September 13th, 1880. Morning. Deadwood, Sioux nations

Roger's display of cartomancy proved to be predictable, if interesting. He flipped his cards for The Professor, stated that the man was a man of science, well-traveled, but with a dark and tragic past. He predicted that The Professor would make a number of friends around town, and that a meeting with an old acquaintance would happen very soon.

After that, Mrs. Fairchild served dinner for the guests of the boarding house. Those who weren't staying there were curtly asked to leave, so Black Jack and Zach returned to the High Time Saloon.


The night passed uneventfully. Despite the boarding house's reputation, no ghosts bothered Janet or The Professor. When they came down for breakfast, however, Nate Williams wasn't there. Mrs. Fairchild mentioned that he'd "decided not to stay" and had left early that morning.

((OOC: So, what are your character's plans for the day? Give me a post on what you are going to be up to, and I'll work things in. Janet and The professor stayed at the Boarding House, while Jack and Zachery stayed at the High Time Saloon.))

"Decided not to stay?  That's odd." The Professor commented over breakfast, but knowing Nate he expected that the man was 'called away' to take care of something or other.

"Miss Weiss, what is it that brings you to Deadwood?" He asked over a buttered piece of toast.

OOC - The Professor will be headed over to the Langrishe theater to ask around about Charlie Bull. But first, a civilized breakfast! ;-)

"I'm the secretary for a man named Maddox.  Perhaps you could help me run some errands for him?  I need to talk to a reporter."  Janet toyed with her orange juice.  "Rather, I need to see if he's got something in his files."

"Ah yes, The Bounty Hunter.  I met Mr. Maddox yesterday when I arrived in town. He was trying to organize a posse to hunt down a Chinese woman he claimed was a thief. And you are his....secretary are you?"

The Professor simply smiled and sipped his tea
This message was last edited by the player at 23:56, Thu 10 Jan 2013.

Janet giggled.  "He is a little overzealous, isn't he?  Well, press secretary to be honest, and only for the election.  It's actually quite the opportunity.  Might I inquire as to your objective in Deadwood?  Why are you looking for Charlie Bull?"

"That's a bit complicated, but I believe he is key to averting a great catastrophe, though exactly how I am still unsure of."

The comment was rather offhanded, as if it were just a bit of small talk over the breakfast meal.

"Oh?"  Janet poured more tea for the Professor.  "Well, I've got some time.  What kind of catastrophe?"

After leaving the Boarding House Jack saw his youthful ward home to the brothel. After excused himself to seek some entertainment.


The next day he suggested they seek out the Professor and then go seek out McCall and or Bull.

"I'm not certain exactly. Damage to the spacetime continuum that will unleash devastation upon the Earth." He took a sip of the freshly poured tea.  "This is lovely. I'll ave to remember to ask Mrs. Fairchild where she acquired this tea from."

"Why, that sounds absolutely dreadful.  How can one man be responsible for such a thing?"

"Oh he is not responsible.  If anything, he may be able to help us stop it.  And no, I do not know how exactly."

Janet makes a small shudder.  "Well, then, I wish you the best of luck.  Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Nothing that I can think of at the moment, but I appreciate your willingness to help."

Telling Zach to meet him at the boarding house, Boudreaux headed over to meet the others.

Zac made his way back to his Aunt's place with Jack. He was tired, but his mind was filled with images and phrases that rattled around. He got ready for bed, then took out the typewriter. Inserting a piece of paper into the machine, he took out his notebook to review what he had learned. He took a breath and stared at the blank page, it loomed at him as terrifying as any trick Mr. Whateley could conjure. "Well, there's only one way to fix that,"he said to himself mimicking what his dad used to say before he started writing.

He started typing. Slowly at first, the words coming one at a time.  Then the clicking became more rhythmic and they started coming in bursts. He lost track of the time, and realized he had stayed up far too late. He stretched and yawned, only realizing how tired he was when his fingers stopped their dance.

Morning came far too soon for the teenager at the wrong end of Jack's wake up. Realizing he had woken up later than he wanted, he cleaned himself up and dressed quickly. Glad he had missed the girls, he made his way to the boarding house to start their search.

The boarding house is just as creepy in the morning as it was in the afternoon. Mrs. Fairchild invites the two in to breakfast, and they take their seat with The Professor and Janet Weiss. Then she leaves to fetch their meals and allow them to discuss where they plan to go for the day.

((OOC: Just give me an idea of what leads you folks are planning to pursue, and I'll work up events to go with those searches.))

Janet turns to Zac.  "I may need some help.  I need to talk to a reporter, get some information from him.  If you would be so kind as to help me with my inquiries, I'm certain I can help you with yours."

((OOC: We're back! Waiting on Zach, The Professor, and Black Jack to give me their plans for the day))

ooc- As noted above The Professor is headed to the Langrishe Theater to find Charlie Bull.

The young man, who'd just joined them for breakfast, nods. "Sure, I think I can help with that." He seemed quite eager to follow the pretty lady. "Jack, where are you headed? Are you going with The Professor, or were you planning to look for that McCall fella?"

some mood music

With destinations and plans discussed, the group broke to leave the boarding house and pursue their individual objectives, with plans to meet back at the boarding house at supper to discuss what they've learned.

The quartet travel back to Main Street, already beginning to fill as the miners who lived in town began heading out to their claims. Hawkers in tents lining the road wave items at passers-by, trying to tempt people to buy shots of whiskey, pots & pans, ax handles, wheels, live chickens, bales of hay. New construction is going up at a breakneck pace, even with the chill of the day, and men with saws cut planks for buildings with "Coming Soon!" banners and other men on scaffolds hammer the boards in.

Everywhere, blue-clad soldiers march about, stand about, or laze about. The Grand Central hotel swarms with soldiers, bustling like ants from the mound. And like ants, the soldiers have scattered, drops of dark blue in the sea of brown tones.

There's hardly space to walk, and when it's time for the team to split, each companion's sight of the others is quickly swallowed by the press of the crowd.

---

@The Professor

The Professor stands before the Langrishe Theater, which doesn't seem open this time of day. There's a ticket-taker in a booth looking out at the street boredly, and a schedule of the shows on the wall. He shuffles up a deck of cards and deals himself a string of solitaire as The Professor approaches.

---

@Black Jack
The infamous Jack McCall was somewhere out here in Deadwood. From what Calamity Jane had told him, there were a couple of places that he might be spotted...the Gem Theater and Saloon, just a block south of the Railroad, and the Cathouse, an opium den and whorehouse north of the track in the place known as Celestial Alley.

---

@Janet Weiss

Janet and Zach reach the offices of the Black Hills Pioneer, the town's only paper. Unfortunately, it looks a bit...dark, and there's no machinery running inside from the sounds of things. The door is locked, though there's smoke coming from the chimney, so someone must be inside somewhere. There's a stairwell leading up to the second floor, probably an apartment for the newspaperman if they wanted to explore.

"Well, Zach, let's see who's home."  Janet knocked briskly at the door.

Zach nods and follows Janet up the stairs to the apartment over the presses.

"W-what?" Someone mumbles from the other side. "Is someone...no! No, I'm sorry, the Black Hills Pioneer is on hiatus until further notice! You'll have to come back later!"

"Merrick, you scalawag!  Your apprentice is here, all the way from New Orleans!  Don't you dare leave him standing in the cold!"

Zach blinks. He and whoever it is inside say the same thing:

"Apprentice?"

Zach blinks again. "I'm not from New Orleans." The kid says.

"I don't remember offering any positions for any apprentices...especially any from the South." The man behind the door says, though there's a quaver in his voice that indicates he's not so sure about that...

In reply to Albert W. Merrick (msg # 25):

"That's not my problem! Are you going to leave this lad standing in the cold, or are you going to take him in and show him around, to start his apprenticeship off right?"

The Professor smiled at the ticket taker. "Good day sir. I hope you can assist me. I am looking for a Mr. Charlie Bull.  I understand that he frequents this establishment.  Perhaps he works here?"

He waited patiently for a reply from the laconic seller.

In reply to The Professor (msg # 27):

The man looks up from his solitaire. "Charlie Bull? Ain't no one by that name who works here..." A thought occurs to him and he snaps his fingers. "Oh, yeah, the Indian. We're supposed to bite all the nickles now because of him passing wooden coins to us. Mr. Langrishe was quite upset with that, you know. Wanted to ban him from the establishment. I think he left town...pissed of the DMA or something. He's usually here when we put on Shakespeare...you can check the schedule to see when we're doing that next. I think we're doing King Lear on Wednesday."

He checks his records. "Yeah, we're doing King Lear Wednesday. There's a variety show on Friday and Saturday...usually some Shakespeare bits mixed in with the bawdy stuff. Oh hey, we got the Professor tonight!"

"Well, I'll take a ticket for Wednesday's King Lear then."

At the mention of the Professor, The Professor cocks an eyebrow at the ticket taker. "Pardon me?  Who did you say would be here this evening?"

"That'll be 5 cents." The ticket taker says. "That would be Professor Hyram Burns, sir. He's one of those Mad Scientists you hear about, got a scheme to douse the fires in Satan's Garden or somesuch. He and his daughter rent out the theater every month to put on demonstrations to convince miners to invest in his invention. Lately, he's been adding feats of magic to drive up attendance...sawing his daughter in half, levitation, escaping from chains...that kind of thing. That's his handbill right there." The man points to a poster behind the Professor.

The poster in question depicts the face of a dapper man with an intense, penetrating stare. The caption reads:


The man in the poster is Reginald Smythe!

The ticket master leans forward. "Want to buy another ticket?"

In reply to Janet Weiss (msg # 26):

The man sighs, and heavy footsteps thud to the door. It opens, revealing a large, somewhat disheveled man squints at the pair. "Well, far be it for me to not extend hospitality to those who've come so far. Please, step inside."

"Uh, thank ya, sur." Zach says, in what has to be the worst Deep South accent Janet had ever heard. "Ah'm Zachery O'Connor."

"And I'm A.W. Merrick, Owner, Editor, and Head Reporter for the Black Hills Pioneer. Please, step inside so we can sort this all out."

((OOC: I'd have you make a Persuasion check, but given your Charisma, I think we can call it a success and move on...))

The Professor visibly blanched at the sight of Reginald Smythe. He blinked in astonishment, utterly speechless for a few seconds. His reverie broke and he fished out a handful of change from his pocket and dropped it on the pile of cards in front of the ticket taker.

"I'll take six tickets, please. A private box. Near the front of the stage." He tapped his foot impatiently. "That would be for the show this evening.  I'll also take one ticket for the Wednesday King Lear."

He needed to get back to the Boarding House and see if Black Jack and Zachary were still around. Smythe was up to something nefarious, and The Professor was going to have to enlist the aid of one or more companions to stop him.

"Huh." The ticket taker says. "Well. I guess you're a fan of the sciences then. Alright. Six box seats for tonight, and one seat for King Lear. That comes to 35 cents." he counts out the coins, biting each coin to make sure it's legitimate. He fills out the ticket stubs and passes them and the Professor's change back. "Here you are. See you tonight."

The Professor scooped up the ticket stubs and the loose change, knocking a few playing cards to the ground in the process and all but ignoring the ticket taker. He hurried back to the boarding house, hoping to catch one or more of his new found friends before they headed out for the day.

In reply to Albert W. Merrick (msg # 31):

Janet slaps Zachary on the back of his head.  "Didn't I tell you to speak proper, boy?  Now, Mister Merrick, if you'd be so kind as to show this boy around while I freshen up?"

In reply to The Professor (msg # 34):

The Professor's new friends have all left the boarding house by the time The Professor makes his way back there, curse the luck.

But the house isn't empty. Five hard-edged Chinese men with whipcord muscles and a variety of wicked blades at their sides - machetes, cleavers, bowie knives, and the like - are waiting in the foyer. They all wear colorful shirts emblazoned with a logo of a green dragon:




The apparent leader of five, the only one wearing an actual sword, approaches the Professor. Of the five, he isn't the tallest, or the thickest, but there's something of a palpable aura of menace about him. He has the calm, collected air of someone who kills for a living.

"Ah. Forgive me, honorable sir." he says in lightly accented English. He does not look directly at the Professor when he speaks, keeping his gaze somewhere around knee-level. "Might I humbly inquire if you are a resident of this boarding house?"

In reply to Janet Weiss (msg # 35):

"Ow! Why..." Zach says, then stutters. "Er, um...yes Ma'am. Sorry, Ma'am."

Merrick stands there, a little bemused at the exchange. "Now just a moment...there's no need for that!" he hastily ushers the pair of them inside to forestall further violence.

The interior of the apartment is dark, but not particularly cluttered. It's well-appointed for a bachelor's apartment, and the only sign of clutter is a pile of newspaper clippings and photographs stacked high on a table near the fire.

"I'm sorry, you've caught me a bit by surprise." Merrick says. "I was just doing some...research. Trying to make sense of something. It's a delicate matter, so I'll respectfully ask you not to pry. And if I may make a slightly odd request...would you two kindly take a look in that mirror over there?" He points to a round mirror on the wall. "Just a glance."

Janet moved towards the mirror, but tripped.  "Oops.  You dropped a card."  She picked it up and looked at it.

It's the Four of Hearts. Nothing too special. Zach shrugs and wanders over to the mirror, looking in. "What am I looking for?" He asks.

Merrick, who was watching the pair intently, breathes a sigh of relief. "Just a simple precaution, Mr. O'Connor. Nothing to worry about." He looks at Janet. "Your turn, madam."

Janet looks at the corner of the room

Is the Epitaph camera pointed at the mirror, by chance?

01:29, Today: Janet Weiss rolled 3,4 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4. Notice.

((OOC: Nope. It's pointed at the door. Of course, someone would have to be operating it...there doesn't look to be any sort of automatic picture-taking doodads set up, and the camera is on it's side as if left there somewhat haphazardly.

Oddly enough, it seems like Merrick wasn't watching Zach directly when Zach looked in the mirror...Merrick was watching the reflection itself.))

OOC - 20:24, Today: The Professor rolled 1,8 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,(6+2)8. Common knowledge. So with a -2 for the Clueless, it's a 6. Success!

The Professor recognized the symbol as the logo for the Iron Dragon Railway. It was run by a Chinese Warlord by the name of Kang and if the reputations of the Rail Baron was to be believed these men were not to be taken lightly. The Professor briefly wondered if Smythe was in some way behind this visit, but quickly dismissed the idea as a paranoid fantasy.

"I am indeed good sir." He bowed lightly at the waist. "How can I assist the honorable emissaries of the noble Iron Dragon corporation?" The Professor knew he was being a bit obsequious, but the Chinese were all about politeness.  At least he was pretty sure they were.

The enforcer nods at The Professor's politeness. "We are seeking a thief and murderess who may have taken lesidence here. The Most Honorable Huang Li is discussing this possibirity with the mistress of this estabrishment, but perhaps you may help us bring this criminar to justice quicker. Have you seen a woman with black hair and green eyes lodging here?"

That description fits Janet Weiss, the girl The Professor had met the previous evening...

"Black hair and green eyes you say?" The Professor paused as if pondering the description. "I'm afraid I just arrived last evening, so I really don't know who exactly is staying here. A thief and a murderess you say? She sounds frightful. What exactly did she do, if you don't mind me asking."

"The thief entered the depot under false plestenses and stole a crate," The enforcer says. "In the process, she caused the death of Chen We, a laborer who worked for the rairroad, and of Jacob Bomburg, the ticket taker. The Marshal will not hear the case, so we have been forced to investigate the matter on our own."

In reply to The Stray (msg # 41):

Janet quickly checked her hair in the mirror, then looked back at Merrick.  "Well now, are you going to show the lad around or not?"

The Professor considered the chinaman's words. "I see...well...if I spot this desperado, I'll be sure to be on my guard."  He wasn't sure if Ms. Weiss was responsible for those crimes or not, but it was certain that these men intended to do her harm no matter what the truth was. The Professor was not about to allow that to happen.

In reply to Janet Weiss (msg # 46):

"Now hold on." Merrick says, watching her reflection as she checks her hair. "I'm still a bit boggled about having an apprentice in the first place. Let me sort this out before anyone does any showing about."

"Well, if you're concerned about my ability to do the work, I have done some publishing before." Zach says. "My dad was a newspaperman. Maybe you've heard of Mitch O'Connor?"

"Mitch O'Connor..." Merrick says, thinking. His face falls. "Oh, yes. I know who you're talking about know. Tragic, what happened to him."

"That's one of the reasons I was hoping you were looking for an apprentice. I had hoped he'd worked with you. He was working on a story before he died...something to do with the murder of a man named Daughtridge. Did you work with him on that?"

Merrick nods. "Yes, I remember that. What a perfidious deed that was. A vicious attack by the Sioux...I think I still have the notes I provided him. Let me search my files."

"If you would, could you bring me any materials you have on my father's own death?"

Merrick's face falls. "Are you sure about that, lad? It's gruesome stuff."

