The GM says, "As well ended last week you were all
brought before the tribal leaders to answer to why you should be allowed to
remain free in the tribe's area."
'Buff' Teatam [to The GM]: Any chance I could get my whip
from my saddlebag? Or did they realize it was a weapon too?
Leeghwater will allow Mr. Grimes to explain the situation.
'Buff' Teatam [to The GM]: Any chance I could get my whip
from my saddlebag? Or did they realize it was a weapon too?
The GM [to 'Buff' Teatam]: you only got a short look at your
equipment. You'd have to roll a formidable Agility to get it without being
seen.
'Buff' Teatam says, "Forget it. Not worth the risk.
Even with 5d6."
Emsworth [to 'Buff' Teatam]: Better than even odds (just).
The GM says, "You are all brought before the three
tribal leaders."
'Buff' Teatam [to Emsworth]: Not worth it. If it was a six
gun, maybe.
The GM says, "The majority of the tribe is also
present, there must be more than 600 Martians here."
Emsworth says, "600 warriors or 600 male, female, and
children?"
The GM says, "There is a central fire to provide light,
probably 200 warriors the rest are family"
Emsworth nods.
The GM says, "You see Fazuck standing to one side
remaining silent."
The GM says, "Each of the three elders step forward in
full ceremonial garb."
Emsworth waits expectantly in respectful silence.
The GM says, "One at a time they wave a thin,
smoldering bundle of steppe grass about your bodies while singing in a
peculiar, dissonant tone."
Leeghwater waits, whilst scribbling in his notebook
The GM says, "One elder is quite old for a Hill
Martian, One is in his prime, and one seems rathr young."
'Buff' Teatam wears his pokerface. At least he didn't get
hung back home. He'd have hated proving those smartalecks right.
The GM says, "The eldest steppes forward and begins to
speak. Fazuck stands at your side to translate for you."
As before, Emsworth keeps up a running translation for the
benefit of the rest.
Elder. "I am Lopkan and claim the right to speak first
as is my right." He looks through all of you and ask a simple question.
"Why are you here?"
Fazuck "You must each speak in turn why you are here.
Speak truthfully, you lives depend on this night."
The GM says, "We'll start with Emsworth."
Emsworth says, "Among my people it gives status to
display the pelts of a dangerous animal that you've killed yourself. We are
here to shoot a steppe tiger."
The GM says, "Leeghwater you're up."
You say, "I'm here to sell some things I have invented.
During my wait for the right person, I decided to acompany Mr Grimes on a
safari."
The GM says, "Teatum."
'Buff' Teatam thinks a moment and says, "I am in a
great deal of trouble back on Earth so I thought I could avoid it on
Mars."
The GM says, "Each of you have to respond, so the same
question is asked of everyone, so each NPC speaks as well."
The GM says, "You have the choice of rolling the best
of Eloquence, Bargaining, or Theatics."
Leeghwater rolls Eloquence
On 2d6, you rolled 3.
Leeghwater . o O ( typical ;) )
Emsworth rolls 1d, and gets a 5.
'Buff' Teatam rolled 1d6 and got 4.
Emsworth says, "Shall I roll for Wilkins too?"
The GM says, "We have 8 nocs so we will split them up
between us."
The GM says, "EMsworth roll for Wilkins and 3 dice for
thomas grimes"
Emsworth wonders just how much eloquences actually makes it
through being translated into parhoon by Bertie and into tribal by Fazuck.
Emsworth rolls 2d, and gets a 6.
Emsworth rolls 3d, and gets a 18.
The GM says, "Leeghwater roll 1 die for Dr Price and 6
dice for whittington"
On 1d6, you rolled 1.
On 6d6, you rolled 24.
Emsworth . o O ( Thomas Grimes is REALLY talking up a
storm... )
The GM says, "Buff roll 4 for colonel Egerton chase and
2 for his batman."
'Buff' Teatam rolled 4d6 and got 17.
'Buff' Teatam rolled 2d6 and got 10.
The GM says, "I'll roll for james grimes and
alexandra."
