Two months to the day after the posse of deputies had returned to the towns with El Presidente in tow, four of the men had gathered at the Four O'Clock Ranch.

That was 3 days ago, Friday, July 14th, 1877.

Each of the men had occupied himself during the time of the professor's recovery. Ringgenberg himself had maintained a regimen for the entire time span, training himself to fire a hogleg with his left hand. For most intents and purposes, this task excluded all other activities. Of course, Earnest took care of daily necessities, visited with pards on the Larsen's porch at eventime, and even managed to get in some new reading. Still, the daily effort was exhausting and he focused his energies on two primary things: letting his right arm heal while teaching his left arm to assume dominance.

The rifleman, the mechanic, and the investigator had used the time more leisurely. Without a compelling reason to adopt a regimen like the professor's, each of the men busied himself with various and sundry interests over time. All of them rode their new mounts, with Windham purchasing the other tack and saddle from Taylor on his remaining credit. No one could quite remember how it was that Earnest and Tommy ended up with the two sets of tack taken from the bandits--although as the others had discovered, Pearce a way gettin' folks to think his way. Regardless, in the end all three of the men who had rescued Elizabeth Knight collected on all of their credit. Jacob Knight offered free stabling, the Larsens discounted the cost of the daily meal, and other merchants gave friendly prices. Still, two months is a long time for a cowpoke to be spending coins without earning any. Pearce, who had missed out on the line of credit for rescuing, had to dip into his coat pockets a mite more than he wanted.

The pards spent time together for a spell, then went their separate ways for a spell longer. This continued over fortnights. They saw Red Shirt from time to time, either at the Four O'Clock or somewhere around Grafton. The Paiute rarely went into Springdale or Rockville, but he popped up in Grafton once a fortnight or so. Sometimes, he set up camp not too far from the towns. They saw Beaucheveux, too, himself a local hero now, operating his barbershop. And Poirier, who continued to amaze with his airship, appearing as if summoned on a given night when the men had congregated at the Prickly Pear.

The last time they saw Red Shirt was on July 4th. The towns had put together a decent fireworks and celebration--even if the professor had bought up most the town's gunpowder. The Paiute enjoyed the festivities from the edges. He told the others not to wait for him if they went back to the hideout. He also reassured them all ... Tracy could find the way, he knew.

Now, 13 days later, the four riders ease around the turn into the Echo Canyon valley. The dale is empty of people or livestock. The grass in the pasture has grown.

Similar to the last time they entered the valley, the men estimate another hour or two of daylight. They know they can't take their horses further. Now that they have come full circle, Earnest, Tracy, Tommy, and Jake take a breath and consider whether to make camp, or press on.

OOC: Free free to fill in narrative about your character's time in the town during your ongoing narrative in this chapter.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 1):

Earnest's convalescence had gone better than expected; he maintained decent use of his right arm for writing and simple tasks, though its strength was definitely diminished, and he had become proficient with his left for more martial tasks.

The time in the towns had been relaxing as it could be given his regime, and he welcomed the ample opportunity to get to know his newer friends better.

Now, as they entered Echo Canyon once again, his thoughts returned to the first time they had come here and the ambush of the camp. ~ I guess we'll find out if they gave David a proper burial. ~

Once in the canyon proper, he turned to business. It looked as though no one had been here for a while, but he got down off of Patches and gave the area a closer look.

16:23, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 1,7 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,(6+1)7.  Notice: look for signs of recent travel in the canyon.

OOC: Just for fill-in info, while we were in the towns were there any reports of more bandit activity? Did the sheriff send anyone else out to look for them?
This message was last edited by the player at 23:23, Thu 19 Nov 2020.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 2):

OOC: No more reports of bandit activity. Quickly, it seems like Earnest has assumed that the men are at the Hidden Canyon Hideout, where Dave Walker died. The men are in fact in the valley where they fought EP and the YBBs the 2nd time. They must still navigate the rockslide and the canyon ledge to get to the hideout, where they fought EP and the YBBs the 1st time.

EDIT: Essentially, after the fade-up, the Judge put the characters back in the exact place we left off before they returned to NZ with the captured bandit leader.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:16, Fri 20 Nov 2020.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 1):

Leading their party into the valley, Tracy grinned. He was both proud of himself for navigating their way back on his own and excited to be close to the caves once again.

The previous two months passed very slowly for the Californian. As much as he knew that he needed to rest and take time for his wounds to heal, he couldn’t wait to head back out. He often caught his mind wandering to the mystery of the hideout while he sketched in his notebook or conversed with his pards on the Larsens’ porch.

His smile faded a bit as he turned to face his friends now. “Should we make camp for the night before traversing the rock paths?”

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 3):

Earnest looks up from his examinations and nods at Tracy.

Yes, I think that's prudent... we can get an early start tomorrow.


OOC: I know that we're in the initial canyon with the pasture, Earnest was just musing about the earlier fight and Dave's fate.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 4):

Tommy wounds healed slowly but well enough that he now felt like his old self. He spent his time in town with the pards, sharing a drink or two each evening and as always trading stories. It was also chance to get to know the town and some of the townsfolk as well. Tommy worked when he could to make ends meet. He lent his skill as a mechanic to help one of the ranches with a broken pump. He got to know the locals working to build the church and helped them with the raising of the bell into the tower. It was a short enjoyable period of living a more domestic life but as they assembled to head out he felt the familiar excitement of being on the move once again.

As they entered into Echo Canyon he reimagined the scenes of the gunfight as if he were sitting high on the canyon walls and looking down as the battle played out. Today it was quiet except for the wind twisting around canyon walls and past their faces.

"Agreed" he said to Tracy " I imagine it's surely easier to manage in the daylight"  "

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 4):

~Ain't bad, but ain't nuthin' speshall, neither,~ Jake concluded. Now that he was getting on in years -- at least a little . . . whenever he thought back on it, he realized that it had been over 16 years since he had enlisted, and over 12 since General Lee had surrendered -- the Texican had been studying everywhere he visited, with an eye towards needing to put down some roots, sooner or later.

From time to time he thought about how he was better off than some -- hell, just bein' above snakes put him in better shape than many of the men he had known over the years. But when it came right down to it, all that he could claim as his own after all his years on earth were the clothes on his back, some weapons and gear -- and now, a horse. He was no better than what some folks called a "saddle tramp".

Jacob rubbed his chin-whiskers as he rode into the canyon where they had had the shoot-out with the Yella Bandanna Boys. There were surely some good things about the Towns -- Mon-shure Pwa-reh-eh and his airship were interesting, Taylor seemed like a good fellow (if a little odd), Sheriff Anderson seemed to know his bizness, Mister Knight and the other ranchers seemed like solid people, Miz Larsen ran a good boarding-house . . . but it all just seemed to run along the lines of "Ho-Hum." Jake could think of nothing abut this area that exploded in his head like a 4th of July firework and yelled at him "This is it, boy! This is the place for you, sure enough!"

The Texican has just about concluded that he had seen nothing thus far to make him want to sink roots into the area when Mister Windham asked his question about making their night-camp in the canyon. All of the others seemed to think that it was a good idea not to try and press on into difficult terrain with the daylight fading, and Jacob did not disagree.

"Fine by me," the rifleman added. Then, glancing over at the Californian, he added. "Good job of nav-igae-shunn gettin' us here, Mister Windham. Red Shirt hisself couldn't have done it no better."

OOC: Since there are now only 4 heroes with no extras or nonplayer Wild Cards, the Judge will ask the players to set a night watch plan. Additionally, whenever they move on, they won't be able to take their horses, so the Judge requests some kind of instructions. Feel free to roleplay discussion, talk around the campfire, whatever. Once a night watch is set, the Judge will adjudicate any overnight encounters (should they occur) or narrate the passage of time until morning.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 7):

Tracy nods to the Texican, appreciating the compliment. “Thanks, Jake, but in some way Red Shirt did help get us here. I learned a lot of what I know from him.”

Turning to the others, the investigator offers some more thoughts about their current situation. “We won’t be able to take our horses with us tomorrow. I guess we’ll have to find a good place to hide them in the morning. I’ll scout around and look for a spot while you all decide the night watch. Give me any open spot; I don’t have a preference.”

Tracy and Brownie ride a short distance away, seeking a good spot for the group’s mounts.

OOC:

00:37, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 1,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1.  Notice; hiding spot.

Off to a good start...

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 9):

OOC: Consider it getting the CF out of the way.
------------------------

Tracy looks around the valley, remembering the secluded dale's limitations. He feels a mite embarrassed, wasting time looking for a place to hide the horses when he already knew there was none. The kids could be left here in the valley to graze, same as the first time the group, with Dave Walker, made the trek to the bandit hideout. Otherwise, any attempt to hide them probably means taking them back out of the valley, farther away from the heroes and no safer. The only danger is if someone or something enters the valley. The investigator returns to the camp, sheepishly.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 10):

Earnest walks Patches over to the pasture area and begins unsaddling him.

I believe we can just leave the kids here tomorrow, but do we want to tie them or hobble them so they don't wander off? That wasn't a problem last time, but if we get to the cave unmolested, I'm not sure how long we'll be there...

After a moment of thought, he adds: I can take the last watch, if no one objects.

OOC: Any results from Earnest's earlier notice roll?

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 11):

OOC: My apologies, Earnest.
---------------------------

The professor looks for signs of recent activity in the valley, but he finds none. Alas, he is no tracker, so he knows all he might find are obvious telltales, such as warm embers in the fire pit or swaths of pasture grass eaten down. The campfire seems long cold and the professor and the others had already seen that the grass had grown in the last two months.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 12):

~Perhaps I’m a bit too excited to be back in the canyon,~ Tracy thinks to himself, shaking his head. “I’ll take first watch, after some more thought. I think I need to wind down a bit longer.”

He noticed the Professor searching for signs of recent travel in the area, so the investigator put his improved tracking skills to the test once again.

OOC:

22:59, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 3,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1.  Survival, recent tracks in area.

23:00, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 4,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,3.  Survival 2.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 8):

and

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 11):

and

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 13):

Jake had set about removing the saddle and tack from Roan, having already concluded that they would be leaving their horses behind for the next leg of their journey.  He heard Mister Windham voice the same conclusion, and the Texican added "Reckon this is a right good place for 'em -- it's pretty eye-so-laeted, so's they oughtta be fine 'less one of them big cats gets after 'em . . . or some more Yella Bandanna Boys show up, I s'pose. But I don't see no way 'round leavin' em here."

After removing the saddle and tack, Jacob set them over to the side, and removed a small camp shovel from his saddlebags. Then he set about digging a fire pit.

After hearing the Perfesser and Mister Windham call out their preferences for when they would stand Watch, Jake said "Don't matter much to me. Reckon I'll taeke second Watch, so you can waeke me when you're ready to stand down, Mister Windham -- if'n I ain't already awaeke, that is."

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 14):

Tommy follows suit and unloads his gear and tack from Lad. He gives him an apple

"That's the last of the goodies my friend, you'll have to make due with grass for a while"

He packs as much of his gear as he can fit into his duffel bag and bedroll. Using rope he will be able to fashion an awkward but serviceable pack which can be carried on his back. For now he throws the bedroll down and joins the others near the fire pit

"Guess I'll take last watch along with the professor."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:30, Wed 25 Nov 2020.

Windham detects the sign of some four-footed wildlife. Probably mule deer and mountain lions, as the men have encountered both on the buttes and mesas in their travels. Nothing recent, that is, not in the last few days, he believes.

The investigator notices Jake looking at the spring. Another aspect of learning from Red Shirt involved an improvement in the Californian's ability to hunt and forage. Tracy finds himself estimating the number of creatures this spring can water in a day. Probably several if nature were left to attend to herself. Maybe a dozen or more if a body had the notion to collect water from the spring.

At which point, both the Texican and the Californian notice two wooden buckets near the spring. Funny that they had never noticed these before, although both are tucked away near the edge of the rocky canyon walls. So perhaps they just never noticed, or maybe the buckets weren't there two months ago. No tellin'.

The men settle in for their night of rest. Windham takes the first watch, which passess uneventfully. He wakes Richardsen for the second stint. The Texican heard noises in the night ... wildlife he reckons, although he spies no creatures. Jake rouses Pearce next, advising him to wake the professor a little later on. Finally, as the sun rises to the east, spilling light into the dale, the heroes break their fasts with rations, fill their canteens from the spring and make sure the horses are watered.

Eager to use the full light of this day, the men make their final preparations before tackling the rockslide climb. The Irishman's duffle bag reminds everyone of Dave Walker, who carried his belongings in a similar way.

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

OOC: The Judge needs final "consensus" or agreement on whether the horses are hobbled or left to graze freely. Pearce gave some notes about preparation...anyone else who wants to make special notes here or in PM should do so.
See the game map for Group 2. The Judge is proceeding with the idea that the heroes, once their preparation is sorted, will travel down the passage and into the rockslide area.

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

The four heroes squeeze through the narrow passage, with Windham in the lead. Jake, Tracy, and Earnest remember the first time they came here, with Red Shirt guiding them. If Pearce had harbored questions about why the horses couldn't proceed, or any of the other three hadn't remembered, those questions were soon answered by a sharp turn early in the passage. It requires each man to turn sideways for a few seconds, slowing down to navigate the turn. It is no hardship for a man, but impassable for anything larger than a mountain lion.

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

The professor points out the two paths upwards, each of which has two spikes embedded in the rocks for tying rope -- one roughly halfway up and one near the top -- although no ropes are affixed, presently. Jake remembers the trail at the top; he and Red Shirt had shot down a couple of bandits there after the YBB's ambush. The rifleman reminds everyone of the trail at the top of the slide, stretching generally to the north and south, but neither of them can discern anything more about that trail, from this vantage point. The trio who had traversed the trail before remember that the path to left ended in a dead end, while the one to the right took them, eventually, to the bandit's hideout.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 16):

After surveying the area for signs of ambush, Earnest unslings a loop of rope and prepares it for the stakes.

I'm afraid that with my weakened arm, someone else will have to climb to attach this rope to those stakes... but it will make it easier for the rest!

Earnest had made sure that they were prepared for this foray, with plenty of rope and lanterns for both the cave and the path along the way.

Whoever does climb should do so cautiously... I wouldn't but it past those bandits to have left behind some traps.

---

OOC: With regard to the buckets, Earnest inspects them for signs of recent use (i.e., moisture inside or an accumulation of blown-in debris indicating non-use).

11:36, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 3,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4.  Notice: Inspect buckets.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:37, Fri 27 Nov 2020.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 17):

In Earnest's opinion, no one has used these buckets in a some time. One of them is turned upside down, somewhat settled into the earth around it. After turning it upright, the professor sees it is mostly dry inside. The other sits upright, it's interior slightly damp, which Ringgenberg believes resulted from natural rain. A bit of moss grows in the bottom.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 18):

Before leaving Tommy wasn't sure about hobbling the horses. He'd seen them used once or twice back in Ireland on the local farms but had no idea if it was really advisable here.

"We don't want them getting spooked and running off in a thunderstorm, maybe even falling into the canyon but if there's mountain lions here they won't have a chance constricted that way..still maybe a mountain lion wouldn't attack a horse, not really their natural prey...but if it was particularly hungry maybe it would fancy a go.."

He looked around at the pards as he debated it with himself and finally reached his own personal conclusion..."I guess I'd hobble them and hope there's enough mule deer to keep the mountain lions fed"

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

Arriving at the dead end Tommy looks up at the high walls and the rock fall. He'd scrambled up a few craggy rock piles in his time and although it was a decent climb he felt he could make it,

"I'll give it a try professor unless anyone else feels strongly about going up "

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 19):

Tracy nods at Pearce’s assessment of hobbling the horses. “I agree.”

Now through the passage, Tracy stares at the rock face before them. His mind flashes back to their previous trip; the investigator is excited to give it another go.

“I’ll do it,” he replies to Tommy. Taking the rope from the Professor, Windham readies himself for his ascent. He takes a deep breath.

OOC:

13:12, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 5,2 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2.  Athletics, climbing.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 20):

The Californian makes the climb up to the first spike. Like Red Shirt more than two months ago, he tests the rocks, finding them mostly stable. He pulls himself up with hand holds while carefully lifting and placing one foot after the other in a position to push upwards, yard by yard and in no hurry.

The rockslide, while steep, is not as treacherous as the face of one of the sandstone canyon walls. Windham moves a little more slowly once he is is within 5-10 feet of the first piton, which is roughly halfway up. He finds a good hand hold and pulls himself atop a boulder just above the spike. Now, jabbing a few times with his right foot, he searches for a foothold to launch himself upwards. He pushes off and scrambles to the boulder, sitting atop it like the Paiute.

The investigator slips the rope from his shoulder. He eyes the piton and the length of the rope. Long enough to tie and drop down for others to use. Not long enough to tie halfway. Looks like someone else needs to climb up with another coil of rope, before he ascends to the top.

OOC: Tracy succeeded. Anyone who uses the rope he sends down from the first piton gets +2 to Athletics for climbing. Someone needs to climb up with more rope, if the group wants to continue this strategy with another rope affixed to the 2nd piton at the top of the rockslide. The Judge rules Tracy could not ascend with more than one coil of rope without taking a penalty, therefore the current situation.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 21):

Tommy grabs the end of rope sent down by Tracy and starts climbing up with his own rope over his shoulder

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9:05, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 13,3 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (6+5)11,1.  Athletics roll -climbing

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 22):

Earnest watches Tracy and Tommy climb with a look of slight concern.

Watch out for traps... make sure those pitons are secure too!

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 22):

Pearce follows the same path upwards taken by Windham. With the rope, the mechanic finds relatively easygoing. Always amazing what the right tool can do, he thinks to himself as he plants his feet firmly on an outcropping and wedges his back against the rocks, just beneath the investigator.

The Irishman feels confident in his position, as he hoists up the coil of rope to the investigator. The Californian takes the coil, slings it over his shoulder, and readies himself for the second half of the climb.

