[7thsea] DiegoValdez says, "<ahem>"

GameMaster says, "Pray for MUD stability"

Marmelade just made his way over to BastardJack's balcony.

DiegoValdez says (to Maxwell), "It would seem to be the thing to do."

GameMaster says, "Ok, going downstairs"

Marmelade paws at the balcony window.

DiegoValdez offers his arm to the lady.

sea3 has entered from behind the curtain.

Giovanna accepts Diego's arm

[7thsea] Cadiz asks, "Will we have jack here later?"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says, "I don't think so ... um, assume that he lets you in."

Ferenc has entered from behind the curtain.

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says, "Er. Channel."

[7thsea] Cadiz says, "Yeah, sounds good to me."

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "I heard something about him not coming, yeah"

DiegoValdez says (to Giovanna), "You are looking charming tonight, mademoiselle."

Marmelade leaps into Jack's arms and begins to purr. Jack goes downstairs, holding the cat.

GameMaster says, "Anyway, the first thing you see are two noble-looking sorts giving coats over to Pierre"

Giovanna says, "Why thank you, sir"

Guilliame looks up at the newcomers.

Marmelade's ears perk up, and turn towards the nobles.

[aboveground] DiegoValdez asks, "Just a note ... Giovanna hasn't been wearing any of those veils that the Fate Witches seem so fond of, right? And she's not wearing one now?"

Guilliame takes Giovanna's hand and kisses it

Guilliame says, "I am Guilliame du Dore."

Giovanna looks a little startled, but has the presence of mind to seem gracious.

Guilliame asks, "Marquis of the largest lands in Dore. Who might you be?"

Ferenc says (to Guilliame), "Largest my foot."

Giovanna says, "A pleasure to meet you, monsieur. I am Giovanna Merisi."

Ferenc says (to Giovanna), "He's bragging over his style, I'm afraid, madame."

Maxwell says, "Bonjour. I am Maxwell Eigenspiel."

Guilliame asks, "Ah. And what brings you to our fair lands?"

DiegoValdez greets Guilliame & Ferenc with a smile. "Diego Beauchamp, at your service, M'sieurs."

GameMaster says (to Diego), "acting roll"

Giovanna raises her eyebrow at Ferenc.

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 4k3: 5 8 8 1 | 21

GameMaster says, "(presuming you are trying to act Montaignian and all)"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "heh ... my family has had a long history of association with the Montaigne...."

[aboveground] Cadiz says, "Don't forget he grew up on the border of Montaigne and all."

Ferenc says, "Ferenc du Dore, myself, and despite what Guilliame says, the river border *is* the boundry and therefore I have the largest land. But let's not quibble."

[aboveground] GameMaster says, "I didn't say it was a *difficult* roll"

Giovanna asks, "And why should we, indeed?"

[aboveground] Cadiz says, "Right."

DiegoValdez says (to Ferenc), "Indeed. Quibbling is for court; dinner parties are for better entertainment than river borders."

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "heh"

Maxwell says, "We've been the Marquis' guests here since last night, and it seems we shall be at least a while longer."

Ferenc says (to DiegoValdez), "Some of these parties turn out to be miniature courts in themselves, of course. I hear Jean-Claude runs a resonable party, however."

Ferenc asks, "Ah! What business do you have with him?"

---- MUD Switheroo ----

DiegoValdez says (to Ferenc), "Courts they may be, and I hope we have a chance to court a few fair damsels, and no fear of having to be taken to court."

Ghogg asks, "Ok, how does rolling work?"

schep drops pile of 10-sided dice.

[7thsea] Ghogg rolls 3k3: 10+6 10+7 3 | 36

Ghogg says, "Woo"

Ghogg says, "Ok, we have Guilliame and Ferenc"

schep asks (of Giovanna), "Should I take the time to make a 'roll *'?"

DiegoValdez asks, "How do I mute all channels?"

schep says, "@pcreate."

Emily says (to schep), "s'okay"

Ghogg says, "And Ferenc just asked about what sort of business you were here for"

DiegoValdez asks, "Or do I have to do them all individually and tediously?"

Ghogg says (to schep), "we'll ignore esposions"

[aboveground] Sargent says, "Hm. ifmud seems to be back."

Ghogg says, "Guilliame says, "Yes, I noticed you apparently hail from Vodacce, what brings you up here?""

Giovanna says (to Guillaume), "I am visiting friends"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez asks, "AND ... what's the command again to ignore disconnect/connect messages?"

Ghogg says, "Ah. Who do you know? I'm well connected myself, I might also know them."

Giovanna mentions the name of the family with whom she was staying in the southeast.

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "I can't actually recall what they were called -- if we decided"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says, "You know, an answer would be Much Appreciated."

Ghogg asks, "Hm...why are you up here, then? I do recognize the name but they hail from the south, yes?"

[aboveground] Marmelade asks (of Ghogg), "Did you catch Diego's bad puns?"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says (to Giovanna), "Sorry...."

Maxwell says, "We were going to explore a cave Jean Claude recently discovered..."

Ghogg says, "(for the record, I can't talk on the channel. all responses will be in talking. sorry. mud client dumb.)"

Giovanna smiles. "It's quite a long story, really."

[7thsea] Jota says, "@oset muteconn, @oset mutedisc"

Giovanna says, "But your geography is, of course, correct."

Ghogg says, "(Marquis enters from north)"

[aboveground] Marmelade asks, "Either channel?"

Ghogg exclaims, "Ah, hello, hello!"

Giovanna smiles sunnily at the Marquis.

Giovanna says, "Our host! We were just introducing ourselves... a task that will go much more smoothly now that you are here."

Ghogg says, "Marquis asks (to Giovanna), "Feeling allright? I recall you being under the weather earlier.""

Giovanna nods. "A bit of dizziness -- it seems to be past now. You know how women are..."

Ghogg says, "Marquis says (to Guilliame and Ferenc), "Yes, these are my temporary guests regarding an artifact expedition. Quite complicated, really, I'm sure we'll be more comfortable sitting down. The ballroom is still being prepared, would you care to join us at"

Ghogg asks, "the lounge?"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Also, they were not bad puns. At least, not for the period...."

[7thsea] Marmelade says, "They're bad puns in any period ;-)"

DiegoValdez says (to Marquis), "An excellent idea."

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Tell that to Billy Shakespeare."

Ghogg says, "Ferenc looks at the cat and boggles"

[aboveground] Marmelade exclaims (at Bill), "You're a hack!"

DiegoValdez says, "Well well ... I see the rumours of the household cat are a fact after all."

Ghogg asks, "Excuse me, sir...I don't recall you giving us our name...why are you carrying a cat?"

[aboveground] Marmelade asks, "Shall I play for Jack?"

Ghogg says (to Marmelade), "since you won't be talking otherwise, yes"

Ghogg says, "Well, unless you count varying pitches of meows"

Ghogg says, "Marquis heads north, as does Guilliame and anyone else who cares to follow"

Giovanna follows the marquis

Marmelade's holder says, "Oh, I found him outside my room upstairs."

[aboveground] Maxwell asks, "is Ferenc staying here?"

[7thsea] Jota asks, "Are you guys playing here?"

[7thsea] Jota says, "Careful not to mischannel."

Marmelade's holder says, "My name is Jack [Insert something appropriate here."

Marmelade says, "]"

[aboveground] Maxwell asks, "What did he use earlier? Anyone remember?"

Ghogg says, "(Lady in pink enters from the south. Servants attend.)"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Jack MacEwen. cf last transcript"

DiegoValdez follows the host to the lounge.

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Oo wait, lady in pink...."

Ghogg says, "Ferenc says, "Well, I at least hope you'll put that...thing...away somewhere safe. I'm sure people will not want to trip over an unwelcome pet.""

Ghogg says, "Lady asks, (to Pierre), "And where is the Marquis now?" "He's taking some guests up to the lounge, ma'am, you can follow them right this way.""

Ghogg says, "(people in lounge)"

Ghogg says, "Marquis remains standing as everyone else sits who wants to sit"

Marmelade's holder scratches him behind the ears. "Oh, he seems remarkably well behaved. But I'll keep an eye on him."

DiegoValdez already has Giovanna on his arm, last he checked...?

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "and Jack head to the lounge."

Maxwell follows, since no one else is staying behind.

Giovanna says, "hee"

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "Whoops."

Ghogg says, "Marquis asks, (to Guilliame) "Everything going well, I hope?""

Marmelade and Jack head to the lounge.

Ghogg says, "Guilliame says, "Abit of trouble with the locals, if you know what I mean...missing cattle and such.""

DiegoValdez sees Giovanna to a seat, and remains standing.

Maxwell takes a seat.

Giovanna listens intently

Ghogg says, "Ferenc says, "You intend to carry...him...with you during the party? Where were you raised, young sir?""

Marmelade (as jack) "Why, in the Highlands!"

Ghogg says, "Ah....that would explain...well.....do keep an eye on that...critter."

Ghogg says, "Ferenc strides off north"

Marmelade (as Jack) grins widely.

Giovanna stifles a giggle.

Ghogg says, "Also, new noble -- fairly short, colorful outfit, but mostly the usual -- curly blond moustache -- enters and talks with Pierre."

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "that seemed slightly out of his character."

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "I have no handle at all on jack's character."

Ghogg says, "ack, y'know, gruff."

DiegoValdez smiles, thinking of a short little song about a cat who orchestrated devious crimes.

Ghogg says, "Han Solo."

[aboveground] Maxwell asks, "that's his name, or an analogy?"

Ghogg says, "Marquis sits down next to Giovanna"

Ghogg says, "Guilliame says, "Your collection doing well, I trust?""

DiegoValdez greets the new noble with a smile, introducing himself as usual as Diego Beauchamp (my father had a passion for all things Castillian).

[aboveground] Marmelade asks (of Ghogg), "Could you actually type out #aboveg so we can see it, possibly?"

Ghogg says, "Ah yes, some fine new acquisitions since you last saw, I believe."

Ghogg asks (of Marmelade), "huh?"

Marmelade says, "#aboveg ..Ghogg Like this."

Ghogg says, "I *can't* use channels with this client"

[aboveground] Maxwell says (to Marmelade), "He can't, his client is geborken."

Ghogg says, "It breaks"

Ghogg says, "It says error"

Ghogg asks, "Right, what is everyone up to, now?"

DiegoValdez says (to Ghogg), "((Well, the difficulty is in differentiating IC and OOC. Perhaps the double-brackets favoured by IRC roleplayers?))"

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "Oh, it cries about a # anywhere? Just "aboveg ..ghogg Like this" will do."

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "Oh, that. I don't think that's necessary."

Ghogg says, "[I'll do this.]"

Giovanna is listening intently to the conversation about the collection

Maxwell is waiting for introductions.

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "That will do nicely."

Ghogg says, "aboveg test"

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "The brackets are a better idea. Thanks, everyone."

Ghogg says, "Guilliame says, "You still have that fascinating talon? I liked that one so much last time.""

Ghogg says, "Especially the argument I got over which direction it pulled. So interesting it can create such contradictions."

Giovanna frowns faintly

Giovanna asks, "I'm afraid you've lost me, at least -- contradictions?"

Ghogg says, "Marquis says, "Yes, although I'm keeping it in the case this time, you notice how young Dunstable got abit...carried away?""

Ghogg says, "Guilliame says (to Giovanna), "Ah, well, one person argued they were being pulled north, another southeast, another northwest...""

Ghogg says, "Even though it seemed like it was supposed to be consistent. I tried twice with similiar results."

Giovanna asks, "how odd! and they all tried the talon in your trophy room?"

DiegoValdez says, "One wonders if those directions might have any significance to the person."

Giovanna says, "(to the Marquis)"

Ghogg says, "Ah, yes, that was a theory of ours."

Ghogg says, "(Lady in pink enters)"

Giovanna asks, "Was there any connection to where people lived, for instance? or where they were born, perhaps?"

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "test"

Ghogg says, "(Ferenc enters)"

Maxwell gives channel hack to Ghogg.

Ghogg says, "Guilliame says, "Didn't seem to be, no.""

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "test"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "yay"

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "Heh."

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "..Maxwell test"

DiegoValdez bows to the lady. "Bonsoir, mademoiselle...."

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "well, better than nuttin'"

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "Oh, I should alias that to ;* of course."

