Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam says, "Mine too."

Peracles [to Robert]: Game doesn't have rules for whip, so I'm going to have to come up with something. Close combat doesn't quite make sense.

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam offers some snuff to his colleagues.

GM says, "Ok, the scene is the main dining room of the Explorer's club."

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam says, "Peracles Oh Agilty suits me just fine :))"

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam <Agility 5 Close Combat Knife 2. Do the math. ;)

GM says, "You have all been invited to have a final farewell meal prior to your departure early tomorrow morning."

GM says, "At the banquet you see the people you've been praticing Gashant riding with."

GM says, "However there is another face here. He is introduced as Col Egerton-Chase retired."

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam is trying hard to keep his elbows off the table. He watches Emsworth for clues how to behave. The fingerbowls nearly proved an embarassment.

GM says, "You also meet the wife of Thomas Grimes' brother James for the first time, the stunning Alexandra Grimes."

Col. Egerton-Chase nods cordially to all present.

GM says, "Just as everyone is about to be seated...."

GM says, "A very dapper mid 30ish man strolls in."

GM says, "He hands out Gilt edged business cards..."

GM says, "Whittington Cartwright-Lloyd ESQ."

You say, "Pleased to meet you"

GM says, "Journalist extraordinaire"

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam says, "Esk?"

Col. Egerton-Chase says, "My pleasure to make your acquaintance, sir."

Whittington looks at you oddly. "Esquire my good man. You must be a yank."

Emsworth bends towards Teatam and explains that it stands for 'esquire'. It means he belongs to the gentry rather than the nobility.

GM says, "The dinner is a fine English meal."

Emsworth says, "Nice to meet you, Sir. My name is Emsworth, Bertram Emsworth, at your service."

GM says, "During which Whittington tells several witty stories about his career as a reporter."

Col. Egerton-Chase listens with polite interest.

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam says, "A TEXAN, Suh. Bart Teatam, but call me Buff."

GM says, "Whittington's manners and bearing are impeccable, and he is clearly the life of the party."

Emsworth will explore Cartwright-Lloyd and Edgerton-Chase's family connections to place them in English society.

Whittington smiles. "Buff? Why how quaint and deliciously barbaric. Charmed to meet you good sir.

Col. Egerton-Chase chats with Emsworth. "I suppose you could say that I'm Lord Selby, though whenever I'm addressed as such, I look for my old uncle."

Leeghwater scribbles some schematics on a napkin

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam shakes his hands, a little bewildered by the exchange. "I'll address you as Colonel, if it all the same to you, sir."

Hans [to Peracles]: I should know who and what Lord Selby is, right?

GM says, "Lord is alwaya a member of the peerage, but there are several dozen titles that unless you specialize as a herald, you may not know them."

Shai [to Robert]: I would prefer it, sir. I am accustomed to my family name, having worn it alone most of my life. The rank I earned myself.

Col. Egerton-Chase [to Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam]: I would prefer it, sir. I am accustomed to my family name, having worn it alone most of my life. The rank I earned myself.

GM says, "During the party Grimes offers Whittington a chance to join the safari."

Hans [to Peracles]: Do I get a roll to see if I recognize this one?

Peracles [to Hans]: You can roll half your Int.

Hans rolls 3, and gets a 11.

GM says, "You half remember something, but there are so many titles that you just aren't sure."

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam says, "My feelings exactly, Colonel. I served in the army myself."

GM says, "Whittington ponders the invitation, but politely declines staing that he has enough current projects here in Moeris Lacus to keep him occupied."

Col. Egerton-Chase [to Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam]: Indeed, sir? With what regiment?

Hans [to Peracles]: Where are we? In the explorers' Club?

GM says, "Correct in the club"

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam says, "I was with the 1 Texas Regiment sir. I served at Glorieta Pass and the Campaign for Arizona for the Confederacy. Then after that with the Army scouts."

GM says, "The dinner was wonderful and breaks up a bit early as yo u all must depart early tomorrow."

GM says, "You are all to meet at the club for breakfast before you mount up."

Shai [to Robert]: I would enjoy hearing more about your experiences. I commanded the Northumberland Fusiliers, and before that served with the 2nd Goorkha Regiment - the Sirmoor Rifles.

Col. Egerton-Chase [to Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam]: I would enjoy hearing more about your experiences. I commanded the Northumberland Fusiliers, and before that served with the 2nd Goorkha Regiment - the Sirmoor Rifles.

Hans [to Peracles]: Before I leave the club I go to the library and look up Lord Selby in "Burke's".

Leeghwater excuses himself and heads off to the entrance where he hires a buggy to take him to the army chaplain.

Col. Egerton-Chase stretches and retires to the lounge to enjoy a cigar and a snifter of brandy.

Col. Egerton-Chase [to Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam]: Will you accompany me, Mr. Teatam?

Hans rolls 4, and gets a 21.

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam begins telling the Colonel about his experiences, cleaning up the gore a good deal. He finishes with the CSA's disastrous march back to Texas after their camp was overrun by the Union and their supplies destroyed. "Why thank ya yes, Colonel."

