The six riders rein their mounts, watching as Daniel Knight races north to intercept them. As the young Knight slows his horse, the men can see he's injured. His left arm is in a makeshift sling, while dark splotches cover much of his shirt.

For a moment, it seems he's falling from the saddle. He regains control and reins in the mount. The Paiute guide and friend of the Knights slides off Sam and moves quickly to help young man dismount.

"I kept the faith, holding on until you returned." He glances at each of the men, a look of pain and hope in his eyes.

"The LORD is righteous in all his ways, And holy in all his works," he gasps, before swooning.

OOC: Obviously, the heroes may act as well, dismounting to help Daniel or taking some other action. Post freely, and make any rolls if you are doing something requiring one.
This message was last updated by the GM at 12:29, Sat 03 June 2023.

In reply to Daniel Knight (msg # 1):

Jacob halted his horse at Red Shirt's signal, and eyed the oncoming rider with interest. Soon enough the Paiute had identified the newcomer as Daniel Knight.

"Somethin' ain't right," the Texican muttered under his breath when he saw how Knight was slumped in the saddle. As the young man came closer, it was clear that he was dealing with injuries -- to his arm at the least, and perhaps more.

Jake quickly dismounted. Trusting his own horse not to wander off, the rifleman moved over to steady Knight in the saddle, then to help him dismount -- the Texican was prepared to support most of the young man's weight, if necessary.

---

OOC:
12:50, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 7,9 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,(6+3)9.  Athletics Check re: Helping Daniel Knight.

Comments: It seemed to me that an Athletics Check might be in order re: aiding Daniel Knight get down out of the saddle.

Padre watched as Mr Richardsen helped the seemingly injured Knight off his horse.

Amen. Good to hear The Word.

Padre hesitated for a second. He looked at his Pards and said
As comforting as that is, I have seen too many people act wickedly under the guise of The Word.

Padre paused again and then added quickly

Myself included.

Padre eyed the seemingly injured Daniel Knight hoping to see what was wrong or what had happened.

OOC:

20:21, Today: Albert (Padre) Juhasz rolled 8,4 using D8+2,D6+2, rerolling max ((6,2)). Notice Roll on Daniel Knights Injuries. –
This message was last edited by the player at 20:57, Sun 04 June 2023.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 3):

Jake and Red Shirt leap to Daniel's aid before Tracy can dismount. His mind still pondering the mysteries of the caves, it took a moment for Windham to return his attention to the present.

As his pards assist the young Knight, the investigator studies his horse, looking for any signs of what had occurred.

OOC:

06:58, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 2,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5.  Notice, horse.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 3):

Earnest also dismounts, he pauses to answer Parde…

We know this young man... He is definitely with the Lord!

He grabs some first aide items from his saddlebag before moving to tend to the young Knight.

13:19, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 1,4 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4.  Healing - Daniel Knight.
13:20, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 3,5 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,5.  Healing - Daniel Knight, free reroll.

The six men react in various ways to Daniel's appearance.

Jake and Red Shirt help the young Knight down from his horse, supporting his frame as Daniel's body goes limp. They set him down gently, making sure to cradle his head and protect his limbs.

As Padre rambles a mite nervously, Earnest dismounts and joins the Texican and the Paiute, beginning an examination. Padre stands close by, studying the situation.

They all see a makeshift sling over a dressed wound, now soaked red. Somewhat haphazard, the bandage, but effective enough to slow bleeding and stabilize the patient. In the professor's estimation, Daniel probably treated himself -- and it's been hours since he did it. Maybe even a full day. Unless the bullet is still in Daniel's arm, there's nothing more to be done except help the boy recover naturally. Ringgenberg decides not to disturb the dressing, at least for the moment.

Padre makes connections now, this is Daniel Knight, first son of the owner of the Four O'Clock Ranch in Grafton. Important members of the Nouveau Zion community, Padre knows, and a pious family.

Daniel's eyes begin to flutter. He's coming around. The swoon was likely the result of a sudden burst of energy, Earnest thinks, upon a fatigued and wounded young fellow.

Meanwhile, Tracy takes a closer look at Daniel's mount. It isn't one of the Knights' horses, at least not one the investigator has ever seen. Windham doesn't seen any sign of injury; the mare looks quite fit and able, if a bit old. There is a smear of blood on its neck and mane, but to the Californian's eyes, it looks like Daniel's blood has rubbed upon the kid during the ride to intercept the six heroes.

OOC: The Judge will reset Bennies at the conclusion of the scene with Daniel. If you have extras in hand, spend freely when making any current rolls during this encounter.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 6):

Seeing him start to come around, Earnest speaks gently.

What has happened Daniel? How did you end up like this?

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 6):

Now that the pards had gotten the Knight lad down off of his horse and the Perfesser was tending to him, Jake straightened up and glanced around. Then he moved over to where his horse was standing, rummaged around in his saddle-bags for a moment, then pulled out his field glasses.

Picking out the highest elevation that would give him a good view of the direction that Daniel Knight had come from, the Texican put his field glasses to his eyes and took himself a look-see.

~I'd feel plumb tetched in the head if whosomever shot up that lad has some men a-ridin' his back-trail, an' they was able to catch us with our britches down . . . all a'cause I din't have the sense to look ah-round a mite.~

---

OOC:
10:06, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 4,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,4.  Notice Check: Watching Daniel Knight's Back-Trail.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 8):

Tracy notices Jake remove his field glasses, dismounts, and joins him. He hoped to add his survival expertise to the Texican's observation. The investigator removes his spyglass and surveys the area as well.

OOC:

12:17, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 9,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+1)9,1.  Survival, survey with Jake.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 7):

"Professor Ringennberg! Thank the Lord, it is you. I thought maybe I was dreaming."

The young man gathers himself, groaning a mite as he sits up.

"It's bandits," he starts, unleashing a torrent of scattered thoughts in between deep breaths. It's evident Daniel is parched, but he continues, his words as dry as dust.

"They took Grafton, killed the sheriff ... moved on to Rockville, that's where I was. We tried to do something about it. We failed," he says, looking at his wounded arm as if to remind himself of it, as his voice cracks. "I got away, and borrowed Mr. Flynn's mare. Rode to warn ... Springdale, kept going. Been praying I would find you ..." he says, now coughing and swallowing hard.

It looks like Daniel wants to say more. As he shows further signs of fatigue, swooning momentarily, he gets out only one word. "Water?"

EDIT: Fixing misspelling
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:18, Mon 12 June 2023.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 8) and Tracy Windham (msg #9):

The rifleman and the investigator fetch their devices and find a good vantage point to scan the area to the south, from whence Daniel Knight came.

They see some drifting and lingering dust from the lad's ride, but neither of them see any signs of anyone following the young Knight. As far as they can tell, there's no immediate danger. Windham does notice one additional thing: a nearly dispersed cloud of dust to the southwest, drifting over a bluff up a sandy hill. The bluff appears to provide a good place to watch over the trail towards the rim. The Californian wagers that's where Daniel came from, once he focuses on what looks like a short switchback trail from the bluff down towards the mesa where the six pards pulled up.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 11):

Padre pulls a canteen off of Genny's saddle and opens it.

Easy, son. Here. Breathe.

Padre nears the canteen to Mr Knight's mouth and begins to slowly tip it in. Pulling back so as not to drown the injured man but letting Mr Knight indicate when he was ready for more.

Steady yourself, son.

How many were there?


OOC
Unsure if a roll was necessary for this, judge to adjudicate. Also happy to burn a benny if necessary to "find a full canteen", assumed restock happened when we met and camped with RS.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 12):

The young Knight drinks greedily from the canteen. "Thank you, sir."

After a few breaths, he answers the question posed by Juhasz.

"How many? I cannot say, all told. We fought roughly a dozen in Rockville."

OOC: It's a good question, in general. In the Judge's view, there's no need to spend a Benny unless you want to have an "extra" canteen beyond what you would normally carry. If Padre wanted give the canteen to Daniel, for example, as opposed to letting the lad drink from Padre's own canteen, then spending a Benny is appropriate here. And since we're about to reset Bennies, why not?

Under the current circumstances, the men left the dale two days ago and there was a spring there (documented in earlier descriptions), so they definitely refilled canteens before setting out. So it's really a matter of flavor here.

In reply to Daniel Knight (msg # 13):

"Don't see nobody doggin' your back-trail, Daniel," the Texican called down.

"Ree-gardin' these hard-cases, they warn't wearin' yaller bandannas, was they?"

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 14):

"Not that I saw, Mr. Richardsen."

He takes another drink from the canteen and offers it to Padre.

Keep it, son. I've got another.

Padre reached into his saddle and slipped out a Bible. More tattered than the now incinerated one. Smaller too. It was frayed round the binding. It was so well worn it seemed to open itself to a page somewhere in the middle as though it knew what was needed.

Padre looked down into the pages. He looked back at Mr Knight.

O Lord the oil of your healing flows through me like a living stream. I choose to bathe in these clear waters each day. I will keep my eyes on you, and trust in you that I will fully recover. I give you all that I am, and rest in your peace.

Padre lifted his head, scanned the faces of his Pards, looked back down at Mr Knight.

Amen.

OOC
In what I'm sure will happen many times over the life of Padre, he burns a Benny to find that one last bible he had tucked somewhere.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 16):

Earnest listens to the conversation until Padre concludes.

Amen

He looks at Daniel.

So they've taken both Grafton and Rockville at least? Do you have any idea what they are after?

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 16) and Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 17):

"Amen." The young Knight nods a thank you towards Padre and takes one more sip before securing the top. Hearing the professor's question, Daniel shrugs. He replies are more composed, now, having had time to catch his breath and quench his thirst.

"Never had a chance to ask them. But yes, I reckon they took Rockville after we failed to stop them. I hope my warning to the folks in Springdale gave them time to ready themselves ... or flee. What can we do now?" he asks.

The question doesn't sound like a rhetorical one. The men can see the conviction in the young Knight's eyes. Now that he has located the local heroes, and heard Padre's words, he seems inspired and ready to rejoin the battle against the invaders.

EDIT: fixing misspelling
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:18, Mon 12 June 2023.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 18):

Padre sensing a kindred spirit says

Him Who is Above minces no words about this... 'For those who seek to defile and destroy his brothers, I will lay my vengeance upon him'

Padre scans the horizon..

I think Mr Richardsen is right and we have some time.

Padre starts to fiddle with the handles of his revolvers absent mindedly, and, continuing to stare into the horizon says

The only thing better than Righteous Fury is well-prepared Righteous Fury.

We need to save the fine folk but more  importantly we need to
Padre pauses for the briefest of moments.. seemingly to savor..something
burn. Burn these bandits out of this world.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 18):

"You said that you was in Rockville when the raiders struck," the Texican said, addressing Daniel.

"You got any idea what the situ-aeshunn might be, out at y'all's ranch? Reckon they would still be a-holdin' out, thaere?"

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 20):

Richardsen's question reminds the young Knight of the dire nature of the situation. It's not something he's forgotten about, but he seems quite focused on the moment, having finally located the local heroes.

"I do not know, Mr, Richardsen, but I appreciate you thinking of our family. I pray for their safety."

In reply to Daniel Knight (msg # 21):

The Texican scratched at his chin-whiskers thoughtfully. "Seems to me we oughtta try an' figure out whaere folks are most likely to be a-holdin' out against these banditos, and go thaere first an' try to help turn the tiede against these hard-cases."

"Also seems to me that Springdale an' y'all's ranch," here Jake paused for a moment and glanced at Daniel Knight, "are whaere folks have the best odds to still be holdin' out."

"Now, I know that Grafton -- an' mayhap the Four Oh'Clock -- was hit first, but if the town got hit afore the ranch, it could be that your folks an' the ranch hands got some ad-vance warnin' of what was goin' on, an' was able to get forted up. They'd be a right tough nut to crack if'n that was the case. An' the banditos might've moved on after gettin' a bloody nose thaere, an' went a-lookin' for easier pickin's."

Jacob held up a hand. "Now, I'm jest supposin', here. But it could've happened that waey."

Or, the Texican knew well, the people at the ranch could've been surprised and gunned down before they knew what hit them. There was no way of knowing without going there for a look-see.

"An', thanks to your warnin', Daniel, the folks at Springdale could've got forted up their ownselves, an' might still be holdin' out thaere."

Jake pulled off his Stetson and wiped some sweat from his forehead, then replaced the headgear. "Everything else bein' e-qual, I'd saey we go an' check on the Four Oh'Clock first. But from whaere we're at now, that's a hard road . . . a mighty hard road. Why, I'd reckon it might taeke us . . ." here the rifleman took a moment to count on his fingers, ". . . a week -- or thaereabouts -- to git thaere from here. An' a week in this situae-shunn -- hell, if we was to taeke that long, they might've e-lected a new presy-dent by the tieme we was to git thaere."

The Texican looked at the young man and shook his head in an understanding sort of way. "I know it ain't what you want to hear, Daniel, but I think that we gotta start with Springdale. At least go thaere first, an' see what's what."

---

OOC: Edited the spelling of Springdale. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 15:47, Mon 12 June 2023.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 22):

Earnest listens to Jake and nods.

I agree, Springdale is the most expedient course of action right now... If we can cross the North Fork and get up on the bluff west of the town, we should be able to observe what's going on there.

OOC: Judge, is this a feasible course of action?
This message was last edited by the player at 16:29, Tue 13 June 2023.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 23):

OOC: Going directly to Springdale is the most expedient option. (My apologies for mis-typing it as 'Springfield' in recent posts; fixing those on my posts as I go. Feel free to fix yours or let them slide.)

However, the professor's suggestion about crossing the North Fork is questionable, assuming he means to do it stealthily. The men will need to hike up a ways to avoid being noticed crossing the river, which is also wider closer to Springdale. Crossing the river and staying out of sight of folks in the town is easier said than done. So it's possible, yes. Feasible? That's a judgement call.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:20, Mon 12 June 2023.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 24):

Tommy listens to Jake's assessment and ponders aloud

"Agreed, I think Springdale makes the most sense. I like the professor's idea of not going straight in on the main road. If we could get to a point close enough to see what's what in Sprindale with our field glasses we'll know our options better. If the townsfolk are bunkered down then they'll surely help us across and would make it less risky than sneaking over"

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 25):

Yes, perhaps we could use the bluff north of the Virgin River to get some altitude while we look.

OOC: Other than the recon part, I'm going to ignore what Earnest said in msg #23 since, per the conversation thread, I was completely off about how we are approaching the towns. Added a slight correction above.

OOC: It sounds as if there is a consensus to head directly toward Springdale, with a fledgling plan to hike up a ways into the hills somewhere on the approach to attempt to surveil the area before moving all the way to the town. Or, at least, to attempt to scout ahead somehow with field glasses, even if not climbing up to achieve a view from elevation, before getting too close to town.

If the Judge's read is accurate, for now we can assume the characters are resuming their ride southward to the river and then turning west. You can continue to discuss ideas and plans (etc.) and make any other rolls you want to make as you approach the river and before you turn. As long as players are posting and coordinating, the Judge will give some time for such IC discussion and rolling. If things start to drag, the Judge will move ahead as needed.

Again, if all of this rings true, the Judge asks the players to give a little more information, such as who might be do the scouting vs. who is staying with the horses, for example, if you choose to climb for a better view. Moving up the hills on horseback is extremely difficult in this area, even walking them up would be difficult. Also, please give general information such as: who is riding at the point and who is at the rear, whether everyone is staying together or if anyone is riding ahead, if you are doing anything in particular from the point of turning west along the river/road to the point where you pause to scope out the situation.

The Judge also asks the players to give a rough distance from the town for the point where they intend to pause and do their scouting. The map shows the scale (1/2 inch = .6 miles), which is for usage of the map as printed on 8.5 x 11 inch paper. From Springdale icon to the edge of where the hills east of town meet the river is very nearly .6 miles (or one inch on the map), as a point of reference. So you can say about .6 miles away, or about 1 mile away, or whatever, using that benchmark when confirming the heroes' intended plan of action while approaching the town.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 27):

Tracy listens to Daniel recount his battle with the bandits and to his pards discuss a potential plan to recon Springdale. He could feel his desire to rush right into town as fast as possible, but he knows that would put his pards in danger. He shakes off that urge and nods to the Professor and Pearce's scouting suggestions.

"We'll have to split up if we want to scout from the bluff. At least a few of us will have to find a safe spot to take care of the horses. I'll join the party that ascends the hills. How close should our scouting party get to the town?"

Unless anyone objects, Tracy takes point by force of habit.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 28):

Tommy pulled his hat down low and got settled in the saddle. His shotgun was now tied to his pack and he kept the loaded Spencer at his side.

He followed Tracy's lead and manuevered his mount right in line behind the investigator's.

"Daniel why don't you ride in the middle, just follow along and save your strength, we'll keep an eye out for you"
This message was last edited by the player at 17:16, Sun 18 June 2023.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 29):

Earnest will ride alongside Daniel and, as the young man's energy allows, question him about the attackers. Things like did they look anything like the Yellow-Bandana gang, did they look like a Mexican group, how well armed were they, how well organized were they, did they specifically go for certain targets like the sheriff or deputies, etc.

OOC: This is basically a fishing question... let me know if I should roll anything.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:06, Mon 19 June 2023.

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

Jacob heard the Wool-verine speak to the pards needing to divide their forces -- some to do the look-see scouting and take the measure of what was going on in Springdale, and somebody to hold the horses.

"Don't matter none to me whaere I end up. I can either join the scouts or hold on to the horses."

"Ah'm ver-sah-tile thatawaeys," the Texican concluded with a grin.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:42, Mon 19 June 2023.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 31):

Padre had been listening to the Pards discuss the when and whyfor's of scouting and positioning. Padre, having seen and heard Mr Windham be forthright about what should be, resigned himself to play the part he needs to, whatever that may be.

I, too, am fine with the horses or with the scouting party.

Padre paused for a brief second not wanting to disrupt the planning, then decided to anyways.

Yknow it occurs to me, that I might be a stranger to Springdale and could, with the lords help, go into and come out of the town unscathed. They might not know who I am to you Pards. That may give an advantage. I could scout ahead for us as well. I could position myself in town as a surprise for when we attack it.

Padre wondered if any of the other horsemen might possibly be a stranger to the residents of Springdale. A little scouting party that could go in might give an edge.

What do you Pards think? If I can get a sense of how many and where they are that could go a long way.

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

OOC: No roll is needed for this. Daniel is happy to tell you what he knows, but it was all a flurry of events for him, so specific answers shouldn't be expected.

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

The young Knight converses with Professor Ringgenberg as the men ride. He politely answers questions.

"Other than their yellow bandanas, I would not know how to recognize one of those bandits. I reckon they handled themselves like men who had seen the elephant."

Daniel response to the part about organization is interesting. "They did seem organized, and one man was commanding the ones we fought. None of the men I saw looked like Mexicans or wore any kind of kind of uniform or badge or any such identifier. Still, it seemed like they had fought together before."

When asked about the sheriff and deputies, and so forth, Daniel shrugs. "Like I said, they killed the sheriff but I can't say whether he went after them or they went after him. I reckon it is true to say they showed no respect for his badge. Far as I can tell, they figure they're the law now."
This message was last updated by the GM at 16:11, Tue 20 June 2023.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 32):

Daniel hears Padre's suggestion. "That might work, although I know a couple of folks in Springdale who would have heard your description, Mr. Juhasz." The young man scans the preacher's all-black garb as he speaks.

"None that would see fit to identify you to the invaders," he says. "Well, unless they feared for their loved ones, I suppose."

He adds, "I mean to say, I would be careful iffin' I were you.

In reply to Daniel Knight (msg # 34):

Earnest rubs his chin as they continue.

