Twilight, April 11th, 1879. Blackthorn. Good Friday.

Players from the "Blood at Sundown" thread, please continue posting here.

"Ah, well, that would be helpful, assuming the lines haven't been cut. Miss Hawkins mentioned difficulty contacting her own superiors among the Rangers, and I can't imagine it would get any easier. The lines might even be deliberately blocked."

Evans frowns. "I assume you're not referring to the one in England. hmm...I have heard there's a secretive society of Hoyle's Own that meet on a riverboat casino on the Mississippi and practice dark voodoo magics and such, but I never put much stock in such lurid tales. Though they could be an arm of the Enlightened Society of the Weeping Moon. Heard of them?"

((OOC: 18:54, Today: The Amazing Evans rolled 1,4 using d8-4,d6-4, rerolling max with rolls of 5,(6+2)8. Common Knowledge. Wow. go go Evans memory!

He knows some rumors, though nothing substantial.

Did I give you any info on the Enlightened Society of the Weeping Moon before? If not, you'd make a Smarts roll to know some things about them.))

OOC:
Smarts: 7

20:35, Today: Adrian Vega rolled 7,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,5. Smarts.

((OOC: The Enlightened Society of the Weeping Moon is a fraternal organization much like the Freemasons or Odd Fellows, in which wealthy benefactors support charitable and philanthropic works to help the less fortunate. The Enlightened Society of the Weeping Moon (or Moonies or Lunatics as they sometimes get called out of earshot) purport to use "the wonders of the modern era" to bring their brand of peace and enlightenment to all. These wonders are rumored to be cloaked in a lot of mysticism and symbolism. Rumor has it that all the talk of "promoting good works" is just a cover for an Old Money club that dabbles in Mad Science and Black Magic for the personal gain of its members.))

Adrian nodded grimly. "I've definitely heard of the Weeping Moon, that's for sure. It's possible they're connected to the Royal Court somehow, which is very real. I don't know about voodoo, but they're certainly up to no good. They're not in it completely for personal gain, so much as pure malicious intent, though. You think the Weeping Moon is behind some of this trouble in Blackthorn?"

If there's anyone outside the Grand Bull's kitchen by now, they'll get asked:
"What is shrimps?"

In reply to Adrian Vega (msg #5):

Evans nods. "I'm certain of it. The Mayor used some sort of hypnosis against the people to turn them against you and Miss Hawkins, and he's a member. Arthur Whateley locked me and Mr. Allans in the Lodge to fight his pet monster, a horror made of stitched-together body parts. He's a member. Elizabeth Bradshaw claims she can talk with ghosts and has mentioned how much she wants her dead husband returned to her. She's a member. Deputy Charging Bear found some sort of summoning circle in an old barn on Dr. Ward's ranch, and people have mentioned an eerie glow coming from his cattle herds at night. He's a member. And Nathanial Frost tried to murder me the very night after I started poking my nose into this business of undead Yankees. He loudly proclaimed he was a member. Is the picture becoming clear?"

"Indeed it is, Marshal. Well, I don't know how this is all supposed to work but if you'll still have me, I'll help you. And if so, we should probably get movin'. It sounds like we don't have much in the way of time to spare."

He sighed. "I imagine most folks won't take too kindly to me being up and about when I'm not supposed to. Hell, I'm not even sure I take kindly to it. I guess I'm some sorta abomination. But now that I'm here well...I only got plans to keep doin' what I was doin' before. Seein' as how you ain't put me down yet and you took me aside for all this, I'm assumin' you'll help keep me keep this all mum?"

Evans nods. "As long as you're aware of the risks, I'm glad to have you aboard. People know you. They seem to respond well to you. I'm quite desperate for that sort of help, to be frank."

He frowns. "Don't think of it that way. There may be a monster in your breast urging you toward evil, but as Miss Hawkins might say, 'long is the road and hard is the way that leads out of hell into light.' We all have temptations. You're a student of Hoyle. You've been treating with tricky Aetheric entities for some time already, a talent that should serve you well resisting the one that's taken up residence." He nods at the question. "I will do my best. Though you might wish to have a chat with Alouette regarding discretion. I don't believe he's quite learned that yet."

"I'm aware of the risks. I guess there isn't a whole lot more to risk, 'cause I'm already dead. If the worst happens, well, I'll just be dead again. Not that I'm lookin' to have that happen. I'll have a chat with...it...at some point. I don't got much experience talkin' to clanks and such, quite frankly. It seems to understand maybe half of what folks say to it, and jumble up the rest into somethin' else. Hopefully I can get summat through to it."

He scratched his head a bit. "Is there anything else you know about you know...my condition? I noticed that no matter how much I drink, I don't seem to be gettin' drunk. Gus and me put down a whole bottle o' whiskey by ourselves and I don't even have the slightest buzz."

"There are many worse things than death that can happen to a body. Especially one that will have a hard time dying again. Imagine, for instance, being trapped inside your own skin while your body does the bidding of the entity within...now picture it doing that forever." Evans says.

"He. Not 'it', 'he'." Evans says when the conversation turns to Alouette. "Or possibly she...I'm not sure how Alouette would determine gender. Nevertheless, our Mechanical Marvel is to be treated with the respect due all living things.I suspect there is an Aetheric entity within that brass shell...there is no possible scientific basis for how such an automaton, no matter how sophisticated, could function the way Alouette does otherwise. Alouette is a walking miracle, whether or not his claims of divine origin have any basis in reality. He has quite a lot in common with Revenants like yourself, save that the entity within has thus far proven to be more curious than malicious. Don't think of him as one of Hellstromme's clockwork things...Think of him as a child, learning how to speak and react based on the reactions given to him."

"As to your own condition, well, I can't be too much help. I haven't had the opportunity to observe many Revenants up close before this week. Alouette seems convinced that a certain diet is required...I hope you like seafood. I'm of the opinion that while you need animal protein to heal yourself, no other bodily functions, well, function. I suspect the only effect liquor will have on you henceforth is in fragrance. In layman's terms, you can't get drunk anymore. I don't even think you need to drink, liquor or otherwise. I'm not even sure if you need to breathe. Perhaps with more time and observation I could tell you more, but you will probably learn those yourself as quickly as I."

He shuddered at the thought of being an eternal puppet of whatever it was that was inside of him. It was an odd feeling - like he would never be cheerful again. Though he did betray that feeling soon after by grinning at the Marshal's characterization of the clank. "Alouette. Him. Well, fair enough. If I find somethin' out, I'll tell you. I can tell you one thing though - it didn't seem to hurt as bad as it should when I got shot, and while you were knittin' me up. Other than that well, I suppose I'll learn this one day at a time like I have anything else."

Out of habit, he checked his gun to make sure it was fully loaded. "I guess it's time for us to deal with this Comanche business, or whatever happens to come up on our way to dealin' with the Comanche."

"Indeed! Let us avaunt downstairs and face the night." Evans says, hoisting the tank on his back, slipping his gyromounted sixshoooter into it's custom holster, and hanging the odd electric box as his hip.

((OOC: Resume posting the the Chapter 14.3 thread...we'll leave this thread for Wildcat and William's conversation, when WC gets back from her hiatus))

Meanwhile, Wildcat had left the conversation inside the Grand Bull behind early, a little disgusted with the deal made (the bounty compromise would have made her only feel slightly better).  She stood just across the street multitasking, smoking the rest of the cigar, casting a focused blue eye over several projects hither and yon, and leafing through Fugitives from Justice.

Roll to confirm Willy, because she looked the name up earlier, and/or find Seven in the Ranger Bible.

07:02, Today: Wildcat Hawkins rolled 7,7 using 1d6+2,1d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 5,5. Go go gadget Ranger Bible!

What's that tell me oh mighty Stray?

And she was doing a fourth thing.  Waiting for the man who didn't need to breathe any more.

William asks Seven again to give him a minute, then walks over to the girl ranger. He's walking stifly, his shoulders and upper back hurting bad from the shotgun blast. And he could feel the hunger growing in him...

He stops a few paces away from the ranger, his thumbs hooked into his gunbelt.

"You wanted to talk." He half-asks, half-states.

