Even amidst the chaos, River is able to halt the worst of Bauer's bleeding. The deputy nods to her gratefully. "I'm sure obliged to you, Miz River," she says.

River heals one of Bauer's wounds.

Doing her best to take steady aim, Bauer fires another shot at the approaching dead.

17:00, Today: Lena Bauer rolled 9,-4 using 1d8-6,1d6-6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+7)15,2.  Shooting - Called Shot: Head.

17:04, Today: Lena Bauer rolled 13,5 using 2d8+4,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5,4,5.  Damage.

The shot blasts the head off of the shadow with the rifle, its body turning into a shower of ash a moment later.

Kearney fires again, aiming for another of the shadows' head as they draw closer, her shot passing harmlessly over its shoulder.

17:06, Today: Aileen Kearney rolled -3,0 using 1d8-4,1d6-4, rerolling max with rolls of 1,4.  Shooting - Called Shot: Head.

The mountain lion that is Andrew Roberts springs toward the closest shadow, slashing at it with his claws. Despite the vicious melee, the shadow manages to remain standing, warding off Roberts' attacks.

17:11, Today: Andrew Roberts rolled 0,-2 using 1d8-4,1d6-4, rerolling max with rolls of 4,2.  Fighting.

Dipping the head of another arrow in flame, Roving Wolf looses the missile at another of the dead.

17:15, Today: Shabbakasha rolled 1,5 using 1d8,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1,5.  Shooting.

17:16, Today: Shabbakasha rolled 7 using 2d6, rerolling max with rolls of 3,4.  Damage.

The arrow buries itself in one of the dead creatures' chests, the fire filling its empty rib cage. Its limbs locking in place, the shadow falls to one side, a hiss escaping it before it is reduced to a pool of ash.

17:23, Today: Marshal rolled 4 using 1d8, rerolling max with rolls of 4.  Spirit - Shadow.

17:26, Today: Marshal rolled 15,1 using 1d8,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of (8+7)15,1.  Spirit - Shadow.

The two remaining shadows are able to shed their shaken conditions

The shadow entangled with Andrew Roberts lashes out at the mountain lion with its skeletal claws.

17:32, Today: Marshal rolled 1 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 1.  Fighting.

The shadow's attacks appear to be in vain, inflicting no apparent harm on the bounty hunter.

The last of the shadows, which absorbed the last of the pale mist, moves to engage the Ranger, attacking him with a series of seemingly well practiced hand strikes.

17:38, Today: Marshal rolled 7,11,5,20,7,1 using 1d10,1d6,1d10,1d6,1d10,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,(6+5)11,5,(6+6+6+2)20,7,1.  Fighting.

First Strike: Hit w/Raise
Second Strike: Hit w/Raise
Third Strike: Hit

17:42, Today: Marshal rolled 2,3,4 using 1d8,1d4,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2,3,4.  Damage.

17:44, Today: Marshal rolled 7,2,5 using 1d8,1d4,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,2,5.  Damage.

17:45, Today: Marshal rolled 6,7 using 1d8,1d4, rerolling max with rolls of 6,(4+3)7.  Damage.

First Strike: 9
Second Strike: 14
Third Strike: 13

Ranger, that combination of hits will leave you shaken with 5 wounds.

17:48, Today: Marshal, on behalf of Bryan Lee, rolled 8 using 2d8, rerolling max with rolls of 5,3.  Damage Field.

By engaging with Lee, the shadow is once more placed in a shaken state by virtue of the Ranger's Damage Field.

---

17:57, Today: Marshal, on behalf of Tamsin River, drew the single card: KD using a deck of 54 cards.

17:58, Today: Marshal drew the single card: QD using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative - Allies.

17:58, Today: Marshal drew the single card: QS using a deck of 54 cards.  Initiative - Shadows.

Initiative Order

AD - Kansas Kate
KD - Tamsin River
QS - Shadows
QD - Allies (Bauer, Kearney, Roberts, and Shabbakasha)
10D - Dr. Ezekiel Wayland
7H - Albert Cooper
6S - Jacinta Castillo
3S - Bryan Lee

Two shadows remain.

The shadow attacking Roberts has a Parry of 5 and a Toughness of 7. It is an extra.

