In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 955):

Pearce sees the opportunity afforded by Jake. Badly wounded, the Irishman's survival instincts kick in as he calls to Tracy, stomps half-heartedly at the rodents around him, and then runs for the tunnel exit. His mind focused on his very existence, Tommy barely registers the fact that he all can hear is a steady hum in his ears.

While his stomping fares no better than his previous attempts, Jake's disorientation of the rats allows the mechanic to run clear of the Swarm. Pearce moves past the Texican and enters into the space at the end of the big cavern, where the men had set their fiery trap. He realizes he could be in danger from the fire now, although for the moment, Tommy feels relatively safe.

A moment later, Pearce cups his hands to his ears, instinctively, to cope with the pain and the hum in his ears. If anyone is talking to him, he doesn't know it.

Meanwhile, the swarm coalesces around the Californian. Recovering from the effects of Jake's gunfire, the rats attack the investigator again but fail to rattle or damage the Wolverine. Windham senses a chance to escape, although the rat swarm won't let him go easily. At the same time, the assault on his ears from the echoing weapon reports gives him pause. The Wolverine's instincts in a fight or flight situation reach their pinnacle.

OOC: Fascinating. The Judge had decided to use a Benny for the rat swarm this round, in some way. It looked like it might be needed to Unshake after Jake shook the swarm or after the Vigor roll for the echoing gunfire. But the swarm succeeded on both of those. Then the rats got a poor damage roll on Tracy, so the Judge used the Benny to reroll -- and the result was exactly the same. The vicissitudes of the dice roller are infamous. (The Judge deducted the Benny from his bio line before posting this.)

Tommy's Vigor roll is a Critical Failure. Two natural ones. The Judge will discuss with the player in PM. He is disengaged from the remaining swarm in the tunnel, but he's now in the area with blazing oil and burning dead rats. The Judge rolled for the fire status, which remains unchanged.

The Vigor roll for the rats was made in # 954.
09:01, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 7 using 1d12 with rolls of 7.  Rats Unshake.
09:05, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 2 using 2d4, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1.  Rat Swarm damage (Tracy).
09:08, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 2 using 2d4, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1.  Rat Swarm damage (Tracy, Judge Benny reroll).
09:39, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 2 using 1d6 with rolls of 2.  Fire status.

It is Tracy's turn. He needs to roll Spirit to Unshake (see #950), as well as the Vigor roll for hearing loss (both at –2). Now, the rats are NOT shaken, so if the investigator tries to Withdraw, the swarm will get a Free Attack. At least the rodents won't get a regular attack action again until the next round, and Earnest has still yet to act, so even if he can't take actions, it's an opportunity for Windham to get to safety, too.

OOC:

Here is the result of Jake's Vigor Check:

10:04, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 1,5 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5.  Vigor Check re: Hearing Loss.

Per the Judge's Comments: "Success means this is only a temporary effect; the character makes Notice rolls involving hearing at -2. Normal hearing returns in 1d6 x 10 minutes."

10:07, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 5 using 1d6 with rolls of 5.  Hearing Loss Duration.

Thus, Jake will suffer the impairment for the next 50 minutes.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 956):

Another vicious attack by the rats shakes Tracy’s resolve, and the investigator cannot refocus among the chaos of the moment. However, his survival instincts tell him that he has only one option: turn and follow Tommy back towards the tunnel entrance. Windham turns and runs as fast as he can, fighting through the pain of the rat bites.

OOC:

10:42, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 0,3 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5.  Spirit, unshake.

10:43, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 12,1 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of (8+6)14,3.  Vigor check, gunshots.

10:59, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 4 using 1d6-2 with rolls of 6.  Running.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 958):

The Wolverine remains stressed by the situation with the rats. Windham perceives the obvious choice; he runs from the rats at the best speed he can manage with his current wounds. He runs past Richardsen, out of the tunnel and into the space where the fire is burning.

While Tommy had barely cleared the tunnel -- stepping to the side of the entrance -- Tracy continues onward, his survival instincts pushing him to dash straight through the fire, over the burning rat corpses, and past Earnest -- clearing himself of danger from the swarm and the fire. He can see Jake's back inside the tunnel, but he cannot see the swarm from here. Fortunately, after feeling a pounding in his ears for a moment or two, the Californian's hearing clears and returns to normal.

