[7thsea] DiegoValdez says, "logging"

Gamemaster says, "When we last left our heroes, our motley crew was off back to investigate at Gunther's."

[7thsea] Eolo says, "(if people feel like thinking about characters, the premise is you're junior musketeers)"

Eolo wakes and comes downstairs.

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov asks, "does gender matter? i'm assuming "musketeer" = "fighter" rather than "musketeer" = "gunslinger", right?"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says (to Era), "the Duchess of Rogne was a famous musketeer in her youth. Gender does not matter."

[7thsea] Eolo says, "= member of the montaigne guards, a la the book. vaguely akin to texas rangers."

DiegoValdez says, "Well now."

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "Whoop! alrighty, then. I chose the female swordswoman school, in any case, but that is cool."

DiegoValdez says, "We should chck out what this message from Gunther means...."

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "hee, the character I was making was our eye-gouging friend :-)"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "I can put in 'connections' and presume he got in because of an influential relative or something"

Giovanna wakes up, remembers something, and takes out a little box

Gamemaster asks (of Giovanna), "cute little spider?"

[7thsea] Giovanna says (to Gamemaster), "just want to make sure it's all fed and everything"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "with skill 3 in 'Quack' :-) Anyway, on to the real game."

[7thsea] Eolo says, "nothing like maternal instinct"

Giovanna inspects the spider carefully, making encouraging kiss-kiss noises

[7thsea] Giovanna says (to Eolo), "Giovanna has nothing resembling maternal instinct, you're right."

Gamemaster asks (of Diego), "The motley band is in the streets, if you remember. Onward, or is there something special first?"

Giovanna having seen to the spider's needs actual, potential, and imaginary, Giovanna heads downstairs to find Eolo.

DiegoValdez looks to see if there's a church steeple visible between here and Gunther's. If not, he'll visit the church later.

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "(er, syntax. but anyway)"

Gamemaster says (to Diego), "one moment"

Giovanna asks (of Eolo), "any luck discerning the significance of those papers?"

Gamemaster says (to Diego), "no, it wouldn't be visible from here"

Eolo shrugs.

Giovanna asks (of Eolo), "It's just a matter of reading them, right?"

Eolo says, "it's not any language I've seen before"

DiegoValdez says (to Era), "Well, m'lady, I suppose it's off to Gunther's for now...."

Eolo says, "perhaps it's some strange foreign tongue, or perhaps a cipher"

Eolo says, "hmm"

Giovanna makes a face

Era_Khar'Kov says (to Diego), "Sure. Let's go."

Giovanna says, "Looked like ordinary writing to me."

DiegoValdez says (to Era), "He left me word this morning that he had some news ... I wonder what it could be."

Giovanna says (to Eolo), "(helpfully) Perhaps you are just a bit rusty on your letters."

Era_Khar'Kov whispers, "I'm trying to remember where we ended last. Hints?"

DiegoValdez gives Era his arm (didn't he do that last session already?) and proceeds.

Gamemaster says, "Perception roll to travellers"

Era_Khar'Kov takes Diego's arm (this is becoming a habit) and departs.

Eolo says, "there is a roomful of books in the library, m'lady. feel free to see if you can find any letters in there that match these."

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "I love Eolo & Giovanna banter"

You whisper "mm. we'd just heard about a warband we might contact...." to Era_Khar'Kov.

[7thsea] Eolo says, "it was good practice for pytho's mask"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov asks, "btw how was isreal?"

Giovanna looks sideways at Eolo

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "excellent."

Giovanna says (to Eolo), "That might be a bit time-consuming."

You whisper "and were about to go the gunther's. we also discussed maybe checking out the church." to Era_Khar'Kov.

Eolo murmurs "exactly the idea."

Gamemaster says, "(er, perception rolls?)"

Era_Khar'Kov whispers, "right! and the discussion ensued if i would be welcome. thx."

Gamemaster says, "(Diego and Era? *poke poke*)"

Giovanna bites her lip. "Fine." She scoops up the pile of paper and vanishes (with a distinct flounce) in the direction of the library.

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov rolls 4k3: 7 10+3 10+2 2 | 32

Eolo says, "putting the papers inside for one moment, what else was there? the pouch of herbs, the pouch of tobacco, --"

Eolo stops talking as he realize his audience has departed.

(From Gamemaster) trudge trudge trudge

[7thsea] Giovanna asks (of Eolo), "Don't you have to do another perception role to realize that?"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov exclaims, "whatever it is, I sensed it!"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 3k3: 1 5 5 | 11

Giovanna starts taking books off shelves in a diligent fashion.

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "er,roll"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "dammit"

Eolo sighs, and walks after her. "M'lady!"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says, "whatever it is, I probably didn't."

Gamemaster says, "Carts spin by in reckless fashion as you cross the roads."

Giovanna looks down from the ladder on which she is standing (having started with the top left row of books.) "Yes? As you can see I am a bit busy, so perhaps you might make it swift. Unless in some unlikely event you wish to help."

Gamemaster says, "People mutter as you pass by, but you don't see anyone following you this time."

Era_Khar'Kov pulls Diego out of the path of an on-coming cart.

Gamemaster says, "[At Gunther's]"

DiegoValdez exclaims, "oof!"

Eolo glances up. "Climbed up something without a single rip in the dress? I am impressed"

DiegoValdez says (to Era), "Well, that was a close call. I am in your debt."

Era_Khar'Kov says, "Eisen drivers are so reckless! This would never happen in Ussura."

DiegoValdez looks up at Gunther's sign.

Giovanna clutches her skirts more tightly to make sure nothing untoward is in view.

DiegoValdez says (to Era), "Indeed. I think that's the third time one of us was almost run over..."

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "blinks EAT AT JOE'S"

Eolo says, "you are of course welcome to spend the next week searching through these books, but I am not sure it is particularly the most effective use of our time"

Giovanna says, "I consider it very ungentlemanly of you to refer to an embarrassing event that would not have occurred if you had--"

Giovanna crosses her arms.

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "giovana might consider not climbing too high on the ladder, if eolo's below. unless that's the intent, of course. ;-)"

Giovanna says, "You have, I suppose, a superior suggestion? You admitted you can't read these.""

DiegoValdez says, "(one of these days, I'll bet Eisen is going to build a massive road just for people to drive extremely fast on.)"

[7thsea] Gamemaster exclaims, "hee!"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov exclaims, "hah!"

Gamemaster says, "[Entering Gunther's]"

DiegoValdez looks around inside. "Senor Braun?"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says, "lag"

Eolo says, "you have, I believe, mentioned that there are some things you can read"

Era_Khar'Kov strides forward, looking for the someone in authority.

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov exclaims, "laggage!"

Giovanna sighs gently and begins to descend the ladder again, since she really has no great desire to page through all the books individually.

Gamemaster says (to Diego), "Oh, 'allo."

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "laaag"

[7thsea] Eolo says, "buh"

Giovanna says (to Eolo), "(cautiously) yes."

Gamemaster says (to DiegoValdez), "Ah, 'ello."

Eolo shrugs.

Giovanna says, "But I believe we would need the gentleman's name"

DiegoValdez smiles. "Ah, senor ... I heard that you have news?

Gamemaster says (to DiegoValdez), "Odd incident just this morning right when I opened up. Fellow asking 'bout a sword that reminded me of yours."

Giovanna says, "And, for that matter, I have never tried to read the fortunes of the dead..."

Eolo frowns. "Even having seen him up close?"

Giovanna looks at Eolo thoughtfully

DiegoValdez asks, "Si? Si?"

Gamemaster says (to DiegoValdez), "Actually was waiting outside the door even before I had opened."

[7thsea] Giovanna asks (of GameMaster), "your call -- is there any chance I could do sorte on the dead fellow?"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "hmm"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "you'll just have to try it and find out"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "okay then"

DiegoValdez asks, "What did he say?"

DiegoValdez asks, "Can you describe him?"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "I'll try coins, I guess, first, to see if he was in anyone's employ"

Giovanna goes and closes the door.

Eolo says, "and beyond that, I suppose we should examine his possessions more closely"

Giovanna says (to Eolo), "Keep silent, though you may watch."

Gamemaster says, "Bad teeth. Leered a bit. Figured first he needed to unload something on me."

Giovanna says, "er, please keep silent, I mean."

Giovanna remembers her manners a little awkwardly.

Eolo grins, and steps back against the wall, watching quietly.

DiegoValdez can barely contain his excitement.

Giovanna does a spread for the dead.

[7thsea] Giovanna rolls 4k3: 4 3 4 10+6 | 24

Gamemaster says, "He mainly said he had this sword he thought had some odd specialness to it and wanted if I could take a look this afternoon."

Giovanna arranges the cards a bit self-consciously, aware of the audience.

DiegoValdez can barely keep himself from doing a dance of joy.

DiegoValdez asks (of Gunther), "Senor, shall I be your expert?"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "(any luck?)"

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "You feel like the strands are still strong enough for a possible read, but you are barely unable to make it out."

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "Required raises, but doable"

Giovanna frowns

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "damn, I'm out of drama dice"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "hmm"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "I'll try swords, I guess"

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

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "(grf)"

Gamemaster says (to DiegoValdez), "Well, I had a feeling you might want to tag along."

Giovanna rearranges the cards, muttering under her breath.

Giovanna says, "His strands are fading... maybe..."

[7thsea] Giovanna tries for arcana, though that'd be less useful

[7thsea] Giovanna rolls 4k3: 9 10+4 5 7 | 30

DiegoValdez says, "Oh, you have no idea....."

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "Inverted Tower. (Arrogant)"

[7thsea] Eolo says, "heh"

Giovanna clucks.

[7thsea] Eolo asks, "remind you of anyone you know?"

Gamemaster says (to Diego), "Well, I'm supposed to meet him in Grom's Pub abit past noon, he said he'll bring the item."

DiegoValdez asks, "Ah ... he might be wanted ... I don't suppose it would be a good idea to ask a few guards along?"

Giovanna says, "Arrogance is such an ugly arcanum. It's always good to be humble..."

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "just by way of thoroughness, I guess I'll try staves, too, though it prolly won't work"

[7thsea] Giovanna rolls 4k3: 9 9 10+9 1 | 37

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "(or then again...)"

[7thsea] Eolo says, "woo"

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "There's a fairly obvious one leading straight to Sieger. Very recognizable strand."

[7thsea] Eolo says, "ok, good."

Giovanna blinks. "Well."

Eolo's gaze had wandered to the books briefly, but is drawn back when Giovanna speaks.

Giovanna turns to Eolo. "Some kind of authority connection with Sieger."

Giovanna says, "I can't read whether he was hired, but this is perhaps enough information."

Eolo nods.

Eolo says, "perhaps the messages will be more enlightening"

Eolo says, "I fancy Maxwell may be able to puzzle them out"

Gamemaster says (to DiegoValdez), "Well, just come along and stay in the corner."

Giovanna grimaces. "There weren't any recognizable strands of emnity, though again that's probably because he's dead. And I draw the line at investigating the affairs of his heart."

Gamemaster says (to DiegoValdez), "He looks like the easily spooked type."

Eolo says, "or Lowenherz may have another assistant with similar qualities"

DiegoValdez says (to Braun), "Si. Hm. I should see about not being recognised...."

Giovanna says (to Eolo), "That would be helpful, yes."

Eolo says, "I rather fancy the only affair of the heart he is concerned with at the moment is the knife he thrust into it"

DiegoValdez says, "Perhaps if I dyed my hair blond."

Giovanna says (to Eolo), "All too true."

[Crows-Nest] Eolo says (to Diego), "HEY THERE IVAN"

Gamemaster says, "Well, I was going to go out in an hour, so if you could come back then, we'll make an expedition."

Giovanna says, "I wish he'd lived to explain what sort of sp-- I mean, what his involvement here is."

