Leeghwater readies his pistol for the uncoming Martians
The GM says, "Ah great. "
The GM says, "We can start then. The scene is as we
closed last week, Shastapshi cavalry bearing down on the nomad camp."
'Buff' Teatam says, "'Bout how many?"
The GM says, "You've had time to get your weapons and
set up a small defensive position."
The GM says, "Alexandra and Whittington have hidden
inside tents and will not take part in the battle."
The GM says, "You've got yourselves and about 25
warriors to defend against...."
The GM says, "You see the clouds of dust and your mind
rejects what you see."
The GM says, "It looks grim as there must be close to
200 cavalry bearing down on the almost undefended camp."
Leeghwater starts to pray Hail Mary's
The GM says, "The women and children gather up what
little possesion they can carry and try to scatter."
Emsworth says, "How do you handle the chance that a
missed shot will hit something else (rider or mount) instead of the one we aim
at in that sort of a crowd?"
Homas Grimes smiles grimly. "Looks like our own
persoanl Roarke's drift eh what?"
Emsworth Wilkins, we will need the second box of ammunition.
'Buff' Teatam says, "I was staying in the camp to
defend the women folk. My pistols will better up close. I'm gunning for
officers."
Wilkins says, "I have it here, sir."
The GM says, "I'd say any miss has a 12 on 2d6 of
hitting someone else."
Leeghwater mumbles, "Wees gegroet Maria, vol van
genade, de Heer is met U."
I don't understand that.
If you are trying to speak, prefix your words with a double
quote (") or the word SAY, i.e. SAY Fnord. For more help on communicating, type HELP COMMUNICATION.
Col Egerton-Chase "Looks like we'll have to draw their
fire and give the civilians time to flee. This is a grim time lads, but we're
good solid men and we'll do our duty.
'Buff' Teatam . o O ( Well, I proved Granny wrong. She
always figured I'd get hung locally. This is as fer from Nacogdotches as you
can get. )
Leeghwater mumbles, "Bidt voor ons zondaars, Nu en in
het uur van onze dood. Amen."
The GM says, "The cavaly closes with the full momentum
of a charge. range is down to 200 yards. Well outside of the hill martian's
bows."
You say, "Gentlemen, if we don't survive this: It was a
pleasure knowing you.""
Col Egerton-Chase mutters "Worse than the time in the
Kyber Pass eh Singh?"
Singh smiles. "A glorious end sir."
The GM says, "The range drops to 100 yards."
The GM says, "90 yards"
Emsworth says, "I should have a chance of hitting now.
What about the rest orf you?"
The GM says, "It depends on the weapons carried."
You say, "None. I can try from 20"
The GM says, "Level actin rifles have base range of 75,
breech loaders 90, bows 30"
Emsworth is waiting for one of the military gents to give
the word to fire.
'Buff' Teatam . o O ( I wish I had ten of Jeb Stuart's boys
here now. The we'd show 'em. Or... one of them damn Yankee gatling guns. )
Col Egerton-Chase "Let them get close then a rapid fire
volley at 50 yards."
Col Egerton-Chase. "Then its fire at will, but make every
shot count!"
The GM says, "Range 80 yards."
The GM says, "However, the Stashtapshi cavalry decides
matters on their own by opening fire now."
'Buff' Teatam waits. Much of the cavalry will bypass the
small rise, in spite of the fire, he thinks. He peers out the tent, and , makes
sure the Henry rifle is beside him. He asks, "Mrs. Grimes, could I impose
on you to load for me?"
Leeghwater offers to load guns
Alexandra If you think it will help, I'm prepared to do my
part.
Hans asks, "What are they armed with?"
The GM says, "Looks like muzzle loading carbines and
cutlasses."
The GM says, "The volley from the cavalry scythes
though the tents. You hear screams that cut off in mid scream."
The GM says, "You see a few of the warriors fall, worse
yet, you see more of the women fall."
'Buff' Teatam tips his hat to Mrs. Grimes before throwing
himself and her to the floor (if he can reach her).
