[early_musketeers] PerrySimm says, "Log on."

Jean-Sebastien says, "Well, it seems to me as though a confrontation with our friendly neighborhood acting troupe is going to be a necessity."

Game_Master says, "when we last left our heroes, it was around 4pm on the final day of the play, and Jean had just returned"

Jean-Sebastien says, "Even if they are not responsible for what happened, they'll know who was. And without proof of our extended absense -- which would seem hard to come by, without their help - -the Lionaires will be of little help to us."

Jean-Sebastien says, "However, I have a plan."

Giraud says, "My. Do go on."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "And now I'll wait for everyone to get back to their computers, if necessary..."

[Crows-Nest] Kestrel says, "We're here."

Jean-Sebastien lowers his voice. "I'll return to our room, to fetch a bottle of wine -- to commiserate over -- and on the way, I'll stop by a local apothecary's for a sleeping powder..."

Jean-Sebastien says, "When I come back, I hope to convince the guard to share some cheer with us -- which shouldn't be difficult. And by adding something special to his drink, we should be able to make our escape entirely without violence."

Giraud asks, "On what schedule is the changing of the guard?"

Amber says, "Aw, but violence can be fun. But you're probably right. Subterfuge is best."

Jean-Sebastien says, "Thereby allotting us the chance to use our tickets and hopefully return before he wakes."

Jean-Sebastien says (to Giraud), "They said earlier that this man drew the short straw, to stay on duty through the play."

Kestrel says (to Giraud), "The guard has already changed for the evening."

Giraud says, "Wonderful."

Kestrel says, "The guards who were leaving said they were going to go see the play."

Giraud says, "If we hurry, there should be time for all of us to procure -- well, passable swords, at least."

Jean-Sebastien nods. "We may even be able to get back our own weapons, as long as they're being stashed near here."

Amber exclaims, "And I feel the theater should have some additional musketeers in residence for the final act. Us!"

Jean-Sebastien smiles, "I shall return post-haste."

Amber grins conspiratorily.

Jean-Sebastien leaves, to do just what he said.

Amber makes a good luck gesture in his direction.

Giraud says, "I have never been on stage before."

Giraud says, "I rather relish the idea of a fight scene before spectators."

Giraud says, "Perhaps the acting troupe will oblige me."

Amber says, "I certainly will, whether they do or not. We've practiced many-a-time before now; we may be able to impress the spectators with a few well turned blades, and hopefully, a few well turned words, as well."

Jean-Sebastien comes bustling back, with a bottle and several cups. "Well," he says, well within the guard's earshot, "we may not get to see the play, but at least we won't go thirsty tonight."

Giraud murmurs (to Kestrel), "And you? We have five tickets."

Jean-Sebastien passes empty cups through the bars to his companions, and pops open the bottle to fill them.

Giraud says (to Jean), "Ah, a fine idea."

Amber says, "There's certainly nothing else to do in this sorry cell but drink to our misery."

Guard looks over. "How unfair is this," he grumbles. "You the prisoner are free as a bird, while I have to sit here?"

Jean-Sebastien says (to Guard), "Here, you're stuck here as well are we tonight. Join us in a cup, and let us drown our sorrows together."

Giraud says (to Guard), "Yes, but there are five of us, and only one can be free at any given time. I am only 1/5 free."

Guard exclaims (at Giraud), "Let me see here .. the five of you, and the one of me .. indeed, it is so!"

Amber says, "I'd like a fith, even if I had to pay."

Guard asks, "but what was that about a drink?"

Kestrel blinks.

Kestrel blinks, honored to be included in the five.

[Crows-Nest] Kestrel says, "the typist erred. :-)"

Jean-Sebastien holds up the bottle, and fills a cup.

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien asks, "Should I use my Barkeeper knack to keep him from noticing the powder?"

[early_musketeers] Guard asks, "that seems reasonable. and finesse, I guess?"

[early_musketeers] Guard says, "say, um, TN 15."

[early_musketeers] Amber asks, "or panache?"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "I was thinking Panache to distract him with banter, so he wouldn't notice if my handiwork was clumsy."

Guard stands and walks over to Jean.

[early_musketeers] Guard says, "ok, that's reasonable"

Jean-Sebastien finishes the filling, as planned, "A fine vintage, this. Soleil Matinal, from the sweetest fields in all montaigne."

[7thsea] Jean-Sebastien rolls 5k4: 8 5 9 4 8 | 30

Guard exclaims, "only the best for us, eh? ha ha!"

[7thsea] Giraud says, "You could drop a live rat in his cup and he would not notice."

Jean-Sebastien passes the cup.

Guard takes a sip.

(From Kestrel) Soundtrack begins to play "Brahm's Lullaby."

Jean-Sebastien fills his own, and drinks to l'Emp.

Guard says, "ah, a good year."

Giraud says, "I will drink to that."

Guard says, "er, but -- there seems to be a bit of a kick to this"

Guard crumples.

Amber joins the toast. "To L'emp.

Jean-Sebastien grins, "To L'Emp, indeed."

Giraud smoothly catches the guard and lowers him to the floor.

Giraud says, "That is a vintage he won't soon forget."

Amber says (to Giraud), "Nice work."

Jean-Sebastien takes the keys and releases his friends.

Jean-Sebastien says, "Set the bedding so it looks as though you're asleep in there, in case he comes to..."

Giraud nods and sets to.

Amber takes the gaurd's wine cup, and splashes some on his front.

Jean-Sebastien splashes a bit of wine on the guard, for the smell of things.

Jean-Sebastien laughs.

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "Okay, okay, he's wined."

Amber says, "Might as well let the higher ups think he drunk himself into stupor."

Jean-Sebastien says, "A merry bath. He probably hasn't had one in a dozen fortnight."

Giraud artfully arranges the guard, cup near his outflung hand. "I think this will do."

Amber says, "Let's leave the wine bottle here."

Louis-Phillipe has disconnected.

Jean-Sebastien removes the cell key from the ring, returning the rest of them to the guard's pocket.

Jean-Sebastien says (to Amber), "Sensible."

Jean-Sebastien drains his own cup, but leaves the bottle.

Kestrel says, "Well, if you would have me, I would love to come with you, and see how this plays out."

Kestrel says, "No pun intended, of course."

Giraud says, "But of course."

Amber asks, "A gypsy? Whatever for?"

Kestrel says, "For the adventure, of course."

Jean-Sebastien leads on. "There is this stall in the market, which I hope is still open -- we can purchase some ragged hats and cloaks of the common form..."

Giraud says (to Amber, *very* sotto voce), "You would rather he be out of our sight for now?"

Jean-Sebastien says, "The less attention we draw to ourselves in front of the guards, the better for all of us..."

Amber says (to Giraud), "Quite right."

Amber says (to Kestrel), "Well, welcome you are, then."

Giraud says (to Jean), "And swords for us all. The one I bought will hardly do for us all."

Amber lifts her cup. "To freedom!"

Jean-Sebastien nods, "Ah, yes. Before we leave, we should check if ours are kept nearby..."

Jean-Sebastien looks around the stable/jail for a weapons lockup of any sort.

Amber says, "And pistols. Mine were a gift from my House's Madame."

Amber says, "I would not like to part with them."

Giraud says, "Ah, yes. I would feel better with sword, knife, and pistols at my side."

Jean-Sebastien says, "I agree with you wholeheartedly."

Game_Master says, "Let's see -- not here -- ah, there, the barred door across the way, that the guard's key opens."

Kestrel raises an amused eyebrow at 'Madame.'

Giraud says, "Wonderful. That blade I bought today was hardly worth the sols."

Game_Master says, "inside is weaponry, neatly filed on the shelves"

Amber sighs. "I suppose taking more than what is ours would make us thieves, indeed.

Jean-Sebastien hands out the equipment, each to its proper owner, and belts his own on again.

Kestrel says, "By the Wall! They even have my knife here."

Giraud says (to Amber), "Too much more and we would clink with each and every step."

Game_Master says, "(and, anyway, the quality of most people's things who get arrested is not as high as yours)"

Jean-Sebastien says, "When we dress, be sure to keep these under cover until otherwise necesary."

Louis-Phillipe has connected.

[Crows-Nest] Louis-Phillipe says, "Bah."

[Crows-Nest] Game_Master says (to Louis), "just in time to flee the scene"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "To recap: we drugged the guard with wine, unlocked ourselves, and got our weapons back."

[Crows-Nest] Louis-Phillipe says, "My connection died, but the MUD didn't shut down, so I kept glancing at the computer and seeing no activity."

[early_musketeers] Giraud asks, "And now, would you care to see a play?"

[Crows-Nest] Louis-Phillipe says, "So I thought we were all still sitting here waiting for inky."

Jean-Sebastien asks, "Anything else before we find our costumes for the eve?"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "Ouch."

[Crows-Nest] Game_Master exclaims, "inky waits for no man!"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "So you should have followed schep's cue, and played 'Lydia'."

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "hee hee"

Giraud says, "I think a quick and quiet getaway is next."

Jean-Sebastien nods, "Indeed."

Giraud makes sure he still has everyone's tickets.

Jean-Sebastien leads the group to the market stall, where he got his own plain cloak.

Game_Master says, "the seller is just closing up shop, but you manage to procure some cloaks before he goes home entirely"

Jean-Sebastien says, "Excellent, thank you my good man."

Giraud says, "Feh. These smell of fish."

Jean-Sebastien intentionally overpays slightly for the inconvenience.

Jean-Sebastien says (to Giraud), "That is good. A great many people in this city smell of fish. We will seem natural."

Jean-Sebastien advises everyone on downturned chins and averted eyes.

Giraud mutters, "The things I must do to prove our innocence."

Kestrel says, "And keep separated from one another, too."

Giraud hands out tickets. "Before we do so..."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien asks, "Was the 'before we do so' about the tickets, or is there another line coming?"

Amber says, "I think two of us should go as a couple."

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "Sorry, about the tickets."

Giraud exclaims (at Amber), "Why, I didn't know you cared!"

Amber asks, "I care about not getting caught. Care to join me?"

Giraud offers his arm. "Certes."

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(shall I skip on?)"

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "I'm fine with that."

Amber takes the proffered arm with a flourish. "Thank you, my good sir."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien asks, "Are we splitted, then?"