JHG [to Peracles]: I guess we can say that I went to confession, donated a Pound (or is a silver enough) and went back?

Peracles [to JHG]: The old chaplain gives you the eucrist and takes your confession before wishing you well.

Leeghwater donates a pound for the church, the widows and the orphans

Col. Egerton-Chase [to Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam]: I heard something of that action. I am reminded of my first action in Afghanistan, when Lord Elphinstone's Army of the Indus was cut to ribbons during the horrible march through the Khoord-Cabool Pass. Terrible. Women and children slaughtered, what?

GM says, "You share brandy and cigars until you all turn in."

GM says, "The following morning you all meet for breakfast at the club."

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam listens politely to the Colonel, and takes great pleasure from the cigars and brandy. Finally a drink with some bite. "Terrible thing. War, any war is a damned waste, sir. Meaning no disrespect but any sensible man in one is looking to keep his folks alive and not for his glory. We all go to Glory soon enuff."

You say, "During breakfast, I write a letter to my wife and children telling them that I love them, and that I'm going on an adventure of sorts. "

GM says, "Since you know it's going to be a long day, you keep the meal light."

Peracles [to JHG]: As you flag down one of the servants to send your letter, Whittington receives one.

You say, "I ask the hotel to post it for me"

Col. Egerton-Chase turns to Teatam, pausing before taking another bite of kipper. "Of course. However, one does one's duty to Queen and country. War is a terrible thing, but at times the affairs of state require it. At other times, it is thrust upon you.

Whittington scans through his letter and then gasps. "What a stroke of luck!"

Col. Egerton-Chase [to Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam]: It behooves us, then, to be prepared for it, what?

Robert [to Shai]: Yes, sir. Only sensible. No one will defend you if you won't defend yourself.

Col. Egerton-Chase [whitt]: Luck, Mr. Cartwright-Lloyd?

Col. Egerton-Chase [to]: Whittington Luck, Mr. Cartwright-Lloyd?

Whittington reads quickly. "The Royal Geographic Society has offered me the chance to witness and document the tribal ceremonies of the Nepenthes-Thoth nomads. It looks like I will be joining you!"

Emsworth says, "How does the Society get to offer you that opportunity? It's not as if it owns them, is it?"

Emsworth chuckles.

Col. Egerton-Chase says, "Excellent news. Are you prepared to travel? Our host intends us to leave quite soon."

Whittington smiles. "You'll have to excuse, I must rush and pack. I'll meet you at the stables in an hour."

Emsworth says, "We're getting to be quite a sizable expedition."

Whittington turns to Emsworth. "I've been a freelance for several months now and they found out about your safari. Since it's the only one going the right way, they are offering me the chance to record the trip."

GM says, "Whittington makes his goodbyes and rushes to pack."

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam says, "It sounds interesting. Watching these ceremonies. I got to see a Sundance once. Right purty. Except for thewhipping."

GM says, "The rest of you ride cabs to the stables."

Emsworth frowns. Free-lancing for the Royal Geographic Society? That doesn't sound right.

Grimes claps his hands as he rides. "I too shall meet you at the stables. I must go to the club and thank Major Robinson for his hospitality."

GM says, "Good to his word Whittington arrives suitably attired for a safari at the stables."

Col. Egerton-Chase calls for his batman. "RHM, make certain the bearers have packed the baggage properly. I don't want my guns damaged by that lot."

GM says, "Grimes also arrives with a largish wooden box under his arm that he adds to his pack without comment."

Leeghwater gives Gisolde a lump of honey

Wilkins has personally supervised the packing of his and Emsworth's gashants. He checks one finasl time and nods in satisfaction.

GM says, "You also meet Grimes brother James for the first time. He is smaller than the barrel chested Thomas and is far less outgoing."

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam howdy's Grimes the Younger.

Emsworth introduces himself to James Grimes and says hello.

James Grimes gruffly replies. "Charmed. Let's be off then, no time to waste."

GM says, "You all mount up and see one other new addition to the group..."

Rai returns and chatters in Gurkhali to the colonel, who nods.

Leeghwater mounts Gisolde and rides het outside.

GM says, "A young Martian named Kaashneek. Your guide."

Col. Egerton-Chase looks at Kaashneek with interest.

GM says, "You all mount up and head Northwestward."

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam says, "Ain't you Kaapani's little brother? The merchant's boy from the Krill?"

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam says, "Ain't you Kaapani's little brother? The merchant's boy from the Krill?"

Kaashneek Smiles a tad vacantly and replies. "No good sirling I am not. Kaashneek is my family name. My given name is Kaaraahn."

GM says, "So as I had mentioned before being so rudely booted, please roll your ride."

Hans rolls 4d6, and gets a 0.

On 2d6, you rolled 8.

Hans rolls 4, and gets a 15.

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam rolled 2d6 and got 5.

Col. Egerton-Chase rolled 6d6 and got 27.

Col. Egerton-Chase rolled 5d6 and got 20.

