[nobilis] PerrySimm says, "Log on."

[nobilis] Jim says, "Awright."

[nobilis] Pete says, "(Should there be recap for Perry?)"

[nobilis] Xaylia says, "not really"

[nobilis] Xaylia says, "since he can't recap the room and there's not much been said on here"

[nobilis] Jim says, "Yeah, I guess -- okay, so Pete is dressed as a nun and Xaylia is hanging from the Sydney opera house by a bungee rope."

[nobilis] Pete says (to Xaylia), "Er, I mean, 'should people repeat what they said for Perry'."

[nobilis] Jim says, "I guess I will continue battling the emus."

[nobilis] Xaylia bounce bounce

GM says, "The next day after meeting with Darkness, a message shows up from Devastation. "I see you've managed to pull something off. Well done! Perhaps we'll work together again in the future." There's a little doodle in the corner of a tentacled monster eating a FULLY DRESSED little girl."

[nobilis] Pete says, "But I see it was only one line and I can add that in manually later."

[nobilis] Pete says, "Hee."

[nobilis] Xaylia says, "...or not"

Jim says, "Thank heavens the girl in this picture is fully dressed, or this could be pretty disturbing."

[nobilis] Xaylia asks, "is the little girl holding a doll?"

[nobilis] Xaylia asks, "or, to rephrase, should I burst into tears of fear at this point?"

[nobilis] Jim asks (of GM), "Where is this, by the way? Hotel lobby?"

[nobilis] GM says, "Dunno, someplace where Xaylia is."

[nobilis] Pete says (to Chrys), "So, since yesterday's session, I wanted to do a couple things."

[nobilis] Xaylia says, "yikes"

[nobilis] Pete says, "Assuming it's tomorrow now."

[nobilis] GM says, "Since, yes, it's aimed at intimidating Xaylia."

[nobilis] Jim says, "Aw."

[nobilis] GM says, "It's tomorrow, yes."

Xaylia's bottom lip starts quivering as she sees the picture

Jim quickly works a minor miracle to soften the picture's impact somewhat.

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Hey man, he loses the respect of his bad guy peers if he doesn't get the cheap shots in."

[nobilis] Pete says, "I wanted to check on how Mitrasama's doing, and to rite-o-facture a couple more djinn bottles."

Jim says, "Look, it's a little girl playing... a game... with a big friendly fluffy pink elephany!"

Jim says, "Er, elephant."

[Crows-Nest] Xaylia says, "and now Jim's top of his ass-kicking list"

[Crows-Nest] Jim says, "Feh, like he knows."

[Crows-Nest] Jim asks, "Wait, does he know I did that?"

[Crows-Nest] Jim says, "Well, I survived the tussle with that other guy and he wasn't even minimally polite."

GM says, "Mitrasama has been moved into a cottage on the rural side by Ri, where she seems to be a bit bewildered by her sudden change in environment. She also looks a bit out of place, a glassy six-armed woman in a nice little furnished cottage."

[Crows-Nest] Xaylia says, "yeah, but Meon's kind of nasty"

[Crows-Nest] Xaylia says, "assuming, er, that this is Meon and I'm remembering his name"

[Crows-Nest] Pete asks, "Who's Meon?"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "nope, this is baalthazar"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "sorry, baalhermon"

[Crows-Nest] Xaylia says, "ah, okay"

[Crows-Nest] Jim says, "I was about to ask who baalthazar was."

Jim says, "I suppose we can look forward to another visit from Mr Baalhermon, then. And soon."

Pete asks (of Mitrasama), "Are you doing OK? Is there anything we can do to make this easier for you?"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Joktan is the one who is /really good/ at cutting remarks (which this GM is not) and Meon is the one good at dirtying everything you hold dear. Baalhermon mostly has to settle for total salt-the-earth-style-destruction, so his attempts at looming menace via paper airplanes may seem a bit crude."

Pete makes another attempt to contact her parents while they're in the chancel.

GM asks, "No dice on contacting her parents, but the same kind of confused eaten-message reaction. they're clearly in the database, so to speak, but perhaps the route has become corrupted?"

[Crows-Nest] Xaylia says, "(yeah, I got confused because a game I GMed had Meon as the big bad)"

Eolo has connected.

[nobilis] Nathan says, "sorry, running a little late this morning"

(From GM) Mitrasama says, "Ri said she'd make me a loom today. I appreciate that. I'm not sure what to do otherwise. For so long my entire existence has been those doors."

[nobilis] Jim says, "You're only about 4 or 5 light years behind, don't worry."

Xaylia sits in a corner and tries to convince her doll that everyone is nice and will be kind ot her

[nobilis] Nathan says, "I'll have to switch to warp 4"

Xaylia says, "er, to"

Pete says, "We have doors here, too -- doors that you can actually go through, and see what's on the other side."

[nobilis] Pete asks, "Did we tell Graph about the communications failure before?"

Jim says (to Pete), "Hey, you should see this."

Jim passes the note to Pete.

Pete looks at it.

Jim says, "Er, it wasn't pink and scented originally."

(From GM) Mitrasama points solemnly at the door to her sitting room. "Yes, I've done it here."