In reply to Wildcat Hawkins (msg #14):

There's an entry for a William pierce with a description and no picture, with no current warrants out in the Confederacy but a note to watch for him as a potential troublemaker. The description doesn't mention the beard, though.

It takes a while to find anyone matching Seven's description in the Bible, but she does eventually find a "Samuel Sterns, AKA The Seven of Spades" listed, along with a list of over a dozen "shootings made in self-defense" he's been exonerated for. There's no open warrants on him either, and there's a little note at the bottom that says, "got friends in high places and good lawyers, that one."

"Ya'll fellers get all th' breaks in life, grow ya a' beard, sudd'nly ya'll ain't that other feller no more is ya?"  The Ranger takes a long pull from the stogie and blows a messy ring.

"But ah reckon we ain't got time fer tellin' sorry ass jabs at men.  Ah'll come to th' point.  First, ah hate ta do it, but I'm gonna break Ranger president 'n let th' Marshal of this town do his own damn job, so ah ain't arrestin' ya 'gain.  Don't think ah'd have much luck keepin' ya'll cooped up at present.  Ain't 'bout that mess.

"See ah know who ya an that idjit 'friend' o'yers is.  Ya ain't been good Christian men, or hombres buenos by enny oth'r standards, has ya?  Tain't no thing though.  What ya'll need ta know is Ah done know what ya'll are."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:45, Fri 04 May 2012.

There's a laugh from behind Wildcat.

"Well, I do declare! The ranger claims to know the deep dark secret. Fancy that!" Seven says, sidling up from behind. "Well, I know what ya are, too, honey. You're the purtyest lawdog I ever did see. But purty or not, ya'll can't intimidate us. We didn't start that shindig. That was your dumb-ass deputy, the one with the mustache. We were just defending ourselves, we can prove so in court, and now that the bail's been paid, we are free. to. go. So stop hasslin' my friend here and mosey on back to the kitchen or somethin'. We got places to be. Come on, Billy."

What is with the outlaws in this town?  Do they think I'm gonna get sweet on 'em or something?

"Stand clear Sam an' ya won't get hurt.  Ah ain't got no interest in ya today.  This here's 'bout 'Billy', who ah reckon can and will make 'is own decisions."

"I damn near took a bullet from you because I decided to stick around coverin' my partner's retreat rather than skedaddle out the back like any sane person would. What makes you think I'd go anywhere on just your say-so, Rose?"

((OOC: Seven makes a Common Knowledge check to see if he knows the names of any female rangers.

00:07, Today: The Seven of Spades rolled 1,4 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4. Does he know Wildcat's name? He does!

Or at least, he knows the name of a female ranger...too bad it's the wrong one!

He tries to throw her name-drop back in her face as a Taunt, but since he's got the wrong name, that's an auto-fail.))

"Easy, Spades. Don't let her rile you up."
To the ranger:"You know who I am? Then you know there's no warrant out for me in the Confederacy. On the other hand, I was Wild Bill Hickock's deputy in Abilene. Seeing as the South lays claim to Kansas... doesn't that makes somethin' like colleagues?"

He smiles, tightlipped.

"I got shot and need someone to take a look at it. Shot in the back. In a law-abiding town I'd expect the shooter to be arrested and charged with attempted murder. Guess that's just my tough luck. What's your name, ranger?"

Wildcat chuckles lightly.  "Sure, let's go wit' that.  Look if'n yer 'friend' here ain't gonna leave ya to yer own bus'ness, let's make this simple.  Ah got a better deal for ya'll than enny'un else yer ever gonna meet."

"What, you wanna drag us into this shin-dig you got goin' with the Dust Adders? Uh-uh. No how. Not unless you got enough dinero stuffed down your bust to buy us each a floaty little riverboat mansion to retire in. I've worked for the government before...ain't no money in it."

"Well it don't involve ya'll no-how, ya oughtta be mighty pleased.  There's plenty o' things in this world folks could use that ain't money feller.  Anyway the name's Hawkins, but half th' Ranger Corps calls me th' Wildcat.  Other half calls me somethin' ah won't repeat."

"Ah, but if involves Billy, it involves me, on account of he wouldn't be in this town if I'da known you were raising folk from their graves to fight the Dust Adders for ya. You're a mite pale to be practicin' voodoo, girl, but I suppose them witch doctors train all kinds, and you ain't recruitin' either o' us into your army o' the damned."

In reply to Wildcat Hawkins (msg #24):

"I'd like to hear the offer before deciding if I turn it down. So if we're not talking money, Ranger, what else you got to offer?"

Katrina Hawkins can't believe this guy and already doesn't like him a lot.  Besides, who wears a monocle?  The Seven gets her attention presently.

"Voodoo?  What is wrong wit' ya'll?  Fer th' love of Texas, do ya think if'n ah could do that, settin' aside fer a moment what yer accusin' me of, ya don't reckon if'n ah could do that, that we'd have a problem right now?  Yer nuttier 'n my granny's fruitcake.  Ya ought be grateful my ma's not here, she'd wear your hide plumb out hearin' ya say sech things ta me."

She shakes her head.  This can't be discussed honestly for what it is with this hanger on, and she isn't ridding herself of him any time soon.  She puts her attention back to William, realizing her short term goals here aren't worth sinking more precious time into.

"Look ya ain't been the nicest feller ah reckon, but ya got more horse-sense than this jackwagon.  Shake yer gentleman admirer here who thinks he makes deeshizuns for ya an' we'll jaw 'bout it some time."

William nods, then turns to his comrade-in-arms.

"Give us a minute, Spades. I'll need to get my horse anyway. Let's meet up here in a bit, allright?"

Assuming that Spades relents...

William walks a few paces away, apparently quite sure of his destination, then waits for the ranger to catch up.
Once she's close he fights down the impulse of grabbing and biting her, instead asking: "You were sayin'?"

Seven huffs. "Fine. I'll get the horses." and he staggers off. Apparently, he's still a little drunk, given the way he's walking.

Wildcat waits for him to leave.

"Good Lord fergive us all, th' very notion 'o raisin' the dead."  Wildcat shakes her head, and then gets serious.

"But it's happ'n'd ain't it fella.  If'n ya'll don't know by now, ah'm here ta tell ya it's happ'n'd ta you."

William shrugs.
"You have a point to make?"

"The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance."  Wildcat's cigar is winding down.  "That's from one o' th' Peters.  So's this 'un.

"Submit yourselves to every ordinance of man for the Lord's sake: whether it be to the king, as supreme; Or unto governors, as unto them that are sent by him for the punishment of evildoers, For so is the will of God, that with well doing ye may put to silence the ignorance of foolish men.

"It's like this.  Ya'll got a unique problem.  Yer gonn' be 'round, potentially a long time.  Ya'll need a friend that lives long as ya'll do.  All this 'round here, it's hell on earth 'n all, but this too shall pass.  Jus' not you.

"Ah done said it 'fore ya ain't no good man but ya ain't no dumbass neither.  Yer keepin' things quiet.  Now ya'll cain't go back to nowhere, they won't haves ya.  But if'n ya'll come wit' me after this mess is over, ah take ta some folks'll be mighty interested in yer services. 

"Legit folks, not shifty one eyed fancy pants.  More legit'n me!  Mebbe you's interested in doin' somethin' good fer once, even if not, why not do close to th' same dad blame thing 'n not get wanted fer it?  What's the point o' bein' a hunted by th' law if'n ya don't got to be?  Feller like you can do a whole lot o' good things folks want done without a lotta skin in th' game.

"An' e'en ya don't care 'bout no leg'imacy, they're the experts on... cond-i-shuns like yers.  Might be able ta help wit' it.  Ya'll got somethin' ya want?  If it ain't dumbass like wantin' to kill every'un in Tennessee, they might helps ya get it.  Now ah don't know if'n that oth'r feller is a dad blame snack to ya'll 'er somethin' diff'rent, but ah think ya got better options feller.