[aboveground] Marmelade says (to Ghogg), "If you do that, we'll know what you mean."

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "wait, that won't work. oh well."

Giovanna says, "Perhaps it speaks to their future fates, then..."

Ghogg says, "Lady says, "I am Lady Marion. Who might you be, good sir?""

Ghogg says, "(Colorfully dressed noble enters)"

Ghogg says, "(Colorfully dressed noble takes seat)"

DiegoValdez says (to Marion), "Diego Beauchamp, at your service, m'lady."

[aboveground] Maxwell asks, "a different one from Solo?"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 4k3: 1 7 4 9 | 20

Ghogg says, "(Marion takes a seat)"

Ghogg says, "Marquis says, (to Guilliame), "Oh, you haven't seen the contemplation garden. Very interesting, that. Also I believe the box will be new to you.""

Ghogg says, "[anyone doing anything?]"

DiegoValdez chats amiably with Lady Marion.

Ghogg says, "[(to Diego) well, say something, then]"

Giovanna is still attending to the Marquis' conversation

Ghogg says, "Colorfully dressed noble says, to Diego, "I don't recognize you, where are you from? I, incidentally, am the Count Millaret du Dore.""

Ghogg says, "Ferenc snorts."

Ghogg says, "Millaret glares at Ferenc."

DiegoValdez asks (of Marion), "I am afraid that, being new to these parts, I am rather at a loss as to the gentlefolk of the area. You are a neighbour of our host, oui?"

Ghogg says, "Marion says, "I'm something of a business associate. Although I do have ties with several families near here.""

DiegoValdez says (to Millaret), "Ah, my family hails from the south."

Ghogg says, "[gm idly wonders what pace he should be adding the NPCs so that people don't get too confused :)]"

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "I think we'll get confused no matter the pace ;-)"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "As long as GM doesn't get confused. I don't think I will...."

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "I could make a NPC page like inky's manor.txt, though."

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "I've been writing down names, and I recall more or less who everyone is."

Ghogg says, "Millaret asks, "Aye? What town or lands?""

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "For those we know anything interesting about, that is."

Ghogg says, "(Ian, Gruenwald, Macmillan enter)"

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "Can I say again how glad I am I'm a cat? Thank you."

DiegoValdez says (to Millaret), "(with a smile) Much as I would have liked to lay claims to lands, it was not my lot in life. I was the youngest son, after all."

Ghogg says, "[feel free to ask people about detail, or ask me for more description]"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Also the oldest son, being the only son. But that's beside the point."

Ghogg says, "Millaret says, "So, how have you occupied yourself, then?""

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "where is bastard jack now, btw?"

[aboveground] Maxwell asks, "Is Millaret the gruff looking guy, or has he been silent?"

Ghogg says, "Millaret is the colorfully dressed one"

DiegoValdez says (to Millaret), "As best as a gentleman might. I have considered going to war...."

Ghogg says, "When I said gruff, I meant how Bastard Jack should act"

Giovanna looks intently at the Marquis for a moment, then glances away.

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "OH. got it then."

Ghogg says, "Millaret says, "Aye? Have you applied for the Musketeers?""

DiegoValdez asks (of Millaret), "The musketeers? No ... though it would be a worthy pursuit. Perhaps you know something about their part in the current war?"

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "What are Ferenc and Guilliane doing? wait, just Guilliane, Ferenc isn't here."

[7thsea] andyf says, "Needs a 'shh' sign."

Ghogg says, "Well, there are 4 times you can enter..."

[7thsea] Maxwell says, "Keep comments to #aboveground so you don't spoil Jota or something."

Ghogg says, "If you haven't been in regular service for years it's only the fourth you can try for. End of the year, I think."

DiegoValdez says (to Millaret), "Ah, perhaps next year. If the war hasn't ended by then."

Ghogg says, "Ian says, (to Marquis), "Interesting, er, 'garden', as you say.""

Ghogg says, "Millaret says, "Well, there's always regular service. You just have the air of an accomplished swordsman already.""

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 4k3: 6 4 6 9 | 21

Ghogg says, "Marquis says, "Well, it does take some getting used to. I admit I am stilll abit mystified. But I have been assured it is exactly to Cathay design.""

Giovanna asks (of Marquis), "Is that where you got it? Cathay?"

[7thsea] Maxwell rolls 3k3: 3 6 7 | 16

DiegoValdez says (to Millaret), "You flatter me, sir. My accomplishments are minimal."

Giovanna asks, "I mean, it was made to imported specifications?"

Ghogg says, "Marquis says, "It's based on a Cathay design. I'm afraid I don't know how to go through the fire wall either.""

Ghogg says, "I would love to visit, of course."

Maxwell asks (of Marquis), "Hmm, who designed it?"

Maxwell asks, "Or rather, built it?"

Ghogg says, "Marquis asks (to Marion), "What was the chap's name?""

Ghogg says, "Marion says, "Reibald.""

Ghogg says, "[another noble enters, Pierre showing him in. Very tall, full beard]"

Ghogg says, "[noble sits down...chair count is running out]"

DiegoValdez asks (of Millaret), "Perhaps you yourself have known of some active service?"

Ghogg says, "Millaret says, "Yes, I've braved the Castille lines at an earlier time. Lands ended up with me, now, so here I return.""

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "http://www.bioc.rice.edu/~lpsmith/IF/7thSea/guests.txt"

Ghogg says, "[I don't want anyone to get bored...please do something if you want to try]"

DiegoValdez says (to Millaret), "Ah. I understand that governing Castillians can be quite a handful...."

Ghogg says, "Marquis asks, (to bearded noble), "Eyer, you are looking trimmer than I saw you last. How is your health?""

Maxwell says, "The room's getting a bit crowded, perhaps I'll step out for a bit."

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Hee ... I love this doubletalk ... telling no lies while at the same time leading to a false impression...."

Ghogg says, "Eyer_du_Dore says, "Fine, thank you.""

[aboveground] Giovanna murmurs "if that's trimmed, I'd hate to see the beard BEFORE"

Ghogg says, "Millaret says, "Combat in groups....is so...anonymous....faces never come to me.""

Maxwell walks out, and pauses a bit outside the room.

Ghogg says, "Millaret says, "Only once do I remember killing a specific Castillian...young chap, very spry, bad teeth, viscious temper. Gave quite a good fight before his hand came off.""

DiegoValdez asks (of Millaret), "What happened to him eventually?"

Marmelade growls lowly.

[aboveground] DiegoValdez asks, "Also, does this sound familiar?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "no"

DiegoValdez picks Marmelade up, not really noticing that he's doing so.

Marmelade glares at Millaret.

Ghogg says, "Gruenwald asks, (to Marquis), "Oh, I had a glance again at the artifacts myself. Where did the box come from?""

[aboveground] Marmelade asks, "Was the box one of the original artifacts in this room?"

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "Yeah, we've seen it."

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "could someone reproduce the list bit from the transcript? It'll help those confused"

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "I'll look it up. I don't have to talk ;-)"

Ghogg says, "Marquis says, "Peddler in Crieux. Pierre found it for me. The symbols on the inside indicate ancient origins.""

Ghogg says, "Guilliame asks, (to Giovanna), "So, how is the rest of your family?""

Giovanna starts, but covers it well.

Giovanna says, "It has been, alas, some time since I have seen my father, since I have been traveling."

Ghogg asks, "Your father? Why do you mention him specifically?"

Giovanna says, "My father is my family."

Ghogg says, "[Macmillan excuses himself and leaves]"

Giovanna gives Guillaume a dignified look that defies him to remark further.

Ghogg asks, "Aunts? Cousins? Sisters? Who is it you were visiting specifically?"

Giovanna glances at the Marquis as if for support.

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "http://www.bioc.rice.edu/~lpsmith/IF/7thSea/artifacts.txt"

Ghogg says, "Ian says, "Still haven't been able to translate the blasted thing, Jean-Claude let me have a look at it.""

Giovanna says, "Friends of my aunt."

Giovanna says, "But come, my family history cannot be that fascinating to you."

Ghogg says, "Marquis gives Giovanna a curious look"

Ghogg says, "The Marquis says, "There's a couple things I must attend to before we begin festivities, if you excuse me...""

DiegoValdez nods to the Marquis.

Ghogg says, "The Marquis steps out"

Giovanna says, "I'm sorry-- I believe a bit of that dizziness from earlier has returned..."

Ghogg says, "Macmillan notices Maxwell, and asks, "Excuse me, where is this artifact room the Marquis is...oh, there you are.""

Giovanna gets up and goes out rather quickly.

Ghogg says, "Macmillan asks, "The artifact room, where is it? I didn't want to bother you with all the guests around.""

Ghogg says, "Marquis says, "No trouble, just through that door there.""

Ghogg says, "Macmillan heads out"

DiegoValdez says, "Ah, family. I've lost a number of relatives in the war ... leads me to wonder what happens when the army takes prisoners, if it takes prisoners."

[aboveground] Marmelade asks, "Wasn't Macmillian hanging out in the artifact room with us last night?"

Ghogg says, "Millaret says, "Not my department, I'm afraid.""

Ghogg says, "I just kept myself from getting killed."

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "ian and gruenwald went, but not macmillan"

DiegoValdez glances around in case anyone seems to take note at that last statement, about prisoners of war...?

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 3k2: 1 2 7 | 9

Maxwell tries to look in the artifact room without being seen by Macmillan.

[7thsea] Giovanna rolls 5k4: 9 2 6 5 1 | 22

Ghogg says (to Maxwell), "any kind of stealth/shadowing -- roll with finesse"

DiegoValdez needs practice at this....

[7thsea] Maxwell rolls 5k2: 6 10+10+2 2 1 10+3 | 35

[aboveground] Marmelade exclaims, "Woo-hoo!"

Ghogg says, "Macmillan is casually glancing at pieces"

Ghogg says, "He studies the talon abit."

[7thsea] Giovanna rolls 4k4: 4 5 3 10+9 | 31

Ghogg says, "Millaret says, "And you, what are your desires for war?""

Giovanna looks unwell, and stumbles out

inky materializes.

Eolo says, "(yarr)"

DiegoValdez says (to Millaret), "One hopes for peace, of course."

Ghogg says, "Marquis is casually talking to servants outside when he spots Giovanna"

Maxwell walks in to the artifact room. "Do you know much about Syrne artifacts?"

Ghogg says, "Macmillan says, "No.""

Ghogg says, "I handle more tangible things. I sometimes don't get Ian's fascination. I try, though"

Maxwell says, "nor do I. Seems rather mysterious to me, but I suppose those who know more are even more mystified."

Ghogg says, "Macmillan says, "You are a diplomat, then?""

DiegoValdez says (to Millaret), "My father had a passion for all things Castillian, hence my name. He would have wanted to be able to walk through Torres (for example) without the shadow of war hanging over him."

Ghogg says, "What kind of work do you do? Not much call for diplomats in Eisen. They'd rather just hit at each other more."

Maxwell says (to MacmillanYes,), "for Lo"wenherz."

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "oops"

Ghogg asks, "Ah. Lowenherz. How is he doing? Planning anything interesting?"

Maxwell says, "oh, arranging trade, doing whatever I can to prevent war."

Ghogg says, "Millaret says, "Curious. Well, who are your brothers?""

[aboveground] Eolo asks, "are we taking turns here? or are other people just doing private stuff?"

DiegoValdez says (to Millaret), "You will not have heard of them ... I myself have not heard from them in years."

Giovanna returns to the room where the others are conversing.

Maxwell says (to Macmillan), "I haven't heard of much of note, but I've been away from the court for a while now."

Ghogg says, "Millaret says, "Well, if one is running the estate, I may have heard of him, yes""

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "We're taking turns with Ghogg, it looks like. Feel free to join us...."

[aboveground] lpsmith says (to Eolo), "Most of us are in a common room; there are a couple different conversations going on."

Ghogg says, "Macmillan says, "Oh? What is there outside of Eisen to attend to? What is of importance in Montaigne?""

[aboveground] lpsmith says (to eolo), "Also, http://www.bioc.rice.edu/~lpsmith/IF/7thSea/guests.txt"

[aboveground] Eolo says, "aha. cool, thanks"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "yes, it will be helpful :-)"

Maxwell says, "Ah, I'm on holiday at the moment."

[aboveground] lpsmith says, "I think that's everyone who's joined the party so far. We're all in the artifact room."

