Some Mood Music

Late Afternoon, April 11th, 1879. On The Road to Blackthorn, Texas. Good Friday.

It's been a long and dusty trail from Victoria. The wind whips dark clouds over the sky, and it has started to rain. It's not bad yet, but the pair of riders on the trail shiver at the cold nonetheless.



One of the riders wears fancy duds, the sort of ostentatious wear that speaks of much money but little taste. He has a wide-brimmed hat, a fringed black leather jacket festooned with spades, clubs, diamonds, and hearts, and more of the same on his shiny black leather pants. A shiny silver Peacemaker rests in a tooled leather holster at his side, and on his weathered face is a pretentious monocle.

The other rider's clothes are well-worn and too warm for the climate around here - denoting him as foreign in these parts (though he's glad to have them in this ugly rain). He's heeled, the holster and gun in much better condition than his coat. He has a haunted, tired look about him, his eyes constantly scanning his surroundings and he rarely seems relaxed.



The monocled rider reigns in his horse. "Whoa, there." He says, then points to the horizon. "Look over there. You can see the buildings from here. Ain't it just the saddest little piece of shit in this whole wide world?" He grins.



Thunder rumbles across the plains as the pair stare down at the collection of ramshackle hovels on the horizon.



And here they were, at the ass end of nowhere, right next to a dead tree.

"I'm going to visit a friend of mine, pay my respects." The monocled man says to William, dropping off his horse. "You wait right here for a spell. Don't go ridin' off...I'd hate having to track you down."

OOC: Forgot to discard one of my chips, which I just did.

Pierce lowers his head, water cascading off the brim of his hat. He spits, then raises his eyes again.

"You want me to wait here, in the rain? I'd rather wait somewhere dry and warm. This place, Blackthorn, sure has a saloon or something, right? You'll find me there."

He looks at the tree next to them, shaking his head. That thing didn't offer no shelter when it was alive, let alone now.

"If you don't want people to see us together, I'll give you a few minutes head start. Good enough for ya?"
This message was last edited by the player at 09:36, Thu 17 Nov 2011.

"Now, what did I just say? I have no interest in tracking you down." the gunslinger says. "Besides, there's two saloons in town...lots of folk there try to drink their depression away." He walks over to the tree. "I won't be more than a few...what the fuck!?"

At this outburst a pair of crows burst into the air. It's not hard to see why. The hollow around the tree had been used as a campsite, and something had attacked it. A cold fire pit sat next to the body of a horse. Crows tore at the rotting flesh of the beast. Scraps of paper fluttered about the camp, and around one side was a torn and bloodstained mochila bearing the words "Pony Express."

Most disturbingly, the earth next to the tree had been disturbed, as if something human-sized had dug it's way up from beneath the ground.

"What the hell happened here?" the monocled gunslinger mutters, looking around the campsite in bewilderment.

Pierce's eyes narrow, he looks up again, slowly turning his horse around to get a good view of the whole area, then dismounts, walking closer to the campsite.

"Nothing good happened here... adding one more reason why I'd rather wait somewhere else. Tell me a place you want to meet up."

He hunkers down, grabs the bag and a few of the nearest papers, then rifles through the contents.

OOC: 19:15, Today: William Pierce rolled 7,19 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 5,(6+6+5)17. Notice.

Pierce looks up to meet the stranger's gaze.

"And if that doesn't sound good to you, then we don't need to meet up at all. You helped me find the place. Obliged. But it's not like we got married or something. I'll find my way around this little town and no hard feelings."

The gunslinger doesn't respond to William at first. he's too busy just staring at the disturbed ground.

"no...oh shit, no..." he mutters, then turns to William. "Hmph. Yeah. You're right about that...very bad things happened here. Look, we'll meet up at the Grand Bull Saloon. There's likely to be some very lucrative work for you very soon...very soon. If you've got the grit for it. But...damn, this is bad."

The papers seem to be a collection of letters, envelopes, and documents. most have burn marks, and there's a lot of paper ash in the firepit. The horse was killed by a half-dozen handgun rounds from a fairly large pistol.

This looks like the remains of a mail robbery. But where is the body of the rider?

Then, out of the corner of his eye, William spots a figure standing at the creekside, watching the pair of them forlornly.

The gunman turns, standing up and dropping the bag in the process, his right hand resting on the handle of his gun.
He looks at the newcomer - could it be the pony express rider?

OOC: How much would you say I know about the Reckoning and the whole stuff? I didn't put anything in particular into my skills or background, but I'd guess that dead climbing out of their graves and gamblers shooting bolts of lightnings from their fingertips are at least stories I've heard over campfires, even if not experiencing them myself.

The figure by the creek just stands there, watching. He's a slender young black man with curly hair and staring, oddly glassy eyes. He looks dazed, a little lost. The front of his shirt is soaked in blood. Several holes have been burned through it. His leather chaps are also stained, the right leg more than the left. This would be consistent with the bullet holes in the horse slumped over at the edge of the camp.

((OOC: Campfire stories, yes, but nothing substantiated. Most people don't believe in that kind of thing...but then, in the back of their minds, they might wonder.))
This message was last updated by the player at 08:35, Fri 18 Nov 2011.

(OOC: How far is he away?)

Pierce throws a quick glance at Spades.

"Are... are you hurt? Who attacked you?"
Pierce licks his lips.

Something's not right... His instincts tell him to draw and put the obviously wounded man out of his misery. But too much has happened in the last year and he feels reluctant to act on it.

"Easy now. We can take you to a doctor."

The gunslinger catches the glance and turns. "Holy Jesus, son. What happened to you?" he says. "You didn't happen to see...well, anythin' strange here, now, did you?"

The man doesn't reply to either of them. He shuffles forward in a slow, stumbling gait that reminds William of veterans he'd seen of the War. His eyes stare past the two of them, the thousand-yard stare of someone suffering from "the soldier's heart".

((OOC: he started 12 yards away and has moved 8, leaving him 4 yards (2 squares of movement) from William. Easily within a turn's move.))

William moves back a step or two, then slowly gives wayto his left, his eyes never leaving the mute rider.

"Easy now, easy... your horse didn't make it. Just sit down."
To Spades: "You got a hatchet? W might be able to hack the tree into a stretcher."

The silent figure moves with William, keeping pace with him as he moves back. He raises one hand and points at the collection of scraps William had amassed.

"Got a knife." The gunslinger grunts. "I'm not planning to dull it for his sake, though. I'm of the opinion we should just take our leave now...I'm done paying respects. In pace requiescat, and all that." his hand slowly lowers toward his own gun handle. "All in all, I'd like to leave this eerie scene and get on with my increasingly eerie day. Preferably with no witnesses."