"I have a right to know, don't I?" Zach says, a hint of steel in his youthful voice.

"Yes, I...I suppose you do. Stay here a moment." Merrick trundles down the stairs into the offices below. Cabinet draws open and papers shuffle down below.

Zach give Janet a grin. "How'd I do?"

In reply to The Professor (msg # 47):

The enforcer nods, and turns curtly away from The Professor.

A few minutes pass, then voices can be heard from the balcony.

"...so you see, Mr. Huang, this was just a terrible misunderstanding. I hope I've cleared everything up." Mr. Sebastian says as he steps out onto the balcony, followed by a stocky, severe Chinese man with hair cut in Western fashion and a trim goatee. The man is dressed in a well-tailored grey suit that doesn't have so much as a fleck of mud on it, a rarity in Deadwood. The man sticks a sheaf of files underneath his arm.

"Thank you for your cooperation, Mr. Sebastian." The Chinese man--Mr. Huang, presumably--replies. His voice is low and faintly gravelly. "This will reflect well on you and your organization. A warning, though--in the future, you will approach me before you see fit to intrude on my business."

"Of course." Mr. Sebastian says with a smile. "We have mutual enemies, after all. It's best we try not to step on each other's toes."

The well-dressed Mr. Huang walks quickly downstairs. The enforcer steps up to him and bows. [Language unknown: "Nc It ai wi e ei somaterea er red rires evwh wamear eneean?"] he says. [Language unknown: "M ast lowe i t ri tias has us wiheat?"]

[Language unknown: "Wiat comlarere onio riunneri."] Mr. Huang says. [Language unknown: "Lar a encev, mi ichproour. Illan se ourur hi usno ven eeniouons. N korte ai onng tangomel thiwhelin es our antna ll. Earthiugh ar to."]

The enforcer stiffens. The muscles on his face twitch. The Professor can tell he's not pleased, but he doesn't say anything more. He simply follows Mr. Huang as he brushes past the Professor. The rest of the Iron Dragon thugs follow along.

Mr. Sebastian watches them leave. Then he looks down. "Ah! Professor!" He smiles. "A pleasure to see you again. Finished with your businesses so soon? Would you care for a game of cards?"

The Professor waves a hand dismissively at Mr. Sebastian. "Not at this time, I'm afraid. I need to meet up with my compatriots.  Perhaps another time when my schedule is not so pressing."

There was no time for leisure given that Dr. Smythe was in town. The man was always involved in one scheme or another and The Professor needed to figure out what his current one was.  But to do that, he needed allies. People he could trust.

"Mr. Sebastian, what was all that with the chinaman? I didn't realize that you represented an organization especially one that is apparently enmeshed in politics. Aetheric manipulations AND Rail Baron connections. You are quite the complicated man, Mr. Sebastian."

"A pity." Sebastian says as he shuffles his cards absently. He looked at the door and smiled absently at the Professor's question. "Oh, that? Just clearing up a misunderstanding. Something about some files that were stolen. Apparently there was a murder. Mrs. Weiss was running an errand for me near the depot last night, and must of been mistaken for the robber. I was just explaining things with Mr. Huang. Wonderful gentleman, Huang Li. Very important in the Celestial community here. He's been working tirelessly to see that his people get a fair shake here in Deadwood. Did you know that the current Marshal won't even bother investigating any crimes that occur in Celestial Alley?" He shakes his head and scoffs. "And he calls himself a patriot. Isn't justice for all written into the very founding documents of our nation?"

He walks down the stairs and takes a seat in one of the lounge chairs in the foyer after pouring himself a drink. He laughs when the Professor calls him complicated. "Well, I should certainly hope I am! I do hope I didn't give you the impression that my only means of support was through gambling and fortune telling. Yes, I represent the Societas Erudita Lunae Lacrimandi,  a brotherhood forward thinking men and women seeking to bring light to the darkness. have you heard of us?"

((OOC: Roll Common Knowledge (-2, with an additional -2 from your hindrance), to see if you've heard of these folk before.))

"I'm afraid not. Then again, there are many fraternal orders about. Hardly surprising that I have not heard of yours, Hmm?"

The Professor reconsidered heading out to try and track down the others. Perhaps waiting here for them to return was the most expedient method of finding them.

He took a seat opposite the odd man. "I think I have reconsidered my day's activities. Perhaps a game of cards would serve to pass the time. Oh, and you could illuminate me as to the nature of your society."  The Professor couldn't help but smile at his terrible pun.

17:26, Today: The Professor rolled 4,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,3. Common knowledge -4.

I know nothing ;-)

"Indeed." Roger says, shuffling the deck before passing it to The Professor for the first deal. "The Society has been around for over eighty years, but it's largely been confined to the East Coast. We've only started expanding westward for the last dozen years or so. Why, we don't even have an established lodge in Deadwood yet...that's part of why I'm here."

He chuckles politely at the pun. "Providing a guiding light is what the Enlightened do, my good Professor. You see, the Society is a gathering of like-minded individuals who have noticed the growing fields of Spiritualism and New Science, along with the growth of Aetheric theory. Much of what the uninformed might call magic or superstition has kernels of truth within them...things once thought of as 'magic' that are revealed to have sound scientific principles behind them. The Society works to uncover the truth behind the superstitions, and then use the knowledge gained for the betterment of mankind. Putting magic to work for the masses, you might say."

As he dealt the cards for a traditional five card draw poker game, The Professor commented, "A noble endeavor to be certain. Bringing light into the darkness as it were. People are so afraid of things that they do not understand. Although in some cases they have a right to be. The tools are never the problem, but how they are wielded is. That, my friend, is the cause of many of society's ills."

He paused after the cards were dealt.  "We are playing just for sport, yes? I do not wish to risk my money against a professional."

In reply to The Professor (msg # 54):

"Of course. Just a game to pass the time and keep in practice." Mr. Sebastian says. he nods at the Professor's musings. "Indeed. Capital horded is capital squandered and worthless. With a large enough lever, one can move the world, but just as important is the path on which the world is moved. Our Society has made some remarkable progress already. One of our chapters operates a prison in Wyoming, employing radical breakthroughs in the area of psychology to reform the incorrigible into truly productive members of society. In Texas, a lodge of ours has been working to repair the beef industry, and has found a method to inoculate his stock against the ravages of Texas Fever. The Society operates a number of non-profit venues, from orphanages to soup kitchens to workhouses for the poor to find gainful employment."

"Well, it sounds as if your Society is truly making a difference in the world.  You are to be congratulated, Sir."  The Professor picked up his hand and perused it. <blue>

Matthew Broaddale was tired. This house...it was getting to him.

Two nights ago, he'd gotten lost heading to his room, and had wandered into a section of the house that had been ransacked...broken furniture, blood splashed on the walls, and an unnatural chill in the air. He'd gone for help, but by the time he'd gotten Mrs. Fairchild to some with him to investigate, he couldn't find his way back.

The other day, he'd seen what he could swear was a skeleton walking down the hall to the washroom, but when he'd gotten there...nothing.

This morning, his door wouldn't open. No matter how hard he'd pounded, no matter how long he'd screamed, no one came for him. He'd been trapped.

Eventually, Mrs. Fairchild had come to check on him, opening the door without the slightest shred of effort. She scolded him for making noise and "disturbing the other guests," then left him to his own devices.

And then there were the dreams. Every night he'd been here, he'd dreamt of things watching him. A malevolent presence hanging over him, pressing down on his chest, choking him...only he'd wake, and find he'd gotten tangled in his sheets.

So he was tired, and cross, and he'd missed breakfast. He heard voices as he approached the foyer. It sounded like that creepy Mr. Sebastian was talking with someone he didn't know.

Matthew yawned and stuck a hand out to catch the doorframe, swinging himself into the foyer. He stopped and took in the sight before tipping his hat to the...interesting Mr. Sebastian.

"Mr. S, how's your morning? Hope you slept better than I did", he said. Matthew turned his attention to the other gentlemen. Had he seen him before? Maybe in one of the bars? He couldn't remember, but that was no reason not to get to know someone.

"Don't think I've seen you before, sir. Or if I did, I was probably too drunk to remember." Broaddale laughed, deep and resonant, especially for his lean frame. "Are you staying in the house?" he said plainly, conversationally, "Name's Matt Broaddale." He tapped the badge on his belt. "Marshal Matt Broaddale. Don't worry. I don't work while I'm on vacation."

"Good morning, Mr. Broaddale." Mr. Sebastian says, looking over his hand. He's a moderately handsome and well-dressed man in a charcoal suit and stovepipe hat, but there's just something off about him. He's got pale skin, wavy jet-black hair, a trim mustache, and the most remarkable green eyes beneath his dark blue spectacles. There's something wrong with the way his shadow moves, as if it's not quite following along with him. He discards two cards. "Would you care to join us for a friendly hand of poker before your morning constitutional?"

The Professor's hand consists of the King of Spades, the Jack of Spades, the Nine of Spades, the Seven of Clubs, and the Six of Clubs. Two cards away from either a straight or a flush, but no guarantee for either.

Matthew weighed the benefits of his walk about town against a hand of poker with Sebastian and this new gentleman... And took a seat, placing his hat on the floor by his feet, revealing his partly-balding, partly shorn clean head.

"I think the morning air will still be there if I play one hand."

((ooc: This is like Texas Hold Em but with five cards to a hand?

In reply to Zachary O'Conner (msg # 48):

"Not bad, Zach.  Not bad at all."  With that, Janet took him by the arm and went downstairs.  To Merrick: "I've never seen the inside of a newspaper before.  You mind me looking around?"

"A pleasure to meet you Marshal. I am The Professor, and yes I am boarding here as well."  He discarded the two clubs as he chatted.  "You are a United States Marshal, yes? I would hate to interrupt your vacation, but I may be in need of your services."  He politely waited for Mr. Sebatian to discard before dealing replacement cards.

In reply to Matthew Broaddale and The Professor:

Roger took his cards, looked at them, and nodded, apparently satisfied. He leaned back, waiting to see what The Professor would do...and listening in on why the Professor might need a Marshal.

In reply to Janet Weiss (msg # 61):

Merrick looks a bit flustered, but pleased as Janet takes him by the arm. The two wander downstairs.

"Well, there isn't much to see, I'm afraid. The press is not running right now, due to the hiatus," he points to the printing press that dominates the center of the room, "but I do most of my writing over here," He points to a writing desk festooned with papers, quills, inkwells, and a large typewriter. "And here is where we keep the back issues of the Pioneer for posterity." He heads over to a huge filing cabinet tucked in the back of the building. "I also keep various reports, notes, and various other miscellanea here...never know what might come in handy for a story."

Janet looks confused.  "Hiatus?  Why on earth would such a fine paper be on hiatus?"  She patted at her purse.  "Oh, dear, I seem to have left my compact upstairs.  Would you be a dear, Mr. Merrick, and get it for me?"

Matthew scratched his head and tried to determine if it would be impolite to deal himself in.

"Professor of What?" he asked the older gentleman, "And if you're having trouble in town, I'm sure Seth Bullock would be happy to help."

Broaddale leaned in and smiled. "But if it's urgent, I've always got an ear open. Maybe I can tell Seth while I'm out,"

"Just The Professor." He dealt the draw cards to Sebastian and himself, having discarded the two clubs. "It's not quite urgent yet, but if it comes to that, I will certainly seek your assistance."

"You're a Brit, aren't you, Professor? Where abouts you from?"

Matthew was quite interested in this Professor.

In reply to Janet Weiss (msg # 65):

"That's...hard to explain." Merrick says. "I've...come into something I'm trying my hardest to understand, and I'm not even sure where to proceed with the information I've collected. My journalistic integrity wants me to go ahead and publish what I've found but...my reputation could be ruined, and several dearly held friendships could be imperiled. Not to mention my life could be in danger."

He looks nervous just talking about it, and seems grateful for the interruption. "Oh, yes, of course. Just a moment." He quickly scuttles back up the stairs, leaving Janet alone in the office.

"Distract him!" Janet hissed to Zach.  Then, she moved to the open drawer and started to look for filess under the name of "Bullock".

In reply to Janet Weiss (msg # 70):

((OOC: Zach is still upstairs...he didn't follow you down when you went with Merrick))

OOC: Oops.  Well, I still start searching the files.  ;)

In reply to Janet Weiss (msg # 72):

((OOC: Roll Investigation, then))

OOC: Well, first, because there's no witnesses....

01:36, Today: Janet Weiss rolled 5,4 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,4. Spellcasting.

That gives me Investigation at a d4.  So, with that:

01:37, Today: Janet Weiss rolled 2,4 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4. Investigation.

Bullock's name comes up several times in the back issues that Janet looks through, but mostly referring to his job as the Sheriff. There are a few passing mentions of a "female friend," but nothing that would be considered a smoking gun for an affair, and the only file marked "Bullock" is a file of stiff photo portraits of the man alone, which she recognizes as the master copies of the photos Merrick used in some of the back issues. If Merrick has evidence that would be considered incriminating, he doesn't have it here...or it would be something that she'd have to comb through to find, taking more time than she's got while the man is distracted.

Of course, there was that pile of photographs and clippings upstairs...it looked like something Merrick was actively looking into.

Come to think of it, where was he? It shouldn't take this long to find a non-existent compact...she could hear low conversation upstairs. It sounded like Zach had gotten Merrick on about something.

There's a knock at the door as Roger, Matthew, and The Professor play and discuss their various pasts.

"Hmm..." Roger mutters. "Who could that be?" He stands. "Pardon me for a moment, gentlemen." he says as he walks over to the door and opens it.

Behind the door a figure in a hooded cloak. "'scuse me." The hooded figure says. "Is the Princess o' Worms anywhere about? I really got to see her."

Roger sighs and rolls his eyes. "I'm afraid not." He starts closing the door.

The figure sticks a boot into the doorjamb to keep it open. "You sure she ain't about? any idea where she's gone? I really need to see her."

"I'll deliver the message." Roger says, exasperation creeping through his polite demeanor. he turns curtly away from the hooded figure and starts heading back to the card table.

"Well, shucks. But at least I found you, you son of a bitch." The hooded figure says, and suddenly there's a silver gun in his hand. Roger starts to turn...but it's too late.

{{BANG! BANG!}}


B̜̩̠͎̻̓ͭͯͯͧ̚l̗̃̔o̧̽ͫͩͭ͊̽҉̺͇̘͚o̶̺̩̜͙̥͔͙ͧ̇ͮ́͑̄͠͠d̘̳̬͎̐ͭ̎ spatters across the table, the Professor, and vacationing marshal as the cardsharp collapses in a gasping heap.

The man steps into the room, tossing his hood back to reveal a ragged, unkempt face. "Aw, SHIT." he growls as he spies the two people at the table. "Don't move! Don't fuckin' move, either of you!" he waves his gun in their direction.

((OOC: Jack McCall catches Roger with The Drop, the Marksman edge, and a Double Tap.

03:50, Today: Jack McCall rolled 14,15 using d10+7,d6+7, rerolling max with rolls of 7,(6+2)8. Ambush! That's a hit and several raises.

He gets Raise damage, Drop damage, Assassin damage, and an extra d6 of damage because of a special ability, for a total of 4d6+7 damage.

03:54, Tue 09 Apr 2013: Jack McCall rolled 19 using 4d6+7, rerolling max ((2,5,4,1)). That's a Shaken and 3 wounds for Roger.

Roger spends a chip to Soak: 03:58, Today: Roger Whateley rolled 7,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,4. Soak! Not bad. He'll spend a red chip for a boost to that.

03:58, Today: Roger Whateley rolled 5 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5. red chip. Total of 12, which is enough to soak all 3 of the wounds, though he's going to play possum for now.

Matthew, you can make a Common Knowledge check to see if you recognize this man.

Both of you draw cards for your next action!))

---

Turn Order:
Jack McCall: AH
The Professor: 9H
Roger Whateley: 9D
Matthew Broaddale: 9D
Black Jack Bordreaux: One turn out
This message was last edited by the player at 06:18, Wed 10 Apr 2013.

((OOC: Oh damn! I think I know who it is :P I forgot my wild die, but Aced so didn't need it 04:31, Today: Matthew Broaddale rolled 14 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of (8+6)14. Common Knowledge.
04:25, Today: Matthew Broaddale drew the single card: 9D using the Deadlands system. Turn Order.

OOC - 20:00, Today: The Professor drew the single card: 9H using a deck of 54 cards. Initiative.

I am assuming that The Professor has his valise with him, given that he was planning on heading out.

The gunslinger shift his stance and rests his palm on the hammer of his pistol.

"Don't move!" He squawks. "Don't even breathe! If you...if you fuckers move, I'll fill this whole goddamned room with lead!"

Standoff.

((OOC: Matthew recognizes the face of Jack McCall, the drifter infamous for shooting Wild Bill Hickock in the back of the head and getting off scott free.

Professor, you do, indeed, have your Valise with you. Remember that drawing any of your Devices is an action, so you'd have to deal with a Multiple Action Penalty if you want to draw and use anything in the same turn.