[early_musketeers] Amber says, "skipage."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "Also, yes, yippy skippy."

[early_musketeers] Amber says, "I think we should separate *slightly* but stay in each other's general vicinity."

Game_Master says, "you proceed onwards to the theater -- the streets are rather more deserted than they have been in the past (or when you were out last), though it is not clear if this is because people are exhausted from the long festival or gearing up for one last fling tonight. In any case, the guards on the street are few and you pass by undetected, arriving at the theater, where there is a largeish line."

Jean-Sebastien slips aside to look around the other side of the building.

Game_Master says, "it is around six thirty or seven pm -- curtain rises in perhaps a half-hour"

Game_Master says, "there are two back doors there onto the alley, both closed."

Jean-Sebastien checks if they're locked.

Game_Master says, "one is, the other is not"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(did you folks have a/want to make a plan?)"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "I was thinking of playing by ear until we had a better idea of what was going on within."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "But am entirely open to suggestions."

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe unidles.

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "I as well. I was going to suggest that, during the first Act, Amber might want to reconnoiter backstage if possible."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien asks, "Would stealth work well in a busy backstage environment?"

[early_musketeers] Amber says, "I was thinking of actually watching the play, and perhaps leaping on stage, brandishing my sword and making wild accusations at the actors."

[early_musketeers] Amber says, "but I'm open to other ideas. :-)"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "If you want to be in the audience, I'd be happy to go backstage."

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "Hey, *I* am the rash one. :)"

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says, "I want to heckle."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "Maybe even knock out an extra and try my feet to the boards -- let those acting lessons pay off :)"

[Crows-Nest] Kestrel says, "I was also thinking of trying to make it backstage and perhaps up into the rigging."

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "I now have an image of this becoming, pardon the phrase, a Montaigne farce, with us popping in and out of doors, hiding in wardrobes and under beds..."

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says, "I'm still not clear on what we're doing, but I want to heckle. :-)"

Kestrel says, "I was also thinking of trying to make it backstage and perhaps up into the rigging."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says (to Girauds), "Excellent. I'm with that plan."

Jean-Sebastien slips back to the line.

[early_musketeers] Amber says, "Anyone seen Noises Off? Something like that."

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says, "Ooh - the rigging. Good plan."

[early_musketeers] Giraud says (to Amber), "Oh my yes."

Jean-Sebastien stage-whispers, "There's an unlocked door back there. I'd like to go backstage; I imagine some of you want to be out front."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "Mmmhmm."

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe asks, "Is it too late to get a basket of rotten fruit to bring in?"

Amber says (to Jean), "sounds good."

Kestrel says, "I have performer, which may help me bluff my way back there, and acrobat, which should help in the ropes."

Jean-Sebastien nods, and returns to the back, with whoever wants to accompany.

Jean-Sebastien says (to Kestrel), "Excellent, excellent."

Giraud says (to Amber), "We can join in during the play, I suspect."

Louis-Phillipe says (to Kestrel), "I was a sailor - I'm adept at climbing ropes and rigging."

Kestrel says, "I'll join you."

Jean-Sebastien says, "I've had a few acting lessons myself, and a bit of climbing and swinging experience as well."

Giraud says (to Amber), "As well as close off any escape through the crowd."

Jean-Sebastien leads the backstage group to the unlocked door.

Louis-Phillipe says, "Amber and Giraud should watch the play, as they're the ones made up as a couple."

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "I am so hoping for a chance to use climbing and/or swinging."

Louis-Phillipe says, "With luck, you won't be stuck out there."

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says (to Giraud), "Try for a balcony seat."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien asks, "Also, can we assume we know the plot of R&J, IYKWIM?"

Amber says, "I think we should sit near the exits, to prevent an escape in that direction."

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "yeah, but hang on --"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(please continue talking for a bit as I write up a paragraph)"

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe frantically reads logs instead.

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien asks, "Bloody battles, pirate's daughter, noble son, mismatched lovers, apothecary's potion, faked deaths, sword fights, real deaths, curtain?"

Amber asks (of Party), "So, sit by the exits, or in the balcony?"

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe exclaims (at Jean), "Yay pirate's daughter!"

Louis-Phillipe asks (of Amber), "Isn't there an exit from the balcony?"

Giraud says (to Amber), "If there are handy drapes or chandeliers, I would choose the balcony."

Giraud says, "for, ah, *drama*."

Amber says (to Jean), "To the air? Maybe."

[early_musketeers] Amber says (to Giraud), "Okay, we can sit where we can do some swinging from the chandeliers & drapes."

[early_musketeers] Amber says, "Too bad I don't have swinging. ;-)"

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says, "I thought Amber did a lot of swinging, IYKWIM."

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "Heh."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien asks, "Do you have hanging-onto-Giraud-for-dear-life?"

[early_musketeers] Amber asks, "What is IYKWIM?"

[early_musketeers] Alex says (to Amber), "Awwwk! Word on the street is that IYKWIM is If You Know What I Mean. Furthermore, = Who is IYKWIM. Also, technosphere is IYKWIM."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says (to ALex), "Thanks."

[early_musketeers] Alex asks (of Jean-Sebastien), "Awwwk! So where's my cork nut then?"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "ok, play summary: http://www.drizzle.com/~dans/if/play.txt"

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "I read that as 'several valuable cheeses...'"

[early_musketeers] Amber says, "Very touching."

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "Hm. Renaldo holds off two guards single-handedly."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien asks, "Where does he find an apothecary on such short notice?"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says (to Giraud), "Two or more..."

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "Two guards..."

Jean-Sebastien goes to the backstage door.

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "It would be amusing to have various of us show up in supporting roles throughout the play."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "Indeed."

Jean-Sebastien bustles through the unlocked one, acting as if he's supposed to be here -- in a hurry, curtain in half an hour, very busy...

[early_musketeers] Amber says, "we should."

Kestrel slaps his forehead.

[early_musketeers] Giraud asks, "I may not have acting ability, but how hard could it be to play a guard who is swordfighting?"

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "I may have to go backstage in time for Act II."

Kestrel asks, "Hang on a minute. What if the Renaildo treasure is now real gold?"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien asks, "The only hard part is how to get from the balcony to the stage without flying over the audience?"

Game_Master says (to Jean), "there are men standing around moving crates and painted scenes and and pulling ropes and so on"

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "Oh, I shall have to sneak around in that case."

Jean-Sebastien bustles through, looking around to what other places this area leads into?

Jean-Sebastien asks (of Men), "Did Leonald come through here?"

Man scratches his head. "er, who? You could try over there" (gesturing vaguely onwards)

Jean-Sebastien nods, "Thanks." He follows their direction.

Man continues tugging on a rope to raise a painted scene vertical, and then up off the ground.

Amber tries to blend in with the crowd, while checking out all the visible exits.

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(and the rest of you? going in back? or into the audience?)"

Kestrel looks for the cat-walk.

Giraud walks with Amber, taking a look at the front of the playhouse.

Game_Master says (to Kestrel), "there's a ladder inside leading upwards, above stage."

Louis-Phillipe joins the man in pulling the ropes.

Game_Master says (to Giraud), "there are still lots of people there, although they're starting to go in. there are, er, some fellow musketeers among them."

Jean-Sebastien, as he walks about, tries to get a good idea of where things are with respect to other things. Which way's the stage, where the props are being stashed, where the costumes are coming from, etc.

Giraud ducks his head and touches Amber's elbow. "'Ware the musketeers."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien asks, "Should I have given a Disguise roll when I outiftted folks?"

Game_Master says, "the stage layout is, more or less, a hemisphere for the stage, and the front curtain on the flat part and the back wall/curtain on the curved part"

Amber snuggles her head into Giraud's arm, should the musketeers look our way.

Game_Master says, "behind the back curtain is an "alley" that has rooms for props and things coming off it, and ladders up to the catwalk, which runs above the stage"

Louis-Phillipe lends a hand pulling on ropes and raising set pieces, taking a good look at the layout as he does - and praying that nobody wonders where the new guy came from.

Game_Master says, "then the audience has seats arranged in front of and partly to the sides of the stage, and an upper balcony of more seats"

Man exclaims (at Louis), "ah, there you are!"

Jean-Sebastien checks down the alley as though he's looking for something -- checking the names on the doors he passes.

Man says (to Louis), "I've been waiting for them to send me more help the whole cursed run of the play"

Kestrel climbs the catwalk, looking purposeful.

Man exclaims (at Kestrel), "you're the sound assistant? good, come with me -- and watch your step!"

Giraud asks (of Amber), "Balcony or floor?"

Louis-Phillipe says (to Man), "Bah. I been looking for work for a week now, nobody mentions the play to me till yesterday."

Kestrel follows.

Louis-Phillipe asks, "Good thing I got lots of odd jobs around the festival. Where do you need me next?"

Amber says (to Giraud), "Whatever you prefer, dear."

Giraud says, "Balcony it is."

Amber says (to Giraud), "Just don't put me behind someone *tall* again."

Game_Master says (to Jean), "all you see are prop rooms until -- whoops, there's a corridor more, but leaning up against the wall are 'Celeste' and 'Gregor', chatting, while some other stagehands move stuff around nearby."

Jean-Sebastien gets acquainted with where he can makeshift together suitable constumes when the time comes.

Jean-Sebastien makes sure not to look at C and G.

Man says (to Louis), "hunh, well, I figured there was more demand here -- they brought us all the way down south to come work on the play"

Jean-Sebastien rifles through a box of -- props, costumes, who cares what's in the box -- while Celeste and Gregor chat.

Giraud finds seats near the edge of the balcony, near some nice drapes, with clear sightlines.

Man says (to Man), "well, you can shift those wave-machines -- they don't come on until the third act"

[early_musketeers] Man says, "(er, ..Louis)"

Amber smiles and simpers.

Celeste exclaims, "you see the crowd? biggest yet!"

Giraud offers Amber a seat.

Louis-Phillipe nods to him. "Aye, skipper."

Gregor exclaims, "I expect we clean up tonight .. and then we clean out!"

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe asks, "Er, what's a wave machine?"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "A machine that makes a backdrop sway back and forth."

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "in this case, it's a thing that you crank to -- right"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(for the ocean scenes, of course0"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "So if you have a backdrop that's painted like waves, the waves look like they're, er, waving."