"You want those?" Pierce asks the rider. "You can have them, no problem."
He slowly puts the bag down in front of him, then keeps moving to the side.

To Spades, he adds: "Witness to what, hmm?"

"Did I say witnesses?" the gunslinger grunts. "I meant complications. Like, say, dragging a bloody negro full of bullet holes into town and then having to explain to the Yankee marshal how you came across him when your face is plastered all over posters from Deadwood to Abilene. That strikes me as just about the opposite of laying low."

As the man talks, the rider moves over to the bag, kneels, and starts picking through the scraps.

"Look at him." Seven spits. "He ain't long for the world anyhow, even if you somehow get him to a doctor. He's done for. Hell, it might just be a kindness if you just finished him off...he's so full of holes they won't notice one mo-"

Which is just about the time the bloody rider leaps at the gunslinger, clearing the distance between them in shockingly quickly. He opens his mouth wide and bites down hard on the gunslinger's arm, eliciting a cry of shock from Seven.

((OOC: Draw cards for initiative! Welcome to the tradional Sixguns & Spellslingers Jumping In!))

---

Turn Order:
The Seven of Spades: AS
Pony Express Rider: QD
William Pierce: Not Drawn yet

OOC:19:40, Today: William Pierce drew the single card: BJ! using the Deadlands system.
Does that mean I interrupt him?
If you consider a headshot at this point to be player knowledge, feel free to ignore the called shot.


Pierce's hand had been on his pistol this whole time - now, he draws it, faster than the eye can follow, cocking the hammer before the barrel has cleared leather.
A single shot rings out - and at this distance, it's almost impossible to miss.

OOC:19:46, Today: William Pierce rolled 7,1 using d10-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 9,3. Quick Draw, Shooting, headshot, Joker.
19:48, Today: William Pierce rolled 10 using 2d6+7, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2. peacemaker damage, joker, headshot. I'd be willing to No Mercy that, if necessary.

"Deadwood and Abilene are a long way from here." he adds into the silence after his shot's noise has faded.

The side of the rider's head explodes, showering Seven with blood and bits of brain.

There's a silence in the hollow as Seven collects himself. He seems a bit rattled by the whole thing.

"Well." He says after a few moments. "Well. I thank you kindly. Didn't want no negro rabies anyhow." He looks over the body. "That was a damn fine shot. I can see your reputation wasn't exaggerated. That's good. My boss will certainly want to meet you. That's a fine talent there, a fine one."

Then he begins heading back to his horse, leaving the dead man on the ground. He pulls a handkerchief to wipe the blood from his face. "Probably time to get going." He says.

((OOC: Yup, that interrupts him. Also, I have no problems with the headshot. Since he is, in fact, a Walkin' Dead, the headshot deals an additional 2 damage, which bumps you to 12. That's enough to put it down. This fight is over before it began.))

Pierce takes a moment replacing the spent cartridge, then saddles up. If the ouburst of violence had any effect on him, he's not showing it.

"Lead the way, I'll be right behind you."

After a few moments, he asks: "Why is there a yankee marshal in the middle of Texas?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:28, Mon 21 Nov 2011.

"Heh. Right." Seven says, though he moves in such a way that his back is, at no time, to William. He hikes himself on to his horse.

"Well, before he came, the last Marshal wound up full of some suspicious holes after siding with Dr. Ward, the local cattle baron, against some sheep herders during a range war out here. Weren't no Marshal in the town for some time after that, just the Dust Adders. The Yankee came to town selling tinctures and cure-alls and all kinds of snake-oil, and wound up fighting some band of outlaws that decided to raid the town. The townfolk wanted to elect him, my boss figured there weren't no harm in it, and so there we are. As for why he's in Texas in the first place, well, that you'd have to ask him. The undertaker's an Yank, too. Lots of folk moving between the borders now that the war's done."

Pierce smiles to himself. There were only a few people who trusted him enough to turn their back to him. Incidentally, it was the same group of people he'd be comfortable having his back to them.

"And who is your boss?" He asks, quite innocently. As Spades hesitates to answer, he adds: "Now that I saved your life I think I'm finally deserving some answers, wouldn't you say?"
This message was last edited by the player at 13:25, Tue 22 Nov 2011.

"Saved my life? From a half-dead negro?" Seven scoffs, cocking an eyebrow over his monocle. "A little presumptuous, I think. Not that I don't appreciate your assistance, mind."

He strokes his beard. "Well, I suppose I can toss out this little tidbit. My contact in town is a fellow who prefers to go by the colorful sobriquet of Mr. Mistoffelees in our dealings, and his boss is someone he refers to as 'Old Deuteronomy.' I neither know, nor care, what their real names are, nor their actual occupations. All I know is that they are powerful people and pay well for someone of my skills and talents, and thus I seek out their employ whenever I come through town. If you have any further questions, you can ask him yourself once I've arranged the meeting."

((OOC: While the pair of you are talking, make a Notice Check for me.))
This message was last updated by the player at 07:23, Wed 23 Nov 2011.

OOC: 09:50, Today: William Pierce rolled 4,5 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,3. Notice, Alertness.

A lone figure is picking her way toward the pair. She's a pretty, mousey girl with brown hair up in an untidy knot. She's dressed in a blue floral dress, unremarkable except for the tears and rips in it and the unlaced bodice which leaves her petticoats exposed. There's a darkening bruise on the left side of her face from some recent mistreatment. She staggers off the road and dives into a nearby bush when she spots William and Seven.

Unfortunately for her, Seven spotted her just as she dives off the road. "Shit. Another complication to deal with." He growls, pulling his engraved pistol and nudging his horse toward her.

((OOC: 10:09, Today: The Seven of Spades rolled 6,9 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,(6+3)9. Notice.))

Pierce keeps Spades to his right and up front, but follows his pistol still holstered.

Seven rides closer to the brush, pistol at the ready.

"Hey!" the gunslinger shouts. "You there! Come on out of there. You aren't fooling anyone...I can see you quivering like a leaf. We ain't going to hurt you...just come on out."

From what William can see of the girl, she's not quivering. What she seems to be doing is feeling around for something on the ground, possibly a rock or a branch to use as a weapon.

And beside her, standing out in the open, is a shadowy figure that stares at William, watching his every move. Seven doesn't seem to have noticed the shadow, but William has seen it before. Seen it many a time, in fact, usually after one of those dreams that send him sitting straight up at night, drenched in cold sweat...