"Worse comes ta worse, ah don't reckon he understands ya'll all that much.  Ya seen what he done to that other feller when he thought he was back from the dead.  Now ah know yer just gonna kill 'em if'n he does, and ah don't feel much pity fer 'im, ya play stupid games ya win stupid prizes.  Point is, it's temp'rary.  Ya'll ought to think 'bout someone that ain't.

"But ah know.  And ah gots incentive ta gets ya to a good place if'n we gets this mess settled.  Not that ah am above askin' ya to take 'vantage of yer nature, not that there's any risk to someone like ya'll.

"Now ya ain't gotta decide right now, what yer doin' at th' moments no concern o' mine.  Nuttin' you did warrants nothin' 'yond what you worked out with th' Marshal back there.  But feller like you in a cond-i-shun like that, yer gonn' do somethin' sooner 'n later."

The Ranger looked back up, head tilted to look William in the face.

"An' we'll know."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:53, Mon 07 May 2012.

William keeps a straight face through the while speech, not once taking his eyes off from Ranger Hawkins. His gaze seems to be fixed to her face - which might be taken as polite. Most men usually threw at least passing glances to a region well south of Wildcat's eyes, but William was transfixed by the sight of those lovely veins in her neck.
If only that damned coward woudn't have shot him....
Maybe I should open his veins and teach him a lesson....He pushed the thought away. His very thinking seemed to change, too.
William's jaw ached and he used his left hand to stroke his beard, as if listening intently.

"So it's work for us or be our enemy?"
 He replies after Wildcat finishes her speech.

"That is quite an offer. Thing is, I hear a lot of maybes in there and only one sure thing: that you'll turn on me mighty quickly if I don't toe the line."

His eyes narrow. "There's something I need to do. Don't worry, it falls under the 'doing good' kinda thing. I'll be thinking about your offer, but I have a thief to catch first. Is your offer good for a while or are you saying take or leave it?"
This message was last edited by the player at 12:45, Wed 09 May 2012.

"Ya ain't done nothin' yet."  Wildcat admits, shrugging, although the gesture is weak with her narrow shoulders.  Dressing in layers doesn't hide that.  "An' ah ain't gonna blow smoke up yer ass an' tell ya it's a no brainer neither.  Ah reckon ya got time, ah got plenty o' irons in th' fire."

William nods.
"Out of curiosity - if I were to accept your... proposition. I mean, right now. What would you ask of me? What would you want me to do?"

"Well if'n ya'll were curious... th' Comanch'r gonna get a lot of folks kilt.  Lot of folks who ain't got nothin' ta do wit' me, or th' local hellraisers either really, or enny o' th' other mess 'round here.  Ah wish thar where't 'nother way 'n this, but sometimes they ain't.

"Ah don't reckon 'em Injuns could really hurt you for keeps, but somethin' makes me reckon ya'll could drill a few of 'em down to their sacred earth.  Hell of a thing ta ask, but worst thin' that could happen is ya tell me ta go ta hell, an' we's 'bout there already."

Pierce shrugs.
"If the Comanche are anything like the kind we got up North, you'll fight them off. Them indians fight stupid. They got a lot of sand, but no discipline. I notice you try to herd them together in a kill zone."

He nods toward the barricades further down the road.

"Smart. They'll kill a few of them folks, sure, but you'll drive them off, eventually. Then in a year or five a new chieftain will want to take revenge and it'll start over again. It's like Spring, Summer or Winter - just a season of killing."

He turns back to face Wildcat. "Right now I'm hurt bad from that shotgun of your man. I'm not one to hold a grudge, but shooting a man in the back is something of a pet peeve of mine."

Not that he wasn't guilty of that himself, figuratively if not literally, but still. It was a distinction that made a whole lotta difference to him.

"My point is, I might need some help, too, but not the fancy miraculous kind you're trying to sweet-talk me into. Say I help you fight off the indian horde... then you help me find the people I'm looking and... deal with them. Only, it will be under my jurisdiction, Ranger. My rules. My judgement."

Wildcat maintains her perpetual scowl.  "Ya seen this here feller?"

She puts her thumb behind the silver badge on her lapel.  "That means somethin', ta me at least.  Other problem is ah gotta talk ta a feller named Ward soon as ah can.  Ah thank ya'll's wantin' to go make mess right now."

"I can't risk that the... fiends I'm looking for disappear in all the confusion an attack by Comanche might bring."

Also, I want to hunt her down myself and not lose her to a band of savages... Or fight off these savages if she goes and turns them into something like me, too.

Hm. That was an interesting point. He still wasn't sure what he could tell that girl, but maybe she got a hint.

So he adds: "And trust me, you don't want the Comanche find them, either. Won't give them more discipline, but sure as hell will make it harder to fight them."

That statement genuinely intrigues Wildcat.  "Them fellers got somethin' the Comanch'd want?  What in tarnation could it be, a wagonload o' Kent'cky rifles?"

"No, the Comanche got something them fellas want. Thing is, they'll get something in return we don't want them to have."

How much could he risk to say? She knew about him being dead, but she seemed to think that he was the same kind of dead guy as the fella wanting to kill Spades.

Well, if she tried anything funny - he was pretty quick on the draw, aching shoulders or not.

"I'm talking about the Vanderholt troupe."

"Troops?"  Wildcat looks bewildered, but then she wants to slap herself.  No, the troupe, ya idjit.  "Oh ya'll done mean 'em theater folks, one of 'em sure was actin' queer... ah hell."

The images of killing the judge in the basement, Evans' investigation with his weird thing she can't name, understand or pronounce, and the sick girl in the room upstairs, not to mention the other circumstances surrounding it all, all came back to her.

Did he know?  Did it matter?  If she sounded crazy, it didn't matter, he was the walking dead already.

"Dern it, wit' all th' fuss 'round 'bout here, ah done fergot about them.  They's like you ain't they... con sarn it all.  All right feller here's what ya do, ah'm a terr'ble officer o' th' law here lately anyway so ah might as well tell ya, get ya somewhere ya can find some wood.  Sharpen'er up real good, don't have to be pretty, like 'is 'un."

Wildcat, whose duster is bulging with things at this point, pulls out a wooden stake made from the end of a table leg, sharpened to a point with a few passes of her Bowie knife.

"Make ya several.  Stab 'em wit' it, in th' heart if 'tall poss'ble.  Ah managed ta kill jus' a couple of 'em wit' it.  Shove 'em into th' sun if'n ya can.  Ah ain't tried holy water 'r garlic 'r sech yet.  Dern it."

She shakes her head.

"Ah can't go wit' ya, ah'd love to, but ah's s'posed to stay here.  Ah'm onna mishun from th' Lord 'n all.  Ya'll should go after 'em, that's best we gon' do right now.  Do what'v'r ya gotta do, ya get any of 'em 'r even find out where they done went, come back 'n tell me 'bout it n' that'll make us real good friends in a hurry."

William tips his hat.
"Wooden stakes, huh. I'll keep that in mind. I'll be going now, gotta find my horse. Ran off when the Oriental burned down."

It's about this time that Seven returns, a pair of horses in tow.

"You done with your chat? We wastin' time." He says to William. He looks at Wildcat. "Sorry to intrude, but we got some places to be."

He does, in fact, have Jumper with him...they must have found him wandering about and lead him to the stables.

"William, there was a Limey son of a bitch askin' around for you...didn't seem too friendly. Might be that Van Owen I've heard so much about. We might wanna get goin' before we get shot at again."

OOC: Vinnie Kaye was English, right?

Things are finally starting to improve.

He's with us he says, and takes Jumper's reigns. The horse reacts skittish, smelling William's unnutarual scent, but William manages to calm his horse down quite easily. He checks the saddlebags for their contents and pulls the rifle from the scabbard, checking that as well, then nods, satisfied.

08:24, Today: William Pierce rolled 15,1 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of (8+8+1)17,3. riding, to calm horse down.

((OOC: That's what he sounded like to William's ears.))

"Ya'll got some strange friends." Seven remarks, apparently not seeing the irony. He mounts and tips his hat to Wildcat with a sly wink. "Until we meet again, ma'am."

He turns his horse back in the direction of the stables, and starts riding.

"Till next time, Ranger."

William follows Spades.

((OOC: Any parting remarks from Wildcat? If not, where is she heading?))