The shadow attacking Lee has a Parry of 7 and a Toughness of 7. It is a wild card. It is currently shaken.

Anyone making a shooting attack at either of the shadows will be firing into a melee, and will have to account for an innocent bystander. If any shooting die comes up as a natural 1, the attack will hit an ally fighting the targeted shadow.

Kansas Kate, it's your turn.

Kansas Kate was a bit surprised to not be overrun herself by a shadow.  She had a notion some fire would be necessary, but they had to get this under control first.

She put the Toothpick back and came up with her rifle.  She was tempted to help the manbeast Roberts, but he seemed to be okay and the Ranger was in the shit.  If he crumpled Kansas Kate would have to get after it with her Toothpick and she wouldn't fare so well, so best to take a shot at it now while she could.

20:50, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 8,2 using d12,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 8,2.  Pew Pew.

That may even be a raise.

12 or possibly 16 damage - 20:51, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 12,4 using 2d8,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 7,5,4.  Rifle Damage, Raise.

20:54, Today: Kansas Kate drew the single card: KC using the Deadlands system.

Lee finally felt like what it must feel like to be on the other side of a fight from him, furiously moving his hands in a dance that consisted of blocks, trying to strike out where he could find openings but finding himself on the defensive more often than not as the blows struck him. Even a blocked blow still hurt, but he fought to stay in this for a time longer.

OOC:

Marshal, I'll get to the particulars of my soak roll momentarily, but I believe the Ranger's shadowy assailant should take two more damage rolls of 2d8 for striking him. He made three successful attacks against Lee, but there's only a damage roll for the first one.

As for the soak, I rolled better than average, but an explosion woulda been nice :)

Vigor: 21 - Spent 1W4R - should be enough to soak the 5 wounds and be unshaken

23:43, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 5 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5.  Red Chip to boost Vigor.
23:42, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 2 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2.  Red Chip to boost Vigor.
23:40, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 5 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 5.  Red Chip to boost Vigor.
23:39, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 4 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4.  Red Chip to boost Vigor.
23:37, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 3,5 using d8,d6, rerolling max.  Vigor to Soak.

OOC: Right you are, Ranger. Apologies. I would’ve mistakenly let the bad guy off easy.

07:28, Today: Marshal, on behalf of Bryan Lee, rolled 10,9 using 2d8,2d8, rerolling max with rolls of 4,6,5,4.  Damage Field.

As the shadow was shaken by the first hit it took from the damage field, those additional two hits will leave it with two wounds.

Which leads me to Kansas Kate’s rifle shot, which inflicts an additional three wounds.

As the undead creature seemingly prepares to redouble its assault on the Ranger, the report of Kansas Kate’s rifle sounds, the shot blasting a gaping hole in the shadow’s chest. It takes a couple of staggering steps forward, its hands reaching for the terrible injury and finding only emptiness. As it starts to fall, it becomes ash, most of it carried away by the cold wind.

The lone surviving shadow makes another desperate attack against Roberts, but the great cat easily dodges its bony claws.

12:04, Today: Marshal rolled 2 using 1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 2.  Fighting.

Circling away from the lone shadow’s assault, Roberts springs at the undead creature a second time, claws extended.

12:12, Today: Andrew Roberts rolled 6,13 using 1d8,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 6,(6+6+1)13.  Fighting.

12:17, Today: Andrew Roberts rolled 8,1,5 using 1d12,1d6,1d6, rerolling max with rolls of 8,1,5.  Damage.

The cougar almost tears the shadow in two, pulling most of its shoulders free from the rest of its torso. The undead creature falls heavily on its back, weakly raising its arms in an effort at retaliation before becoming ashes, the gray remnants of it spreading across the hard packed earth. A wisp of pale smoke rises from the fallen monster, but finding no shadows to empower, it quickly dissipates, vanishing from sight.

OOC: Combat over.

Still supported by the tree behind her, Bauer slides down into a sitting position. Laying her carbine across her legs, she says, ”If ya’ll don’t mind, I’m just gonna...rest here a bit.”

