Bystander says, "I'll just watch if you don't mind"

GM says, "sure, of course"

GM says, "if anyone's around I'll get started in 5 minutes or so"

[rpg] * Jebediah has joined the channel.

[rpg] Jebediah asks, "where are we playing?"

[rpg] GM says, "'walk the plank' and then south"

Q-Stone has arrived.

Jebediah has arrived.

[rpg] HairBrain says, "Wow, an even longer walk off a short pier."

[rpg] GM says, "hee hee"

GM says, "well, if we got two people, we can make some characters"

Q-Stone says, "Sure."

GM says, "I'll walk us through and Q-Stone can correct me if I screw something up"

Jebediah says, "okay"

Q-Stone says, "Heh, I'll try."

GM says, "so, ok, I have a background summary at http://www.drizzle.com/~dans/rpg/dogs.html"

GM says, "but the basic deal is you all are new Dogs -- travelling members of the Faith in the old west"

baf has arrived.

GM says, "your job is to go town to town, carrying the mail, taking news or medicine maybe, and doing stuff when you come to town: naming babies, doing marriages, settling disputes"

GM says, "there's a local Steward of each branch who does that stuff too, but sometimes there's something too big for him to handle"

baf says, "woof"

GM says, "in general you're all about 18-20 and a new graduate of the Dogs academy in Bridal Falls City, the main city of the Faith"

GM says, "they taught you to ride and shoot and read and write if you couldn't do those things already"

GM says, "so the first step in character creation is picking your background before you came to the academy"

baf asks, "I think my character was born back east, but felt a calling. Is that allowed?"

GM says, "totally"

dfan has arrived.

[rpg] dfan says, "Just watching"

GM says, "the mechanical choices are: Well-rounded, Strong history (got a lot of training in one particular area, Complicated history (troubled or dangerous upbringing; especially good if you were a convert), Strong community (good family, neighbors, etc), Complicated Community (rough family life or neighbors)"

[rpg] Ghogg says, "oh, hey"

Jebediah was the youngest son of a farmer, but never enjoyed it. He was always reading, even though his father didn't approve, and eventually felt a calling to be a Dog, mostly just to get away from home.

Ghogg has arrived.

Rob_2 has arrived.

GM says, "which you choose doesn't matter that much -- it doesn't make a difference in terms of power level -- but it affects how many dice you get to allocate to the various categories"

baf says, "He ran away from home to join the Faith and is kind of conflicted about that, because the the Faith kind of encourages parents and children to get along."

GM says, "oh, cool"

GM asks, "so his parents aren't of the Faith?"

baf says, "Yeah."

Jebediah says, "I guess that makes me Complicated Community"

schep_char1 has arrived.

GM asks (of Jebediah), "so normally being a Dog is pretty prestigious -- is your dad pleased about this? or is he still pissed that you left?"

baf says, "I think I'm Compicated History."

Jebediah says, "Hmm. He's a bit happy, but mostly worried that I'm too much of a girlie boy to handle it and I'll shame him."

[rpg] GM says, "if anyone else is interested in playing, speak up, otherwise I'll assume we're all watching"

GM says, "ha ha"

GM says, "excellent"

[rpg] Jota says, "I should spectate."

[rpg] Ghogg says, "I am actually interested in playing"

[rpg] Ghogg says, "but I need to run to grab lunch at some point"

Paulie has arrived.

[rpg] GM says, "alrighty"

[rpg] Ghogg says, "otherwise I will be around here the entire duration"

[rpg] GM says, "well, speak up with your background when you think of it"

[rpg] GM says, "and I'll get you caught up"

[rpg] schep_char1 asks, "how many players do you have?"

[rpg] Jota says, "Er, or B-2) are talking about a totally different show from the one I'm thinking of."

GM says, "ok, complicated history is 15d6 in stat dice, 4d4 2d6 2d10 in traits, 5d6 2d8 in relationships"

GM says, "complicated community is 15d6 in stats, 6d6 2d8 in traits, 4d4 2d6 2d8 2d10 in relationships"

[rpg] Jota asks, "Is this the one with N boxes with cash values from $1 to $1 million or so, and you've got one that you've selected without knowing its contents, and then gradually eliminate other boxes, periodically getting a cash offer to buy your box?"

[rpg] Bystander says, "YLAC"

[rpg] GM says, "ylac, I believe"

[rpg] Jota says, "Sorry."

[rpg] Ghogg asks, "Is there any Recommended Types?"

GM says, "in general the way dice work in this is that larger totals let you win conflicts, so every little bit helps, but smaller dice lead to trouble"

GM says, "so the complicated history has some trouble traits (those 4d4s) and the complicated community has some trouble relationships"

Q-Stone asks, "What are the dice for Strong History?"

GM says, "13d6 stats, 3d6/4d8/3d10 traits, 1d4/3d6/2d8 relationships"

[rpg] GM says, "of the backgrounds? it doesn't really matter"

[rpg] GM says, "if you want, just tell me what your background is like and I'll suggest a background that fits"

GM says, "so the four stats are acuity (skill, perception, learning), body (healthy, graceful, sure-footed), heart (charming, gentle, attractive, courageous, faithful), and will (strong-willed, unshakable)"

GM says, "in general the kinds of rolls are: talking rolls acuity + heart, physical not fighting is body + heart, physical fighting is body + will, shooting is acuity + will"

GM says, "and you'll need to put at least 2d6 in each stat, no max"

Bystander asks, "where does this Troubled History etc come from?"

GM says, "where's the description of what dice each has, you mean? I don't have it typed up anywhere, I've just got the rulebook in my lap"

Bystander says, "ok"

[rpg] * Paulie has joined the channel.

[rpg] Ghogg says, "well, let's go with 'very humble type who has seen a vision and walked 100 miles' type of thing"

[rpg] GM says, "that sounds good"

Miseri has arrived.

Miseri says, "arr"

[rpg] GM asks, "you think that's a strong history (good experience or background) or strong community (good relationships with his friends and family) or well-rounded?"

GM says, "howdy"

[rpg] Ghogg says, "probably strong history"

GM says, "once you guys finish assigning stats, you can assign traits"

Jebediah thinks he ends up with A: 5d6, B: 3d6, H: 3d6, W: 4d6

[rpg] Ghogg says, "I was thinking way-out-in-rural farmer type"

GM says, "that seems like a pretty good mix"

[rpg] Ghogg says, "so he doesn't see much friends/family just by distance"

GM says, "traits are anything you like, as long as all the dice you assign to a trait are the same"

Jebediah says, "huh"

GM says, "they can be like "Papa didn't raise no scholar 2d8" or like "good shot 1d6""

[rpg] GM says, "ok, cool"

Jebediah says, "ha ha"

Q-Stone says, "I'm going to say that my char's father was a preacher of the faith. Strong history."

GM says, "sounds good"

GM asks, "so you knew a bunch of the scripture before you came to the academy?"

Q-Stone says, "Yes."

GM says, "cool"

Q-Stone says, "Also, we found this site very useful for info when we played: http://www.meekmok.com/sassy/dogs/tools.html"

[rpg] schep_char1 asks, "how about somebody who was a factory worker Back East, was exorcized and converted, and called several years later?"

GM says, "oho, nice"

Q-Stone says, "We used it for names and scripture quotes"

Ghogg says, "His reading skills probably weren't great. More of a Joan-of-Arc inner strength going here. Let's call him Lance Blackwood."

GM says, "Lance? Gosh"

GM says, "I'm not sure that's real biblical"

Jebediah says, "I am not coming up with trait ideas"

Ghogg says, "Lesse..."

Jebediah says, "mostly since I'm not sure what they'll be used for"

GM asks (of Jebediah), "ok, you said you were good at reading, right?"

Ghogg asks, "Just pick a Bible character then?"

Bystander says, "http://www.meekmok.com/sassy/dogs/documents/faithful_names_1.2.txt"

GM says (to Ghogg), "well, check out http://www.meekmok.com/sassy/dogs/documents/faithful_names_1.2.txt"

Jebediah says, "yeah, I put in "Well-read: 1d8" and "Won a price for reciting scripture, age 9: 1d8""

Jebediah says, "and now I'm stuck"

GM says, "ha ha"

GM asks, "ok, are you any good at shooting?"

Jebediah says, "prize"

Ghogg says, "Amos, then."

GM says, "now we're talking"

[rpg] GM says, "yeah, that'd totally work"

Jebediah says, "hmm, the thick glasses would help with that, so yeah"

[rpg] GM says, "that sounds like complicated history"

[rpg] Bystander says, "somehow it amuses me that Michael is "Who Is Like God""

GM says, "ok, so put down a trait for that"

Q-Stone says, "For traits, wealso had 'I am a Dog' as standard"

[rpg] Bystander says, "it's pretty preposterous if you think about it"

GM asks, "and who taught you to shoot?"

Jebediah says, "My older brother, Obadiah"

GM says, "yeah, "I'm a Dog" is a real good trait since it applies in so many situations"

GM asks, "did he teach you anything else? and how do you feel about him?"

GM says, "we might as well go on to relationships, which get assigned the same way as traits, to people, places, organizations (like the Dogs themselves), sins, and demons"

Jebediah says, "He was my closest brother. He also taught me how to rough it, out away from the farm"

[rpg] schep_char1 says, "okay. So possibly not a biblical name then, though he did decide to change from Dick to Richard."

GM says, "although you don't have to assign your relationship dice -- you can wait and assign those in-play"

GM says, "aha"

[rpg] GM says, "cool"

[rpg] GM says, "so he'll sound like a bit of an outsider"

[rpg] GM asks, "did you catch the numbers for complicated history?"

baf says, "2d6 Acuity, 4d6 Body, 3d6 Heart, 6d6 Will. My guy is a scrapper."

GM says, "nice"

[rpg] Miseri says, "am suddenly tempted to make up a Mary Magdalen type."

[rpg] RichardS says, "hm, past my scrollback."

GM says, "not gonna back down, I see"

baf says, "And has the trait 'I can take care of myself'."

[rpg] GM says, "15d6 stats, 4d4/2d6/2d10 traits, 5d6/2d8 relationships"

GM says, "the book suggests shooting for four or five traits"

[rpg] Miseri asks, "how many players so far?"

[rpg] GM says, "we've probably got room for you"

Jebediah just bumps his 1d6's to 2d6's and calls Traits done, then

GM says, "of which you should either make one "I'm a Dog" or give yourself a relationship to the Dogs"

GM says (to Jebediah), "ok, so divvy some dice for relationships, too, but leave some of those unassigned if you want"

Jebediah says, "okay"

baf asks, "For the realtionships, do we just make up characters we have relationships with?"

GM says, "yeah"

RichardS says, "okay, I'll try 3d6 Acuity, 6d6 Body, 4d6 Heart, 2d6 Will"

GM says, "or, like I said, organizations, places (like your hometown), sins, or demons"

[rpg] Miseri says, "character creation looks bizarre, though."

GM says, "although a relationship with a demon says some stuff about your background, I imagine"

[rpg] Miseri says, "should really have looked at this beforehand."

[rpg] GM asks, "well, what's your character background like?"

GM says (to RichardS), "seems pretty reasonable"

GM says, "big strong guy, looks like"

baf asks, "Relationships don't have to be friendly, do they?"

GM says, "no, certainly not"

baf says, "Like, if there's a detective from back east looking for me, that's a relationship."

GM says, "absolutely"

[rpg] Miseri says, "Heh ... I was thinking a former whore."

[rpg] GM says, "that sounds like Complicated Community to me"

[rpg] GM says, "socially vulnerable and broken home kind of deal"

[rpg] Miseri asks, "er?"

[rpg] Amos asks, "ok, I'm confused, what's the difference between Strong and Complicated History?"

[rpg] GM says, "Strong History is when you got trained up in some particular field"

Jebediah says, "I keep trying to twist the relationships a bit"

[rpg] GM says, "Complicated History is when you overcame a troubled or dangerous upbringing"

Jebediah says, "as in, I wrote down "Brother Shadrach, theology teacher at the Academy: 1d8""

Jebediah asks, "is that legal or am I pushing?"