Jack McCall goes On Hold to Fan The Hammer if either of the characters make sudden movements. To get your action in before he does, you'll have to beat him in an opposed Agility check.))

---

Black Jack, having headed back to the Boarding House to pick up something he'd forgotten, hears a pair of gunshots ring out from the place. uh-oh...

((OOC: Jack, you're a couple blocks away at this point. Draw a card so I know where to place you in the next round's turn order.))

---

The Professor is up next!

The Professor is careful not to move a muscle, instead he calls out to the man. "Not to be rude, but if you plan on murdering us all in cold blood could you be quick about it. Otherwise, I would appreciate the chance to have a civilized conversation without keeping my hands frozen up in the air, thank you."

OOC - The Professor goes on Hold, ready to react in case things go from bad to worse.

Matthew very, very slowly straightens up his back, holding his hands not up in surrender, but off to the sides in placation. He flicks a very small glare at the Professor.

"Alright, Jack, let's all keep calm. No one here is gonna do anything stupid." He looks down at the bleeding body of Sebastian. "Jack, my name is Matthew Broaddale. You can call me Matt. Now, I'm going to wipe the blood from my face, and then I'd like to pick my hat off the ground, if that's okay with you, Jack? Then maybe we can talk about how everybody can get out of this room alive. " With a LOT of telegraphing, he moves his hand to wipe the blood from his own face.




(((OOC: Persuasion, to improve his attitude. That's a 4 for success!)))

02:51, Wed 10 Apr 2013: Matthew Broaddale rolled 1,4 using 1d4-2,1d6, rerolling max ((3,4)). Persuasion
This message was last edited by the player at 10:10, Wed 10 Apr 2013.

01:36, Today: Black Jack Boudreaux drew the single card: 5S using a deck of 54 cards.

Jack hearing the shooting moves fast to get back to the boarding his house. He draws his pistol as he runs.

In reply to The Stray (msg # 75)

I look under "Celestial Alley"; I believe that was where his suspected affair took place, yes?

In reply to Janet Weiss (msg # 83):

((OOC: What sort of information are you hoping to find that wouldn't have been in the previous search you conducted?))

In reply to Matthew Broaddale (msg # 81):

"NO!" Jack shouts. "Don't move! Don't you dare move, either of ya'll! How do you know my name!? HOW DO YOU KNOW ME!?"

He grips the pistol even tighter in wild panic.

Matthew's glance at Mr. Sebastian does little to ease the tension, as it looks like the gambler is melting, his corpse sinking into Jack McCall's shadow like quicksand, leaving only a bloody smear behind...

((OOC: I'll consider "talking Jack down" to be a Social Conflict, with the understanding that circumstances might cause it to fail. This counts as round 1 of 3.

Mr. Sebastian's action is to cast Teleport, which has the trapping of him moving through shadows. Matt, since you're the one directly observing Mr. Sebastian's exit, I'm going to need you to roll a Fear check for me (-5 for the local Fear Level, + Grit). This is vs. Fear/Nausea, not Terror. His card for next round is 4D.

@Matt: when you roll a trait check, penalties and bonuses apply to both the main die and the Wild Die. That means when you default on a skill, your Wild Die has a -2 penalty just like the d4 you're rolling alongside it. That means your total is 2, not 4. Which is not a success, sadly.

When you perform an action in combat, I'd appreciate it if you'd draw a card for your next turn's initiative. That way, I can set up the next round.))

---

Turn Order:
Jack McCall: On Hold
The Professor: On Hold
Matt Broaddale: Hasn't Drawn Yet
Black Jack: 5S
Mr. Sebastian: 4D

Matt managed to keep his poker face as he watched a man dissolve before his eyes.

Well there's something you don't see every day.


He looked back to Jack, trying to pointedly NOT address the ...melting man on the floor. He tried a slightly different tactic.

"How do I know you? Come on Jack, you're famous! Taking down that bastard, must've taken skill. And smarts. You're a smart man, Mr. McCall...you don't want to kill us." 
((OOC: Woops. Sorry on three counts, then))
01:20, Fri 12 Apr 2013: Matthew Broaddale drew the single card: BJ! using the Deadlands system.
01:29, Fri 12 Apr 2013: Matthew Broaddale rolled 3,8 using 1d8-1,1d6-1, rerolling max ((4,(6+3)9)).Nausea
01:43, Fri 12 Apr 2013: Matthew Broaddale rolled 1,3 using 1d4,1d6, rerolling max ((1,3)). Persuasion. Well fuck. I'd like to drop a White Chip on That))
01:45, Today: Matthew Broaddale rolled 5,2 using 1d4,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (4+1)5,2. Persuasion, White Chip Reroll.

(((OOC: Those persuasion rolls are at -2 for untrained and +2 for the joker, so they break even. So that 5 is a success.
Oh and for next turn.
03:08, Today: Matthew Broaddale drew the single card: 9S using the Deadlands system. next turn.
This message was last edited by the player at 10:21, Fri 12 Apr 2013.

Photos of Bullock with a Celestial Alley prostitute.

In reply to Janet Weiss (msg # 87):

The newspaper articles touching on Celestial Alley are not helpful. There's offhand mentions to the "unseemly cathouses across the tracks," rumors of a secret alliance of Chinese miners working joint claims in violation of the Deadwood Creek Treaty, editorials railing against the "growing corruption of our city" from Iron Dragon representatives leaning on the town council, tirades against the opium dens and gambling parlors, a report on the town council's decision to let "the Kangers" vote in the upcoming election with accompanying editorial openly wondering if this isn't some ploy by Iron Dragon to seize power in town, and so on. A.W. Merrick clearly isn't a fan of the Chinese presence in Deadwood. But no overt references to any affairs involving Bullock.

There is a file of stock photos, however, and one of them is quite interesting.

It's a photo that's obviously been taken with an Epitaph camera...that's the only way Janet knows of to capture a busy street scene like the one she's looking at without motion blurs ruining the picture. The picture has part of the train track in it and was taken from overhead from the balcony of one of the buildings lining Main Street (probably the Bella Union, given how she can see the rail depot in the shot). It's also been ripped in half...one edge is ragged. It's possible Merrick only wanted a picture of the train depot, but then why is half the picture missing?

In reply to Matthew Broaddale (msg # 86):

Jack's gun arm trembles. His face goes ash pale. "Famous...Killing Hickock...He's..." And then Jack laughs, a high, nervous cackle of questionable sanity.

"Bastard's haunting me..." He mutters, practically choking the words out. "I heard him laugh...he had me dead to rights! It was him or me! Him or me, d'you hear me! I had to shoot him...but he's not dead! Not dead! Not dead!"

And then the gunman starts crying. "He didn't kill me..." he whispers. "why didn't he kill me?"

This...was not the reaction Matthew had been expecting.

Jack sniffs, then something hardens in his eyes. "Gotta kill the bitch...gotta kill her, then he can protect me...he can keep the ghosts away, but I have to kill that bitch for him...and Sebastian, too, motherfucker had to die...and I can't let you turn me in. Can't let you run to fucking Bullock, he'll swing me for sure..."

((OOC: That's one success toward the Social conflict...he's still Holding, and now his sanity is beginning to crack. Nice going, Matt! }:D You have one roll left to try and convince him not to shoot you...))

---

It's Black Jack's turn, unless The Professor wants to try and use his held action.

Black Jack Boudreaux appeared, gun in hand a bit behind Jack McCall. He tossed what appeared to be sand on the ground near McCall.

PM

PM


 PM
This message was last edited by the player at 22:18, Tue 16 Apr 2013.

In reply to Black Jack Boudreaux (msg # 92):
This message was last edited by the GM at 01:35, Wed 17 Apr 2013.

Janet quickly pockets the picture and heads upstairs.

 PM

"Wha..." Jack says as a shadow falls over him from the open doorway. He turns to look as the grains of sand on the floor suddenly spark...

{{BOOM!}}

The concussion sends Jack McCall stumbling, tossing him like a ragdoll. But though he's knocked ass over teakettle, the shaken gunman isn't knocked out by the blast of thunder.

"You SON of a BITCH!" He shouts, or at least it sounds that way (hard to tell when everyone has such loud ringing in their ears), aiming his pistol in Jack's direction...and providing the Professor with an opportunity to act.

((OOC: Jack gets a total of 7 on his roll after all modifiers and chips. Jack McCall has to succeed in an opposed Vigor roll or be Shaken.

19:40, Today: Jack McCall rolled 3,8 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(6+2)8. Vigor. Well, then.

Jack McCall isn't going to take being attacked well. He turns to take on Jack. however, this will give the Professor the opening he needs to use his Held Action. He just needs to beat McCall's Agility in an opposed roll.

19:43, Today: Jack McCall rolled 7,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,1. Agility. Professor, that's the number to beat. Remember that you've got plenty of chips handy.

Black Jack, draw a card for your next round's initiative.))

---

Up next: The Professor's held action triggers. Please roll Agility to beat Jack McCall.

Upstairs, Zach and Merrick are engaged in a lively conversation, which is probably why Merrick left her alone for so long.

Zach looks up at her and grins. "Hey, Miss, uh...Miss!" he says, waving her over. "Come look at this! We were just talking about Epitaph cameras and the strange things you can do with them!"

He waves to a pile of pictures on the coffee table between the two.

Janet moves to examine the photos.

It looks like Merrick's been getting his money's worth out of that Epitaph camera. Being able to capture still pictures of things in motion is still quite a novelty, so most of these are pictures of men and women in various active poses...running, leaping, and, in one case, in the middle of a sneeze.

Other pictures are just of street scenes and wilderness shots. There's a bird in flight in a forest scene, a pair of gunfighters with plumes of smoke from their guns as they draw on each other, and a picture of a hand, probably shoved into frame to cover something else.

"These are the sorts of things you can get with your standard plates from Smith & Robards." Merrick says, obviously pleased as punch with his collection. "They also offer even more expensive plates that can actually store movement itself! Here!"

He pulls a photo plate (not a print) from the pile. Pictured within is a a street scene, much like the one Janet found earlier. However, the figures in this scene are actually moving. A short sequence of images flashes by in sepia tones, depicting drunks exiting Nuttal & Mann's No. 10 Saloon. They stagger out

"This advent of these motion pictures will revolutionize the news, when they find a way to have the pictures move in print." Merrick beams. "Right now, we can only print still frames of the movement, and the motion plates cost an exorbitant amount. And they will need to find a way of removing those strange artifacts that sometimes crop up."

"Show her the artifact pictures." Zach grins boyishly. "This is where it gets real interesting!"

Merrick sighs. "Before I show you these, it's important that you know that these are mistakes. Some excitable people may take what I'm about to show you as proof of the so-called supernatural. But I want to stress that these are simply accidents and mistakes in the development process."

He opens a file. "This first picture was taken along Pole Man Road, during a fairly wet day. I wanted to chronicle the Pole Men for posterity."

He shows the pair a picture of a rotting body hanging by the neck from a carved pole. Several other poles line the road, each with a corpse hung from it. The central figure has it's head turned toward the camera. It's eyes are glowing, and seem to shine.

"Now, when I took this photo, the poor devil's head was turned to the road." Merrick says. "I can only surmise that the wind tilted his head toward me just as the flash went off. I think that's what's causing the light in his eyes...a shine from the flash powder. But I didn't notice the corpse staring at me until I developed the plate. Believe me, it gave me quite a start to see this."

"This next picture," he says, pulling out another one, "Was a portrait commissioned by a young, recently widowed lady. She'd just come in to a sizable inheritance and wanted something special, so she paid for a motion plate."

The plate depicts a smiling young lady in a dress that most proper widows would frown on. She turns her head to face the camera. A wisp of smoke appears among the sepia tones, forming a vaguely humanoid figure. The figure wraps it's hands around the woman's throat just before the picture resets.

"The lady had a coughing fit just after this." Merrick says. "I think it's some vapor from the ghost rock. I showed the picture to her and offered her a refund for the mistake, but she just paled and ran out the door."

"I've seen these vapor wisps before." He continues, pulling more still photos from the folder. "This here is Charlie Bull, a local Sioux who lives in a cabin near Deadwood. Very fond of the theater...he was educated in London and likes his Shakespeare." The portrait is of a well-groomed man in buckskins and moccasins, but with his hair cut in an Eastern fashion and a trim beard. He sits with his hands crossed on his knees. On his right is a wisp of smoke that looks vaguely like a dog if you look at it from the right angle.

"This is a scene of a killing I investigated. That's Marshal Bullock there over the body." The picture depicts a handsome man with dark hair and a well-kept mustache looking over a body. There's another wisp there, reaching out from the dead man's chest. A darker wisp wraps around the lighter one, almost like an embrace. The darker wisp seems to be pulling the lighter wisp down.

"This one...I really don't know what to make of this one." he says, pulling out another photo. It's a picture of Fairchild's Boarding House...except the house is twisted and looks about ready to eat the viewer!

22:27, Today: Black Jack Boudreaux drew the single card: QC using a deck of 54 cards. initative.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:42, Wed 17 Apr 2013.

Janet scratched her chin.  "Charley Bull.... it seems I've heard that name before.  Where could I find this Mr. Bull?"

Merrick rubs his jaw. "Well, I know he has a cabin out in the hills south of town. I wouldn't know the precise location. He might have left Deadwood for a while...he got into a fight with Bald Don, and now the Deadwood Miner's Alliance is after him. I know he's friends with Miss Jane Canary...you might know her better as Calamity Jane."

"I met her." Zach says. "Interesting lady."

"Yes, quite the colorful local." Merrick says with a smile. "But back to Mr. Bull...Bald Don was trying to whip up a crowd to attack the Indians who live in the camp, as retaliation for that terrible massacre a month back." A dark look passes over his face. "It's a terrible tragedy, what happened there. Twelve miners working without the proper permits, butchered and mutilated. Some were scalped. And I have reason to believe..."

"Believe what, Mr. Merrick?" Zach says, leaning in.

Merrick sighs. "I have no proof, mind, but I have reason to suspect the Sioux were not the ones who carried out that attack. I was working with your father on this...too many of these supposed 'Indian Killings' were also folks who didn't pay dues to the DMA. Daughtridge, the Mabbott boys, poor Sally Tyler...and then your father wound up a 'victim of Sioux aggression.' I think Charley Bull was looking into these killings as well. Oh!" he stands. "That reminds me...I never did get those files for you. Wait here." he heads downstairs, leaving Janet and Zach alone.

"So why are you looking for Charley Bull?" Zach asks.

"I'll explain later." Janet said, as she began to dig through the photos.  "In the meanwhile, I need you to stall him."

Zach slaps his hand down on the folder, preventing Janet from accessing it. "Why should I? You said you wanted my help with your inquiries, but I'm the one doing all the talking while you've been sneaking around downstairs. Not to mention you lying our way in here. What's this all about? What is it you're actually doing here?"

"And you're learning a lot of valuable information about photography and journalism, aren't you?  You wouldn't have seen the artifact photos if I hadn't smooth-talked our way in here.  I got you an apprenticeship with an honest-to-god city newspaper, didn't I?"

Janet sighed.  "Look, you're a reporter.  You know everyone has secrets.  Merrick has one I need, one he won't share with men, on account of it being a secret.  Help me with this one, and you can break open a story that will wow Deadwood."

The boy sighs. "Sometimes secrets are dangerous. Mr. Merrick's a good guy, from what I've seen...a little strange, sure, but after some of the things he's seen I can't really blame him." he looks at her. "Look, I'll help, but...don't dig up things that could get someone hurt, alright?"

Janet quickly leafed through the folder of pictures.  "I never set out to get anyone in this town hurt.  I'll keep Merrick as safe as I can, though."

"It's not just Merrick I'm worried about." Zach says, but he heads downstairs without elaborating further. "Hey, let me give you some help!" He calls as he descends the stairs, leaving Janet alone with the pile of curious photographs.

The Professor leaps forward, grabbing at Jack's gun in a desperate attempt to wrestle the weapon away from the crazed man.  He tries to grab Jack's wrist and slam it against the wall, hoping that the pain will cause him to release his grip.

Agility roll is a 9 with 2 red chips:

10:24, Today: The Professor rolled 2,5 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,5. Agility.
10:26, Today: The Professor rolled 2 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2. red chip.
10:25, Today: The Professor rolled 2 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2. red chip.


Fighting is 14 with the help of 2 more red chips

10:31, Today: The Professor rolled 3,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1. Fighting.
10:31, Today: The Professor rolled 4 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4. red chip.
10:32, Today: The Professor rolled 7 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+1)7. red chip.

In reply to The Professor (msg # 109):

Jack didn't seem to be expecting that, and the Professor gets a mighty good grip...

((OOC: So this is a disarm attempt?

If so, then your total after mods is 12...more than enough to hit his Parry with a Raise.

Roll Damage. Your unarmed damage is Strength, and you get an extra d6 thanks to the raise. He has to make a Strength check vs. the damage you roll to keep hold of his gun.))

