5/23/2006 08:13 PM Logfile from Foundry. It's been a hard two days from Temple, the spring nights in the mountains cold as a demon's heart and the high sun over the low steppes hot as hell itself. It's been two days in the saddle, and not normal days either - ass busting 12 hour rides up and down steep buttes and across endless salt flats that rise up a fine white dust to choke and blind. Early this morning y'all came to the Humble River, a thick sludge of a river that hasn't yet been fed by the melting snow from the mountains and so stinks of frog eggs and thick mud just thawing from winter. Down the banks of the river you went to where it joins the Chenawonduk River and the Pierce River. There on the long muddy spit of land where the rivers join you find your first town: Three Rivers. Three Rivers sits right at the edge of the Vineyard, right on the edge of the land of the Mountain Folk and the mining towns of the Territorial Authority. It's a hard looking little town, full of sod and adobe houses that are so different than the timber-frame and brick cottages of most of the towns of the Faithful. As you come into town the sun is just past noon, and the muddy streets are full of folks who eye your coats as you ride by. About half of them look happy to see you, about half bite at their lips like they're not sure what this means. It's about half way up the main street of town, parallel to the stinking Humble and the bright-cold Chenawonduk that you spot two men heading towards you resolutely. One is saying to the other, voice just loud enough to carry,” and see if they don't fix it right up. I mean it, sir, ain't no reason to go calling the marshals in, not with the Dogs in town." Sister Chase's back is rounded softly, her shoulders curved in and her head down a mite; the brim of her hat casts a long dark shadow over her face. The rocking of the long ride in the hot sun has lulled her half off to sleep, but when Sal changes pace, she stirs and shifts taller in the saddle. Sister Hannah raises her eyebrows and looks significantly at the others and then dismounts to meet the two men, hoping the others follow suit. Sister Clementine tips her hat and waves at everyone they pass. "Hey! Howdy! How y'all doing?" Sister Abigail manages to look cool and composed despite the heat and dust of the road - though only those awake late at night would know the hours she's spent carefully washing dust out of her petticoats and setting her things to rights. Despite her calm appearance, Abigail glances uncertainly at the two men, seeming at a loss - one of the few times the group has seen her this way. Sister Chase kicks her feet back and swings down from the too-tall horse, winding the reigns around her fist, and tipping the brim of her hat at the men who approach. "What's this talk of marshals, now?" Sister Abigail swings down beside Chase, trying not to show just how sore she is. She holds the reins of her horse and smiles at the two men from under her broad-brimmed hat, letting the other girls take the lead. Sister Hannah moves forward and a bit to the other side of Sister Chase, looking back to see how Sister Clementine is doing Sister Clementine also dismounts, patting her gigantic steed, Daisy, on the nose, and coming up alongside the others. The two men come up and both tip their hats, as many folk have been doing to Clementine on her way through town. The fellow to the right is short and stocky, got the heavy build and leathery face of a rancher and he looks at the Dogs like he sees nothing but Coats. The fellow to the left is taller and fair, with pale hands that don't look like they're used to hard working, and he looks at the Dogs like he sees nothing but young girls. The shorter fellow hold out a hand, choosing Chase mostly by the default of her being closest, "I'm Steward Felkirk, pleased to meet you. We've been a bit without Dogs, and we sure are glad to see y'all." He grins wide at the other Dogs, while the taller man looks askance at y'all, one right after the other. "My friend here, Niles Strindberg's his name, well, he's had something stolen from him, and he's a mite anxious to have it back." Sister Hannah glances at Chase "I'm sorry to hear that, sir. Why don't we go someplace more comfortable to discuss the situation?" Sister Chase shakes the proffered hand in a strong, sure grip. She looks from one face to the other, her eyes squinting in the sun. The leather coat brushes the leather chaps like the sound of desert sand on desert sand. She nods at Hannah's suggestion, and then at the Steward. "Nicetameetcha. That porch over there should do." Hearing that one of these men is the Steward, Abby seems to come to life. "Steward Felkirk," she says, smiling appealingly, "Thank you so much for your kind welcome." When he turns to her, she shakes the man's hand with calm authority, stepping slightly forward as she does so. "Of course we'd be glad to help you and your town. Perhaps we should take Sister Hannah's suggestion - is there somewhere that we could sit and hear the rest of the story?" She smiles and nods to the other man as well, but keeps her focus on the Steward. The Steward nods to you all, and ushers the group up to the nearby porch. As he goes he calls out to several of the boys on the street and tells 'em to see to the Dog's horses. A few minutes later y'all are in shade with some lemonade at hand and