[nobilis] GM says, "Nope."

(From GM) Jeheila shows up, takes Nathan by the ear despite being shorter than him, and says, "Am I to open this gate or not?"

[nobilis] Xaylia says, "wow, a hands-on imperator"

[nobilis] Pete asks (of Jim), "Is this the Baal note?"

Nathan winces. "Yes, I think you had better."

[nobilis] Jim says, "Yes."

Pete says, "Nice artwork. I didn't know he had a thing for ... elephants."

Pete says, "A few too many trunks, though."

Jim asks, "Wait, we're opening the gate now?"

Jim says, "I thought there would be some kind of, well, ceremony."

Jim says, "I have this feeling like I should be signing or stamping something, at least."

(From GM) Jeheila releases Nathan and stomps off towards the downtown, where there's a Japanese formal garden nestled among the buildings.

Nathan . o O ( besides our death warrants? )

Jim says, "But maybe the noble of Red Tape is just putting the whammy on me."

Xaylia trails along behind Mr Nathan and the nice... ladyperson

Jim blinks, follows.

Nathan follows along hastily behind Jeheila

Pete writes a message to Graph telling him about what happened to the attempted messages to Helen, and asking if he knows what it means or what can be done about it.

Pete also says goodbye to Mitrasama and follows Jim.

Xaylia very quietly starts singing to her doll

Pete asks, "Are we waiting for Eretal, or just going ahead with things?"

(From GM) Jeheila gets to the garden and stops before one of the prayer gates. (http://www.istockphoto.com/file_closeup.php?id=159873). Then she begins arranging each of the nobles who followed her in a curious pattern on the raked gravel before the gate. He then spends five minutes crouched before Xaylia teaching her a new song to sing to her doll.

[nobilis] Xaylia says, "wow, visual aids"

[nobilis] Nathan says, "hooray"

[nobilis] GM says, "Eretal said she herself didn't want to be around until 'Darkness' was sorted out/better understood but one of her brothers might show up. Since I didn't get an NPC sorted out and out of a desire to simplify for myself, they snooze, they lose. Jeheila is Thwarting Them."

[nobilis] Jim says, "Heh."

[nobilis] Nathan says, "hee hee"

[nobilis] Pete says, "Good to see Jeheila being proactive in a positive way."

Jim, admiring the scenery, realises he's stepped off his spot slightly and guiltily shifts back into position.

Xaylia sings "round and round the tree of worlds, a pocket full of humans"

[nobilis] GM has lyrics for you!

[nobilis] Xaylia asks, "do you?"

[nobilis] Nathan says, "ha ha ha"

[nobilis] Xaylia says, "okay, see, I'm more scared now"

[nobilis] Pete says (to Xaylia), "Hee."

[nobilis] Xaylia will stop making up her own, then

GM | One for the candle burning bright, one for the shield against the night, one for the truth that disenchants, one for the wish never granted, one for the sea and what it holds, one for the secret never told, one for the soul collected in love, one for the stars embraced above, one for Mourn to turn it again, one for the Queen to cleanse her of pain, me for the singing and you for the song, him for the strength and her to be strong.

[nobilis] Xaylia says, "I was looking forward to regaling you all with 'hush-a-bye noble'"

[nobilis] GM exclaims, "SOrry! But I have this available, might as well use it!"

Xaylia says, "hm, it's a long song"

GM says, "Jeheila will spend as long as it takes."

Jim says, "Please, and I really mean this, don't improvise, dear."

Nathan watches Jeheila intently

GM says, "It's a song from Mourn, she explains. "Written by a little girl just like you.""

Xaylia asks, "*just* like me?"

Jim says, "For example don't decide to say 'Cloud Cuckoo Land' or 'The Fourth Pit of Hell' instead of 'Mourn'."

Xaylia asks, "does she have a dolly?"

Jim says, "I heard she's really good at memorising lyrics."

(From GM) Jeheila says, "She did! And a special friend like me, too. Now let's try it again..."

GM says, "Once Xaylia seems to have it down, Jeheila stands up and looks at the gate."

Ferris asks, "What are the chances that something is going to go horribly wrong if this works?"

Xaylia sings, "One for the candle burning bright, one for the shield against the night, one for the truth that disenchants, one for the wish never granted, one for the sea and what it holds, one for the secret never told, one for the soul collected in love, one for the stars embraced above, one for Mourn to turn it again, one for the Queen to cleanse her of pain, me for the singing and you for the song, him for the strength and her to be strong"

Xaylia then mutters, "but it's a silly song, because women aren't strong"

Pete says (to Ferris), "I still haven't fully recalibrated what counts as 'horribly wrong', and what's 'perfectly normal' nowadays."

(From GM) Jeheila turns and applauds the singing. It's the 'everybody applaud now' clap.

Pete applauds.

Nathan claps obediently

Jim says, "Very nicely done, Xaylia! Very accurate, as far as I could tell!"

Jim looks around warily for the flying monkey hell-demons.

Nathan . o O ( phenomical cosmic power, grade-school talent show )

[nobilis] Xaylia asks (of nathan), "wow, you thought I was *that* good?"