...and tries to knock the gun out of his hand.



12 damage

17:01, Today: The Professor rolled 7,5 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (4+3)7,5. Damage - disarm.

The two struggle over the gun. Despite the vicious pounding the Professor doles out, he's unable to dislodge the gun from McCall's grip. The gunman takes a swipe at the Professor, trying to club him in the face in order to knock him away, but the gentleman of science as able to block the blow handily.

"Get off!" McCall shouts. "Get off me, goddamn you!"

((OOC: 12 damage is a Shaken and a Wound for Jack, and the TN of his strength check to keep hold of his gun. I resolve the Strength check first:

14:15, Today: Jack McCall rolled 14,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+6)14,5. Strength! That's a success.

Jack spends a chip to try and soak:

14:15, Today: Jack McCall rolled 2,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4. Soak! Also a success, so Jack is neither wounded nor Shaken.

Since it's now his action, he decides to club the Professor with his pistol. He has a -1 Improvised Weapon penalty to his attack.

14:21, Today: Jack McCall rolled 3,2 using d6-1,d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 4,3. Pistol Whip! That's not going to hurt the Professor at all.

Since he's used his held action, he needs to draw his next action card. He gets 2H

Professor, draw a card for your next round.

Mr Sebastian takes his action. He succeeds. You'll find out what he's doing if it becomes important. }:D

Mr. Sebastian's card: KC.))

---

Turn Order:
The Professor: KH
Mr. Sebastian: KC
Black Jack: QC
Matthew Broaddale: 9S
Jack McCall: 2H
This message was last edited by the player at 00:24, Tue 23 Apr 2013.

The Professor keeps hold, struggling with the gunman.




19:55, Today: The Professor drew the single card: KH using a deck of 54 cards. Init.

((OOC: Well, that puts you at the top of the initiative order. What's you're action for the round?))

"Drop..the...gun..." The Professor huffs out as he continues to try and wrest the weapon from Jack's grip.



Disarm TN is 5+4-2 = 7 I believe?

20:29, Today: The Professor rolled 5 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5. blue chip.
20:28, Today: The Professor rolled 4,4 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,4. disarm.

((OOC: The TN of a disarm check is set by the damage of a successful Called Shot to disarm. You've hit McCall's Parry with that 7, so roll your unarmed damage.))

OOC - used a White chip. Total 12


20:42, Today: The Professor rolled 5,7 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (4+1)5,(6+1)7. white chip.
20:41, Today: The Professor rolled 3,2 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2. Disarm.

McCall cries out as the gun goes spinning out of his hand and lands somewhere under one of the stuffed chairs in the foyer.

Suddenly, the lamps gutter out. The only source of light in the room comes from the opened door.

A black, oily cloud congeals from bloodstain marking where Mr. Sebastian's body had been. The black, shadowy thing rises, forming a shape vaguely like a man in a coat and top hat, with burning yellow stars for eyes.

"Thank you, Professor." The shadowy thing says with Mr. Sebastian's voice. It raises a shadowy arm, revealing a glittering knife. "Now, would you kindly step aside so I may take my vengeance?"

McCall begins screaming.

((OOC: A couple things, Professor: You only get the d6 raise damage on the roll you got a raise on--it doesn't carry through from turn to turn. Also, you can't spend chips on damage rolls unless you have the No Mercy edge.

We'll go with what you rolled this time...just keep that in mind for the next time.

17:58, Today: Jack McCall rolled 2,9 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,(6+3)9. Strength!

That's going to be enough to send the gun out of his hand.

Mr. Sebastian makes his move now, sending his summoned Shadow to scare the bejeezus out of McCall...and anyone watching.

Matthew Broaddale, make a Fear check (-5 for the local Fear level, -1 for the monster's fear rating, + grit) against Terror. Jack, Professor, you've seen this trick before. Make a Fear check as above, but it's only against Fear/Nausea, and you both get a +4 bonus to your roll.

I'll continue on with the turn when you've rolled and the Professor has responded to the thing's request. Oh, and Draw your action card for the next turn, please.))

The Professor addresses the shadow, though it is clear that his resolve has weakened considerably. "Certainly, not. The Marshall shall handle things here."


Sorry about the mistakes :-(.  I don't have my books with me and it has been a while since I have been in a Savage Worlds game :-(

The Professor fails the fear check:

21:26, Today: The Professor rolled 1,2 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2. Fear.

And his new initiative is:


21:29, Today: The Professor drew the single card: 3H using a deck of 54 cards.

As the light played off the knife, Matthew leaned down and picked his hat off the floor, his forehead breaking out in sweat.

As the light dazzled from the stars in the shadow's eyes, Matthew placed the hat back on his head and narrowed his eyes, heart pounding.

As the light played off the badge at his own belt, Matthew spoke, voice steady.

"Damn right."



18:41, Today: Matthew Broaddale rolled 3,-1 using 1d8-2,1d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 5,1. Fear White Chip Reroll!

Failed terror, rolling on the table..

18:45, Today: Matthew Broaddale rolled 4 using 1d20+1 with rolls of 3. Fright Table.

That's Adrenaline Surge, +2 to all trait rolls on my turn.
This Round: 9S (as noted above)
Next Round:21:33, Today: Matthew Broaddale drew the single card: 7S using the Deadlands system. Next round init. 
This message was last edited by the player at 04:35, Tue 23 Apr 2013.

In reply to Zachary O'Conner (msg # 108):

Janet quickly starts leafing through the photos.

Aside from the photos she's already seen, Janet finds a few other odd pictures. There's nothing here quite on the same level of weird as the pictures already taken...one picture is of a group of people clustered around a mine shaft, eyes all shining from the glare of the flash; another is a picture of a train at the depot with lots of smoke from the stack (and some of that smoke looks vaguely skull-like; there's a picture of steam and fire venting from a crack in the side of a hill, probably a coal mine fire, where the smoke also looks vaguely skull-like. There's a moving plate of a huge crater with spots of fire burning within--on the back of the plate are the words "Satan's Garden."

And then there's half of a photograph, one that looks to be the other half of the scene in the photo Janet found earlier. Put together, the whole picture is of the rail crossing, as taken from the balcony of the Bella Union. The rail depot is empty...no trains there in the day pictured. People are crossing the street back and forth between Deadwood's main street and Celestial Ally. The focus seems to be on a pair of figures walking arm-in-arm. One of the figures is a smiling man in a black suit and cowboy hat, with dark hair, trim mustache, and wearing a gunbelt. Janet recognizes him from the other photograph she saw. It's Bullock.

The other figure, the one hanging on his arm, is not human.

The creature cuddling up to the Marshal resembles a bipedal feline in a fancy dress, a pair of tails swishing behind it in contentment. The corner of its mouth is curled in what looks like a fanged smile. The feline thing is built like a walking cougar, powerful muscles rippling beneath the lacy dress it has on.

What the heck is going on here?

Janet quickly tucks the picture of Bullock into her bodice.  Waiting for a moment, she straightened her bonnet and headed downstairs.  "Zachary, I think I forgot something back at the boarding house.  Would you like to stay here while I fetch it?"

Jack had grabbed McCall to try and hold him, but the spirt caused him to let go and step back.

Blew a white chip. Did not include the plus 4 in my rolls.

12:41, Today: Black Jack Boudreaux rolled 3 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3. reroll.

12:41, Today: Black Jack Boudreaux rolled 18 using 1d10, rerolling max with rolls of (10+8)18. reroll .


Unshaken, Jack moved to recover the gun and spoke to the spirit with ease taht might cause others to be a bit uncomfortable.

"Guess you are still trying to get a hold a on this whole scaring folks thing."

"Another man that fella shot would like to have a talk with him Professor. A fella named Wild Bill. Seems since he was wronged first, and has been waiting longer, he shouls have a shot at this scoundrel first."

"A friend of his, Calamity Jane, said he could arrange a meeting. I am guessing you are welcome to attend that reckoning." Black Jack said cooly to the spirit.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:47, Thu 16 May 2013.

"NOOOOO!" McCall screams as he tries to wiggle away from the Professor. "No! I won't face him again! I won't!"

"I wouldn't say that...I terrified the man I intended to." The shadow thing says calmly in reply to Black Jack's barb. "Though it would seem he's already burdened by a guilty conscience." The shadow give Jack a liquid chuckle. "Very well. It matters not to me who delivers this miscreant to his doom, as long as I am there to watch it happen. I'm quite interested in meeting the illustrious Mr. Hickock."

The shadow solidifies into Mr. Sebastian's form. The man holds his side gingerly. The knife the shadow was holding is nowhere to be seen. The gambler smiles at McCall. "What a pathetic assassin you are. No one you shoot stays dead."

McCall continues to scream.

((OOC: With McCall well in hand and everyone standing up to him, The Shadow decides not to press the issue. Mr. Sebastian teleports back to the room and dismisses his summoning, then Taunts McCall.

21:19, Today: Mr. Sebastian's Shadow rolled 18,5 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (10+8)18,5. Taunt.

21:20, Today: Jack McCall rolled 5,9 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,(6+3)9. Resisting ToW.

McCall fails the Test of Wills and is Shaken. he was already terrified, so this doesn't really do anything to him.))

---

It's Matthew Broaddale's turn.

In reply to Janet Weiss (msg # 123):

"Um, alright." Zach says absently. He and Mr. Merrick are going through files, so it looks like he'll be tied up for some time anyway.

Broaddale stood, and hooked his thumbs into his gun belt as he slowly stepped towards McCall.

Now wait just a goddamn minute" he snarled.

"First off, Roger," he spat, "As soon as the situation with Mr. McCall is resolved, I'm coming back here with a warrant. I might not even wait for that. As for you, Sir," he said, gesturing to Black Jack, "If I'm turning in Mr. Sebastian, I'm gonna need you to come with me as well."

By now he was next to Jack McCall.

"And finally," he growled, hand drifting close to his badge, and thus, to his derringer, "The US government does not deal with so called 'ghosts'. Y'all've got 30 seconds to explain to me why I should listen to your nonsense instead of taking Jack here to Bullock."

With that, he spoke softly to McCall.

"Jack, I won't lie, you're going to prison. But if you cooperate, I'll try and get you some help with these delusions."

Matthew looked under the brim of his hat at the two hucksters and the Professor.


OOC: Matthew goes on HOLD until someone makes an aggressive move towards him or McCall.

Mr. Sebastian seems amused. "A warrant? For what, precisely? The only one here who has committed a crime of any sort is Mr. McCall there. Unless the Union has decided to ban showmanship and legerdemain? I hadn't heard any announcements to that effect."

Tucking away McCall's pistol, Boudreaux waited for the Whatley to get his answer before addressing the bossy fella.

Broaddale popped his neck.

"Watch it, Sebastian. 'Showmanship' is legal. However, attempted revenge killing on an unarmed man? Attempting to subvert the cause of justice by turning  a fugitive over to  someone claiming to be Bill Hickok..." the Marshal took a step in between McCall and Sebastian, "McCall is no longer a threat. Unless you give me a good reason to the contrary, I'm takin' him into the appropriate authorities, and if you folks cooperate, I'll overlook your blatant disregard for safety and the law."

The Marshal looked between the newcomer with the exploding sand and the one who had just dissolved into a shadow through "legerdemain". He kept his hands ready.

"Given this miscreant was let Scott free by an illegitimate jury over an actual murder, not an attempted one, you will forgive me if I don't hold much stock in the efficacy of the local law." Mr. Sebastian replies.

"It was justifiable homicide!" McCall squawks. "Wild Bill shot my brother in Abeline!"

"You don't have a brother." Sebastian replies coolly. "You have three sisters in Kentucky, and no other recorded siblings, which is why the territorial government of Wyoming threw out your bogus acquittal in the first place and why you'll swing from the nearest tree if you ever set foot in the United States proper."

He looks back at Matthew. "Quite apart from that, I have two witnesses, yourself included, who can testify that this man attempted to murder me in cold blood, and would have done the same to you without even so much as the pretext of a justification other than some babbled nonsense about being protected from ghosts. I say he's waived his right to trial by jury and he should be executed on the spot, preferably at my own hands since I'm the wronged party. Mr. Bourdreaux here has mentioned that his first victim would like to be the one to deliver him to his fate, which has intrigued me enough that I'm willing to say, why not? If it is Wild Bill's ghost, then giving McCall to him will release him from his earthly bonds and allow him to join the choir invisible. If it's someone merely claiming the late Mr. Hickok's identity, then this is an opportunity to right the gross miscarriage of justice that allowed this murderer his freedom in the first place."

Black Jack Boudreaux tips his hat in Roger Whately's direction.

Matthew quirked an eyebrow and frowned.

"I was six seconds from making him put down his gun when someone started a goddamn inferno in the room. And it stopped being self defense when he started cowering in the corner and you started threatening him with a knife," he sighed, and fixed the Professor with a steely stare that faded almost immediately into an exasperated grimace, "...Tell you what. If the Professor here vouches for you...I'll let you take him. But only if I come with you to meet this so-called ghost."

He let the offer float.

"Who else knows about this?"

 Mr. Sebastian says something beneath his breath, just audibly enough for Black Jack to hear.

Janet looks over quickly.  "What is it?"

"There has been a...development back at the boarding house." There's a shadow in the alley that looks a bit like a man in coat and top hat. "Be warned...don't go there just yet! We need to find a place to discuss the current events." the shadowy man looks out into the daylight and hisses a bit. "Somewhere...not so bight."

Janet nods.  "Ayers' Store" she whispers, then changes direction.

In reply to Matthew Broaddale (msg # 133):

"The deal is acceptable to me." Boudreaux said. The Cajun just wanted to get McCall to Jane and arranged for a reckoning with Wild Bill. After that Jane had said she would help them find the Injun they were looking for, and they could find Charley Bull.

The Professor wipes his brow with a blue silk handkerchief, mopping up the beads of perspiration that accumulated in the brief tussle with McCall.

"I am afraid I can only say that Mr. Sebastian has been a polite and courteous gentleman who is skilled in what he believes to be the occult manipulations of Aetheric energies. My own observations have led me to conclude that he is well acquainted with some of the so called darker occult practitioners, given both his proclivity towards the use of fear based threats as well as his reaction to Mr. McCall's request to see the 'Princess of Worms'.  So, if you are asking me to judge his character, I would say that he is currently an enigma to me.  He may indeed be a member of an organization that truly wants to bring light to the darkness as it were.  Or, he may be using that identity as a cover in an attempt to sow even more darkness."

He turned to Roger and shrugged apologetically, "Sorry, but that is the plain and simple truth as I know it. Your tactics are at odds with a man who is on the side of light and goodness, but they are consistent with someone who was once involved with dark occultists and has decided to break away and thwart their perverse schemes using whatever means necessary.  I simply cannot tell your true motivations."

"No, no, don't apologize." Mr. Sebastian says. "That is a fair enough assessment, given the short length of our acquaintance. However, I am not the one who who suggested this current endeavor. You've known Mr. Bourdreaux here longer...what is your assessment of him?"

The Professor shrugged. "He has given me no reason to doubt his veracity or strength of character."

"If that isn't a strong testimonial I don't know what is my friend." Black Jack said in his smooth Cajun accent after hearing the professor's lukewarm endorsement.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:52, Sat 27 Apr 2013.

Matthew ground his teeth for a long moment.

"Fine." he turned to McCall.

"Jack, We're going to go now. I promise you, if you stay close, and keep calm, you're gonna be safe," he placed a hand on Jack's shoulder and leaned down to meet his eyes.

"Let's go see Calamity Jane. Hopefully she can arrange this little get together." Boudreaux said as he turned with the others to depart. McCall had back shot Wild Bill, Bill deserved to have his vengence.

some mood music

Jack grabs Matthew's hand and pulls the marshal close. He meets Matthew's eyes, his own gaze wild and frightened.

"You don't understand!" He hisses. "Ain't nobody gonna be safe! He don't want me! Not yet! He's here to do some killin', to bring hell and fire on them that wanted him out of the way! He had his chance at me! Had me dead to rights in Laramie...and he didn't take me then! He forced me to tell, then he...then he...he just laughed at me!" His grip on Matt's hair is quite painful now. "He laughed at me again, said I wasn't worth his time anymore...but I ain't gonna face him again! Never again! And you can't make me! Take that, damn you!"

Then Matt feels cool metal sliding across his throat, and suddenly Jack McCall's face is spotted red with blood. Jack shoves, and Matthew is sent spinning as the assassin gathers his feet and launches himself toward the only door open to him...the one heading deeper into the house.

And Matt is left struggling to breathe as blood pours from the slash across his neck...

((OOC: Jack Quick Draws his knife and attack Matthew with The Drop.

12:45, Mon 29 Apr 2013: Jack McCall rolled 5,7 using d6+4,d6+4, rerolling max ((1,3)). That's a hit but no raise.

Jack has the Assassin edge, so he gets +2 damage in addition to the +4 damage from The Drop.

