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>>28699827
As you move forward you take note of your surroundings. To your northeast is the river's west fork, the gentle rolling of its wide mouth growing more hectic as it narrows, beyond that lies the line of semi-tropic woodlands that make up the 'jungle' (for lack of a better word) between Riverport and Snake's Landing. To the Southwest the gentle slopes of the grasslands meld into the plains where most of the ranchers on the southern continent earn their living. It was an ideal choice, the land is prime for it, but the older well established ranches still hail on from the east, hailing back to the first UFK settlers that put the Nitor bases and Snake's Landing between them and the Pheonix Empire's claim. Other than the occasional traveller, it is fairly quiet as you set out.


>Try and talk to someone(Specify)
>Take up sentry duties.
>Other?

>>28699875
hot shit, we've got maps. Anyway, let's maybe ask Ty how life was back on the Sun ranch. If he's too far away for casual conversation, then maybe just skip on to sentry duty later on.

>>28699978
oh, and this -was- a vote for sentry duties, after a bit of conversation. We've got the best eyes for it, I think.

>>28699875
>Take up sentry duties.

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>Take up sentry duties.

You figure it is best to not be idle while your hands to everything and fetch McCain's carbine from the inside of the carriage. Popping back out gun cradled in the crook of your arm you startle Marie a bit, she huffs a bit and goes back to driving the carriage. Progress is as slow as the cattle, while easily pointed in a direction, are in no hurry to get there. More than a few times you see a straggler fall back grazing contentedly before McCain or Ty move up behind them spurring them onward. With the left side cordoned by your carriage and the raised embankment the road lays on, the only cattle loss hazard is them veering off toward the right. Those that do however, are met from a surprisingly adept lasso job from the Phoenixian and pulled back in line.

It continues on like this for some time, strolling at a sedate pace, only the trundling of the carriage and the content gurgle of the river to accompany the chorus of hoofbeats and other bovine related noises. It is well past midday when McCain calls for a halt near the bend in the road. Here the river swings due east and you figure yourself a bit shy of halfway to South Fork. McCain rides up to the carriage, dismounting and handing the reins to Marie.

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>>28702115
"Lets get the horses and cattle watered here." He says to her before turning to you. "Way I figure it, Miss, we got two ways we can go, we can keep the carriage on the road and drive the cattle through the woods ahead, or we can take advantage of grasslands along the treeline and drive them around. Unless its changed overmuch in the last 3 years, the treeline should take us right to South Fork."

"Any particular reason for the shortcut?" You query looking over the quiet herd.

"Call it a feelin'" McCain responds, "That and I don't fancy the idea of trying to find stragglers in the woodlands. Carriage should hold up well on the grasslands, specially since I made it a point to look over the axles while you were on your little adventure to the Landing"
?
>Follow the road into the woods.
>Follow the Treeline.

>Anything you wish to do while they take a breather?
Also give me a 1d20 travel roll, lower is better.

Rolled 7

>>28702141
Yeah, it'd be annoying to herd cattle through trees. Let's follow the treeline.

Not much TO do during the breather. Everyone's still gotta be alert to watch the cattle, few in number as we are, so we won't get much talkin' done.

>>28702141
>Follow the Treeline.

Also,talk to Ty if we have a minute. I'd like to know more about where he came from.

Rolled 5

>>28702141
Sorry, forgot the roll for >>28702273

>>28702273
yeah, if we can. Cattle willing. At least find out what happened to his ranch to make them sell stuff off.

We'll get to know the harpy later.

>>28702141
>Follow the Treeline.

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>5

"Yeah, it'd be annoying to herd cattle through trees. Let's follow the treeline." You say, looking down the road as it delves into the woodlands in the distance.

"Alrighty, I'll keep an eye on the herd. The boy mentioned something about cooking and I'm sure Miss Robinson wants to stretch herself as well." McCain says with a nod before turning to Veles still reading on the roof, "And what about you Mr Layabout, going to abuse our hospitality layin' about up there the whole way?"

Veles looks a bit taken aback, setting the book down, "That was not my intention at all, my apolo-"

"I'm just foolin' with ya, but I do need a hand watchin' the herd. You said you had that beast well trained, right? Mind helpin' me keep watch?" McCain says with a chuckle.

"Not at all. That is task I am more than capable of doing." Veles says, untying the lead from Dahz and giving several sharp whistles. The wolfdog vaulting off the luggage rack and circling the herd, looking back at its master occasionally.

