Peracles says, "To quote Otto from the Simpsons:
"Sorry little dudes. Party hearty equals tardy.""
Peracles (#1162) has changed the GM of this room to Peracles
(#1162).
Peracles has made Peracles's local name The GM
The GM says, "Thanks, I have a cheat sheet and was
looking it up."
'Buff' Teatam says, "I'm game. Sorry, I missed your
question."
The GM says, "Ok then"
The GM says, "You and your new clan members ride
northwestwards"
Leeghwater nds
The GM says, "The ride is very somber considering
everyone has lost a member of their family
in the raid"
The GM says, "Fast mounted riders continue to go out
and come back with messages"
The GM says, "The needs of the clan must continue, so
hunters are still sent out to supplement the field ratios you are living on
now."
The GM says, "During one of the short watering and rest stops you take, young Ranix
approaches you."
Emsworth says, "Young "Come Visit My Family,
They'll Love You"?"
Ranix speaks mournfully. "Hello my new clan mates.
Emsworth says, "Hi Ranix. Why so glum?"
'Buff' Teatam says, "Howdy."
You say, "Hello"
Ranix. "I can only hope the elders can find a way to
strike at those <spits> Stashtaphi pigs."
Ranix "One of the women taken was my intended Oora
Emsworth says, "Ah!"
'Buff' Teatam says, "Yeah.... I think them Shastapshi
are due for a Little Big Horn of their own."
Ranix frowns "LIT-TEL BIG HARN? What is this?"
Leeghwater looks questioningly at Buff as well
'Buff' Teatam says, "Well there are these folks on
Earth called the Sioux and they live a lot like you do. Some fellers called the
Cavalry kept pushing them around, figuring they had better weapons. Well the
Sioux got pushed just so far and then... they handed the worst defeat in a
lifetime. You can't get cocky is the lesson to be learned."
'Buff' Teatam says, "Little Big Horn is the naem of the
battlefield."
Ranix smiles grimly. "Yes a Lit-tel Big Harn."
The GM says, "However the drive northward doesn't allow
for much conversation. You mount up again and continue to ride"
Emsworth says, "My hosts told me about that when I
visited the US. Colonel Fog figured Custer would have survived if he hadn't
split his forces. The other half of the regiment did survive. You can't bank on
the Shastapsi doing a Custer."
The GM says, "You ride 16 hours a day for almost two
full days before you reach a large Nomad camp."
The GM says, "This one dwarfs your clan's camp even
before the raid, it would have been larger."
The GM says, "You are shown a place to quarter your
mounts and pitch your tents."
The GM says, "YOu have a hasty hot meal for the first
time in two days and settle in."
The GM says, "The elders go to speak with this clan's
elders."
The GM says, "As before the needs of the clan must be
met and hunters are sent out."
The GM says, "Guards and look outs are posted to
prevent another surprise."
The GM says, "And messengers continue to arrive and
depart."
'Buff' Teatam says, "How many of these nomads have
muskets?"
Whittington is nearly beside himself as he furiously
scribbles massive amounts of notes.
The GM says, "On the steppes muskets are rare, maybe 10
in your whole clan."
Whittington beams, "Oh this is simply smashing.
SMASHING." He exclaims as he tries to capture it all.
'Buff' Teatam says, "They use bows and arrows?"
Leeghwater makes a list of stuff he needs to make black
powder and goes off to find Ranix.
The GM says, "Yes everyone is skilled with bow"
The GM says, "You are largely left to your own devices
as the elders continue to meet."
The GM says, "YOu see additional clans arrive, they
tell stories of similar raids."
The GM says, "You as part of the clan, are asked to
help with some of the chores."
The GM says, "Finding Ranix is easy. You find the young
brave helping make arrowheads and sharping spears with a wicked gleam in his
eye."
Leeghwater helps with the chores. Meanwhile he looks and
asks about for the ingredients on his list
The GM says, "Asking in earth terms brings nothing but
complete bafflement."
'Buff' Teatam says, "I tell you what General Stuart
would do. He'd get some muskets, right off. Yup."
The GM says, "Ranix, who has worked with Fazuck, knows
of the yellow rock you speak of."
Leeghwater tries to explain what the ingredients would be in
Mars terms
'Buff' Teatam can't wait for him to get to saltpeter.
Emsworth says, "Well, Teatam, muskets are difficult to
get out here and they cost more that the clans can afford."
The GM says, "Charcoal is almost unheard of on the
Steppes, they use dried grass in a peat like substance, and dried Gashant
droppings for fuel."