12:48, Today: Jack McCall rolled 5,9 using d8,d4+6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3. Damage. Total of 14, which will make Matthew Shaken with 2 Wounds unless he Soaks.

Jack stands from prone and runs for the door leading deeper into Fairchild's Boarding House.))

"Wait a minute Jack, who want-"



"Tell wha-" Matt grimaced as Jack's grip tightened and the man continued. His eyes flicked to his hands for a brief moment, and when he looked up, a flash of silver made him reflexively recoil, but it wasn't enough. He could feel death on his skin. His eyes widened with surprise and pain as the fugitive cut him. He could feel warm blood on his neck, seeping...

"Jack, no-" then Jack pushed him and the world started moving again.

 Matt caught himself with one hand as he almost hit the floor, his other immediately flying up to his throat.

He took an experimental breath. Good.

"JACK MCCALL! Stop in the name of the law!" he barked from the floor after McCall's retreating form. The stress caused blood to flow quicker over his neck and he gestured at the assorted men, trying to get them to act.

He felt his neck: ...one artery, two...veins...windpipe, ah..there it is. A close shave, a deep flesh wound, but no major damage. A sloppy job by a coward.


14:26, Today: Matthew Broaddale rolled 2,19 using 1d6,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,(6+6+6+1)19. soak reroll oh dear god soak reroll.

HAHA. I soak all my wounds! I soak all my wounds!

Jack, unsurprisingly, does not stop.

"Oh, dear." Mr. Sebastian says. "Should you be shouting, with such an injury? We should probably get you to a doctor."

He's not exactly quick to do so, but he does grab Matthew's arm to help steady him, and offers an handkerchief to him to help stanch the bleeding.

Not knowing that the by the book lawmen was not mortally wounded, Boudreeaux could not let McCall escape without avenging the bloodied lawman.

Boudreaux pulled McCall's revolver from his pants and fired at McCall to keep him from escaping and to deal some retribution.

21:35, Today: Black Jack Boudreaux rolled 4,3 using d6+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,1. shootin'. Spend a blue chip to improve matters.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:40, Tue 30 Apr 2013.

Matthew takes the kerchief and holds it to his throat, wincing. He feels his bloodsoaked collar. His voice is quiet.

"I'll live. We gotta bring in McCall."

He grimaces.

"Bastard ruined my shirt."

BANG!

Matthew snaps upright, free hand twitching toward his belt.

((OOC: is he dead? :P))

((OOC: We're about to find out.))

Janet walks in the door, only to be greeted by the sight of blood.  "Land sakes!" she cries out.  "Dear me!  Mr. Sebastian, what has transpired?"

pm
This message was last edited by the player at 15:29, Tue 30 Apr 2013.

PM

pm

McCall staggers as the bullet shreds his guts, but the mad desire to escape keeps him on his feet. He's able to get through the doors despite the grievous wound inflicted on him. The doors close with a thud, and there's the click of a lock.

Janet arrives just as he vanishes.

"McCall just tried an ambush." Mr. Sebastian says in response to her question. He's bleeding from his side, though the wound doesn't seem that bad. "He's wounded and fleeing deeper into the house."

((OOC: Jack McCall is facing 23 damage. That's 4 wounds and a Shaken, enough to put him down if he doesn't soak.

Fortunately for Jack, I have a bunch of chips from all those reds that got spent earlier.

11:25, Today: Jack McCall rolled 5,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,4. Soak!

Blue chip: 11:26, Today: Jack McCall rolled 1 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1. Blue Chip.

Another blue chip: 11:27, Today: Jack McCall rolled 9 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+3)9. Blue Chip.

That makes Jack's final total 15 after 3 chips spent. That soaks 3 wounds, leaving Jack with 1 wound and Shaken. He can still move, however, so he does, closing and locking the door behind him. If you want to attack him now, you'll need to get through the door and follow him deeper into the house.))

As Boudreaux moves to check on the wounded lawman "He locked it. Do any of you know a trick to get it open?"
This message was last edited by the player at 19:43, Tue 30 Apr 2013.

The Professor nods,  "I could blast it open, but I suggest that we choose that option only as a last resort. Perhaps the best solution would be to head him off at the pass, as it were.  To choose a parallel path through the house and corner him before he can make good his escape."

As if to illustrate his words, The Professor picks up his travelling bag and heads off deeper into the house, bypassing the locked door.

Matthew looks between the doors. His hand drifts to his gun.

"I could shoot the lo-..." He tenses, coughs, presses the handkerchief firmly on his neck, ""God DAMN this stings."

With that, he stalks off after the Professor, stopping only to tip his hand with a bloodsoaked hand at Janet.

"Miss."

Janet bobs her head at Matthew.  "Good day sir."  Then, turning to Mrs. Fairchild: "Do you have a master key?"

Mrs. Fairchild does not happen to be present.

Mr. Sebastien shake his head. "I have the key for my room only, I'm afraid." He watches The Professor and the Marshal enter the side door. "I do believe their plan has a major flaw...ah well, too late to warn them now." He looks over at Jack. "I'm deeply appreciative of you leaping in to try and save my life." He consults a pocketwatch. "Would you do me the honor of sharing a meal? The restaurant at the Grand Hotel may be off limits for now, but I know a small place that serves a decent steak."

---

The Professor enters the side door. He finds himself in a corridor that dead-ends to the right in a window, but stretches on to the left until it turns a corner. There are three doors he can see, all of them lining the opposite wall.

---

Matthew Broaddale follows the Professor into the side door, but when he opens it and steps in, he sees nothing but an empty room filled with sheet-covered furniture. The door slams shut behind him and when he tries to open it, nothing happens. The Professor is nowhere to be seen. The room has two other door, however...one on the far wall, and one on the left-hand side. An old grandfather clock strikes noon, the bell tolling ominously.

"I am sure you would do the same for me."

"I would be honored Mr. Sebastien." Boudreaux said even as he wedged a chair aginst the door through which McCall departed.

"Madam would you do me the honor of escorting me to the back door of this fine establishment. Perhaps we can catch that villain trying to escape." Black Jack asked Mrs. Weiss.

Boudreaux planned to try and lay in wait for McCall.

"I'm flattered you would think so well of me." Sebastian replies. He eyes the chair. "That probably will not be necessary. I should warn you, if your intention is to wait by the back door for that miserable miscreant to avaunt, you may be kept waiting for some time. The spirit of the house is not likely to let him go so easily."

Black Jack had indeed be planning on waiting for him at the back. It seemed Sebastian knew the house' secrets, so the Cajun decided to see what the mysterious cousin had in  mind.

"What strategy would you suggest Monsieur Sebastian?" Boudreaux asked.

"Let the house finish them off." he replies. "It will in inflict torments both crueler and more creative on those it dislikes than any court of law would consider. A fitting end to a waste of flesh, in my opinion."

00:02, Today: Black Jack Boudreaux rolled 3,3 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,3. Knowledge (Occult).

Unaware of the history of the place. Jack as the well informed Sebastian.

"Monsieur Sebastian, do you know why is this place filled with so many spirits? Do you know the history of the place?" Boudreaux asked.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:03, Wed 01 May 2013.

Marshal Broaddale turned back from the door.

"Professor?" he called softly, quickly striding to the near door on the left wall and trying it, not stepping through until he determines if the Professor or McCall is through it.

Mr. Sebastian laughs. "Oh, my! I know quite a lot of things about this place. Some of them may even be true. I've only lived in Deadwood for about six months now, so I can't personally vouch for this, but as the tales go..."

---

Jack McCall, still trying to stanch his bleeding, lurches down the hall. He tries the doors every so often, but most of them are locked. "Goddamn hotels..." he mutters as he pokes at the exit wound in his gut. That was bad. He knew it was bad, even through the haze of his opium-clouded mind. But he had to keep moving. Had to get away...

---

"I'm sure you're aware that the Black Hills are sacred to the Sioux, which is why they aren't fond of the mining and only tolerate it with barely concealed disgust. Well, legend has it that when Frank Bryant and his band of miners began scouting the area here in '74, they stumbled on an old Indian burial ground and desecrated it in their search for gold. The Sioux caught them, of course, and dragged them behind horses over a hundred miles to Laramie. It was supposed to serve as a warning. It did not work."

---

As Matthew Broaddale listens at the door, he hears a faint voice. "...hello?" it croaks. "...oh dear god, please, is someone there?"

---

"Bryant returned, armed this time, and formed an alliance with the miners who came with him not to leave unless forced out. They built a stockade here, on this spot, right over the Indian Burial Ground, to spit right in the faces of the 'savage heathens.'" Mr. Sebastian heads over to the end table on the wall and pours himself a glass of wine. he offers one to Janet and Jack.

"Of course," he says, sipping his drink, "you can imagine how well this went over with the Sioux."

Matthew starts and, holding his wound, calls through the door.

"Please step away from the door."

With that he grasps the knob, turns and pulls.

"As winter came along, game got scarce for the miners at the stockade. The Sioux deliberately scared the game away, you see. They didn't attack...it looked mostly as if the Sioux were trying to starve them out. But some of the Sioux weren't in the mood to wait until the Miners left on their own, and the miners had reached their own breaking point. Eventually there was a standoff. The miners shot at a group of Sioux who were chasing away the game, the Indians retaliated...and in the end, the match was lit. A chief named Red Bear gathered his warriors and stormed the stockade." Mr. Sebastian takes another sip of his wine. "Of the hundred or so miners in that early camp, perhaps ten made it out of the Black Hills alive."

---

The door opens. Matthew steps indie the room, which is plain and bare except for the gaslamp, and the words scrawled in blood on the far wall.

W̷̴̥̗̲̫̯͕È͜҉̵̢̩͉̺͚͈̖͎̜ͅ ̧͖̭͎́͡K̶̵͢҉̺͈͚̻̭̱̼̠̞ͅN̵̡̛̝̘͇̰͢͠O̧͏̩̭̥͙̤͚̝͎̰̤ͅW̢҉̸̸̥̞̖̤̙̠͇͉̳͈̱̦̲̜̗͕̪̰ͅ ͉͈̮͖͈͔͎͍̲̹͈̪̪̀͡Y͏̻̘̳̙͖̼̬͈͟Ǫ̛̟͔̙͍̪̟͙U̧̹̪̬̠͚͖̭͎͡R̵̛̠̘̳̩̣̻̮̹ ̛̘̗̰̫͓͇̰̺̜̫̰̟͚̖̻̗͢͟Ś͖̬͚͍͍̰͍͔̟̥̰̣͔̼̞̭̝̖͖͜͡͡Ȩ̷̷̞̣̘͍̟̣̭͇̘̮̖͇̞̺͔͉̻ͅC̴̛̱͈̲̹̜̱̣͚̟̱͚̗̠͈̱͠Ŗ̣͙̺̠̘̙̟͕͓͍̲̠́̕͜͡ͅͅÉ̕͏̫̼̙͚̣̺̮͞͠T̶̡̰̹̩̭̰̥̪̥̪̘̜̫̘̀͞!͈̞͔͔̦͎̮̙̖̼̖́̕ͅ

Below the letters, covered in blood dripped from the message, are three silver badges nailed into the wall...

---

"Of course, that wasn't the end of it. After the massacre, the army was called in. They fought, they suffered defeats, and the Deadwood Creek treaty was signed which allowed limited mining under Sioux control. The treaty city of Deadwood was formed, and here we all are. But as for this specific location, well, it was shunned because of all the deaths. For a while. Until Mr. Grimley."

Matthew gagged, eyes agog at the badges.

He'd forgotten, somehow, the others.

He slammed the door shut, heart pounding, and smeared a bloody hand on the wood. He didn't know if it would stay there, but if it did, he'd know he'd been through this door before. He leaned his head against the door and tied Sebastian's kerchief lightly around his throat, the bloodsoaked cloth sticking easily and creating a makeshift bandage.

His body was shaking, his head covered in sweat, his breath coming hard.


He pushed off the door and turned to the one at the end of the hall.

"Where the hell are you...Christ, I'm talking to myself."
This message was last edited by the player at 08:44, Wed 01 May 2013.

Oblivious to the potential dangers, The Professor moved down the corridor, checking each of the three doors in turn. If any were unlocked, he planned on stepping through in an attempt to intercept Jack before he could make his escape.

"Mr. Grimley was an eccentric man, by most accounts." Roger says as he continues his story. "He came with the second wave of settlers, when the ghost rock rush began in earnest. He didn't come here to make money off the mines...he was already wealthy. no, it seems he wanted to build a summer home right on Sioux lands. He bought up the location of the old fort, and began building this place in the summer of '76."

---

Matthew opens the door at the end of the hallway, only to find the portal beyond has been boarded up. Thick planks of wood bar the way.

And on the planks a message has been carved, seemingly especially for him:


And the door he'd just closed creaks, and something begins to shuffle forth...

---

"The construction was plagued by trouble. Accidents, vandalism...even the odd suicide. Some of the workers began to get frightened. Said that the ghosts of the massacre victims were angry about their rest being disturbed. Some said it went deeper than that, and that there was a curse on the land because of the burial ground that had been disturbed. Grimley didn't care...he wanted his mansion built, and damn anyone who got in his way. And eventually, it was."

Roger takes another sip of his wine. "Of course, it was not long after that Grimley vanished from public view. He disappeared into his manor and never interacted much with the rest of town. Most folks didn't care...Grimley wasn't well liked. But then there came the smell. An awful stench began to come from the house, and the neighbors began to complain. There wasn't much that could be done about it...they didn't elect a marshal here until September of '76, and he had his hands full with keeping drunken miners from shooting holes in each other. And, well, you've been around town, I imagine. Deadwood is not pleasant to the nose at the best of times."

"So it wasn't until winter came around that the town was bothered enough to send someone to check on old Grimley. And as for what they found..."

---

The Professor opens a door. He doesn't find Jack McCall...but he does see someone whimpering in the corner. The man is rail thin and clad only in ragged clothes. He curls away from the light from the hall, even though it's not really more bright than the interior of the room.

"Go away..." he whimpers. "go away..."

Boudreaux took out a cigar and offered Sebastian one before lighting his own. He motioned Boudreaux to continue as he took a puff.
This message was lightly edited by the player at 07:29, Thu 02 May 2013.

Janet grabbed the decanter and refilled Roger's glass.  "You must be parched.  Pray, continue your story.  Perhaps then we could find a solution to our predicament."

Matthew grimaces at the message.

"A house with a sense of humor. That's new."

He readies himself to plant a kick in the door when he hears a shuffling.

Broaddale turns around, hands flexing, knuckles popping.

[[Common Knowledge Roll at -2
00:42, Thu 02 May 2013: Matthew Broaddale rolled 7,7 using 1d8-2,1d6-2, rerolling max (((8+1)9,(6+3)9)). ]]
This message was last edited by the GM at 07:53, Thu 02 May 2013.

"I don't believe it will, actually." Roger says. "They found Grimley sitting in this very parlor, his head a bloody mess from the shotgun he'd stuck in his mouth. Around him, dangling from the ceiling, were the dead bodies of a dozen cats. It looked like he'd strung them up, then gutted them while they were still alive."

He shakes his head. "Nobody knows why he killed himself, or what the animals were for. He'd left no note. It's a mystery to this very day." He grins. "But he wasn't the last person to stay in this house."

---

Shambling towards Matthew are three corpses. The corpse on the left is clearly the oldest...its skin is dry and parchment-like, and is peeling away in places so Matt can get a good look at the bones beneath. It's dressed in rags that might once have been a fine suit. The middle corpse is headless, and stumbles about in a black suit and black duster. Matt spots a tarnished US Marshal's badge on the headless corpse. The corpse on the right is the freshest, and the most hideous, because someone has cut into it. It's arms, legs, and torso are missing slabs of meat, as if a butcher got at it and made the choice cuts. This corpse is naked.

As he sees them, the corpses stop shambling and charge...

((OOC: Makes another Fear check, this one for Horror! -5 Fear level, -1 Fatigue, +Grit. Also, draw a card, because you're in combat rounds now!))

13:35, Today: Black Jack Boudreaux rolled 4,3 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,3. Knowledge (Occult).

Boudreaux listened to the story and tried to remember if he had ever heard of a similar event.

Matthew stared a moment at the shuffling corpses, these walkin' dead. His heart thundered in his chest, and he could hear blood rushing in his ears. As they charged at him, he broke into a slightly manic grin.

"Maybe you don't know me well enough...House," he laughed a little, not having a better name for the building, "I've got no problem putting corpses to rest...and I'm a damn good shot."

[[OOC:
14:54, Thu 02 May 2013: Matthew Broaddale rolled 0,-1 using 1d8-2,1d6-2, rerolling max ((2,1)).

Damn. Reroll! My new chip total is properly reflected n this post.

14:56, Today: Matthew Broaddale rolled 1,1 using 1d8-2,1d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 3,3. Fear Reroll

Dammit.


14:58, Today: Matthew Broaddale rolled 2 using 2d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1. Terror!

Woo! Marshal Broaddale doesn't get scared, he gets pumped!