An interesting notion Padre... I think we should still do the scouting as we've discussed, but if it looks like it's more or less business as usual then having someone ride into the town would be a good check. We could even keep you under surveillance from our lookout spot while you try it and agree on an 'all okay' signal you could show us... and also some sign that there is danger so we can immediately assist.

He also looks at Padre's attire.

Daniel is right though... If you do this, it might be better for you to change clothes to be less identifiable.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:02, Tue 20 June 2023.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 32):

and

In reply to Daniel Knight (msg # 34):

and

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 35):

The Texican nodded as he listened to Padre's proposal, and he also seemed to agree with Daniel's and the Perfesser's additional comments.

"Sounds like a downright good idea to me, Padre," Jacob opined after a moment. "If'n you don't mind takin' the risk, that is."

The rifleman grunted, and then added "The Perfesser's got a good point, though, 'bout us spyin' out as much as we can through field-glasses afore you ride in. Could be two whole other horses of a diff'rent color, dependin' uh-pon whether the townsfolk is still a-holdin' out, or whether the hard-cases have took over."

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 36):

Alright, agreed, pards. Sounds like I should join the scouting party then and if it looks safe enough, from there I can ride into town.

Padre looked down at his duster.

We will deal with my outfit if it comes to it.

Padre sized up the Pards with his eyes, moving from Mr Richardsen to The Professor and the rest. On every pard, Padre's thoughts wavered between Hmmm and That could work... or that'd be a tight squeeze as he wondered if each Horsemens clothes would fit him.

The men continue to discuss their plans as they ride. They reach the river and the road without incident, turning west to follow the road towards Springdale -- with the intention of slowing and stopping when they're a little less than a mile away in order to find a suitable area to linger with the horses while the scouts go ahead on foot.

OOC: The Judge perceives an agreement to move forward to the point where the men would split up, with some scouting ahead and others staying back with the horses. That's fine. The Judge requires a few rolls before providing the narrative about the area where they intend to split up.

1. Everyone needs to make either a Notice roll or a Survival roll (your choice, one not both).
   
2. Everyone needs to make a Stealth roll (the Judge assumes the heroes wish to approach as close as possible on the road, without giving their positions away before they decide to stop and split up).

Make your rolls ... and of course feel free to post narrative and speech; it's still free posting, just need those rolls to proceed.

FYI, the Judge will be offline this coming Saturday, so giving everyone through Saturday the 24th to make the rolls. When the Judge resumes on Sunday, if anyone hasn't done the rolls, the Judge will roll for you.
This message was last edited by the GM at 09:12, Fri 23 June 2023.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 38):

As their planning coalesces and they draw closer to the town, Earnest pays more attention to the area and their approach.

These invaders may send out their own scouts... time to stay vigilant.

06:54, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 9,4 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 9,4.  Notice - Observe area during Springdale approach.

06:55, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 2,23 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,(6+6+6+5)23.  Stealth - Springdale approach.

OOC: Apparently Earnest and Patches have achieved invisibility during this ride!

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

"Reckon I'll staey back with the horses," the Texican offered.

"Somebody's gotta do it, an' doin' so don't ruffle my feathers none."

"Oh -- an' anybody who wants to borry my field-glasses for the look-see is welcome to do so."

---

OOC: 16:14, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 1,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1.  Notice Check re: Choosing a Good Spot to Hold Horses.

16:16, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 2,5 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5.  Stealth Check: Approaching Springdale.

Comments: Yikes. I do believe that the Judge jinxed poor Jacob by speaking about a CF over in the OOC thread. :)

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 40):



Dont mind if I do, Mr Richardsen

Padre accepted the offer of the field glasses, hoping it may help. Padre, atop Genny, closely trailed The Professor.

Eyes on the horizon

Padre announces his intent, trusting the Professor to look for scouts in the direction and area of Springdale. Padre would look elsewhere, together they would hopefully not be surprised.

Padre put the Field Glasses up to his eyes.

OOC:

16:46, Today: Albert (Padre) Juhasz rolled 9,12 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 7,(6+4)10.  Notice Roll, Scouting the horizons.
I did not know what bonus, if any, to apply for the field glasses. Judge can say if I get one.


16:48, Today: Albert (Padre) Juhasz rolled 5,11 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,(6+5)11.  Stealth Roll, per judge.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 41):

As they approach town, Tracy studies the bluff, looking for viable paths to climb. ~Should be looking out for tracks as well, just in case,~ Windham thinks, considering the Professor's comment about other potential scouts.

Memories of his childhood flash before the Californian's eyes. He had much practice moving without being seen by others. It was the only way he could have survived.

OOC:

09:39, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 3,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,5.  Survival check.

09:39, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 10,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+2)10,3.  Stealth check.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 42):

"Good thinking fellas,let's keep alert behind us as well...I'll stay with Jake and the horses too, I don't have much experience with reconissance"


-------------------------------------------
08:58, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 2,4 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4.  Stealth Roll .
08:56, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 3,4 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2.  Notice Roll - horizon check.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 43):

OOC: The Judge's takeaway from the narrative is:

Jake, Tommy, and Daniel stay back with the horses.
Tracy, Earnest, and Padre go ahead and climb up to scout. Depending on what they might learn, Padre may go forward into town to scout closer.

Assuming these are accurate assessments, and using the die rolls, here where we are now:

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

While the professor and the man-who-used-to-be-called Albert keep their eyes on the horizon or up the foothills, and the Irishman and the Texican guard the rear, the Californian shifts his attention to the ground. It means the Wolverine dismounts from time-to-time to investigate sign more closely. It proves worthwhile. Tracy knows from previous experience that some traders travel this road between the threes towns and settlements to the east, such as Hite, where he, Tommy, and Jake had gone to deliver El Presidente to the local magistrate. Tracy wouldn't be surprised to find wagon tracks -- old or recent -- although it's just as likely to find none. He wouldn't expect to find much foot or horse traffic, but he does indeed see fresh human tracks as the men near their destination -- cowboy boots and military style books, and horse tracks that loop southwest away from the road.

Just a few minutes earlier, Padre and Earnest had picked out a bluff above they thought would provide a good view above the town. Far enough away to avoid detection, they reasoned, not too far to observe. As Tracy, stops, Juhasz scans the area with the rifleman's field glasses. He spies a group of men on foot, about one-third mile from town -- that is about halfway between town and the spot where the riders had lingered while Windham examines the tracks. They move like some kind of patrol.

Daniel Knight, who had stayed in the middle and rested as suggested, asks to borrow field glasses after Padre alerts the others. He reckons they are some of the same invaders he saw before.

The men realize they need to act now to avoid detection. A nearby gully spotted by Ringgenberg will have to do as a place to hold the horses while three of the men advance up the foothills to the bluff.

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

OOC: We're going to do a quick encounter here. See next message.

OOC: Everyone needs to make one roll to summarize what they are doing as the group splits and enacts their surveillance plan.

For the climbers, Athletics makes good sense, as does Stealth, Notice, or Survival. Provide narration along with your roll, about how your action furthers the goal of sneaking up the hillside to the bluff without being observed by the patrol. Each of the three can make any of ONE of these rolls -- or something else you think of -- and it's more interesting to the Judge if all 3 aren't the same and narration assembled by the group works for the situation.

The other three can make Riding, Stealth, or Notice rolls -- or any other roll you think is appropriate with narration for the situation. This involves moving all six horses from the road to a gully about 100 yards to the east (backwards). Same as the others, please provide narration for how your action helps reach that goal. The Judge skipped rolls for Daniel in the lead up, but will make one for this QE, after Jake and Tommy post.

In general, there's no order in which you need to go, but you should read the previous player's narration and roll before making yours, and then building on whatever was done before your post.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 45):

As The Professor, Mr Windham and Padre move towards the bluff, Padre keeps his eyes, and the field glasses he had gotten back from Mr Knight, trained on the scouting group he had eyed.

Padre figures as long as the group knew where the scouts were and what the scouts were looking at and where the scouts were headed, the pards would be able to ascend the bluff without being spotted.

Someone needed to keep tabs on the scouts. Padre maintained a close watch.

OOC:


08:47, Today: Albert (Padre) Juhasz rolled 3,7 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5.  Notice Roll - Watching the scouts.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 45):

As they approach the bluffs, Earnest casts a discerning eye over the rock face, trying to pick a path that can be climbed quickly with minimal chance of dislodging any rocks that could alert the patrol.

06:48, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 16,7 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (8+6)14,5.  Science - Evaluate bluffs.

OOC: I used science for the examination/evaluation of the rock face... let me know if that's too much of a reach!

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 45):

This time, Tracy brings up the rear as the three men ascend the foothills. Confident in his climbing abilities, he intended to give his pards support should one stumble or fall. While unlikely, such an event could derail their entire plan from the start.

OOC:

10:03, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 2,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,1.  Athletics, quick encounter.

10:03, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 13,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+5)13,4.  Athletics QE reroll.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 45):

The Texican glanced over his shoulder and picked out a gully back the way that the party had come as a likely place to hold the horses while the scouts went ahead for their look-see . . . and mayhap more than that, from Padre's point of view.

Turning his horse around and using his knees and reins to guide his own mount, Jake said "That gully back yonder a waeys looks like just the spot to hold these-here horses."

Using the loose end of his rope, Jacob lightly tapped the now-riderless horses on their flanks and chivvied them along with a combination of whistles and gentle urgings . . .

---

OOC:
11:38, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 10,5 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+4)10,5.  Riding Check re: Moving Horses into Gully.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 49):

Tommy looks back to the spot Jake indicated

"Well spotted Jake, that's your military training kicking in...I didn't even notice that when we passed by"

Tommy helps Jake move the pards horses toward the gully. He follows Jake's lead, imitating his gentle and calm action with the rope, but on the other side of the herd
-----------------------------------------------------
07:56, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 5,5 using d4+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 3,3.  Riding - herd horses toward gully - benny roll.
07:55, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 2,1 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,1.  Riding - herd horses toward gully.
-benny deducted
This message was last edited by the player at 20:20, Thu 29 June 2023.

When Jake talked about the gully, Daniel Knight had nodded enthusiastically. He seemed ready to speak, but waited for Tommy to chime in.

As Jake and Tommy round up the riderless horses, Daniel speaks up.

"I know that wash, Mr. Richardsen. It is a good choice. Follow me and I shall guide us there quickly, safely, and unseen."

OOC: Daniel uses Common Knowledge as a lifelong resident of these parts.

11:17, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 3,11 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(6+5)11.  DK CK terrain.

OOC: The players got good rolls and provided fun role-playing narrative. Both teams succeeded at the Quick Encounter and were able to achieve their goals.

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

Ringgenberg, Juhasz, and Windham pick their way up the hillside. Each of them minds a particular task, and their team work gets them up to a decent spot to both hide and observe—a small bluff with a sizable boulder. Still, they deduce that only one person can observe with field glasses at a time if they want to remain unobserved themselves. The other two must stay about three yards away, backs to the hillside, or flat on their bellies behind the boulder.

The three pards settle in. Who wishes to go first? they seem to ask each other via nods and other gestures.

At nearly the same time, Richardsen and Pearce follow the young Knight over a ridge and into the trench a ways off the road. Daniel leads the mounts into a cave-like space -- with no ceiling, just sky -- just large enough to keep everyone out of view. The young man is confident they reached the ridge before the patrol could spy them. Problem is, they can't see much themselves either from this hidey-hole. The three men endeavor to keep the kids quiet for a spell, while keeping their ears open for any sounds of approach, whispering as needed.

At a precise moment, each man in each three-men group remembers they had seven, not six.

Red Shirt. Gone. Veered off somewhere along the road, lingered at the rear until we forgot about him. Probably, he drifted off just as they witnessed the patrol.

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

OOC: Interesting ... free posting now with limited rolling as needed. One person at a time can observe from the bluff, without risking being seen (Notice roll, the Judge will account for the effects of the field glasses or telescope, but of course weave that into the narrative). First person who posts goes first, etc., unless a player chooses to wait for another to go first or the heroes declare more than one observer at a time, taking the risk.

The group in the gully is essentially waiting it out. But if a hero wants to do something like sneak out and try to observe the road or listen with Notice, post freely and make a roll.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 52):

Padre, crept up from behind the boulder to the vantage spot. Padre, figuring he was already holding the field glasses, the others would expect him to use it. Padre addresses the other two Pards as he creeps forward.

Ill take a gander, stay low.

Padre hold the field glasses up to his eyes and peers through.

The town comes into sharp view. Oddly while Padre was eager to scout, he realizes never having been there before he may be at a disadvantage for landmarks or faces. Never the less, Padre sees what he can.

Padre heads back to the boulder and offers the field glasses to the next Pard, both men of reasoning and observance. A Professor and an Investigator.

OOC:
12:17, Today: Albert (Padre) Juhasz rolled 8,6 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 6,4.  Padre - Scouting notice roll from bluff.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 53):

Tracy had removed his spyglass from his haversack as they neared the bluff. However, seeing the lone boulder, he replaced it. Only one of them could observe at a time, anyway.

The investigator nods and takes the field glasses proffered by Padre. He peers around the rock and lifts the glasses to his eyes.

OOC:

08:01, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 2,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5.  Notice, scouting.

08:02, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 2,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5.  Notice, scouting reroll.

Well worth the Benny, I'd say.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 54):

Earnest takes his turn at the boulder, looking over the town for signs of occupation and looking around the area for roving patrols. He will also note if the patrols get near areas of cover (i.e., potential ambush sites).

06:54, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 3,4 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4.  Notice - scout town/area.

06:55, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 28,3 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (10+10+8)28,3.  Notice - scout town/area, free reroll.

OOC: Another hella roll! Probably ensuring the impending CF will occur at the worst possible time!

Padre pulls himself to the edge of the bluff, using the Texican's field glasses before his two pards take their turn. Padre sees what appear to be regular townsfolk going about their mid-day routines. For several moments, things look normal to him. Soon enough, though, he tracks the movement of the foot patrol they had spied earlier. Juhasz has no doubts about their intent. They patrol a perimeter around the east side town, extending roughly one-quarter mile away and then looping back.

Tracy takes his turn at the edge, borrowing the glasses and gazing down. Like Padre, the Californian sees folks going about their usual chores and such. He recognizes the small public house in town, and sees the proprietor speaking to another citizen. Things seem normal to him, except for the foot patrol.

Earnest takes the last stint, scanning the area. He sees mostly the same as the others, with a couple of additional observations. First, he sights another patrol, this one on horseback, on the western side of the town. It appears they are riding back and forth along the road between Rockville and Springdale -- perhaps all the way to Grafton, although the professor cannot see that far along the road from this vantage point. Second, Ringgenberg catches sight of two armed men walking around the public square. Another patrol, it appears.

So while the three men compare notes and agree the town seems peaceful -- and none of the men spy any signs of a recent struggle, or damage such as fire, broken down doors or any of the like -- it's clearly not the same Springdale that anyone remembers. These patrols are new, and it seems clear they are composed of the invaders as described by Daniel, rather than any local men known to the heroes. The most likely conclusion is that the folks of Springdale capitulated rather than fought. Perhaps a good thing, judging from the observations of these patrols. They have a militaristic and disciplined demeanor, which was certainly not something the regular townsfolk ever displayed.

The men with the horses continue to wait. So far, they've had no cause to alarm. No one comes close to them, at least as evidenced by their own ears. Nothing to do but wait for the other three to return from their scouting -- or venture out of the gully before that time.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 56):

The Texican scratched his chin whiskers. "I got some cards," he observed. "We-uns could pass the time with a little poker."

Then, upon reconsideration, he remarked "Not certain-sure how long we'll be holed up here, howsomever. Edit: Might or might not be here long e-nough to have much of a game."

Then another thought seemingly occurred to the rifleman. He pulled a plug of Bull Durham from his shirt pocket and cut off a piece with his pocket knife. "Anybody care for a chaw?" he asked, offering the tobacco to Eirish and Daniel Knight, in turn.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:54, Sat 01 July 2023.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 57):

"Yeah go on, let's have a piece ..or a plug as you say. Haven't tried chewin tobacco since I was a teen...and yes we'll get to that poker game somehwere down the line"

Tommy looks over to Daniel breifly to see if he'll take Jake up on his offer.
~wouldn't think that's Daniel cup of tea really~

"Jake..dya think we can possibly sneak across that river at night?."

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 56):

Earnest looks pensive.

Well, they certainly seem to have been occupied... but no signs of a fight. Perhaps we should rejoin the others and discuss our plan?

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 58):

Jacob cut off a plug of Bull Durham and handed it to the Irishman. "Thaere ya go. Enjoy it ihn good health."

"Waal, I know for a fact that thaere's at least one ford for gettin' accrost the river," the Texican responded to his pard's question. "But I don't recollect what the cover is lieke on both siedes uhv the rih-ver, leadin' up to it."

Jake turned to the younger Knight. "I reckon that Daniel, here, is our ex-pert regardin' the rih-ver."

The young Knight responds to the discussion.

"I could lead us to a few safe fords, depending on where you want to cross. North of Springdale are more difficult crossings. Back the way we came a half mile or so is easier, if you want to cross to the south banks."

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 59):

I think so. We should make ready with the group before deciding further action.

Padre considered running into down at full speed with Repentance and Redemption full akimbo. That is the kind of entrance these sinners deserve.

He further considered that maybe it was a good thing they would talk about their plan as a group.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 62):

"I agree." He nods to the Professor, who spied their safe route up to the bluff. "I'll be right behind you."

The two groups reconvene roughly 100 yards east of the gully where Jake and Tommy had hidden the horses.

OOC: As always, what's publicly posted is public knowledge; the three pards who climbed up to the bluff don't need to reiterate what they observed. The heroes can simply follow-up about what they want to do next.

It's about 4 p.m.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 64):

Padre, having rejoined Mr Richardsen, Mr Knight and Mr Pierce, along with the rest of the scouting party, handed the field glassed back to Mr Richardsen.

Thank you, sir.

Padre considered out loud what he had seen and what it had meant or not meant to him.

There is clearly a presence there. A head on attack, though the prodigious rifling skill we have amongst us is great, Im not sure would be the most prudent.

Padre considered his scripture.

Judges 20:32: “They are struck down before us, as at the first.” But the sons of Israel said, “Let us flee that we may draw them away from the city to the highways.”

Padre met eyes with each of the pards one by one.

We could draw one or two of the patrols away from the perimeter or out of the town to a point of advantage for us. I will say, I could get into town as a Preacher and be there to blindside any sinners in town that straggle, or the other patrol on the west side.

Padre paused, his mouth curled slightly at the tasty prospects of this plan but he'd best not let on how eager he is for this.

I think Ive got my old priest garb stored back there in Genny's pack. I remember how to play the part.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:51, Tue 04 July 2023.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 65):

Earnest listens carefully.

Trying to draw out a patrol might work... If you went into town, you'd best do it unarmed Padre... or at least with something you don't mind losing. An occupying force will probably confiscate all weaponry!

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 66):

"We don't know how many there are inside. I don't think we can risk any type of attack but harassing their patrols, taking down a few of them at a time, sounds like a good start"

"Padre if you go inside without weapons you'll have to be carefull but if they give you free rein you should be able to find out what's what from the locals"

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 64):

and

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 65):

and

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 66):

and

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 67):


"I'll ad-mit," the Texican said after listening to his pards for a bit, "these-here hard cases is a puzzlement to me."

"I mean, what do bandits do, 'most ev'ry time? They hit hard and fast, con-duct their bizness -- whether it be robbin' a bank, train, or staege-coach -- then skedaddle awaey, as quick as ever they can. But not these rascals."

"So . . . what maekes this group diff'rent? What maekes 'em tick?"