(From GM) Each thump of hands together seems louder and louder, or at least deeper and deeper, until it seems like the ground is shaking itself. There's a shimmer across the ground, much like the visual aid suggests.

[nobilis] Nathan says, "hee hee"

[nobilis] Xaylia says, "I was envisioning 'voice like a crow with a sore throat', myself"

(From GM) Then there is a heat shimmer across the space of the gate, and a curious opening sensation for those of you with Realm 2.

Xaylia says, "eww"

[nobilis] Ferris asks, "what kind of sensation?"

[nobilis] Nathan says, "a sense of something opening"

(From GM) Jeheila looks around, pausing in her clapping, and then reaches out, her hand vanishing to someplace else. He pulls his arm back and Mitrasama's on the other end of it. "You sit there, dear," she propels her to a viewing bench ad then turns back to the gate.

[nobilis] GM asks, "It's not unpleasant, like an injury. Just, er. Like ears popping?"

Pete blinks.

[nobilis] Ferris says, "gotcha"

Ferris says, "frmph"

Pete says (aside), "Did we just get a gateway from the chancel to Mitrasama's cottage?"

Xaylia says, "um"

GM says, "There is more 'ears-popping'. Mitrasama looks totally bewildered, but sits obediently."

Xaylia shakes her head

GM says, "Then, a sheet of light across the gate, and three of you sacrifice a realm point each, and then there are stars floating on the other side of the gate. "There, created and opened.""

Nathan says, "...wow"

[nobilis] Jim asks, "Is that a permanent realm point or just an RMP?"

Ferris says, "Oog"

Pete says, "Not bad."

Ferris says, "that felt weird"

[nobilis] GM says, "just an RMP"

Jim says, "Really? I didn't feel a thing."

Jim says, "Those stars are pretty, though."

Jim asks, "So, who wants to explore?"

[nobilis] Pete asks, "Can people from both sides contribute, or just the Urban side, out of curiosity?"

[nobilis] GM says, "Just the urban."

Pete says, "I didn't have much planned for today. Sure."

[nobilis] Jim says, "I just verified that I have realm 0, so don't look at me."

[nobilis] GM says, "You still have 5 RMP :-)"

[nobilis] Jim says, "Oh, true."

[nobilis] Jim says, "I'll contribute, then."

[nobilis] Jim says, "Xaylia says she will too."

[nobilis] Pete says, "I don't expect to do much realmy stuff anyway, so I'd be happy to contribute a point."

[nobilis] Jim says, "Right, that's my feeling."

[nobilis] Jim says, "Whereas someone like Dara should maybe hold onto her points."

[nobilis] Ferris says, "hmm yeah"

[nobilis] Chrysoula says, "Okay, that's 3. Woot. (I am assuming Dara has been Around for this)"

[nobilis] Chrysoula says, "since the character is on and ildle"

[nobilis] Pete says, "Yeah. Since hers can be used for high-power miracles, while ours just replicate what she can do for free, mostly."

[nobilis] Jim says, "She's the strong silent type."

Jim approaches the gate.

Xaylia says, "wow, shiny"

Jim rolls up his sleeve.

Jim says, "Well, here goes."

Xaylia says, "my ears feel funny, though"

Pete asks, "Is there ground on the other side?"

Jim chances his arm, as it were.

Pete says, "Not, I guess, that I actually need it."

(From GM) Jeheila says, "It will close on its own if left alone too long. And of course you'll know when it opens. ANyhow, back to what I was doing /before/."

GM says, "Nope, no visible ground."

Xaylia pokes her head through

[nobilis] Dara awakes.

Jim asks (of Jeheila), "Wait! If it closes, how do we open it again?"

Xaylia says, "more stars!"

GM says, "Just a galaxy of stars."

Pete asks, "What happens if something -- or one -- is in between when it shuts?"

[nobilis] Nathan says, "nice timing"

Xaylia says, "um, I know I might be silly, but I thought this was meant to be a door to a world"

GM says, "Just do what we did before, with the opening and stuff. Spend some effort, man. It won't close while somebody's in it, what do you think this is, the Dark Ages?" All this called over the shoulder of walking-away-Imperator."

[Crows-Nest] Dara says, "Hee"

Dara says, "Hey, I saw this in a movie once."

Jim says, "Er, thanks!"

Jim says, "Bleh, some people need to learn how to document the process."

Pete says, "Alright. Maybe we should station someone in the doorway until we return."

Xaylia tries to work out how far away the closest star is from the door

Dara conjures up a robot probe, complete with camera and recording capabilities, which walks through the door, programmed to return after noting its surroundings.

[nobilis] Xaylia asks (of dara), "walks?"

Jim asks (of Dara), "Hey, can't you create stuff here that lasts outside our home ground?"

[nobilis] Xaylia says, "there's no ground through there"

Dara says (to Jim), "For a day, at least."

Jim says, "Aha, way ahead of me."

Jim says, "If the robot survives, I'm thinking spaceship."

[Crows-Nest] Xaylia says, "also I assume the stars are not, eg, close enough to touch"

Pete asks, "Do we have any guard-type people who work for us?"