OOC: Tommy's raise will allow him to easily assume Tracy's place on the boulder just above the spike, as soon as Tracy begins to climb up. Tracy needs to make another Athletics check for the next stage of the climb. Please alert the Judge if any additional precautions are taken.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 24):

Emboldened by he and Tommy’s successful first climbs, Tracy scales the next section with incredible ease. In fact, the investigator even surprises himself when he reaches the next outcropping; it still felt like he had just started climbing. The climb complete, Windham fixes the rope and drops it down to Pearce.

OOC:

00:30, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 12,20 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+4)12,(6+6+6+2)20.  Athletics, climbing 2nd leg.

There aren’t any radioactive spiders around, are there?

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 25):

Jake stood down at the bottom of the steep-faced rock slide and looked on as his pards made the tying off of the ropes look easy. He found himself wondering what the Yella Bandanna Boys were doing, now that El Presidente' was going to be in the hoosegow for a good long while. He was sure that they were still in the area, having seen two men that he would have bet good money on as being part of the gang, back in the Towns.

~Wonder if'n Mister Tan Stetson has stepped into El Presidente's boots? He looked to be pretty high up amongst 'em back durin' them dust-ups we had -- mayhap even their segundo.~

The Texican laid his Winchester atop his right shoulder, with the barrel pointing back behind him. It could be that they were being observed at this very moment. He felt certain that the Yella Bandanna Boys knew the area better than he and his pards did, which meant that they probably knew all the best hidey-holes and observation points.

Jacob thought about saying something to his pards about what was on his mind, but decided not to. They were fully-growed men, and surely knew to be on the alert -- after all, all of them had traded lead with the gang of hardcases twice now, and everyone knew how dangerous they were.

~Waal, it ain't like none uhv us ain't seen the Elephant afore our own damnselves,~ the rifleman thought to himself. ~We ain't 'zackly a passel uhv greenhorns just wanderin' 'round out here.~

---

OOC: Edit: Fixed a typo and added a little descriptive wording -- no substantive changes.

Edit #2:
11:44, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 4,9 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,(6+3)9.  Notice Check re: Noticin' Anything Whilst Standin' Round.

I decided to add a Notice Check, just in case there is anything worth noticing while Jake is standing around at the foot of the rock slide, waiting for his pards to get the ropes rigged. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 16:47, Wed 02 Dec 2020.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 25) and Jacob Richardsen (msg # 26:)

Windham scurries up the rockslide to the uppermost spike, easily finding a secure spot to brace himself while he ties the second rope. So far, the task has proven easy, perhaps because the heroes have experience with this rockslide under their belt. Despite the professor's warning, neither Tracy nor Tommy experience or even notice anything like a trap.

The investigator can hold his current position, or climb a few more feet to pull himself over the top and onto the ledge on the other side.

Meanwhile, Richardsen muses to himself and scans the area for any signs of the YBBs—or anything else hereabouts. He looks up to the top of the rockslide and around the rising walls that form this open space. He sees nothing of particular interest in the canyon terrain, although he notices what might be rain clouds overhead. The rifleman is no expert on the weather, but he has seen a rainstorm or three in his time ... so anytime he sees dark clouds he wonders if they might bring rain.

OOC: Radioactive spiders, hmm ... well, the professor did warn everyone about traps, so who knows?

Character who wish to climb may make two rolls (one more for Tommy) for the ascent, gaining +2 to the Athletics roll by using the rope for each section of the climb. For Earnest, the +2 will offset his -2 penalty for actions requiring the use of two arms. Tracy doesn't have to make any rolls to pull himself over the top, but the Judge isn't making any assumptions about such actions at this time. Tracy should post what he's doing while others climb, and each climber should narrate the ascent including whether they pull themselves over the top, go to the next level, or stay in place for a time. There is enough space/footholds/handholds for two people at each "spike point" on the climb (e.g., like when Tommy and Tracy did the hand-off), so please post your narrative to mesh with those that go before you or after you (for example, if Tommy goes up and Tracy stays where he is, then no one else can climb to the second spike until one of them goes over the top, and same with the first spike, if Tommy stays, then Jake and Earnest must join him one at a time until one of the two moves up).

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 27):

Earnest watches both Tracy and Tommy's climbs carefully, knowing he'll need every advantage with his weak arm. Once Tracy gets to the top and starts securing the upper rope, he advances.

Well, may as well get this over...

His initial climb to Tommy's level goes well. Since he seemed on a roll, he decides to carry on up to Tracy; that climb goes a bit slower, but is equally uneventful.

17:39, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 7,2 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (4+3)7,2.  Athletics - Climb.

17:43, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 1,5 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5.  Athletics - 2nd climb leg.

Once at the top with Tracy, he squeezes by him and slides to the ledge on the other side then looks up to Tracy.

Remember to drop the rope on this side to make it easier to get back up... I'm going to scout down the dead-end path while the others get up... I'll be right back.

Earnest draws his pistol and walks carefully down the path that leads to the dead-end, looking for anything out of the ordinary.

17:50, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 11,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+3)11,5.  Notice - Observing path to dead-end.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 00:51, Fri 04 Dec 2020.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 28):

Earnest meets his first significant challenge requiring both hands. Surely, he felt at least a twinge of anxiety as he started to climb, but clearly the rope makes a difference. Ringgenberg proves to himself that while his disability may make some things a mite more difficult, it cannot stop him from enjoying further adventures.

He travels down the way to the dead end. Same as it appeared more than two months ago, it seems nothing more than a natural endpoint. Despite taking his time and scanning the area thoroughly, the professor finds nothing out of the ordinary.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 28):

Tracy simply nods to the Professor as the latter turns down the path.

He stays at the second spike for now, just in case Tommy requires assistance with his ascent. Once the Irishman reached the spike, Windham planned to lift himself over the final ledge.

OOC:

This action feels like Support. Should I make the roll now or wait until Tommy’s Athletics roll?

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 30):

OOC: Reasonable to say it's a Support roll. If that is Tracy's intention, go ahead and make the roll.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 27):

Jake gave some thought to moving up the rope while his pards were still climbing. However, after a moment's thought, he decided that having them all spread out along the ropes at the same time would leave them with their britches down (in a manner of speaking), if any of the Yella Bandanna Boys were around to take advantage of the situation.

~Don't seem likely,~ the Texican thought to himself. ~Howsomever, I don't see no benefit in rushin' up to the top like we was in a race. Reckon I'll wait down here for a mite longer afore I commence a-climbin'.~

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 29):

Havin satisfied himself that there is no amush comin from the deadend, Earnest returns to the ledge section where Tracy is perched and awaits the others.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 31):

OOC:

00:42, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 2,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,3.  Support, Athletics. Tommy climb.

00:42, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 5,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3.  Support, Athletics 2.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 34):

Realizing Jake is standing guard below while the others climb, Tommy looks upward. He sees the Professor reappear at the top ledge. Tracy is perched at the second spike waiting, he climbs up to meet him.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
11:09, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 4,6 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4.  Tommy - Athletics roll climb to 2nd spike.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:14, Sun 06 Dec 2020.

Jake glanced upwards every now and then to see how his pards were progressing, even as he kept watch down below the steep rock-slide. Seeing no lurking threats, the Texican decided to commence his own climb when he would not been nipping at the heels of the man just in front of him.

When everyone had proceeded past the portion of the climb up to the first spike, the Texican looped the leather strap that he had added to Widder-Maeker for just such eventualities diagonally across his chest, so that the rifle itself lay snugly against his back.

Then he began his climb . . .

---

OOC: 14:18, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 7,4 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2.  Athletics Check w/ Rope: Climb to First Spike.

With Windham staying put at the second spike, Pearce climbs up and over, past the investigator. The mechanic joins the professor on the other side, dropping down to the rocky footpath.

The Californian watches the Irishman go over, while the Texican climbs up to the first spike, pausing.

Earnest and Tommy observe the rocky footpath, extending to the north and the south. Because of the various rock formations along the winding rough cut passage, the heroes cannot see much further than 10 yards or so in either direction. The professor, having been here before and already scouted the dead-end to the north, informs Tommy about the footpath to the south, which cuts into the canyon, so to speak. Slow going, Earnest recalls, eventually reaching a stone bridge of sorts, and then the ledge to the bandit's hideout.

OOC: The GM is assuming Tommy went up and over, to keep things moving. Tracy is still at the second spike and may Support Jake if desired. The investigator's Support for Tommy succeeded, adding +1 but the Irishman didn't need it.

Jake should complete the climb with his 2nd roll.

The Judge got the direction of the dead-end backwards. Doesn't really matter -- but the dead-end was to the north and the footpath goes to the south (and then twists and turns and such).

In addition to finishing Jake's climb, the characters need to set a marching order for whenever they proceed. There are some areas where two can travel abreast, but the heroes recall that much of the path requires single file travel.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 37):

Jake didn't make the second leg of the climb as easily as he had the first. Truth be told, he was feeling a little winded by the time he made it to his goal.

~Waal, hell,~ the Texican thought to himself.

~Reckon I warn't cut out to be no mountain goat.~

---

OOC:
14:48, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 3,4 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2.  Athletics Check w. Rope: Climb to Second Spike.

Notes: Thank goodness for the spikes and ropes! :)

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 38):

Earnest looks up at Jake and Tracy and grins.

First bit done... drop the rope on this side for later and let's proceed to the next bit!

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 39):

OOC: To reiterate, marching order needed.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 39):

Tracy nods to Earnest and drops the rope as requested. Now at the top of the ledge with the others, the investigator prepares for the trek to the hideout.

“I’ll go first around the path,” Tracy says, gesturing to the south. “Who wants to follow me?”

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 41):

"Makes sense, since you're our scout now," Jacob replied when Mister Windham volunteered to take the lead as the group moved towards the Yella Bandanna Boys old camp.

Turning to face Mister Pearce, the Texican said "I can go second, 'less you want to. I'm a-thinkin' that the Perfesser ougtta be in the middle, with either you or me goin' last."

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 42):

Tommy replies to Jake
"Yes agreed the professor should be in the middle. You've seen this trail before so better if you go second and ride shotgun for Tracy. I don't mind going last"

Tracy leads the single file line of men, followed by Jacob, Earnest, and Tommy. The rugged path has several twists and turns, as well as ascents and descents although it seems to be taking them gradually to a higher elevation over the course of something like two hundred yards. At times, it feels like they are walking in a tunnel and then a few moments later, daylight spills into the passage, reminding the adventurers that they are outdoors. Although it hasn't rained yet, the heroes see the clouds that Jake had noted earlier. The calls of birds echo around them briefly, then things fall eerily silent for a spell before the sounds of nature rekindle.

Windham slows down when he reaches a fork, stopping momentarily to assure himself about the correct way forward and then continuing based on his assessment. The heroes now find themselves using the wall to the right as a hand-guide while negotiating around a sloping, curving ledge with a steep drop-off to the left. So far, at a walking pace, no one has had any notable trouble along the path. Pearce, more than the others as this is the first time he has experienced this trail, has his sensibilities shaken for a moment or two.

Suddenly, that guide-wall to the right simply ends, like it was chopped off by a giant axe. A brief feeling of vertigo passes, before each man sees a vast chasm to the left and right. Most of the time, there has been some sort of barrier on both sides — or at least one side. Now, the men find themselves crossing a manner of stone bridge, plenty wide for easy navigation, but leaving each of the heroes thinking it’s best to continue a deliberate pace on this stretch. Running through here seems, at best, like an act of desperation.

Finally, after roughly a quarter mile, the currently ascending path opens into a field of boulders, similar to the rockslide the men had climbed not long ago. This time, a single, large chunk of sand stone impedes progress while the boulders form a sort of mound around the rising chunk. Windham, Rinngenberg and Richardsen remember the  narrow ledge to the right, about five feet above their current position and a short distance over the rock-strewn field. Up there is the narrow ledge that leads to the bandit hideout. Getting up there is easy, they recall, while traversing the ledge itself was another matter.

OOC: The Judge is pausing here for any narrative, discussion, preparation, skill checkds, etc., the men wish to take before continuing.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 44):

Earnest negotiates the path so far without problem, having been here before. Looking at the small ascent, he knows he will have to take it slow.

Once we're up on that higher ledge, remember that it exposes you to the camp area eventually... go slow and keep a good lookout lest there are still bandits there. We also have that gap to jump, if you recall.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 45):

Tracy nods. “Thanks for the reminder, Professor.”

Quickly, Windham surveys their immediate surroundings for any signs of activity before they progress again. ~We’ve come too far to run straight into an ambush if we can avoid it,~ Tracy thinks.

OOC:

16:57, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 7,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,4.  Survival, nearby area.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 46):

Tommy finds the winding trail manageable. He feels fairly confident since he is following the others and can see ahead of him how each of the others navigates the terrain. When the Professor mentions a gap to jump he thinks to himself this may have been the easy part.

Replying to the professor: "Maybe we should sneak up nice and slow when we get to that point"

Tommy pauses for second and looks behind for signs of any bandits somehow getting behind them
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
18:31, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 5,5 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 3,3.  Notice roll - check trail behind group.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 46) and Tommy Pearce (msg #47):

When the investigator scans the immediate area he finds signs of nature's activity, but nothing of mankind, recently. He can tell others have traveled this way before, from signs he would have missed a few months earlier. A slightly smooth edge to the foothold the heroes had used last time under Red Shirt's scouting, for example. Which reminds him of the various fauna the heroes witnessed in their travels around the canyon with the Paiute. Mule deer, mountain lions, snakes -- and all manner of smaller critters.

Pearce, keeping an eye behind the group, observes no sign of anyone behind them. At the same time, the mechanic recognizes how daunting the path backwards is. Comfortable while following Tracy, Pearce also realizes how lost he might be iffin' he got separated from the others. Even if he tried to retrace his steps, the Irishman wonders if he could actually make it back to the rockslide.

OOC: The climb up is easy, no roll needed. If Earnest were climbing this alone, he would have to make a roll. The Judge would say 0 modifier but the usual roll with TN4 is needed.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 48):

The Texican's rifle lay diagonally across his back, secured by its leather sling, leaving both of his hands free so that he could steady himself as needed.

He hitched up his britches as he felt a burst of nervoud energy. ~Wonder how far back in them caves that old-timey knights' treasure is gonna be? We're gettin' close, now. I jest hope that them Yella Bandanna Boys ain't already found it, an' carried it off somewhaere.~

As he was thinking such happy thoughts -- waal, 'cept for the one 'bout the Yella Bandanna Boys mayhap havin' beat 'em to the treasure -- Jake glanced overhead and studied the clouds that were starting to build up.

"I'm thinkin' that we might want to bide a wee, 'til we see what what them clouds is gonna bring us," he suggested to his pards.

"I'd not wish to be up on that narrow ledge that's just up ahead durin' a drivin' rainstorm -- nor even high winds, for that matter."

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 49):

“That’s a good idea, Jake. It doesn’t seem like anyone has been in the area recently, so we should be safe to wait here.” After a brief pause, the investigator adds a question. “So we’ll wait until the clouds pass?”

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 50):

Earnest looks to the clouds... He knows some science about the weather, and being out west has made him somewhat savvy to weather changes, but he still defers to his more experienced friend.

If you think that's the wise thing to do Jake, I'm with you! That ledge ahead is not too difficult, but with a wind? Whew!

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 51):

Tommy looks up at the clouds as well. He's seen a few rain clouds in his time but the weather out here in the West is more violent and dangerous than what he knew in Ireland. He also defers to Jake's experience.

"Yes looks quite dark up there, let's stop for a bit and grab something to eat..keep our energy up"

OOC: For how long do the characters intend to pause? There's no problem with pausing just need to know intentions so the Judge can adjudicate appropriately.

OOC: Insofar as Jake is concerned, he (IC) is waiting to see if the approaching clouds are going to bring bad weather to the pards (or not). So, it kinda depends on the weather and how fast it is blowing in. :)

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 54):

The heroes rest a spell while they keep their eyes on the clouds above. Pearce sips some water and eats a bit of food. After ten minutes by the professor's watch, clouds

OOC: Hmmmm. What if the rain clouds stay all day (they don't "pass")? Are the men going to camp here? Hoping this post and OOC note helps to clarify what the Judge needs ... maybe it's going to rain all day, maybe it's not going to rain at all, maybe it's gonna be an hour before it starts to rain, maybe it's gonna be in 5 minutes ....

The Judge needs more direct input from the heroes ... something more than "wait until it's okay" (my words, but that's how it sounds to the Judge).

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 55):

While they rest, Earnest casts a more discerning eye to the clouds, using what he knows of weather science to assess the clouds.

09:54, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 27,15 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+8+8+3)27,(6+6+3)15.  Science: assess weather.

OOC: Dang! Earnest may be able to predict it to the minute with that roll!

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 56):

Ringgenberg studies the clouds while the men rest. The professor uses his learnings in various ways on the frontier, although his scientific training seems the least prominent.

Fortunately, at this moment, the professor remembers some reading from his university days. An essay about the "modifications of clouds," he recalls, perhaps by a scientist named Howard. These clouds look like cumulonimbus thunder heads, ominous clouds created by hot summer updrafts in this region of the West. These clouds can bring ferocious rains, lasting minutes or hours.

By the looks of these clouds, which are rolling by in waves, Earnest believes it could be like this all day. He reckons there's a fifty-fifty chance it will rain in this immediate area of the canyon sometime in the next hour or so. Almost certainly it's raining somewhere in the canyon area right now. He can smell it.

What he can't say for certain is whether the rain will fall in the next five minutes, or the next five hours. He advises the men of his thoughts, having checked his watch after the first ten minutes of the pause in their travel.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 57):

After listening to the Professor Tommy replies

"Well then I guess we oughta give it a try...I don't know what it looks like up ahead..if it gets rough we'll just have to come back or hunker down in place"

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC - What time is it for the pards?  Is it mid-afternoon or later?

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 58):

OOC: No, it's still in the morning, say 10 a.m.. The heroes broke camp not long after daylight and have spent roughly two hours climbing, walking and now resting. Although it's slow going because of the terrain, the characters haven't really traveled very far.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 58):

“I agree with Mister Pearce. If it’s certainly going to rain at some point, I think that it’s best for us to try now, while it isn’t raining.”

Tracy was glad to have a reason to press on; he wanted desperately to reach the hideout. After months of waiting to return, he was itching to finally discover what the caves contained.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 60):

"Waal, if'n w're gonna play out the hand, we'd best git a wiggle on," the Texican muttered.

