BastardJack says, "Log started."

DiegoValdez begins logging.

LoneCleric arrives, looking for booty.

Ghogg asks, "it's 8:00, do we have Emily?"

Giovanna says, "yes"

LoneCleric disappears through an invisible gap in the MUD. You think you may have heard the sounds of chatting before the gap closed again.

Ghogg says, "one moment"

BastardJack says, "BTW, I mentioned this earlier but there was nobody here - Sundays are bad for me."

Ghogg says, "yeah, there were numerous people with bad Sundays"

Maxwell says, "I don't think we were going to meet on Sunday."

Ghogg says, "Anyway, we start."

BastardJack says, "Ok, then. I was worried for a second."

Ghogg says, "I'm trying to stall for my Pueblo download, but I can get the beginning done :-)"

Maxwell wakes, if it's light yet.

Ghogg says, "Right. You wake up. You aren't dead."

Ghogg says, "Rejoice and all that."

Giovanna is duly grateful.

DiegoValdez polishes his (newly replaced) swordsman's guild pin.

Maxwell checks for any obvious disturbance to the room or his belongings, then dresses.

BastardJack tosses and turns, then wakes with a start. Bad dreams.

Ghogg says, "Nothing has been disturbed."

DiegoValdez whistles as he does his usual morning exercises (big room, this!) and then washes and dresses.

Giovanna wonders when the maid is going to come and help her dress.

Maxwell steps out into the hall.

BastardJack wonders if the maid is going to come and - um, nevermind. Better not antagonize the host.

Giovanna pulls the ringer for the maid.

(From Ghogg) footsteps outside

DiegoValdez opts for a more Montaignais style of dress (odd, not having a cummerbund...) but decides against the wig and powder. Ecch.

Ghogg says, "Maid says, "Yes? What can I do for you, ma'am?""

Maxwell looks out the window at the near end of the hall.

Giovanna says (to Maid), "If you could give me some help with this gown, I'd appreciate it."

DiegoValdez enters the hall, sees maid at Giovanna's door and Maxwell at window.

Ghogg says, "There's a door at the end"

(From Ghogg) Maid helps

Maxwell asks, "Good morning, Diego. Did you sleep well?"

Giovanna graciously allows the maid to do her hair, as well.

DiegoValdez says, "Buenas dias, and yes. I have not had such soft pillows in rather a long time."

Giovanna finishes up and steps out into the hallway.

Ghogg says, "also, I should mention there are skywindows"

DiegoValdez says, "Buenos dias, senora."

Giovanna says (to Diego), "Good morning."

Maxwell asks (of Maid), "Has your master given orders concerning breakfast?"

BastardJack emerges into the hall, dressed in full Montaignaise style. Wig and everything. He shoots a nasty glance around, daring anyone to snicker.

Ghogg says, "ack, pueblo still messed up"

DiegoValdez stifles a snicker.

Maxwell says, "good morning Giovanna, and Jack."

Ghogg says, "Maid says, "He extends an invitation to join him for breakfast.""

DiegoValdez says, "Buenos dias, Monsieur Jacques."

Giovanna looks curiously through the sky windows, checking the day's weather.

Maxwell closes the door to his room.

Ghogg says, "ook. I'm going to have to get off a little bit to settle techincal difficulties. I'll try to bring you to a point you can Do Stuff without me"

DiegoValdez says, "Ah, breakfast. Excellent."

Giovanna says (to Maid), "Lead the way -- I for one am famished."

Ghogg says, "It's cloudless"

BastardJack cocks an eyebrow at Diego. "Bon matin, Senor."

BastardJack tries to think of something witty to say about Diego's mangling together of two languages, but fails.

(From BastardJack) Meanwhile, Ender tries valiantly to remember his high school French.

Ghogg says, "Maid says, "Pierre will escort you...one moment please.""

DiegoValdez tries not to appear amused. Never thought of Jack as being the courtly type.

(From Ghogg) Maid steps out for a moment

(From Ghogg) Pierre comes up

Ghogg says, "Pierre says, "This way, please, ladies and gentlemen.""

Giovanna follows Pierre

DiegoValdez strolls along.

Maxwell follows.

BastardJack as well.

Maxwell again admires the art, assuming they pass that way.

Ghogg says, "You follow the same route you did last night, except instead of going through right doorat the end of the hall downstairs you go through a left door"

[aboveground] Giovanna asks, "er, was anyone but Eolo mapping?"

[aboveground] Maxwell asks, "Opposite the salon?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "opposite the kitchen"

[aboveground] Maxwell | http://www.drizzle.com/~dans/scratch/manor-map.html

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "thanks"

Ghogg says, "Pierre says, "One moment please, let me check...""

Ghogg says, "Pierre has a brief conversation with someone inside"

Giovanna attempts inconspicuously to overhear.

Ghogg says, "He exits again and says, "There will be a little time before breakfast. You may retire in the lounge, or if you want to go outside we will fetch you when the food is ready."

DiegoValdez says, "Merci. I am sure we shall find some way to amuse ourselves."

Ghogg says, "<cue for you to all roleplay for a little bit while I go resolve my technical problems>"

Ghogg says, "be back as soon as possible"

Ghogg goes home.

DiegoValdez says, "Perhaps if there is a music room..."

Maxwell says, "thank you, Pierre."

BastardJack bows slightly to the servant.

Giovanna turns to the others when Pierre is gone. "Did you all sleep well? No disturbances?"

DiegoValdez says, "I slept like the dead, senora."

BastardJack motions Diego aside. "Senor, a word, s'il vous plait?"

DiegoValdez asks (of Jack), "Hm?"

DiegoValdez says (to Giovanna), "Excuse...."

Maxwell says, "Yes, I slept quite well."

DiegoValdez follows Jack.

Giovanna nods to Diego. "Please."

BastardJack says, "My usual little knife would look a little out of place in this costume."

Giovanna says (to Maxwell), "I confess I am a little concerned that Eolo is not with us. But perhaps he is merely tired."

BastardJack says, "I picked up this..." - he draws a long dirk - "but it's not balanced as I'm used.""

Giovanna sees the dirk out of the corner of her eye, looks uncomfortable.

BastardJack asks, "Looks more like your type of weapon - could ya give me some pointers?"

Giovanna says quietly to Maxwell, "My apologies for bringing you into this. It is not turning out at all as I expected."

DiegoValdez says (to Jack), "Ah ... well, perhaps ... if we could step outside a moment."

BastardJack looks around. "Er, of course." The dirk disappears back up one voluminous sleeve.

Maxwell says (to Giovanna), "I'm not disappointed. This is at least as interesting as wandering around in a cave."

DiegoValdez begins strolling towards the gardens. "Do you already feel the need for arms?"

[aboveground] BastardJack says, "s/dirk/stilletto I knew 'dirk' wasn't quite the word I wanted."

Giovanna says (to Maxwell), "More in your line, perhaps."

BastardJack says (to Diego), "Just best t'be prepared."

Maxwell says, "Maybe, but I usually begin with some idea of what to expect."

DiegoValdez says (to Jack), "You really should learn the art of a proper fencing sword ... aside from protection, it's ornamental enough to not raise eyebrows."

Maxwell asks, "Shall we have a seat in the parlor while our friends are otherwise occupied?"

Giovanna says (to Maxwell), "Certainly."

BastardJack shrugs. "Qui sera, sera. Can't dress up like a Montaignaise without that phrase springing to mind."

[aboveground] BastardJack says, "Que sera, even."

Giovanna asks (of Maxwell), "What do you think of our host?"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "is that french? somehow i thought it was spanish"

Maxwell says, "He is certainly kind enough."

BastardJack says (to Diego), "Not here, mayhap. But take that monster down by the docks, ye'll get a different reception."

Giovanna remarks, a little petulantly, "He did not seem entirely kind when he was questioning us."

Maxwell says, "But there's something here that doesn't quite fit. Not that it must be with him."

DiegoValdez says (to Jack), "Heh. True, I suppose."

DiegoValdez says, "Well, here we are. I'm sure his lordship won't mind if we requisition part of his garden for a bit."

Giovanna says (to Maxwell), "Yes..."

Giovanna says, "I still find it strange that my aunt should have recommended me to someone untrustworthy."

BastardJack draws the stiletto again, and strikes a fencer's pose with a flourish, putting one hand back and tossing his bewigged curls over his shoulder with a haughty sneer.

BastardJack says, "Well, do I look the part?""

DiegoValdez laughs. "Si, quite the part."

DiegoValdez asks (of Jack), "do you dance, incidentally?"

BastardJack says, "I do, in fact."

Maxwell says, "Umberto? He fooled all of us quite well, and it would your aunt was also mistaken about him."

Giovanna smiles.

DiegoValdez says (to Jack), "Ah. I find it helps. Fencing is as much a dance as, say, a quadrille, I think."

Giovanna says, "My aunt is-- unusually perceptive."

Giovanna says, "I find it unlikely that she would be trivially deceived."

BastardJack says, "Hmm. Doesn't sound like my style at all. I'm not looking for a full lesson on all the forms, understand - we haven't th' time."

DiegoValdez drops into position, humming a tune, and executes a few standard thrusts, parries and lunges.

BastardJack says, "I'm just looking for some pointers on the use of a longer weapon."

Maxwell tries to change the subject. "Had you travelled much before you left your home?"

[aboveground] (from Giovanna) BastardJack says, "IYKWIM"

DiegoValdez says, "Si ... well, the advantage would be its length of course."

Ghogg materializes.

Giovanna says (to Maxwell), "No, not much."

BastardJack sights down the length of his stiletto. "Too short for a proper duelling sword, too long for a back-alley pigsticker. Worst o' both worlds, mayhap."

Giovanna says, "My father had need of me at home."

Ghogg is not a happy Ghogg

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "Not something I like to hear."

Ghogg says, "I'll try my best to copy, here"

Ghogg says, "cope"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez asks, "?"

Ghogg asks, "Also, where is everyone?"

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "I like a happy GM."

[aboveground] BastardJack feels the GM's pain.

DiegoValdez is giving Jack some fencing tips in the garden.

Maxwell and Giovanna are in the salon.

Ghogg says, "everyone do a perception roll, please"

[7thsea] Maxwell rolls 3k3: 3 4 4 | 11

[7thsea] BastardJack rolls 3k3: 2 10+6 8 | 26

Ghogg goes home.

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "pff"

[7thsea] Giovanna rolls 4k4: 7 7 3 8 | 25

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 2k2: 5 7 | 12

Ghogg materializes.

Ghogg says, "ok, try that again :-)"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "look on the bright side ... at least we're each with someone who probably noticed."

[aboveground] Maxwell says (to Giovanna), "Looks like you have perception beyond the type your aunt has."

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "yup"

DiegoValdez says (to Ghogg), "12 for me."

Ghogg asks, "for everyone else?"

Giovanna says (to Ghogg), "25 for me"

Maxwell says, "(11)"

[aboveground] BastardJack says, "26"

You are carrying nothing.

BastardJack tries a few clumsy passes, but with Diego's help is soon used to the balance of his new weapon.

[aboveground] Giovanna asks, "are we still unsurrounded by servants?"

Ghogg says, "you can still converse freely"

BastardJack asks, "Thanks for the help, senor. Shall we head back in?"

DiegoValdez says (to Jack), "Si. I could do with some food right now."

Giovanna says (to Maxwell), "There's something I saw in the gallery"

[aboveground] BastardJack says, "(Cutting this short since Ghogg's back)"

Maxwell asks (of Giovanna), "Oh?"

Giovanna asks (of Maxwell), "On the floor. Mind coming with me for another look?"

BastardJack sheathes his knife and heads back towards the house.

Maxwell says, "Not at all."

Maxwell heads out to the gallery.

Giovanna heads into the gallery, looks for what she saw before.

Ghogg says, "it's in the corner...fairly tiny"

Giovanna says, "There was some kind of symbol on the floor. In chalk -- here it is."

DiegoValdez strolls along with Jack.

Giovanna points it out to Maxwell

Ghogg says, "scrawled on the floor in black chalk"

Ghogg says, "it's sort of a trident with the first and third prongs bent"

BastardJack enters the gallery from the other side, and sees Giovanna and Maxwell, heads bent in the corner.