McCain for his part, hides his own surprise well, "Well I'll be, he's not quite such dead weight after all." He mutters to you as he heads toward the herd.

You catch McCain and Veles having a chatting amiably as they patrol the outer rim of the small embankment the cattle are currently entrenched in as you head to where you see Marie watering the horses and Tai fiddling with a small camp stove.

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>>28703458
As you approach she notices you first. "Miss Masterson, the horses should be freshly watered, if it is all right with you, I will hitch them near the wagon and stretch a bit. Only so much jostling I can take in one sitting."

Offering your thanks she leaves with the horses in tow, heading toward the wagons as you approach the Pheonix Empire lad. For one as well built as he, seeing him fussing over the pan like a housewife is amusing. He looks up at you. "Good Afternoon Miss Sasha, We've made good progress today, yes?"

"Indeed we have, in no part due to your efforts, you did well." You say, a little uncomfortable with the managerial role, he looks to be as old as you, if not older.

" I am just happy to have found employment so quickly." He says.

"Why is that? What was your home like." You ask as you settle down into the grass next to him watching as he pulls some of his smoked rations out and lays them on the pan.

"It was not too bad Miss Sasha, I would have to say it would be normal, but it was an abuse of my Aunt and Uncle's hospitality. I did what I could for their ranch, but they never seemed to expect much out of me. It annoyed my cousins greatly and lead to much tension. After a while I broached the idea of going on my own after this drive and they could not get me out of there quick enough. They even had me that cart built to carry my essentials." he says, opening a vial of something and putting it in a tin next to the frying smoked beef.

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>>28703514
"That's a fairly big cart for something considered 'essentials'" you say looking at the two wheeled wagon hitched to the rear of your cart as Marie buzzes it having taken wing.

"Well, it isn't exactly essentials, but it is stuff that I had grown on their ranch see?" screwing the cap back on the vial and placing it in your hand. "I specialized in growing herbs, mostly aromatic, and while they never asked of me, I relished any chance to cook. Here, try some." You watch as he tears a small strip of the beef, dunks it liberally in the heating tin, and hands it to you. You hesitantly place it in your mouth and begin to chew.

The taste, well to call it divine is an understatement. It is most definitely a pepper based sauce, but it has something unquantifiable about it, a hint of sweetness, and the smoky flavor of the beef seeping through.

>Reaction?

>>28703540
Grab another strip for good measure. Shit's good.

"Hah! McCain sure knows how to pick 'em.

I'll see to it a place is set aside for you to set up your herb garden, or whatever it is you need to do. I admit, I've never been the best cook myself."

>>28703648
Supporting this.

>>28704099
I would also like to compliment his cooking somehow, if that wasn't already implied.

>>28703648
This. We might also broach the subject of marketing the herb mix. Might be a good value added good to hawk to surrounding folks.

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"Hah! McCain sure knows how to pick 'em." You say after finishing the morsel.

"Miss Sasha?" he asks cocking his head to the side.

"Can you do this for all our rations? Right now?" You ask,

"It would bring my stock of it on hand terribly low, but it is a snap to make if we are not travelling."

"Do it, and if you can keep the meals like this up I'll see to it a place is set aside for you to set up your herb garden, or whatever it is you need to do. I admit, I've never been the best cook myself."

He gives you a giant grin, "With pleasure Miss Sasha."

Setting up a folding metal griddle, he begins heating that over the spare embers, placing his own rations there to warm before turning to yours. It isn't long before you have a your own full compliment of Pepper Smoked Beef that you savor for far longer than is proper. He is just finishing up his when Marie returns. "Something smells amazing, what is it? I'm starving."

"Salutations Starving, my name is Veles." calls the snake as he heads towards the group, ignoring her exasperated sigh he turns to you, "I think Dahz has most of herd well and truly under control, Sasha. Your friend Matt told me to get some proper food in me while we were resting, because he would like me to try directing Dahz from coach when we move again."

"Think it would work?"

"Without doubt." He smiles, "Also I am not sure but I think it would be wise to relieve him. He is no doubt as hungry as the rest of them."

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Rolled 17

>>28704750
You stop Ty before he even raises from the campfire, "You stay right there. Not letting him miss out on your cooking."

You slither over to your foreman and relieve him, silencing his objection before he can voice them and telling him to get some of the cooking from the man he so ably recruited. Lacking any compelling counterarguement he relents and leaves you and Dahz to look over your new herd.