Jacob pursed his lips thoughtfully. "An' I'd be right int-rested to know who is a-leadin' these outlaws, an' what his background is. Is he ex-mil-itary? Puttin' out pah-trols an' taekin' land an' a-holdin' it, lieke it was a mili-tary cam-pain -- that maekes me think maybe he is."

"So . . . how's he liekely to re-act, if'n we start pickin' off his pah-trols? Does he have a sense of honor, so as to keep it betwixt us an' them, an' leave the townsfolk out of it?"

"Or, does he burn down one of the towns, jest to show us how much of a hard case he really is? Or shoot some of the low-cals, an' put out word that he's gonna shoot five -- or maybe ten -- towns-people for ev'ry man uhv his that we kill? Be right diff-icult to deal with a man lieke that."

Jake looked at Padre. "It ah-currs to me that if'n you was to ihn-sert yore-self into the town, yonder, you jest might be able to puzzle out the an-sers to some uhv them thaings."

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 68):

They definitely seem professional... I agree with Jake that they may be ex-military, but we also have to allow that they may be current military. This could be a clandestine incursion by Mexico!

He rubs his chin.

I hate to send Padre in there alone, but the town does seem peaceful enough... He should have at least one pistol since a completely unarmed lone trail rider, even a priest, might also be considered strange.

He looks back towards the bluffs.

One or two of us could also keep an eye on Padre's progress from our lookout spot.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 69):

Certainly want that eagle eye on me. Agreed on a single pistol too. Even had a small one one me as a seminarian, pretty common.

Padre knew what was to come. He hadn't worn that froc and cassock in a long time. Padre still wore the collar as he needed a reminder of why he does what he does but the pomp and circumstance of the vestments was something else.

Let me check Genny.

Padre didnt have to check, he knew it was there. Padre reached into a pack on the back of the saddle on Genny. He found it. He pulled it out. With a flick of his elbows he unrolled the long black robe he had spent so much time of his younger life in. A cloud of dust plumed out of the rippled clothing as it settled and padre held it out in front of him at arms length, sizing it up.

It will fit. It will be uncomfortable but not because of the size.

Padre reached in once more and pulled out a string of red beads at the end of which was a crucifix. He held it in his hand silently.

I think I have the costume ready.

OOC:
As per prior discussion with The Judge, Burning a benny, to find the outfit.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 69):

Jacob turned and stared at Earnest when the Perfesser gave voice to the idea that the intruders might be nothing less than a shadow-invasion by Mexico.

The Texican snapped his fingers. "I'll bet you're right! Them Frenchies -- they're after the trezshure!"

"That's the only reason for them to staey ah-round in Mexico. Ain't no reason for them to be fightin' to hold onto the good-for-nuthin' place, otherwise!"

OOC: Seems like a plan is nearly agreed upon, although it's not completely clear to the Judge what the other characters will be doing while Padre enters town. There is talk of observing (from the bluff?), which is fine, but need to know who is doing that and who is staying with horses (and where) and who is doing something else. If each player can state or confirm inclinations in upcoming posts, we can move forward.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 72):

Tracy listens intently as his pards speak. The investigator agrees; one of them should scout ahead, and it makes sense for it to be Padre. "I can scout from the bluff again."

He then pauses for a moment, realizing that he had some questions. "What comes next after Padre's scouting? ...and what is our plan if it all goes south?"

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 73):

Padre considers the investigators point.

What do we want? Do we want to attack? If so, I can send a signal to the eagle eye when Im in position? Do we want to just garner information? If so, I can be 'Passing through' and stop for a drink and move out?

Padre rubs his chin.

I can certainly hold my own against a reasonable number but if shooting starts I wont be long for this world against all them.

Padre scratches his scruff.

Right now, we have the advantage, how do we want to use it?

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 74):

Let's not be too eager to attack gents. A rash attack will ave us up against who knows what. If we can enlist some support from them townsfolk we'll be in grand shape

Tommy spits into the dirt. He recalled the immediate head rush he had when he tried chaw as a teenager, only a slight hint of that so far. It was not unpleasant.

He looks over at Daniel: I'm still interested in sneaking across the river and into town at night. Can you show me the easier crossings we passed?

He turns to the other pards If I can get into town unseen at night I can pass myself off as a local. I'll learn what I can and then try to meet up with Padre. We can signal you from there or I'll sneak back out and rendezvous with you here. How's that sound?

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 75):

Earnest nods as the others speak.

I agree, attack right now should be the last option... If Padre can get into town without a fuss and gather information we can plan from there. Tracy can keep an eye on him as he enters and the rest of us will be ready to ride; if it looks like Padre is getting in trouble Tracy can signal us and we'll ride in for that last option.

Earnest looks over to Padre.

Once you get in town, if it looks like things are peaceful you should signal us... perhaps you could face our general direction and cross yourself?

He then looks to Tommy.

If you're confident you can sneak in tonight Tommy, perhaps you could carry Padre's weapons to him? Then you could find out what he has learned and return to tell us...

He rubs his chin.

If we decide that attack is in order, then tomorrow we could fire a single shot when a patrol is near to lure them in... that would also be a signal to Padre that our attack will commence soon, after we deal with the patrol.

He sits back and sighs.

What do you all think?

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 75):

and

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 76):

The Texican was now whittling a stick, seemingly with the goal of making a smaller stick, seeing as how the whittled stick did not have the appearance of man nor beast.

He glanced at Padre and Eirish. "In my oh-pinyon, recon . . . reconoiter . . . gettin' as good a look-see as we can afore we act is ihm-portant."

"'Cause then, like the hop-toad with his tail afire, we'll have a better idea which waey the wind is a-blowin'."

OOC: Everyone has posted and weighed in some fashion. Thanks. Here's how the Judge sees it.

Padre intends to ride into town, posing as a priest new to the towns of Nouveau Zion. His goal is to reconnoitre and send a signal to the group's eye on the bluff, Tracy, as to a general status of the locals in town. Tracy can relay a signal to the men who remain behind with the horses; if Juhasz is in trouble, the men will make a foray into town or attempt to lure out the bandits. Time is growing shorter for a daylight entrance, but there's still enough time for that if Padre departs soon.

Meanwhile, Tommy intends to sneak into town after dark, using Daniel's advice to make an unseen approach. Possibly, he would carry a weapon (or weapons) for Padre (see below). The Irishman's goal is pass as a local once in town and gather more information.

Either Tommy or Padre or both will signal to the bluff, or sneak out to bring a report if things go smoothly. Possibly, they would connect in town, especially if Pearce carries anything for Juhasz. It is entirely up to Padre as to what he decides to take with him, leave with the others, or give to Tommy. Likewise, it is up to Tommy to describe what he takes with him (his own gear or Padre's).

Jake, Earnest, and Daniel plan to hang back with the horses (except for Genny), awaiting signals from the bluff or the return of the men doing reconnaissance. If necessary, they will fire guns to draw the attention of the patrols or distract them from goings-on in town. This element of the plan requires someone to establish a position between the bluff and the wash (or wherever they gather with the horses) in order to easily relay signals.

The Judge will assume the men have worked out rudimentary signals, without the need to spell them out explicitly. If things go awry, we'll make additional die rolls and do RP to figure it out.

If this sounds correct to the players, we can proceed. These things will need to happen first, and then we'll take it from there.

Padre: provide narrative indicating what he wants to bring and how he wants to approach the town. Also, declare anything he gives to Tommy. Make a Stealth roll for his "disguise" and any attempt to hide weapons or otherwise "hide" his reasons for entering town or his own identify (1 roll covers it all).

Tommy: provide narrative indicating what he wants to bring when he sneaks into town (his own things or Padre's). Make a Stealth roll for his attempt to sneak in unnoticed. Daniel doesn't need to make a roll, he knows the area well and can give Tommy the information needed -- which doesn't need to be spelled out, we'll just assume Tommy has good enough info to make the attempt.

Tracy: Make Stealth roll to sneak up to the bluff again unnoticed, or make an Athletics (climbing) at –2 for the same purpose (either, not both). Make a Notice roll from the bluff to observe the town and follow the movements of his pards.

Jake and Earnest: Decide who is staying with Daniel and horses, and who is establishing a "mid-point" position to relay signals with Tracy. In the Judge's view, whoever says "me" first is the person, and that person needs to make a Stealth roll AND a Notice roll to carry out that part of the plan. The other person makes one roll of their choice for handling the horses and keeping them out-of-sight, and a Notice roll for keeping watch for the signals from the person who takes the mid-point position.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 78):

Padre dons his old outfit. It slipped on as a worn in leather jacket would hug shoulders it knows well, seemingly falling into place. The old priest outfit. Padre must become the old priest.

Padre decides to give Mr Pearce both of his pistols. He hands the holsters carrying repentance and redemption to Pearce. Padre lifts and throws a leg over Genny.

I dont want to risk them being taken from me. God Speed, Mr Pearce.

Padre yanks the reins to turn Genny towards town. But he pauses and looks back at Mr Pearce.

Be careful with those. If necessary, you should know, they kick something fierce.

Padre, in his old self, remembering his old ways, weaponless, rides towards the main road into town. He pats a pocket and feels the form of his seminary bible sitting, waiting.

OOC:

16:56, Today: Albert (Padre) Juhasz rolled 4,3 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,3.  Benny reroll.

16:56, Today: Albert (Padre) Juhasz rolled 2,3 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,3.  Padre Disguise of form and intent. .

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 78):

Earnest will take up the midpoint position, grinning at Jake as he leaves.

You're better with the horses than I!

07:26, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 2,2 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2.  Stealth - Get to mid-position.

07:26, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 1,1 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1.  Stealth - Get to mid-position, benny reroll.

07:28, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 2,11 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,(6+5)11.  Notice - signaling.

OOC-1: Welp, we knew the Crit was coming for Earnest... Not sure if the Notice is moot, but I rolled it anyway.

OOC-2: Can I assume Tommy's actions won't happen until we see Padre get into town safely (i.e., if it goes sideways immediately and Tracy signals us, Tommy would ride in with us)? Also, I assume Padre and Tommy have worked out a meeting place in town (e.g., the outhouse behind the saloon).

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 80):

OOC: Interesting circumstances for the CF. The Judge will handle that as we move forward. Notice is still usable.

As for #2 ... you can assume Tommy's won't happen until after Padre gets there, but that really depends on what Tommy chooses to do. So the Judge can only say "understood" but can't rule on that until Tommy posts. It's fine to assume things like "where to meet" and "what the signals are." We'll work that out in narrative as needed.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 78):

and

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 79):

and

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 80):

Jake looked on as Padre donned the vestments of what appeared to be -- to the Texican's eye -- a Papist priest. There weren't many Papists in Jacob's part of Texas -- well, except for the Mexicans, of course, who were a whole 'nother story.

Before the War, the rifleman would have given a Papist a big dose of the Stink-Eye. But things were different now . . . the War had changed a lot of things, including Jacob's relationship with the Almighty.

So, as it was, the Texican merely nodded to Padre as the ex-priest made his preparations and departed for town. One could not tell from Jake's expression (seeing as how the Texican was a fair-to-middling poker player) whether he approved, disapproved, or fell somewhere in the middle when it came to Papists.

"Waal, I reckon," Jacob muttered, leaning over to spit some tobacco juice on the dusty ground when Earnest made his comment about the Texican being better with horses than he was. Truth be told, the easterner was getting a little better when it came to riding and such-like, but even so, nobody would mistake him for a natural-born horseman.

Jacob turned to Jacob Knight. "Looks like it'll be us-uns who're mindin' the horses."

The Texican idly scratched his chin-whiskers. "I don't rightly know whether that means we drawed the short straw, or not. But we'll maeke do. Thaere's a lot worse things we could be a-doin'."

---

OOC: 11:13, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 1,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3.  Smarts (re: Keeping the Horses Settled and Content).

11:15, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 7,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,4.  Benny Re-Roll (Smarts, Horses).

Notes: It seemed to me that the horses (except for Padre's Genny, of course) would not have been moved from the spot which had been previously picked out for them. Thus, Jake's job would arguably boil down to looking after them (in place) and keeping them content. I used the Texican's "Smarts" Attribute to account for Jacob applying his common sense and "horse sense". A Benny has been deducted from Jake's total, due to the Re-Roll.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 82):

Tommy accepts the weapons from Padre seeing they were very special to him. As he holds them and asseses their feel and balance he understands Padre's attachment.

"I will do my best to return these to you unharmed...but maybe not unused"

He knew if he got caught in town with them he would need a damn good story as to why he was carrying so many weapons.

Tommy takes the pistols over to his horse and puts them in a small burlap sack that he ties to the saddle horn. He then rummages around and finds the items he kept from the old treasure box in the cave.. ~Ahh there it is~

He returns to Padre and hands him a cross of fine silver with a few small jewels embedded. A couple were missing but it still retained a look of real legitimate religious quality
"Never knew a priest to be without his cross. It's a real lovely piece of work, it'll impress the locals I'm sure and may give you a bit of added mystery too"

Tommy continued

"I'll go in as soon as it's dark. Let's give ourselves most of the day* to figure out the state of things. We can meetup at the church tomorrow evening...don't know where that is but I'm bettin a month's wages this town has one"
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
-- Padre has his small cross -msg 70 - but assuming Tommy did not see it

*I know that's a lot in game time but figured that's realistic for the situation. With the other pards waiting we don't have to RP all that time.

09:10, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 2,10 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,(6+4)10.  Stealth role - sneak into town.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:35, Sat 15 July 2023.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 83):

Tracy merely nods as his pards discuss the plan and his role within it. After his lengthy survival training, the investigator seems to mirror Red Shirt when the Paiute leaves their group.

Windham picks his way up to the bluff once again, quickly and methodically. He knew the path well by now, so he could focus on silencing his movements as he climbed.

Now perched behind the rock once again, the investigator peers around it and spots Padre approaching the town. He lifts the field glasses to his eyes for a closer look.

OOC:

14:24, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 10,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+2)10,3.  Stealth check, climbing.

14:25, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 6,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,5.  Notice check, tracking Padre.

The men discuss and agree on a few particulars before Padre rides towards town atop Genny. Daniel chimes in, confirming Mr. Pearce's comment about a church in Springdale. He elaborates, noting there is a chapel and also a meetinghouse. The latter, the young Knight insists, is a better place for Padre and Tommy to meet, if needed. Lastly, Daniel politely cautions Juhasz, as these towns don't have priests, per se. Padre understands, having passed through the towns and learning about the ways of the Saints, especially in Grafton. Daniel's point was clear; Padre will be viewed as an outsider with people assuming he came from the east, through Hite. He won't suffer ill will because of his priestly robes, but he may find people a mite shy to his inquiries.

Before Juhasz sets out, Windham returns to the foothills and climbs up to the bluff, again. As he settles in, Tracy spies the professor taking up a position on the mesa. To the Californian's mind, it doesn't seem like an ideal spot, but it works insofar as the Wolverine can shift his view towards the town and back to Earnest easily enough.

Richardsen and Knight remain near the wash where they can mind the horses, while keeping a line of sight on Earnest and watching Padre depart. Jake reasons it's best to leave the kids there, after surveying the landscape and making sure he can see the professor. He can, mayhaps too easily, he reckons. Pearce lingers with the horses and the two men, waiting for darkness to fall before leaving to sneak into town.

OOC: Up to Padre whether he takes the cross from Tommy. See next message as we will focus on Juhasz for the moment. As Tommy noted, we won't roleplay everything, but we will play out a few important moments as we go.

FYI, the Judge considers Jake's roll to be Notice, rather than Smarts with the same die type (typically, skills are used for such rolls unless the activity is with an attribute that has no skills -- e.g. Strength to move an obstacle).

Earnest: CF on Stealth. This means he thinks he's out of sight of any patrols, but he isn't. Please play it as if Earnest thinks he chose a good spot, unaware of his failure, as he can see both Jake and Tracy.

Tommy: it's unclear whether Tommy plans to sneak in with his mount, or without. The tying of the sack to the pommel makes the Judge uncertain of the character's intent. Please specify.

As always, players should feel free to post any IC narrative while the Judge is playing out any scenes with Padre and Tommy as they enter town to gather info.

Padre directs Genny along the road towards Springdale. He gets within about 200 yards of the closest building when he sees a foot patrol gather on the road ahead -- four men armed with rifles. They stop, roughly 100 yards from town, waiting while approaches.

When Juhasz draws near, riding calmly and hoping they perceive him in the way he intends, one of men calls out.

"Greetings, traveler. What is your business in the towns?" he says.

After Padre explains, keeping the plan and Daniel's advice in mind, the patrol leader shrugs.

"All right. You'll need to surrender your weapons. And pay the one dollar toll. You'll get your gear when you depart." The leader awaits Padre's response, as the one of the others keeps an eye on him, and the last two scan the mesa behind and around Juhasz.

Meanwhile, Tracy watches the encounter from his perch above. He can see the patrol has stopped Padre, although they seem civil enough as they speak to him. The investigator notes that at least one of the four patrolmen is glancing around, including up into the foothills. Still, Tracy remains confident they have't spotted him.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 86):

Padre raised his arms out wide, palms facing the patrol. He resembled a cross.

As odd as it may be, I am unarmed. If you check, you will find only the trappings of my faith.

Padre lowers his arms and extends a large silver piece, paying the toll.

And this.

Padre continues to make eye contact with the leader of the patrol, being careful not to be indicate anything is afoot.


I am weary. I would very much like to get something to eat and drink and commune.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 87):

The patrol leader pauses before sending one of the other men to collect the coin and verify Padre's statement about being unarmed. Once the man nods in affirmation, the leader speaks again.

"You rode here unarmed? Where did you come from?" he asks.

Tracy witnesses the man searching Padre.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 88):

Back east. Moving around since the war. Wherever I'm needed. Wherever I can help. And yes, unarmed. I will not kill. In my travels, I have found that if I put my faith in Him, He will never abandon me.

Padre winced inside.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 89):

"I see. All right. Carry on, Mister ...?" says the patrol leader, obviously expecting to hear a name in response. Meanwhile, his men step aside to let the man-who-used-to-be-called Albert pass.

Two steady, drifting plumes of smoke mark Padre's approach to Springdale. Ahead, buildings come into better view. As he come nearer, the first building he sees appears to be a boarding house; there’s a sign with a bed and a basin. Up the road a piece he spies a livery and the chapel, followed by long buildings on each side of the road leading right to the edge of the canyon. Juhasz also notices two more patrolmen -- one leaning against the corner of the livery and the second walking along the face of the one of the long rowhouse buildings -- and a few townsfolk going about their late afternoon chores.

Windham watches from the bluff, through the spyglass, as Genny and her rider approach the buildings. He knows that from time to time, he might lose sight of Padre because of the town's layout. Especially if Juhasz goes indoors.

OOC: Unless Padre decides to say or do something strange at the last moment, he can proceed into Springdale.

Please post some narrative as to what Padre intends to do (and make a roll or two accordingly, especially if he's trying to learn information from the locals. He knows about the chapel and the meetinghouse, as well as a public house called "Jonesies" which is in one of the long row houses. Like the Prickly Pear in Grafton, Jonesies serves nothing stronger than beer and wine -- when they have it all. Daniel had also mentioned a policeman named Hatch, as well as some artisans, tradesmen, and farmers.

Note: Tracy said "field glasses" but let's assume he is using his own spyglass now, with others holding on to their own field glasses or binoculars at this time.

Soon, we will pick up with Tommy's entry ... allowing for the passage of some time with Padre's initial attempts to gain information in town.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 90):

Its Father. Father Albert. Padre responds to the Leader as he rides past. He knows he hasn't given that name freely as of late and should be safe.