Ghogg asks, "Holiday? Splendid. What have you seen?"

[aboveground] Maxwell asks, "we are?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "you are all in the salon"

[aboveground] lpsmith says, "Er, I thought so."

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "I thought everyone else stayed in the salon."

[aboveground] lpsmith says, "Guess not ;-)"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "maxwell and macmillan in lounge, giovanna in library"

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "s/lounge/artifact room/"

Ghogg says, "Macmillan says, "hrm. Claw thingy looks abit different than I last remember it. Ah well.""

Ghogg says, "Sort of an ugly little thing anyway."

Giovanna asks, "Different?"

DiegoValdez says (to Millaret), "Ah ... you have me there now, m'sieur. I must confess ... there is no estate. I am both youngest and oldest son. Hence, having no brothers, you understand how it is that you would not have heard of them, nor I from them."

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "you aren't in the room"

DiegoValdez winks roguishly.

Maxwell says, "Not that we don't arrange trade with --"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "this is maxwell/macmillan"

Maxwell asks, "different? How do you mean?"

Maxwell looks at the claw himself.

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 4k3: 2 4 9 8 | 21

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "ack, sorry. hard to keep track"

Eolo steps into the library.

Ghogg says, "Macmillan says, "Abit smaller. So, just matters of trade? Yet you call yourself a diplomat?""

Eolo says, "I see it is safe to emerge from my room -- the guests have arrived."

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "whew ... sooner or later, my luck is going to run out. hopefully, that won't happen until next Thursday."

Ghogg says, "Gruenwald says, "Ah, Eolo, come on join us. Diego was just fascinating us with his history.""

Eolo walks over.

Ghogg says, "Millaret says, "Ahm. Disowned, are you?""

Maxwell says, "Not only trade. Some matters of politics, war, and peace."

Eolo says, "it's so admirable to be able to have an interesting past; I regret to say my own is an open book."

DiegoValdez says (to Gruenwald), "(laughing) I'm sure I've bored you to tears, m'sieur! Come, let's hear about your family, for a change."

Ghogg says, "Millaret says, "Ah, but of course.""

Ghogg says, "Ferenc says, "No, this is quite interesting. What happened, good Diego?""

Ghogg says, "Millaret glares at Ferenc"

Ghogg says, "Guilliame glares at Millaret"

Ghogg asks, "(to Maxwell) Any sticky matters of note?"

[aboveground] Eolo asks, "I can't tell by the name which of these people are female; are Guillame and Ferenc married?"

DiegoValdez glances around and tries to figure out what in Legion's Pits is going on.

Ghogg says, "[also, idlepeople. anyone doing anything?]"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 3k2: 7 5 7 | 14

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "du Dore means of the lands of Dore"

[aboveground] lpsmith says, "No, have contested lands."

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "Guilliame du Dore, Ferenc du Dore, Millaret du Dore, Eyer du Dore"

[aboveground] Eolo asks, "right. are they related?"

Maxwell says (to Macmillan), "But the others have more to do with the other reichs. Business in Montaigne would have more to do with trade."

[aboveground] lpsmith says, "(hence both 'largest lands in Dore'. Something about a river.)"

[aboveground] Eolo says, "ah."

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "Guilliame and Ferenc have contested lands, right"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Definitely need to practice this Cold Read thing ... unless the TN there was 10...."

[aboveground] Eolo asks, "and is lady marion in the room?"

Ghogg asks, "No foreign dabbling? Hm. A lord should keep an eye on the entire layout of the land, don't you think?"

[aboveground] lpsmith says, "Yup. Haven't talked much with her yet."

[aboveground] Eolo asks, "how old is she?"

DiegoValdez says (to Ferenc), "My father was ... disenfranchised. Rather a tragic story, and which would ruin the evening prematurely."

Ghogg says, "Guilliame coughs."

Ghogg says, "Guilliame says, "Turning into a court, eh? Let us move on to a different topic.""

Ghogg says, "Ferenc glares at Diego"

Maxwell says (to Macmillan), "I'm sure he does."

[aboveground] lpsmith asks, "A count? Or is he implying that the royalty took over the lands?"

DiegoValdez raises his eyebrows at Ferenc in a "what-did-I-do?" manner.

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "nobody's asked about the 'count' thing yet"

Eolo walks over to Lady Marion.

[aboveground] lpsmith says, "No I was wondering if 'court' was a typo."

Eolo says (to Marion), "it's tragic how they're all neglecting the most charming lady at the party"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "count was completely intentional"

Eolo says (to Marion), "clearly I must take it upon myself to remedy the omission"

Giovanna tries to squelch a snicker at Eolo's "gallantry."

[aboveground] lpsmith says, "You said 'court', not 'count'."

[aboveground] Eolo laughs.

Ghogg says, "Marion glares at Eolo."

Ghogg says, "Marion asks, "And who are you?""

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "oh, gaah"

Eolo bows to Marion. "A low-born mercenary, raised in the rough-and-tumble of the streets and unused to high society."

Ghogg says, "Guilliame says, "Now, about that claw...""

Maxwell asks (of Macmillan), "Whom did you say you represented?"

Ghogg says, "As I said before, different directions for each, although we couldn't come up with a correlation.""

[aboveground] Eolo says, "heh, now i'm all weirded out by disconnects not having the /"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez asks, "someone update me...?"

Ghogg says, "one sec"

[aboveground] lpsmith says (to Diego), "Can do; just a sec..."

[aboveground] Eolo says, "I started talking to marion, maxwell is talking to macmillan, guillaime is about to talk about the claw"

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "Eolo's hitting on the lady, Guilliane is talking about the claw again."

Ghogg says, "back"

[aboveground] lpsmith says (to Diego), "End of http://www.bioc.rice.edu/~lpsmith/IF/7thSea/thea.txt"

[aboveground] lpsmith says (to Eolo), "That has early stuff, too, if you wish to peruse."

[aboveground] Eolo says, "yep. thanks."

Ghogg says, "Macmillan says, "I generally represent Sieger himself, sir.""

[aboveground] Maxwell asks, "Sieger somewhat familiar. Kind of a big war guy, isn't he?"

Ghogg says, "Macmillan says, "And if I must say, this letter I just was handed is quite disturbing. I'm sure some inquiries will be made.""

[aboveground] Eolo says, "he invented the Sieger Engine, i think"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "he's a big character in 7th Sea"

Maxwell asks, "Letter? What's that?"

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "yeah, from books. is what I meant."

Ghogg says, "Macmillan withdraws a letter"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "He's the scary one who was supposed to give up his lands to Castille after the 30-year war, but salted and burned so that Castille wouldn't want to take the land."

Ghogg says, "It has your seal, I believe"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Also, willing to lie, cheat, steal, murder, die himself to preserve his lands."

Ghogg says, "Guilliame says, "Anyway, what sort of correspondences between direction and person could there be?""

[aboveground] Maxwell asks, "is it open and is he handing it to me to read?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "no"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "he is holding it in his hand"

DiegoValdez says, "Perhaps we should draw a map and find out."

[aboveground] lpsmith says (to Diego), "They're in a different room, BTW."

Maxwell asks (of Macmillan), "How did you get that?"

Ghogg says, "Handed to me by...an agent."

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Arrr."

Ghogg says, "There were apparently suspicious activites involved surrounding your person."

Ghogg asks, "A holiday, is it?"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "No ... I'm in the same room as Millaret, Ferenc, Guilliame and Marion...."

Ghogg says, "Guillame says, "Except we have to wangle Jean-Claude into letting us touch the claw again.""

Ghogg says, "Macmillan pulls out the letter and reads"

[aboveground] lpsmith says, "Ack.. Thought that was Macmillian, not Guillame. Sorry."

Ghogg says, "The plan is going as scheduled. The proper Montaignian officials have been bribed and our Castille contacts have made good preparations for the invasion."

Ghogg says, "There was a masked man, our contacts report, that handed you this."

Ghogg asks, "Conniving with the Castillians? Trying to claim Montaignian soil for your own, eh?"

Ghogg says, "Some 'diplomat' you are."

Ghogg says, "[heh. other conversations went quiet.]"

Ghogg says, "[you aren't seeing this!]"

Maxwell asks, "Sir, would you kindly return that letter?"

[aboveground] Eolo says, "I dunno, is the lady going to respond? I guess I can keep talking"

DiegoValdez says (to Guillame), "Perhaps if it will clear up the mystery of the claw, he would be willing."

Ghogg says, "Macmillan says, "This is evidence, I believe.""

Ghogg says, "Guilliame says, "Yes...""

[aboveground] Giovanna says (to Eolo), "she's just overwhelmed by your suaveness and doesn't know how to respond"

[aboveground] Eolo says (to Giovanna), "yeah, I get that from a lot of women"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Should have taken "Dangerous Beauty"...."

[aboveground] Eolo says (to Giovanna), "except for the mouthy ones."

Maxwell says, "There may be an explanation for that besides the obvious."

Ghogg says, "Marion says, "Ah, well, try not to put your filth too near to me.""

[aboveground] lpsmith says, ""He closed his eyes, and shook his head--too proud of me to speak!""

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "HA!"

Ghogg says, "Macmillan says, "Ah, well, the letter gives further details. Which I'm sure you are already aware of.""

[aboveground] Eolo says, "yeow."

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "speakin' of mouthy..."

Maxwell says, "As it happens, I am not."

Maxwell asks (of Macmillan), "Besides, of what concern is this news to Sieger?"

Ghogg says, "Ah, they train diplomats to be such liars..."

DiegoValdez asks (of Guilliame), "But you've laid hands on the claw before?"

Ghogg says, "Well, perhaps none. I haven't told him yet. Although I'm sure our Montaignian guests would be even more interested."

[aboveground] lpsmith exclaims (at Maxwell), "Run him through!"

[aboveground] lpsmith says, "Oh, wait."

Maxwell says, "It seems to me Sieger has better chances of benefitting if this is kept quiet for now."

Ghogg says, "Guilliame says, "Yes, last time I was here.""

DiegoValdez asks (of Guilliame), "What happened then?"

Ghogg says, "I believe Sieger would have it in their best interest to quash anyone who connives with Castillian scum."

DiegoValdez waits for the other guests here to connive with him.

Ghogg says, "Guilliame says, "This floating sensation...and...."

Maxwell asks, "Sieger would pass on a chance to expand his lands?"

Ghogg says, "Guilliame says, "Hm. I don't even remember the direction now. I've been confused by thinking about it too much.""

[7thsea] Eolo rolls 4k3: 3 10+3 9 9 | 31

Ghogg says, "Macmillan says, "Ah, now you are more talking of my language...""

Ghogg asks, "So, given this suprise attack you have outlined....what would your lord say it would be worth to grant Sieger some of the land? Hm?"

Maxwell says, "Well, given that I did not previously know of this attack, it would be difficult for me to negotiate fairly."

Ghogg says, "Ah....the diplomat again I see..."

Ghogg says, "Very well, the Montaignians will receive my notice shortly."

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Hm. Let Eisen move into Montaigne, and Montaigne move into Castille. Castille will simply have to move into Vodacce, and Vodacce into Eisen...."

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "musical chairs, war style"

Maxwell says, "But if Sieger were to launch a simultaneous attack, his troops could certainly occupy more land than the forces of Lo"wenherz"

[aboveground] lpsmith says, "I think I saw that happen in a game of Diplomacy."

Eolo says (to Marion), "dare not touch the hem of your dress, m'lady. But it is surprising how the filth brings out the roses."

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "heh"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says (to Max), "Oo, nice."

Ghogg says, "We have other pressing matters at hand....we have no intent of committing forces to another cause at this time."

Eolo reaches out his hand to point, and indeed a rose is suddenly pinned above Marion's heart.

Ghogg says, "Marion backs up and screams"

Giovanna gives Eolo a reproachful glance.

[aboveground] Eolo says, "it's that skill with the ladies that gives me my rep, clearly."

Ghogg says, "I never *knew* the Marquis took such foul creatures into his..."

DiegoValdez jumps, hand on sword-hilt.

Eolo raises an eyebrow at Giovanna.

Maxwell says (to Macmillan), "Ah, so you only want a bribe."

Giovanna says (to Marion), "There's nothing to be afraid of -- he has his little sleights of hand."

Ghogg says, "Macmillan says, "A bribe would be acceptable recourse, yes.""