OOC: Tracy is now disengaged from the Swarm. He is still Shaken but will get another chance to recover at the beginning of his next turn. He isn't subject to the fire on his next turn -- as noted earlier, the Judge is rolling for anyone who BEGINS the turn in the area of the blaze.

It is Earnest's turn. He sees both Tracy and Tommy emerge from the tunnel, getting to safety (except maybe from the still burning fire in Tommy's case). Earnest himself is subject to catching fire this turn, although he wasn't in the tunnel during the gunfire so he doesn't need to roll for Vigor. The professor can see Jake's back and he can hear the swarm in the tunnel. Clearly the rodents haven't yet been defeated.

11:14, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 6 using 2d4, rerolling max with rolls of 1,(4+1)5.  Rat Swarm damage (Tracy).

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 959):

Earnest hears yet more gunfire and turns to see both Tommy and Tracy emerge, looking somewhat damaged. He turns back to back away from the fire then turns to quickly join Jake, offering the retrieved torch.

What do you think Jake? Tracy and Tommy are looking rough... should we back out of this mess and come back another day better prepared?

OOC: I do not believe any rolls are called for... please let me know if I am wrong...

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 960):

The professor remains calm and collected despite the chaos around him. He opts to move and rejoin Jake, removing himself from the threat of the fire. As he reaches the tunnel, he notices the soles of his boots are quite warm. He wonders if they might have melted, but he has no time to inspect them.

Instead he offers Jake one of the torches as he stands shoulder to shoulder with the Texican. The swarm is ahead of them, at the bend in the tunnel. Ringgenberg figures it's the toss of a coin as to whether the swarm will advance on them, or retreat back to its cave.

OOC: No, there are no rolls required for the professor's turn. However, the Judge did make the roll to see if the Easterner caught on fire. Close ....

17:42, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 5 using 1d6 with rolls of 5.  Earnest Fire.

It is now the 5th round. We are nearing the end of this RPOL chapter length, but the Judge is certain we can conclude the combat before we reach the message limit. Quick recap and what's next.

Tracy and Tommy are in the big cavern, 2 and 3 Wounds each, respectively. Windham is clear of the fire, away from the tunnel. Pearce stands just a step or two to the side of the tunnel entrance, still amidst the fire.

Jake and Earnest face the agitated swarm. They are unharmed so far. The rifleman goes first, as it happens, and then Earnest. It seems fitting for the circumstances.

Initiative
Earnest Ten Clubs Second
Jake Ten Diamonds, King Diamonds First
Tommy Nine Hearts, Two Hearts Third
Tracy Four Clubs Fifth
Rat Swarm Four Spades Fourth

It is Jake's turn. If he wants to take the torch from the professor, it will count as an action.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 961):

Jake could hear bits and pieces of what the Perfesser was saying to him -- and that, combined with Earnest's facial expression and gestures, was sufficient to give the Texican the gist of what was being said.

"I think we can turn 'em, Earnest," Jacob replied, unsure whether the easterner could understand him or not. But the Texican reckoned that his actions would be plain enough.

He did not accept the proffered torch. He already had Widder-Maeker in hand, and she was warmed up and ready for the dance.

Jake had not been on one of the cattle-drives that had become an accepted way for cash-starved Texicans to make some money after the War. But he had talked to other boys who had been, and he reckoned that what he was doing was similar to trying to turn a stampede of beeves that had gotten spooked by lightning or some such. Getting out ahead of the stampede and using gunfire and loud noise was the proper recipe, it seemed.

The Texican held his ground and once again fired off three quick shots . . .

---

OOC:

Free Action: Speak (to Earnest).

Action: 12:02, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 10,7 using d10+3,d6+3, rerolling max with rolls of 7,4.  Firing into the Swarm (Test).

Comments: Another three-round Test from Jake. He gains +2 due to the Improved Trademark Weapon Edge, and +1 due to the Marksman Edge.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 962):

Richardsen has a hard time hearing Ringgenberg's words. The Texican had suffered damage to one of his ears back when he and the professor had fought the Tongs in San Francisco -- and with the effects of the echoing gun fire in the tunnel everything sounded like his head was underwater.

Still, Jake figures he gets enough of the professor's gist to respond. His own voice sounds muffled to his own ears but the rifleman hopes Earnest understands what he has in mind.