GM . o O ( How can 4 dices roll a bloody zero? )

Hans [to Peracles]: Wrong syntax.

JHG [to Peracles]: Incorrect command?

Col. Egerton-Chase [to GM]: OOC: It's five dice riding a gashant, sorry.

Peracles [to Shai]: actually your cascade skill with gashant is 3 dice.

Emsworth says, "Right. I forgot."

Col. Egerton-Chase [to GM]: ah.

Col. Egerton-Chase rolled 3d6 and got 10.

Hans rolls 2, and gets a 7.

GM says, "It is a bit uncomfortable for any of you that roll less than 8 as you work through the saddle sores."

Col. Egerton-Chase [to Emsworth]: You sit your gashant, is it? quite well, my boy.

GM says, "Everyone please roll observation."

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam takes a pull from his hip flask to dull the pain. He has to go easy on it since it's all the hooch he brought from home.

Emsworth rolled 5d6 and got 14.

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam rolled 2d6 and got 5.

Col. Egerton-Chase rolled 4d6 and got 12.

On 4d6, you rolled 8.

Peracles whispers, "you spot riders in the distance"

Emsworth says, "Riders!"

Emsworth also points to where he saw said riders.

GM says, "When Emsworth points you all now see a small gorup of five riders moving to intercept you."

Col. Egerton-Chase produces a pair of field glasses from his saddlebags and peers into the distance.

GM says, "As they get closer you see four are Martians and one is a human Subaltern of the Royal Army."

Col. Egerton-Chase says, "I believe it is a cavalry troop."

Subaltern shouts. "Rein in good sirs!"

Leeghwater obeys the command

Emsworth leans back in his saddle and leaves the talking to Grimes.

Leeghwater observes the animals they group is riding. Ghasants?

Col. Egerton-Chase pulls up on the reins, then trots up toward the subaltern.

Subaltern sternly addresses the group. "I must ask you to turn back to the city. It's not safe for you to ride on."

Col. Egerton-Chase says, "Your name, subaltern? What's the situation?"

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam reins up, placing one hand on his pistol. A uniform doesn't make a man a soldier and he rode the frontier enough not to judge by appearances.

GM says, "You can tell he is very young, still a teen. He's efforts to appear in command are almost comical."

Subaltern blinks "I..I am Subaltern David Paddington. The steppes are no place for a joy ride, especially with the war and mutiny of Shaptapsh.

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam thinks . o O (Probably a poor time to hunt tigers too, but a job is a job.)

You say, "Who are the Shaptapsh, Subaltern?"

Subaltern Paddington replies. "They are the next city up the canal sir. They were part of the crown colony until the Oenotrians attacked and the weasels took advantage to revolt."

Col. Egerton-Chase says, "Are we near the front lines, then? I had thought the mutineers much farther up-canal."

Emsworth says, "Quick work, that. It's been less than a week since the Oenotrians declared war. There must have been some collusion involved."

Subaltern Paddington scowls.

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam says, "Yeah, and they must have had spies in Shastapsh too."

Col. Egerton-Chase says, "Come now, Paddington. Are there hostiles nearby or not?"

Subaltern Paddington "They never were loyal sir. Opportunistic blighters they are."

Emsworth says, "Say rather that there must have been a secret deal between the Oenotrians and Shastapsh."

Emsworth says, "That's not what I meant, Lieutenant. It's the speed of their reaction. Thay must have revolted the moment they heard about the war. "

Col. Egerton-Chase says, "This is idle speculation, gentlemen."

Subaltern Paddington. "Er...no sir, but the Steppes are a dangerous place and these are dangerous times. I can not force you back, but for your own safety I emplore you to turn back."

Emsworth says, "that's for our leader to decide."

Emsworth looks towards Thomas Grimes.

Subaltern Paddington Nods to Emsworth. "It could be collusion, but given their proclivity for disloyalty, they probably just chose the war as the latest excuse."

Col. Egerton-Chase says, "Mr. Grimes, are these Shaptapshi truly dangerous?"

Thomas Grimes confers with his bother James before replying. "No disrespect Subaltern, but since you have no orders to the contrary, we will press on. We are a large group and well armed. We can take care of ourselves."

Leeghwater dismounts for a moment and takes some ground samples.

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam says, "Hey son, are there hostile cavalry about?"

Thomas Grimes. "It would not be safe to be a member of Her Majesty's Government and be in the city right now, but we are on a safari far from their territory. We press on."

Col. Egerton-Chase nods.

Col. Egerton-Chase speaks to Rai. "Khabadar, havildar! Lashkari nearby. (Keep alert, sergeant. Fighters nearby).

Emsworth . o O ( amazing! The ghoorka word for 'nearby' is 'nearby'! )

Subaltern Paddington to Teatam. "Not as long as am on patrol sir. The blighters will not dare try."

Rai smiles broadly and pulls his Lee-Metford from its saddle-sheath, slinging it over one shoulder.

Hans [to Peracles]: Just how many men and gashants are there in out expedition?