"Good work, Perfesser," he added, with a nod to the easterner. "I reckon that readin' all them books o' yourn is good for sumpthin', after all."

"We'll foller yer lead, Mister Windham."

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 61):

Earnest rises with a grin towards Jake.

Thanks Jake, glad to know it wasn't wasted time!

He takes up his previous position in line.

Remember to sneak a look around the last bend Tracy... Tommy, be prepared... the ledge is sturdy, but the drop looks intimidating.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 62):

Tracy leads the men onward. Just as the Professor said, he steals a glance around the final bend for any possible adversaries.

OOC:

14:09, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 2,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4.  Notice, look around corner.

14:11, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 5,13 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,(6+6+1)13.  Stealth, remaining unseen during Notice.

I went ahead and rolled Stealth too, as it seemed relevant.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 63):

"Thanks professor, I'll take it slow and steady"

As the group form up and start to move Tommy looks back the way they came and makes another check for any signs of being followed
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC - 18:34, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 12,3 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (6+4)10,1.  Notice roll - check behind group.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 63) and Tommy Pearce (msg # 64):

Taking precautions before the men ascend to the ledge, Windham and Pearce scan the area around them. The Irishman focuses his attention to the rear, ensuring no one follows the group. His opinion hasn't changed. If someone is following them, Tommy reckons that body must be an expert at remaining unseen.

Windham hoists himself up from the boulder to the ledge and takes the first few steps, noiselessly. He finds himself in a precarious position, just as Jake experienced a couple of months ago when he went first up to the ledge. The investigator's back is now against a canyon wall and in front of him ain’t nothing but air. The Californian, who has shown his mettle a time or two in these canyons, summons the nerve to look down. He sees a long drop with few, if any, foliage or sandstone buffers to break the fall along the way.

Having done this before, Tracy begins to slide along the ledge, slowly. Jake and Earnest follow, pulling themselves up and onto the ledge. Going last, Tommy's stomach does a quick somersault when he takes his first two steps and the canyon opens up before the Irishman's eyes. Pearce sees his pards inching their way along the ledge. Nothin' to do except follow or go home, he figures.

OOC: Around the corner is premature if Tracy meant the part of the ledge where they have to make the jump across the gap to the hideout. The Judge knows it's been a while since the players experienced this, not nearly as long for the characters. I hope the narrative above smooths that—nothing wrong with the rolls for Stealth or Notice, the Judge simply interpreted those rolls in context of the current situation.

At this time, everyone needs to make a Spirit roll for travel along the ledge. All except Tommy get +2 because they have done this before.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 65):

~Din't like this place the first time, an' it ain't gotten no better,~ the Texican thought to himself. ~Leastways, I done it afore -- we all did. Gotta be worse for Irish, since he ain't been here afore.~

With that thought in mind, Jake turned to Mister Pearce. "It looks worse than it is," he assured his pard.

"We all done it afore, an' we're here to tell about it -- waal, 'cept for one of us who went this waey the first tieme, an' he din't fall -- lead poisonin' got him."

"Just take it slow, keep your head, an' slide your feet. You'll do fine."

---

OOC:
17:23, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 5,5 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 3,3.  Spirit Check (+2): The Ledge.

Notes:  Not great, but hopefully good enough. Would have had to burn a benny without the +2.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 66):

As he begins to slide out along the ledge Tommy thinks
~ I'm a chancer alright..but this is not exactly the type of chance I normally like to take~

Jake's words help him focus. "Gotcha, Jake! My feet will not leave the ground and my back won't leave this wall"

As they slide along he can't help himself and he glances down into the abyss just inches from his toes. As he quickly returns his focus to the Professor's shoulder next to him he thinks to himself   ~All-in-all if I gotta go I think I'd prefer that to lead poisoning~
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC- 18:36, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 7,9 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,(6+3)9.  Spirit roll - sliding along ledge .
This message was last edited by the player at 23:39, Thu 17 Dec 2020.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 67):

Earnest moves slowly but deliberately.

Exactly as Jake said Tommy, slow and steady!

16:56, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 6,4 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,2.  Spirit - Travel on ledge.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 65):

Seeing the long drop below the ledge, Tracy’s pulse quickens with fear and excitement. He had felt this way many times before. His mind briefly flashes back to his childhood, when he leapt off the ledge to escape the two older boys that had chased him. He shakes off the memory as he lifts his head back up and continues his slide along the rock face.

OOC:

Definitely a case of the player (me) not remembering the surroundings, Judge. Thanks for smoothing it out.

15:12, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 6,7 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,5.  Spirit, ledge.

Offering each other encouraging words as they go, the four heroes continue traversing the ledge, slowly but surely. Although the threat of a mis-step looms in their minds, so far all of the men keep their wits about them. The ledge widens and narrows frequently.

Windham estimates they are roughly halfway to the gap. Although he had mis-remembered the length of the ledge -- perhaps he had put the harrowing memory out of his mind without realizing it -- the investigator recalls more and more as they plod along.

Not far ahead is the bend that keeps them blind to the gap ahead. He thinks it was the slimmest stretch of the ledge. Once they round that turn, the ledge will widen and they'll be able to see the gap and the mesa on the other side.

A few minutes later, all four of the men feel the wind whip up and the temperature drop, noticeably. The draft originates from overhead, flowing west. For a moment, it feels like they will be swept along with it, pulled away from the canyon wall. At least it's not blowing directly into their faces. Earnest smells rain again; it's quite near he thinks. Sure enough, after another minute or so, a light rain sprays across from over the rocky crags overhead. The sound of the raindrops hums rhythmically. Unfortunately, the professor was right. The rain was close and now it has started. Nothing for it but to continue.

With the rain coming down harder after another several minutes, Windham reaches the bend. He glances around it and sees the gap. It looks different than he remembers. Wiping the rain from his face, the Californian focuses, seeing what looks like a number of rocks, crates and other refuse blocking the landing area across the gap. He sees no signs of people on the mesa. Perhaps the professor's obsession about traps wasn't just his imagination, after all.

The rain grows louder around in the canyon. It is about to pour down. Tracy draws a quick conclusion: they need to get across now, or they might never. He proceeds a few steps so the others can round the bend and take stock of the situation. Time to act.

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

OOC: We are going to do a Dramatic Task p122. The men need to earn 12 task tokens in 3 rounds to move quickly and make the jump across, despite the rain and the obstacles at the gap, before the storm brings real danger. There's a cave they can seek shelter in once they reach the mesa, but they need to get off this ledge and across the gap ASAP.

The Judge will deal action cards as usual, and the heroes can make rolls as they choose each round, attempting to accumulate task tokens with successes and raises towards the goal of 12 for the group. If you earn 12 in 3 rounds, you make it. If you don't you fail -- and the Judge will provide a narrative for the failure.

At least one roll per character must be Athletics. One must be Notice. The characters can make any other skill checks they desire. Remember that you can take Multi-Actions (with the usual -2 penalty). Likewise, you can choose to spend your action(s) Supporting someone else, but it must be in action order and logical for the task. Support doesn't count for a token, but it can help someone else earn a token. Either or neither may be a good strategy; the Judge simply wants to be clear on the mechanics and provide things to consider. You can use Bennies to reroll, as always, except for Critical Failures.

First round action order:
Earnest - Five Diamonds, Fourth
Jake - Seven Hearts, Two Hearts, Third
Tommy - Ten Hearts, Six Clubs, First
Tracy - Eight Hearts, Second

The Judge needs to update the group 4 map ... but it is still useful as is. Ignore the various hero and YBB tokens, they are all from the previous battle. Focus on the area to the far right of the map where the gap is. The players are at the bend just above the cow skull and the 'North' indicator. There is enough room to pass by a man ahead of you, if desired. Doing so simply uses a little extra movement. Tracy is roughly 30 feet from gap, at the front of the line. Tommy is about 10 feet behind, with the professor and Jake in between.

It is Tommy's turn. Remember, you are trying to succeed (getting a raise even better) at skill checks to accumulate 12 tokens in 3 rounds. Please provide narrative description for your turn's actions, and any skill check(s) or Support as well.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:28, Sat 19 Dec 2020.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 70):

OOC: Tommy is now on Hold. It is Tracy's turn. Tommy may go whenever he chooses, per usual Hold rules.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 71):

Seeing the debris scattered across the area past the gap, the investigator refocuses, looking for any space wide enough to land or else another way to make the leap more easily.

~We’ve got one shot at this— we’ve got to make it count,~ he thinks.

He addresses his friends as he squints his eyes, still peering around the bend. “There’s some debris blocking the landing space.” His voice approaches a shout against the intensifying storm. “I’m going to look for the best way across.”

OOC:

10:34, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 7,7 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,(6+1)7.  Notice, best way across.

Alright, let’s keep the successes going!

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 70):

Tracy has stopped and is looking across the gap. Not having been here before and at the back of the line Tommy is not exactly sure what is up ahead. He sees the gap which had been mentioned previously but can't judge how wide nor see precisely what is on the other side. With the driving rain also obscuring his view Tommy just cannot clearly make out the situation and with the wind and rain clearly picking up in intensity he feels a strong urge to take a look for himself

"Gents, I think I need a closer look...may I"

He gestures to show them he wants to move by and then carefully steps past the Professor and Jake and then Tracy.

With his mechanical instincts perked up he stares toward the opposite side to assess the situation.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC - 10:46, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 3,7 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5.  Notice roll- canyon - dramatic task.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:52, Sun 20 Dec 2020.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 72) and Thomas Pearce (msg # 73)::

Tracy scans the landing on the other side. He suspects it's better to stay close to the canyon wall when leaping across. The debris piled closer to the wall appears a little lower and a little less hardy. He tells his pards the same.

A moment later, Tommy speaks up, moving forward and examining the gap ahead. The mechanic sees that a stream of rainwater is flowing over the edge of the landing on the other side. Best to land as far away from the edge of the mesa as they can, as Tracy suggested. The debris is stacked roughly three feet high by his estimation, a little higher toward the edge and a little less near the wall. Leaping over the debris might be possible, iffin' a body had the mettle to try it.

OOC: That's a success and one token for each of the two heroes ... both just missed a raise for a second token each.

2 earned, 10 remaining.

It is now Jacob's turn.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 16:03, Sun 20 Dec 2020.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 74):

OOC: Jake is now on Hold. It is now Earnest's turn. Jake may take his action for this first round whenever he is ready.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:04, Mon 21 Dec 2020.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 75):

The rising wind and the dropping temperature alerted Jacob as to what was coming before the rain started coming down. "Waal, hell," he muttered. "Watch your footin' -- here it comes," he warned his pards -- probably unnecessarily.

As Mister Windham peered across the gap and Mister Pearce eased by so that he could get a better look, the Texican concentrated on maintaining his balance in the gusting winds, and in not letting that little devil who was whispering in his ear about "Ye'd best hurry along afore it gets any worse" tempt him into moving more quickly than a smart feller should . . .

---

OOC:

16:56, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 4, 6 using d8,d6 with rolls of 4,6.  Athletics: Holding Steady in Wind and Rain.

16:58, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 22 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+6+6+4)22.  Forgot the Re-roll Max: d6.

Total Roll: 28

Notes: I'm pretty sure that with that roll, Jake is doing jumping-jacks and backwards somersaults along the ledge and calling out "Y'all see how easy this is? Ain't nuthin' to it, pards!"

I suppose that I should have made the roll before writing the post -- with that roll, Jake should go ahead and make the jump. Is there room to squeeze past Tracy and Tommy in order to make the jump, or are things bottle-necked up front?

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 75):

While Tracy and Tommy look over the landing area, Earnest looks above them along the cliff face while thinking: ~ Those bandits had to get back this way with all that debris there... I wonder if I can spot how? ~

16:27, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 1,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3.  Notice: Bandits' trick for crossing.
16:28, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 1,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4.  Notice: Bandits' trick for crossing - Benny reroll.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 76):

The Texican braces himself against the wind and rain. While his pards reconnoiter, he figures the best thing he can do is hold steady. As the rain comes down heavier, Richardsen pulls the collar of his duster up. His Winchester is getting soaked.

"Waal, hell," he thinks. "This ain't no time for standin'round."

Uncharacteristically, the rifleman acts rashly. He slings his baby over his shoulder, slides by the other two men, and dashes towards the gap.

Tracy and Tommy can't react. They can't even believe what they're seeing, as the Texican leaps the gap and somehow clears the debris. He even seems to land on his feet, dropping out of their sight for a moment.

For himself, Jake feels his feet land on the earth. His momentum carries him forward but he manages to roll gracefully, ending up on one knee. He hasn't had time to see what might beyond the debris barrier.

OOC: The Judge is glad that Jake decided what he was doing in his post BEFORE he made the roll. That's how it's supposed to work ....

Because Jake got such a high roll, the Judge decided to listen to the dice (roller) and go with the player's idea.

That's 2 more tokens. Remember that you need 12 total tokens to succeed in this task. Jake's post got me thinking: you could all end up on the other side of the gap and still fail this Dramatic Task. The Judge would narrate something appropriate to the circumstances with the weather.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 77):

The professor misses Jake's leap of faith. He busies himself with scanning the ledge and the cliff going upwards for some sign of another egress, or some trick to navigate to the mesa.

Earnest must conclude, as he hears a gasp from his pards, that there is no other such trick. At least that he can spot in the now driving rain. They must go this way.

OOC: That's good, creative use of a skill during a Dramatic Task. Even though he doesn't find anything, it's still useful as Earnest is convinced they must get across just like their friend Jake has unexpectedly done.

That's 5 tokens earned, 7 to go. See the reply to Jake above re: needing 12 to succeed.

Second round action order:
Earnest - Queen Hearts, Second
Jake - Queen Spades, Four Diamonds, First
Tommy - Five Spades, Six Spades, Fourth
Tracy - Nine Diamonds, Third

Hmmm, no clubs. Pearce got one last time but made no sense to use that card. Lucky you.

It is Jake's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 79):

"Yaaahoo!" Jake shouted as he landed -- his exclamation consisting of equal parts of excitement and relief.

He was grateful for Mister Windham's and Mister Pearce's advice about where best to land on the mesa -- it would have been pure aggravation to have made the jump but to have been unable to clear the barricade, or to have landed in the water near the edge and had his feet fly out from under him.

"Lemme take a quick look an' make sure there ain't no unseen sir-prises a-waitin' for us over here, an' then I'll start movin' some of these crates an' rocks out've y'all's waey.

---

OOC: 20:32, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 4,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,3.  Notice Roll: Checking for Threats

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 80):

Richardsen calls out to his pards and scans the mesa. He sees no threats in the immediate area. As the rain drives down, he can't be certain there's nothing in the cave or behind the larger boulder, but there's nothing to stop him from moving some of the debris, at least for the next dozen seconds, he figures.

OOC: That's another success and token earned. Jake can use his next round to move stuff. This reminds the Judge—the heroes can voluntarily go on hold to wait for someone else to do something, same as usual rounds.

It is Earnest's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 81):

While Jake is scanning the area for bandits, Earnest scans the debris, trying to determine which would be best to move to aide their chances. He conveys his advice to Jake once his attention returns to the task at hand.

16:04, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 4,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,4.  Notice: Best debris to clear.

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

Earnest squints through the now steady rain, examining the debris piled up across the gap. Like his colleagues, the professor believes the best place to leap is close to the rock wall. If Jake could quickly clear a path near the wall, Earnest would feel comfortable about the leap.

OOC: That's another token. 7 out of 12 earned; 5 remaining. It is Tracy's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 83):

Seeing the open area by the rock wall, Tracy makes his move. He could help his friends make the jump from the other side if need be.

The investigator darts toward the gap, leaps, and... oh no.

OOC:

12:18, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 1,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3.  Athletics, jump across gap.
12:19, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 3,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1.  Athletics 2.
12:19, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 3,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1.  Athletics 3.
12:19, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 1,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1.  Athletics 4.

Wow, this sucks. Three wasted bennies.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 84):

Tracy decides to make the leap now, without waiting for Jake to clear away any of the debris. As Pearce witnesses, the investigator slips upon take off, bsrely managing to hang on to the other side with one hand. It looks like he could slide down at any moment.

OOC: That is obviously not a success ... the Judge is waiting for Tommy's action before ruling fully on the narrative for the Critical Fail. It will result in the loss of one token, regardless, but the narrative result and affect on the next round is pending.

It is Tommy's turn. He may react to Tracy's predicament. Clever roleplaying here could save the day; these are heroes after all ....

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 85):

Tommy watches as Tracy just jumps and just manages to hang on to the cliff edge. He considers fashioning a lasso or harness using his bandolier but does not know if he has time.

He also decides to jump. He launches himself toward a spot just to the left of Tracy. Fortunately he does not slip and is able to land safely, he quickly kicks away the debris directly in front of the investigator, throwing some of it over Tracy's head into the canyon below.

Once cleared he drops down on his knees and grabs Tracy by the collar "Ok I gotcha mate" ..Tommy looks at a relieved Tracy with a smile.."You really made a hames of that jump..guess you fellas really do have gum on your shoes"

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC - Tommy chooses to use the five of Spades action card which does not affect the order but allows him to ignore 2 points of penalties (calculating edge). He is taking 3 actions so all of the actions are performed at -2. Due to not remembering that the -2 multi-action applies to ALL roles, the second roll has become a benny for the jump

13:30, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 11,9 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (6+3)9,(6+1)7.  Grab Tracy - strength roll - benny roll .
13:30, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 5,5 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,5.  Grab Tracy - strength roll.
13:28, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 6,9 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,(6+1)7.  Strength roll - move debris (real) - benny roll.
13:27, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 4,3 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,3.  Strength roll - move debris (real).
18:27, Yesterday: Thomas Pearce rolled 10,9 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+4)10,(6+3)9.  Strength roll - move debris. - Jump benny roll
18:25, Yesterday: Thomas Pearce rolled 4,3 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,3.  Athletics roll - jump across gap.