((OOC: Moving this thread along...))

It doesn't take long for William and Seven to reach the stables, where Vincent is leaning against a post.

"Don't have the slightest idea of his whereabouts, eh?" The blond vampire smirks. William catches a glimpse of an overly sharp canine tooth in his smile.

"Didn't know you were on friendly terms." Seven mutters. "Though I can't see why he'd pal around with a bounty hunter."

"Bounty hunter?" Kaje says, this time with real amusement. "What gave you that peculiar notion?"

"You mean you ain't James Van Owen?"

"Never met the chap. Name's Kaje. Vincent Kaje."

"Seven of Spades."

"Colorful name. I shan't forget it in a hurry, much as I may wish to."

"I'll have them mark it on your tombstone."

"Are you looking for trouble?" Kaje's smirk devolves into a sharp-toothed snarl.

"Me? Why, heavens no. We all friends here, ain't we?" Seven's hand hovers near his silver-plated gun.

"We are friends. So keep your guns holstered. We have bigger fish to catch."
William sounds more than just annoyed. The wound in his back gives him a mighty hankering for blood, but he wasn't going to jump just any human and suck him dry. And he wouldn't go chase after rats... Maybe they'd have luck and run across some animal.

He also wondered what would happen when Seven found out that Vincent was... how had the thing put it? Differently alive. One thing at a time.

"We're traveling light, weapons and ammo only. Then we should catch up to them real easy, never mind the head start. Agreed?"

"You may be right." Vincent says, relaxing a little. "Perhaps another time."

"As ya like." Seven says, then frowns. "Wait. Who's them? I thought we was gonna head out to the Circle W, lay low 'till this 'Comanche attack' or whatever passed on through."

"We're", he nods at Vincent, "are after the Vanderholt girls, if maybe for different reasons. I don't want them to get away and I don't want the Comanche to get to them first. If the Circle W is on the way, so be it. Otherwise, we'll have to take a little detour."

"What!?" Seven barks, incredulous. "Are you loco? Look, I know gettin' beat up and robbed by a whore ain't exactly a manly experience, but goddamn! Let the Comanche have 'em!"

"You weren't invited along." Vincent says.

"Like Hell!" Seven shoots back. "This man took a bullet to save my ass. I don't forget my debts that easy." He looks back at William. "But ya'll gotta think this through some more. Ya been shot. Doc Ward's the best doctor in the whole county, and it ain't far to the Circle W, maybe five miles. But it's five miles to the south. If them whores lit out, they'd be heading west to Victoria. The longer you wait to treat it, the less a doctor can do for ya. We'd be pushin' things as it is now. I think you're life's more important than your pride, amigo."

"They took something from me that I value greatly. Something with great sentimental value. It's hard to explain."

When Spades mentions the wound, he shrugs. "The coat caught most of the shot. Nothing that'll stand in the way, I think. I've been riding wounded - and wounded worse - before, hunted by the law. This time I'm the hunter."

"well...If you're sure about this..."

"Again, feel free to piss the fuck off if you don't like it, tosser."

The two glare at each other again.

"Where do we start?" Seven says, relenting.

"Victoria seems to be the obvious destination. So we go after the whores."

((OOC: Make a Tracking roll, then to pick up the trail. Neither Vincent nor Seven have Tracking trained, so you're on your own for this...))

21:44, Today: William Pierce rolled -2,6 using d4-4,d6-4, rerolling max with rolls of 2,(6+4)10. Tracking, unskilled, wounds.

((OOC: Nice! You're able to find the wagon ruts, which show up well in the moonlight. As you're tracking, however, you notice some other hoofprints heading in the same general direction...three more riders, and the tracks are fresher. Could be someone else beat you to them...Roll Notice, please.))

21:58, Today: William Pierce rolled 3,5 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,5. Notice. -2 wounds, +2 alertness.

The sound of gunfire from a nearby hilltop catches William's attention...as does the brief flicker of fire.

And wouldn't you know it? The stagecoach tracks seem to be heading up the trail that leads past that hill...

"Might be the Comanche found them already..."
William points to the tracks. "But there are others as well. Let's get a closer look."

He motions the group to ride a bit closer, then suggests "Let's walk. We don't need to draw attention to us."

He tethers his horse on a nearby treebranch, and grabs the rifle and some extra shots of ammo. "Ready?"

EDIT: Forgot something.

William takes a few steps away from the horse, then stops, hesitating for a moment. Then he walks back, reassuring his nervous mount absent-mindedly and goes for the saddle-bags.
He rummages around in them and finally finds a small pouch.
Inside is a small cruzifix on a thin leather band. He winces looking at it, but with a determined look puts the necklace on, the cross resting a few inches under his neck on his shirt.

"Now. Let's go."

Figure it takes a Spirit roll to resist my phobia...
Spending a White chip, too.
08:57, Today: William Pierce rolled 1,4 using d8-4,d6-4, rerolling max with rolls of 5,(6+2)8. Spirit, white chip.
08:56, Today: William Pierce rolled 2,-3 using d8-4,d6-4, rerolling max with rolls of 6,1. Spirit vs. cross.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:59, Wed 16 May 2012.

The trio creeps along, heading up the ridge...and right into another trio of horses, hitched to some trees.

As William looks about, he sees a very large figure crouching in one of the bushes, a pistol with a large bowie knife as a bayonet trained on him. He's seen that gun before.

"Halt there, amigos." A booming voice challenges. "You're surrounded. State your business quickly..we got trouble on the way."

((OOC: Just a note...William, you're about 30 minutes in to the Golden Hour. Unless you get some Healing (or blood) soon, you'll have to wait a day for another natural healing check to remove your wounds.))

OOC: I know. William just doesn't think that a doctor would be able to do anything for him on account on him being dead and he doesn't want to drink human blood. It's a pickle he'll find himself in forever, I guess.

William raises his rifle.
"The bounty hunter." He says, quietly.


OOC: Booming voice? How much noise has there been around, ie, is Jericho drawin attention to us?

Seven also raises his pistol, though Vincent looks rather unconcerned.

"I wouldn't do that, fellas." Says another voice, much more in a whisper. This voice is from behind the trio.

"He means it about the trouble. Whole passle o' Comanche are camped out on that ridge. We sent a scout to scope the place out, but there was a gunshot and he ain't returned yet, so he might not be comin' back at all. Means we might have some braves down on our position at any moment..."

((OOC: It's only comparatively loud...there's no background noise to speak of. No birds, no insects, just the bounty hunter speaking at normal (for him) volume.))

William turns around slowly, his rifle at the shoulder, but pointing to the ground.

"Then what're doing aiming at us and not the savages? Can't tell a white man from an indian?" William growls.
"We're looking for the Vanderholts. Seen them about?"

William talks quietly enough to make himself heard by the guy in the back.

"Sure I can. I have a gift for faces." Cantrell growls. He's lowered his voice, but not his guns. "Especially those that tried to gnaw my flesh not two hours ago. Where's Jenny?"

"Ain't got the time for this." the voice in back whispers. The man, a slim, clean-cut fellow not more than twenty years old, looks up at the hill nervously. "We're all in trouble together." He shakes his head at the question. "Never heard o' them. Who are they?"

"Troupe o' whores." Seven says. "Took somethin' what don't belong to 'em."

"Fascinating. What sodding pillocks you all are." Vincent growls. "You done swinging your cocks about yet, or should we wait until the bleeding Indians get here?" He's drawn his Winchester, but has it aimed toward the hill. "Shut up and keep your eyes peeled!"

((OOC: Make a Notice check, -2 for the poor light.))

10:49, Today: William Pierce rolled 6,0 using d6-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of (6+2)8,2. Notice-2, +2 Alertness, 2 wounds.

William turns around again, towards Cantrell. "Don't know what you're talking about. Got hit in the head, maybe?"

Even as he says this, he sees movement from some near-by trees...

((OOC: 01:54, Today: Comanche Raiders rolled 5,2 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2. Stealth. Looks like they don't get Surprise on you.