You say, "Yellow rock. Bird droppings and burned wood.
Basicly"
Emsworth says, "...Though maybe there are places where
they can find gold or silver... I'm not sure that would be such a good idea,
though..."
The GM says, "And the old dried bird dropping might be
found in the mountains or hills, but none of the clan have travelled so far,
save Fazuck."
Emsworth says, "Wood is in short supply out here,
Leeghwater."
You say, "Hmm. Too bad. I'm sure that we could use some
black powder"
'Buff' Teatam says, "Well, when we needed muskets in
the old CSA we took 'em from the Union, staged a raid on a supply train."
The GM says, "The scouts report that a large body of
cavalry have massed just as that prisoner mentioned."
Emsworth says, "So I heard. But don't these city states
all make their own muskets? Are there any supply trains to raid?"
The GM says, "Whom do you ask this of Emsworth?"
Hans says, "Bertie was making general conversation with
Teatam".
The GM says, "Ok"
'Buff' Teatam says, "I would think they would travel
with a supply train. We can ask the scouts. If there is one, attacking it would
certainly hurt the S'tapi. That was how the Confederacy lost Arizona. The Union
destroyed our supplies and... water."
The GM says, "More scouts arrive and say the Shastaphi
camp is some 30 miles south of your caln gathering"
Leeghwater will try a small experiment with dried grass,
ghazant droppings and yellow rock. He doesn't have high hopes, but then he
doesn't really understand explosives all that well.
The GM says, "Roll your 2 dice of explosives and don't
roll a 2"
On 2d6, you rolled 8.
Emsworth watches with interest from a safe distance.
'Buff' Teatam asks if anyone has seen how the Cavalry is
getting water?
JHG assumes that nothing happens
The GM says, "You get a proper controlled burn, that
implies black powder, but the amount you make is unfortunately trivial."
Leeghwater blinks in delight at the hints of success.
The GM says, "The scouts report the cavalry have large
Ruumet Breehr pack aniamls"
Emsworth says, "I think muskets must be relatively more
expensive here on Mars because of the lack of metal."
The GM says, "They keep them in the rear as the
squadrons conduct raids."
"Did Bertie notice how many of the troopers had
muskets," Hans asks the GM.
Leeghwater [to GM]: Can I try to calculate the amounts I'd
need to properly succeed? I'll also try to calculate if a hotair balloon could
work with hides, fat and grass burners.
The GM says, "however, economies of scale tells you
that they are mass produced in almost every city state on Mars, so they are
common enough to be fairly cheap."
The GM says, "The problem with the black powder is you
simpley can't find enough of the ingrediants where you are to make any useful
amounts."
'Buff' Teatam says, "I have an idea. We get some scouts
to 'sell' information to the Shastapi of our big gathering. When they right out
to attack us, we ain't here. We're behind 'em attacking their supply wagons."
The GM says, "Given time and a lot of travel you could
probably do so, but it is unlikely the Stashtapshi cavarly will afford you that
luxury."
The GM says, "As for the balloons, you have enough
spare tents thanks to the Shashtaphi to make a large enough envelope, and god
knows there's enough grass."
You say, "Well. There is a limit on the amount of grass
you can burn at one time. "
The GM says, "It is hard to keep up with time as all
normal nomadic routines have been disrupted. sleeping and eating are the only
ways to mark time."
Leeghwater goes to find Ranix and explains the idea of a hot
air balloon and its use as a early warning system.
Ranix has a little difficulty understanding the concept at
first, but then agrees it might be a good idea. However, only the elders could
approve such a thing.
The GM says, "And no one has seenthem for more than
moments at a time since your arrival."
Leeghwater [to Ranix]: Can I ask the Elders? Do I need to
make an appointment?
The GM says, "And more nomads continue to arrive."
Leeghwater [to Ranix]: Maybe it might be a good idea to test
the concept first, before trouble the Elders?
Ranix frowns. I know Fazuck and he might listen, but it will
be late before we can talk to him. He stumbles into his tent late at night
fatigued fromt he meetings. He might not be in the best of moods for new ideas
though.
'Buff' Teatam says, "OOC I'm confused. What are we
going to suggest to the elders? :D"
The GM says, "Hot air balloons"
Leeghwater nds
The GM says, "Made of Hides, sealed with animal fat,
and using grass fire to fill them."
The GM says, "That night you wait for Fazuck, but he
does not show. The arrival of the new clans have lengthened the council."
