Late Afternoon, April 11th, 1879. The Comanche Encampment. Good Friday.



Three days. It had to be three days that August Colby had been trapped here. He'd walked right into it, really. He'd followed the trail from the spot where the dead man had come back to life. But when the trail split, he'd followed the wrong tracks.

His snooping had lead him several miles from town. White tipis sprung from the dusty earth, over a score and a half of them. And then there were the horses. A whole herd of horses grazing about the camp.

The other thing he could make out are the poles. There were three of them spread around the perimeter of the camp, and each had a corpse lashed to it. The bodies looked like they had been there a while--crows had taken perch there, and occasionally pecked flesh from dead bones.

They'd come up behind him swiftly, no warning whatsoever. He'd been knocked over the head, and when he came to he found he'd been bound and shoved into a wooden pen, exposed to the elements. His on;y other companion had been an old Chinese man who called himself Zhang, who only wanted to talk peace. For the old man's efforts he was beaten and whipped. The second day after August was captured, the Comanche had grabbed the poor old Chinaman and dragged him out of the camp. When they returned, he was not among them.

The Comanche were angry and ill-tempered. Every one of them looked at him with scorn, and a few even spit on him. The chieftain of this band, an old shaman they called Pale Moon, wouldn't even look at him, leaving him to the care of two indians named Ghost Wolf and Charging Bear.

Ghost Wolf was a decent sort. Though he, like all his fellows, harbored a deep distrust of August, there seemed to be less malice in his voice when he spoke to the boy, as if he were more disgusted by the white man's actions as a whole than angry at August as an individual.

Charging Bear, on the other hand...

The Indian calling himself Charging Bear resembled the man August had met in town, being big, broad shouldered and clad in an old CSA army uniform. That was about where the similarities ended. This Charging Bear was a complete psychopath. He never seemed happier than when he was threatening to cut off August's genitals and feed them to him, and he always had that big rusty bowie knife close at hand. The other Comanche avoided him, and Ghost Wolf had told August flat out that he thought Charging Bear was sick in the head. August had gathered that Charging Bear was an Apache, and not a normal member of this band, but was kept around because he was excellent at "what he did." August didn't really care to find out "what he did"; he was certain it wasn't pleasant.

But it had been three days now, and August still didn't know what they wanted with him. They just...kept him around.

And then, on the third day, they brought a new prisoner into the camp. He'd been sequestered for the better part of two hours, but now they were being locked in the same pen together. The fellow looked like a dude from Back East, far out of his element. His nice duds had been stained and ill-treated, and he squinted at the world in the manner of one who is used to having spectacles. "Oh dear," he mutters to himself, and squints at August. "Is there someone else there?"

August had been keeping his head down and his eyes open, trying to figure out what they wanted from him.

Early on, he'd told himself he was just biding his time, playing the possum, and when the right moment came he'd be up and running.  (You bet he would - without a gun or a horse, in a camp full of Comanches, miles away from the nearest friendly face.  A long shot was better than no shot at all.)  But if there'd been a moment for that, it was starting to look like he'd missed it.

He'd said a prayer for Mr. Zhang, and every time Charging Bear comes by the pen, he wonders if he shouldn't maybe say a few for himself, too.

He sits up straighter when they put the newcomer in with him.  "August Colby, sir," he answers, and catches himself reaching for the brim of a hat that isn't there. "I'm guessin' they captured you too?"

The man squints at August. "I suppose I could make some sarcastic comment about such a self-evident situation, but I'm rather too grateful for this bright spot of luck in what has been, to severely understate the situation, a trying week. I am Dr. Oswald Franklin, man of Science and Walker in Dusk. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance, good sir." He extends his hand. "I did not see you when they brought me in. Have you been here long, or are you were you taken more recently?"

That's more five-dollar words than August is used to and he's not sure he follows all of it, but any company in here is welcome, even high-falutin Easterners.  He stands and shakes Dr. Franklin's offered hand.

"Three days so far, doc - don't know if that's long or short as you reckon it."

"Well, that's a relief." Dr. Franklin replies. "It means that they intend to keep us for a while before they murder us. Why did they capture you, if you don't mind me asking?"

Well, this doctor was a bright shiny ray of hope, wasn't he?  "Damned if I know.  I was heading out of town and must've rode straight into a band of 'em.  They ain't said a word about what they're plannin' - well, except that crazy bastard they call Charging Bear.  I know what he's plannin'," August adds with a grimace.

"What about you, they tell you anything useful?"

"Ha!" the gentleman laughs in nervous desperation. "I do indeed. They're planning on attacking the town tonight, and the chief wants me to make their warriors immortal before they do!"

"Tonight?"  People are gonna be killed while August sits here like a worthless caged dog.  He balls his hand into a fist, forcing himself to stay calm.

"Anyone know they're comin' aside from the two of us, doc?  And maybe this is a fool-headed question, but why the hell do they think you can do that?"  His voice rises on the last question; maybe he's a little agitated.