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam says, "... have you seen any of the them rascals yet... sir?"

GM says, "Since it is claer you wish to press on, Paddington sadly lets you continue, but as he takes his goodbyes you can see in his eyes that he does not expect you to return."

Col. Egerton-Chase [to Emsworth]: None of that was Gurkhali, my boy. Hindustani, the common language of most of the Raj. It's what the troops use.

GM says, "There are 11 in the party counting Rai, Wilkins and Kaashneek." You have a total of 30 gashants."

Col. Egerton-Chase [to GM]: OOC: How many as pack animals and how many with riding saddles?

Emsworth says, "Five PCs? Me, Buff, Leeghwater, The Col., Price?"

GM says, "22 are for riding and 8 pack. One spare per person."

Col. Egerton-Chase says, "OOC: There's Cartwright-Lloyd too."

GM says, "Correct. Oh wait 12 in the party I forgot Whittington, so make that 32 gashants."

Hans nods.

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam says, "I thought them fellers was spanish."

GM says, "Your group is fairly strong. Not easily over come as the locals do not have your superiority of weapons."

Col. Egerton-Chase says, "Mr. Grimes, I agree that we should continue, but perhaps it would be wise to send an outrider ahead perhaps a half mile? Just to ensure that our trip is not interrupted without notice."

Grimes replies "I believe when we get futher into the steppes we should, but we haven't even left the fields along hte canals yet.

Paddington nods sadly. "Since I can not change your minds, all I can do is wish you Godspeed."

GM says, "Barking commands in Parhooni to his soldiers, Paddington rides off."

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam says, "I was that young once. Wonder that I'm still alive."

GM says, "You ride on and you see you will not clear the field along the canals before nightfall."

GM says, "You begin to look about for a place to came when the gashants begin to snort uneasily."

GM says, "Please roll your ride to control your mounts."

Col. Egerton-Chase rolled 3d6 and got 13.

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam rolled 2d6 and got 10.

Emsworth draws his rifle.

Emsworth rolled 2d6 and got 7.

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam draws a pistol.

On 2d6, you rolled 5.

GM says, "Emsworth and Leeghwater are each tossed about by their mounts and are unable to react."

Emsworth does NOT draw his rifle...

Emsworth says, "i'm rolling for Wilkins now:"

Emsworth rolled 1d6 and got 2.

Col. Egerton-Chase says, "Rolling for Rai."

Col. Egerton-Chase rolled 2d6 and got 7.

GM says, "Both grimes fight their near uncontrolled mounts"

GM says, "Alexandra surprisingly controls her mount masterfully. "

GM says, "Whittington is thrown from his mount"

Col. Egerton-Chase reaches into his saddlebag and produces a Webley, which he straps to his belt.

GM says, "And lands hard not moving."

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam looks around suspiciously, then rides neaer the ladies, seeing their husbands are having trouble.

Hans [to Robert]: There's only one lady.

GM says, "The Colonel and Teatum roll observation"

You leave Shai a voicemail.

Col. Egerton-Chase rolled 4d6 and got 10.

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam rolled 2d6 and got 4.

Emsworth . o O ( I've got to learn how to handle a gashant a bit better... )

GM says, "Egerton-Chase spots a large animal 30 yards away."

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam says, "Somebody see to Whittington!"

Col. Egerton-Chase says, "Mr. Rai, my rifle. Juldi, now!"

GM says, "This is twice base range for a heavy pistol so you are minus one from your skill."

Leeghwater volunteers to help Whittington

I assume the GM will tell us when we can act.

GM says, "Leeghwater roll your agility to dismount cleanly."

On 4d6, you rolled 13.

Emsworth will try to get his mount under control.

Col. Egerton-Chase draws his pistol and aims carefully at the beast, waiting to see if it approaches.

GM says, "You vualt down rather artfully and reach his side."

GM says, "The rest of your fighting your mounts will have to gain control before you can react."

Leeghwater gives whatever aid Whittington needs

Col. Egerton-Chase says, "Idderao, havildar! Where are you?"

GM says, "Teatum reaches Alexandra's side, but she seems to be fine."

Rai struggles to bring his gashant under control

GM says, "The creature moves clearly into sight for the colonel"

Col. Egerton-Chase [to GM]: Does it look threatening?

GM says, "It is as big as a buffalo, six legged, horned."

GM says, "Those fighting mounts can roll ride again."

GM says, "Targe number is 8"

Emsworth rolled 2d6 and got 9.

Emsworth says, "rolling for Wilkins:"

Col. Egerton-Chase says, "for Rai:"

Emsworth rolled 1d6 and got 1.

Col. Egerton-Chase rolled 2d6 and got 6.

GM says, "Wilkins goes flying and has to roll agility"

JFZeigler returns from the agora.

Col. Egerton-Chase [to GM]: I decide not to shoot something that big with a pistol. I look back, see Rai is struggling, and ride over to my pack-gashant to get my rifle.

