"Fire damage?  You tryin' to impress me by going fancy with your magic bullets, Cooper?  If so, it sure is workin'," Jacinta said to Albert with a teasing grin.  She pocketed his bullets with a nod of thanks.

Jacinta was already wearing her poncho, so the cold didn't bother her all that much.  However, what she'd seen in the trees as they continued her ascent made her shiver.  "Best get ready for a fight," she said lowly to their group.  "We got company headin' our way, and it ain't the nice kind."

OOC: Everyone kindly provide me with an initiative draw.

Initiative: QH

21:36, Today: Jacinta Castillo drew the single card: QH using the Deadlands system.  Initiative.

OOC:

Initiative: AH

I knew my Initiative luck had to turn at some point...even if for a combat where I have no idea what is going on! :)

22:53, Today: Bryan Lee drew the single card: AH using the Deadlands system.  Initiative.

19:27, Today: Kansas Kate drew the single card: AC using the Deadlands system.

Albert took his hat off his head in response to Jacinta. "I try ta impress any way I can, ma'am. Some ladies it's a bouquet of flowers. Ta others...special bullets."

If they survived this whole thing, maybe they could even have a peaceful dinner together. There were a lot of unknowns between now and then, though.

The cowboy put his hat back on at the warning that they weren't alone and looked about for what might be approaching.

OOC:
19:57, Today: Albert Cooper drew the single card: 10H using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.
This message was last edited by the player at 04:48, Thu 05 Dec 2019.

[Posted by Marshal]

Dr. Wayland keeps pace with rest of the posse as they move up the slope. His mount, although somewhat hesitant, tackles the steep rise gamely at the urging of the inventor.

09:15, Today: Marshal, on behalf of Dr. Ezekiel Q. Wayland, rolled 7,2 using 1d4,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (4+3)7,2.  Riding.

09:15, Today: Marshal, on behalf of Dr. Ezekiel Q. Wayland, drew the single card: 2C using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

09:17, Today: Marshal, on behalf of Tamsin River, drew the single card: AC using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

09:59, Today: Marshal drew the single card: 9H using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative - Allies.

10:05, Today: Marshal drew the single card: 8D using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative - Terrantulas.

Castillo’s warning draws the riders’ attention to the maze of barren trees on either side of the slope. With surprising speed, the creatures she spotted emerge from the dead forest. They are black spiders, near the size of wolves, each one carrying a white mark on its furry back which faintly resembles a human skull.  The arachnids’ clusters of milky eyes gaze at the posse without emotion, hunger their only discernible motive.

There are a dozen in all. Several rush for the horses, while others spring into the air, launching themselves at the riders.

Initiative Order

AH - Bryan Lee
AC - Kansas Kate
AC - Tamsin River
QH - Jacinta Castillo
10H - Albert Cooper
9H - Allies (Bauer, Kearney, Roberts, Shabbakasha)
8D - Terrantulas
2C - Dr. Ezekiel Wayland

Your action, Ranger Lee.

The Terrantulas have a Parry of 6 and a Toughness of 5.

The warning from Castillo gave him the advanced knowledge he needed to be prepared for what was about to happen, and he pulled up his horse to bring it to a halt when it was clear danger was coming. Dismounting, he dashed ahead cautiously to meet the oncoming horde of spiders. He had been expecting wolves, but he supposed spiders would have to do.

As usual, the Ranger threw himself into the fray, throwing caution to the wind, attacking in a frenzy. He came down in a roll near two of them, using the momentum from dismounting to rise up into a crouch and deliver a powerful punch to one of them, before swinging his elbow into another in an absolutely devastating blow, and he could distantly feel its chitinous hide parting and a sticky ichor coating the outside of his coat, though he ignored it, focused only on what was next. He swung at a third, but it was a frenzied attack that missed, leaving him exposed to its next attack.

OOC:

After spending a White and a Red, Quickness activates with a raise.