GM says, "fine by me"

Jebediah says, "(the idea here seems to be to get the theology bit in under a relationship. I guess I can just go rework my traits)"

GM asks, "how're folks coming -- who doesn't have stats assigned?"

Miseri says, "i"

Amos says, "Almost there"

Miseri asks, "how on earth do you assign stats here??"

RichardS says, "I'm still puzzling over traits and relationships."

Bystander says, "an excellent question"

Q-Stone says, "With my Strong History giving 13d6, I went with Acuity 5d6, Body 2d6, Heart 3d6, Will 3d6."

GM says, "ok, you're complicated community, unless you don't want to be -- you have 15 dice to assign over 4 stats, acuity (skillfulness), body, heart, and will"

GM says, "and they're d6s"

GM asks (of RichardS), "want some suggestions?"

RichardS says, "sure"

[rpg] Amos asks, "what's the dice on well-rounded?"

Miseri asks, "Ah ... no d10s and d12s and such mixed into the bag (a la Deadlands)?"

RichardS says, "gotta have a relationship with the guy who converted me, and the demon"

Q-Stone says (to Miseri), "Not in the stats. Stats are all d6."

GM says (to Miseri), "not for stats, but for traits you have 6d6/2d8, and for relationships, 4d4/2d6/2d8/2d10"

[rpg] Jebediah says, "http://www.henchmonkey.org/Jebediah.txt"

[rpg] GM says, "17d6 stats, 1d4/4d6/2d8 traits, 4d6/2d8 relationships"

[rpg] GM says (to Jebediah), "ok, one more thing, equipment"

[rpg] GM says, "write down whatever equipment you want to have that's important to you"

[rpg] GM says, "standard-issue stuff is a horse, a coat, a copy of the Book of Life, a jar of consecrated earth, and a gun"

[rpg] GM says, "but if you want feel free to put down a favorite hat, a picture of your sweetheart, or whatever"

[rpg] Jebediah says, "I think the only thing extra I want is my thick glasses"

[rpg] Amos asks, "I'm confused on that ... there's 3 things for traits, but we're supposed to have 5?"

[rpg] Jebediah exclaims, "cause without 'em I'm blind!"

[rpg] Q-Stone says, "You can divide up the dice pools."

[rpg] GM says, "you assign dice for those things as follows: 1d6 for a normal thing. 2d6 for something that people look at and say "that's a mighty-fine X". 1d8 for a large thing. 2d8 for an excellent, large thing. 1d4 for a crap thing"

[rpg] GM says, "and then guns get an additional 1d4 on top of that"

[rpg] GM says (to Amos), "right, you can split the dice"

[rpg] GM says (to Amos), "you assign however many dice to a trait you want, as long as you assign only dice of one type"

[rpg] Amos says, "ok, hang tight"

[rpg] Amos says, "only big one I want is Born in the Saddle"

[rpg] Amos says, "(knows his horses left and right)"

[rpg] GM says (to Jebediah), "ok, feel free to take the glasses, but write down the dice for the others"

[rpg] RichardS asks, "you mean the equipment gets dice too?"

[rpg] GabrielWallace says, "Yup"

[rpg] Amos says, "I'll put my 2d8 on that"

[rpg] GM says (to RichardS), "yep, which you don't pay for, you assign off the things I mentioned earlier"

[rpg] GM says (to Amos), "sure"

[rpg] GM says (to Jebediah), "and when you're all done with that, write down what your coat looks like, and you're all set except for initiation"

[rpg] RichardS asks, "one of each, then?"

[rpg] GM says (to Richard), "unless you want multiples"

[rpg] RichardS says, "I mean each quality rating"

[rpg] GM says, "the only limit on equipment here is what you can't plausibly carry around with you from town to town"

[rpg] GM says, "no, if all your stuff is excellent, then you must be rich, lucky guy"

[rpg] RichardS says, "okay"

[rpg] GM says, "or have a family that loves you enough to scrimp and save"

[rpg] Jebediah asks, "what sort of things go into the coat descriptions?"

GM asks, "everyone onto traits now?"

baf asks, "OK. Small trait dice go into the things that I think will get me in trouble, yes?"

[rpg] GM says, "well, the sample one here is "kind of smoky gray, white and blue, with bars of deeper blue across the shoulders and a gold eight-point star on the center back""

Miseri asks, "um. A3 H7 B3 W2?"

[rpg] Amos says, "Acuity: 3, Body: 3, Heart 5, Will 6. Traits-- Born in the saddle: 2d8 I'm a Dog: 2d6 Weather intuition: 1d4 Has visions in dreams: 2d6"

GM says, "or that you're bad at"

GM says (to Miseri), "sure"

[rpg] Amos asks, "is this reasonable?"

[rpg] GM says (to Amos), "definitely"

Miseri asks, "Traits - just make these up, or what?"

GM says, "yep"

[rpg] Amos says, "rockin'"

[rpg] GM asks (of Amos), "ok, now relationships?"

[rpg] Jebediah asks, "is anything (ie, the star) required?"

[rpg] GM says, "nah"

[rpg] GM says, "the other deal with the coat is you usually modify its description after each adventure"

[rpg] Jebediah says, "ah"

[rpg] Jebediah says, "okay, all updated"

[rpg] GM says, "as it gets shot and you have to patch it or whatever"

[rpg] GM says (to Jebediah), "excellent"

GM asks, "ok, anyone needing help with traits?"

[rpg] Amos asks, "are relationships sort of like friends and enemies we might want to pop up as plot points?"

[rpg] GM says, "yeah"

[rpg] GM says, "and, in general, they're stuff you can bring in during conflicts if they're relvant somehow"

Miseri says, "...yeah"

GM says, "remember that you can/should leave some relationship dice unassigned to bring in during play"

RichardS says, "yeah, so far I just have Dog and Decent Shot"

[rpg] Amos says, "so, like: Amos's father, Daniel Blackwood: 2d8, Childhood friend, Abraham Stark -- did horse competitions together: 2d6, Mysterious man in the black hat who shot Daniel's wife when Amos was 2: 2d6"

[rpg] GM says, "sure, seems pretty reasonable"

GM asks (of RichardS), "ok, so who taught you to shoot?"

GM asks (of Miseri), "well, what are you good at?"

baf says, "OK. My traits: I'm a dog 1d10, I can take care of myself 1d10, Criminal past 2d4, Angry at the world 2d4, Impervious to pain 2d6"

GM says, "awesome"

Amos says, "neat"

RichardS says, "the academy, I think"

Miseri says, "Bein' pretty, listening to people pour their hearts out ... and one other thing that I haven't decided yet."

GM says, "those all sound good"

GabrielWallace says, "Here are my traits so far: I am a dog: 2d8, I know the Book of Life by heart: 3d10, My gun and I are one: 2d8, People find me very persuasive: 3d6"

GM says, "as I mentioned before you came in, the academy teaches you to shoot, ride, read, and write if you can't"

baf says, "My name is Tom Bote."

GM says, "so if you're particular good or bad at those you could note it"

Amos asks, "What else do I need?"

Chastity says, "oh yeah, name"

GM asks (of Amos), "did you do equipment?"

RichardS says (to Chastity), "ha ha ha"

Chastity is Miseri's character and she probably does okay with the shooting, riding, reading and writing, though nothing spectacular one way or another.

RichardS asks, "would Dramatic Conversion Story be a trait?"

GM says, "sure"

Jebediah says, "I'm not sure if this is the GM, the system, or us, but the GM hasn't nixed any ideas yet"

[rpg] Amos asks, "what does the line '(talking: acuity + heart, physical not fighting: body + heart, physical fighting: body + will, shooting: acuity + will)' on Jebediah's sheet mean?"

RichardS says, "Oh, I have a magical unicorn familiar"

Amos says, "buahaha"

GM says, "I'm not sure if I've really made this clear yet, but as long as we pick the conflicts right, there's really no way to break the system"

GM says, "hee hee"

[rpg] Jebediah says, "it's a reminder of what the GM said the traits are used for"

[rpg] GM says, "it's -- yeah"

GM asks, "ok, everyone done with traits?"

GabrielWallace asks (of GM), "What are the standard dice for a typical or good coat?"

RichardS says, "need a couple more"

GM says, "coats are generally 1d6 if they're normally, but the "average" coat is excellent, 2d6"

Chastity says, "Have 2d6 left over for traits"

GM says, "er, that is, everything including coats are 1d6 if they're normal, but the average coat is of excellent quality"

[rpg] Bystander says, "I'm confused why the coat needs dice"

[rpg] GM says, "all equipment you write on your sheet needs dice"

Jebediah leaves his coat at 1d6, cause his hometown has a Relationship of 1d4

[rpg] GM says, "you could use the dice for the coat if you're using it to assert your authority, or block a gunshot, or, I dunno, impress a lady"

GM says, "poor guy"

[rpg] Bystander asks, "can you escalate with your coat? like, by mooning someone?"

[rpg] Bystander says, "ah ok"

[interludes] * GM has added Jebediah to the channel.

[interludes] * GM has added Chastity to the channel.

[interludes] * GM has added Amos to the channel.

[interludes] * GM has added Bystander to the channel.

[rpg] Jebediah puts Pants 1d4

[interludes] * GM has added GabrielWallace to the channel.

[interludes] * GM has added Bote to the channel.

[interludes] * GM has added dfan to the channel.

[interludes] * GM has added Rob_2 to the channel.

GabrielWallace says, "I once tossed my coat over a hitching post as a distraction."

[interludes] * GM has added RichardS to the channel.

[interludes] GabrielWallace | http://www.rps.net/QS/gabrielwallace.txt

[interludes] * GM has added Paulie to the channel.

[interludes] GM says, "ok, let's run some initiations now"

Bote says, "So, I figure I want a relationship with a detective from back east who's hunting me down, the kind man who took me in when I found my way to the lands of the Faith, and a sweet girl who has a crush on me despite my wild ways."

GM says, "ha ha"

GM says, "cool"

[interludes] GM says, "this is both the last step in character creation and a demo of the conflict system"

Bote asks, "Is that enough?"

GM says, "sure"

GM says, "and you'll have some free dice for use in-play"

[interludes] Chastity says, "oh my"

[interludes] GM says (to Jebediah), "so what's something you hope happened in your time at the academy? the book suggests "I hope I got a prize for scripture learning" or "I hope I learned to curb my temper" or "I hope I impressed my instructor at the shooting range""

[interludes] Jebediah says, "I hope that I made friends and people didn't think I was weird for always reading"

[interludes] GM says, "so it can either be something your character wants to change about themselves, or something they want to accomplish"

[interludes] GM says, "ha ha"

[interludes] GM says, "awesome"

[interludes] Bystander says, "(want to add dfan too?)"

Chastity asks, "What's the Relationships thing mean, and what's it for?"

[interludes] GM says, "he's here"

[interludes] Bystander says, "d'oh"

[interludes] GM says, "ok, I think we'll run this as an inverted conflict"

[interludes] GM says, "which means that you'll be taking the part of the character as he is now, and I'll be taking the part of the character as he wants to be"

[interludes] Jebediah says, "huh"

[interludes] Jebediah says, "okay"

GabrielWallace says (to Chastity), "Relationships work like traits. When a relationship applies to a conflict, you can add its dice to your pool."

[interludes] Bystander . o O ( I shot my FUTURE SELF! )

[interludes] GM says, "so let's see -- say the scene is it's a nice day, you're outside with a book, and you see a couple fellow classmates leaving the building, all laughing and talking"

Chastity asks, "...what relationships would a Magdalene-type have?"

Jebediah stares over the top of the book.

Bystander says (to Chastity), "with Jesus"

Chastity fans herself.

Jebediah . o O ( They look like they're having fun. )

[interludes] Jebediah says, "er, channel, probably"

[interludes] GM says, "so what's a reasonable conflict here -- I guess "are you willing and able to join them?" or do you want "do they make fun of me or accept me?""

[interludes] GM says, "let's try it on-channel first, yeah, I guess"

[interludes] Jebediah says, "hmm. I'm more worried about their reaction, not mine"

[interludes] GM asks, "ok, so more like the latter?"