Giovanna says, "I don't like the look of it."

Maxwell says, "hmm."

Giovanna says, "But I don't know anything of Montaignais magic, if that is what it is."

BastardJack says, coming up behind them, "Noticed it too, did ya? Ever seen the like of it?"

DiegoValdez asks, "Senor, senora, is something the matter?"

Giovanna shakes her head.

[aboveground] Maxwell asks, "Not a Thean 'psi', is it?"

Giovanna says (to Diego), "This chalk figure on the ground."

DiegoValdez looks at the chalk. Curious.

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "that's a hard roll, but you can try checking for that"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "you'd use history"

[aboveground] Maxwell asks, "That's a roll?"

BastardJack points to the symbol. "Saw it out a' the corner of my eye when we came through earlier, but didn't think much of it at the time."

[7thsea] Maxwell rolls 4k3: 6 2 5 1 | 13

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "wits+history"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "you have no idea whatsoever"

DiegoValdez asks, "It wasn't here last night?"

Giovanna says, "I didn't see it then."

BastardJack says, "Didn't notice it, but it's pretty small."

Giovanna says, "It's not very large, though; that might prove nothing"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Oo, history. I wanna try."

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 4k2: 9 9 6 5 | 18

[7thsea] Ghogg says, "you have no idea what it is"

[aboveground] Giovanna asks, "can I just roll raw wits?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "yeah"

[7thsea] Giovanna rolls 4k4: 7 6 7 2 | 22

[aboveground] BastardJack exclaims, "Ooh! Me too!"

DiegoValdez looks to see where it points.

[7thsea] BastardJack rolls 3k3: 2 8 4 | 14

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "you still have no idea :-)"

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "dang :)"

Maxwell says, "black chalk in the corner. Very unusual."

Giovanna looks at what is near the symbol

[aboveground] DiegoValdez asks, "Is it pointing someplace in particular?"

Ghogg says, "it's that pedestal that has the bronze statue with the dying soldier"

Ghogg says, "er, that corner, at least"

Giovanna examines the pedestal itself and the statue, looking for anything peculiar.

BastardJack glances around. "If it's important, mayhap we shouldn't draw attention to it. Anyone have paper and a quill to copy it?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "it doesn't seem to lead anywhere"

Maxwell looks at the walls behind the pedestal.

Ghogg says, "they look like walls"

DiegoValdez says (to Jack), "I think we should be able to remember it. It doesn't appear too difficult."

Giovanna says, "someone pay attention to the hallway -- I'd hate for one of the servants to come on us here scrutinizing the floor."

Maxwell looks to see if there is anything similar in another corner.

(From Ghogg) Pierre enters from the north

Giovanna pretends to be admiring the statuary.

BastardJack moves to the hall entrance and lounges casually, pretending to examine the paintings.

Maxwell says, "Fine artwork in here. Just had to come back."

DiegoValdez walks up to Pierre, smiling genially.

Ghogg says, "Pierre says, "The food is ready.""

Giovanna says, "Excellent."

DiegoValdez says, "Merci...."

Ghogg says, "If you will follow me, please..."

Giovanna follows Pierre.

Ghogg goes north and through the same door

DiegoValdez strolls along.

Maxwell follows last.

BastardJack goes back to the symbol as they leave...

Ghogg asks (of BastardJack), "looking for anything else in particular?"

(From BastardJack) ... and quickly squats by it, trying to pry up the tile it is drawn on.

Ghogg says, "It's solidly set in."

[aboveground] BastardJack says, "Without breaking it - I just wanna see if it's loose."

Ghogg says, "Not a secret catch"

BastardJack stands up, frustrated, and hurries after the others.

[aboveground] BastardJack asks, "Was it all on one tile, BTW, or just on the floor generally?"

Ghogg says, "You enter...it's a dining hall, quite lavish, and it looks like it could serve as many as 30 people at one time"

Ghogg says, "However, just one of the smaller tables has food on it now, there are elegant chairs lined alongside...the Marquis stands up from the head of the table"

DiegoValdez greets the Marquis courteously.

Ghogg says, "Also, there's a small door to the west, and a row of windows giving a view to the north"

Maxwell says, "Good morning, m'lord."

BastardJack nods courteously to the Marquis.

Ghogg says, "Marquis says, "Good morning.""

[aboveground] BastardJack asks, "Did we give our names last night?"

Giovanna says, "Good morning, sir"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "at some point, yeah"

Ghogg says, "The Marquis pauses for a moment..."

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "would be the polite thing to do."

Giovanna looks curiously at what the Marquis is serving for breakfast.

Ghogg says, "Marquis (to Giovanna), "I didn't realize we had such dresses in our stock...you look...quite wonderful.""

Giovanna blushes faintly. "Thank you, sir," she murmurs.

[aboveground] BastardJack says, "I'm just wondering what I introduced myself as... I don't use 'Bastard Jack' in formal settings... :-)"

[aboveground] Giovanna says, ""John the Illegitimate.""

[aboveground] DiegoValdez asks, "James MacDuff III?"

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "should we sit down? I could roll etiquette..."

Ghogg says, "The Marquis slides out a chair and offers a hand"

Giovanna takes a seat.

BastardJack seats himself at the far end of the table, facing the Marquis.

Ghogg sits back again at the head of the table

Ghogg says, "Er, Marquis"

DiegoValdez sits where he can see the Marquis' hands. Also, not close enough to be splattered by blood in case his lordship turns out to be a Porte sorceror and wants to show off.

Maxwell sits near Giovanna.

Ghogg asks, "So, did you have a restful night?"

Giovanna says (to Marquis), "Very quiet."

DiegoValdez says, "Oui, it was most restful."

(From Ghogg) the maids begin bringing in dishes

Maxwell says, "Very comfortable, thank you."

(From Ghogg) eggs and ham

[aboveground] (from Giovanna) (From Ghogg) green

Ghogg asks, "How did your search from last night go?"

Giovanna says, "Unfortunately, we found your wine cellar to be -- just as you described."

DiegoValdez says, "Unfortunately fruitless...."

DiegoValdez wonders if there'll be a fruit plate.

Giovanna waits for someone else to take a bite first.

Ghogg says, "Ah...I'm afraid I have an inquisitive mind. I would find secret passages if there were any."

Ghogg says, "That cave was my own discovery."

(From DiegoValdez) Cadiz plays foodtaster.

BastardJack says, "A fruitless wine cellar is a horrible waste, to be sure."

Giovanna says (to Marquis), "Nonetheless, we had to check. It is our friends' lives that stand in the balance."

DiegoValdez says (to Jack), "'tis not the fruit, but the spirit in which it is stored."

(From Ghogg) Maids keep bringing things in :silverware, glasses with wine, and yes, a fruit bowl

BastardJack asks (of Marquis), "Indeed? How did you come to find it?"

DiegoValdez's eyes light up on sight of the fruit bowl. Just like home!

Ghogg says, "Just one of my thoughtful strolls."

DiegoValdez asks (of Marquis), "Have you explored it much?"

Ghogg says, "No, I've been in ruins before, they are terribly dangerous without a good group behind you."

Maxwell asks, "I find myself perplexed as to how this Umberto plans to escape. I would suspect another nearby entrance, but why then would he not enter that way?"

DiegoValdez helps himself to some citrus fruits.

Ghogg says, "The delay in starting one was due to gathering funds."

BastardJack murmers, "Yet last night when we claimed to have stumbled on it in the rain, you thought it ludicrous..."

Ghogg coughs

Ghogg says, "Actually, it's a path I've travelled on hundreds of times before."

Maxwell asks (of Marquis), "I'm sorry to see you're not entirely better?"

Ghogg says, "My headache is gone though, yes."

Ghogg says, "In any case, it's very cleverly hidden, I marvelled just at that...had I not stopped for a rest I would not have found it."

Giovanna says, "That must have been very exciting"

Ghogg says, "It was the second most exciting find of my life."

DiegoValdez says, "There is always something to be said for a short rest."

Giovanna asks (of Marquis), "The second?"

DiegoValdez asks, "Oh? And the first?"

BastardJack quirks an eyebrow.

Ghogg says, "Ah, that's another story altogether."

Giovanna smiles. "We have plenty of time..."

Ghogg says, "From my travels in Avalon. I'll tell some other time."

Maxwell says, "We would be interested to hear it, I'm sure."

DiegoValdez exclaims, "Stories were made to be told, and you have piqued our interest!"

Maxwell munches on the eggs and takes some fruit.

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "this would be a mooch roll"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "if you are trying to persuade him to tell the story"

[7thsea] BastardJack rolls 5k3: 8 1 5 3 5 | 18

BastardJack says, "And tales of Avalon are always the best... though I may be a tad biased."

Ghogg smiles.

Ghogg says, "Perhaps some later time."

Giovanna shoots an ironic glance at Jack, but says nothing.

[aboveground] DiegoValdez asks, "that's panache?"

Ghogg says, "In any case, what did you think of the rest of my manor? I believe you had a bit of time beforehands to peruse it."

Giovanna says, "You have an amazing collection of art. Very beautiful."

BastardJack shrugs. "We shall be sure to drag it out of you before we go, then."

Giovanna asks, "Did you collect it yourself?"

DiegoValdez says, "The gardens are most excellent ... the geometry, the illusion of infinity...."

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "if you want to come up with a witty method of persuation yeah, but you have to say something that matches :-)"

Ghogg says, "Yes, I'm fond of science."

Ghogg pauses

BastardJack picks a piece of fruit from the bowl, and idly pulls out his new stiletto. He fumbles with it a moment, seems a bit baffled when he realizes that it has only a point but no edge, and puts it away, blushing.

Giovanna asks, "And so your interest in ruins?"

Ghogg says, "No, none of you are affiliated with the Inquisition."

Ghogg wipes his brow

Ghogg says, "I fortunately had to deal with that situation only once but it was appaling...as for the ruins, yes, I have great interest in artifacts. I've built up quite a collection."

BastardJack says, "Quite the opposite - some of us are quite heretical, in our own way. Go on."

Giovanna asks, "Is that the reason you travel so widely?"

Ghogg says, "Well, that, and the art."

Maxwell concentrates on his breakfast, as though trying to think.

Giovanna says, "But surely you don't go to Avalon for *art*."

DiegoValdez smiles, but decides against mentioning cousin Carlos' application for the Inquisition ... since cousin Carlos might very well be languishing in some neighbour's dungeon right now.

Ghogg says, "I tend to visit Vodacce for that more than the ruins...I *have* seen the caves there, but I haven't found much of interest."

BastardJack exclaims (at Giovanna), "Madame, I assure you, the art of Avalon is among the best in the world!"

Giovanna nods. "We used to have-- that is, I must admit I am very proud of our art."

Ghogg says, "No, Avalon was a ruins trip. They do have some interesting pieces but they don't complement my collection."

BastardJack says, "Well, the art of Inismore, anyway. The Highlands have nought that much to offer."

Giovanna smiles pityingly at Jack and mutters something half-audible about "refinement".

DiegoValdez says (to Marquis), "Perhaps we might be able to see this collection one of these days."

(From Ghogg) Someone pops open the door...one of the knights from the morning

Ghogg says, "Er, last evening"

Maxwell looks up, slightly startled.

(From Ghogg) Knight says, "Sir, everything all right? I notice you invited these people as guests."

Ghogg says, "Marquis says, "Yes, it's all right, Rousseu. Thank you for your concern.""

[aboveground] (from BastardJack) Ghogg says, "It's all right, they just have an evil spell on me. Don't worry about it."

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "heh"

Ghogg says, "Knight says, "Very good then, sir." and exits"

[aboveground] BastardJack says, "Actually, that's a good idea - if we butter up the master, and act rude to the knights, maybe we can drive a wedge between them..."

Ghogg says, "My apologies."

Ghogg says, "I did say the Knights of the Rose and Cross came here for my own protection, so they are of course paranoid."

Maxwell hmphs quietly as though to ask "Why shouldn't we be guests?"

[aboveground] BastardJack says, ""...by turning the knights against us. Wait, let me think this through..."

Giovanna asks, "Rose and Cross?"

Ghogg says, "Surely you have heard of them. They have chapters anywhere."