[Crows-Nest] Xaylia says, "but if they are, hey, I want one"

[nobilis] Jim says, "If there's ground *somewhere* we could just jump and hold our breaths."

[nobilis] Jim says, "Or at least I could. I guess other people have flight or immortality or whatnot."

GM says, "Y'all see the robot walk through, it swims out into the starry void, gets a ways away, and then something slices through it. The camera half tumbles back towards the gate."

GM says, "Also, when Xaylia's head is out there/anybody else's hand, you can see stars outlining the shape."

Jim says, "Well, that's a little discouraging."

Xaylia removes her head from the hole quickly

GM says, "Like, stars that are only there when she's there."

Jim asks, "But hey, we're still entertaining the paper cut guy here, right?"

[nobilis] Nathan says, "hmm"

Jim asks, "Didn't he want space? Lots and lots of space?"

Xaylia says, "I dunno"

Nathan says, "yes, but I don't know if we want to stick him out over there"

Xaylia says, "it doesn't feel empty out there"

Dara says, "Er."

Pete says, "As long as someone's holding this thing open, I'm willing to try it out."

Nathan says, "since I think we're planning on going there ourselves"

Jim says (to Nathan), "Well, yeah, let's check it out first."

Pete steps through.

Xaylia puts her head through to watch Pete

Dara calls up a fistful of nanobots, tosses them through with instructions to go through, then return.

Ferris says, "yawp"

GM says, "Pete is floating in space! People on this side can see him sort of shimmery and translucent. Pete hears WHO ARE YOU? in his head. There's a shimmery kind of shape in front of him, vaguely feminine, with a sword."

GM says, "Oh hey, also, Xaylia, you hear a constant whispering when you stick your head through the gate."

Xaylia watches with interest

Xaylia also listens, in that case

GM says, "No words, but the sound."

Jim signs to Pete, <before I leap in there after you, are you using a special flying power or are you actually floating?>

Nathan . o O ( stars, hunh? )

Pete says and thinks, "Pete Russo, from Earth and Chancel Jeheila. And you?"

Jim wonders if Pete knows the same sign language.

Ferris paces around, waiting for something horrible to happen.

Xaylia says (to whispering), "hush!"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "with high aspect yu can make yourself understood :-)"

[Crows-Nest] Jim says, "Hee hee, true."

[Crows-Nest] Xaylia says, "oh dear"

Pete makes a whispy-floaty hand gesture to Jim.

Jim hopes Pete appreciates the world-class demonstration in miming going on here.

[Crows-Nest] Pete asks, "Is three high enough?"

Jim says, "I'll take that as a yes."

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "sure."

Jim holds his breath and jumps in.

[Crows-Nest] (from Ferris) A powerful voice, old as the cosmos, burns through Pete's ears, saying, "Oh hey -- are you related to Renee Russo?"

[Crows-Nest] Jim says, "Ha!"

Xaylia pulls her head out, says "hey, do I have to sing every time people want the door opened?"

[Crows-Nest] Dara laughs.

Nathan says (to Xaylia), "hmm, maybe -- better make sure to remember that song"

GM says, "I AM MITRASAMA GUARDIAN OF THE WHISPERING GATE YOU ARE AN OUTSIDER BUT YOU MAY YET BELONG UNLIKE THE METAL THING"

Xaylia sighs, puts her head through the gate again

[nobilis] Nathan asks, "uh, Mitrasama?"

Ferris says, "Metal thing? I hope he means those robots."

Xaylia says (to ferris), "you're a *nice* metal thing"

[nobilis] Dara asks, "Does only Pete hear this?"

Pete asks, "Mitrasama? Like the daughter of Helen?"

[nobilis] GM says, "anybody in the other side of the gate hears it."

[nobilis] Xaylia says, "you all can assume I am repeating it back for you"

[nobilis] Pete asks, "How many arms does the shimmery shape have?"

[nobilis] Xaylia says, "attempting to keep a body part in the gate at all times, if necessary"

GM says, "The shape doesn't seem to understand this query so simply hovers there in frnt of you."

[nobilis] Dara asks, "Is our Mitrasama nearby?"

[nobilis] GM says, "the best answer you can get is 'enough'."

[nobilis] GM says, "Yes."

[nobilis] GM asks, "who is on the star side?"

Dara says (to Xaylia), "She said her name was 'Mitrasama'? Crazy."

Dara says (to our_Mitrasama), "Hey, the lady on the other side of this has the same name as you."

[nobilis] Xaylia says, "my head is, plus Pete"

[nobilis] Nathan says (to GM), "I think Xaylia and Pete only"

[nobilis] Xaylia says, "and maybe Jim, since he jumped in"

[nobilis] Dara says, "Jim jumped through, too."

Pete says (to Shape), "Mitrasama of the loom, woman of crystal, daughter of Helen of the Weavers and Tennu the doorkeeper, exists in our world."

[nobilis] Jim says, "Yup."

Pete asks (of Shape), "Are you related to her?"

Ferris asks (of Nathan), "you're a star guy. shouldn't you be over there?"