[interludes] Jebediah says, "yeah"

Chastity writes down 'talks to Jesus all the time -- like Tevye or the thief character in "LadyHawke".'

[interludes] GM says, "ok, let's roll it"

[interludes] Jebediah asks, "what gets rolled?"

[interludes] GM says, "this seems like a talking conflict, so roll acuity and heart, I believe"

[interludes] Jebediah says, "so that's 8d6"

[interludes] GM says, "and you can bring in other traits later"

[interludes] GM says, "I'm going to roll 4d6+4d10 because this is an initiation"

GM rolls 4 6-sided dice: 2 4 1 6| 13

Jebediah rolls 8 6-sided dice: 6 2 1 5 5 5 6 5| 35

GM rolls 4 10-sided dice: 8 4 2 4| 18

[interludes] GM says, "so you have 6 2 1 5 5 5 6 5, and I have 2 4 1 6 8 4 2 4"

TomBote says, "OK. My relationships are: Jack Wrench, detective (1d6); Old Zeke Potts, salt of the earth (2d6); Missy Dolittle, sweet young thing (1d8). That leaves 2d6, 1d8 for later use."

GM says, "sounds good"

[interludes] Jebediah says, "right"

GM says, "just do equipment and you'll be all set"

[interludes] GM says, "I'll start -- I'll do 4+4 = 8"

[interludes] GM says, "One of the guys comes shambling over to you. "Whatcha always reading that stupid book for?" he says. "You ain't gonna get nowhere with books.""

[interludes] GM says, "so your options are to concede, or to respond with 1, 2, or 3+ dice that add up to at least 8"

[interludes] GM says, "if you respond with 1 die, that turns the blow, and you narrate something that makes your opponent look bad. if you respond with 2, that blocks, and you narrate something that deflects or blocks it. if you respond with 3, that means you take, and you'll take fallout later"

TomBote says, "(I figure my relationship with Missy should get one die because it's volatile and should be as un-bell-curve-like as possible.)"

GM asks, "everyone on equipment or finished now?"

GabrielWallace says, "Finished. Working on backstory."

[interludes] Jebediah says, "okay. I use the 6 and the 2"

[interludes] GM says, "ok, so narrate"

Chastity says, "Need one more relationship"

[interludes] Jebediah asks, "I'm studyin' for class, gotta pass the test. You not worried 'bout it?"

GM says (to Chastity), "you can leave some relationship dice unspent, you know"

GM says, "which might be useful"

Chastity says, "Oh. Okay ..."

[interludes] GM says, "cool"

[interludes] GM says, "ok, now you raise with two dice and so something that I have to respond to -- it seems like you can play off what you just said"

TomBote says, "Equipment: a sawed-off piece of lead pipe that saved my life in a fight. 1d6."

[interludes] Jebediah says, "Okay, I use 5+5 and say, "You didn't do too well on the last one, I hear""

[interludes] GM says, "ha ha"

Chastity says, "So ... former (cough) colleagues who Do Not Understand (2d10), and Hank the sweet little guy who played piano in the whorehouse (2d6). And she talks to the Lord all the time (4d4)."

[interludes] RichardS says, "(and I thought he was trying to make friends here)"

[interludes] Jebediah says (to richard), "yeah, I thought about that, and then, eh"

[interludes] GM says, "(8+2) His face goes a little red. "Brother Shadrach didn't mention all those things were going to be on the test! Besides, I'm just going to need to be shootin' when I go out on my riding -- and you ain't gonna be any good out there (4+6)""

TomBote says, "I'm trying to think of appropriate keepsakes from back east. Not a locket with pictures of my parents, because I'm angry at them."

Chastity says, "Equipment ... fan, "decent" dress, "not-so-decent" dress, make-up kit."

GM says (to Chastity), "also, something I might have mentioned before you came in is that you either need to have "I'm a Dog" as a trait, or a relationship with the Dogs"

GM says, "equipment-wise, as mentioned earlier, everyone has a gun, a horse, a vial of consecrated earth, a Book of Life, and their coat"

GM says, "items are 1d6 if they're normal, 2d6 if they're excellent quality, 1d8 if they're large, 2d8 if they're large and excellent, and 1d4 if they're poor quality"

GM says, "guns have an additional 1d4"

Bystander says, "they need the vial of earth because, like vampires, they can only sleep on home soil"

[interludes] Jebediah asks, "my brother Obadiah taught me to shoot, so can I bring in those relationship dice now, and use that?"

GM says, "they can do religious ceremonies with it, like casting out demons or naming babies"

[interludes] Jebediah asks, "or do I keep going with the dice I have?"

[interludes] GM says, "sure, if you can work him in"

Chastity says (to GM), "Yeah, did that. In traits. Pretty (2d8), Sympathetic Ear (3d6), Dog (1d6 - she's kind of not that believable as one), and, um, Actress (2d6)."

[interludes] GM says, "or if you can work in a trait, feel free to use that"

[interludes] GM says, "as long as you mention him in the response, roll the dice"

GM says, "cool"

TomBote asks, "Are horses considered large? Or does it mean large relative to other horses>?"

GM says, "the latter, yeah"

[interludes] Jebediah asks, "do I bring him in, then roll, or roll first?"

[interludes] Jebediah says, "(trying to figure which dice I gotta use :)"

[interludes] GM says, "roll first"

Jebediah rolls 2 6-sided dice: 5 3| 8

[interludes] GM says, "by my count you have 10 to respond to, and I only have a 2 and 1 left, so you're going to win even without his dice, but it's good practice"

[interludes] Jebediah says, "(5+5) Oh, my brother Obadiah taught me how to shoot just fine, That don't worry me none."

[interludes] GM says, "cool -- ok, so your turn to raise now"

GabrielWallace says, "Updated my character: http://www.rps.net/QS/gabrielwallace.txt"

K-Y has arrived.

[interludes] Jebediah asks, "(6+3) But Shadrach's tests are truly a tarnation. How you gonna be a Dog if you don't even understand basic theology?"

[interludes] GM says, "ok, I can't match that, so I have to concede"

[interludes] Bystander says, "(wait, you can 'raise' with less than 10?)"

Chastity asks, "how much equipment can one have? and how much quality?"

[interludes] GabrielWallace says, "You raise with any 2 dice."

TomBote says, "Any amount you can reasonably carry."

[interludes] Bystander says, "ok, now it finally starts making sense"

[interludes] GM says, "He sighs a big gusty sigh. "Guessin' your right -- I gotta pass that class somehow -- say, you wanna give me some tutoring after we all go out shooting?""

GM says, "and any quality"

[interludes] Jebediah says, "I'd be happy to, brother, if you'd give me some pointers on shootin'."

[interludes] GM says, ""Right on, brother.""

[interludes] GM says, "ok, so let's call that a scene"

[interludes] Jebediah says, "yay"

[interludes] RichardS says, "okay, it's a scene"

[interludes] GM says, "you won, so you can write a 1d6 trait on your sheet that relates to this conflict"

[interludes] GM says, "and winning it"

[interludes] Rob_2 says, "interesting"

[interludes] GM says, "so, I dunno, "I made friends with somebody who didn't like me 1d6" or "I earned the respect of this guy at the academy 1d6" or "My book-learning helped me out 1d6""

[interludes] GM says, "or something"

[interludes] Jebediah says, ""Book smarts saved the day: 1d6""

GM says, "hmm, I think the deal is we have time for a few more initiations and then I'll skip the rest, which I shouldn't do, but I'd like to run some all play"

[interludes] GM asks (of GabrielWallace), "you up next?"

[interludes] GabrielWallace says, "If I can think of a conflict. Hmmm..."

Amos says, "I'm back"

[interludes2] * GM has added Amos to the channel.

[interludes2] * GM has added Bystander to the channel.

[interludes2] * GM has added Chastity to the channel.

[interludes2] * GM has added dfan to the channel.

[interludes2] * GM has added GabrielWallace to the channel.

[interludes2] * GM has added Jebediah to the channel.

[interludes2] * GM has added Paulie to the channel.

[interludes2] * GM has added RichardS to the channel.

[interludes2] * GM has added Rob_2 to the channel.

[interludes2] * GM has added TomBote to the channel.

RichardS says, "http://www.msu.edu/~schepler/dogs.txt"

[interludes2] GM asks, "ok, another one here while he's thinking -- who wants to have an initiation next?"

[interludes2] GM asks (of Amos), "you done and ready?"

[interludes2] Amos says, "I am set to have one if you want to yes"

[interludes2] GM says, "cool"

[interludes2] GM asks, "so what's your thing that you're trying to achieve or change about yourself?"

[interludes2] Amos says, "Well, he would like to find the man in black who shot his dear momma years ago when she was shopping in town."

[interludes2] GM says, "hmm, that's not really something you're likely to be able to do at the academy, unless you get real lucky"

[interludes2] Amos says, "yes, well, this is an academy thing ... lesse..."

[interludes2] GM says, "if you want you can try and find a lead, maybe, by asking around"

[interludes2] Amos says, "Yes. The other thing is the visions, of course"

[interludes2] Amos says, "He doesn't understand why he's being called"

[interludes2] ManInBlack twirls his mustache

[interludes2] Amos says, "Just he keeps having them, and he knows God is talking directly to him"

[interludes2] Amos asks, "So, why don't we run a vision scene?"

[interludes2] GM asks, "what would you like the conflict to be?"

[interludes2] Amos says, "well, not everyone has God directly to him"

[interludes2] Amos says, "some are probably resentful, or think he's crazy"

[interludes2] GM says, "well"

[interludes2] Amos says, "he's starting to think he's crazy"

[interludes2] GM says, "part of the shtick of Dogs is that they know the will of the King of Life"

[interludes2] Amos says, "yes, but I'm imagining this is different"

[interludes2] GM says, "though it's not necessarily in a direct vision"

[interludes2] Amos says, "right"

[interludes2] GM asks, "so is the conflict "is he crazy, or are these real visions?"?"

[interludes2] Amos says, "Yes. Maybe there's someone who knows something about them"

[interludes2] Amos says, "Maybe there's a select group with direct visions and they contact him ... or a group that attacks people with selfsame ... something like that"

[interludes2] GM says, "hmm, I've got a related idea for that conflict, I think"

TomBote says, "I changed my mind about the lead pipe. Instead it's a switchblade."

[interludes2] Amos asks, "need anything else?"

[interludes2] GM says, "ok, the scene is you're on a rare break outside the academy, wandering around the streets of Bridal Falls City, and it's market day"

[interludes2] GM says, "you're stopping to watch the people go by, looking at all the fancy colors and merchandise"

[interludes2] GM says, ""buttons! buttons for ladies!" one guy's calling. "apples! fresh off the farm!""

[interludes2] Chastity says, "Oooh, buttons...!"

TomBote says, "I think that's pretty much it for my possessions. I didn't have a lot, and I came to the lands of the Faith with basically nothing, so all I have is what the Dogs academy gave me."

[interludes2] GM says, "you're walking past the apple cart when you hear a voice, saying "Someone is being cheated, Amos -- go and fix it. Find them, Amos""

GM says, "cool"

[interludes] Amos peers around

[interludes2] Amos peers around

TomBote says, "Anyway, full character description at http://www.wurb.com/~carl/tombote.txt"

GM says, "if everyone's set, then I think once I'm done with Amos, in probably five minutes, we'll get started"

[interludes2] Amos looks at the apple cart carefully

[interludes2] Amos asks, "This sounds like the one that has been talking to me before?"

[interludes2] GM says, "yeah"

[interludes2] GM says, ""Sure, I can do that," the apple cart merchant is saying. "Twenty baskets of apples, delivered tomorrow?""

TomBote says, "(Tom's origin story is similar to Crumbly's. I wonder if that means anything.)"

TomBote says, "(Probably just that I'm not all that imaginative.)"

Jebediah says, "Tom's page isn't loading for me"

[interludes2] Amos steps up

[interludes2] GM says, ""Wonderful," says the other man. "Such luck finding a supplier here at the last minute.""