Ghogg says, "(oops everywhere)"

DiegoValdez says, "And connections to half the crowns of Theah, I understand."

Maxwell asks, "Why would you need protection just now?"

Giovanna says (to Marquis), "My knowledge of such things has been limited, so far."

DiegoValdez says, "You are fortunate to have them."

BastardJack asks, "Aye, but they're a secretive bunch. How do you merit their protection?"

BastardJack says, "Er, meaning no offense to your lordship."

Ghogg says, "Like I mentioned last night...there were certain...threats...but I would rather not bore you with politics."

Giovanna says (to Marquis), "You have been, so far, anything but boring."

DiegoValdez asks, "Since one of those threats is currently trapped underground?"

Maxwell says, "I don't object, politics is my business."

Ghogg laughs. "Thank you. I believe that was a complement."

Giovanna says (to Marquis), "If you can't tell, I must be out of practice."

Maxwell says, "and certain things about the manor are interesting too..."

Ghogg asks, "Ah. What else was of interest?"

Ghogg says, "I suppose Pierre hasn't shown you my artifact room yet."

Giovanna says, "He didn't mention it, no."

Maxwell says, "Well, that fine art collection of course. I was particularly intrigued by that statue in the corner."

Ghogg asks, "Indeed?"

[aboveground] Maxwell is watching for reaction.

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Cripes. I think I just figured out the chalk figure."

Ghogg says, "That is actually the favorite of my purchases."

[aboveground] BastardJack asks, "Spit take? Or can we not tell that you just figured something out?"

Giovanna asks (of Marquis), "Where does it come from?"

Ghogg says, "The Dying Gaul, the merchant called it. No, I don't know who a Gaul is either."

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "no shit"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "We need Bjorg here."

Giovanna asks (of Marquis), "hmm... and you bought it... in Vodacce?"

Ghogg says, "Yes."

[aboveground] BastardJack asks, "Is that supposed to be an other-world-ism, or is there actually a group called Gauls running around here?"

Maxwell looks interested (as indeed he is).

[aboveground] BastardJack asks, "Or was it a throwaway line?"

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "it's a quite famous real piece"

Ghogg says, "Rather cheaply, too....merely hawking on a corner....the quality was quite beyond what I've seen in my places, though."

[aboveground] BastardJack asks, "Yes, I know. So, being real, it shouldn't be in Thea, should it?"

Giovanna says (to Marquis), "Astonishing. I find it amazing that the merchant wouldn't know what it was he was selling."

[aboveground] Giovanna says (to BastardJack), "quibble quibble..."

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "GM license. Also, there are real things, they just messed with the names. ;-)"

Ghogg says, "Perhaps he did."

Ghogg says, "Very mysterious fellow."

Giovanna frowns.

[aboveground] BastardJack says, "I've known GM's where this would be significant (as in, when real-world art starts showing up, there's a portal to "our Earth" just around the corner)."

Giovanna asks, "Weren't you concerned that there might then be-- something wrong with it?"

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "enhh"

[aboveground] Ghogg asks, "I'm not explaining all the motivations behind my GM license. don't try to outthink the evil mind of the GM, remember?"

Ghogg says, "No, no, it's simple bronze."

[aboveground] Giovanna exclaims (at Ghogg), "Aw, but that's part of the fun!"

Ghogg says, "I had it tested."

Giovanna laughs.

Giovanna says, "You're a very thorough man."

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "hee :-)"

Maxwell finishes up his ham, and takes a bit more fruit.

Ghogg says, "Friend of mine from Avalon who could sense magic."

Ghogg says, "Reason for the ruins trip there, really."

Giovanna asks, "Was he with you when you made your discovery there?"

DiegoValdez says, "Ah, a useful knack. Wish I knew someone who could do that."

BastardJack says (to Marquis), "Simple bronze isn't the only question, though..."

Ghogg asks, "What else would be a question?"

BastardJack asks, "I've heard of art being forged - some skilled forgeries fetch quite a high price, in fact. A statue, though?"

Ghogg says, "Oh, oh, I don't worry about that. It's anonymous, after all."

Giovanna says, "But it might, for instance, not be so old as it seems."

Ghogg says, "I once saw a forgery better than an original. The original was terrible, though."

Giovanna says, "If its antiquity is in fact of interest to you."

Ghogg says, "Ah, now that is quite true. It did worry me for a little time, but I am more concerned with aesthetic value."

Ghogg says, "I do not collect artifacts because they are old."

BastardJack asks, "Speaking of antiquity, how old is this manor?"

Ghogg thinks

Ghogg says, "That's a harder answer than you might think. It has to be at least 150, but there's some business with records being burned in a fire. And as you might be able to tell, it has been completely revamped with the latest fashion."

Giovanna asks (of Marquis), "Your own doing?"

DiegoValdez says, "Ah, I did notice the baroque moldings in the foyer...."

Maxwell asks, "Did you say we could view your artifact collection after breakfast?"

Ghogg says, "Of course. It was languishing a bit before I was granted the estate."

Ghogg says, "Oh, yes, of course."

[aboveground] (from BastardJack) Ghogg says, "The revamping, yes. The fire, no."

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "heh"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez asks, "What if it were the other way around?"

BastardJack asks, "Tis not a family possession, then? Who had it before you?"

Giovanna sips at her wine.

Ghogg pauses.

Ghogg says, "That's a rather complex story and there's even a ghost legend thrown in to boot."

DiegoValdez asks, "Ghost?"

Giovanna looks interested.

BastardJack smirks. "I knew there would be - there always are."

Ghogg says, "Supposedly haunts one of the rooms..."

Giovanna asks, "Which?"

DiegoValdez says (to Marquis), "Monsieur, you get more interesting by the minute."

[aboveground] (from Giovanna) Diego flutters his eyelashes at the Marquis.

Ghogg says, "It's on the east side of the second floor, southeast corner room"

[aboveground] BastardJack giggles.

[aboveground] BastardJack asks, "Were any of us in that room last night?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "no"

[aboveground] BastardJack says, "Oh, right, we were all on the northeast."

Giovanna asks, "What is the story of this ghost? someone killed?"

Ghogg says, "Well, it's a story rather...inappropriate...for the breakfast table."

Ghogg says, "Perhaps I can show you a book in the library."

DiegoValdez says, "please do"

Giovanna nods.

Ghogg says, "In any case, I do have some time before the acting troupe arrives."

DiegoValdez exclaims, "Ah, the acting troupe!"

BastardJack brushes his lips with a handkerchief, stands, and thanks the host for the meal.

Maxwell asks, "Are they from nearby?"

Ghogg says, "Although Pierre is handling them, soon after that General DeBois is coming and I have a meeting with him."

Giovanna says, "Quite a full schedule..."

BastardJack exclaims (at Diego), "How soon we forget ghost stories when other entertainment presents itself!"

DiegoValdez asks, "General deBois?"

Ghogg says (to Maxwell), "Yes, from this province. Affiliated with a friend of mine."

Ghogg says, "Indeed. I'm swamped."

DiegoValdez says (to Jack), "Heh. As a famous priest once said, "there is a time for prayer, and a time for partridge. This is the time for partridge"."

Ghogg says (to Diego), "From the Rose and Cross."

Ghogg says (to Diego), "More political business."

DiegoValdez says (to Marquis), "I see....."

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Also, Ste Teresa of Avila."

Maxwell asks (of Marquis), "Your friend is another noble?"

BastardJack says, "I wonder if Pater Francesco agrees with that..."

Ghogg says, "Yes."

Ghogg says, "Affiliated with the Duke himself"

[aboveground] BastardJack asks, "Er, Francesco was the priest, and Federico the monk, right?"

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "so hard to keep them straight"

[aboveground] BastardJack says, "Also, which of them is trapped underground again? :-)"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Federico is underground. Francesco Cadiz is asleep upstairs."

[aboveground] Maxwell asks, "Federico is underground. Francesco == Cadiz, right?"

Ghogg says, "In any case, I should also mention you are here because of your friends in that cave."

DiegoValdez says (to Marquis), "It is a worrisome affair...."

Ghogg says, "So if you have any suggestions you've came up with, I'd appreciate hearing them."

Giovanna says, "I believe we'd hoped to see whether the entrance could be cleared again"

Ghogg asks, "Also, shall we retire to the salon if we intend to converse further? Or are you wanting the look at artifacts while we discuss business?"

BastardJack says, "Indeed. If you will show us this book, we can study the history of this place while you get on with your affairs."

DiegoValdez asks, "Perhaps there is an exit from a neighbour's land?"

Ghogg says (to Giovanna), "I need to hear back from Pierre...he has contacted some people who will assess the situation, but I don't know when they will arrive."

Giovanna says, "Yes, perhaps knowing some background to the area would give us an idea where to look for the second entrance."

Maxwell says, "It would seem a good idea to inquire whether your neighbors know of the caves."

BastardJack looks around, at the walls and floor. "I'm convinced there's an entrance here somewhere. Just an itch, mind you..."

Ghogg says, "Well, you'll have ample opportunity to inquire about my neighbors at the party, because they will be here."

Maxwell says (to Marquis), "Yes, that was my intent."

DiegoValdez says (to Marquis), "I ... look forward to it."

(From Ghogg) Marquis Jean-Claude walks over to the door

Ghogg asks, "Shall we go and allow the maids to clean up?"

Giovanna rises and follows.

BastardJack follows at the Marquis' heels.

Maxwell stands.

Ghogg says (to Diego), "Also, perhaps you shouldn't be...I did say my neighbors were not always...the most congenial of fellows."

DiegoValdez slips an orange into a pocket as he stands and follows the Marquis. "Ah, I can take care of myself...."

Ghogg says (to Diego), "And you would do good to hide your nationality better...I haven't made any comments, because I frankly don't care, but, if you are not careful, it could cause trouble."

Ghogg says, "I'm more interested in science than petty wars, but for some of my neighbors it is vice versa."

Giovanna nods.

Maxwell says, "Honorable priorities."

Ghogg asks, "So, where to? Library, salon, artifacts?"

(From Ghogg) you exit to the hall, Pierre passes by

DiegoValdez grins. He'll put on a wig when he absolutely has to, and not one minute before.

BastardJack says (to Diego), "You should try it, Senor. They're surprisingly comfortable."

DiegoValdez asks, "Library, I think?"

Giovanna says, "Library, please, and then artifacts."

(From Ghogg) Pierre whispers to the Marquis for a moment

Maxwell says, "I'm curious about this artifact collection -- but it can wait."

BastardJack says, "I'm for the artifacts, I think."

Ghogg heads back to the gallery

Giovanna says (to Maxwell), "I believe we would all like to see both."

Maxwell nods as he follows.

DiegoValdez walks along with the Marquis.

Giovanna follows.

BastardJack says, "We'll lose his lordship's company soon enough, and I've a feeling we'll want his commentary. The histories we can read at liesure."

Ghogg enters the gallery

Giovanna glances surreptitiously to see whether the symbol is still there

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "yes"

Ghogg asks, "Ah, this is the statue that interested you, yes?"

Giovanna says, "Yes, quite a nice piece."

[aboveground] DiegoValdez asks, "Ah ... it wouldn't happen to be Nod, would it? The symbol?"

[aboveground] BastardJack asks, "Nod?"

Maxwell says, "yes."

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Laerdom rune."

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "you don't have an applicable skill, I don't think, but you can try straight wits"

Ghogg stops

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 2 dice: 9 1

[aboveground] Giovanna asks, "what's nod?"

Ghogg turns pale for a moment

[7thsea] Maxwell rolls 3k3: 10+9 4 2 | 25

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "woo"

[7thsea] Giovanna rolls 4k4: 7 9 7 10+10+4 | 47

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "heh ... I suppose I don't even guess that Bjorg might recognise it...."

Eolo has connected.

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "it is not Nod"

Maxwell asks (of Marquis), "What's the matter?"

Ghogg says, "Er, can you excuse me for a moment? If you wanted to look at the library, that's the northwest door, the artifact room is the southeast one"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Ah. Also, hello, Eolo, you lazy thing ... you've just missed breakfast."

BastardJack says, "Has your headache returned, sir?""

Ghogg says, "Something like that, yes."