The GM says, "You have the choice as warriors of the
tribe of proceeding with out permission and hope the ends justifies the
means."
Leeghwater will try to procure the neccessary hides, fat,
grass and ropes
'Buff' Teatam is willing to try to raid the ruumet supply
haulers.
Leeghwater makes detailed building instructions and presents
them to his Red Men clansmen.
The GM rolled 0d6 and got 0.
The GM says, "Roll your Eloquence. The task is easy or
4."
On 2d6, you rolled 6.
The GM says, "Your status as a warrior, the fact there
are so many left over from the daed, and because it is to strike at the
Shastaphi makes it easy to gather the materials."
The GM says, "The materials arrive in short order. The
work is going to have to be yours though"
Leeghwater procedes with mapping out the balloon parts.
Cutting them from the hides and starts sowing
Emsworth will help to the best of his ability. He doesn't
know much about the subject, but he is quite bright.
The GM says, "The sheer size of the envelope will
require some assistance to complete. Your knowledge of flight is high enough
that you can direct the operation."
'Buff' Teatam will ride with the scouts if they will accept
his help. Maybe he can find a way to attack.
The GM says, "You will have to roll your structural
engineering to creat a successful design."
On 4d6, you rolled 17.
The GM says, "As a Warrior it is your right to ride as
a scout."
The GM says, "That is a formidable success, you
guessimate the right size and proceed accordingly. James Grimes is happy to
assist you being aninventor himself."
The GM says, "Alexandra, Thomas, and the Colonel's
batman Singh also assist."
The GM says, "Col Egerton-Chase is a bit put out that
he is not allowed to assist in the planning and has not beenin the best of
moods."
The GM says, "To simplify your scouting Buff, roll your
fieldcraft, your Ride Gashant, and you stealth."
The GM says, "Thats 4 dice, 2 dice, and 4 dice."
'Buff' Teatam rolled 2d6 and got 9.
'Buff' Teatam says, "Sorry. Want me to start
over?"
The GM says, "Naw order doesn't amtter"
'Buff' Teatam rolled 4d6 and got 19.
'Buff' Teatam says, "That was fieldcraft..."
'Buff' Teatam rolled 4d6 and got 13.
The GM says, "You get a first hand look at the
Shastapshi Laager without being detected."
'Buff' Teatam says, "What does the security look
like?"
The GM says, "It is retangular with an abatis all
around it. It has three entrances on the North, West, and East sides."
'Buff' Teatam says, "Can we get within rifle range of
it without being seen?"
The GM says, "Guards looked alert and were at each
entrance, as well as mounted patrols around the perimeter."
The GM says, "Approaching on foot at night you could
get to rifle range, but then the darkness would preclude any long range
fire."
The GM says, "You would however, be in position for the
morning."
'Buff' Teatam says, "I see. I will report this to the
elders."
The GM says, "But there must be 800 troopers in the
camp."
The GM says, "Meanwhile more clans arrive."
'Buff' Teatam will discuss what he saw with the Colonel.
The GM says, "Leeghwater, your balloon proceeds. the
Martians look at your project with skepticism"
Col Egerton-Chase Agrees you may have found their weak spot,
if you could only just talk to the bloody elders.
'Buff' Teatam says, "Those 800 troopers were with the
supplies?"
The GM says, "On the fifth morning of the gathering
(3rd day of balloon construction something big sweeps though the camp."
The GM says, "That was your estimate of the size of the
whole camp. Regimental strength."
The GM says, "The scouts say that whenthe cavalry rides
they take almost all their warriors with them to attack."
Leeghwater peers at the thing that swept through the camp
The GM says, "The Steppelord of the Southern Shistomik
Tribe has been killed in a skirmish with the troopers."
The GM says, "A new leader of the tribe must be chosen
from the elders."
The GM says, "And word is your own first elder Zardan
is nominated!"
The GM says, "This is a decision and vote of only
elders and the vote goes on through the night."
The GM says, "In mid morning the results are
in...Zardan now stands with the elaborate head dress of a Steppelord."
Leeghwater cheers Zardan
'Buff' Teatam whoops and shoots a pistol off.
The GM says, "The crowd takes to cover and their is
confusion as an attack is thought to be underway."
The GM says, "Warriors rush to defend the camp."
The GM says, "There are several screams as women and
children scatter."
Leeghwater looks bewildered at Buff
'Buff' Teatam oops. Well as long as he got Zardan's
attention.... "Hey boss..."