[early_musketeers] Amber says, "Its a machine that goes around waving. "Hello!""

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says, "Oh, no."

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "hee hee"

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe asks, "There's a boat in this play, isn't there?"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien laughs.

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe shudders.

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Louis), "oooh yes"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "Excellent."

Louis-Phillipe shoves at the wave machine. A thought occurs to him...

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "I suspect that, by Act II or III, we will *all* be backstage at this rate."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "A *sinking* boat, I believe."

Jean-Sebastien listens to as much of the conversation as he can without getting conspicuous, and then moves on.

Louis-Phillipe looks around for a likely place to put the wave machine which might block somebody's escape route if it comes to a chase.

Game_Master says (to Amber&Giraud), "you find a nice seat up top. You can look down on the crowd below, the poor people in the pits right by the stage and the rich on the higher seats behind"

Jean-Sebastien tries to locate a spare script, to remind himself of the lines fo anyone who, er, needs an understudy...

Kestrel helps the man, but keeps a close eye out for sandbags and pulley systems.

Game_Master says (to Louis), "you shift it into a likely spot, although it's admittedly pretty heavy"

Game_Master says (to Jean), "you can grab one up if you like, yeah"

Game_Master says (to Kestrel), "there are plentiful sandbags and ropes to raise and lower the curtain and all the different backdrops"

Louis-Phillipe looks at his handiwork, dusts off his hands, and heads over to a ladder.

Jean-Sebastien grabs one, glances through it for any salient details of the fight scene he may have forgotten, and pockets it for later reference.

Game_Master says (to Kestrel), "plus (where he leads you) an area with various noise-making devices to simulate thunder and rain and glass breaking and so on"

Jean-Sebastien tries to see if he can figure out where the 'treasure' is being kept, until it's needed on stage.

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe asks (of Game_Master), "Do I see where Kestrel just went, or am I in a different place in the catwalks?"

Giraud listens unobtrusively to the crowd around him and watches the stage.

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(I thought you were down below, but you probably saw him climb, yeah)"

Game_Master says, "more people file in -- the show's almost ready to start"

Amber keeps an eye on the musketeers below in the audience.

Game_Master says, "people are talking and laughing all around, and waiting very intently for the thing to begin"

[early_musketeers] (from Jean-Sebastien) Amber says, "Good thing I brought this mirror."

Game_Master says (to Amber), "you catch some glimpses of musketeer tabards in the crowd"

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says, "I just climbed up."

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(ok)"

Game_Master says (to Jean), "hrm, it's not in any of these prop rooms, which is odd"

[early_musketeers] Amber says, "I think we in the audience are set. Naturally, watching everything like hawks."

Jean-Sebastien nods, odd it is indeed.

[early_musketeers] Amber asks (of game), "are any of them du lion?"

Jean-Sebastien grabs a few generic costume pieces (generic pirate swash, generic noble cape, etc) and climbs up to join Louis for the moment.

Louis-Phillipe shimmies up the ladder and balances lightly on the catwalk. He starts rounding the stage, examining the various pulleys and flys closely, and trying to judge where each would land when they're dropped.

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Amber), "hard to say from up here, but then -- oops, yes, the crowd parts to reveal the too-familiar design on a small group of the uniforms, sitting up near the front of the stage."

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(shall we begin the play, then?)"

[early_musketeers] Amber says, "sure."

Game_Master says, "a man walks on stage, and the crowd falls silent."

Dana has connected.

[early_musketeers] Amber says, "btw, I have both my pistols, loaded, but not cocked."

Game_Master says, "I do believe that is Gregor, lending his distinguished presence as master of ceremonies."

Louis-Phillipe is about to speak to Jean, but realizes he could be heard from the audience and stops.

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe asks, "Do we have weapons?"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "Yes. Our own, in fact."

Gregor says, "Ladies and gentleman, lads and lasses, nobles and peasants -- what you have before you tonight is something that you will never see the likes of again"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien smirks.

Giraud mutters to Amber, "I'll wager that's true."

Amber snorts. (quietly)

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says, "Excellent."

[early_musketeers] Amber says, "Don't these people have concealed-weapons laws? geesh."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "The most lamentable comedy and most cruel death of Reynaldo and Juliana."

Gregor says, "For this, our final show in Rayure, our final performance of the year, and (we hope) the climactic performance of our careers, we present for you, once more, the GREAT and SERIOUS and DRAMATIC ... TRAGEDY OF RENALDO AND JULIANA"

Gregor bows and retires behind the curtain as the crowd rises to its feet applauding.

Amber joins the rest of the crowd in applauding.

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien asks, "Climactic in that they'll never have to work again?"

Louis-Phillipe takes a pirate hat from Jean and tries to look menacing. With his scar and sailor's bearing, he succeeds quite well.

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien asks, "One way... or another?"

Jean-Sebastien nods approval of Louis' look.

Louis-Phillipe points at the noble cape and cocks an eyebrow at Jean?

Game_Master says, "A man approaches Jean and Louis. "Shift a hand, you fools! Drop those sandbags!" He gestures to some sandbags sitting on the catwalk."

Jean-Sebastien nods, and dons it.

Jean-Sebastien shifts a sandbox and drops a ha-- er, drops a sandbag.

Game_Master says, "You push the sandbags off the ledge, and the curtain rises. The crowd continues to applaud."

Giraud applauds with the best of them.

Game_Master says, "Meanwhile, up on the balcony, someone is pushing his way in, looking for an empty seat. "Out of my way -- move aside, please.""

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien exclaims, "Bronny baby!"

Game_Master says, "Oh dear. I do believe that's Bron."

Game_Master says, "and I do believe the last remaining seat is, ah, right in front of Amber and Giraud."

Bron plops down in the seat and leans back. "Aaah, just in time."

Amber intently examines her program. Up close.

Jean-Sebastien checks where things are going in the script, and what's upcoming.

Game_Master says, "the play begins swiftly -- first opening with the guards outside Renaldo's family manor, and then moving inside to introduce Renaldo and co. Then another scene, at sail on the ocean, where Juliana's father has just taken another prize -- little knowing that this is the treasure that will lead to the destruction of two families"

Jean-Sebastien wonders how good a view of the 'prize' he can get from up here.

Game_Master says, "then we move eventually to Renaldo's manor by moonlight, where he utters those immortal words of anguish, "Wherefort art thou Juliana?""

[early_musketeers] Kestrel asks, "did we ever find the treasure props?"

Louis-Phillipe grabs a nearby rope, and waits for a scene with lots of pirates.

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "Nope. Oddly missing."

Game_Master says (to Jean), "it's a heavy chest -- the actors grunt when they move it, and it's not all stage-craft"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(so what is the plan? we can bide our time to the act intermission, if you like, or on farther to whenever you want)"

Amber says (to Giraud), "(very quietly) If I have to draw my pistols, can you cover me? I don't want anyone trying to play hero, and getting shot."

Giraud nods once, slightly.

Jean-Sebastien switches to a guard's over-tunic, and looks for a scene where he can play-battle Louis as an extra.

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "I want to jump in as an extra."

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says, "Ditto."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "With the intent of getting a closer look at that treasure."

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "I'm thinking, if things start to go pancake-shaped, Bron might get to hear the chk-clk of a pistol being cocked and pressed lovingly against one ear."

[early_musketeers] Game_Master asks, "ok. replacing an actual extra? or just joining in?"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "Joining in for a scene with bunches of them."

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says, "I was hoping there'd be a dramatic boarding battle scene, and I could steal the show by swinging in on a rope."

[early_musketeers] Amber says, "That was one of my two brilliant ideas. :-)"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "Preferably one where the extra guard and pirate would go unnoticed."

Giraud leans close to Amber, as if to kiss her, and say, "If one of our pistols fails to dissuade him, be prepared to knock him senseless."

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "that's possibly the mutiny scene, then"

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says (to Jean), "Unnoticed? I want to taunt them by showing them up on stage where they can't do anything about it without ruining the play."

Amber gives Giraud a light peck. "Of course, my dear. Later."

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says, "Also, we should have somebody learn the apothecary part and take Claude out before that."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says (to Louis), "OK. That's perfect. While you're doing that, no one will notice me getting a good look around onstage."

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says, "Ooh..."

Game_Master says, "After getting the treasure, Juliana's father finds his own crew starting to turn against him -- they demand he share it out right away, while he wants to stash it away and seek out more treasure. The men split into factions and begin battling themselves, pirate against pirate."

Louis-Phillipe nudges Jean. "Is this not the play with the apothecary?"

Louis-Phillipe says, "We should replace his poison with some real sleeping potion."

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(the apothecary doesn't come in until the end to supply Renaldo with poison, though)"

[early_musketeers] Giraud asks, "An excellent idea. 'Here, drink *this*.' Got any of that powder left?"

Jean-Sebastien nods, "It is. Would Kestrel make a good druggist, do you think? His head has the shape of Claude's.

Louis-Phillipe sees his chance coming up and prepares to swoop in on his rope.

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "But of course."

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Louis), "feel free to play something out here"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Jean), "and you too, if you want to join the pirate battle"

Jean-Sebastien readies his own costume, and slinks down to enter from the wings while all eyes are on Louis.

(From Louis-Phillipe) A dramatic scene! A horde of screaming pirates rushing onto the stage from all directions - including above!

Louis-Phillipe screams, "Arrrrr!" as he plummets to the stage on a rope, brandishing his rapier!

Game_Master says, "The crowd gasps in surprise at Louis's entrance, then claps."

Jean-Sebastien joins the hoard, upstage from most, his sword out to mock-fence with the rest.

Amber enthusiastically joins the applause.

Game_Master says, "a few pirates glance over in surprise also, but are too busy faking the sword-play to investigate further"

Louis-Phillipe makes dramatic faces and menaces the opposing actors with his sword.

Kestrel adds a 'whooshing' sound effect.

Jean-Sebastien mutters, "Rhubarb, rhubarb... arr, rhubarrb..." with the rest of them.

Game_Master says (to Kestrel), "The man turns to you. "the guns, man! fire the smokes and the bangs!""

Kestrel immediatley complies.

Jean-Sebastien fences his way toward the treasure, keeping behind the crowd, and looks inside once he's close enough.

Game_Master says (to Kestrel), "he gestures to a hammer-and-gong type thing, and a bag of flour"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien asks, "Is Gregor the only one we know onstage right now?"