The GM rolled 1d6 and got 6.
The GM rolled 3d6 and got 11.
The GM says, "The task number was 12 and I count three
successes"
'Buff' Teatam thinks this may be a short campaign...;)
The GM says, "There is much consulting between the
elders. "
The GM says, "I will need you to each roll the same
amount of dice twice more, for each of the elders. I know this is a lot of
rolling."
On 2d6, you rolled 8.
On 2d6, you rolled 11.
On 1d6, you rolled 3.
On 1d6, you rolled 5.
'Buff' Teatam says, "Should I roll for myself? I have
no chance of making a twelve..."
On 6d6, you rolled 20.
On 6d6, you rolled 14.
The GM says, "I know some of you can not, I'm looking
to see how many ones also pop up."
'Buff' Teatam rolled 1d6 and got 6.
'Buff' Teatam rolled 4d6 and got 20.
Emsworth says, "Twice for Emsworth:"
'Buff' Teatam rolled 2d6 and got 9.
Emsworth rolls 1d, and gets a 4.
Emsworth rolls 1d, and gets a 5.
You say, "Leeghwater 3, 8, 11; price 1, 3, 5;
Whittington 24, 20, 14"
Emsworth says, "Twice for Wilkins:"
Emsworth rolls 2d, and gets a 9.
Emsworth rolls 2d, and gets a 9.
'Buff' Teatam rolled 1d6 and got 1.
'Buff' Teatam rolled 4d6 and got 12.
'Buff' Teatam rolled 2d6 and got 7.
Emsworth says, "And twice for Thomas G.:"
Emsworth rolls 3d, and gets a 13.
Emsworth rolls 3d, and gets a 17.
The GM says, "Twice for J grimes "
The GM rolled 1d6 and got 3.
The GM rolled 1d6 and got 3.
The GM says, "Twice for alexandra "
The GM rolled 3d6 and got 14.
The GM rolled 3d6 and got 7.
The GM says, "The elders confer amoung themselves, but
remain passive to you."
second elder. "I am Zardan I claim the right to speak
as is my right.
Emsworth . o O ( Superfluous pleonasm there... )
Zardan looks you over his eyes very hard, but difficult to
read. "What makes you redmen believe you are worthy to be guests of the
clan?"
The GM says, "You must each speak again."
The GM says, "Emsworth, lead of agai please."
The GM says, "I'll try that again less the typoes.
Emsworth Lead off again please."
Emsworth says, "We were invited to your camp by one of
your own. Why should we not be worthy?"
You say, "Hard to say. I mean no harm and I have done
no harm to your people. But neither have I done anything for you people.
Yet."
'Buff' Teatam looks Zardan squarely in the eyes as he
speaks. "I haven't seen anything to make me believe otherwise." When
it is translated he nods.
The GM says, "OK time for the rolling again. TO save
time, eachof you roll three times for each of the people you are rolling
for."
Emsworth rolls 1d, and gets a 5.
Emsworth rolls 1d, and gets a 1.
Emsworth rolls 1d, and gets a 4.
Emsworth rolls 2d, and gets a 9.
Emsworth rolls 2d, and gets a 9.
Emsworth rolls 2d, and gets a 6.
Emsworth rolls 3d, and gets a 10.
Emsworth rolls 3d, and gets a 12.
Emsworth . o O ( Hey, a success! )
Emsworth rolls 3d, and gets a 11.
'Buff' Teatam rolled 1d6 and got 6.
'Buff' Teatam rolled 1d6 and got 1.
'Buff' Teatam rolled 1d6 and got 5.
'Buff' Teatam rolled 4d6 and got 11.
'Buff' Teatam rolled 4d6 and got 15.
'Buff' Teatam rolled 4d6 and got 17.
'Buff' Teatam rolled 2d6 and got 6.
'Buff' Teatam rolled 2d6 and got 7.
'Buff' Teatam rolled 2d6 and got 6.
Leeghwater rolls for Leeghwater
On 2d6, you rolled 11.
On 2d6, you rolled 4.