Ghogg says, "Just a moment."

(From Ghogg) heads south and around the corner

DiegoValdez looks at the symbol, then at the Marquis' retreating back.

BastardJack puts a finger to his lips, and pads silently after him.

[aboveground] Eolo says, "curses. my plan was to arrive for breakfast, but then leave before we had to wash dishes."

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "finesse +sneak if you have it"

[7thsea] BastardJack rolls 4k2: 8 9 9 9 | 18

[aboveground] Maxwell asks, "shadowing / stealth?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "yeah"

[aboveground] BastardJack says, "That was stealth"

[aboveground] BastardJack says, "Don't have shadowing"

[aboveground] Eolo says, "I have shadowing now, woo woo."

Maxwell also goes to the corner and looks after the Marquis.

[7thsea] Maxwell rolls 6k3: 10+4 5 6 5 1 6 | 26

[7thsea] Giovanna rolls 4k3: 2 1 2 2 | 6

[aboveground] Ghogg asks (of Giovanna), "that was a sneak roll?"

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "yes"

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "well, shadowing"

(From Ghogg) The Marquis turns around and notices three people following

BastardJack looks at his companions and sighs.

Maxwell asks, "Sir, could you tell us what the problem is?"

Ghogg says, "Just stay in the gallery for the moment, please"

Maxwell says, "as you wish it."

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Heh ... in a Montaignais manor ... the most trusting characters are the Castillians. There's something wrong here."

Maxwell walks back to the others.

Ghogg says, "You see the Marquis leave to the esat"

[aboveground] BastardJack asks, "I'm suspicious by nature. What can I say?"

Maxwell says in a low voice, "Well, it's plain he didn't know about that rune before now, but knows something of its significance."

BastardJack says (to Maxwell), "You certain he saw it? I couldn't tell."

Giovanna says, "He must have."

Maxwell says (to Jack), "He saw something that surprised him."

DiegoValdez says, "Well ... I suppose Pierre will have it cleaned off soon enough ... at least, before the party begins."

Giovanna asks, "Anyone up for looking at the artifacts?"

(From Ghogg) Marquis returns

BastardJack says, "And unsettled him - until this moment, I'd have said he was the smoothest liar I've ever met, if a liar at all."

Giovanna glares at Jack

[aboveground] BastardJack says, "Er, hope I got that off in time..."

Ghogg glares at Jack also

DiegoValdez is idly rubbing away a bit of the symbol with one foot.

Ghogg says, "Ah, I see."

Ghogg says, "Perhaps I may need to explain the Avalon story to you."

Maxwell asks, "I hope all that wasn't about that smudge on the floor. Any idea how it got there?"

Ghogg says, "I suppose the artifact room would be appropriate for this..."

Ghogg opens the artifact door

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "yay, hinting about the statue paid off."

Giovanna follows.

DiegoValdez strolls along, quite curious now.

[aboveground] BastardJack goes AFK for a moment.

Maxwell goes in with the others.

Eolo steps in.

Ghogg says, "There's 10 glass cases...and a setup of couches very similar to the Salon, except they are set out for viewing"

DiegoValdez says (to Eolo), "There you are! Well come along, you've already missed breakfast."

Ghogg says, "Also a star map painted on the ceiling"

Eolo says (to Diego), "I found a servant who took pity on me"

Ghogg says, "Oh! We missed someone. I'm sorry sir, I'm sure we can get some fruit for you if you are hungry..."

Ghogg says, "Oh, good."

Giovanna takes a seat.

DiegoValdez stands.

(From Ghogg) Marquis takes a seat next to Giovanna

Eolo looks up.

Maxwell wanders from case to case, giving each artifact a close but precursory look.

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "uh oh, I think we may need CadizBot for a moment"

Eolo says, "there are some who say our destinies are ruled by the stars"

[aboveground] Ghogg asks, "can someone do a wits + 1 unkept for him?"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Nah ... he's sleeping."

[aboveground] Giovanna asks, "what are his wits?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "ok, I won't worry then"

[aboveground] Maxwell asks, "Is that 4k3?"

Ghogg says, "One sec on the case descriptions"

[aboveground] Eolo says, "I think he's got 2 wits. but yeah, let him sleep unless it's urgent"

[aboveground] Maxwell says (to Ghogg), "Take your time. We'll get to them, certainly."

Ghogg says, "There's something that looks like a bellows, but it has an odd substance on the end...there's a round glassy ball...a stick with some knobs..."

Ghogg says, "A really fabulous looking jewel that's actually a couple jewels melded together"

Ghogg says, "There's a set of three sticks of sorts that are attached by strings and have knobs"

Ghogg says, "One crimson box"

Ghogg says, "Decorations on the lid"

Ghogg says, "There's what looks like a mount with a hollow metal rod on it"

Ghogg says, "A ball hanging by a string"

Ghogg asks, "er, I'm missing 2, right?"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez exclaims, "cat toy!"

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "that's 8, right."

Ghogg says, "There's a sword in the ninth one"

Ghogg says, "And a black talon in the tenth...looks like it came from an animal, but it was badly burned"

Eolo's eyes glint as he stares at the jewel, or perhaps that's just a trick of the light.

DiegoValdez looks at the sword, fascinated.

Eolo says, "an .. interesting assortment"

[aboveground] BastardJack back.

Ghogg whispers, "do a history roll"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 4k2: 1 3 3 1 | 6

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "pfft"

BastardJack stares at the talon.

Ghogg says, "Are you settled? This may take a while."

Maxwell sits down to listen to the story.

Ghogg says, "I see you've noticed my talon."

Giovanna says, "Please, go ahead."

DiegoValdez turns away from the sword. "Certainly"

[aboveground] BastardJack says, "TSD"

Ghogg says, "That's actually....the crux of it, shall we say."

Eolo sits across the room from the marquis.

BastardJack paces idly from case to case. "Let me know if you prefer I sit..."

Ghogg says, "In any case, friend: Charles Baldwin. Different from the other Charles you met."

Ghogg says, "He contacts me about a ruins discovery in Insimore."

DiegoValdez . o O ( Popular name, Charles. )

[aboveground] BastardJack says, "Charles Baldwin - the even-less-successful-than-Billy brother."

Ghogg says, "I, being of course interested in brand new finds, make a journey there."

Ghogg says, "The site...it's inset deep into some hills."

Ghogg says, "We had an expedition of 6, including myself."

[aboveground] BastardJack asks, "Also, Charles Baldwin... ruins in Inismore... strange symbols... Are we playing Call of Cthulhu now?"

Ghogg says, "I was considered the person who would know what the useful artifacts we discovered actually did."

[aboveground] BastardJack says, "No, that was Inns*mouth*. Never mind."

Maxwell glances at the strange objects like the bellows-thing.

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "Marquis says, "ngaah! ngaah! c'thulhu syoya!""

Ghogg says, "(Ok, maybe not)"

[aboveground] BastardJack rolls Wits+SAN.

Ghogg says, "I'd rather not give the whole saga...but let's just say there were traps of the nasty variety...and a critter that ate one of the expedition whole."

Ghogg says, "But the strangest part was with this green glow..."

Maxwell says, "Oh dear. Let's hope our friends are doing better than that."

Giovanna shivers.

Ghogg says, "Ruins are not for the foolhardy, friend. That's why it is essential you get to them as soon as possible. Now, back to the story"

[aboveground] BastardJack exclaims, "Now it's a Doctor Who episode!"

Ghogg says, "The green glow seemed to be generated by an artifact."

[aboveground] BastardJack says, "(I should stop, lest I piss the GM off with these interruptions)"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "that's ok, amusing the GM is good :-)"

Ghogg says, "It's that talon over there...although when I picked it up it stopped glowing."

[aboveground] BastardJack exclaims, "I... am... the Bastard.... And YOU... WILL.... OBEY... ME!"

[aboveground] (from DiegoValdez) Ghogg says (to BastardJack), "...and suddenly the planet Amora falls on you. Yes, you. No, just you."

[aboveground] BastardJack says (to Diego), "Hah! That's a lot better than Space Cows."

Ghogg says, "I did get out alive, although it's complex and many things happened. I'm sure what you really want to know about is the symbol"

Giovanna asks (of Marquis), "And after that, you still wanted it in your house?"

BastardJack pauses in front of the case with the talon, and squints at it.

[aboveground] Maxwell asks (of Diego), "When the moon hits your eye...?"

Ghogg says (to Giovanna), "I fought hard for it, m'lady."

Ghogg says (to Giovanna), "It would be like drawing a masterpiece and then burning it."

DiegoValdez looks at the talon, not really understanding the attraction.

Giovanna says (to Marquis), "I might fear it was ill-fated."

BastardJack asks, "Speaking of that - was it burned like this when you found it?"

Ghogg says, "In any case, I did show it to various nobles, and they were duly impressed."

Ghogg says, "Yes. It was always like that."

BastardJack says, "Hmm."

Ghogg says, "But some time shortly afterwards, came the chalk drawings."

Ghogg says, "Now, I'm sure you didn't notice at first glance....but look at the claws on the talon."

DiegoValdez looks more closely.

Maxwell stands again to take a look.

Giovanna inspects it

Ghogg says, "Straight middle one, bent two outer ones."

[aboveground] BastardJack exclaims, "It's flipping us the bird!"

DiegoValdez says, "It looks like...."

Ghogg says, "You see, I came to suspect one of the nobles secretly treasured my talon."

Ghogg says, "So he's being drawing these chalk things. But..."

Ghogg says, "It's rather mysterious, some show up in odd places."

BastardJack asks, "But why chalk drawings? Is he trying to play on your mind?"

Giovanna says, "I still don't understand -- forgive me -- why anyone would find it so desirable"

Ghogg says, "Ah. For that, you would need to touch it."

DiegoValdez muses that black chalk isn't exactly the most common-coloured chalk in the world.

Giovanna looks at the Marquis dubiously.

Ghogg says, "Well...I'm rather distrusting of letting others touch it, now, after the nobles....they all passed it around..."

Ghogg says (to Giovanna), "But for you m'lady, I will oblidge. One moment."

Ghogg draws a key out of his pocket and unlocks the case

Ghogg opens the case

DiegoValdez asks (of Giovanna), "Do you really want to do this?"

Ghogg gets the talon

Maxwell says, "All this sounds somewhat like sorcery to me."

Giovanna casts a contemptuous glance at Diego.

Ghogg closes his eyes suddenly for a moment and reopens them.

DiegoValdez watches the Marquis as he picks up the thing.

Giovanna says, "I am not afraid."

Maxwell says, "I beg you, don't touch that."

Giovanna looks a tiny bit pale in spite of this, however.

DiegoValdez says (to Giovanna), "famous last words."

Giovanna asks (of Marquis), "it is not dangerous?"

Ghogg asks, "Well, you do seem the bold type....do you trust me?"

BastardJack shakes his head. "It sounds like something more... animal... to me."

Giovanna says, "I trust few people, sir; you know the Vodacce."

DiegoValdez wonders (to himself) if a lot of artifact-handling nobles also suffer from frequent headaches.

Giovanna says, "But I think my curiosity wins out."

Giovanna reaches for the artifact.

BastardJack ignores the talon and looks at the case. "Is this ordinary glass, sir?"

Ghogg hands it over

BastardJack puts his hand on hers.

Maxwell says, "It is not you I distrust sir, it is that talon, and the idea of magic."

Ghogg says, "Ok, one sec, folks"

BastardJack says, "Be careful - it could be more dangerous than his lordship realizes."

BastardJack removes his hand. "But it is your decision."

Giovanna closes her eyes.

Maxwell mouths a silent prayer.

Giovanna shivers, blinks; wakes up.

Giovanna says (to Marquis), "I... see."

Ghogg asks, "Interesting, is it not?"

Giovanna says, "Quite."

DiegoValdez asks (of Giovanna), "what happened?"

Ghogg says, "I'm afraid I'd rather not let anyone else touch it for now."

Ghogg asks, "May I?"

Giovanna gives the talon back to the Marquis.

Ghogg puts in back in the case

Giovanna says (to Diego), "I felt-- as though I were flying."

Ghogg closes the case and locks it

Giovanna says, "It is difficult to describe."

