst he figured that he would have to dismount in order to participate in the chase run-down -- due to the boulder-strewn terrain -- the Texican had other ideas.

"Y'all git tired uhv plaeyin' grab-ass," he called out to Mister Windham and Mon-shure Busy-Voo, "sing out, an' I'll shoot the sumbitch."

---

OOC:

Free Action: speak.

Action: Hold, for the time being. If the bandit makes a grab for a weapon, if it looks as if the owlhoot is about to make good on his escape, or if either of Jake's pards call out for him to shoot, he will do so.

Edit: As marked.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:37, Wed 08 Apr 2020.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 141):

OOC: Okay, Jake is on Hold. Conditions are understood for interrupting the bandit, or reacting to another PC.

It is now Earnest's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 142):

Earnest quickly returns to his horse and picks out some bandages, etc., and pockets them. He returns to the downed man, Colt still in hand, as he calls out to Jake.

Jake! Help me keep an eye on this man as well please.

Once he gets to the man, he kneels down next to him and turns him over to assess him better, gun still in hand.

---

OOC: Let me know if I need to roll anything for this; if the guy doesn't try to attack him, Earnest will attempt healing on his next turn.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:02, Wed 08 Apr 2020.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 143):

In the time it takes Ringgenberg to call out to Jake, fetch his supplies from Sweet Pea's saddlebags and return to the fallen bandit, it appears as if the man hasn't budged a single inch. Now closer, the professor can see that the man is bleeding from buckshot wounds in his midsection. Earnest hasn't yet had time to do anything more than this visual assessment.

OOC: No need to roll anything based on the professor's statements (next round, Healing roll will be required should he choose to do so). Because there is no gunfire at the moment and the men have essentially stopped the chase, Jake will be able to hear Earnest.

It is now Tracy's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 144):

Even in this moment, Tracy couldn’t help but flash a grin at the Texan’s words.

~Not quite done playing grab-ass yet, I reckon.~

Taking advantage of Rof’s maneuver, Tracy leaps at the bandit once again. This time, the investigator would take him down.

OOC:

19:23, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 6,11 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,(6+5)11.  Athletics (grappling vs. bandit).

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 145):

Finally, the young investigator manages to grab the yellow-neck. After a brief tussle, Windham restrains the bandit by twisting the man's arm behind his back, like a chicken wing. Who knows what Jake might call it, but it proves effective so far. The bandit struggles to break Tracy's hold, but he cannot free himself ... not yet, anyway.

OOC: The Judge used the Benny earned during the round when the bandits got a Joker, to no avail. Tracy achieves a Bound result, which means the bandit can't move and is both Vulnerable and Distracted. Basically, the only thing a Bound opponent can do is try to break free. Meanwhile, Tracy is now Vulnerable against others while maintaining his hold, but not against the Bound opponent. Being Vulnerable means attackers get a +2 to hit.
19:52, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 2 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2.  BG2B Athletics (opposed) JM benny.
19:51, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 1 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1.  BG2B Athletics (opposed).

So the bandit's turn is next.

He attempts to break free. He fails. (On any opposed roll, the character making the attempt must succeed; if the roll fails, then the opposed roll is moot, so in this case, Tracy doesn't need to make a roll).
20:00, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 3 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3.  BG2B Athletics (break free).

It is now Rof's turn. He sees Tracy just below, grappling with the bandit and holding him tight, so far.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 146):

~Playing godasse? Why would I play with my shoe? What a funny man Jake is!~

Rof hops down from the ledge as the bandit struggles against Tracy. He strides over and says "Laisse moi aider ," as he brings his fist up and then punches down on the bandit's jaw.


OOC:

Rof is attacking for non-lethal melee damage. I misrolled damage, so the correct roll and the attempted benny reroll are both listed here.

11:38, Today: Rofgia Beaucheveux rolled 4,4 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2.  Fighting Roll (+2 from Vulnerable).


14:08, Today: Rofgia Beaucheveux rolled 2 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2.  Melee Damage (Non-Lethal), Correction Roll.


14:08, Today: Rofgia Beaucheveux rolled 2 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2.  Melee Damage (Non-Lethal), Benny Reroll.

In reply to Rofgia Beaucheveux (msg # 147):

Dropping down to the landing where Tracy has the bandit bound, the Frenchman speaks in his native language and then throws a punch at the yellow-neck.

While the investigator has the owlhoot in a firm hold, the yellow-neck is far from helpless. He twists and turns and manages to avoid any damage from Rofgia's attack. All indications are that this bandit is as slippery as they come.

OOC: Technically, Rof's attack misses. Attacking in melee uses the opponent's Parry, rather than the standard TN 4 to hit with a ranged weapon. The Judge is refunding the Benny used for the damage roll.

It is Red Shirt's turn.

Lucy continues to gallop under the control of the Paiute guide. The horse and rider race past Jake, drawing even with the professor and the men up the rocky slope. Red Shirt glances at his pards as he passes, but only for a moment as his sights appear to be set on Tommy Pearce up ahead -- not to mention the first pair of bandit riders who may or may not have eluded the chase altogether, by now.

OOC: RS got a raise on his Change Position roll.
15:52, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 9,4 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 7,2.  RS Ride (CP +2).

It is Tommy's turn. He hears the pounding of hooves behind him, realizing that the Paiute is catching up.

In reply to Red Shirt (msg # 149):

Having regained control of Gus Tommy hears galloping behind him. He looks to see Red Shirt coming up fast but is not sure of his intentions. Does he intend to continue the chase? Is he warning him not continue? The Paiute has made no sign either way.

Tommy yells his question "Can't see em anymore!..you goin after em?" and points in the direction of the first group on Yellow Necks as he gently starts Gus moving in that same direction letting Red Shirt catch up.

19:17, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 2,5 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5.  Riding CP roll (free action).

------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC - Tommy makes a CP roll as a free action. No Action this round, On Hold

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 150):

Tommy Pearce had not known the Paiute guide for very long. If he had, the Irishman would have known that Red Shirt was unlikely to respond with more than a word or a vague gesture. Indeed, as Tommy glances over his shoulder while putting some distance between himself and the others, he gathers no further indication. Nonetheless, Pearce guesses that the Paiute is showing no signs of slowing Lucy or diverting from his current path.

OOC: Tommy advances one card. Both the mechanic and the rifleman may use an action at the end of the round, or stay on Hold and be first in the order next round. The Judge will wait 24 hours for both PCs to declare their intent, moving to the next round at that time, or whenever both have weighed in.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 151):

Jake judged that between the two of them, Mister Windham and Mon-shure Bushy-Voo would manage to get the bandit corralled. The Californian continued to impress -- and, truth be told, surprise -- the Texan. ~For a smallish feller, that Mister Windham is a shore-nuff, pure-d banty rooster. He's near as good a shot as me, an' now it seems like he's a fair hand at 'rasslin', too. Looks like he's good to ride the river with.~

Jake glanced up as Red Shirt galloped past, headed in the same direction as Mister Pearce, who was seemingly still in pursuit of the two hardcases who had left their pards behind. But the rifleman had heard Earnest ask for his assistance, and he did not feel like he could ignore the Perfesser's request.

The Texican edged Jack over a scooch, so that he had a better line of sight and line of fire on the man whom Mister Pearce had shot out of the saddle with his scattergun, then he studied the prone man.

"I'm here, Perfesser," he called out to the easterner, "an' I'll haelp keep an eye on him."

---

OOC:

Free Actions: Edge Jack around so that Jake has a better LOS/LOF on the downed owlhoot; speak.

Action: 13:14, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 6,3 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,1.  Notice Check re: Owlhoot tended to by Earnest.

Notes: The +2 on Jake's dice-roll is derived from the Joker.

Edit: Added a missing letter - would not wish to spell Mon-shure Bushy-Voo's name wrong! :)
This message was last edited by the player at 21:03, Fri 10 Apr 2020.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 152):

As Jake watches over the downed yellow-neck and provides support for the professor, he muses. Although no one would know for certain, he might be thinking something like:

~Iffin that owlhoot ain't a goner, you can shore-nuff call me a damned bluecoat.~

OOC: The Judge sees this as falling into the Support rules, where one PC can do something in support of another that is trying to make a Trait roll. Earnest will get +1 to his roll for Healing next round, should he choose to do that.