Pierce swallows, his left hand trembling.

"What are you doing, she's injured, don't scare her", he manages to say, and he forces his eyes away from the Shadow, watching the girl and Spades and his right hand moves toward the grip of his peacemaker, and he prepares to draw.

He feels time slow somewhat, his nostrils widen, trying to get in the smell of the surroundings. He's felt like that often before - seconds away from a gunfight. But he wouldn't start it. Not this time.

But I'll finish it when I have to.

OOC: If Spades makes a move to shoot the girl, I want to draw the gun and Intimidate him. If that fails, shoot to wound. I don't want him to shoot the girl, but don't want to take the first shot either. I'm making some rolls, in case they're needed...
12:04, Today: William Pierce rolled 6,5 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,5. Agility. to interrupt. Does the Quick Edge do anything here?
12:04, Today: William Pierce rolled 6,3 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,1. Intimidation.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:00, Sat 26 Nov 2011.

Seven looks at Pierce, his eyes narrowing as he sees the man's hand near his holster. He hesitates, probably calculating several things: the speed he can turn his pistol around, the chance he can snap an accurate shot off before William clears leather, whether William's own shots would score against him (especially at this close range), and a dozen other factors.

"You want to start something with me, friend?" He growls. "Calm your ass down. I'm just trying to ascertain the situation here. Nobody's trying to frighten nobody."

Still, he lowers the pistol and holsters it. His glare promises that he will remember this incident, but the image of William blowing the pony express rider's head to tiny pieces in the space to two heartbeats is probably too fresh in his mind.

"Look, why don't you go in after her? See that she's all right and such. Go on. I'll wait right here."

((OOC: Quick doesn't help in this, no. Since he wasn't in the middle of a combat action, the roll to interrupt isn't necessary...this would be just an out-of-combat Test of Wills, Intimidate vs. Spirit.

Seven attempts to resist the test of will. 00:03, Today: The Seven of Spades rolled 3,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1. Opposed Spirit. With the +2 from his Strong Willed edge, that's a total of 5. That's not enough, and he'll choose to back down for now. You've also angered him...and he's the kind of guy who carries grudges.))

"Just making sure your triggerfinger ain't itchin... friend."

Pierce dismounts, slowly and walks around the bushes.

If he wanted you dead, he'd have plenty opportunity already.

"Don't worry miss, we're not gonna hurt ya. I'll take you to a doc."
If there's one in Blackthorn, that is...

The girl glares up at him, holding a jagged rock at the ready. "Like Hell you are." She snarls. "I have a better idea. How about you and your friend mind your own business, eh? Just turn around and go. I don't need your help...I can take care of my own affairs." She frowns a bit, reconsidering. "Though if you're feeling generous, perhaps you can spare a knife or gun or something else I can use to defend myself..."

He ponders that, for a second.
"I'm afraid I can't, ma'am."
He throws a quick glance at Spades.
"And I'm afraid he won't."

He's silent for a moment, thinking about something. He stares over the woman's shoulder at the shadowy figure still standing there.

"If you come with us, you have my word that I'll take you to a doctor, get this injury looked at."

Another glance at Spades.
"And if you want, we can rest up here for a minute while my partner rides up ahead."

OOC: I'm way better at intimidation than persuasion... ;-)
09:57, Today: William Pierce rolled 3,3 using d4-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of (4+1)5,5. Persuasion, unskilled, White chipped.
09:57, Today: William Pierce rolled 1,1 using d4-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 3,3. Persuasion, unskilled.

"So what you're saying is, I'm your prisoner?" She says, glaring daggers at him. "Well then, come and get me, if you can. I'm not going back. I've already lost my lover and his partner to that hellpit of a town. You try to take me back and I'll smash your skull in."

"Can you hurry this up?" Seven yawns. "I'm getting bored here."

Pierce frowns, puzzled.

"You right up ahead. We'll meet at the saloon, like you said. I'll be right behind you."

Then he continues talking to the woman.
"I'm not here to take you prisoner. I'm new around these parts. What... what's going on here?"

"Right." Seven says, rolling his eyes. "Just keep her away from...back there, alright?" He spurs his horse onward and rides off down the trail.

The girl gives him a nervous, high-pitched giggle at the question. "What hasn't happened in Blackthorn?" she squeaks. "Our little group came to town to do some work, and wandered into a warzone! It looks like the marshal decided to man up and hire a bunch of deputies to take on the Dust Adders. And worse, he brought in this crazy Texas Ranger and a psychotic bounty hunter who've been egging things on. Over the last couple days there've been shootouts and riots and even a couple explosions! McCavity and Rum got caught in the middle...I just barely escaped! Hell, I expect that bounty hunter to be after me any moment now..." She bats her eyes at William. "Please, sir, do you have a knife to spare so I can protect myself should he find me?"

Bounty hunters....

"Why would a bounty hunter be after you?" There's bigger fish here, after all....
"This bounty hunter have a name?"

"Because he's a lunatic that likes to hurt people, and because the Ranger uses him as her attack dog against anyone who gets in her way." Jenny replies. "His name's Jericho Cantrell...ever heard of him?"

((OOC: Roll Common Knowledge))

OOC: 20:07, Today: William Pierce rolled 11,3 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+5)11,3. Common Knowledge.

William has, in fact, heard about Jericho Cantrell. He remembers reading a newspaper about the bounty hunter helping the Texas Rangers bring down John Westley Hardin just a month or so ago, and numerous other criminals brought justice (usually in body bags "because they resisted arrest"). The man was once a lieutenant in the Confederate Army, drummed out because he'd ordered a massacre of Indian refugees at the Texas/Coyote Confederation border.

He sounded like bad, bed news. Of all the people a wanted man in the CSA would want to avoid, Cantrell was at the top of the list.

"His name rings a bell...", William admits. He stares off into the distance.
"My name is Pierce. William Pierce. If what I heard about him is true, he might know my name, too. If he does, he'll forget all about you, ma'am. I know his type. Greedy, bloodthirsty, self-righteous killers."

God, he hated bounty hunters.

"If he finds you brandishing a knife or gun at him, he'll gun you down and don't think twice. What about that ranger woman? What does she want with you?"

"Oh, he'll try to hunt me whether I've got a weapon or not. He won't stop if he gets through you...he'll just claim you as a bonus." The girl scowls. "And don't give me that shit. I'm not some wilting wallflower that screams and shivers at the sight of blood. I can fend for myself. As for why she wants me, well...I don't think I should tell you that. You might get the wrong idea."