Giovanna says, "Rather a trivial skill."

Ghogg says, "Marion says, "I am full aware of slight of hand, madame, and he can practice it elsewhere.""

DiegoValdez says (to Marion), "He certainly hasn't slighted you, for all his sleight...."

Ghogg says, "[Marion storms out]"

Maxwell asks, "say, a fraction of any lands L"owenherz gains?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "pouty, those nobles, eh?"

Giovanna murmurs to Eolo, "Smoothly done..."

Eolo watches her storm out. "Perhaps she has a sister..."

lpsmith, dropped when Diego jumped, saunters over by the couch.

[aboveground] lpsmith says, "ILAW..."

Ghogg says, "Macmillan says, "Aye. I believe we are on the same level now. I will have someone contact you later for details.""

Marmelade, dropped when Diego jumped, saunters over by the couch.

DiegoValdez says (to Eolo), "Well, so much for that...."

Ghogg says, "Macmillan says, "I believe I will proceed back to the fascinating salon discussion that is now ensuing, I am sure."

Ghogg says, "[Macmillan goes]"

Eolo says (to Diego), "perhaps she'd rather speak to someone more high-born."

Maxwell sighs.

Ghogg says, "Ferenc gives Marmelade a little kick"

Marmelade dodges.

Ghogg says, "Ferenc says, "Cats. Such foul beasts.""

[7thsea] Marmelade rolls 4k4: 4 5 3 5 | 17

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "(finesse)"

Maxwell collects himself and heads back to the salon.

Ghogg says, "Excuse me, I will have the contact the Marquis and have this creature expelled."

Marmelade scoots out of the way, and Ferenc kicks the couch instead.

Ghogg says, "[gets up and goes]"

DiegoValdez says (to Marmelade), "There now ..."

Giovanna mutters something about this being the most unusual party she has yet had the pleasure of attending.

Ghogg says, "Pierre pops in"

Ghogg says, "Dinner....is served."

Ghogg says, "If you please."

DiegoValdez again offers his arm to Giovanna.

Ghogg motions towards the door

Giovanna takes Diego's arm gratefully.

Maxwell turns around and heads for dinner.

Eolo says, "the marquis has good hospitality, but a tragic shortage of easily-impressed ladies"

Eolo follows the others in.

Ghogg says, "trudge trudge trudge"

Marmelade tries to be unobtrusive, and slips out the door as Giovanna and Diego leave.

DiegoValdez murmurs to Giovanna as he moves towards the dining room, "la familia ... is curious, no? I get the impression that your troubles are rather the reverse of my own...."

Ghogg says, "[enter dining room]"

Giovanna poses (to Diego): Giovanna smiles a little sadly. "I fear you are correct, sir."

Ghogg says, "Big table laid out, Marquis already sitting at head"

[aboveground] Marmelade asks, "Dining room, not ballroom?"

Ghogg says, "Dining room."

Ghogg says, "Not ballroom."

Marmelade slips away south instead.

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "If I go around food, I *will* be kicked out."

[aboveground] Marmelade asks, "Hearing?"

[7thsea] Marmelade rolls 3k3: 1 3 4 | 8

Maxwell takes the same seat he had at lunch.

DiegoValdez sees Giovanna to a seat before taking his own.

Eolo looks to see if a seat has been pre-assigned, and if not, sits as far away from Lady Marion as possible.

Marmelade slips under a table in the foyer.

Ghogg says, "Marquis says, "If you could find a seat you prefer...we will begin shortly.""

DiegoValdez looks to see who he's sitting next to.

Ghogg says, "[Ian/Macmillan/Marion/Eyer/Millaret/Guilliame/Ferenc enter]"

[aboveground] Marmelade asks, "Did Eyer ever say anything?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "he said something along the line of 'fine, thanks'"

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "Right ;-)"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "apparently not.... strong, silent type."

Maxwell asks (of Ian), "Will Gru"nwald be joining us?"

Ghogg says, "Ian says, "He said something about a sour stomach. He'll join us at the ballroom afterwards, I'm sure.""

[aboveground] DiegoValdez exclaims, "hee ... Eyer makes me think of Lurch, only with a beard.... eeagh! Abe Lincoln!"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "actually, abe lincoln's not a bad comparison for looks"

Marmelade, assuming the halls are empty, sniffs the coats hanging in the hallway to see which belongs to whom.

Ghogg says, "servants enter with food"

DiegoValdez says (to Ian), "A pity ... he'll be missing all this...."

Ghogg says, "soup, salad-like thing, fruit, caviar"

Maxwell starts on the salad.

Ghogg says, "Food places, people start eating, etc."

DiegoValdez munches and worries that Gruenwald might in fact be lurking about the haunted room for goodness knows what nefarious purposes.

Giovanna sips at her wine.

[7thsea] Marmelade rolls 3k2: 3 5 4 | 9

Eolo methodically sips his soup, locating and consuming the vegetables before drinking the broth.

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Trying that cold read thing ... again ..."

Ghogg says, "[You hear rain begin falling outside]"

Ghogg says, "[Thunder crackles far in the distance]"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Cold read on the various du Dore guests."

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 3k2: 3 7 7 | 14

Ghogg says, "Everyone quiet conversation-wise so far"

Marmelade shudders slightly.

DiegoValdez munches on the citrus fruits.

Eolo says, "the weather is perhaps a bit ill"

Ghogg says, "Guilliame asks, to the Marquis, "Er, may I ask about that claw?""

Eolo says, "conjures up visions of spirits."

DiegoValdez says (to Eolo), "To match our friend Gruenwald's stomach, no doubt."

Ghogg says, "Guilliame says, "Diego here suggests we work out the direction thing with a map.""

Giovanna frowns at this frank mention of innards.

Maxwell says, "Hm."

Ghogg says, "Marion glares at Eolo like he's some sort of idiot"

Eolo is ignoring Marion.

Maxwell asks, "But where do you place the various people who have touched it on such a map?"

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "And as if she's trying to figure out what kind, exactly."

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "@gag marion"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "hee"

[aboveground] Eolo says, "excellent"

Ghogg says, "Guilliame says, "Place of birth? Place of time most spent?""

Ghogg says, "Marquis says, "Sorry, I'm afraid I have to keep it under wraps this time. Could be dangerous, you know.""

[aboveground] Marmelade asks, "Place where the next symbol is going to appear for them?"

DiegoValdez says, "Perhaps ... place a pin on the location of this chateau, and draw a straight line representing the direction that each person feels."

[aboveground] Eolo says, "mmf"

Maxwell says, "Or perhaps just mark the directions they feel and try to work something out from there."

[aboveground] Eolo asks, "did the others mention anything about symbols?"

DiegoValdez says, "Perhaps the line may pass over some site that is of interest to the person."

[7thsea] Marmelade rolls 2k2: 8 10+7 | 25

Maxwell says (to Diego), "I thought the direction had little to do with the person's location."

Ghogg says, "Guilliame says, "Yes, it could be an excellent exercise, but if our host is adamant, I'm afraid we'll have to save it for some other time.""

DiegoValdez says (to Maxwell), "Hm. There's that ... perhaps the pin should be placed at the site where the claw was found."

Ghogg says, "Guilliame eats some duck"

[7thsea] Marmelade rolls 2k2: 6 1 | 7

Eolo moves onto the salad and the fruit, giving the caviar a miss.

DiegoValdez looks out the window at the storm.

Eolo eats the salad leaf-by-leaf from left to right on the plate.

Ghogg says, "I need to idle for a sec, if you could converse..."

Giovanna looks wistfully at Eolo's caviar, but knows better (much better!) than to try to swipe it.

Maxwell has eaten a little of everything, and returns to the fruit.

DiegoValdez favours fruit and seafood.

Giovanna neatly sections a fruit with fork and knife, then delicately consumes it.

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "or, as the montaignais say, "fruits-de-mer"."

Giovanna sips at her wine.

[aboveground] Eolo says, "I'm not sure they'd really come out with the fruit course, though"

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "If the duck's out, the fruit must be."

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "(as we say at the pound)"

[aboveground] Eolo laughs.

DiegoValdez says, "Hm. Spirits, storms, the mysterious dangers of the black talon ... it all sounds quite ... entertaining, I must say."

[7thsea] Marmelade rolls 2k2: 10+5 9 | 24

Eolo says, "like some cut-rate minstrel's story, made up to pay for a room for the night"

Giovanna says (to Diego), "You might not regard it as entertainment if you had had more firsthand knowledge of it."

Eolo says, "still, is it not said that all the world is a stage? if we ourselves are actors, I am in no place to criticise."

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 3k2: 7 9 5 | 16

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 3k2: 6 10+7 6 | 23

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 3k2: 3 6 4 | 10

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 3k2: 7 1 7 | 14

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 3k2: 1 1 9 | 10

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

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 3k2: 8 5 9 | 17

Ghogg says, "Eyer grumbles, "When *are* we getting to see the actors?""

Giovanna says, "Presumably after dinner."

Ghogg says, "Lady Marion says, "I assure you they are quite fine. I recommended them myself.""

DiegoValdez says, "I believe they have something lighthearted in mind."

[7thsea] Ghogg rolls 3k3: 5 3 8 | 16

[7thsea] Ghogg rolls 3k3: 1 8 9 | 18

[7thsea] Ghogg rolls 3k3: 1 3 8 | 12

Eolo says, "a comedy? that would seem more suited for a pleasant summer evening."

DiegoValdez says, "I think a comedy would be just the thing to take our minds off of the darkness. Lady Marion, I compliment your taste."

[aboveground] Eolo says, "I don't."

Ghogg says, "Marion says (to Eolo), "Oh, and I'm sure you know *all* about high taste in theatre.""

Eolo is busily engaged in discussing things with the person sitting next to him, and doesn't hear Marion.

Ghogg says, "Gruenwald enters"

Ghogg says, "He looks rather sickly in the face but otherwise pleasant."

DiegoValdez is much tempted to address that crusty Ferenc as "senor du Dore" ... but no, that wouldn't do.

[7thsea] Marmelade rolls 3k2: 7 1 2 | 9

DiegoValdez says (to Gruenwald), "Ah ... you have decided to join us, m'sieur? I hope you are feeling better."

Ghogg says, "Gruenwald says, "I'm still abit rumbly in the stomach, but I figured some wine might help.""

Ghogg says, "Gruenwald sits at the remaining empty chair"

[aboveground] Maxwell asks, "The Marquis didn't set one for Cadiz? Or wasn't expecting one of these guests?"

Ghogg says, "Marquis says, (to Gruenwald), "Any special request? I can have Pierre break out a specific bottle for you if you want....that is a ghastly color to your face there.""

[7thsea] Marmelade rolls 5k2: 2 1 9 7 3 | 16

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "I think Cadiz told the Marquis that he wouldn't be joining us."

Maxwell says (to Gruenwald), "Yes, you look as though you'd seen a ghost."

[aboveground] Eolo says, "heh"

DiegoValdez says (to Gruenwald), "indeed, you look like you've seen a ghost."

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says, "Arr. Timing"

[aboveground] Maxwell couldn't resist, and it might just bring something out.

Maxwell smirks at the coincidence.

Ghogg says, "Gruenwald says, "No, I'll take this...""

Ghogg says (to Marmelade), "Jack's, actually"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "I was hoping to bring something out...."

Ghogg says, "oop"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "that was such amusing timing though"

Ghogg says, "Guilliame says, "Hm. Such a quiet party. Anyone know any good stories?""

DiegoValdez says, "Hmmmm...."

Ghogg says, "[Thunder crackles outside]"

Ghogg says, "[more fruit is brought in"

DiegoValdez says, "I have one...."

Ghogg says, "Ferenc says (to Diego), "Oh, do tell.""

DiegoValdez smiles guilelessly at Ferenc.

Giovanna looks about to see whether the cheese plate has been brought in.

[aboveground] Maxwell exclaims, "hee!"

DiegoValdez says, "<ahem> A long long time ago...."

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "alas, we are cheeseless"

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "In a galaxy far away..."

[aboveground] Giovanna asks, "what kind of party is this, anyway?"

DiegoValdez says, "A noble family built their chateau, somewhere in this area."

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "Oh, was my stressful meeting earlier in Eisen? I kind of assumed so, but didn't really say anything."