Nathan says (to Ferris), "well, somebody's gotta watch this side, too"

Ferris says, "well, I ain't going anywhere"

Xaylia checks to make sure her dolly isn't going to fall through the gate

[nobilis] GM says, "I AM THE CHILD OF TENNUT. I AM PLACED TO WARD AGAINST THOSE THAT SHOULD NOT BE. The shape shimmers."

(From GM) I AM THE CHILD OF TENNUT. I AM PLACED TO WARD AGAINST THOSE THAT SHOULD NOT BE. The shape shimmers.

Nathan asks (of Ferris), "you're not going to come along when the rest of us go through?"

Ferris says, "hrrm"

Pete says, "Hmm. In that case, I've got someone I think you ought to meet."

Dara says, "Someone should stay, to open the gate again, in case we can't figure out how to open it on that side."

Pete says (to Xaylia), "Can you ask Mitrasama to come through the Portal? I think Jeheila asked her to watch for a reason."

Xaylia relays the message to the other side of the gate

[nobilis] Nathan says, "well, Monkey and Birralee and -- more usefully -- Thalia are still around"

[Crows-Nest] Xaylia says, "I must be getting a lovely crick in my neck from this"

Nathan says (to Dara), "well, Monkey and Birralee and -- more usefully -- Thalia are still around"

[nobilis] Nathan says, "er"

[nobilis] Dara asks, "Do their RMPs count?"

(From GM) Mitrasama of the six arms stands up and walks innocently through the gate. On the other side, she is brilliantly rimmed with stars.

[nobilis] Xaylia says, "urban only"

[nobilis] GM says, "yes"

[nobilis] Nathan says (to Dara), "hmm, good point"

[nobilis] GM says, "I mean"

[nobilis] GM says, "this time urban only"

[nobilis] Xaylia says (to or), "maybe that's just to open... ah"

[nobilis] GM says, "but after this time, any RMP, including outsiders, can open it"

[nobilis] Dara says, "Aha, cool."

[nobilis] Xaylia says, "mrf"

[nobilis] Xaylia says, "I sense we need to place a guard on this gate"

Dara walks through with Mitrasama, escorting her by the arm.

[nobilis] GM says, "I believe, anyhow. Will look later. I remmeber some 'special case' where special precautions were placed"

Pete says, "Mitrasama, meet Mitrasama."

(From GM) Mitrasama floats towards MITRASAMA, becoming increasingly more translucent and starry. She slips through Dara's grasp...

Ferris looks fretful

Nathan sticks his head through the gate also

[nobilis] GM says, "also note Ri and Ren are both around and have RMP :-)"

Dara tries to keep up, changing form to match our Mit's new form.

Nathan . o O ( crikey )

Xaylia says, "wow, she's pretty"

Dara asks, "Woah, woah, you OK?"

[nobilis] Dara says, "Er, 'Whoa'"

(From GM) Mitrasama says dazedly, "I don't know." MITRASAMA stretches out a hand. The two touch. There isn't any light or special effects or anything. After a moment, Mitrasama drifts backwards a bit and hangs there. MITRASAMA says I SEE.

GM says, "Nathan: as soon as you stick your head through you're aware of the stars."

GM says, "Each star is a component of a constellation that somehow IS an Imperial Power. Your Mitrasama is somehow a shard of this greater MITRASAMA."

Pete asks, "So. Did that, er, explain anything for you... two?"

Nathan says, "Mitrasamas across the cosmos"

Nathan says (to Pete), "yes, actually - or, er, I got it at the same time or something"

GM says, "All it takes is a preservation miracle to let you guys slide right in."

Xaylia relays things to Ferris, on the other side

[nobilis] Dara asks (of GM), "Which what?"

Pete says (to Nathan), "As long as it makes sense to someone."

Ferris pokes his finger in the gate, like he's trying to test the water.

Nathan says (to Pete), "these stars are all the constellations Eretal was talking about"

Nathan says, "and this Mitrasama is, uh, I think one of them"

Nathan says, "here, I think I can --"

Nathan concentrates.

Xaylia picks up her doll, sighs, and climbs mostly-through the gate

GM says, "There's a shift, and suddenly everybody with a bit through the gate is entirely through the gate and disembodied. There's a world within arms-reach that you can manifest on."

Nathan looks back. "Ah, good, everyone's here"

Jim manifest manifest

[nobilis] Pete asks, "Are we still floating with the Mitras?"

Ferris says, "waugh!"

Nathan says, "I guess we go over there"

Xaylia says, "yikes"

[nobilis] Jim says, "I'm no good at all this psychic-plane stuff."

Nathan says, "I think I added us to the constellations too"

Nathan says, "I'm not quite sure how this works"

[nobilis] Dara asks, "Oh, wait--was that the bit between the worlds, or some such?"

Xaylia asks (of nathan), "you made stars for us?"

Jim says, "That's reassuring."

Ferris asks, "is there a constellation that looks like me?"

Xaylia bounces in excitement

[nobilis] Pete says, "This bit might be their analog to chancels."

GM says, "There's also the sense of entering a giant, enormous machine. Absolutely enourmous. With gears and clockwork and precision instruments and so forth. It's a macine that works, though it's needed repairs occasionally, and what it does is create Imperators. But the sense of the vast machinery fades as you manifest and get MORE information."