"I didn't take you for a wilting wallflower. And he won't come through me."

Pierce's tone isn't bragging, he sounds like he's stating a fact.

"Will you tell me your name, then?"

OOC: Was there a weapon that the undead pony express rider had?

"Well, ain't you confident?" The girl giggles, but she looks a little more relieved. "I'm Jenny."

((OOC: He had a gunbelt, from what William saw, but he never reached for it. If he did have a weapon, it would be back at the bloody campsite.))

Pierce gives her a half-smile, then is serious again.

"So what now? I need to go Blackthorn. If Cantrell really comes after you, you won't outrun him. And there's bandits about. I've come across a pony express rider that was done in. Are you willing to die in the wild? Who's that gonna help?"

He pauses, letting that sink in.
"Come back with me and face the music. Don't be afraid for the rest of your live."

OOC: 21:28, Today: William Pierce rolled -1,0 using d4-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2. Persuasion, unkilled. Yeah, I really suck at this.

"I'll go back with you, but I ain't facing no music." Jenny says. "Look, I don't know what's so important about this tiny speck of nothing, but it can't be that important. Why do you need to be here, anyway? Let's just run away together. I don't need to be afraid if I've got someone by my side."

"I did some bad things, Jenny. Up North. The Union doesn't want me no more. And now the war's done, people like Cantrell will come looking for me. I'm done running. I need some place to lay low for a while, some place in the middle of nowhere. I've been told Blackthorn is that place."

Jenny giggles at that. It's mildly unsettling, given the situation. "Well, I'd say you've come to the wrong place if you were looking to lay low...Blackthorn used to be a good town for that, but not recently. But if you want to face down Cantrell and the Ranger holding his leash, I'm in. We could probably hide at the Oriental Theater. Nothing there but whores, who probably wouldn't mind some company."

OOC: In what timezone are you? Glad we managed to get a little flow going for William this time! ;-)

"I've got no place else to go. B'sides, I'd like to get out of this rain, someplace dry, and I need someone to show me the town, too. Come on, let's go."

He re-mounts and holds out a hand to help Jenny up.

It will also be nice to get a second opinion... Monocle ain't telling me everything, after all.

He smiles at Jenny, keeping his thoughts to himself, then nods once to a shadowy figure only he can see.
Happy now?

He clicks his tongue and his horse starts trotting towards Blackthorn.

She sighs, nods, and accepts William's hand up.

"Well, I suppose I can do that much. Let's head to the Oriental. It's probably the place least affected by the crazy going on in the rest of town."

The shadow doesn't respond to William's mental question. It just stares, watching him as he rides into the town of Blackthorn.

The town is dark and silent. Very much too quiet. While the rain may explain why the streets are empty, it doesn't explain the total lack of lights from the windows, nor the forbidding silence that dogs the horse and the pair of riders.

"I heard the church bell ringing a little while ago." Jenny says, looking around. "I didn't realize everyone was going to Mass on a Friday. Should make finding a hiding spot easier."

She points at an impressive theater on the left. "There's the Oriental. Should be a good place to hole up."

There's a wagon in front of the building that's laden down with boxes. A pair of feminine forms wearing shawls and heavy cloaks are loading another box into the back.

((OOC: I'm on Arizona time, which is (currently) the Mountain Time Zone in the USA (this isn't always the case...Arizona doesn't use Daylight Savings Time, so half the year we're in Mountain and the other half we're in Pacific). However, I got a chance to post lots today because I didn't have to work...I had class instead. Usually I post either before or after I get off work. I tend to post the most on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays, as those are my days off so I can get synched up with most of the people in this game. I'm up right now because I'm a night owl.))

Pierce directs the horse toward the wagon, his eyes scanning the street, windows, roofs - mostly out of habit, not that he expects anyone to lay an ambush for him.
Still, there are careless gunmen and old gunmen - but no careless gunmen that are old.

OOC: 09:46, Today: William Pierce rolled 3,7 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5. Notice, Alertness.


He stops the horse a few paces from the wagon and turns it a little, so that Jenny is more visible.

"Howdy."

There's an oddness about the air, a chill that has nothing to do with the rain and storm. Out of the corner of his eye, William spots the flutter of wings as a crow takes flight. Out of the other corner, he spies the tail of a rattlesnake slithering under a boardwalk.

No people other than the girls loading the wagon, though. No people anywhere.

One of the girls looks up at William. She's heavily covered in a shawl and cloak, with a scarf across her face, her eyes covered with dark glasses, her hands covered in lacy gloves. The stagecoach has the legend "Vanderholt Traveling Troupe!" emblazoned on the side.

"Well, howdy, stranger!" She says, her voice muffled by the lacy scarf. Then she turns back to her work. Another pair of girls, dressed equally as heavily, come out of the theater with another couple of crates and stack them by the stagecoach.

OOC: What time is it?

Pierce feels an uneasyness wash over him.
Something's not right...

"Where is everybody? Town's awfully quiet."
His right hand strokes the handle of his Colt Frontier that he has strung in a cross draw holster in his left lip - easier to draw while mounted.
Pierce wasn't a Missouri guerilla, but he did see them fight from their horses. Damn, they could shoot...

"Are you leaving town?"

((OOC: It's about 4 in the afternoon.))

The dance hall girl shrugs. "Yup. Very quiet." She agrees.

"I think everyone's at the church." Another of the girls pipes up. "I heard the bell ringing not long ago. We didn't go, 'cause they don't like our kind there."

"Yeah, they'll share a dance or a bed with us, but not the grace of god." A third says.

"Not that we'd go anyhow." the fourth says.

"No," replies the first, "but it would've been nice if they'd asked."

At William's other question, the girls burst out in fits of giggling.

"Why? Were you hoping for a dance?" One says, striking a lusty pose that doesn't quite work with all the stuff she's wearing.

"Hoping for a place to hole up, more like. You want to stay here?" The latter, of course, said to Jenny.
"You have any idea if Jericho Cantrell's still in town?"

"Looks like as good a place as any...especially if it's empty." Jenny says. "It's a sure bet he's still in town...might be on our trail already, for all I know."

"If you want to work somethin' out, sugar, you ought to talk to Miss Vanderholt." One of the girls says. "She's inside there, gettin' things ready."

"Hey, girl!" Another says. "You're pretty enough. If you're in trouble, why not come with us? We can show you a great time and hide you from whoever it is you're runnin' from..."

"Um..." Jenny blushes. "N-no thanks. I-I'm not much for the sporting life..."

The girls giggle again. "Suit yourself."