On 2d6, you rolled 5.
Leeghwater rolls for Price
On 1d6, you rolled 1.
On 1d6, you rolled 6.
On 1d6, you rolled 1.
Leeghwater rolls for Whittington
On 6d6, you rolled 21.
On 6d6, you rolled 13.
On 6d6, you rolled 22.
The GM rolled 1d6 and got 6.
The GM rolled 1d6 and got 1.
The GM rolled 1d6 and got 1.
The GM rolled 3d6 and got 8.
The GM rolled 3d6 and got 14.
The GM rolled 3d6 and got 13.
Lopkan "You will now return to your tent. We will rule
by noon meal tomorrow
The GM says, "You are each taken back to your tent, the
guard doubled outside."
'Buff' Teatam says, "All right fellas. I think we should
plan for the worst. What have we got to fight with 'sides our fists?"
Leeghwater [to The GM]: What were we allowed to keep with
us?
The GM says, "Emsworth has his pocket knife."
Emsworth says, "I have a pocket knife that folds into
the haft, some matches, six shotgun shells and six .600 cartridges."
The GM says, "You have your clothes and whatever you
have in your pockets."
The GM says, "Alexandra has two hair pins."
You say, "1 stopwatch. 1 notebook. Some pencils."
The GM says, "Which during this time are about five
inches long."
Emsworth says, "Oh, and half a dozen prime cigars and
two watches."
Emsworth says, "Hair pins, you mean?"
The GM . o O ( A mighty arsenal )
'Buff' Teatam says, "In that case, I have tobacco,
matches, some rolling paper and my hip flask. We might be able to start a fire
for a diversion. We can use the knife to cut a hole in the tent. We could
probably use the shells for a diversion to by throwing them in a fire."
Emsworth says, "I mean "HAT pins, you
mean""
Emsworth says, "Just what I was thinking myself."
'Buff' Teatam [to Emsworth]: Hat pins in 1889 were no joke.
About 5-6 in long and sharp.
The GM says, "Yes alexandra's hair pins are 5inches long.
They can be used as both hat or hair pins given how long her hair is."
Emsworth [to 'Buff' Teatam]: I know.
'Buff' Teatam [to Emsworth]: Okay ;)
'Buff' Teatam says, "It is a sad pass we've come to
when the lady has better weapons than we do. "
You say, "How about the 200+ warriors and a desert
outside the camp?"
'Buff' Teatam [to Peracles]: Is there a fire in here?
The GM says, "On the downside, while you do know the
way to your mounts, they are halfway across a camp of over 600 martians"
Emsworth says, "Remind me to get myself a hat pin when
we get back to civilization."
The GM says, "No fire in your tent."
Emsworth says, "I don't see how things have changed
since last night. We may still be all right. We don't know how things went. At
least, I can't judge. How about you?"
The GM says, "The elders were completely impassive as
they listened to your words. How they will vote is a complete guess."
Emsworth says, "Maybe Kazuck will show up and we can
ask him."
Emsworth . o O ( Fazuck. )
The GM says, "You wait, but no one arrives. You are
apparantly on your own."
'Buff' Teatam says, "I am planning for the worst. I
have an idea. One of us should sneak out first and get to the mounts. He can
bring 'em to that rise we topped when we first saw the camp. The rest of us can
try to sneak away using them shells as a diversion. We can make firecrckers of
them and my rolling paper."
The GM says, "James Grimes is all for an escape as he
wishes to save Alexandra from being....taken by these yellow savages."
Emsworth says, "Thing is, we may ruin everything for
ourself if we do try to escape. The odds against success are high and our
'hosts' would certainly react poorly to the attempt. "
You say, "We will also need water "
The GM says, "Thomas Grimes is willing to wait for the
decision of the elders, so is whittington."
You say, "Maybe someone can sneak out and overhear the
elders"
Emsworth says, "What's the use? They won't be
speaking Parhoon."
The GM says, "That is an option, but none of you know
where the elder's tents are."
'Buff' Teatam says, "Agreed. But we could make the
crackers first, and weaken the tent to be ready to go."