Cards (Comanche, Cantrell, August, Seven, Vincent):

10D, 7C, 5S, 3C, 10S

Draw a card for initiative. Do you want Control over one or two of the NPCs during this fight?))

OOC: Sure, why don't I take care of Vincent and Seven?

Card: 11:08, Today: William Pierce drew the single card: QC using the Deadlands system. Initiative. Looks like I go first... so let me roll right away.

11:09, Today: William Pierce rolled 16,5 (21)using 2d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(8+5)13,5. Shooting damage, bonus die.
11:09, Today: William Pierce rolled 3,12 using d10-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 5,(6+6+2)14. Shooting an indian.


William half-turns toward the trees, and fires off a quick shot at one on the savages, then crouches down, trying to offer as little a target as possble.

"They're here! Nice job, Cantrell!"



11:12, Today: William Pierce drew the single card: QD using the Deadlands system. Initiative round 2 (Quick).
11:12, Today: William Pierce drew the single card: 2D using the Deadlands system. Initiative round 2.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:12, Mon 21 May 2012.

((OOC: Alrighty. Be warned, though...Vincent's a beast.))

The shot rings out over the hillside, and the grey-skinned Comanche goes down...and then starts getting back up!

"What the holy hell!?" Cantrell shouts. "Back! Everyone! Get behind the trees!"

((OOC: 21 would be enough damage to drop the Comanche...if you could harm them with mere bullets.

You're going Prone, then? Cool. Remember that all attacks are going to be affected by the -2 Darkness penalty. It didn't matter for this shot, but it will be a factor unless you can get them lit up somehow.))

---

Turn Order:
William: QC
Vincent: 10S
Comanche: 10D
Cantrell: 7D
August: 5S
Seven: 3C

OOC: How many Comanche are there?

Vincent notes how the Comanche seems unfazed by William's bullet and slowly retreats behind one of the trees, drifting away from the group a little, firing a shot at a target.



OOC:
19:18, Today: William Pierce drew the 2 cards: 2C, QC using the Deadlands system. Vincent, initiative.
19:18, Today: William Pierce rolled -1,1 using d6-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3. Shooting, darkness.

((OOC: Five.))

The Comanche creep closer. Some of them are slinging bows and drawing rifles, apparently deciding it was time for power over stealth.

The Comanche that William shot stands up, rubs his neck, then pulls a bow and takes a shot at William. The shot goes wide, as does another.

Cantrell drops into a crouch as well, his guns blazing, but the bullets seem to just bounce off his targets. He's hitting them dead-on...it's just not affecting them!

"Aim for the head or the legs!" August shouts as he dodges behind a tree. "The shirts are some kind o' armor!"

He takes aim at one of the Comanches...and his gun jams. "Shit!"

---

((OOC: Three Comanches draw Spencer Carbines. The one who was hit by William rolls to Unshake:

10:24, Today: Comanche Raiders rolled 6 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of 6. unshake. success, so he gets an action at -2.

He makes an attack at William. he has to deal with MAP, Darkness, and William's Cover: 10:25, Today: Comanche Raiders rolled -4 using 1d6-6, rerolling max with rolls of 2. Shooting. not even close.

Another one also shoots a bow at William. He only has darkness and cover to worry about: 10:26, Today: Comanche Raiders rolled -1 using 1d6-4, rerolling max with rolls of 3. Shooting. Still no hit.

Cantrell goes Prone and goes Two-fisted on them. He doesn't get the benefit of his Marksman edge, because he moved to Prone. He has Darkness to deal with. 10:29, Today: Jericho Cantrell rolled 2,1,4,1 using d10-2,d6-2,d10-4,d6-4, rerolling max with rolls of 4,3,8,5. Two-fisted shooting (LeMat, Peacemaker). Hit!

10:30, Today: Jericho Cantrell rolled 7 using 2d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4. Damage. That is NOT ENOUGH! The shirts the Comanche wear raise their Toughness to 9 vs. Bullets.

August remembers this from his own fight with the Comanche, and mentions it as a free action. He moves behind Light cover and tries to fire: 10:36, Today: The Stray, on behalf of August Colby, rolled -3,-3 using d8-4,d6-4, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1. Shooting (Called Shot). Critical Failure! His gun jams and he needs to spend an action clearing it.))

---

Cards for next round:

Jericho Cantrell: RJ!
Comanche: JH
August: 6S

---

Seven is up next!

Spades mutters a curse, slowly retreating behind a few trees, firing off a shot at the indians

"Come on, Billy, get back here!"

OOC: 19:57, Today: William Pierce rolled 4,2 using d10-1,d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3. Spades Shooting.
20:01, Today: William Pierce rolled 8 using 2d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2. Spades damage.

20:00, Today: William Pierce drew the single card: 9S using the Deadlands system. Spades initiative.

Cantrell takes a couple shots, aiming low. One of the Indians pitches over...but he's still moving.

"Shit." He growls as he watches the Comanche start standing after what should have been a lethal hit. "I think the gussied up dandy over there's right. We should withdraw...Town's got to be warned."

((OOC: Cantrell Has a Joker Bonus and the Marksman edge, so he will be able to negate the Darkness and Called Shot Penalties. He's going two-fisted against two different targets, hoping to take them down.

11:13, Today: Jericho Cantrell rolled 9,7,5,3 using d10,d6,d10-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 9,(6+1)7,7,5. Two-fisted shooting (LeMat, Peacemaker). Hit with Raise, Hit.

Damage 1: Jericho Cantrell rolled 24 using 3d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of (6+6+1)13,2,(6+2)8. nice! Too bad it's worthless because they're bulletproof, but it will Shake the Indian.

Damage 2: Jericho Cantrell rolled 5 using 2d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2. Less impressive. Not a hit.

Next round: 8S

William, make a Fear Check...this is starting to remind you too much of how he died. + Grit, -5 for the local Fear level))

---

Turn Order:
Jericho Cantrell: RJ!
William: QD
Vincent: QC
Comanche: JH
Seven: 9S
August: 6S

OOC:
Okay, so that's +3 Grit, -5 Fear, -2 wounds, total of -4.
21:55, Today: William Pierce rolled 4,11 (comes out to 7) using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,(6+5)11. Fear check, white chip.
21:55, Today: William Pierce rolled 2,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,3. Fear check.

William draws back his lips in frustration... and feels his canines prick his lower lip.
They might be save from bullets... but I have a trick or two up my sleeves as well.


"You're right. Fall back, Vincent and I will give you some covering fire!"

He gets up, moving back to the trees, taking cover.

OOC: I'm gambling here. Chances are they are immune to blood-draining as well, but you never know.
Going on hold. So does Vincent.

A smattering of gunfire ripples over the group. Dust kicks up near Cantrell, and wood chips near Vincent and August, but none is hit.

The two bowmen seem to have a bead on william, though...they take their time drawing back their shafts and taking aim at the tree he's taken cover behind. They're waiting for him to make a move.

((OOC: The Comanche take shots at him. Both the bowers Take Aim rather than switch weapons.

The Shaken Comanche attempts to recover. He's one with a rifle out. Unshake: Comanche Raiders rolled 15 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of (8+7)15. success and Raise. he will get an action with no penalty this turn.

One takes a shot at Cantrell, one at Vincent, and one at August. All three have Medium Cover and it's dark out, so -4 penalty total.

13:46, Today: Comanche Raiders rolled -1,-3,0 using d6-4,d6-4,d6-4, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1,4. Shooting. No hits.

Card: 6H))

---

Seven is up!

Seven's Hindrances are kinda screwing with my idea.

"No way, Billy. I'm not leaving you behind. We're all going!"

He fires off a quick shot at the indians, but the shot goes wide in the darkness.


OOC: 07:21, Today: William Pierce rolled 2,0 using d10-3,d6-3, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3. Spades Shooting. +3 edges, -2 darkness, -4 headshot

William growls a reply: "We are all going, you're just going first, damnit!"

I'm not going to die again. Not here. Not like this. Not before I haven't squeezed the last bit of un-life from that fanged bitch's eyes.

08:05, Today: William Pierce drew the single card: 3H using the Deadlands system. Spades initiative.

"He's right, fella!" the young man says. "They'll just be a little bit behind, is all. Let's get to the horses now."