Nathan says, "I'm not exactly sure -- I don't know if you guys were put into the existing constellations Ereta listed or if there are new ones"

Nathan says, "well -- I'm going in"

[nobilis] GM says, "It's a case of you preserving the synchronicity of the universe, which allows NObles to go anywhere and mostly fit in. The details are a bit fuzzy though."

Nathan tries to somehow get down to the world in question

[nobilis] Dara asks, "Is our Mitrasama still here?"

GM says, "Pete: the world you're entering is shaped by the dream of a single person. The entire world has this dream settled over it, like... a chancel, almost."

[nobilis] GM says, "Nope, she is left behind and eventually returned to your chancel via the gate."

Pete reaches out to touch the world.

GM says, "It's not an explicit dream: the person mostly wanted everything to be healthy and fixed again, and she was tired, and she was loved greatly, and loved greatly in return, and her name was Adriana."

Dara extends a part of her to touch the world, to see if anything might resonate with that part of her she lost.

Jim says, "This is all very abstract."

GM says, "Actual manifestation gives you bodies, standing on a grassy hill."

GM says, "There are low ruins scattered about."

Jim reaches down, touches the grass.

GM says, "There's a sheep, and an ancient low stone wall."

Xaylia manifests, in that case. And checks for her doll.

GM says, "Dolly is there."

Jim says, "Wow, an alien planet in an alien universe."

GM says, "Each of you has a strange glyph somewhere on your body, hand or head is mostly likely."

Jim says, "It looks kind of identical to earth, but still."

Nathan touches his forehead thoughtfully.

Pete says, "The world of the Queen."

GM says, "Also, anytime you're doing anything even remotely connected with your Spirit stat, you glow, according to the strength of your spirit score."

[Crows-Nest] Xaylia sing-songs, "my dolly can *disapparate*"

Xaylia says, "oh dear"

Nathan spreads his hand in front of himself and a shimmering mirror appears, long enough for him to get a glimpse of his forehead.

Nathan says, "weird -- hey, you guys have marks too"

Pete looks at the back of his left hand.

Xaylia scritches the back of her wrist

Pete says, "I didn't expect there to be sheep."

GM says, "Strange glyph, looks vaguely like kanji. After a bit, the marks fade."

GM says, "The sheep baa."

Pete tries to remember it, to look it up later.

Nathan says, "maybe it's "if found, please return to __Earth__""

Pete asks (of Sheep), "Hi. This is Mourn, huh?"

GM says, "They're not totally earth sheep, mind. There's something vaguely strange about them, the noses too long, the wool strangely textured (if you touch one)"

Nathan says, "well, it's good this portal doesn't open into a war-camp"

GM says, "But yes, sheep."

Xaylia sees the sheep, and grins happily.

Nathan glances around at the ruins.

Nathan says, "at least, not a current war-camp"

Pete says, "Unless that's secretly a war-sheep."

GM says, "There's no visible portal here, but you all have the sense that while in this particular location, the world is... thinner here, and you can discorporate and return to the stars."

Xaylia says, "I wonder if the sheep have stars of their own"

GM says, "Nathan, the answer to that is: no."

Pete looks for a shepherd, with Aspect 3 vision.

Nathan says (to Xaylia), "I don't think so -- I think it's only, er, people like us"

Xaylia asks, "maybe the sheep are people?"

Nathan says, "no, nobilis people, I mean"

Nathan says, "not mortals"

Xaylia says, "oh"

Nathan says, "unless there's a sheep nobilis"

Xaylia strokes a sheep absently, anyway

Xaylia says, "they remind me of home"

Pete says, "Yeah, don't be silly. Sheep and monkeys and big groundhogs can't be nobilis."

Nathan says, "which I guess isn't out of the question"

Nathan says, "hee hee"

Jim says, "I wonder if we can take some of this wool back."

[nobilis] Xaylia says, "so, we're standing in a field of sheep, near some ruins"

GM says, "There's the glint of a river to the west, and beyond it, a silver shimmer of some kind of village thing."

Jim says, "It'd be interesting to see what it does on a spinning wheel."

[nobilis] Xaylia asks, "so Mourn is in Wales?"

[nobilis] GM says, "Hills@"

Pete says, "There might be people that way."

Pete points west.

[nobilis] Xaylia says, "and yet, still Wales"

Jim says, "Sounds good to me."

[nobilis] GM hee hee he hee.

[nobilis] Xaylia says, "I can't wait for it to rain"

Pete walks.

Jim also.

GM says, "To the east, there is a big mountain range some distance off."

Xaylia wonders if she can ride a sheep, but thinks better of it and walks instead

Dara, not having found any connection, sighs and incorporates.

Nathan follows along behind the others.

Jim says, "We should check that we have the same level of power in this world."

Jim tries a long jump.

GM says, "Walk walk walk. More sheep. In the distance there's briefly the silhouette of a shepherd-type-figure."

Xaylia asks (of Jim), "um, power?"

[nobilis] GM exclaims, "Aspect levels: check!"