Padre knows what he is here to do. Survive and not tip anyone off as long as he can, at least until Mr Pearce can meet with him later on. He also needs information.

Who are thes patrols? What are they doing here? How many are there? Are they holed up elsewhere too? Are the townsfolk in danger? Are they afraid?

A lot of questions ran through Padre's head that afternoon. Padre tried to glean as much information as he could. He headed first to the Chapel. Thinking he may have luck. He offered to hear confession from anyone of the Catholic way, knowing if there were any religious folk that they may be Protestant out here or Mormon. A little trust can go a long way.

Padre went to get something to eat at "Jonesies". Padre knew he couldnt drink. But he could definitely eat. Padre tried to be as observant as possible and listen in on peoples conversations as best he could. He thought about pressing the barkeep but there were far too many people around to not raise suspicion.

After eating, Padre went to the boarding house and secures a bed for himself. If all went smoothly, he would need it. Padre tried to gain some information from the man behind the desk when the opportunity presented itself. Padre kept an eye out for other boarders too.

As the day went on Padre kept a lookout for the Policemen he had heard of from Mr Knight. If anyone would be able to shed light would be him.

OOC:.


09:47, Today: Albert (Padre) Juhasz rolled 8,6 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 6,4.  Notice roll - Listening in to convos in Jonsies.

09:45, Today: Albert (Padre) Juhasz rolled 1,1 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1.  Persuade information from the townsfolk .- reroll.

09:45, Today: Albert (Padre) Juhasz rolled 2,4 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4.  Persuade information from the townsfolk .

Ouch. Just Ouch. Thats a confidence hit for Padre.. The Right arm of The Lord that can do nothing right

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 91):

Windham sees Padre dismount Genny at the chapel. He ties off the mare and disappears for a time.

For Juhasz, it feels odd to enter this chapel. With no one lingering outside the building, he had decided to go in. He had seen a few townsfolk glancing at him as he rode in, but none seemed inclined to speak without being spoken to. He gets the feeling they are more than a little suspicious of him. Daniel did warn him, he remembers.

Once he enters, Padre begins to understand. As he suspected, this is a Mormon church, small but clean and well-cared-for. In fact, he meets an Elder who is sweeping up, perhaps in preparation for an upcoming event. Elder Olsen, Padre learns, is a genial man who recognizes the priestly garments. They strike up a conversation, during which Padre gathers it's highly unlikely he'll be hearing anyone's confessions in Springdale.

It's a good start, he reckons, establishing himself here as a guest, especially if the patrolmen take any interest in his activities. He hadn't seen but the two additional men so far; that made six by his count. Anyhow, better to go slow for now, holding any questions until a more opportune time. He remembers Daniel's note about "Jonesies," and he had smelled some cooking as he passed the row house on the left.

Finally, Tracy sees Juhasz exiting the chapel and entering a door in one of the row houses.

The place is clean and the food is edible, although nothing special. Padre remembers the meal at the Prickly Pear in Grafton, which was superior in flavor and texture. It feels fine to eat ... and listen. Turns out, the policeman named Hatch is here, speaking to Jonesie and another gentleman. Again, the time didn't feel right insofar as posing questions, but by eating slowly and keeping his ears open, Padre catches a few hushed words about the patrols, which none of these townsfolk seem happy about. Apparently, Padre is the first visitor they've seen in two days, not even a soul from the other two towns. The patrolmen -- Jonesie calls them soldiers more than once -- are exacting tithes from the townspeople. While they are used to giving to the church, they seem perplexed about giving to these men, whom Jonesie also likens to bandits under his breath. "They say they're the law now. How long will you stand for it?" he whispers to Hatch. And it's clear to Padre that they are in the dark about what's happening in Rockville or Grafton, beyond what Daniel had already relayed. In short, they are definitely concerned. And they glanced his way a few times, but no one speaks to him beyond polite words of greeting or as it relates to his meal.

When Padre exits, twilight is settling over the town. He reminds himself to look for the policeman again, perhaps to get a private word, but for now, securing a place for Genny and himself takes precedence.

The Wolverine spies Padre collecting Genny and heading back to the boarding house. A few lanterns are lit in town, enough for Tracy to continue observing, but it's getting dark now and it won't be as easy into the night.

Finally, Padre works up the gumption to inquire with the matron of the boarding house, who seemed grateful to welcome a new customer. Unfortunately, her reaction alarms him. "You spying for them then?" she asks, with both fear and condemnation in her voice. A boarder who was taking tea nearby turns to witness the encounter, as well. "Well?"

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 92):

In the diminsihing twilight Tommy did the last prep for sneaking into town. He unloaded a few of his personal items into his leather bag. This and his long guns he set down by Jake.

"Appreciate it if you could carry these for me for a bit"

His trusty Webley was loaded and in his jacket pocket. His switchblade was in his boot. The old bedroll and other travelling gear he dumped on the ground. He would take his horse but only lightly loaded with his toolkit. He reasoned it would be a burden for the other pards to have an extra mount if they had to move or fight. Plus having a horse would be an asset if he could keep it.

He set off into the darkness and worked his way down along the river's edge alone.

Daniel had indicated the crossing was surprisingly in a wider part of the river, just past the second bend to the right. Indicated by several long lines of ripples was a natural sand bank built up from the sediment piled against some large ridge on the river bottom. In the middle where the ripples dissapeared was actually a solid rock bottom, also part of the ridge, the current would be the fastest here but normally quite manageable under these conditions.

After finding what seemed the right point he began moving across. Accomplishing this on the horse was nerve racking but in the end it was not so hard at all. The horse being more confident and experienced at crossings than Tommy.

He was careful to keep himself as dry as possible. Being dry would allow him to claim he had not crossed the river at all. He rode quietly through the darkness up to the edge of the town looking for patrols on either side. He dismounted and undid the burlap sack and tied it to his body with some rope in a harness setup. With the bag high on his back he donned his heavy jacket. Hunched forward in his saddle he hoped to be a convincing humpbacked handyman. It was now very late as he rode up the embankment and into one of the streets of Springdale.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
22:27, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 7,4 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (4+3)7,4.  Riding roll- crossing river .
This message was last edited by the player at 03:45, Wed 19 July 2023.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 92):

No Ma'am.

Padre shakes his head.

Just that, I've been through many a town. Its never good to see the townsfolk so concerned.

Padre turned his head to the nearby boarder who was now in the conversation.

Nigh on scared, I'd say.

Padre turned back to the Board Matron.

Wondering what was going on. How a humble man-of-God such as myself could assuage and ease the tension of the town.

Padre paused. Padre thought perhaps a lie might do the trick.

Passed through a town on the way out here, had a similar mood. Town tore itself apart.

Padre sniffled.

Dont want to see that happen again.

OOC:

09:55, Today: Albert (Padre) Juhasz rolled 9,2 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 9,2.  persuasion of the board folks.Benny reroll.

09:55, Today: Albert (Padre) Juhasz rolled 3,3 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,3.  persuasion of the board folks.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 85):

The Texican scratched his chin-whiskers as he stared out at the spot where Earnest had chosen to settle down.

"Don't seem to me like he's hid hisself awaey as good as he thinks he has," he remarked to Daniel.

"Reckon that don't surprise me none. It ain't the kinda thing that comes from book-learnin', which is whaere the Perfesser really shines."

Jake fell silent for a short while. "Don't s'pose I can com-mune-icaete all that to him from here. I'd have to try to venture out yonder my ownself an' speak to him, I reckon."

Then another thought occurred to the rifleman. "I wonder if'n he's a-plannin' to staey out yonder after dark-fall?" he pondered.

He turned to Daniel. "You reh-collect him saeyin', one waey or the other?"

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 93):

Pearce had run things through his mind a few times, and he knows he has a good plan. He crosses the river, keeping dry. Soon, he finds himself in reach of the town and feels good about the lack of events so far.

The mechanic wonders whether it's better to approach by walking the horse or riding in. The problem, the hunch-backed handyman grasps a bit too late in his plan, is what shall he do with the horse once he enters town? If he tries to pass as a local, taking the kid to the livery seems daft. If he's new to town and secures a stall in the livery, it could certainly draw attention. Most folks in these towns don't own a horse, as Tommy knows. He remembers when he and his pards took their horses after rescuing Elizabeth Knight. Horses are quite valuable in these parts. The patrolmen probably know that fact.

The Padre had ridden forth in plain sight. Tommy hadn't. The Irishman knew he could bluff his way through, if needed, but he never fancied that as his first choice. Better to have a story ready.

Therefore, the mechanic reins in his mount and stops to consider his options before making himself and his kid known in town. So far, so good. Tommy feels sure he wasn't noticed by the patrols up to now, and he hopes to keep it that way.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 94):

The matron of the boarding house watches with eyes wide, somewhat stunned perhaps, as Padre rambles his way through an explanation. Her stance softens, by and by.

"I suppose I can understand that." She shrugs, as if to drop the subject.

"We all do our best to stay on the right side of the Father."

The boarder taking tea returns to his own business, while the matron shows Albert to his small room. A bed, a stool with a wash basin, a candle, and one clean but well worn towel.

To avoid suspicion, Padre waits for a spell in his room before venturing out again. He knew Pearce would be arriving, as darkness now envelops Springdale, outside of the several street lanterns.

OOC: Gamewise, Padre's roll moved the matron's reaction level to a more neutral zone.

Padre should narrate what he intends to do next. He learns nothing because of the CF, but manages to recover enough to resume his charade.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 97):

"I do not know, Mr. Richardsen. It is an astute question. My understanding was 'yes' because Mr. Pearce wasn't moving in until night. But I cannot say ... for certain-sure as you might say ... exactly when the professor intends to return."

Daniel exhales and adds a thought. "I agree, regardless, as to his position being quite obvious. Let us hope the patrol stays near town."

OOC: Good RP here, Jake. For game purposes, I think it's fine for the players to "remember" what was discussed, based on Tracy and Earnest's plans for observing. The Judge's takeaway was that the men were planning to camp out in their chosen spots until their two pards returned, or the Wolverine smelled something amiss from the bluff. Not sure if that's what either of those heroes were actually thinking. Aa we noted earlier, we'll take for granted characters had discussed signals for contingencies. There could well be a signal for "let's regroup" or "stay at our posts." And the men can communicate this fact IC.

In reply to Daniel Knight (msg # 98):

OOC: I'll leave it to Tracy, but I would think he would come down before it gets too dark. Then we could rotate a watch at Earnest's position (though hopefully with better cover) just to make sure there isn't some kind of dust-up during the night. We could then resume our positions in the morning.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:02, Thu 20 July 2023.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 97):

Padre rests in his room until darkness.

That was close.. Imma bit surprised the locals weren't itching for some help. They must be really concerned.

There were a lot of these 'Bandits'.

Given what Jonesie said I think if we started things, they would come a running.

Padre wondered if any of the townsfolk had guns anymore or these 'Bandits' had taken them all.

Padre reckoned it was time to meet up with Pearce. The Church. That was where they were to meet. Padre figured it would be normal for him to be seen going into the church to commune.
First things first though.

Padre casually stepped out into the street and stood in the light of a streetlamp. He took his hat off, wiped his brow, brushed the brim of his cap, and replaced the hat. Padre was signaling the eagle eye, if he was still watching, that all was going according to plan so far.

Padre headed to the church. Padre removed his rosaries from his pocket. He moved beads between his hands and let the crucifix sway hanging from his left. If anyone would see him there would be no doubt what he was doing or where he was going.

Padre kept an eye out for the immediate area surrounding the church for a darkened corner perhaps out of watching eyes. Perhaps under the Church awning, perhaps around the back wall of the Church. Somewhere he and Mr. Pearce could meet.

OOC:

10:02, Today: Albert (Padre) Juhasz rolled 9,3 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 7,1.  Notice, Scan the church for meeting spot.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:31, Thu 20 July 2023.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 100):

It was mostly darkness on the edge of town, except one or two lanterns in windows. It was still quiet, no one around as far as he could tell. He was glad to be dry but he realized having his horse would now make things complicated. He needed to appear as an local townsman and not someone arriving from outside.

He quickly dismounted again. He removed the saddle and hid it in some high brush on the river bank. He gave his loyal steed a goodbye pat and then let him roam amongst the grassy areas. "Good luck friend...do us a favor and ang around here for a bit eh"

~Guess I'll owe Daniel a horse unless by a miracle I get im back somehow~

He now adopts a hunched pose and enters the street, walking with some pace toward the town center with his toolkit clearly in his hand. His eyes now scanning in the dark for any clue as to where the church would be located.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:16, Fri 21 July 2023.

In reply to Daniel Knight (msg # 98):

After speaking with Daniel Knight, Jacob turned his attention to the patrol. He reckoned that he needed to figure out whether he was better off leaving well enough alone and hoping that the town guards would not spot the Perfesser in the easterner's exposed position, or whether he had best ease out there to where Earnest thought himself to be safe from observation -- and telling his pard that he was a far sight easier to spot than the Perfesser reckoned he was.

The Texican studied the patrol for a while, gauging its movement and whether the men seemed to be paying any attention to the area where Earnest was hunkered down (waal . . . sort of).

---

OOC:
13:38, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 5,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,1.  Notice Check re: Patrol Spotting Earnest.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 100) and Thomas Pearce (msg # 101):

Waiting until dark, Padre had time to compose himself and think about what he had learned -- not to mention what had almost gone completely sideways.

Juhasz had not noticed any of the townsfolk wearing or carrying weapons. Guns or otherwise, for that matter. He recalled from his earlier passage through the towns, before he went searching for the four horsemen, that all three towns had weapon ordinances. The rules were enforced politely in each town, and his weapons were returned to him in the same condition each time he moved on. So he isn't surprised that he has seen no guns. Still, the question in his mind lingered. Have these patrols confiscated weapons or is Hatch -- and maybe other elders -- still in charge of such matters?

When "Father Albert" steps out of doors again, darkness has fallen around the town, although the several lamp posts provide decent illumination along the packed-dirt streets and near the buildings. Padre heads toward the chapel, hoping to see -- or be seen by -- Pearce. He again notices the two patrolmen in town, who are now standing close together in front of the row house where Jonesies is located. They obviously see him, too, but they take no particular interest. Probably, the patrol leader or one of his men has informed them of Father Albert's entrance.

Pearce slinks into town, playing up his notion of the hunched-back handyman. He feels good about his decision to stow his saddle and such, and to let his horse wander. Especially when he spies the two patrolmen just a moment after seeing Padre's back, as the man-who-used-to-be-called Albert moves deliberately towards a building which must be the chapel. Tommy's memory refreshes now that he walks through town. He had been here before, briefly. Proceeding as if he has regular business to attend to, the stooped-over Irishman makes his way to the church, hoping to evade any interest by the patrolmen and catch up to Padre.

Soon enough, Pearce sees Juhasz pause near the corner of the chapel, just near a small garden plot on the side of the building. It looks like he might be saying a prayer over the vegetation. Since the two members of the patrol give no indication of interest in Tommy, he angles his way toward the back of the chapel, slouching his way around the garden patch and making sure Padre could see him.

A minute or so later, Juhasz pads his way along the edge of the garden, finally stopping near the far end to inspect some of the growing vegetables, and making surreptitious eye contact with Pearce, who is inspecting the rain barrel at the corner of the building.

OOC: The pards have connected. Each should post some narrative to establish what they do next (first to post leads the way). They both believe they're in the clear, at least for the moment, to meet in a way they can communicate, although from here on, they know they will need to be careful not to arouse the suspicion of the two patrolmen in town, or the four patrolmen on the road outside of town -- or any of the townsfolk, for that matter. Therefore, at minimum, a Stealth roll is now in order (both should roll). Anything else the two heroes wish to do (or roll) is up to them and needs to be covered in narrative posts.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 102):

So far, at least based on Richardsen's vigil, the foot patrol along the road -- the same one that had stopped Padre on his way in -- has stayed near the outskirts of town. Especially after Pearce left in the darkness, Jake concludes, seeing their silhouettes in the dim light of the town's lamp posts.

His assessment is thus: as long as those patrolmen stay near the town, they probably won't spot the Professor in the darkness. Truth be told, even though the Texican knows where Earnest is located, he has a hard time finding him in the dark of night. Still, if those patrol boys decide to ease on down the road a spell, chances are good they'll see Ringgenberg right quick. Likewise, iffin' the professor decides to move, those soldiers might catch sight of him then, too.

Jake figures it's best to keep an eye on both the professor and those patrolmen. To this moment, he hasn't seen any signals from Earnest. He wonders whether he would even be able to discern any kind of signal that ain't accompanied by some source of light. The men had talked about this challenge before they set out, that is, the problem of visual communication in the darkness.

OOC: The Judge is leaving open questions of "how do we communicate with signals in the dark?" and "do we change positions after dark once we know Pearce and Juhasz are safely in town?" The players can sort that out in IC narrative.

Windham shifts his position from time to time, while keeping his spyglass trained on the town. Fortunately, he doesn't miss an important event. He catches sight of a hunched-over Pearce heading toward the back of the chapel, while Padre stands near a vegetable garden. The investigator feels certain the two men have connected now, as they had hoped and planned. But now, unfortunately, Tommy disappears behind the church and Padre's form is blending into the darkness.

Tracy now tunes his attention to the patrolmen. He sees a group of four, still patrolling the town's perimeter. And he catches sight of two men in town, standing together and chatting in front of one of the row houses. They are near enough some lamp light for the Wolverine to keep a tab on them, at least for now.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 105):

Tommy kneels down next to the rain barrel and unrolls his toolkit. He taps and fiddles with it as he looks up at Juhasz.

"Padre, good to see you safe. I saw one patrol but they did not question me, what about you ? Were you able to discover the state of things here"
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
15:21, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 10,5 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+4)10,5.  Stealth check - meet with Padre.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 106):

Aye, you too, Mr Pearce. Its a bit mysterious. The townsfolk generally are not fans of the 'Bandits' here. They seem scared.

padre recollected back to the conversation in Jonesies.

We need to find this Officer Hatch. There was a tone of mistrust towards him. Angst at his inactivity.

Padre noted the lack of weapons around town.

It also seems that perhaps the town might join us against the bandits if we can secure them arms. We should also talk to Jonesie.

The cover of night might be ideal for this. Jonesie is surrounded by folks during hours.


OOC

10:01, Today: Albert (Padre) Juhasz rolled 1,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1.  Stealth Roll Meet with Pearce.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:43, Sun 23 July 2023.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 107) and Thomas Pearce (msg # 106):

"And the town is all ears, all the time," says a voice from the chapel's back door.

Startled, Padre recognizes the voice. It's the policeman called Hatch. "Father Albert" can only hear him, from just around the corner.

Tommy can see his face through the ajar door -- the speaker is only a few yards away from the water barrel where the Irishman is squatting.

"Father Albert ... Padre .. whatever your real name is, go around front to meet the Elder. Now," he adds with a tone of authority.

"You," he points to Pearce through the opening, "stay put until I say so." He ducks back inside and quietly closes the door.

OOC: This is a result of Padre's roll. Obviously, his attempt to interact with Tommy stealthily failed completely and this is who heard him or saw him "inspecting" the garden. Pearce doesn't know it's Hatch, but he easily gets the impression it's someone the Padre has met. The two men can react however they want to this development. Keep your next posts brief to indicate intentions after this happens, and the Judge will pick up the thread to continue.

In reply to Hatch (msg # 108):

Ahh, Officer Hatch. Indeed the town seems to be all ears, all the time. Seems to be a lack of spine though, wouldn't you say?

Padre, as he follows Hatch's orders, leans in to Mr Pearce and says under his breath.

If anything goes wrong, we send the signal.