((OOC: August attempts to talk some reason into Seven.

23:33, Today: The Stray, on behalf of August Colby, rolled 1,5 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5. Persuasion. that should be enough to overcome the hindrance for now.

Card for next round: <4D< 3C KC))

---

Turn order:
William: On hold
Vincent: On hold
August: KC
Cantrell: 8S
Comanche: 6D
Seven: 3H

---

Your play...what are you going to do with the held actions?

OOC: Waiting for the others to skedaddle... then wait for the indians to close in and try to kill them in melee. Simple enough, ain't it?

((OOC: In the interests of speeding things along...))

The trio of Cantrell, Colby, and Seven get to the horses, avoiding bullets and arrows, and begin to ride, leaving Vincent and William alone against the Comanche. The Comanche close in, forming a rough circle around the pair.

"Interesting. Think we should show these heathen savages what they're truly up against?" Vincent asks.

"By all means", William bares his teeth in reply.


OOC: You're taking over Vincent or should I?

((OOC: If you want to keep control of Vincent, be my guest. Draw initiative!

Comanche: 2C))

20:18, Today: William Pierce drew the 2 cards: 8C, 6S using the Deadlands system. Vincent, initiative.

20:18, Today: William Pierce drew the single card: 9S using the Deadlands system. William Initiative.

Great, we both go first.


William readies himself, then nods at Vincent a "you first". The blonde vampire grins wide, then jumps out of cover, closing the distance to the first comanche, fast!

He simply pushes the rifle away and grabs the indian's head, burrying his fangs deep in the other's neck, opening the jugular...

20:21, Today: William Pierce rolled 1,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3. Vincent, fighting. won't do, white chip.
20:21, Today: William Pierce rolled 9,2 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+1)9,2. Vincent, fighting, white chip. Much better!

20:22, Today: William Pierce rolled 5 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5. Potential bonus damage.
20:22, Today: William Pierce rolled 22,6 using d12+1,d4, rerolling max with rolls of (12+9)21,(4+2)6. Biting. 28, if the attack roll aced, 33

20:24, Today: William Pierce rolled 5,3 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3. Vigor.

For a second, William is mesmerized, but then the pain in his jaw and his inner self becomes unbearable and he jumps out as well at the next indian, following suit.

There is the slightest moment of hesitation as he grabs the startled indian and bites down on his neck, drawing blood almost instantly.

Have I now turned into a complete monster? Is my soul lost now forever?


But then he tastes the sweet coppery taste of the warm liquid and gives in to the hunger...


20:26, Today: William Pierce rolled 5,2 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 7,4. Fighting.
20:26, Today: William Pierce rolled 5 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5. adding a red chip? It does add!

20:27, Today: William Pierce rolled 2,3,4 (total: 9) using d10,d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,3,4. Bite damage.
William's teeth aren't quite as pointy, it seems.

20:28, Today: William Pierce rolled 6,2 using d10-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 8,4. Vigor to drain.

20:29, Today: William Pierce rolled 3,0 using d10-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2. Vigor to heal. Having trouble swallowing, apparently.

New cards: 20:29, Today: William Pierce drew the 2 cards: 8D, JC using the Deadlands system. Vincent, initiative.
20:30, Today: William Pierce drew the single card: 7H using the Deadlands system. Initiative,again. William has Quick.
20:30, Today: William Pierce drew the single card: 5C using the Deadlands system. Initiative,again. William has Quick.
20:30, Today: William Pierce drew the single card: 5C using the Deadlands system. William Initiative.

The vampire bites down, hoping to draw some fresh blood. The Comanche goes down...but what comes out of his veins isn't blood. It's a silvery chemical that burns as it goes down...

((OOC: They have Parry 7, so no Raise. So the damage is 28. That's enough damage to drop the Comanche. Does Vincent get blood?

11:30, Today: Comanche Raiders rolled 7 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of 7. Vigor. No healing for Vincent.

In fact, have Vincent make another vigor roll, this time at -2, or gain a level of fatigue. This is magical in nature, so Vincent can, in fact, suffer from this.))

OOC: Well, of course.
20:40, Today: William Pierce rolled 18,2 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (10+8)18,2. Vincent.

Vincent sputters and spits, cursing angrily, but still holding the indian in a grip.
"Don't drink that!"

((OOC: And William needs to roll vigor as well...we must have cross-posted. The Comanche you bit is Shaken.))

The sudden, brutal attack by monsters scatters the warriors that had seemed so invulnerable up till now. Only one stands his ground. He's the one closest to the brave William attacked, naturally. He charges, swinging his tomahawk at William's head.

((OOC: The Comanche have to make Fear checks now, since you've just revealed yourselves as monsters and they aren't immune to terror. Also, Vincent has actually injured one of these supposedly immortal Comanches. They have 1 Grit and the Fear Level is 5, so total of -4 to their rolls.

11:54, Today: Comanche Raiders rolled -3,10,1 using d8-4,d8-4,d8-4, rerolling max with rolls of 1,(8+6)14,5.

The Comanche that didn't fail (and isn't currently Shaken) attacks William.

-2 MAP (drawing weapon), +2 Wild Attack: 12:00, Today: Comanche Raiders rolled 6 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of 6. wild swing.

Damage: 12:01, Today: Comanche Raiders rolled 11,5 using d8,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (8+3)11,3. Damage. 16. Charing Bear isn't the only one the dice roller hates, apparently. That would be 2 Wounds and Shaken for William if he doesn't soak, which would drop him. Unless you use your legend chip to make me reroll.

Next round: 7C))

21:14, Today: William Pierce rolled 0,-1 using d10-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,1. Vigor to resist.
Or not. Gaining a level of Fatigue.
Spending my last red chip to soak.
21:16, Today: William Pierce rolled 5,-2 using d10-3,d6-3, rerolling max with rolls of 8,1. Soak.
One more wound, and I'm shaken.

21:18, Today: William Pierce drew the single card: 10C using the Deadlands system. Initiative,again. William has Quick.
21:18, Today: William Pierce drew the single card: 5D using the Deadlands system. Initiative,again. William has Quick.
21:18, Today: William Pierce drew the single card: 3S using the Deadlands system. Initiative,again. William has Quick.
21:18, Today: William Pierce drew the single card: 4C using the Deadlands system. William Initiative.

Awesome. Four cards for a 10.

Whatever their insides are made of, it seems to be not very nutritious. William is feeling his head spin, and that fouls taste sits poorly in his stomach. He's able to roll his shoulder enough to avoid decapitation, but the blade goes through his cheek, opening it up and giving him half a ghastly grin.

Hopefully it'll heal when he gets some real blood in his veins. Until then, he's going to have to be cautious about swallowing when he bites.

On the plus side, He seems to actually have inflicted a wound on the brave he attacked. Perhaps it's simply man-made weapons that the braves are immune to, or perhaps it's just that his nature grants him some supernatural potency. Whatever it is, he needs to capitalize on it fast...two on one is bad odds for a gunman.

---

Turn Order:
Vincent: JC
William: 10C
Comanche: 7C

Vincent drops the dead Comanche in his arms and turns on the poor soul not having enough sense to run.
This time, though, his hand slices through the air, it's fingernails growing into vicious claws.

Wild Attack! Plus Gang-up.
10:59, Today: William Pierce rolled 10,5 using d8+3,d6+3, rerolling max with rolls of 7,2. Vincent, killing another one.
11:00, Today: William Pierce rolled 11,7,4 (total 22) using d12+3,d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 8,(4+3)7,4. Vincent, damage.

I think I'll keep typing Vincent that and Vincent this into the reason to roll field. Seems to have a good effect!

11:01, Today: William Pierce drew the 2 cards: BJ!, JD using the Deadlands system. Vincent cards.
See? Told ya.

---
William reels back as Vincent tears open the Indian, trying to get to his senses.

11:04, Today: William Pierce rolled -2,-1 using d8-4,d6-4, rerolling max with rolls of 2,3. Spirit to recover from Shaken. Vincent!
Ok, faking a Vincent roll doesn't help at all.