your horses being tied up by some 12 year old boys who are eyeing the only all-girl group of Dogs they've ever seen. "Well, um, I'm not sure how to do this... never been part of an investigation before. Where should we start?" The whole time Niles doesn't speak a word, and doesn't sit when the Steward sits, but stands awkwardly at the rail, with a prim look like he suspects he's somehow being made fun of. Sister Chase leans her back against the porch rail, sifting on her heels and takes a drink of the lemonade. "Well, what all has been stolen?" Sister Abigail glances around the group quickly before speaking, noting reactions. "Perhaps it would be best if Brother Niles shared his story with us, in his own words." Sister Hannah sits down, hands neatly folded and listens attentively Sister Clementine nods encouragingly. Sister Abigail sips her lemonade, looking over the edge of her glass at Brother Niles and the Steward. Sister Abigail gives Brother Niles a radiant, encouraging smile as she waits for him to speak. The Steward looks to Niles and makes a "well, go ahead" gesture with his hand, and starts pouring lemonade for everyone. He drops two big chunks of ice into every one of the Dog's glasses, leaving none for himself. Niles turns and looks you all over again, and then sighs, "I'm sorry, but this is silly. I didn't come to you so you could get some girls to ask around town Felkirk. I really think I should just take this to the Territorial Marshals." Sister Abigail says, "BURN! :)" Sister Hannah says, "OOOOHHHH!" Brand snorts. "Mo is making this really unhappy face ATM." Sister Clementine says "Well, Mr. Strindberg, I know we are just girls, but we're also Dogs, and even if we are new at it, I'm sure we'll do our very best to help you out." Sister Chase raises up a slow eyebrow and looks evenly at the man, the light falling across her face just sharply enough to underscore her displeasure in his words. Her shoulders come off the porch post, and line up squarely with her hips. Brand is going to suggest a conflict. Sister Abigail says, "Cool!" Sister Hannah says, "OK, but we all want to make a point, who wants to be the actual roller?" Brand says, "Stakes have something to do with either getting him to talk, or getting him to respect your authority, or getting him to not be a sexist shit? Oh, and you can all roll. Gang up on him!" Sister Abigail says, "That's right - and I think we actually have different points to make, so it may matter rather a lot :)" Sister Hannah says, "cool!" Sister Abigail says, "I want him to respect the Steward's authority." Sister Abigail says, "Not so comfortable with OUR authority." Sister Chase wants OUR authority. Brand says, "Okay, what about the rest of y'all." Sister Hannah says, "I want him to respect our authority" Sister Chase says, "Actually... It's more like MY authority. But I'll go for our. ;)" Sister Clementine says, "I just want him to give us a chance." Sister Abigail says, "I can go for our too, if we need to compromise on one set of stakes - after all, that's what the Steward wants him to do" Brand says, "Okay, so could you all agree to something like "Get him to give the workings of the Church a chance and respect the authority of the Dogs?'" Sister Hannah says, "Sure, that would work" Sister Chase says, "I guess that's the nice way to put it." Sister Clementine says, "Yep, that works for me, too." Sister Abigail says, "Yes, I can live with that, as long as I get to give the results my own special Abby spin :)" Sister Chase says, "We trust you will. ;)" Dogs: Brand sets the stakes to "Get Niles to give the workings of the Church a chance and respect the authority of the Dogs?". Brand says, "He's going to start out talking, so I'll roll his Heart+Acuity. He also has a relationship to the Steward that is relevant -- for him this is about his standing as a non-member in the eyes of the member who is the head of the local town." Brand says, "If y'all are starting out talking, you can roll your Heart+Acuity as well." Dogs: Sister Abigail rolls 9d6 for "Acuity+Heart" and gets 2, 2, 2, 2, 2, 4, 6, 6, and 6. Dogs: Brand rolls 5d6 for "Heart+Acuity" and gets 3, 3, 3, 4, and 4. Dogs: Brand rolls 3d8 for "Relationship to Steward Falkirk" and gets 3, 3, and 5. Dogs: Sister Chase rolls 6d6 for "Heart+Acuity" and gets 1, 1, 2, 5, 5, and 6. Dogs: Sister Chase rolls 1d8 for "The Dogs" and gets 6. Dogs: Sister Clementine rolls 7d6 for ""Heart+Acuity"" and gets 1, 2, 3, 3, 3, 4, and 5. Dogs: Sister Clementine rolls 2d6 for "Dogs" and gets 6 and 6. Dogs: Sister Hannah rolls 8d6 for "heart+acuity" and gets 1, 2, 4, 4, 4, 5, 6, and 6. Dogs: Sister Hannah rolls 1d10 for "dogs" and gets 5. Brand says, "Jebus. Look at all those 6s. Niles is screwed blue." Sister Hannah says, "he's just lucky I didn't roll high on my d10" Sister Chase says, "who starts?" Brand says, "Okay, Abigail has the highest trio -- 3 6's. So Abby, do you want to make your pose above your first raise?" Brand says, "After Abby, it'll be Clem, then Chase, then Hannah, then me." Sister Abigail's eyes flicker briefly to Sister Chase, then return to Brother Niles. "But surely, Brother, if the Steward feels that this is wisest ... ?" She trails off as if expecting him to finish her sentence. Brand says, "Okay, so now just spend your dices." Brand says, "Nasty dices that make me lose...." Sister Abigail says, "I'll start