In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 27):

Fascinated by the spanner, Pearce subjects the tool to various tests. With each trial, he learns something and deepens the mystery at the same time.

The mechanic has never touched -- or even laid eyes on -- a metal alloy of this nature. Iron and steel have been around for ages, he knows, and he has accumulated some small knowledge of metallurgy while plying his trade. Back in Ireland, he would have said "beagán de" knowledge, he muses.

This spanner is undeniably steel, but it must have been mixed with with other metals while in its molten state. Tommy had already put aside thoughts of tin. Putting the thing to flame produces almost no oxidation. Incredible. He considers a few ideas about what would endow such protection. Carbon? Nickel? Chromium? Zinc? Cobalt? The mechanic knows of these metals, but he must admit he doesn't know enough to speculate as to which combination of elements might produce such a marvelous device.

Something he noticed initially, but let pass from his thoughts as he contemplated the material itself, is a strange marking on the tool's handle. Whoever made the molds for this device also managed to imbue it with an identifying mark. A single strange symbol embossed in the ... well, in the "steel" he thinks, not sure what else to call it. The symbol reminds him of a cattle or horse brand. Yes, that's it, someone's brand it must be. He tries to remember such a practice amongst the various blacksmiths and other artisans he has known, but fails to recall such an extravagance.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 29):

The professor has more than a dilettante's comprehension of currencies used around the world. He has studied other languages and cultures, read many books, and even handled various foreign monies in his work and travel.

And yet, all he can determine from inspecting these silver coins is what they are not.

They are not sterling, not sou nor franc, not peso nor peseta, not lira, not real, not statem, not thaler ... well, not anything he can identify.

Earnest's confident conclusion: these coins weren't minted in any known country he could possibly identify. Moreover, the stamp on them is quite unusual, even if also somewhat familiar. Like many coins of yore -- and even today -- the stamp appears to be a symbol of state. Not a monarch's head, but an insignia to be sure. In his estimation, based on their condition even after being buried in this cave, is that they were minted within the last 100 years.

Comparing notes, Earnest and Tommy, share their observations about the spanner's brand and the stamp on the coins. They are clearly not the same.

Having returned safely to their base camp at El Presidente's former hideout, the four adventurers take a much needed rest. Although both Windham and Ringgenberg had had notions of conducting another search before leaving the rodent cave, all of the pards had agreed it was best to depart as planned, giving themselves plenty of time -- by the professor's fob watch -- to make it back before dusk. After all, as the Earnest said, those piles of muck aren't going anywhere overnight.

They eat and drink their fill, especially enjoying the last of the venison Red Shirt had prepared for them. Small talk occupies their attention, including any speculation on the things they had found so far in the piles or what they might find next.

Knowing they had one more day before they needed to return to the valley where the Paiute was waiting, the men settle in for a night's sleep. They take watches as usual, hearing the sounds of the canyon but experiencing no troubles overnight.

Now, as all of the men awake with the sunrise, the men prepare themselves for their last day within the caves.

OOC: Fade-up to the camp. The Judge took the liberty of advancing all the way to the next morning, although it's fine if the heroes want to declare any particular actions or dialogue which may have taken place overnight -- or fill in any gaps in the Judge's narrative. Likewise, please feel free to post dialogue in the morning, as desired.

Players should ensure they have updated their bio line for Bennies, etc. The Judge recommends completing your Advance at this time, if you haven't already.

The Judge figures the characters will return to the rat cave to search further. One thing the Judge needs to get a heads-up on: are the heroes planning to return to Red Shirt's location later this day, or the following morning?

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 32):

OOC: Based on Jake's statement in the other thread, I'd say we head back this afternoon. I will post Earnest's advance this weekend.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 33):

When Tommy finally laid down to sleep his mind was still racing with thoughts of all they had discovered in the cave. The rope bridge and the hidden valley with the abandoned dwellings, the tapestry and the scenes depicted on it, the symbols on the walls of the large room and now the coins, the sword and the spanner. It was mysterious how all these things were hidden down there but obvious, he thought, that there were several groups of people who were responsible. Maybe here at the same time but probably at different times most likely. Despite the intensity of his thoughts his exhaustion caught up with him and he soon was sleeping deeply

The next morning he awoke with the same excitement

"Morning gents!, let's get going and see what else is in that cave shall we".

"Red Shirt will be expecting us tonight so let's not dawdle"

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
OCC - Tommy agrees with the others that we should plan to return to Red Shirt by this evening

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 34):

Good morning! Sounds like an excellent plan Tommy!

Earnest prepares for their foray; but he does take a few minutes to examine the knife they found once more, focusing on its place in history if possible.

07:21, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 1,2 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2.  Acedemics - examine knife.
07:21, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 7,2 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,2.  Academics - examine knife, benny reroll.

OOC: I'm assuming the first roll failed because I misspelled 'academics'!

The professor's fob watch aligned its hands to precisely 8:15 when the four pards entered the rodent cave. They had broken their fast, resupplied, and traveled to the reeking cavern as quickly as possible, hoping to maximize their searching time before reuniting with Red Shirt.