The GM says, "A Single voice cuts though the
bedlam."
Zardan Stands almost majestically, his powerful voice
sweeping across the masses. "STAND FAST!"
'Buff' Teatam stands fast.
The GM says, "Despite the confusion, the power in that
voice brings everyone to an awed halt."
Zardan his eyes sweep through the crowd and despite the large
number of people gathered, he finds Teatum and your eyes lock.
Leeghwater [to Buff]: "You keep managing to surprise
me"
'Buff' Teatam apologizes for the ruckus.
Zardan beckons you forward.
'Buff' Teatam steps forward, holstering his pistol. He
salutes Zardan, earth style.
Zardan looks you over grimly and speaks chidingly. "Did
you not learn anything from young Ranix's similar mistake?"
Zardan's quiet rebuke non-the-less cuts like a lash, but he
then addresses the crowd.
Zardan speaks firmly. "We speak of war tonight. All
warriors will attend." He then turns and wlaks back to the council tent.
The GM says, "The camp is astir for the rest of the day
with the news of the impending war council."
The GM says, "Leeghwater please roll your
intellect."
On 5d6, you rolled 14.
The GM says, "You estimate it will take two more days
to complete your balloon"
Leeghwater smiles at the prospect of seeing his balloon up
in the air.
Leeghwater starts to think of things to fill a balloon with
instead of hot air.
The GM says, "Rushing might finish it in 30 hours, but
runs the risk of problems."
Leeghwater sees no problems with finishing it in 2 days
The GM says, "The rest of the day continues with the
regualr war preparations, more arrows being made, blades sharped, gashants
checked and rechecked to make sure they are ready."
The GM says, "That night, the coucil area is expanded
to be able to hold all the warriors of the clans that could arrive in time to
take part."
The GM says, "Anyone not wearing a necklace such as the
ones given to you by Fazuck are not allowed."
The GM says, "Whittington has several fits, but is
barred from attending."
'Buff' Teatam sketches a quick map of the larder he found
for the cavalry.
The GM says, "The brothers Grimes, The Colonel, his batman,
Dr Price, Leeghwater, Teatum, Emsworth, and Wilkins are all there."
The GM says, "Even young Ranix is here, his first
council."
I see no "buff" here.
Leeghwater [to Buff]: "May I copy your sketch into my
notebook?"
The GM says, "You estimate the total numbers of
warriors, despite the vast numbers of people in the camp, at around 400."
'Buff' Teatam nods to Leeghwater.
Emsworth . o O ( Ouch! That's not a whole lot! )
The GM says, "These are families of nomads, not the
regualr army of a city state. The steppes can only support so many, and
families are more precious than practical."
The GM says, "If they were brigands, they might have a
higher ratio of combatants, but they are not and do not."
The GM says, "This however is the largest gathering of
warriors in recent memory, maybe old Lopkan had seen more, but he has gone on
to scout for the clan in the next life and isn't available to ask."
'Buff' Teatam says, "Well, them Shastapshi are just
bullies and cowards. I doubt they got real grit. We just need to employ
startegy. General Lee faced worse odds and prevailed... tile Gettysburg. And
dang if that weren't a close call!"
Zardan steps forward and speaks. "This is a war council
and all may speak. The city dwellers have attacked our homes and violated our lands.
I would hear plans of how to strike back."
The GM says, "As is to be expected, most of the nomads
plans are recklessly brave, but not practical against trained regualrs."
The GM says, "The bulk of the warriors favor a raid on
the cavalry encampment. Some favor retreating deeped into the steepes and
worrying their flanks."
The GM says, "Some ask for a frontal assault on the
Laager at night to catch them at ttheir weakest."
The GM says, "Another older elder suggest things be
handled int he traditional way....individual challenges of single combat until
one side can no longer fight."
The GM says, "The council is heated, but all know who
the real enemy is and no fights break out."
The GM says, "The rules to speak are slightly altered
because there are so may here."
Leeghwater does not contribute as he has no combat
experience
The GM says, "And it breaks down to each clan speaking
in turn. Each clan choosing the pecking order in that individual clan."
The GM says, "Eventually it reaches your clan and you
are given the chance to speak."
The GM says, "jekuyak speaks first for your clan, then
Fazuck and the rest of the experienced warriors."
The GM says, "Finally it falls to you to speak."
'Buff' Teatam shows the map he made of the supply base and
draws a plan of attack, a night approach and early morning raid after the
patrols are sent out.