"From his insistence that I perform his insane miracle before sundown, that's my inference." The doctor replies. He sighs. "I don't know. My partner and I were traveling to the local cattle ranch to meet with a correspondent. We were being escorted by a couple of hands when we were attacked. During the struggle, my companion and I were separated. From what I saw, fewer riders came back than had gone out, so it's possible he gave them a good drubbing and they were forced to retreat. If he survived the assault, he might be able to deliver a warning to the town. But if not..."

He sighs again. "I was attempting to impress my captors with the marvels of modern science. One of my guards, Ghost Wolf I think he was named, took an interest in my photography equipment, and asked for a demonstration, which I obligingly provided. The chief, Pale Moon, took one look at the plate I developed and declared that I had the power to preserve the souls of his warriors in my pictures, and told me to figure out how to make a photograph that would take the wounds of his people into them. He said he'd had some sort of nonsense vision about me 'turning his fighters silver' or some such, and that would make them invincible. He then said if I didn't deliver, he'd have Charging Bear execute me." he shivers.

"Well, sir, I surely hope your friend made it."

August hunkers back down in the dust, thinking intently.  He's working against the clock now, and he's another soul to be responsible for.

((OOC: How physically secure is the pen?  Does it have a roof?  How many Comanches are usually nearby / in sight of it?  And has August noticed any potential vulnerabilities along these lines?  Just asking before this risks turning into 'August Colby, Worst Conman in the West'.  Let me know if you want any rolls.))

((OOC: The pen is open-air, and consists of some wooden posts lashed together to make a crude fence. Getting out of it wouldn't be hard. Getting out without attracting attention is the hard part. Make a Notice roll for more information.))

((OOC: 20:26, Today: August Colby rolled 9,4 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (6+1)7,2. Notice, including Alertness.))

The pen is near the edge of the camp, but still close enough to the center of activity that any great disturbance would draw a group of onlookers, so any escape attempt would have to be done quietly.

He's been fed about once a day since he got here...not much, but enough to keep him from starving. Ghost Wolf and Charging Bear have checked on him regularly, about once an hour or so. It's usually one or the other, not both. To keep him from leaving they have him tied to a stake with a strip of rawhide. It's been rainy recently (it is, in fact, raining right now), so the ground is muddy...part of his escape plan has been pulling the stake out of the ground to get free.

Except for Charging Bear and Ghost Wolf, the Comanche haven't been paying much attention to him. There's usually half a dozen or so around or within sight, though the camp is particularly active right now and August can spot almost a dozen braves around the area.

((OOC: What's your plan?))

August shifts closer to the stake and starts trying to worry it loose, without being blatant enough to draw any attention from outside the pen.

"I've gotta get out of here and warn Blackthorn, doc, and if you can help, all the better.  I want t'get us both out of this mess.  I won't ask you to put yourself in harm's way on my account, though, sir.  If you'd rather keep your head down and hope they let you go quiet-like tomorrow, I won't quarrel with ya."

((OOC: Various plans, all risky as heck.  But that's what Overconfident is for!  If Oswald will help, I'm thinking plan A is for him to agree to give the Comanches what they want, and put on a scientific 'ritual' as flashy and loud as possible, during which August can get free, sabotage things around the camp, and steal a horse.  How he can then rescue Oswald is, er, less clear.  Yeah, and my other plans are worse than that one...))
This message was last edited by the player at 18:06, Mon 05 Dec 2011.

"I am willing to help, even if it puts my life on the line. If the town isn't warned, hundreds could die. I don't want the deaths of so many on my conscience because I was too cowardly to act. Do you have a plan?"

((OOC: Roll Strength for me on loosening the pole. That plan sounds like one that might have a chance at working, if all goes well...))

August grins up at the doctor.  He might still be leashed to a post in the rain, not to mention half-covered in mud, but he's got a purpose now, and this is the best he's felt in days.

"Comanches are wantin' you to make some kind of mystic picture, right?" he asks, still working on the stake.  "Now I'm no man of science, doc, but is there anything you could do with your contraptions and devices and such to put on a damn fine show for them, make it seem like you're really doin' it?"

((OOC: 20:03, Today: August Colby rolled 3,13 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(6+6+1)13. Strength. Sheesh.))
This message was last edited by the player at 20:58, Mon 05 Dec 2011.

Finally some luck. The stake pulls out of the ground without a sound, and it's long enough to use as an improvised weapon.

"Well, I suppose I can convince them that to get a properly developed plate with the traits they want, they need to stay stock still for a few minutes or else ruin the picture. I can claim that I need to double-expose the plates with each of my cameras...I have an Epitaph Camera and a camera that can capture Aetheric phenomena, and then I'll need to develop the plates. I can keep all the warriors who want their picture taken occupied for, oh, about ten minutes, and then keep them in suspense for about 15 minutes more while I develop the plates. That should be harmless enough. Will 25 minutes be enough for you to execute your plan?" He stops, and considers something else. "My chemicals are flammable, as well. If one of us can sneak a small portion into a cookfire, it should create a small but alarming explosion. I might be able to incorporate that into my photo taking, or you could use them as part of your own distraction bid."