When Tommy has confirmed he is remaining on Hold, or the Judge's 24 hour warning has passed, the Judge will draw the next round's action cards.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 153):

OOC -  Tommy will remain on hold

While Red Shirt and Lucy had bolted forward, Daniel Knight and the other rancher's sons had remained behind, at the spot where the party had arrived on the mesa. It appears that the Paiute means to continue the chase on horseback, in pursuit of the first pair of riders, although no one is certain of his actual intentions. Pearce remains a mite cautious, looking to the Paiute for some sign.

At the same time, the chase for the other two bandits has ceased, with Windham and Beaucheveux teaming up on foot to apprehend the remaining yellow-neck -- even if they haven't been able to completely subdue him -- as Richardsen and Ringgenberg devote their attention to the bandit with the belly wound from Pearce's buckshot.

OOC: The Judge is suspending the chase for the characters on cards Queen and Seven Herts based on current circumstances. Normal combat round actions are in place for those characters, no Chase maneuvers (or other related rules) apply at this time.

The Chase continues, at least for the moment, for anyone going after the other two bandits (including anyone who decides to rejoin this pursuit). Of course, Tommy can do whatever he wants, but currently the Judge is ruling that he is part of the Chase and may make maneuvers per those rules.

Updated map, using some SW status tokens (might be hard to see, but there is a little red arrow on each token, pointing to the character to which it applies). NOTE: The Judge forgot to remove the Hold token from Jake after he took his action at the end of the last round. The rifleman is NOT on Hold.

Initiative (still no Jokers since the reshuffle, interesting)
Daniel   Nine Diamonds  Sixth
Earnest   Ace Clubs  First
Jake Two Clubs, Nine Spades  Fifth
Red Shirt King Hearts, Eight Diamonds  Third
Rof Five Spades, Eight Spades  Seventh
Tommy Hold, First or whenever he wants
Tracy  Ten Diamonds  Fourth
Opponents Two Spades  Last

It is Earnest's turn in order, with Tommy being on Hold and able to go now as well, if he chooses. The Judge supposes that the mechanic might wait until Red Shirt acts -- the Paiute is next.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:12, Sat 11 Apr 2020.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 155):

Earnest looks over the man again carefully then leans back and sighs.

Never mind Jake... This man isn't getting up again I think.

He doesn't even pull out his first aide materials... just tries to arrange the man into a comfortable position.

I might be able to help a little, but out here it would just delay the inevitable I fear... thankfully he's unconscious so he's not in pain.

Red Shirt urges Lucy onward, drawing closer to the Irishman. He shouts a single word, heard by Tommy Pearce.

"Ride!"

OOC: The Paiute advances one card.
19:34, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 5,3 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1.  RS Ride (CP +2).

In reply to Red Shirt (msg # 157):

OOC: Technically, the professor has not used an action (only the free action of speaking). He is on Hold. Red Shirt has acted. Meanwhile, as noted before, the mechanic may go whenever he pleases.

It is Tracy's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 158):

If he were attempting to subdue this bandit on his own, Tracy might have attempted to force his weight down upon the man right now in order to break his will. However, since he had his new friend Rof’s help, he decided against this course of action for now. Besides, this hardcase had eluded the investigator several times already; Windham would not let that happen again.

Instead, he tightens his grip around the bandit’s arm and looks up at Rof. “He won’t squirm away this time.”

OOC:

Tracy maintains the Bound state as his action.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 159):

OOC: It is Jake's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 160):

Based upon Earnest's comment, it seemed clear enough to the Texan that the Perfesser would not need any assistance with the downed bandit -- which pretty well confirmed Jake's estimation of the man's condition. That would free up Earnest to aid in bringing the dodgy hardcase under control, in case Mister Windham and Mon-shure Bushy-Voo needed any additional help.

Since he was still mounted, Jake decided to follow Red Shirt and Mister Pearce. He reckoned that he could not catch up to the two lead bandits if they maintained their current pace, but it was always possible that one of their horses could come up lame, or that they might decide to go to ground and fight it out, seeing that there would were now only two men in close pursuit.

"Headin' out after Pearce an' Red Shirt," he called down to the easterner, then he wheeled his kid around and nudged Jack forward, using his heels.

---

OOC:

Free Action: Speak.

Action: Change Position (+2 to dice rolls): 12:08, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 4,5 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,3.  Change Position Riding Maneuver (+2 Bonus).

Edit: Fixed a typo (as marked).
This message was last edited by the player at 16:16, Sun 12 Apr 2020.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 161):

After a brief pause, Jake urges Jack to follow Lucy. The gelding quickly reaches a gallop and gains some ground on the rifleman's pards, ahead.

OOC: Daniel Knight stays behind with Ammon and Hyrum.

It is Rof's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 162):

Waiting for the Paiute's signal Tommy quickly cracks open the shotgun and reloads. When he hears Red Shirt's command he smiles to himself ~Alright let's give it a lash~ and nudges Gus in the sides to get him back up to full speed.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC -- Tommy is using his Action to reload. CP free action roll (critical failure)

16:31, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 1,1 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1.  Riding roll CP (free action).
This message was last edited by the player at 20:52, Sun 12 Apr 2020.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 163):

Pearce had lost some of Gus' momentum as he looked to the Paiute for a sign of his intentions. Now, as he tries to impel the kid to return to a full gallop, while reloading his scattergun, the mechanic finds it more difficult than he expected; Gus is a mite sluggish in the turn. After loading one of shells, Tommy drops the second onto the rocky mesa, to boot, as he rounds the hillock. Still no sight of the pair of yellow bandana boys.

OOC: Looks like the luck o'the Irish, has run oot, boyo ... Tommy essentially loses his turn ... and one shotgun shell. He stays on the same card.
NOTE: in the Chase, a result like doesn't mean that Gus didn't move or anything like that; just a way to adjudicate a chase over terrain for the relative distance between pursuers and quarry. Possibly, the same thing has happened to the bandits ahead in previous rounds, or will in this round.

As an FYI to all, the Judge won't prolong the Chase if the bandits have indeed successfully used the Flee maneuver, but as of this juncture that hasn't happened yet. They are out of sight at the moment, but not out of reach. When that fact changes, the Judge will end the Chase and make that clear to the PCs. So, in other words, the Judge won't carry on this scene when he knows the bandits cannot be caught, but up until that point, it is up to the PCs to decide whether and how they continue any pursuit.

It is still Rof's turn and he still has plenty of time before his 24 hours expires. At that time (or thereabouts, including some likely additional buffer), the Judge will take the bandits' action for the turn and move to the next round. It isn't ideal for Rof to miss his action based on the current circumstances, but the Judge cannot hold the entire game for any one player. In the past, we have found that to be problematic. We have also sometimes allowed one player to act on another's behalf when it makes a difference in the scenario. The Judge may consider that in this case -- if it comes down to that.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 164):

"Bon Dieu! Restez immobile!," Rod practically shouts as he brings his fist back above his head, and aims it crushingly at the bandit's face.

OOC:

Rof is again attempting to inflict non-lethal melee damage upon the bandit bound by Tracy.


02:00, Today: Rofgia Beaucheveux rolled 4,7 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5.  Fighting Roll (+2 from Vulnerable).

02:01, Today: Rofgia Beaucheveux rolled 5 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5.  Non-Lethal Damage.

Rof appreciates the judge's additional effort in adjudicating his potential turn, luckily graduate studies are easing up after today.

In reply to Rofgia Beaucheveux (msg # 165):

The barber, apparently exasperated, snarls in his native tongue at the bandit, while striking with his bare fist and hoping to smash the yellow-neck's face. Rof connects; alas, the tough-as-rawhide hardcase shakes it off and grins.

"If that's the best ya got, this might take all day," he spits out, trying to break free, but ultimately hearing the irony in his own words, as Windham holds tight.

OOC: A lot to consider here, but the simple resolution makes the most sense.

Rof's description sort of indicates the notion of a Called Shot at the Head, which would be -4 to hit -- and +4 to damage if succcessful. With the result of '7 - 4' such a Called Shot would have missed. So the Judge rules that it is a normal Non-Lethal melee attack which hits with a 7 but isn't enough for a raise. So Beaucheveux's damage is correct, but 5 is less than the bandit's Toughness, so there is no effect to the blow. And then the bandit attempts to break free again, but his roll is too low to succeed and therefore once again Tracy has no need to make his opposed roll in order to maintain the Bound result for Grappling.