Padre heads round front, as Hatch had requested.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:34, Mon 24 July 2023.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 105):

Earnest tries to keep an eye on Tracy even as it gets dark... His form blends well with the rock face though he occasionally catches Tracy's small movements; he certainly hasn't shown any 'danger' signals.

OOC: How long does Earnest stay 'exposed' from the CF? Can he roll something to 'get a clue'?

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 110):

Tommy freezes at the sound of someone's voice interrupting their conversation.  He thinks about following quietly behind Padre but then figures he's probably being watched from somewhere and for now should do as the man said. He rolls up his toolkit as sits on the ground cross-legged, careful to remain in a hunched position.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 110):

OOC: No ... by the Judge's ruling, the nature and circumstances of the Stealth roll CF means the professor doesn't realize he is exposed. That won't change until something changes the situation -- e.g., the professor decides to move for some other reason, he realized the patrol might have spotted him, or another pard approaches (Jake decides to go forward).

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 109) and Thomas Pearce (msg # 111):

Despite the policeman's admonition, Padre offers a rejoinder. To Pearce's mind, it's just drawing additional unwanted attention to their situation. Juhasz has drawn the attention of some locals, it seems, and the patrols might also be within earshot. Or worse, close enough to spot.

Fortunately, to Tommy's mind, the-man-who-used-to-be-called Albert seems to regain his sensibilities, whispering to the mechanic and moving to the front of the building as Hatch had suggested. The Irishman hushes himself and stays hidden for now.

The Elder greets Padre as he arrives. In normal, friendly tones, he invites "Father Albert" inside to continue their conversations about the variety of English version bibles penned in the 18th century.

When Padre enters, the Elder guides him quickly to the back room where Hatch awaits. On the way, the Elder confirms the mechanic hiding by the water barrel is Padre's ally. Given the high sign from the Elder, Hatch now opens the back door and whispers for Pearce to join them inside, quickly.

Hatch speaks. To Padre's earlier interest, he is now wearing a holstered revolver.

"You are either the worst spies in creation, or here to help us. Tell me I am correct to think it is the second thing."

OOC: The Judge has made a few assumptions to keep this moving. It's free posting for a moment, but the Judge expects a post (or two) with narrative about true their intentions -- whether it's revealing those intentions or trying to hide them.

Windham watches as Padre heads towards the front of the chapel, where he's greeted by someone from inside. When Juhasz enters, the Wolverine realizes he has lost sight of the two pards for now -- at least until Padre exits or Pearce comes out of hiding.

In reply to Hatch (msg # 113):

It is definitely not the former, Hatch.

Padre wasnt sure if he was to commit to being there to help until he was sure where Hatch's loyalty lay.

As for the latter, to be honest, Hatch. That depends on you.

Padre needed an indication of from Hatch. An indication that he was on the Towns side and hadnt been corrupted.

Are you and your kin in need of help? From what I have heard, some would have had you act already. What do you want our my answer to be?


OOC:

08:43, Today: Albert (Padre) Juhasz rolled 7,2 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,2.  Persuasion on Hatch to be forthright.


Wasnt sure if the persuasion was necessary. its in case Hatch wasnt going to be honest with Padre

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 114):

Tommy gets up from his hiding place and moves toward the door held open by Hatch. He now notices the holstered gun, he's not sure if he was wearing it before as he'd only seen the man's head in the doorway, but when the man speaks it's obvious he's friendly or maybe just trying to be. Tommy steps into the room with the other three men without saying anything
This message was last edited by the player at 13:47, Wed 26 July 2023.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 115):

"We make decisions together in Springdale," says Hatch, with the Elder nodding. "When we learned what the invaders did in Grafton and Rockville, we knew fighting them was foolish."

The policeman pauses. Like Padre, it seems, he is reluctant to commit until he can gauge the loyalty of the two "spies."

"Did you come because of Daniel Knight?" he asks, as if this were some sort of challenge for which the correct response would confirm their identity.

At the same time, Pearce notices the Elder is staring at him. Maybe a more generous description would be "studying" him.

OOC: Persuasion is fine here. In the Judge's view, it is handled as an attempt to alter the Reaction Level of the nonplayer Extra. Similar to the matron of the boarding house. A success is one step more favorable, but of course, Padre doesn't know where Hatch started. The Judge is playing it accordingly in the narrative.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 112):

Jacob cut himself another plug of tobacco, popped it into his mouth, and considered.

"I ain't much for sneakin' about," he admitted to Daniel Knight.

"I was learnt diff'rently at my Pappy's knee. He always tole me that 'sneak' an' 'thief' was all one word: 'sneakthief'. I was taught that honest folk didn't need to be flittin' ah-bout in the shadows."

"So . . . although Earnest is a mite ex-posed out yonder, Ah'm somewhat a-feared that I might maeke things worse by tryin' to ease my waey out to him."

The Texican turned his attention to the patrol, attempting to see whether it seemed likely to wander closer to the Perfesser's position . . .

---

OOC: 10:30, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 3,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1.  Watching the Patrol.

10:31, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 5,10 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,(6+4)10.  Benny Re-Roll (Notice).

Notes: Jake's Benny total has been reduced by one. I forgot to specify when I labeled the first Dice-roll, but this is a Notice Check for the Texican.

In reply to Hatch (msg # 117):

Padre was softened by something in the Officers language.

Is cowardice always cowardice when there are other lives at stake? Jesus would not say so.


Yes. We are here because of Mr Knight.

Padre paused hoping to see reaction from Hatch or the Elder.

He was light on details though. What did you learn of Grafton and Rockville?

Must have been something to make them surrender.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 119):

The Elder and Hatch seem relieved by Father Albert's answer. Apparently, they're eager to take him at his word. As Padre and Hatch begin to understand each other, the policeman speaks more openly.

"I guess the only thing Daniel didn't know was the aftermath. I am sure he told you about Grafton and Rockville being attacked by these ... invaders. They burned down the sheriff's place in Grafton after they killed him -- and several others who tried to fight. That was yesterday morning."

"We understand that nine armed men and three bystanders died in Rockville, including one woman. The Elder learned this from the Elder in Rockville, who was dragged here behind a horse to convince us to give up, about two hours after Daniel alerted us and went to find help. We had at most ten men fit and armed to fight, only three of us with any battlefield savvy. They had a half-dozen horsemen with carbine repeaters and another six on foot."

Hatch pauses briefly.

"Worst of all, the Elder said they set a barn ablaze in Rockville and during the confusion took five girls to a command post on a mesa to the south. We put down our weapons."

"It has been a full day, and now they have these horse patrols on the road and foot patrols near town. We still have no idea why they are doing all of this. We do know where the base camp is. We estimate they have at least twenty men and half as many horses, all told. With your help, if what Daniel and others say is true about you men, I figure the odds would be more even."

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 118):

Jake remains confident: the town foot patrol has no inclination to move forward along the road in dark of night. As long as nothing changes, the Texican figures it's better to leave well enough alone, so he stays put and jaws with Daniel.

Interestingly, several minutes later Jake witnesses a three-horse patrol ride up from the west, to the edge of Springdale. The riders stop and appear to converse with the foot men, before riding out a short distance -- maybe 100 yards -- from the town before turning back.

Windham notices the meeting of the two patrols, as well. But he only glances at the convening, as he focuses his attention on Padre's last known whereabouts, hoping to track Juhasz again whenever he emerges from the chapel.

In reply to Hatch (msg # 120):

Theyve taken five girls....

A high pitched ringing in Padres head made it feel like hours had passed since Hatch stopped speaking. Padre could think of nothing else but the report he had just heard. Feelings he had not felt since the war.

Samuel 15:3 - Now go and smite Amalek, and utterly destroy all that they have, and spare them not; but slay both man and woman, infant and suckling, ox and sheep, camel and ass"

Padre heard enough.

Hatch, where is this camp? And iffin we need could you arm and prepare the townsfolk willing to take arms? and could you do it quietly?

Padre was sick with rage but had to control it. There would be a time and there would be a place for that.


We need to leave here and figure our plans.

Padre wondered if perhaps Mr Pearce should sneak out and parlay the information to the Pards as Padre had a presence established and disappearing and reappearing later may cause suspicion.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 122):

Tommy's first instinct was also to rescue the girls but as always his mechanical mind was working on the situation, moving pieces around to figure a best fit solution. It immediately suggested to him another plan.

"Why don't we take them down in ones and twos, small ambush attacks. We have surprise on our side. We could start with this patrol that came by earlier. By the time the others know what's happening we can vanish and then ambush them too.

At the same time we can signal to our pardners to attack the patrol on the east side of town. I think eventually those with the girls will have to come back from the hideout to help defend"

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
08:11, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 3,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1.  Notice roll - Elder studying Tommy. I was hoping Tommy would notice, but he doesn't
This message was last edited by the player at 13:14, Fri 28 July 2023.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 122) and Thomas Pierce (msg # 123):

Looking first at Padre, Hatch replies. "We can assemble and arm ten men."

It seems he may have continued, but Pearce interjects. Hatch considers the Irishman's idea, nodding and rubbing his chin in a way reminiscent of their well-educated pard, while the Elder frowns.

"We shall follow your lead," says the policeman. "It will not take long for the patrols to learn of any attack, even a successful ambush. The horse patrol on the road convenes with the foot patrol outside of town every few hours. The two men in town convene with the foot patrol outside of town roughly every hour."

After speaking his piece, the policeman looks again to Juhasz. "The camp is roughly equidistant 'tween Springdale and Rockville, about a mile south of the river. Tricky terrain, there."

Both the Elder and Hatch gaze at the hunch-back handyman and the false priest, expectantly.

In reply to Hatch (msg # 124):

Tracy keeps his spyglass trained on the church. ~C'mon, y'all, it's getting late.~ While the meeting of the patrols holds his attention for a brief moment, his focus remains on that church door.

The investigator stifles a yawn. He feels his joints ache, tired from holding still and remaining hidden for so long. Still, he doesn't feel like he can leave his post until he confirms his pard's position. He keeps the spyglass held to his eye and his gaze held on the church.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 125):

Tommy leans over toward Padre. They convene a quick private conversation, after whispering and gesturing for a few minutes they reply to Hatch with a plan.

"Whatever number of your men are needed to take care of the foot patrols in town should get positioned and wait for our signal.

Hatch, you and the rest will come with us to take down the other patrols. When the foot patrol and the horse patrol meet to check-in we will launch the ambush. Hearing this will be the signal for your men to take down the patrols in town. We will also signal to our pardners that we are ready to attack, they will ride in from the West East and handle the patrol on that side.

I'm sure you realize it's very important we stop any word getting back to the men in the hideout. For the safety of those poor girls we must stop anyone getting away to warn the others. Instruct your men to take down the mounted patrol first.

Pausing for a breath and watching Hatch's reaction Tommy then continues

"Do you know for sure when the patrols meet? Can your men be ready in an hour?"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:49, Sun 30 July 2023.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 126):


Padre listens intently while Pearce relays the plan they hatched to..Hatch.

He looks intently at Hatch when Pearce mentions the part where no one be able to escape. Padre knows this is key.


When Mr Pearce is done, Padre begins to imagine the feel of his pistols that Pearce has and starts to rub his hands.

He anticipates.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 126):

The policeman and the Elder lean in closely to hear Pearce's plan. The former continues to do the talking, while the latter continues to frown.

"They do not adhere to an exact schedule. The best way I can think to gauge the next time is based on the previous time. I would expect to see the mounted patrol around now. Perhaps they came while we are in here ..." he adds, sounding almost a question to himself. He glances at the Elder.

"We can have men ready in an hour, but the more we gather in a short time, the more risk the two bandits in town may notice our activities." He pauses, that thought seemingly prompting another.

"What do you mean by 'come with us'? Any movement of more than a few men after dark may also alert the patrols. I should think stealth will matter. Do you mean to assemble at a specific time? At a specific place? Await a signal to move?"

In reply to Hatch (msg # 128):

Padre considers the information and questions.

Hatch, if it will take you an hour to do prepare the town, do so. And do so quietly.
Arm who you can to stand and fight. In one hour Pearce and I will sneak and ready to attack the bandits at the entrance. When the time is right we will attack, that will be your and your armed posse signal to attack the bandits in town.

How does that sound, Hatch? Padre asked the man who knew the town better than he did.

Padre looks to the Elder.

Elder, you have been quiet. What say you?

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 129):

"It sounds like gunfire is the signal, then. All right," answers the policeman.

Meanwhile, the Elder continues to frown, shrugging at Padre's question. "I say this is an evil business. But we must drive out the invaders and save those girls."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 00:19, Mon 31 July 2023.

In reply to Hatch (msg # 130):

"Grand!...when you have cleared the town of patrols come support us at the entrance. If you two leave through the front door which shold arouse no suspicion, we will do our very best to ehh...sneak out the back way. Let's hope we do it a bit better this time"

"Now Padre if you will perform a miracle and remove my hunch I will be forever grateful". Tommy stands up straight and removes his jacket, revealing the bag. As Padre lifts the bag off his shoulders and over his head he replies to the Elder

"Is it evil to bring down the powerful who have no problem taking what they want from the weak and innocent, women and children included...with all due respect sir, it maybe a violent and distateful business but I'd say there's more nobility here than evil "
This message was last edited by the player at 13:28, Mon 31 July 2023.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 131):

Padre relieves Mr Pearce of his hunch. He straps Redemption and Repentance to his waist. It felt good to feel His presence again.

Padre listens to the Elder and Mr Pearce bandy philosophy and morality.

Forgive me, Elder, Mr Pearce. There is no such thing as Nobility or Morality. This I have learned. There is only what you would have done to you. That is it. There it is  in its purest form. Hatch can confirm that law is only law because violating the agreement between men cannot be allowed to stand. These bandits have violated the agreement with man. Their bill comes due.

Padre looked at Mr Pearce and nodded indicating he was ready.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 131) and Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 132):

After listening to Pearce and Juhasz, and watching the latter arm himself, the policeman speaks again.

"The Father's ways are not our ways," he says. Padre realizes Hatch is referring to the Lord, not to the so-called "Father Albert."

"We must move now, but not as you suggest," he continues, looking at Tommy. "As I did not come in through the front door, neither can I leave that way without arousing suspicion. And it is my thinking that Father Albert must leave the way he came, as well. That decision, I shall leave to you."

He moves to the back door, opens it slightly, and peers through. "Give me five minutes before you depart," he says directly to Pearce, before he slips out.

OOC: Please see the Judge's imminent post in the OOC chapter.

In reply to Hatch (msg # 133):

Padre hesitated. Something was gnawing at him and it was the hostages. This plan wasnt right. Padres driven nature was fighting him telling him to go out and take care of the sinners.

Its not right.

If the main base was alerted, they would kill the girls.

Change of plans, Hatch.

Padre takes a deep breath in.

Mr Pearce will sneak out the way he came in. I will go the way I came in and we will confer with our pards. We need to make sure the girls are unharmed or at the very least what we do here doesnt put them into any more danger. Look to the ridge tomorrow at Noon. If you see me or Mr Pearce standing at the top of ridge, that means me and my pards are coming into town in an hour. Get yourself and your men armed and ready. If you see no one, it means we have decided to go directly for the girls. In that case, you may hear gunfire. Even if you dont, you may decide its time to arm and defend your town anyways. If you do not, we may be headed here directly after we get to the base camp. Any amount of diversion you can produce here for the patrols will help in rescuing the girls.

Padre looks at Mr Pearce.

You may have that hunch for just a little longer.

Padre turns back to Hatch.

If you are ok with this. I am ready to leave now.

Padre faces the Elder

Having said my prayers.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 134):

"You're right Padre, it's too risky to do this without coordinating with the others. We cannot risk those girls being harmed because we are impatient."

Tommy took back the pistols and donned his makeshift hunch once again.

"Hatch we will leave as you suggested so as to not arouse suspicion. Even if you can't act while we are gone, at a minimum you can get your men prepared and ready when the time comes."

Tommy was soon ready and waited patiently, when the time came he slipped out the door and back toward the river.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------
09:44, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 9,5 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+3)9,5.  Stealth - sneak back across the river.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 135):

Hatch closes the door and listens to Padre and Tommy.

"It is good thinking," says Hatch. "We will be prepared and ready, as you say."

He exchanges glances with the Elder, who nods his assent despite obvious and continued reservations about the whole business.

OOC: Okay, we're done with the encounter in the chapel. Padre, Tommy, and Hatch all leave as described. Next:

Padre needs to post narrative for his activity to leave town. Where he goes, what he does. No rolls needed yet, but the Judge needs to know more detail about "go the way I came."

Tracy needs to roll Notice to see if he sees Padre or Tommy or possibly both.

Tommy, your roll is acknowledged. It's opposed, so you don't know the result yet. The Judge will follow-up as appropriate as we proceed. Also, the Judge needs some narrative from Tommy as to how he leaves ... does he pick up his gear, his horse, etc.

In reply to Hatch (msg # 136):

Padre steps out onto the Chapel porch. He bows his head and touches his nose, his naval, his left shoulder and then his right shoulder. Padre heads towards the boarding house he had secured himself a bed in.

Genny was tied up outside. He walked in and thanked the Proprietor, not asking for his money back as generosity is a signet of Him.

Padre walked out towards Genny, swung a leg over and pulled her reigns towards the Springdale entrance he came in. Trying to keep an eye out for the Patrols that had welcomed him.

OOC:
I imagine Padre would eventually meet a patrol if they were there but the roll is to give padre any kind of advance warning of that.

12:15, Today: Albert (Padre) Juhasz rolled 3,5 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3.  Notice Patrol location .

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 137):

Tommy navigates back through town the way he came, resuming his hunchback appearance he works his way back to the end of the street where he entered. When he arrives he recognizes the area of tall grass where he hid the saddle. He surveys the landscape looking for his horse, hoping it has not been found or wandered off too far.

~Really don't fancy walkin across that river~ he thinks as he surveys up and down along the river's edge.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
06:15, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 6,7 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,5.  Notice roll- looking for horse.- benny roll.
06:14, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 6,3 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,1.  Notice roll- looking for horse.- benny roll .
06:13, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 3,2 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2.  Notice roll- looking for horse.
Bennies deducted
This message was last edited by the player at 11:24, Sat 12 Aug 2023.

In reply to Hatch (msg # 136):

The investigator is getting itchy. There had been no sign of his pards for quite some time, and he felt his body shaking. He couldn't stand still much longer.

At that moment, he spies some movement. Could it be the Padre? He trains his spyglass on the shadowy form to get a better look.

OOC:

Based on your writing, Judge, it seems uncertain who he'll see here. That's why I wrote it this way.

10:00, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 1,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3.  Notice check.

10:00, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 2,2 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2.  Notice check 2.

10:00, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 7,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,3.  Notice check 3.

Yeesh. Third time's the charm, I guess.

Windham, from his perch and through his spyglass, witnesses Padre exiting the chapel and moving towards the boarding house. The investigator loses sight of Juhasz for a moment as "Father Albert" passes through a shadowy area in the thoroughfare, between swaths of lantern-light. Soon, he sees Padre mounting Genny and riding out the way he entered town.

For a moment, the Wolverine scans for Pearce, but he cannot find the man. Deciding to keep his focus on Padre, Tracy picks him up again in his spyglass as the rider makes his way toward the road between the towns.

Meanwhile, Pearce leaves the town behind without any indication of being noticed by the two invaders on patrol in the streets. He wonders if they might be asleep, but doesn't risk studying them as he departs. Probably, if they are aware, their attention is on Juhasz. After  collecting the gear he had stowed earlier and walking around in the darkness for what he estimates as more than 20 minutes, he locates his mount dozing in a patch of scrub vegetation at the edge of the foothills.  Soon, he and the horse are crossing the river and heading towards Jake and Daniel, moving slowly to avoid detection. He hopes Padre's departure has gone as smoothly. If it has, he figures, "Father Albert" might have reached their pards by now.