The rankness assaults their noses once again. Sleeping the night before in the relative comfort of their base camp, along with soothing aromas from their food and coffee, had caused the men to forget the pungent reek of the piles in the cavern. It takes a few minutes to reacclimate themselves as they prepare for another spell of searching the muck for valuables.

OOC: The searches can begin at 8:30 a.m. As the characters experienced the day before, it takes one hour per search roll, usually. Raises can reduce the time to 30 minutes (as happened on Tracy's first Survival roll, although the players don't know exactly how many raises are needed for that). So the number of search rolls available during the day depends on a few factors -- the rolls themselves, any unforseen events, or any other priorities the men might have before returning to the valley before nightfall. The Judge doesn't need to know a full plan, but with each search and passing hour, the players should provide narration to help define the course of the day.

Same as before, re: making Support rolls and Survival roll for the searches. Carry on with your narrative posts and die rolls.

Jake was quick to pull up his bandanna over his nose and the lower portion of his face, as soon as he smelled the aroma given off by the rat cave. He supposed that it might've helped a little, although the place still stank to high heaven.

"I won't lie to y'all," he muttered as he glanced around the floor of the cave. "I ain't lookin' forward to more of the same today."

"I hope that we can find the rest of the treasure right quick, so's we can skedaddle outta here an' go meet up with Red Shirt."

The Texican busied himself with looking around for likely spots to dig into, tending to avoid the areas that had been explored yesterday.

---

OOC:
21:50, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 1,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4.  Support Roll for Tracy (Notice).

Comments: Not great, but at least it's a success.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 37):

Earnest grins at Jake, but it is not seen for long as he raises his own bandanna over his nose.

I am in agreement that today's work goes quickly Jake!

He looks over the remaining piles and provides his advice and assistance to Tracy.

06:52, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 6,2 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,2.  Science - examine piles.

OOC: Did the Judge see Earnest's rolls in msg #35?
This message was last edited by the player at 12:54, Tue 22 Mar 2022.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 38):

OOC: No, missed it, as you posted while the Judge was composing #36. Thanks for the follow-up note. Funny, re: acedemics. See below.

So far, Tracy has a +2 to his Survival roll for Support. Tommy can still add to the bonus with his Support roll.

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

Earnest studied the knife before the men had left their base camp, attempting to assess the blade's place in history. Based on the stylized steel handle, he concludes it is most likely a ceremonial knife -- not a dagger as it has a one-sided blade -- representative of the period of the late European Renaissance. Although he is fairly confident in this evaluation, one observation gnaws at him. The knife is in fine condition; it looks like it was forged much more recently than its design would indicate. Perhaps it is a replica?

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 38):

Tracy digs at the muck, grateful for the tool the Texican had given him that morning. "Thanks for the shovel, Jake. It's helping me work a lot quicker than yesterday." The investigator studies different sections of the cave, often feeling around with his feet to detect suspicious areas before clearing the muck with Jake's spade.

He pauses a moment and lets out a small smile. Sure, it smelled incredibly putrid in here. But the Wolverine was happy to be sniffing out these hidden treasures. The objects they had found so far were both familiar and not at the same time. Tracy got a strange sense from them that he could not explain.

Turning his attention back to his work, he continues searching with curious fervor.

OOC:

11:29, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 3,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4.  Survival, day 2 check 1.


11:29, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 6,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,3.  Survival, day 2 check 1 reroll.

Spent a Benny for a bigger roll and only got a slightly bigger one. I figured I'd get the Survival roll in now just so y'all wouldn't have to wait on me.

Jake, I worked to address what you said OOC about the shovel here.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 40):

Putting their minds to the task again this morning, the four heroes search through the muck. It's a careful business, as no one wants to destroy something of value. Digging, sifting, and brushing are required to properly unearth desirable artifacts.

Perhaps that is why they have found only metallic objects so far, the professor muses. While the investigator's skill has proven beneficial -- nay, required -- and each of the men in his own way has made a contribution, they have also uncovered plenty of bone fragments and ceramic shards, along with bits of glass, fabric, or leather along the way. Possibly, the pards themselves have damaged some such items, as none of them are seasoned excavators. There is no sense in dwelling on it, Earnest thinks, as they are all doing the best they can.

About ten minutes later, Tracy's shoveling issues an audible thunk, followed by the Wolverine's gasp. Even the men with hearing problems are alerted to the sound.

With some methodical brushing and digging, the men realize they have unearthed what looks like an old-fashioned chest made of wood and reinforced with metal. At first, they expose only a corner of it -- the top they believe -- but with diligent work they uncover the entire box. The wood is rotting in some places, but it seems generally intact. There is a crude lock, still functional by all appearances.

The men haven't tried to pick up the chest, yet. They have simply dug around it until they could see most of it. The base still sits in another inch or so of earth. The four adventurers gathered around it, slack-jawed for a spell.

OOC: Some of the searching flavor the Judge has mentioned before. RPOL is a long slog, so reiterating in this post details that might have been forgotten.