Pierce waits for Jenny to dismount then gets off the horse himself. He tethers Jumper to the fence.
"You can stay here with the horse, if you want... but you're welcome to come inside."

"No, I'll come with you." Jenny says. She shivers as the lady offering her "a position" blows her a mock kiss through her scarf. "It's just...there's something about them I don't like."

She follows him into the theater.

"Something to remember, Jenny: Always trust your instincts. I'm not sure we should stay here. But let's talk to this Vanderholt woman first.", Pierce says quietly.

Inside, Pierce first notes doors and windows. Then, more boxes. He clears his throat and calls into the lobby: "Hello? I'm looking for Ms. Vanderholt."

The theater lobby is dark. Heavy curtains have been placed on all the windows, so the only light aside from the door is a weak lantern.

"Don't patronize me." Jenny says, and looks like she might say more, but at William's call for Miss Vanderholt, a vision of loveliness appears, sashaying her way into view.

Her raven-colored tresses fall beguilingly across a heart-shaped face, a surprised, innocent expression crossing over her full, pouting lips. She has a small, shapely nose, and almond-shaped brown eyes. Her well-endowed figure strains her blue silk dress.

"I'm Marina Vanderholt." She purrs in a dulcet Southern drawl. "What can I do for you, sir and madam?"

"Oh, shit!" Jenny whispers.

Pierce has toclear his throat again.
"We...we were looking for a room to rent. But it looks like you're leaving town."
He pauses, not sure how to continue.

The winsome woman smiles at him. "Very perceptive of you. Yes, we're in the middle of departure preparations, but until some of our associates return, we have time to entertain a few customers."

As she's talking, the girls from outside enter behind the pair.

"You know that thing you said about trusting your instincts?" Jenny whispers at William. "Mine are screaming at me. We have to get the hell out of here. Now."

The door behind them closes with a disheartening click as the last of the girls enters. They haven't made any aggressive moves, but it's hard to miss the fact that William and Jenny are now surrounded.

"Come on in. Let's have a drink, shall we?" Miss Vanderholt says. In the lantern light, her teeth shine. Her canines seem overly sharp.

"We're not thirsty and don't want to to keep you."

William takes a few half-steps toward the wall, nudging Jenny along. This wasn't the first time someone tried to surround him.

"Besides, I've rode in with an unpatient man wearing a monocle and he want me to meet his boss. Guess we'll seek accomodations elsewhere."

"Such a rush!" Marina says. She glides over to William and lays a gloved hand on his cheek. Her perfume is intoxicating. "Whatever is the matter? We've plenty of room here. Come. Stay a while. Share a meal with us."

She looks deeply into his eyes.

"I insist."

((OOC: Roll Spirit, please. You have to beat 5.))

OOC: 17:21, Today: William Pierce rolled 9,7 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+1)9,(6+1)7. Spirit roll.

The gunman grinds his teeth, trying to clear his head. Then William uses his left hand to take the hand of his cheek.

"Maybe some other time, ma'am."

He squeezes the hand, a bit harder then necessary.

"We don't wanna keep you from more... pressing matters."


OOC: 17:28, Today: William Pierce rolled 3,6 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4. Intimidation.

The madam's hand is much, much more resilient than it seems. Marina doesn't flinch at all. It's like William is squeezing down on a vise.

"Well now, sugar, there's no need to be rude."

That perfume is still there, still muddling his senses...or is it just the perfume? Who can say?

"I was trying to be hospitable."

She squeezes his hand back...her grip grinds the bones in his hand together.

"But as you like it. We shall attend to our 'pressing matters.' You see, we're going on a long trip, and, well, it won't do to make such a journey on an empty stomach."

She smiles at him again...and her canines lengthen into fangs.

"Girls!" She calls to her companions. "Breakfast!"

The girls surrounding the pair remove their scarves and shawls and smile at the pair. All of them have fangs.

((OOC: Marina attempts to resist the intimidation. She has a +1 circumstance bonus because you're surrounded by her minions.

01:41, Today: Marina Vanderholt rolled 7,3 using d8+1,d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 6,2. I don't think so, sugar. That's a success.

Marina is not happy with him, and decides to give him a taste of his own medicine with an Intimidate roll of her own: 01:54, Today: Marina Vanderholt rolled 1,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5. Intimidate.

make an opposed Spirit roll to resist. And then, make a Spirit Roll (-4 for the fear level, + your grit).))

OOC: Not sure if I need an action card right now or if her growing of fangs was her first action... so I'll draw and post my action anyway.
14:27, Today: William Pierce drew the single card: JH using the Deadlands system. Initiative.
14:25, Today: William Pierce rolled 1,6 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(6+2)8. Spirit roll vs. fear (FL4, Grit 2), WC2. That's for "White Chip, the second".
14:25, Today: William Pierce rolled 3,-1 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 5,1. Spirit roll vs. fear (FL4, Grit 2), WC.
14:25, Today: William Pierce rolled 3,1 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3. Spirit roll vs. fear (FL4, Grit 2).
14:24, Today: William Pierce rolled 7,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,1. Resist Intimidation.

"Jenny! Get the curtains!" Pierce shouts, his eyes never leaving the gaze of Marina Vanderholt even as he quickly draws his Bowie knife.

OOC: She's probably immune anyway... but I'm assuming she's unarmed, so her Parry's at -2 against me. So I hope the 6 is enough to beat her Parry value.
If not, I'd be willing to spend a red chip to increase that, hoping for the bonus damage roll.
14:32, Today: William Pierce rolled 6,2 (8) using d6,d4+1. knife damage.
14:30, Today: William Pierce rolled 6,3 using d6,d6. Fighting.
This message was last edited by the player at 13:35, Sun 04 Dec 2011.

In reply to William Pierce (msg #62):

((OOC: Creatures with natural weapons are never considered "unarmed." And, as an additional wrinkle, she has a power that causes any male that attacks her to suffer a -2 penalty to attack rolls. So that 6 becomes a 4. You'll need to Red Chip it if you want to hit her.

Also, draw a card for your next action.

In the meanwhile, Jenny's fear roll!

10:23, Today: Jenny Anydots rolled 3,2 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 5,4. Fear! Fail.

What are the results?

10:24, Today: Jenny Anydots rolled 1 using 1d20, rerolling max with rolls of 1. Terror Chart.

Adrenaline Surge! +2 on all trait and damage rolls her next action!))

Speaking of actions:

---

Turn Order:
Marina Vanderholt: 7H
William Pierce: 6S
Jenny Anydots: 5S
Vampire Dance Hall Girls: 2H

This message was last edited by the GM at 18:28, Sun 04 Dec 2011.