Roll a 1d20+2 spotting

Rolled 5 + 2

>>28704779
Marvelous, now everyone has to deal with our preference for spicy foods. Muahaha!
Anyway, hello dog, let's see if we can direct you in any way, shape or form.

Rolled 3 + 2

>>28704779

>>28704779

>>28704917
Fuck

>>28704936
>>28704917
you aren't having the best day, are you?
also,
>>28704750
>seven times the amount of tastebuds
It sounds great, until you have to clean the stables, and plugging your nose does nothing.

Rolled 20 + 2

>>28704779

>>28705111
you saved us!

>>28705132
>>28705111
That's a pretty good spot roll, if it still counts.

Probably just wandering cattle. Profit lost that is.

>>28705111
Huzzah!

Rolled 18

>>28704779
More dice needed?

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>>28705111
>5
>20
While Dahz is eyeing the cattle you begin scanning the distant treeline when you stop mid scan. Movement on the opposite bank, further down the road you see a pack of something the fording the river. Raising your rifle to you watch as another large pack of coyotes, possibly even the same ones you encountered a few days ago, cross onto the roadway. You hear Dahz growl, hackles raised as she too watches the procession. They seem to regard the cattle for a moment, then turn into the woodlands, heading toward presumably easier prey. You let out a breath and lower your weapon as the last of their mob slides into the woods.

Notifying the rest of what you saw puts them on edge as they get ready to move, coyotes are not much threat on their own, but in packs they might prove more bothersome. You reach the primary turn before the woodlands and veer off into the grasslands, now bringing up the rear, rifle raised, you are the one driving the herd onward. McCain takes the right flank, pistol drawn as he scans the woods.

It turns out to be for naught, the pack must have turned deeper into the woodlands and you make fairly good time, though slower than your previous progress as your wagon bumps and rolls over the slight hillocks that make up the grasslands. Veles, apparently distressed by the constant rocking, has elected to follow behind, the pace more than slow enough for him to keep up at a sedate slither, even with his nose firmly planted in that history book.

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>>28705947
Though you don't make it home in one day, you had not expected to. It hits nightfall right as you reconnect with the road leading away from the woods. McCain calls another halt to get the cattle properly watered, though it doesn't take long as given the slower pace.

>Make camp here for the night press on tomorrow.
>Keep shooting for home.

Going to pause the thread here for tonight. Been going since approximately 3 PM yesterday. Will pick up tomorrow. Hope you folks enjoyed the ride so far.

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As always, feel free to brainstorm or list out what you folks plan on doing, I'll try accommodate it as best I can.

>>28705968
>>28706041
see you whenever the next time we pick up is, guy. Been enjoying it, in a slow burn kind of way.

We should probably rest for the night, not good to keep cattle moving while you can't see 'em.

Now that I think about it, we could have our herbman look for rare stuff on our property, every so often.

>>28705968

Oh hey, Lamia Quest!

>Make Camp

Running cattle at night is a bad idea, and I feel the hunger for another random encounter. Excitement ho!

>>28707297
>excitement ho!
Well, eventually. When it comes around.

I'm glad we got someone who was good at cooking. Saves us having to find a chef for the men later.
And we've -still- not seen velles secret mountain pass.

>>28705968
>>Make camp here for the night press on tomorrow.
Makes the most sense. If we can, we had ought to get our griller to start thinking about ways of producing larger volumes of herbs. Exporting that shit could perhaps make us a rich cunt.

>>28707407
Well, we've certainly got enough space to grow that stuff. Hopefully of the right climate. The valley's a bit nippier than it is up north.

>>28707432
Most herbs are not terribly hardy. We might need special accommodations to keep them around.

>>28707568
I was afraid of something like that. If it's temperature problems, we might try some kind of warmth-movement-deal with the hot springs, but only if we can do it without basically wasting huge amounts of hot water.

I realize, upon going to sleep after eating a load of tacos, that it might have been a good idea to check in with the others that they liked spicy foods before making all the food spiced.
This level of spicing may not agree with their digestion.

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>>28711213

Acquire and distribute milk and Pepto Bismol. It's all you can do for them now.

>>28707624
It is generally a frost problem. Around my AO, many herbs will go like gangbusters about 6-8 months out of the year, but the least hardy will get pwnd by the first frost, with some, like bay, getting ganked by the first good freeze we get. Not sure what the environment is in LLQ, but just a thing to keep in mind.