Jake levers three bullets at the mess of rats. He believes his tactic has worked yet again. Of course, it won't matter unless the professor follows through.

OOC: Jake's roll succeeds and he got a Raise, so the swarm is Shaken. As before, Jake may choose Vulnerable or Distracted, as well.

12:33, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 4 using 1d10, rerolling max with rolls of 4.  Rats Opposed to Jake's Test.

It is Earnest's turn -- as soon as Jake chooses the status of the swarm.

Jake chose Vulnerable. Earnest has a chance to disperse the swarm, iffin' he has the sand.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:31, Fri 11 Feb 2022.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 963):

When Earnest sees Jake's intention, he does his best to cover his ears for the shots. Then he moves forward to engage the edge of the swarm, stomping and applying the torches.

Very well, let's go!

17:44, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 1 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1.  Stomp damage.
17:45, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 4 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4.  Stomp damage, benny reroll.

17:42, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 2,5 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5.  Fighting - Attack with torches.
17:44, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 3 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3.  Fire damage.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:46, Sat 12 Feb 2022.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 964):

The intrepid professor wades into the shaken swarm of rats. He stomps furiously and attacks with his torches, hoping to catch the rodents on fire. Alas, like his colleagues before him, Earnest cannot do enough damage on the swarm to cause it to disperse. Now, he finds himself the target of hundreds of bites and claws.

Meanwhile, after more than a dozen seconds, the fire in the space of the big cavern where the men set their trap has burned out.

OOC: Tommy informed the Judge he wanted to take the lower Action Card, making him last in this round. Therefore, after Earnest's turn, it is the swarm's turn.

The Judge mistakenly rolled the rats damage before the swarm rolled to unshake, but the Judge caught it and rolled before finishing the adjudication for the turn.

Unfortunately, the swarm recovers from the Shaken status and attacks ENS, Shaking him.

06:38, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 1 using 1d6 with rolls of 1.  Rats Fire.
06:38, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 1 using 1d6 with rolls of 1.  Fire status.
06:41, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 5 using 1d12, rerolling max with rolls of 5.  Rats Unshake.
06:39, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 6 using 2d4, rerolling max with rolls of 3,3.  Rat Swarm damage (Earnest).

It is now Tracy's turn. His hearing is intact. He can see Jake still near the tunnel, and heard him firing again with the Winchester, before the professor ran with his torches deeper into the tunnel.

OOC: The Judge is putting Tracy on Hold. The Wolverine may act whenever he wants before the end of the turn. It is now Tommy's turn; however, since the mechanic is last in the round he is effectively also on Hold right now. Either of the two Wounded men may act, if and when they want.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 966):

Tommy begins pouring another large puddle of lantern oil from the opened container. He works to pour it across the entrance, trying to maintain about a 3 foot width of oil between the walls.

"Earnest, Jake get back here! Well have give em another round of the fire. I'm laying down a line of oil back here"

As he yells to his pardners Tommy's voice sounds strange in his own ears. He can tell his hearing is definitely not normal.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC
Tommy can use his calculating edge to remove up to -2 penalties (but it didn't help)
12:24, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 1,1 using d6-1,d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2.  Athletics - set oil  at tunnel entrance.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 967):

OOC: The Judge wouldn't require a roll for this action, as long as Tommy isn't engaged in a combat situation. At the moment, he is safe from fire -- which extinguished itself -- as well s the swarm because the men in front of him give him protection.

Tommy is able to pour a line of oil across the tunnel entrance. He uses all of the remaining oil in that container to do it.

Good idea with Calculating, perhaps that will still come in handy in a given round, if Tommy gets or opts for a low card.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 967):

Seeing Tommy lay down more oil between himself and his pards, Tracy holds his ground. He’d be ready to support Jake and Earnest as they crossed back over to the tunnel entrance.

OOC:

Tracy will remain on Hold.