by slamming him with 6 6; let him take some fallout from me!" Dogs: Sister Abigail spends 6 6 for a total of 12. Brand makes a face. Niles looks between Abigail and Falkirk and slides his eyes away to the street, smoothly avoiding getting trapped into any comment too direct. His only answer is, "He is your steward, I am not a member of your Faith, and I do not hold by your precepts." Sister Hannah says, "ok, so after you spend, it's my turn" Dogs: Brand rolls 2d10 for "Atheist and Proud" and gets 5 and 7. Sister Hannah says, "nice!" Dogs: Brand rolls 1d6 for "Hard to Pin down" and gets 2. Sister Abigail says, "Rock. :)" Dogs: Brand spends 4 3 3 2 for a total of 12 and gains 4 Fallout dice. Dogs: Brand takes 4d4 Fallout dice. Brand says, "Hannah." Brand thinks about fallout traits like, "I'm outnumbered and surrounded by religious fanatics whose women all carry guns 1d4" Sister Abigail says, "I think Abby's gun is on her horse, actually. I'd be shocked if she carries it with her." Sister Abigail says, "Or, "If you share your problems with other people, you just make more problems," 1d4." Sister Hannah looks up from where she's sitting "A point, but you did come to the Steward for help, because he is an authority here, and he came to us because we have more authority than he does to deal with situations like this one. You appealed to our system of authority, so now you have to accept what comes of it!" She gives a final, exact nod. Brand says, "oh, that'd work too." Brand hehs, "And Hannah pounds him with logic." Sister Abigail says, "Yeah, is good." Dogs: Sister Hannah spends 6 5 for a total of 11. Brand sighs, "I'm not even going to get to make a raise at this rate." Sister Hannah says, "sorry Brand!" Brand shrugs, "It's payback for all those years of illusionist GMing. Now I must die by the player-centered force." That makes Niles' blink, and he looks at Hannah a large bit more seriously than he had a minute before, like he realizes there's a brain there rather than just long hair and a coat. But he still says, quick as a snap, "I came to a friend for help, because I wanted to avoid trouble with my neighbors. That doesn't mean that I've formally applied to your church or your process for intercession, and as such still have the right to do what I wish. If I'd made a formal plea, your argument would be correct, but as is, I did not do so." Dogs: Brand rolls 2d6 for "Lawschool Training" and gets 6 and 6. Dogs: Brand spends 5 6 for a total of 11. Brand says, "Chase" Sister Chase's eyes have never come un-narrowed, and she's never let them stray from him for a blink. She doesn't like his Back East accent or his uppity face. He reminds her of her heathen father, the one that abandoned her because he didn't think her good enough to stay for. She turns her body sharply to face him, and her heavy leather coat slaps against the post underlining her words with a thud. "Ain't no matter if you believe or not. The King of Life don't need your testimony to shine on. Ain't no matter if you made your plea formal, neither. We ARE the law and we ARE the territory. You can have your words heard, or these others can give us your side. No matter. But what we say binds, right here. right now." Dogs: Sister Chase rolls 1d8 for "Coat" and gets 3. Brand says, "Oh, some options to consider: You can also help each other by adding a dice to someone's raise, at the cost of losing a dice to your own raise. You could also pose in the Steward backing you up to gain "improvised object" dice for yourself." Sister Chase says, "Raise:" Dogs: Sister Chase spends 5 6 for a total of 11. Brand says, "12, 11, 11. You aren't playing nice." Sister Hannah says, "nope!" Sister Abigail says, "I just wanted to make a mark 'cause I didn't think I would get another turn - and if I do, Abby might well Give. :)" When Chase rounds on him Niles backs up a step, bumping right against the railing at the sudden vision of female fury incarnating before his eyes. He draws himself up to his full height, which is impressive even if his gangly width don't match it, and says, "Now see here, this is exactly the kind of thing I was worried about! How dare you say that I have to follow your laws just because you want me to?" His voice is strong, but his hands are shaking and he quickly backs down the steps, "I do not have to stay and listen to this anymore." Dogs: Brand rolls 4d6 for "Body, escalating to physical" and gets 2, 2, 3, and 4. Dogs: Brand spends 4 4 3 for a total of 11 and gains 3 Fallout dice. Dogs: Brand takes 3d4 Fallout dice. Sister Hannah says, "See, now I want to say "well, you'd expect us to abide by your laws where you're from, right? so there. nyah." Brand grins, "Well it's Clem's turn to smack him." Sister Abigail says, "Oh, she's going to smack him with NICE. :)" Sister Clementine says, "Hee." Sister Clementine says, "Do I also have to escalate, or can I still talk?" Sister Hannah says, "I think you can still talk" Sister Clementine says, "'kay." Sister Hannah says, "'cause I think you can talk down someone who's pointing a gun at you without drawing your own...." Sister Clementine says, "...typing..." Brand nods, "Hannah is right." Sister Abigail says, "That's a relief!" Sister Clementine's hair is in braids and there are freckles on her nose. She's cute as a newborn pup, and she jumps up as Niles starts to leave. "No, wait, Mr. Strindberg. It may take a powerful long time for your marshals to make their way out to here, whereas we're here right now and wantin' to help. 