((OOC: Wooden stake stats: Str+d4, 2/4/8, Parry -1, Attack -1))

((OOC: Sorry for the delay, getting hung up on trying to make a plan work in my head (when everyone knows plans don't survive first contact).  How many fires are there around the camp?  How heavy has the rain been?))

((OOC: I'd assume one fire for every ten Indians in this band, so ten total. The rain recently has been low-to-moderately heavy. The thunderclouds seem to promise worse, but it hasn't started pouring yet.))

"I'll take anything you got spare.  I'll raise enough Cain that they forget all about you." August remains crouched close by the stake, leaving it safely resting in the ground to avoid unwanted notice.  Things are coming together, and he's sure he can pull this off.  He's always been lucky, hasn't he?  Still, Dr. Franklin might be a loose end.

"Don't take this wrong, doc, but when this comes down to ridin' like the devil, are you gonna be able to handle yourself?  Looks to me like you're missin' your spectacles," he adds, with a helpful gesture towards his own nose.

Dr. Franklin looks down and blushes furiously. "Er, yes, well...I must admit that I do not have much in the way of skill at equine-human relations, which is how I wound up losing my spectacles in the first place and, indeed, what got me into this very situation. I was rather hoping I could just ride along with you rather than having to try and command one of those foul-tempered beasts myself."

"I hear ya, Doctor.  If you can get me twenty clear minutes like you're sayin', I'll do whatever I can around here.  When things get hairy, you just try and get some distance from the rest of 'em, I'll come get you the hell out of there.  Deal?"

((OOC: Starting to think August is going to get Dr. Franklin killed.  Feeling pretty bad about it.  If the kid could lie to save his life (literally) he'd have a lot more options...  So I'll blame the hindrances if this goes horribly wrong, and not my own planning.  Yup.))

((OOC: Given that he's got a large amount of chips right now, I wouldn't be too worried. A little worried, yes, but not an automatic death sequence.

So, do you have a rough outline of August's plan? I need to know this so I can start figuring out the rolls.))

((OOC: Circumstances permitting, the plan is a) try to get his hands on a knife, ideally a gun as well, his own gear if he can find it. b) cut the horses loose if they're hitched, cut or loosen their tack (assuming they're saddled), find one for himself. c) set fire to anything flammable and use the explosive chemicals to panic the horses and hopefully the Comanches. d) charge in to rescue the doctor and ride for town at high speed.))

Dr. Franklin slips August a couple of bottles. "This is what I can spare." He says. "I wish you good luck!" He then moves over to the fence and calls for attention. He starts speaking in some Indian language that August doesn't understand. A warrior comes by and removes him from the cell. He can see August fetching a pair of cameras and pointing at various places...time to get moving.

((OOC: Alright. I'll be handling this via Dramatic Task, which means you need to accumulate 5 successes (and Raises) in 5 "actions." It looks to me that you plan will hinge on how well you can hide, so the Skill that's the skill we'll be using for each step of this. Also, for each action you'll need to draw a card. If you draw a Club, a complication has cropped up that gives you an additional -2 penalty to your roll. In addition, I'll add my own little wrinkle.

Let the games begin! raw your first card and first roll, please.))

Time to put his money where his mouth is.  August tightens his grip on the stake and slides it out of the damp ground, then quickly heads to the farthest side of the pen from Oswald and moves to climb out without banging the stake against the fence.

((OOC: Oh, he's aces at hiding.  Yup.  I'm typing this before I roll the dice, that's how confident I am.

17:30, Today: August Colby drew the single card: AD using the Deadlands system. Dramatic task, action 1.
17:31, Today: August Colby rolled 3,2 using 1d4-2,1d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of (4+1)5,4. Dramatic task, action 1 - Stealth.
17:33, Today: August Colby rolled 1 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1. Red chip.

So that's... a pass, kinda... and you can have a chip.  Good start.

Or do I need to get a raise on every single action?  (I don't think there's enough chips in the world.)))

In reply to August Colby (msg #26):

He manages to slip out without raising any heads. As he moves about the tipis, he can see Dr. Franklin gathering the Comanche troops around. he has them facing him and away from Augustus, which should help a little. Now to look for some actual weapons!

((OOC: Nope, just normal successes...raises add to your total and can help offset failures, but it's 5 total successes and/or raises.

Next roll! Notice to find weapons.))

 August thinks on the move, trying to recall any clues as to where they stashed his gear. It ain't like he's in a position to be picky, though - he'll take anything he can find.

  ((09:05, Today: August Colby drew the single card: 9C using the Deadlands system. Dramatic task, action 2.

09:08, Today: August Colby rolled 1,3 using d6-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 3,5. Dramatic task 2 - Notice (no Awareness) .