[rpg] Chastity says, "http://etlebut.openface.ca/~odd1out/chastity.txt"

Jebediah says, "can't find wurb, looks like"

[interludes2] Amos says, "Excuse me"

TomBote asks, "Eh?"

[interludes2] Amos says, "Gentlemen, I think there might be a problem."

[interludes2] GM says, "The two men turn around. "Can I help you, Brother?" says the apple merchant."

[interludes2] Amos gazes long and hard at the apple merchant

[interludes2] GM says, "He runs a nervous finger around the inside of his collar."

Jebediah says, "huh, there it is"

Jebediah says, "electrons musta got lost"

[interludes2] GM says, "and I think we'll start a conflict here"

Chastity asks, "who else has got ther sheet online, then?"

[interludes2] Amos says, "I reckon it best, sir, if you hand back this good gentleman's money right now. I reckon you won't get away with what you are planning on doing."

Rob_2 says, "it'd be funny if the last line were 'he goes by the name Tom Bote so that no one knows he has any connection to the cookie business.'"

Jebediah says, "I have five of them open"

[interludes2] GM says, "wait wait"

Bystander says, "ha ha ha"

[interludes2] GM says, "that is a good line which should have dice attached"

[interludes2] Amos says, "Yes yes"

[interludes2] GM asks, "it sounds like you want the terms to be "convince these guys that there's fraud going on"?"

[interludes2] Amos says, "Will"

[interludes2] Amos asks, "Is that how I do it?"

[interludes2] GM asks, "is that what you want to do?"

[interludes2] Amos says, "yessir"

[interludes2] Amos says, "I'm using my Will on the Apple Merchant"

[interludes2] GM says, "ok, so that's a talking conflict, so roll your heart and your acuity"

[interludes2] Amos says, "ah, gotcha"

[interludes2] GM says, "and I'll roll 4d6+4d10 because this is an initiation conflict"

GM rolls 4 6-sided dice: 5 2 3 3| 13

GM rolls 4 10-sided dice: 3 1 6 4| 14

Amos rolls 3 6-sided dice: 3 2 2| 7

Amos rolls 5 6-sided dice: 3 6 1 1 4| 15

[interludes2] Jebediah says, "I had a heart attack for Amos when I thought that 3d6 was all his dice"

[interludes2] GM says, "ok, so you have 3 2 2 3 6 1 1 4 and I have 5 2 3 3 3 1 6 4"

[interludes2] GM says, "yeah, I was gonna say"

[interludes2] GM says, "I have slightly better dice, it seems like, so it may be helpful to bring in traits or relationships if you can"

[interludes2] Amos says, "Just rolled separately so I had an idea what went with what"

[interludes2] Amos says, "Well, I am going to use my Visions trait then"

Amos rolls 2 6-sided dice: 2 3| 5

[interludes2] GM says, "but since you started off, go ahead and do a raise -- pick two of your dice, say what they sum to"

[interludes2] GM says, "in general higher is better"

[interludes2] Amos asks, "I change 1s to 6s, you mean?"

[interludes2] GM says, "but note that if you use a trait you have to work it into what you're doing"

[interludes2] GM says, "no"

[interludes2] Rob_2 asks, "so that gives him two extra dice to, er, negotiate with?"

[interludes2] Amos says, "Well, let me roleplay first ...."

[interludes2] GM says, "like, say you want to spend your 6 and your 1"

[interludes] RichardS says, "no, he picks two of the dice he has rolled and uses them up with the line."

[interludes2] GM says, "that's 7, and then you say your piece"

[interludes] RichardS says, "ila #i2"

[interludes2] Amos says, "My good sir. I don't only know the will of big guy up there."

[interludes2] Amos raises his hand to the sky

[interludes2] GM asks, "ok, what dice are you spending?"

[interludes2] Amos says, "He talks to me. He told me what's going to happen, and you need to give back his money, otherwise he might be a wee bit upset."

[interludes2] Rob_2 says, "heh big guy"

[interludes2] Amos says, "This is the visions dice"

[interludes2] GM says, "you don't have to spend those, you realize"

[interludes2] Amos says, "oh, well"

[interludes2] GM says, "you can just add them to your pool because you mentioned visions"

[interludes2] GM says, "but sure, let's use those"

[interludes2] Amos asks, "Is that enough, or do I still need to raise?"

[interludes2] GM says, "ok, so 2+3 totals 5"

[interludes2] GM says, "so I have to respond with 1, 2, or 3+ dice"

[interludes2] Amos says, "ok"

[interludes2] GM says, "I'll respond with just one die, my 5 -- this is called "turning the blow""

[interludes2] GM says, ""You're mighty disrespectful of the King of Life, stranger," says the apple merchant. "Now, if you'll excuse us, we got some business to transact here.""

[interludes2] RichardS says, "uh oh"

[interludes2] GM says, "now it's my turn to respond"

[interludes2] GM says, "because I turned the blow, I can use the 5 as one of my dice, and then I add another die to bring it up to 2 dice I'm raising with"

[interludes2] GM says, "I'll add, hmm, my 4"

[interludes2] Rob_2 says, "aha"

[interludes2] GM says, "5+4 = 9 The merchant turns his back firmly on you, stepping between you and the other man. "Now, then," he says. "You were just going to hand over half the money as a promise now, and the other half on delivery?" The other man starts to reach into his pocket."

[interludes2] GM says, "ok, so you need to respond to the 9"

[interludes2] GM says, "with 1, 2, or 3+ dice"

[interludes2] GM says, "(or concede, if you don't want to/can't find dice to total 9)"

[interludes2] (from Bystander) Amos says, "6+6+6=18 SMITE!!!"

[interludes2] GM says, "total or greater than, I should say"

[interludes2] GabrielWallace says, "Also, he can escalate...."

[interludes2] Amos says, "I will use 3+3+4"

[interludes2] Rob_2 says, "hm"

[interludes2] GM says, "yeah, I should add that like Gabriel says, you can also 1) bring in another trait or relationship to get more dice or 2) move to physical action or shooting to get more stat dice"

[interludes2] Amos says, "Let me toss in another trait then"

[interludes2] RichardS says, "and if you use three dice, you're taking the blow. Whatever that means."

[interludes2] Bystander says (to RichardS), "snorting cocaine"

[interludes2] GM says, "right, if you use 3 dice, that means my action gets to go ahead"

[interludes2] GM says, "(and you'll take a little fallout later, but that's no big deal and may even be good)"

[interludes2] Rob_2 says, "you also mentioned something about taking fallout later"

[interludes2] Rob_2 asks, "what does it mean?"

[interludes2] Amos says, ";"I might be not the most polite of manners, sir, but He talks to me, and I am a Dog, and I have been asked to fix this, and I will, one way or another.""

Amos rolls 2 6-sided dice: 3 3| 6

[interludes2] Amos says, "so, toss in I'm a Dog as well"

[interludes2] GM says, "ok, sounds good"

[interludes2] GM asks, "what dice are you going to use? still 3 3 4?"

[interludes2] Amos says, "yes"

[interludes2] GM says, "ok, so as you say this, I guess the guy reaches into his pocket and hands over the money to the merchant"

[interludes2] GM asks, "your turn -- what's your raise?"

[interludes2] Amos says, "6 plus my newest 3s."

[interludes2] GM says, "you just get to use 2 dice, but 9 is pretty good still"

[interludes2] Amos says, "oh, yeah 9 then"

[interludes2] GM asks, "what does your character do?"

[interludes2] Amos says, "He's going to give The Look to the Apple Merchant, like the King of Life is looking down at him and disapproving silently."

[interludes2] Amos steps very slowly

[interludes2] Amos turns minutely

[interludes2] GM says, "yow"

[interludes2] Amos gazes down at the apple merchant like he's the worst sinner in the universe

[interludes2] GM says, "(6+3) The merchant blanches a little. "Well, transaction concluded!" he says, shoving the pouch into his pocket. Now I'd better be going!" (3+3)"

[interludes2] GM says, "so 6 for you to respond to"

[interludes2] Amos says, "2 + 2 + 3."

[interludes2] GM asks, "ok, what do you say with it?"

[interludes2] Amos says, "Amos puts his hand gently and kindly down on the apple merchant's shoulder, gazes alternately at the money and the other gentlemen..."

[interludes2] Amos says, "... then points at the sky and makes a slicing motion across his neck."

[interludes2] Amos says, "Still while giving The Look."

[interludes2] GM says, "gosh"

[interludes2] GM says, "that sounds like part of your raise, do"

[interludes2] GM says, "er, too"

[interludes2] Amos says, "sure"

[interludes2] GM asks, "do you want to allocate those two 1s for your raise? or do you want to work in another trait, or do you want to escalate?"

[interludes2] GM says, "I guess arguably just putting your hand on his shoulder is escalating"

[interludes2] Amos says, "Escalate is fine"

[interludes2] GM says, "ok, so roll your body"

Amos rolls 3 6-sided dice: 5 6 1| 12

[interludes2] GM says, "(it's body + heart, but you've already rolled heart)"

[interludes2] GM says, "ok, so you can use some of those dice in addition to your two 1s"

[interludes2] Amos says, "good, good"

[rpg] * Rob_2 has joined the channel.

[interludes2] GM asks, "so what'll it be?"

[rpg] GM says, "ok, for those idling, we're about to get going here for real"

[rpg] Limax says, "My goodness... He's splitting in two"

[rpg] Limax asks (of GM), "Running the game on here?"

[rpg] GabrielWallace says, "Okay"

[interludes] Amos asks, "toss the 6 in there?"

[rpg] Chastity says, "ar"

[interludes] Amos says, "er"

[interludes2] Amos asks, "toss the 6 in there?"

[interludes2] GM asks, "ok, 1 6?"

[interludes2] Amos says, "I'm still muddling through the rules a little"

[interludes2] Amos says, "yes"

[interludes2] GM says, "ok"

[interludes2] GM says, "well, I can't match that with my 2 1, so I have to concede"

[interludes2] Rob_2 says, "I thought if he used 3 dice that it meant he didn't stop you"

[interludes2] GM says (to Rob), "this is his raise, not his response to my raise"

[interludes2] GM says, "so you grab the guy by the shoulder and shake a bit"

[interludes2] GM says, "and he goes a little pale"

[interludes2] Bystander says (to Rob_2), "he escalated, then raised"

[interludes2] Amos does a Bruce Lee-style motion with his hand where he shows the fist crushing and indicates the apple merchant's head

[interludes2] Rob_2 says, "no, before he raised, he did a 2+2+3"

[interludes2] GM says, ""Say," he says to the customer. "How about if you hang onto this pouch and pay it all to me tomorrow if -- I mean when -- I show up. Since I'm such an honest guy.""

[interludes2] GM says, ""Great!" says the customer, and walks off."

[interludes2] GM says, "ok, so"

[interludes2] GM says, "you took the blow one time, as Rob points out"

[interludes2] Amos says, "yes"

[interludes2] GM says, "with 3 dice, so roll 3d4 and add them up"

Amos rolls 3 4-sided dice: 3 2 2| 7

[interludes2] GabrielWallace asks, "Wait, don't you only add the 2 highest?"

[interludes2] GM says, "whoops, right"

[interludes2] Bystander says (to Rob_2), "that was a different "transaction" though"

[interludes2] GM says, "it doesn't matter in this case, but yeah, that's important"

[interludes2] Rob_2 says, "yeah, I'm trying to figure out if there was taking-a-blow and fallout-later for both times he used 3 dice to counter inky"

[interludes2] GM says, "so it's less than 8, so you have the choice of: lower one stat by 1 die for the next conflict, add a trait rated 1d4 permanently, change one relationship die to 1d4 for the next conflict"

[interludes2] GM says, "and then in addition, for winning the initiation, take a 1d6 trait related to it"

[interludes2] GM says, "maybe "I guess I'm not crazy" or "Those visions can be powerful stuff" or something"

GM says, "meanwhile, back on the ranch"

TomBote says, "Hi"

Jebediah says, "Yee-haw"

Chastity says, "tee-hee"

TomBote asks, "Do I get an initiation too?"