DiegoValdez says, "They lived happily for a while, but then there came a question of land boundaries."

DiegoValdez says, "It seemed that they'd built their chateau on grounds that did not belong to them."

DiegoValdez says, "Of course they took the matter to court, but the opposing family was impatient."

DiegoValdez says, "This opposing family spread dissent among the peasants, until at last there was an uprising."

DiegoValdez says, "They stormed the chateau and burned it to the ground. Everyone in the chateau was killed, including the children and their tutor."

DiegoValdez says, "But"

DiegoValdez lowers his voice to a sybillant hiss.

Ghogg says, "Marion says, "Oh, I know this one, this isn't really appropriate for a party, is it?""

Giovanna gives Marion a disdainful, chilling stare.

Ghogg says, "Marion asks Eolo, "Do you know any more amusing ones?""

DiegoValdez says, "<ahem> They say that the tutor haunts the site still, weeping for her charges ... and that one of the children had in fact escaped."

Maxwell says, "I think I agree with the lady."

[7thsea] Giovanna rolls 3k3: 5 10+9 5 | 29

Eolo raises an eyebrow at Marion.

Eolo says (to Eolo), "I would hardly dare offend your ladyship's sensibilities again."

[aboveground] Eolo says, "er, ..Marion"

DiegoValdez says, "And his heirs wait to take their revenge."

DiegoValdez drops his fork with a clatter on his plate as he finishes, giving Marion a withering glance as he does.

Ghogg says, "Marion says, "Oh, but I'm sure you've done all sorts of slaying of foul beasts or fighting off pirates in your mercenary travels. Do tell us of some.""

Ghogg says, "[Knight enters]"

Ghogg says, "[Knight walks over to Marquis]"

Ghogg says, "[Knight whispers to Marquis]"

[7thsea] Maxwell rolls 4k3: 7 9 5 5 | 21

Eolo says, "I suppose I could oblige with something"

Eolo says, "Vodacce, where I come from, is a strange country."

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "cold read on Gruenwald, as I finish that story."

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 3k2: 3 8 8 | 16

Giovanna glances at Eolo, amused

Eolo says (to Giovanna), "you will, of course, restrain me from any too-egregious lies"

Giovanna says (to Eolo), "Naturally."

Eolo says, "the islands are honeycombed with canals, and the dwellers on them flit like bees from place to place, sailing or walking"

Eolo says, "if you wish to continue the metaphor, the princes of the islands are like the queens of the hive, sitting at the center where all the workers and warriors come to them"

Eolo says, "but in a hive, the bees bring honey -- on the islands of vodacce, they bring secrets"

Eolo says, "every man employs informers, and often he himself will be an informer for another"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "And other men use TADS."

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "heh"

Eolo says, "I am sure milady Giovanna is herself as pure as new-spun wool, but I have heard that many of the women, too, are always watchful"

[7thsea] Marmelade rolls 2k2: 1 3 | 4

Giovanna makes a faint clicking sound with her tongue. "This is the sort of tale that makes other folk wary of Vodacce..."

Ghogg says, "Marion asks, (to Eolo), "Any incidents in particular?""

Eolo says, "(sorry, afk a sec)"

Ghogg says, "Ferenc says (to Marquis), "I think I'll leave room for appetizers. Where is that 'garden' of yours?""

Ghogg says, "[Marquis gives directions]"

[7thsea] Ghogg rolls 4k4: 6 6 5 4 | 21

Ghogg says, "Marion asks, (to Giovanna), "Perhaps you can tell one.""

Ghogg says, "[letting inky go afk]"

Ghogg says, "Ferenc excuses himself and leaves"

Giovanna looks at Marion thoughtfully for a long moment.

Ghogg says, "Guilliame says, "I think I'll have a gander myself.""

Ghogg says, "Guilliame excuses himself and follows"

Giovanna asks, "A story about Vodacce secrets?"

Ghogg says, "Marion says, "Anything you think would be interesting.""

Giovanna gets a faraway look in her eye. "There is a story I have heard, though whether it is true I don't know."

Ghogg says, "Macmillan finishes and brushes himself off. A maid reaches over and retrieves the empty plate."

Ghogg says, "Marion says, "Do tell.""

Giovanna says, "There was a daughter of a wealthy man, who was very loyal and obedient to her father, and cared for him deeply."

Giovanna says, "(Not all Vodacce are as calculating as you may have heard.)"

Giovanna says, "And he cared for her as well, and so, when it came time for her to be engaged, he negotiated for the hand of someone he thought she could care for: a rich and powerful alliance, to be sure, for such things are what make marriages, but also a kind gentleman, not too advanced in years."

Ghogg says, "[rain sprinkles on the windows]"

Giovanna says, "And she acquiesced in this, until -- what Eolo would call bees -- brought it to her knowledge that the gentleman loved -- someone else."

[aboveground] Eolo says, "grf, sorry. was seeing limax to bed, to dream pastrami dreams"

[aboveground] Marmelade asks, "Did you tuck him in?"

[aboveground] Eolo says, "and spritzed a little mustard and a pickle."

[aboveground] Eolo says, "on the pillow"

Giovanna says, "So for his sake, she broke the engagement off -- and made an outcast of herself."

[7thsea] Giovanna rolls 3k3: 7 3 3 | 13

Ghogg says, "The Marquis glances oddly at Giovanna for a moment, then resumes his stature."

Eolo watches Giovanna thoughtfully.

Ghogg says, "Marion says, (to Eolo), "So, do you have any tales of romance? You seem to have an interest in the subject.""

Giovanna looks hard at Marion. "So you see, there are advantages and disadvantages to such knowledge, and not all the results are amusing."

Giovanna says, "I hope the tale was not too -- depressing, but I do not know what passes for entertainment at your parties."

Eolo says (to Marion), "there is the famous tale of two youths, born to different families, that met on the bridge that connected their two isles"

Ghogg says, "Marquis says, "Ah, we've already taken a gothic tone, we might as well go with it...although that tale was...curious.""

Eolo says, "they knew their families would not approve of their meeting, but love burned stronger than the ties of blood, as is so often the case"

Giovanna looks moodily at her wineglass, and does not meet anyone's eye.

Eolo says, "the girl was -- as is again so often the case -- loved by another"

Ghogg says, "Gruenwald says, "Excuse me.""

Ghogg says, "Gruenwald gets up to go"

Eolo interrupts his story.

DiegoValdez stands. "Is everything alright?"

Ghogg says, "Marquis says, "Are you fine? Should I ask Pierre to bring you something later?""

Eolo asks, "are they perhaps sneaking out to see the entertainment early?"

Ghogg says, "Gruenwald says, "I'll be fine, I need to lie down.""

Eolo asks (of Marion), "what do you think, milady? should we go see?"

Ghogg says, "Marquis says, "Very well, then.""

DiegoValdez says (to Gruenwald), "Here, let me lend you a hand."

Ghogg says, "Gruenwald goes"

DiegoValdez follows Gruenwald.

Eolo starts to stand, to go with Diego.

Ghogg says, "Gruenwald heads south"

DiegoValdez hurries to catch up with Gruenwald.

Ghogg says, "Gruenwald enters salon"

DiegoValdez asks (of Gruenwald), "M'sieur ... you do seem ill ... is there anything I can get you?"

Ghogg says, "The Marquis stands and says, "The ballroom, then?""

Ghogg says, "Gruenwald: No, I'm fine, I'm fine."

Eolo says, "it might be nice. I would hate to depress things further with my story, which I just remembered has a depressing ending."

Maxwell looks at his unfinished food, then stands.

Eolo steps to the ballroom.

[7thsea] Marmelade rolls 3k2: 7 5 10+3 | 20

Giovanna thinks it would hardly be polite to abandon the meal half-finished...

Ghogg says, "The Marquis says, "Well, I will wait until everyone has finished, yes.""

Eolo says, "my apologies. normally I expect people to be eating as I talk."

Ghogg says, "Marquis sits down again and looks at Giovanna"

Maxwell says, "No, I'm afraid I don't have much appetite tonight."

Giovanna glances at the Marquis uncertainly. "Well, if you wish to go in, certainly --"

Ghogg says, "No, no, my guests are more important."

DiegoValdez makes sure that Gruenwald is comfortably ensconced in some couch, then returns to the dining room.

Ghogg says, "I'm sure you will make interesting conversation enough while you finish. About the nature of stories and reality, perhaps."

[aboveground] Marmelade says (to giovanna), "I think the marquis is Quite Taken With You (TM)."

Giovanna finishes what she is eating.

Maxwell excuses himself and leaves.

DiegoValdez says (to Marquis), "Well, M'sieur Gruenwald is lying down in the salon ... hopefully he'll be feeling somewhat better shortly."

Giovanna says (to Marquis), "It can often be hard to distinguish the two, it's true."

[7thsea] Marmelade rolls 3k2: 6 2 5 | 11

DiegoValdez takes his seat again.

Eolo looks around to see if everyone is finished.

Giovanna looks around brightly. People do seem to be finishing...

Maxwell looks for the Marquis' neighbors in the meditation garden.

Ghogg says (to Maxwell), "nobody in garden room"

DiegoValdez is finished.

Ghogg says, "Marquis says, "Now to the ballroom, then?""

Maxwell checks the library and salon, but finds no one except the sickly Eisen.

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "sorry, I didn't mean to delay things; lack of clarity on what was going on."

Giovanna says (to Marquis), "Certainly."

[7thsea] Marmelade rolls 2k2: 6 10+1 | 17

Ghogg says, "[Exuent.]"

Maxwell starts heading for the ballroom, but hearing the others to the north, lets them catch up first.

Ghogg says, "Ok, on to the ballroom -- everyone there but Gruenwald and people still walking towards"

Ghogg says, "There are 3 musicians with string instruments"

Eolo gazes around the room, then takes a seat.

DiegoValdez offers arm to Giovanna (should go without saying by now)

Giovanna takes Diego's arm.

Ghogg says, "a woman and two men. The woman has a larger one she's holding between her knees, the men are using their shoulders for smaller instruments"

[aboveground] Eolo asks (of Diego), "how many arms can you have left?"

DiegoValdez looks with interest at the stringed instruments.

[aboveground] Giovanna says (to Eolo), "I give them back after a polite interval."

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "She gives them back when we stop walking."

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "Otherwise I'd look like Kali by now."

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Anyway, as a swordsman I'm always armed."

[aboveground] Eolo says, "snrrr"

[aboveground] Eolo says, "clearly I shouldn't start anything I'm not prepared to finish"

Ghogg says, "Pierre approaches the Marquis"

Eolo watches the other guests as they choose seats.

Ghogg says, "Pierre motions to him and whispers some things"

[7thsea] Maxwell rolls 4k3: 9 4 1 7 | 20

DiegoValdez whispers to Giovanna: "I don't think our friend Ferenc du Dore likes me...."

Giovanna whispers back, "No? What execrable taste!"

DiegoValdez grins, whispering back, "Si, just don't tell him that ... he's a man who kicks cats, after all."

Ghogg says, "The music goes into something light and fluffy"

Giovanna whispers to Diego, "I'm disinclined to tell anyone anything more than I must."

[aboveground] Maxwell asks, "Are there seats arranged around the stage? An open dance space?"

Ghogg says, "Oh! duh. description"

Ghogg says, "It's like -- a bunch of circular tables in one half -- and open space in the north half"

Ghogg says, "Also, there are appetizer dishes"

Ghogg says, "Nuts and cheeses."

Giovanna adds in a very low voice (to Diego), "And what do you make of our host now?"

Giovanna notes this with approval.

[aboveground] Marmelade asks, "Post-dinner appetizers?"

Eolo stands up, leaving his cloak to mark his seat, and wanders over to the appetizer table.

[aboveground] Eolo says, "candies."

DiegoValdez grins and winks at Ferenc, then looks over at the Marquis.

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 3k2: 8 8 6 | 16

Ghogg says, "Also this silver dish with a fountain like setup spewing wine"

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "Cheese used to be a dessert."

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "Cool."

[7thsea] Ghogg rolls 3k3: 3 2 8 | 13

Ghogg says, "Oh, wait"

[7thsea] Ghogg rolls 1k1: 10+9 | 19

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "right. a favorite food before sugar cane was 'discovered'"

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "Were they known as 'appetizers'? Not to be pedantic, just curious."