P.S. - I know that gumshoe wasn't a term used in the old west but I couldn't resist
This message was last edited by the player at 18:58, Sat 26 Dec 2020.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 86):

As Windham clings to the slope, feeling his grip slipping, Tommy Pearce makes the leap. Like Jake, he clears the debris closest to the canyon wall, landing on both feet. Frantically, the mechanic tosses a broken crate over the Californian's head. It crashes into the slope on the other side, just below the professor's feet, shattering. Next, the Irishman kicks aside a sack filled with -- well, he doesn't know what, but it gives way to his boot -- and then he disperses a pile of rocks with both bare hands.

Finally, now on one knee, Pearce reaches out and grasps the investigators hand, pulling him with a mighty heave onto the mesa. Both men gasp for air as the rain now pours onto the butte.

Only the professor remains on the other side, with the rain coming down in sheets. Just then, a bolt of lightning flashes upwards, from the depths of the canyon and into the sky above.

OOC: Nicely done, Tommy. That's 5 tokens. Pearce didn't include the -2 for multi-action ... the +2 was from Elan with a benny reroll, which also should have been applied to the first Athletics reroll. So with all modifiers accounted for, it's three successes, two raises for 5 total tokens.

11 earned, 1 remaining

Tnird round action order:
Earnest - Queen Hearts, Second
Jake - Queen Spades, Four Diamonds, First
Tommy - Five Spades, Six Spades, Fourth
Tracy - Nine Diamonds, Third

All actions this round are at –1 because of the rainstorm -- even things such as Notice. The professor must make an Athletics check this round. Others may Support him or try some other action to get the last token. Tracy suffers a level of Fatigue due to Bumps and Bruises (all rolls -1).

It is Jake's turn. If he intends to Support, please narrative his supporting action and make a roll. Otherwise, narrate and make an action roll as desired.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:55, Sun 27 Dec 2020.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 87):

"That's some quick thinkin', Mister Pearce," Jake called out as the Irishman helped the Californian recover from his mis-step on the ledge, "an' good hands."

That left Earnest, who was the only one of the pards who had not yet made the jump. The Texican and the Irishman had already cleared some of the crates, sacks, and other clutter out of the way, and it seemed to Jacob that the best thing he could do was to stand ready to grab ahold of the Perfesser so that the easterner would not lose his footing in the slippery conditions.

Jake held out his hand. "No slippin' for you, Perfesser. I'll steady you up as soon as you land."

With that bit of encouragement, the Texican waited for Earnest to make his jump. Gusts of wind kept blowing rain in under his hat and hindering his vision; but finally the wind switched 'round and blew from another direction, and the rifelman's vision cleared.

OOC: 13:50, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 3,0 using d8-1,d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 4,1.  Support Roll (Athletics).

13:51, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 2,1 using d8-1,d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2.  Benny Re-Roll (Support).

13:51, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 0,1 using d8-1,d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2.  Second Benny Re-Roll (Support)

13:53, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 3,1 using d8-1,d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 4,2.  Third Benny Re-Roll (Support).


13:53, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 1,10 using d8-1,d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 2,(6+5)11.  Fourth Benny Re-Roll.

Notes: Sheesh. The Dice-Roller isn't doing us any favors. Jake had a string of rolls almost as poor as Tracy's -- although the -1 for the rain made a difference on a couple of rolls. Hope the dice warm up for us -- Jake is out of Bennies.

As stated, Jake's round is intended to support Earnest's jump (and safe landing).

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 88):

Richardsen speaks to Pearce while helping Windham to his feet. He then addresses the professor, taking a position where he can help the Easterner to complete leap, should such help be necessary.

OOC: Wow, dice roller is definitely fickle -- it was kind to Tommy but a bane to both Jake and Tracy.

Jake's efforts will give the professor a +2 on his Athletics check. (+2, -1, net +1 as it stands right now).

It is Earnest's turn. He can Hold for a moment, if he thinks his other pards might find a way to help, as well. If Earnest decides to Hold, it will be Tracy's turn as soon as the professor states that fact. If the professor decides to jump now, he should roll his Athletics and we will see what results -- and what that means for Tracy's and Tommy's last action of the Dramatic Task.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 89):

Earnest holds his breath as Tommy preforms his feat. He watches Jake prep for Earnest's leap, pausing a moment to look up to the storm and seeing no sign of let-up. When Jake calls out, he answers.

No time like the present then Jake!

He backs up a bit then makes a short run for the gap. He has a noticeable slip during the run, but somehow recovers and makes the leap, barreling into Jake and knocking them both down. Laying there, now safe, he pats Jake on the chest.

Thank you my friend, thank you!

---

16:43, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 2,3 using d4+1,d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2.  Athletics - jump the gap.
16:43, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 2,3 using d4+1,d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2.  Athletics - jump the gap, benny reroll.
16:44, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 11,6 using d4+1,d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of (4+4+2)10,5.  Athletics - jump the gap, 2nd benny reroll.

OOC: That took all my remaining bennies too! I guess the dice roller is anti-benny!
This message was lightly edited by the player at 23:53, Sun 27 Dec 2020.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 90):

Once the professor and Jake pick themselves up, another bolt of lightning fires. Not so close as the last one, but the thunder that follows indicates plenty close anyhow.

Tracy and Tommy see the cave entrance across the mesa. They see no one between them and the cave's shelter, so both start running. Jake and Earnest follow. The Californian feels the effects of his ordeal, he can't keep up with the Irishman.

The four men enter the dry confines of the cave. Immediately, it's clear this cavern used to be a barracks of sorts. However, most everything has been looted. Bed frames remain although no straw mats or other beddings remain. Once the men spy the full perimeter, they see a narrow gap to the north that could easily be missed. Especially when the place was outfitted as a barracks and store. The gap leads to a narrow tunnel.

OOC: The Judge will remind everyone that Tommy got good rolls with his Bennies. Elan helped, too, but he rolled a few Aces.

Enjoyed the DT. The Judge took slight liberties with the end since Earnest made the leap and earned the final token. We are now back to free posting. Obviously, it's dry in the cave, but the men are thoroughly soaked.

See the updated group 4 map with the cave, with a zoomed in version of the cave itself on group 5 map.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:51, Mon 28 Dec 2020.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 91):

Earnest removes his pack and coat, and proceeds to shake them out.

Well gentlemen, we have made it to the cave! But I advise caution... the debris at the gap's landing proves the bandits expected us to return; we need to be wary from here on.

He moves closer to Tracy.

That was quite a slip you took... are you injured at all?

"Good to be outta that rain," Jake muttered. "Leastways, we're up high, so we shouldn't have to worry 'bout no flash-floods catchin' us with our britches down."

The Texican turned an old crate upside down, and plopped down on it. He glanced about, hoping to find an old rag that was dry and relatively clean, that he could use to dry the water off of Widow-Maker.

Not for the first time, he was glad for the cartridges that were available today. Thinking back to his own boyhood, he could remember some of the farmers who lived near his family's homestead fussing about trying to keep the powder for their old muzzle-loaders dry when it rained.

As he glanced around the cavern, he inadvertently kicked Widow-Maker (which he had leaned against the crate where he was sitting), and the rifle fell to the ground with a clatter.

"Waal, hell!" Jacob exclaimed, staring down at his rifle, exasperated by his own clumsiness.

---

OOC: 15:45, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 1,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1.  Notice Check to Find Dry, Clean Rag.

Notes: Sheesh. And to think that I did this to myself by voluntarily making another dice-roll. I'll let the Judge decide as to whether there are any other ill effects.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 92):

“Just some scrapes and bruises, I think,” Tracy responds. “Maybe some injured pride as well,” he adds with a wry smile. “Thanks for checking up on me, but I’ll be alright.”

The investigator turns to Tommy. “I owe you one. Or several,” he says, with a small laugh. “I really can’t express my thanks enough,” he follows up, more seriously now.

Windham sits down and sighs deeply, aiming to rest while he could.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 94):

Tommy takes off his jacket and shakes it out. He sits down on one of the old bed frames. Only now does Tommy have a moment to think about the jump and what might have happened, he feels shivers and tingles run up his spine from the thought. He shrugs it off as Tracy speaks to him

"Well twas purely self interest you see..can't be losing our only guide and tracker at this point..none of us will ever get back without you around" Tommy gives him a wink

"Who knows you may get the chance to pay me back before we're done here"

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 93):

Richardsen, being one of the older and more experienced pards in this outfit, feels a wave of embarrassment when he turns away from his rifle only to hear it clatter to the floor.

Sheepishly, he picks up the weapon and inspects it. No harm done, he figures, although he won't know for certain until he actually fires it. Thinking along those lines, the Texican wonders if he shouldn't unload it and dry fire the weapon.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:24, Wed 30 Dec 2020.

The men take to their tasks: checking weapons, shaking out wet clothes, just plain catching a body's breath.

Some fifteen minutes pass as they tend to those activities and talk. The rain hasn't let up, but the lightning has moved on. Earnest believes the rain will pass within the hour.

OOC: Feel free to continue discussion. The Judge is simply providing information. And reminding the players that the next steps are up to them.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:29, Wed 30 Dec 2020.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 97):

Jake felt more than a little embarrrassed when Widow-Maker clattered to the floor of the cave. ~Lucky for me I warn't quite that clumsy when I was maekin' the jump just now,~ the Texican thought to himself. ~I reckon it coulda been lots worse if'n the tiemin' had been a mite diff'rent.~

Picking up his prized rifle, Jacob examined it closely and was relieved to find no apparent damage. Indeed, the Winchester seemed none the worse for wear. "Reckon I'd best check the ackshunn. though, an' maeke certain-shure that the movin' parts is all functionin' coe-reckly," he muttered.

With that thought in mind, the rifleman began working the lever and ejecting the cartridges from Widow-Maker's magazine.

"Afore I forget," he said after a moment, "that was some quick thinkin' -- an' some quick hands, Mister Pearce," glancing at the Irishman. "Damn-fine work, that was," he added.

After a short pause, he added "Brings to mind sumpthin' I heard once 'bout keepin' one's head whilst all around you is losin' theirs . . . thaere  was more to it, but I cain't reh-coe-lect the rest for the life uhv me."

---

OOC: Anybody who can recognize Jake's partial quote without googling it (other than the Judge, who is *way* too good at such things) will win an Attaboy from the Texican's player. :)

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 95):

Tracy laughs at the Irishman’s joke. To his final comment, the Californian replies, “If I ever have the chance, you can count on it.”

After a few minutes to catch his breath, Tracy realizes that his injuries required more than simple rest. He turns to Earnest and speaks.

“Professor, it turns out I could use your help after all. I might slow us down if I don’t get some treatment. I’d really appreciate the help.”

OOC:

Jake, it sounds familiar, but I can’t place it. No “Attaboy” for me!

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 99):

Tommy pulls out some hardtack, breaks some off and offers the remaining pieces around to the pards. "Better keep our strength up"

Though normally not at a loss for words he only nods and smiles in response to Jake's praise,  responding only with a "Thanks Jake"

With Tracy needing some assistance from the professor he figures they will be there at least till the rain lets up.
"Jake maybe we should just have a peak at that passageway to scout it out"

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC -- I've heard the quote for sure but can't remember who said it either

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 100):

Earnest nods at Jake's praise for Tommy.

It certainly was a good showing Tommy... suitable for a dramatic stage play I would think!

He grabs his pack and kneels down by Tracy, examining and tending to his light wounds.

Let's see what we can do Tracy.

16:04, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 1,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4.  Healing - Tracy's wounds.

---

OOC: Jake's quote was only ringing a bell to me as well, so I went ahead and looked it up... seems that Jake is prescient! It's from a Rudyard Kipling poem... written in 1895!

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 101):

Windham feels relieved after the professor treats him. Ringgenberg didn't do anything special -- in fact the Californian had no wounds to speak of, just a few contusions from his slip and fall against the slope. A sip of laudanum, cleaning some scraped skin, and a thin salve for bruises is enough to restore the investigator's spirits.

Meanwhile, Jake inspects his Winchester, satisfied it's in working order. Tommy rests, after the rush from the leap ebbs.

Earnest checks his fob watch after he finishes with Windham. They have been in the cave for more than 30 minutes as it is now past 11 a.m. The rain continues to come down, although it sounds as if it might be letting up.

OOC: The players should give some indication of how long they plan to hang around before doing something.
This message was last edited by the GM at 11:11, Sat 02 Jan 2021.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 102):

Once done with Tracy, Earnest turns to his pack and begins getting out items for examining the cave, a lantern, his compass, a notebook and pencils, his pocketknife.

Well gentlemen, the day is still young... Shall we see what this cave holds? But let us go carefully in case the bandits left us any more surprises!

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 103):

Tommy grabbed his makeshift pack threw it over his shoulders, his shotgun having been quickly checked was now in his right hand.

"I'm with you professor whenever you're ready....lead the way"

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 104):

Jake was finishing re-loading the magazine of his Winchester when the Perfesser and Mister Pearce begain pressing for them to explore the cave. Truth be told, the Texican was more than a mite curious as to where the narrow opening at what he reckoned to be the north side of the cave might lead.

When the Irishman suggested that Earnest take the lead, Jacob rubbed his chin-whiskers thoughtfully. "Waal, now . . . Mister Windham has been our scout up 'til now, an' I think that he's done a right fine job."

Jake turned to the Californian. "'Less you've lost in'trest, I'd say you oughtta lead off."

The rifleman did not wish to embarrass Earnest, but with the clumsiness brought on by the wound to the easterner's right arm, the Texican did not think that his friend should be put in a position of leading them into possible danger.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 105):

Earnest finishes reorganizing his items and lights the lantern.

I agree Jake, Tracy has much sharper eyes for this I think... but I will be right behind him to provide light with this lantern. And as I said, let's all keep a sharp eye for surprises!

With that said, Earnest directs the lantern's light towards the north passage and starts to examine it, staying a little distance away.

16:01, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 1,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3.  Notice - looking for anything unusual about passage.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 106):

Tracy simply nods to Jake. Perhaps more than the Paiute’s tracking skill rubbed off on the investigator.

Tracy moves towards the narrow gap, attempting to gather any clues about their ideal path forward.

OOC:

21:19, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 4,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,5.  Survival, tracks near narrow passageway.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 106) and Tracy Windham (msg # 107):

The professor attempts to angle his lantern to see what the tunnel ahead might hold. All he can see is the tunnel itself, with narrow walls, which seems to jog to the left after 20 feet or so. Looks like any travel in the tunnel will be single file, at least to start.

Meanwhile, the investigator looks around area of the gap, searching for any clues that might help the heroes move forward. He finds one thing of interest: some recent tracks -- definitely animal -- around the tunnel entrance and in the cave barracks. A five-toed, four-legged critter, it appears, but Tracy can't tell exactly what the critter might be. Looks like the tracks are relatively fresh, but they could be a day or two old, as the cave provides shelter against the elements and such tracks could linger longer here than out in open terrain.

OOC: Per the professor's observation, the Judge will need a marching order. The PCs, at Jake's prompting, are already thinking about that, but the Judge requires an official statement when the party proceeds.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 108):

“I see tracks here, some kind of animal. Could be a day old or so, but we’ll do well to be careful either way.” Tracy pauses a moment to consider their walking order. “Tommy and Jake—would you mind following the Professor in that order?”

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 109):

Jacob nodded upon hearing Mister Windham's suggestion as to their order of march when the party needed to proceed single-file.

"Fine by me," he replied.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 109):

Once Tracy points the tracks out, Earnest gives them a closer look to see if he can at least identify the type of animal.

17:19, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 6,2 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,2.  Science - Identify tracks.

OOC: Mainly looking for general information: feline, canine, ursine? big or small? that sort of thing. I will post a statement once the Judge responds.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 111):

"Sure thing Tracy"

As they gather at the tunnel opening Tommy steps forward a bit ready to take his place in the line

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 111):

The professor examines the paw prints, which also have claws. He remembers that canines and felines have only four toes -- at least on their back paws -- and these appear to have five toes on all four feet. Probably ursine because of the five toes, but more like a cub than a grown grizzly.

OOC: The Judge is proceeding based on player posts and the marching order. Earnest can follow-up with narrative or speech re: his findings as he desires. Meanwhiile, as usual, we can assume his pards knows what's posted publicly.

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

The four adventurers form a single file line, with Windham at the front. The investigator leads the men into the narrow tunnel, with the professor's lantern shedding enough light for the men to see about 20 feet ahead. Well, usually less because the tunnel jogs left and right often. Not at hard angles, just enough to limit visibility ahead. Tracy finds himself pausing now and then, peering around a corner or waiting for Earnest to get a little closer with the lantern. Jake, being the farthest from the light at rear, follows in Tommy's footsteps.

Tracy halts after 50 yards or so, as he sees the men have to stoop low at one point. Maybe 75 yards in. 100? It's hard to tell. As none of the men have extensive spelunking experience, estimate is all they can do. The tunnel's ceiling is as low as four or five feet for a short stretch just ahead.

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

OOC: Pausing here for any desired conversation or actions. Tracy's Survival still applies to situations like this, the Judge's notes about "hard to tell" is for narrative -- the Californian could get a better idea with a check, but maybe the Judge would apply a modifier.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 114):

Tracy lifts his hand behind himself to halt the others, hoping to get a better sense of the path ahead through this enclosed space.

OOC:

12:44, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 2,9 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,(6+3)9.  Survival, low-ceiling area.

Roller coming through this time!

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 113):

Earnest stands from his inspection of the tracks and follows Tracy as he starts down the tunnel.

Those tracks look like they were from a bear... a young one or even a cub, which could mean a momma bear too! You might want to have a gun in hand Tracy.

As they proceed, he takes time to look at the cave walls every so often, looking for signs of the bandits or of older, native use; but nothing jumps out at him yet.

16:20, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 1,2 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2.  Notice - signs of previous cave use.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 115):

The investigator pauses, considering how far they have gone and surveying the low passage ahead. On reflection, he believes they have gone nearly 100 yards in the twisting tunnel before this point. He can see that the passage continues to twist and turn ahead, so he's not sure how long this low section is, but he can tell it goes for roughly 10 yards at least -- essentially the limit of the professor's lantern.

Moreover, he notices something about the ceiling. It looks like it has been leveled by human tools, as it is relatively smooth compared to the tunnel behind them. Probably, it was more jagged by nature -- an indication that someone at sometime had worked to make this area easier to pass through. In fact, the same seems to be true about the ground beneath his feet, where he sees more evidence of the small paw and claw prints identified by the professor as likely those of bear cubs.