Eolo asks, "flying?"

Giovanna says, "Like a bird might, I suppose."

Giovanna says, "There was a pull of direction, to the northeast; lights..."

Giovanna says, "And a feeling. I can't explain."

BastardJack glances northeast.

Giovanna says, "Some kind of plain was beneath me."

Giovanna says, "I don't think it was anywhere I've ever been before."

DiegoValdez says (to Marquis), "Is there anything of note to the northeast? I seem to recall a neighbouring building."

Giovanna sits down on one of the sofas and shuts her eyes again.

Ghogg says, "Ah, northeast? Interesting. I've always felt it more to the north, but I'm also careful in checking the sun now. However, I could be reversed -- it's possibly setting."

BastardJack says, "Or the southwest, for that matter - the pull could have gone the other way, if you take my meaning."

Ghogg says, "No, I've felt the same pull no matter where I was."

Ghogg says, "The building doesn't seem to matter."

DiegoValdez asks (of Marquis), "??"

Eolo asks, "no matter where in the world you were?"

Ghogg says, "Well, the direction sometimes tended a little different"

Ghogg says, "But I really haven't experimented much."

BastardJack taps on the case. "Is this mere glass?"

Ghogg says, "I haven't taken it on any trips."

Eolo says, "mm"

Ghogg glances at Jack

Giovanna opens her eyes again as after long thought.

Ghogg asks, "Abit like Charles, are we?"

Giovanna asks (of Marquis), "Do you think it is the memory of a bird?"

Ghogg says (to Giovanna), "I'm not sure."

Maxwell asks (of Giovanna), "Are you, um, alright now?"

Ghogg says (to Giovanna), "It's still mysterious to me."

Giovanna nods.

Giovanna says, "It is not at all painful. Quite the reverse, in fact."

Giovanna says, "It just left me perhaps a bit dizzy."

Ghogg says (to BastardJack), "I have been a bit paranoid about...my Montaigne friends...some who have Porte powers, you see."

Eolo says, "can't be too careful with Montaigne"

Eolo says, "or with anyone."

DiegoValdez glances at Eolo.

Eolo grins at Diego.

BastardJack frowns. "Tell me more o' these chalk marks. 'Odd places' you said - where do they appear?

Ghogg says, "Well, the first was outside, on a rock."

BastardJack nods.

Ghogg says, "I didn't think anything of it."

Giovanna asks (of Marquis), "anywhere near the cave?"

Ghogg says, "No, it was just outside."

Ghogg says, "Then it kept coming up on downstairs floors."

Ghogg says, "Sometimes, in locked rooms. That is the mysterious part."

Giovanna asks, "Are you sure it's a noble, and not some -- power -- associated with the thing itself?"

Giovanna says, "Speaking of hauntings..."

Eolo says, "I don't see any chalk in there."

BastardJack says, "Porte, perhaps. But if 'tis from Inismore, it could be something else."

Maxwell says, "Doesn't sound like something a noble would take the trouble to do, unless he were mad."

Ghogg says, "Well, yes, I was thinking Porte as well. The reason for the glass."

Giovanna says (to Eolo), "If the talon is burnt, perhaps it is not black chalk at all, but charcoal, a scratching of the claw itself."

Ghogg says, "But still, there's quite a bit of noise associated with Porte."

Eolo says (to Giovanna), "true"

BastardJack says, "There are legends of mischievous sprites that can plague those who meddle with such things. This sounds like the work of the fae to me."

DiegoValdez asks (of Marquis), "The sorceror would have to mark the talon first, if he wished to steal it that way, no?"

Ghogg says, "In any case, I think I must cut this short, the acting troupe is coming soon."

Eolo nods.

Maxwell says (to Diego), "Not if it weren't in a case, if I understand the matter right."

BastardJack says, "Perhaps you can show us that book before you go."

Ghogg says, "Well, yes. And also the locked rooms."

Eolo asks, "will they be performing for the guests later?"

Ghogg says, "Yes, they are here to entertain at the party."

[aboveground] Eolo says, "way late, but I think it's turning into White Plume Mountain"

[aboveground] BastardJack asks, "What's that?"

DiegoValdez says (to Maxwell), "There is that. But that method involves a fair amount of noise."

Ghogg says, "If you wish to view the library, you may do so on your own...I'll have Pierre see to you soon if there's anything you need, hopefully he'll have news regarding the diggers."

[aboveground] Eolo says, "hmm, I hope I'm remembering right. old ad&d module"

Giovanna says, "yes, I am curious about the library."

DiegoValdez says (to Marquis), "Thank you."

[aboveground] Maxwell asks, "Where is this artifact room? West of the main entrance, right?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "one sec"

Cadiz arrives, looking for booty.

Cadiz exclaims, "wave!"

[aboveground] Eolo says, "heya"

Giovanna exclaims (at Cadiz), "At last, you wake up!"

[aboveground] Eolo says, "we have apparently had breakfast and talked about some artifacts"

Maxwell says (to Cadiz), "Ah, good to see you about."

[aboveground] Cadiz asks, "So, are we still going?"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez exclaims, "Arr, another late riser. You missed breakfast AND show&tell!"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "so it seems"

Cadiz says, "Man, I am just not a morning person."

[aboveground] Eolo says, "the action's been pretty wild, I tell you"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "ok, on map..."

[aboveground] Eolo says (to Cadiz), "see, the suspicious rise earlier than the innocent."

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "the artifact room is across from the salon"

[aboveground] Cadiz says, "Heh."

[aboveground] Cadiz asks, "Any particular talk?"

[aboveground] Maxwell says (to Cadiz), "ghogg was saying earlier you might want to perception these artifacts, were you here."

Ghogg says, "library door just north of salon"

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "Or maybe the room, he wasn't specific."

[aboveground] Cadiz asks, "Perception?"

[aboveground] Cadiz says, "Oh! Examiner."

[aboveground] BastardJack says, "Er, yeah. A half dozen pages of back story."

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "Er. With history, I think."

[aboveground] Eolo asks, "the library door is the ne corner of the room, then?"

[aboveground] Eolo says, "jean found some magic artifacts, including a magic claw that gave giovanna weird feelings"

[7thsea] Cadiz rolls 3k2: 5 5 9 | 14

[aboveground] Cadiz asks, "Anyone logging?"

[aboveground] BastardJack says, "Man, TSD on that one..."

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "logging"

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "I am."

[aboveground] BastardJack says, "Surprisingly, no. In fact, I haven't had to reboot my modem, either."

[aboveground] Eolo says (to Jack), "subtlety and tact, that's what I'm known for"

[aboveground] BastardJack says, "Oh, logging. Thought you said lagging."

Ghogg says, "Marquis leaves"

[aboveground] Cadiz asks, "So, people are gathering in the library?"

Eolo asks, "what book was this?"

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "Waiting for that servant guy, I think."

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "everyone is in the artifact room, they haven't gone to library yet I don't think"

Maxwell says, "Something about a ghost story."

Giovanna looks at the talon again, fascinated.

BastardJack asks (of Giovanna), "How does it feel now?"

Cadiz asks, "So, this is where the Maquis keeps the artifacts he's found?"

DiegoValdez says (to Cadiz), "Si. Er, oui."

Eolo laughs.

Maxwell says (to Giovanna), "I think that's best left alone. The case is locked, anyway."

Eolo asks, "the library next, then?"

Ghogg says, "could someone recap the description? I need to idle for a sec"

Cadiz ponders the ceiling.

Cadiz says, "That's an interesting star map..."

Maxwell asks, "What, it's not our sky?"

Cadiz, on a hunch, pulls out a piece of paper and sketches the star map onto it.

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "roll sketch"

Cadiz says (to Maxwell), "No, it's our sky. There's something odd about it, though, and I can't put my finger on it."

[aboveground] Cadiz asks (of ghogg), "Wits? Finesse?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "wits for this one"

BastardJack looks at the other artifacts. "I wonder how many o' these cases are concealing..."

Eolo asks, "are there extra stars? or stars missing?"

[7thsea] Cadiz rolls 4k2: 4 5 7 4 | 12

[aboveground] Cadiz says, "Sigh."

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "you make what seems to be a reasonable copy"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "When the stars are right...."

Cadiz says, "I can't really tell without further study."

Maxwell looks at the ceiling, but doesn't really know much about astronomy.

[7thsea] Maxwell rolls 3k3: 5 8 6 | 19

Giovanna has disconnected.

Giovanna has connected.

Ghogg asks, "(I'm going by memory for this -- nobody else has astronomical skill, right?"

Cadiz says, "If we're taking the morning to explore the house, maybe I'll come back here this afternoon."

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "re arr"

BastardJack starts toward the door. "I'd like to know more of this ghost story."

Eolo says, "I agree."

Eolo follows Jack to the library.

Cadiz asks, "Ghost story?"

Giovanna goes into the library as well.

Cadiz, as he follows, asks for an explanation.

BastardJack says (to Cadiz), "You missed much, slug-a-bed."

DiegoValdez strolls along to the library.

Maxwell walks back with the others, looking for Pierre or another servant.

Cadiz rolls up the sketch and sticks it in his pocket.

DiegoValdez says (to Cadiz), "One of the rooms, to the southeast, is haunted. And there's a book in the library that tells of it."

Ghogg says, "The library is the same size as the salon, except the walls all have long bookshelves...there's also more elegant couches"

BastardJack says, "The house is haunted, apparently - we asked about its history, thinking it might give us clues as to secret passeges beneath."

Maxwell says (to Cadiz), "Whoever the ghost is, he supposedly haunts a room to the southeast of this manor."

Cadiz says (to Jack), "That's what you guys are for--the morning stuff. Tonight, at the party, I'll be wide awake ;-)"

Cadiz asks (of Maxwell), "What does he do?"

DiegoValdez says (to Cadiz), "Ah, that's what Crescent coffee is for."

Maxwell says, "The Marquis didn't elaborate much."

Eolo starts methodically searching the shelves, looking behind books and seeing if the shelves will move.

Ghogg asks, "Anyway, there's no card catalog, what are you looking for?"

Giovanna says, "Something on the background of this place"

Cadiz looks for astronomical books.

[7thsea] Eolo rolls 4k3: 5 10+3 2 1 | 20

BastardJack says, "Well, I can't read, so *I'm* searching for something with pretty pictures."

Ghogg says, "resolve + scholar for book looking"

[7thsea] Eolo says, "I can't read either, I should mention"

DiegoValdez looks along the history section.

[aboveground] Maxwell thought Pierre was going to show us the book the Marquis mentioned.

[7thsea] Giovanna rolls 3k3: 1 1 6 | 8

[7thsea] Eolo says, "er, channel"

[aboveground] Cadiz says, "Scholar is the skill, not a knack."

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 5k3: 5 10+8 2 2 1 | 25

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "drf"

[aboveground] Eolo says, "but there might be interesting stuff around elsewhere."

[aboveground] Maxwell asks, "How do we roll scholar? Or do you mean Research?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "yeah, sorry"

[7thsea] Maxwell rolls 3k2: 4 2 2 | 6

[aboveground] Cadiz asks, "Astronomy, for me?"

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "whee"

[7thsea] BastardJack rolls 3k3: 6 6 7 | 19

[aboveground] Cadiz asks, "Or research?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "research"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Er, I assume you mean "Research". In which case, 25. Yay for buying up Resolve to 3."

[aboveground] Cadiz says, "They're both 1, so ;-)"

[7thsea] Cadiz rolls 3k2: 8 4 9 | 17

(From Ghogg) Search search search

Ghogg says (to Diego), "There's one book called 'Ghosts of Dore'"

Ghogg says (to Diego), "er, you can read Montaigne, right? d'oh"

DiegoValdez says, "Hm. This looks promising."

Giovanna looks eagerly over Diego's shoulder.

Cadiz chuckles.

BastardJack crowds around, too. Are there pictures?

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "heh"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "heh. I am in fact literate."

Ghogg says, "There's a picture at the title page"

DiegoValdez pulls the book out and scans its contents.

Ghogg says, "It's got a floating ghost and the back profile of someone who looks startled and about to run away"

Giovanna tries to read the contents, muttering the syllables under her breath.