GM says, "Colonel you don't have toroll"

Leeghwater [to Dr. Allen Price]: "Welcome, Dr."

Emsworth says, "Wilkin's agility is 3:"

Emsworth rolled 3d6 and got 12.

GM says, "He lands fairly well and isn't hurt."

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam aims his pistol at the beast but does not fire, watching to judge its intentions.

Hans [to JFZeigler]: Hi Jon.

Shai [to JFZeigler]: Hey there.

GM says, "The creature tossed it's head and wanders off harmlessly."

Robert [to JFZeigler]: Hey. Welcome.

GM says, "Hi Jon."

Col. Egerton-Chase [to GM]: I'm uncasing my H & H and loading it.

Col. Egerton-Chase says, "Mr. Teatam, has it moved closer?"

GM says, "You look about and see except for Whittington everyone is fine."

GM says, "JFZ you can roll your medicine."

JHG [to Peracles]: How is Whittington. Is there anything I can do for him?

Having brought his mount under control Emsworth draws his rifle.

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam says, "Uh, nope. It lost interest, Colonel. Apparently it frightened off by our horsemanship. Heh."

Emsworth Are you hurt, Wilkins?

Col. Egerton-Chase chuckles. "A lot of fuss over nothing, what? Here, now, what's happened to Cartwright-Lloyd?

Wilkins says, "Only in my pride, Sir."

GM rolled 5d6 and got 17.

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam tips his hat to the ladies and rides back to his place.

GM says, "Doctor Price aides Whittington and he comes to, with only some bruises."

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam says, "OOC I have to idle. You can pose for me in the meantime. I could ride off ahead. That way the log is complete. okay?"

GM says, "Only one woman in the group. Alexandra Grimes."

What was that?" Emsworth asks Kaashneek.

JFZeigler wanders toward the agora.

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam says, "OOC Right. Sorry. Okay, later."

Kaashneek shakingly replies. "er... a Wocnid sirling. It is a grazing creature of the steppes, the sometimes wander down here looking for food.

Leeghwater takes a notebook and sketches the six-legged critter in it.

You say, "A grazer? Then why are the Ghasants afraid of it?"

Emsworth says, "Good eating?"

Col. Egerton-Chase says, "Good eating, are they?"

Kaashneek nods vigorously. "On yes sirlings. very most excellent!"

Col. Egerton-Chase says, "Perhaps we should pursue it. Are you quite ready, havildar? "

Col. Egerton-Chase looks back toward Rai, who replies "Very sorry, Egerton-huzoor. I am ready."

Leeghwater [to Col. Egerton-Chase]: "Giving chase to it might spook it and it could then destroy the fields."

Col. Egerton-Chase [to GM]: How far away is it?

You say, "Plus we already have one wounded, sue to the beast."

James Grimes speaks for the first time. "That creature weighed a good 900 kilos, that would be far more meat than we could pack."

Emsworth says, "How is Whittington doing?"

Col. Egerton-Chase looks somewhat annoyed. "Very well. Dr. Price, is Mr. Cartwright-Lloyd able to travel onward, or shall we return to the city?"

Whittington smiles grimly. "My pride is sore wounded, but I will be find."

Emsworth . o O ( I meant "How is Cartwritht-lloyd doing?" )

Col. Egerton-Chase [to Emsworth]: Your man all right, then?

Wilkins says, "I'm all right, My Lord."

Thomas Grimes shakes his head. "I think we should count ourselves lucky and stop for the night. It's getting late anyway and we've just enough time to get set up before the sun sets."

Col. Egerton-Chase trots over to Mrs. Grimes, having stowed the huge rifle in a saddle-sheath. "Fine riding, ma'am."

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam says, "I reckon that makes sense."

Emsworth boots his rifle and fetches Wilkin's wayward gashant.

Alexandra beams. "Thank you Colonel. Father was a task master about me learning to ride."

Col. Egerton-Chase [to_Alexandra]: You do him credit, ma'am.

GM says, "You get to work preparing your camp and you just beat the sunset. You sigh a bit in relief as the coolness of night washes over you."

GM says, "The first time you've felt even halfway comfortable."

Leeghwater watches the unfolding of the tents with interest.

Alexandra nods. "Thank you Colonel, that is high parise coming from a distinguished rider such asyourself."

GM says, "You think back to Paddington's word and set a watch, just in case, but the night passes uneventfully."

Col. Egerton-Chase says, "Damned if it's not hotter here than Hyderabad in August!"

Hans . o O (No reason to work out a watch rota, then.)

GM says, "The next morning dawns and you pack up and cross out of the cultivated lands that line every canal of Mars and to your surprise, you find that it is desert and not steppes that edge the canal's fertile zone.""

Leeghwater watched the packing of the tents with even greater interest, making furious notes all along

GM says, "As you enter the desert, you find that what you first considered hot, was just a weak percursor to true heat."

Emsworth looks at his map and frowns.

Col. Egerton-Chase makes certain that he and Rai ride with loaded rifles, and he carries his Webley at his belt.