OOC: *sigh* a 1 on the red chip brings me up to a glorious 5. certainly not enough.
19:21, Today: William Pierce drew the single card: 6S using the Deadlands system. Initiative.
19:18, Today: William Pierce rolled 1 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1. red chip.

William keeps his grip on her hand, his teeth grinding tight - but his Bowie knife just rips through the fabric of her skirts.

"Trying to get a free peek, you naughty boy?" Marina laughs as William's knife tears her dress, leaving an scandalous amount of leg exposed. "That's alright. I always thought the naughty boys were the tastiest..."

She yanks his hand up to her mouth, and bites down hard. Her tear tear into the flesh, and blood gushes forth.

"Mmmmmmm..." she moans.

((OOC: Marina gets to go first. She's going to bite William.

11:42, Today: Marina Vanderholt rolled 6,11 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,(6+5)11. Kiss of the Vampire! That's a hit and raise.

Damage: 11:43, Today: Marina Vanderholt rolled 6,3,2 using d12+1,d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3,2. Damage (with Raise). Total of 11. That's a Shaken and 1 Wound for William.

Also, you need to make an Opposed Vigor roll for me (she rolled 8) or gain a level of Fatigue.

Her next round: AC

Going after the windows would be an Agility Trick))

OOC: Lovely.
20:05, Today: William Pierce rolled 10,4 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+4)10,4. White Chip, soak roll. That's the last of the white chips.
20:05, Today: William Pierce rolled 5,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,1. Vigor to resist Fatigue. (Do I need that when I soak the wound?)

"Get off me, you fucking bitch!"

William drops the knife and lightning-fast pulls his Colt Frontier from under his colt, rapidly pulling the trigger!

OOC:Ok...Shooting her in the head. That should at least annoy her.
20:14, Today: William Pierce rolled 1 (total 6) using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1. Shooting, head shot, double-tap, RED.
20:13, Today: William Pierce rolled 5,3 (total: 5)using d10-1,d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 6,4. Shooting, head shot, double-tap LEGEND.
20:12, Today: William Pierce rolled 3,-2 using d10-3,d6-3, rerolling max with rolls of 6,1. Shooting, head shot, double-tap.
That's.... craptastic.
Colt Frontier: 4/6

Jenny grabs William's Peacemaker, then swirls around and pulls on the heavy curtains!

OOC:
20:17, Today: William Pierce rolled 4,2 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,2. Agility trick of Jenny. Grmph. White chip!
20:17, Today: William Pierce rolled 1,1 using d8-1,d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2. Agility trick.

Initiative:
20:19, Today: William Pierce drew the single card: JS using the Deadlands system. William's card.
20:19, Today: William Pierce drew the single card: 3D using the Deadlands system. Jenny's card.

In reply to William Pierce (msg #66):

The bullets only graze the madam...and even the wounds themselves heal over as he watches!

Marina pulls her mouth away from his arm. Her lips drip with blood. "Language." She chides him, wagging her finger at him.

At that moment Jenny pulls the curtains down. The room is flooded with light, and most of the girls shriek and flinch away from the brightness.

"Girls, there's nothing to fear!" Marina says. "It's still raining outside!"

The vampires turn and look at each other with relief, then turn and glare at jenny and William. Two of the girls leap at Jenny while the others rush the gunslinger.

William feels more fangs sink into his skin as he's surrounded and tackled...

((OOC: Yes, you still need the Fatigue roll...the fatigue effect is separate from the damage.

Also, there's still the -2 to attack from Marina's pheremones, which drops your 6 down to 4.

Jenny still gets the +2 from the Adrenaline surge, which means you got a net of 5 on the Agility trick (+2 adrenaline, -1 wound).

The Bad News: Since it's still rainy and cloudy out, and thus no direct sunlight, they aren't going to be hurt by the daylight spilling in from the window.

The Good News: They still have a flinch instinct, which means you might lower the Parry (or even get then Shaken, if they roll low enough on their Spirit roll to resist).

Vampires: 12:30, Today: Vampires! rolled 5,5 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,5. Resisting Trick (group roll). Tie.

Marina: 12:31, Today: Marina Vanderholt rolled 14,2 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+6)14,2. Resisting Trick. Success.

So since it's a tie, which is middling ground, I'll say the Vampire Dance Hall Girls have -1 Parry until Jenny's next action.

Now the girls get to go. Two of them leap at Jenny, two more come for William. They have a Gang-Up bonus of +1 against Jenny and of +2 against William.

Attacks vs. Jenny: 12:37, Today: Vampires! rolled 1,2 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2. Fighting! No hits, not even with Gang-up bonus of +1.

Attacks vs. William: 12:39, Today: Vampires! rolled 9,4 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 7,2. Fighting!  hit and raise.

Damage: 12:40, Today: Vampires! rolled 9,4 using d10,2d6, rerolling max with rolls of 9,3,1. Damage (with Raise). Total of 13. Ow. That's a Shaken and 2 Wounds for William. They don't drain fatigue with their bite the same way Marina does, though. They have a different power that does that.))

---

Next round:
Marina: AC
William: JS
Vampire Dance Hall girls: 3S
Jenny: 3C

I'll wait to post until you've resolved all the reactive rolls from this round.

OOC: 21:59, Today: William Pierce rolled 3,4 using d6-1,d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 4,5. Red chip for the soakin'.
1 wound, 1 Fatigue, out of chips, Shaken... and Marina goes first. I see a dark, dark future ahead of me.
Next time I'll just stay out in the rain!

"I expect you wish you had accepted my offer before." Marina says to William as he struggles against the girls. "It could have been so much more pleasant for you."

She slides her fingers through his hair, yanks his head back, and plunges her fangs into his neck. The world begins to swim as he goes lightheaded...

((OOC: 16:36, Today: Marina Vanderholt rolled 4,2 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,2. She wants to suck your blood...

That's a 6 after the gang-up bonus.

16:38, Today: Marina Vanderholt rolled 4,1 using d12+1,d4. Damage. 5 total, and since William is still Shaken, that means he suffers 1 Wound.

Also, William need to roll a 6 or better on an opposed Vigor roll or suffer another level of fatigue...yes, things are looking bad.