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>>28711213
I suppose I should have specified, its a black pepper sauce, its got a bite, but it is not a Capacin grenade of heat.
>>28713451
Think Wyoming. Its got some altitude and can get harsh.

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>Make camp here for the night press on tomorrow.

Not relishing the prospect of trying to herd cattle at night, you call a halt just outside of South Fork. The glow of town visible from your position as the group makes camp. Marie, having been given second watch by McCain promptly buries herself in her bedroll, hoping to catch at least some sleep. Veles occupies himself with a small line and a hook taken from one of the pockets on his pack, and casts into the river. McCain take up first watch, patrolling around the herd. After some time the old snake returns, grinning with a brace of trout on a string. He cleans the fish, using not the curved blade at his side, but a single claw, leaving the entrails and other bits for Dahz. By the time he is finished Tai has returned from securing the herd, sprigs of green onion, asparagus and ramsoms harvested from the treeline in hand. Taking over preparation of the fish, the camp soon smells faintly of garlic and onion trout. A quick meal, with a portion set aside on the fire for Marie, and you figure it is best to turn in for the night. You retire to the carriage, closing the door and make yourself comfortable on the upholstery, it isn't long before sleep takes you.

>The Burned Village
>The Drifting Ship
>The Tree in the Ruins
>The Cave in the Mountain

>>28714620
hmm, possibilities... I'ma go for
>The Tree in the Ruins

>>28714620
>>28714975
we already did the burned village right?

Why not the tree then.

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>>28715205
>>28714975
You've done Village twice and Cave once, they are just... landmarks if you will.

>>28715793
well, I'm still for visiting areas of our dreamscape at least once

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>>28715984
>The Tree in the Ruins
Hunger. Fear. The two biggest presences you feel as you watch the little figure run through the mass of people. A city, ruined and rebuilt, but only in some places. The figure darts between legs and through alleys, her pursuers unseen into a less crowded area. Running further the figure goes, heedless of where she heads, until she stops, gazing into the regrowth that slowly reclaims what was once there. She hesitantly pokes her way through these ruins, clutching the parcel she had been carrying tightly to her chest. She approaches a large maple, shaded a deep crimson when figures appear around her. Pleading she backs against the tree as the figures draw closer. Wincing she looks up, only to see the extended hand of the lead figure and a smiling face looking down at her. She takes the hand.

You drift back to wakefulness and untangle yourself from your mass of coils looking to see what woke you up.

Give me a d20 roll, lower is better.

Rolled 9

>>28716295
I wonder if these dreams are even things that happened to us.

Rolled 15

>>28716295

Rolled 15

>>28716295

>>28716426
>>28716613
you make me chuckle with your identical rolls

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The rapping of McCain on the door hastens your extraction. You open it a fraction as he tips his hat. "We're all ready to go miss. Just figure I'd give you a bit of a wake up call before we start movin'. Cattle got a bit spooked during the night, don't know what it was but nothin' we couldn't handle." You give a nod of affirmation and close the door. He gives a call and the gentle rolling of the carriage begins. You take your time making yourself decent before opening the hatch. At the reins is Marie again, this time animatedly showing Veles the ins and outs of driving a carriage. After some time she hands the reigns to him and takes wing, orbiting the herd as it makes its progress through rivers crossing. The herd avoiding the bridges into town proper, as your carriage comes through town you see the a few townsfolk watching as your herd plods its way along. You hook back up with the them as you exit the town, using the road while they keep the cattle on their side of hte river. It continues this way, only a few slight hiccups as a few cattle try fording the river, only to be dragged out by Tai. By midday you are very close to home now.

Give me another d20 roll

Rolled 14

>>28717763
darn 4chan not telling me the thread updated. Observe marie in flight- damn useful that one will be soon as some cattle try to flee.

Rolled 2

>>28717763
rollin'

captcha: must singleham
...is there a pig hiding with the cattle?

Rolled 9

>>28717763
Oh shit, didn't see the update!

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>>28719381
>>28719451
>2 from 15
And this is why I wait, lemme flip a few things. Also this Venison jerky is being a pain to smoke. Christ.

>>28719770
it's fine, go smoke dat jerky. Smoke it good. I've come to peace with this being a slowquest.

>>28717763
You always seem to run when I can't be here

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>2

You clear the last stretch before the wooden fencing that marks your property, off to the left you see the buildings that make up your ranch. Here, where time and nature has made the water wider and shallow, McCain drives the cattle across the water. They ford the river with no problem and are quickly behind the fencing it is here that Marie swoops down. "You never said you had other hands." she asks, puzzled.