[aboveground] Eolo says (to Ghogg), "heh"

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "heh, keep the 3."

[aboveground] Giovanna says (to Marmelade), "I doubt it."

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "I have no idea what the word is. it's not appetizers"

[aboveground] Eolo says, "an appetizer sounds like a ray gun that zaps appetites"

[aboveground] Eolo says, "apertifs"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "hor d'vors or however you spell it"

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "hors d'oeuvres"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "there ya go"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "this reflects my knowledge of the French language"

DiegoValdez murmurs to Giovanna, "he hides his motives well ... but one wonders at all the whispered conversations. He couldn't be conducting business in the middle of entertaining his guests, could he?"

[aboveground] Eolo asks, "are there more guests beyond the ones met earlier?"

Giovanna says (to DiegoValdez), "It's hard to know. He seems, at times, quite concerned for us, but I still have twinges of doubt."

[7thsea] Marmelade rolls 2k2: 3 5 | 8

Ghogg says, "Guilliame says, (to Marquis), "You really should have invited more females.""

[aboveground] Maxwell asks, "So which npcs are here now?"

DiegoValdez asks (of Giovanna), "*you* have doubts? How do you think *I* feel?"

Ghogg says, "Marquis says, (to Guilliame), "Oh? Why didn't you bring your wife?""

Ghogg says, "Guilliame says, "Er...ask me later.""

Ghogg says, "Guilliame says, "Ah well.""

Giovanna poses (to DiegoValdez): Giovanna smiles

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "everyone but Gruenwald"

Giovanna murmurs to Diego (very low): "At least you are not in the position of having to decide how to respond to his... gallantry."

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "Marquis is remaining sitting, Pierre left"

Eolo looks to see if the play shows any signs of starting.

Ghogg says, "Ferenc storms across the floor towards Diego."

Giovanna widens her eyes at Ferenc.

Eolo watches with interest.

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "oo boy"

Ghogg says, "Ferenc says, (to Diego), "You are a filthy Castille dog. You cannot hide it any more.""

[aboveground] Maxwell asks, "Do you kick dogs too?"

Giovanna interposes herself between the two of them.

DiegoValdez says (to Ferenc), "Quite untrue, senor. I took a bath this morning."

[aboveground] Marmelade asks, "Who's scruffy-looking?"

Ghogg says, "Ferenc says, "Ah, and how did you do that? By licking yourself?""

Giovanna says (to Ferenc), "Really, sir, this is quite unseemly behavior for a ball."

Ghogg says, "Ferenc says, "This is not a ball, it is a farce, with this.....slime from the nostrils of warthog sitting here.""

[aboveground] Marmelade says (to Ferenc), "No, that was me."

DiegoValdez asks (of Ferenc), "Of course not ... you wouldn't insult our host by saying he did not provide for his guests, would you?"

Ghogg says, "Marquis says, "Please...gentlemen....do try to be civil.""

Ghogg says, "Ferenc says, "Civil...civil??""

Ghogg says, "Ferenc, infuriated, takes out a white gloves, and hits Diego on the shoulder with it."

Giovanna says (to Ferenc), "It is a concept with which you should try to acquaint yourself."

Ghogg says, "I hereby challenge you to a duel."

DiegoValdez says (to Ferenc), "Come now, there's a time for battle and a time for banter. If we were on the battlefield, we might have to fight, but here we have only to enjoy the entertainment."

Ghogg says, "I shall wipe your face clean from my sight."

Ghogg asks, "You will not defend yourself? You will die like a coward?"

DiegoValdez sighs. "I see you've picked your own entertainment...."

Ghogg says, "The Marquis stands up and hurridly runs east, calling out something you can't quite catch"

Ghogg says, "Ferenc draws his sword"

DiegoValdez says (to Ferenc), "We should take this outside."

Giovanna says, "Well, I see how much help HE is when things get difficult..."

DiegoValdez draws his own, casual-like.

Eolo frowns.

Ghogg says, "Ferenc says, "Fine. Let us proceed with this...""

Ghogg sheaths again...

Giovanna stares at Ferenc. "Such things are not customary in the presence of ladies, where I come from."

DiegoValdez says (to Giovanna), "Perhaps some music might be appropriate. Ask the musicians if they know ... hmmm ... the Toreador song, from that Gypsy opera."

[7thsea] Marmelade rolls 5k2: 4 7 9 10+10+2 7 | 31

Ghogg says, "Ferenc says, "You go out first. I don't want you stabbing me in the back like that last Castillian did.""

DiegoValdez says, "Very well."

DiegoValdez asks (of Eolo), "Will you be my second?"

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "I so long to kick Ferenc..."

Eolo says (to Diego), "it seems so."

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "And you could, too, without his noticing."

Eolo says (to Diego), "but I must say I would prefer to watch the play first."

Giovanna asks, "Isn't dawn the customary time for matters of honor to resolve themselves?"

Ghogg says, "Ferenc says, "No, I must wipe him on my sword now.""

DiegoValdez strolls to the doorway. "Dawn, or sunset.

Eolo says, "in the land ruled by the sun king, you would think so."

Ghogg says, "Ferenc says, "Unless he really is the yellow coward I think.""

Ghogg says, "Ferenc follows"

Eolo makes up a third, looking to see if Ferenc has a second.

DiegoValdez whistles, casual-like, as he strolls to the foyer.

Marmelade goes down to the bottom of the stairs at about the same time the group gets to the doorway.

Ghogg says, "The Marquis rushes in from the north and stops, catching his breath"

Marmelade hisses at Ferenc.

DiegoValdez says (to Marquis), "It's alright ... senor Ferenc and I merely have some private business to discuss outside."

Eolo says (to Marquis), "your guests seem to have forgotten their duties of hospitality."

Ghogg says, "The Marquis walks over to Giovanna and whispers something"

Eolo says, "but perhaps this is just the pre-play entertainment"

Marmelade arches his back and hisses again at Ferenc.

[aboveground] DiegoValdez exclaims, "Arr! NOW I remember why I took Artist: Composer!!"

Ghogg says, "Ferenc takes out a dagger and hurls it at Marmelade"

[7thsea] Ghogg rolls 6k3: 4 1 9 9 2 4 | 22

Giovanna nods to the Marquis, looks around the room.

Marmelade tries to dodge.

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "I have no idea how that would work."

[aboveground] Giovanna asks, "who's actually in the ballroom now?"

[aboveground] Maxwell asks, "Cats get a bonus, right?"

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "Small target, I assume."

[aboveground] Eolo says, "maxwell is"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez asks, "The Aldana style involves timing sword thrusts and stuff to selected music ... the weakness being the chorus ... can I compose suitable music to fight to?"

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "I'm still here, but watching, if this is the short distance I think it is."

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "if you get time, somehow, yes"

[aboveground] Eolo says (to Diego), "you guys are stepping outside, though"

[aboveground] Eolo says (to Giovanna), "and all the other NPC-types"

Ghogg says (to Marmelade), "try straight finesse+footwork"

Giovanna goes over to Maxwell. "Quick, we must stop this -- the Marquis needs the help of his knights, but he can't find them."

[7thsea] Marmelade rolls 5k4: 5 2 5 3 6 | 19

DiegoValdez says (to Ferenc), "see now, that was hardly proper ... a cat can't defend itself against you."

Ghogg says, "The Marquis rushes outside into the rain"

Giovanna hurries out, looking for the others

Maxwell asks (of Giovanna), "Stop the duel? Why?"

Maxwell follows Giovanna.

Ghogg says, "I'm trying to figure out damage...er..."

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Hee ... you're asking the *Eisen* ... to break up a fight...."

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "That was a hit? Sigh."

Eolo asks (of Ferenc), "and you? where is your second?"

[7thsea] Ghogg rolls 1k1: 5 | 5

Ghogg says, "5 flesh, brawn please"

Giovanna turns on Maxwell in exasperation. "If you want to see Diego skewered, very well! But I don't think we can afford to lose any more of our OWN allies."

DiegoValdez steps outside, strolling to a suitably well-lit area. Probably just outside the ballroom.

[7thsea] Marmelade rolls 1k1: 10+4 | 14

Ghogg says, "The knife whizzes over Marmelade and some of his fur goes flying"

Ghogg says, "Also a small cut"

Ghogg says, "Ferenc steps outside"

Giovanna searches up and down the hallways, looking for anyone who will be helpful.

Marmelade exclaims, "Reeeowr!"

[aboveground] Eolo asks, "you guys are in the hallway?"

DiegoValdez asks, "This is to the blood?"

Ghogg says, "It's raining pretty hard now..."

Ghogg says, "Although you can still see"

Ghogg says, "The moon is full enough"

Maxwell says (to Giovanna), "I have faith in our friend."

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "Our friend is like a first-level character. We'd know he has little chance in a knock-down fight."

Giovanna makes a gesture that would almost certainly be rude if Maxwell understood Vodacce handsigns, and runs out into the rain.

Ghogg says, "Ferenc says, "To the consciousness.""

DiegoValdez says, "Fair enough."

Ghogg says, "I'll let you live a coward."

Ghogg draws his sword

[aboveground] Eolo says (to Marmelade), "well, it depends how skilled the other guy is."

Marmelade tugs at BastardJack's pantsleg.

Giovanna seeing that the fight is about to commence, gives up seeking the knights entirely, and runs towards Ferenc.

DiegoValdez hums a little tune under his breath as he makes a few practice swings.

Maxwell goes outside, but is at a loss for words.

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "you don't know how skillful he is yet, do you?"

[aboveground] Eolo says, "I guess this guy isn't the musketeer"

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "Well, he threw his dagger fairly accurately, and that can't be his weapon of choice."

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "I know he has 3 Finesse...."

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "Especially since he left the dagger behind."

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "right"

Ghogg says, "Ferenc says, "Are you ready?""

Ghogg asks (of Giovanna), "any specific direction you are going?"

Giovanna says (to Ghogg), "generally heading to knock Ferenc down by surprise from behind"

[aboveground] Marmelade says (to Eolo), "Right. That's Millaret."

Ghogg says (to Giovanna), "gotcha"

DiegoValdez says, "Certainly, senor. As your people say, 'en garde'."

Ghogg says, "Very well then"

Ghogg exclaims, "Initiative time!"

[7thsea] Ghogg rolls 4k4: 3 5 6 4 | 18

Ghogg says, "Ignore esposions"

[7thsea] Maxwell rolls 2k2: 3 6 | 9

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "I think you can just 'roll X'."

Ghogg asks, "oh, it works now?"

[7thsea] Giovanna asks, "er, what are we using here?"

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "But sums are nice, too."

[aboveground] Marmelade says (to Giovanna), "Panache."

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "(sorry always to have to ask this question)"

[7thsea] Eolo says, "roll panache"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 4k4: 3 2 8 8 | 21

[7thsea] Giovanna rolls 2k2: 5 5 | 10

[aboveground] Maxwell says (to Marmelade), "Not implemented here."

[7thsea] Eolo says, "and you get to make an action on each of those numbers; lower is better"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "2 3 8, total 13."

[aboveground] Marmelade says (to max), "Ah, gotcha."

[7thsea] Marmelade rolls 3k3: 6 5 4 | 15

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "I dunno what I'm doing with those, but thought I'd roll anyway."

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "Hey, you've got claws."

Ghogg exclaims, "Ok, go!"

Ghogg says, "It's Diego's turn"

Ghogg says, "Also remember you are being pelted by rain as this happens"

[aboveground] Maxwell asks, "Giovanna isn't going to melt, is she?"

[aboveground] Marmelade asks, "Is everyone (i.e. all the other guests) gathered 'round, too?"

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "nyeh"

[aboveground] Marmelade asks, "And is the string trio still playing?"

Ghogg says, "Diego....going once...going twice..."

DiegoValdez tries to make this quick with a fast flicker to the right. Also, what's my TN?

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "yes"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "you can hear it alittle from here"

Ghogg says, "your TN is unknown until you try it once"

Ghogg says, "then I'll tell you"

[aboveground] Marmelade asks, "Playing to nobody?"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 7k4: 7 1 8 8 9 6 10+3 | 38

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "there are some people still in there"

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "they're the ancestors of those Titanic guys"

[aboveground] Marmelade laughs.

Ghogg says, "That's a hit. You needed a 25"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "I knew I shoulda raised."