Attacks: 7, 8, 3
Damage: 11, 19

Next Initiative: 8H

All attacks were Wild Attacks, leaving him at Parry 5 until his next action.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
11:35, Today: Bryan Lee drew the single card: 8H using the Deadlands system with rolls of .  Initiative.
11:29, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 19 using d8+d4+2, rerolling max with rolls of (8+7)15,2.  Damage.
11:29, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 11 using d8+d4+2, rerolling max with rolls of 4,(4+1)5.  Damage (STR+d4+Wild Attack).
11:27, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 3,3 using d10+2,d6+2, rerolling max.  Improved Frenzy.
11:27, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 8,3 using d10+2,d6+2, rerolling max.  Wing Chun.
11:27, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 7,5 using d10+2,d6+2, rerolling max.  Fighting.
11:20, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 5 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5.  Red Chip.
11:15, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 2,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max.  Quickness (White Chip).
11:14, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 3,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max.  Quickness.

---

This message was last updated by the player at 17:39, Thu 05 Dec 2019.

Although one of the spiders manages to evade Lee’s attack, the Ranger’s other two strikes find their targets. The first punch caves in the head of one of the spiders, leaving an oval, concave dent that causes the creature’s eyes to to point in several different directions. The arachnid slides to a sudden halt on the ground, like a puppet with its strings cut.

The second punch lands with such force that its recipient explodes. Pieces of fur and chitin, along with a burst of spider entrails, fly in every direction.

Two Terrantulas die.

Initiative Order

AH - Bryan Lee
AC - Kansas Kate
AC - Tamsin River
QH - Jacinta Castillo
10H - Albert Cooper
9H - Allies (Bauer, Kearney, Roberts, Shabbakasha)
8D - Terrantulas
2C - Dr. Ezekiel Wayland

Kansas Kate, Tamsin, you may each take your action when ready.

The Terrantulas have a Parry of 6 and a Toughness of 5.

Kansas Kate saw a hell of a good reason to put a whole lot of lead in the air.  Hopefully some of it would even connect, but she had to get out of the saddle first.  As her boots hit the ground, the Schofield cleared leather.

Quickdraw Edge to draw the Schofield.
Going for RoF 6, KK has Hip-Shooting to offset some of the penalty.  Shooting at as many different targets as possible.

21:06, Today: Kansas Kate rolled -1,5,0,7,0,16,-1 using d12-2,d12-2,d12-2,d12-2,d12-2,d12-2,d6-2, rerolling max ((1,7,2,9,2,(12+6)18,1)).

Good thing that's not a New Science weapon... that's a respectable 2 hits and 1 hit with a Raise.

21:07, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 8,10,15 using 2d6+1,2d6+1,3d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 5,2,4,5,(6+1)7,2,5.  Hit, Hit, Hit with Raise.

One gets the stuffing knocked out of it for a Shaken, two may go splat!

As quickly as the revolver fired, it opened and closed, already reloaded.  Sometimes she wondered if she should write a letter to Smith and Wesson.

Speed Load to reload!

And next initiative...

21:10, Today: Kansas Kate drew the single card: 2S using the Deadlands system.

lulz.  Usually when I draw a deuce it's clubs, so that's something at least.

Gunfire erupts in the lonely stretch of forest, the sounds of the shots echoing through the dense stands of trees. One of Kate’s bullets peels a section of fur from the back of one of the advancing spiders. The arachnid gives a tinny shriek in response to the injury. While some of the outlaw’s other shots are sent harmlessly into the surrounding woods, two are deadly. One shatters a spider’s head and jaws, blasting them into fragments. The other splits another spider’s abdomen in two, sending bright green fluid splashing onto the trail as the creature writhes in agony, eventually rolling onto its back as its last violent movements cease.

Two more of the spiders are killed. A third is shaken by the injury it received.

Tamsin, I’m going to treat you as though you’re holding your action. You can act later in the round if you choose.

Initiative Order

AH - Bryan Lee
AC - Kansas Kate
AC - Tamsin River - Holding
QH - Jacinta Castillo
10H - Albert Cooper
9H - Allies (Bauer, Kearney, Roberts, Shabbakasha)
8D - Terrantulas
2C - Dr. Ezekiel Wayland

Your turn, Señorita Castillo.

The Terrantulas have a Party of 6 and a Toughness of 5.

Seated on her mare, Jacinta quickly raised her rifle, aiming for one of the jumping arachnids descending upon them.  Her firearm cracked, report echoing against the mountain, as her bullet sped to dispatch the unnatural creature.  Jerking the lever, she chambered another round, already looking for her next target.