Hans says, "If they 75 yards from us they must be quite
a bit further from the tents, shhoting from a mount with carbines. They
shouldn't be able to hit the broad side of a tent.
The GM says, "True, but there are a lot of them and
that is a lot of lead in the air."
'Buff' Teatam says, "They are likely to close in and
use sabres now. I intend to hand them a nasty surprise."
The GM says, "Range 70 yards"
The GM says, "Range 60 yards."
'Buff' Teatam says, "I beg your pardon ma'am. It seemed
prudent. You best keep your head down. "
The GM says, "The leading edge hits the tents and the
screams multiply tenfold, you see tents falling, and worst still the first
glimmers of fire!"
Hans says "Hold on a minute. I thought we were between
the attack and the camp. wasn't that the whole idea?"
The GM says, "You see the old wizened figure of the
elder Lopkan bellowing out a battle cry as he leads half a dozen warriors
against the cavalry stanard bearer."
Robert [to Hans]: The rise was off to the side.
If we are not, we should have been shooting from the moment
they were in range.
The GM says, "The camp covers quite a bit of ground.
You do cover your one flank, but the bulk are heading straight for the
camp."
Hans [to Robert]: What are we doing there, then? That's
definitely not how I thought the setup was.
The GM says, "The rise offered you the best cover you
could find."
Emsworth says, "What's the point of having cover if we
can't protect the camp"
The GM says, "You see a platoon of cavalry sweping
around toward you."
Thomas winces. "It's not the best choice lad, but we
are too few to make much difference."
The GM says, "Range to these flankers is 50
yards."
Col Egerton-Chase. "For Queen and country! FIRE!"
Hans rolls 1d, and gets a 5.
Hans rolls 1d, and gets a 4.
Hans rolls 1d, and gets a 2.
'Buff' Teatam grabs his Henry and takes careful aim at the
standard bearer, dropped on one knee to present a smaller target. He lets lose
with a genuine Rebel Yell. It's just like Glorieta Pass, by God.
Hans rolls 1d, and gets a 5.
Emsworth says, "One hit, three misses."
The GM says, "Time slows as you fire, there are several
hits amoung the cavalry, and as professionals, they wheel to respond."
Wilkins will shoot one barrel of the Holland&Holland,
reload, shoot, and reload, thus keeping one barrel in reserve at all times.
'Buff' Teatam says, "How about me?"
Hans rolls 1d, and gets a 5.
Hans rolls 1d, and gets a 1.
Emsworth says, "one hit, one miss."
The GM says, "GO head and shoot Buff."
The GM says, "The colonel's batman Singh scores two
hits"
'Buff' Teatam says, "How many shots does a lever action
get? And how far is that darn standard bearer?"
The GM says, "Thomas and James begin firing as
well."
The GM says, "The based range for a level action is 75
yards. The standard bearer is with the main body of the cavalry some 200 yards
away."
The GM says, "You see half a dozen of the 30 flankers
fall from their saddles."
'Buff' Teatam says, "Forget that. I'll go for the guys
close to the tents then."
'Buff' Teatam says, "How many shots?"
The GM says, "They spur their mounts and will be on you
next round."
The GM says, "Level actions get 2 shots per action.
four actions per round."
The GM says, "Minus one from skill for more than one
shot if you take it."
'Buff' Teatam fires the Henry. He takes all four actions to
empty the magazine.
The GM says, "So call it eight shots 2 or less to
hit."
'Buff' Teatam rolled 3d6 and got 13
'Buff' Teatam says, "Sorry"
'Buff' Teatam rolled 1d6 and got 2.
'Buff' Teatam rolled 1d6 and got 4.
'Buff' Teatam rolled 1d6 and got 6.
'Buff' Teatam rolled 1d6 and got 2.
'Buff' Teatam rolled 1d6 and got 5.
'Buff' Teatam rolled 1d6 and got 4.
'Buff' Teatam rolled 1d6 and got 5.