That's a complication and a pass if Awareness counts, otherwise I'll white chip it.))

August sneaks into one of the tipis, the one he's seen the Comanche storing their weapons in.

He enters and looks around. he can't find his won equipment, but there are plenty of furs, some of those pale buckskin shirts he's seen the warriors wearing, and weapons of all shapes and sizes. Most are stone clubs, knives, hatchets and spears, as well as bows and arrows, but there's also an old Spencer rifle set against one of the racks.

August can hear Dr. Franklin speaking to the gathered Indians outside. "Now in order for this to work, I'm going to need you to anoint yourselves in war paint mixed with bovine excrement and the essential oil of a serpent..."

He's so engrossed in listening to D.r Franklin spinning bullshit and snake oil that he almost misses the footsteps heading right for the tent he's in! He hears just in time, though, and manages to make it beneath some furs before the tent flap opens.

The indian who enters isn't Comanche. He's a powerfully build Apache, standing 5'10" and weighing about 250lbs, dressed in buckskin leggings, moccasins, a beat-up Confederate army coat with all the insignia ripped off, and a homespun shirt. He's missing a tooth in his lower jaw, and has scars down the side of his face that look like scratches from some wild animal. He has a stripe of red war paint across his eyes and read teardrops down his face. His hands are stained black.

It's Charging Bear.

"Heya, heya, heya." He mutters to himself as he looks around the tent. "Where'dcha go, paleface? Gonna find ya, you know. Gonna catch'um, have some fun..."

Then he beings to sing.

"All around the Indian camp the Apache chased the pale face...the Apache though 'twas all good fun...POP goes the paleface!"

He giggles at his little ditty, then slinks out of the tent, leaving August shivering beneath the furs.

((OOC: The bonus from Alertness does apply, yes, so that's one more success toward your total. The complication? Charging Bear is aware of you and is searching for you!

There are mostly melee weapons around, but there's also a Spencer Carbine among them.

The next roll you need to make is Stealth, assumign you're heaving to make your distraction next. Or were you headed for the horses?))

August stays hidden a few moments longer, listening for any sign of Charging Bear lurking nearby, then gets back to work.  "Of all the Indians..." he breathes, then shakes his head.

He helps himself to a knife, quietly using it to cut the strap that had tethered him to the stake, then takes a look at the Spencer.

((OOC: He'll check whether the rifle is loaded and in decent condition.  And yeah, he was going to head for the horses next, to try and forestall the pursuit later and hopefully delay the attack on Blackthorn.))

The rifle is in serviceable condition. It's old, though, and could use a good cleaning. It isn't being kept loaded, but there's 10 bullets nearby, enough to fully load it and have a few spares.

((OOC: Weapon stats:

Knife (Str+d4), El Cheapo Spencer Carbine (20/40/80, 2d8, RoF 1, 7 shots, AP 2, fails on a natural 1 on the shooting die).

To get to the Horses without being noticed will take a Stealth roll. Draw your card and make your roll.))

August pulls a buckskin shirt on over his own damp clothes - it wouldn't fool anyone with the sense they were born with, but maybe it'll buy him a second or two before somebody recognizes him.

He takes a deep breath before stepping back out of the tipi, readying himself for trouble in case goddamn crazy Charging Bear is still nearby.

((OOC: 07:27, Today: August Colby drew the single card: KC using the Deadlands system. Dramatic task, action 3.
07:28, Today: August Colby rolled -3,-3 using d4-4,d6-4, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1. Dramatic task 3 - Stealth (sonofa...).
08:13, Today: August Colby rolled -2,-1 using 1d4-4,1d6-4, rerolling max with rolls of 2,3. White chip .
08:31, Today: August Colby rolled 3,-3 using d4-4,d6-4, rerolling max with rolls of (4+3)7,1. White chip #2, last try.
08:32, Today: August Colby rolled 4 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4. Red chip, am terrible gambler .

So, another complication, a chip for you, but I managed a 7. And am down to one chip.))
This message was last edited by the player at 17:40, Mon 12 Dec 2011.

The pale buckskin shirt goes on over August's other clothes easily. It looks like this:



It's actually quite comfortable.

August sneaks out of the tent and over to the herd of horses...but he's not alone there.

Several braves are keeping an eye out on the herd...and Charging Bear is with them, speaking to them. He seems to be giving them orders. Fun.

But August is quiet like the gopher as he sneaks into the pen...and spies his own horse there, milling among the rest of the herd!

((OOC: So with the braves there keeping an eye on things, sneaking your horse out will be difficult. What's your plan now?))

((OOC: August is a lunatic.  But a lunatic in a cool shirt, at least.

Has he reached the horses themselves, or will it be another Sneak test to get past the guards first?  If the latter, is there anything nearby that could be used to cause a localised distraction, whether it involves setting things on fire (default plan) or something more sophisticated?))