Fazuck turns to you. "Our newest clan mates will now
speak." The sight of Redmen at the council sends a surprised gasp through
the meeting.
The GM says, "But no one dares prevent you from
speaking."
'Buff' Teatam shows the map he made of the supply base and
draws a plan of attack, a night approach and early morning raid after the
patrols are sent out.
Fazuck nods to Teatum. "Will any of the rest of you
speak?"
You say, "No"
Emsworth says, "No."
The GM says, "Emsworth?"
The GM says, "Then Thoams Grimes steps up."
Thomas clears his throat and then finds his focus. "I
think I have a plan that will defeat the..uh...city dwellers." He spits
and the warriors roar their approval.
BobP foofs JHG! JHG is so bewildered by BobP's foof that he
loses the race, making Irgaak the Gold Medal winner in Formula Dragon.
JHG foofs BobP! BobP is foofed. Mmrf.
Thoams continues as the words are translated by Fazuck and
Emsworth. "I have with me a Redman weapon, but it will require a small
group of very brave, very skilled warriors to get close enough to use."
'Buff' Teatam sits up and listens closely.
Thomas adds. "I propose that a large body of warriors
approachs at dawn as my fellow redman Teatum advises...."
Thomas "These will have to be very brave and skilled
warriors as well, as you will draw off the city dwellers from the camp.
Thomas. "To make things even more confusing for the
city dwellers, a smaller group should attack from the opposite side of the
laager to stamped the camp's ruumet breehr.
Thomas. "Finally the small group of warriors will enter
the weakened confused camps and use the Redman device I mentioned.
'Buff' Teatam says, "Which would be?"
Thomas. "This device is like that which fires the
muskets that some of you carry, but much more powerful. It will rout the laager
and destroy their supplies."
Thomas holds up for all to see a foot long red stick.
"This is called dynamite and it will bring much death to the city
dwellers!" He spits again.
The GM says, "The crowd looks skeptical that so small a
thing can be so strong, until Fazuck stands and speaks."
Leeghwater . o O ( He brought dynamite? )
Fazuck speaks grandly to the warriors. "For those of
you that don't know me I am Fazuck the healer. I have travelled long and wide
and have seen many things..."
Fazuck "Thomaaas speaks of something with great power
and his ideas, while new to our way of thining, are wise for the Redman's way
of fighting. Heed them."
The GM . o O ( By any chance do you remember the mysterious
wooden box I told you he had with him? )
You say, "Nope"
'Buff' Teatam says, "OOC Aha."
The GM . o O ( It's in the log, I did specifically mention
it twice, once at the beginning when you first left, and again last week. )
JHG: OOC Doesn't really matter
Col Egerton-Chase stands to speak. "I am a warrior of
the British Empire. I have served many years and know the power of the weapon
Warrior Thoams Grimes carries.
The GM rolled 4d6 and got 10.
The GM . o O ( so much for Eloquence )
The GM says, "The warriors still look unconvinced until
Zardan stands."
Zardan. "I have had time to look to the hearts of these
Redmen. They are good men and speak true. Unless someone here can speak of a
plan with a better chance of working, I have made my decision. I will abide by
your vote, but this new thing the Redman speak of, will surprise the city
dwellers.
Zardan returns to his seat and when no one speaks, the vote
begins....
The GM says, "And that is what I will call a
wrap."
Emsworth says, "OK."
'Buff' Teatam says, "Okily dokily."
Leeghwater nds
The GM says, "I will be here next weekend and we can
put these beast to bed."
makes warding sign as Teatum is possessed by the devil known
as Flanders.
'Buff' Teatam says, "Okay. I was considering running a
Steampunk game after this to let Per play. Anyone interested?"
Leeghwater is interested
The GM says, "I would love to be in a steam punk
campaign."
Emsworth says, "Actually, I was planning to see if I
could get my Traveller campiagn going again in the intervals."
'Buff' Teatam says, "For us, or another group?"
Emsworth says, "I expect John Groth will be back from
Iran some day, and we left thing dangling when he went to war."
The GM says, "Damnned inconsiderate of Mr Bush to
interfer with a long running RPG campaign."
The GM says, "Bastard"
Emsworth says, "Well, there's room enough for you, but
we have one dangling plotline that i'd like to tie up. You could play an NPC in
that. Shouldn't take more than a couple of sessions."
Hans has deleted all of their local references.
The GM says, "You'll probably have that part figured out while I am gone, then I can jump in at the next starting point, but an NPC is fine with me."