OOC: To clarify the Judge's msg 114: The distance mentioned (50,75,100 yards) was about how far the heroes had already progressed in the tunnel before reaching the stretch where the ceiling is lower.

The Judge needs explicit narrative from the group as to how they proceed, because they will need to stoop low to continue, at minimum. Those wearing backpacks or carrying anything on their backs (Tommy's duffel bag, Jake's slung Winchester, Tracy's Spencer, etc.) may want to take actions to ensure they can make it through while minimizing any potential damage to their gear.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 117):

From his position at the rear of the single-file line, Jake could not see much of what lay ahead. He could see the light cast by Earnest's lantern, which caused an oddly-shaped shadow from Mister Pearce to darken the cavern floor just ahead of the Texican.

Jacob could see enough to tell that not too far ahead of him, the roof of the narrow defile that they were passing through dropped down much lower than back behind them, in the main cavern.

He grasped Widow-Maker, ready to shift the rifle as needed to keep it from suffering any damage in the tight-quarters passage through the narrow tunnel that lay ahead . . .

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 117):

Tracy pulled his Spencer from behind his back, holding it to protect it from the low ceiling of the tunnel. His slung haversack should be safe at his side, he figured.

He squats low to the ground, ready to nearly crawl through the passage if need be. “I can only see about ten feet ahead, but I imagine it continues this low for a while.” He pauses a moment. “Seems the bear cub has been through here as well.”

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 118):

It wasn't just his imagination or the shadows thrown by the movement of the lantern: the tunnel just ahead was getting smaller. Tommy realizes they will have to hunch down. He shifts his pack around to just hang off his left shoulder, holding it tightly with his left arm. He moves into a slightly twisted posture leading with the shotgun in his right hand and ready to hunch down.

"Hold up fellas! Let's just see if we can hear anything"

Tommy stops and listens intently for any sounds coming from up ahead
-----------------------------------------------------------------

19:30, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 3,7 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5.  Notice - listening in tunnel.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 120):

Earnest shifts his pack around to the front and stoops with the rest. When Tommy makes his suggestion, he agrees and listens as well.

Good Idea Tommy.

20:35, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 12,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+4)12,4.  Notice - Listen in cave.

In reply to Tommy Pearce (msg # 120) and Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 121):

Pearce and Ringgenberg ask their pards to hush for a moment, trying to listen. Until they stopped at this point, the heroes hadn't spoken much to each other during the course of these 100 yards by Tracy's estimation. When, they do speak, even briefly, the tone of their voices sounds strange. They can hear and understand each other well enough, but they all notice a difference in pitch this tunnel.

Now, while they all remain relatively still, the mechanic and the professor listen for sounds other than their own. The attempt proves quite interesting to both men. Each from his own perspective -- the former with mechanical training, the latter with a variety of scientific training -- the men experience an astounding silence, at least  beyond their vicinity. Tommy hears the rifleman breathing behind him and a slight squeaking of the hinge on the professor's lantern handle. Earnest hears both Tracy and Tommy exhaling -- and then Jake as well. The easterner also hears the whining of his lantern handle, as it swings ever-so-slightly in his hand, as well as the sound of the Irishman's duffel bag slowly sliding off the mechanic's shoulder.

It's a mite unsettling.

OOC: Both players had a success without any modifiers; ENS got a raise. Sometimes there is nothing to hear ... but in this case, the Judge is providing narrative intended to provide helpful information -- based on some reading and a recollection of a documentary about underground tunnels in our real world, which touched on the effects on human hearing.

The Judge is no scientist, so this interpretation could be flawed, but it seems that the acoustics of long underground tunnels is strange. In elongated underground spaces sounds can be absorbed in the same way contemporary soundproofing construction works, especially when there are 'T' intersections in tunnels. Or cause a "hum" from vibrations, especially in contemporary subways and such. In an open space like a roomy cavern, it's different and sometimes the opposite, sounds can echo or be enhanced. So the Judge's narrative here is intended to acknowledge the successful rolls by imparting information about the characters' audial experience -- the men are unlikely to hear much beyond their own sounds while in the tunnels. There could be something around a corner or a 'T' that couldn't be heard until very close. And at the same time to note that nearby sounds would stand out -- per the narrative conceit here about hearing pards breathing.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 122):

After straining to hear anything ahead or behind a slightly frustrated Tommy speaks:

"I can't hear a thing...except us!"

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 123):

Agreed, well let's proceed carefully then... but a stop like this every now and again is probably smart.

The low section of the tunnel runs on for roughly the distance Tracy originally estimated, another 10 yards or so. At one point for about five feet, the men have to crawl. Then the tunnel angles slightly to the right, widening a little. The ceiling raises up. It is more jagged here again, the investigator sees as soon as he emerges.

Taking a few steps forward to let Earnest and the others into the standing-room space, Tracy sees what looks like an intersection ahead. Or maybe an opening into a larger space. Once the professor is standing with him, the Californian thinks it's probably the latter.

All four men emerge from the low section of the tunnel. Their gear is fine, but they wouldn't want to have to hurry through such as space. Moving cautiously forwards, they emerge into a small natural cavern, sort of oval-shaped but certainly not uniform. Earnest's lantern spills light into most of it. A few jagged nooks and crannies are seen in the shadows. Another passage provides a way to continue.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 125):

Before examining the next passage for signs of their path forward, Tracy takes time to examine this cavern. The investigator wonders how recently anyone (or anything) traveled through this space.

OOC:

19:18, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 7,2 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,2.  Survival, tracks in cavern.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 126):

Tracy sees evidence of human and animal tracks in here. Same as back in the first cave where the bandits had set up a barracks, the human activity here isn't recent, but the paw and claw prints are within the last 24 hours or so.

It's clear to the investigator and everyone else that humans used this cavern. Now that the men have paused and Earnest shines his light around, the adventurers see some scattered items. It's mostly debris ... ripped up canvas, small strands of frayed rope, broken wood slats for maybe what used to be a crate, and such like.  Clearly, men trod through here on a regular basis, from one passage to the other.

Windham directs his attention to the track. He sees they go to a slight crevice to the right of the way the men entered the cavern. The gap is narrow, slightly wider near the floor. A man could fit through if he turned sideways, but it's hard to tell how far the crevice goes and whether it widens or narrows, even with the professor's lantern.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 127):

"I don't know whether anyone else might be losin' int'rest, but I'm of a mind to keep explorin'," he said, nodding his head at the narrow crevice.

Truth be told, the Texican's curiosity was running strong, and he found himself wondering if some of the old knights' treasure might be hidden away somewhere deep inside the narrow passageways of the cave.

~We might be comin' up in it right now -- it might jest be a few feet awaey,~ he thought to himself, as he felt his excitement starting to build.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 127):

Earnest takes a moment to examine the walls and nooks and crannies of the cavern... looking for human marks or items from recent or older human inhabitants.

17:49, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 4,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,1.  Notice - cavern walls, etc.

When Jake makes his comment Earnest chimes in.

Oh most definitely Jake! This has been very interesting so far!

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 129):

“I’m not done yet either, Jake.” The investigator had been awaiting this journey for months; there was no way he was turning back now.

“I’m intent on checking on that gap, myself,” Windham adds, gesturing towards the crevice in the rock. “Should we search this cave first, or move along?”

OOC:

Question for the Judge:

In an earlier post, you mentioned that “another passage provides a way to continue” and now you’ve mentioned this “slight crevice.” Are these two different passages or the same one?

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 130):

OOC: They are two different things. The Judge noted that there is a passage opposite where the heroes entered, which was obvious to everyone. It is similar to the tunnel they have just traversed to reach thsi cavern. Windham could tell that older tracks of human boots and the like trod from one passage to other. Then, Tracy also discovered the crevice when he found the paw prints and followed them to the crevice.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 131):

Tommy eyes the two passages as he replies to Jake "Actually I think it's just gotten very interesting"

He walks toward the crevice "Maybe one or two of us should take a peak in here with the rest of us standing guard"
This message was last edited by the player at 22:42, Tue 12 Jan 2021.

OOC: The Judge needs action statements from the players. It sounds like agreement to explore but no clear statement about who’s doing what.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 133):

Any response to Earnest's 'Notice' roll?

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

OOC: My apologies, I thought other posts covered that, but I should have addressed it specifically. As noted earlier in the narrative, there is debris and such that indicates human activity, but nothing like marks on the walls or anything like that. The professor surmises that the signs of activity are likely from the bandits.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 132):

"Sounds like a good idea to me, Mister Pearce," Jacob responded to the Irishman's suggestion.

"It ain't like the last two uhv us whilst we're in single-file formaeshunn movin' through these little squinched-up crevices can do anything more than jest shuffle along behind the first two, any waey."

"An' if'n the first two find anything int'restin', all they need to do is sing out."

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 136):

Tracy nods to Jake and Tommy. “That sounds like a good plan. I’m on the small side, so I’ll lead and light the way with matches as best I can. Who will join me?”

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 137):

"I'll admit to bein' more than a mite curious as to what we'll find salted awaey in these caverns," Jake replied to the Californian.

"I'll back your plaey, 'less'n anyone else has got a burnin' dee-sire to do so," he added, glancing around at Earnest and Mister Pearce.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 137) and Jacob Richardsen (msg # 138):

Windham strikes a match and sidles into the most narrow of defiles. With the dim light of the wooden matchstick, the investigator sees that this crevice extends at least another 2 or 3 yard before it either ends or turns. It's a good thing he can keep his haversack on his hip. A backpack, he thinks, would make him too wide. The Californian carries his carbine in one hand, behind him.

Richardsen follows. The larger Texican quickly finds the passage a tight fit. After only two or three feet, he concludes that he'll have to keep the Winchester in one hand. Then he sees Tracy ahead of him, doing just that with his Spencer.

OOC: Tracy and Jake spoke first, so they go first.

Both men need to make an Athletics check.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 139):

"Hold on fellas, I think we can do a bit better than matches"

Tommy grabs a couple of the busted wooden slats on the floor. He breaks a few in half as needed and proceeds to tie the shorter pieces to the end of the largest slat with rope.  He pulls out his flask and applies some whisky to the tied up end before lighting it on fire. They are as dry as can be and begin to burn quite easily, slowly lighting up the cavern around them.

Satisfied with his own handywork he takes a shot himself before returning his flask to his pocket "...and one for the barman"

He hands over the makeshift torch to Tracy "It won't last forever but it's better than a match by a longshot"

--------------------------------------------------------------------------
13:24, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 2,9 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,(6+3)9.  Repair roll - create torch.

OOC - this is a little out of sequence since technically they have entered the crevice but hoping the judge will allow this happened just prior
This message was last edited by the player at 18:51, Sat 16 Jan 2021.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 140):

OOC: That's fine. If Tracy or Jake wants to take it. The professor also has a lantern. The Judge doesn't care too much about how you provide light, as long as it's logical in the narrative and action. Makeshift torch, lantern, or a single torch all have their pros and cons in this situation.
This message was last edited by the GM at 20:24, Sat 16 Jan 2021.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 140):

Jake smiled and nodded approvingly to Mister Pearce. "Trust an Irishman to carry some whiskey with him at all tiemes -- an' to know of many waeys to use it."

Once he and Mister Windham had moved into the defile, the Texican did not find the going as difficult as he had expected. ~I figure that with all these narrows an' hard goin' we been havin' to nee-goe-she-ate, I've worked me up a good sweat -- meanin' that I can squeeze through these tight spots as easy as a greased pig.~

---

OOC:
15:17, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 14,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+6)14,3.  Athletics Check: Moving Through Narrows.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 142):

Earnest sets down his lantern on a rock where it will still light the cavern they are in. He then draws his Colt as he watches Tracy and Jake enter the crevice.

If you encounter an animal back out fast and Tommy and I will cover you.

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

With his face now obscured from the others, Tracy lets out a wide grin. He had waited months for this sort of excitement. There was no way to guess what might await him along this passage, and that fact got the investigator’s blood pumping. He found that he even had to slow his pace to not move too far ahead of the Texican, whom he could sense was also making quick work of the crevice.

OOC:

18:51, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 4,21 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,(6+6+6+3)21.  Athletics, narrow passage.

Some serious rolls!

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 144):

Tommy watches as the two men slip quickly into the crevise and out of sight. He takes up a position on the opposite side of the cavern from the Professor, shifting his eyes between both entrances he stands holding the shotgun and quietly waits.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------

12:07, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 4,4 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2.  Notice roll - standing guard.

Perhaps aided by their raw enthusiasm for exploring the caves, both Tracy and Jake continue forward with relative ease. The jagged defile remains challenging, and yet they pick their way through with short, confident steps.

After three or four yards, Windham stops. He doesn't see it, but he feels it -- the tunnel floor slants downward suddenly. Tracy's foot is on solid ground just inches from the slope.

Fortunately, Richardsen's reflexes save him from bumping into the investigator. The Texican is close enough to see ahead by the light of the Californian's torchlight.

Both men see a downward sloping passage, still jagged, narrow, and a mite low. It continues beyond the range of the makeshift torch. Looks like a body could crawl -- or scooch along on his haunches -- iffin he had the notion to do so. A misstep here might have meant a rough slide or tumble down the slope.

As the torch flickers, Windham spies paw prints and claw marks here, as well.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 146):

Soundlessly so as to alert any nearby creatures, Tracy points out the markings and the sloping path to the Texican. He signals with one hand, asking Jake if he still wished to continue forth.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 147):

A wiser man might have heeded the bear-sign, but truth be told, Jake's curiosity ruled over his reason at this point.

And so it was that when Tracy silently posed his question, the Texican nodded that he wished to go forward.

OOC: The Judge needs some narrative description as to how Tracy and Jake proceed. Note the conditions of the slope mentioned in #146. Earnest and Tommy stated some general activity already but can do something else while they wait, if desired.

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

Earnest and Tommy remain alert at their positions in the small cavern. The professor's light fills most of the space, just a mite dimmer on the north side where the second passage opens.

Neither man can see the two heroes who had entered the crevice. They had taken a slight jog in the narrow defile and disappeared. To boot, the investigator and the rifleman had grown quiet. The professor wondered if it was a audial trick of the tunnels.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 149):

Having received the signal from Jake to keep going, Tracy turns back towards the slope. He lowers himself to his stomach and pulls himself down the path, hoping to give the rifleman some space to navigate while holding the torch.

OOC:

This feels like an Athletics check. Should I go ahead and roll one?

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 150):

OOC: Since both heroes just made Athletics checks, there is no reason to make another one right now. That check covers what's going on right now. The Judge just needs to know how the heroes are proceeding, including a little more detail. Exploring this tunnel is not an ordinary activity.

Who is holding the torch? Are the men still holding their weapons in one hand (is Tracy holding his Spencer while he moves on his stomach)? And so on.

The Judge is pausing for Jake to add his narrative.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 151):

OOC:

Forgot to account for the Spencer. I imagined that Jake had held the torch since he took it from Tommy.

Jake, Tracy can take it if you think that would make more sense. I’ll wait to hear back and edit my description.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 152):

Earnest paces back and forth a bit, occasionally looking into the crevice that Jake and Tracy went down, seeing and hearing nothing. After a few minutes, he can't take it anymore... he moves up to the crevice and calls out, using a volume slightly below normal conversation.

Are you fellows alright? What do you see?
This message was last edited by the player at 00:58, Wed 20 Jan 2021.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 153):

OOC: Tracy and Jake need to make Notice (listen) rolls to hear Earnest.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 154):

Tracy continues forth on his belly with his arms extending out in front. He pulls himself forward with his left hand and pushes with his legs, giving Jake some space to move. His Spencer remains in his right, extended out in front of him.

He could not get too far away from the Texican, however, as he needed to remain within the light cast from his pard’s torch.

OOC:

09:14, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 3,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,5.  Notice, listen.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 155):

~Gonna be some slow goin', Jacob thought to himself as he saw Tracy get down on his belly and start crawling. The Texican did the same, belly-crawling forward and using his elbows to keep Widow-Maker and the torch off the ground as much as possible. When he had to set one or the other down for a moment, he chose the torch, keeping the rifle up off the dust and dirt that was down on the cavern's floor.

When there was sufficient room to raise up a little, Jake sat on his butt and scooted ahead, using his feet to power the forward motion. This allowed him to keep his weight off of his elbows, which had started protesting the hard usage.

~This shore as hell ain't very dig-nified,~ he thought to himself. ~If' thaere's ennybody in these narrows with us, we'll prob'ly hear 'em start laffin'.~

---

OOC:
09:59, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 4,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,4.  Notice Check re: Hearing Earnest.

Edit: Changed "hells" (plural) to "hell". What can I say -- I'm an old D&Der whose fingers just naturally type the plural version.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:26, Wed 20 Jan 2021.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 155) and Jacob Richardsen (msg # 156):

Both of the men crawl down the slope, face-first on their bellies. Both continue to navigate without any issues so far, keeping their longarms ready.

Now, after they have crawled only a couple of yards, they hear the professor's voice. Neither man can completely discern exactly what Earnest is asking, but the tone of his voice indicates anxiousness ... he's probably wondering what they have found.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 157):

"Sounds like the Perfesser's worried that we mighta fell in a hole, or got et by the bear," Jake remarked to Mister Windham.

If they had been able to move in the dark, the Texican would have fretted over making noise, but he figured that their torch was more likely to give them away than any noise they might make -- especially seeing as how the cavern seemed to twist sounds around in some odd fashion so that it was difficult to tell exactly which direction they were coming from, or to hear them clearly. But as it was, Jacob supposed that answering Earnest wasn't too much of a risk.

Given the narrow confines of the cave-tunnel, the rifleman couldn't turn around to face the easterner, so he did the best he could and called back over his shoulder "We're doin' okay so far, Perfesser."

He figured that even if Earnest couldn't quite catch his words -- which seemed likely, given the difficulties that Jake had when it came to understanding what the Perfesser had called out -- his calm tone of voice might get the message across.

~You never know -- given the topsy-turvey, cattywhompus waey sounds work in these here caves, it could be that Earnest'll hear me clear as a bell.~

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 158):

OOC: The professor will need to make a Notice roll to hear Jake's response (and Tracy's, iffin he also replies).