GM says, "Where the city was a constant 25 degrees, the desert seems more like 30 and it's still early."

Leeghwater checks his pistol too and is horrified to see that it's still loadd

Emsworth says, "Grimes, have we gone more northwards than planned? We seem to've strayed into the Isidis Desert. Is that wise?"

Col. Egerton-Chase rides over to examine the map.

Grimes frowns. "Sir my compass is every bit as reliable as yours is. There is a narrow band of desert we must traverse before we reach the steppes proper."

Col. Egerton-Chase [to GM]: Do I think he's right? (Wilderness Travel roll?)

GM says, "Go ahead and roll mapping."

Col. Egerton-Chase rolled 2d6 and got 9.

Emsworth says, "I see. This map must be unreliable, then. I shall write to conklin's about it when we get back to civilization."

GM says, "You know that if you go more than two days without seeing steppe something is wrong."

Leeghwater ponders a machine to automatically map one's position, but dismisses it as too fancifull

GM says, "The edge of the steppe and the Isidis do over lap and that detailed surveys have never been done."

Col. Egerton-Chase [to Emsworth]: This map isn't worth much, except possibly to put on a wall in one's house. Shame the Army hasn't produced proper survey maps, what?

GM says, "You press on and near the end of the day you see through your field glasses that the green of the steppes is in the distance. "

Hans [to Shai]: I expect it will get around to it eventually.

Col. Egerton-Chase harrumphs.

Col. Egerton-Chase says, "Now that we've reached the steppes, perhaps we'll get some proper hunting, what?"

Col. Egerton-Chase looks expectantly at Thomas Grimes.

GM says, "It turns out Grimes is correct, another day's ride and you will have crossed this band of desert. You think how is it possible that anyone or thing could survive out here as the temperature rises along with the sun to a brutal 35 degrees."

Grimes "We'll have to get a good week into the steppes before we are likely to see a tiger old boy."

Col. Egerton-Chase nods.

GM says, "This is only a narrow band of desert. You don't even want to think about the deep desert."

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam says, "Powerful hot out here." He takes a swig from his canteen.

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam says, "OOC I have returned. :)"

GM . o O ( Cool! )

GM says, "At the end of the day you find the edge of the steppes and can feel the tempurature cool slightly, this is still Mars after all."

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam says, "How hot is this compared to northern Texas?"

GM says, "Not as bad as a day in july, but petty hot non-the-less. You aren't in the deep desert, so it's not unbearble."

Leeghwater looks around for any Martian bears.

GM says, "However, for Emsworth, Legghwater, Wilkins, Whittington, the Grimes, it is miserable."

GM says, "Please roll observation."

Col. Egerton-Chase rolled 4d6 and got 13.

Emsworth rolled 5d6 and got 24.

On 4d6, you rolled 18.

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam rides along, looking quite satisfied. After a while he cuts a plug or tobacco and offers the block around.

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam rolled 2d6 and got 3.

Leeghwater decided to invent a cooling device

Col. Egerton-Chase declines politely.

GM says, "In the distance 200 yards, you spot movement. quadruped animals."

GM says, "About a dozen of the critters, dog sized and moving as a pack."

Emsworth alerts the others.

Leeghwater points at the pack of critters int the distance

Col. Egerton-Chase focuses his field glasses to examine the pack.

Rai unslings his rifle and casually takes aim at the lead beast.

GM says, "They begin to yip in a most pecular fashion and fan out moving closer."

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam draws his pistol. "They're like coyotes... probably try to bring down gashant to eat later." He aims his pistol at the pack but waits for them to come into range.

Leeghwater takes out his pistol, altho he has no idea why.

Col. Egerton-Chase says, "Mr. Grimes. Dangerous beasts, are they? Kaashneek?"

Emsworth draws his Winchester.

Thomas Grimes unslings his own rifle. "Roogies, the bloody dingos of Mars."

Col. Egerton-Chase says, "Very well. Havildar, fire at will."

GM says, "The creatures advance warily, but steadily. Keeping their infernal racket going.""

Col. Egerton-Chase prepares his H & H.

GM says, "Ok bear with me, this is our first combat scene."

You say, "Should we dismount?"

GM says, ""We will go in Agil order"

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam says, "We should set a pose order first."

GM says, "You can fire mounted, but it is at minus one to skill"

Col. Egerton-Chase dismounts, as does Rai - both infantrymen.

Leeghwater dismounts

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam says, "I will dismount to better use both guns."

Col. Egerton-Chase says, "OOC: Agil 2; Rai's is 5."

Emsworth dismounts and hands the reins to Wilkins who also dismounts.

GM says, "PCs will go first in this order...Teatum, Leeghwater, Egerton-chase, and Emsworth."

GM says, "Rai and Wilkins fire next."

GM says, "Then the othr NPCs."

GM says, "Oh sorry reverse Emsworth and Egerton-Chase"

GM says, "Range is 120 yards"

GM says, "Teatum you're up."

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam draws his other gun and begins firing when the critters close to 30 yards. He fires both pistols simultaneously.