14:59, Today: Matthew Broaddale drew the single card: 9D using the Deadlands system. Init.
]]

((OOC: Fairchild's Boarding House gets a 2S for this round, so it's your action, Matt!))

In a single motion Marshal Broaddale drew his derringer from his belt and fired at the oldest looking corpse, knowing his aim was dead on.


[[OOC: Quick Draw holster makes my multi action penalty only a 1, fatigue gives me another 1, and my Adrenaline Surge gives a +2 but is not included in the below rolls because I forgot

15:57, Today: Matthew Broaddale rolled 1,-1 using 1d10-2,1d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1. Quick drawing Derringer SHOOSTING.

even with my +2, not enough, Reroll time.

16:00, Today: Matthew Broaddale rolled 7,-1 using 1d10-2,1d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 9,1. Shoosting Reroll with white chip.

That's a hit, and a raise with my +2. Damage....

16:04, Thu 02 May 2013: Matthew Broaddale rolled 15 using 2d6+1, rerolling max ((3,(6+5)11)).

oops, forgot my raise ...

16:07, Thu 02 May 2013: Matthew Broaddale rolled 5 using 1d6, rerolling max ((5)).

That brings my total damage to 20]]

The old corpse collapses as the bullet cracks its spine. It rattles to the floor. The trouble is, Matt's got one bullet left in his gun and two more walking dead men after his brains.

The headless corpse tackles him. Matt's not sure quite how it can see him, but it doesn't seem to be hindered by it's lack of a head. He's able to struggle out of it's grip, but then the flensed corpse grabs him by the neck and bites down on his skull.

Even worse, he notices the one he shot flopping around, struggling to get back up...

((OOC: Actually it's 21, because of Grim Servant o' Death.

The corpse goes down with a bullet through it's spine. The other two attack.

16:16, Today: Fairchild's Boarding House rolled 3,10 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,(6+4)10. Fighting! One of them hits with a Raise.

16:19, Today: Fairchild's Boarding House rolled 8,7 using 2d6,d4, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3,(4+3)7. damage (with Raise). That's 15 damage for the corpse, which is a Shaken and 2 wounds for Matthew unless he soaks...

Meanwhile, the one you downed begins trying to pull itself back together.

16:17, Today: Fairchild's Boarding House rolled 2 using 1d4, rerolling max with rolls of 2. Regeneration. It doesn't quite manage it.

Remember to draw your card for your next round of actions after you complete a round, please.

Card: AS))

Matthew screamed and struggled, wrenching his head away from the flensed one.


[[OOC: No, it's 20. The +1 from GSoD is included in 2d6+1, because the derringer fires .41s.

SPending a Red Chip to Soak.

16:37, Today: Matthew Broaddale rolled 6,1,2 using 1d4-1,1d6-1,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (4+3)7,2,2. Soak, for gods sake soak.

So that's an 8 to soak both wounds and not Shaken.

16:32, Thu 02 May 2013: Matthew Broaddale drew the single card: 9S using the Deadlands system. The House goes first this round, yeah?]]

"Sir, are you all right?" The Professor cautiously approaches the thin, raggedy man. "Is there something I can do for you?"

"This is valuable property, so it wasn't vacant long after the unfortunate Mr. Grimley's demise. A whole string of tenants moved in, but none stayed very long. I'm sure you've heard of the Ghost Miners? Miners say that the ghosts of the miners killed in the Deadwood Creek Massacre cry out for vengeance, and occasionally a miner will find his strike vandalized, with blood splashed over what remains. Well, that sort of thing happened to those who moved in to this place--odd noises, things moving on their own, and the occasional vista of smashed furniture and splashed blood over the walls and surfaces, occasionally spelling out messages."

---

The dead men continue to attack Matthew, to get at his tasty, tasty brains.

The headless corpse rakes it's fingernails down Matthew's face, drawing blood.

((OOC: Ah. I did miss that, yes. Still, one wound is the same as a dozen to these things, so the 1 point of damage didn't matter in this case.

The downed dead attempts another regeneration roll: 17:22, Today: Fairchild's Boarding House rolled 1 using 1d4, rerolling max with rolls of 1. Regeneration. Nope. It's not likely to get up any time soon, considering the damage done to if before. Incidentaly, that's why it's rolling a d4 instead of a d6 for this...Matthew's shot did quite a number on it.

The other two try to get at Matt's brains: 17:25, Today: Fairchild's Boarding House rolled 5,3 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3. Chow Time! This time Headless gets the hit. Aw, look. He's trying to play scarecrow! ~#if I only had a brain...#~

Damage: 17:27, Today: Fairchild's Boarding House rolled 8,3 using d6,d4, rerolling max with rolls of (6+2)8,3. Damage. That's 11 Damage total, which is a Shaken and a Wound for Matt unless he soaks.

Card: 6H))

---

"After about a year of tenants moving into and out of the house, it was left fallow. People ignored it as best they could and got on with their lives. But a rumor began to spread that Mr. Grimley's fortune, only a fraction of which he'd used to actually construct the house, was buried somewhere on the premises. That drew treasure seekers, because if there's anything guaranteed to draw people somewhere, it's the promise of free money. Of course, these treasure hunters never stayed, and what happened to most of them is an open speculation. They came, they searched, and a few of them left. Not all, though."

---

The Professor approaches the man cautiously. He just cringes, watching the professor's approach out of the corner of his eye. "No...are you real? Or are you a house puppet!? Are you...food? Is there food?"

((OOC: make a Notice check for me, please.))

---

"In late '78, the Ned Pepper Gang, a band of murderous stagecoach robbers, took up residence in the house. You won't find their occupancy on any official records...they were squatting. Since no one had been in the house in half a year, they thought no one would notice."

"The robbers took to stalking the semi-legal stagecoach trail that runs next to the train. The train is the only legal way in or out of Deadwood, but since Iron Dragon tickets cost a fortune, most people are content to bend the law by riding in the stage lines. Since they aren't technically legally allowed to operate in the nations, they tend to be open prey for Indians looking to enforce the treaty and for robbers looking for a score that won't get them hung."

"The Ned Pepper Gang decided to mix things up by pretending to be Indians on their attacks. They wanted to be able to spend their filthy lucre where they stole it, after all. They dressed as savages on the warpath and robbed four coaches, killing everyone aboard so they wouldn't be identified in town. It's said they made off with thousands of dollars worth of money, goods, and ghost rock before Pinkerton agents hidden in a stage coach pretending to be passengers gunned them down. The surviving members of the gang holed up here, in their base of operations, while the Pinkertons and Marshal Bullock laid siege. The standoff lasted 14 days...the Pinkertons weren't able to breech the walls, but the outlaws couldn't escape, either, and they hadn't had the foresight to pack a lot of provisions. Eventually there was a fusillade from inside the house, and when the Marshal broke down the door, he and the Pinkertons discovered the remaining gang members dead, apparently as part of a suicide pact."

Roger takes another sip from his wine. "They killed themselves rather than starve to death, it would seem."

---

Jack McCall wandered the halls, occasionally trying doors. Everything was locked...until one door wasn't.

The addled assassin stared at the hotel room before him. It was clean, and the lamp was lit. There was a bed, chest of drawers, a footlocker, and a vanity table with a mirror. On vanity was a card, and next to it, a key.

Jack crept up to the card, wincing at the pain in his stomach as he moved, and picked up the card. He looked over the fancy script.


Puzzled, McCall picked up the key. He crept over to the locker, fit the key in the lock. There was a click as the tumblers turned, and a creak as he lifted the lid and peered inside. A grin began to crawl across Jack McCall's face. He reached inside and pulled out a shiny Gatling pistol.

"Finally, some fucking luck!" he said.

---

"Curiously, they never found the bulk of the Ned Pepper Gang's stolen loot. Along with Mr. Grimley's fortune, the Ned Pepper Gang's blood money is supposedly somewhere here on the property."

Roger took another sip of wine. "And that was that, at least as far as residents go. Until Mr.s Fairchild bought this place earlier in the year."

"But how did Mrs Fairchild manage to succeed here when no one else could?"

Matthew screamed and wrestled his gun around, pointing it at the flensed corpse's head, and pulled the trigger. The bullet went wide.

"Fuck!" he growled and dropped his gun. With snarl, he lifted his boot and planted it against the nearest corpse before pulling his knife from it and hacking at the flensed corpse.

[[OOC:
20:34, Thu 02 May 2013: Matthew Broaddale rolled 5,6 using 1d4-1,1d6-1, rerolling max (((4+2)6,(6+1)7)). Soak, succeed, no shake.

20:37, Today: Matthew Broaddale rolled 0,3,-3 using 1d10-5,1d6,1d6-5, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3,2. Called Shot at head, with a Red Chip .  So that's a 3, otherwise known as a miss.

20:44, Thu 02 May 2013: Matthew Broaddale drew the single card: 7H using the Deadlands system. That means I go before them, so...

20:49, Thu 02 May 2013: Matthew Broaddale rolled 7,3 using 1d6+1,1d6+1 ((6,2)). But I forgot multiaction penalty, so that's actually a 5.

20:52, Thu 02 May 2013: Matthew Broaddale rolled 10 using 2d4+1, rerolling max (((4+3)7,2)).  damage if it hits.]]

"N'Orleans has some colorful places, but I can't recall many as colorful as this one." Boudreaux said with a puff of his cigar.

Jack pulled out a flask and offered it to the others before he poured some in an empty glass.

"It is a lively place, isn't it?" Roger grins. "So full of history. And as for the widow Fairchild, well, she and her husband came here from Chicago to 'experience the frontier life' by purchasing a gold claim. The claim was brokered by Al Swearengen through a third party, as it turns out. Elaine's husband, Brom, was...well, he was a bit naive, I'm sorry to say. Very eager to trust. So eager, in fact, that he'd bought the claim sight unseen. As it happens, he'd been sold what seemed like a worthless claim...something that had perhaps a little gold, but not enough to support the $50 dollars a month the Sioux charge to operate mining concerns in the Black Hills."

"He confronted Swearengen about the claim, and from what I heard, threatened to involve the Pinkertons in the whole affair if he did not receive a refund should the claim prove truly worthless. Swearengen agreed to send an agent with Brom to assay the claim. Brom Fairchild and Dan Doherty went out...but only Doherty returned alive, the body of Brom stretched out across the back of his horse, tearfully proclaiming that poor Brom had fallen off a ledge. Oddly, Swearengen offered to buy the claim back--'to help with the funeral expenses,' he said."

"Obviously, Mrs. Fairchild was suspicious of this story, and wished to have someone independent verify the claim before she took her dead husband's body back home for burial. Brom and I had become acquainted over cards and had struck up a friendship, so, as I was the only person in town she knew at all, she came to me. I had the claim assayed, and it was, indeed, a going concern, one that could be quite profitably mined if the proper equipment and labor were brought to bear. I suspect, though I can't prove, that Swearengen sold the claim, believing it to be false, and then had Brom killed for threatening him. I further think that he realized his mistake about the profitability of the claim shortly thereafter, hence the buyout offer. But that is only speculation."

"Since we now had capital, Mrs. Fairchild resolved to remain in Deadwood, in order to oversee the operation. She bought the house and the land around it in order to have a place to stay, despite being warned about the haunting. Al Swearengen was quite eager to sell the property, which had been held in his trust for years...I suspect he hoped any actual haunting that occurred might convince her to sell her claim and leave town, as other had. However, Mrs. Fairchild is made of sterner stuff than that. Since I dabble in occult theory, she asked me to perform a seance, so that we could determine what might be done to keep any angry spirits at bay. This we did. I won't bore you with the details...there were many spirits, and all wanted different things. But once we got those sorted out, the spirits no longer troubled us. Oh, they are still around...but for the most part they are more mischievous than malicious."

"Unfortunately, while the gold mine we've opened is profitable, the restrictions the Sioux impose upon mining concerns means we can't quite tap it's full potential. Only five men may work a claim, and the Sioux do not allow much more than that for supervisory or security roles. Add to that the monthly tax on mining, as well as paying off the loan for the assaying, and Mrs. Fairchild thought it prudent to increase her revenue by renovating this place and opening a boarding house. And so here we are today."

---

The headless zombie staggers back, tripping over the twitching old corpse Matt downed earlier. They're both still twitching, though, so Matt will have to make this fast.

Unfortunately, the flensed deader grabs Matt's knife hand. Matt feels it's terrible teeth ripping into his shirt and the warm, tasty flesh beneath it...

((OOC: well, that was a waste of a shot. I thought having a headless zombie might clue you in to the fact that these particular zombies aren't vulnerable to head shots...

The knifed zombie is Shaken. It will need to Unshake before it can get at you.

The zombie already down attempts to Regenerate. 22:12, Today: Fairchild's Boarding House rolled 2 using 1d4, rerolling max with rolls of 2. Regeneration. Fail.

The Shaken zombie attempts to Unshake. 22:13, Today: Fairchild's Boarding House rolled 3 using 1d4, rerolling max with rolls of 3. unshake. Fail, again.

That means only one deader is up and still trying to eat you. It attacks: 22:15, Today: Fairchild's Boarding House rolled 5 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5. Fighting! That's a Hit. Since this used to be a PC, I guess it makes sense that it's doing so well...

Damage: 22:16, Today: Fairchild's Boarding House rolled 5,5 using d6,d4, rerolling max with rolls of 5,(4+1)5. Damage. 10 damage total. Another Shaken and Wound for Matthew if he doesn't soak.

Card for next round: 10H

Again, please remember to pull your action card for the round following your action. It makes things run smoother.))

PM

pm

Matthew howled in pain and yanked his hand away, clutching it tightly in his other hand.

He felt the sides of his vision blackening, but it was an odd sensation, not a weakening, but an...anger.

"I swear to god I'm gonna burn this place to the ground!" he snarled in the creatures' faces.



[[OOC:

01:38, Today: Matthew Broaddale rolled 0,3 using 1d8-2,1d6-2. Spirit roll to unshake.  Fail

01:37, Today: Matthew Broaddale drew the single card: 4H using the Deadlands system. Init, cuz I keep forgetting.

So that means it's the HOuse's turn.

The Professor reaches into his satchel, rummaging around to produce a small package wrapped loosely in brown paper.  He also removes his essence gun, careful not to hold in in a threatening manner.  He tosses the package at the foot of the ragged man. "Here is a cheese and pickle sandwich. I'm afraid it isn't much, but it is all I have. I would recommend taking small bites or else you are likely to vomit it back up. After you have eaten, I will escort you out of this house and find someone to provide you additional food and shelter."

The Professor naively assumed that the poor man was a beggar of some sort and had broken into the boarding house in a desperate attempt to find food.

OOC - Producing the sandwich via the scavenger ability

"Well, now that you've heard the whole story, I think it's time we..." Roger begins, but a pair of shadows fall across the light from the door.

"Marshal's office!" Says the handsome, dark-haired man crouched on the left side of the door, using it for cover. "We understand there was a disturbance?"

"Yeah, speak up! Who's been shooting who?" Says the very tall blonde woman with short-cropped hair and gatling pistol, crouching at the other side of the door. "Was it Sebastian? I hope it was Sebastian!"

"...damn." Mr. Sebastian curses.

---

The flensed corpse looks at him, it's shredded face resembling a horrible rictus grin. Then it opens it's mouth...and speaks. "Another reason...I shouldn't...let you...live." The dead throat rattles as the chest pumps. "maybe...instead of threatening...you should give...begging for your life...a go, hm?"

Then the jaws open wider, and the dead man's teeth seek out Matt's shoulder...

((OOC: The dead men make their respective attempts to get back in the fight.

The dead one tries to regenerate, the headless one tries to Unshake.

22:56, Today: Fairchild's Boarding House rolled 3,3 using d4,d4, rerolling max with rolls of 3,3. Back in the game? Whiff for both.

The remaining one tries to capitalize on his damage.

22:59, Today: Fairchild's Boarding House rolled 11 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+5)11. Fighting! The die roller really seems to hate you, doesn't it? That's a Hit with a Raise.

23:01, Today: Fairchild's Boarding House rolled 8,1 using 2d6,d4, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3,1. damage (with Raise). 9 damage, which is Another Wound for Matt.

Card: 5D))

---

Mr. Sebastian turns to face the police, careful to keep his hands where they can been seen.

"Ah! Mr. Bullock! Mrs. Wells! Just the people I wanted to see!" His smile is only slightly forced. "It was McCall! He's a madman! if you hurry you might still be able to catch him!" He points toward the doors McCall ran through.

"McCall?" the man, Marshal Bullock, hisses. "I knew his coming back would be trouble. Let's go!"

He starts to enter the house, but the woman, Wells, puts a hand on his shoulder. "Not so fast, Marshal." She looks at Mr. Sebastian. "You three seem awfully calm for folks who've just been shot at. And who is your dusky friend there?"