Game_Master says, "Jean and Louis work their way nearer to the chest"

Kestrel pounds dramatically on the gong, and sprinkles flour onstage.

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says (to GM), "No, no, Louis works his way *away* from the chest..."

Kestrel sprinkles even more flour around the treasure.

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "yeah -- Juliana is in port at the moment, meeting Renaldo"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "I'm hoping, at least :)"

Louis-Phillipe says, "This particularly rapid unintelligible patter isn't very often heard, and if it is it doesn't matter. If it is it doesn't matter, if it ain't it doesn't matter, if it is it doesn't matter matter matter matter matter."

Jean-Sebastien coughs, trying not to get turned into a ghost inadvertantly.

Game_Master says, "'Gregor' is there, standing on the opposite side of the chest with his loyal men, beating off all attackers."

Game_Master says, "he swings a hand to clear away some of the flour -- thicker than he expected, apparently"

Amber supresses the urge to stand up and cheer the pirates.

Louis-Phillipe attempts valiantly to fight his way through the "crowd" toward "Gregor", but keeps getting "forced backwards".

Jean-Sebastien clinks swords, trying not to inadvertantly disarm the amateurs.

Game_Master says (to Jean), "hrm, he's cracked the chest open a bit -- it's hard to tell with all that flour, but the chest is definitely full of something golden"

Giraud surreptitiously makes sure his weapons are ready at hand.

Gregor exclaims (at Jean), "back, you fool! my men are supposed to carry the day!"

[early_musketeers] Gregor says, "(er, exclaims in a whisper, of course)"

Jean-Sebastien keeps his face averted, and nods, turning to parry more than thrust.

Gregor's men do indeed begin to carry the day, and the main group of pirates is forced further towards offstage.

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says, "huh - he didn't recognize Jean."

[early_musketeers] Kestrel says, "A scene from Gladiator springs to mind."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "You might say he was a bit busy at the time."

Gregor says, "we vanquish the traitors! now, men, take the chest, and we will conceal it in a secret place I know of."

[early_musketeers] (from Giraud) Gregor says, "...as did the Goonies!"

Louis-Phillipe backs offstage with the rest of the pirates, wishing he had chosen to be on Gregor's side.

Jean-Sebastien is forced offstage, and makes for a speedy costume change, to match Gregor's men.

[early_musketeers] Kestrel asks, "this is still the first act?"

Gregor's men grunt, definitely lifting something heavy, and carry the chest off-stage. The curtain falls.

Jean-Sebastien, if he's ready in time, dashes around the backway to join them.

Game_Master says, "act 1 ends, and there is a brief intermission"

Louis-Phillipe clambers quickly up to the catwalk again, trying to end up in position to observe Gregor's progress from above.

Kestrel reconvenese during intermission with the others.

Louis-Phillipe whispers, "All right, so what's our goal here?"

Gregor gestures to the men to drop the chest against the wall there, and then he walks off to his dressing room. Almost on cue, Renaldo comes out from his room and plops onto the chest, and begins cheerily chatting with an extra.

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien asks, "I'm guessing that the costume difference between the two factions is something simple like hat color?"

Kestrel says, "In the final act, the treasure will be on the stage. That's when we should make our move."

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe asks, "What are we trying to do? Steal the treasure back? Unmask the bad guys?"

[early_musketeers] Gregor says, "yeah -- but the one faction is vanquished now (well, although the actors turn up later as Gregor's new crew)"

Jean-Sebastien, after observing this, returns to the catwalk with Louis and Kestrel.

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien asks (of Louis), "Both, preferably?"

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "We have to get the treasure back in such a way as to get the criminals to confess."

Bron turns to his neighbors on either side. "Good show, eh?"

Amber says, "As long as we can show the treasure is real, that should be enough."

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "or else we're not much better off than before. 'Oh, look, here's the treasure. Um, but we really didn't steal it the first time.'"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "I think that opening the chest onstage in the last scene would be suitable."

Kestrel nods to Jean.

Bron turns to his neighbors behind, but they are off enjoying intermission someplace.

Amber asks, "If the treasure is here, we couldn't possibly have stolen it. How could we have gotten into the play?"

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says, "We should arrest them onstage at swordpoint."

Jean-Sebastien says, "I suggest revealing the treasure at the last scene."

[early_musketeers] Amber says, "I like it."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "Say it IC, and I'll agree with you."

Giraud says (to Amber), "Ah. I thought you were for sneaking the treasure away and giving it to Bron."

Kestrel searches around backstage for more evidence.

Giraud says (to Jean), "An excellent idea."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says (to Giraud), "Er, I hope you can't hear me..."

Giraud says, "I see a climactic scene: the revelation of gold, a swarm of able-bodied fighters."

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe asks, "Or are you backstage now?"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien asks, "Or are you on the catwalk?"

[early_musketeers] Bron says, "(Giraud and Amber have met up with you guys, I thought)"

Giraud says, "It should bring down the house."

[early_musketeers] Amber says, "we're convening during intermission."

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "We are -- what Bron & Amber said."

Jean-Sebastien says, "Mmm. If Kestrel is the apothecary and Louis and I are the guards, our position should be perfect."

Giraud says, "Oh, you will never guess who is sitting in front of Amber and I."

Louis-Phillipe says, "Aye, and we should arrest the perpetrators at swordpoint."

Jean-Sebastien asks, "Lorentz?"

Giraud says, "Bron."

Amber says, "We can keep him from interfering with you."

Jean-Sebastien says, "My."

Louis-Phillipe says (to Jean), "Wouldn't we expect him to be *in* the play somewh - oh, him."

Jean-Sebastien asks (of Louis), "Yes, excellent... instead of knocking him out, or before?"

Kestrel says (to Jean), "If you give me some of the sleeping potion, I'll get some to Claude before his scene."

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says, "Um, how many of these people are in on the deception."

Jean-Sebastien passes it over.

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe asks, "?"

Game_Master says (to Kestrel), "hrm, no physical evidence as such, but you overhear the stagehands talking again. "This sure beats working on the farm all day!" "I didn't know how they could afford to hire everyone, but obviously the show is making more soleis than you can shake a rake at!""

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "Presumably, anyone who claimed to previously know Collete, Claude, or Gregor."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "I.e. everyone in that town."

Giraud says, "Actually...."

Jean-Sebastien asks (of Kestrel), "Do you want to give it to the apothecary, or be the apothecary?"

Giraud tries to come up with a way to slip some of the draught to Bron as well.

Kestrel says, "Both."

Jean-Sebastien smiles.

Kestrel quicly learns his few lines.

[early_musketeers] Giraud asks, "Are there drink vendors around?"

Jean-Sebastien says, "Of course, for that, we'll have to let Reynaldo win the duel and beat back the guards."

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "yes, hawking wines and beers and fruit juices"

Giraud asks (of Amber), "What would you think of having drinks for our neighbors?"

Jean-Sebastien asks (of Louis), "Have you spotted which ropes drop the curtain?"

Jean-Sebastien says, "If Kestrel ties them up while we're fighting Reynaldo, they won't be able to close at the end of the show..."

Giraud says, "In fact...I think the master of the stage should send a beer to Bron, with his compliments."

Jean-Sebastien says, "Which would both let the play continue to its conclusion *and* give us the chance to be on stage to arrest both Collette and Reynaldo at the end."

Giraud says (to Jean), "Do you have a few extra sols? I think a touch of spending may give us more freedom near the end."

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, ""Celeste" or "Crescenza""

Jean-Sebastien says (to Giraud), "Certainly -- any cost to a good enough cause."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "Er, right. Sorry."

Jean-Sebastien says, "I mean, Juliana."

Giraud takes a few coins. "Excellent. And a touch of the powder? Enough for a man to sleep through the end?"

Amber says, "Why have him sleep? He'd be better as a witness."

Game_Master says, "there is a gong beaten three times from the rafters -- the second (and final) act is about to begin"

Jean-Sebastien says (to Giraud), "I just gave it to Kestrel..."

Giraud says (to Amber), "Mmm. Perhaps, but he could also be an impediment -- and there should be plenty of witnesses."

Jean-Sebastien says (to Amber), "Ah, but we don't want him to resist arrest."

Giraud hurries to find Kestrel and borrow some of the powder.

Amber says (to Jean), "There's no solid evidence to implicate Brom, much as I can't stand the man. Spineless fop."

Game_Master says, "(people are filing back to their seats)"

Kestrel produces a small vial and taps some powder into it, and passes it to Giraud.

Jean-Sebastien says (to Amber), "Enough spineless fops in all Montaigne to fill our prisons t'overflow."

Giraud says (to Kestrel), "Merci."

Amber exclaims, "We must go. The gong is announcing the play's second act. Hurry back!"

Kestrel slips upstairs to raise the curtain.

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "Also, since we're going to be acting and such, I might as well trigger my virtue again."

Giraud says (to Amber), "Buy a beer and have it sent to Bron. Distract the vendor whilst doing so and I will apply the drug to the drink."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "To Panache from Resolve."

Louis-Phillipe find a costume for his new part.

Game_Master says, ""About time!" the man says as Kestrel returns. "Now pull!""

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "o"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "k"

Amber says (to Giraud), "There's no time. The act is about to start."

Game_Master says, "the man starts tugging on the ropes himself"

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says, "Good idea. I think I like my stats the way they are, though..."

Giraud says, "Bah. Undone by time."

[early_musketeers] Amber says, "besides, I disagree with drugging Brom. There's no point, when a pistol in his ear will do just as well, and he can witness events, besides."

Jean-Sebastien offers Louis a floppy 'musketeerish' guard hat.

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "Sigh. I rather liked the idea."

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "Blocker."

Louis-Phillipe says (to Jean), "Excellent."

Kestrel pulls up the curtain, but instead of tying it off in a slipknot, he ties a real knot, instead.

[early_musketeers] Amber says, "okay, if you insist."

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "Well, we've already RPed that it was too late, so."

Amber heads for a drink vendor, quickly.

Jean-Sebastien makes his own costume ready as well, of course, to match.

[early_musketeers] Giraud exclaims, "RP comedy showcase!"