'Sides, we can't really go and make matters worse, 'less we were to go stealing more of your things." Clem looks chagrined, "Oh, but we won't steal your things. Honest!" Brand laughs! "Kick ass." Sister Chase loves Clem. Sister Abigail says, "Oh, man, she is too cute." Dogs: Sister Clementine spends 6 6 for a total of 12. Brand mutters. Sister Hannah says, "we'll make you spend that 7 yet!" Those long legs stop when Clem starts talking. Even smart and quick and full of lawyer's wiles as he is, Niles still has a hard time just walking away from that puppy-dog face. So he stops a moment and sucks a breath through his teeth, trying to regain his tattered composure. "Okay, okay... but, and I don't mean offense ladies, but are you sure you're up for this? I know you do things different out here, but where I was raised women do not carry guns, or investigate crimes. I do not doubt your training, but do you really have the instinct for this kind of work?" Brand says, "See..." Dogs: Brand spends 5 7 for a total of 12. Sister Chase says, "who gets to respond?" Sister Chase wants to! Brand says, "And raise... which only one of you has to see, but don't pose until you know who is going to do it. Who responds is up to you, you can figure it out in group. You can also help each other, one person doing the main pose, another helping and adding a dice" Dogs: Brand spends 6 3 for a total of 9. Sister Abigail says, "Oh, if we're not going in turns, let's decide who does it." Sister Chase wants to demonstrate her mad skillz. Sister Chase wants to show him the kind of instinct she's got. Sister Abigail says, "Go for it, then - but Abby's "backup" may be in the form of restraining you from scaring the pants off this guy. :)" Sister Clementine says, "Go for it!" Sister Abigail says, "Is that okay with you?" Sister Hannah says, "Sure, go for it, Chase" Sister Chase says, "Restraining me how?" Sister Abigail says, "Like, putting a hand on your arm to stop you from following through after you do something really crazy (which I imagine is going to involve guns somehow?). Is that okay?" Sister Hannah says, "I think I'm going to support you, however, with that annoying little disapproving sigh/cluck that women can do" Dogs: Sister Chase rolls 4d6 for "will, escalate to gunfire." and gets 4, 4, 6, and 6. Dogs: Sister Chase rolls 1d10 for "I can wing a pigeon at 1000 yards." and gets 2. Dogs: Sister Chase rolls 2d8 for "Grandad's Winchester Yellowboy" and gets 4 and 7. Sister Abigail says, "And there go the guns. :)" Brand rolls his eyes. "OVERKILL I ONLY HAVE 3s LEFT!" ;) Sister Hannah says, "so? we don't have to play it *sensibly*" Brand says, "Hannah, you will pose and spend one dice. Chase will pose and spend two dice. If you're supporting her with the sigh you could pose first or after -- up to you and Chase." Sister Chase hehs. That was fun. Sister Abigail is scared. In a good way. Sister Chase is going to demonstrate her instincts by shooting. Do you want to support before or after? Sister Hannah says, "before, definitely" Sister Chase says, "Go!" Brand says, "And spend low dice, you only have to make a 9 between 3 dice." Brand says, "One from Hannah and two from Chase." Sister Hannah sighs and clucks disapprovingly at Niles, implying he should know better. He had a mother, after all! Dogs: Sister Hannah spends 2 for a total of 2. Brand says, "Oh no, the mother smother!" The Winchester off her back in less than a blink of the eye, Sister Chase rolls it up over the back of her hand and cocks it in a threat that's only half as effective as the toothy grin she gives him. She locks the butt against her shoulder, tracks and shoots; The pigeon never had a chance. The body of the bird, bloody and tattered, comes hurtling down straight at the man's head. Sister Chase says, "See:" Dogs: Sister Chase spends 3 4 for a total of 7. Sister Chase says, "typing." Brand says, "7 adds to Hannah's 2 for a 9, seeing quite nicely" Sister Chase keeps that grin a thousand watt and fierce as barbed wire as she drops the barrel towards the ground aiming just in front of the man's feet. "Instincts you say? Us "ladies" don't got none instincts a'tall, dontcha know. We's just sweet little pieces of fluff, we is. Sweet as sugar candy." Sister Chase says, "Raise:" Dogs: Sister Chase spends 7 6 for a total of 13. Brand hehs. "13 you say, I can make a 13.... oh wait, no I can't." Sister Hannah says, "nicely done, Chase!" Sister Chase says, "Thanks!" Sister Abigail says, "Yeah - BOOM!" Niles jumps aside just in time to avoid exploded bird bits from soiling his nice from-Back-East suit. He blinks down at the bird, then up at Chase. Then he looks to the other ladies, and notes the guns and the road-soil on all of ‘em but Abby. He then promptly addresses Abby, "Well, I guess women here are a tougher breed then back home. If you ladies are willing to help, I Brand says, "Hold on" Sister Abigail says, "Sure, no problem" Niles Strindberg says, "I'll be willing to hold off on calling the marshal a day or two." Dogs: Brand rolls his Fallout of 7d4: 1 1 1 1 3 3 3, totaling 6. He gains an item of Short Term Fallout. He gains an item of Fallout Experience. Brand says, "For short term he's going to take "Dogs are Tough Women 1d4" and for experience