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam rolled 1d6 and got 6.

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam rolled 1d6 and got 5.

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam rolled 1d6 and got 2.

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam rolled 1d6 and got 5.

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam rolled 1d6 and got 1.

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam rolled 1d6 and got 1.

Emsworth says, "Ah, I'm going to fire when they are less than 90 yards away."

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam says, "OOC That's three less of them I bet!! ;)"

GM says, "OK since teatum is waiting for pistol, range we'll hold his shots, keep those rolls."

Emsworth says, "That should give me a 2 to hit (-1 to hit)."

Col. Egerton-Chase will fire as soon as his rifle's ready; they're well within range.

Col. Egerton-Chase [to GM]: Are they considered to be charging?

GM says, "Then the Colonel fires first"

Leeghwater will wait until they are close enough for me to hit with marksmanship 1

GM says, "No they are moving too cautiously for a charge."

Col. Egerton-Chase rolled 1d6 and got 1.

Col. Egerton-Chase calmly begins to reload.

GM says, "The creature drops as if pole-axed. "

GM says, "Emsworth take your shot/s"

Emsworth says, "I can roll twice per action, four actions per round?"

GM says, "4 per round yes."

Hans rolls 1, and gets a 6.

Hans rolls 1, and gets a 5.

Hans rolls 1, and gets a 6.

Hans rolls 1, and gets a 6.

GM says, "four misses"

Emsworth says, "Not having much luck here..."

Hans rolls 1, and gets a 1.

Hans rolls 1, and gets a 6.

Hans rolls 1, and gets a 3.

Emsworth rolled 1d6 and got 4.

GM says, "One hit"

Col. Egerton-Chase [to GM]: Can I fire again and reload, then, within my four actions?

GM says, "Shai you only took one shot, You could fire both barrels and reload in one turn for your four actions."

Hans [to Peracles]: How fast do the critters move per round?

GM says, "40 yards."

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam says, "OOC My turn yet?"

GM says, "By the time you finish your salvo they have closed to 40 yards."

GM says, "Only two down."

Col. Egerton-Chase fires again after reloading.

Col. Egerton-Chase rolled 1d6 and got 6.

GM says, "Rai may fire, two shots and two reloads if he is using the brrech loader. If a lee-metford, then he would get 8 shots and be empty."

Col. Egerton-Chase [He'll]: fire four times; he's used to fire discipline.

Emsworth begins the next round by reloading 3 shots, then he fires six times, now with a 3 to hit.

Col. Egerton-Chase [to GM]: His Firearms(Rifle) is 4.

Col. Egerton-Chase rolled 1d6 and got 4.

Col. Egerton-Chase rolled 1d6 and got 6.

Col. Egerton-Chase rolled 1d6 and got 4.

Col. Egerton-Chase rolled 1d6 and got 4.

GM says, "It's minus one to hit for multiple shots."

GM says, "That is four misses then."

Emsworth says, "Carbines can shoot twice per action, according to the chart. Is that with the minus?"

GM says, "Any multiple shots is minus 1"

Emsworth says, "OK, I'll just fire once per action then. That's three shots."

Hans rolls 1, and gets a 6.

Hans rolls 1, and gets a 3.

Hans rolls 1, and gets a 1.

Emsworth says, "Two hits."

GM says, "Correct, four critters down"

Emsworth says, "They must be inside Teatam's range by now."

GM says, "Then Buff starts his amazing quick fire dropping three more"

GM says, "Seven critters down"

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam says, "How many left?"

GM says, "roll 1 "

GM rolled 1d6 and got 1.

GM says, "James grimes drops one"

GM rolled 1d6 and got 5.

GM says, "Alexandra fires and misses"

GM rolled 1d6 and got 5.

GM says, "THomas grimes fires and misses."

GM says, "At this point the critters retreat yipping wildly."

Leeghwater unloads his pistol and stores it in his bags.

GM says, "The roogies are small, but considered quite tasty. Kaashneek dresses them for you and they make up your meal for the night."

wilkins digs an opened box of Winchester cartridges out and hands it to Emsworth, who quickly reloads.

GM says, "The noise and the smell of gunpowder combine to keep eventhe most curious creatures away. Making the night pass quietly."

Leeghwater spends the evening sowing things

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam says "Giijsbrecht, you'd best get used to carrying a gun. This here is wild country."

GM says, "The next day is more of the endless steppes, you find it amazing considering the crowded conditions of europe and the mountains of the Raj for a land to be so empty. Only the Americans have ever seen such a wide open expanse of land."

Hans says, "Well, emsworth has been on a world tour and he did visit Texas on the way.

Col. Egerton-Chase says, "Excellent hunting country, what? Should be able to test the range of our rifles out here, I'd say."

Leeghwater looks somewhat similar to the Veluwe.

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam rides along quietly, looking over the open plains more thoughtfully than he is usually wont.

You say, "Looks somewhat similar to the Veluwe."

GM says, "The days begin to blur from the sameness, heat, sand, and every now and then a few martian creatures."