Xaylia tries to get a sheep to kick her

Pete waves to the figure. "Halloo!"

[nobilis] GM exclaims, "All functioning as expected!"

Jim lands, then tries to look inconspicuous again.

[nobilis] Xaylia says, "I wouldn't know how to test spirit, here"

GM says, "The sheep is terribly bewildered by Xaylia's attentions."

[nobilis] Xaylia says, "um, unless I anchor a sheep, and no thank you"

[nobilis] Jim says, "Heh."

[Crows-Nest] Pete says, "Here's hoping that, like on Stargate, the transplanted humans all speak some variant of English."

[nobilis] GM says, "Have somebody try and smack you. :-)"

[nobilis] Xaylia says, "they're sweet but sheep are inherently not lovable"

[Crows-Nest] Dara says, "It's just a matter of figuring out the vowels."

[nobilis] Xaylia says, "feh"

Xaylia keeps trying to annoy the sheep

GM says, "The briefly-spotted figure does not actually respond, posibly assuming you couldn't possibly be speaking to it."

Pete aims in his general direction.

[nobilis] Pete asks, "Can we tell if it's human-like from this distance?"

GM says, "The sheep bleats in annoyance and attempts to trundle away. More attempts to annoy it and it lowers its head to butt at Xaylia. This is about as annoying as a cat presenting its ears to be scratched"

[nobilis] GM says, "Yes, definitey human-like, two arms, two legs, head on top."

Xaylia says, "these sheep are more friendly than the ones I have met before"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "the word is 'cowed' ahahahahha ahe,"

[Crows-Nest] Xaylia says, "snrk"

[nobilis] (from Dara) GM says, "Also, gives birth to live young, hair covering his body, and warm blooded.

Xaylia gives up on tormenting the sheep, and just pats in gently instead

Xaylia says, "er, it"

[nobilis] Jim says, "Illogical, sometimes tetchy."

GM says, "Chasing down the figure is not hard. It's a man dressed in rough peasanty clothing. When it's clear you're chasing him down, he stops his meandering and waits nervously."

Pete says, "Hi there."

GM says, "Looks totally human, if exotic in the specifics."

[nobilis] Pete asks, "Specifics like clothing style, or specifics like green hair and polka dot skin?"

GM shuffles his feet and then bows and remains bowed. "Greetings, yer honor. Wh't can I do for you?"

[nobilis] GM says, "Specifics like large eyes and exact shade of olive skin and clothing styles. Hair is brown, eyes are brown."

[nobilis] Nathan says, "perhaps we should have guised first. oh well"

[nobilis] Dara asks, "Oh, BTW--did I have a kanji symbol, too? And if so, was it the same/different from everyone else's?"

Pete asks, "We're passing through on a journey. I was wondering what this area might be called?"

[nobilis] GM says, "Yes, and not clear."

[nobilis] Pete says, "Hmm, your honor. I wonder if he thinks we're sorcerors."

[nobilis] Dara asks, "Not clear as in my aspect is too low to remember properly?"

[nobilis] Jim says (to Pete), "Or judges."

[nobilis] Jim asks, "Hang on, I'm not wearing a wig and dress, am I?"

[nobilis] GM says, "Partially not clear because I haven't decided yet. :-)"

[nobilis] Nathan says, "I don't know how we're dressed"

[nobilis] Dara laughs.

[nobilis] Nathan says, "if we're dressed like before he is probably surprised just based on that"

[nobilis] Pete says (to Jim), "With Jimice, it's hard to say."

[nobilis] Dara says, "You can get back to me on that, then ;-)"

[nobilis] Dara says, "But I am of course interested in clues as to my Domain."

(From GM) Man remains bowed. "This is Ishiki, sir. Castle Dedication is yonder," he gestures to the west a bit.

[nobilis] Jim asks, "Oh, you don't know either?"

[nobilis] GM will!

[nobilis] Jim says, "I thought it was just all of us."

[nobilis] Dara says, "Nope, I don't."

[nobilis] Jim says, "Interesting."

Pete asks, "Thank you. What can you tell us about these parts?"

Nathan asks, "Castle Dedication, eh? And who is the ruler of Castle Dedication?"

Jim mutters to the nobles, "I wonder if we could use a native guide."

GM says, "The man is clearly surprised by this question. "Why, the Crown, your honors. King Alessan and his Consort Chiara at the moment.""

[nobilis] GM says, "Strike 'at the moment'."

[7thsea] Nathan asks, "Chiara, hunh?"

[7thsea] Dara grins.

[7thsea] GM asks, "I take it this is a previously used name?"

[7thsea] Dara says (to GM), "Yeah, one of Sara's characters."

[7thsea] Nathan says, "Emily's"

[7thsea] Dara says, "Er, or was it... yeah."

[7thsea] Nathan says, "in Sargent's 7th sea game"

[7thsea] GM says, "I can revert it back to its original Ciarra if you like."

[7thsea] Dara says, "That's it."

[7thsea] Nathan says, "no biggie, just amused"

[7thsea] Dara says, "Chiara's fine, yeah."

[7thsea] Pete would have expected lps to remember the difference.

[7thsea] Dara exclaims (at Pete), "Me too!"