11:05, Today: William Pierce drew the single card: 9C using the Deadlands system. Initiative.

William isn't the only one unable to get a grip on his situation. The last Comanche warrior, the one William bit, is on his knees, spouting something in his native tongue. It sounds like he's begging for his life.

((OOC: Guess you got a glimpse of why it's a bad idea to get on Vinny's bad side, eh? ;)

The Comanche attempts to Unshake: 02:26, Today: Comanche Raiders rolled 1 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of 1. unshake. No. that is fail. I don't hold out much hope for his chances next round, but just in case...

Card: QD))

Multi-action! Grabbing his throat and then intimidation!

11:39, Today: William Pierce rolled 1,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4. White chip.
11:39, Today: William Pierce rolled 3,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1. Fighting, Grappling attack.
Is that a touch attack? Otherwise it fails.

11:40, Today: William Pierce rolled 6,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,1. Vincent Intimidation!

Vincent moves for the throat of the last one and bares his fangs.
"Do. You. Speak. English?" he growlsl.

11:42, Today: William Pierce drew the 2 cards: 5D, 8D using the Deadlands system. Vincent cards.
---

11:44, Today: William Pierce rolled -3,-3 using d8-4,d6-4, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1. Recover, Recover. Or not.
11:44, Today: William Pierce drew the single card: JS using the Deadlands system. Initiative redraw, due to Quick.
11:44, Today: William Pierce drew the single card: 2S using the Deadlands system. Initiative.

The Comanche blubbers and sobs. Either he doesn't speak English or he's too terrified to form the words. He tears himself from the vampire's grasp and tries to run...

((OOC: They changed grapples to Opposed Fighting checks in SWD, which is what I tend to refer to, so that might not be a fail...let's see if he gets a grip. If he does, it'll be worth a +2 bonus to the Intimidate check. Vincet already gets a +2 bonus to Intimidate because of his Strong Willed edge, so your total is actually 8.

10:44, Today: Comanche Raiders rolled 10 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of (8+2)10. opposing Grapple. well, that's not a hold. What about the Intimidate?

10:45, Today: Comanche Raiders rolled 5 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of 5. Resisting Test of Wills. Fail, but not a raise. Vincent gets a +2 bonus to his next action against the die.

Is this one of the Comanche who speaks the lingo?

10:47, Today: Comanche Raiders got the result "Ask again later" on the magic 8-ball. speak lingo? That's...not helpful. I'm guessing he's too scared right now to properly understand the question.

Does he unshake? 10:48, Today: Comanche Raiders rolled 6 using 1d8. unshake. That's enough of a success for him to get an action, which he will spend trying to run away.

Vincent gets a free attack.))

Wild Attack. That's +2. Then, +2 from the Joker. Then +2 from the successful intimidate.
That doesn't bode well for Can't Talk.
21:51, Today: William Pierce rolled 11,8 using d8+6,d6+6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2. Vincent fighting.
Sucess and raise!
21:52, Today: William Pierce rolled 7,1 using d12+1,d4, rerolling max with rolls of 6,1. Vincent, damage. That's 8. +2 wild, +2 Joker for a total of 12.

As the indian jumps up to run away, Vincent's claws slash out at the man's back, ripping the grey flesh.

21:54, Today: William Pierce drew the 2 cards: 4D, 2S using the Deadlands system. Vincent, initiative.

((OOC: I'll resume control of Vincent now. Combat over.))

The Indian falls flat on his face at the vampire's slash, rents torn clean through the fancy buckskin shirt he wears. He lies still.

Vincent looks down at the body and kicks it a little. "Sodding dirt-worshipers." He says, then turns to William. "And you! What fucking use are you? Weaving about like that...what will you do when we catch up with them, eh? Stagger over to Marina and bleed on her?"

"I was shot in the back and he just tried to split my head with a fucking tomahawk", William growls.

"It's not like I can just go to a fucking doctor to slap a bandage on."

He doesn't want to say it, but it weighs heavy on his tongue, so he finally admits it.

"I need blood."

Vincent stops, and looks at him. He frowns.

"Wait. You were shot? You were shot, and it's doin' all this to you? I know you're freshly dead but...a little flying lead shouldn't have done a damn thing. Nor the dirt-worshiper's axe."

He kneels over William and checks him over. He probes the wounds (not gently) and looks at the darkened blood oozing from the buckshot holes in back and the chop to his neck. Then, most odd of all, he puts his ear to William's chest. William feels The Ogre shift a little within him.

"Well I'll be Goddamned." He says. "You aren't a vampire at all! You're another fucking Harrowed!"

"Is that supposed to make me feel better?"

"What makes you think I give a fuck how you feel?" Vincent says. "Our relationship is defined solely on how useful you can be to me once we finally track that bitch down. Right now, you aren't impressing, and especially not now that I know what it is you really are. She didn't create you the same way she sired me...you're just a corpse that some demon thought would be fun to play with, and while it gave you fangs and bloodlust and will keep you alive pretty much forever you're just one step above the mewling kine."

He stands. "So you know what? From here on out, you're on your own. Have fun with that need for blood...I can smell a hell of a lot of it up the hill here. Maybe you can drink enough to get you moving again, but you sure as hell won't be beating me to Marina."

And with that, he turns and begins running up the hill, leaving William to his hunger.

For a second, William considers shooting Vincent. But to what purpose? He knew that the bullet wouldn't kill him and he saw Vincent tear through these savages like a wolf in a hen house.

He searches the three dead for a bowieknife and reloads his pistol.

Turn back now or go on? He wondered.

He looked down at his chest. "You're keeping me alive in there?"
Then he pulls out the cross from under his shirt.
"You're going to be awefully busy, then."

And then he follows after Vincent, slower though. Keeping an eye on any horses the indians might have left behind close by.

'Just' harrowed, hm? What the fuck does that mean, anyhow?

He knew that he was probably walking to his death. Again. But what had he to lose? He would spend eternity being tortured by the souls of the men he killed. What difference would a day or a year make when compared to eternity?

21:37, Today: William Pierce rolled 0,1 using d6-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,3. Notice, red chip.
21:37, Today: William Pierce rolled -1,1 using d6-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3. Notice, +2 alertness, wounds, fatigue.

"Sounds like a challenge, boy." whispers a voice in the back of his mind. "Maybe I should remind ya of your place."

And then he hears the crack of leather, feels the sting of metal...

William stops, his jaw grinding with an enormous effort.

The enormous effort is just enough to keep him contained, but it's a very near thing.

((OOC: 11:56, Today: Secret Roll: The Stray rolled 2,3 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,3. Harrowed Dominion roll. That's a tie. No clear winner. You keep the Ogre down, but gain no dominion.

Oh, and make another notice roll for me, please.))

21:58, Today: William Pierce rolled 3,0 using d6-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2. Notice, +2 alertness, wounds, fatigue.

William begins stumbling up the hill, following after Vincent as best he can.

((OOC: Well that's a fail. hee.

Your Pace is at 3 thanks to the wounds, so unless you Run (extra d6 to pace) for a couple turns, you'll be unable to catch up to him before he reaches the top of the hill. He's currently one round's worth of movement from being involved in the War Crimes thread. Are you going to run, or just walk? that will let me know how much time he has up there before I add you to that fight.))

OOC: Just walking. Not in a hurry. I was wondering if I should spend the Legend Chip on that Notice roll, but it seemed too grandiose a chip to spend on a Notice check. I might need it for a roll to see if I die or not.

Then again... I might be dying because I'm too greedy to part with the Legend chip. Would you allow spending it now?

((OOC: I'd allow it, but the notice roll was just to see if you spotted a clue about something. It's nothing life-threatening.

Speaking of chips, draw couple. One for taking control of Vincent and playing him so well, and one for trapping The Ogre back down while injured and vulnerable.))

Why, thank you, they are much appreciated!:
09:37, Today: William Pierce rolled 32,15 using d35,d35, rerolling max with rolls of 32,15. Chips.
One white, one blue.