"I don't have other hands." you say

"Well, who's horses are those?" She says as she points toward the corral. You see 3 horses there.

You look around the paddock until scanning, and movement near the base of the barn catches your eye. Three huddled figures beneath a window fiddling with something you know not what. Then you see the flicker of a fire.

>Action?

Rolled 13

>>28721152
Draw our rifle, tell them to drop it or we will off them.

>>28721152
Oh, hey, I think that orc is already making his move. Either that or we have guests.

Let's go introduce ourselves to our guests.
>>28721233
in an armed fashion.

Rolled 3

I think we should shoot first then ask questions. They are trying to set our barn on fire.

>>28721289
I don't think we can shoot the fire out. Also, I'd like to be up close with a gun pointed at them to have the drop on them, rather than initiating a gunfight.

Hands, get water.

Rolled 17

>>28721152
I'll second
>>28721316

Rolled 16

>>28721316
Distance favors the skilled gunman.

>>28721838
well, can we indicate we have them covered from a distance without them pulling for cover?

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Not certain if there is some dissent or not. Are you going to tell them to drop it from here or try and move up first?

>>28722251
eh, just do it from a distance. If there's a gunfight there's a gunfight.

>>28722327
and by this I mean I am giving up my previous vote of the opposite action

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>>28721152

>GENRE SENSES TINGLING

Open fire. They're either trying to burn down our barn or they're tresspassing and being criminally negligent. Either way they'll be able to appreciate our preference against negotiation.

>>28722803
well, doublecheck that they're not hungry hungry hobos first, but then yeah get 'em off our property with their attempted arson bullshit

>>28722931
I agree.

>>28722931

IF they're hungry hobos then they'll take the first shot as ample warning and scatter. So I vote we fire to suppress, then advance while firing.

We have 18 rounds and more midsection muscle than a 300-pound bodybuilder. let's see some accuracy!

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>Warning shot then engage

Drawing your rifle, you tell Marie to warn the others before letting loose a shot. Three by the barn turn as you yell "Drop your weapons or I drop you." They choose neither, one goes to ground behind the water trough, the other two vault over the fence to the main corral, all three drawing weapons. You see the start of a flame building up behind the first.

>Firefight, cover currently is the carriage.

Give me a d20+4, they are at long range.

Rolled 8 + 4

>>28723233
I don't disagree with this, and have nothing more to add.
>>28723787
well, the battle happened. Keep them pinned. We don't want to risk any farmhands, doubly so don't want to risk them getting water with bullets flying about.

Rolled 15 + 4

>>28723787
Rolling

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Rolled 6 + 4

>>28723787

>Starting a fire, then starting a firefight

BAD move. If we supress them for long enough they'll be dead from the fire. But by then the barn will be gone too. So that's a no-no.

Advance and fire. Grab their attention and let Marie and...er...forgot the old elf's name so I'm just going to go with Rucks (that guy from Bastion, since I'm sure that's what he sounds like) come up with something.

>>28723997
now that you mention a barn:
Do we have any animals in there RIGHT NOW? If so, it changes our priority from covering fire to flanking to prevent them from being shot.

>>28723997
>>28724025
Oh, and it's McCain.

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>>28724025

GOOD IDEA!

Advance to a flanking enfilade position, so the barn isn't behind them from our location. Obviously keep shooting while we do this.

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Rolled 7, 5, 14, 20, 15, 13, 12, 17 = 103

>19
You immediately go as low as you can, firing on the two by the corral. You fire three rounds at the would be arsonists, knocking the hat off one of them. They hastily grab their weapons and begin returning fire forcing you behind your carriage.

You see, coming up from the corral, McCain and company running towards you, the barn between them and the 3 your are engaging.

>Action? Firing is again d20+4

Rolled 17 + 4

>>28724844
Have the pack animals pull the wagon, and continue firing while while it's moving. We'll get in position to flank them AND be in cover.

Release the animals once they have imparted enough momentem to keep moving.

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Rolled 13 + 4

>>28724844

Rolled 16

>>28724894
I like it

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Rolled 8, 2, 12, 1, 3, 2, 8, 10 = 46

>21

Moving around to the front of the carriage, you give traveller a slap on the rump, sending him, Greenbriar, and the rest of hte payload forward. As you do, the whistle of the an incoming one of the incoming bullts comes painfully close, you can feel the sting as it barely glances your shoulders. You send four rounds towards the men as McCain, seeing where you are firing, stops before clearing the safety of the barn, and motions for the rest of the hands and veles to go around. Marie appears to have other plans, a small jump and she is aloft, flapping furiously before reaching the roof of the barn, just out of sight of the three. You caution a glance outward and notice one man tying his bandanna around his arm. Looks like you winged him with the last salvo.