Giovanna says, "But I suppose we'll never know."

DiegoValdez exclaims, "Si! I will here, come hell or high water!"

[7thsea] Eolo says, "hee hee"

Eolo shrugs.

Gamemaster says, "Until then."

Giovanna says, "Other than the obvious."

Eolo says, "unless we go and ask Sieger."

Giovanna asks, "So now what? We wait for Maxwell to return?"

Eolo says, "well"

DiegoValdez asks (of Braun), "Until then. Uh ... if he asks, I shall be, um ... (glances at Era) 'Ivan'. How's that?"

Eolo says, "we can ask Lowenherz if he knows anyone else who can translate the papers"

Giovanna says (to Eolo), "Is he about? I thought he'd also gone away."

Giovanna says, "Perhaps he has returned, however."

Era_Khar'Kov says (to Diego), "Ivan? I suppose."

Eolo says, "we can see if Brunhilde knows anything of the herbs the man was carrying"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "heh"

Eolo says, "although I fancy it is more of the same"

Giovanna says, "Most likely."

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "(or spider food)"

[7thsea] Eolo says, "that's funny, you don't look ussuran"

Gamemaster says, "Until then, Ivan."

DiegoValdez grins, bids Braun a good day and steps outside.

Gamemaster says, "[Let me know when you want to move up an hour]"

Giovanna idly begins arranging the cards again

Eolo says, "you could, I suppose, check on the fortunes of our friends"

Eolo says, "if such a thing can be done"

Era_Khar'Kov asks (of Diego), "Why Ivan?"

Giovanna looks up. "Ah, possibly."

Giovanna says, "Though it's easier to find out what is affecting them than what is their current situation"

Giovanna says, "I'd be more likely to find out secrets they wanted to keep, than whether they are safe and healthy at the moment."

Eolo shrug.s

Giovanna says, "And I assume it is the latter that interests you."

Giovanna glances sideways at Eolo. "Unless there's something specific you wanted to know?"

DiegoValdez grasps Era around the waist and spins her around. "I needed a name, and our conversation earlier about the Ussuran church made me think of the name. But hallelujah, my honour shall be cleared!

Giovanna keeps fiddling with the cards.

Eolo shrugs again. "I suppose everything will reveal itself in time."

Era_Khar'Kov is somewhat taken aback by Diego enthusiasm.

Ender arrives at home.

DiegoValdez says, "Can you imagine what le Marquis would have thought, if I had lost his sword? This is more than about a lost sword. It's about my honour."

Giovanna says (to Eolo), "Ah, the virtue of patience."

Eolo says, "it becomes mere hubris if one's enemies continue to plot as you wait"

Giovanna says (to Eolo), "True enough."

DiegoValdez says, "Now. I need to find some sort of hair dye ... some sort of, ah, non-Castillian costume...."

Eolo says, "but I am not sure what else we can do"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "which brings me back to a rather old topic"

Eolo says, "I suppose we can locate Franz and see about having the man's body retrieved from the forest"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez asks, "how easy is hair dye to find?"

Eolo says, "it seems so messy to leave evidence about"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "but it's still the same campaign, so: I want to do a swords check on myself and see if She is still against me"

Giovanna says (to Eolo), "(a bit absently) You go ahead. Dead bodies bore me."

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "TN 10"

[7thsea] Giovanna rolls 4k3: 2 6 1 4 | 12

Era_Khar'Kov says (to Diego), "Giovanna should know where to find it."

Eolo raises an eyebrow at such peculiar tastes, but proceeds from the room.

Eolo looks around for Franz.

[Crows-Nest] Gamemaster says, "hee"

[Crows-Nest] Gamemaster asks, "Giovanna's been jaded by all the ones she's created from her pet spiders?"

[Crows-Nest] Giovanna says, "(what, necrophilia would make more sense?)"

Gamemaster says (to Eolo), "Ah, good to see you up and about, sir, I was just about to inquire on you."

DiegoValdez says (to Era), "Si, but she's probably taking it easy back at Lowenherz' manor ... hm ... or alternatively I could get a powdered wig.... and I have but an hour ... oh, the things to do...."

[Crows-Nest] Eolo exclaims, "my interest is purely platonic!"

[Crows-Nest] Era_Khar'Kov says, "or pyrohomonecrobestiality. :-)"

[Crows-Nest] Giovanna says (to Era_Khar'Kov), "That's only if he burns the body."

[Crows-Nest] Era_Khar'Kov exclaims, "but, of course!"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says, "Okay. I need to throw together some sort of disguise so that I'm not so easily recognisable as the Castillian Senor Valdez...."

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "(so I pass the TN -- am I to assume she's still out there working her evil ways?)"

Eolo says (to Franz), "it is good to be here, yes. there were a few points yesterday when I was unsure if I would be exiting the forest."

[7thsea] Eolo exclaims, "shave your moustache!"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "TN 10 was to Diego"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "(oh)"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "(sorry)"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "you need a TN 15 for your roll"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "(ah, okay)"

Era_Khar'Kov says (to Diego), "A powdered wig has the advantage of being easy to remove, and re-usable."

[7thsea] DiegoValdez asks, "ook. uh, what do i roll?"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "He asked how hard it would be to find dye"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "(I thought maybe it was reduced for my having already done a check on the subject, or something)"

[7thsea] Gamemaster asks, "well, you don't have any streetwise or merchant?"

DiegoValdez says (to Era), "that is true."

Eolo says (to Franz), "and, speaking of which, there is a dead body in the forest which I would like to remove"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "straight wits"

Eolo asks (of Franz), "is there a servant or two who could be spared to assist me?"

Giovanna, disgusted, collects all her cards together when something occurs to her

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 3k3: 4 8 5 | 17

Giovanna then thinks better of it, and goes out.

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "You can roleplay finding the appropriate ingredients to whatever disguise you were going to concoct"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "you'll need another roll for how well the disguising goes of course :-)"

Era_Khar'Kov says (to Diego), "Boots could make you look taller, and a padded vest would add girth."

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov asks, "anyone have fashion or disguise?"

DiegoValdez says, "Hm, a padded vest. That should not be too difficult."

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says, "I have fashion."

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "Diego has fashion"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "I was going to have him roll wits+ fashion for the disguise"

Giovanna looks at Eolo. "Still moving the body? I'd think leaving it for the animals would be a... rather suitable sort of recompense."

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "I should have known. Ever the snappy dresser. ;-)"

Gamemaster says (to Eolo), "Well, since we lack horses, yes."

Giovanna says, "But there are those who consider me hard-hearted."

DiegoValdez asks, "Let us see ... what's the latest among the lower-middle classes of Montaigne...?"

Gamemaster says, "There's two young'uns who have nothing to do at present."

Giovanna says, "Ah, good. Send the children out to move the body: it'll be educational."

[Crows-Nest] Gamemaster says, "much better than Sesame Street"

Eolo says (to Giovanna), "your enthusiasm for the corpses seems to have been rekindled most suddenly, m'lady"

Gamemaster says (to DiegoValdez), "go ahead and roll 'em now"

Eolo says (to Franz), "excellent."

DiegoValdez dashes off from shop to shop....

[Crows-Nest] Giovanna says, "this corpse has been brought to you by the letter C"

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

[Crows-Nest] Eolo exclaims, "yay!"

Giovanna says (to Eolo), "I became bored within, sir."

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "Oh, if you like, I could break out some of our cheese stock for breakfast."

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says, "erf"

Eolo asks (of Franz), "and, for another, the man was carrying some papers in some sort of cipher -- are there any about who could translate such a thing?"

Giovanna's eyes widen

Gamemaster asks (of Eolo), "A cipher?"

Gamemaster frowns.

Giovanna says (to Franz), "That would be excellent."

Gamemaster says (to Eolo), "Let me look at it."

Eolo says, "or perhaps just some exotic language"

Eolo hands over the papers.

Giovanna says, "(or perhaps Eolo has forgotten how to read)"

DiegoValdez asks (of Era), "Well? What do you think? Am I me or am I someone else?"

Giovanna says (to Franz), "If it turns out to be in good plain Eisen, I want you to say so and not spare his feelings."

Gamemaster says, "Well, let me handle the food first, then I'll get working on this. I handle Lowenherz's correspondence, you see, I have a notion of this sort of thing. This is definitely a modified form of High Eisen."

Eolo says (to Giovanna), "this interest in reading is beginning to amount to an obsession, m'lady"

Era_Khar'Kov asks (of Diego), "Just a business suggestion, of course, but would a Ussuran "sister" lend verisimilitude to your disguise?"

Eolo asks, "high eisen? the language of diplomats?"

Giovanna says (to Eolo), "An interest in cultivating the mind. I realize you wouldn't understand."

DiegoValdez says (to Era), "Hm. You're absolutely right, of course. But I don't know any Ussuran."

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov exclaims, "ha!"

DiegoValdez asks (of Era), "What if they test me on it?"

Era_Khar'Kov asks, "Hmmm. Perhaps you're a half-blood? Raised in (wherever you're from)?"

Giovanna waits with as much patience as she can muster for the appearance of the cheese.

Gamemaster says (to Eolo), "Well, when people in an official mood are struck by officialness."

Gamemaster says (to Eolo), "This is still in cipher, so it may take me some time."

Eolo says, "our friend did not strike me as much of an official, but"

Eolo shrugs.

Gamemaster says, "But first the food. If you'll excuse me."

DiegoValdez says, "A half-blooded Ussuran raised in Castille? That sounds rather dubious ..."

Era_Khar'Kov says, "But that would make you from the wrong side of the blanket, so maybe not."

Eolo says, "please."

Giovanna says (to Eolo), "(In an undertone) You slipped him a coin while I was still inside, I know it."

DiegoValdez says, "Oh wait, of course I'm trying to be as un-Castillian as possible."

DiegoValdez asks (of Era), "Oh, I know ... supposing you're my wife?"

Era_Khar'Kov says, "Especially since it would be obvious to anyone with any familiarity to Ussurans, that I am full blooded."

Eolo says (to Giovanna), "m'lady, I had plenty of chances to see Eisen writing at school, even if I did not learn to read it all"

Era_Khar'Kov has a strange expression cross her face.

Giovanna smirks knowingly, but nods as though she agrees.

Era_Khar'Kov says, "That could work."

DiegoValdez is oblivious to any strange expressions. "Si ... I mean, oui ..."

Giovanna says, "Well. For the future, you know, it's quite safe to admit ignorance. I mean, I shouldn't mock you or anything of that nature. I regard us as allies now, all things considered."

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "Breakfast is served."

Eolo says, "we have been through a certain amount together, yes"

DiegoValdez says, "No, you were right the first time ... being a bastard might endear me more to the rough side...."

Giovanna's head lifts. "Ah..."

Eolo says, "which reminds me, I must take some time today to teach you how to use that knife."

Era_Khar'Kov says, "Well. If you insist."

Giovanna nods to Eolo, but drifts inexorably in the direction of the dairy products.

Franz has entered from behind the curtain.

Era_Khar'Kov says, "This is your task, after all."

Eolo follows Giovanna to the table.

DiegoValdez says (to Era), "What would I ever do without you."

Giovanna says, "Ah, yes, the knife."

Franz says, "[There, for Franz lines.]"

Era_Khar'Kov grins. Languish! she exclaims.

Giovanna begins to slice the cheese into (rather large) wedges.

Gamemaster says, "(also, Era and Diego, buzz me when you are ready for going to Gunther's)"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "choke"

Era_Khar'Kov says (to game), "Now's good."

DiegoValdez says (to Era), "On my honour, if we retrieve the Marquis's sword, I shall do everything in my power to aid you in your on search."

Franz says (to Giovanna), "Oh, and regarding that book you somewhat impulsively decided to read."

Giovanna says (to Eolo), "This brings me to another topic: you may have noticed that my mood in the morning is not always of the best. A peculiarity. I apologize if I was a bit abrupt this morning."