You say, "There is that"
The GM says, "So what will it be? Wait or take
action?"
Leeghwater will wait
Emsworth says, "Wait."
Wilkins says nothing.
'Buff' Teatam sits in a corner. He can't even smoke out of
consideration of the lady.
The GM says, "The night seems to last forever."
The GM says, "But inspite of yourselves, you manage to
get some fitfull sleep."
The GM says, "The morning comes and you are brought
food rather than being taken to the food."
The GM says, "And you wait."
Leeghwater writes his testament into his notebook.
You say, "Anyone wants to write a note to home. In
case......."
'Buff' Teatam says, "We still waiting on bein' kilt? Or
shall I take a sashay over to the corral?"
Leeghwater writes a letter to his wife
The GM says, "Near to noon as you can guess, Fazuck and
several warriors arrive. "
Fazuck simply says. "It is time."
Emsworth stands up, adjusts his tie, and saunters out of the
teepee.
The GM says, "You are removed from the tent and taken
to the center of the camp."
The GM says, "It is a long walk and it is a typically
hot martian day, but for some reason you are sweating a bit more than the
temperature can account for."
Leeghwater prays while he's walking along
Emsworth keeps a stiff upper lip. so does Wilkins. Can't let
the side down, y'know.
'Buff' Teatam thinks . o O (Dang foreigners... waiting to be
killed.) He walks near Emworth and says softly, "Give me your jackknife. I
aim to go down fighting, if it comes to that. Maybe I can grab an elder and
make some demands." He takes his hat off and mops at his brow, using it to
cover any passing of the knife.
Emsworth says, "Oops..."
The GM says, "Okay thanks for the fill in."
Emsworth keeps the knife but hands over a couple of
cartridges.
The GM says, "@emit Lopkan stands a bit unsteadily and
looks you all over. "We have decided your fate.""
'Buff' Teatam palms the cartridges. He gets ready to toss
them in a fire.
"Nice of them," Emsworth thinks wryly.
The GM says, "@emit Lopkan looks to each of you in
turn. "I can tell that you each of spoken truly and with your
hearts.""
Lopkan "I can tell you actually wish to hunt the Steppe
Tiger. This is rare even for we who live here."
Lopkan "This is a quest of a warrior and I say you are
worthy."
Zardan waits until Lopkan takes his seat before speaking.
"You are the first redmen that most of us have seen."
Leeghwater starts to hope
Zardan "There are some that say you are a pestilence
that will end life on Mars."
Zardan "I think this is probably true."
'Buff' Teatam thinks . o O (They been talking to the
Apaches.)
Emsworth . o O ( They been talking to the Irish. )
'Buff' Teatam [to Emsworth]: That was cold ;)
Emsworth [to 'Buff' Teatam]: Sorry, that was OOC. Couldn't
resist, though.
Zardan "All I have seen leads me to believe that you
might actually have honor among you."
'Buff' Teatam [to Emsworth]: It fits IC so well though ;D
LOL
Emsworth bows slightly to Zardan in acknowledgement of the
compliment.
Leeghwater copies Emsworths bow and starts to smile
'Buff' Teatam will hold the compliments till he finds out he
isn't going down fighting, but he smiles a bit.
Zardan "I have my concerns for the long run for my
people, but for now I find you worthy. I pray to all that is holy that you do
not prove me wrong."
The youngest of the elders waits until Zardan takes his
seat. "I am Jekuyaz and I trust you not."
Jekuyaz points to Whittington. "This one speaks
smoothly, but I think too smoothly."
Jekuyaz "I do not trust you redmen."
Jekuyaz "I have no reason beyond what my belly tells me
that you are trouble. You are NOT worthy."
Fazuck lets out a long breath and turns to you with a grim
look on his face.
Emsworth asks Fazuck what that means.
Fazuck "Jekuyaz is a gifted warrior and that is what
made him an elder at so young an age, but I doubt if he will live to find the
wisdom for the title."
Emsworth says, "Does he intend to fight us? One of us?