GM asks, "can folks give a one-liner about themselves to remind me?"

GM says, "sorry, in the interests of time I think I'm going to skip the rest of the initiations"

[interludes2] Amos says, "Heart down by 1 for next conflict, and add a trait ..."

Chastity says, "Mary Magdalen"

Jebediah is a bookish young kid whose father is disappointed in his sissyness.

GM says, "although technically I should probably skip the full-town play"

[interludes2] Amos says, "Intimidation, 1d6"

GabrielWallace says, "My father is a preacher, taught by my parents, had a falling out with my brother."

TomBote says, "Juvenile delinquent from back east"

[interludes2] Amos asks, "Sound right?"

[interludes2] GM says, "sure"

[interludes2] Amos says, "That wasn't exactly charming and gentle"

GM says, "and Amos is the country guy with a vision"

RichardS says, "I'm through with the greed from Back East, ready to work justice for the King."

GM says, "cool"

Amos says, "I'm hear 'cause the The King of Life told me to come."

Amos says, "here, even."

GM says, "well, so, the six of you are all newly-graduated"

GM says, "and out on your first riding"

Chastity says, "..Amos Same here. *sigh*."

GM says, "you've had a couple quiet weeks, which is nice -- about half the time riding in between towns, and the other half attending in towns"

GM says, "delivering some recent mail from Four Brides and doing a marriage or two"

TomBote says, "Funny how they put all us black sheep on the same team."

Amos rides rides rides

[interludes] Jebediah says, "man, I wish I had gotten a saddle for my horse. ow ow ow"

GM says, "up ahead you see the town of Saint's Rest, your next destination"

Amos says, "to TomBote "Don't want to be mixin' flocks I guess, see."

GM says, "the crops are wilting in the heat of the sun, and the farmer out in the fields is hard to tell from his scarecrow"

RichardS says, "Well, we ain't so black no more."

[rpg] Bystander says, "how long until someone conflates DitV and Firefly, I wonder"

Jebediah asks, "Huh, is the wheat s'possed to look like that?"

[rpg] Rob_2 says, "you just did!"

Chastity says, "Oh my"

TomBote says, "Uh-oh. Looks like this could be Sorcery."

[rpg] Bystander says, "oh that's right!"

Amos says, "Bad news, right sure."

Chastity says, "I think we'd better hurry."

[rpg] Amos says, "I admit I tried to channel Firefly when I was thinking how to play"

TomBote says, "Let's talk to the farmer."

GabrielWallace nodes to Tom. "Good idea."

GabrielWallace nods even.

Chastity says, "Farmer? I thought that was a scarecrow."

Amos dismounts.

TomBote asks (of farmer), "Say there, what's your name?"

GM says, ""Why, greetings, Brothers," says the farmer, as you ride up. He's an old man, shouldn't really be working at his age. "Brother Cadmus is the name.""

Chastity dismounts as well. Straightens outfit, pats hair, etc.

GabrielWallace dismounts and crouches down, to examine the soil.

Jebediah says, "It seems right hot today, Brother."

Jebediah asks, "Weather always this bad?"

Amos scans around trying to figure out what the weather has been like lately

GM says, "Cadmus shakes his head. "Been more parched 'n usual -- ain't good for my poor wife, condition she's in.""

Jebediah asks, "Condition? What's wrong with her?"

[Crows-Nest] Bystander says, ""Well, God's going to make it rain. (6+6) Aren't you, God?""

GM says, "He sighs. "Right sickly, I'm afraid.""

[Crows-Nest] RichardS says, "ha ha"

GM says, ""Something wrong with her lungs, always coughin'""

Jebediah says, "That's a darn shame. I'd be pleased to visit her and pray over her, if y' don't mind."

Amos uses his Intuition to try to tell if the weather is Unnatural or not

Gabriel stands up. "Yes. Perhaps we can help in some way."

GM says, "His face lights up. "Well, I was hoping you might could do something, but I didn't want to impose. Let me take you back to my house.""

Jebediah says, "Lead the way, brother."

GM says (to Amos), "it's definitely too hot for this time of year, anyway"

Jebediah gets down off his horse and leads it along.

Amos lags behind, checking crops and scanning for clouds

GM says (to Amos), "might be a heat snap or it might be something more"

TomBote says, "Glad to do His work, brother."

Chastity follows along.

GM says, "Cadmus walks carefully back to his house, on the other edge of the field."

Gabriel follows, leading his horse.

GM says, ""Althea? Nathaniel? Where is that boy?""

RichardS says, "(so Brother Cadmus can't hear) Sounds like there's plenty of demons around."

GM says, "There's a cough from the bedroom"

Chastity says, "Was it this warm yesterday? If the heat's just around these parts...."

Jebediah says (to Richard), "Well, let's see what we see."

Jebediah heads towards the coughing.

GM says, ""Seems like that Barvin brought the heat with him -- he ain't of the Faith, you know""

Jebediah grabs his consecrated earth from his saddlebag first, though.

Chastity asks, "Barvin?"

GM says, "Althea is lying on her bed, looking right sickly, but her eyes widen as she sees you all"

Gabriel raises an eyebrow.

Jebediah says, "Greetin's, sister. Just you lie there, and we'll do what we can."

GM says, ""Why, Dogs! This is a pleasant surprise!" She starts to get up"

Chastity says, "Oh, you poor thing"

RichardS says, "We'll need to talk with him, then."

GM says (to Chastity), ""Territorial authority man -- comes by to collect the taxes, do some business once a month""

Amos gives a respectful nod. "You just try and rest, ma'am."

GM says, "Althea coughs and lies back down again"

Gabriel mutters, "Peace be unto this house" when he enters the farmhouse.

Jebediah says, "As the Good Book says, "Nothing can cure illness but Faith, and Faith is stronger than all sickness and all medicines.""

GM says, ""Barvin? He's back in town -- I'm sure Steward Lemuel can tell you where he is""

Chastity asks, "Is he around right now?"

Chastity says, "(backspace backspace backspace)"

Jebediah kneels by the bed, holds his arms over the woman, and begins to pray.

Chastity looks at the woman. Anything familiar about her ailment?

[interludes] Jebediah asks, "so, um, am I just RPing here or can I actually heal her?"

TomBote says, "I'm going to ride into town and talk to this steward."

Gabriel pulls his gold-trimmed Book of Life from his pack and begins to leaf through the pages.

[rpg] GM says, "ok, the way this game works is, you say what you're doing -- just praying, seeing what's wrong with Althea, finding Barvin in town, kicking Cadmus in the nuts -- and if I don't want you to do it, I'll say we have to have a conflict"

[rpg] Jebediah says, "got you"

Amos asks, "Cadmus, you know which day exactly this all started?"

[rpg] GM asks, "so do you want to have a "can we heal Althea?" conflict?"

[rpg] Jebediah says, "I would, yes. dunno about anyone else"

[Crows-Nest] (from Rob_2) Amos then kicks Cadmus in the nuts.

[rpg] TomBote asks, "So if we say 'I'm going to heal this woman by the power of my faith', you have to decide then and there whether to make us roll for it or just let it happen?"

GM says, "Cadmus scratches his head. "Well, it seems like we been poor for years, but this heat only started this month, and that's when Althea started getting so sickly, and Nathaniel started getting so angry""

[rpg] Gabriel says, "Yes, that sounds good."

[rpg] GM says, "right"

[Crows-Nest] Amos says, "ym 'apple merchant'"

[rpg] Jebediah asks, "do we all do it together or does one of us lead?"

Chastity . o O ( hm )

[Crows-Nest] (from Rob_2) Amos then kicks Cadmus in the 'apple merchants'.

TomBote asks, "Nathaniel, huh?"

[Crows-Nest] Bystander says, "ha ha"

Chastity . o O ( But if this Barvin's been coming every month ... why just now? )

TomBote says, "I know a thing or two about angry. I'd like to talk to Nathaniel."

Amos says, "Well, could be traced to some particular event, see."

Amos says, "to TomBote "I'll come with."

GM says, "Cadmus scratches his head. "Not sure where Nathaniel is -- maybe he's up in town too""

TomBote says, "Well, I think I'll saddle up and head that way, then."

GM says, "ok, I guess this is a talking conflict, so anyone who wants to heal Althea should roll acuity + heart"

Jebediah takes the consecrated earth, and puts just a pinch on Althea's forehead.

Jebediah rolls 8 6-sided dice: 6 6 5 1 2 6 1 2| 29

Amos says (to TomBote), "Let's ride."

Chastity says, "It might be a good idea to look around in town, too...."

Gabriel rolls 8 6-sided dice: 3 5 3 6 4 3 6 5| 35

[rpg] Bystander says, "whoa"

[rpg] Bystander says, "Runequest re-release"

Jebediah rolls 1 6-sided die: 5| 5

[rpg] Jebediah says, "(that was for my earth)"

Chastity . o O ( also, i need to freshen up )

GM says, "ok, I'll roll a generic opposition"

GM rolls 4 6-sided dice: 6 4 6 6| 22

GM rolls 1 10-sided die: 6| 6

[rpg] GM says (to Jebediah), "ok, so say what you're spending with that raise"

[rpg] GM says, "since that looks like a raise to me"

[rpg] Amos asks, "ok, so Tom, Chastity, and Amos riding into town, the others trying to heal?"

[interludes] GM says, "meanwhile, the rest of the folks ride into town"

[rpg] RichardS says, "7 sounds good, since it can't be turned"

[rpg] Gabriel says, "Yes, I'm going to help Jeb."

[rpg] Jebediah says, "I'm spending 6+6"

[rpg] Chastity says, "yeah"

RichardS stays with Brother Jebediah for, uh, support.

[interludes] Amos says (to Chastity), "We need to talk about them visions sometime. Was just recent I thought I might be just crazy."

[interludes] GM asks, "what are you folks doing?"

[interludes] Amos says, "Maybe there's a reason we got put on the same team, I reckon."

GM says (to RichardS), "roll dice if you want to be in the conflict, or not if you just want to watch"

GM says, "ok, I'll match with a 6+6"

[interludes] TomBote asks, "Who, us who rode into town?"

Gabriel asks (of GM), "Shall I raise as well, since I'm staying and I rolled?"

[interludes] TomBote says, "I'm looking for the steward."

GM says, "Althea lies back and seems to breathe easy for a sec, and then her coughing knocks some of the crumbs of earth off onto the pillow"

GM says (to Gabriel), "no, one person raises at a time"

GM says (to Gabriel), "but now it's your turn"

[interludes] Amos says, "I will try something saloon-ish. Angry people tend to at least drop by."

[interludes] GM says, "not exactly a saloon in town -- this is faux-Mormon, remember -- but folks tend to congregate on the steps of the general store"

[interludes] Amos says, "that's why I said 'ish'"

GM says, "er, so I guess that's a yes"

[interludes] GM says (to TomBote), "folks direct you to the house of Steward Lemuel"

Gabriel scans his finger across the words in his Book as he reads aloud: "But straightaway The King spake unto them saying, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid. For a righteous man falls sevent times, and rises again."

[interludes] GM says (to Amos), "and you see some folks sitting on the steps of the general store"

Gabriel raises 5+5=10

[interludes] TomBote says, "I indicate to Lemuel that I we wish to speak to him privately on Dog business."

GM says, "Althea's eyes flicker open, and then shut. She starts to whisper the words along with you, and then coughs again."

GM says, "all I've got left is a 6, so I guess I'm stuck with that for a raise, or maybe I should concede, but it doesn't matter all that much"

GM says, "Althea's body is racked by another coughing fit, and she starts to gasp"

[interludes] Amos says, "I step up all friendly like, tip my hat, and ask if anyone's seen Nathaniel around."

GM says, "you both have to respond to that"

[interludes] GM says, ""Er -- uh -- of course," says Steward Lemuel. "Come right in, Brother. Pleased to see you in town.""

Jebediah says, "(6) I'll lift her up, and pat her on the back. "That's right, cough that demon out!""

[rpg] GM says, "ha ha"

[Crows-Nest] Amos exclaims, "brilliant!"

Gabriel raises his voice as he continues to read from scripture, his free hand stretching out over Althea.