Giovanna looks a bit guiltily at Franz.

Giovanna says, "Is it still about? I'd be curious to have another look..."

Giovanna says, "I wasn't feeling well when I looked into it the first time and I think I may have missed something."

DiegoValdez gets dressed in something with a sort of head-covering (hat or hood) that shades his eyes.

Franz says (to Giovanna), "I do think it should be burned, but I of course have to ask Lowenherz's permission, so it is secured where you will not find it. Please don't worry on it any longer. Consider it extinguished."

Giovanna frowns sharply.

Oswald has disconnected.

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "this is all on Era's money, of course, since all of Diego's got stolen :-"

DiegoValdez accompanies Era back to Gunther's, slouching a little more than normal.

Giovanna says, "I believe Lowenherz said it was not under any circumstance to be burnt."

Giovanna says, "And I have to say I consider that to have been wise."

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says, "Si, and I will pay back every penny."

Franz says, "Well, we have to discuss this ourselves, of course. I'll leave you to your food as I peruse these documents."

Giovanna says, "As for security -- (and here she smiles winningly) -- that is a waste of energy. I am still curious, but I would not look for it if you did not feel right in showing it to me."

Giovanna says (to Franz), "Goodbye."

Franz bows deeply.

Giovanna eats her cheese in an attentive manner as though thinking about nothing else.

Franz steps behind the curtain.

Giovanna kicks Eolo under the table

Eolo glances over in her general direction.

Eolo asks, "did you wish me to pass the butter, m'lady?"

Giovanna says (to Eolo), "(in whispered Vodacce) where around here would you conceal a rather large tome? if you had to, I mean."

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "it wouldn't melt in her mouth."

Giovanna says (to Eolo), "(in a normal voice) Yes, please."

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says, "hee"

Eolo hands over the butter. "What book is this?"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "while out on a spending spree with diego, era buys a few items for herself."

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says, "Ah, just for fun let's say that, for the next couple of weeks, Diego will be blond...."

Giovanna takes the butter and then looks at it in some consternation, since it's not really the sort of thing one can spread on cheese.

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "this time, in terms of his hair-color."

[7thsea] DiegoValdez exclaims, "Hee!"

Giovanna says (to Eolo), "(in whispered Vodacce) I'm only asking about security matters. (more loudly) Perhaps you could hand across the bread as well. (in whispers again) Never mind what it is for."

[7thsea] DiegoValdez asks, "Er, we should probably leave word with the city guard about what's happening, eh?"

Giovanna looks about the table to see if there is any sausage or other meat product.

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "you don't have enough time to stop by the constabulatory, if that's what you mean"

Eolo passes over a loaf of bread. "This is a rather large house, m'lady."

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "No sausages."

Giovanna asks (of Eolo), "(quietly) Yes, but in your experience, which in desperation I will pretend to suppose is extensive, where would be the place most safe against the curiosity of the chance visitor?"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says, "Arr. okay. Right, at Gunther's."

Giovanna spreads the bread with butter and chews meditatively.

GuntherBraun has entered from behind the curtain.

GuntherBraun says (to DiegoValdez), "Ah, right on time."

Eolo asks, "in a locked desk in Lowenherz's locked study, I imagine. now, what book is this? and why the urgency?"

Giovanna says, "I wonder where the sausages are."

GuntherBraun asks, "Er, what are you supposed to be looking like?"

DiegoValdez says (to Gunther), "Well ... as little like my normal self as possible."

GuntherBraun says, "Your hair looks abit funny. Doesn't seem you got all the dye to soak in right."

Giovanna says (to Eolo), "It's nothing."

Eolo says, "perhaps your prejudice against them was too-loudly expressed."

Era_Khar'Kov says, "Hmph. Punctual, as always. He was even born "early.""

Giovanna says (to Eolo), "yes, but one must feed a spider, and spiders don't eat bread. Nor are flies drawn to it."

Eolo says (to Giovanna), "and to think, it was mere minutes ago that we were steadfast allies."

DiegoValdez says (to Gunther), "by the way, I'd like to introduce you to my sister, uh....."

Giovanna asks, "Also, what do you mean too-loudly?"

Eolo says, "I will fetch some sausages."

Giovanna (to Eolo) sighs gently

Eolo rises and walks to the kitchen.

Era_Khar'Kov says, "Nice to meet you. I'm Era."

Giovanna looks after Eolo thoughtfully.

Era_Khar'Kov wishes she & Diego had thought of a last name on the way here.

Eolo emerges from the kitchen eventually, a plateful of sausages in hand.

DiegoValdez suddenly remembers his swordsman pin ... tucks it away so it's hidden.

Eolo says, "your sausages, m'lady."

GuntherBraun says (to Era_Khar'Kov), "Yew forgot you introduced yourself already? Asked 'bout the daggers and all that."

Giovanna smiles exceedingly graciously.

Giovanna says, "Thank you."

Giovanna begins to take bits of sausage and put them to one side in a little heap.

GuntherBraun says, "Anyway, this way, I'll lock 'em up here."

Era_Khar'Kov blushes. Of course, sir.

Giovanna says (to Eolo), "(in a whisper) I suppose I must trust you."

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov exclaims, "grr. forgot his name!"

DiegoValdez says (to Gunther), "ah, but this time we're here as brother and sister. We're not the same people at all."

Giovanna says (to Eolo), "since you seem oddly disinclined to help me else"

Eolo says (to Giovanna), "it is an odd habit of mine, yes."

[7thsea] DiegoValdez asks, "?"

Era_Khar'Kov says (to Diego), "Half-brother."

Giovanna says (to Eolo), "There is a book in Lowenherz's possession that contains information about... unusual kinds of sorte magic."

GuntherBraun says, "Well, out this way..."

DiegoValdez says, "Oh, right. Da."

Giovanna says, "I believe that it is itself enchanted."

(From Gamemaster) Trudge...

Eolo asks, "enchanted? how?"

Giovanna says, "I began to look at it, and I had the beginnings of an understanding of what it meant... and then I fainted again, and had strange visions, and... well, to be frank, the memory itself begins to cloud"

Giovanna says, "but I think that what it contains is of the greatest importance"

Giovanna says, "and might explain some of what is happening to em"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "(er, to me)"

Eolo frowns.

Giovanna says, "But Franz thinks it is dangerous and has hidden it."

Giovanna says, "And I can't seem to dissuade him."

Eolo says, "I can't imagine where he got that idea from"

Giovanna says, "I tried arguing very nicely with him, but..."

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says (to Giovanna), "'to Em' works ... but only for you."

GuntherBraun says, "Over here. The one with the big pig on the sign. A hive of scum and villany, but they serve good beer."

Eolo says, "nevertheless ."

Giovanna asks (of Eolo), "no, it's most peculiar. So will you help me?"

DiegoValdez says (to Gunther), "Ah. Lead the way...."

Eolo says, "first I will see that the body is moved."

Giovanna says, "There's not much we can do in the matter of Sieger, while Franz is looking at the letters..."

Giovanna tries to look charming, which is a bit of an effort when directed at Eolo, but she does her best anyway.

Giovanna says, "Ah"

Giovanna says, "yes, that."

Gamemaster says (to Diego), "It's a fairly small place, falling apart, abit east of Gunther's."

Giovanna says, "And there is, I suppose, probably time for a lesson in knife-throwing, as well, sometime."

Gamemaster says (to Diego), "Ten tables and stools and a bar."

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "grr lag"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez asks (of GM), "Chandelier?"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "there's a fixture spot, no chandelier"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says, "(rule #8 of playing 7th Sea: always check for a chandelier.)"

[7thsea] Eolo laughs.

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "there's been ones in Lowenherz's but nobody ever bothered to ask"

Eolo says, "right."

DiegoValdez looks around, noting all the useful spots that might come in handy if a brawl were to break out.

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov exclaims, "hee!"

Giovanna says, "very well. You see to the body, and I shall feed my small friend. (Touchingly soft expression, which fades again as quickly as it came.)"

Gamemaster says, "Very few customers, just three types of various grubbiness at the stools."

Era_Khar'Kov raises an eyebrow at Diego.

Era_Khar'Kov asks, "Making plans?"

GuntherBraun says (to Diego), "This place gets lively at night."

Eolo rises from the table, and goes looking for Franz, to find out the names of the boys in question.

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says, "(rule #9 of playing 7th Sea: always assume the presence of chandeliers.)"

Giovanna puts the sausage bits on a plate. With practiced nonchalantness she also happens to take another wodge of cheese, and then she goes upstairs.

DiegoValdez says (to Era), "Ah, contingency plans."

DiegoValdez says (to Gunther), "just as well, this meeting is happening while the place is relatively empty, then."

[Crows-Nest] Era_Khar'Kov says, "wodge must be an raif word. I'd never heard it till reading Sarge's review of the latest comp. great word."

Gamemaster says (to Eolo), "He's in the library scribbling away"

Eolo asks (of Franz), "those boys you mentioned, to help me carry? where are they?"

Giovanna puts the bits into the spider box.

Gamemaster says (to Eolo), "Morte and Greely. Should be lounging outside somewhere."

Eolo says, "excellent. thank you."

Eolo goes outside to look.

Gamemaster says (to Eolo), "12 and 13, but fairly strong, you shouldn't have any troubles."

DiegoValdez picks a table with a candle on it.

GuntherBraun says (to Diego), "I'll head for the other corner."

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "also, this is one part I really wish I could draw out a map"

[7thsea] Eolo says, "(morte, eh?)"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "his last name is "Ician""

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov asks, "fighting?"

DiegoValdez nods.

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "that all depends on the players, of course"

DiegoValdez says (to Era), "Well, 'sister', it won't be long now...."

Era_Khar'Kov accompanies Diego to the table, and tosses her hair over her shoulder, her nose ever-so-slightly in the air.

DiegoValdez slouches.

DiegoValdez slouches uncharacteristically.

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says, "ALL my characters have ramrod postures."

Era_Khar'Kov looks petulant.

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "hee"

DiegoValdez looks whipped.

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "we're quite the pair."

Gamemaster says, "Two enter. One is a shifty looking sort who is slightly hunched, the other is almost of towering height but not overly heavy."

Gamemaster says, "They both have dark hair, very dirty, hasn't been washed in a while."

DiegoValdez looks discreetly, in case he recognises anyone.

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "lag."

Gamemaster says, "They both wear dark clothes, fairly torn up."

Gamemaster says, "Their feet creak on the floorboards as they glance from left to right. [Acting rolls for both Era and Diego, with wits.]"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 4k3: 6 8 8 5 | 22

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov rolls 3k3: 10+8 4 4 | 26

Gamemaster says (to Diego), "Neither of them are knife-boy."

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "outclassed by the amateur"

Giovanna comes out and begins looking about the place discreetly on her own

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "<grin>"

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "Quick general layout --"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "its my natural panache and suavity."

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "It hasn't been important before so I've just said You Go To Room X"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov asks, "hmm. suaveness?"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "suavitas"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "or the masculine "suavitos""

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "i'm getting punchy. its the rum'n'java"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says, "heh"

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "Consider main entrance south side center, and the estate a big rectangle, long on the east-west side. There's a main corridor going from the main entrance straight north to an east-west hall in the back of the estate."

Eolo is looking around for Morte and Greely

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "That corridor is where you had Wolf Battle"

DiegoValdez tries to look inconspicuous.

Giovanna says, "lovely"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "er, but I say it here"

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "Those are the two main corridors, and all the rooms lead off those."

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "another situation I'd like to be here physically so I could just draw the blasted thing. anyway."

[7thsea] Giovanna asks, "okay, and Franz is in the study?"

Gamemaster says, "Two ragged fellows approach Gunther's table."

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "the library"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov asks, "any kind of graphics editor could create a basic map (lines & rooms) to publish to web. would that work?"