All of us? Or what?"
Fazuck gives you a small smile, the first you have ever seen
from him. "The majority of the elders have ruled in your favor. You are
now our welcome guests."
Leeghwater sighs
'Buff' Teatam thinks . o O (He needs a poke in the nose....
Hey we ain't cannon fodder.)
'Buff' Teatam now bows.
Emsworth says, "Thank you for your good wishes, Fazuck.
And thank the elders on behalf of us all."
The GM says, "The members of the tribe come forward to
greet you."
'Buff' Teatam takes his hat off, and sticks the shells
inside his pocket.
The GM says, "You see Jekuyaz head away, he does not
greet you and looks at you with hard eyes.""
Leeghwater greets the tribemembers
Emsworth gives everybody a friendly smile.
The GM says, "You are taken over to the feeding tent
and welcomed to the noon meal."
Emsworth says, "Whew! I don't mind admitting that I was
a trifle concerned there."
The GM says, "The rest of the tribe moveson with their
regular duties that keep the tribe fed and watered."
'Buff' Teatam says, "Jest keep in mind being obliging
don't always keep you alive."
"So what happens now?," Emsworth asks Fazuck.
Leeghwater helps with lunch
Fazuck shows you to the meal preparation area after you eat.
"For now, we are going to have you help with meals. Not a warrior's task,
but yo have yet to prove yourselves as warriors."
"Well, you learn something new every day, I
guess," Emsworth philosophiiises.
Fazuck "I think with the time to ride and hunt, you
will move to warrior's taks, but for now, this is as best as I could
arraign."
Emsworth says, "All very well, and we'll pull our
weight while we're here, of course, but we do want to get on with our
expedition."
The GM says, "Fazuck departs and you roll up your
sleeves and begin with food preparation under the supervision of a few women
and young braves."
Leeghwater has no problems with helping with lunch, as he
helps his wive as well in the kitchen
The GM says, "Despite the conditions Whittington and
Thomas Grimes are beaming with the chance to work with the locals."
'Buff' Teatam says, "Mortifying is what it is. The
fellows back in Nacogdotches would ride me on this for a month."
'Buff' Teatam starts working nonetheless.
The GM says, "The work isn't pleasant, but it isn't
shovelling stables either."
The GM says, "It is labor intensive and time passes
until as you lean back to wipe the sweat off your brow, you sport three Martins
riding into the center of the village."
The GM says, "Please roll observation"
Emsworth rolls 5d, and gets a 25.
'Buff' Teatam rolled 2d6 and got 7.
On 4d6, you rolled 13.
The GM says, "You suddenly realize these are CANAL
Martians!"
Emsworth says, "Will you look at that. Canal Martians.
Here. Curious."
The GM says, "They do not wear the tribal beads and
feathers either. Roll observation once more."
Emsworth rolls 5d, and gets a 15.
'Buff' Teatam rolled 2d6 and got 7.
On 4d6, you rolled 13.
Emsworth says, "I hope they're not from
Shastapsh."
Thomas Grimes hisses. "Shastapsh cavalry!"
Emsworth says, "Let's keep in the shadows,
people."
'Buff' Teatam says, "Great. We can hit 'em with our
ladles."
The GM says, "THe canal martians are talking animately
amoung themselves. They are just in earshot a difficult task in observation,
might hear what they are saying."
Emsworth will try to overhear them. Hopefully they speak
Parhoon.
Leeghwater [to The GM]: Should that (Shastapsh) mean
something to me? From the times I wasn;t present?
Emsworth rolls 5d, and gets a 19.
'Buff' Teatam rolled 2d6 and got 11.
The GM . o O ( Shastapsh was part of the crown colony that
revolted when the oenotrian war broke out )
Emsworth says, "former British protectorate. Rebelled
when the Oenotrians attacked."
Leeghwater . o O ( O... right. )
Peracles [to Emsworth]: roll your parhooni
Emsworth rolls 2d, and gets a 5.
Emsworth says, "You might say that the Shastapshians
are revolting."