Col. Egerton-Chase [to GM]: Any good trophies?

Emsworth says, "Any more attacks we have to fend off?"

GM says, "No even a sighting of a Steppe Tiger yet."

GM says, "The other animals make intresting eating more than trophies."

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam is less effusive than usual. He seems almost closemouthed, keeping to himself unless drawn into the conversation.

Leeghwater spends the evenings sowing things looking like bags, handkerchiefs and threads.

GM says, "The Wocnid, more Roogies, and Rowata a flying scavenger. Nothing impressive for Mars."

Emsworth collects flowers and weeds as he goes along. If asked, he'll reply that botany is a hobby of his.

GM says, "It's been a long boring 8 days before you see an unusual shape in the distance."

GM says, "Roll observation please."

Col. Egerton-Chase enjoys the scenery, and spends time talking to the Grimeses and Cartwright-Lloyd.

On 4d6, you rolled 15.

Col. Egerton-Chase rolled 4d6 and got 9.

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam rolled 2d6 and got 7.

Emsworth rolled 5d6 and got 19.

GM says, "Emsworth you blink in surprise at a creature in the extreme distance. "

Emsworth takes out his binoculars and looks towards the creature.

GM says, "You bark at wilkins for your H&H, but before he can even hand it to you, it bolts away."

Thomas Grimes rides over excitedly. "Did any of you SEE it?"

Hans [to Peracles]: A description would be nice.

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam has to nope.

Emsworth says, "I did, but i'm not sure what it was."

Col. Egerton-Chase says, "I'm afraid not."

Grimes "It was a tiger, I caught a glimpse before it ran off."

Col. Egerton-Chase peers into the distance through his field glasses.

Emsworth says, "I presume you mean a Steppe Tiger?"

GM says, "The thing lives up to the title Tiger. 1500 pounds if it was an ounce."

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam takes out his Henry and checks its action.

GM says, "You ride over to where you spotted it and the tracks are quite clear."

GM says, "The size of the prints put you more in mind of a Kodiak bear. A good 8 inches across."

Col. Egerton-Chase says, "Well, Kaashneek. How fast can this beast move?"

You say, "Those must be the size of a polar bear!"

Kaashneek shudders. "Good sirling, they are as fast as the wind, they are the demons of the steppes.

Emsworth says, "According to reports I have read, they are very fast, but tires quickly."

Thomas Grimes jabbers on. "We'll have to set a more secure watch. Did you see the /size/ of that thing. The description do not do it justice.

Col. Egerton-Chase says, "Well, Indian tigers are fast, but they can't keep up the pace for long either. No point in hunting them from elephant-back, otherwise, what?"

GM says, "Now you know that you are not on a wild goose chase, everyone is excited and it shows in how people talk more lively."

Emsworth says, "I'm more worried about hunting them from gashant-back. I don't think that would be such a good idea, judging by the way they reacted to that herbivore the first day."

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam says, "That thing was as big as a buffalo! And it had teeth!"

GM says, "The heat, the sand, the boredom all fade, now that you know your quarry does exist and that you are getting close."

Col. Egerton-Chase nods. "You don't take horses after a tiger on Earth."

GM says, "You talk well into the night for the first time since the first night. You even sleep in a little later than usual."

Bartholomew 'Buff' Teatam says, "Nope, you'd... set out some bait for it and set yourself up where you could plug it."

GM says, "The next morning you are packing up your camp when you see riders approaching. They happen to arrive from a cross wind and the dust makes them visible from a mile away."

Emsworth says, "Too bad we didn't bring a bleething goat."

Emsworth takes his Winchester and puts a round in the breech. Wilkins takes Emsworth's shotgun.

GM says, "And given the time in Central europe and my own fondness for cliffhangers...we'll call it a wrap."

GM says, "Everyone gets a point for the adventure thus far."

Emsworth . o O ( Bleating, not bleething. )

Hans [to Peracles]: Does Wilkins get any experiance points?

Col. Egerton-Chase says, "Excellent game!"

GM ponders. I think NPCs should get half of what a PC gets.

Emsworth says, "So as Emsworth has recieved 4 point till now, Wilkins will have recieved 2?"

GM says, "So as of today Wilkins has 2 full points. Rai has a half point"

Col. Egerton-Chase nods.

GM says, "Please remember to clear your local name/description"

Peracles has deleted all of their local references.

Emsworth says, "In that case Wilkins will, subject to your approval, spend 2 points on raising his Riding (Gashant) to 2."

Col. Egerton-Chase laughs.

Peracles says, "That is fine Hans"

Shai has deleted all of their local references.

Hans has deleted all of their local references.

All of your local references have been deleted.

Peracles says, "Makes perfect sense, but it's rather funny watching him struggle. LOL"

Peracles says, "Robert please nuke your local description"

Robert the mechanical man dissolves into a horde of microbots that disperse into cracks in the floor.

Peracles says, "Hmmm lost him."

Hans says, "too late."

Peracles says, "Ah well I tried."