Giovanna looks up and down the hall discreetly

DiegoValdez waits with bated breath

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "Era: I've tried that before, it turned out too much a pain in the neck"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "ah. n'er mind then."

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "Also, two ragged fellows, I mean The two"

Giovanna tiptoes along the north-south corridor, glancing into side rooms

Gamemaster asks (of Gunther), "[hunchbacked person speaking] Ah, Gunther. You are well I trust?"

GuntherBraun asks, "As well as can be expected. What is this you have to show me?"

DiegoValdez picks up the candle on his table, fingering the candleholder idly.

Gamemaster says, "He takes out something wrapped in black cloth -- long, looks like a sword inside -- and lets Gunther see what's inside."

DiegoValdez holds breath.

Giovanna looks for empty, likely-seeming rooms

Gamemaster asks, "Recognize this? Is it worth anything?"

Gamemaster asks (of Giovanna), "Could you be more specific?"

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "I'll go through a list of rooms in a moment, if you like"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "basically, any rooms that look like they have cupboards/cabinets/desks/places you could stick things for safekeeping"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "ah, okay"

Era_Khar'Kov whispers to Diego: If you don't inhale, you'll pass out, and then what good will you be?

GuntherBraun says, "Hmm. Looks curious."

GuntherBraun says, "Aye, that'll fetch a good price, I think."

DiegoValdez breathes.

Gamemaster asks, "My associate tells me it's supposed to have a special catch or the like. Know anything 'bout that?"

GuntherBraun says, "Well, if you'd let me examine it more closely--"

Gamemaster says, "Of course."

Gamemaster hands over the sword

Gamemaster says, "You can see in the light now it's definitely the Puzzle Sword."

Era_Khar'Kov orders a drink.

DiegoValdez wonders whether to make his presence known now, or wait for Gunther to call him over.

GuntherBraun says, "Well....hm."

Era_Khar'Kov says (to Diego), "Quit staring. You're being conspicuous. Try to eat or drink something."

Era_Khar'Kov pats Diego's knee under the table. "Relax."

Gamemaster says, "He fingers it carefully, checking."

DiegoValdez says, "Right. Er ... I'll have the worstofthewurst, with extra sauerkraut."

GuntherBraun asks, "You are offering for me to sell, hm?"

Gamemaster says, "Well, if yew don't mind it being stolen goods."

GuntherBraun says, "I've dealt with such things once or twice, but--"

Gamemaster exclaims, "Grab him!"

DiegoValdez exclaims, "!!!!"

Gamemaster says, "Hunchbacked main straightens and whips off his cloak."

[7thsea] Eolo says, "ooh"

Gamemaster says, "He's wearing a badge of the constabulatory."

[7thsea] Giovanna exclaims, "doh!!"

DiegoValdez jumps to his feet.

Gamemaster says, "Other towering man doesn't eve bother, but just holds Gunther's neck with one hand."

Era_Khar'Kov pulls Diego back down.

Gamemaster says, "Got this off some poor thief early this morning, thought we could tempt you with it."

DiegoValdez asks (of Era), "What...??"

Era_Khar'Kov says (to Diego), "They're the cops! Don't call attention to yourself."

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

DiegoValdez says (to Era), "No ... he was going to help me. I've got to help him."

[7thsea] Eolo says, "hee hee"

GuntherBraun asks (of Constable), "Eh, and I'm sure you're planning on adding it to your "collection" rather than finding the rightful owner, hm?"

Era_Khar'Kov says (to Looks), "like a sting operation. Now is not the time to get involved. We can straiten things out at the station, NOT the bar."

DiegoValdez says (to Era), "But but but"

Gamemaster says (to GuntherBraun), "Not your concern. Come with us, please."

Era_Khar'Kov says (to Diego), "We will help him, I promise you. We can go directly to the station from here."

DiegoValdez stands again.

GuntherBraun says, "Only in Freiburg are the police more corrupt than the criminals."

Era_Khar'Kov says, "I don't mind fighting for friends, but I do mind fighting against the law."

Gamemaster says (to Gunther), "You'll regret that, you! Now come along. *Starts to leave, towering man dragging along Gunther*"

DiegoValdez frowns. Something clicking in his mind ... what about Gunther's brother in the constabulary?

SockPuppet arrives, looking for booty.

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "back to the action with Giovanna"

Era_Khar'Kov asks (of Diego), "Yes?"

[7thsea] Gamemaster asks, "Eolo, doing anything in particular besides carrying the body?"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "afk"

DiegoValdez says (to Era), "Surely ... I've got to follow."

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "Lounge, Dining Room at the front. There's what look like a row of servants quarters, the library, a couple locked doors, a strorage closet, a door leading to the wine cellar..."

[7thsea] Eolo says, "I'm going to the forest, locating the body, locating the campsite (um, if I can dig up the whistle he had, that'd be good), then getting them to carry the body back to outside the manor someplace and dump it"

DiegoValdez walks towards the men.

[7thsea] Eolo says, "then thank them and hand over a guilder or two"

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "...a room full of implements of war, maybe a practice room of some kind, a bunch more locked doors until the back except for another servant's room."

[7thsea] Giovanna asks, "hmm. Lounge, Dining Room unlikely, as are the servants' quarters, and it seems improbable that he'd leave it in the library. However, I have no lockpicking skills... any clue which of the servants' rooms belongs to Franz himself?"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "The whistle is findable, yes."

Giovanna pokes her head into the back servant's room.

[7thsea] Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "that's not intuitive knowledge, you'd have to work it out"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "(okay)"

Giovanna looks around, and, if she sees no one inside, slips in

Gamemaster says (to Diego), "Stand aside, citizen! Leave us to our business."

Era_Khar'Kov asks (of Diego), "That's fine, but not too closely, okay?"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "er, thought you meant go talk with them"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says, "er, I did, kinda...."

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "ok"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says, "but if he noticed me coming over, that's fine...."

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "Itthought he was going to follow."

Gamemaster says, "He drags Gunther out of the pub"

DiegoValdez steps outside.

Giovanna starts looking around the room. Furniture? Any personal items? If it doesn't look like Franz's room she leaves again as soon as the coast is clear.

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "It looks like one of the low servants"

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "Just a simple bed and chest."

DiegoValdez thinks as quickly as he can. Now or later, now or later ... Argh.

Giovanna raises the lid of the chest in a desultory fashion, but unless she sees something really startling, leaves again.

DiegoValdez thinks about what Gunther said about corruption. Then thinks about Sergeant Gunther's rather elaborate office.

DiegoValdez thinks, Now.

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "Personal affects, but you specified you didn't want to look closely so I won't describe. Nothing strartling."

DiegoValdez asks, "<ahem> Constable?"

Gamemaster says (to Eolo), "All your tasks are accomplished now."

Giovanna goes out into the hall again

Eolo says, "hmm"

Gamemaster says (to Eolo), "You can go back and talk to Franz or meet with Giovanna or go check on Brunhilde or whatever."

Eolo says, "now Brunhilde, I think"

Giovanna looks into the storage closet

Gamemaster asks (of Diego), "Yes?"

Eolo takes the pouch of herbs and wanders down the street.

Era_Khar'Kov sighs, and goes with her "brother."

Eolo knocks on Brunhilde's door.

Gamemaster says (to ToweringMan), "Here, you take Gunther and the sword, I'll catch up with you."

Gamemaster asks (of Diego), "Now, sir, did you have a crime to report?"

DiegoValdez says, "No no, I think this concerns that gentleman, and the sword too."

Era_Khar'Kov thinks, "In for a lamb . . ." and moves to hinder him from leaving.

Gamemaster asks, "What about it?"

DiegoValdez says, "As to a crime, I reported it yesterday to Sergeant Braun. It concerned a sword that was stolen from me."

Gamemaster says, "[Towering man is heading off["

Gamemaster asks, "A sword, hm?"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov exclaims, "I moved to intercept!"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "Yeah..."

[7thsea] Gamemaster asks, "One second on that. Could you be more specific on Intercept?"

[7thsea] Gamemaster asks, "Are you knocking him down? Talking to him? Following?"

[7thsea] Eolo exclaims, "grab his ankle!"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "stand enough between him & the door so he would have to go around me, but not so much he'd have to shove me out of the way."

DiegoValdez says, "I do believe that was the sword I had reported as stolen."

Gamemaster asks (of Eolo), "Yes? What can I do for you this morning?"

Giovanna searches the storage closet in the most inconspicuous fashion possible.

DiegoValdez says, "Of course, I would be happy to accompany you to the station to verify this matter with Sergeant Braun."

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "because of how you are standing, that'll require a TN 25 finesse roll of sprint"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "go for it"

Eolo says (to Brunhilde), "we meet again -- thankfully, not to bind my wounds this time"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov rolls 3k3: 2 2 2 | 6

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "Perception roll, please"

[7thsea] Giovanna rolls 5k4: 1 1 1 4 10+5 | 21

Gamemaster says, "Era tries to run for the door and trips on a chair."

[7thsea] Eolo says, "wow"

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "You start searching and hear footsteps outside, a servant is passing by."

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "well, since I practically fall on the man, I grab him for balance on the way down."

Eolo says, "I found a few more herbs I was hoping you could identify"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "oosp."

Eolo hands the pouch over.

Giovanna leans against the wall, whistling idly

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says (to Era), "yay"

Gamemaster says (to Eolo), "Ah, well, come inside then, let's have a look."

Eolo steps in.

Giovanna waits until the servant is gone.

Gamemaster says, "Servant wanders into closet."

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "(damn)"

Gamemaster says, "Servant blinks."

Gamemaster says, "Servant is a 17ish year old female"

[7thsea] Eolo says, "hee hee"

Giovanna asks (of Servant), "(in Vodacce) where is the cheese, please?"

Gamemaster says, "Ratty long brown hair, but nice looking clothes."

[7thsea] Eolo says, "oh, right, giovanna can't speak eisen. this rules."

Gamemaster asks (of Giovanna), "(in Eisen) Hm? What?"

Giovanna exclaims (at Servant), "(in Vodacce) I am looking for the cheese!"

[7thsea] Eolo laughs.

Gamemaster says (to Diego), "Well, yes, be sure to come over and fill out the proper paperwork and we'll make sure we attend to you."

Giovanna makes a Vodacce gesture of exasperation after a moment and walks out, very much after the manner of an irritated noblewoman.

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "this cheese & spider fetish is rather scary."

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "one moment"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "(no walking out?)"

[7thsea] Giovanna says (to Era_Khar'Kov), "it's not a *fetish* exactly"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "also, you forget the pasta"

DiegoValdez says (to Constable), "(grinning ingratiatingly) well, seeing as how we're heading in the same direction, I will come along now."

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "holdon for a couple minutes"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "away from keyboard"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "back"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "I'll need to idle again in about half an hour, but let's get rolling again"

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "also, wits+acting (easy roll)"

Gamemaster says (to Diego), "Right then."

[7thsea] Giovanna rolls 4k4: 6 7 5 5 | 23

Gamemaster asks (of Eolo), "Where did this come from?"

DiegoValdez helps Era up, takes her arm and trots along after Senor Constable, Senor Big-Hulky-And-Scary and The Sword.

[7thsea] Gamemaster asks, "also, there were six pouches, you only took one?"

Eolo says (to Brunhilde), "I, mm, removed it from the man who had trained the wolves a few nights ago"

[7thsea] Eolo says, "I took all the pouches he had and shoved them in my pack"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "also, not hulky, remember I said not overly weighty, just towering"

Giovanna recovers a bit from her recent shock and then gathers the courage to poke her head into one of the other servants' rooms

DiegoValdez helps Era up, takes her arm and trots along after Senor Constable, Senor Big-Towering-And-Scary and The Sword.