Game_Master says, "The man doesn't notice, intent on his own lifting. The crowd applauds, and Juliana and her father come on-stage to begin the second act, along with their crew"

Amber exclaims (at Drinkvendor), "And be quick about it, man, the show's about to start!"

Vender says (to Amber), "here you go, miss."

Amber says (to Vendor), "Thank you."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien asks, "How many quarters did you have to put in him?"

Vender doffs his cap.

Amber heads back for Giraud, being as unobtrusive as possible.

[early_musketeers] Vender says, "picky picky"

[early_musketeers] Vendor says, "or, I should say, picky picky"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(are you offering it to Bron yourself? or by messenger?)"

Jean-Sebastien gazes on the lovely Juliana from above.

Giraud takes the drink and doses it, then finds a young runner. "Here! The manager of the stage wishes you to take this to that man -- " he points out Bron " -- now, with his compliments." Giraud presses several coins into the boy's hands. "Go!"

Game_Master says, "you return to your seats to find Bron's head on his shoulder and his eyes closed. "I can't believe he fell asleep just as the second act was about to start!" his neighbor laughs."

Game_Master says, "there is some business on stage with Juliana being happy about something she won't tell her father about, and then a ship is sighted on the horizon"

Game_Master says, "it is of course Renaldo's family, pursuing their stolen treasure"

Game_Master says, "there are some cannon shots exchanged, and the guards begin to board"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(but this is not the bit where Renaldo and Juliana find the treasure)"

Game_Master says, "there is a fight, Juliana's father is hit with a bullet to his heart, and she holds in him her arms as his life ebbs away, and promises to retrieve the treasure"

Louis-Phillipe looks like he's about to board with the guards, but hangs back at the last moment. A bunch of other extras curse him as they shove past. He retires to the side, looking a little shaken.

Game_Master says, "Lorenz, now appearing as the captain of the guards, laughs, and gives orders to sink the ship"

Amber notices Louis' reticence, and looks at the action more closesly.

Game_Master says, "Juliana jumps overboard and swims away (or twirls offstage, anyway)"

Game_Master says, "the ship sinks, and then we cut to the harbor city again"

Giraud watches with keen interest.

Jean-Sebastien is staying out of the way until the scene where he actually enters.

Game_Master says, "Renaldo and Juliana talk, she makes him promise to help her, and then leaves so he can make a long speech about how torn he is"

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says, "Er, how could Amber see me? I'm backstage."

Game_Master says (to Kestrel), "meanwhile, you notice one of the stagehands glancing up at you, curiously."

Game_Master says, "some more action, Renaldo and Juliana sailing in a boat onto an island and climbing walls and stuff, and finally they make it into the cave"

[early_musketeers] Amber says, "If we're at the wall on one side of the theater, and you're hanging back in the wings on the other side, we could see you. At least, that's how it was laid out at my high-school."

Game_Master says, "two extras get ready in their guard uniforms"

Kestrel tries to see if he recognizes the stage hand.

Jean-Sebastien walks up to the guards from behind, while they're distracted with their uniforms.

Kestrel says, "w/o being obvious."

Game_Master says, ""Almost time for us to come on!" one whispers."

Game_Master says (to Kestrel), "I don't think so -- but he did seem to be staring at you for quite a while"

Jean-Sebastien motions to Louis to follow, and takes out his pistol, turning it backwards.

Game_Master says, ""This'll be our big break! Next we'll play at the capitol!""

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien asks, "Louis?"

Louis-Phillipe draws a pistol as well, and nods to Jean-Sebastien.

Jean-Sebastien raises his over the head of the neared guard, counts off three with his fingers, and .... <clunk>

Game_Master says, ""You know it -- I just want to -- ugh.""

Game_Master says, ""Ugh?""

Louis-Phillipe clunks the other guard, a half second behind.

Game_Master says, ""Why, you're -- ugh.""

[early_musketeers] Giraud laughs.

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "Fantastic."

[early_musketeers] Amber says, "Yeah! You rock."

Game_Master says, "meanwhile, Renaldo and Juliana are straining to pull the chest on from off-stage."

Game_Master says, "they stop to rest."

Jean-Sebastien reholsters his pistol, checks Louis' costume like a mirror.

Game_Master says, ""Hist!" says Juliana. "Do I hear sounds?""

Jean-Sebastien says (to Louis), "Next stop, the capital."

Game_Master says, "Renaldo looks pained. "I hear nothing," he says."

Kestrel goes down, gets a glass of fruit juice, and go to give it to Claude.

Game_Master says, ""No, surely -- could the guards be near?""

Jean-Sebastien takes his place.

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien asks, "Was that our cue?"

Game_Master says (to Kestrel), "he takes it without looking. "Why, thank you -- most refreshing -- ugh.""

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(yes)"

Jean-Sebastien dashes onstage. "Aha!"

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "We've gotten more use out of that sleeping powder."

Game_Master says, "Juliana gasps. "They are! Renaldo, defend me!""

Louis-Phillipe says (to Jean), "Break a leg."

Louis-Phillipe says, "I know you're used to breaking hearts."

Game_Master says, "Renaldo looks up from his brooding. "I die for my duty!" He draws his sword."

Jean-Sebastien draws his sword. "So, it is you! What a knavish deed this is!"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Louis), "you're supposed to be on stage too, of course"

Kestrel stashes Claude in his dressing room, and dons his costume.

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe is just slow.

Louis-Phillipe draws, feints, parries.

Renaldo says (to GuardJean), "why, so it is -- and yet a man may have more than one master, as the fates command (ducking, dodging, slashing out with his blade)"

Jean-Sebastien lets his fencing go by clockwork, since he knows this isn't a real match.

Renaldo says (to GuardLouis), "two of you, I see -- well, yet, I have triumphed against better odds to win Juliana's love and may yet win out here"

[early_musketeers] Kestrel says, "which character was Renaldo."

[early_musketeers] Renaldo says, "= Romeo"

Jean-Sebastien says, "A father's love, a pirate lass, and mammon as well for thee? To many burdons; let me lift some of these three."

[early_musketeers] Renaldo says, "who will beat the guards and then feel guilty and request poison"

Jean-Sebastien parries, fake-thrusts, clashes swords dramatically.

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe asks, "Are we supposed to let him win here?"

[early_musketeers] Kestrel asks, "yes. which character from the town is playing Renaldo?"

[early_musketeers] Renaldo says, "Oliver"

Renaldo says, "you are too kind, sir; I wish that I could oblige"

Renaldo narrowly sidesteps a blow, and the crowd gasps.

Louis-Phillipe aims a thrust at Renaldo while his blade is tangled with Jean's, but the hero gets his sword free just in time.

Renaldo whispers "Nice work!"

Renaldo jumps up on the chest and defends himself there for a while. "Juliana, you must flee!"

Juliana exclaims, "But, Renaldo .. I love you! I will come back!"

Amber gasps at the narrow miss.

Jean-Sebastien lets himself be forced down by the angle, and prepares for a side-swipe agross the shins (visibly prepares, for Reynaldo's sake).

Renaldo jumps down from the chest and sets about you two with (simulated) renewed fury, as she begins to take the chest away.

Renaldo takes the opening and lashes out at Jean's legs.

Jean-Sebastien jumps!

[7thsea] Jean-Sebastien rolls 4k3: 10+7 4 2 1 | 23

Renaldo's rapier swings cleanly underneath Jean's legs.

Renaldo whispers "again, a fine strike"

Renaldo whispers "And now, the death blows"

Giraud says (to Amber), "This is *much* better than the swordfighting I've seen in other plays."

Renaldo exclaims, "and that!"

Renaldo strikes out with his blade, passing in between Louis's arm and his body.

Louis-Phillipe rushes Renaldo, leaving a clear opening.

Renaldo says (to GuardLouis), "your quietus, sir"

[early_musketeers] Amber says (to game), "He's earned a drama die for this. :-)"

Renaldo pulls his blade out and turns to Jean.

Jean-Sebastien lays about his sword with a flourish.

Louis-Phillipe spins to the side as the "thrust" stops his rush. He stumbles into the chest and tumbles over it dramatically.

Renaldo exclaims, "and now you, sir!"

[early_musketeers] Renaldo says, "(yay dramatic death scenes)"

Jean-Sebastien asks, "Is this the end? Betray your family, and murder besides?"

Jean-Sebastien says, "Upon dishonor such as this the winged Legion rides."

Renaldo asks, "I am torn between the two wild horses of love and family -- what matter which destroys me first?"

Jean-Sebastien slashes dramatically at Renaldo, leaving his body completely open.

[Crows-Nest] Giraud says, "'Who's going to ride your two wild horseeehes?'"

Renaldo'miraculously' dodges all the blows, and then leans forward in a swift, easy strike, right next to Jean's body. "And for thee!"

Jean-Sebastien gasps! "I fear, young lord... that you have chosen... the worse."

[early_musketeers] Renaldo says, "(apothecary coming up in a sec)"

Jean-Sebastien collapses, in such a way that his face is turned toward the stage rather the audience, so he doesn't have to close his eyes.

Renaldo sheathes his sword. "When I meet Legion, I will have to ask him."

Renaldo goes into a rather distressing speech about his state of mind and ruined honor.

Renaldo asks, "But hark! Who is that? A wandering apothecary?"

Renaldo looks dramatically offstage.

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien asks, "I'm guessing that Crescenza cannot have gone far with the chest, right?"

Kestrel enters.

[early_musketeers] Renaldo says, "(right, she's just offstage)"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "(Considering that a half dozen pirates had trouble carrying it?)"

[early_musketeers] Kestrel says, "And the treasure is on-stage, too."

Kestrel asks, "What, ho? A murder?"

Renaldo asks (of Kestrel), "I beg a favor of thee, kind sir -- have you any of that balm which heals wounded honor?"

[early_musketeers] Renaldo says, "(the treasure chest is just off-stage)"

[early_musketeers] Kestrel says, "Really? I thought it was still on. Well, no matter."

[early_musketeers] Kestrel says, "(since Jean fell on it)"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says (to Kestrel), "Juliain dragged it aside a few feet while Louis and I were busy dying."

Kestrel says, "Aye, for such a one as thee."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "Juliana."

Renaldo says, "give it here, for I am sick at heart"

Renaldo reaches out for the vial.

Kestrel produces a vial with a flourish.

Renaldo says, "a few coins for your trouble; little enough does it cost, yet great is its power"

Renaldo takes the vial, and drops to one knee.