'Buff' Teatam rolled 1d6 and got 5.
'Buff' Teatam says, "Well damn."
The GM says, "Two more cavarly fall"
Emsworth says, "Don't forget the misses may hit someone
else."
The GM says, "Then everything becomes a slow motion
blur as they are upon you."
Emsworth says, "I haven't shot the second round
yet."
Hans rolls 1d, and gets a 5.
Hans rolls 1d, and gets a 5.
Hans rolls 1d, and gets a 3.
Hans rolls 1d, and gets a 1.
Emsworth says, "two hit, two misses."
Wilkins fires, reloads, then fires twice.
Hans rolls 1d, and gets a 6.
Hans rolls 1d, and gets a 1.
The GM says, "Thomas shoots"
Hans rolls 1d, and gets a 4.
Emsworth says, "one hit two misses."
The GM rolled 1d6 and got 2.
The GM rolled 1d6 and got 1.
The GM rolled 1d6 and got 6.
The GM rolled 1d6 and got 2.
The GM says, "James shoots "
The GM rolled 1d6 and got 2.
The GM rolled 1d6 and got 4.
The GM rolled 1d6 and got 4.
The GM rolled 1d6 and got 1.
The GM says, "Each get one hit"
The GM says, "Singh shoots"
The GM rolled 1d6 and got 4.
The GM rolled 1d6 and got 6.
The GM rolled 1d6 and got 1.
The GM rolled 1d6 and got 2.
The GM says, "Two hits"
The GM says, "The colonel fires his pistol"
The GM rolled 1d6 and got 5.
The GM rolled 1d6 and got 6.
The GM rolled 1d6 and got 3.
The GM says, "No hits"
Leeghwater shoots
On 1d6, you rolled 4.
Leeghwater misses
The GM says, "And the cavalry is upon you."
'Buff' Teatam tosses his rifle near Mrs. Grimes and draws
his pistols. He always did stink with a rifle.
The GM says, "You see Singh engage a rider with his
bayonet and the colonel with his saber."
The GM says, "The grimes swing their empty rifles like
clubs."
The GM says, "And then it's just you and your foeman,
things are to compressed to clearly see what happens to the others as you fight
for your own life."
Emsworth still has five bullets in his carbine plus a
revolver.
The GM says, "Your volley has felled ten of them, and
some can't get their mounts up the rise."
The GM says, "Ten riders make it up the rise, so you
each face one rider."
I don't understand that.
If you are trying to speak, prefix your words with a double
quote (") or the word SAY, i.e. SAY Fnord. For more help on communicating, type HELP COMMUNICATION.
The GM says, "Alphabetically Emsworth you are up
first."
Emsworth says, "I can still use the carbine, but with
my close combat skill, right?"
The GM says, "Correct."
Hans rolls 1d, and gets a 3.
Emsworth says, "Miss. Do I roll for all my actions at
once?"
The GM says, "Once action at a time during close combat
as they are simultaneous."
The GM says, "The rider evades your shot and slashes
with his cutlass"
The GM rolled 1d6 and got 5.
The GM rolled 1d6 and got 5.
The GM rolled 1d6 and got 5.
The GM rolled 1d6 and got 1.
The GM says, "One success is enough for a hit. Roll
your save one D6"
Hans rolls 1d, and gets a 5.
The GM says, "The blade slashes you for a wound and
cancelling the rest of your actions."
The GM says, "Leeghwater you're up."
You say, "Marksmanship or Close Combat?"
On 1d6, you rolled 5.
You say, "miss anyway ;)"
The GM says, "Close combat now."
The GM says, "The rider slashes"
The GM rolled 1d6 and got 5.
The GM rolled 1d6 and got 5.
The GM rolled 1d6 and got 3.
The GM rolled 1d6 and got 2.
The GM says, "Two successes Roll your save."
The GM says, "One D6 a one will save regardless"
On 1d6, you rolled 3.
The GM says, "You too feel the bite of the stashtapshi
steel and take a wound."