OOC: Recap:
Earnest is Shaken and engaged with the swarm. He holds two torches.
Jake is a few steps into the tunnel; he can see Earnest and the swarm because of Earnest's torches. The rifleman has fired 9 bullets.
Tommy is in the big cavern near the tunnel entrance. He can see Jake dimly from the edge of the professor's torchlight, but his current position is only dimly lit as he no longer has a torch.
Tracy is about 7 yards away from Tommy. He still holds a lantern and his Colt, from which he fired 3 bullets. (The Judge is ruling that Windham started with a lantern when he entered the tunnel, even though it seems it wasn't stated explicitly. He needed light to toss the food -- and the other three men had the three torches for the plan to light the fire). Even when Tracy fired the Colt, he could have held the lantern, in the other hand so the Judge is ruling he still has it after escaping the tunnel.
So far everyone has been near enough to a lantern or torch (or the fire) to eliminate any penalty for darkness. Right now, Tommy has –2 for dim light but that could easily change if he moves, or Tracy moves, based on the above notes.

The round begins with Tracy on Hold. The Judge prefers to deal all characters Action Cards, even while on Hold, because one of them might be a Joker. Guess what?

Initiative
Earnest Two Diamonds Fifth Ten Spades Third
Jake Eight Diamonds, Nine Diamonds Third Fourth
Tommy Queen Spades, Ace Spades Second
Tracy Joker First or Anytime
Rat Swarm Three Diamonds Fourth Fifth

Everyone gets a Benny. It might be worth ENS spending the new Benny (his only Benny, maybe?) to get a better Card. Usually in this game, we skip that option because of RPOL play (and often it's not worth doing). In this case, the professor has a good chance to get a better card and then ALL four pards would go before the swarm. Earnest can spend a Benny for a new card -- if he chooses to do so -- anytime before the swarm is set to act.

It is Tracy's turn if he wants to go -- he would have been on Hold anyway and Joker is the same result, except that he gets +2 to actions and damage rolls this turn. He could stay on Hold if he wants to wait to see what others are doing, and try Support as he mentioned -- that said, if he intends to try Support, he could state and that coordinate and roll accordingly with the person being Supported.

EDIT: Updated with new card drawn for the professor.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:46, Thu 17 Feb 2022.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 970):

Seeing the rats engaged with Earnest, Tracy realizes he needs to help his friend break free from their clutches. He steps nearer to get a good line of sight and fires a few more rounds with his Colt, just as he had done before. The investigator thought one more barrage might be enough to disrupt their attack.

OOC:

18:49, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 1,2 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2.  Shooting, test.

18:49, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 27,2 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (10+10+7)27,2.

Good thing I got that Benny. Looks like the Test might work. No modifier because Tracy’s Wounds and the Joker offset.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 971):

Windham moves to the entrance of the tunnel, just behind Jake and near Tommy. He fires a few bullets from his Colt, unsettling the rat swarm, just like the rifleman had done several seconds ago.

OOC: The swarm is Shaken again -- and Tracy chose to make it Distracted.

It is now Tommy's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 970):

OOC: I will go ahead and spend that benny for a new card draw!

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 973):

Happy with the coverage of the oil across the tunnel Tommy uses the last of the oil to make a line of oil. Extending a few feet back into the main cavern. He stands ready to light it.

"I'm ready with the 2nd fire trap gents, head back this way if you can"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC - Tommy will go on hold ready to light the trap

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 974):

Tommy completes his efforts to set a second oil trap.

OOC: Same as previous round, the Judge is ruling that this is an action, but doesn't require a roll. Tommy's turn is over -- he can't go on Hold because he has taken an action.

It is Earnest's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 975):

Earnest continues his stomping and torch attack.

One moment gents! We might have them on the ropes!

08:43, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 4,4 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,4.  Spirit - Unshake.

08:43, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 5,3 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3.  Vigor - Hearing check.

08:45, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 4,2 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,2.  Fighting - Attack with torches.
08:45, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 9 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+3)9.  Damage - Fire.

08:45, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 5 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5.  Damage - Stomping.

OOC: A good set of rolls!

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 976):

Without regard for his own safety, much like the Wolverine, the professor shakes off the momentary disorientation and continues to attack the rat swarm in the bend of the tunnel. The investigator's emptying of the Colt puts a ringing in Earnest's ears but it doesn't stop his intensity. He stomps and waves the burning torches.

As it happens, several survivors of the dispersed part of the swarm that fell upon the first oil trap had rejoined the swarm in the tunnel. Some of them bear oil from the fiery trap. The Easterner manages to catch a few of them on fire with his frantic movements with the torches.