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "It ought to be easier to read languages you can speak, maybe grouped by alphabet."

Ghogg says, "In the distance is a burning building"

DiegoValdez pauses at the first picture.

Ghogg says, "Also, it's only one book, guys :-)"

Ghogg says, "you can't all be looking at different parts"

[aboveground] Eolo asks, "this is the earliest known example of a three investigators book, right?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "yay"

[aboveground] Giovanna exclaims, "ha!"

Eolo is ignoring the book and still searching the bookshelves.

[aboveground] BastardJack chuckles.

[aboveground] Cadiz asks, "Did I find anything?"

Giovanna waits impatiently for Diego to find the good bits and read them aloud.

DiegoValdez says, "Hmmm..."

DiegoValdez looks for the good bits.

Maxwell says (to Diego), "Can you read that? I'm afraid I don't know written Montaigne."

BastardJack backs off, and wanders around\ restlessly.

[aboveground] Ghogg says (to Cadiz), "one sec, I need to look at your char sheet"

DiegoValdez says (to Maxwell), "Si ... I'll read it aloud if you wish."

[aboveground] Cadiz nods.

[7thsea] Eolo rolls 4k3: 2 9 8 8 | 25

[aboveground] Cadiz exclaims (at Eolo), "Woo!"

[aboveground] BastardJack says, "I should be going fairly soon - got a lot of work to do this weekend. Can't sleep in too long tomorrow."

DiegoValdez recalls that the Marquis said something about a fire, and wonders if the ghost had anything to do with it. In any case, looking for references to the fire.

Ghogg says, "I need a resolve + research from Diego"

Cadiz pulls a black book off the shelf, clucks to himself, and begins paging through it.

Ghogg says, "(who is hunting for good bits, right?)"

BastardJack says, "Well, no sense in all of us bein' cooped up here. I'm gonna poke around a bit, see what I can find..."

BastardJack slides out into the gallery and looks around.

[aboveground] Giovanna asks, "diego?"

[7thsea] Cadiz rolls 3k2: 4 5 6 | 11

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 5k3: 10+3 9 1 3 9 | 31

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "I think I find the Really Good Bits."

[7thsea] BastardJack exclaims, "Woo!"

Ghogg says, "you come across The Revenge of the Gruenwalds...there's an overview map with the chapter that looks somewhat like the manor"

Cadiz sighs, heads over to a couch, then changes his mind, goes to a door and pokes his head out looking for a servant.

Maxwell says, "Say, that map could be useful."

Giovanna asks (of Diego), "Well? What does it say?"

Cadiz says (to Servant), "Excuse me, might there be anything left over from breakfast? I'm afraid the sun didn't wake me up this morning--it was a later night than I thought."

DiegoValdez asks, "Here, this looks interesting. "The Revenge of the Gruenwalds". Is that an Eisen name?"

Maxwell says, "yes, 'Green Forest'"

Ghogg says (to Cadiz), "(you find a maid who goes to get you some fruit)"

[aboveground] BastardJack sings, "..Where All Come To Life!"

DiegoValdez nods and reads aloud the important bits.

Ghogg says, "Also, one sec while I describe the map, then I'll go to the important bits"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "I knew taking "University" and "Scholar" would pay off."

Cadiz waits in the doorway a bit for the man to come back, then thanks the man for the fruit and goes to sit on the couch to pore over his book some more.

Ghogg says, "It's sort of like if you took just the foyer and lopped off the east and west branches...you still had the gallery and the rooms attached, and also the hall to the far north and the rooms attached"

Ghogg says, "And there's a second floor view which is that H"

Eolo says, "hmm"

[aboveground] Cadiz asks, "What's the URL for inky's map, again?"

[aboveground] Maxwell | http://www.drizzle.com/~dans/scratch/manor-map.html

[aboveground] Eolo says, "it's on the bb"

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "and in my copy buffer."

Ghogg says, "In any case, the manor doesn't look as wide as it is now"

[aboveground] Eolo asks, "where else have we explored?"

[7thsea] BastardJack rolls 2 dice: 2 9

Ghogg says, "But still, the surrounding topography which is drawn in is the same,"

[aboveground] Eolo says, "the library and the artifact room, I guess"

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "We ate in a dining room across from the kitchen, and that's it."

Ghogg says, "Ok, interesting bits of story coming up now"

DiegoValdez does his best Oratory voice.

Giovanna perks up her ears.

Cadiz, hearing the story, perks up and looks up from his book.

[7thsea] BastardJack rolls 3 dice: 1 5 5

[aboveground] BastardJack says, "And on that pathetic roll, I'm off."

[aboveground] Cadiz laughs.

Ghogg says, "Back in the days of where Dore had many Eisen inhabitants"

[aboveground] BastardJack says, "See you next game. Gonna leave my log running."

Cadiz asks, "Wait--days of what?"

[aboveground] Eolo says, "map updated"

[aboveground] BastardJack says, "(I'm wandering around the grounds looking for fairies, BTW. You may run into me from time to time if any of you go outside.)"

Cadiz says, "Oh, wait, got it--continue."

[aboveground] BastardJack waves.

[aboveground] Cadiz exclaims, "Wave!"

[aboveground] Eolo says, "bye jack"

Ghogg says, "During one time, the Gruenwalds built and occupied a large estate."

Ghogg says, "They were from a proud warlike family, and had a great assemblage of drachensian to back up their claims."

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says (to jack), "have fun..."

Ghogg says, "However, 10 years after the building, and with the Gruenwalds firmly established...Dore began to get nobles who despised the Eisen"

Ghogg says, "They claimed the territory, techincally on older maps within Eisen, to be within Montaigne. And the claim was perhaps founded by the chain of mountains."

Ghogg says, "An army was risen up, and false rumors were spread. Soon everyone was against the Gruenwalds."

Ghogg says, "The final episode came from a claim of evil witchcraft, summoning dark forces to summon demons and monsters."

Ghogg says, "A great mob, accompanied by a regular army, came to the estate, shouting for their removal."

Ghogg says, "Some were timid and expected demons to appear at any moment to eat them."

Cadiz crosses himself.

Ghogg says, "For others, this made them bolder, including one who threw a torch through a window which started the eventual fire."

Ghogg says, "Everyone within the house exited...a trio of brothers came out boldly with armor, waving swords and screaming at the mob"

Ghogg says, "The mob picked up rocks and began pelting the brothers....even with the armor their heads were unprotected, and they eventually fell under the hail...the ground was soiled with blood."

Ghogg says, "Women and children within the house screamed...some burned because they feared the outside of the house and the mob more than the fire."

Ghogg says, "Nobody has an accurate enough desciption to know, but it is believed that some of the Gruenwalds escaped."

Giovanna shudders

DiegoValdez's voice trembles. Story hits a bit close to home, sort of.

Ghogg says, "The last person to die, it was said, was in the southeast corner of the manor, the last part to burn."

Ghogg says, "It was a mere maid, but she was given protection of a child...and her body was found still protecting it."

Ghogg says, "Even thought it was burnt almost beyond recognition."

Ghogg says, "The frame of the manor, solid and fortified with stone, still stood...and eventually it was repaired to a usable state."

Cadiz asks (of Diego), "Did the child die?"

Ghogg says, "However, the ghost of the maid, protecting her baby, is said to appear on occasion, wailing at the mob, wailing to save the baby."

Ghogg says, "[the book doesn't say]"

Ghogg says, "However...it is also believed..."

DiegoValdez says (to Cadiz), "It doesn't say...."

Ghogg says, "that the surviving Gruenwalds channeled their energy, and when they died they also became spirits...and one day they would return to vent their revenge."

Cadiz blinks.

Ghogg says, "[end interesting bits]"

Cadiz says, "Wow."

Eolo says, "hmm"

Cadiz asks (of Diego), "Does it say exactly how long ago this was?"

Ghogg whispers, "no"

DiegoValdez says, "No...."

Cadiz estimates, based on his knowledge of the history of the area.

[aboveground] Cadiz asks, "Wits + history?"

DiegoValdez closes the book and looks again at the picture on the title page.

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "sure"

[7thsea] Cadiz rolls 4k2: 8 2 7 4 | 15

[7thsea] Maxwell rolls 4k3: 10+5 3 6 2 | 24

Ghogg says (to Diego), "It looks like it may be from an unrelated story"

[aboveground] Cadiz asks, "So, any estimation?"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez asks, "Eh?"

Maxwell says, "I've heard of the Gruenwalds, now that I think of it. They died in 1505."

Cadiz says, "So if the child had lived, he too would be dead by now."

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "h,"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "hm"

DiegoValdez says, "I wonder ...."

Cadiz raises an expectant eyebrow.

Ghogg says, "[let me know when you are finished conversing and I will move the plot forward]"

DiegoValdez says, "If there's another way into the caverns below, the Gruenwalds might have had knowledge of it."

Cadiz asks, "You want to ask a *ghost* about how to get into the caverns?"

Maxwell asks (of Diego), "What do you suggest, we go up and ask the ghost nicely?"

DiegoValdez says (to Cadiz), "It was a passing thought."

Cadiz shrugs. "Stranger things have happened..."

DiegoValdez says (to Maxwell), "Well, she's YOUR countryman."

Maxwell says, "This ghost was just a maid anyway. Likely not privy to secret passages."

Eolo says, "well, I would think the next place to search is the southeast room"

DiegoValdez says (to Maxwell), "On the contrary ... I've always thought that the servants often know the secrets of the house better than the owners."

Cadiz nods.

Maxwell says (to Diego), "Perhaps. But the idea makes me uneasy."

DiegoValdez says (to Eolo), "The last place to burn, eh? I agree."

[aboveground] Cadiz asks, "Is there such a beast as holy water in Thea? And if so, can I make some?"

Maxwell says, "I'd expect the performers should be here quite soon."

[aboveground] Maxwell asks, "Also, can you splash it on a ghost?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "I actually think there is, but let me confirm"

DiegoValdez says, "We have time to at least look at the room."

Cadiz nods.

Eolo walks from the library, towards the other room.

Cadiz says, "I didn't sleep *that* late..."

Giovanna goes along

Maxwell follows the adventurers.

Ghogg asks, "er, you are wanting to go see the ghost?"

[aboveground] Cadiz asks, "So, did the Marquis just give us free reign of the place?"

Ghogg asks, "or at least the ghost room?"

Giovanna says, "yes"

Maxwell says, "Wait. Isn't that room locked? We would need to find Pierre, I suppose."

Ghogg says, "Well, you are about to open the door, when someone knocks on it"

Cadiz asks, "Which door?"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "The room, at least."

Ghogg says, "the room you are in"

Ghogg says, "the library"

Eolo opens the door.

Eolo asks, "yes?"

Ghogg says, "Pierre is standing there."

Ghogg says, "Pierre says, "The Marquis told me you would probably be in here.""

DiegoValdez carefully puts the book back on the shelf, noting its place.

Cadiz finishes his apple, and throws the core in the rubbish bin.

Ghogg says, "I've had someone look at the passage."

DiegoValdez asks (of Pierre), "And?"

Maxwell says, "Any news from the digging party -- ah, good."

Ghogg says, "It seems to go in for many yards. I'm afraid it would take several months to unearth."

Cadiz says (to Pierre), "I don't suppose I could borrow this book while I'm here? I fancy myself somewhat of an amateur astronomer, and this book fascinates me."

Ghogg says (to Cadiz), "I'd prefer you'd leave it there. I'll ask the Marquis about your request, however."

Cadiz nods.

Cadiz says, "No problem."

Cadiz shelves the book, again noting the spot.

DiegoValdez asks (of Pierre), "Well, in the meantime, I don't suppose you could direct us to the famous haunted room?"

Ghogg says, "Well, I'm afraid you might be a bit disappointed by that, sir. In any case, I thought your concern was excavating your friends."

DiegoValdez says (to Pierre), "Indeed. We thought that perhaps the haunted room, as the oldest part of the present structure, might give us a clue to a possible alternate entrance."

Ghogg says, "mooch roll"

Ghogg says, "panache"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 3k3: 9 6 9 | 24

Ghogg says, "Very well, sir, if you think it might help."

DiegoValdez smiles winningly. "Merci beaucoup.

Ghogg says, "This way..."