The Chase on horseback continues, despite Pearce's Critical Failure and inability to advance in the chase. The Judge is still rolling the actions of the first pair of bandits secretly, as the nature of the roll could give information about what the bandits are doing when that cannot be discerned by their pursuers.

See the updated map. The Judge has moved Rof to the same card with Tracy, which should have happened earlier.

Initiative
Daniel   Four Clubs Seventh
Earnest   Nine Clubs Fifth Fourth
Jake Six Spades, Ten Clubs  Third (with Complication) or Sixth Fifth
Red Shirt Nine Hearts, Seven Spades Fourth Third
Rof Joker, Seven Hearts,  First or whenever he wants (another Benny for the PCs, use 'em fellers)
Tommy Jack Hearts, Three Hearts  Second
Tracy  Three Diamonds  Last
Opponents Five Clubs Sixth

It is Rof's turn, if he wants to go first. Remember the benefits of the Joker.
This message was last edited by the GM at 00:42, Wed 15 Apr 2020.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 166):

"Ouais, enfin...we do not have all day," Rof spits out as he smoothes his mustache out with his fingers before pulling his arm back again to strike the bandit. Frustrated at the bandit's fortitude, Rof develops a tunnel vision, singularly focusing only on how much pain he could inflict on the bound man in front of him.


OOC:

Rof is using free action to speak and smooth his mustache before using his action to attempt yet another non-lethal attack. Due to his frustration Rof is using a Wild Attack (+2 Fighting, +2 Damage). The bandit is still Vulnerable and Rof has pulled the joker, and so cumulatively Rof will is rolling with +6 on his action, and with +4 for damage. Rof elected to use a benny to reroll damage.


18:15, Today: Rofgia Beaucheveux rolled 9,8 using d6+6,d6+6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2.  Attack on Bandit (+6 from Vulnerable, Wild Attack, and Joker Bonus).

18:17, Today: Rofgia Beaucheveux rolled 5 using 1d6+4, rerolling max with rolls of 1.  Non-Lethal Damage (+4 from Wild Attack and Joker Bonus).

18:17, Today: Rofgia Beaucheveux rolled 11 using 1d6+4, rerolling max with rolls of (6+1)7.  Non-Lethal Damage (+4 from Wild Attack and Joker Bonus) Benny Reroll.

In reply to Rofgia Beaucheveux (msg # 167):

Perhaps ... just perhaps, all that the barber really needed was a more personal reason to pummel the hardcase bandit. Summoning a mighty blow, finally, Beaucheveux connects with the man's jaw. A distinct sound of flesh and bone against flesh and bone reverberates for anyone within earshot.

Windham feels the owlhoot's struggle come to a sudden halt, with the man's full weight now slumping into Tracy's torso and arms.

OOC: No further elaboration needed for Rof's attack, it was all in order. The damage is enough to get the incapacitated result from Nonlethal attack. The only minor thing worth mentioning, is that Rof did get a Raise on his attack roll and would have had an extra 1d6 in damage. However, He did need 10 total to knock out the yellow-neck, so he would have needed at least a 5 on that die to avoid needing the benny re-roll. And since he didn't know how much damage he needed to achieve that knockout, using a benny just earned by the Joker to re-roll and be sure makes total sense, even if he had rolled that 5. And once achieved, doesn't matter how many more raises, a Nonlethal knockout is a knockout.

It is Tommy's turn. Gus is nearly around the hill and has passed out of sight of the three pards who are currently dismounted. Pearce believes he may be able to sight those riders, as the pass seems to widen and open ahead of him.

Jake has chosen to take the lower action card this round. He will now go sixth, so Red Shirt will follow Pearce and then Earnest is the next PC out of the chute after the Irishman.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 168):

Tommy fumbles the reigns and the cartridge while reloading, he grabs the reigns as he talk to himself

Well done Pearce ye made a right bags of that

He reaches into his pocket, grabs another shell and tries again, preferring to have a fully loaded weapon in the event they catch the bandits.


13:47, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 3,1 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1.  Riding roll change position - free action- benny roll .

13:46, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 2,3 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,3.  Riding roll change position - free action- benny roll.

13:45, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 2,2 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2.  Riding roll change position - free action.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC-- Action = reload 1 shell(1 already in chamber).
          Free Action CP = I mistakenly used a second benny forgetting the +2 Elan edge which would make the first benny roll (13:46) a 5.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 169):

The Irishman finishes his reload of the scattergun while Gus gallops onward, breaking into a more open -- but still craggy -- space past the hill and between two others. This plateau extends for maybe 50 or 60 yards and then appears to narrow again and wind its way upward along a sloping pass ahead, between a few rising rock formations. It appears to be the only way to go from here.

A few moments later, Lucy draws even with Gus, as the Paiute impels the mare to top speed. That's when Pearce catches a glimpse of the two bandit riders ascending the slope, ahead. Red Shirt says nothing; his eyes are focused on the path in front of his mount.

OOC: Red Shirt and Lucy advance 2 cards, catching up to Gus and Tommy.

It is Earnest's turn. (Once again, the Judge forgot that a PC was on Hold -- blaming old age. Technically, ENS was on Hold in the previous round). Because of what the professor was doing last round, we'll just forego that slip-up and assume that Ringgenberg spent the time thinking about the condition of the fallen bandit -- and spying the activity on the rocky hill where he has now seen Rof dispatching the Bound bandit with his bare hand. Earnest could easily join Windham and Beaucheveux up the hill this turn, or do something else, as desired.

In reply to Red Shirt (msg # 170):

Earnest watches Jake ride off then looks over to Tracy and Rof in time to see Rof slug the bandit.

~ Well, they seem to have things in hand... ~

Not knowing what else to do, he decides to go through the downed man's pockets, gently, to see if he can garner any information.

---

17:11, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 3,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,5.  Notice: checking man's pockets.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 171):

Ringgenberg checks the man's pockets, finding little of interest other than a few coins and a dog-eared deck of playing cards, while also observing the man's clothing and other accoutrements. Much like the bandits they had encountered on their first journey around the canyon, on this hardcase Earnest sees a cartridge holster belt holding a Colt firearm, with several prepared paper cartridges tucked into loops on the belt. He wears buckskin trousers, a plain shirt, military-style boots and a drover's hat with a yellow bandana tied around it.

It occurs to the professor that this scofflaw's horse had continued to move away after Pearce shot the man out of the saddle, at first following those in front of it but then diverting away and slowing down. Possibly, it is lingering somewhere here on this mesa.

OOC: The Judge should have mentioned in the previous post that Tommy's application of Elan was accurate -- the +2 on the first Benny re-roll makes the CP successful and Tommy advanced one card (RS advanced two and so now they are on the same card).

The professor's Notice roll succeeds, there just isn't much to find.

It is now Jake's turn (fifth, not sixth on the lower card -- the Judge seems to be making these small mistakes left and right in the last few days).

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 172):

Jacob concentrated on riding in an attempt to close the gap with those who were ahead of him. He knew that he was not an overly accomplished horseman, so he tried to mimic what he had seen some of the better riders do (in this instance, leaning forward over Jack's neck) and urging "Hiyah! Go fast, boy!"

---

OOC:

Free Action: Speak.

Action: 12:01, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 3,4 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2.  Change Position Riding Maneuver (+2 Bonus).

12:05, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 7,9 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 5,(6+1)7.  Benny Re-Roll (Hopin' For a Raise).

Notes: Jake's Benny total has been adjusted downward.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 173):

Richardsen cajoles Jack to even greater speed, gaining ground on his pards ahead but not quite catching up to them. By the time he is within 15 or 20 yards, the Texican sees the same thing that the Irishman and the Paiute have just observed -- a pair of yellow bandana boys on the slope ahead, still within reach, he reckons.

OOC: Jake advances two cards. The Judge rolled one more time in secret for the bandits, but starting next round he will make those rolls publicly. Daniel Knight stays with the remuda, but Ammon rides out to fetch one of the riderless mounts -- the kid left without a bandit to bear once Tommy shot him from the saddle.