The GM says, "Teatum you're next."
The GM says, "Your close combat skill is 2"
The GM says, "You can take three shots with a skill of
1"
'Buff' Teatam fires at the cavalry in the camp with his
revolvers.
'Buff' Teatam rolled 1d6 and got 4.
'Buff' Teatam rolled 1d6 and got 2.
'Buff' Teatam rolled 1d6 and got 5.
The GM says, "The rider slashes"
The GM rolled 1d6 and got 2.
The GM rolled 1d6 and got 3.
The GM rolled 1d6 and got 5.
The GM rolled 1d6 and got 5.
The GM says, "Two successes. Roll save"
'Buff' Teatam rolled 1d6 and got 3.
The GM says, "One wound as well."
The GM says, "The cavalry sweep through your position
slashing down the tents and miraculously, do not stop, they race onward for the
camp."
The GM says, "You take a quick accessment of your
people..."
The GM says, "James Grimes, Singh, and Wilkins have
also each taken a wound."
The GM says, "You call for Doctor Price and see that
fate has been cruel. The Doctor is down and bleeding profusely."
Wilkins says, "Allow me to have a look, sir. I have
some small skill at first aid."
The GM says, "The cavalry continue their wanton
destruction, but none seem willing to brave your fire...if only they knew your
condition at the moment."
'Buff' Teatam continues shooting inside the camp. Starting
with the fella who rode by and slashed him.
The GM says, "Wilkins can roll at minus one skill due
to his own wound, but a quick check shows the doctor has taken a grievious
wound."
The GM says, "Roll observation to spot him Buff, things
happened and are still happening very fast."
Hans rolls 1d, and gets a 2.
Emsworth says, "I guess Wilkins doesn't manage to do
any good."
'Buff' Teatam says, "Well, I'll shoot at the nearest
enemy then."
Wilkins grimaces. "Sorry sir, he is beyond my skill.
Nothing can save him.
The GM says, "Go ahead and shoot buff. Your skill is
minus one due to your wound."
Emsworth says, "Let me have a look. Maybe I can
help."
'Buff' Teatam says, "Pistol or Close Combat?"
You sense that Robert is looking for you in Green GURPS
Room.
He pages, "Are you logging? I have to leave
soonish."
The GM says, "The Doctor looks like he was completely
run through, the bubbling at the wound tells you his lung is pierced."
The GM says, "Marksmanship now buff, they are out of
close combat range."
'Buff' Teatam says, "Right!"
'Buff' Teatam says, "I'm going for a six round burst
per the special rules for gunslinger"
'Buff' Teatam rolled 1d6 and got 1.
Your message has been sent.
'Buff' Teatam rolled 1d6 and got 2.
'Buff' Teatam rolled 1d6 and got 6.
'Buff' Teatam rolled 1d6 and got 3.
'Buff' Teatam rolled 1d6 and got 6.
'Buff' Teatam rolled 1d6 and got 2.
The GM says, "You only get one hit because of range and
your wound penalties."
'Buff' Teatam says, "I have to get some dinner. I'll be
back in an hour. Sorry."
Robert the mechanical man dissolves into a horde of
microbots that disperse into cracks in the floor.
Emsworth . o O ( Back in an hour? Just in time for the
session to be over?? )
The GM says, "Emsworth performs what seems like a
miracle and somehow stablizes the doctor."
Peracles [to Hans]: your leaving too?
Emsworth says, "No."
Peracles [to Hans]: Oh good.
The GM says, "The cavalry finishes it's assault rather
quickly."
You say, "Can I shoot again?"
The GM says, "No real attempt to wipe out the Hill
Martians, just wanton almost bully type violence."
The GM says, "They are out of pistol range."
The GM says, "Soon the thunder of gashants fades and
the only thing you can hear are the moans of the wounded and crying of the
women."
The GM says, "Doctor Price has somehow recovered enough
to treat the rest of your wounded."
The GM rolled 4d6 and got 13.