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 158):

Earnest turns his head to listen for sounds from the crevice.

14:53, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 6,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,1.  Notice - Listen for response(s).

OOC: I'll wait for Tracy's reaction (if any) and the Judge's adjudication of the results before posting a reaction.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 158):

“Seems like,” Tracy replied in a low voice. While he considered whether or not to make noise and respond, Jake called back to the Professor.

~Probably fine,~ he thinks. ~Who knows how sound travels in these caves anyway. Better to make sure he knows we’re alright.~

The investigator remains still and quiet for the moment.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 160):

Earnest recognizes Richardsen's voice. He can't make out the exact words, but it sounds like "we're okay."
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:46, Fri 22 Jan 2021.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 162):

Their exchange with the Professor complete, Tracy continues his crawl once again. He moves carefully, navigating the more treacherous sloped path.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 163):

After going silent for a moment and listening for any sort of a reaction or reply (whether from in front of Mister Windham and himself or from Earnest) and hearing none, Jake resumed his crawling and scooting along on his butt (as space allowed), following after the Californian.

Tracy and Jake continue their crawl down the sloping tunnel. The investigator had found it hard enough to measure time and distance in the first tunnel -- it's even trickier while inching forward on one's belly.

Now, both men slow a bit as they approach a particularly low point. Windham finds himself bending to the left as he keeps his head down. The makeshift torch flickers a mite behind him as the Californian crawls around an outcropping, with Richardsen's less than a yard behind Tracy's shoes. The rifleman wonders how much longer it will burn.

The Californian emerges into a more open space. At the moment with the flickering torch light, he's not sure if there's room to stand up. When Jake draws closer, Tracy he thinks he could pull himself to a knee and then maybe get a better idea of where they are. The same thought occurs to the Texican, a few seconds later as he emerges.

OOC: Both heroes need to make a Notice check.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 162):

Earnest looks relieved when he hears Jake's answer. He comments aloud for Tommy's benefit.

Good, I heard Jake say they are okay.

He continues to watch and listen at the crevice.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 165):

~Whew, glad that’s over,~ Tracy thinks to himself. The dying flickers of the torch cast their light upon the space as Tracy scans it, hoping to get a sense of their surroundings.

OOC:

14:44, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 5,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,4.  Notice, new space.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:47, Sun 24 Jan 2021.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 167):

It seemed to Jake that Mister Windham paused for a moment ahead of him. ~Prob'ly havin' hisself a little look-see,~ the Texican thought to himself.

The rifleman's vision was blocked somewhat by the man who was hunkered down in front of him, and Jake resigned himself to not having much of a view for the moment.

---

OOC:
15:43, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 2,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,3.  Notice Check (re: Treasure Chamber . . . I Wish!!).

Notes: It seems that the Dice-Roller does not have much of a sense of humor, for it turned a jaundiced eye to my little jest about the treasure chamber. :)

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 167):

Windham can't see much, but a powerful foul odor assaults his nose. Just a few moments before he emerged into this small cavern, he noticed an acrid whiff of something. Now it's much stronger -- like the fresh spray of a skunk.

Richardsen joins his pard, trying to keep the torch burning by angling it slightly. For some reason, the Texican didn't catch the smell of skunk as early as the Californian. Maybe the proximity of the fire itself had fooled his olfactory sense.

Both men remain nearly prone, lifting their bellies from the floor and resting on knees. The torchlight reveals an uneven floor and ceiling with jagged stalagmites and stalactites throughout this space. Tracy believes they could pick their way through, if necessary or iffin they had a mind to do so. Mostly, they would need to crouch. The investigator sees what look like two other ways in/out of this small cave, which he guesses is less thank 20 feet across as its widest points -- at least what he can see from here. The men know they need to move the torchlight nearer to those "gaps" to determine whether they are passable tunnels or just shadowy crevices leading nowhere.

Pearce's makeshift torch hangs on with Jake's coaxing. The rifleman figures it will last at least as long as it has so far.

The stench after several breaths makes the two adventurers want to retch.

OOC: Both characters need to make a Vigor check because of the powerful odor.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 169):

"Damnaeshunn, that's nasty!" Jake managed to huff as he caught a whiff of the strong smell in the small chamber. He tried breathing though his mouth, and while it helped a little with the smell, it made his throat burn.

"Hellfire, Windham -- we need to set you down outside in rain an' give you a good warshin'," the Texican managed to cough out, jesting with his pard.

---

OOC:
16:05, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 9,5 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 9,5.  Vigor Check re: Nasty Odor.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 170):

Tracy retches and coughs, but he still manages to wheeze out a laugh at his friend’s joke. “There better be something in these caves worth all this trouble,” he adds once he can regain his breath.

A far-off memory tries to rise to the surface of his mind, but the Californian holds it back. ~I’ve spent many a night in worse places,~ he allows himself to think, before turning his attention to the task at hand.

“Should we push forward or head back? Or perhaps try to call our pards to join us?” After a brief pause, the investigator seems to answer his own question. “I’m not sure they would be able to hear us if we called out through the passage.”

OOC:

20:05, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 2,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,1.  Vigor, stench.

20:06, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 4,8 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,(6+2)8.  Vigor, stench 2.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 171):

"Ok, so far so good then" Tommy replies to Earnest

Now knowing the strange muffling ability of the caves Tommy figured they would soon be out of earshot...but might only be 50 feet away.

He begins looking around the area while also picking up more of the old wood and stray bits of cloth for a second torch.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
23:33, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 4,7 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5.  Notice - searching cavern for any useful items.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 171):

"I'll admit to bein' downright curie-ous," Jake replied, holding his left forearm over his nose and mouth in an attempt to ward off the stench as best he could.

"But on the other hand, I shorely don't care to git sprayed by no skunk. I've known some folks as had to throw awaey the clothes they was a-wearin' when that happened to them."

After a short pause, he asked "What's yer druthers?"

---

Edit: Dropped extraneous word (got confused by my own "Jake-speak").
This message was last edited by the player at 17:38, Tue 26 Jan 2021.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 170) and Tracy Windham (msg #171):

Jake and Tracy gag from the stench, but both overcome the urge to vomit. The skunky odor still fills their nostrils, they simply find the fortitude to ignore it.

OOC: As usual, the Judge needs action statements about what the two men do next. Conversation is fine, but the Judge won't move forward until the pards' intent is clear.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:31, Tue 26 Jan 2021.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 172):

Pearce finds just enough materials to make a second torch. He reckons he has found every scrap available -- he won't be able to make another.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 173):

“I’m inclined to push forward, too,” Tracy admits. While he thought it might not be a good idea to get too far from their pards, he couldn’t fight the curiosity that had burned in him for months while they awaited the journey.

“Let’s go a bit farther.”

OOC:

Judge, does Tracy need a new Survival roll?

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 176):

OOC: That depends on what you're doing. Please re-read msg # 169 and give some more information beyond "go a bit further" in regard to what you are trying to observe or do. Based on 169, the two men see what appear to be two ways to go, but they can't see all the nooks and crannies from here and they aren't even sure if those two ways are even viable for further exploration.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 177):

"Waal, all right, then," Jacob replied when Mister Windham stated his preference to push forward.

The Texican glanced around the chamber, and found that his attention was drawn to the two shadowy areas that might be narrow passages which were ways to proceed, or which might prove to be nothing more than shallow alcoves whose back walls were shrouded in darkness.

"Reckon I'll git the torch-light over to them two crevices, so's we can see what we got," hh announced.

---

OOC: Unless Tracy gainsays Jake's stated intention, the Texican will move so as to illuminate the two areas in question with his torch.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 175):

Earnest splits his attention between the crevice and Tommy's gathering. But as the minutes wear on without any sound he starts to get antsy again...

If we don't hear anything for another 5 minutes I think we should start trailing them down this path... what do you think Tommy?

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

"Yeah we should probably go see if they got themselves in any trouble..and it beats just sitting around here and waiting. We have your lantern so let's save the torch in case of emergency"

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 178):

Tracy nods. “I’ll stay close by you and the torch while we move—we’re both going to need the light to get through these rock formations. Let’s see if either of these crevices is even passable.”

Once they traverse the jagged space to the crevices, Tracy surveys them to determine their usefulness. He also studies the area near the passages, looking for more claw prints or any other signs of recent activity.

OOC:

The Notice check is to help decide which crevices are actually useful passageways. The Survival check is for studying any tracks.

22:30, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 6,8 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,(6+2)8.  Notice, crevices.

22:30, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 2,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4.  Survival, tracks.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 178) and Tracy Windham (msg # 181):

After the two curious pards exchange ideas, they begin to move about the small cavern. Tracy picks his way through the stalactites and stalagmites, while Jake extends his arm and torch to illuminate the various crevices. Some of the time they have to crawl or stoop. Here and there they can stand up.

A few things become more clear. The walls of the irregularly shaped cavern jut at various angles throughout. Tracy estimates it's no more than 25 feet across at any given point. The ceiling ranges from three to maybe 15 feet. The investigator observes more of the five-toed tracks, mostly heading from the sloping tunnel they just existed to an even smaller hole. It reeks of the skunk smell. He thinks he could fit in there if they wanted to crawl some more, but it looks like a tighter squeeze then the other tunnel. The Californian feels a drop of water on his head not far from the hole, and notices a slight waft emanating from it.

Jake's work with the torchlight reveals a couple of small alcoves in addition to the new tunnel with sign of the five-toed varmints. They all seem to be dead-ends. In one of them -- as the Texican stands upright and leans around a jagged stalagmite -- the torchlight reflects off something a mite shiny. Richardsen gets a chill up his spine.

Windham sees it, too. Glints in the wall when the torchlight moves near. Streaks ... some kind of ore perhaps?

OOC: Jake and Tracy can make a Common Knowledge roll at –2. Jake could make a Notice roll, too, iffin he wants to, although Tracy's roll with the raise told you pretty much all there is to observe. The CK is to learn more.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 182):

Holding the torch in his left hand, the Texican swung it back and forth so as to illuminate the shadowy portions of the chamber. He could feel his eyes starting to water from the skunk-stink, and he wondered how much longer he wanted to force himself to endure horrible smell.

All of a sudden, something shiny winkled as the torch-light passed over it, and Jake's attention was riveted on what he was seeing, his discomfort momentarily no longer claiming center stage.

It surely looked promising, but with his eyes watering the way that they were, Jacob wasn't altogether certain that his wishes to find ancient treasure weren't coloring his eyesight.

"Taeke a good look here, an' tell me what you see," he urged Tracy, holding the torch steady so that it would provide as much illumination as possible over the portion of the wall that had caught the Texican's attention.

---

OOC:
13:08, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled -1,2 using d4-2,d6-2, unique dice with rolls of 1,4.  Common Knowledge.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 179) and Tommy Pearce (msg #180):

Having stewed in the small cavern for what seems like a long time, but has been only 20 minutes or so by the professor's watch, Earnest and Tommy prepare to follow their pards into the crevice.

OOC: Please state who is going first, what you are carrying and how you carry it, and how much longer the two men wait -- if they wait at all. Then make Athletics checks. Refer to msg # 139 re: the tight squeeze of the initial entry.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 183):

Tracy nods to the Texican and leans in close to inspect the shiny stalagmite. His heart beats faster in his chest as he gets a better view.

OOC:

13:05, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 7,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,5.  CK, shiny ore.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 183) and Tracy Windham (msg #185):

The rifleman gazes at the shiny streaks in the alcove wall, leaning as far as he can past a stalagmite while waving the torch to illuminate things. His curiosity is strong as ever, but Richardsen is at sea when it comes to knowing anything about what he sees.

The investigator, on the other hand, remembers a case he researched in Panamint, California. He had learned a tad about mining ore during the case. Certainly not enough to take up such a task himself, but enough to recognize a lode of silver when he sees it.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 184):

Tommy quickly reorganizes his pack, tying the handmade torch and shotgun within easy reach at the top. He pulls out the Webley and secures it to his belt with a small length the rope tied thru the ring on the bottom of the grip. He holds it in his right hand.

As he does so he quickly glances up at Earnest and offers an explanation

"Sentimental value...irreplaceable no matter what treasure we might find in there"

He pulls the the pack up on his left shoulder again ready to adjust as needed in the tight caverns.

"I'm ready when you are Professor..I'm happy to lead if you want"
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC
11:02, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 13,4 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (6+5)11,2.  Athletics check  -- crevice entry- benny roll
-- benny count updated
11:00, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 2,2 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2.  Athletics check  -- crevice entry.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:06, Sat 30 Jan 2021.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 186):

"I'm seein' some color, yonder," Jake muttered.

The Texican was not excited as he might have been. Truth be told, he had hoped to find a fabled knights' treasure hidden away in the caves, although he supposed that what he was seeing might be treasure of a sort.

Howsomever, admittedly he was not savvy in such matters, and could not have said if what he was seeing was worth getting excited over.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 187):

Earnest nods at Tommy's statement, picks up his pack and lantern, and gestures towards the crevice.

Very well Tommy, I'll light the way. Go carefully... After you!

14:36, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 6,7 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (4+2)6,(6+1)7.  Athletics Check - Crevice.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 188):

“It’s silver,” Tracy says, gazing at the streaks in the rock. He wasn’t sure what he was searching for in the caves, but this didn’t sate his curiosity. It was definitely exciting, but the investigator still felt the desire to push on and explore.

“Give me some light for a minute.” The investigator pulls his notebook and pencil from his haversack and notes the path to the cavern as best he could in the dim torchlight. “Thanks,” he says, as he finishes writing.

“You know anything about mining?”

OOC:

Could Tracy make another CK roll to assess the value/amount of the silver?

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 187) and Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 189):

The mechanic and the professor ready themselves. Pearce squeezes into the crevice first. Edging forward, he does need to adjust his pack almost immediately. The shotgun barrel clangs against the defile's walls. Quickly, he finds a traversable pace that allows him to pass without damaging or dropping any of his belongings. He recognizes the added difficulty of carrying his kit and kaboodle. If things get tighter, he might be faced with a decision about what to leave behind.

The professor is just behind the Irishman. The lantern light illuminates the narrow passage well enough. Maybe too well, as the twists and turns and jagged walls come more into focus as the men proceed, giving them a heightened sense of the danger in their choice. Ringgenberg also negotiates the defile without any immediate adverse effects, although he feels a strain on his right arm as it's difficult to carry either the lantern or his pack while sliding sideways. And wearing the pack won't be much easier. He's all right for the moment, but realizes the task may become more difficult the longer he has to use his injured arm in such a fashion -- as he needs both arms to traverse this narrow tunnel whether he wears the pack and adjusts as he sees Tommy doing, or if he carries it freehand.

Just as the two men are thinking these things, Pearce stops at the edge of a sharp declining slope. He sees that the tunnel delves downward and it looks like they will have to crawl or scooch down on their haunches from here. There is no other way to go so Jake and Tracy must have gone down already. Wearing the pack on his shoulder, won't work here, he suspects. He might have to push it in front of him or drag it behind him -- or risk getting stuck or damaging something.

No, that's beyond the realm of his Common Knowledge. Maybe the professor, who has displayed a wide range of scientific knowledge, would have an idea.

At this time, the Judge needs all 4 heroes to make a Notice check.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 192):

OOC: As requested:

12:30, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 6,2 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,2.  Notice Check.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 190):

"Mining?" Jake echoed Mister Windham's question.

The Texican shook his head. "Naw," he replied. "Not a dad-blamed thing."

"How 'bout you? Lots of minin' goin' on out in Californy, from what I hear."

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 194):

Windham shakes his head. “Not the act itself, unfortunately. Back in California, I worked on a case involving ore and learned a bit about it, but I never took up the axe myself.”

OOC:

08:19, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 3,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,5.  Notice check.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 195):

Tommy sees the slope. He turns to the Professor "It's gets a bit tight ahead, won't be able to walk"
He lays down prone with the pack behind him between his legs. He crawls forward pulling the pack as he goes.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

09:21, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 7,3 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 5,1.  Notice check. - benny roll.
09:15, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 3,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1.  Notice check.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 196):

Earnest decides that sitting down and scooching down the incline would be better for his bad arm.

I might have to go a bit slower because of my arm Tommy.

19:44, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 2,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4.  Notice Roll.

The rifleman and the investigator jaw briefly as they stare at the silver streaks in the alcove wall. Neither knows much about mining, but they can't imagine it would be easy to dig out the ore, even if they had a pick axe handy. Mostly, because of the nature of this cavern with all the obstacles in the way. Jake can barely reach past the stalagmite with the torch in hand -- a torch with a waning flame, he notices. Tracy figures a crew would have to clear the cave first, bring down supplies and such ....

Suddenly both men hear a clanging sound, from up the sloping tunnel they reckon.

Several seconds later they get a strong whiff of the skunky smell. More pungent than before.

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

The mechanic crawls on his belly, dragging his pack behind him. It's extremely slow going. He needs the light from the professor's lantern behind him, especially as he reaches a stretch where the incline steepens and the tunnel turns. The professor moves a little more slowly, sliding along on his buttocks a foot or so at a time and holding the lantern as steady as he can. Tommy stops for a moment. While he figures he can continue -- his pards have already gone this way after all -- it occurs to him that getting back up this slope might be harder than going down, especially at this juncture. The same thought occurs to Earnest, even though he hasn't reached the tricky spot yet. As a man of science, some quick calculations go through his head. Climbing up will require both hands, while sliding down affords the men more agility, particularly when he considers his pack and the lantern.

Just as Ringgenberg catches up to Pearce and the Irishman gets a little better view down in front of him, both of the men smell a waft of a bad smell from ahead in the tunnel.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 198):

Jake cocked his head and listened as he heard a clunking that sounded like it was coming from the portion of the tunnel that he and Mister Windham had already traveled through.

"If'n the Perfesser an' Mister Pearce are comin' to join us, it's gonna git a mite cramped in here," he observed to the Californian.

"An' I do bee-lieve that Mister Skunk is lettin' us know that he ain't too happy to have company droppin' in on him on short noe-tice."

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 199):

Tracy grimaces. He wasn’t sure about their next move or how they could deal with “Mister Skunk.” ~At least we might get a fresh torch when they join us,~ he thinks.