It is Tracy's turn. Per the post where Rof knocks him out, the bandit's weight is now in Tracy's arms. He can do whatever he wants but that's where his action starts. Dropping something is a free action, btw.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 174):

Tracy held the bandit still while the Professor checked his pockets, making sure the man was indeed capacitated. Now, the investigator lets go of the unconscious bandit, letting him fall to the ground.

“What next? Do either of you have any rope?” Tracy posed his queries to both Earnest and Rof.

OOC:

Tracy is On Hold, pending a response from either man.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 175):

OOC: Tracy has confused the two bandits. The professor was checking pockets of the bandit shot by Tommy Pearce, unless it is in fact the Judge who is confused.

Other than that, Tracy's narrative and speech are fine. Both Earnest and Rof can hear him easily enough. And since the combat and chase are over for these 3 PCs, it is now free-posting (conversation, what-have-you) for Earnest, Tracy and Rofgia.

Meanwhile, the Chase continues on horseback. The Judge will post a new map soon, as well as new action card draw for Jacob, Red Shirt and Tommy.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 176):

OOC: Indeed, Earnest was checking the man who was shot.

Hearing Tracy's call for rope, Earnest removes the man's gunbelt, setting it on the ground away from the man. He then rises and goes to Sweet Pea's saddlebags to retrieve some rope for Tracy.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 175):

Rof exhales with a deep huff after throwing his whole body into the punch which knocked the bandit out. ~Bonne nuit casse couille. I hope he stays asleep for awhile. I would hate to deal with him again.~

He stands with his right hand resting against his hip and runs his left fingers over the top of his head, moving them side to side to shake the sweat clinging to his hair.

"I'm sure the ranchers have some rope. If we need to we can cut the billets off the other one's saddle to tie him. He won't need it anymore," Rof lightly jokes, flashing his trademark grin.

Pointing to Tracy, "You should drop him and grab whatever he might have."

OOC:
If combat had continued, Rof would technically be Vulnerable for his next turn due to the Wild Attack. However because combat has ended, I am electing to instead interpret it narratively as Rof being too tired to do much more than speak at this moment.

The Chase goes on. The pair of bandits ride up and over the slope, temporarily moving out of the line of sight.

Ammon tracks down the riderless horse and begins to coax it to follow.

Lucy continues her graceful gallop up the slope, carrying Red Shirt forward and now not so far behind the bandits.

OOC: The Judge dealt a card to Daniel who controls the Extras (Ammon and Hyrum), because Ammon is riding out to catch the horse. The Judge went ahead and included his action up front as it doesn't affect the 3 PC riders. The Opponents card is for the 1st pair of bandits.

See the new map; this is before the Bandits and RS take their turn.

Initiative (reshuffle)
Daniel   Ten Hearts Fourth
Earnest   -- not in combat; free posting
Jake Ace Clubs,  King Diamonds Third (the Judge assumes Jake will avoid the Complication)
Red Shirt Eight Hearts, King Spades Second
Rof -- not in combat; free posting
Tommy Seven Clubs, Eight Clubs Fifth
Tracy  -- not in combat; free posting
Opponents Ace Diamonds First

It is now Jake's turn, then Tommy's. There is no need for Pearce to wait for the Judge after Jake's action post, should the Irishman log in and choose to post before the Judge posts any narrative re: Richardsen's actions.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 179):

A bit disoriented, Tracy only nods at the Frenchman’s joke. After taking a deep breath to settle himself, he goes about searching the man’s pockets.

OOC:

06:59, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 15,5 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (8+5)13,3.  Notice, man’s pockets (+2 Investigator Edge).

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 180):

The investigator returns to what perhaps he does best, searching for clues or information on the unconscious bandit.

Much like the professor, Windham turns up little beyond the mundane. He finds a handful of coins and pair of worn dice, first. And much like the bandits they had encountered on their first journey around the canyon, Tracy sees that this scofflaw wears a cartridge holster belt holding a Starr, with one extra cylinder handing from the belt. The man is clothed in well-worn trousers with equally weathered chaps, a plain shirt, military-style boots, a felt hat and a yellow bandana tied around his neck. Lastly, the investigator finds a scrap of paper that might have gone unnoticed by most folks. As if written in a child's hand in fading pencil lead, it reads:

When ya see Charity tell her I am sorry.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 179):

The Texican maintained his riding postion (bent forward, over his mount's neck), and continued to encourage Jack "Hiyah!! Let's go git 'em, boy!"

At least for the moment, the kid seemed to have hit his stride, so to speak, and had settled into a distance-eating gallop.

---

OOC:

Free Action: Speak.

Action: 12:05, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 5,13 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(6+5)11.  Change Position Riding Maneuver (+2 Bonus).

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 182):

OOC: Funny, the Judge had typed "stride" for an earlier post about horse movement, and deleted because it just didn't seem right. But the "so to speak" makes sense. Jack and Jake move forward two cards.

It is not officially Tommy's turn.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:20, Fri 17 Apr 2020.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 181):

Earnest retrieves some rope from the saddlebag and joins Tracy and Rof. Seeing Tracy looking over the unconscious man, he comments as he proffers the rope.

Find anything Tracy? That other unfortunate fellow didn't have anything of interest on him.

He remains alert to the sounds of more shots... in case the men who chased on need assistance.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 184):

With Red Shirt now riding by his side Tommy coaxes as much speed as possible from Gus using some lingo he's picked up fairly recently.."Giddy yap boy, get a move on"

20:16, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 7,6 using d4+4,d6+4, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2. Riding Roll as Action +2 -benny roll +2 Elan.
20:08, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 4,4 using d4+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2.  Riding Roll as Action +2.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC - burnt a benny trying for a raise, didn't work. Time for some new dice!

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 185):

The mechanic, finding the nature of his mount far less comprehensible than gears and sprockets, neverthless spurs Gus onward. He cannot keep pace with the Paiute during the ascent up the slope, although he drops behind by only 10 or 15 yards and could certainly regain that ground. Meanwhile the Texican pulls nearly even with the Pearce, leaning forward atop of Jack.

Despite the fact that all three of the heroes had seen the bandits crest the ridge and ride out of their line of sight, they all have the feeling that they have closed the gap, which seemed insurmountable until Lucy had come charging up with Red Shirt to lead the way.

OOC: Tommy advances one card. The Judge will post new action order before long. Rof, Tracy and ENS may continue free posting and conversation as desired. Please continue to include narrative in re: any activities (with rope or otherwise). The bandit is knocked out and will be thus plenty long enough to bind him and so forth. The Judge prefers that the PCs narrate that content as we proceed.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 186):

OOC: New map. Things have changed. Bear in mind that none of the PCs on the map can see the the PCs with the captured bandit (and vice versa). For the moment, the PCs on map cannot see the bandits ahead of them, but they are aware of the approximate distance as the riders just disappeared over the crest of the slope (2 or 3 cards, roughly 10-15 inches), per previous message content.

That matters in the action order, as the PCs go first. Anyone thinking of shooting (seems possible since the two men who have shot so far are both in this chase) must gain ground before attempting such an action.

Initiative (no clubs)
Daniel   Ten Spades Third
Earnest  -- not in combat; free posting
Jake Seven Hearts, Jack Hearts Second
Red Shirt Three Hearts, Ten Diamonds Fourth
Rof -- not in combat; free posting
Tommy Two Spades, Queen Spades First
Tracy  -- not in combat; free posting
Opponents Three Diamonds Fifth

It is Tommy's turn. (or now)
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:57, Fri 17 Apr 2020.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 187):

Tommy keeps working the reins to get Gus up to full speed again. The kid seems hesitant and a bit nervous to really go all out and fly along as he did before almost hitting the outcropping.

11:54, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 6,5 using d4+4,d6+4, rerolling max with rolls of 2,1.  Riding Roll as Action +2 - benny roll +2 Elan (again!).
11:53, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 3,4 using d4+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2.  Riding Roll as Action +2.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 188):

OOC: Pearce advances one card. He still cannot see the riders ahead. Holy cow, tough breaks on those Benny re-rolls hoping for the raise.