DiegoValdez follows Pierre.

[aboveground] Ghogg asks, "how is everyone on the sleepyness front?"

Maxwell moves forward to follow behind the swordsman.

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "I'm fine."

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "I'm fine (surprisingly)"

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "I'm fading a little"

[aboveground] Ghogg pokes Emily

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "sorry"

[aboveground] Eolo says, "I'm ok"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "3 oks and 1 fader"

[aboveground] Cadiz says, "I'm doing OK, too."

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "go ahead, I'll kind of watch the screen :)"

[aboveground] Ghogg says (to Emily), "Heh."

[aboveground] Cadiz says, "We also have one who's gone completely, ofc."

[aboveground] Ghogg says (to Emily), "If I put in more famous sculptures would it wake you up? ;-)"

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "heh :)"

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "maybe"

Ghogg says, "well, I need to idle for a sec. if you'd like to talk about black marks/strange astronomy maps/artifacts/ghosts/etc please do so. assume Pierre isn't there"

Eolo says, "hmm"

Maxwell asks (of Cadiz), "What was in that book you found?"

Cadiz says (to Maxwell), "It's a book of astronomy."

Cadiz says, "Quite strange, really."

Eolo asks, "strange how?"

Maxwell asks, "No relation to the ceiling over the artifacts, I suppose?"

Cadiz says, "It seems to be transcribed into The'an, but often without commentary, so it's hard to follow in places."

Maxwell says (to Cadiz), "Maybe I could help you. I can read Thean."

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "When the stars are right, the Great Old Ones shall return. Ia, ia."

Cadiz says, "It also contains a number of star charts, but I haven't been able to work out the organization yet."

Cadiz says (to Maxwell), "I can read The'an that was written in The'an originally."

Cadiz says, "My father used to tell me a story about a magical fish that could translate one language into another."

Eolo asks, "a fish?"

Cadiz says, "But only on a very mechanical level, so the translations were often quite humorous."

DiegoValdez laughs. "No doubt just getting the fish would be more trouble than it's worth."

Cadiz exclaims, "Particularly when you then gave the fish the translated text to translate back again!"

Eolo asks, "and the translations mere babble?"

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "hee everyone."

Giovanna says (to Cadiz), "A mechanical fish? Methinks the story itself was ill translated..."

Ghogg says, "back"

Cadiz chuckles.

Ghogg says, "pierre goes south, and then upstairs"

Maxwell asks, "I don't understand. Why was this book transcribed into Thean?"

Giovanna asks, "And from what?"

DiegoValdez toddles along south, and then upstairs.

Cadiz says, "At any rate, if such a fish existed, it could have produced this book, near as I can tell."

Giovanna follows the party.

Maxwell saves the conversation for later as they approach the door.

[aboveground] Eolo asks, "wait, upstairs?"

Cadiz says (to Maxwell), "Perhaps it was originally written in a more obscure tongue, like Crescent, or Cathay."

Ghogg says, "to the H"

[aboveground] Eolo says, "ah, that southeast. sorry."

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "yeah, south of our rooms."

Ghogg says, "Pierre heads east, then south"

Ghogg says, "Pierre unlocks the door and opens it."

DiegoValdez peers inside.

Ghogg says, "It looks like your rooms do"

Maxwell speaks cautiously: "Ist jemand hier?"

Eolo says, "I don't see anything too unusual here"

Ghogg says, "clothes trunk, table, bed, window leading to balcony, etc."

[aboveground] Cadiz asks, "So is the entrance to the manor at the bar of a downstairs H?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "the bottom floor is a rectangle. The top floor is an H"

DiegoValdez steps aside and pushes Maxwell into the room.

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "you could theoretically climb out a window to the roof of the first floor"

[aboveground] Cadiz asks, "And the inside of the H is the roof of the first floor?"

[aboveground] Cadiz exclaims, "Timing!"

Ghogg says, "perception checks"

[7thsea] Maxwell rolls 3k3: 4 7 6 | 17

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 2k2: 6 8 | 14

[7thsea] Eolo rolls 4k3: 6 8 8 1 | 22

[7thsea] Cadiz rolls 2k2: 8 8 | 16

[7thsea] Giovanna rolls 4k4: 6 6 8 4 | 24

Giovanna says, "actually"

[7thsea] Giovanna rolls 5k4: 1 2 9 8 4 | 23

Ghogg asks, "Pierre says, not very remarkable, is it?"

[7thsea] Eolo says, "(heh)"

[aboveground] Cadiz laughs.

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "oh well :)"

[7thsea] Jota says, "Ylac."

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "oops"

[7thsea] Eolo says, "so I do"

[aboveground] Cadiz says (to Giovanna), "should have just done 'roll 1'."

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "heh"

[7thsea] Jota takes notes.

Eolo walks further into the room.

[7thsea] Ghogg asks, "revealing, isn't it?"

Eolo steps out onto the balcony and looks around.

[7thsea] Jota says (to Ghogg), "Mmm. Not just a '(heh)', but an 'oh well :)' to go with it..."

Maxwell turns to his friends. "I don't see any sign of a ghost."

Giovanna asks, "Look, what's this?"

Cadiz asks (of Pierre), "Is this room used often?"

Giovanna points to a stain above the doorway.

Eolo asks, "blood?"

DiegoValdez asks (of Giovanna), "What?"

[aboveground] Cadiz asks, "Hey, can I roll examiner?"

Giovanna squints at the stain, trying to make out what it is.

(From Ghogg) Pierre checks

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "yes, you can now roll examiner"

DiegoValdez peers closely at the blood.

[aboveground] Cadiz asks, "Wits?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "wits"

[7thsea] Cadiz rolls 3k2: 5 5 10+4 | 19

[aboveground] Cadiz says, "Love those esplosions."

Cadiz frowns, waiting for what Pierre has to say.

Maxwell looks out the window, imagining an angry mob below.

Ghogg says, "Pierre says, "Ah, yes. That was there before."

Ghogg says, "I tried cleaning off more of it, but it seems fairly permanent."

DiegoValdez asks (of Pierre), "It's *always* been there?"

Cadiz asks, "How long have you been here?"

Ghogg says, "Since I've been here, sir."

Ghogg says, "7 years."

Cadiz asks, "And the Marquis?"

Ghogg purses his lip

Ghogg says, "Must be 16, now"

Cadiz peers more closely at the stain.

[7thsea] Cadiz rolls 3k2: 6 4 9 | 15

Cadiz shakes his head.

Maxwell asks, "Don't the Porte sorcerors use blood for their art? Could that be some sort of link?"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez asks, "It's not evidence of Porte blooding, is it?"

Cadiz asks (of Maxwell), "Do they use their own blood for that sort of thing?"

Maxwell says (to Cadiz), "I'm sure I don't know."

DiegoValdez says (to Maxwell), "Let me think ... a friend of my father's spoke about it once...."

You are carrying nothing.

[aboveground] Cadiz says, "Page 213 says it's your own blood ;-)"

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "sure, but I don't know that."

BastardJack has disconnected.

Ghogg says, "if someone wants to roll, they can try, but it is in the player manual :-)"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Yeah, but I'm wondering if this is evidence of blooding, or not."

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "right. that's my question too."

[aboveground] Cadiz says, "I believe stuff in the PM should be *generally* common knowledge."

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "I'm the GM, not the detective"

Cadiz says, "If I remember aright, blooding an object requires the caster's own blood."

[aboveground] Ghogg says (to Cadiz), "yeah, I'm not going to require a roll for something like that"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Er, I'm assuming knowledge of some of the mechanics of Porte.... but not all."

[aboveground] Eolo asks (of Ghogg), "what do you, the detective, do next?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "yay"

Cadiz asks, "And I belive that this stain was made by an animal's blood--see the particular discoloration around the edges?"

Eolo asks, "an animal?"

Maxwell raises an eyebrow.

Cadiz says, "Darker than a human bloodstain."

DiegoValdez says (to Cadiz), "Aha..."

Eolo asks, "above the doorway?"

DiegoValdez asks, "Why would someone put animal blood over a doorway?"

Cadiz says, "Definitely an animal's blood, perhaps some sort of game--deer, or the like."

[aboveground] Maxwell asks, "History maybe?"

[aboveground] Ghogg asks, "history for what?"

Eolo says, "hmm"

[aboveground] Cadiz says, "I took that class in college The History of Bleeding"

Eolo says, "normally when an animal's head is mounted over a doorway, the blood is removed first"

[aboveground] Maxwell asks, "Why someone might put animal blood on a doorway?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "if you want to try to apply your historical knowledge, roll away. wits"

[7thsea] Maxwell rolls 4k3: 6 3 9 4 | 19

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "you don't know"

Ghogg says, "Pierre says, "Are you done inspecting the room?""

DiegoValdez says, "Perhaps it's the mark of some sort of Curse."

Cadiz says, "There are tales in The Book about a people saved from a plague when blood was painted above their doorway. But this seems different--inside, for one."

DiegoValdez says (to Pierre), "I think I am ... I don't know about the others."

Eolo says (to Pierre), "for now, at least."

Cadiz looks on the lintel for other stains.

[7thsea] Cadiz rolls 2k2: 4 1 | 5

[aboveground] Cadiz laughs.

Maxwell says, "I don't see anything else. Let's go."

Cadiz asks (of Pierre), "I don't suppose the stain looked like a particular shape or symbol before you tried to clean it off?"

Ghogg says, "Right this way, then"

Ghogg says, "No, it was just a stain, sir."

Cadiz nods.

Maxwell steps out into the hall.

Ghogg says, "Pierre closes and locks the door"

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "ha ha, only I got out."

Ghogg says, "(everyone gets out)"

[aboveground] Eolo laughs.

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Hah. And you're the one we want inside there talking to the ghost."

Ghogg says, "In any case, if you are curious, no, I haven't seen or heard a ghost of any type in that room."

Ghogg says, "Just the stories."

Ghogg asks, "Where would you like to go?"

DiegoValdez asks (of Pierre), "Hm. Who did you hear them from?"

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "I'm not sleeping there tonight, in case you get any ideas."

Eolo says, "mm"

Ghogg says, "They are regional legends, sir."

Eolo asks (of Pierre), "I don't suppose any of the other rooms have stains in them?"

DiegoValdez says (to Pierre), "I see ..."

Ghogg says, "No other stains, no."

Cadiz asks (of Pierre), "Did you say if that room was used regularly?"

Ghogg says, "Yes. It's rather a subtle stain, guests ordinarily don't notice."

Cadiz says, "But no tales of ghosts from the guests, I suppose."

Maxwell asks, "And none have complained of sightings or strange events?"

Ghogg says, "And if they do, as in one case, I gave more of the story behind the room and the person was excited and I don't think got any sleep at all...but never saw a ghost, either."

Ghogg says, "No events, sir."

Maxwell says, "Perhaps it is just a story. But the stain is odd."

Ghogg says, "A stain on the inside would suggest to me something to keep something from leaving rather than entering, if I may say so, sir."

Cadiz nods.

DiegoValdez says, "Perhaps the ghost is one that is heard but not seen."

Ghogg asks, "Shall I just take you back to the library, then?"

Cadiz says, "That's true--the blood in the story in The Book was to keep Death out of the house, and was painted above the entrance."

Eolo asks, "the library?"

Cadiz says (to Pierre), "Unless you've had any inspirations about a place that might house a secret passageway to the underground..."

Ghogg says, "Well..."

DiegoValdez asks, "yes?"

Ghogg says, "I'm afraid not, sir."

Maxwell says, "I suppose we could browse the library a while further then."

Eolo asks, "until the actors arrive?"

Ghogg says, "If you think the passages come under the manor, there may be parts that are close to but with no passageway."

Ghogg says (to Eolo), "The actors have arrived, sir."

Ghogg says (to Eolo), "The Marquis was conferring with them when I last left."

Maxwell asks, "Have they? Why didn't you say so sooner?"

Maxwell asks, "Never mind, could we meet some of them?"

[aboveground] Eolo asks, "did anyone check out the library for manor floor plans?"

Ghogg says, "I believe they will oblige, although they do seem busy preparing."

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Not I...."

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "There was an outdated one in the book. But maybe there's more."