[aboveground] Eolo asks, "a 25?"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 4k2: 10+2 7 3 7 | 19

Ghogg says, "Roll damage"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "19"

[7thsea] Ghogg rolls 4k4: 2 2 1 4 | 9

[aboveground] Eolo asks, "3 finesse, 4 footwork?"

[aboveground] Eolo says, "4 brawn."

Ghogg says, "Dramatic. Roleplay something"

[aboveground] Marmelade exclaims, "A hit! A very palpable hit!"

[aboveground] Eolo says, "not that it appeared to help."

DiegoValdez says, "First blood in my favour, I think. You are too kind."

Ghogg says, "Arr."

DiegoValdez grins and flicks the blood from the end of his sword at Ferenc.

Giovanna stops in her tracks, staring at this scene.

[7thsea] Ghogg rolls 8k3: 7 7 7 10+3 10+1 10+7 6 5 | 41

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "holy macaroni."

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "je suis outclassed."

[aboveground] (from Marmelade) Giovanna . o O ( Wow! He hit the guy! )

[aboveground] Eolo says, "my."

Ghogg asks, "Trying for a parry?"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Not a chance."

[aboveground] Giovanna says (to Marmelade), "Stands to reason I would never have seen a fight before... of this kind, anywya"

[7thsea] Ghogg rolls 6k2: 3 10+9 10+10+6 8 9 2 | 45

Ghogg says, "Brawn check"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez exclaims, "Bleagh!"

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "Actually, 8k3 isn't as good as 7k4."

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "yow"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "no, it isn't"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 2k2: 7 1 | 8

Ghogg says, "two dramatic wounds"

DiegoValdez exclaims, "Not bad, senor! Not bad at all!"

Ghogg says, "Ferenc, with seemingly no finesse at all, takes his blade and makes a deep cut into Diego's shoulder, drawing blood which flows freely."

Ghogg says, "You hear a horse somewhere in the distance"

Ghogg says, "Thunder continues to crackle overhead"

Ghogg says, "Diego? go."

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Arr."

Ghogg says, "er, lemme check"

Ghogg says, "yeah, it's you"

Ghogg says, "go"

Giovanna withdraws towards the shadows, shaken.

Ghogg says, "You see two people on a horse, galloping swiftly towards the scene"

DiegoValdez aims carefully, suddenly drawing still, before lashing out (1 raise)

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 7k4: 2 9 7 4 6 9 6 | 31

Ghogg says, "Nice"

Ghogg says, "damage it"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 5k2: 6 2 3 2 9 | 15

[7thsea] Ghogg rolls 4k4: 3 4 8 3 | 18

Ghogg says, "15 flesh"

Ghogg asks, "Maxwell? Doing anything?"

Maxwell takes out a dagger, but stands and watches the duel.

[7thsea] Ghogg rolls 8k3: 4 5 9 9 7 8 8 6 | 26

DiegoValdez asks, "Holding up alright, senor?"

Giovanna stares at Maxwell uncomprehendingly.

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "I can't parry."

Ghogg says, "ah, ok"

[7thsea] Ghogg rolls 4k4: 8 3 4 7 | 22

Ghogg says, "damage check"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 2k2: 4 10+7 | 21

Ghogg says, "Dramatic"

Ghogg asks, "What's your resolve?"

[aboveground] Marmelade asks, "What did the raise do?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "hm. acutally, I'm wondering that myself"

[aboveground] Eolo says, "a raise is, in theory, one unkept die extra"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Just enough to be crippled at this point. Um. I should spend a drama die."

Giovanna takes off again, searching around for the knights

[aboveground] Marmelade asks, "For what? The damage check?"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "The raise gave me an extra unkept to roll for damage."

Ghogg says, "The horse is fairly close now...you think the front person on it is one of the knights"

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "which you took? OK."

Giovanna runs towards the knights

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "That's why I rolled 5k2 instead of 4k2."

Giovanna shouts "Sirs! We need your assistance!"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 1k1: 5 | 5

Ghogg says, "Ok, not dramatic"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Make that 22 flesh wounds."

Ghogg says, "Marmelade"

Ghogg says, "Go"

Marmelade holds.

[7thsea] Ghogg rolls 8k3: 9 4 9 4 2 4 10+4 7 | 32

Marmelade is not getting wet if he can help it ;-)

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Arrgh, suddenly realised that that was a stupid thing to do, wasting drama dice ... since he has another go at me before I can hit him ... meaning I won't have the opportunity to take advantage of not being crippled."

[7thsea] Ghogg rolls 4k4: 1 2 9 5 | 17

Ghogg says, "17+22 wounds"

Ghogg says, "brawn check"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 2k2: 9 2 | 11

[aboveground] Marmelade says (to DV), "No, it makes it so that he has to hit you again to give you a dramatic."

Ghogg says, "you have a total of 3 dramatic"

[aboveground] Eolo says, "well, yeah, but presumably he's going to hit every time"

Ghogg says, "Ferenc slashes, looking almost inhuman"

Ghogg says, "He has an odd shine to his eyes"

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "Right--you would have had 4 without the dramatic."

Giovanna screams

Ghogg says, "The horse gallops and stop and you hear a loud 'STOP! IN THE NAME OF THE LAW!'"

Ghogg says, "The knight dismounts"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Er ... Well, that last slash would have given me two more ... but if the GM rules that it gives one, I'm not complaining."

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "that's my ruling,y eah"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "I have my reasons that I don't want to go into because it's complicated :-)"

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "Have to get *some* benefit from the drama die ;-)"

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "oh, intentional. I wasn't going to say anything."

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "I'm going to try something special."

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "If it had been the other way around, you can bet we would have said something, though ;-)"

Ghogg says, "Ack, long typing thing gone, one sec"

[aboveground] (from Eolo) DiegoValdez says "...cowering and crying like a baby"

Ghogg says, "Knight says, (to Ferenc), "You are having an illegal duel. You are not a member of the Swordsman's Guild and you cannot legally challenge. You are hereby under arrest.""

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Or, since it seems that the law's appeared, maybe not."

Ghogg says, "Ferenc glares at knight"

Maxwell gasps.

[aboveground] Eolo says, "and think how good he'd be if he'd had swordsman training."

Ghogg says, "Also, Ferenc has a *very* strange look to his eyes...they are downright glowing"

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "Now, had I been in the room, I would have brought that up. Because I thunk it ;-)"

DiegoValdez says (to Knight), "Senor, there is some mistake. This was my challenge."

[aboveground] Eolo says, "and/or wasn't demon-possessed"

DiegoValdez says (to Knight), "and I *am* a member of the guild."

Eolo says (to Diego), "I believe you are mistaken."

Ghogg says, "Knight says, "It was loudly delivered. and...""

DiegoValdez says (to Eolo), "(shush!)"

[aboveground] Giovanna asks, "did we say I could see the main sorte strand w/o benefit of deck?"

Ghogg says, "Ferenc takes a slash at the knight"

[7thsea] Ghogg rolls 8k3: 9 4 10+8 10+7 5 6 5 7 | 44

[7thsea] Ghogg rolls 4k4: 9 1 1 9 | 20

[7thsea] Ghogg rolls 4k4: 8 5 7 2 | 22

Eolo throws his cloak at Ferenc.

Ghogg says, "The knight is thrown off his horse, he tumbles to the ground"

DiegoValdez asks (of Ferenc), "Senor! Are you mad?"

Eolo says, "(stepping forward as I see him striking)"

Ghogg says, "His eyes are definitely radiating light now"

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "And the award for the best question asked to which everyone knew the answer goes to..."

DiegoValdez moves in between Ferenc and the Knight, sword in hand. "Hm. You ARE mad..."

[aboveground] Eolo says, "heh"

Ghogg says, "We need a reroll of initative for everyone"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 4k4: 4 1 4 8 | 17

[aboveground] Maxwell asks, "we start over?"

[7thsea] Eolo rolls 3k3: 10+7 4 1 | 22

[7thsea] Giovanna rolls 2k2: 8 2 | 10

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "1 4 4"

[7thsea] Eolo says, "reroll 10:"

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

[7thsea] Eolo rolls 1k1: 3 | 3

[7thsea] Eolo says, "1 3 4"

[aboveground] Marmelade asks, "Can I take my held?"

Marmelade runs between Ferenc's legs.

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "Front to back."

[7thsea] Ghogg rolls 4k4: 4 10+3 1 10+10+5 | 43

[7thsea] Ghogg rolls 3k3: 5 4 2 | 11

Maxwell says, "What sort of fiend is this? Theus help us."

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

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "Silently, until I'm right under him."

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "I'm concentrating entirely on parrying, watching carefully for Ferenc's moves."

Ghogg says, "Glad esplosions don't count here"

[7thsea] Marmelade rolls 3k3: 2 1 7 | 10

Ghogg says, "Ferenc goes next"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez asks, "Um ... if I'm not making any attacks, concentrating entirely on parrying ... would that change anything re: my parry rolls?"

Ghogg says, "Since Diego stood between him and the knight, he slashes at Diego again next"

[aboveground] Marmelade asks, "Did I get to go?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "no, you can't use your held"

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "OK."

[7thsea] Ghogg rolls 8k3: 9 3 1 9 6 8 8 2 | 26

[aboveground] Maxwell asks, "Ferenc has 1 4 10 10?"

Eolo says (to Giovanna), "it might be worth investigating the artifact room, unless you can do more good here"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "(I think I can guess what Marmelade's next move is....)"

Ghogg says, "ferenc as 1 4 10 100"

Ghogg says, "10"

Giovanna nods to Eolo, goes inside and heads for the artifact room.

[aboveground] Marmelade laughs.

DiegoValdez parries, having also a 1.

Ghogg says, "go for it"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 5k2: 1 8 10+3 3 6 | 21

Ghogg says, "you are crippled, remember, although it's no esplode now"

[aboveground] Marmelade asks, "Crippled == no esplode?"

Ghogg says, "yeah, someone or another on here made a good argument"

Ghogg says, "it's no esplode now"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Oh. Er, okay, 18. Still not enough."

[7thsea] Ghogg rolls 4k4: 6 7 6 8 | 27

Ghogg says, "brawn"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Also, I'd forgotten to implement...."

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

Ghogg says, "you have 4 dramatic now"

Ghogg says, "Ferenc plunges his sword again into Diego, crying out, "Die, foul demon!""

DiegoValdez shakes his head, remembering the time when this would have put him hors de combat ... clearly this roving life is toughening him.

[aboveground] Giovanna asks, "do I see anything interesting in the artifact room?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "no"

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "hmm"

[aboveground] Giovanna asks, "is anyone else there?"

[aboveground] Marmelade asks, "Did she pass Gruenwald on the couch?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "no"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "salon is different room"

[aboveground] Giovanna asks, "is the talon locked up?"

DiegoValdez says (to Ferenc), "Gahh! You're one to talk, senor red-eyes."

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "yes"

Ghogg says, "Ferenc says, "*You*, sir, have the red eyes. Don't try to fool me.""

[aboveground] Giovanna asks, "damn. can I perform a reading on ferenc?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "yes"

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "arcana."

[7thsea] Giovanna rolls 5k4: 7 2 9 1 4 | 22

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "one sec on that"

DiegoValdez asks (of Ferenc), "Let's put this to a vote, then, shall we?"

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "'kay"

Eolo is tossing his cloak onto Ferenc

Ghogg says, "Marmelade, go"

Ghogg says (to Eolo), "I thought you left"

Ghogg says (to Eolo), "argh I just deleted your initaitve"

Giovanna says (to Ghogg), "He told me to leave."

Eolo says, "1 3 4"

Marmelade leaps at Ferenc's face, clawing.

Ghogg says, "go for it"

[aboveground] Eolo asks, "roll what?"

[aboveground] Marmelade asks, "Uh, straight finesse?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "if you don't have anything applicable, yeah"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "(Aww ... I thought Ferenc was going to suddenly find himself toppling off of a large Ussuran draft-horse...."

[aboveground] Marmelade flips through the character sheet.

[aboveground] Eolo asks, "I have dirty fighting, is that at all applicable?"

[aboveground] Eolo asks, "also, which of us is going here?"

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "Dancing? Climbing? ;-)"

[7thsea] Marmelade rolls 4k4: 2 4 6 4 | 16

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "Cat gets +1 finesse, so at least that's something."

[aboveground] Marmelade says (to Max), "Right."