It is Jake's turn.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 184):

After finding the note, Tracy removes his notebook from his haversack and opens to a blank page. With his charcoal, he scrawls a rough sketch of the unconscious bandit’s face. Looking at the sketch and then back at the man’s face, the investigator was struck by how peaceful the hardcase looked, a strange juxtaposition to the current events of the moment. Quickly shaking his head, Tracy tucks the note in to the journal in order to save it and mark the place of the drawing.

The investigator takes the rope from Earnest before answering him.

“Nothing special, other than a note apologizing to someone named Charity.”

Windham removes the bandana and gun belt, adding them to the contents of his bag. He then begins to bind the captured bandit with the rope.

OOC:

Does Tracy need some sort of skill check to succeed at this action?

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 189):

~Waal, hell,~ Jacob thought to himself, feeling a frisson* of concern  as he pondered a mite on the fact that the two hardcases were on the far side of the crest of a rise, out of sight of their pursuers. ~I hope that they ain't reined in, their long-arms sighted in, readyin' to give us a bellyfull of lead soon as we are skylined up yonder.~

The Texian pushed such thoughts aside for the moment, however, and continued to press onward in his pursuit of the two bandits.

---

OOC:

Free Action: Think to himself.

Action: 14:52, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 6,3 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,1.  Change Position Riding Maneuver (+2 Bonus).

Notes: *My word (OOC) -- with a tip of my Stetson to Rof -- certainly not Jake's (IC). :)

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 191):

OOC: Richardsen advances one card, remaining in tandem with Pearce. Stand by for NPC and Opponent activity -- and then a new round.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 192):

Lucy remains ahead of Gus and Jack, maintaining the roughly 10-15 yards of separation. Red Shirt urges the mare up the slope, perhaps to a point where he can actually see ahead over the ridge. Although neither Tommy nor Jake can tell what the Paiute can see, they do witness the guide holding his carbine aloft in his left hand while he clutches Lucy's reins with his right. Again, neither Pearce nor Richardsen can tell for certain, but each man gets the impression that the Paiute is gesturing to the path ahead of him, using the Spencer as a sort of pointer.

OOC: Red Shirt advances one card.
17:32, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 4,6 using d8+2,d6+2 with rolls of 2,4.  RS Ride (CP +2). (forgot to check re-roll max but it doesn't matter)
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:04, Fri 17 Apr 2020.

The bandit riders race on, with Red Shirt close behind and his two pards fixin' to crest the hill.

Ammon collects the second stray kid -- Lefty -- and begins to return to the camp that the young Knight has made while the other men deal with the bandits.

OOC: The bandits advance one card. Because RS can see them now, the Judge is making the information public knowledge. The Judge has stopped dealing cards to Daniel as well.
17:33, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 6 using 1d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 4.  BG1 Riding (Change Position) corrected.

Free-posting continues for the other 3 PCs and it can involve Daniel or the other young ranchers at some point, if the PCs decide to move in that direction.

Updated map.

Initiative
Daniel  -- not in combat; free posting
Earnest   -- not in combat; free posting
Jake Five Clubs, Jack Spades Second
Red Shirt Three Clubs, Four Diamonds Fourth
Rof -- not in combat; free posting
Tommy Ace Hearts, Four Spades First
Tracy  -- not in combat; free posting
Opponents Six Hearts Third

It is Tommy's turn.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 190):

While Tracy is investigating and drawing the bandit, Rof sets about combing his hair back into place. After seeing Tracy start to tie up the outlaw, he moves to help Tracy.

"Let's make sure those are good and tight."

In reply to Rofgia Beaucheveux (msg # 195):

Tommy leans into Gus's neck and speaks to him gently hoping to settle him down

Alright boy ah know ya got in inya, just let yourself go.

At least for the moment Gus seems to respond.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17:53, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 9,6 using d4+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (4+3)7,4.  CP Riding Roll as Action +2.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 196):

OOC: Tommy advances two cards ... he crests the hill and can see the bandits still riding ahead, still attempting to flee.

It is Jake's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 197):

Jake was glad to hear that there was no shooting to be heard as Red Shirt crested the hill ahead of Mister Pearce and the Texican. To Jacob's way of thinking, that meant that the two hardcases had not waited in ambush, planning to bushwhack their pursuers as they skylined themselves.

Mister Pearce moved ahead, riding like the wind. Jake followed along behind the Irishman, trying his best to keep pace.

---

OOC:

Action: 20:45, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 3,5 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3.  Change Position Riding Maneuver (+2 Bonus).

20:49, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 9,3 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (6+1)7,1.  Benny Re-Roll (Hopin' For a Raise).

Notes: The Dice-Roller rolled twice for Jake's Benny re-roll. I used the first of the two. Jacob's benny count has been adjusted downward to account for his use of the benny this round.

In reply to Rofgia Beaucheveux (msg # 195):

“Thanks, Rof,” Tracy says, accepting the barber’s aid. Together, the two of them bound the captured man.

“Now which one of us is going to carry him?” The investigator flashes the Frenchman a grin as he poses the question.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 198):

Along with his two pards, the Paiute also gains ground on the bandits, matching speed with the rifleman and the mechanic as the trio close the gap. Red Shirt steadies his Spencer as if considering taking a shot but he does not discharge the weapon at this juncture.

All five horses are with 10-15 yards distance on this particular stretch of the open plateau -- and the bandits and the heroes alike have clear lines of sight at the moment. The path suitable for riding remains less rocky, but it does undulate through the mesa's rocky formations in nothing like a straight line. As the men have already seen from the first two days of the guide's navigation through this terrain, a craggy obstacle or narrow ledge or some other hazard could change things in a few heartbeats.

OOC: Jake moves up two, RS moves up one and the trio are now riding together, at least for the moment. BTW, the Judge is ruling that PCs can elect to CP only one card, even if two are earned, if desired, although one cannot elect to take 0 cards if CP is used and at least one success is achieved.
09:12, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 5,5 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 3,3.  RS Ride (CP +2).
09:11, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 3 using 1d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1.  BG1 Riding (Change Position).

Initiative
Daniel  -- not in combat; free posting
Earnest   -- not in combat; free posting
Jake Queen Hearts, Five Hearts  Second
Red Shirt Six Diamonds, Queen Clubs  Fourth (elects to avoid Complication)
Rof -- not in combat; free posting
Tommy Ace Spades, King Clubs  First
Tracy  -- not in combat; free posting
Opponents Ten Clubs  Third

It is Tommy's turn.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 199):

Earnest watches the two men tie up the bandit.

"Charity" eh? Well, we can ask if Daniel or the others if they know that name, but I doubt it will lead anywhere... for now at least.

When Tracy speaks about carrying the man, Earnest chuckles.

Let's not carry him too far!

He turns towards where Daniel and the other two men are, waves to catch their attention, then waves them over.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:27, Sun 19 Apr 2020.

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

Knowing the rifles have longer range and seeing Red Shirt raise his Spencer Tommy figures the two rifleman will be taking their shots any second now. For the moment Tommy keeps his focus on riding and keeping Gus at full speed, hoping to get close enough where the shotgun will be more effective.

11:50, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 12,3 using d4+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (4+4+2)10,1.  Riding roll as Action +2.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC - well that would have a good roll for an attack...c'est la vie

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 200):

~Tieme to send 'em some lead,~ Jacob thought to himself as he and Mister Pearce crested the ridge and saw the hardcases not too far ahead. He steadied Widow-Maker for a moment, and calmly took his shot.

---

OOC:

Free Action: Ready Winchester for an aimed shot.

Action: 12:08, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 4,8 using d10+3,d6+3, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5.  Ranged Attack (Winchester)

12:11, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 11,1 using 2d8-1,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,7,1.  Damage (Winchester, Raise).

Total Damage Dealt: 12

Notes: Applicable Edges: Improved Trademark Weapon (+2). Marksman(+1). It does not sound as if there are any cover or range bonuses penalties for the Marksman Edge to negate, so I added the +1 to the Attack roll.

I rolled the Extra d6 as if the Attack roll resulted in a Raise. If it is not applicable, 'twill be easy for the Judge to ignore it.

If there is anything that would mark one of the two riders as the probable leader (e.g., better clothing, gear, or horse), Jake will shoot at him. Otherwise, 'twill be Judge's Choice as to the Texican's target.