When Juhasz reaches the road and turns east, he sees the four-man perimeter patrol that had greeted him several hours ago. They are moving towards him, from the north, on a path likely to intercept his in less than two hundred yards, unless he urges Genny to move faster.

Windham sees this, too, but he finds it much more difficult to track either the patrol or his pard as Padre moves away from the dim lights of town and into the wilderness. He redirects his attention towards the professor, who remains in plain sight from Tracy's position on the bluff.

Ringgenberg himself maintains an excellent view of both Windham on the bluff and Richardsen's position near the wash where the horses rest with Daniel. He continues to wait for a signal, confident that the foot patrol he has seen from time to time is too far away to notice him, although it appears they are moving at a nearer angle to him now, towards the road but still more than a quarter mile away.

The rifleman, sporadically taking a gander west to monitor the patrol's movements in case they move close enough to spy the professor, now sees what he believes is the footmen moving towards his position. They are still far away, and it's difficult to count the number of shapes in the darkness, but the war veteran feels certain it's the foot patrol. After several moments, he spies a single man on a horse approaching from the road. Having seen the mounted patrol earlier, still with four horses, Jake reckons it must be Padre -- unless the patrol has changed its routine. The Texican realizes the foot patrol is moving to intercept the lone horseman.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 140):

OOC: The Judge is pausing here as some players have decisions to make. The following are more prompts than specific questions to be answered. Think about the questions and provide narrative based on the current situation described in msg # 140. Elaborate as desired.

Padre: does he continue at same pace knowing the patrol is closing distance? They are moving a brisk pace, and it seems clear they are hastening to reach him, although he doesn't perceive any aggression in their movement.

Tracy: does Tracy give any signal to Earnest? Does he intend to stay put or begin moving down after seeing Padre returning and the patrol moving to intercept?

Jake:  does Jake give any signal to Earnest? Does he intend to stay put or make any movement after seeing Padre returning and the patrol moving to intercept?

Earnest: having decided to let Tracy take the lead, the professor continues to wait. The effects of the CF earlier are still in play. He thinks he is well-positioned, and has no reason to change anything ... until he gets a signal. He has seen the foot patrol but reckons they can't see him. The Judge is ruling Earnest CAN'T see Padre riding back -- not yet -- because of the nature of the terrain and the road.

Tommy: Because he must find his horse and move stealthily, Tommy is a little behind in time compared to the others. He is crossing the river when the above his happening and DOESN'T know the situation described in this message. So, please pause until the others react to this post. The Judge will give updated information from Tommy's perspective.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 141):

Padre notices the patrol and also notices their pace. It appears they know he is here. Padre considers making a run for it.

Im unarmed. They have little reason to be suspicious.

Padre considers what may happen if he tries to outpace them. Padre does not wish to begin any incident before the pards are ready.

Padre continues at his normal pace and will welcome the encounter with the patrol should they choose to stop him.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 141):

Jacob glanced up at the moon. It was a few days past full, but it still provided a fair bit of light. ~It's still night-tieme, though -- with lots of shadows an' such,~ the Texican reasoned.

Jake had spent a goodly bit of time out-of-doors at night over the course of his life-time, so he was not at all spooked by the darkness. ~Might even be benna-fishal to the Perfesser, an' his efforts to stay out of sight.~

One thing that the rifleman knew was that movement tended to attract a man's eye, which made him a mite leery of leaving his position just yet.

~I'd bet money on that mounted feller out yonder bein' Padre. I can kinda tell from the waey he sits his horse, even in the dark.~

~Seein' as how  him an' that pah-trol already spoke earlier, when he was a-headed into town, hopefully he can talk his waey past any quest-chunns they got for him this tieme ah-round.~

~An' then thaere's the Perfesser . . .~ the Texican exhaled, shaking his head and puffing out his cheek in exasperation.

~Reckon I'll ask the dealer for ah-nother card an' let this hand plaey out a mite further afore maekin' a move. Could be, my best plaey will be to sit tight. An' lieke I was just now a-thinkin', nothin' ah-tracts a body's eye at night like sumpthin' or somebody movin' 'round . . .~

---

OOC: For the moment, Jake will hold his position and watch the developing scene like the proverbial hawk. Judge, if a Notice Check is in order, please let me know.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 143):

Tracy trains his sights on the patrol, hoping to get a sense of their intentions. ~Are they going to attack Padre?~ He squints. ~I don't think so.~

After he moment, he continues to think. ~Perhaps the Professor could leave his questionable spot while the foot patrol is distracted by Padre.~

He turns to Earnest and gives the signal to return to Jake. He follows with the signal indicating his intention to stay put for now. He wanted to keep an eye on the situation a bit longer.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 144):

Earnest kept his position, trying to keep an eye on both Tracy and Jake without moving too much.

06:49, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 9,2 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 9,2.  Notice - Tracy's signal.

Padre maintains Genny's slow trot along the road, watching as the four-man foot patrol advances on his position. The invaders continue a brisk pace, although they aren't running. It's a fast and orderly march to intercept him, which puts them on the road ahead of Juhasz by some 40 yards. They stop there, roughly 400 yards from the wash where Jake and Daniel hide with the rest of the group's mounts.

One of the patrol men holds up his hand as "Father Albert" and Genny approach. Hard to tell in the moonlight, but the man's body language looks the same as the patrol leader who stopped Padre earlier. When the leader speaks, Padre's suspicion is confirmed.

"Leaving so soon, Father Albert?"

Meanwhile, Earnest catches sight of Tracy's signal, just a moment after he sees the patrol intercept Padre, who had come around a rock formation along the road and into the professor's view.

Jake waits until the patrol is occupied with Juhasz. He senses the moment is right for a signal to Ringgenberg.

OOC: Jake had told the Judge in PM that he intended to signal at this time. Tracy signaled just before the rifleman. The professor rolled good enough (even with darkness modifiers) to see Tracy's signal and Jake's. The Texican can post his narrative flavor as desired, but for efficiency the Judge is summarizing here.

If the professor moves, the Judge needs to know "how" and where via narrative (e.g., running or normal pace). Assuming he wants to remain unseen, make a Stealth roll.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:34, Tue 15 Aug 2023.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 146):

Jacob had decided to attempt and signal the Perfesser to move to a less noticeable position once the patrol had focused its attention on the horseman.

Soon enough, to the Texican's way of thinking, that moment had arrived. ~How might I most likely git Earnest's ah-ten-chun without jumpin' up an' wavin' my arms an' attractin' the noe-tice of everybody south of the Mason-Dixon Line?~ Jake wondered.

After giving it a bit of thought, the rifleman called out "Who . . . who . . .who . . ." attempting to sound the night-call of an owl in an effort to attract the Perfesser's attention. Jake figured that his efforts wouldn't be up to Red Shirt's standards, but figured that it would sound enough like an owl so as to be better than whistling or jumping up and down and waving his arms. Waal . . . mayhap not better in the sense of attracting the easterner's attention, but hopefully a sight better when it came to the matter of *not* attracting the attention of the foot-patrol.

It was a mite tricky to be certain-shure, but when the Texican judged that he most likely had Earnest's attention he pointed straight at the man, as if to say "Hey, you!", and then waved his hand over towards what he reckoned was a better spot for the Perfesser to stay out of the patrol's sight . . .

---

OOC: I wasn't sure whether Jacob would catch sight of the Wool-verine's "Move to Jake's position" signal, given the darkness and the fact that the Texican would presumably be concentrating his attention primarily on Earnest. Accordingly, Jake's signal is not a "Come to me" synchronization of what Tracy has signaled -- it's more of a "Move over yonder, behind them rocks" sort of a hand-wave.

Hopefully Earnest is not so befuddled by the arguably conflicting signals so as to be frozen by indecision. :)

Edit: Fixed a typo (not one that was an intentional "Jake's Texican drawl" typo. :)
This message was last edited by the player at 16:03, Tue 15 Aug 2023.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 146):

Padre slowed Genny from her Canter to a stop and met eyes with the patrol leader.


Aye. I found the town and its people a wee bit less welcoming than I would have thought. I can offer no help here. Perhaps you may need some absolution?

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 148):

The leader of the patrol lets out a tiny snort of amusement before he replies.

"Maybe some other time." He glances around at the moonlit terrain. "I wonder about your horse sense, Father, riding out alone and unheeled in the dead of night."

OOC: Please make a Persuasion roll, Padre.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 149):

I am protected by He Who Created The Dark.


OOC:

15:59, Today: Albert (Padre) Juhasz rolled 2,4 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4.  Persuasion roll - Patrol leader.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 150):

The patrol leader replies with a practiced lack of emotion.

"Sounds like a perfect epitaph." He glances around at each of the patrolmen.

"All right, off you go, then."

He speaks it like an order, as the men move a few yards off the road, and gestures eastward.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 147):

Earnest gets a little lower to the ground when he sees Padre and the patrol. He spots Tracy's signal and nods, hoping Tracy can see it.

He has his attention on Padre again when Jake "whos", causing Earnest to wince a bit. Jake seems to want him to move over, but he decides to stay put until he sees what the patrol does with Padre. He will then move down to join Jake per Tracy's signal.

07:01, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 1,4 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4.  Stealth - Observe patrol and move to Jake.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 151):

Godspeed.

Padre kicks Genny gently to get her into a trot. Padre is careful not to head directly for the pards as he doesnt want to give the patrol any reason to follow him. Once Padre is sure he is out sight, he turns Genny and heads towards Mr Richardsen.


OOC:

I THINK in my mental image Mr Richardsen is the closest to me.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 153):

After coaxing Genny to a trot, Juhasz continues along the road. Glancing back after 100 yards, he sees the patrolmen spread out in a line perpendicular to the road. He feels their gaze on his back. Clearly, they are observing his movement.

Padre keeps Genny on the road for roughly 200 yards -- halfway to the wash where Jake and Daniel hold the horses. His instincts tell him it's better to stay this course for now, as any diversion from the road could raise suspicion. Glancing back another time, it takes "Father Albert" several seconds to pick up their position again, because of the undulating terrain, darkness, and the meandering path of the road.

Jake, Earnest and Tracy all observe Genny and Padre's movement as he closes on the gulley. The Texican has the best vantage; he can see the patrol men -- still standing their gorund -- and Padre as his mount draws near. The easterner can also see both the patrol and Padre for a while, although it becomes more difficult to keep an eye on both as Genny proceeds eastward and passes by Earnest's position. The Californian loses sight of Padre, because of the terrain around the road. He decides to maintain his view of the patrol through his spyglass, as he estimates Genny is nearing the gulley with the horses.

Juhasz continues past the gully. With another glance over his shoulder, he sees the patrol have yet to retreat or resume their movement along Springdale's perimeter. Wanting to be certain he is out of the patrol's sight, Padre reckons he will draw unwanted attention if he stops now.

Jake and Earnest see their new pard passing their positions; he is now more than 50 yards past the wash. Finally, Earnest, Tracy, and Jake notice the patrolmen turning back to town. Earnest takes the opportunity to move back towards Jake. So far, so good he thinks, as he approaches the gulley while moving as stealthily as he can.

Windham watche as one of the patrolmen begins to run back to town. The others resume their regular pace, occasionally glancing eastward, behind them.

Juhasz winds past a rock formation beyond the wash, and believes he is now out of sight of the departing patrol. He guides Genny off the road, then dismounts to walk her back to the wash where he finds Ringgenberg joining Richardsen and Knight.

OOC: The players have reconvened at the wash, except for Tracy and Tommy. Tommy simply needs a little more time to finish his trek back. Tracy needs time to descend and rejoin. The Judge is assuming both men do so, unless they post to the contrary here or in PM. Tracy must make a Stealth roll, if indeed he descends and moves to rejoin the others while trying to remain unnoticed. Tommy doesn't need to make another roll. For ease of continuing, free posting can resume for all, and as soon as Earnest, Jake, and Padre all post at least once, Tommy and Tracy can join the gathering.

It's just past 11 p.m. by the professor's fob watch.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 154):

Earnest watches as Parde walks up.

Well Padre! Wasn't expecting you back this soon... did you discover something important? Is Tommy on his way back too?

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 155):

Indeed. Padre nods towards The Professor and Mr Richardsen.

Padre tells them what happened in the town. He describes the towsfolks mood. He tells them what Hatch had said. What Padre had overheard. The kidnapped girls, the number of Bandits. Mr Pearce and their close call with a hasty plan. The location of the base.


Mr Pearce should be here shortly. He took a longer route here.

Padre tells them of the signal for Hatch tomorrow at Noon and what he had told Hatch.

Once the others get here, we should figure out what to do.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 154):

~I'm worried about that guy that took off running. Better head back now that their backs are turned.~

Tracy quickly and quietly scurries down the rock face, now very familiar with the terrain after multiple trips.

OOC:

17:44, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 4,9 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,(6+3)9.  Stealth, descending

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 156):

"Good to see you back here safe an' sound, Padre," Jake replied as the sky pilot rode in and dismounted, with the rifleman extending his hand to the other in welcome.

The Texican listened to what Padre had to say, an' nodded. "Y'all done good, makin' contact with them in the town as are willin' to take up arms an' fight. Not ever'body is up to a challenge like that."

"Reckon we oughtta have ourselves a council of war after Wool-verine an' Eirish have re-turned."

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 156):

After finally locating his horse Tommy saddles up quickly and moves back down to the river edge. Briefly looking up toward Tracy's position before crossing he does not see anything, nor did he really expect to, Tracy was well hidden among shadows and darkness even in the moonlight

He moves slowly allowing his mount to sense the sandy riverbed with each step. Fortunately they manage the crossing without incident. When they reach the other side he retraces his earlier path along the riverbank, seaching for the right spot to turn toward the road and the hidden wash. Eventually after some time he finds the right spot and navigates back up to the others gathered in the wash.

He waves as he crosses into the wash and greets the pards with his customary "Hello Gents"
This message was last edited by the player at 15:29, Fri 18 Aug 2023.

OOC: All characters have reconvened at the wash (temporary hideout / base). As usual, anything posted publicly is public knowledge to all the pards, including Tracy's recent sighting of a patrolman running back toward town after Padre's encounter with the patrol.

Free posting continues, however; the Judge assumes someone needs to take a watch while the others discuss the situation (see above). For convenience, that can be Daniel Knight, so all player characters can palaver.

A quick recap. It's late and the men have had a full day. A couple of you got some rest, but most of the men have been going for almost 18 hours.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 160):

What are we goign to do? We've got girls kidnapped in heavily armed base and a town, or two, ready to burst. Odds are anything we try will alert the others, engendering risk.

Padre looked around at the pards.

Do we go after the girls? or help Hatch and march on the base with more people? or something else entirely?

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 161):

Padre looked around expectantly. From face to face, Padre let his eyes land on each pards eyes, left it there for a second before moving on to the next face.

I know. Things look grim.

Each pard looked to be the victim of fatigue and hunger and none had the spark of ingenuity needed to save everyone. Padre included.

No decision is worse than a bad decision, fellas.

Padre was trying to inspire. This is not a skill Padre had. His family farm had a horse and no matter how hard padre tried he could not motivate that horse to do anything but buck him off. Padre still had a twinge in his elbow every now and again from the last time he attempted to motivate that horse.

Obstinate beast... doesnt even deserve for me to remember his name.

Padre shook his head rapidly, the same way one would do if there was a fly landed on a cheek, and snapped back to the Pards standing around. Padre wasnt sure how long he was thinking about that horse or if he had missed someone saying something.

Im sorry. Lost in thought. What was that?  Padre said, hoping to cover himself in case someone said something.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 162):

"Glad ever'body made it back in one piece," Jake remarked with a smile after the pards had gathered.

After listening to all that was recounted, the Texican looked to Daniel Knight.

"Reckon you know the most of enny uhv us 'bout this-here base camp whaere the bad men are suh-pohsedly holdin' the girls that they took."

"What can you tell us ah-bout it?"

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 161):

Earnest looked at Padre and Tommy.

"Heavily armed base"? Did the townsfolk give you any idea about how many men they have? Or how many girls they took?

He rubs his chin.

Being up on that mesa, they'll likely have a good view of anyone approaching in daylight.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 164):

Yes. Hatch said five girls were taken and estimated at least 20 men and 10 horses.

Padre let that breathe a bit.

I think we can survey and note how many patrols are out and about and that may give us a decent estimate on how many remain at the base.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 163):

The young Knight -- having situated himself on a rocky overhang above the wash, to keep watch for patrols -- listens while the other men talk. When the Texican directs a question his way, Daniel responds.

"No, Mr. Richardsen," he says, "I know no more than you -- at least about this base camp or the girls. As I said before, we fought ten or twelve invaders in Rockville before I fled to warn the men in Springdale. I never witnessed this base camp with my own eyes ... but I know the area well enough to make a good guess about where it is."

He continues in a soft voice, so as not to let his voice carry in the night air.

"I did see smoke rising from Rockville after I borrowed Flynn's mare. If I heard rightly, it sounded like those girls were taken when the fire was blazing -- which means after I rode to Springdale."

OOC: The Judge recommends for the players to re-read some of the earlier posts, especially what Hatch told Pearce and Juhasz. Players may make a Common Knowledge roll for anything related to that text, to attempt to clarify or better understand.

In reply to Daniel Knight (msg # 166):

Earnest looks to his pards.

It seems like the camp should be our first priority... Not only for the girls' sake but to 'cut off the head of the snake' so to speak. You said it was south of the river between Springdale and Rockville? That should make it a bit easier to avoid the patrols in town, but we have to expect they'll have patrols around the camp as well.

Earnest rubs his chin then looks up at Daniel.

Without Red Shirt, we'll need a guide... Daniel, do you know that mesa area well enough to help us sneak up there to observe them?

OOC: Side question: do we know what has happened to El Presidente? I seem to remember some discussion a while ago... Do we know if he had any relatives, like a brother?
This message was last edited by the player at 13:15, Wed 23 Aug 2023.

The Judge thought he had already noted that the heroes do know the fate of El Presidente. See ch24, msg 967 - 971.

The pards aren't aware of whether the bandit leader had relatives.

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

Jake nodded at what the Perfesser had to say. "I was a-thinkin' like you, Earnest -- it'd be best to strike 'em hard an' fast whilst we still got sur-prise on our side . . . free the wimmin' an' kill the big-bugs, if'n we can. I reckon that if we start pickin' off pah-trols first, they'll know ah-bout it pretty damned quick, an' they'll be ready for us when we get ah-round to tryin' the main camp."

Turning to the Pennsylvanian, the Texican added "But somethin' you said has set me to a-wonderin', Padre. You men-shunned twenty hard-caeses. Was you a-meanin' to saey that all twenty is sit-u-aeted at the base camp, or is that the toe-tal number we'll be facin'?"
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 19:08, Wed 23 Aug 2023.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 169):

I agree Jake, a strike on the base might be best in terms of surprise but we'll have to be fast. Maybe we can take a few down without gunfire..we know that will attract some unfriendly attention once these bunch hear it. Hatch did say they faced 12 men in town, 6 on horseback with carbines...so if they all mostly stayed in town and formed these patrols that would leave maybe 8 or so in the hideout. We saw only two men on foot patrol in the town"

He looks over to Padre  How many did you meet on perimiter patrol?"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:51, Thu 24 Aug 2023.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 168):

OOC: Right, I knew you could find it quick! So 'Owen Andrew Jackson' got 5 years (per Jake, I assume in a regional prison?). I'm asking just to prep info in case this turns out to be some revenge thing; which Earnest has in the back of his mind.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 170):

Padre listens as the Pards start to consider numbers.