The surrounding darkness fades, the sky shifting from the black of midnight to one that is brightly overcast, slivers of blue peeking through the curtain of iron colored clouds. Paces away, the graveyard is as it once was, its cairns and tall memorials still enduring against the persistent elements. The ruined wagons have returned to their places, mere skeletons that the breeze whistles through on its journey down High Lonesome. The only evidence of the battle are patches of ash which cling stubbornly to the sloping stone.

The mountain is still. As the echoes of gunfire fade from the riders’ ears, they become aware of the sound of running water, the gurgling of a nearby stream.

OOC: Everyone kindly provide me with a Notice roll.

Kansas Kate reloaded her rifle and kept it in hand.  She didn't trust this situation, and was considering whether she should continue with her plan to Molotov cocktail this place.

12:47, Today: Kansas Kate rolled 4,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of 4,1.  Notice.

Dr. Wayland cautiously tilted his emitter off to the side.  He cradled it in one arm to free one hand.  That hand calmly patted his pockets until it finally withdrew a large brass key.  The sort of key one used to wind clockworks.  Which is what he, in fact, began doing with said key.  Winding the spring of the emitter's electrical generator with a steady clicking noise.  He did  itall with practiced ease and without looking.

Instead, he gave over his attention to looking around for whatever horrible thing might choose this moment to strike.  It might not be a horrible thing, but chances were low that it wouldn't be.  As his gaze passed over each companion, he did give them a bit of a narrow eyed look, muttering, "...shadows...shadows where they should be...hmm..."

15:30, Today: Dr. Ezekiel Q. Wayland rolled 9,11 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+3)9,(6+5)11.  Notice!

Albert spun his pistol on his finger, though the wisps of power that often accompanied his flourishes were notably absent. He finished the spinning with the barrel pointing generally upward and he again grabbed the grip before blowing at imaginary smoke coming from the barrel.

He briefly looked over to see if Lena was okay, but it seemed like the Deputy didn't need any more attention than she was already receiving. He scanned the immediate vicinity to see if there was anything else of note nearby.

His fingers went to his gun belt to carefully retrieve some stored bullets. Might be good to reload.

OOC: Notice of 9.

12:36, Today: Albert Cooper rolled 9,7 using d6,d6, rerolling max with rolls of (6+3)9,(6+1)7.  Notice.

As the field clears and none of the other shadow creatures emerge, Jacinta quickly reloaded her rifle to replace the spent ammunition as her gaze scanned the clearing.  The scout wasn't about to let her guard down until they were well and truly safe.  She also didn't step another foot into the burial ground.

Notice: 4

22:57, Today: Jacinta Castillo rolled 4,3 using d8+2,d6+2, rerolling max with rolls of 2,1.  Notice.

Kearney opens her revolver and begins to slowly reload it, pacing as she does so, her gaze fixed on the graveyard.

Roberts resumes his human form. The bounty hunter regards the ashes at his feet with a troubled frown, as though he is disturbed by the savagery he demonstrated moments before. Rubbing his hands together, he turns his attention to the wagons beside the cemetery, taking a few steps forward to get a better look at the vehicles, but remaining a respectful distance from them.

Roving Wolf puts his bow around his shoulders. Closing his eyes, he lifts his hands, palms open, quietly intoning a chant in his native tongue.

Bauer pulls her poke from her belt and, with some effort, digs out a creased cigarette paper. Spreading the paper out, she begins to haltingly pour tobacco from the bag onto it. As she does, her eyes continue to flick up to the ancient cemetery, watchful for any new threat that might emerge from there. ”Dammit,” she mutters softly as a clump of tobacco lands in her lap.

A shaft of sunlight escapes the gray canopy above, briefly lighting the tall forest south of the graveyard. Within moments, it vanishes, concealed behind the shifting rain clouds. The breeze continues steadily, a hint of frost in its touch.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:56, Tue 19 May 2020.

"What in tarnation."  Kansas Kate heaved a sigh completely unnecessarily.  She debated going after the horse she'd sent away, but figured it should wait a bit longer.

She took about ten steps and surveyed the new sight through rifle sights, then looked back to see if she was alone in seeing this.
This message was last edited by the player at 18:55, Tue 19 May 2020.

Albert shrugged his shoulders at Kate as she looked back. "Looks interestin' ta me. S'pose that's our next step."