Renaldo says, "Juliana, my family, I do this for thee."

Renaldo opens the vial and drains the contents.

Renaldo says, "I -- I --"

Renaldo slumps over, onto the ground.

Kestrel says, "Sleep well, fair prince."

Juliana reemerges onto the stage, dragging the chest again.

Kestrel should exit, but remains on stage.

[early_musketeers] Amber exclaims, "Hey, that's from Hamlet!"

Juliana asks, "Renaldo, my sweet, my true, (what are you doing here get off-stage), where are you?"

[early_musketeers] Kestrel grins.

[early_musketeers] Giraud says (to Kestrel), "Show-off."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "Ah, Prince of Kirk."

Juliana looks around. "I see the guards, slain by his hand. What a great deed is here done!"

Juliana exclaims, "but where is Renaldo? he has not left me, has he? Has he -- oh!"

Juliana sees Renaldo's body, motionless on the ground.

Kestrel says, "Renaldo has taken this vial, so great was his treachery against his family."

Juliana rushes to him, shakes him frantically.

Juliana asks (of Kestrel), "but what is this? (why isn't he giving me the lines?) what do you mean, his family?"

[early_musketeers] Kestrel asks, "Is the chest locked?"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "It's at least partly broken open."

[early_musketeers] Juliana says, "(um, do you want to walk over and see? it was open before, though)"

Kestrel says, "Aye, his family, you..."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien asks, "You *are* going to let her finish the scene, right?"

Kestrel exclaims, "And the people of this fair city!"

Juliana asks, "you cannot mean -- who was he?"

Kestrel dramatically gestures to the audience!

Juliana glances out, probably counting the audience.

Juliana asks, "what claim has the city on me? what claim has the city on him?"

Kestrel strides to the chest, speaking, "For, within this very chest, is not some pirate treasure, as might be supposed..."

Kestrel opens it, pulls out a handful of coins.

Giraud nudges some of his neighbors. "This looks interesting."

Kestrel exclaims, "But the monies stolen from the bank, these three days hence!"

Juliana looks momentarily confused. "But -- what do you mean, the treasure? What of Renaldo my dear -- WHAT?"

Game_Master says, "there is some uproar from the crowd"

Jean-Sebastien casually rises while Juliana's eyes are on Kestrel, to block her escape.

Louis-Phillipe rises to his feet, slowly, and draws his sword.

Game_Master glances around wildly.

Kestrel exclaims, "Musketeers, to the stage! Arrest these thespians!"

[early_musketeers] Juliana says, "(er)"

Amber moves to block any nearby exits.

Juliana glances around wildly.

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "HA ha."

Juliana says, "why -- you --"

Giraud stands and moves to where he can easily go in whichever direction is needed.

Jean-Sebastien says (to Crescenza), "Under the penal code of Rayure, subsection twelve, I am placing you under arrest for grand theft civil."

Louis-Phillipe asks, "Words fail you, madame? Not so articulate when you have not the words of the bard to fill your mouth?"

Juliana shouts something probably unladylike in Vodacce, and jumps to her feet, brandishing Renaldo's sword.

Jean-Sebastien says (to Creszenza), "I am sorry, Crescenza -- Celeste -- but it is the only way."

Game_Master says, "There is more uproar from the crowd. Many people are jumping to their feat."

Jean-Sebastien whips off his own cape, to tangle Juliana's sword.

Juliana says, "you fool! I could have --"

Amber changes her mind, and heads toward the stage (sliding down some convenient curtains).

Juliana lashes out with her sword at Jean.

[early_musketeers] Juliana says, "(who is, presumably, going to actively defend)"

Giraud runs to a likely-looking curtain. "pardon, 'scuse," and grabs it, swinging for the stage.

[7thsea] Juliana rolls 6k3: 8 9 4 2 10+1 4 | 28

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien asks, "Yes. Can I do that by trying to catch her sword with the cape?"

[early_musketeers] Juliana says, "sure, but it'll be straight wits"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "OK. Add two drama dice."

[7thsea] Jean-Sebastien rolls 4k4: 10+9 4 5 6 | 34

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "Woo."

[early_musketeers] Juliana says, "people just climbing down curtains to bottom floor should use climbing, swinging on stage should use swinging"

[early_musketeers] Juliana says, "+ finesse in both cases"

[early_musketeers] Juliana says, "and TN 15"

Jean-Sebastien throws the cape over the sword, grabbing it from the other end, yanking the sword from her hand.

Jean-Sebastien tries to grab Crescenza before she tries something else.

[early_musketeers] Giraud asks, "For one raise, can I swing directly for Juliana, trying to knock her out?"

[early_musketeers] Giraud asks, "er, Crescenza, or whomever she is?"

[early_musketeers] Juliana says, "(er, no disarm on her, just a parry)"

Kestrel, meanwhile, has grabbed a stage rope, and is attaching it to the chest.

[early_musketeers] Juliana says, "(unless you actually have disarm)"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "Oh, bother."

[early_musketeers] Kestrel says, "One that I know is attached to a bunch of sandbags."

[early_musketeers] Juliana says (to giraud), "sure, go crazy"

[early_musketeers] Juliana says (to Kestrel), "alrighty"

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "I'll throw in one of my shiny drama die then."

[7thsea] Giraud rolls 5k4: 4 3 10+5 1 10+7 | 39

Game_Master says, "there is backstage confusion also"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "woo"

[7thsea] Amber rolls 2k2: 6 10+5 | 21

Louis-Phillipe goes to help Kestrel with the rope. When it is attached, he scales it to get to the catwalk. (Showoff.)

Giraud shouts, "For de Fleur!" as he swings on some drapery -- straight for the Vodacce.

[early_musketeers] Amber asks, "roled 2k2 for getting down curtains, right?"

Game_Master says, "his feet catch Juliana in the back"

Game_Master says, "meanwhile, Amber drops to the ground in the middle of the crowd"

Game_Master says, "meanwhile, Louis climbs the ropes"

[7thsea] Louis-Phillipe rolls 4k3: 8 9 7 2 | 24

Giraud says (to Jean), "Pardon, but I have always wished to do that."

Game_Master says, "meanwhile, Bron sleeps peacefully in his seat"

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says, "(Finesse + Rigging, if it matters)"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "Since Juliana was facing me, does that me she falls into my arms when he hits her? :)"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "I guess I'll see if Juliana is tackled or just bumped"

[7thsea] Game_Master rolls 4k3: 1 3 2 2 | 7

Game_Master says, "Juliana is smacked directly into Jean, her sword flying free."

Louis-Phillipe checks the weight of sandbags attached to the rope, and tosses down a second rope. "Better use this one as well!"

Game_Master says, "meanwhile, various actors are running on stages with improvised billy-clubs and so on"

Jean-Sebastien grabs her about the arms and shoulders, to keep her still.

Kestrel attaches the second rope, quickly.

Amber runs to the stage, unsheathing her sword.

Amber leaps for the stage!

Louis-Phillipe kicks free the sandbag on the first rope and rides the second one down. Hope that chest holds...

[7thsea] Amber rolls 2k2: 8 2 | 10

Game_Master says, "three actors run towards Amber to block her path."

Jean-Sebastien says (to Crescenza), "It is the end. Your speech is made; your lines are through."

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(10 is fine, it's not that high)"

Jean-Sebastien says, "There is naught more but to bow, and show your grace."

Crescenza says, "you-- you --"

Jean-Sebastien, while holding Crescenza, kisses her.

[7thsea] Louis-Phillipe rolls 4k3: 3 5 10+2 7 | 24

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "OK, attempted subdue/seduction kiss..."

Amber moves to intercept the billy-club-weilding stage hands, and hold them off.

[early_musketeers] Crescenza says (to Louis), "there are three actors waiting below as well"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "If I can't make her love me, I want to at least make her stop fighting me."

Crescenza says, "there are now three groups of three actors on stage"

[early_musketeers] Amber asks (of Louise), "Any excuse, eh?"

Louis-Phillipe draws again as he flies down on the sandbag, screaming battle cries at the sailors.

Game_Master says, "Jean is busy with Crescenza"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "Panache five right now, add my other drama die, and I have four unkpet (seduction 1, Appearance 1, Deadly Beauty 2)"

Game_Master says, "people wishing to fight actors should roll initiative"

Giraud exclaims, "Ha HA! Now *this* is musketeering!"

[7thsea] Giraud rolls 2 dice: 1 8

[7thsea] Jean-Sebastien rolls 10k6: 10+1 7 2 8 4 3 3 9 9 3 | 48

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says, "Is now becoming Focussed on Finesse (wits 2 finesse 4)"

Kestrel, assuming the chest rose majestically into the air, grabs another rope, slashes the support, and rises to the catwalk.

[7thsea] Louis-Phillipe rolls 3 dice: 1 10 9

[early_musketeers] Game_Master asks (of Jean), "I assume you're busy with Crescenza here?"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says (to Game), "Right."

[early_musketeers] Amber says, "I'll just disarm the actors, not fight to injure."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "That was a 'give it up; the problems of two little people don't amount to a hill of beans in this world; but let's just have this moment' kiss."

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(they're all brutes, so you can assume a normal hit disables them in some entertaining way)"

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says, "Remember, they're just knocked out on a hit anyway."

[early_musketeers] Amber says, "btw, 2 raises."

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Jean), "yes."

[7thsea] Amber rolls 7k3: 10+1 2 2 2 6 3 1 | 20

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Jean), "which seems to work at the moment."

[early_musketeers] Amber says, "drama die time."

[7thsea] Amber rolls 1 die: 2

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "TN 10 to hit one, so TN 25 to hit all 3"

Jean-Sebastien leads Crescenza offstage, to comfort her. Without letting his guard down or anything.

[7thsea] Amber rolls 1 die: 1

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "My."

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(man)"

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "Drat."

[early_musketeers] Amber says, "Shethka."

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "c'mon, this is the big last scene, all the drama dice are going away at the end anyway"

[early_musketeers] Amber exclaims, "how many do I have? are 1s and 2s *allowed* on drama di?!"

[7thsea] Amber rolls 1 die: 3

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien asks, "Hee. Have you used any?"

[7thsea] Louis-Phillipe exclaims, "Hee!"