>Action?

>>28725264
keep up the suppressive fire, and try to leave an avenue of escape away from us and the farm. Get 'em to run.

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>>28725264

Once McCain and Marie have them surrounded, cease fire and offer terms of surrender. I'll bet dollars to doughnuts they were not paid to fight, and NOBODY is paid to die.

>Their faces when badass elf with 'stache of ultimade badness and badass harpy with sickles of epic badness

>>28725302
Let's go with this for now.

>>28725736
>>28725746
surrender or run, whichever. I already know who sent 'em, and I don't feel a pressing need to shoot the messenger.

We -just- came back out of town, bringing these guys back to the fort tied up would just be such a hassle. I sort of hope they just run so we don't have to deal with it for a while.

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>>28726094
As you follow along the motion of the cart you fire your last four rounds out of your repeater, more to keep their heads down than anything, when you hear the crash from behind the barn. The men turn to look and the one behind the trough lines up a shot on whoever stumbled when you see his hand flinch as Marie make herself known. You can see from here the knife embedded in the man's wrist. She drops back down past the eave of the roof as the two men on behind the fence open up on where she used to be. Neither of them hitting the, well, broad side of the barn. Then you hear the telltale click of a dry fire from one of their guns.

>Action?

>>28727548
Move to a better position on them while shouting to 'em.

I take it you folks are done now? Care to throw out your pistols and get on off the property?

>>28727548
Reload as many rounds as we can while moving up for a better shot. I don't want to kill 'em, be we need to make it clear that this is not ok.

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>>28727930

Seconded.

>>28728083
>>28727930
we can tell 'em to get out of here and/or surrender while reloading? Or is it too much?

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You begin to reload your carbine as you make your way on your way toward their position. You slither underneath the house porch, an action that would have, if he were still around, given your father flashbacks of your youth. You get to the other side rifle half loaded and with a clear vantage point on the man behind the trough. His rifle laying on the ground, he has now drawn a pistol with his good hand.

You call out to them, "I am going to give you one chance to leave here. Put down your weapons and go."

The two in the corral continue reloading while the one with the pistol whips to face your direction. Unable to see you in the shadows he raises his pistol in your general direction. It is here McCain barrels around the corner, tackling the man and grabbing the bad hand and twisting it. The man yelps and drops the gun, swinging wildly at your foreman who bodily hurls him over the corral fence. You move up to give him cover when a blast of light blinds you. The smell of ozone permeates the air hen you regain your vision, you see the sneer of what must be the leader of the group, an elf you note, channelling an arc of lightning where your foreman used to be.

>>28729045
did you fucking EXPLODE my MCCAIN?
Headshot that wizard!

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You raise and begin firing all 8 shots you loaded at the caster who turns and projects the arc toward you. Time seems to slow as you literally see the bolt coming towards you, the rounds you firing evaporating as it arcs from each one. Just as it is about to hit you see the man gets knocked away from what appears to be a blast of ice. Veles, scales arcing with energy, bounds towards the elf at an unnatural speed, only to have him dodge the barrelling snake a moment later.

Tai on the other hand, appears to be holding McCain's revolver and is trying, unsuccessfully to get a clear shot. You hasten to reload your weapon, watching the only unwounded man in their party grab their horses and throw the knifed man onto his. The elf sprints towards a horse and jumps on, the three make to bolt from the property.

>Action?

Apologies on condensing, I just ended up using the rolls I rolled earlier.

>>28729100
Is our foreman anywhere we can see? If he's not exploded entirely, get to him and make sure he doesn't die from shock.
If he -is- a fine red mist, why, fire some vengeance rounds at the fleeing guys.

>>28729100
Try to shoot at least one in the back, or knock out one of their horses. If we can wound or dismount one they'll have to travel more slowly, and we'll be more apt to carch up to them.

I think upon reading this further Mccain actually dodged it.
So send them off with some bullets. Doesn't really matter if they hit. Sends a message.

