Scene VII: The Scorned Path (Scum on the Trail)

[Animalmother]

The quicker we make a decision the sooner I can use my special skill for shooting people off horse back.

[Mantis]

"Those boys might have some water on them, way I see it, we help this young lady and help ourselves to the spoils of her pursuers."

Scrancher pulls his auto pistols out and finds the biggest rock he can for cover.

[Wrathbone]

I draw my pistols. "This better be worth our trouble, Miss. If you wanna live, I suggest you play dead and follow our lead."

I'm thinking we pretend we've caught her, then jump the knights at an opportune moment.

[Animalmother]

Cumflutter will climb up higher to get a better shot and stay out of sight.

[Stormbringer]

The woman stares hard at Stacob a second, narrowing her eyes.

"All right, Mister. I'll play this little game. If what you say is true 'bout Palace then I don't see what choice I got."

She dismounts and lies down on the path, pretending she's dead. Her race-horse wanders to the side of the road and nibbles on some dry grass.

A moment later, three horsemen ride up along the road. They draw their steeds to a halt as they approach your position. Each of them is clad from head to toe in plate armour, similar to the man you saw outside the Purple Belt Saloon in Palace. On their backs are long rifles, on their belts, holstered revolvers. On their right arms, shields, and affixed to each of their backs, a personal banner, flapping in the breeze, bearing the insignia of the Leadsworn Order.

One of them rides ahead and addresses Doc and Cadaver Kid, who have not hidden themselves.

(I assume Cumflutter and Scrancher have hidden their bicycles out of sight).

"Good day gentlemen. I see you have apprehended Miss Rose Michen."

He nods at the woman lying in the dust.

"We have been chasing her all the way from Hopeful Creek. Much obliged for your service in bringing her down."

His eyes catch sight of Stacob's badge.

"You a law-man, sir?"

[Sly Boots]

Won't lie, for a moment there that 100s bounty was starting to sound mighty attractive to Doc...

[Animalmother]

Cumflutter rests the rifle on a boulder and carefully aims at the vision slit of the first riders helmet. He patiently waits for the inevitable moment when shit goes pear shaped.

[Wrathbone]

"I keep the law, much as a man can these days. How 'bout you pay us the 100 silver she said she was worth and we continue on our ways?"

[Stormbringer]

"Well, you see, law-man...though it's true Miss Mechin there does have a hundred-silver bounty on her head for horse-theft...we ain't interested in silver."

He shifts in his saddle.

"The Leadsworn Order prohibits the possession and trade of so-called 'strange relics'. And Miss Mechin has on her possession such a relic...no doubt attempting to take it to Palace where there is known to be a market for such artifacts, thanks to the corrupt mayor who runs that God-forsaken city. I don't suppose you know anything, law-man, about the illegal relic-market in Palace...seein' as you appear to be headin' from that way?"

[Sly Boots]

"Well, all we know is that there ain't much of anything in Palace no more, on account of a hostile Incorporation takeover, which we ourselves are in the process of escaping from. The last we heard, the scoundrels killed the mayor. Seems doubtful there's much trade to be had there now or for the foreseeable future.

"What nature of relic is it this deceased thief was carryin'?"

[Wrathbone]

“Dealt with some illegal relic traffickers back in Palace, ‘fore all hell broke loose. Please don’t take this the wrong way, but you mind if we see some identification? I’m showing mine.” I tap the sherif badge.

As soon as one or more of them is distracted, I’ll unload both guns at the nearest one.

[Stormbringer]

"Identification?"

The lead-most knight points up to the pole-mounted banner fluttering above his head, depicting the insignia of his order.

"Thought this might be obvious to a man like you...not that there's much in the of real law around Palace these days..."

The knight turns to Doc.

"The relic Miss Michen has upon her person takes the form of an orb which heals wounded flesh. Would fetch quite a price on the illegal market, I should imagine. Yet such relics don't belong in the hands of common folk, so if you'll kindly step aside and be on your way, gentlemen, we'll take care of Miss Michen from here."


Stacob, if you want to try a quick-draw, roll me a d6.

[Wrathbone]

5

[Stormbringer]

You're faster than them.

Everyone in the Bean Bunch my choose a target and fire.

At this range, it shouldn't be necessary to make a roll to hit, unless you're firing with two weapons. If you are, make a SLICK check.

Cumflutter, if you're firing with your long rifle, just pick a target and roll a d10.

[Animalmother]

I'm not sure who is shooting at who so we'll say I pick the rear most rider....
7 on a D10

If that doesn't outright kill him I get 2 D20 with my skill is it?