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "well, you mentioned just 'pouch' earlier but ok"

[7thsea] Eolo says, "sorry, I didn't realize there were multiple herb pouches"

[7thsea] Eolo says, "but I intended to take everything, yeah, and I researched his body when I brought it back to the manor."

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "check the very end of the last transcript if you want :-)"

Gamemaster says (to Diego), "Trotting away."

Gamemaster says, "Gunther looks ahead vapidly as he gets dragged along."

Era_Khar'Kov says to Diego in an under-tone: You were looking thoughtful back at the table. What was it?

[7thsea] Eolo says, "aha. ok, I see."

[7thsea] Eolo says, "one pouch on him, more in camp."

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "right"

Gamemaster says, "Some of these are dyes. To help him tell them apart, I s'pose."

DiegoValdez whispers to Era, "it's just ... now that the sword is here, I want to keep my eye on it ... no telling if it might disappear again."

Eolo nods.

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "not dyes, dyed"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "BAAD typo, no dog biscuit for you"

DiegoValdez whispers to Era, "Sergeant Braun's office was rather ... suspiciously well-furnished."

Era_Khar'Kov says (to Diego), "I quite understand. Just, don't get too enthusiastic, okay? We're at a disadvantage here."

[Crows-Nest] Gamemaster says, "were you actually suspicious at the time? I was hint-dropping :-)"

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "Back to you in a moment, hang on"

Gamemaster says (to Eolo), "Three of these I'm not sure of, although these other three -- the blue, the brown, and the red -- are obvious to me."

Era_Khar'Kov asks, "Well, if he is over-wealthy, perhaps he has accumulated some enemies along with that wealth. Could we use that?"

[Crows-Nest] DiegoValdez says, "Diego wasn't, at the time. But the idea of not being able to rid himself of this smear on his honour got the brain cogs going."

[Crows-Nest] DiegoValdez says, "especially after what Gunther said"

[7thsea] Giovanna says (to Eolo), "If those turn out to be interesting poisons I hope you're planning to share."

[7thsea] Eolo asks, "but of course -- we're allies, remember?"

DiegoValdez says (to Era), "(still whispering) Perhaps. But I'm sure that as long as everything is kept public no-one will attempt any underhandedness."

[7thsea] Giovanna exclaims, "of course!"

Gamemaster says (to Eolo), "These blue and the brown one are healing ailments, although the brown is also used for strength."

Era_Khar'Kov says, "Then we should avoid being behind closed doors."

Eolo says, "interesting"

Gamemaster says, "The clovers here -- the red -- very curious--"

Gamemaster says, "From Castille. Fireherb."

Eolo asks, "fireherb?"

[7thsea] Eolo says, "(my role here is to look interested but clueless)"

Gamemaster says, "Causes -- I don't know what you would call it -- a berzerker state? When injested, that is. Rather poisonous to boot but one can build up a resistance, I hear there's a sect of some sort that does so."

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "(easy enough)"

DiegoValdez says (to Era), "I will congratulate Sergeant Braun on the recovery of the sword, very loudly and publicly as soon as we enter."

Gamemaster says, "These other three I don't recognize at all. Crushed very fine, so they must have been prepared carefully."

Gamemaster says, "(Yellow, white, and orange colors)"

Gamemaster says, "(The white one was the one he was carrying with him)"

Eolo says, "hm"

[Crows-Nest] Gamemaster says, "Also, notice the color system makes it easier on the parser library :-)"

Eolo asks, "could I make use of these herbs myself? would I need to be trained to prepare them?"

[Crows-Nest] Eolo says, "yeah, but if I type >X HERBS, will it say "which do you mean, the herbs or the pouch of herbs?""

[Crows-Nest] DiegoValdez says, "ook, suddenly reminded of 'Journey'."

[7thsea] Giovanna can't wait to start experimenting with the 'berzerker state'

Gamemaster says, "Well, I can teach you about the blue one, it's fairly simple."

[7thsea] Eolo says, "a normal giovanna is about as much as I can handle, I think"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "you injest it, you die. easy."

Eolo says, "that would be extremely helpful"

DiegoValdez keeps close to the constable and Gunther and sword. And big-towering-scary.

[7thsea] Giovanna says (to Eolo), "what makes you think you can handle even a -- never mind."

Era_Khar'Kov says (to Diego), "The larger one bears a slight resemblance to my 3rd youngest brother. Poor man."

Gamemaster says, "It's called spenseweed. All you need to do is injest it. One spoon's worth."

[Crows-Nest] DiegoValdez exclaims, "Yay spenseweed!"

[Crows-Nest] Gamemaster says, "a little crow's nest foreshadowing :-)"

Eolo nods.

Eolo asks, "and is it harmful in larger doses?"

Gamemaster says, "[Actual effect -- you'll have to experiment. It's 10 doses worth.]"

Gamemaster says (to Eolo), "It just doesn't do anything in larger doses. I don't think you want to waste it."

Eolo says, "I will take care, then"

Gamemaster says, "The other two here *are* harmful in too large a dose, which is why I'm dubious about you using them."

Gamemaster says, "The red clovers especially."

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "(leave zis to ze experts)"

Eolo nods.

Eolo says, "well, perhaps I will keep them and see if any of my companions are more skilled."

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "this is covered under poisons roll but with a raise [or in case of one of the herbs, two]"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "I'm not going to say which one as of yet"

[7thsea] Eolo asks, "identification or use?"

Eolo says, "I appreciate all your advice"

Eolo offers some guilders and heads back to talk to Franz.

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "Use"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "Giovanna can't ID these, none of them are really poisons"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "(I already tried, IIRC)"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "yes :-)"

Gamemaster says (to Diego), "You've arrived at the Constabulatory."

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "None of the servants rooms that are open seem to be anything more than servants of low station. However, do a perception check."

DiegoValdez stands up straight.

[7thsea] Giovanna rolls 5k4: 4 1 5 4 3 | 16

DiegoValdez looks around for Sergeant Braun.

[7thsea] DiegoValdez asks, "lag?"

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

Giovanna looks around. Anyone in the corridor?

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "rr lag"

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "Close inspection of one -- west side, farthest one to the south that's open -- reveals a squeaky floorboard, looks like there's something underneath."

Gamemaster says (to DiegoValdez), "Sergeant Braun is right at the main desk, but one moment on the entrance."

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "lag of DOOM"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "vrf"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says, "ook."

Giovanna closes the door and tugs up the floorboard

GuntherBraun asks, "Ah, hello brother. Collecting up more trinkets I see?"

SockPuppet has disconnected.

SockPuppet is wadded up and stuffed in a drawer.

[Crows-Nest] Giovanna says, "(so I find sockpuppet stuffed in the space, then?)"

[Crows-Nest] Eolo says, "heh"

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "There's a large sum of money."

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "Also a note, but you can't read it."

[7thsea] DiegoValdez asks, "This is the part where I get all effusive?"

Giovanna murmurs under her breath, well, well.

Giovanna takes the note and carefull conceals it... somewhere... about her person.

Giovanna closes the floorboard up again

Giovanna looks for some indication of to whom the room belongs.

Gamemaster says (to Gunther), "Never mind that."

Gamemaster says (to Gunther), "I see you've been dealing in stolen goods. Should've figured you would turn this way."

Era_Khar'Kov says (to Diego), "I think that's your que to interupt."

DiegoValdez clears his throat.

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "It's fairly impresonal -- just one of the servants."

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "No personal items lying about"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "can I do a sorte reading on the owner of the room?'"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "need at least a name"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "bah"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "the note is good enough for a "personal item" though"

DiegoValdez grins broadly. "Senor Braun! I congratulate you ... it would seem that my personal search was unnecessary, and you have recovered the Marquis's sword.

Giovanna notes which room it is, in any case, and goes out

Giovanna looks for Eolo.

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "(perhaps later)"

Eolo is looking for Franz.

Gamemaster asks (of DiegoValdez), "The Marquis's sword, hm? Does it have any identifying marks?"

Gamemaster says (to DiegoValdez), "We do have people striding in claiming things that aren't theirs, you know."

Giovanna wants to find Eolo before he finds Franz.

DiegoValdez says, "I congratulate you on your efficiency, senor! As for the sword, why, I could describe every detail."

DiegoValdez says, "How it works, for example."

GuntherBraun says (to Brother), "Ah, I think you know about that sort of thing well -- oof! Hey! Graah, I'm moving."

[7thsea] Eolo says, "hee hee"

DiegoValdez says (to SergeantBraun), "Oh, by the way, your brother was most helpful ... this afternoon's little affair in the bar, we had thought to spring a trap there on the thieves, not knowing you had already dealt with them."

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "Diego, wits+oratory"

[Crows-Nest] Eolo says, "but when you try and convince a pirate, it's wits + arratory"

Gamemaster says, "[Gunther is dragged offstage]"

GuntherBraun steps behind the curtain.

[Crows-Nest] Eolo says, "thank you, I'll be here all week"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 5k3: 4 2 7 5 4 | 16

[Crows-Nest] Giovanna snicks

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says, "grf. not stellar, but...."

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "Consider yourself and Eolo reunited"

[Crows-Nest] Giovanna says, "(how touching!)"

Giovanna takes out the note

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov asks, "might a quick demo help?"

Gamemaster asks (of DiegoValdez), "Well, hm. How then?"

Giovanna asks (of Eolo), "Here is your big chnace to prove yourself: can you read this?"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "(to deigo)"

DiegoValdez describes the filigree work, the stamp of the maker, some of the history and legend behind the maker ... nods to Era, "I could demonstrate, if you wish."

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov exclaims, "sesquapediliciousness. laggishness!"

Gamemaster says (to Eolo), "It's in fairly clear Eisen"

Eolo sighs. "Every day it becomes more clear I should have spent more time studying the non-military things as a youth"

[7thsea] Eolo says, "(I'm not literate either)"

[7thsea] Eolo says, "(although I do speak eisen)"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "Oh, d'oh. Right."

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "You don't know either, then :-)"

Giovanna sighs as well.

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "Although you can tell it's in Eisen, straight"

Eolo asks, "where did you find it?"

TableSaw arrives, looking for booty.

Giovanna says, "Well, we know that Franz is honest... I found this in one of the servants' rooms. It might be a bit difficult to explain that to him, however, though I think the person who has it was bribed."

Gamemaster says (to Diego), "Well, well...."

Giovanna explains about the floorboard and the money under it.

Gamemaster exclaims (at TableSaw), "Heya!"

[7thsea] Eolo says (to TS), "hey hey"

Giovanna says, "So we need someone to read the note who wouldn't ask how I happened on it. Tha'ts why I thought of you."

Eolo nods.

Eolo asks, "could you explain you saw it sticking up through the floorboards in a room or lying under a bed?"

Gamemaster says (to Diego), "Sounds all in order then."

[Crows-Nest] TableSaw says, "I'm leaving in a bit, but thought I'd stop in and watch."

Gamemaster says, "He walks over to another room and returns with the sword."

Giovanna says, "I'd still have to explain why I was looking in the servants' rooms. Perhaps I could claim I got lost, but this pushes the bounds of credibility, since I am obviously not the sort who is so easily confused."

Giovanna gives Eolo a look that dares him to contradict this.

[Crows-Nest] Gamemaster says, "Federico's off doing something after receiving a letter."

Eolo says, "unless you could claim you were looking for the chee-- nah, too improbable"

DiegoValdez gives the sword a careful and meticulous checkover.

Giovanna flushes. "That would be a rather silly excuse," she says, in a small gruff voice.

Gamemaster says (to Diego), "It's in quite good shape."

Giovanna asks, "Damn, damn, damn. Why didn't you learn to read?"

Giovanna sighs.

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says, "Excellent. And it's the same sword, of course ... don't wanna be fooled by cheap imitations."

Giovanna asks, "Well, perhaps if we search the servant's room more thoroughly we can find some further hint...?"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "If Amber were here, she'd give Diego a partner for demoing some impressive dualing."