Ghogg asks, "Oh, I did pass by that other friend of yours, and he was mumbling something about faeries. Do you know what he was meaning?"

Cadiz says, "I wonder if Renaldo is with them. He was supposed to be touring Montaigne with some troupe after I last studied with him a few months ago..."

[aboveground] DiegoValdez exclaims, "The outdated ones are the ones we want!"

Ghogg says, "Also, trudge trudge trudge (downstairs, into foyer)"

DiegoValdez says (to Pierre), "Heh. He's Avalon ... Inish, rather ... and you know how they are about the goodly folke."

Ghogg says, "Ah, I see."

(From Ghogg) trudge trudge trudge (west...you enter what appears to be a large ballroom

Ghogg says, "Fancy chandelier, lots of round tables, a stage"

DiegoValdez gets deja vu.

[aboveground] Cadiz asks, "West from that first corridor, or from north of the foyer?"

Ghogg says, "west from foyer"

Ghogg says, "foyer is just south of gallery"

[aboveground] Cadiz asks, "What's the name of the center room on inky's map? The one with six entrances?"

DiegoValdez looks at the stage.

Ghogg says, "Oh, also: there's a star map here too"

Ghogg says, "It's sort of circling around the chandelier"

Ghogg says, "The stage is raised slightly and of polished wood"

DiegoValdez glances at the star map. Hm, there seems to be some sort of theme going here.

Ghogg says, "There's a thick green curtain"

Cadiz notes the map, but first looks at the actors, trying to see if he recognizes someone.

Ghogg says, "Pierre says, "The actors are backstage now, I believe.""

Cadiz (well, maybe not)

Cadiz looks at the star map.

[7thsea] Cadiz rolls 3k2: 2 8 2 | 10

Ghogg says, "Excuse me, I will check"

DiegoValdez asks (of Cadiz), "You mentioned once that you have experience with the stage, no?"

Cadiz mutters, "This one seems pretty normal..."

Cadiz says (to Diego), "Indeed. I'm hoping I recognize one of the actors or actresses."

[aboveground] Cadiz says, "Assuming they have actresses in Thea."

[aboveground] Eolo adds ballroom to map

(From Ghogg) Pierre goes to a small door next to the stage and enters, closing it behind him

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "And assuming Theah uses separate words to distinguish male/female actors."

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "Don't see why not. 'less prejudiced' than our past"

Cadiz frowns, pulls out his sketch, and compares the two.

Ghogg says, "resolve+astronomy"

[7thsea] Cadiz rolls 3k2: 1 4 3 | 7

[aboveground] Cadiz snorts.

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "icky rolls"

Cadiz says, "Eh, the light in here is horrible."

Cadiz says, "Have to check back later."

Ghogg says, "Oh, detail I forgot to mention: windows along west and south walls"

DiegoValdez says (to Cadiz), "It'll be better once the chandelier is lit."

Cadiz nods.

[aboveground] Eolo asks, "where's the stage?"

(From Ghogg) Pierre enters again

Ghogg says, "Like, to the north"

[aboveground] Maxwell asks, "The door is to the north then?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "if you are trying to draw it make the connection between the foyer and the ballroom a small corridor, though"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "right, door to north"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "more northwest actually"

[aboveground] Eolo says, "well, my map isn't to scale"

[aboveground] Cadiz asks, "Would this be west of the Salon?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "heh, true"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "you are sort of southwest of the Salon"

Ghogg says, "Pierre says, "They say they are busy in preparations, but if you have anything important to ask them I can convey the message.""

Cadiz says, "Well..."

Cadiz says, "Eh, I'll just inquire about Renaldo later."

(From Ghogg) You hear movement to the east...there's a maid opening a door and talking to someone outside

Maxwell listens to the commotion.

Ghogg says, "You see, stepping into the center of the foyer, a bulky man of medium height, with a thick neck and fine clothes"

Ghogg says, "You can't see much more detail than that though"

Maxwell asks, "That, I take it, is the General deBois?"

Cadiz asks (of Pierre), "Is the performance tonight, at the party?"

Ghogg says, "Yes. It will be of an improvised nature, I hear."

[aboveground] Cadiz exclaims, "Woo ComedySportz!"

DiegoValdez says, "Ah, the Improv Theatre."

Cadiz exclaims, "Ah! My favorit!"

[aboveground] Cadiz exclaims, "e!"

Eolo asks, "general who?"

Maxwell asks, "Does that mean they won't be long in preparations?"

Maxwell says (to Eolo), "The Marquis mentioned at breakfast that he was expecting him."

Cadiz says (to Maxwell), "Improvisional preparations take longer than you might think."

DiegoValdez says (to Eolo), "DeBois. Apparently a high official with the Rose and Cross."

Ghogg says, "You see the Marquis stepping partially into the foyer and talking with the General."

Eolo says, "ah yes. he had mentioned visitors last night"

Cadiz peers out a window to see if he can see an entourage or horse or something.

Ghogg says, "You see some horse tracks"

Ghogg says, "No horse"

Ghogg says, "The Marquis and the General step out of view"

Cadiz asks, "Well, shall we return?"

Ghogg says, "Pierre says, "Sir?""

DiegoValdez says, "Hm. If the guests are arriving already, I should perhaps don a wig of some sort ... nasty things, wigs, but that's Montaignais fashion."

Cadiz says (to Pierre), "To the library. And, if it would be all right with the Marquis, I'd like to take another look at the artifact room."

Ghogg says, "Very well then, sir."

Ghogg says, "[also, perception check, all]"

[7thsea] Maxwell rolls 3k3: 7 8 4 | 19

[7thsea] Cadiz rolls 2k2: 2 5 | 7

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 2k2: 4 9 | 13

[7thsea] Eolo rolls 4k3: 5 1 10+10+7 6 | 38

[7thsea] Eolo says, "yeow"

[aboveground] Cadiz exclaims, "Woo Vodacce!"

Ghogg asks, "do we have Giovanna, or did she fall asleep at the keyboard?"

[aboveground] Eolo says, "I think she's basically asleep"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "I think she's dreaming dreams of flight."

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "heh"

Ghogg says, "Pierre heads out east"

[aboveground] Cadiz asks, "Did the Marquis step away to the north or south?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "to the north"

[aboveground] Cadiz says, "Good, so we'll pass him."

[aboveground] Maxwell asks, "Gallery-ward?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "you don't know. there are the stairs too remember"

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "Or farther east? Oh."

DiegoValdez walks along eastward ... going to head upstairs to adjust his outfit.

Eolo kneels down for a moment, retying his boot-laces.

Eolo nods, and stands up, following the others.

(From Ghogg) trudge trudge trudge

Cadiz raises a questioning eyebrow at Eolo, but remains silent.

Ghogg says, "ok, whoever wanted to go to the artifact room is there, library is there, etc."

Cadiz looks again at the ceiling, trying to figure out the difference between here and the ballroom.

Ghogg says, "resolve + astronomy"

[7thsea] Cadiz rolls 3k2: 6 4 3 | 10

Eolo is in the artifact room.

Ghogg says, "still don't know"

DiegoValdez does the wig thing, muttering darkly about Montaignais fashion.

[aboveground] Cadiz asks, "No sign of the marquis, I presume?"

[aboveground] Cadiz asks, "Even upstairs, with Diego?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "hold your horses ;-)"

[aboveground] Cadiz says, "Heh."

Cadiz frowns more deeply, checks his sketch, and checks the ceiling again, then makes a couple changes to his sketch to be more accurate.

[7thsea] Cadiz rolls 4k2: 6 3 3 2 | 9

[aboveground] Cadiz says, "Arrrrrrgh."

Maxwell looks at the ceiling, trying to see what interests Cadiz so much.

[7thsea] Maxwell rolls 3k3: 10+3 2 6 | 21

Ghogg says, "the sketch ends up being less accurate due to your noodling"

[7thsea] Eolo laughs.

Cadiz, frustrated, wads up the sketch and begins anew.

[7thsea] Cadiz rolls 4k2: 4 4 9 2 | 13

[aboveground] Eolo asks (of Cadiz), "are you sure you're using the 10-siders and not the six-siders?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "heh"

[aboveground] Cadiz says, "Thhhbbt."

Ghogg asks (of Diego), "what are you up to?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "you come up with an adequate version"

Maxwell says, "Hmmm. There is something about that."

Cadiz says (to Maxwell), "There's something different between this room's ceiling and the one in the ballroom."

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "I'm just going to put on a wig, powder ... so as to blend in with the crowd."

Cadiz says, "Though they're generally the same orientation, time of year, etc."

[aboveground] Ghogg asks, "right. 'tis done. Now what?"

[aboveground] Cadiz asks, "Are there too many stars to count, or just the major ones?"

[aboveground] Eolo says, "diego is a fop, diego is a fop"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Now I head back down to where the others are. Checking the library, then the artifact room if they're not in the library."

Ghogg whispers, "perception check"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "well, you can try, it'll take some time though"

[aboveground] (from Maxwell) Ghogg says, "There are 69,105 stars on the ceiling."

[aboveground] Cadiz laughs.

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Diego is also a Castillian in a country with which Castille is at war."

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 2k2: 9 6 | 15

[aboveground] Cadiz says, "That's an excellent 2k2 roll."

Ghogg whispers, "you get to the top of the stairway...and you hear what seems to be loud arguing from the west end of the H"

Maxwell says, "I wonder where the Marquis and General are talking."

[aboveground] Cadiz says, "I can't even roll that on a 4k2."

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "heh"

DiegoValdez pauses at the top of the stairs, frowning as he hears something. Whatever could it be?

DiegoValdez walks as quietly as he can towards the sound.

Ghogg says, "finesse + stealth or something similar"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 4k4: 1 1 1 2 | 5

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "eeeeagh"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez exclaims, "EEEAGH!"

[aboveground] Eolo says, "wow"

[aboveground] Eolo says, "that's some kinda record, I think"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez asks, "Er ... I don't suppose I could throw in Footwork??"

[aboveground] Maxwell asks, "To catch yourself as you trip?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "hee"

Cadiz sighs, sits down, pulls out a fresh sheet of clean paper, and carefully and slowly sketches the starmap.

Ghogg says, "You step on a floorboard that gives out a LOUD creak"

[7thsea] Cadiz rolls 4k2: 1 9 5 6 | 15

Ghogg says, "As you make it to the far left side of the corridor"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Ah well ... Not really in Diego's nature to sneak ..."

Maxwell asks, "What was that?"

Ghogg says, "The conversation stops"

DiegoValdez shrugs at the creak and keeps walking.

Ghogg says, "It seems like it was going from the door to the far north"

DiegoValdez asks, "Pardon? Is everything alright?"

DiegoValdez knocks.

Ghogg says, "The door is partway opened to reveal a harried Marquis."

Ghogg says, "It's ok...nothing that concerns you..."

Ghogg says, "The Marquis opens the door the full way"

DiegoValdez says, "Ah. I heard noises ... I was concerned."

Ghogg says, "Say hello the the General duBois"

Ghogg says, "You see the room itself, it's some sort of study"

Ghogg says, "Lots of papers scattered around"

DiegoValdez says, "Bonjour, M'sieur."

Ghogg says, "The General is sitting at a desk. He harumphs."

Maxwell says (to Cadiz), "Maybe I could take a look at this poorly translated astronomy book."

Ghogg says, "I have some guests here I am currently accomodating, General."

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Okay. Attempting a Cold Read."

Ghogg says (to Maxwell), "also, none of you have any idea what is going on upstairs :-)"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "wook"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Which I assume is Wits."

Cadiz says (to Maxwell), "(looking up from his sketching) It's back in the library, if you want to look at it. Back wall, third shelf from the floor, about a third of the way in. Black binding."

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "wits"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 2k2: 9 2 | 11

Maxwell walks across the hall and looks for the book in the library.

Ghogg says, "also, while I'm at it"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Must raise that knack one of these days....."

Ghogg gives drama die to DiegoValdez.

[aboveground] Cadiz says, "Actually, it says cold read is usually a contested roll using resolve."

Ghogg says, "for an interesting use of a bad roll :-)"

DiegoValdez says (to Ghogg), "Merci beaucoup"

[aboveground] Ghog