Emsworth looks grim.
The GM says, "The Canal Martains look around for a bit
as if they are waiting to be noticed."
The GM says, "You don't see Fazuck or any of the
elders. You know the bulk of the tribe have gone out hunting."
Emsworth says, "I have to find Faruck."
'Buff' Teatam wonders if there are any robes they can grab
to aid in remaining incognito?
Emsworth says, "These are scouts for a larger force
nearby. They were talking about getting a reward for finding this camp."
You say, "That doesn't sound too good."
The GM says, "The scouts then ride off to the
southeast"
Emsworth turns to one of the women and says
"Fazuck?"
You say, "We should try to find the local
warriors"
The GM says, "You can find Fazuck tent's quickly."
The GM says, "The women point toward the north."
Emsworth follows the directins he gets and calls for Fazuck
when he gets to his teepee.
(He keeps out of sight of the soldiers).
Fazuck listens to your report grimly. "This is bad. The
Shastapsh <He spits> often raid nomad camps without provocation.
Emsworth says, "Why do they wait so confidently in your
camp?"
Fazuck lets you into his tent, pulls back a pide of hides
and returns your weapons. "Time for you to prove yourselves warriors"
The GM . o O ( They rode off to the southeast )
Leeghwater takes his pistol and loads 6 bullets into it.
Fazuck arm yourselves and move to the southeast, I will get
Lopkan.
Emsworth says, "We are your guests. We'll help.
Besides, the Shastapsh are enemies of our Chieftainess."
Emsworth says, "How many warriors remain in the camp?"
Fazuck "Less than 20."
Fazuck "Counting you...25."
Leeghwater moves to the South East and inspects the
defensive position on that side
Emsworth says, "You'd better explain the situation to
them."
'Buff' Teatam takes his weapons and checks their actions.
"No offense but that's your Queen, Mr. Emsworth. However, as Texans and
British look alike to them scoundrels, I guess I'm in on this. We need to set
up an ambush."
Leeghwater tries to determine the structures and earthworks
on that side
The GM says, "buff can roll your fieldcraft to pick the
best spot."
'Buff' Teatam looks for a spot for a rifleman to snipe. A
rock overhang, perhaps.
Emsworth says, "This is more your area of expertise,
Teatam, Colonel. What do we do?"
'Buff' Teatam rolled 4d6 and got 13.
The GM says, "The camp is in a flat area, just that one
rise to the south, but it is less than ten feet high and fairly small at
that."
As usually, Emsworth is armed with his carbine and a handgun
while Wilkins has the Holland and the Purdey.
'Buff' Teatam says, "We can put a rifleman there and
get some enfilading fire as they ride by. I'd rather deal with them using my
pistols."
Colonel Egerton-Chase Mr Teatum seems to have found as good
a position as there is to be found. We'll give these blighters what for, just
like proper Englishmen, eh what?"
Emsworth says, "I wish I had brought a saber..."
The GM says, "You take up your weapons and have time to
move into the positions recommended by Teatum before you hear the thunder of
approaching riders."
Leeghwater also brings his pick
'Buff' Teatam ahems. "Thank yuh Colonel, but I'll fight
as a Texan. It works well for me." He draws his guns and spins them around
quickly before replacing them. As he hears the riders approach he jumps into a
tent.
The GM says, "The few warriors that are in the camp
join you side by side as equals with bows drawm and swords ready."
Emsworth tries to estimate the number of opponents.
'Buff' Teatam says, "Don't tip our hand yet fellas. Let
'em, ride right close."
The GM says, "You all gasp silently as you see the
riders approach. To say they outnumber you is to say the Light Brigade faced a
target rich environment."
The GM says, "And as is my wont....we will draw a close
to this grim scene."
Emsworth says, "The Light Brigade WAS a target rich
environment. That was their problem..."
The GM says, "One XP for you all."
'Buff' Teatam boohs and throws popcorn. ;)
The GM says, "Ah yes being pelted by food proves I have
done my job. :-)"
'Buff' Teatam says, "I knew you'd like that."