[early_musketeers] Amber says, "I make it. Barely."

[early_musketeers] Game_Master asks, "you have 2 plus whatever i've awarded, which is, I dunno, three or four?"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Amber), "ok, roleplay taking out three"

[early_musketeers] Amber says, "that was three."

Game_Master says (to Giraud), "meanwhile, you can do stuff"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(I guess we've discarded initiative. whatever.)"

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says, "I'll take 2 raises too."

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says (to GM), "Amber, Giraud and I all had a 1. :-)"

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "I'll take two raises and go for broke."

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "good, good"

[7thsea] Louis-Phillipe rolls 7k4: 6 7 7 4 6 6 1 | 26

Amber dramatically brandishes her weapon, cleanly slicing all three clubs in twain with her finely-honed blade, stunning their weilders completely.

[7thsea] Giraud rolls 6k3: 8 7 10+7 1 5 1 | 32

[7thsea] Louis-Phillipe exclaims, "No, wait!"

[early_musketeers] Amber says, "I go for another three."

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe exclaims, "Better plan!"

Jean-Sebastien comforts Crescenza appropriately, muttering soothing phrases.

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Amber), "I think there's going to be nobody left in a second"

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says, "braces his feet on the sandbag and swings the rope as it descends, trying to drop it on the head of an actor."

Louis-Phillipe braces his feet on the sandbag and swings the rope as it descends, trying to drop it on the head of an actor.

[7thsea] Louis-Phillipe rolls 5k4: 3 5 9 7 5 | 26

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says, "(That was finesse + rigging: did it work?)"

Actor says, "ugh."

[early_musketeers] Giraud asks, "Okay, shall I RP my dramatic disarming/disabling of three actors?"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Giraud), "um, meanwhile you -- yes"

Game_Master says (to Kestrel), "and up in the rigging is another actor -- Gregor, in fact"

Kestrel, from the catwalk, tosses the entire rest of the bag of flour on the remaining group of actors/stagehands.

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says, "And then I'll use my 9 and 10 as an interrupt action to use a normal attack on the other two."

[early_musketeers] Kestrel asks, "Throw? Finesse?"

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says, "(at 2, I guess)"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "throw + finesse, sure"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Louis), "ok, at 2"

[early_musketeers] Kestrel says, "And a raise, to boot."

[7thsea] Kestrel rolls 4k3: 5 6 5 10+1 | 22

[early_musketeers] Amber asks, "anyone else I can fight?"

Giraud brandishes his sword and knife, stomping heavily towards a group of three actors. "On one!" he shouts, and his sword disarms one. "On two!" His sword swoops down, tangling the legs of a second actor, who falls. "On --" The third actor backs away, so Giraud leaps forward and smashes his nose with the pommel of his knife. He shrugs. "Actors."

Jean-Sebastien does that sweet-talking sort of thing as well as he can sans lute offstage, while the others are busy fighting.

Louis-Phillipe thumps his sandbag directly on the skull of an actor, who collapses like - well, a bag of sand. He steps lightly off his conveyance and brandishes his sword.

Game_Master says, "Juliana is fighting like a demoness, but while her struggles disarray her hair they do nothing to harm her beauty"

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe asks, "Is it 2 now?"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(yeah, 1 sec)"

(From Amber) Audience thunderous applause!

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "And poor Bron missed it all."

Game_Master says, "Kestrel's bag strikes the remaining actors on stage, and they are covered in a faint white powder"

Game_Master says, "Gregor draws a knife and lunges for Kestrel, above, as Louis attacks below"

[7thsea] Louis-Phillipe rolls 7k4: 8 2 8 5 4 7 7 | 30

[7thsea] Game_Master rolls 5k3: 6 1 6 10+6 10+9 | 41

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(yipe)_"

[early_musketeers] Kestrel exclaims, "Zowch!"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master asks, "er, do you want to parry?"

Jean-Sebastien makes quiet speeches about 'the troubles of a few small people in this world' and so forth.

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Louis), "(ok, play out something successful)"

Louis-Phillipe spits flour, and deftly slaps the two actors to sleep with the flat of his blade as he wipes his eyes with the back of his other hand.

Game_Master says, "Juliana's struggles cease."

Louis-Phillipe clears his eyes and looks disappointed that all his opponents are dead.

Jean-Sebastien looks into her eyes.

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says, "Er, unconscious, that is."

Amber eyes the two making out in center stage, and groans theatricly.

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "Well, they're actors. They're playing dead."

[early_musketeers] (from Louis-Phillipe) Kestrel dumps flour on Jean. What a maroon.

[7thsea] Juliana rolls 5k3: 10+1 1 4 4 3 | 19

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says (to Amber), "We left the stage a long time ago."

[early_musketeers] (from Louis-Phillipe) Jean says, "IYKWIM"

Juliana hooks a foot around Jean's leg and attempts to trip him, but only falls over herself.

[early_musketeers] Amber says (to Jean), "I thought you were kissing her into submission."

Giraud says, "What, no more opponents? I am far from winded.""

[early_musketeers] Juliana says, "(well, nobody except Gregor up there)"

Jean-Sebastien sighs, and sits beside Juliain, letting her sit up but not stand.

Gregor exclaims, "ha-ha!"

[7thsea] Gregor rolls 4k2: 8 6 7 10+2 | 20

Jean-Sebastien asks (of Crescenza), "Do you still fight me?"

[early_musketeers] Gregor says, "who just did, uh, 20 flesh wounds to Kestrel"

Kestrel winces, falls back, but so that Gregor will be in a strategic position.

Jean-Sebastien lets his feelings show in his eyes.

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

Crescenza exclaims, "bah!"

[early_musketeers] Kestrel says, "And that would be a dramatic."

Crescenza says, "(more curses in Vodacce)"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "Since actions are all to whack, I'm going to call that another Seduction roll."

Crescenza wriggles backwards.

[7thsea] Jean-Sebastien rolls 9k5: 9 3 3 2 1 6 7 8 1 | 33

[early_musketeers] Giraud asks, "Where are you? Can we see you?"

[early_musketeers] Kestrel says, "I'm on the catwalk."

Louis-Phillipe counts the bodies. "Oliver... Claude... Um, where's Gregor?"

[early_musketeers] Crescenza says, "yeah, um, she's probably not seducable at this point"

[early_musketeers] Kestrel says, "You might hear the commotion, since there's none left on the stage."

[early_musketeers] Crescenza says, "being as how, like, she hates your guts"

[early_musketeers] Crescenza says, "(although plenty in the audience)"

[early_musketeers] Kestrel exclaims, "Yay!"

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "Okay, time out for a second."

Louis-Phillipe yells, "Kestrel! Where are you, man? Where's Gregor?"

[early_musketeers] Giraud asks, "Where are the major players, and who of them can we see?"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "Doesn't mean I should stop trying :)"

Kestrel says (to Gregor), "I know not who you are, sir, but this is your final act."

Lorenz roars on-stage, swinging a -- good lord, a battle-axe?

Kestrel pushes the sandbags that will lower the curtain--but only for half the stage.

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "Heck, as long as I can keep her distracted and confused enough that she stops trying to trip me..."

[early_musketeers] Lorenz says, "and I believe we are only also missing Colin"

Louis-Phillipe says, "Oh, and him. Knew I forgot him."

Giraud says, "You two find Gregor. I'll delay Lorenz."

Louis-Phillipe salutes, and starts back up his rope.

(From Kestrel) The curtain half-falling wrenches the catwalk, which tips over!

Gregor stumbles.

[7thsea] Gregor rolls 3k3: 1 9 10+3 | 23

Louis-Phillipe says, "Up and down, up and down. I thought I was done with this."

[7thsea] Louis-Phillipe rolls 4k3: 7 4 6 6 | 19

[early_musketeers] Gregor says, "(say, Tn 15)"

Kestrel dives for a nearby rope as the catwalk falls from beneath him.

[early_musketeers] Kestrel asks, "Footwork? Balance?"

[early_musketeers] Gregor says, "balance + finesse, TN 15"

Louis-Phillipe looks up and sees the catwalk tumbling. Beat.

Louis-Phillipe says, "Oops."

[7thsea] Kestrel rolls 4k3: 10+7 2 4 7 | 28

Lorenz charges towards Giraud.

[early_musketeers] Lorenz says (to Giraud), "I dunno, how about rolling initiative"

[7thsea] Lorenz rolls 2 dice: 1 8

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "Works for me."

[7thsea] Giraud rolls 2 dice: 1 9

Kestrel attempts to swing to the support rope that Gregor is holding.

[early_musketeers] Lorenz says, "curses"

[early_musketeers] Lorenz says, "(he's a henchman)"

Amber hears the catwalk tumbling down, and looks up to see Kestrel and Gregor duking it out from the rigging.

Louis-Phillipe jumps free of the rope as it falls and tries land rolling...

[early_musketeers] Gregor says (to Kestrel), "ok, TN 20 to grab his rope"

[early_musketeers] Kestrel says, "(Like, not the rope he's holding, but the rope it goes to."

[7thsea] Kestrel rolls 4k3: 1 5 4 1 | 10

[early_musketeers] Kestrel exclaims, "Ack!"

[early_musketeers] Gregor says, "er, um, balance roll to grab any rope"

[early_musketeers] Gregor says, "TN 15"

[7thsea] Kestrel rolls 4k3: 1 3 5 3 | 11

[early_musketeers] Gregor says (to Giraud), "I think you can swing first"

[early_musketeers] Gregor says (to Kestrel), "er, um, rolling if you have it"

[early_musketeers] Kestrel says, "Drama die ;-)"

[early_musketeers] Gregor says, "aha"

[7thsea] Kestrel rolls 1 die: 3

Giraud walks calmly towards Lorenz, sword and knife en garde. "So pleased you could join our soirre."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "My."

[early_musketeers] Kestrel asks, "14?"

[7thsea] Giraud rolls 6k3: 6 4 10+9 6 8 9 | 36

[early_musketeers] Kestrel asks, "Can I get my 'Creative' bonus here?"

[early_musketeers] Gregor says, "sure"

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe asks, "What should I roll for my landing? (I don't have rolling or falling or anything.) And how far up was I before I jumped off the rope?"

[early_musketeers] Giraud exclaims, "I am sur le feu!"