[7thsea] Gamemaster exclaims, "Wait! It's really a generic brand!"

[Crows-Nest] DiegoValdez says, "heh. Of course it would have to be the illiterate ones doing all the snooping for Sekrit Papers."

[Crows-Nest] Gamemaster says, "that makes it More Fun"

[Crows-Nest] Eolo says, "bah"

[Crows-Nest] Giovanna says (to DiegoValdez), "If you'd done a better job teaching me to read before you left we wouldn't be in this mess."

[Crows-Nest] Gamemaster says, "well, from the evil GM standpoint"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov chuckles.

[Crows-Nest] Eolo says, "I know what I'm spending my experience points on next"

[Crows-Nest] Eolo says, "after knife-throwing, anyway"

[Crows-Nest] Era_Khar'Kov exclaims, "its 'spensive!"

Gamemaster says (to Diego), "[right then, what next for Diego and Era?]"

Eolo thinks.

Eolo asks, "a further hint that we ought to be searching it?"

Giovanna says, "And I was interrupted looking in the storage closet."

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov asks, "Well, we have the sword. Head back to the manor?"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov asks, "Research the dagger lead?"

DiegoValdez says (to SergeantBraun), "As for your brother ... I'm afraid he's not so guilty in that last affair as he looks ... as I said, it was largely a trap to lure in the thieves."

[Crows-Nest] TableSaw says, "Arr. I must avast and shove off."

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "also, Diego, you should be really glad you hit that oratory roll, you'd have to work really hard to get it then :-)"

[Crows-Nest] Eolo says, "aw"

Giovanna says (to Eolo), "I was thinking more some hint of whose room it is. If we knew that, I could do a, er, well, I could do some research into the person's monetary connections and find out whether the bribe is from Sieger, for isntance."

[Crows-Nest] Eolo says, "g'bye"

[Crows-Nest] TableSaw says, "I'll try to catch up on transcripts this weekend."

[Crows-Nest] Era_Khar'Kov exclaims, "L8R!"

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

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says (to GM), "heh. skin o' me teeth, that one."

Eolo says, "hrm"

Giovanna says, "But in any case, perhaps you could stand guard and I could have another peek in the storage closet, and then we could poke around other places a bit more."

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "would've taken a whole 'nother session, prolly. and I had all sorts of evil GM stuff planned *pouts*"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov grins evilly.

Eolo says, "I have a better idea"

Eolo goes looking for Morte.

Giovanna looks Surprised, but shrugs and follows.

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says (to GM), "'tis the GM's lot in life ... I've had my players waltz merrily by 3 sessions worth of stuff in one session."

Gamemaster says (to Eolo), "Lounging outside, again. Greeley isn't around."

Eolo asks (of Morte), "got a minute?"

SockPuppet arrives, looking for booty.

Gamemaster asks (of Eolo), "Er, yes?"

DiegoValdez says (to Era), "'tis a relief. You have no idea ... my honour remains untarnished ... and as I swore, I will aid you in whatever way I can in your own search."

Gamemaster says, "[Morte's the older one, btw]"

[Crows-Nest] andyf says, "Don't mind SockPuppet, that's just me playing spectator."

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "I'll have to re-read some transcripts before I can take you up on that."

Eolo asks (of Morte), "you sleep inside the house?"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says, "just consider it a promise of help."

Gamemaster says (to Eolo), "Got meself a spot, yeah."

Era_Khar'Kov exclaims (at Diego), "My pleasure. It was rather fun!"

Eolo says, "the lady here was thinking a servant of hers might be coming to visit"

Eolo asks, "she went looking through the servant's quarters and found a room she liked -- can you tell me if it's occupied?"

Giovanna listens to the pretty Eisen, wondering what Eolo is up to.

DiegoValdez lovingly buckles the sword back in place. "It appears that seeking out the Grummann school is unnecessary after all ... as long as it doesn't turn out that they were working for Sieger and trying to neutralise us.

Eolo says, "I can't tell you why she insisted on picking out the room herself -- but, you know, she has strange habits."

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "One sec while I check Eolo's stats"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "(harrumph)"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "(strange habits indeed)"

[7thsea] Eolo says, "that wimple, for instance"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "(my clothes were tailor-made by the best-- dammit"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "straight wits"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "Eoo"

[7thsea] Eolo rolls 3k3: 5 5 3 | 13

[7thsea] Eolo says, "beh"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "brb"

DiegoValdez asks, "But what are the chances, eh? I hope our testimony gets Senor Gunther off the hook, but for now ... should we wait for Maxwell and Rudiger, or...?"

[7thsea] Eolo says, "hrm, I'll use a drama die"

[7thsea] Eolo rolls 1k1: 7 | 7

Gamemaster says (to Eolo), "Well, that's rather...odd...er, I mean, the servants rooms are all stinky and the beds are just rotting mats."

[7thsea] Giovanna watches in astonishment as the little lightbulb goes on over Eolo's head

Eolo says (to Morte), "in Vodacce, as you know, we are extremely superstitious"

Gamemaster says (to Eolo), "Sure about this? Even if she is abit mad in the head I wouldn't think it good ta encourage it."

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says, "especially since the lightbulb is hamster-powered."

Gamemaster says, "Ah! Of course. Well then."

Giovanna tilts her head curiously.

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "(excellent excuse)"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "(also, I've never been superstitious in my life. All my little 'habits' are for good reason)"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "also, I don't think Maxwell and Rudiger had any more business here"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "so I'll just say a couple hours pass and you meet up, if you like. If you want to leave to the manor there's one more incident that'll happen so I'll fast forward to that"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says, "kind of assuming that they're off doing their own stuff while we were looking for the sword."

Gamemaster says (to Eolo), "Show me the room."

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "back. plan sounds fine."

Eolo says (to Giovanna), "could you lead the way to the room? (and you did close the compartment, I hope)"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez exclaims, "okay!"

Giovanna asks (of Eolo), "(in Vodacce) of course, what do you take me for?"

DiegoValdez is in high spirits.

(From Gamemaster) [VCR whirrs]

Giovanna leads back into the house

Giovanna walks into the servant's room where she found the compartment, carefully avoiding glancing at the relevant floorboard.

Eolo follows, with Morte.

Gamemaster says, "You are exiting through the shantytown, when--"

[Crows-Nest] (from Eolo) Gamemaster says "YOUR ROBBED AGAIN HAW HAW HAW"

Gamemaster asks (of Era), "Hey, noble! Long time no see! Come back for a return visit to our humble abodes?"

[Crows-Nest] Giovanna laughs

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "I believe you can figure out who is speaking :-)"

DiegoValdez looks up (or down as the case may be) curiously.

Era_Khar'Kov nudges her horse to a faster walk.

Gamemaster asks (of Era), "Just gonna give us low'uns the silent treatment this time, eh?"

Gamemaster asks (of Era), "Well, have a nice ride and all, just make sure your horse doesn't trip on anything, eh?"

Era_Khar'Kov says (to Diego), "Did we remember to mention being ambushed on the way back to the constables while we were there? I think we did."

Gamemaster asks (of Eolo), "Here, this one?"

Era_Khar'Kov asks (of Diego), "Did I mention the trip wire, when I headed back alone?"

Eolo says, "I believe so"

DiegoValdez is kinda embarrassed by the whole exchange. "This was it? My. That ... sounded like a threat...."

Era_Khar'Kov says, "Scarlet here saved me. (Pats her horse.)"

Gamemaster says (to Eolo), "This on's me friend Greeley's."

Gamemaster says (to Eolo), "Yew remember him."

DiegoValdez is reminded of his mother's hoop skirts. Can't imagine why.

Gamemaster says, "[Taunter goes offstage]"

Eolo asks, "of course. well, too bad it's occupied. any chance he'd change rooms if needed? do you switch rooms often?"

Era_Khar'Kov says (to Diego), "It was. Is there an alternate way back, do you know? Maybe we should off-road it. Or get an additional escort."

DiegoValdez says (to Era), "Trip wire? Then that was no idle threat."

Gamemaster says (to Eolo), "Switch with a guest room? He'd die for that. Sure."

DiegoValdez says, "Mm. Off-road seems a little muddy ..."

Era_Khar'Kov says, "It was a rope stretched across the road, to be raised when a horse approached."

Giovanna asks (of Eolo), "(in Vodacce) you have the servant's name?"

DiegoValdez says, "Si, perhaps we should indeed go off the road."

Giovanna says (to Eolo), "that should be enough"

Eolo says (to Giovanna), "yes -- but he's a boy of 12."

Giovanna (to Eolo) frowns

Eolo says (to Morte), "well, thank you for help (handing over a coin). I'll keep this all in mind if the lady's servant arrives."

Giovanna says (to Eolo), "that is odd"

Gamemaster exclaims (at Eolo), "Right then, good day sir!"

Gamemaster says, "[Scrambles off]"

Giovanna says, "well"

Eolo asks (of Giovanna), "was there a lot of money there?"

Giovanna says, "I might as well check anyway..."

Giovanna lifts the floorboard for Eolo's inspection.

Gamemaster says, "It's alot of money. You'd have to spend five minutes or so counting it."

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "sorte coins spread on Greeley"

DiegoValdez nudges his horse off to the side of the road.

Era_Khar'Kov asks (of Diego), "How fast is your horse?"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "roll 'em"

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

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "he's getting money from Sieger. Or at least someone connected to Sieger."

[7thsea] Eolo says, "buh"

DiegoValdez says (to Era), "Well. He's no Castillian racer, and I am a little rusty since my younger days ... but I think he should be fast enough."

Giovanna blinks

Giovanna says (to Eolo), "It seems as though Greeley is indeed involved in this; somehow money is coming to him from Sieger."

Eolo says, "how odd"

Eolo says, "I wonder what use they have for such a young lad"

Giovanna asks, "I don't understand... if he's a kid... would he even be able to read this thing?"

Eolo shrugs.

Giovanna says, "Franz did say--"

Eolo asks, "yes?"

Giovanna says, "He used to work with the horses, right? That's why he was idle today."

DiegoValdez says (to Era), "We had some fine horses on the rancho, you know. I suppose they've all been conscripted into the Montaigne army by now."

Eolo frowns.

Eolo says, "that's true."

Giovanna says, "Perhaps this -- (she gestures at the money) -- was the price to slaughter them, or assist in it."

Eolo says, "stand watch a minute."

Era_Khar'Kov asks (of Diego), "Then let's hurry. Scarlet is used to cross-country, so why don't you set the pace?"

Giovanna steps out into the passageway and looks idle

Eolo opens the floorboards and looks through & below the money for anything else besides money.

DiegoValdez nods and sets up a canter across the countryside, offroad.

Gamemaster says (to Eolo), "Nothing"

Eolo says, "hrm"

Eolo says, "the poison all used, then, or never there at all."

Giovanna reenters the room.

Gamemaster says (to Era), "It's a fairly pleasant ride. There's even a chirping bird or two."

Eolo repeats his remark.

Era_Khar'Kov paces him, a few horse widths away, her bow in easy reach.

Giovanna says, "yes, it is odd."

Eolo says, "perhaps we should see Franz now."

Eolo says, "do you want to replace the note"

Eolo asks, "?"

Eolo asks, "or show it to franz?"

Giovanna says, "I suppose. No use letting Greeley know we suspect him."

Giovanna says, "Though--"

DiegoValdez is getting to be in a Really Good Mood.

[Crows-Nest] Gamemaster says, "*cue musical number*"

[Crows-Nest] DiegoValdez says, "zip-a-dee-doo-dah...."

Giovanna says, "I hesitate to show it to Franz with no explanation, and naturally I doubt that... whatever it was you said to the boy... would convince him."

Giovanna says, "Still, it'd be wise to alert him somehow, and as soon as possible."