Jake and Tracy see a blaze flare in front of them, as the rats squeal at a high pitch. They realize the professor is also on fire -- the makeshift armor around his boots is burning. Moments later, before Jake has a chance to say "Waal," the swarm disperses, some running past him and the Wolverin, some burrowing into hidey-holes, and some fleeing into their original cave. "Waal," Jake thinks, at least those that avoided burning to a crisp.

OOC: The Judge's ruling is that you can't "attack" with Fire. You can try to catch flammable things on fire with torches, explosives, etc. So the Judge has ignored the attack roll--enjoying the professor's idea even though the attack roll was moot--and instead made the roll for the chance of catching fire. This time, the rats did catch fire.

17:00, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 6 using 1d6 with rolls of 6.  Rats Fire.

Damage is 1d6, same as Earnest rolled, so the Judge decided to be magnanimous for a change and used Earnest's roll. That's a Shaken result, and since since the swarm is already Shaken the result is a Wound, which would disperse it. However, the Judge had 1 Benny left. So more to the Judge's predilections, spent to roll Soak but the Distracted state from Tracy's action made it fail the soak roll. Realized ENS could also catch fire in this event. Rolled and he also catches fire. Damage is 3 points. Not Shaken, but he is still on Fire and could take damage again if it's not extinguished.

17:13, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 2 using 1d10-2, rerolling max with rolls of 4.  Rats Soak.
17:16, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 6 using 1d6 with rolls of 6.  Earnest Fire.
17:17, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 3 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3.  Earnest fire damage.

Combat can be considered complete, but it is Jake's turn and the Judge reckons he might try to help Earnest to smother the fire on his leggings. Anyone can do this, including ENS, but Jake is first because of the circumstances (Athletics roll).

~~Waal, damnaeshunn! Jacob thought to himself as he saw the tongues of flame attach themselves to Earnest's boots. The last of the rats had cut and run, but the Texican knew that he couldn't just stand around and applaud, not with his pard's legs a-burnin'.

The trouble was, Jake didn't have any of the usual methods for putting out a fire handy just then. No blanket, no water -- waal, other than what was in his canteen, but he wasn't sure that sprinkling a little out of the mouth of the canteen would do much good.

"Brace yersself, Perfesser," he called out to the easterner as he dropped Widder-Maeker lightly to the ground, making sure that the Winchester landed on the butt-plate.

Next, he tackled Earnest to the ground, taking care to land atop the easterner's legs, where the fire was burning.

Using his body and the tough leather of his duster, he set about smothering the fire -- or beating at it with his gloved hands, whichever seemed most effective . . .

---

OOC: 11:49, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 2,9 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,(6+3)9.  Athletics Check (re: Fire).

Edit: Missing word added
This message was last edited by the player at 17:30, Sat 19 Feb 2022.

Jacob was relieved that his efforts to smother the fire that had found a foothold around the bottom of the Perfesser's legs had been successful.

The Texican rose to his feet, and extended a hand down to help the easterner up.

"Reckon Ah'm right glad that's over with," he admitted.

After a moment's thought, he added "All things con-sidered, Ah do bee-lieve that Ah'd druther have to fight a passel uhv Yankees than another passel uhv them roe-dents or spie-ders. 'Specially spie-ders."

"Everbody still ah-bove snaekes?" he asked, changing the subject and glancing around at his pards.

---

Edit: Fixed a typo.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:54, Sun 20 Feb 2022.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 979):

Earnest barely registered both the fire and Jake's warning before getting thrown to the ground. Nevertheless, he gratefully accepted the hand up and then commenced to wiping dirt and dead rat from his clothes.

Huh! I think I prefer the spiders to these little vermin!

He kicks a dead rat with that last statement, the turns towards Tommy and Tracy.

We better get you two patched up before we proceed though!

He goes into his bag for his first aid supplies.

I'm going to use extra disinfectant for these bites, so it will probably sting a bit!

17:40, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 15,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+7)15,1.  Healing - Tommy.
17:40, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 4,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,5.  Healing - Tracy.
17:43, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 12,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+4)12,3.  Healing - Tracy, benny reroll.


OOC: Went ahead and did the healing rolls; spent the new benny (thanks Judge!) to try to get both of Tracy's wounds... worked!