Next action: JS))

OOC: 08:02, Today: William Pierce rolled -2,4 using d6-3,d6-3, rerolling max with rolls of 1,(6+1)7. Vigor vs. Fatigue.
08:02, Today: William Pierce rolled 0,5 (actually, 4, forgot my second Fatigue level) using d8-3,d6-3, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(6+2)8. Spirit to recover from Shaken.
08:03, Today: William Pierce drew the single card: AD using the Deadlands system. Initiative,again. William has Quick.
08:03, Today: William Pierce drew the single card: 4D using the Deadlands system. Initiative,again. William has Quick.
08:03, Today: William Pierce drew the single card: 2C using the Deadlands system. Initiative.
Hmmm... so next round I go first. We'll see if I can chase her off with what is probably my last shot.... which is at -6 for wounds , fatigue and her damned perfume. Dice Roller to the rescue! ;-)


William feels his strength sap away as he's half-buried under three beautiful women biting him and sucking his blood.
"I... I hope you choke on my blood, you bitch..."

A few feet away, standing mute as ever, he sees a shadowy figure, the same as before. Other shadows appear to the left and right to it.
"Happy now...?" he whispers to them.

Then he starts laughing, almost hysterically.

"Oh, you are the most precious thing!" Marina laughs. "Girls! This one is mine. You can fight over the other."

The vampire harlots dance away from William and swarm Jenny, who goes down screaming as they surround her.

((OOC: Marina falls prey to her Arrogant flaw and orders her minions away. William can take a swing/shot at one of them, if he so chooses, but the minions have the same Pheromones power as Marina has 9though they have a lower Parry).

Assuming both of them escape William unscathed, they're all going to gang up on Jenny, grabbing and biting her. these are Touch attacks (+2 to hit) and they get a +3 gang-up bonus. I'm going to roll a Group Roll against her, to save time. That's one roll with a Wild Die.

01:00, Today: Vampires! rolled 16,10 using d6+5,d6+5, rerolling max with rolls of (6+5)11,5. We want to suck her blood! That's a hit and Raise.

Jenny has to roll Vigor (opposed by their Spirit, which gets a +2 bonus thanks to the Raise) or suffer a level of Fatigue for every success and Raise they get over her.

01:02, Today: Vampires! rolled 3,15 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,(6+6+1)13. Drain! ouch.

next round: AD. hmm...Does William go before the gaggle of vampire harlots next round?

01:06, Today: Vampires! got the result "Yes" on the magic 8-ball. Does William go before the vampires?

Well, that's as unambiguous as it can get.))

William still laughs, but it dies down into a choking, half-sobbing sound as he hears the screams of Jenny.

He pushes his Colt against Marina's chest and pulls the trigger as fast as he can. He feels the impact in his wrist, but again this seems to not phase Marina in the least.

"How do I kill you...?" he wonders out loud, his blood spurting from his bite wounds, then laughs again. "Jenny said this place was the least crazy in town... I wish I could see the rest."

He coughs up blood and, with all his willpower, manages to spit it into Marina's face.

"I'll see you in hell."

OOC: Ok... Shooting at -6.
09:53, Today: William Pierce rolled -1,-1 using d10-6,d6-6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,5. Shooting (and Praying as a free action). Actually, 0,0, I forgot to add in the +1 for the double Tap.

Colt Frontier 2/6.

"Oh, sugar." Marina says, leaning in close. "You can't. That's all there is to it. If you see me in Hell, it's because I'm the Devil's mistress."

She pulls William's hair again, lifting his lips to hers before she bites down on his lip, sucking the life from him with a blasphemous kiss.

((OOC: 02:21, Today: Marina Vanderholt rolled 7,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,3. Bite!

02:21, Today: Marina Vanderholt rolled 11,1 using d12+1,d4, rerolling max with rolls of 10,1. Damage. Total of 12, which is a Shaken and 1 wound. not actually enough to drop you yet, but there's still the opposed roll for the fatigue.

02:25, Today: Marina Vanderholt rolled 7,3 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,3. Vigor.

If this drops you to Incapacitated, do you want to attempt your Incapacitation roll or play your Quick Funeral card?))

William Pierce gasps, the fingers of his left hand flexing and shaking... then everything grows dark and his Colt finally slips from his fingers.

OOC: 10:41, Today: William Pierce rolled 0,-3 using d6-5,d6-5, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2. Vigor vs. blood loss, 3 wounds, 2 fatigue.
Inc roll? Why prolong this? I'll play the Quick Funeral card.

Some Mood Music

It's going...he can feel it slipping away from him, like a half-remembered dream fading from the waking mind. Images, once so clear and important, fade, and it's hard to remember just what was so important about it all.

The darkness comes. Smothering nothing. A bleak eternity of dark and empty welcomes William.

And then the pain starts. Needles of flame licking his skin, iron chains cutting into his wrists, dragging him down, down to Perdition...

Then there's the sound of flapping bat wings, and something grabs him and pulls him back from the flames and the chains and the angry ghosts chanting his name in anticipation.

The claws release him, and he falls...

He starts regaining sensation. His burned skin throbs painfully against frigid snow. He's face-down in a drift, and all around him are dark shadows chanting for his blood.

"William! William! William!" They shout, spewing their hate at him as he lays in the snow.

And then one sickening familiar voice breaks above the crowd.

"Billy!" His father shouts, his shadow towering over him. There's the unmistakeable >*slp-slp-slp-slp!*< sound of a belt clearing belt loops. "You've really done it now, Billy Boy!" The shadow looms nearer, and nearer. "Time for you to TAKE YOUR MEDICINE!"

Terror washes over William and he struggles to turn around on his back. All of a sudden he's back in that ramshackle house in Godforsaken Omaha City and he smells Ma's pot on the stove cooking and the mix of his father's smells - sweat, whiskey and tobacco, all assaulting his senses.

He sees the belt buckle first and it looks as large as a baby's head, vicious with spikes and razors.

His hands and feet are numb and he digs frantically through the snow, trying to get away... then his hand touches a small rock and William feels the terror subsize, being replaced by anger and hatred.

"You...."

He crouches, then gets up, slowly. "I should've slit your throat when I had the chance."

The huge shadow halts, examining the situation. "Y'all don't talk back to me, boy." It says, and lashes out with the belt.

The huge spiked head whips through the air and smashes into William's shoulder. Cheers erupt from the shadowy crowd as the razorblades tear his shirt and blood splatters on the snow and the wooden walls of his childhood home.

"Always said you'd come to no good end." The giant shadow rumbles. "Now it's time to straighten you out."

William staggers back from the impact, but he struggles to remain standing.
"You've always been a talker... all big mouth, no brain, no heart. You're such a coward. You never picked a fight with someone your own size!"