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Your first instinct is to look for McCain, rushing over to where you last saw him you look through the wreckage of what used to be the corral and water trough, searching through the scorched pile of wood while reloading you see him picking himself off the ground with a tide of groaned curses. You raise your rifle towards the retreating men but cannot get a good shot. You do however, see the elf take off his shirt reapply the bandanna he had tied to his arm to staunch the blood, you get a good look at the tattoo emblazoned on his back. Turning to look at your group you see Veles slither up to you, sheepishly holding the segment of fence he had ploughed through on his missed charge. Tai comes to help McCain up, giving a stream of apologies and looking at the old elfs wounds. Marie flutters down to you and says, not unkindly, "This happen often?" Though you do not respond, as you are staring at the back of McCain, who sports an identical tattoo to the man who just nearly fried him.

>Action?

>>28729100
Check and see is McCain is visible. If he's hurt, get to him. If not, try taking out the horses (joints and such, wouldn't do much otherwise) or take a second to zero in on the uninjured fella.

>>28729100
While not nice for the livestock, if someone out to kill you is trying to escape shoot their horse.

>>28729464
No, no, this is new. I think it has to do with an orc I decided not to sell land to up north.

Well, either that or it's something to do with McCain here, but he'd tell me about something like that. How're ya feeling anyway, guy?

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>>28729464

STOP THE FIRE!

>>28729464
For now, let's make sure everyone is ok and get the cattle sorted. We can ask him about the tattoo in a bit.

>>28729554
oh shit I FORGOT ABOUT THAT

FIRE WORK NOW
>>28729570
THEN GET THE CATTLE SORTED

>>28729554
This BEFORE ANYTHING ELSE. FIRE BAD.

begin conversation about how this stuff isnt normal, then remember the fire, then panic/get to work.
Seems like a plan.

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>Action?

"Not usually, but grab a bucket, we got a fire to stop." you exclaim, physically turning the confused harpy at the flames beginning to lick up the side of the barn.

Running to the pump you grab the bucket there and start heaving, filling it as fast as you can. Seeing your intention, Veles runs over to the fire and begins tracing symbols into the flat of his blade. It glows blue momentarily before erupting into a modest stream of water that he points towards the base of the flame. Between the three of you, you manage to contain the blaze with only superficial damage to the barns exterior. Leaving Veles to drench the base in case of smouldering embers you first check on the cattle, which, despite being spooked by the gunfire, are now calming down and returning to pasture. The horse corral now a shambles, you put your two new horses as well as Traveller and Greenbriar in the pasture with the cattle then turn back to where Tai has finished bandaging the electrical burns on McCain's arms and torso.

>Action?

>>28730023
Did veles just break our water pump?

Anyway, let's get our cattle onto our property and patch up the fence, so we don't have to worry about them running off and they can graze properly. Then let's tell our farmhands and friends about how we think this was -probably- that orc.

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>>28730067
Veles conjured water using his blade. Cattle already are on your property in the pasture next to the stream. The horse Corral is what got damaged. Apologies if it was unclear.

>>28730067
oh, and let McCain rest during all this, he needs a break from all that lightninging. We'll see if he volunteers any information on that tattoo come dinner.

>>28730169
ah, okay. Well, we can skip to the filling in our farmhands bit, and then assigning living space, and then discussing pay in light of this new, er, gunman issue.

At some point after that we'll segue into normal ranch activities and some exploring later.

>>28730023

INQUIRY!

1. Inquire Veles as to magick
2. Inquire (politely) McCain as to tattoo
3. Inquire Marie/other new ranch hands as to settling in

>>28730245
I can get behind these sentiments. Get information that we need.

>>28730245
sounds good to me

>>28730776
>>28730245
now that I think about it, we should maybe send marie up to tell the cavalry about those three with her flight. If it wouldn't tire her out too much.

>>28730245
>2. Inquire (politely) McCain as to tattoo
Seems like something that was significant to him once upon a time. Might also explain his badassness.

>>28731945
yeah, I had figured he was in some kind of military getup or another at one point.
I mean, our parents were. Though that was just a nitor soldier and medic..

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"We'll have to go to the Nitor with this, Marie, you know the way to the Sherriff's?"

"I could give it a shot, Miss Masterson, but this whole area is new to me." She replies uncertainly

"No matter, lets just get ourselves taken care of, we can deal with that later." you respond turning to Veles, "You are going to have to show me how to do that one of these days."

Veles grins as he looks at you, "Any time you want Sasha, I've got a lot to teach."

Feeling the crash of adrenalin again, lesser now, you start to feel the bruise from the glancing wound. You approach where Tai and McCain, pointing out the farmhand quarters next to the house to them. "Know anything about that guy McCain?"