The GM rolled 4d6 and got 8.
The GM rolled 4d6 and got 20.
The GM rolled 4d6 and got 13.
The GM rolled 4d6 and got 18.
The GM rolled 4d6 and got 11.
The GM rolled 4d6 and got 17.
The GM says, "His work heals James, Singh, Leeghwater
and Teatum of their wounds"
The GM says, "Through the smoke appears a haggard
martian"
The GM says, "Fazuck approaches, he appears unharmed by
the raid."
Fazuck nods grimly. "It is good to see you have
survived.
You say, "Barely"
Fazuck "However many have not.
You say, "How is the situation in the camp?"
Emsworth says, "They didn't try very hard, it seems to
me."
Fazuck close to four hands are dead including old Lopkan.
Ten times two hands are wounded.
Fazuck They raid our camps for fun. We have felled many of
them though we have 5 prisoners.
Fazuck snarls "And the swine <spits> have taken
four hands of women."
Emsworth says, "Taken? You mean captured and carried
away with them?"
Fazuck nods grimly. "It is their....custom."
The GM says, "Another Martian limps up the rise. It is
Zardan the elder and now eldest one."
Leeghwater is enraged
Zardan speaks and Fazuck translates.
Emsworth says, "What absolute swine!"
You say, "We should go get the army and punish the vile
swine"
Fazuck "Whose army will fight for us?"
Zardan speaks with great pride. "You have fought as
warriors when it was within your right to flee."
Emsworth says, "As a matter of fact the British army
may well attack them some day, although they won't be doing it for your sake.
They are at war with us at the moment."
Zardan. "I have something for you, that you have earned
with your bravery."
Leeghwater hangs his head in shame as Fazuck has a point
Zardan "This is a matter of tribal business, not a
redman's army."
Emsworth says, "All i'm saying is that the British are
the enemies of your enemies. You should think about that."
Zardan Stops before each man who fought today and places a
necklace around your necks. They bear the tooth of a Steppe Tiger, Teshuwaan,
or a Koljiss.
You say, "Thank you"
Leeghwater wipes a tear from his eye
Emsworth thanks Zardan.
Zardan "You are warriors and equals in our tribe. As
soon as the warriors return from the hunt, we will have a council."
Fazuck watches Zardan limp down the rise. "We must bury
the dead."
Leeghwater will help the Martians if he's allowed to.
The GM says, "The warriors return shortly and there is
much weeping and gnashing of teeth. The dead, 31 in all, are buried in the
simple way of the steppes."
Leeghwater wanders around the camp looking for ways to
improve the defensability of the camp.
The GM says, "As you are full members of the tribe,
except for whittington and alexandra, it is expected that you assist."
The GM says, "As you wander the camp you see the five
prisoners that Fazuck mentioned. They are all wounded, but one holds his back
straighter than the others, showing great pride, or is it ego?""
JHG [to Green Map]: I'm looking for ways to build a
perimeter or something, using my knowledge of structural engineering and
earthworks.
The GM says, "The doctor works near miracles with the
wounded. As he works like a man near possessed to save as many as he can.""
The GM . o O ( the area is very flat, short of digging in,
there is no real way to make it better. Also digging is not the nomads way. )
You say, "Are there rocks near? To use as a wall?"
The GM says, "As you walk past the prisoners, the proud
one spits at you Leeghwater."
The GM says, "There are some rocks, but not enough to
make any real cover for so large a gorup, even if reduced by the raid."
prisoner snarls in broken english. "Redman pig."
Leeghwater shouts, "Martian Dog!" at the prisoner
The GM says, "They will be back, the whole regiment
this time and you will die here. Your bones bleached by a MARTIAN sun!"
Leeghwater blushes as he realizes that he got baiting into
swearing.
Leeghwater [to Martian]: "God will forgive you for your
crimes. Even you."
Leeghwater walks on
Prisoner. He yells at your back as you leave. "They
will be here soon and stay to sweep the steppes free of these vermin, even
better the red man pigs that wallow eith them.