((OOC: Getting to the horses would require another sneak test, yes. Causing a distraction would be good for a +2 bonus, though.

The closest things available for an impromptu distraction would be cookfires and tipis. An explosion in a cookfire would be short-lived, but might be scary enough to draw the guards away. Setting someone's home on fire would be a much more immediate threat, since it's not raining hard enough to put out a blaze and there's the chance it could set the whole camp on fire. But setting what amounts to someone's house on fire is also likely to be seen as an act of war and would draw aggro like no other.

So it's a choice between short-term scare and long-term hornet-nest kicking. Either way, setting it up without being seen will require a Smarts check. also, you'll need to draw a card so see if there are any complications.))

August reaches for one of the bottles Dr. Franklin left with him, reminding himself not to let any rain get into it.

((OOC: 06:37, Today: August Colby drew the single card: AS using the Deadlands system. Dramatic task, action 4.
06:38, Today: August Colby rolled 1,7 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,(6+1)7. Dramatic task 4 - Smarts.

Looking to cause one of the cookfires to explode without standing right next to it like a dunce.))

Some Mood Music

Luckily for August, there's a waterskin nearby. Mixing some of the chemicals into the waterskin, tossing the skin in the fire, then scampering away and letting the skin burn until the chemicals inside ignite turns the cookfire into a fantastic pyrotechnic display. Multicolored flames shoot out of the fire, drawing shouts of panic and running figures from all around the camp.

This includes the guards around the horses. If August's luck holds out, he can get in and out without being noticed.

((OOC: Time for your last roll. Draw a card to check for complication, and roll stealth, +2 from the distraction. Everything's riding on this.))

August sees his moment and moves quickly towards the horses, confident that his luck will hold.  Somebody's looking over him today.

((OOC:
06:59, Today: August Colby drew the single card: KC using the Deadlands system. Dramatic task, action 5.
 07:01, Today: August Colby rolled 5,-1 using d4-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of (4+3)7,1. DT 5 - Stealth, nothing goes smoothly.
Another complication (three clubs in five cards, why not?) but a decent roll!))
This message was last edited by the player at 07:18, Tue 13 Dec 2011.

August sneaks through the chaos and gets hsi horse, who is very happy to see him. He's managed to get the horse out of the pen when he spots Charging Bear again.

And this time, Charging Bear spots him, too. He tilts his head back and cries out, his call sounding a lot like the shriek of a hunting hawk. No one is paying any attention to him at the moment, but that's cold comfort as he starts running toward August and his horse. It's time to grab Dr. Franklin and get the hell out of here!

August hesitates for a moment, part of him wanting to take a shot at the son-of-a-bitch.  It's only a moment, though; the Comanches had kept him alive and fed while he was their captive, and he doesn't want to repay forbearance with murder unless he has to.

Besides, he's no time to waste before Dr. Franklin's audience starts to catch on.  It's time to ride.

((OOC: Red Dead Redemption did have a great soundtrack.

Do you want Ride or Agility for mounting up in a hurry?  In either case, while I'm thinking of it, he'll throw the rest of the chemicals into a fire at the first opportunity, as long as it's far enough from his horse to not completely startle / terrify it.

And reconsidering the above - if Charging Bear is close enough that August can't realistically get away, e.g. if he'll be in 'leap onto the back of August's horse and smash his head open' range shortly, he'll take a shot first.))
This message was last edited by the player at 18:20, Tue 13 Dec 2011.

((OOC: So did Red Dead Revolver, which used a lot of actual Spaghetti Western scores. But Redemption is great game music.

Ride, I think, with a -2 penalty. It will be an Agility check from horseback to throw the chemicals in a fire, and an Agility check to grab Dr. Franklin when you find him (both of these will be at -2 unless you have Steady Hands).

Charging Bear isn't that close, no...he'd have to chase you down to get to you.))

August half-scrambles, half-leaps into the saddle and digs his heels into the horse's flanks, urging her on.

A moment later, he lets go of the reins with one hand and lobs a bottle of Dr. Franklin's chemicals back in the direction of Crazy Charging Bear.

((OOC: I didn't play Red Dead Revolver, will have to give the music a listen.

19:43, Today: August Colby rolled 3,1 using d6-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3. Ride.
20:23, Today: August Colby rolled 4 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4. Red chipping to... get on a horse.

I am the worst teammate.  Have another chip, sir.

20:25, Today: August Colby rolled 4,1 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 6,3. Agility, throwing stuff from horse.

If there's a partial bottle and a full bottle left, throw the partial one; if there's only one left, throw it anyway, upcoming-situation-where-it-might-be-helpful be damned.))

Some Mood Music

There's a flash as the half-full bottle of stuff hits the fire, sending a bright pule of heat and light up into the sky. There's a cry of shock and pain from Charging Bear, who covers his eyes...apparently the flash has him temporarily blinded.

August can see mass confusion in the center of the camp now...it's hard to find anyone, let alone the good Doctor Franklin...