Jake will have Jack continue moving forward, but will not attempt a "Change Position" maneuver, even as a Free Action. This may or may not be wise, but I did not care to risk a Snake-Eyes on the Riding Check. :)

Edit: Fixed a couple of errors having to do with RPoL prompts (if that is what they are called), relating to coloration and bolding. Also made a minor re-wording edit to my Noes, as marked.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:19, Mon 20 Apr 2020.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 199):

"I think I've done enough carrying so far today, tsais?" Rof jokes back at the investigator.

"At least we have Professeur Bonnes Idées," Rof continues to say heartily as he points his thumb back towards the professor.

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

Hearing the Professor say her name as well, the investigator’s eyes suddenly widen. ~Charity Lynn Alexander!~

His mind flashed back to the Sacramento library; he read that she was a singer and musician touring the townships of Nouveau Zion. He also remembered asking Mister Knight what he knew of the performer. Windham shakes his head slightly. ~C’mon, Tracy. You have to be more sharp than that.~

While he couldn’t be certain that the bandit referred to the musician, it was certainly a strong lead. He quickly removes his notebook from his bag and scrawls her name at the bottom of the page depicting the bandit.

“I just recalled that I learned a musician named Charity Lynn Alexander was performing in Nouveau Zion while researching at the Sacramento library. We’ll have to find a way to meet with her; see if she knows about these bandits.”

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 203):

The rifleman lines up his shot -- even from horseback, Richardsen's aim is unparalleled. The Winchester's bullet strikes the rider on the left square in the back. The yellow-neck lurches forward, slumping against the horses neck.

The other bandit throws his hands in the air a few moments later, having seen his pardner's fate, although both of their mounts continue racing onward. He yells something that sounds like "don't shoot."

OOC: The bandits gained one card. It's clear that the owlhoot shot by Jake is incapacitated.
18:19, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 5 using 1d6+2 with rolls of 3.  BG1 Riding (Change Position).

Red Shirt had leveled his carbine, but he refrains from firing this round when seeing the bandit raising his arms and calling out. Nonetheless, he pushes Lucy onward, keeping pace with the bandits horses.

OOC: The Judge has a question out to Tommy Pearce in PM. Holding the start of the next round, at least temporarily.
18:28, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 4,6 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4.  RS Ride (CP +2).

OOC: The Judge moved on, with PM update to Tommy re: ruling. The characters

Initiative Lucky Stiffs
Daniel  -- not in combat; free posting
Earnest   -- not in combat; free posting
Jake Nine Hearts, Seven Spades  Third
Red Shirt Joker, Eight Diamonds  First or whenever he wants
Rof -- not in combat; free posting
Tommy Joker, Five Spades First or whenever he wants
Tracy  -- not in combat; free posting
Opponents Eight Spades  Fourth

The Judge will award two bennies this turn, with the condition that the PCs in the Chase must use at least one of them this round. The PCs with the captive bandit do NOT get a Benny ... not part of the Chase action card draw.

It is Red Shirt and Tommy's turn.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:30, Mon 20 Apr 2020.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 208):

Atop Lucy, the Paiute rides up alongside the bandit, deftly maneuvering the horse with reins and carbine in one hand reaching out in an attempt to grab the bandit and pull him from the horse. As El Presidente's men have shown many times, the yellow-neck proves elusive, laying his torso and head along the kid's neck -- similar to the position Jake had taken earlier --  in order to escape from Red Shirt's grasp.

OOC: Wow. Red Shirt gets only one Benny as he didn't use one.

09:04, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 5,4 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2.  RS Ride (CP free action) Joker.
09:05, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 3,6 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4.  RS Grapple Bandit.
09:05, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 17 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+6+5)17.  Bandit Opposed Grapple.

It is Tommy's turn. He has line of sight if he wants to fire. Red Shirt might be in danger with a Snake Eyes rolll, but the Irishman does have the Joker bonus.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:19, Mon 20 Apr 2020.

In reply to Red Shirt (msg # 209):

After Red Shirt fails to grab the reins of the bandit Tommy pulls out his trusty Webley pistol and shoots from close range.

Maybe at'll slew ya down a bit he says after he squeezes the trigger

---------------------------------------------------------------------------
13:47, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 14 using 2d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (6+5)11,1.  Damage Roll - Firing Pistol (+2 joker) - benny roll.
13:46, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 6 using 2d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2.  Damage Roll - Firing Pistol (+2 joker).
12:28, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 4,5 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,3.  Shooting Roll - Firing Pistol + 2 joker.


OOC - updated benny count by +1
This message was last edited by the player at 17:57, Mon 20 Apr 2020.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 210):

Pearce fires his Webley at the second bandit rider after seeing the Paiute fail in his attempt to grab the yellow-neck. The Irishman believes that he aims true, but his shot just misses, sailing over the scofflaw's head.

"Sonuhvabitch," the bandit yells, "I said don't shoot!"

OOC: Tommy doesn't have Steady Hands and so he suffers the -2 for Unstable Platform, changing his attack roll from a '5' to a '3' and therefore misses (unless Tommy has something to offset that penalty, which the Judge has forgotten).

The Judge rules that the bandit could make a free action (yelling) at this time. Of course, Jake can ignore it, iffin that's his druthers.

It is Jake's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 211):

~Waal, then -- ye shoulda just reined in, damn yer eyes!~ Jacob thought to himself as the hardcase protested after Mister Pearce fired at him.

The Texican was sick and tired of playin' grab-ass with these dodgy sumbitches. First, he used his knees to maneuver Jack so that he had a clear line of fire on the uninjured owlhhoot, without endangering either the Irishman or Red Shirt. Then he lined up a shot on his target and fired Widow-Maker again, feeling pretty sure that he had blown the man out of the saddle.

---

OOC:

Free Action: Think. Riding Maneuver so as to have a clear shot on the uninjured bandit: 16:15, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 13,4 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (6+5)11,2.  Riding Check: Maneuver so as to have a clear shot; Joker.

Action: 16:04, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 8,10 using d10+5,d6+5, rerolling max with rolls of 3,5.  Ranged Attack (Winchester, Joker).

16:06, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 9,3 using 2d8+1,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,7,1.  Damage (Winchester, Raise, Joker).

16:07, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 18,3 using 2d8+1,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (8+2)10,7,1.  Benny Re-Roll (Damage).

Total Damage Dealt: 21

Notes: Applicable Edges: Steady Hands, Marksman (+1), Improved Trademark Weapon (+2).
Joker bonus to Trait tests and Damage: (+2).

One benny was used this round (re-rolling Damage), and one was added to Jake's Benny Total.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 212):

Before the owlhoot could protest again, Richardsen lines up a shot with his lover, er, that is, his Winchester. The bullet pierces the man in the back lower back, apparently hitting a vital organ -- at least judging by the fact that the bandit's body convulses and then slides off the horse and onto the hard-packed mesa.

Both of the bandit's horses continue to gallop, with one of the yellow-necks somehow still in the saddle although obviously unconscious. Red Shirt and Pearce are close to the kids, perhaps having a chance to grab them, or at least run with them until they slow down, if desired.

OOC: Okay, the Chase is over, both of the bandits are incapacitated, if not dead. If the PCs or NPCs wish to attempt to wrangle the two mounts quickly, make a Riding roll. Otherwise, it's possible they will continue to ride off or slow down on their own (Judge's discretion). Meanwhile, resume free posting.

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

OOC: Have Daniel and the others acknowledged Earnest's waving (see msg replied to)? Are they heading over?

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 213):

Jacob nodded in satisfaction when he saw the man whom he had shot fall from his horse. ~Ain't so damned tricksy are you, now? Shoulda give up whilst you still could, 'stead of plaeyin' the Artful Dodger.~

The Texan couldn't remember where he had heard about the Artful Dodger, or who it was who had told him about the feller. ~Damnaeshunn,~ Jake grumbled to himself, ~that's the trubble with gettin' a mite older. My memory's not near as good as it usta be.~

Turning his attention to the task at hand, the rifleman slid Widow-Maker down into her saddle-scabbard, and set about trying to rein in the horse that was still carrying one of the hardcases.

---

OOC: 18:31, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 4,5 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,5.  Riding Check (Horse Wrangling).