It was four. And it was the same four on the way out.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 172):

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 172):

Tommy turns to Tracy and Jake

..so that's at least six men..how many did you see tonight?

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 173):

"I saw the saeme four that Padre saw," Jake replied to the Irishman's question.

"Seems to me that these hard-cases oughtta roe-tate the men who are out on pah-trol from tieme to tieme. If'n that's the case, them that's been on duty will get roe-tated off pah-trol on some kind of skehd-jule."

"So . . . would the ones who're goin' off-duty head back to the camp for some rest an' down-tieme, do y'all reckon?"

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 174):

Earnest continues to rub his chin.

Perhaps, since they haven't been here that long they may not have set regular schedules yet. I wonder if the patrolman that ran back went to alert someone of Pardre's odd departure time?

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 175):

I think it may be safe to assume that was the case. Perhaps being unarmed was a mistake and suspicious. Even if they are alerted, they do not know how many we have. We have the element of surprise and depending when we do this, the cover of darkness.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 176):

Tracy considers everything that his pards discuss.

"I agree with everyone; moving on the base first makes the most sense."

He nods in response to Padre's mention of the cover of darkness and Jake's point about the changing of patrols. "I think the best time to attack would be right now if we believe that patrol intends to alert the base. We'll lose the element of surprise if we let the hardcases at the base prepare themselves."

He pauses a moment. "However, we've haven't rested in a long time. Does everyone feel like they're ready to do this right now?"

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 177):

"I ain't done no gallopin' laetely, so I can be git my ownself loaded for bear whenever we're so ihn-clined," the Texican replied to Wool-verine's question.

---

OOC: As marked.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:35, Sat 26 Aug 2023.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 178):

I am ready. I am always ready.

Padre paused.


Although, I am in this moment particularly ready.

The feelings of having been teased with the justice he should have dealt flickered on his tongue. He savored the moments leading up to his fury almost as much as the fury itself.

The Judge is sure the heroes are willing to go forward without usual rest (or sleep), but their bodies may not cooperate.

All heroes must make a Vigor roll against the effects of Fatigue at this time.

A success means to no effect. Failure is –1 to all Trait rolls for the next hour. Critical Failure is –2.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 180):

OOC:

13:28, Today: Albert (Padre) Juhasz rolled 7,8 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,(6+2)8.  Fatigue, vigor check.

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 181):

06:58, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 1,4 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4.  Vigor - Fatigue check.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 182):

08:10, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 1,5 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5.  Vigor role - Fatigue .

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 180):

OOC: As requested:

10:36, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 17,8 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (10+7)17,(6+2)8.  Fatigue (Vigor) Check.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 180):

OOC:

18:42, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 9,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+1)9,3.  Vigor check.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 180):

OOC: Thanks for the Vigor rolls. Everyone succeeded so nobody has Fatigue penalties ... for now.

The Judge is ruling it has been about 20 minutes since Padre's encounter with the foot patrol and Tracy's observation of the man running west along the road.

What are the heroes going to do? And when are they going to do it?

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 186):
The six men gather their mounts and depart the wash, following Daniel Knight's lead. The young man advises they walk the mounts for a few minutes, to reach the crossing he has in mind a short ways back to the east.

Once they cross his chosen ford, without difficulty, Daniel gives the signal to mount up. The six riders now pick their way through the rocky scrub terrain, alternating between a walk and a trot. The newly waning moon gives enough light to maneuver, but it's too dark to move faster than a trot. Moreover, the men hope to remain unseen as Daniel leads them away from the river and towards the west.

The pards see the dim lamplight from Springdale as they pass perhaps a half-mile to the south of the town. So far, no sign of either patrol, but the terrain makes it difficult to keep a line of sight on the road or the towns while they move.

OOC: Per the player discussion in OOC6 beginning #288, moving forward with this post.

All the characters must make a Stealth roll. As usual, it's an opposed roll as there are patrols that could spot the heroes. The Judge will apply results in the next narrative.

Each player may make a Support roll for Daniel's roll. The young Knight could rely on either his Survival skill or Common Knowledge as this is primarily about his knowledge of the local terrain. The Judge is choosing CK. You may Support with CK, Survival, Notice, or any skill you can justify to the Judge under the circumstances. As always, the max bonus is +4. If the first few players to post manage to reach that bonus, it's unwise for anyone else to roll as it can only make things worse.

Of course, players may post IC narrative along with their rolls, as desired.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 187):

They followed Mr Knight. It was dark and Padre kept extra caution about the horse clops. Swift at times, slow at others.

Padre kept his eyes peeled to the North side of the river. He was determined to not be caught off guard. It was however not in the cards. Padre could see hide nor hare of anything. The horse was bumping him up and down making any semblance of focus on anything nigh impossible.

Padre kept that to himself, though. Flashes of burning his own hand, and almost shooting himself by throwing bullets into a fire reminded him that his experience with the pards has been less than stellar.

Thats <bump> just how <bump> it <bump> goes sometimes <bump> ...


OOC:

19:17, Today: Albert (Padre) Juhasz rolled 1,4 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4.  Stealth Roll - Night Riding.

19:18, Today: Albert (Padre) Juhasz rolled 3,3 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1.  Notice Roll - Support.

Im fairly certain the bonuses do not prevent a crit fail, correct?

OOC: Yes, that’s correct, sir. Padre makes it interesting again. The Judge will follow up with narrative after others have made and posted their rolls.

"Good thing you was ah-round to bring us here to this here ford," Jacob whispered to Daniel Knight as the young man led the small group unerringly to the spot where they could cross the river.

"I'd've haeted to have to try an' puzzle out that spot in the dark, all by our ownselves."

Although the Texican thought little of his own skills as a sneak-about, he reckoned that he did a pretty fair job by modeling his efforts upon those of his pards who seemed to have a better idea of how to move about without drawing attention to themselves than he did.

Once they had crossed over the river and mounted up, Jake kept an eye on the surrounding terrain and landmarks, doing what he could to offer assistance to Daniel when it appeared that the young man might be a trifle hesitant about which path to choose . . .

---

OOC: 22:25, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 3,9 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(6+3)9.  Stealth Check: Avoiding Patrols.

22:28, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 10,8 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+2)10,(6+2)8.  Notice Check: Supporting Daniel Knight.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 187):

Tracy picked his way along behind Daniel, trying to use the knowledge he gained from Red Shirt to spy the best terrain to continue their journey. However, the moonlight was not enough to spot any details in the rocky earth beneath them.

OOC:

09:09, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 6,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,4.  Stealth check.

09:10, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 3,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,3.  Support, Survival.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 191):

Tommy moves along carefully in the darkness following Daniel through difficult terrain. With his bum ear he hears only the clip-clop of the horses. He looks outward while carefully watching the pards and Daniel up ahead. As a newcomer to backcountry riding Tommy was very impressed with Daniel's ability to guide them.
~ I'd probably be fully lost in minutes if I was out here on me own~.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
09:55, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 21,4 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+6+6+3)21,4.  Support  - Visual Notice roll .
09:44, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 7,5 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3.  Stealth check - benny roll.
09:33, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 1,3 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3.  Stealth check .
benny deducted
This message was last edited by the player at 15:00, Mon 04 Sept 2023.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 192):

Earnest follows the group, trusting them to pick the way while trying to remain vigilant to the North and behind them.

12:21, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 1,10 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,(6+4)10.  Stealth - heading to mesa.

12:22, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 9,4 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 9,4.  Notice - ride to mesa.

Pearce is the first pard to catch sight of the patrols. First, a minute or so as after the group passes the town, the mechanic's keen eye spots the foot patrol near the southwestern edge of Springdale. In a whisper, he advises Daniel and his pards to halt for a moment. Juhasz, eager to get a glimpse of the patrol he had encountered before, misjudges the space between two pinyon pines, raking a swath of needles across his face as he turns to hide Genny. Fortunately, the horse is unharmed, and Padre feels more embarrassed than hurt, although it sours his mood.

Tommy and Jake watch as three patrolmen -- not four this time -- head east along the road. One of them lingers at the road leading into town. Two others continue east. The Texican and the Irishman agree that the patrol is unaware of the six pards and their horses, so the men continue under Daniel's lead.

Tracy helps Daniel pick a path through the rocky landscape while staying out of lines of sight from the road and town. The men agree to dismount for a spell because of the unsure footing, walking their horses. Soon, Daniel gestures westward to a flat space of land slightly raised above the rocky scrub, where the men see a dim light flickering behind pines and other vegetation -- roughly 200 yards away. Time to stop; it must be the invaders camp as described by Hatch.

As the men lead their horses behind rocky cover, Tommy spies the mounted patrol -- three riders -- moving at a fair pace east along the road, now "behind" them and passing Springdale. Earnest, Jake, and Tommy are all certain the six pards haven't been seen by the patrol. They also agree: the mounted patrol appears to be headed further east on the road, towards the heroes' previous position.

From here, the men believe they can reconnoitre the base camp as they had hoped; however, they reckon time might be limited. Iffin' the mounted patrol picks up their trail from the wash ....

OOC: The Judge applied –2 to Notice rolls because of darkness (dim light).
Padre's CF –2
Jake's Support +2 (net result 8 still good enough for the raise)
Tommy's Support +2 (net result 19, so .. )
Tracy's Support +0 (not applying darkness mod for Survival but net 3 is no effect)
Earnest's Support +1 (net result 7 ...)
Total +3

Stealth rolls are opposed -- the Judge rolled secretly for those results and compared to the group rolls. The dim light aids the characters here.

14:23, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 8,14 using d6+3,d6+3, rerolling max with rolls of 5,(6+5)11.  DK CK to base.
14:23, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 2,4 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4.  DK Stealth.

As above, the result is that the men sneak close to the mesa while avoiding detection. Now they must decide what to do next, perhaps quickly as the mounted patrol might locate their trail.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 194):

Earnest wipes his brow and replaces his hat. As the men gather close to discuss the situation, he begins in a low voice.

Shall we get to some cover and observe the camp and surrounding area with binoculars and such for a few minutes?

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

Yes. Lets figger what we're headed into. Padre said as he pulled yet another lodged pine needle from his beard. The brush with his own ignorance had left a handful of pines stuck in his beard and hair as well as some sticky substance across his cheek and beard hair.

Padre was annoyed.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 194):

and

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 194):

and

In reply to Albert (Padre) Juhasz (msg # 196):

"Sounds 'bout right to me," Jacob replied to the Perfesser's and Padre's recommendations to take a few moments to spy out the lay of the hardcases' base camp before commencing any sort of a dust-up.

The Texican glanced down the party's back-trail, and found it empty . . . at least so far. ~If'n that pah-trol ihn-cludes a tracker, I reckon that they can puzzle out whaere we went. 'Course, the darkness'll maeke it a sight more diffa-cult to follow our trail -- might buy us a little extry tieme.~

Jake took off his hat, looped the straps of his field glasses over his head, then replaced his hat. He hoped that it hadn't been off of his head long enough for all the Luck to fall out.

"Let's us find some good poe-zishuns an' git to work," the rifleman suggested. "I do bee-lieve that we got some hardcases back yonder on our back-trail, doin' their best to sniff out whaere we got off to."

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 197):

Tracy simply nods his assent to his pards' ideas. Perhaps Red Shirt was with them after all.

The Californian removes his spyglass from his haversack and lifts it to his eye. He surveils the nearby terrain, looking for a good vantage point to spy.

OOC:

08:50, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 5,2 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2.  Survival, vantage point.

08:50, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 5,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,4.  Survival, vantage point 2.

I performed the reroll in the case that the -2 still applies. If not, I'll adjust my Benny count to 2. (I'm also aware that if there is still a -2, I will have one Benny and fail this roll.)
This message was last edited by the player at 12:54, Sun 10 Sept 2023.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 198):

"ok gents go take a quick look around and see if you can get the lay of the land and hopefully locate the girls. I'll wait here and guard our rear for a few minutes. Right now, they're the sitting ducks and we have the darkness on our side..let's not delay too long"

Tommy dismounts and leads his horse to a nearby tree, scooting back across the "trail" they came up he scouts carefully around for a good hiding place with good cover

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
14:27, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 2,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,1.  Notice - covered hiding spot. - one benny left so not rerolling

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 199):

Earnest retrieves his binoculars and prepares to join the others for reconnaissance.

The six men try to hide the mounts as they converse briefly. Pearce volunteers to stay with the horses, as does the young Knight -- fortunately, Daniel has things in order,  since the Irishman seems at a loss to find a well-hidden spot in short order.

Windham searches with his spyglass for a nearby place to observe the invaders' camp, but it's too dark to identify any optimal locations in this manner. Richardsen and Ringgenberg ready themselves for some kind of reconnaissance, which, following the investigator's initial attempt to scout from afar, seems to require someone to get closer to the camp.

Juhasz mutters as he extracts the last pine needle from his beard.

OOC: The characters realize they need to have some eyes and ears closer to the camp to learn anything new -- and that they need to act quickly. It sounds like Pearce and Knight will stay here, but it's not clear who intends to scout forward. It's probably best if it's only one or two people, rather than 4 men pushing forward on foot. Obviously, it should be someone (or two) with decent Stealth -- you all can look at the dice roller to see who qualifies -- while others can watch them in case things go sideways.

We don't need to drag this out: as soon as any hero(es) say they are ready to move closer to scout, they should go ahead and make rolls (Stealth + Survival or Notice), while those who remain can make Notice rolls to try to keep sight of the pards who scout. Of course, provide narrative as usual, with or without rolls. Per #194, the pards are about 200 yards away from the mesa/camp and probably need to get at least halfway to gain any favorable vantage point. They are roughly one-quarter mile from west/southwest of Springdale, and more than one-half mile west(ish) of the wash where they had hidden earlier.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 201):

Padre remains at position. Padre knows his clumsiness will not suit them at this moment. He runs his eyes to dilate his pupils and keeps an eye out on what he can see of the camp and his scouting pards.


OOC:
15:42, Today: Albert (Padre) Juhasz rolled 4,7 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 201):

Earnest decides to join Tracy in observing the invader camp... taking care to be extra quiet on their approach.

06:50, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 3,2 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2.  Stealth - get to scouting position.
06:50, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 3,2 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2.  Stealth - get to scouting position; benny reroll.
06:51, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 1,4 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4.  get to scouting position; benny reroll2.

06:52, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 7,4 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,4.  Notice - observe camp.

OOC: Bennies deducted.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 203):

Tracy nods to the Professor when he joins him. He moves along quietly, finally stopping to observe the camp once he and the Easterner find a good spot.

OOC:

18:28, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 6,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,5.  Stealth check.

18:28, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 11,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+3)11,1.  Survival check.

The professor joins the investigator, following Windham's lead in the dark of night. The combination of darkness, rough terrain, and the desire to remain unseen makes for slow going.

After a few minutes, Tracy pulls himself up the south side of a rocky crag and feels satisfied with their position. He dare not go closer, at least not with the professor who seems to struggle a mite with staying quiet. From here, Windham can see the camp from a more beneficial angle from the southeast of the mesa, while having some cover. There's no room directly next to him, but Tracy sees another space to his left where Earnest can move up to get a look. The men refrain from speaking to each other, for the moment, taking in what they can under the moonlight.

A small, smokeless campfire flanked by a few dog tents and two A-frame tents draws their immediate attention. One man sits on a stool at the edge of the fire. An unmounted horse stands just beyond the tents, while a sentry stands at the edge of the northernmost -- and largest -- tent. Some pines and scrub vegetation surround the clearing where the tents have been pitched, providing a modicum of cover -- the same cover which made it necessary for the heroes to get closer. The sentry seems alert; he moves a few steps now and then and scans the area as Ringgenberg and Windham watch for a minute or two. Just then, another sentry steps into view, from the north side of the camp, passing between a patch of pinyons and stopping to the eastern side of the fire. He seems to be facing the pards' position. The man on the stool stands up.

Meanwhile, the man-who-used-to-be-called Albert keeps sight of his two pards as the men pick their way towards the invaders' camp. He loses both of them for a few seconds here and there, while completely losing sight of the Wolverine for even longer. Something occurs to him: if he can follow the professor, it's possible the enemy might observe the scouts, too. Finally, he sees Earnest climb a small crag roughly halfway to the mesa and a little farther south than their position. They have been gone several minutes and they are now stationary. Well, at least the professor, for "certain-shurre" as Richardsen might say.

OOC: Tracy and Earnest get one post each to react to this before the Judge moves on. The Judge won't be answering a bunch of questions about this, just giving pause for a second when the heroes realize they might have been noticed.  The Judge continues to make secret rolls for Notice vs. the heroes' Stealth rolls, and this post reflects the current results.

The characters with the horses are aware of what Padre has seen, but not aware of the movement of the sentries at the invaders' camp. Based on Jake's last post, the Texican is keeping an eye to the east, looking for any signs of the mounted patrol following their trail. And Pearce is looking after the horses along with Daniel. These heroes may also give one post to follow-up on Padre's observations before the Judge moves forward.
This message had punctuation tweaked by the GM at 13:45, Thu 14 Sept 2023.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 205):

Earnest observes the camp keeping close to the ground; when the men in the camp turn towards them, he goes stone-still.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 206):

Tommy hears Padre's concern about the Professor. He nods his head in agreement and whispers
"Hopefully the firelight will make it harder for them to see anything outside the camp ..but our boys better be quiet"

Tommy once again looks behind for any sign of a posse catching up to them
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
13:46, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 2,5 using d6,d6 with rolls of 2,5.  Notice - check for posse following.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 205):

~Shit.~ He sees the sentries' actions, clearly taking some notice of their position. Thinking it more likely that they noticed the Professor and not him, Tracy holds his position, keeps the spyglass trained on the sentries, and prepares to react.

OOC:

23:34, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 3,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1.  Stealth, remain unseen.

23:34, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 4,11 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,(6+5)11.  Stealth reroll.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 208) and Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 206):

OOC: There is no need for Tracy to make the same roll you just made, for Stealth, if he isn't changing anything since the result of the roll. In other words, since Tracy isn't moving or doing anything he wasn't already doing, his initial Stealth roll stands until the Judge rules something is changing. If he were to attempt to move away or take some action he didn't want noticed (e.g., Aim), a new Stealth roll would be appropriate. For now, the Judge would prefer to give back the Benny back and resume with Tracy's narrative intact, but no roll made.

The same holds true for the professor. No roll was made, and none was needed. The Judge prefers it as such at this time.

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 207):

OOC: Neither Padre nor Jake has posted since the Judge's msg # 205. That's fine, but the Judge is pausing the rest of the day before continuing, to give opportunity if either has anything to add after Tommy's post.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 205):

"Don't see nobody sniffin' ah-round our back-trail," the Texican whispered, still gazing in the direction from whence the party had come.

"Leastways, not yet."

"Still, I don't reckon that time is ex-zactly on our side re-gardin' this under-taekin' -- 'specially iff'n our scouts might've gotten spotted."

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 211):

Indeed, Mr Richardsen. Padre said in low tones. I dont know what it is but something just aint sitting right..

Windham and Ringgenberg freeze like rabbits spotted by a bird of prey.

After a few seconds, the sentry who had advanced to face their position now looks away, perhaps having a word with the man who arose from the stool. The sentry turns and moves through the pinyons, disappearing the way he came.

The other sentry -- the one they had seen first near the northernmost tent -- resumes his watch, while the man near the fire sits again on the stool again.

The men and the horses continue to wait, while Padre keeps sight of the professor's position.