he's going to take, "Learn How to Talk to Dogs Smooth rather than Presumptive 1d6"" Brand says, "Abby, you're up." Dogs: Brand resets the current conflict. Sister Chase says, "Thanks for letting me escalate, guys. That was some fun." Sister Abigail smiles sweetly at Niles, but her fingers tighten on Chase's sleeve to stop her from any more ... theatrics. "Thank you kindly, Brother - or is it Mister? We'd be more than happy to help, and I'm sure there's something we can do. Now, why don't you sit down and have some of this delicious lemonade, and you can tell us all about it?" To those who know her, though, her sweet smile looks strained, and she's got her head cocked slightly away from Chase and the weapon that just went off practically in her ear. Sister Chase 's grin flips from razor edged to genuine in an instant. That was some hell of a fun time, that was. When Abby touches her sleeve her eyes drop to the lovely white hand and she softens a little, smiling at Abby broadly, like she's just helped her over a puddle or something. Sister Chase has some Abby blinders on, dontchaknow. Sister Abigail says, "Ohhh yeah :)" Sister Chase says, "But she just protected your *honor*!" Sister Abigail says, "Oh, that's so funny. Wait until I kick your ass after this scene. :)" Sister Chase cackles! Sister Abigail doesn't even glance at Chase, though the hand loosens its grip slightly. "Mister Strindberg, Niles Strindberg." He cautiously comes back to the porch, where Felkirk pours him a glass and gives him the kind of "I told you so" look that only old and somewhat contentious friends can give. Niles takes the drink and sits, at last, looking gingerly about the company of unlikely looking law-women. "Well, I don't know how much there is to tell really. I was out at a dance in Fair Banks, that's a day up the Humble, when my house was burgled. I think my neighbor may have seen something, but he's of your faith and wouldn't speak of it -- which makes me suspect it was one of your faith who burgled me. They took some money, which I would like back but which is not going to kill me if it is not returned, and they took my grandmothers candlesticks which my family brought all the way from the Old Country. I'm certain those candlesticks are still here in town, as this was just two days ago, and I would surmise the thief still has them. They are quite unique, and I imagine in a town this size quite impossible to sell." This all comes out in a quick, precise tone that none the less is just a bit too fast, a bit rattled by events. Sister Abigail nods. "And who might your neighbor be?" It's the Steward who answers, "Brother Snow. He's our branches Counselor of Welfare and Fellowship. Good man, but a might distracted recently." Sister Abigail nods, trying to look sage, though the lines of her shoulders are still tight and tense. "Well, Sisters? What else do you think we'd be best learning here?" To the Steward, she adds, "If there's anything you feel we should know about Brother Snow, I'm sure you'll see we learn it at the proper time," her eyes flickering imperceptibly to Mister - not Brother - Strindberg. Sister Hannah's lips tighten slightly learning that there are further troubles in town. Sister Chase says ""Distracted how?" Sister Abigail stops herself halfway through an eye-roll. They're not in Temple now, even if Chase isn't any more subtle than she was last week ... and the week before ... and the week before that ..... Sister Chase cackles. At Chase's question, Niles stands up and says, "I am sure this is not my business. I also have work to attend to. If you have more questions to ask me, you can find me at the office there." He points across the street towards a prosperous and neatly tended looking Territorial Authority railway station whose tracks aren't laid yet. "If there is anything more you'd like to know now...?" Brand says, "Any more questions for Niles before he exits stage left?" Sister Chase says, "He's the TA!" Sister Abigail smiles politely. "What, precisely, do you do at the railway station, Mister Strindberg?" Sister Abigail says, "By knowing when to discreetly leave, Niles has just scored big points with Abby. :)" Niles stops at the edge of the stairs and says to Abby, "I am in charge of management until the local crews finish the bridge over the rivers and lay the juncture rail to Bridal Falls. After that I will move there to manage the eastern Desert district." None of you need to know all the specifics to know that means he's rich, and connected. That's all implied in the tone. Sister Chase probably doesn't know that. Brand says, "Well, maybe not." Sister Chase is kinda oblivious about such things. Brand says, "Hannah, Clem, questions for Niles?" Sister Hannah says, "nope" Sister Abigail nods, apparently-genuine interest in her voice and an apparently-impressed expression on her face. "That must be fascinating work, Mister Strindberg. I'm sure we'll be able to find you in your office there with no trouble at all." Sister Clementine says, "No, not really, but she's still being horribly nice to him." Brand grins. "Okay." With a nod to Clementine and a smile to Abby, Niles says, "I look forward to that ladies." He then tips his hat to Chase and says, "Afternoon" before strolling away. Once he's gone, Steward Felkirk chuckles, "You Dogs did a mighty nice job dealing with him. He's a good man, but so