Shooting: 9
Damage: 15

Initiative: 6C

22:22, Today: Jacinta Castillo rolled 9,3 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 7,1.  Shooting.
22:28, Today: Jacinta Castillo rolled 15 using 2d8+1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,(8+2)10,1.  Damage w/ Raise.
22:30, Today: Jacinta Castillo drew the single card: 6C using the Deadlands system.  Initiative.

The scout’s precisely aimed shot catches one of the spiders at the height of its leap, blasting it cleanly in half, a green mist clouding the air as the two pieces of the arachnid plummet harmlessly to the ground.

Initiative Order

AH - Bryan Lee
AC - Kansas Kate
AC - Tamsin River - Holding
QH - Jacinta Castillo
10H - Albert Cooper
9H - Allies (Bauer, Kearney, Roberts, Shabbakasha)
8D - Terrantulas
2C - Dr. Ezekiel Wayland

You have the floor, Mr. Cooper..

The Terrantulas have a Parry of 6 and a Toughness of 5.
This message was last edited by the GM at 15:21, Sun 08 Dec 2019.

Albert mentally chided himself for not having his weapon out of its holster when first warned by Jacinta. His hands were still pretty fast, though, and when the weapon cleared leather he was able to target one of the creatures with relative ease. They were large and rather difficult to miss.

The ordinary bullet he shot managed to strike something rather important to the continued functioning of the terrantula he'd targeted and put it down for good.

OOC: 6 to hit. 12 damage, AP1.

AD for next round.

11:51, Today: Albert Cooper drew the single card: AD using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

11:51, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 12 using 2d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 2,(6+3)9.  Damage (AP1).

11:50, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 6,3 using d8-1,d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 7,4.  Shooting (-1 quickdraw holster).

Cooper’s shot finds another of the leaping spiders, tearing four of its legs off, along with almost half of its thorax. The creature tumbles across the trail, spasming violently, its thrashing kicking up small tufts of dirt until the last of its life leaves it.

Roberts lets out a string of curses as he sees the spiders emerge from the woods, Freeing his rifle from his saddle, he shoulders the weapon and snaps off a shot, the bullet skidding across the head of one of the remaining arachnids.

16:10, Today: Andrew Roberts rolled 6,4 using 1d10-1,1d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 7,5.  Shooting.

16:12, Today: Andrew Roberts rolled 5 using 2d8, rerolling max with rolls of 2,3.  Damage.

The terrantula is shaken.

Kearney draws and takes aim at one of the spiders that has scuttled close to her mount. She fires, her shot taking a chunk out of the creature’s abdomen.

16:14, Today: Aileen Kearney rolled 4,1 using 1d8,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,1.  Shooting.

16:15, Today: Aileen Kearney rolled 7 using 2d6+1, rerolling max with rolls of 3,3.  Damage.

Another terrantula is shaken.

”Fuckin’ bugs,” Bauer snarls as the spiders close in on the riders. She draws and fires, blasting another of the arachnids into pieces, the fragments flying back among the roots of the dead trees.

16:16, Today: Lena Bauer rolled 11,5 using 1d8,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+3)11,5.  Shooting.

16:16, Today: Lena Bauer rolled 11,2 using 2d6+1,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,(6+2)8,2.  Damage.

The terrantula is killed.

Roving Wolf pulls his bow from over his shoulder, his eyes narrowing as he watches the springing spiders approach. He looses an arrow at the closest of them, but the missile flies wide, thudding harmlessly into a nearby tree trunk.

16:18, Today: Shabbakasha rolled 1,0 using 1d8-1,1d6-1, rerolling max with rolls of 2,1.  Shooting.

16:35, Today: Terrantulas rolled 8,5,9 using 1d6,1d6,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+2)8,5,(6+3)9.  Spirit.

All of the terrantulas lose their shaken condition.

Although several of the spiders appear to have been injured as they rush the riders, the arachnids manage to press forward with their attack, seemingly unfazed by their wounds.

16:36, Today: Terrantulas rolled 14,5,4,7,7 using 1d8+2,1d8+2,1d8+2,1d8+2,1d8+2, rerolling max with rolls of (8+4)12,3,2,5,5.  Fighting.

The arachnid that survived Lee’s initial assault sinks its fangs into the ranger’s leg.

16:44, Today: Terrantulas rolled 4,6,3 using 1d8,2d6,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,1,5,3.  Damage.