---

The man turns, and grabs the sandwich like a dying man clutching a piece of driftwood. He takes a large bite of the cheese and pickle sandwich...and then spits it out again. "EAGH!" He cries, then looks at The Professor. His eyes are milky and clouded, like a fishes' eyes. And his teeth are long, snaggled, and sharp. his fingernails have grown into something more resembling wicked claws, and his hair looks like it's been falling out in clumps.

"Need MEAT!" he whimpers. "Meat!" and as he's looking at the Professor, he begins to drool...

((OOC: Maybe it should have been ham...;) Make a Fear check, -5 for the Fear Level, +Grit. This is vs. Fear/Nausea at the man's appearance and apparent craving for your flesh))
This message was last edited by the player at 06:24, Mon 06 May 2013.

"That's because you're late!" Janet snapped hysterically. Looking as if she were on the verge of tears, she cried out: "McCall has already hurt two people and fled into the house!  Please, Marshal, you have to hurry before he kills someone!  He could hurt Ms Fairchild!"

OOC: Fast talking Bullock.

23:28, Today: Janet Weiss rolled 11,9 using d8+4,d6+4, rerolling max with rolls of 7,5. Persuasion.

00:15, Today: Black Jack Boudreaux rolled 6,7 using d6+2,d10+2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,5. persuasion.

Boudreaux tipped his hat slighty "Marsall, Maam, my name is Black Jack Boudreaux. McCall ran off that way. Couple other fellas took off after him."

"If you are fixing to go after him I would be honored to join you Marshall." Now that he was armed with the legend of the place, Jack did not much care for the idea that the Professor and the Lawman were off on there own in that haunted house. Sam Bass had mentioned Bullock and he seemed to be the sort of fella that might be able to sort this mess out, well with the help of a certain Cajun.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:58, Mon 06 May 2013.

Matthew makes a strangled, panicked noise as the corpse bites his shoulder.

"How about no?" he snaps as he drives his knife down wildly at the dead man's neck.

[[OOC: Since they haven't missed me yet, I'm going with Wild Attack.

23:34, Today: Matthew Broaddale rolled 3,1 using 1d6-1,1d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 4,2. Fighting Wild attackfor the love of god.


Sonnuva... Okay. Kill me. :P
Damage incase I hit.

00:45, Mon 06 May 2013: Matthew Broaddale rolled 4 using 2d4+1, rerolling max ((2,1)). Plus 2 for Wild attack makes it 6

23:56, Sun 05 May 2013: Matthew Broaddale drew the single card: 3C using the Deadlands system. ]]

The Professor visibly blanches, eyes widening in horror as he realizes that this..thing...has notions of eating him!

OOC - Failed fear check at a 4-5+1=0

19:52, Today: The Professor rolled 4,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,1. Fear check.

"Don't worry, Ma'am. We'll catch him." Bullock says. "And I appreciate you offering to help, Mr. Bordreaux."

"I would be more appreciative if Mr. Sebastian also came with us." Deputy Wells says. "I've heard this place is big enough for folks to get lost in."

"I'm not particularly eager to confront that madman again." Mr. Sebastian demurs. "I'm not a gunfighter."

"Oh, that's such a pity. We could use a good guide." Deputy Well gives Mr. Sebastian a sweet smile. "I suppose if we get lost, I'll just have to settle for making a loud noise."

Mr. Sebastian's own smile curdles a bit. "A...loud noise?"

"Why, yes!" Deputy Wells says, much too brightly. "I grabbed some noise makers when I heard we were comin' here." She reaches into a satchel under her arms and withdraws...a stick of dynamite. "I grabbed quite a lot," She continues, still brightly, "on account of I didn't know how much I'd need."

---

Matthew's wild swing doesn't do much more than annoy the critter, which keeps coming...

((OOC: Sadly, creatures with natural weapons don't count as Unarmed Defenders, as they are, in fact, always armed. You didn't draw for your next round...you need to beat 5D to go before them.))

---

Mr. Sebastian's smile sours rapidly. "Define...a lot." He says.

"Oh, I think I've got about a dozen." Wells says breezily. "Enough to reduce the whole house to kindling...if it all went off at once." Still holding that stick of dynamite, she sticks a cigar in her mouth and then strikes at match on the door frame. She lights her cigar, holding the match worryingly close to the stick of dynamite in her hand.

"Uh...huh." Mr. Sebastian says, watching Well smoke her cigar. "You...are aware that you would be liable for any damages you inflict on Mrs. Fairchild's residence in pursuit of your duty, yes?"

"Well, that's why I was hopin' you'd volunteer yourself as a guide." Is it just you, or does Wells' smile turn a bit feral? "As insurance. Against gettin' lost."

---

"MEAT!" The man shrieks as he leaps for the Professor, snaggle-teeth snapping as he tries to bite through the Professor's sleeve. The scientist still has the presence of mind to jerk his arm away, saving his skin from those filthy-looking teeth.

((OOC: The Professor is Shaken, and needs to make a vigor check to avoid a level of Fatigue.

The man gets in an attack: 21:31, Today: Fairchild's Boarding House rolled 3 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3. He bites! Fail.

Draw a card, Professor. You're in combat now.

Ghoul's card: 3D))

---

"Ah ha." Mr. Sebastian says. "Perhaps it's already too late, and he's already run out the back..."

"Well, we'll just have to find out, won't we?" Deputy Wells says as she crosses the threshold, sticking her foot out to block the door that had just, strangely, tried to close on it's own accord. "Marshall Bullock, why don't you case the back door, just in case McCall goes out that way."

Bullock, who had been watching the exchange between Seastian and Wells with growing alarm, nods. "Yes. I'll just...watch the back door." He backs away from the crazy lady with the sack full of dynamite rather quickly.

Jackie turns to the trio. "Well, now. Let's go catch a bad guy!"
This message was last edited by the player at 04:38, Tue 07 May 2013.

Matthew snarls as his attack misses.

Boudreaux was none too happy that Deputy Wells had a big bag of dynamite, but he had to admit she was an attractive woman, even if she was a bit crazy.

When Bullock agreed to watch the back, Boudreaux's eye brow rose.

Jack smiled "Perhaps, if Monsuier Sebastian accompanies us you can hand the bag of dynamite off to Marshall Bullock."

"Otherwise as much as I find you charming, I might have to join the Marshall watching the back door."

22:07, Today: Black Jack Boudreaux rolled 4,6 using d6+2,d10+2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,4. persuasion.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:08, Tue 07 May 2013.

"Unfortunately, I have to admit Mr. Sebastian and I have...a bit of a history." Deputy Wells admits to Jack. "I'm not sure if I trust him any more than I trust the house, and if I'm to suddenly 'vanish,' I'd like my disappearance to be noted." She pats the dynamite satchel for emphasis. "But you mentioned that a couple others went in there after McCall. Are those folks friends of yours? Would you feel comfortable leaving them alone while a madwoman with a bomb runs around the place?" She leans in and whispers something in his ear.

---

The old corpse begins to twitch and groan as it stands again. Matt's problems have now doubled as it staggers forward.

The flensed corpse takes the opportunity to take another swing at Matt, getting a rake across his eyes that does little but hurt and send blood flowing down his face.

((OOC: Whoops, missed it. Sorry.

Regeneration and Unshake rolls: 21:51, Today: The Stray rolled 5,2 using d4,d4, rerolling max with rolls of (4+1)5,2. Back in the game? That's a success on the old corpse Matt shot earlier. It still has to Unshake before it can attack, though.

22:25, Today: Fairchild's Boarding House rolled 3 using 1d4, rerolling max with rolls of 3. unshake. It's up, but it can't do more than shuffle forward.

The flensed corpse, the one still active, tries to take another bite out of crime Matt. 22:27, Today: Fairchild's Boarding House rolled 10 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+4)10. Fighting! Again, the dice roller hates on you, and I get a hit and raise.

22:28, Today: Fairchild's Boarding House rolled 4,1 using 2d6,d4, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1,1. Damage. 5 damage total, which means Matt is Shaken.

Card for next round: JD))

Black Jack offered a slight bow "How can I refuse such a beautiful lady."

"Shall we go capture McCall and rescue the two others."

Broaddale flipped the knife around in his hand and swung it at the last creature's throat wildly.

[[OOC: 23:03, Mon 06 May 2013: Matthew Broaddale rolled 12,-1 using 1d8-3,1d6-3, rerolling max (((8+7)15,2)). To Unshake. With a Raise, I take no multiaction penalty.

23:08, Today: Matthew Broaddale rolled 0,6 using 1d6-1,1d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 1,(6+1)7. Wild Attack.

Normally, that'd be a hit. But with Grim Servant o' Death, I now automatically hit the nearest ally. I'm sorry, whoever gets hit by my knife.

23:10, Mon 06 May 2013: Matthew Broaddale rolled 5 using 2d4+1, rerolling max ((3,1)). Knife Damage

23:11, Mon 06 May 2013: Matthew Broaddale drew the single card: 10C using the Deadlands system. Init.

So HOuses turn.]]

Janet nodded, and grabbed a wickedly sharp bread knife.  "I don't have a gun, so this will have to do.  Unless you care to loan me a weapon, Deputy Wells, I suggest you lead the way."

As Janet picks up the bread knife, it suddenly...slips. She could have sworn she had a goot grip on it, but it's as if the thing just twisted out of her hand. Her reflexes kick in, and suddenly she's grabbing at the knife...blade first. It cuts into her skin, and a drop of dark blood oozes from the wound.

((OOC: ooo, Grim Servant o' Death time! Now, normally I'd have you hurt yourself with that, there being no allies in sight...but let's make it a little more fun.

Janet, you take 5 damage from the knife that just suddenly slipped through your fingers! That's enough to make you Shaken.))

---

The dead men shuffle all around him, but it looks like Matt's getting the hand og dodging them...the flensed corpse doesn't manage to do more than give him a good scrape this time around, and the others are still weaving about him, unable to even land a blow.

((OOC: Now that that's taken care of...

Unshake for the dead men: 23:34, Today: Fairchild's Boarding House rolled 2,2 using d4,d4, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2. You're still safe from the old one and the headless one.

The Flensed one rolls to attack: 23:35, Today: Fairchild's Boarding House rolled 5 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5. Fighting! At least it's not a raise this time.

23:36, Today: Fairchild's Boarding House rolled 2,2 using d6,d4, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2. Damage. 4 damage total, which doesn't beat your toughness.

Card for next turn: JC

That means they go before you. Joy for you.

unshake: 23:38, Today: Fairchild's Boarding House rolled 3,1 using d4,d4, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1. unshake. No.

23:39, Today: Fairchild's Boarding House rolled 1 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1. Fighting! Finally, a miss.

Card for next action: 10S.

You're up.))

"oh, sugar!" Janet says as daintily as she can.  She grabs a handkerchief and wraps it around her hand to stop the blood.  "I feel a little faint... Deputy Wells, will you lead the way?"


23:46, Today: Janet Weiss rolled 5,5 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,5. Unshake roll.

Matthew ducked under a flailing arm and came up in a wide slash at the monster.

It hit and he didn't wait to see the damage: he swerved around the corpse and dashed down the hall, turning once he'd put some breathing room between him and the monsters.

[[OOC:
02:03, Today: Matthew Broaddale rolled 14,0 using 1d6-1,1d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of (6+6+3)15,1. Fighting Attack Wild Attack.

Hit with raise, I'm gonna go ahead and guess?

02:04, Today: Matthew Broaddale rolled 8,7 using 2d4+1,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (4+2)6,1,(6+1)7. Knife Damage. that's 15.

Unless you soak, that's at least a shaken, so Matt will take the opportunity to put as much distance as he can between the corpses and him, at least on the other side of the grandfather clock.

02:07, Tue 07 May 2013: Matthew Broaddale drew the single card: 5H using the Deadlands system.

That's you now, then.]]

Deputy Wells cocks an eyebrow at Janet, then looks at Sebastian. "You're the guide, sir." She says.

Mr. Sebastian sighs. "I suppose I am. This way."

He leads the group across to the doors McCall had went through, and pushed on them. They opened without any protest, despite being locked before. Ahead of them is a straight corridor lined with doors. There's a T-junction at the end, and three doors on each side.

"Right." Wells says. "Pick a door to test."

---

Matthew turns tail and runs. He follows the bend in the corridor into...

The kitchen. A room stuffed full of dishes, silverware, cutlery, and crockery. He hears a click behind him...a door that he didn't even remember passing through had closed behind him and locked. He was sealed away from the dead things...but somehow, that didn't make him feel any safer.

Especially since, carved above the frame of the door on the opposite side of the kitchen, are the words:


((OOC: I want to play a game.

The house goes On Hold. When you take your action, you will have to beat it in an opposed Agility test to complete your action.))

A beat, as a drop of blood falls from one of the cuts and bites Matthew's sustained thus far.

"Pretty good?"

With that, he juked once and took off for the door, bringing his hands up to protect his neck.

[[03:26, Today: Matthew Broaddale rolled 3,-1 using 1d8-3,1d6-3, rerolling max with rolls of 6,2. Agility test. The house has agility? I rerolled but scored lower, so keep this.

If I beat the house, I run, and go 9'' towards the door
03:29, Today: Matthew Broaddale rolled 3 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3. Running.

03:30, Today: Matthew Broaddale drew the single card: 3C using the Deadlands system. next round.

]]

As Matthew runs, dishes start flying at him. Something, probably a pot, hits his side with the force of a low-caliber bullet, driving his breath from him and nearly knocking him off his feet.

But, stumbling and staggering, he still manages to make it to the door at the opposite end. He opens it wide...

...and finds a pantry, barely more than a walk-in cupboard. It's enough to shelter him from the deadly flying dishes outside, but it's a dead end.

On the dead-end wall opposite him is something written in what looks like a smear of grease.


((OOC: Oddly enough, yes it does.

16:08, Today: Fairchild's Boarding House rolled 26,2 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+8+8+2)26,2. Agility. More than enough to beat your three, I'm afraid. It looks like the die roller really, really hate you.

The house can throw it's furnishings at you, and it can make up to 5 of these attacks per round if it wants to. It's only going to send one your way, though. It doesn't need a lot of attacks to do some painful damage, as it has a d12+6 strength.

16:11, Today: Fairchild's Boarding House rolled 7,3 using d10,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,3. Throwing! That will hit.

16:14, Today: Fairchild's Boarding House rolled 7,1 using d12+6,d4, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1. Damage. Lucky son of a gun, you get away with only 8 damage, which will make you Shaken.

Card for next round: QC. The house will go On Hold again. Also, make a Notice check.))

The Professor pulls away from the crazed man, deftly avoiding his frenzied attack.


Vigor Check
19:50, Today: The Professor rolled 5,14 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,(6+6+2)14. Vigor check.

I'm good...am I still shaken?

Init
19:49, Today: The Professor drew the single card: 8H using a deck of 54 cards. Init.

In reply to The Professor (msg # 211):

((OOC: Yup. Still Shaken...the vigor check is just to avoid a level of fatigue from the fear. You'll need to either spend a chip or make a Spirit roll to act.))

"Stay back!" The Professor cries, slamming a cylinder filled with a viscous red liquid into the chamber of his essence gun.  He aims it at the mans feet and pulls the trigger, an orange cone of flames erupting forward.  The Professor knew that setting the boarding house on fire was not the best idea, but he also knew that the crazed man would be almost impossible to dispatch via fisticuffs.  The insane fought with no regard for their own safety and could often exhibit disproportionate strength as compared to their size.  No, the essence gun would have to do.  The Professor only hoped that it would keep the man away from the door so he could make his exit.



First off, white chip spent - unshaken

Secondly, rolling to shoot him with the Burst (despite the flavor text above the shot is aimed to do damage)

20:05, Today: The Professor rolled 5,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3. Science! (Burst).

Janet picks a door at random.  "That one.  After you, deputy."

Wells smiles. "No, I don't think I'll let you get behind me today. After you."

---

The snaggle-toothed man leaps away from the stream of essence, but the flame, being a jet of flame, splashes across the wall...

((OOC: The man makes an Agility check to see if he avoids the flames...

17:37, Today: Fairchild's Boarding House rolled 6 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of 6. Agility. He does, but roll damage anyway, because the house itself might be damaged. Also roll a d6, to see if any of the furnishings catch fire.))

"You're the one with a gun.  What do you expect me to do, smother you with my petticoats?  I thought you were braver than that."

"As much as I like to see two beautiful ladies fight, perhaps I should go first." Black Jack said with a smile. He did not much care for the whole idea. But while the Professor had not spoken up for him, and he barely knew the lawman, from what Sebastian had said the two men were in great danger. Jack hoped he knew how to save them, the others and himself from this cursed place.
This message was last edited by the player at 03:23, Wed 08 May 2013.

"I don't know what to expect from you, Janet Weiss." Deputy Wells replies. But then Jack speaks up, and she buries anything else she might say.

Sadly, the point turns out to be moot as the first  two doors that Jack tries are locked. There's a sound from up the hall, however...it sounds like the creak of wood, and it's coming from the T junction.