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 215):

Seeing Jake make a try at one of the bandit's mounts Tommy tries likewise to wrangle the other one..but it jumps away as he reaches over
"Fine..just grand..go your own way then"  he exclaims out loud in frustration
--------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC: Tommy ain't half the horseman Jake or RS are...not going to use a benny on this
19:37, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 2,2 using d6,d4, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2.  Riding check (wrangle bandit's horse)
This message was last edited by the player at 23:48, Mon 20 Apr 2020.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 214):

OOC: No. Now that the professor has returned his attention to them, he recognizes that Daniel and the men are staying put, having made camp and given what remains of the remuda -- and the injured Poogoo -- their necessary rest. The Judge probably should have replied earlier with this fact, but the fact remains.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 217):

“I’ll just carry him to one of your mounts. After we return him to camp, would one of you like to help me round up Lefty?”

Now that the action had come to a halt, the investigator’s mind returned to the trusty steed. Tracy hoped that the gelding had not gotten too far away.

OOC:

Is picking up and carrying the bandit a Strength or Athletics check?

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 218):

As Tracy and Rof discuss carrying the bandit, they realize that it will be no small task to carry his "dead" weight down this rocky slope where Gem and Sweet Pea currently rest. In any case, the two deputies can see him stirring now ... it appears that the yellow-neck revived himself while they had talked. His binding seems effective; although he is only just now comprehending his situation.

OOC: In msg #194, Ammon rounded up Lefty ... this is part of the reason that the professor received no reply or action when he waved at the young ranchers. They have all been occupied with their own tasks. Lefty is now being brushed and fed and Daniel is examing bandit's kid.

The Judge is inclined to allow the player to roll whichever Attribute is superior in a case like this. Of course, Strength would definitely affect the character's ability to actually carry the body -- how fast and how far. The rules provide a calculation for maximum weight carried (4x Str die factor, which is 20, 40, 60, 80, 100 from d4 through d12. The Judge would use that as a guideline affected by circumstances.

Based on the PC narrative, they spent a few minutes tying up the hardcase, making a sketch, talking, etc. They had time to do all of that, but now the bandit is waking up.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 216):

Like the Irishman, the Paiute had tried to wrangle the horse without a rider, while the Texican went after the one with the brute still hanging on to the horse's neck.

Richardsen has no difficulty rounding up that kid, as it slows down while bearing a rider's weight without receiving any instructions by bit and bridle.

On the other hand, both Pearce and Red Shirt fail to capture the riderless kid. The gelding gallops and dodges and changes direction as the two deputies find themselves unable to catch it, even while putting a strain on their own mounts. So much stress that Lucy's gait changes suddenly. She balks at the Paiute's lead, which jars both the mount and her rider.

"Lucy is played-out. You must catch," says Red Shirt, calling out to Tommy Pearce as he slows the mare and dismounts.

OOC: RS got two Snakes Eyes in this encounter -- one on his first roll, now one that will be his last. In this case, the Judge is ruling  that the horse has suffered a level of Fatigue from the Chase, which affects both the horse's rolls and the rider's Riding rolls. In both cases, the Judge has ruled that the mount became fatigued.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 218):

"I don't think just the two of us will be able to carry him down. i think we will need the professeur."

Yelling out to the professor, "Professeur, un peu d'aide?"


OOC:
I rolled an Athletics roll for whenever we attempt to move the bandit. Rof has Strength d6, and can account for up to 40 lbs without becoming Encumbered.

10:43, Today: Rofgia Beaucheveux rolled 2,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5.  Athletics Check, Moving the Tied Bandit.

In reply to Red Shirt (msg # 220):

~Waal, reckon I'd do right poorly iffin I tried my hand at saw-bonin',~ the Texan thought to himself after he had studied the bandit slumped down across the neck of the horse whose reins Jake had just grabbed.

It looked as if Mister Pearce might need a little time to bring the riderless horse under control, so Jacob had taken a moment to study the slumped-over hardcase, but was unable to reach any firm conclusions regarding whether the man was alive or dead -- or how bad his wound might be iffin he was still alive.

The Texican held the reins of the bandit's horse in his left hand, and planned on guidng Jack with his knees, if need be. He held Widow Maker in his right hand, with the barrel pointing skyward and the butt-plate resting on his right thigh. ~Reckon I can hit him firin' one-handed from this range if'n the dodgy sumbitch is plaeyin' 'possum on me,~ he supposed.

Calling over to the Paiute, Jake said "Iffin Lucy is played out, can you taeke a look-see at that owlhoot on the ground, Red Shirt? I think he's dead, but we prob'ly oughtta maeke certain-sure."

---

OOC: 11:19, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 1,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3.  Notice Check re: Mounted Bandit.

Edit: Added a missing coloration-prompt.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:40, Tue 21 Apr 2020.

In reply to Rofgia Beaucheveux (msg # 221):

OOC: With d6 strength the max that can be carried is 4x40 = 160 pounds. '40' is the limit for normal movement and such. Max capacity is 4x the Strength factor based on die type.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 222):

Without comment, at first, Red Shirt leads Lucy towards Jake. Stopping to inspect the unhorsed rider, visually, the Paiute speaks.

"Dead or dying," he states.

OOC:
17:45, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 8,7 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 6,5.  RS Notice.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:48, Tue 21 Apr 2020.

In reply to Red Shirt (msg # 224):

Tommy hears Red Shirt's instruction to keep after the bandit's mount and guides Gus slowly closer while hugging his neck, trying to appear less threatening to the riderless horse. Maneuvering in as non-threatening a manner as he can he gets close enough to make another try at the grabbing the reins.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
17:50, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 4,2 using d6,d4, rerolling max with rolls of 4,2.  Riding check (wrangle bandit's horse).

In reply to Rofgia Beaucheveux (msg # 221):

Earnest, realizing the other men are probably making camp, starts to turn away from them when he hears Rof's call.

Hmm? Oh, of course Monsieur Beaucheveux!

Seeing the horses seem content where they are, he heads up the slope to the men to help as he can.

OOC: Earnest also has d6 strength, so he'll take a side or a turn as needed.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 226):

Much as he hate to admit it, Tracy did not think that he could lift the man on his own. While not an overly large man, the bandit was sizable enough to put a real strain on his back if he tried to lift him by his lonesome. Still, the investigator still felt spry enough to do part of the lifting, perhaps playing the role of lead man walking their bounty down the rocky slope.

Windham felt like putting a little scare into in the bandit might be in order as well, seeing the man rousing from his unconscious state. He walks toward the prone man, crouching down so the man could hear his low growl, while still keeping his wits about him. The young investigator was still seasoned enough to be wary of a spot to the face.

“You try anything, and I won’t just pin your ass down this time. You hear?”

Tracy’s voice escaped his throat coldly, his lips scarcely moving. The threat was quiet, but real. He imagined that the tone might surprise his friends, who likely had not witnessed the young man speak in this manner before. The investigator stared at the hardcase, awaiting a reaction.

OOC:

Tracy is trying to Intimidate the bandit, so he won’t give them any trouble heading down to camp.

20:17, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 2,2 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2. Intimidation.

20:17, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 3,16 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(6+6+4)16.  Intimidation (2).

Here’s Tracy’s Athletics roll for any assistance carrying the bandit and traversing the slope. His Strength is only d4, so he will contribute less raw carry capacity.

20:21, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 7,2 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,2.  Athletics check.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 225):

Making a second attempt to collect the riderless horse, after Red Shirt has dismounted from Lucy, the mechanic succeeds. The effort takes time, to be sure, as Tommy and Gus follow the kid in something like a circle around this open space for perhaps a minute or so before the horse decides to slow down and let the other gelding approach. Pearce notices that both of the mounts seem tired. Not surprising, at least for Gus, who has been ridden all day and then urged to maximum speed in the last few minutes.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 227):

The bandit, tied up and essentially helpless when he regains consciousness, shrinks from Windham's warning.

"I reckon you got the bulge on me," he responds, without a hint of fight left in him. "I won't make no trouble."