The GM says, "Once the rest of the warriors return ther
is a solemn council. Those of you that fought are full memebers of the tribe
and may speak at the council."
Emsworth . o O ( Although it has to be translated twice... )
Zardan limps into the circle of light from the fire. "I
am Zardan and I claim the right to speak first as is my right."
Zardan continues his back straight despite the obvious pain
of his wounds. "We have sent riders to the other tribes to tell what has
happened here."
Zardan "We will have to travel northward to the
gathering of tribes."
Zardan "We will revenge this day and will see the
jackles pay."
The GM says, "He limps back to his place at the head of
the circle."
The GM says, "@emit Jekuyaz steps into the light.
"I am Jekuyaz. "I claim the right to speak as is my
right.""
Jekuyaz continues. "We have seen much evil this day,
but we have found allies where I would have thought we would have had
none." He glaces at you all."
Jekuyaz focuses on the redmen. "Will you ride to the
gathering?"
Emsworth says, "Well, Grimes, what do you want to do
now?"
Leeghwater looks to Grimes as well
Grimes holds his forehead as he think. "This is not
what I had intented when we set out to meet the local tribes, but I don't see
how we can abandon this people now."
Leeghwater agrees
Thomas glaces over to James and Alexanda who both nod in
agreement. "I say we go to the gathering."
Jekuyaz smiles grimly. "Warriors you were, and warriors
you are." He then moves to stand next to Zardan.
Emsworth informs Fazuck that the group will ride with the
tribe to the gathering.
Fazuck steps into light. "It is our custome to let
those who would speak, say what is in their hearts now. As third elder now, I
claim the right to speak third as is my new right."
Fazuck "Evil rides the steppes tonight and we will have
our justice." He then turns to stand next to Jekuyaz.
The GM says, "Others of the tribe speak in turn. They
all speak strong words of revenge and justice."
The GM says, "Will any of you speak?"
Leeghwater nds
Leeghwater claims the right to speak
Emsworth . o O ( ...as is his right. )
Fazuck "Then speak young warrior."
You say, "Great injustice has been done to us, and I
will join the tribe in honor when we ride to get revenge"
The GM says, "The warriors all nod and smile as Fazuck
translates your words. You seem to have made several new friends from your
speech.""
The GM says, "With the course of action decided upon,
the council breaks up."
The GM says, "The nomad place triple the normal guards
and as best as can be the clan settles down for the night."
Hans says, "Does Fazuck speak English then?
Emsworth says, "Never mind. I get it."
The GM . o O ( well sorry forgot the step where you translate
to parhooni for him )
Thomas Grimes heads towards where your gashants are kept.
The GM says, "Oddly enough, the Shastapshi didn't harm
the gashants or stampede them."
The GM says, "Does anyone accompany him?"
Leeghwater joints him
Emsworth and Wilkins
goes to check out their gashants.
Leeghwater looks for Gisolde and gives her a couple of honey
cubes
The GM says, "As you reach the stables, you find none
of your mounts are missing."
The GM says, "Thomas Grimes heads to Alexandra's mount
and pulls down the wooden box given to him by Major Robinson of the Explorer's
club what seems like forever ago."
The GM says, "He opens the box and quietly closes it.
He departs for your tents with a thoughtful expression on his face, but doesn't
say anything beyond a pleasant good night."
The GM says, "At this point we can either stop if you
like, or I can continue."
You say, "Let's stop."
You say, "Next time we'll have more players"
The GM says, "Okay then. One general XP and one Close
combat Xp for each of you.""
Emsworth says, "No gaming the next two sundays,
right?"
The GM says, "Actually I checked the calendar and I
will be here for the 1st and the 8th"
The GM says, "I am then gone for the 15th and
23rd."
You say, "So next 2 are go?"
The GM says, "Yes Thunderbirds and 1889 are GO!"
You say, "Can I make explosives from scratch?"
Emsworth says, "OK."