Eolo says, "very well"

Giovanna says, "I'm also wondering if there's some way we could get him to check the status of the book, and follow him to it"

Eolo says, "let us replace it, and see if he has translated those other papers"

Giovanna says, "if we said we overheard -- or you overheard -- Greeley boasting of some involvement with Sieger"

Giovanna says, "then he might be motivated to search the room himself"

Giovanna says, "boasting/discussing... I don't know, there must be a way to make it plausible"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "well, drat. I don't have anything written for the countryside"

[7thsea] Eolo asks, "any music?"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "I guess y'all go on a pleasant trot :-)"

DiegoValdez says (to Era), "So ... tell me about life in Ussura ... the most I know is from an opera about some fellow named Boris Badenov who tried to take the Ussuran throne...."

Giovanna says, "and if you also said that he was being hired to steal Lowenherz's book, Franz might go check to see if it was still in place..."

Giovanna looks hopeful

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "Maybe I'll improvise something, consider yourself trotting happily"

SockPuppet is wadded up and stuffed in a drawer.

DiegoValdez says (to Era), "...and I don't even understand the libretto."

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov asks, "how 'bout we are attacked by ill-prepared ruffians, we rebuff their attack with ease, and pursue them back to their lair, turning them into the local law, and becoming the heroes of the hour?"

Giovanna says, "But this is all speculative, and perhaps we'd best see what the ciphers say first."

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "yeah, but you skipped the ill-prepared ruffians"

Giovanna tucks the note back where it came from

Eolo nods.

Eolo goes to see Franz.

Giovanna follows

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov exclaims, "oh. seems to me the 'prepared' ruffians are on the road -- out here, we'd surprise them!"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez asks, "Ahh ... we keep within seeing-distance of the road so as not to get lost...?"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez exclaims, "Yeah, we catch 'em from behind!"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "Well, they had a rope, but they were designed so Era could manage if she had to fight them alone"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "oh, man! i missed a perfectly good fight scene! drat."

[7thsea] Eolo says, "heh"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "uh, we backtrack"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "see, if your characters are impulsive and everything, you'd get into more fights :-)"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "'cause I forgot something. yeah."

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "oh, sorry. I'm just rash."

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "<grin>"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says, "yeah well, our first impulse here was, yay cross-country."

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "like if Diego just said - what hey - and tried knocking down the constables, grabbing the sword, and making a run for it"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says, "oh, no way."

Franz has entered from behind the curtain.

Franz asks (of Eolo), "Yes?"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez knows better than that.

Eolo asks (of Franz), "have you been able to make any sense of those documents?"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "that would be more Era's style, provided they had been ruffians."

DiegoValdez asks (of Era), "Hm. What's that on the road way over yonder?"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "sorry folks, no cheating. I'll come up with something in a bit, let me do the Franz-conversation"

Era_Khar'Kov asks (of Diego), "Well, I say. I have no idea. Shall we investigate?"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says, "heh"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "oh, its okay. I'm just pickin'."

Franz says (to Eolo), "Still working."

DiegoValdez says (to Era), "wouldn't do any harm...."

Franz says (to Eolo), "Perhaps by tonight."

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says, "or, you know, we could simply arrive at the manor...."

Eolo nods.

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "the problem is, with what Eolo and Giovanna are doing right now that'd represent warp-speed time"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov asks, "whatever. I'm good, either way. we cleverly out-manuvered the bad guys, right?"

[7thsea] Eolo asks, "how many days were they gone?"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "right! :-)"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "well, they spent the day riding, arrived and did stuff including get robbed, slept, and now are coming back at around 2"

Eolo says, "tell me -- how long have the stable boys been with Lowenherz? I can't help but wonder how the horses were poisoned"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "so they'll get back tonight"

Gamemaster asks (of Eolo), "Stable boys?"

Gamemaster asks (of Eolo), "Sir, what do they have anything to do with it?"

Gamemaster says, "They're just children."

Eolo shrugs. "Probably nothing."

Eolo asks, "and the grooms?"

Gamemaster says (to Eolo), "That would be me. And Lowenherz. He liked taking care of them personally."

Eolo says, "so."

Eolo asks, "it does not seem likely to you that this occurred with the assistance of someone on the premises? perhaps unwittingly?"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "ok, I think I can do some creative geography shuffling and get an encounter, hold on"

[7thsea] (from Eolo) Gamemaster says "Ok, so you bump into these guys in the middle of Ussura.

[7thsea] (from Eolo) "

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov exclaims, "hee!"

Franz says (to Eolo), "Not likely to me, no."

DiegoValdez sings about being home, home on the rancho....

Eolo asks, "no? then how?"

Franz says, "We didn't have five armed guards patrolling the stables. Someone could have sneaked in. It's a hefty padlock but I suppose anything is theoretically pickable given someone skilled enough."

Eolo shrugs.

Eolo says, "as you wish."

Gamemaster says (to Diego), "Perception for you and Era."

Eolo says, "do let me know if there is anything of interest in the papers"

Franz says, "Of course."

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov rolls 4k3: 7 8 3 1 | 18

[7thsea] DiegoValdez rolls 3k3: 3 6 10+3 | 22

[7thsea] DiegoValdez asks, "am i lagging or what?"

Eolo exits.

Giovanna meanwhile goes and has another look in that damned storage closet

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "yeah, lah"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "I just saw your roll"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov exclaims, "mo' laggin!"

[7thsea] Giovanna rolls 5k4: 8 3 5 3 8 | 24

Gamemaster says (to Diego), "*very* faintly you hear want sounds like a distant scream"

DiegoValdez pulls his horse to a stop. "What's that?"

Era_Khar'Kov asks, "What?"

DiegoValdez says, "I thought I heard someone scream."

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "There's pots and pans and tools of all types."

DiegoValdez listens intently.

Giovanna says, "rr"

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "Also jars with flour and nails and pieces of wood."

Gamemaster says, "You don't notice anything of a secretive nature, but you do hear a servant's footsteps again."

Giovanna begins to wonder whether the spider might be a type of spider that can be made to search for things. But this is obviously wishful

DiegoValdez asks, "That way, I think ....?"

Era_Khar'Kov listens intently.

Giovanna sighs and holds her breath

Gamemaster says (to Diego), "After some careful perception, you decide it's probably from the direction of the main road."

[Crows-Nest] Gamemaster says, "you can't cheat, but the GM certainly can :-)"

[Crows-Nest] Era_Khar'Kov exclaims, "yay gm!"

[Crows-Nest] Sargent says, "Sorry, won't be joining you tonight."

DiegoValdez nods in the direction of the main road.

[Crows-Nest] Gamemaster says, "Sargent: pullease? They're about to go beat up on ruffians"

[Crows-Nest] Era_Khar'Kov exclaims, "hi, sarge!"

[Crows-Nest] Gamemaster says, "Nah, it's ok :-)"

[Crows-Nest] Sargent says, "Heh."

[Crows-Nest] Sargent says, "Big party for two friends of mine who passed their masters' exam."

Gamemaster says, "Female servant enters storage room -- exact same one again -- and notices Giovanna."

[Crows-Nest] Sargent says, "and now I am very tired"

[Crows-Nest] Era_Khar'Kov says, "go, them - that's tough (I hear)."

[Crows-Nest] Gamemaster says, "woo on passing master's exam though :-)"

[Crows-Nest] Giovanna says (to Gamemaster), "Oh man."

Giovanna stares coldly at the female servant. "Have you brought me my cheese yet?"

[Crows-Nest] Sargent says, "I should be back and ready for piratey action next week, though."

[Crows-Nest] Sargent says, "and I will now leave you to you current game, already in progress."

DiegoValdez turns his horse in the direction of the main road and cautiously approaches

[Crows-Nest] Era_Khar'Kov says, "I hear the phd stuff is hard too, but that takes about 10 freaking years. (issues? who has issues?)"

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "(in Eisen) Guests aren't supposed to be here."

[Crows-Nest] Sargent says (to Era), "heh. talk to me when I start writing my thesis"

[Crows-Nest] Era_Khar'Kov exclaims, "see you then! say hi to misty for me!"

Giovanna asks, "(imperiously and in Vodacce) Do you speak a civilized language?"

[Crows-Nest] Eolo says, "s/say hi to/play/"

[Crows-Nest] Era_Khar'Kov chuckles. you have my sympathy.

[Crows-Nest] Sargent says (to Era), "Will do. She's reading over my shoulder."

Gamemaster says, "The servant looks disconcerted and leaves."

Giovanna waits until she is gone to exit the storage closet.

Gamemaster says (to Diego), "You are within sight of the road."

Giovanna says (to Eolo), "I think I need to find a better way to execute the rest of this search..."

DiegoValdez tries to see what is happening.

Gamemaster says, "Diego "There's four scraggly looking types beating with sticks on a chubby person in velvet robes."

Eolo says (to Giovanna), "but at least you have the consolation of covering it thoroughly."

Eolo says, "at least, covering the closet thoroughly."

DiegoValdez exclaims, "!!"

Era_Khar'Kov reaches for her bow, and signals Scarlet to be quiet.

Giovanna says (to Eolo), "You may laugh, but I was uncertain what might be left in there."

Eolo asks, "a broom?"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "no, Graham Nelson"

DiegoValdez looks back to Era. "Robbers!"

Gamemaster says, "There's also a horse lying prone to the side of the rode, struggling to get up."

[7thsea] Eolo says, "yay"

Giovanna says (to Eolo), "Very well, I see what help you're likely to be."

Giovanna says, "Just try at the very least not to hinder me actively, if you can do no better."

DiegoValdez then spurs his horse forward towards the fracas.

Era_Khar'Kov fires at the scraggly men.

Eolo asks, "I would assist more, but it seems a futile task -- search an entire manor?"

Giovanna says (to Eolo), "Well..."

Eolo says, "and surely when Lowenherz returns you will be able to examine it at your leisure"

Giovanna says, "I suggested---"

Giovanna stops

Eolo asks, "yes?"

Giovanna says, "I perhaps neglected to mention, ah"

Eolo asks, "*yes*?"

Giovanna says, "that, er, Lowenherz does not think I should look at this book either."

Giovanna says, "So you see (very quickly)"

Gamemaster says (to Era), "er, you have surprise, roll"

Giovanna says, "we must find it immediately"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov rolls 5k2: 7 5 4 4 3 | 12

Giovanna says, "or there will be no opportunity."

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "(finesse+skill, keep skill?)"

Giovanna fails to meet Eolo's eye after this announcement.

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "keep finesse"

DiegoValdez is galloping forward ... standing in his stirrups, waving sword above head. "Cease and desist!"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "it's just an attack roll"

Eolo says, "somehow I think you have a way of *making* opportunities"

Giovanna blushes.

Gamemaster says, "The men look around and scramble"

Giovanna says, "That is the kindest thing you have ever said to me."

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov rolls 5k3: 1 8 3 2 5 | 16

Eolo says, "heh."

Eolo says, "well"

Giovanna says, "But, to be honest, I am not sure that Lowenherz is as susceptible as Franz was."

Giovanna asks (of Eolo), "Yes?"

Gamemaster says, "One of the men is hit by Era's arrow, who howls painfully and falls over"

[7thsea] Eolo asks (of Gamemaster), "where was franz when we found him?"

[7thsea] Franz says, "library"

[7thsea] Franz says, "where he said he'd be :-)"

[7thsea] Eolo says, "oh yeah :)"

DiegoValdez rears up at the scene.

Gamemaster says, "Actions? No combat rolls yet"

Eolo says, "one possibility is that it is somewhere in Lowenherz's study"

Eolo says, "it seems unlikely Franz would have put it in Lowenherz's private room"

DiegoValdez is playing White Knight.

Eolo says, "or, as you say, in Franz's room"

Era_Khar'Kov keeps firing from horseback.

Giovanna says, "Perhaps."