[interludes] GM says, ""Nathaniel? Let's see -- I think he was goin' off shootin' somewhere. I saw him go by with his rabbit-gun about an hour ago.""

Gabriel sees with a 6.

[interludes] Chastity says, "Pleasure's all ours, I'm sure."

GM says (to Jebediah), "ok, your turn again"

[interludes] Amos asks, "And where might one go a'hunting rabbit 'round these parts?"

[interludes] GM says, "The man on the steps of general store points with the stem of his pipe."

Jebediah says, "I get to re-use that 6 since I turned, right? So the 6 with a 5, and "There, can't you breathe more easily now?""

[interludes] GM says, ""Good place out that way, about twenty minutes if you walk it.""

GM says, "yes you do, and I have no dice, so I have to concede"

[interludes] Amos asks, "Thank ye kindly. Can a horse make the path?"

[interludes] TomBote says, "I'll give it to you straight, Steward. Brother Cadmus' crops are failing and his wife is sick. Could be just bad luck, could be Sorcery. As dogs, we have to check it out."

GM says, "Althea sighs, and her eyes slip shut as she drifts off. You can hear her breathing is much more regular now."

[interludes2] Amos says, "(we probably should split the channel)"

Jebediah eases her back down onto the bed.

[interludes2] GM says, "ok, Amos over here"

[interludes2] Amos says, "(I admit I thought he was going after Nathaniel first, I wasn't meaning to make things harder)"

[interludes2] GM says, ""Gets a little rocky as it goes on, but I expect you're a careful man""

[interludes2] GM says, "well, feel free to rejoin"

Jebediah asks (of Cadmus), "Brother, I think she's past the worst of it, now. Let her rest a while, and drink planty of water. You got a good well here, right?"

GM says, "Cadmus looks a little stunned"

Gabriel trails off and closes his book, slipping it gently back into his pack.

[interludes2] Amos says, "All right, will save him for later"

RichardS smiles and signs the Tree. "Blessings, Sister."

GM says, ""I ain't never seen nothing like that before, Brother""

[interludes] Amos strolls back to where the directions were for Steward

[interludes] Chastity asks, "Is it just Brother Cadmus's farm, or ... how are the other farms around here faring?"

Jebediah says, "We're just all here in this world to do the King's will, and the King isn't ready for your wife to join him yet."

Gabriel smiles to Cadmus. "We are glad to be here to help spread the blessings of the King."

[interludes] GM says, "You arrive and are ushered inside as Lemuel looks a little nervous. "Right, right, somebody had better check it out. Been a lotta trouble since Barvin came to town -- he ain't pleased about folks not being able to make their taxes""

[interludes] Amos tries to find if there's a window where he can see Chastity and Tom and Lemuel inside.

GM says, "Cadmus sighs. "I hate to be disrespectful, but I wish a few more blessings would be falling our way lately -- can barely make ends meet with the crops dyin'""

Jebediah says, "All right, brother, we'd probably better let her sleep, and go meet up with the rest of the group."

[interludes] TomBote asks, "Do you know where we can find this Barvin?"

[interludes] GM says (to Amos), "sure, or go inside if you want"

Jebediah says, "We'll have to see what can be done about this weather."

[interludes] Chastity asks, "What is this Mr Barvin like, sir?"

[interludes] Amos says, "No, he's going to try to catch Lemuel's eye outside, watching all hawk-like."

[interludes] GM says, ""Wish it were just Brother Cadmus, though he and his wife are some of our most upstanding citizens""

[interludes] GM says, ""Excuse me," Lemuel says, "I think I see someone outside.""

[interludes] Amos gives a little smile at Lemuel and salutes with his hat.

Gabriel says to Cadmus, "If this weather isn't natural, then we may be able to help out this fine town."

GM says, ""That'd be a most kind deed if you could help us out, somehow," says Lemuel. "If anyone can do it, you can""

GM says, "er, Cadmus"

Chastity says, "Oh, don't mind him. The King has many servants in many different capacities."

[interludes] GM says, ""Er -- anyway, Mr Barvin""

[interludes] Chastity says, "Oh, don't mind him. The King has many servants in many different capacities."

Jebediah heads back out to his horse, and carefully packs his consecrated earth back away.

[interludes] Chastity says, "His capacity seems to be watching from outside."

[interludes] GM says, ""Well, he ain't of the faith, but I suppose he's good enough sort as those go. Can't really stand any of the folks from Back East myself, frankly""

[interludes] TomBote bristles inwardly

Gabriel follows Jebediah to the horses and sligs his pack over the saddle.

[interludes] GM says, ""He's a hard man about the taxes but I guess they all are""

Jebediah waves goodbye to Cadmus, and rides towards town.

GM asks, "ok, what are you folks doing after leaving Cadmus's?"

[interludes] TomBote says, "I also wanted to talk to Cadmus' son, Nathaniel. They said he might be in town."

[interludes] Amos keeps an eye to make sure Lemuel isn't doing anything shifty.

Jebediah says, "I'm going to head for the general store and just chat to people about the taxes, find out why it's especially hard this year."

[interludes] GM says, "well, he's looking a little shifty, but it's hard to tell about what just from glancing at him (unless you want to make some kind of conflict out of it)"

[D&D] Gunther says, "(not really but) http://www.flickr.com/photos/thirtypounces/70841170/in/set-1517237/"

[interludes] Amos says, "I want to see if he's lying"

[interludes] Amos says, "So yes, conflict it"

[interludes] TomBote says, "You want to make a Sense Motive check. Admit it."

Gabriel says, "I'll follow Jeb into town to see how the other Dogs are doing."

[interludes] GM says, ""Nathaniel? I think you can ask at the general store if you want to find out where he is -- folks there usually see everyone goin' up and down the street""

[interludes] GM says (to Amos), "I'll just give it to you -- he's not lying, but he seems both nervous and relieved that the Dogs are here"

GM says, "meanwhile, Jebediah and Gabriel talk to folks at the general store"

[interludes] Chastity says, "Did Barvin only just come here last month? I thought I heard it said he'd been coming here regular-like for a while now."

TomBote says, "I'm headed out to the general store to at this point."

GM says, "they seem to agree that for most folks it's hard to make a living this year -- farms aren't producing so well, taxes are high, and the stores in town aren't selling much either"

[interludes] Amos decides the matter is well in hand and waits outside with the horses.

TomBote says, "I ask the people at the general store where Nathaniel is."

[interludes] GM says, ""He comes by about once a month -- been here about two weeks, seems like""

Amos says, "Tom, I already asked 'em."

TomBote asks, "Oh? What did they say?"

Jebediah asks, "Hmm, how long have the farms been having trouble?"

Jebediah asks, "Just the last month, or longer?"

Amos says, "He went rabbit huntin'."

[interludes] GM says, ""Little longer than usual this time, said he had some extra business to attend to""

Amos says, "Fella pointed the way."

GM says, ""Well, taxes have been going up for a while, year or so -- that Territorial Authority always wants more money from us""

Amos says, "20 minute hike, shorter ride but it's rocky. I'll take a horse, one of us might want be on foot just in case."

[rpg] Jebediah asks, "do I remember hearing about taxes going up anywhere else?"

[rpg] Jebediah asks, "or is it just here?"

GM says, ""Farms were never doin' well but they been getting worse, and now this heat is like to kill 'em all""

[rpg] GM says, "nothing in the last town, no"

Jebediah says, "Mmhmm"

Jebediah asks, "Where is this collector stayin'?"

[interludes] Chastity asks, "Do you know where we might find him, then?"

[rpg] Chastity asks, "Hm, so Tom left Chastity alone with the Steward?"

[rpg] Amos says, "Yeah, I'm confused"

[rpg] TomBote says, "I guess so."

[interludes] GM says, ""Think Brother Virgil's putting him up -- the man must be a saint, have a fellow like that in his house. Course, everyone says Brother Virgil practically is a saint.""

[rpg] Amos says, "I guess it works."

TomBote says, "She's better at the talkin'."

Amos says (to Tom), "Oh, and your fellow your chattin' up in there was clean, just a bit nervous."

[rpg] GM says, "I hope he doesn't threaten her, Chastity"

GM says (to Jebediah), ""Think Brother Virgil's putting him up -- the man must be a saint, have a fellow like that in his house. Course, everyone says Brother Virgil practically is a saint.""

[rpg] TomBote says, "I thought maybe you'd do better at getting information out of him if you were... alone."

[rpg] Chastity asks, "Where is Brother Virgil's place, then?"

[interludes] Chastity asks, "Where is Brother Virgil's place, then?"

[rpg] TomBote says, "(OK, that's a lie. I didn't think about it at all.)"

[interludes] GM says, ""Right up the way, Sister." He gives you directions."

Amos says (to TomBote), "Won't be stabbing Chastity in the back or anything. Let's find this Nathaniel, now."

[interludes] Chastity is suspicious of so-called "living saints".

[rpg] Amos asks (of TomBote), "are you hiking or riding?"

TomBote says, "OK."

[interludes] Chastity says, "Thank you ever so much."

[rpg] Jebediah says, "so, group planning. I want to confront the tax collector but I'd rather have everyone there"

Gabriel nods in agreement.

[rpg] TomBote says, "Fair enough."

[rpg] GM says, "(the Steward said "everyone says he's practically a saint" in a semi-sarcastic way, whereas the guys at the general store say it pretty sincerely)"

[rpg] RichardS says, "I'm for talkin to the Authority guy."

Chastity makes her goodbyes and steps back out to find the others.

[rpg] Chastity says, "Actually, I suspect Virgil. Nothing like being told you're a saint by everyone around you to get your ego up."

TomBote says, "Sin always starts with Pride."

Jebediah asks (of Chastity), "There you are. let's wait for Amos and TOm to come back and then go visit Brother Virgil's, hmm?"

Amos ride ride ride

[rpg] Amos says, "I'd rather talk with Nathaniel first because I was suspecting he has information on this whole thing that'll help when meeting the tax collector"

Chastity says, "A visit that way does seem in order."

Chastity says, "In the meantime, I'll just go freshen up a bit."

[rpg] Jebediah says (to amos), "sure, that's why I'm saying to wait for you to come back"

[interludes] Amos asks (of TomBote), "Shall we do it here?"

[interludes] TomBote says, "Sure"

[rpg] Amos says, "roger that"

[rpg] GM asks, "ok, so Amos and Tom are going to talk to Nathaniel first?"

[rpg] TomBote says, "Yes"

[rpg] TomBote says, "We've already ridden off."

[interludes] GM says, "ok, you guys follow the directions and ride out of town"

[rpg] Amos says, "Everyone else can scout or something"

[Crows-Nest] Bystander says, "man, I've totally lost the plot"

[interludes] GM says, "after ten minutes or so you start to hear the sound of some shots being fired"

[interludes] GM says, "(not like a gunfight, just some occasional shots)"

[interludes] Amos says, "Careful with that ridge there. Gettin' up into mountain territory. Looks like we found our hunting range."

[interludes] TomBote says, "I holler."

[interludes] GM asks, "what do you holler? or just yell?"

[rpg] Kiz says, "it only just occured to me I've wanted onto game time and not some newbie convention"

[interludes] TomBote says, "'Heyo!'"

[rpg] Jebediah says, "ha ha ha"

[rpg] Bystander says, "N00bCon 2006"

[interludes] GM says, "the shooting stops, and there's the sound of somebody climbing up the ridge to look down at you guys"

[interludes] Amos lifts his hat

[interludes] TomBote says, "Are you Nathaniel? We're Dogs."

[Crows-Nest] Chastity says, "We find Brother Cadmus whose wife is ill. Gabriel, Richard and Jebediah stay to heal her, while Tom, Amos and Chastity ride into town to find Cadmus' son Nathaniel and further probe the mystery."

[rpg] Jebediah says, "so much for my theory that if I created a new account I'd be found out within a week"

[rpg] Kiz says, "wanted = wandered. too early in the day for brain function"

[interludes] TomBote asks, "How old is this kid?"