stiff you'd swear he creeks in a strong breeze." Sister Chase doesn't do well with small talk, and lost interest in the Back Easter the moment he backed down. She repeats, all business. "Distracted how?" Getting up to pour some more lemonade, the Steward then says, "I'm not sure really. Trouble at home I think. He and his wife haven't been getting on, and their kids have been running wild about town. Which is really unfortunate, things being as they are." Sister Abigail raises her eyebrows. "As they are, Steward?" Sister Chase's interest looks piqued. Sister Hannah looks concerned. Sister Clementine's eyes are wide. "Maybe you ought to begin at the beginning, Steward Felkirk." The Steward sits back down and nods out towards the town, which is still bustling in a way little towns don't normally bustle. "We used to be a ranching town, but now with the railroad coming in there's a whole host of newer families, wealthier families. We've got some serious haves in the branch, and some serious have-nots. Everyone knows it'll just get more so once the railroads have a stop here. Which has made things a might tense. Brother Snow used to be in the middle there, but now days he's not so much, and there is only so much I can do alone." Sister Chase says "Them new families. They from Back East? They Faithful?" He replies, "Mostly faithful. The Authority has been handling it pretty well, most of the crews in the area are Faithful men, and they moved here with their families rather than coming out in tent towns like they used to." Brand says, "Is Chase anti Back Easterner?" Brand says, "I smell a whiff of prejudice...." Sister Chase is discovering that, yeah, she might be. Sister Chase nods, slowly. "Where do we find Brother Snow? Sister Abigail adds, "And his wife, and his - how many did you say there were? - children?" The Steward points to a little farm house at the far edge of town, across the green water of the Pierce. "He lives over there, last farm at the edge. His wife should be there, though she may be at the Chapel, this hour of day. Three kids, oldest is 12." He pauses, "Also, if you could stop by on the way, two of you at any rate, and give a blessing to old brother and sister Brooks bridge, they live in the last house this side of the Pierce, and I’d be obliged. They're getting on in years, and have both had pneumonia all winter." Sister Hannah nods "I think we can manage that." Sister Abigail's face takes on a softer expression. "Of course, Steward. Thank you for letting us know about them. We'll be sure to do that." Sister Chase's brow furrows and she nods seriously. "We will definitely do, Steward. " And uncharacteristically polite, she adds, "Thanks for bringin' that to our attention, Brother." The Steward stands up and brushes off his pants, "Well then Dogs, I'm glad to have you. If you need me I'll either be at the Chapel" he points up along the Humble to the tallest building in town, "or my ranch on the far side of the Chun-a-duck. If you need any help, get me, any hour of day or night." Sister Chase offers her hand to him, suddenly warm. "Will do Brother, will do." Sister Abigail smiles again as she stands. "Of course, Steward. Thank you so much for your guidance in these matters." Sister Hannah nods in agreement. Sister Clementine pipes in, "And thanks for the lemonade, as well!" The Steward shakes Chase's hand with a strong, firm grip. He tips his head to the other three, and sets off to get back to work. With a last grin, paternal and fond, he says to Clementine, "You keep the pitcher, okay? Y'all can use that house across there while you're in town. It belongs to my brother, and he's out of town." With that he heads out. Brand says, "Okay, so what next ladies?" Sister Chase says, "Split up!" Sister Hannah says "Why don't we go take our things inside and decide who's going where?" Sister Abigail nods in agreement. "That's a good idea, Sister." Brand says, "Okay, so who wants to go where?" Sister Abigail says, "I'm happy going either place, as long as I can get Chase along and rip her a new one" Sister Abigail says, "Chase, have a preference?" Sister Chase says "If it's all the same, Sisters, I'd like to go up to see Sister and Brother Brooksbridge. Ain't no good leaving the old alone, especially coming on prayer time." Sister Hannah says "I'll go with you!" Sister Clementine says, brightly, "I guess that leaves you and me to go visiting Brother Snow, Sister Abigail." Sister Abigail flatly says, "Let's take our things inside first. We can get this all settled there - in private." Sister Clementine says "Sure thing!" Without waiting for a reply, Abby heads down the steps and pulls her bundle off the horse, then pulls the door of the house open and lets it bang shut behind her. Sister Hannah quietly gets her things, too, and follows Abby Sister Chase blinks likes she's been slapped, furrows her brow and heads into the house. Ain't much she's got to take in. Sister Clementine cleans up the glasses and the pitcher of lemonade, then grabs her stuff and follows everyone along into the house. Sister Abigail says, "So, Abby's about to rip Chase a new one - do you guys want to be there, or get things started with other poses?" Sister Hannah says, "it could be fun to watch :)" Sister Abigail says, "Ok, here goes - you're welcome to be here if you want" Just inside the door, Chase is met by an Abigail that she