He raises his hand with the rock, sharp and glistening wet.
"Come here and I'll straigthen YOU out, you hillbilly backwater no-good gambling son of a bitch!"

William's defiance is met with another stroke of the lash, this time across his face. This is followed with a deep chuckle.

"My, ain't that the pot calling the kettle black. Coward?"

{{Crack!}}

The lash bites into William's left side, breaking a rib.

"What do you call a man who shots a fella because the ne'er-do-wells he's fallen in with will think less of him for not being a rapist?"

{{Crack!}}

Now his leg, slicing through the muscle to the bone.

"What do you call a man who robs banks and murders the workers because they ain't speedy enough?"

{{Crack!}}

Now his other leg, at the knee joint.

"What do you call a man who repays a kindness in the dead of winter with a bullet?"

{{Crack!}}

Now over his eyes, sending blood spilling down his face.

"What do you call a man who pushes his friend out in front of a firing squad to save his own damn worthless hide?"

{{Crack!}}

Now his groin, sending excruciating pain throughout his whole body.

"You want a piece o' me, boy?" The giant says, watching to see if the punishment makes William waver. "Come over here and take it, if you think you're hard enough. Or lay down and take it like the mongrel I always knew you were."

William tries to avoid the blows, but he's slow, so slow. The pain is excrutiating and he sinks down to his knees, tears rolling down his cheek, tears of shame and anger.

As the shadow of his father counts down his sins, he fights against them, preparing an answer, no an excuse, that is washed of this tongue by every slap of the beltbuckle.

I had no choice...

I knew we were running out of time...

He would've told the sheriff...

He would've done the same...

With the last strike his right hand opens, the stone rolling out of his fist, falling into the soft snow next to his knees.

He hears the chanting of the shadowy crowd. Through the veil of blood over his eyes he can barely see anything. But he does see that triumphant smile of this bastard of his father.
His throat is dry, but he manages an answer.

"... they call him William Pierce. They call him your son."
And then he grins through his tears, his teeth bloody.

"Do they, now?" the giant says, then turns to the crowd of chanting shadows. "What do y'all say about this son o' mine? Who is he to you?"

"Murderer!"

"Thief!"

"Villain!"

"Judas!"

The crowd surges forward, shouting epithets. Their voices wash over him, their stories intermingling.

"...coward didn't have the guts to stand up to them, didn't have the guts to join in, just shot me and then called himself a man after..."

"...My wife! My children! You didn't just murder me, you left them penniless and starving in the streets..."

"...took you in out of the kindness of my Christian Soul. And what was my reward? A bullet in the back!..."

"...For six months, we run together. You turned me out 'fore I could scream! You protect the man you're with. You watch his back! Everybody knows that! Except you, you son of a bitch..."

The shadows grab William, one at each limb, holding him down in the snow. The giant moves forward and looks down.

"Sounds like I ain't the one they're mad at, Billy Boy." It says, and raises the lash once again. "Maybe they don't call you my son. Maybe they call me your father."

"No... no...." William protests, struggling against the shadows of his victims.

He let's his head fall back, struggling again, groaning with the effort, to no effect.
He relaxes and looks at the four figures.

"Yes... yes, I was a coward and a thief and a murder and a Judas. And I am sorry. I wish I hadn't done those awful things. But I deserve your hatred. And not a day goes by where I don't condemn myself for what I did to you and your kin."
He struggles again, tries to raise his upper body back into a sitting position, the wounds the belt buckle cut running deep and bleeding profusely, blackening the snow.
"I may be your son... but you are not my father. My father died the day they took the farm from him. You are just the booze and the whores that took him over!"

The Shadows continue to hold him down.

"Not good enough."

"An apology won't bring me back to life!"

"If you're sorry, you're going to need to prove it!"

"Actions speak louder than words, after all."

The giant chuckles again. "Oh, I ain't even that. Your knife killed me, Billy Boy. The wound got sour and the gangrene did the rest. I spent an awful lot o' time fryin' in Hell, but you know what? Looks like the tables have turned. You've died, Billy Boy. Died and gone to Perdition. And wouldn't you know it? The demon they tapped to punish your sorry ass was me. So git yourself comfortable, 'cause we're gonna be here for eternity."

Pierce ponders that for a few moments, the silence stretching, the four shadows still pinning him down.
He keeps looking at the demon that was his father. "Good, then you couldn't hurt Ma and Lily and Aaron no more... for that I'll happily fight with you for all eternity. There ought to be a rusty knife somewhere in hell."

He spits at his father, his spittle mixed with blood. Then he remembers that... fanged bitch drinking his blood, how his world turned dark.

He cranes his head, looking at each of the four figures.
"We have unfinished business between us. I will make it up to you in whatever which way I can. But I have unfinished business... up there... too. I hear that sometimes folk come back when they shouldn't... if you let me get back, I'll make amends. And if I fail, and I get back here... ", he turns back to face the father-demon, " each of you can take your vengeance on me for however long you wish, first."

His tone is grim and his jaw is set tight.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:32, Thu 08 Dec 2011.

((OOC: Make a Spirit Roll, please. You get a +3 bonus, but it's an opposed roll.))

OOC: 22:44, Today: William Pierce rolled 10,5 using d8+3,d6+3, rerolling max with rolls of 7,2. Spirit!

"That defiance is something I'll have to beat out of you right quick. You got to understand who's in charge here." The giant growls, snapping his spike and razor belt a few times.

The four shadows holding William down look at each other. They stare at each other in silent consultation for quite some time, then turn their attention back to William.

"Once a murderer, always a murderer."

"We let you back, you'll be a monster."

"But they say even the Devil has a purpose to serve under Heaven."

"So yeah, we can let you back."

"But the ogre goes with you."

"And he won't play nice."

"Two souls in one body, eternally warring for control."

"And if you die again, it's for keeps."

"Every night we'll drag you down here and remind you of what's at stake."

"We haven't forgotten what you've done."

"Nor forgiven."

"And we'll be watching."

They release him, and, much to his surprise, he begins to rise up into the air.

"NO! This one is MINE!" The giant shrieks, but the four shadows have now turned on him, barring his way, holding him back as William ascends towards the light...

((OOC: 14:53, Today: The Stray rolled 6,2 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,2. Dominion. Success and raise. You'll start with 1 Dominion.

And can I just say that this has been an awesome RP experience? Seriously, this rocked.))

OOC: That was great! Now, I wonder where I'm gonna wake up again...

((OOC: And you shall find out!...when I open the thread "Blood at Sundown" for posting.))

This thread is closed. Please resume posting on the Chapter 13.2: Blood at Sunset thread.