"Not to my reckoning, why'd you ask Miss?" he says, wincing a bit as Tai finishes tightens a bandage.

"Well, you have the same tattoo on your ba-" you start to say before McCain interupts you.

"Same tattoo? Was it glowing?" He asks, a seriousness in his voice you hadn't herd before

"Not that I saw."

"Then he's likely a pretender, using it for intimidation." He says.

"A pretender of what? What does it mean if you don't mind me asking."

"Mark of the Elven Partisans." He says

"You were a partisan?" Tai asks

"Aye, used to call me 'Two Hands' back in the day. Stupid damn nickname, just because of one weapons raid leaving me carrying a repeater in each hand." He grumbles.

>>28731984
Huh, I wonder if that's a legitimate organization or not. Doesn't really matter.

Also, woo, untouched house. Where do the ranch hands stay?

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>>28731984
"Wait, you mean to tell me, your 'Two Hands' McCain, one of the most successful bandits to come out of the First Wood Rebellion? The Nitor Officer turned insurgent?" Marie says, despite the enormity of her accusation there is an eagerness in her voice.

He frowns, but nods.

>Calling it here. I work a short shift tomorrow, but it is my prime hours. I'll see what I can do, hate to leave on a cliffhanger. Especially since I have the day after off.

>>28732041
A cliffhanger is the appropriate time to end, other than a stopping point, but looking forward to maybethread.

Apparently we've got an ex-bandit on our hands. Nnnno big deal.

>>28732041
Thanks for the run. Hopefully I will be about when/if you run tomorrow.

you know, I'm not sure how much I want to learn magic. It always sounds nice in theory, but it will probably be just hobbyism for quite some time. Or maybe I just don't like fireball slinging much any more. Idunno.

>>28732041
Thanks for running.

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You know, upon looking it up, snakes usually have a really busy camo pattern. Very few are simple and good to draw. Those, I think, are the plain ones, the ringed ones, the striped ones, and those with a simple pattern like diamonds. One of those would look nicest, most likely.

I maintain my statement of him never running when I can participate. Dam you timezones.

We did good today.

>>28733683
Yeah, add to that the odd way their muscles move, and I would imagine that drawing a snake person well would be very difficult.

>>28735757
Timezones suck sometimes, I agree. And as for doing good, well, I hope our farmhands don't up and quit on us immediately after that gunfight.

>>28739250
No idea, my ability of drawing ends at a little bit of information about visual design.

let's get McCain to show us doublehanded trick shots later.
If he cannot do them, we insist he's just rusty.

>>28742574
Well, he claimed that the name was the result of a one time occurance rather than a habit or talent.

>>28745831
I will still insist he's just rusty, regardless of his protestations.

Back, got a little side tracked, things involving tow ropes, medkits, and the brush guard of my jeep.

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Figure for now i'll just answer any questions you guys have for me.

>>28732017
There's a bunkhouse across the way from the barn. McCain's been the only one using it for a while, but that's where the old ranch hands used to stay.
>>28735757
Apologies, Afternoon Shift in an EST timezone does not make for convenient hours.
>>28742574
>>28745831
>>28745870
Oh he's got a two handed trick, its just not with a pair of repeaters.

>>28749330
>>28749629
ah, hey, welcome back. Hope you had a not terrible shift.

Don't got many metaquestions off the top of my head. Is the ranch hand's bunkhouse comfortable?

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>>28749662
It's about what you'd expect. A bit musty through disuse, but there is a pair of rooms they can split, a good 4 bunks in each. Nothing special right now though.

>>28749845
well, maybe we'll do some allowance for farmhand comfort. Especially in light of the, er, getting shot at thing. That's not part of the contract.

Hours later, I thought of a fair question. What's the road situation like? Any come close to our ranch?

>>28752127
There's an unimproved two track between you and south fork.
The route between Snakes Landing - South Fork, and just recently, Riverport is an improved road. You hear the infrastructure in UFK proper is quite fancier than that.

>>28752200
we'll have to consider a road to our land, once we get some actual buildings and work underway.

Hey, is there going to be more session tomorrow?

>>28753519
I'm gonna take that as OP has gone to sleep

I hope next session we can get past the reporting to the cavalry part quickly and efficiently so we can move onto more important things, like seeing veles' secret passage, training the hands to shoot, and building a base camp at the hot spring for easier exploration. Oh well, time for sleep.