hardly recognizes - cheeks flushed, eyes bright with tears, and mouth set with fury. The shorter woman steps right up to Sister Chase, her head barely reaching to Chase's chin, but that doesn't seem to deter her one bit. "Don't you ever, ever, ever do that to me ever again." With each "ever," Abigail jabs her finger into Chase's face, practically shaking with rage. Brand says, "Do we want to do this as a conflict?" Brand says, "With stakes like, "Make Chase Abby's bitch, again...." ;)" Sister Chase says, "I've never had a Dogs ... Hey!" Sister Abigail says, "I'm fine either way" Sister Chase says, "A Dog vs. Dog conflict. Let's try it." Sister Abigail says, "Sure" Brand says, "Hannah, Clem, you want in or do you want to watch?" Sister Abigail says, "Abby wants Chase not to shoot her guns around her. Guns are scary!" Sister Chase blinks. "Ever?" Brand says, "How about, Abby wants Chase to feel guilty and ashamed for shooting guns around her." Sister Abigail says, "Oh, that's VERY good." Sister Chase says, "That's better." Sister Clementine says, "Well... I don't want to get involved right away, but if it escalates too much I'd want to." Sister Abigail says, "Right, that was more what the character wanted, not what the stakes really should be. :)" Sister Hannah is just going to watch for now, too Dogs: Brand sets the stakes to "Abby wants Chase to feel guilty and ashamed for shooting guns around her.". Dogs: Sister Abigail rolls 8d6 for "Body + Heart" and gets 2, 2, 2, 3, 4, 4, 4, and 5. Dogs: Sister Abigail rolls 1d6 for "Pretty, soft, white hands which are right up in Chase's face" and gets 4. Dogs: Sister Chase rolls 6d6 for "heart+acuity" and gets 1, 2, 2, 3, 3, and 4. Dogs: Sister Chase rolls 1d4 for "If it Wern't Sister Abigail, I'd never have never been a Dog." and gets 1. Dogs: Sister Chase rolls 1d8 for "The Dogs." and gets 7. Dogs: Sister Abigail spends 4 4 for a total of 8. Sister Chase says, "Take:" Dogs: Sister Chase spends 3 3 2 for a total of 8 and gains 3 Fallout dice. Dogs: Sister Chase takes 3d6 Fallout dice. Sister Chase backs right up to the wall under the assault of Abby's rage, her eyes wide, stammering. "Abby? What'd I do Abby?" She bites her bottom lip a moment, looking over the head of Abby to the other girls, painfully aware of their eyes on her. This is one of those moments that etiquette has eluded her, she can sense it. She gives the girl a hang dog look and pleads. "Please Abby, please be patient with me. You know I wouldn't mean no harm." Dogs: Sister Chase rolls 3d4 for "Girls make me feel funny" and gets 2, 3, and 4. Sister Chase says, "Raise:" Dogs: Sister Chase spends 3 4 for a total of 7. Sister Abigail says, "I love it!" Sister Abigail says, "See that with:" Dogs: Sister Abigail spends 3 4 for a total of 7. Sister Abigail gestures, seemingly unable to find the words to articulate her rage. "That - you -," she points at the gun, "right against my," gesturing somewhere near her ear, tears spilling down her cheeks now. Sister Abigail says, "Raise with:" Dogs: Sister Abigail spends 5 4 for a total of 9. Sister Abigail says "I thought you were my *friend*!"" Brand says, "HARDCORE!" Sister Hannah says, "ooooh! ouch! twist that knife!" Sister Hannah says, "you're evil!" Sister Hannah says, "that's a very dirty trick" Brand says, "She's a bitch, true blue, died in the wool." Sister Abigail says, "Thank you. Thankyouverymuch. :)" Sister Chase looks like she's been punched in the gut, tears, never before seen on Chase, threaten to spill from her eyes. She forgets that the other girls are even there. "Oh! Abby! You OK? I didn't mean to hurt you Abby, I wouldn't ever, *EVER* hurt you. You are my... friend. REALLY." She swallows hard. Sister Chase says, "See:" Dogs: Sister Chase rolls 1d8 for "I'm a Dog and that's all I have" and gets 5. Dogs: Sister Chase spends 4 2 2 1 for a total of 9 and gains 4 Fallout dice. Dogs: Sister Chase takes 4d4 Fallout dice. Sister Chase says, "and my Raise:" Dogs: Sister Chase spends 7 5 for a total of 12. Her face is flushed hard and the tone changes, not in desperation, but hot controlled anger. "But Abby. Ain't no man in the world, let alone some damn heathen Back Easter got a right to turn his back on *YOU*. You're *too good* for that, and I *couldn't* abide by it. You see?" Sister Abigail says, "OH ROCK" Brand laughs. Brand says, "In the face with love!" Sister Chase grins. "Take that." Sister Abigail says, "Uh ... yeah. Time to see if I can trait things up. :)" Sister Hannah says, "nice!" Dogs: Sister Abigail rolls 3d6 for "Adding acuity, escalate to Talking" and gets 2, 6, and 6. Dogs: Sister Abigail spends 6 6 for a total of 12 to See. Now it's Abby who looks taken aback, taking a step back from Sister Chase, the color slowly beginning to fade from her cheeks. "I ... you ... you weren't trying to hurt me? Or scare me? It was like thunder going off in my ear, and I couldn't cry or flinch or show it at all, not in front of *them*, and it was just, it was awful." Sister Abigail says, "Now a raise ..." Dogs: Sister Abigail spends 2 2 for a total of 4. Sister Abigail shakes her head, wiping the tears away with the back of one hand. With a hint of acerbity in her tone, she says, "You just have to *think* before you shoot, Chase. You didn't think what it would be like for me to have the gun go off in my ear. What else don't you think about? Do you even