The bandit offers no resistance as Rof and Tracy pick him up and slowly carry him down the rocky slope. The professor was on his way up, but he sees that the other two men have things under control -- at least for now, it appears his assistance is unnecessary, apart from helping to guide the men's steps as they descend, which does prove helpful

OOC: The Judge treated Tracy's Athletics roll as a Support of Rof's action to pick up and carry the yellow-neck. The roll is successful, but both men must continue to cooperate during the effort to carry down the hardcase. Technically, Earnest should have also make some kind of roll in Support of this action, but it wouldn't have changed the result in any material way, so no reason to do that now -- please keep the idea of Support in mind for future reference. We have used it a few times in this game; the Judge suspects this element of the rules will come into play again, and encourages the players to use that proactively in situations such as this.

The men should continue, after successfully navigating down the slope with the bound bandit.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 228):

"Good work, Mister Pearce," Jake called out to the Irishman when Tommy brought the bandit's skittish horse under control.

"Reckon we oughtta mosey on back to ever'body else. I 'spect they'll have the Yella Bandanna Boy that run from 'em under control by now, an' I'm a mite curious as to what he'll have to say."

Jacob turned his attention back to the hardcase who still sat atop his horse, albeit slumped forward over the kid's neck.

---

OOC: 11:43, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 5,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3.  Another Notice Check re: Mounted Bandit.

Notes: If the hardcase is still alive, Jake will take possession of any obvious weapons, whether carried by man or horse.

Edit: Altered the spacing a little bit -- nothing substantive.

Edit #2: Added missing word in Notes, per coloration.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:21, Wed 22 Apr 2020.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 230):

Jake's old eyes may be better than his ears, but he still can't tell any difference in either of the yellow-bandana boy's condition. The Texican has no reason to doubt figures that the Paiute's assessment applies to this man, as well. Either the owlhoot is a goner or soon-to-be, but it ain't 'xactly clear which is true at this moment, at least with no more than a visual inspection.

OOC: The Judge is likely to rule in this fashion every time a Notice roll gets a success but not a raise.

EDIT: The Judge misunderstood Jake's intent. Updated.
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:41, Thu 23 Apr 2020.

OOC: The Judge is expecting the PCs to move the plot forward at this time. The two groups may reconvene as desired and described in narrative.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 229):

Earnest assists in getting the man down the slope then looks to the others.

I heard a couple shots from where the others went... Doesn't sound like a full gunfight, but I'm going to ride over there to see if any help is needed. Daniel and the others appear to be setting up camp over there... you should use Gem to get this fellow over there.

Earnest mounts up on Sweet Pea, preparing to trace the other riders' path.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 233):
"Thanks Jake...I think I'm getting better but it's probably just Gus making me look good" He pats the kid on the neck.
"Yes let's get back. I'm quite curious myself. Glad none of them got away to warn anyone we're coming"
Tommy starts Gus walking back the way they came at a comfortable pace with the riderless mount following behind, Tommy still holding the reins.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 234):

Since Jake had not been able to confirm to his satisfaction whether the hardcase atop his horse was dead yet, he took the man's firearms.

"Yer right that 'tis a good thing these two din't get away an' warn the rest uhv 'em that we're headin' in their die-reckshunn," he agreed with Mister Perce's assessment.

"Y'all did well to keep after 'em 'til I could back yer plaey."

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 234):

Hearing Tommy, Red Shirt waves him over and mounts the fallen bandit's horse, leading Lucy as the trio returns to meet the other heroes.

Earnest was just mounting up when he saw his three pards returning from the north, around the rocky hill with a couple of new horses, it seems.

In reply to Red Shirt (msg # 236):

Having regrouped near Gem, Tracy turns to the Frenchman.

“Shall we?”

Once back at camp, Tracy waves hello to Daniel and the others before checking on Lefty. He intended to talk with the captured bandit once his other pards returned.

“How are you doing, boy? Sorry I spooked you back there.” The investigator spoke in low tones while patting the horse’s neck.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:31, Thu 23 Apr 2020.

In reply to Red Shirt (msg # 236):

Since the immediate threat seemed to be over with, Jake had returned Widow-Maker to her saddle-scabbard. And so it was that he had a free hand to raise in greeting when he glimpsed the Perfesser, who had mounted up and was headed in their direction.

"They led us on a merry chase," the Texan called out, "but we got 'em both afore 'twas all said an' done. Both uhv 'em dead or dyin', it ah-peers to us non-sawbones."

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 237):

After returning to the camp, Rof stands guard over the bandit while Tracy tended to his mount. Having propped the bandit up against a small rock outcropping, Rof is standing just 3 feet away in front of him, and takes a sip from his canteen.
"Would you like some?," Rof says offering to pour a few drops into the bandit's mouth for him.

~For a man of few words, that Tracy sure can be callous when he wants. Let's make sure this poor bastard stays alive long enough to question him.~

In reply to Rofgia Beaucheveux (msg # 239):

Daniel Knight listens to Richardsen and the other men as they fill in the gaps about the pursuit of the outlaws. The three ranchers' sons had witnessed some of the chase, while they tended to the horses and set up camp. Ammon had ridden out to retrieve Lefty and another kid, but they knew nothing of the ride around the rocky hill until they had heard from the Texican, the Paiute and the Irishman.

Daniel counts three men and one horse dead, three horses rounded up and one captive yellow bandana bandit.

"Thank God the Father. Good work men," says the young Knight, earnestly, before turning his attention to the fatigued Lucy. "Although our work has just begun."

He strokes Lucy's neck while Hyrum straps on the mare's feedbag.

"And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not."

In reply to Rofgia Beaucheveux (msg # 239):

The bandit nods a few times, tilting his head and opening his lips, hopefully, to allow the barber to pour from the canteen.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 241):

Rof carefully approaches the bandit and leans forward to pour a small swallow of water for the bandit before pulling back and resuming his guard over the captive.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 238):

Earnest rides towards the men as Jake calls out. He sees the man slumped in the saddle of the horse Jake is leading and shakes his head.

Are any of you hurt? Let's lay that man over next to that other unfortunate fellow and I'll check him.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 243):

"Not me," Jacob replied to Earnest's question as to anyone was hurt. "Cain't say the saeme for the hardcases, though."

The Texican nodded at the Perfesser's suggestion that he take the wounded or dead man over by the man who had been captured. He guided Jack and the bandit's horse over to a spot near the captive, and dismounted.

"Somebody haelp me get this man on the ground?" he called out. "I got one free hand, but I gotta keep a grip on the reins with the other."

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 244):

Hearing Jake, Tracy runs over. “I’ll help out.”

The investigator helps guide the wounded man to the ground near the captive. As he does, he sees the barber give some water to the captured bandit. Tracy was glad to see it; he did not want his previous warning to completely scare the man from complying with them.

“Glad to see all of you returning in one piece. I heard plenty of shooting out there.”

OOC:

22:02, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 7,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,3.  Athletics check.

Here’s an Athletics check, just in case Tracy needs one to help lower the dying bandit.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 245):

"I'm fine too..that was quite a chase, thought they might get away but thanks to Jake we got em in the end"

Tommy dismounts Gus and gives the reins back to Ammon and then stands next to the others studying the captured bandit for a moment.

"He looks ok...well enough to start answering a few questions I think"
This message was last edited by the player at 16:56, Sat 25 Apr 2020.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 246):

"Salut monsieurs," Rof says to the returning party, feeling slightly refreshed from his quick break.

"You could not bring yours in as good of health as ours?" Rof speaks slyly gesturing to the wounded man and gently nudging Tommy.

"You watch him and I'll go help the professeur," as he walk over to help examine the man Tracy had just laid on the ground.

OOC:

I rolled a Healing Support Roll in case Earnest attempts to save the bandit.
15:11, Today: Rofgia Beaucheveux rolled 1,4 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4.  Healing Support Roll.

In reply to Rofgia Beaucheveux (msg # 247):

Tracy smiles wryly at the barber’s joke. He already liked the man; he had a wicked sense of humor and a brash quality that you couldn’t help but notice. Of course, Windham was sure that their recent teamwork in the capture of their bandit friend aided this sense of camaraderie as well.

In a low voice that only his pards could hear, Tracy speaks. “I’m ready to talk to him when all of you are.” The investigator did not intend to make the first inquiry; he did not want to give away his line of questioning too early. Instead, he would read the bandit’s response and attempt to ascertain whether he was being truthful.