“We should investigate these other areas with the last of the torch light. If none of them lead anywhere, then our only options are back up the slope or through the even smaller skunk-hole.”

OOC:

Judge, Tracy is checking the other “alcoves” you mentioned in #182. I know that they “seemed” to be dead-ends, but Windham wants to take a closer look to know for sure.

09:12, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 7,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,1.  Notice, passageways in alcoves.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 200):

OOC: The Judge didn't mean to imply that they might not be dead-ends, but I can see why you, the player, wanted to follow-up based on #182. Per Tracy's comment, the only way out of here would be the way they came or the smaller "skunk-hole."

The Judge needs posts from Tommy and Earnest, even if they are quick "we continue" messages.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 198):

Seeing the increasingly difficult slope, Earnest looks around for a place to anchor a rope before proceeding.

It might be prudent to set a rope here for the rest of the climb down Tommy... let me see what I can do.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 202):

"A very good idea professor...I've got a hammer, rope and a few tools in my pack which you can use"

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC - Not sure if there is enough room for Tommy to maneuver and turn around to physically help the professor with this task
This message was last edited by the player at 20:08, Wed 03 Feb 2021.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 203):

OOC: There is definitely not enough room for Tommy to help, but his tools will make a big difference.

The professor can make a Survival or Athletics roll for this task.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 203):

Thank you Tommy, the tools shall surely help!

Earnest takes the hammer and a chisel to a section of the jagged wall to create a better rope anchor. He has some difficulty at first, but with diligence and a few choice curses in German, he gets the rope anchored. He passes the rope to Tommy so that he can pay it out as they descend.

09:30, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 2,1 using d4-1,d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2.  Athletics - Set rope; -2 for arm, +1 for tools.
09:31, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 1,10 using d4-1,d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 2,(6+5)11.  Athletics - Set rope; benny reroll.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:35, Fri 05 Feb 2021.

The professor hammers an anchor for the rope, and secures the rope to his satisfaction. It's plenty solid, he figures. The two men in the tunnel resume their descent, now with a rope in play to aid them.

Jake and Tracy hear noise from the tunnel above. Some kind of clanging sound again. It distracts them for a moment, just long enough to realize that a few critters with an overpowering smell have emerged from the small hole.

OOC: Stand by, the Judge will be starting a combat round later today, with a map and further description. The two heroes already in the cavern will get dealt into the first round, but the critters are on Hold and will go first (unless one of you fellers draws a Joker).

Three malodorous beasts squeeze through the small hole near the two heroes. Their fight or flight instincts kick in -- with the former winning out today. The small brown critters slide between stalagmites and draw close to the two men.

Two of the sharp-clawed creatures gang up on Jake. The third slices at Tracy. They look like bears cubs at first, in the flickering torchlight, but Tracy suddenly remembers something Red Shirt said about wolverines in these parts.

Tommy and Earnest hear the start of something -- they don't know exactly what yet.

OOC: See the die rolls below.
Jake was hit for two Wounds. I assume he will want to spend a Benny to soak.
Tracy was hit for one Wound. Again, soak roll expected.
Make your rolls. If you soak all Wounds, you also unshake. If you don't soak all Wounds, you will also be Shaken and will need to roll to Unshake (Spirit, free action) at the beginning of your turn, before taking any actions, of course, you spend a benny to automatically unshake even if you fail the roll, which you can do anytime, as always.

It is Jake's turn after the soak rolls.

It's Dark in the cavern, so Trait rolls involving sight are –4 during combat rounds due to Illumination penalties. The Judge didn't apply it during Notice checks, because the two pards were moving slowly and using the torchlight purposefully to inspect alcoves, etc. During combat, it's different. Remember that we start with Jake holding the torch.

The Judge will say that both men know that often critters in the wild have some ability to see in the dark. Neither know for sure about wolverines, although the fact that they just struck the two heroes with claws would seem to indicate they can see well enough.

Tommy and Earnest will be included in the next round's draw as they will reach the cavern and the end of this round.

See the Group 1 map.

Initiative
Earnest NA this round, card next round
Jake Four Spades, Ace Spades  Second
Tommy NA this round, two cards next round
Tracy Five Clubs Third
Wolverines Hold (First)

22:48, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 5 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5.  W1 claw Jake. (also +1 for Ganging Up but the Judge forgot to add it in dice roller).
22:50, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 16 using d6+d4, rerolling max with rolls of (6+5)11,(4+1)5.  W1 Damage.
22:50, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 1 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1.  W2 claw Jake. (+1 Gang Up but didn't matter)
22:51, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 2 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2.  W3 claw Tracy.
22:51, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 16 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+6+4)16.  W3 claw Tracy benny.
22:53, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 12,1 using 2d6,d4, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(6+3)9,1.  W3 damage.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 207):

OOC:

23:25, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 13,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+5)13,5.  Vigor, soak wound.

Edit: corrected Benny count
This message was last edited by the player at 04:27, Sat 06 Feb 2021.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 207):

Fur, claws, and snarling -- that's about all Jake noticed before two of the creatures ripped into him. He wasn't entirely sure  what they were -- only that they were very aggressive, and had damned sharp claws.

"Yaaah!! Get away!!" he yelled as he waved the torch at the two animals that had attacked him. He knew that most wild creatures were scared of fire, and hoped that these two would turn tail and run -- or at least back off.

~If'n that don't work, reckon I'll jest have to ree-sort to some old-fashioned lead pois-suhnin'," he thought to himself.

---

OOC: 13:55, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 5,1 using d10,d6 with rolls of 5,1.  Vigor Check (to eliminate "Shaken).

14:01, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 6,5 using d10,d6 with rolls of 6,5.  Vigor Check to Soak Second Wound.

Notes: Jake has successfully soaked both wounds. Shouting at the wolverines is a Free Action, I believe. Judge, let me know if Jake's using the torch to try and scare off the two that attacked him requires a die roll on Jake's part.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 209):

OOC: It's just one Vigor roll to Soak. You spend a benny to Soak immediately after taking a Wound. With a success (a 4) or better, you soak one Wound. For every Raise (+4 above success) you soak another Wound. If you Soak ALL Wounds with the roll, you are also Unshaken.

In Jake's case, he spends one benny to make the Soak (Vigor) roll. With a '5' he Soaks one Wound. But he still has one Wound and so he is still Shaken.

On his turn, Jake therefore needs to make a FREE Spirit check to unshake and be able to act. For Jake, Spirit is a different die type than Jake's Vigor, but the Judge is using the 2nd Vigor roll because the Wild Die is d6 always and Jake's roll on the Wild Die was '5' which is good enough to unshake.

Now, Jake can make either a Fighting or Intimidation roll to try to scare off one of the wolverines with the torch fire.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 210):

OOC: Here is Jake's "Torch-Waving" Check:

15:00, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 2,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,1.  Fighting Check (To Scare off Wolverine).

15:00, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 1,11 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,(6+5)11.  Benny re-roll.

Notes: Hopefully, that was a worthwhile use of a Benny. :)

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 211):

Jake swings the torch at the two critters in front of him, focusing on the one nearest to him. His hope to scare them off with the fire seems promising, as the nearest one flinches at the flame. The Texican believes he might have struck it even though his intent was more to frighten it, but either way he thinks he gave it pause.

OOC: The wolverine can't move away this turn even if it wanted to -- which remains to be seen -- so the Judge is providing this narrative for now. Essentially, the Judge treated this as a Test. Jake can make the creature Distracted (-2 to its attacks) or Vulnerable (+2 to be hit by an attack), which will last until the end of it's next turn. State your preference.

It's Tracy's turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 212):

OOC: I can see arguments both ways (re: Distracted or Vulnerable). Seein' as how I *really* dislike that -4 modifier, I'll go with "Vulnerable". :)

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 213):

Tracy feels the creatures teeth graze his arm in the same moment that he remembers what Red Shirt had mentioned. ~Damn it—wolverines.~

Without much time to think, Windham watches the torch light up one wolverine attacking his friend, dazing the creature and briefly illuminating it in the same moment. ~Look out, Jake,~ he thinks,  as he fires pulls his Spencer from behind his back and fires a round at the fearsome critter.

OOC:

16:43, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 3,0 using d10-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2.  Shooting, wolverine (Vulnerable).

16:43, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 3,0 using d10-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2.  Shooting, wolverine (Vulnerable) 2.

Dang. I was hoping to take advantage of the bonus you gave us! At least Tracy didn’t hit Jake.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 214):

Tommy and Earnest hear yelling and snarling and gunfire! Tommy crawls out of tunnel first. Earnest is just behind him. With the professor's lantern they both see a few bear-like creatures -- no bigger than a large dog but with nasty five-clawed paws -- attacking Jake and Tracy.

The report from the investigator's pistol rings out in the small cavern, while the rifleman threatens one of the wolverines with the remaining flames from Pearce's makeshift torch.

OOC: One can't fire a longarm when engaged in melee ... unless you're the Rifleman.

Of course, Tracy can fire his Colt instead, which would be the same Shooting roll, so the Judge is ruling the Californian pulled his revolver and fired -- and the rolls stand.

Initiative
Earnest Ace Diamonds First (see below)
Jake Eight Spades, Nine Spades  Second
Tommy Five Spades, Six Spades Fourth
Tracy Five Diamonds Fifth
Wolverines Seven Hearts Third
(the Judge drew a straight; almost a straight flush)

It is Earnest's turn. He and Tommy are both prone to start and must spend some of their movement if they wish to get to their knees or stand up. See previous descriptions of the cavern. Movement is treated as Difficult Ground half normal pace in this cavern, because of the uneven flooring and ceiling as well as the stalactites and stalagmites. Every 1" moved counts as 2" of your Pace. Crawling is still the same as usual (2" of your Pace for every 1").

All heroes (and wolverines) must make a Spirit check because of Tracy's gunfire. This is a free action. Make your roll at the beginning of your turn. If you fail, you are Distracted (-2) to actions for this round (at least).

The professor's lantern reduces the Illumination penalty to Dim (-2 instead of -4).

EDIT: Clarification in aqua above regarding movement -- essentially the same effects but clarifying the notes.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:52, Mon 08 Feb 2021.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 215):

19:45, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 3,9 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(6+3)9.  Spirit Check.

As he gets to his feet Earnest is startled by Tracy's shot, but quickly recovers, assesses the situation, and heads over towards Jake. While moving, he places the lantern's hoop over his right arm to the elbow (essentially 'hooking' it) and then draws his Colt with his left. He holds fire until he can get closer, but starts yelling on the way (with an odd German bent, like he's not used to yelling in English).

HEE-YAH! HEE-YAH! GET OUT YOU!

---

OOC: Earnest will wait for a clear line of fire, which I'm guessing won't occur until next round?

OOC: Earnest can shoot this round. Same as Tracy, he would be firing into melee because all 3 wolverines are engaged with Jake and Tracy. So he could hit an innocent bystander but only if he rolls a critical failure.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 217):

OOC: Okay, good! Wasn't sure...

11:00, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 18,-1 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of (8+8+4)20,1.  Shooting - Wolverine harassing Jake.
11:04, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 10 using 2d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of (6+1)7,2.  Damage to Wolverine.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 218):

OOC: Sorry, at work and forgot the add'l damage roll for (I presume) the shooting raise.

11:07, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 3 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3.  Damage for Shooting raise.

Total damage = 13
This message was last edited by the player at 18:10, Tue 09 Feb 2021.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 219):

Earnest puts a bullet into the wolverine nearest to him -- the same one that Jake threatened with the torch. The small creature goes down in a heap.

OOC: It is Jake's turn. Another wolverine is still engaged with the Texican.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 220):
OOC: The Judge meant to update the map by now. A new version will be in Group 1 soon.

EDIT: Map updated.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:18, Wed 10 Feb 2021.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 220):

The fact that the light had become brighter in the cavern where Mister Windham and the Texican were fighting had announced the arrival of the Perfesser and Mister Pearce, and when another gunshot thundered in the close confines, Jake was even gladder that his two pards had arrived for one of the creatures that had attacked him collapsed in a heap on the floor.

"Good shot!" Jake exclaimed. No longer concerned that he and the Californian would lose their light if he dropped the torch to the floor, the Rifleman did just that and gripped the fore stock of Widder-Maeker with his off-hand.

The close-quarters fights with the axe-wielding Celestials back in Frisco had taught him the need to learn how to use his Winchester as something other than a big stick when in melee, and now the Texican was glad that he had invested the time to teach himself that very useful skill.

As another of the beasts snarled and made ready to lunge at him, Jake fired at the creature and felt pretty sure that he had hit his target ...

---

OOC: 17:38, Yesterday: Jacob Richardsen rolled 2,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5.  Spirit Check.

Free Action: Speak, drop torch to floor, shift off-hand to rifle.

Action:  17:57, Yesterday: Jacob Richardsen rolled 4,7 using d10+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5.  Shooting at Wolverine (Imp. Tr. Weapon, Marksman).

17:58, Yesterday: Jacob Richardsen rolled 8 using 2d8-1, rerolling max with rolls of 4,5.  Damage (Winchester).

Notes: Applicable Edges: Improved Trademark Weapon (+2 to Shooting), Marksman (Cancels out -2 Darkness penalty, in my opinion). Darkness is not specifically listed among the conditions for which the Marksman Edge can be used to negate two points of penalties (those are Called Shots, Cover, Range, Scale, and Speed -- see p. 43 of the SWADE rule-book). However, it seemed to me that a penalty due to Darkness was similar to those other conditions, so I assumed that the +2 from Marksman would cancel the -2 from Darkness. If that is not the case, Marksman would apply a straight +1 to Jake's Shooting Roll (a net -1 due to the penalty for Darkness), which would reduce his Attack roll to a 6 (still a hit, I believe, but not a Raise in either instance).

In case it is not clear from the wording of the post, Jake fired at the second of the Wolverines that is still attacking him.

Edit: Added the "in my opinion" wording to the discussion of the +2 Marksman Edge bonus being used to cancel the -2 Darkness/Illumination penalty. See the Judge's subsequent post for further discussion/analysis on this specific issue.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:30, Wed 10 Feb 2021.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 222):

Having dropped the torch, which had nearly expired anyhow, the rifleman squeezes a shot from the Winchester. Most shooters couldn't match that feat, firing a long arm in close quarters, but Jake had trained for such circumstances.

He was glad for it, as the Winchester's bullet strikes the second wolverine. The critter howls, and then slumps to the cavern floor. Oddly, Jake's first thought is "where'd it go," as the critter's body falls into the shadows behind a stalagmite.

The only remaining wolverine -- the one that attacked Windham -- flees towards the small hole from whence it came. At least it attempts to do so.

OOC: The wolverine is Withdrawing from Melee, so the investigator gets a Free Attack before it can get away completely. Because Tracy has his Colt in hand, he may make a Shooting attack (modifiers still apply) or he could make a Fighting or Grappling attack instead, iffin' he had the inclination.

Technically, it is still the wolverine's turn; Tracy's Free Attack is part of the critter's turn. Assuming the Windham takes advantage of the opportunity, the Judge requires the Californian to make the Spirit roll for gunfire in the small space before he makes any attack (instead of waiting for the beginning of his turn like Earnest and Jake did). As a reminder, a failure means Distracted until the end of his next turn, which incurs -2 penalty to actions.

For clarity: It is NOT Tommy's turn, yet. The Judge will follow-up after Tracy's decision about whether (and how) to use the Free Attack, and after adjudicating any rolls made.

Jake's analysis of the Marksman rule is interesting. A strict interpretation of SWADE would mean that Marksman (or Aim) wouldn't apply to penalty points from Illumination. The printed rule doesn't say "such as" -- it states a specific list of penalties that apply. In this case, as Richardsen notes, the result is the same whether ignoring 2 points of Illumination or adding +1 to hit (either way, the shot hits). However, for future reference, the Judge would include Illumination penalties as something that can be mitigated by Marksman or Aim.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 223):

Rather than startle the investigator, the loud gunfire in the cavern invigorated him. Frustrated by his missed shot and energized by the chaotic situation, Tracy leaped at his opportunity when it presented itself... literally.

As the wolverine turned tail and attempted to scurry back to its hole, Tracy dove on top of it, attempting to use his wrestling prowess to pin the beast down and prevent it from escaping.

OOC:

19:54, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 14,16 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+6)14,(6+6+4)16.  Spirit check.

Opposed Grappling with wolverine:

19:59, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 1,2 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2.  Athletics, Grappling.

Really wish I had a Benny. At least it wasn’t a Critical Failure.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 224):

The Californian throws caution to the wind and lunges towards the fleeing wolverine. Alas, the natural obstacles in the cave make it difficult. Windham lands on his belly, narrowly missing a pointy stalactite to his right and seeing the critter squeeze into the hole just two yards away.

Pearce and the others see the last wolverine escaping into a small hole across cavern from the tunnel where the men entered. Tommy notices that Windham nearly grabs the creature before it gets away. Even if the Irishman were considering taking a shot at the critter, he figures he has a better chance to hit Tracy at this time, with the wolverine having almost full cover within the hole. About all he can see is its stubby tail disappearing from the now dimly lit cavern.

OOC: It is Tommy's turn. He may still act this round, but per the narrative above, shooting at the fleeing critter is highly unlikely to be successful. He could do something else, of course, as he desires. Or take a shot or different attack, at the last (fleeing) wolverine if he desires.

Remember the movement penalties for Difficult Ground. Tommy could move just past Earnest but not much further -- maybe catercorner to Jake -- at normal Pace. Possibly farther if he Runs, but any increase in distance because of Running roll is still subject to the Difficult Ground penality. I updated the map as of right now, for clarity. (I had to clear cache to see the updated version, you might, too depending on browser.)

EDIT: Clarified some things in the last paragraph.
This message was last edited by the GM at 18:06, Thu 11 Feb 2021.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 225):

Tommy watches as the wild animal escapes into it's hole before Tracy can catch it.

He steps forward several steps and looks closer at the dead animals. He is not sure what to make of them

"What kind of wild animal is that?...You gents ok?"