know?" Sister Abigail says, "And, your go, Chase :)" Dogs: Sister Chase rolls 5d6 for "Body, escalating to physical" and gets 3, 3, 4, 5, and 5. Sister Abigail says, "Oh no! You're going to win with LOVE!" Sister Chase giggles. Brand suggests rolling in the French postcards if this is going to be about love. Sister Abigail says, "If she tries to use those french postcards on me, I may have to escalate to gunplay." Brand howls! Sister Abigail says, "Those are dirrrrrrrty!" Brand says, "Mo is cackling madly." Sister Abigail bounces. :) Sister Clementine says, "Hee. You could never use them on Clementine. She just wouldn't get it. She'd spend like three hours doing the Eddy Izzard thing (mimes turning them first one way, then the other, looking surprised and confused)." Sister Abigail giggles. That's a great image. Brand laughs! "I love Clem." Sister Chase's tears finally spill out and she steps forward and sweeps Sister Abigail into her arms. For a moment, even if it's fleeting, her strong, sinewy arms are a comfort, all encompassing; It's like everything Abby always hoped Brother Jacob would feel like. Her voice is soft and dulcet in Abby's ear, her breath warm and sweet... "I'm sorry Abby, you know I'd never hurt you, and you needn't be afraid. I'll always be there. I'll always protect you." Sister Chase says, "Reverse the blow:" Dogs: Sister Chase spends 5 for a total of 5. Sister Chase says, "Raise:" Dogs: Sister Chase spends 5 for a total of 10. Sister Abigail says, "I can't see that, nor do I think I want to. I just wish I got to take some fallout :)" Sister Chase tried her best to make you take fallout. Sister Abigail says, "I know, I know ... I kept rolling really well!" Sister Chase says, "is there anything you could roll in?" Brand hrms, "If you rolled something in, take and then give rather than raising. But if you don't want to, then it's best to just give. Sister Abigail says, "Ok, giving ...." Sister Chase can't believe she just won that. Brand cackles as Chase beats Abby in a talking match. Mostly by just being stone oblivious.... Sister Chase so thought she was going to get whipped. Sister Abigail says, "Well, it doesn’t help that Abby's traits are basically all useless when she's mad or afraid" Sister Abigail says, "Or that the player kind of wants to give just 'cause this is so cool :)" Sister Chase so wanted you to take fallout on that one. Brand says, "And that you both went physical, which neutralizes the Stat disparity" Sister Abigail relaxes into the hug, wiping the remaining tears on the worn leather shoulder of Chase's coat. She nods. It *is* nice to have someone to take care of her - even if Sister Chase does have certain flaws as a caretaker. "Just ... just don't do that again, okay?" She pulls her head back and smiles at Chase - and everything's okay again. Sister Chase nods. "I'll do my best by you, Abby. I swear I will. Sister Abigail says, "Abby's ACID TEARS could burn a HUGE SMOKING HOLE in the shoulder of Chase's coat. :)" Brand says, "Girls." Brand says that like a 5 year old Texan boy. Dogs: Sister Chase rolls its Fallout of 3d6 4d4: 1 2 4 4 6 6 6, totaling 12. She gains an item of Long Term Fallout. She gains an item of Fallout Experience. Sister Chase hmms. Brand says, "Any suggestions for Chase's fallout?" Sister Chase says, "How about..." Sister Chase says, "Shooting anxiety: 1d4" Sister Abigail says, "Oh, I like it ... but is that too close to what Abby wanted to gain?" Sister Abigail says, "If not, I think that could be great." Brand shrugs, "Mo has discretion over her fallout. If she wants to give you part of what you wanted despite winning, it’s up to her." Sister Chase says, "It's not quite right..." Sister Abigail says, "So what do you mean by it, then? Maybe we can help with a better formulation." Sister Chase likes Chase's bravado, and willingness to go for the gun. "So I don't want overall shooting anxiety....Um... "I can't bear to shoot in the presence of those I love: 1d4."?" Sister Hannah says, "What about "worries about having Abby's approval" Brand says, "Or, "Worries she doesn't understand the consequences of her actions on other women"" Sister Chase says, "Hmm. Maybe, Hannah, Brand... Hmm." Sister Clementine says, "How about a hyperawareness of Abby's presence? I mean, if she's crushing on her, she probably has that anyway..." Sister Abigail says, "How about "Cautious around non-combatants?"" Sister Chase says, "Good one Clem! "Preoccupied with Abby: 1d4" Sister Chase says, "And actually..." Sister Chase uses her experience fallout to make it 1d10. Brand oys! Sister Abigail says, "DEAR SWEET FANCY MOSES" Brand says, "Is that a relationship?" Sister Chase takes it that it's suitably hardcore ;). Sister Chase says, "No. Trait." Brand says, "May work better as a relationship. Especially considering how much you're around Abby." Sister Chase says, "OK" Sister Chase says "Relationship then." Sister Abigail pushes away from Chase with a weak smile. "I'm -" and pauses almost imperceptibly as she sees the other girls watching, picking up nearly seamlessly, "- sorry to have made such a scene. I know we have work to do and duties to be about. If you'll just give me a moment to wash my face?" It isn't really a question, as Abby bends to pick up her bundle and takes it upstairs for a moment of privacy. Sister Chase nods earnestly. "A'course", and she watches Abby go.