He looked around again. "Mount up an' keep goin'? Seems ta be a path off yonder." Albert gestured to the newly opened trail.

Dr. Wayland leaned slightly closer to Kate as she asked her question, offering, "Ah believe its cawled a trail...  Maybe a path, if you prefeah."  He looked back again at the newly revealed track.  His key was shoved back into a pocket and he stepped closer, eyeing the trace, "One might also cawl it...a clue..."  He paused, head tilting back and forth with consideration, his voice dropping quieter, "Trap. It could also be a trap, of coahse..."  Back in the direction of Cooper, "It doesn't seem all that fah.  Pehaps, just a quick reconnoitah before we move in force?  Ah'd hate for everyone to ride into the trap all at once..."
This message was last edited by the player at 03:09, Wed 20 May 2020.

Jacinta crossed herself and kissed the cross she wore about her neck.  Turning, she moved to fetch her horse, though didn't mount.  Instead, she followed Kate upon the trail, leading the horse behind. Her head cocked at the soft music.  From the looks on the faces of her friends, she wasn't the only one that could hear it, so at least she wasn't going crazy.

The outlaw opted to continue to advance, rifle in hand, for in her hands any weapon could be brought to bear as need be, not bothering with horse retrieval yet.  She felt very strange, very keenly aware of her... state.

06:02, Today: Tamsin River rolled 2,1 using d6,d6, rerolling max ((2,1)).

“Yes, rest,” Tamsin says to Lena Bauer. ”Who else- Mr. Lee, how are you doing?”
This message was last edited by the player at 13:26, Wed 20 May 2020.

"As well as I can be, I suppose, Miss River," he said, looking about, taking it all in. He looked a bit perplexed by the entire situation.

"I think you have the right of it, Dr. Wayland. A quick reconnoiter is what's called for, and it looks like it's already in progress. But I think we should try to follow a bit behind so we're in range." It was all well and good to have the others going up ahead, but he didn't want to be too far off should they need any help.

OOC:

Notice: 4

11:19, Today: Bryan Lee rolled 4,3 using d6,d6, rerolling max.  Notice.

"Yea, though ah dun walk' through th' valley o'th' shadder'o death like a damn fool, ah will fear not, for ah am th' meanest cuss what ever walked through this here valley."

The outlaw murmured, resolving to see if this path terminated quickly or not.  If not, she'd have to go find the hoss again.

As the riders approach the newly discovered trail, each can clearly see the wide band of ashes that crosses it, mute evidence of the barrier that once concealed the pathway, now somehow destroyed in the wake of the posse’s stand against the dead. As the remaining riders notice the group’s discovery, they join them in approaching the trail. Even Bauer forces herself to her feet with the help of her carbine to join the others. Something in Roberts’ demeanor informs his companions that this newly found place is entirely unknown to the bounty hunter. Kearney, in particular, regards the path with caution, keeping her pistol drawn.

Reaching the slope, the group can clearly see that all of the vegetation lining the trail is living. Spruce, piñon trees, and several hardy wildflowers are thriving here. The soil itself appears different; dark and loamy. The sudden flapping of wings from a nearby pine signals the presence of birds, stirred by the riders’ presence. The sound of water grows stronger, as does the the whistled tune, the self made music of one keeping their own spirits up while working, or contentedly filling the quiet as the hours pass.

The trail curves around a thick stand of spruce, their green needles suffused with hints of blue. Stepping around the collection of trees, the riders are confronted with the sight of a stream which cuts across the trail. A footbridge, built from pine timbers, provides an easy crossing. The water’s current is strong, splashing over numerous stones that have been made smooth by its countless years of travel.

Across the stream, the members of the posse see two figures: a middle aged man with a graying beard and an adolescent boy, perhaps fourteen years old. Both are filling buckets in the stream. It is the older man who is the source of the whistled hymn. Beside the pair, a bay horse hitched to a small wagon waits patiently.

The boy notices the posse first, tugging at the older man’s sleeve as soon as he sees them. The bearded man regards the group with surprise, his whistling trailing off, his eyes wide as he takes them in. After a speechless pause, he waves with one hand and calls, ”Hello! Hello there! How...I mean, where’d you folks come from?”