((OOC: I'm treating the chemicals-in-the-fire as an Agility Trick, except Itza-chu will attempt to resist with Vigor (because he's so close to the blast) instead of Agility.

20:17, Today: Itza-Chu rolled 0,0 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2. Vigor. Yeah, that means the Trick makes him Shaken. Go August and his crazy schemes!

Roll Notice to find Dr. Franklin.  You have one full bottle of photography development chemicals left.))

August grins tightly as he sees Charging Bear stumble, then quickly turns in the saddle to focus on the crowd in the centre of the camp.  He doesn't have much time before everyone catches on and things get a whole lot less comfortable.  So here the hell is Dr. Franklin?

((OOC: 06:46, Today: August Colby rolled 6,6 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,4. Notice, including Alertness.))

Dr. Franklin is, at the moment, stepping out of a tipi, hands stained with chemicals, squinting at the scene in confusion. It's possible he really can't see all that's going on at the moment...

But some of the braves have. They're hefting weapons and looking around with ill intent...

((OOC: Picking him up as you ride by would take an Agility roll, -2. You could stop and let him try to climb aboard, but that would subject you to a couple of attacks.))

"Doc!" August yells, riding straight for Dr. Franklin with no intention of slowing down.

He'd spent his fair share of time horsing around with his brothers back home - he had the scars to prove it - but doing tricks like this was a hell of a lot easier if you had a partner that was actually paying attention.  "Time to go!"

((OOC: Far be it from August to do it the sensible way.

06:59, Today: August Colby rolled 5,2 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 7,4. Agility, doing things the hard way.))

"What the--AHHH!" Franklin just about leaps out of his fancy suit as August, still in his Indian shirt, comes riding hard at him. But he's hoisted into the air with hardly a problem.

The real trick now is getting away...Charging Bear is back, and he's running hard after them. The crazy bastard is actually trying to chase them down on foot! He shouldn't have a chance, and yet...he actually seems to be keeping pace with August and Dr. Franklin.

"Oh dear!" Dr. Franklin mutters. "The plate! I left the plate behind!" He doesn't seem to notice the psychotic Apache running hard to catch them, a rifle in his hands...

((OOC: Time for a chase scene!

Roll your Ride. For each Success and Raise, you get to draw a card. You can use whichever card you like. Higher ranks are better, but Clubs are Complications...the danger of the complication depends on the value of the card drawn.

If you draw a higher card than your opponent, you can make an attack against him (range depends on the card drawn, as this is an abstract system). If you draw lower than your opponent, you don't get an attack that round (but might need to perform other actions, such as drawing weapons or casting defensive spells).

If you successfully fend off Itza-chu for 5 rounds, you've gotten away clean. Because itza-chu isn't actually quite as fast as a horse, you get a +2 bonus on your Ride rolls. He rolls Agility because he's on foot.

First roll for Itza-chu: 00:52, Today: Itza-Chu rolled 4,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,3. Agility.

Card to beat: 2S. Shouldn't be difficult. It's on!))

August's jaw drops as he catches sight of the crazy Apache keeping pace with them.  Maybe his horse ain't the fastest in the West, but that man is downright scary.

"Can you handle a gun, Doc?" he asks, half-yelling to be heard, although he has a pretty good idea of the answer already.

((OOC: 18:00, Today: August Colby rolled 3,9 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,(6+1)7. Ride.
18:04, Today: August Colby drew the 2 cards: KS, BJ! using the Deadlands system.

So, er, what exactly would a Joker mean in this context?  Do I want to know?))
This message was last edited by the player at 18:12, Wed 14 Dec 2011.

"No!" Dr. Franklin cries, slightly hysterically. "I'm a scientist, not a soldier!"

But even he has noticed the crazy Apache running hard to catch them...

"That shouldn't be physically possible!" he shouts, stating the blindingly obvious. "How is that possible!? That shouldn't be possible!" Yup. He's gone hysterical.

((OOC: A Joker grants the usual +2 bonus on actions and damage, and allows you to make an attack at no range penalty...even melee attacks are possible. Since you have the advantage, Itza-chu won't be able to attack back this round.

Since you don't have Steady hands, there's still a -2 penalty for the unstable platform of the horse, but the +2 from the joker would cancel it out if you want to take a shot.))

"Then keep your head down and hold tight," August answers, with only a brief glance up to the heavens.

Keeping the reins in a loose grip, he readies his liberated Spencer and fires a snap shot back at Charging Bear.  There was a time for forbearance and turning the other cheek, but this surely wasn't it.

((OOC: Using the Black Joker.

18:47, Today: August Colby rolled 4,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,4. Shooting (+2 Joker, -2 unsteady).
18:53, Today: August Colby rolled 7 using 2d8+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4. Possible damage.

Might hit, doesn't do much of anything.  I'm assuming Quick Draw will work for drawing the carbine.))
This message was last edited by the player at 19:02, Wed 14 Dec 2011.