OOC: Both Tracy and Earnest indicated "sit tight," so now the Judge needs to know for how long they intend to stay in their current position. Those at camp may free post until that point is clear for the Judge.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 213):

OOC: I think Earnest is ready to head back at this point... will a return to the others require another stealth roll?

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

OOC: Yes. The first Stealth roll covered the move to the current position, until you stopped and spied. Moving again requires another roll (and will require another opposed roll from anyone trying to spot the heroes). No roll is needed for navigating back; it's only 100 yards and Tracy can easily lead the way.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:05, Wed 20 Sept 2023.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 213):

Earnest looks (slowly) over to Tracy to see if he is ready to return.

OOC: Thanks Judge!

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 216):

Tracy breathes a silent sigh of relief as the sentries turn away for the moment. He nods to the Professor before turning to lead them back to their pards.

OOC:

06:13, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 4,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,5.  Stealth check.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 217):

Earnest nods back to Tracy and proceeds to follow.

09:55, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 3,2 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2.  Stealth - Return to others.
09:56, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 2,1 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,1.  Stealth - Return to others, benny reroll.
09:56, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 3,5 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,5.  Stealth - Return to others, benny reroll #2.

OOC: A success! And it only took the rest of my bennies! ...The Dice Roller is a harsh mistress.

In reply to Tracy Windham (msg # 217) and Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 218):

The two scouts exchange glances and retreat from the outcropping. They drop to the ground, and the Wolverine begins to pick his way back to the horses.

OOC: Both men need to make a Notice roll (still at –2; the Judge is keeping track of that modifier in case the heroes don't. NP, just stating for the record.).

And of course, Earnest, needing two Bennies had nothing to do with the professor volunteering to go on a Stealth mission when he's no good at sneaking around.

EDIT: Padre needs to make a new Notice check as well, if he is trying to follow the two scouts after they begin to move. Tommy and Jake may do so, if they wish.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:04, Sat 23 Sept 2023.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 219):

I have the vision of an eagle and the focus of a hawk.

Padre muses to himself as he changes the focal quality of his eyes by squinting. The Professor and The Wolverine were retreating from the camp, Padre kept a close watch.

I hope they got a good look. Certainly not as good as I would have. Eagle vision they used to call me.

Padre seemed to conjure a new found confidence. It didn't matter if it was earned.

OOC:

08:27, Today: Albert (Padre) Juhasz rolled 9,4 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 7,2.
This message was last edited by the player at 12:39, Sun 24 Sept 2023.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 219):

06:53, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 2,14 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,(6+6+2)14.  Notice - per Judge.

OOC: Just a bit of TT bitchin'... I sent Earnest because he has very good Notice rolls (see above)!

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 219):

Unlike Padre, who seemed to be keeping an eye on the Wool-verine and the Perfesser, Jacob kept his gaze turned to the party's back trail.

~Hoepefully that pah-trol that was sniffin' ah-round our back-trail ain't gettin' too close.~

~It'd be a mite uhn-cump-table if'n we was to find ourselves squoze betwixt a rock an' a hard place.~

---

OOC:
17:41, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 6,14 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,(6+6+2)14.  Notice Check re: Keepin' an Eye on the Back-Trail.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 219):

Tracy attempts to pick his way back to camp, but his eyes fail him. Was it exhaustion? ~Been up and at it a while now,~ he thinks to himself.

He pauses and glances back at Earnest, shrugging to indicate that he was unsure of the way back. Hopefully, the Professor had a better sense than he did.

OOC:

08:14, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 2,1 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,3.  Notice check.

As the two scouts near the halfway point back to the horses, Earnest feels a shudder run up his spine. Just a moment later, he catches sight and sound of someone moving towards them on an intersecting path, from the northwest, carrying some kind of longarm. The professor also sees movement a short distance behind that shadowy figure, although he can't discern any detail about the second person.

Tracy fails to notice the movement, focused as he is on navigating safely and quietly back to the other pards. Just another 50 yards ....

Padre sees the two scouts moving back towards his own position. That's good. But then a beat later he catches a glimpse of two forms, maybe 15 yards apart, moving towards the scouts from the northwest. He relays his observations to his pards, but there's no time to debate what it means.

To Jake's eyes, the back trail is still clear of any mounted patrol. Maybe it's his imagination, but he does believe he hears the rumbling of horse hooves in the night.

OOC: The professor gets one action before the following initiative begins, in addition to continuing his movement with Tracy. As usual, speech is allowed but keep it brief. It's clear that Tracy hasn't taken notice of what Earnest has observed. The Judge is posting this now so players can see when their turn is coming up. Some might choose to go on Hold when their turn comes up, based on the circumstances and what the professor does before the initiative starts. The Judge will reply to Earnest's post and we'll start the initiative at that time, which will begin with Daniel.

Initiative
Earnest Six Spades Fourth
Jake Three Clubs, Queen Hearts Spades Third
Padre Two Diamonds Eighth
Tommy Four Clubs, Ace Clubs Second
Tracy Six Diamonds Sixth
Daniel Ace Hearts First
RS Three Hearts, Six Clubs Fifth
BP Two Hearts Seventh
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:11, Tue 26 Sept 2023.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 224):

Earnest stops Tracy by putting a hand on his shoulder. He points as he whispers urgently.

Two men with longarms coming...
This message was last edited by the player at 13:12, Wed 27 Sept 2023.

OOC: Tracy must choose to stop. The Judge is waiting for confirmation from the player.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 226):

Tracy freezes, hearing the Professor's words. He turns in the direction Earnest indicated and readies himself for whatever might come next.

Hearing Padre's words, Daniel whispers to Jake and Tommy. "I will mind the horses."

Just then, Padre sees the two scouts stop and informs the others of the same.

OOC: We are now in a combat round. Daniel is first; he goes on Hold. As usual, the Judge is allowing BRIEF speech as a free action for any character who wishes to go on Hold voluntarily. Also, the 24-hour rule is now in effect. If it becomes your turn, you get 24 hours to post, then you go on Hold--at the Judge's discretion.

It is Tommy's turn.

In reply to Daniel Knight (msg # 228):

Tommy nods at Daniels words and whispers: "I'll try to get behind the two Padre saw"

Tommy moves away carefully from Daniel and Jake in a slightly west-northwest direction to get behind the area Padre saw the figures moving
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
OOC - Tommy will move at normal pace.
21:34, Today: Thomas Pearce rolled 1,4 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4.  Stealth - while moving position

In reply to Thomas Pearce (msg # 229):

Pearce speaks and then disappears into the dark terrain.

OOC: Acknowledged. Pearce is moving but not yet to the the location he desires. The Judge shall add narrative as the round continues.

It is Jake’s turn.

OOC: Jake is now on Hold. As usual he may post anytime he is ready.

It is Earnest’s turn.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 230):

Jacob heard his pards' whispers, and replied "Heard what I took t'be horses comin' up our back-trail -- they're a ways off yet, howsomever."

It seemed to the Texican that the pot would come to a boil -- one way or the other -- over by the camp sooner than it would in the direction of their back-trail, so he moved in that direction, bent double in a crouched shuffle.

Soon enough he took a knee and aimed down Widder-Maeker's barrel at one of the figures. He recognized the perfesser's gait and took the shadow closest to Earnest to be Tracy -- that meant that the other two shadowy figures were hostile, so Jake aimed at one of them . . .

---

OOC:
16:20, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 2,13 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,(6+6+1)13.  Stealth Check: To Move Into a Shooting Position.

Comments: I figured that a Stealth Check might be needed for Jake to move into position . . . well . . . stealthily.

Edit: Fixed an inadvertent typo (not an intentional Texican-drawl spelling).
This message was last edited by the player at 15:15, Mon 02 Oct 2023.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 232):

Like Pearce, Richardsen exits camp with a mind to get closer to the enemy, without being spotted himself. The Texican takes a different path than the Irishman.

OOC: Movement & Stealth roll acknowledged. As noted for Tommy, the Judge will add narrative when appropriate.

Earnest is now on Hold. It is RS turn. The Judge will post at some point today. Earnest may act whenever he chooses.

The second of the two pursuers moving towards the two scouts accelerates. For the professor, who had seen the two figures before anyone else, it seems as if the one speeding up intends to join the other. Finally, Earnest realizes the second figure in the shadows is Red Shirt.

The Paiute attacks the other figure, just as the man slows and turns around. Perhaps the opponent had heard Red Shirt's approach; perhaps he was just lucky. Either way, both Windham and Rinngenberg witness the Paiute slashing with his Bowie knife, but failing to connect.

OOC: It is Tracy's turn. The professor is still on Hold and may go whenever he pleases.

In reply to Red Shirt (msg # 234):

Seeing Red Shirt attack, Earnest speaks a sharp whisper to Tracy, draws his Colt, and quickly moves to aide Red Shirt (while still trying to remain relatively quiet).

It's Red Shirt! Let's help!

06:56, Today: Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg rolled 2,4 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4.  Stealth - approach Red Shirt.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 235):

Tracy's eyes light up as he witnesses Red Shirt's attack. He's already starting to bolt towards the Paiute's position when the hears the Professor speak. The Wolverine takes off at a dead sprint and launches himself at the Paiute's opponent, attempting to tackle the man to the ground before he could counter Red Shirt.

OOC:

11:43, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 2 using 1d6 with rolls of 2.  Running d6.

11:43, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 2,1 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,3.  Athletics 2.

11:43, Today: Tracy Windham rolled 2,0 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,2.  Athletics, tackle.

Not quite the rolls I was looking for.

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 235) and Tracy Windham (msg # 236):

OOC: Acknowledging both Earnest and Tracy's posts. Later today, the Judge will post some narrative with the opponent actions and results of other players actions (i.e., where those "sneaking" end up and their status relative to others).

After the Judge's post, it will be Padre's turn to end the round (or to be first in the next round, if you want to look at it that way.)

In the dim moonlit night, a shot rings out. A puff of black powder rises from a point between the invaders mesa camp and the location of the melee among one of the patrolmen, Red Shirt, and the Wolverine.

Earnest feels a punch to his leg. Is there another patrolmen hiding nearby? he thinks. No, I've been shot. Although he closes the distance to Red Shirt -- the melee is less than 10 yards away -- it's clear to the professor that his attempts to remain unseen have not gone to plan.

Windham had just made a run in the difficult terrain and launched himself at the patrolman. Like Jake's nickname for him, Tracy navigates the terrain with no difficulty but he misjudges his leap in the darkness. He lands on his feet, a yard or two away, seeing the invader swinging wildly with his knife and making no contact with the Paiute.

Pearce and Richardsen had just sneaked through the sometimes difficult scrub terrain, each advancing some 10 yards in their chosen stealthy approach. Each man had taken a slightly different route: the Irishman towards the north and the Texican more westerly and straight towards the scouts' position. Now, Jake figures he is roughly 30 yards away from the melee. Tommy reckons he is less than 40 yards away, on their flank.

Padre sees and hears all of this revealed before his dilated eyes.

OOC: The patrolman to the north, unseen because he's fairly far away, got a lucky shot, even with distance and dim light modifiers. 10 points on Earnest means 1 Wound and Shaken. The professor cannot make a Soak roll because he has 0 Bennies per the bio-line.

The patrolman in melee with RS and TW seems have carried a lucky charm. Both heroes miss in their attacks. Of course, the invader missed as well.

It is Padre's turn.

EDIT: forgot to post the patrolmen attack rolls. Got in the habit of secret rolls because of all the Stealth vs. Notice goings-on. Padre has asked the Judge a question in PM ... which reminded me to post those here for convenience.

17:16, Yesterday: Judge Messalen rolled 0 using 1d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 2.  BP1 Fighting knife RS.
17:17, Yesterday: Judge Messalen rolled 7 using 1d6-4, rerolling max with rolls of (6+5)11.  BP2 Shooting Earnest.
17:21, Yesterday: Judge Messalen rolled 10 using 2d8, rerolling max with rolls of 1,(8+1)9.  BP2 dmg Earnest.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:11, Tue 03 Oct 2023.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 238):

Padre didnt think he had much of a choice. The Professor was hit and Red Shirt had engaged. The wolverine and Mr Richardsen were taking action as well. It was time. Padre's instincts kicked in.

Close. Close.

Too far and too dark to shoot. Maybe he could run. Close the gap. Protect the Professor.

Padre sprints toward The Professor. To hell with stealth.


OOC:

18:47, Today: Albert (Padre) Juhasz rolled 5 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5.  Padre Run to the Professor.

Padre runs. He runs past Jake, as the Texican moves stealthily towards the melee. The difficult terrain limits the distance traveled; nonetheless the man-who-used-to-be-called Albert closes almost half-way to the professor's position.

Jake sees Padre sprint past. The Texican has a good view ahead now and reckons that Padre's move is likely to draw attention of the shooter farther to the west. And probably everyone else. The rifleman is certain-shure he can proceed unseen -- or stop and shoot without being seen until he fires -- although it's still a good distance to reach the area of the melee.

Tommy, who continues to move mostly northward in an attempt to get behind the patrolmen, sees Padre and the outbreak of the melee. Getting behind the melee is possible, but one of the men he had hoped to flank turns out to be Red Shirt. The shooting patrolman is a good 40 yards further away. Getting behind that shooter would take much-too-much time, but with the aid of the bold run of Juhasz, the Irishman hopes he can continue to move unseen. The mechanic might need to follow Padre's lead; that is, pick up the pace. Or continue at a normal pace and use his ability to quickly calculate the odds with his scattergun.

OOC: Interesting round. Per PM with Padre and Pearce, remember the darkness (dim –2 to most rolls) and take note of the distances mentioned above. Normal Pace is 6" or 12 yards, with a slight reduction by the Judge because of difficult ground in the area. Some spaces are clear, others not so much. Because this is theater of the mind at this time (no map), the Judge is assessing all players/opponents actions and giving the benefit of the doubt for things like moving. And since it's dark and less than famiilar terrain, TotM seems quite appropriate for playing out this scene. One of the only things that doesn't incur the penalty for dim light is Stealth -- if you move normally. Running with Stealth is at –2.

Wow, fascinating Action Card Draw.

Initiative
Earnest Seven Diamonds Seventh
Jake Four Diamonds, Ace Diamonds Spades Third
Padre Ten Clubs Sixth
Tommy Ten Diamonds, Three Spades Fifth (or last if desired w/Calculating)
Tracy Four Hearts Eighth
Daniel King Diamonds Fourth
RS Seven Spades, Joker First or whenever he wants
BP Joker, Five Diamonds First or whenever they want (there is a reason this changed from one card to two, but interestingly, the Joker came up as the first of the two cards)

It is BP turn, because Red Joker goes first. This is one draw for all the Base Patrol Men. One of them is a WC, the others act on his turn.

Next is RS, whose Joker gives every hero 1 Benny. Sorry, Earnest, too late to use it to Soak, but at least you have one now.

The Judge is pausing here and will resume within 12 hours ...
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:48, Wed 04 Oct 2023.

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 240):

OOC: I see 2 'first's, 2 'seventh's and no 'second' in the initiative list... am I missing something?

In reply to Earnest Nicholas Samuel Ringgenberg (msg # 241):

OOC: I had both Jokers listed on purpose as First, therefore, no second. The two sevenths is a mistake. Fixing it now.

Suddenly, the blaring of a bugle pierces the darkness. It comes only a few heartbeats after the rifle report from the shot that hit the professor. The bugle's wail seems to come from the invaders' camp.

Closer to the heroes, the patrolman snarls and attacks the Paiute, stabbing with his knife. Red Shirt parries the blows and makes his own wild slashing foray. Nearby, Tracy sees that neither of the men have drawn blood, although the patrolman seems shaken by the Paiute's attack.

Another rifle report rings out, a puff of smoke rising from the same position as the previous. Ringgenberg winces in reflex, thinking it may be another shot at him. At the same time, Juhasz feels the lead ball whizzing past him as he runs.

OOC: Only RS hit amongst the people who attacked during the Jokers' turns. His opponent is Shaken.

It is Jake's turn.

10:46, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 2 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2.  BP1 Fighting knife RS (-2+2).
10:52, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 4,3 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,1.  RS Fighting Wild (-2+2+2).
10:56, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 5,4 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2.  RS Fighting Wild (-2+2+2) Benny.
10:58, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 2,2 using d6,d4, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2.  RS dmg knife.
11:02, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 4 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4.  BP2 Shooting Padre (-2+2) the Judge's note in dice roller was incorrect here, another –2 would mean a miss, see Benny reroll.
11:06, Today: Judge Messalen rolled 3 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3.  BP2 Shooting Padre (-2+2-2) Benny. still a miss, because of distance -2; updated the note but clicked Roll the Dice before updating the die stat itself

In reply to Judge Messalen (msg # 243):

~Reckon it's time to git a wiggle on -- shootin'-wise, that is,~ the Texican thought to himself as the camp erupted into noise and action. Obviously, the time for sneaking about was over and done with.

Dropping to one knee, he aimed at the sentry who was engaged with Red Shirt and squeezed off a round . . .

---

OOC:13:48, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 15,10 using d12+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (12+1)13,(6+2)8.  Firing at Sentry

13:49, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 8,6 using d12+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 6,4.  Dead Eye Trait Re-roll.

13:52, Today: Jacob Richardsen rolled 16,4 using 2d8-1,d6, rerolling max, unique dice with rolls of 4,(8+5)13,4.  Damage (Winchester, Raise).

Comments: Jake has the Marksman Trait, which I believe will cancel out the -2 darkness (dimness) penalty. I did not apply a Range penalty, because (a.), I wasn't sure what it should be, and (b.) arguably it has been canceled out (or at least diminished) if the Judge feels that Jake qualifies for the benefits afforded from  "Aim". Thus, I ended up applying only the +2 Bonus from Jake's Improved Trademark Weapon Trait to his Attack roll.

I re-rolled Jake's "Firing" roll, per his "Dead-Eye" Trait. I am unsure whether he can apply the better of the two rolls, or whether he is required to use the second roll, if it is used. If he is required to use the second roll, please ignore the second roll in this instance, Judge -- obviously, his first Dice-Roll (Firing Attack) was very nice, and I would have used it instead of chancing a second roll.

I could not remember whether Damage rolls can Ace, or not. Please adjust the Damage roll as needed, Judge.

Edit: Fixed typo, as marked.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:10, Wed 04 Oct 2023.

In reply to Jacob Richardsen (msg # 244):

A third weapon report rings out in the night. This time the puff of smoke arises from the Texican's widder-maeker. Tracy and Red Shirt both witness the obvious result, as the patrolman gasps and crumples to the ground. The two pards hear a gurgling sound, as if Richardsen had shot the man directly through his neck.

OOC: Jake's Dead Eye ... that is one of the new Edges Jake agreed to help me test. The free reroll is like any other reroll. You may choose to make the roll or choose not to make it. The risk in rerolling is the possibility of a Critical Failure. Because of Jake's first roll being good, he might have declined the reroll to start. However, for the sake of argument and testing, I'm glad Jake rolled it. If the reroll isn't a CF, as always on a free reroll, Jake can choose to take either of (the better off) the roll results. But if the reroll had been a CF, Jake would have been forced to accept the CF.

Jake doesn't qualify for Aim. First, you have to do that the round before you shoot. Still, he does qualify for Marksman (which is by design a weaker version of Aim, and the two things don't stack). So -2 dim light is negated by Marksman. Range is short for Winchester, so Jake's Shooting roll is correct. It was a raise which Jake also rolled correctly (yes, damage dice can Ace). He forgot to add the damage bonus for Dead Eye, but doesn't matter (see PM, Jake). The patrolman is down.

It is Tommy's turn, unless he wants to take the lower card and go last in the round with Calculating.

EDIT: Fixed minor typos above.
This message was last edited by the GM at 21:11, Fri 06 Oct 2023.