[interludes] GM says, "eventually Nathaniel crests the ridge -- he's probably 16, like four or five years younger than you guys"

[interludes] GM says, "he's got a rifle in his hand"

[interludes] Amos tries to be personable. "You good at the shootin'?"

[interludes] GM says, "he shades his eyes to look down at you. "Howdy there, strangers," he says, polite but not quite friendly"

Gabriel asks, "Okay, what do the rest of us want to do while Amos and Tom talk to Nathaniel?"

[interludes] GM says, ""Dab hand," he says, nodding slightly. "I keep practicin'""

[Crows-Nest] Chastity says, "We find out that there's this tax collector dude, Barvin, who's staying with Virgil, whom everyone calls a saint. Nathaniel is out hunting wabbits. Tom and Amos ride out to find Nathaniel. Everyone else gathers in town to wait for Tom and Amos before heading out to Virgil's."

RichardS puts up the usual notice about blessings.

[interludes] TomBote asks, "Does he *seem* angry?"

GM asks, "do you want to talk to Barvin anyway? or talk to people about something?"

[interludes] GM says, "right now? he seems suspicious"

[interludes] GM says, "maybe a little hot-headed"

Jebediah chats with the townfolk. "So, I was reading a book from bac,.... a ways away, and it said it works better if you switch up crops on a field every year.

[interludes] GM says, "but not actually angry at the moment"

Jebediah says, "Like, plant wheat one year, and then beans next, and then corn next, and have three fields going in turns."

Gabriel says, "I think since Gabriel missed any discussion about Barvin, I'll ask the townfolk about him."

RichardS says, "A bit of the ordinary, I think. If we talk to more people, we might get more an idea what's going on."

GM says, ""Yeah?" one man says. "I'm willing to try anything that'll get better crops -- not gonna make my land payments this year otherwise, and the town coffers are gettin' low.""

[interludes] Amos hops off the horse. "The weather out here is a mite bit hotter than it should be. You know of any trouble that's gone on lately?"

[interludes] Amos uses his friendly face

GM says, ""Seems like Brother Virgil's only one who can keep up these days. Smart man, that Virgil.""

[Crows-Nest] (from Jebediah) Amos keeps it in a jar

[rpg] TomBote says, "The talking-with-NPC's part of these games is always the most difficult for me."

Jebediah asks, "Oh? What's he doin' diff'rent?"

GM says, ""Not like old Steward," one guy says, and a couple of them laugh."

Rob_2 has disconnected.

Rob_2 vooms himself somewhere else.

GM says, "The man shrugs. "He's just got a knack for it, I suppose.""

Jebediah says, "Int'restin'"

[interludes] GM says, "Nathaniel spits. "You know of any trouble that ain't goin' on?""

[interludes] TomBote says, "I can name one trouble that's ended."

Jebediah asks, "What's the Steward doin' wrong?"

[interludes] GM says, ""First all the taxes, then the crops failin', then that man comes to town, then Ma gets ill""

[interludes] Amos glances at Tom. "She better?"

GM says, ""It's not what he's doin', it's what he ain't doin'," says one of the men"

[interludes] TomBote says, "We just came from your house. The King of Life has seen fit to grant your ma a second chance."

Jebediah asks, "Oh?"

GM says, ""That fire started in the brush the other day, wasn't him that could get it together to get something organized, it was Virgil""

[interludes] TomBote says, "Through the timely intercession of His instruments."

Jebediah asks, "Virgil, huh? Was he near where it happened or somethin'?"

GM says, ""And then when Brother August broke his leg, it was Virgil who got it splinted right""

[interludes] GM says, "Nathaniel looks shocked."

[interludes] GM says, ""You ain't lying to me? Ma's doin' better?""

[interludes] TomBote says, "And that's a right curious thing. All we Dogs can really do for a person is strengthen their faith."

[interludes] Amos quotes, "The King of Life is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble."

Chastity emerges looking somewhat freshened up.

[interludes] TomBote says, "And that makes it seem like her ailment wasn't just an ordinary one."

GM says, ""Nah, he was here with us," the man says. "But when Brother Eli came into town saying the fire had started, and was gonna run to fetch the Steward, Virgil said "no, we can handle it, let's form a brigade"""

GM says, ""And we got it all straightened out before the Steward had finished even gettin' ready!""

Jebediah asks, "Huh. Brother Virgil, he an Elder?"

[interludes] Amos asks (of Nathaniel), "Your pa things this Barvin fella has something to do with it. You heard anything in particular 'bout that?"

[Crows-Nest] * ParserGirl has joined the channel.

[interludes] GM says, "Nathaniel glowers. "I don't trust that Barvin -- Faithless man -- nor Brother Virgil neither, for all they say he's a saint.""

Chastity says, "Well, you can hardly expect the Steward to do anything in time if he's not told about it...."

[interludes] TomBote asks, "Oh? Got any dirt on Virgil?"

GM says, ""Don't call me Elder, Brother Virgil's always saying, but some of us are thinking it's about time we started doing that""

Jebediah says, "Uh huh."

Jebediah says, "Humble man, sounds like."

[interludes] TomBote says, "I mean, Barvin, everyone knows he's not of the Faith. If we go back into town and say to run him out on a rail, they will. But Virgil, there's be some resistance."

[interludes] GM says, "Nathaniel shrugs. "Don't need nothing -- he's always around with that Barvin, letting him stay at his house, and that's good enough for me.""

RichardS says, "Poor Steward or no, that don't make a man's crops wilt away."

[interludes] GM says, ""This goes on any longer, I'm fixing to do something about it.""

[interludes] Amos says, "Don't you worry. We're gonna fix this thing. Anything that might help though, you should tell us."

GM says, ""If the King of Life sees fit to shower me with blessing," Brother Virgil says, "Ain't nothing I can do about it but be thankful, so that's about what I do""

Jebediah asks, "Hmm, you think he's more blessed than you?"

[interludes] TomBote says, "Yeah? We're fixing to do something about it too. We just don't know exactly what yet."

Jebediah says, "Cause I can tell you now, the King of Life loves each and every one of us the same."

[interludes] TomBote asks, "Want to help?"

Jebediah says, "Ain't no man more blessed than his brother, he just uses it different."

GM says, ""Well, ain't it stand to reason? His crops are doing well, his store's doing well, King of Life is obviously smiling.""

Chastity . o O ( and sometimes calls the most unlikely ones. )

[interludes] GM says, "Nathaniel tightens his grip on his rifle. "Any time you want that Virgil shot, you just call me.""

Jebediah says (to Chastity), "As soon as Amos and Tom get back, we need to talk to Brother Virgil."

[interludes] GM says, ""Now, if you'll excuse me, I got some more practicin' to do. Nice to see you fellows.""

[interludes] TomBote asks, "I think we know everything we came here to find out. Amos, anything else you want to do here?"

Gabriel nods. "I agree. Something doesn't seem right 'tween those two."

[interludes] Amos says (to Tom), "(sotta voce) Just keep an eye out for 'im."

Chastity says (to Jebediah), "I'm not sure I trust this Virgil, from what I've heard."

[interludes] GM says, "Nathaniel, trying to look as adult as possible, turns and heads back down the hill, where you see he's set up some piles of rocks and sticks that he's using for shooting practice."

Jebediah says, "(privately to the Dogs) It sounds for sure like he's fallen to Pride."

[interludes] Amos says (to Tom), "Long as we fix this ourselves I don't think he'll get a chance to succumb to Anger."

Jebediah says, "Puttin' himelf above the Steward and all."

Gabriel says quietly to the Dogs, "And it seems to me that perhaps Virgil is putting up Barvin for motives less than altruistic."

[interludes] Amos starts riding back

[interludes] TomBote says, "But if we decide he needs killing, I promise you that I personally will give you the opportunity to do it."

[rpg] GM asks, "ok, so you meet up and head to Barvin's?"

[rpg] Amos says, "right"

[interludes] TomBote rides back too

RichardS says, "Could be. But to start, might wanna say we'd like to talk to Barvin, an see what we catch of Virgil while we're there."

Jebediah says, "I dunno if Virgil has evil intent or not, but I do know that Pride like his is what leads entire towns into trouble."

Gabriel sees Tom and Amos ride up and greets them.

Chastity asks, "Should I put on my other dress?"

TomBote says, "OK, we're back now."

GM says, "Virgil has a pretty nice house on the outskirts of town -- compared to the others you've seen it's much better kept-up, and even the grass is a little less wilted"

Chastity says, "Pride never thinks it has evil intent."

Amos says, "Nathaniel's all right. Just if this goes on too long he'll likely do something rash, and then this town will get up even worse."

GM says, "grass? I guess they didn't have lawns. but garden, anyway"

TomBote says, "Good news is, if we need to kill Virgil but make it look like the Dogs aren't involved, we've got a volunteer."

Jebediah goes up and knocks on the door.

[rpg] GM says (to TomBote), "you realize that you have the moral authority to do whatever you want"

Chastity says (to Tom), "We're not doing that!"

Jebediah says, "I can't see the need for that."

[rpg] TomBote says, "Sure. But there's a man from back east in town."

Gabriel goes with Jeb to the door, his pack over his shoulder.

[rpg] Jebediah asks, "so?"

Amos says, "Now, now, if it turns out he needs a good smitin', we'll do it ourselves."

GM says, "lounging on the steps of Virgil's house are four burly soldiers in Territorial Authority uniforms, sippin' whiskey"

Jebediah asks, "Howdy, folks. We're here to talk to Brother Virgil. He around?"

Chastity . o O ( should probably have worn the other dress )

[rpg] TomBote says, "So, we don't want to bring the secular authorities down on us."

Gabriel frowns at the sight of drinking alcohol in a public space.

[rpg] Gabriel says, "Nah, Dogs don't care."

GM says, ""Another one coming for advice, eh? Go on i-- hey, pretty lady!""

[rpg] TomBote says, "The time for the holy war isn't ripe yet."

GM says, "The soldier whistles."

[rpg] RichardS says, "we can boot him out even easier. He might not be of the Faith, but enough in the government are that they'd work around it."

Chastity smiles and winks. "Mind if we come in?"

GM says, ""Howzabout you stay out here and sit in my lap, beautiful, and I'll tell you stories while they go on in?""

Chastity . o O ( on second thoughts, other dress might have been Much Too Much. )

[rpg] TomBote says, "But also, remember that everyone thinks Virgil is a saint. We have the moral authority to do what we like, but we might lose some souls in the process."

[rpg] Jebediah says, "I dunno why anyone wants to kill him"

[rpg] Jebediah says, "I just want to talk to him"

[rpg] (from GM) Jebediah says "And *then* kill him"

[rpg] TomBote says, "All I'm saying is, it's a contingency we're prepared for."

[rpg] Jebediah says, "but first I want Chastity to put these guys in their place"

[rpg] RichardS says, "not everyone. that's where our skilled tongues come in. If necessary."

Amos tilts his hat and goes on in.

GM says, ""But if you'd rather talk to him than us, well, we'll be here later""

GM says, "The soldiers step aside and let you in."

Jebediah opens the door and walks in.

Chastity says (to others), "y'all go on in ... I'll see what I can get from this lot. Er ... maybe one of you better keep an eye on the window."

Gabriel glares at the soldier who spoke as he enters the house.

TomBote says, "I want to casually case the house with an eye to breaking in through a back window without alerting the soldiers."

Amos makes a beeline for the man himself

[rpg] Chastity says (to Tom), "You are such a JD!"

Chastity asks (of Soldiers), "My goodness, how long *have* you been languishing out here?"

TomBote says, "Seems to me that we want to see what happens in this house when no one knows there's anyone watching."

GM says, "Brother Virgil is talking to somebody in his front room as you come in. "Just tell that the boundary marker was set when you first started plowing, and I'm sure he'll see reason." "Thank you kindly, Brother Virgil," the man says, rising. "I'm sure when I say it was your advise he'll listen.""

[rpg] Amos says, "I don't think everyone going in at once is quite the stealth approach"

GM says, "The soldiers sigh. "This duty sure is boring -- or was, til you came along. All the girls stay away and the men don't like drinkin'""

[rpg] Gabriel says, "We're not ninjas."