The Apache stumbles a little as the shot hits him, but, amazingly, he takes it in stride. It's as if the bullet just bounced off his fancy shirt...the same kind of shirt August himself is wearing, come to think of it.

"HAhahahahahahaha!" he laughs. "Stupid fool! Charging Bear cannot be hurt by the white man's bullets!"

Dr. Franklin, holding on to the reigns for dear life, doesn't see this. But the sight is eerie enough to worry August...

((OOC: Itza-Chu's natural toughness is 7, but his Ghost Dance Shirt provides him with a +2 Toughness bonus vs. bullets. So it's a hit, but no effect. Incidentally, August also benefits from this. The shirt only provides the bonus vs. bullets, but hey, that's a good deal right there.

Still, the sight is unnerving, so make a Spirit (Guts) roll, -4 for the local Fear level, + your guts. This is only vs fear/nausea, not terror.

Itza-chu can't do much on his turn besides keep up, so it's on to the next round!

18:29, Today: Itza-Chu rolled 7,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,3. Run, Itza-chu, run! One Card.

Card: 6H.

August, roll your fear check and then your ride check. Remember that if you fail the fear check, it's a -1 penalty for the rest of the encounter.))

August pushes aside his unease, muttering "Seen stranger than that," but it's still hard to focus on riding with an apparently inhuman psychopath on his heels.

((OOC: Awesome shirt!
06:24, Today: August Colby rolled 8,-1 using d6-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of (6+4)10,1. Spirit (-4 Fear, +2 Grit).
06:25, Today: August Colby rolled 3,4 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2. Ride.  One card.
06:25, Today: August Colby drew the single card: 4D using the Deadlands system.
Uh oh.))

August's momentary hesitation brings the madman within range of a rilfeshot. It doesn't come anywhere near August, but it does remind him of the danger.

More worrying, Charging Bear seems to be gaining ground...

((OOC: there's a reason Indians in Deadlands have the ability to form their own nations...

Itza-chu can make an attack against you, but it's at long range because his card is only a 6.

23:59, Today: Itza-Chu rolled -1,-3 using d8-4,d6-4, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1. Shooting! nowhere near close.

If you have any non-combat actions you'd like to take on your card, go ahead. Otherwise, we'll move on.

Next round: 00:01, Today: Itza-Chu rolled 3,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4. Run, Itza-chu, run!

Card: QS Ek. That'll put him at Medium Range unless August draws better.))

August urges his mare on, risking another glance back at Charging Bear, who's getting much closer than he'd like.  It's not how he'd pictured his daring escape.

((OOC: 07:25, Today: August Colby rolled 6,4 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,2. Ride. One card.
07:25, Today: August Colby drew the single card: QC using the Deadlands system.
A complication, grand.))

"Look out!" Dr. Franklin yells, and August turns and realizes that he's about to run into a tree with low-hanging branches...

Meanwhile, the nutbar is close enough to pop off a shot. It whizzes past August's ear, close enough for him to feel the wind of it.

((OOC: So...here's how it is.

Itza-Chu is in Medium range and can fire on you. You can fire on him back, because you both have Queens, but:

• He gets his attack first, which might make you Shaken (and subsequently Out Of Control)
• Before you do your action you need to make a Ride Check or run into the branches and suffer a level of Fatigue. This is a free action, though, so it won't stop you from attacking on your turn.
• You are at Medium range (-2) and on an unstable platform (-2).

With that out of the way, here's Itza-chu's attack!

00:45, Today: Itza-Chu rolled 3,1 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3. Shooting! Miss. August's luck strikes again!

Your turn.))

August turns around a fraction too late.  "Oh shi-"

((OOC: 17:37, Today: August Colby rolled 3,2 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2. Ride.
17:39, Today: August Colby rolled 1,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1. White chip of impending regret.
I should listen to my brain when it says 'no, don't use a fate chip, idiot'.

So, fatigued.  I'm not going to try attacking with -5.  That's just a waste of ammunition.))

August eats a face full of leaves, but luckily swerved just enough so that he's not ripped off the horse.

((OOC: Roll for next round, then!

10:53, Today: Itza-Chu rolled 4,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,4. Run, Itza-chu, run!

10:53, Today: Itza-Chu drew the single card: 9S using the Deadlands system. Not particularly great.

This is the 4th round. Only this round and one more to go before you pull far enough away that Itzta-chu can't follow.))

((OOC: Forgot the fatigue penalty... already... it's been a long day.

So 17:55, Today: August Colby rolled 3,4 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2. Ride faster!

Becomes 2,3, which isn't even a pass.  What would the upshot of that be, before I decide whether to throw away my last fate chip?))

(((OOC: you wouldn't get a card this round, and Itza-chu would get a chance to shoot at you again.))

August spits out a mouthful of leaves as he struggles to maintain his balance.

((OOC: Okay, riding like a target dummy this round.  Fingers crossed for August's lucky streak.))