------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC - Tommy is moving at normal pace.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:13, Fri 12 Feb 2021.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 226):

OOC: The Judge takes this to mean Pearce is on Hold. It is Tracy's turn. If Tracy doesn't have a specific combat action in mind, we can end the combat phase and go back to free posting.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 227):

OOC:

No combat action from Tracy. Free posting can continue.

Two dead -- or dying -- wolverines lay on the cavern floor, while the heroes re-group and Windham and Richardsen check themselves for any wounds suffered by the critter's five-toed claws.

Pearce asks them about their condition. The rifleman sees the dwindling torch where he dropped it, still burning but no longer a reliable source of light. Fortunately, the professor's lantern sheds enough light for the men to perceive their surroundings.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 226):

and

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 229):

"Damnaeshunn, Windham -- you got more sand than me, goin' after that last one with yore bare hands," Jake muttered, giving the Californian an appraising look. "If'n word of that gits around, ain't nobody gonna want to tussle with you bare-handed." The Texican smiled, already thinking of a few windies that he could tell that would have "Windham and the Beast" topping out tales of David Crockett and Mike Fink's 'rasslin' matches.

Now that things had calmed down, Jake could feel some pain in his right hand and arm -- the one that had not been holding the torch when the beasts attacked. "Reckon one of 'em clawed me pretty good," he responded to Mister Pearce's question as to whether he and Mister Windham were okay. "Thanks for askin'."

"Might git you to look at it when you git a chance, Perfesser. Wouldn't do for me to git no hider-phobie."

---

OOC: Fixed a minor miss-spelling and punctuation glitch.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:35, Sat 13 Feb 2021.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 230):

Earnest holsters his Colt, places the lantern where it will give him the best light, kneels down, and starts getting 1st aide materials from his pack.

Of course Jake... come over here and kneel down and I'll see what I can do. Gentlemen, please keep an eye on those holes to make sure we get no more surprises!

When Jake joins him, he sets to work. Unfortunately, he is able to clean and cover it, but not much else.

13:45, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 3,3 using d8-1,d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 4,4.  Jake Healing (-1 for his wound).

OOC: Sorry, no bennys left to spend to try again!

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 231):

Tracy rolls onto his back and sits upright. Though frustrated by the escape of the wily wolverine, Tracy lets out a grin at Jake’s comment. “I can’t just track ‘em—I’ve got to catch ‘em, too.”

Even though the Professor was only able to clean his wound, Windham still felt the biting pain in his arm abate a little bit. After a brief rest, he asked Tommy and Earnest a question.

“Do you two happen to know anything about mining? Jake and I found a lode of silver ore over there.” The investigator gestures toward the alcove where they found the silver.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 232):

"Not much honestly... but I'm sure digging out a vein in here would be done the hard way...by hand with pics and chisels and such."

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 231):

OOC: BTW, unless the Judge is missing something, Earnest shouldn't have applied -1 to his Healing roll for Jake's wound. The penalties for Trait rolls because of Wounds is only for the character performing the skill or making an attribute roll. That is, the person performing the Trait roll suffers penalties for their own Wounds (or Fatigue levels).

For example, if ENS had a Wound, he would be -1 to use his Healing skill on someone else (or -1 for any Trait roll). But the the fact that Jake has a Wound doesn't impact Earnest's roll in any way -- except to determine how many Wounds need to be healed and how many are actually healed with the roll's result.

If the Judge is reading Earnest's notes about the roll correctly, then there is no -1 and therefore the professor succeeds with a 4. He cures one Wound, which is all Jake had.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 231):

and

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 234):

Jake waited patiently while Earnest did his job. He sucked air in through his teeth when the easterner used carbolic acid to clean the wound, but knew that it was for the best.

"Thanks, Perfesser," he said, shaking his hand when the procedure was finished. "Burns like a sum-bitch . . . reckon that means it's doin' its job."

"Glad you was close by to taeke care uhv that. Oh, an' good shootin', by the waey."

---

OOC: I have read accounts of carbolic acid being used to clean wounds during this time period (when it was available). I have assumed that since the party spent a goodly amount of time in town, Earnest's traveling medical kit would be well-stocked. If the Judge or Earnest disagrees, I shall be happy to edit.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 235):

Earnest grins at Jake as he puts his things away.

No problem Jake! To answer your earlier question Tommy, these are wolverines... a rather ill-tempered member of the weasel family, if I recall correctly.

Earnest rubs his chin as he looks at the holes.

The didn't likely get in here by the way we came... too dark, even for them. More likely that these holes also lead to the outside.

He turns his attention to the silver vein.

This looks pretty substantial... I'd have to guess that the only reason the bandits didn't dig it out is that they learned about the wolverines before finding it.

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

"Wool-verenes, hunh?" Jacob grunted when Earnest named their attackers.

"I'm thinkin' that a man'd have his work cut out for him if'n he was to try an' git any wool out've the hide uhv them can-tankerous critters."

"But now that we know what they was, how's 'Wool-verene Windham' -- or plain ol' 'Wool-verene' for short -- sound to you?" he asked, turning to the Californian with a big grin on his face.

"Reckon you earned it fair an' square, if'n you want it." the Texican added, referring to the potential new nickname.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 237):

Tracy returns Jake’s grin. Small but ferocious—the investigator realized in that moment how much he had in common with the wolverine. “I’ll take it.”

After a pause, a question occurs to the Californian. “What have people called you over the years? I’m sure you have some stories that have earned you some nicknames.”

OOC: The Judge loves the conversation going on right now, in the aftermath of the combat. Good roleplaying narrative.

At the same time, I think the characters should wrap up this particular part of the journey into the caves. Therefore, this nudge from the Judge.

Please don't let this stop you from more in-character posts. Just trying to continue the plot at the same time.

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

Now that all four men have seen the lode of silver and the hole from which the wolverines entered the cavern, they come to some conclusions.

Someone with the know-how could probably dig out some of the precious silver ore. Even a solitary man with a pick-axe could turn his labor into profit. Of course, he would have the wolverines to contend with. Any larger operation would require some excavation, not to mention innovations for getting the ore out of the canyon in any significant volume.

The hole for the wolverines is small. Although Tracy had mused about the possibility of navigating it, the four pards decide it's not viable for the whole group without further planning. A short crawl inside proves that, as the tunnel quickly narrows, twists and turns. Probably, it's a squeeze even for the smaller critters. Sending a solitary man down there seems unwise. Earnest's notions about the wolverines seems likely, as a wave of warm air wafts through the tunnel and into the cavern while they consider their options. Probably, the tunnel leads to open air, or at least a larger cave open to the wilderness, where these critters make a den.

The only reasonable choice is to climb back up the tunnel whence they entered, back to the small cave. They still have another passage out of there to explore -- the passage where the bandit tracks continued. They will be losing daylight if they dally -- at least by the professor's watch, which now indicates it's already quarter-past 12 noon. When the men left their horses back in the valley by Echo Canyon, they weren't sure how long they would be gone. But the longer the four pards stay here, the less likely they will be able to return to that valley before nightfall. Walking that ledge without sunlight seems daft. So they face a decision about when to turn back, sooner or later, even though they figure they have time to explore a ways before making that choice. Oh, and the professor's lantern oil won't burn forever.

Fortunately, Earnest and Tommy had secured a rope, which aids in the ascent. It takes time to pull themselves and their gear up the tunnel, but it's done easily enough. Once they have finally sidled through the crevice back to the chamber, they regroup and prepare for their next steps. It is nearly one o'clock by Ringgenberg's watch.

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

OOC: The Judge is re-setting Bennies at this point (regular "starting" number for your character, please update your bio lines). Whatever the players want to do is fine by the Judge. Not trying to push the characters to go back to Echo Canyon or to continue down the unexplored passage, just a reminder of the situation and current timing. It makes sense to re-set at this time, without belaboring things.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 239):

Before we ascend from this room...

Earnest chuckles at his companions' banter.

"Wolverine Windam" it is then!

He looks back at the silver.

While I do not fancy a change of profession to miner, I believe we could still file a claim on this vein and perhaps hire someone to mine it for us later... Tommy, could I trouble you for your hammer again to collect a sample? And if you gentlemen could block the narrow part of that wolverine hole with loose rocks, it would facilitate our return later.

Earnest uses the hammer to knock loose a sample of the ore to bring to the assayer's office while the others block the hole as best they can (assuming they agree).

OOC: At this point we can get back to the upper room, unless someone else would like to comment/change Earnest's plan...

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

OOC: Make an Athletics roll, Earnest, for the attempt to collect a sample.

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

As they started the climb back up to the upper chamber Tommy thought about the professor's idea of filing a claim and hiring someone to work it. It wasn't something that would've naturally occurred to him. His mentality was always to do it all himself, hands-on. Hiring someone to help was fair enough but for them to do all the work and for him to just sit back and reap the majority of the profits felt deeply wrong. It was a violation of a code that he knew came from his upbringing, from his familial history, from only ever being on the wrong end of that deal. These feelings conflicted mightily in his head with his desire to profit from this fortuitous find. Chances in life like this were very rare...he knew that too. Playing your cards well is how you made a life and why shouldn't he take the chance. For just once to be on the other side ...well that could be life changing. All the way back to the chamber he wrestled with the thought of becoming something he could never remember not despising. He eventually realized if it was done truly fairly, maybe it would be alright, maybe he could reconcile it and live with himself.

When they finally were all standing back in the chamber he put those thoughts aside.

"Professor how long do your think you lantern will last? If we have time I say we explore further"
This message was last edited by the player at 18:18, Tue 16 Feb 2021.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 242):

Tracy felt a familiar feeling tugging at his chest as he gazed towards the unexplored passage.

“I agree—I’d like to keep exploring if possible. Mister Pearce, could you make a new torch as well?”

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 242):

and

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 243):

"I'm up for it," the Texican replied with an affirmative nod when further exploration was suggested.

---

OOC: The idiom of being "up for it" in the sense of being willing (even keen) to give something a try was, as near as I can tell, in use during the 19th century -- although I have not found anything tieing it to a more specific date.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 241):

16:02, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 5,2 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (4+1)5,2.  Athletics - Collect silver sample.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 242):

Earnest rubs his chin in quick thought at Tommy's question.

Well, we've only been going about two hours so far... I should think the lantern would last another 12 hours or so, given the oil that I brought. But I think we should get back to the entrance before dark... even if we decide we want to camp here for another search tomorrow.

---

OOC: My statement is based on msgs 102 & 239 for the time in the cave so far, and the book's 'lantern' spec of 4 hours (per pint of oil, I presume) and the fact that Earnest had 4 pints packed (16 hours total); rounded down a bit for safety. I'm sure the Judge will let me know if I've made an error!

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 245):

OOC: That’s all simon pure, sir. It might not be exact to the minute but it’s accurate for our purposes. The Judge wasn’t suggesting that the lantern oil would expire imminently, just that it isn’t inexhaustible.

OOC: Seems clear that group wants to continue. The Judge is using the same marching order as the first tunnel that led them to the small cavern with wolverine crevice and the other passage onward.

For the record and to reiterate, Pearce already fashioned another torch, even though the player hasn't yet responded to Windham's question. The mechanic used up the raw materials they had found. If the players want to use any materials they brought with them (beyond the Irishman's whiskey) to fashion another torch or whatever, that's your prerogative. As of now, they have the professor's lantern, which can last a while, and one unused torch.

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

The four pards, having rested briefly, reassemble and continue down the other passage. Similar to the one they traveled earlier, it has twists and turns, uneven footing, and some stretches where the ceiling is low. Still, in general it proves a little roomier than the first passage.

The investigator estimates they have gone another 100 yards or so with the main tunnel bending gradually to his left. Here underground, without the sun, Tracy isn't sure which direction they are heading. In the next 100 yards, it bends gradually back to the right. The men have noticed a few crevices along the way -- perhaps negotiable but at least as tricky as the gap that led to the silver cavern. At one point, the right-hand wall disappears, revealing an open cavern. Ringgenberg shines his lantern in. It's similar to the silver cave in terms of its size, irregular shape, and stalagmites/stalactites. Their initial assessment tells them the cavern has nothing of interest and no other exits. Tracy confirms the human tracks continue onward down the main passage.

For now, they decide to pass by this cavern and the other crevices along the way, in the interest of exploring as far as they can before needing to turn back per the professor's suggestion of returning to the bandit's hideout before dark. The pards agree that they can investigate further, later, iffin they have the notion.

Shortly thereafter, a stiff breeze with the smell of rain rushes through the tunnel -- originating from ahead of them in the passage as they take a turn again to the left. Now, they see the passage widens a bit, revealing an opening some 30 yards or so ahead, where daylight spills in. It's still cloudy, perhaps raining.

More interestingly, the pards spy signs of human activity here -- in the form of some kind of mechanical apparatus above a wooden platform at the end of the tunnel opening.

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

OOC: The heroes may make any rolls or take any actions along the way, if desired. The Judge gave them automatic successes on Notice and Survival for mundane purposes. The above narrative provides what would be easily learned from those, but if you want to glean other details, or have other ideas you want to pursue along the way, just state them and make roles as needed.

At this time, anything beyond what the Judge has described about the opening at the end of the passage requires character action, narrative, and die rolls as appropriate.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 247):

As they come upon the opening Tommy spies the mechanical apparatus. He immediately tries to identify it's purpose. Looking carefully for any movement or signs of steam or smoke.

18:48, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 5,5 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 3,3.  Notice - identify mechanical apparatus.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OCC -- Sorry I didn't reply to the torch question..RL got busy there. As judge noted Tommy has a torch ready we can use when and if required.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 247):

Jake was pleased when the passage that they were exploring never narrowed down to the point that traversing it became uncomfortable. He smelled the fresh air before the group came within sight of the opening to the outside world.

The Texican peered through the opening cautiously, attempting to spot any movement or other evidence that there might be some of the Yella Bandanna Boys outside.

~~For that matter, don't reckon I'd care to run into no more uhv them wool-verine critters, neither.~~

---

OOC:
19:12, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 6,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,3.  Notice Check: Lookin' for Trouble.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 249):

As they march along, Earnest would check the walls for signs of use by earlier natives... he had heard of cave paintings and such and would love to find some. The bandits had obviously been through the cave regularly, so he feared any signs of native use would be removed or destroyed.

06:43, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 5,2 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2.  Notice - Signs of native markings.

Once they come upon the machine, his attention shifts and he examines it along with Tommy.

06:49, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 5,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3.  Notice - examine machine.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 247):

~I wonder if Poirier has anything to do with this,~ Tracy thinks, as he and the others spy the apparatus. The Frenchman would forever be associated with strange machines in the Californian’s mind.

The investigator studies the area near the wooden platform, checking for signs of human activity. He was curious how long it had been since anyone had interacted with the apparatus.

Once he assessed the tracks, Windham turned his attention to the machine itself. While he knew very little about mechanics, his curiosity pushed him to inspect the device, hoping to use his experience on Poirier’s airship to learn anything about it.

OOC:

09:46, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 1,2 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2.  Survival, tracks near platform.

09:47, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 5,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3.  Survival, tracks near platform 2.

09:50, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 1,2 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2.  Notice, mechanical apparatus.

09:51, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 4,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,5.  Notice, mechanical apparatus 2.

Edit: corrected my Benny count.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:53, Fri 19 Feb 2021.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 251):

The heroes advance closer to the opening and the wood platform, looking around for similar and different reasons.

Richardsen focuses on the opening itself and what's beyond. He stops just before he gets to the wooden platform, which is roughly 5 yards wide and 10 yards deep. He realizes it extends a few feet past the natural opening. Beyond is a view of the cloudy skyline, with the rolling hills of Zion terrain beyond. From Jake's vantage point, it appears that this opening is a good ways above ground level. He would need to get closer to edge of the platform to know how far up they are.

Ringgenberg, Windham and Pearce direct their attention to the apparatus. It's clearly some kind of pulley system, with block and tackle. That's obivous enough.

Windham turns his focus to the floor near the opening, including the platform, while the other two continue to examine the apparatus. Tracy has no doubt that humans have used this in the recent past, but exactly how long ago is less certain. He finds multiple boot prints in the area, different people. Mostly, the tracks are in the natural passage -- the platform is damp from the rain so any reliable sign of movement has been washed away. The investigator's best guess: no one has been here for a least a fortnight. The activity is no more or less recent than what the Wolverine and his pards saw in the small cavern where they found scraps of materials used by Pearce to fashion a couple of torches.

The professor was disappointed by his attempt to find any native markings, drawings or what-have-you in the tunnel. Perhaps some of those other crevices and gaps would lead to something of interest. Or, it occurs to him, perhaps he could ask Red Shirt about things, if they were to meet near the towns again. The Paiute seemed to know a lot about the local terrain; perhaps that knowledge extended to such lore.

OOC: The Notice rolls for the apparatus don't really apply. The Judge gave some obvious visual information, but if you really want to discern more about the design or usage, you need to make different skill checks. Obviously Repair is appropriate. Science is appropriate. Common Knowledge is appropriate for commonly known information (such as "it's a pulley system" but you already know that). Once characters make more specific rolls, the Judge may provide additional information.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 252):

It seemed obvious to Jake that he and his pards had never been to this particular spot before, and that the views from here might reveal things that were hidden from other perspectives.

So it was that the Texican looked for a high spot with fields of view in as many directions as were available . . .

---

OOC: 21:40, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 5,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,5.  Notice Check: What Can Jake Spy With his Little Eye?

Notes: Jake will be particularly interested in looking for smoke or any other evidence of human habitation, as well as any as-of-yet-unknown trails that might prove useful in the pards' endeavor.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 253):

Tommy moves closer to the mechanical device, walking around it to examine it from all angles, taking notice to figure out it's controls.

23:17, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 6,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,3.  Repair - asses the mechanical device.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 252):

After a quick look-over, Earnest turns his academic eye to it for a more direct assessment. He also carefully looks up and down from the cave opening to see how far the machine extends.

10:35, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 15,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+7)15,1.  Science - Assess machine.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 252):

“No one has been here in a couple weeks,” Tracy muses.

Tracy takes out his notebook and sketches the platform and apparatus. Next time the investigator was able to research, he planned to find out information about machines like this one.

Of course, the Professor and Mister Pearce would likely know more than he did about the device. To his three pards, he asked, “What do you think it does?”