"Shall we?" Jack said as he headed toward the sound.

"If we must." Mr. Sebastian mutters.

((OOC: If you want to try to be sneaky, make a Cooperative sneak check. None of the NPCs have stealth and will have to default.

20:48, Today: Roger Whateley rolled -1,-1 using d4-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1. Stealth!

20:48, Today: Jackie Wells rolled -1,0 using d4-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2. Stealth!

Neither of them help. Roger, getting a critical failure, actually inflicts a -1 penalty on the stealth total.))

Janet presses herself against the wall.

20:53, Today: Janet Weiss rolled 3,2 using d4-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of (4+1)5,4. Stealth.

Broaddale looked around quickly, and threw himself to the floor.

[[OOC:
20:57, Today: Matthew Broaddale rolled 11,6 using 1d8-3,1d6-3, rerolling max with rolls of (8+6)14,(6+3)9. spirit roll to unshake.

21:06, Today: Matthew Broaddale rolled 0,2 using 1d8-3,1d6-3, rerolling max with rolls of 3,5. Notice Check.

21:07, Today: Matthew Broaddale rolled 3,1 using 1d8-3,1d6-3, rerolling max with rolls of 6,4. Agility Check.

THey like me when I have to unshaken, and that's all. These Fatigue/Wound penalties are killing me. Going Prone

21:09, Today: Matthew Broaddale drew the single card: 7S using the Deadlands system. Next Round.

In reply to Matthew Broaddale (msg # 222):

The flying crockery stops. There's a pregnant pause. It feels like the house is waiting.

((OOC: So you aren't getting into the small, confined space, then? And you also blew the Notice roll...you can try again if you want. You can get a +2 bonus to your Notice roll if that's all you do for your action (no Defend, no movement)

That's generally what wound/fatigue penalties do, yes.

The House Holds it's action. It's just going to wait and see what Matt tires to do.))

Matthew carefully raised his head, looking around. Why would the house stop...



[[OOC:

22:22, Tue 07 May 2013: Matthew Broaddale rolled 1,12 using 1d8-1,1d6-1, rerolling max ((2,(6+6+1)13)). Notice

There we go. If the house gives me a cupboard to hide in, I'm cautious, especially since I blew the Notice.]]

Matthew looks around from his position on the floor. He notices a few things.

First, the floor of the pantry seems to be made out of a door, which strikes him as odd. He found himself wondering if the door-floor would have opened if he'd stepped into that room, sending him dropping somewhere.

Second, he noticed a door he'd missed in his first assessment of the room. It was on the wall opposite the oven, on the left of where he'd entered (and to his current right).

Third, he spotted a dumbwaiter in the wall next to the pantry door. It looked just large enough for a grown man to squeeze into, if he wasn't claustrophobic.

---

Jack, Sebastian, and Wells turn the corner, and find...an open door at the end of the hall. Daylight streams from the open door, which hangs loosely on it's hinges. The lock looks broken.

---

Thankfully, nothing catches on fire, but The Professor still has to deal with the gaunt man who hungers for his flesh. The lunatic gets a bite in on the Proeffor's arm, but he's able to pull away before any significant damage is done.

((OOC: The gaunt man tries to bite The Professor. 03:05, Today: Fairchild's Boarding House rolled 8 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+2)8. Fighting! That's a Hit and Raise over The Professor's Parry.

It's not often that I roll three different die types for one damage roll. Let's see what we get.

03:07, Today: Fairchild's Boarding House rolled 2,1,1 using d8,d6,d4, rerolling max with rolls of 2,1,1. damage (with Raise). 4 Damage total, which the Professor's toughness easily shrugs off. It's the Professor's turn.))

Matthew looked around, blinking through the blood. This had gone terribly wrong.

"Listen," he said, quietly, he was sure the house heard him, "You want me dead? You seem to have a good handle on that. I'm hanging on by threads of my shirt-"

He looked down at his shoulder where the corpses had bitten through his shirt, tearing his vest.

"-And I'm not getting better. Is it really gonna be that fun to watch me beaten to death by cookware?" He took a deep breath, "Why not send me to McCall? Let him finish me off? I don't even have any damn bullets in my gun... let a tired man go down swinging.."


[[OOC:

03:24, Today: Matthew Broaddale drew the single card: 8C using the Deadlands system. Init for this Round, because I forgot.

03:32, Thu 09 May 2013: Matthew Broaddale drew the single card: QC using the Deadlands system. Next round.

Persuasion Roll, With a Blue Chip for an extra d6:
03:35, Today: Matthew Broaddale rolled -2,-4,5 using 1d4-5,1d6-5,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,1,5. Persuasion With Blue Chip. I end up with 3, all said and done.
Rerolling with a White Chip (Do I get to keep the blue chip d6 on a white chip reroll?)

White chip reroll: .. worse than before, so I keep the 3 from the first roll.

Whyyyyyyyyyy.....]]
This message was last edited by the player at 10:40, Thu 09 May 2013.

As if in response to Matt's plea, the door on the dumbwaiter slides open.

((OOC: Don't worry...it was already thinking along the same lines. }:D))

Matthew nods, holsters all his weapons, and climbs into the dumbwaiter.

With a deep breath, he shuts the door.

"This is a bad idea."

"Stay back!" The Professor called out, shooting his essence gun once again at the man's feet in attempt to warn him off.


17:10, Today: The Professor rolled 3,4 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4. Firing the Burst again.

And to see if things catch fire:
17:11, Today: The Professor rolled 2 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2. Fire.

With his pistol ready Jack kicked at the door to open it and see what lies beyond.

Once the injured marshal crammed himself into the tiny space of the dumbwaiter, the contraption began to move. Slowly upwards, inch by inch, the dumbwaiter rose, heading higher and higher into the house. It might of been Matt's imagination, but he thought he heard the sound of a <a haref="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mvLg6MQ39I">music box</a> as he rose.

The slow ascent gave Matt a chance to take a breather, but it also gave him time to worry about just what sort of trap he was being tossed into now. Sure, he'd told the house to let McCall finish him, but McCall wasn't any sort of duelist. McCall was an opportunist...he attacked from ambush. He attacked from behind, if he could.

There was a timeless moment in the dark as the dumbwaiter crept upward. More than once, Matt feared it might just stop, leaving him trapped forever in the tiny space...but it never did.

Eventually, light returned to him as the dumbwaiter crept up to what looked like a master bedroom. The light came from a dirty window, and was barely brighter than a lantern...but after the darkness of the dumbwaiter shaft, it was certainly welcome.

The room was heavily furnished--bed, chest of drawers, vanity table, stuffed chairs...very Victorian. There was an open closet door, an open bathroom door, and a closed door presumably leading to whatever horrors the house had in store for him next.

And there, sitting on the vanity, was his derringer, along with a single bullet.

---

"EAGH!" The gaunt thing shrieks as it dodges another jet of flame. "The LIGHT! It BURNS!"

It breaks into a loping run, and tries to squeeze past the Professor into the hall beyond. It seems to have lost it's appetite.

((OOC: The gaunt man makes his Agility roll to try and avoid the flames.

00:32, Today: Fairchild's Boarding House rolled 17 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of (8+8+1)17. Agility. Is it just me, or does the dice roller really not like you guys?

The second jet of flame convinces the gaunt man that this meal really isn't worth it, and he tries to scuttle past The Professor out into the hall and away. He's disengaging from close combat, but the Professor really doesn't have a melee weapon to attack him with. He's using the Defend maneuver to give himself +2 Parry.

Professor, if you want to use your Essence Gun as a makeshift club (-1 Fighting penalty) or make an unarmed attack, you can get a free attack at him. Otherwise, he's going to lope into the hallway.))

---

Jack throws the door wide. just past the door is a small, weed-choked garden, surrounded by a wooden fence, paint pealing and cracking. Beyond that is the sea of tents that make up most of the residences in this part of Deadwood, though none of those tents are pitched anywhere near the fence.

And standing in the garden, gun readied and pointed at Jack, is Marshal Bullock, who looks at the man and sighs. "Hold in the name of--Damn!" He lowers the pistol. "Sorry. He must already have run this way."

Boudreaux was relieved he and the Marshall had not shot one another.

"Damn it." Jack cursed as he wished he had trusted his got and gone around the back in the first place.

"He was shot there should be a blood trail if any of you are decent trackers."

In reply to Black Jack Boudreaux (msg # 232):

The Professor let the starving man rush past into the hallway, choosing not to risk damaging his invention by using it as a makeshift club. He tried to quickly follow him, however, hoping to flush him out into the main room, where his friends could help to restrain him.

Matthew more fell than stepped out of the dumbwaiter, and pulled himself to his feet, groaning. He took the derringer in his dominant, left hand.

"Obliged."

With that, he nudged both open doors closed with his foot before carefully opening the door that had been closed.

[[OOC: Stealth! -3 for wounds and fatigue, -2 for untrained,

04:34, Today: Matthew Broaddale rolled -4,2 using d4-5,d6-5, rerolling max with rolls of 1,(6+1)7. Stealth!

So there's a 2. Let's hope I catch him sleeping.]]

08:22, Today: Black Jack Boudreaux rolled 2,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,1. Notice chip.

Boudreaux looked for signs of blood.

"He was shot and bleeding bad."
This message was last edited by the player at 20:49, Fri 10 May 2013.

Bullock nods. "I see." He begins looking about outside the door, searching for blood or footprints, while Deputy Wells does the same.

Bullock waves to Jack and the deputy. "Over here! Foot prints!"

Meanwhile, Mr. Sebastian hangs back.  He whispers to her.

(OOC: Bullock rolls Notice, while Wells rolls Tracking.

14:01, Today: Seth Bullock rolled 5,3 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3. Notice. Success!

14:03, Today: Jackie Wells rolled 1,1 using d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,1. Tracking. Crit fail.))

---

The Professor follows the gaunt man out into the hall, but the fleeing creature has taken to running...

((OOC: How do you want to handle chasing the guy? opposed Agility checks to force him where you want to go?))

---

Matthew opens the door, and...

((OOC: ...finds a new thread! Look for the Interlude: What Tangled Webs We Weave thread!))

Janet nods.

The Professor runs after the man, choosing his path down the hallway in an attempt to force him towards the front of the house.


OOC - Agility checks it is

18:05, Today: The Professor rolled 3,4 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4. Agility check.

Meh

 Roger whispers.

---

The gaunt man ducks into a door, leaving the Professor still out in the corridor.

((OOC: 15:08, Today: Fairchild's Boarding House rolled 6 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of 6. Opposed Agility. That's a Fail for the Professor.))

The Professor attempts to follow the gaunt man, opening the door and following.

Janet leads Roger back around the house to the parlor.

Roger follows Janet back to the parlor and takes a seat before examining the object she handed him. He quirked an eyebrow at the picture. "I'm sorry, but...what?"

---

The Professor opened the door...and found a set of stairs leading into darkness. The gaunt man had fled into the cellar, and apparently didn't need a lantern to see where he was going.

The Professor carefully made his way down the stairs, into the darkness.

In reply to Roger Whateley (msg # 243):

"I was hoping you could tell me.  I'm frankly baffled myself.  Still, it might be useful."

20:05, Today: Black Jack Boudreaux rolled 1,5 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5. notice.


To over hear Roger.

((OOC: Jack isn't able to overhear anything the pair whispered at each other, though he does notice Mr. Sebastian and Janet have quietly left the area. They've moved out of Jack's earshot))

Mr. Sebastian frowns, and looks over the picture again. "Hmm. It would appear that Miss Delgato is more than she seems. I suppose that makes this useless for our original purpose...presenting this as evidence of an affair would make us the laughingstock of town. But my, is this interesting..." He taps his fingers against the leather of the chair arm, then pulls his pack of cards and begins to shuffle. Then he lays the cards out in a crossed pattern. He stares at the pattern made by the cards, and Janet notices a faint, eldritch flare from them, one she's familiar with herself.

"Well, it seems that the picture is genuine...no photographic taint or trickery I can spot. Since none of the people in the picture are staring or running or in any way panicking to the...the lady's appearance, I must assume that she conceals it. And the photograph somehow penetrated that illusion. I wonder...mirrors are said to sometimes reveal truth and strip illusions. Perhaps cameras can do the same. It's unlikely Bullock ever knew what was lurking beneath her pretty face. She may have had him magically enthralled. As for what to do with this information..." He shrugs. "I'm unsure. It seems we have a new creature to learn about. This is a wild card...I have no idea what her intentions are, what her abilities are...that's a very dangerous state of affairs. I'm going to have to meet with her to learn her secrets."

He looks and Janet and grins. "I must say, this is...thrilling. I love little mysteries like this. It's part of why I joined the Society in the first place." He straightens his expression out, the boyish grin replaced by his more customary sardonic smirk. "It might be time I introduced you to the power of the Darkest Plum."

---

The dark cellar is dark. The Professor can't see his hand in front of his face. Tracking the gaunt man will be difficult.

((OOC: Make a Notice roll, opposed by his Stealth. He will have a +4 bonus on his roll because it's pitch black down here.))

As much as Black Jack is curious as to what Roger and Janet are up to at the moment, he wants to find McCall and settle the scoundrel's bill once and for all.

"I'll back your play Marshall but this time you lead the way." Boudreaux said.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:30, Tue 14 May 2013.

Janet nods.  "I still have to check with the doctor, but I have a few ideas of my own as to how to discredit Marshal Bullock.  In the meanwhile, I still have to deal with Huang Li and his crowd.  Do you have any suggestions in that area?"

The Professor is blissfully ignorant as he creeps along in the pitch black.


Notice of 3-2=1 *laugh*


19:20, Today: The Professor rolled 3,2 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,2. Unskilled Notice.

Bullock nods at Jack. "Thanks." He kneels down and examines the tracks in the dirt outside the garden.

Deputy Wells leans against the doorframe, but doesn't actually setp outside. She glances back into the gloom of the house.

"How well do you know Mr. Sebastian or that Weiss girl?" She asks.

---

The Professor knocks around the basement in the dark, banging into boxes, furniture, and something round and metal that was probably a milk tin, totally unable to see. If the gaunt fellow were still here, The Professor would never be able to find him like this, and he could have easily slipped back up the stairs while the Professor was banging his shins.

((OOC: Make a Vigor check to avoid a fatigue level from bumps and bruises for your trouble, Professor.))

---

"Well, I have some good news on that front." Mr. Sebastian smiles. "Huang Li paid me a visit today. I presented him with some of the files that would be most interesting to him, as well as an embarrassingly generous bribe, and he's agreed to call off the search for you. In exchange, though, he's going to want a favor. I impressed upon him that you were working with Maddox, which seemed to interest him greatly."

"Don't really know Sebastian, and don't know Miss Weiss much better." Boudreaux said.

"What do you know about them?"

"Oh dear, what favor do you think he's going to ask?"  Janet heads back into the house.  "And where do you think Jack McCall has gotten himself?  I want to settle things with him first."

"Mr. Sebastian's a snake in the grass and plays around with dangerous and dark magics, and Janet is wanted by the Confederacy." Wells replies. "I've been tacking Sebastian's movements ever since he got into Deadwood, and he's involved in some mighty fishy business. He also seems to do well with the ladies, for some reason I ain't ever understood given that creepy vibe he gives off, but none o' his girlfriends ever last long." She frowns. "Some have died. Messily. Some just...vanished. Sebastian claims they 'left town,' but some o' them left in such a hurry all their belongin's remained behind, if you catch my drift. I tried warnin' Janet away from him a couple nights ago and got nothin' but trouble for it, so I did some digging. And It turns out Janet Weiss has skeletons in her own closet." She digs into the pocket of her duster and produces a telegraph. "Here. Take a gander at this."

---

"I don't know." Mr. Sebastian says. "All he mentioned was that he felt you could perform a gesture that would help him restore 'face.'" he frowns. "I certainly impressed upon him that you were a proper young lady, not to be taken advantage of, and that we could not do business if he pressed for anything, shall we say, inappropriate. And as for McCall, don't worry. I have a score to settle with McCall myself. I want to turn him over to this ghost of Wild Bill Hickok that seems to frighten him so. He seems more terrified of that than anything else. I don't know what the house has done with him, though...only that it can be inventively cruel when it wishes to be. But with that Wells woman poking about, threatening to blow things up, I don't think the House will keep him around long."

"That's an interesting idea.  But do you think the ghost will come into the house?  How do you arrange a meeting with a ghost, anyway?"

"Oh, no, I quite assume we'll have to subdue McCall and deliver him to Hickok's ghost. Apparently, Calamity Jane knows how to find him." Roger shuffles his cards. "That is assuming that we are talking about an actual specter, and not one of the myriad other ways someone can come back from the dead. It's said that Hickok's corpse vanished from it's grave shortly after burial. The paper theorized grave robbers, but I sincerely doubt that." He makes another pattern with his cards. He studies it for a few minutes. "Well, that was a refreshingly accurate reading. Hickok, it would seem, is Harrowed."

((OOC: Knowledge (occult) time!))