Giovanna asks, "So how would we get him to leave so we could search?"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "raise on this one, they're getting farther away"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "roll"

Eolo says, "no, his personal room, not the library"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov rolls 5k3: 2 2 10+6 3 9 | 28

Eolo says, "but I do not know where the room is"

Giovanna says, "ah."

Giovanna says, "Upstairs, perhaps? I haven't seen it down here, though some rooms are locked."

Eolo says, "and I do not think your eccentricities can be used to explain wanting to know its location as well"

Eolo says, "he may be upstairs, eys"

Gamemaster says, "Another arrow springs from Era's bow, arcing high into the air and landing in the back of one of the ruffians, who gurgles and falls over."

Eolo asks, "shall we go look?"

Giovanna asks, "Have you, er, any skill in opening doors by unconventional means?"

Eolo says, "a certain amount."

Giovanna nods.

Giovanna says, "Let's look upstairs, then."

DiegoValdez swings off his horse and goes to check on Mr Velvet.

Giovanna says, "And then downstairs as well, if necessary, though there are a really ridiculous number of servants here all with terrible senses of timing."

Merrick gasps as Diego helps him up.

Eolo says, "good timing is so important"

Era_Khar'Kov knees her horse into closer range of the villains.

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "riding roll"

Giovanna asks (of Eolo), "In so many things. Shall we?"

Eolo says, "indeed"

Eolo follows Giovanna.

Giovanna heads upstairs.

DiegoValdez says (to Merrick), "Senor, you are not too badly hurt, I hope? You are lucky we happened by."

Gamemaster says, "Ok, quick room plan of upstairs"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov asks, "finess+skill k finesse?"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov rolls 4k3: 7 5 4 10+10+2 | 34

DiegoValdez eyes the nearest bandit

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says, "ook."

Gamemaster says, "One long e-w corridor in the center, two n/s corridors at 1/3 and 2/3 points. Doors along all the way."

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "That's one heck of a ride"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "sorry, not sure if I"m rolling correctly, and I can't find the freaking rules fast enough."

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "you're managing fine :-)"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "cripes"

[7thsea] Eolo asks (of Gamemaster), "where are our rooms?"

Merrick exclaims (at Diego), "What took you so long! Those tramps were murderers! I could have died!"

Giovanna starts opening doors and poking her head in systematically.

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "East side"

Giovanna starts from the west side.

Eolo keeps watch.

Giovanna looks for anything resembling a private study or bedrooms that might belong to Lowenherz or Franz.

Era_Khar'Kov asks (of Merrick), "Sir, I assure you, we came as soon as we heard your cry. Are you injured?"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "Um, era is still riding after the villians"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "nowhere in talking range"

DiegoValdez raises an eyebrow. "'so long'? Senor, we might not have come at all."

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov exclaims, "oh. though villains vanquished. Ride On!"

[7thsea] Gamemaster exclaims, "There's two left!"

Era_Khar'Kov fires again.

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "Roll two bow shots, you should have time now"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov rolls 4k3: 7 1 9 6 | 22

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov rolls 4k3: 9 1 5 5 | 19

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "Roleplay appropriately chasing them down through the countryside"

Merrick says (to Diego), "Hmm. Well."

Merrick glances at his horse.

Merrick asks, "Come on you. Slacker like everyone else. Why could'nt you have jumped faster?"

[7thsea] Merrick says, "ack, typoing"

DiegoValdez observes Merrick. (Is he taller and more highland-ish than me?)

Era_Khar'Kov charges accross the country-side, picking off bandits with panache.

Gamemaster says (to Diego), "He looks chubby and Montaigne-ish"

Gamemaster says (to Diego), "Although he speaks perfect Eisen"

Era_Khar'Kov wheels her horse around, and heads back to the scene of the crime.

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "Most of the doors are locked, although--"

Era_Khar'Kov (panting)..Diego Did you see any others?

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "One of them creaks open to reveal a dusty room, looks like the servants don't tend to it."

DiegoValdez says (to Era), "Ah, I think you got them all."

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "(E/W corridor, south side, third from west end)"

Giovanna holds her breath and makes a little head gesture to Eolo to indicate she's going in.

DiegoValdez says (to Merrick), "my friend here is quite the wonder with the bow."

Giovanna goes inside and begins searching about.

Eolo walks a bit closer to keep better watch.

Era_Khar'Kov says, "That was a bit of excitement. I haven't done that since Aught Six."

Gamemaster says, "One of the ruffians on the ground gasps audibly -- sounds like he's still alive."

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "Looks like it used to be a bedroom of some sort."

Era_Khar'Kov dismounts, and approaches the last villain.

Giovanna searches thoroughly, examining all the furniture, and looking under and behind things, being careful however not to make a mess.

DiegoValdez finds a suitable spot for Merrick to sit down for a bit.

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "Someone important, it seems."

Giovanna is beginning to have suspicions.

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "Fancy bed, although it's completely smudged with dust."

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov asks, "is it obvious whether he is mortally wounded?"

Gamemaster says, "Two dressers with elaborate carvings."

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "he's mortally wounded"

Giovanna looks under the bed and inside the dressers.

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "Perception roll"

Era_Khar'Kov asks (of Villain), "Who were you working for!?"

[7thsea] Giovanna rolls 5k4: 6 8 5 4 9 | 28

Gamemaster says, "(gasping) ourselves....we were...liberating...."

Era_Khar'Kov asks (of Villain), "Yes?"

Gamemaster says, "take the revolution to the noble types....give 'em welts they can feel...."

Era_Khar'Kov asks, "What revolution?"

Era_Khar'Kov asks, "Why?"

DiegoValdez says (to Era), "Hm."

Gamemaster says, "inequality....mashed down.....corruption of those blokes up high..."

Gamemaster glares at Era

Gamemaster spits at Era's face

Gamemaster dies

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "(missed TN?)"

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "There's some jewelery and handkerchiefs, fairly expensive ones."

Era_Khar'Kov asks (of Merrick), "Do you know why these fellows might want a revolution?"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "no, trying to juggle two scenes at once :-)"

DiegoValdez wordlessly hands a handkerchief over to Era.

Giovanna asks, "Any sign of anything more personal, such as a diary or letters or anything of that nature?"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "er"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "that was here, not aloud"

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "On the bottom shelf, there's a wooden flap"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "aha"

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "x handkerchief"

Gamemaster says, "Er, bottom drwaer"

Giovanna lifts the flap.

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "Very tiny M stiched carefully on it"

DiegoValdez looks over at Merrick's horse.

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "There's papers of some kind."

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "geeeeez"

Gamemaster says (to Giovanna), "Writing in Eisen. Personal correspondance."

[7thsea] Giovanna cries

[7thsea] Eolo says, "hee hee hee"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "The rest of the gang will get back tomorrow :-)"

DiegoValdez says, "Well, so much for that ... it seems the roads here are none too safe."

Giovanna gathers up the papers very carefully, swearing under her breath about the crapulence of education for Vodacce noblewomen (and a certain undereducated glassblower, while she's at it)

[7thsea] Eolo asks, "can any of them read eisen?"

Merrick walks over to his horse and gets it straightened unsteadily

DiegoValdez asks (of Merrick), "are you headed for Freiburg?"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "Maxwell"

DiegoValdez asks (of Merrick), "or away from?"

Giovanna gives one last look at things

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "I can tell that without even looking at his stat sheet :-)"

Era_Khar'Kov asks (of Diego), "(In an aside) What was interesting about the handkerchief?"

Merrick says (to Diego), "Away from. Some diplomatic matters that are none of your business."

Merrick mounts his horse.

[7thsea] Giovanna asks, "why couldn't the evidence in this part be presented in some form I could understand, like, I dunno, stick figure drawings?"

[7thsea] Merrick says, "uh"

DiegoValdez says (to Era), "Nothing, just thought you might need it...."

Giovanna goes back out to Eolo.

[7thsea] Gamemaster asks, "the description of the handkerchief was Giovanna's, where'd your handkerchief come from?"

Era_Khar'Kov asks, "For?"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "oh, the one Diego took out :-)"

Eolo asks (of Giovanna), "anything of interest?"

Giovanna says (to Eolo), ""No use searching a whole manor," you said."

DiegoValdez says (to Merrick), "Ah, we were headed towards Lowenherz...."

Era_Khar'Kov asks, "Am I missing something obvious?"

Giovanna says (to Eolo), ""We won't find anything interesting," you said."

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says, "My copious collection which I started carrying around with me ever since that episode where I kept having to give hankies to people."

Eolo asks (of Giovanna), "and?"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez asks (of Era), "also, thug spat at you...?"

Merrick says, "Well, I'll be off then. Thank you for your assistance."

Merrick grumble.

Giovanna takes out the papers. "Lowenherz's dead wife's correspondence, which if you could read at all, would probably tell us who it was who was mad enough at her to kill her -- and perhaps by extension what has been happening to me."

Merrick takes off

Eolo bows. "Once again I have failed you, m'lady"

Giovanna softens

Eolo says, "although perhaps this only counts as one failure, since it's the same flaw as before"

DiegoValdez watches as Merrick rides off.

Era_Khar'Kov says (to Diego), "He didn't seem particularly grateful. Hmmph."

Giovanna says, "Oh, I'm sorry, Eolo. It's just that it has been a frustrating day. I only wanted to find the book..."

Giovanna looks disturbingly repentent.

Eolo is suitably disturbed.

Era_Khar'Kov says, "If that's the sort of noble that is in power in this part of the country, I might be able to understand the peasants displeasure."

Eolo says, "well, I imagine Maxwell will be back in another day or two"

DiegoValdez says (to Era), "Mm. I've come across one or two similar nobles in my time...."

Eolo says, "their business in freiberg can't take too long"

Giovanna says, "If you'd like (in the tone of one making a great peace-offering) you could come have another look at the spider. I can't tell what kind it is.""

Giovanna says, "But yes, I suppose we must wait for the others. I still wish I could find the book, however."

Eolo asks, "if it's magic, you can't, er, sense it somehow?"

DiegoValdez says (to Era), "At any rate, we should be on our way if we wish to get back to Lowenherz before sundown."

Giovanna says (to Eolo), "Spiders have many strands, but they're all of the sticky silk variety."

DiegoValdez says (to Era), "who knows ... if this fellow's 'diplomatic business' is with Lowenherz, we might well meet again."

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "ok, I'm going to fold up for the night"

Era_Khar'Kov says, "Perhaps. I wonder."

Eolo says, "mm, yes"

DiegoValdez remounts.

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "Obviously you can finish your conversations, but no more GMing :-) I'll start next time such so that the group is reunited"

Eolo says, "well, mm, perhaps you could show me the spider now."

Giovanna leads Eolo off to look at the spider.

DiegoValdez says (to Era), "That was some impressive archery, by the way."

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "allrighty. g'night folks."

[7thsea] Eolo says, "night era"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "loads of fun this time, btw :-)"

Era_Khar'Kov says (to Diego), "Thanks! I've always enjoyed it."

[7thsea] Eolo says, "yeah, this was a good one"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says (to Era), "'night...."

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "whoohoo! yes, indeedy."

[7thsea] Era_Khar'Kov says, "l8r, all."

Era_Khar'Kov goes home.

Eolo says, "well then."

DiegoValdez chats with Era as he rides back to Lowenherz' manor, arriving at some convenient time.

Eolo has disconnected.

[7thsea] Gamemaster asks (of Giovanna), "er, did Eolo show off the herb powers to Giovanna yet?"

Merrick steps behind the curtain.

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "not yet, but I'm sure he could easily enough"

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "I'll consider that part in the missing time"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "(as in, he'd better if he knows what's good for him)"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "heh"

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "okay"

[7thsea] DiegoValdez says (to GM), "Oh yeah...."

[7thsea] Gamemaster says, "hee :-)"