Tracy has +2 for Support already, which makes his roll an 8, which is one raise. Tommy couldn't improve that result -- he could only make it worse if he happened to roll a Critical Failure -- so the Judge is moving forward with a single raise on the 1st search today (4th total).
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:44, Wed 23 Mar 2022.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 41):

Still too stunned to speak, Tracy kneels down by the chest. Perhaps a closer look could help him understand more about it.

He inspects the wood, looking for any distinguishable patterns or anything else of interest.

OOC:

15:43, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 2,8 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,(6+2)8.  Notice, chest.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 42):

The Wolverine inspects the chest thoroughly. As far as he can tell, there is no pattern to discern. The one thing he notices is that the rotting wood seems likely to fall apart if the chest is subjected to any substantial movement, such as trying to carry it anywhere beyond this cavern. He figures it can be moved a little, if desired, but trying to haul it back to base camp as is appears risky, at best.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 43):

Earnest rubs his chin (carefully, so as not to get any of the muck on it)…

Astonishing! Let's take it closer to the cave opening so Tommy can get a good look at that lock.

Once there, Earnest also gives the chest a good look, trying to determine if its condition and age fit in with what he has observed from the other items.

18:10, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 5,4 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,4.  Notice - examine chest.

OOC: By 'opening' I mean the one in this section of the cave.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:11, Thu 24 Mar 2022.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 43):

Jake's eyes had gotten as big as saucers when he heard the "Thunk" that resulted from the Californian's efforts. His hearing wasn't the best, but the Texican could tell that the sound was different than when hitting something metallic.

Jacob let out a whoop when it became evident that a chest had been uncovered. "Thaere it is, boys! Right yonder's the trezshure, tucked awaey in that old stove-in chest!"

The Texican bent down closer, hoping to spot the gleam of gold or silver in the lantern-light, gleaming through the cracks that marred the surface of the wooden chest.

---

OOC: 22:25, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 4,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,1.  Notice Check (Lookin' for Trezshure).

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 44):

OOC: As gathered by Tracy, it's risky to move the chest. It can be moved, but it isn't as simple as saying "we move it."

Therefore, the Judge is pausing any result from Earnest's post. Other heroes need to chime in about whether they agree about moving it. If the other 3 pards agree, then a die roll will be required (to be determined by the Judge). If there is any disagreement, discussion is needed to resolve it. Of course, Earnest could try to move it by himself, but if anyone objects they must have a chance to stop him. The Judge doubts that such a conflict will occur, as the expectation is the characters will agree on what to do -- one way or another -- but the Judge cannot allow this action to be a unilateral decision by one character. So again, results of that are on hold until other characters weigh in.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 45):

The Texican, already excited by the find, sees a glint of something shiny in one of the cracks of rotting wood. It looks like gold to the enraptured rifleman.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 46):

OOC: Apologies, I took your post to mean we could safely move it a short distance without needing a roll. I agree with holding off the rest of my post until the others agree, etc.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 48):

OOC: NP, nothing to apologize for, as the Judge's post wasn't crystal clear on that point. Glad you concur re: consensus needed as to whether to move it. The Judge would like to see IC conversation about it.

It will require a Strength roll, for which only one person may Support (with Strength or Athletics roll).

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 49):

As Tommy gets his first sight of the chest he is amazed. Despite all Jake's talk of old timey treasure Tommy had harbored doubts about anything like that existing down here. Yesterday after the sword and the coins were discovered he began to feel just maybe they might and now here in front of them was what seemed like Jake's treasure.

He looked at the lock and the poor condition of the wood.

"By the looks of it, it might just fall apart on us if we move it. Maybe it doesn't matter if we going to take what's inside but I can try picking that lock from here if one of you can assist me by holding the lantern.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 49):

"That wood looks like it'll fall apart if'n we breathe on it too hard," the Texican observed.

"Why don't we just pull the chest ah-part an' put the trezshure in our pockets?" he asked.

"That waey, we can carry it out an divvy it up all fair an' square once we get back to camp."

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 51):

Earnest shakes his head.

I'd like to be a bit more careful... The chest itself might offer clues about where it came from.

He bends down to give it a better look in the lantern's light.

OOC: Can we just use Earnest's previous Notice roll here?

When Earnest takes a closer look at the rotting chest, the answer to his pondering becomes quite clear.

No, its condition and age don't fit in at all with what he has observed from the other items. The style of the chest, including the lock, looks centuries old. He is somewhat surprised the wood isn't completely rotten. The metal reinforcements have certainly helped. But it's nothing like the spanner or the knife or the coins. Ringgenberg observes nothing that would tie these finds together.

Visions of pirate chests parade through the professor's thoughts. He doesn't necessarily believe it's a pirate's booty, or even a Knight of the Templars trove -- there is nothing specific to lead him to such a conclusion.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 53):

After relating his observations to the others Earnest leans back, rubbing his chin.

This place is an enigma buried in rat scheisse! But please let's be careful with the chest... it is a treasure by itself!