((OOC: Hmm...what to do now? William blew his spot check, and yet it'll take him a couple rounds to get to the top of the hill, so no interactions...I know! Let's run an Interlude! This will be something that you remember or reminisce about as you head up the hill. Draw a card and come up with a tale for William to remember based on the topic. You'll be eligible for a free chip or an extra Adventure card...your choice when the interlude is completed.))

Interlude Table
• Clubs—Tragedy: Describe a tale of tragedy or misfortune from your hero’s past, featuring one of his Hindrances if possible. If the teller has a dark secret of some kind, hint strongly at it, drop clues, or otherwise give the rest of the group a glimpse into your hero’s dark side during your narrative.
• Spades—Victory: Tell the group about a great victory or personal triumph in your adventurer’s past. How did it affect him afterward? Was there a reward?
• Hearts—Love: Speak fondly of the character’s greatest love—lost, found, or waiting on him back home. What is her name? Where does she live? Why is the traveler not with her now?
• Diamonds—Desire: Tell a tale about something your hero wants (or already has). It might be a material possession, recognition, a political goal, or even a trip he wishes to take to some amazing destination.

20:09, Today: William Pierce drew the single card: QD using the Deadlands system. Interlude.
So.. what do I want? I thought that much was obvious. Let me think a little about it, I'll edit this post later.

((OOC: It's a chance to go into more detail, to get deeper in character. We can make it a short RP chat, if that would help.))

William walked slowly up the hill, doing his best to follow after Vincent. He was in no condition to run after him like crazy.

"Another fucking Harrowed." Vincent had made it sound like a verdict. William still had no real idea what that meant. Well, besides the obvious that he was dead, yet still able to walk up that damned hill. And there he would kill that fanged bitch, if it was the last thing he did in life. Or death. Or whatever the fuck his current state was supposed to be.

He stopped for a brief moment, as if to catch his breath. He wiped the blackish goo from his forehead, where the tomahawk had connected and looked at it in the moonlight.
Fucking savages.

He saw flickering lights now up on the hill and the sight took him back into that little chapel in Wyoming. That had, apparently, been a lifetime ago. Funny how people just said these sort of things, but now they truly applied.

Don't worry, I won't hurt you, sister.
Oh, I know you think you won't. But will your inner demons let you?

That had given him pause, he remembered. Sister Mary Clarice had been the first in many years that hadn't been scared to death by him showing up, pistol drawn, aiming at her chest. Everybody else either shit their pants or pretended not to while pulling a pistol on him, always hoping they'd just outdrew him.
She had been so... confident. No, accepting. Accepting of whatever would happen.

Inner demons. He'd wanted to protest, but then... something was driving him, ever since that fateful afternoon in that back alley, the knife bloody, the incredulous look on the other boy's face.

When the US marshals finally searched the chapel, very sheepishly and polite, she'd been very helpful to the men. Then, after they were gone, Mary Clarice had stood up from that bench and William had emerged. His shoulders and legs cramped, but otherwise fine. Which was more than you could say about poor foolish young Hank.

Why'd you help me?
Because I see that you're a lost soul, William Pierce. You are haunted by your inner demons, but you can release them and repent.

He was wondering what she would say to his current situation. "Inner demons" was putting it mildly.

Do you really want to rob and kill people?
They had talked for a long while. He'd been reluctant at first, but Sister Mary Clarice had a gift. She'd ask you a harmless enough question, like if you wanted more tea, then moved the topic to something more serious.
Whenever he stopped talking, she would gently prod him to continue. Or she'd just sit there and listen, waiting for the uncomfortable silence to become unbearable that you just had to talk to end it. Like throwing down on poor sod at high noon with the whole town watching.
In the streets, William Pierce always kept his cool, always outwaited his opponent. Made it legal.
In the chapel, he folded like a house of cards in a storm.

No. He didn't want to rob and kill people. It sorta just had happened. He wanted to see his sister and brother again. His mum, too. He wanted a life where he didn't have to worry if he sat with his back to his door. He wanted to settle down, someday, maybe. A house by a small pond, maybe. He loved looking at water, it always calmed his mind.

At the end he was babbling like an idiot. But Sister Mary Clarice would just hold him and listen. She didn't shove any of that bible crap down his throat and she never excused any of his many, many bad deeds. When he'd told her about Joseph Willard, her frown was hurting more than anything else he'd ever suffered before or since.

Do you regret it?

Oh yes. That he could say in all truthfulness.

You won't find peace here up North. You've hurt too many people, William, and they will come after you. You could go West, or South or up to Canada, but your sins will follow you.

When they finally parted, she had given him the necklace with the cross. He wished he'd had worn it when that fanged bitch had drank his blood.
She'd also said something to him.
I don't condone the things you did, William. But the Lord says 'Vengeance is mine'. It is not my place to judge. You may yet earn your place in heaven, but you will have to repent, a lot, to clear your slate.

Well, at least on that count he knew his was a lost cause. There were demons in hell waiting to rip him apart for all eternity.

William spit on the ground, a black gob of blood.
"Fuck 'em. They're not going anywhere."
No, he'd try to stay alive as long as he could. He was in no state to confront Marina, he had to be honest to himself about that. Vincent was probably tearing her apart right now, anyway.

Let's see what happens when I drink the blood of a Vampire.

He laughed, humorlessly, then walked on, more confident and determined in his stride now than before, checking his rifle while he walked.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:35, Tue 29 May 2012.

Four spirits watched William as he staggered his way up the hill.

"So what do you think of our charity project's progress up the slope of Purgatory?" The old man asked his fellows.

"So far, I am not impressed." The bespectacled clerk mutters. "His tally of good deeds to ill have not been shifted. What has he done, really? He protected a murderess, he let loose a monster just as dangerous as himself, got himself shot in a bar brawl, and now he's lurching toward certain death because he doesn't have the good sense to find a doctor to clean and bind his wounds."

"Not a one of us knew the girl's past." The homesteader counters. "God did not see fit to let us in on his divine plan. His deeds show loyalty, if nothing else. Perhaps his companions do not deserve such, but it is a virtue, nontheless."

"Hell, he went out of his way to keep the fancy man from harm." The outlaw says. "That speaks of a loyalty I wished he'd shown to me. Perhaps there's hope for him yet."

"If he survives this idiocy."

"True. Marching into certain danger while half-dead and hungry is beyond foolish. And if he dies without his slate cleaned a little, none of us can rest."

"Eternally tormenting the wicked is a pale reward for a life of service to the Lord. I would greatly prefer to enter Paradise."

"Shall we dissuade him?"

The four nod in agreement.

William, as he climbs the hill, notices four shadows standing in his path. They stand, silent as the grave, still as Christ on his cross.

Then, each of them begins to point back down the hill. Back towards Blackthorn.

William stops, disdain on his face. "What do you want? Is hunting vampires not good enough for you? What shall I do in that god-forsaken town? Go to some sawbones who'll see that I'm a walking, talking corpse and scare the hell out of him? So that the townsfolk will turn on me quicker than the chambers of my pistol will turn? Do you want me to kill everyone, just so that you're not alone?"

"And what could you do to the vampires, in your worthless, ragged state?"

"You're no used to us if you get put down."

"Would you throw away your chance at redemption on a hopeless cause?"

"If you fight now, you'd fall. And when you arose, you'd be so blinded by hunger you'd be as dangerous as Vincent."

"Or Jenny."

"Or Marina."

"You'd likely kill any innocent in your path to slake your thirst.. you'd put yourself farther from redemption than you are already."

"But you don't need human blood to heal."

"And there are stables in Blackthorn."

"And let her get away?" William protests, but he's apparently not ready to argue his point.
He spits another gob of blood down into the grass.
Used to be easier when my heart was still beating.

"Got you to talk, at least, not just quietly stand there and judge me." He grins, defiantly, then turns around, walking back to his horse.

Not trying to ride, I'll lead Jumper by the reigns.

The four ghosts don't reply. They simply watch as he leads his horse away...

((OOC: Which way now? Back to town?))

OOC: Back to town, yes.

((OOC: Then this thread is closed. Please resume posting on the Long Road To Hell thread.

Oh, and for your interlude, did you want to draw an extra Fate Chip or an extra Adventure Card? As far as I know, you haven't used any of your current cards yet.))