GM says, ""And not even a Mountain People raid to spice stuff up""

[rpg] TomBote says, "Speak for yourself."

[rpg] Amos says, "Just referring to seeing what happens when no one knows there's anyone watching ;)"

GM says, "The man talking Brother Virgil nods to you guys as he leaves. "Brothers, welcome!" says Brother Virgil, beaming. "How can I help you?""

Jebediah says, "We're here to help you, Brother."

Amos says, "Yep. Weather been mighty peculiar in these parts, we hear."

Gabriel greets Virgil and glances around the room to see if anyone else might be in the house.

GM says, ""Sure enough, it's been awful hot lately," Virgil says."

GM says (to Gabriel), "you can hear faint snoring from behind one of the doors out of this room"

Jebediah asks, "Seems like a lot of people come out here to ask you for help, though, Virgil. Why is that?"

[Crows-Nest] Chastity says, "Arr. Trouble substituting Catholic mindset with Mormon mindset...."

GM says, ""I've been prayin' an awful lot about it," says Virgil, "but the King of Life hasn't favored me with an answer yet""

TomBote says, "We're his answer."

[rpg] GM says, "nice"

Chastity asks (of Soldiers), "So what do you do to pass the time?"

GM says, ""Well, I couldn't rightly say," says Virgil. "I guess they just figure that since I'm doing ok lately with my farm and store, I must know a thing or two about other questions""

RichardS says, "Ain't it obvious, Brother Jebediah? Sounds as though Brother Virgil here is the wisest around."

Chastity . o O ( what if it isn't Virgil OR Barvin ... what if ... what if the soldiers are a CULT?? )

Jebediah says, "I was wonderin' why Virgil here isn't the Steward. Seems he knows more than the Steward does."

GM says, "The soldier shrugs. "Tax tours like this are all boring -- we play a lotta cards, do some riding, practice our shootin'. I'm looking forward to getting back east, see a few shows, go to a restaurant. Ain't nothing out here but brambles""

TomBote says, "That's a right fair question, Jeb."

GM says, ""Oh, you shouldn't say that," says Virgil, in a tone suggesting you aren't the first person to say that"

Jebediah says, "I mean, a normal man, his neighbors ask for advice, he sends them to the Steward, as that's the Steward's job."

Jebediah says, "So I gotta wonder about a guy who takes that upon himself."

GM says, ""Steward Lemuel is a good-hearted man and if the King of Life has favored him with the position as Steward, well, it's not my place to do anything about it""

Chastity asks (of Soldiers), "Have you been doing the tax tour with this ... Mr Barvin, is it? ... very long?"

Amos steps around scanning the room and Virgil as the others sweet-talk him

[Crows-Nest] RichardS says, "YM 'bait'"

GM says, ""Third year for me," says one of the soldiers. "Last one, too -- Barvin says he's retiring after this year""

TomBote asks, "Say, we have the authority to remove the steward and install a new one, don't we?"

GM says, ""Wish soldierin' paid half so well as tax-collectin'""

Jebediah says, "We probably could, if we thought the current one wasn't up to the job."

GM says, "Virgil nods thoughtfully. "Guess I suppose you do, if it came to that.""

Jebediah says, "We'd have to find someone to do the job."

[rpg] GM says, "I'm not sure where you guys are going with this, but I am totally laughing"

RichardS says, "The King of Life wants what's best for Saints' Rest, after all."

Chastity says (to Soldiers), "Oh, so you must know this town almost as well as though you lived here, by now."

Jebediah says, "Someone who wouldn't take pride in it, of course."

[rpg] GM says (to Amos), "if you want to do something more specific, let's hear it"

Jebediah says, "Steward's job isn't about pride, it's about service."

[rpg] TomBote says, "I'm trying to think of a plausible way to install Nathaniel as steward."

[rpg] TomBote says, "A way to justify it, I mean,"

[rpg] RichardS says, "bwa ha"

Gabriel says, "And faith."

[rpg] Jebediah says, "I'm trying to get Virgil to admit to Pride"

GM says, "The soldiers shrug. "Don't usually spend more than a day a month here, but I guess that adds up after awhile""

Amos keeps pacing and unobtrusively slips out of the room, scanning the rooms of the house for anything that looks suspicious

Gabriel says, "A steward answers first to the King of Life, after all. As all men of the Faith must do."

[rpg] Chastity asks, "We're the bloody Inquisition! Do you *need* a "plausible" way?"

[rpg] GM says, "yeah, what Chastity said"

[rpg] GM says, "you're not (generally) going to get people to agree that they're prideful, but if you want to say they are, you have the authority to do so"

[rpg] Jebediah says, "I wasn't actually getting him to agree, I was just working around to accusing him"

Gabriel says, "Virgil, I understand that the tax collector of the Territorial Authority stays here with you."

[rpg] GM says, "if you want justification, you're probably better off investigating Barvin or asking Virgil more specific questions"

[rpg] Jebediah says, "I guess. I dunno. we seem kind of scattered"

Jebediah says, "Now, we heard the story of the fire recently."

GM says, "Virgil nods. "Yes, Mr Barvin and I have a good arrangement here""

[rpg] TomBote says, "Seems to me that if he *is* prideful, he'd want to be steward if the possibility arose. So it's good bait for a trap."

[rpg] RichardS says, "I was going for more of a slip than an admission."

Jebediah asks, "Weren't you involved with that?"

Chastity asks, "(doing that dumb-blonde-head-tilt thing) Why have you been stuck here so long, then?"

Amos looks around for papers, books, diaries, that sort of thing

GM says, "One of the soldiers shakes his head. "Wish I knew, luv. Barvin just says he's got some business to finish up with Virgil here""

GM asks (of Amos), "do you want to go into Barvin's room? or Virgil's room? or another room?"

Chastity asks, "Virgil? Why would he have any business with Virgil?"

GM says, ""Oh, yes, the fire," Virgil says. "Guess I got a good head on my shoulders, know what to do in those kind of situations""

RichardS says, "We were actually hoping to speak to Barvin, but happened to meet you first, good Brother."

Jebediah asks, "Really? You think you did the right thing?"

Amos says (to GM), "If Barvin's is unoccupied, his first"

GM says (to Amos), "you hear snoring from it"

Jebediah asks, "You told the man not to tell the Steward. Why was that?"

Amos asks, "Is there a separate 'study' where there's a desk with bills and so forth?"

GM says, ""I sure hope so, Brother," says Virgil. "Well, I didn't exactly say not to tell him -- I just said that by the time they got out to his place and back the fire could be outta control, but I -- I mean, we -- were right here""

GM says (to Amos), "sure"

Jebediah asks, "Hmm. So you thought the Steward didn't need to know about a fire outside of town?"

GM asks (of Amos), "want to try and slip in without Virgil noticing?"

Jebediah asks, "You thought you could fix things better than him?"

GM says, ""Er--" says Virgil. "I just figured it would be faster to put out the fire first, and then tell the Steward after. At some point.""

Amos says, "I'll try, but I also don't care so much if he does notice"

[rpg] Amos asks, "what roll is it then?"

TomBote says, "Seems to me that brother Virgil here fixed things up right nice without the Syeward's help."

[rpg] GM says, "if you don't care if he notices, then I'll just decide"

[rpg] Jebediah asks (of tom), "are you with me or against me?"

[rpg] GM says, "or, here"

[rpg] Amos says, "ok"

TomBote says, "Really, you can't go running to the Steward for every last little thing."

GM says, "Virgil looks up as Amos opens the door to his study and steps inside. "Something I can help you with in there, brother?""

[rpg] RichardS says, "he's Good Cop"

[rpg] TomBote says, "Right."

[rpg] TomBote says, "I'm trying to get Virgil's trust."

[rpg] GM says, "well, ok"

[rpg] GM says, "probably the way to do that is to roll for it"

Amos says, "Just having a gander about. Standard procedure, you know."

[rpg] GM says, "unless you just want it to have it, in which case it doesn't matter yet"

Amos tilts his hat and walks in the study

GM says, "Brother Virgil stands up and starts to follow Amos in"

GM says, ""Maybe I could, er, show you around""

Gabriel says to Virgil as he moves towards the study, "Brother, we'd like to talk to Barvin."

RichardS says, "Oh, I'm sure Brother Amos can find his way around."

GM says, "Virgil stops and looks around. "Er - he's likely to be a mite cranky if you wake him up from his nap -- you sure you don't want to wait?""

Amos waits for Virgil to get distracted by everyone else asking questions and starts nosing around

RichardS asks, "Barvin's asleep? At this time of day?"

Chastity asks (of Soldier), "(dropping voice) So ... what're Barvin and Virgil *really* like?"

[rpg] RichardS says, "if necessary, seems like we might want a conflict to talk/distract Virgil out of following Amos."

GM says, ""haw haw," says the soldiers. "Virgil's a stuck-up old codger, and Barvin don't think about anything except money. But the job pays the bills""

[rpg] Amos says, "Well, Amos will do it whether he's being followed or not, so that's your call"

[rpg] GM says, "I think I'd like a conflict for Amos searching to see if he finds anything"

[rpg] TomBote says, "Can I talk big picture here for a moment? Basically, my suspicion is that Virgil is in contact with demons, either directly or through Barvin, and causing the problems in the town for his own personal self-aggrandizement. I could be wrong, though."

[rpg] Amos says, "If he's followed he'll use Virgil's reactions as a warm/cold barometer to if he's near something incriminating"

[rpg] Amos asks (of GM), "sure, what rolls?"

[rpg] GM asks (of TomBote), "ok, what would you like to do about that?"

[rpg] RichardS says, "yeah, it might be more interesting to see him watch you search the room."

GM says (to Amos), "I think this is acuity + will"

[rpg] Jebediah says (to tom), "I don't think he has evil intent, but I agree he's at fault"

Amos rolls 9 6-sided dice: 2 3 4 5 2 1 3 6 2| 28

GM rolls 4 6-sided dice: 1 5 1 4| 11

[rpg] Gabriel says, "Here's one thing we can do: We can directly ask Virgil if he knows anything about the source of the strange weather/happenings and do a conflict to see if we can tell if he's lying."

GM rolls 1 10-sided die: 1| 1

GM says, "geez"

[rpg] TomBote says, "Mainly, I want to find out if I'm right. If he's engaging in conscious and deliberate sorcery or just profiting from it."

[rpg] Jebediah says (to Gabriel), "that sounds good"

[rpg] GM says (to Tom,Gabriel), "ok, propose a conflict for that and let's run it on #interlude"

GM says (to Amos), "ok, let's have a raise for your searching"

[rpg] GM says, "(unless you want to wait for Amos to finish)"

Chastity asks, "stuck-up? Ooh, that's something no-one in town told me. How do you mean, 'stuck-up'?"

Amos starts lifting papers, poking open books

Amos is also particularly interested if there is trash

GM says, ""Well, it's obvious, ain't it? Always thinking he's better than everyone. You should see the way he looks at us when he goes in, like we're lower'n' dogs""

[interludes] Gabriel says, "The most direct thing would be a conflict to find out if Virgil knows anything about the source of the bad weather/happenings."

GM says (to Amos), "ok, what dice"

TomBote says, "Dogs are pretty high in these parts, mister."

Chastity . o O ( oh dear. )

[rpg] Jebediah asks (of tom), "you're outside?"

Amos says, "6+3"

[rpg] TomBote says, "Well.. no."

[rpg] RichardS asks, "wouldn't 6+5 be an instant success?"

TomBote says, "(I mutter to myself for no obvious reason)"

GM says, "ok, Virgil comes into the study to watch, fussing around as you search"

[rpg] GM says, "you can actually block with 4 dice if you need to/want to"

GM says, ""I'm an upstanding citizen!" he says "I have nothing to hide!""

GM rolls 2 8-sided dice: 3 3| 6

[rpg] RichardS says, "ah"

Chastity says, "Oh, you poor things!"

GM says, "I guess he'll block with 5 4"

[interludes] Jebediah says, "I guess we should let Amos finish with Virgil before we go after him"

[interludes] Gabriel says, "Yeah