Total Damage: 13

Ranger, that will leave you shaken with one wound. In addition to any soak roll you choose to make, I’ll need you to give me a Vigor roll to contend with the bite’s poison.

Another of the spiders leaps at Kansas Kate, but the outlaw is able to swat it away with the barrel of her Schofield.

A third spider rushes toward Dr. Wayland, but rather than attacking the bounty hunter, it lunges for his mount, latching onto the horse’s flank.

16:44, Today: Terrantulas rolled 2,10 using 1d8,2d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,2,(6+2)8.  Damage.

Total Damage: 12

Dr. Wayland, your mount is shaken with one wound. You’ll need to give me a Riding roll in order to stay mounted. I’ll resolve any effect of poison on the horse after you’ve taken your turn.

In like fashion, another of the arachnids attacks Bauer’s horse, the spider’s fangs stabbing into one of the mount’s front legs.

16:45, Today: Terrantulas rolled 5,9 using 1d8,2d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,(6+1)7,2.  Damage.

Total Damage: 14

That leaves Bauer’s mount shaken with one wound. On her next turn, Bauer will need to make a Riding roll. I’ll also make a check for the effects of poison on the animal at that time.

The last of the spiders springs up and catches Shabbakasha’s arm in its jaws, blood darkening the rider’s buckskin sleeve. The Comanche grimaces at the bite, but makes no sound in response to the injury.

16:45, Today: Terrantulas rolled 7,6 using 1d8,2d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,1,5.  Damage.

Total Damage: 13

Roving Wolf is shaken and receives one wound. He’ll have to make a Vigor roll on his upcoming turn.

17:34, Today: Marshal drew the single card: AS using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative - Allies.
17:34, Today: Terrantulas drew the single card: 8S using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative.

Initiative Order

AH - Bryan Lee
AC - Kansas Kate
AC - Tamsin River - Holding
QH - Jacinta Castillo
10H - Albert Cooper
9H - Allies (Bauer, Kearney, Roberts, Shabbakasha)
8D - Terrantulas
2C - Dr. Ezekiel Wayland

Dr. Wayland, it’s your turn.

Dr. Wayland did his best to stay on the rearing horse as the spider thing bit.  He hauled on the reins with one hand, trying to steady the best.  His free hand dove for his revolver.  Pulling it free, the scientist snapped off a quick shot in all the confusion.  It missed, but flashed brightly as it impacted the dirt...

Riding Check - 9
Pistol Shot - 1 Miss!
Next Round's Card - AD

03:47, Today: Dr. Ezekiel Q. Wayland drew the single card: AD using a deck of 54 cards.  Next Initiative.
03:42, Today: Dr. Ezekiel Q. Wayland rolled -1,1 using d8-2,d6-2, rerolling max with rolls of 1,3.  Pistol Shot!
03:39, Today: Dr. Ezekiel Q. Wayland rolled 2,9 using d4,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,(6+3)9.  Riding!

08:38, Today: Marshal rolled 7 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of 7.  Vigor - Wayland’s Horse.

Dr. Wayland’s mount is able to resist the effects of the venom.

Initiative Order

AS - Allies (Bauer, Kearney, Roberts, and Shabbakasha)
AD - Albert Cooper
AD - Dr. Ezekiel Wayland
AC - Tamsin River (Held from previous round)
8S - Terrantulas
8H - Bryan Lee
6C - Jacinta Castillo
2S - Kansas Kate

Roberts urges his mount back down the slope as he squeezes off another shot at one of the remaining spiders. The bullet barely wings one of the large arachnids, the spider’s movements not even slowed by the minor injury.

08:54, Today: Andrew Roberts rolled 6,5 using 1d10,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,5.  Shooting.

08:55, Today: Andrew Roberts rolled 3 using 2d8, rerolling max with rolls of 1,2.  Damage.

Kearney turns, sighting the spider that has seized Shabbakasha’s arm. Letting out a breath, she takes aim at the arachnid and fires, the bullet destroying the creature’s head and midsection.

09:01, Today: Aileen Kearney rolled 14,12 using 1d8+2,1d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of (8+4)12,(6+4)10.  Shooting.

09:02, Today: Aileen Kearney rolled 7,3 using 2d6+1,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5,3.  Damage.