Nathan asks, "and he rules all of Ishiki, or more beyond?"

(From GM) The man takes a little step back, as if he'd very much like to run away now. "All of Komaru, sirs. This is all Komaru. Ishiki is just our village." Pleasedon'teatmestrangealiens is clear subtext.

[7thsea] Dara says, "Clearly it's been too long. Also, 'Chiara' is vaguely similar to 'Sara', which is a trick she uses a lot."

Xaylia steps forward a little.

[nobilis] Pete wonders how he knows we're aliens, as opposed to just really strange foreignors.

(From GM) The man looks at the child he can see even half-bowed -over warily.

Xaylia asks, "would you lead us to the castle?"

Xaylia asks, "please?"

[7thsea] schep says, "Era? No..."

[7thsea] Alex says (to schep), "Awwwk! Word on the street is that ERA is Earned Run Average."

[nobilis] GM exclaims, "I know the answer to that!"

[nobilis] Xaylia says, "maybe because we look like constellations"

Pete asks, "Have you met people... like us, before?"

(From GM) Man shuffles his feet. "Um, m'wife's expecting me home, princess-lady-child. Dunno, sir. Dunno what you are, sir. Um."

Dara smiles at the man. "Don't worry, we're a very long way from home, and are just trying to get our bearings. I'm sure we can find our way."

[7thsea] Dara asks, "Hey, what language is he speaking?"

[7thsea] Dara says, "(channel)"

[nobilis] Dara asks, "Hey, what language is he speaking?"

GM squeezes his eyes shut and then asks, "Which way did you come from, if I may be so bold?" Pleasedon'tsmitemepleasedon'tsmiteme.

[nobilis] GM says, "Komaran. :-)"

[nobilis] Dara says, "Ah, so now we need to find someone speaking Barryaran ;-)"

Pete points. "We came by way of those hills over there."

GM says, "His eyes widen. "Aye, sir." He remains bowed, clearly waiting for more instructions, either a dismissal or an unavoidable command."

Nathan asks, "do you know anything about them?"

(From GM) Mumble: "Sacred place, sir."

Nathan says, "hmm, I guess that figures"

Nathan says, "well, you've been very helpful"

Nathan asks, "I'm afraid I don't have any local currency -- would you like a quarter?"

[nobilis] Pete says, "Hee."

Nathan checks his pockets

GM asks, "quarter of what, sir?"

Nathan fishes one out and hands it over.

Pete says, "Don't trust him. he's trying to give you worthless foreign moneys."

Nathan says, "it's, um, a good-luck charm. or a piece of art or something."

Pete says, "Not even real silver."

Nathan sighs.

(From GM) Man takes it and stares at it in his palm. "Uh, thank-ye-sir. Can I go now, sir?" He gives Pete a bewildered look.

GM asks, "Pete, what this guy REALLY REALLY WANTS right now is to run away and pretend none of this ever happened. Isn't it fun being the power of wishes?"

Nathan says (to Man), "you can go now, yes -- our good wishes to your family"

GM says, "The man flees."

[nobilis] Nathan says, "and I'm afraid this is where I cut out also -- good game, folks, see you in two weeks"

Eolo has disconnected.

[nobilis] Pete asks, "So if the Sovereign's Gift kicks in, he'll be blessed with amnesia of the last fifteen minutes?"

GM says, "You turn around. There's a figure standing on the hill behind you. It's a dark figure, dressed in full armor and a cloak and some kind of mask or veil over his face."

[nobilis] GM says, "Yep."

Pete says (to Other), "Perhaps we should -- er, I'll finish that thought later."

[nobilis] Jim says, "(Back -- sorry, I was giving the ants their dinner.)"

[nobilis] Jim says, "(Num num poison.)"

[nobilis] GM says, "Gah, that was quick, but if he's fleeing, I'm seriously thinking of taking a nap before the next game I nee dto participate in in a couple of hours"

[nobilis] GM says, "The figure has a spear or polearm of some sort, just to make the image complete. Clearly watching you."

[nobilis] Jim says, "Aw."

[nobilis] Jim says, "I guess this would be a reasonable place to stop."

[nobilis] Jim says, "But I've been enjoying this session."

Pete says (to Mask), "Hi. You don't have to bow, if you were thinking about it."

[nobilis] Pete says, "Mmhmm."

[nobilis] GM says, "I'm very glad."

[nobilis] Dara asks, "When you say 'the hill' do you mean 'the same hill we came from'?"

GM exclaims, "That's a good line to stop on!"

[nobilis] GM says, "Nope, another hill."

Jim says, "Hee hee."

Dara chuckles.

[nobilis] GM exclaims, "And I will do my best to be more awake in two weeks!"

[nobilis] Dara exclaims, "Have fun at your other game!"

[nobilis] Jim says, "Yeah, and thanks."

[nobilis] GM exclaims, "Thank you!"

GM has disconnected.

[nobilis] Pete says, "Try to aim for the bed when you nap."

[nobilis] Dara says, "Heh."

[nobilis] Chrysoula says, "Hee hee hee. Check!"

Xaylia has disconnected.

Xaylia goes home.