At least he's pulling away. Charging Bear takes another shot at him. Again, the bullet comes frighteningly close, but August can see the creek up ahead. If he can just make it...

((OOC: Long range this time.

11:28, Today: Itza-Chu rolled 3,-2 using d8-4,d6-4, rerolling max with rolls of 7,2. Shooting!

Last round!

11:29, Today: Itza-Chu rolled 1,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3. Run, Itza-chu, run! Hah! Turn around is fair play.

If you get a success, any success at all, you've won this race.))

"Jus'... hold on, Doc..." August manages to say through gritted teeth, urging his horse to even greater exertion.  He's going to owe her some really good feed once they get out of this mess.

((OOC: 18:53, Today: August Colby rolled 6,6 using d6+1,d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 5,5. Ride.

I'll keep the unimpressive card I drew by mistake last round:
17:56, Today: August Colby drew the single card: 7D using the Deadlands system.

Not going to take a shot at -7, even for dramatic effect - it'd probably just come up snake-eyes...))

The horse makes a heart-stopping leap over the creek...and August is home free.

He's still a mile or so from town, but already Charging Bear is a shrinking dot, paused at the creekbed.

"It is over?" Dr. Franklin asks. "Are we safe?"

"Reckon so, for now.  Told you I'd get us out of there in one piece," August says, feeling himself relax a little.  The side of his face is starting to throb.  "That was some good show you put on, Doc."

"I didn't get t' hinder their mounts, or anything else, though - that son of a bitch spotted I was missin' and was after my head from the get-go.  As I see it, all we can do is get to town first and let folks know what's comin' their way."

"I'm relieved that it was convincing." the doctor replies. "I was what could charitably termed 'winging it' the whole time, and petrified that someone would see through the charade."

He looks back in the direction of the camp. "I do wish I hadn't been forced to abandon all my belongings, though. Those cameras were quite the investment, and my Aetheric Energy Emitter will be difficult to duplicate without the proper parts. And I'm still worried about the plate I left behind. There were some...oddities with the developing process. It's only to be expected, as I was not exactly following normal procedure, but still..."

"Well, I'm downright sorry you lost your stuff, Doc, but we didn't have a lot of room to maneuver back there.  Still, the Comanche seem t' think pretty highly of your contraptions, so maybe they'll leave 'em be," August suggests as they ride.

"Hell, maybe I could sneak back in later and fetch 'em - if we ain't needed t' help defend the town, I mean."

"I suppose that's the best I can hope for." Dr. Franklin say gloomily. "Still, I appreciate the offer of assistance. Let's hope that day shall come!"

((OOC: Well, I think this is all for this interlude. Where is August going to head when he gets back to town?))

((OOC: The Marshal's office seems like the obvious place to head for.))

Meanwhile, Back at the Comanche Camp

The camp is in chaos. Warriors run everywhere, trying to figure out just what had happened to them. Thankfully none of the fires had spread out of control, but the whole band was up in arms.

Itza-chu wandered toward the chief's tent. He flipped the flap open and looked in. Ghost Wolf was already there, giving the chief a description of events.

"<...and one of the horses was taken. The cook fires smell unclean...they dropped some form of foul medicine in them to burn them that way. We should find new longs for them immediately, so the taint of their treachery does not enter our food.>"

The chief looks up at Itza-chu. "<Did you find them?>" he asks. "<Are they dead for what they have done?>"

"<I did not, Chief Pale Moon.>" Itza-chu says. "<Their horse was too swift. They crossed the creek, which you have told us not to follow beyond.>"

"<Fool.>" Ghost Wolf says. "<You always say, 'I am faster than any horse.' You let them get away, so you are a liar.>"

Itza-chu pulls his bowie knife. "<Do you wish to test me, Cursed One? I have the Hawk's favor. You are only the claws of Brother Owl. No spirits will come near you. I may not outrun thier horse, but I can outrun you! Carve you up and listen to you scream! You wish to test yourself? Come on and test me, if you think you are hard enough.>"

"<Enough.>" The chief says. "<What is done, is done. Do we at least have the paleface's cam-ra? Do we have his fo-to-graf?"

Ghost Wolf nods, and pulls the items forth. "<Here is the painting the paleface painter made. It was still wet with his medicines, but you can see the image clearly.>"

Pale moon looks at the image on the plate. Fifty Comanches stared back at him. All of them were in vibrant color, though the rest of the surroundings were still grey.

The chieftain smiles. "<Then we have won already. Go, and plan our attack. They know we are coming, but it does not matter. We will crush them. We will slaughter them all in the name of the Mirror Serpent, and he will bestow upon us many blessings. Our People will rise again!>"

The two Indians nod, and withdraw form the tent.

Pale Moon looks at the image once more, then lights some incense, sets the plate down, and begins to pray.

((OOC: Dun Dun Dun!

Ok, I'm going to put you in the Battle of Blackthorn thread. This thread is now closed.))