Ghogg says, "A cat jumps at Ferenc's face but misses"

Giovanna goes back downstairs, toward the fighting

DiegoValdez exclaims (at Ferenc), "Senor, you just attacked an officer of the law!"

Ghogg says, "The knight gets off the ground and gives a swing"

[7thsea] Ghogg rolls 4k4: 5 3 3 8 | 19

Ghogg says, "He's still befuddled from falling off the horse and misses, swinging his sword wide"

Ghogg says, "Ferenc yells, "More demons! I'll get you all!""

Maxwell says (to Ferenc), "All of us see your eyes glowing, you demon. Even this cat is enraged at the sight of you."

Ghogg says, "cat, go"

DiegoValdez exclaims (at Ferenc), "You're delusional! Drop your sword and find a priest!"

Marmelade goes for the face again.

[7thsea] Marmelade rolls 4k4: 3 1 3 1 | 8

Ghogg says, "The cat skids on the mud and misses"

Marmelade sits up and licks himself.

[aboveground] DiegoValdez asks, "Eolo now, I think?"

[aboveground] Eolo says, "hee"

Ghogg says, "The baron takes out his sword and leaps on top of Ferenc"

[7thsea] Ghogg rolls 6k4: 9 5 2 7 4 4 | 25

[aboveground] Eolo asks, "baron? marquis?"

Ghogg says, "er, marquis"

Ghogg says, "d'oh"

Marmelade. o O (Who, me? Attack someone? Naaaahhhh...)

[aboveground] Maxwell asks, "wait, what happened with Eolo and his cloak?"

Ghogg says, "He catches his head between his legs as he lands and he twists around, flipping Ferenc onto his back"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "it's there"

[aboveground] Eolo says, "I think was superceded by marquis."

[aboveground] Eolo says, "er, out-panached or whatever"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "this manuever has been brought to you by a raise, Eolo's cloak, and the letter Q"

[aboveground] Marmelade exclaims, "Woo!"

Marmelade looks up, startled, then goes back to licking himself off again.

Ghogg says, "Eolo, go"

Eolo throws his cloak at Ferenc. really.

[aboveground] Eolo asks, "can I use dirty fighting, or is it straight finesse?"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez asks, "3 now?"

Ghogg says, "It's still on his head"

[aboveground] Maxwell asks, "Not the knight?"

[aboveground] Eolo asks, "wait, what?"

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "Ah, it did work."

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "He's on the ground. So hit him before he can get up."

Ghogg says, "Which the Marquis now has in a headlock with his legs, pro wrestler style"

Eolo grabs Ferenc's legs, then.

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "He's a Finnegan? Whoof."

Ghogg says, "straight finesse"

[7thsea] Eolo rolls 3k3: 9 9 10+6 | 34

Ghogg says, "Eolo grabs his legs with ease"

Ghogg says, "The Marquis yells out, "Someone grab his sword! And someone bring me a rope!""

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says, "I get 2 moves on 4...."

Ghogg says, "You can stop initativing now"

Marmelade saunters back inside, shakes himself off.

Maxwell runs inside and yells for a servant to find some rope.

Ghogg says, "The Marquis and the Eolo have Ferenc pinned"

Giovanna finds herself once again staring at this messy scene

DiegoValdez stabs at Ferenc's sword hand and tries to flick the sword away

Ghogg says, "(auto success, here)"

Eolo says (to Giovanna), "all this rough-and-tumble -- it's quite uncivilized"

DiegoValdez stabs at Ferenc's sword hand and flicks Ferenc's sword away.

Giovanna says (to Eolo), "Indeed it is..."

Ghogg asks, "Who has the rope?"

Marmelade says (to Ghogg), "Max went for it inside."

Giovanna does not carry rope in her reticule.

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "I don't know where they keep the rope. That's why I yelled at the servants."

Ghogg says, "Pierre comes out past Maxwell, holding one"

Ghogg says, "He scans the situation and rushes over, tying the arms back"

Ghogg says, "Then tying the legs"

Ghogg says, "The rain falls down harder"

Eolo releases the legs as they're tied, and goes to retrieve Ferenc's sword.

Maxwell goes back outside and watches the strange creature he thought was a human.

Ghogg says, "Marquis says, (to Eolo), "Come on, let's take him inside.""

[aboveground] DiegoValdez asks, "Recap, from when I tried to flick the sword away?"

[aboveground] Eolo says, "you succeeded"

[aboveground] Eolo says, "now we tied him up"

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "Pierre came with rope."

Ghogg says, "Marquis says, (to Diego), "I'll look at you in a minute.""

Eolo sticks Ferenc's sword in his (Eolo's) belt, and helps the Marquis carry him in

DiegoValdez says (to Marquis), "I've survived worse, senor...."

Ghogg says, "Take him up to one of the closets..."

Ghogg says, "Pierre, open the door for us."

Ghogg says, "You head up north..."

Ghogg says, "One of the previously locked doors is opened"

DiegoValdez checks out the knight. "My apologies, senor.... I had hoped to save the gentleman some embarrassment."

Ghogg says, "Knight says, "I'll be ok...did you see his eyes?""

DiegoValdez says (to Knight), "Si...."

Ghogg says, "Body is shuffled into the closet"

[aboveground] (from Giovanna) Diego checks out the knight, gives a wolf whistle.

Ghogg says, "Marquis brushes himself off"

[aboveground] Marmelade asks, "Is the salon door open?"

Ghogg asks (of Eolo), "Are you all right?"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "yeah, do you want to check on Gruenwald?"

DiegoValdez says (to Knight), "But come ... you must be wet through and uncomfortable from riding here so quickly, in the rain. Perhaps a little wine...."

Eolo shrugs. "I stay out of trouble."

[aboveground] Marmelade nods.

Eolo says, "nice hold there, by-the-by."

Ghogg says, "My thanks. Good job with the cloak yourself."

Marmelade shakes himself once again, and looks in the salon.

Maxwell asks (of Marquis), "Is there a doctor among your staff?"

Giovanna looks profoundly relieved that the whole thing is over.

Ghogg says, "I suppose I should look at Diego now...although I'm not as skilled at medical skills as some, I learned a few in the field for necessity."

[7thsea] Marmelade rolls 3k2: 4 8 3 | 12

DiegoValdez goes inside, strolling casually to the dining room as if his wounds don't matter.

Eolo says (to Diego), "you may wish to bind those, before you bleed all over the Marquis's floor."

Ghogg says, "Marquis asks, (to Giovanna), "Are you all right?...I'm sorry, it was foolish of me to ask you something like that...and you running through the rain"

Marmelade goes up to Maxwell, meows.

Ghogg says, "Marquis says, "And that lovely dress all ruined...I'll get one of the servants to take care of you, if you want. Pierre, do you have my kit yet?""

DiegoValdez says (to Eolo), "Si ... but first, a little inner fortification. For myself and senor knight here."

Maxwell bends over to pet the cat.

Giovanna shakes off her dazedness.

Eolo shrugs. "Not my carpets."

Marmelade walks to the salon, meows again.

Ghogg says, "Pierre comes in..."

Giovanna says, "I'll be well enough, sir. I'm not afraid of a little rain -- though the sight of so much blood is new to me."

DiegoValdez grins at Eolo. "I shall take care to bleed only on myself."

[aboveground] Eolo says, ""What's that, Marmelade? Jack? He's fallen into the well?""

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "HA"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "yay"

Ghogg says, "oh, geeze, almost forgot..."

Ghogg exclaims, "Ack! I can't create!"

Maxwell says, "There's something funny about that cat."

Ghogg gives drama die to Giovanna, Diego, Eolo, and Marmelade

Eolo says, "yay us"

[aboveground] Marmelade exclaims, "woo!"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez exclaims, "Yay!"

[aboveground] Giovanna says, "excellent"

[aboveground] Maxwell asks, "Can we assume Jack drags me to the salon?"

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "I would do this with Jack, if he was here."

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "yes"

[aboveground] Marmelade says, "Timing..."

Ghogg says, "Pierre rushes in with a white case"

Ghogg says, "Marquis takes it..."

DiegoValdez takes off his coat and lays it under a chair in the dining room, then sits down and drinks a glass of wine.

Ghogg asks (of Diego), "Do you need help?"

Maxwell goes to the salon at Jack's urging.

[aboveground] Eolo says (to Max), "s/Jack/Marmelade/, I assume"

Ghogg says, "Gruenwald is lying there...he's looking even more sickly..."

[aboveground] Marmelade says (to Eolo), "No, Jack knows who I am, so."

DiegoValdez says (to Marquis), "Ah. Si, I could do with something to stop the bleeding...."

Ghogg marquis checks

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "Well, sort of. Problem is, it's just some cat acting weird to me."

DiegoValdez says (to Marquis), "I don't particularly like being wounded."

[7thsea] Ghogg rolls 5k3: 8 5 5 7 5 | 20

[aboveground] Eolo says, "oh, I see what you mean. ignore me."

Ghogg says, "Marquis says, "This will hurt a little.""

[7thsea] Ghogg rolls 5k3: 8 9 9 4 2 | 26

Maxwell asks (of Gruenwald), "Oh my. Are you feeling worse?"

Ghogg says, "Gruenwald is sleeping"

DiegoValdez grits his teeth. "If it doesn't kill me, it will only make me stronger, si?"

Ghogg asks, "er, how many dramatic did you have? 4?"

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "Yes ... 3 until the knight arrived, 1 defending him."

Ghogg says, "I need to look something up, I'm used to Federico doing all this for me :-)"

Maxwell feels Gruenwald's skin, then tries to wake him.

Eolo says, "5 * dramatic wounds, if you made the diagnose roll"

Ghogg says, "Ok, you have 3 dramatic wounds now"

Ghogg says, "so you are still crippled"

Ghogg says, "Marquis says, "That's a little, sorry I couldn't help more.""

Ghogg says, "Gruenwald wakes up"

[aboveground] Maxwell says, "I get the feeling the GM wants Diego to have 3"

Ghogg says, "Or at least his eyes open"

DiegoValdez says (to Marquis), "It will suffice, unless more deluded neighbours show up."

Maxwell says (to Gruenwald), "How are you feeling? You look awful."

Ghogg says, "Gruenwald says, "No....no...get away from me....get away...get away....""

DiegoValdez says (to Marquis), "Gracias. Merci."

[aboveground] Eolo says, "well, it's "heals one wound plus one per raise""

Ghogg says, "He waves his arms abit"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "I was going strictly by the book"

[aboveground] Ghogg says, "he didn't raise"

Maxwell shakes Gruenwald a bit.

Ghogg says, "Gruenwald says, "It's leering at me....I can see it....""

Maxwell says, "What is? You're having a nightmare."

Ghogg says, "Gruenwald's eyes shut again"

Ghogg asks, "er, hello?"

Ghogg asks, "where is everyone now?"

Eolo asks (of Marquis), "so. what of the play?"

DiegoValdez is in the dining room.

Ghogg says, "Marquis says, "Yes...I believe we need to...lighten our spirits....""

[aboveground] DiegoValdez says, "With the candlestick...."

Maxwell steps out to look for the others.

Ghogg says, "I'll go clean up."

Eolo asks (of Maxwell), "what was going on?"

Giovanna has gone upstairs to her room to rest a moment and try to deal with her sopping clothing.

Marmelade followed Giovanna.

Maxwell says, "Gruenwald looks even worse. And he was having some sort of nightmare, but with his eyes open."

Ghogg says (to Giovanna), "the door to the se is open"

Marmelade, as Giovanna went north, went south and meowed.

Ghogg says, "the one to The Room, that is"

Giovanna checks out the se door

Eolo steps up to change also.

Ghogg says, "Marquis heads upstairs"

Giovanna asks, "The room with the stain?"

Eolo says, "and also goes se."

Ghogg says, "Marquis follows Eolo"

Eolo says, "well well well."

[aboveground] Giovanna asks, "do I see anything in here?"

Ghogg says, "Marquis, Eolo, Giovanna...get to the room..."

Maxwell follows the Marquis.

Ghogg says, "There's....a pile of vomit...and...in the corner...there's a dead body..."

Ghogg says, "It's a maid"

[aboveground] Maxwell asks, "did he hear me talking about Gruenwald?"

Ghogg says, "Slashed through the heart....and there's blood scrawled on the f