[early_musketeers] Gregor says (to Louis), "um, roll straight finesse against TN 20, take 2k2 flesh wounds if you fail"

[early_musketeers] Gregor says, "(Lorenz is TN 15)"

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "Clearly I am not calling enough raises."

[early_musketeers] Gregor asks (of Amber), "and, um, what are you doing?"

[early_musketeers] Gregor says (to Amber), "Colin is still unaccounted for, for what it's worth"

[7thsea] Louis-Phillipe rolls 4k4: 3 6 10+9 5 | 33

[early_musketeers] Giraud says (to GM), "let me know when you're ready to handle my strike v. Lorenz"

Louis-Phillipe langs on his feet and jumps clear.

Kestrel clearly misses the rope he was going for, swings and nearly grabs another rope, then sees a sandbag swinging towards him, pushes it with his foot at a falling board, which swings around, hitting the rope he was aiming for just enough for him to grab it. The board crashes to the stage.

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Giraud), "yeah, go ahead and roll damage"

Game_Master says, "meanwhile, from up above, Gregor throws his dagger at Kestrel"

[early_musketeers] Amber says, "had to check el nino."

[7thsea] Game_Master rolls 4k3: 4 2 4 2 | 10

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says, "Um."

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe asks, "You know what?"

Game_Master says, "(but it flies past him)"

[7thsea] Giraud rolls 4k2: 5 6 7 2 | 13

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says, "I hope we tied that chest up there real good."

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(heh heh heh)"

Amber runs up <whatever leads to the rigging> and heads for Gregor.

[7thsea] Game_Master rolls 3k3: 4 3 5 | 12

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "bah, GM drama die"

Kestrel swarms the rope to where the pulleys are.

[7thsea] Game_Master rolls 1k1: 8 | 8

[early_musketeers] Kestrel exclaims, "That's the secret! Roll 1k1, not 1!"

[7thsea] Jean-Sebastien says, "*GM* drama dice are allowed to exceed 3."

Game_Master says, "Lorenz staggers back, but then swings his axe on, undaunted."

[7thsea] Game_Master rolls 5k3: 3 1 7 4 3 | 14

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(cripes)"

Amber exclaims (at Kestrel), "Get out of there!"

Giraud says, "Ma foi! For a moment I swear my sword hit something vital."

Game_Master continues on with his blow, charging cleanly past Giraud.

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(er, Lorenz)"

Amber watches for Kestrel to hear her, and starts cutting ropes as soon as he's free.

Giraud dances aside. "You dance most prettily, M. Lorenz!"

Game_Master says, "meanwhile, Gregor slides down the rope"

Amber gives chase!

Game_Master asks, "meanwhile meanwhile, where's the chest? raised into the air?"

Game_Master says, "Gregor attempts to flee backstage as Amber follows."

[7thsea] Amber rolls 7k3: 1 5 6 9 3 3 9 | 24

[early_musketeers] Amber says, "aiming to disable."

Game_Master says, "the audience is still trying to figure out what's going on"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(ok, that's a hit, roll damage, I guess)"

[early_musketeers] Kestrel asks, "What's du Lion doing? Anything?"

Game_Master says, "and Bron is sleeping peacefully."

Game_Master says, "Lorenz comes around for the return strike on Giraud"

[7thsea] Amber rolls 3k2: 5 5 7 | 12

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says, "The chest had been tied to two ropes and was hanging in the air."

[7thsea] Game_Master rolls 5k3: 4 2 1 3 7 | 14

[7thsea] Game_Master rolls 2k2: 7 8 | 15

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "geezus. ok, fine, another gm die for lorenz's hit."

[7thsea] Game_Master rolls 1k1: 10+2 | 12

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says, "I was swarming up one of them when the catwalk flipped, and I jumped off that rope, figuring it was about to fall."

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says, "So the chest is now up by one rope, unless I was overreacting..."

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Giraud), "ok, Lorenz rolled 26 with the drama die"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "(Not to try to dampen anything, but is it likely that we'll be finishing by midnight or so?)"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(yeah)"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(promise by midnight)"

Kestrel, up by the pulleys, sees that the chest is in danger of falling, and secures its rope.

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "(Er. That's *my* midnight, right? :) )"

[early_musketeers] Amber says, "in which time-zone? ;-)"

Game_Master says, "meanwhile, Gregor staggers at Amber's blow but keeps running"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(yes, yes)"

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

Amber attacks again.

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Giraud), "sorry, that was hitroll, not damage, if you wanted to parry"

[7thsea] Amber rolls 7k3: 2 5 5 9 10+5 8 8 | 32

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Amber), "ok, and damage again"

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "Nah, I'll need my action to finish him."

Game_Master says (to Kestrel), "and there's Colin, trying to loosen the ropes"

[7thsea] Game_Master rolls 5k2: 9 4 2 4 9 | 18

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Giraud), "ok, 18 flesh wounds then"

[7thsea] Amber rolls 4k2: 5 4 2 3 | 9

Game_Master says, "Lorenz's axe swing cuts into Giraud's arm."

[7thsea] Game_Master rolls 2k2: 4 2 | 6

[early_musketeers] Kestrel exclaims, "Hee!"

Game_Master says, "meanwhile, Amber's second strike slices open the back of Gregor's leg and he falls over into some scenery"

Giraud gasps. "Morts de touts les diables!" His eyes narrow. "I am done toying with you."

[early_musketeers] Game_Master asks (of Louis), "and you?"

Amber follow-up slice cuts his pants, which she uses to tie him up.

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Amber), "hee hee"

[early_musketeers] Giraud exclaims, "Ha!"

Kestrel pulls up a sandbag, crawls to the end of the rigging.

[early_musketeers] Game_Master asks (of Giraud), "you, doing last strike of the round?"

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "Ayah."

[7thsea] Giraud rolls 6k3: 10+4 7 3 2 8 2 | 29

Louis-Phillipe has disconnected.

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(and damage)"

[7thsea] Giraud rolls 4k2: 4 5 3 2 | 9

[7thsea] Game_Master rolls 3k3: 10+6 6 3 | 25

Louis-Phillipe has connected.

Game_Master says, "Lorenz staggers but is not quite out"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master asks (of Kestrel), "ok, and?"

Amber pulls out her pistol, points it at Lorenze, and hollers "Freeze!"

Giraud says (to Lorenz), "You shall have a moment more to practice that barbarous form of fighting of your."

Louis-Phillipe is a little dazed from his fall, it seems - he blinks and looks around, trying to get his bearings.

Kestrel takes the opportunity to swing the sandbag down in a graceful arc at the back of Lorenz's head, in full view of Giraud.

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Louis), "ok, you could attack Colin here, untying the chest rope, or Lorenz, attacking Giraud with a battle axe"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Kestrel), "TN 20, I guess, straight finesse"

[7thsea] Kestrel rolls 3k3: 1 3 5 | 9

[early_musketeers] Kestrel exclaims, "Hee!"

Louis-Phillipe notices Colin doing nasty things. "En garde, villian!"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "good lord, man"

[7thsea] Louis-Phillipe rolls 7k3: 6 10+10+1 9 1 5 2 1 | 36

[early_musketeers] Kestrel asks, "Can I reroll my one?"

[7thsea] Louis-Phillipe says, "That should have been 41, actually. :-)"

[early_musketeers] Amber asks, "does anyone hear my high soprano over the general uproar?"

[7thsea] Louis-Phillipe rolls 4k2: 2 10+5 2 3 | 18

Game_Master says, "the sandbag whistles over Colin's head. "ha ha!" he says, and then Louis's blade catches him on the back of the head. "Ugh.""

Giraud keeps his face impassive as a sandbag whistles past Lorenz's and his head.

Game_Master says, "and Lorenz lifts his hands at Amber's cry, and it's over."

[early_musketeers] Amber whoops!

Game_Master says, "and the audience, still trying to figure out what the hell's going on and whether they can demand their money back, is filing around aimlessly"

Giraud shouts, "Musketeers! To your posts! Keep order!"

Game_Master says, "except for du Lion, who are jumping on stage and trying to figure out what the hell's going on, only closer-up"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien asks, "Money *back*? After *that*?"

Louis-Phillipe exclaims, "Look to the rigging!"

Musketeer asks, "what's all this, then?"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien exclaims, "They should be throwing roses and soleils on stage!"

[early_musketeers] Amber exclaims, "That's the best show they've seen all year!"

[early_musketeers] Musketeer says, "hee hee hee"

[early_musketeers] Musketeer says, "yeah, but they paid for a *tragedy*"

Kestrel looks down at the rigging below him.

Louis-Phillipe peers aloft, trying to see if the chest is about to fall.

Giraud says, "In short: evil afoot, de Fleur framed, true culprits undone here on stage, bank money in the catwalks above."

Kestrel sees everyone looking back up at him.

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien asks (of Musketeer), "And all the actors are on the floor at the end. Isn't that how a tragedy's supposed to turn out?"

Musketeer says, "er. right. that sounds good. very good then."

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says, "Oh, nevermind."

Louis-Phillipe calls, "False alarm. Steady on."

Musketeer says, "let's all go back to headquarters and get Bron to straighten this out."

Musketeer asks, "where is Bron, anyway?"

Bron snores faintly.

Giraud says, "Asleep in the balcony, I believe."

Game_Master says, "and then it's *really* all over"

Jean-Sebastien, hearing that the commotion seems to be over, ushers Crescenza out -- keeping a tight grip on her.

Giraud murmurs (to himself), "How much of that *did* Kestrel give me?"

Game_Master says, "the actors, particularly Crescenza, are tied up and filed away in the jail cells"

[early_musketeers] Kestrel says, "I don't measure, I only shake."

Jean-Sebastien sighs.

Game_Master says, "Bron is eventually awoken, demands to know what the hell's going on, and is told"

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe asks, "Do we at least let Jean tie her up?"

[early_musketeers] Giraud exclaims, "Okay, but no spanking!"

Game_Master says, "Jacques is pleased, Bron less so, when he (Bron) gives you a full apology and in fact several commendations and a nice note to your home commander"

Amber says, "Please tell me that one of the side affects of the sleeping potion is a severe headache."

Game_Master says (to Amber), "well, perhaps Bron just always feels like that"

[early_musketeers] Amber asks, "So the heroes go home covered in glory, with bags of gold, lots of XP and a couple extra drama die, right?"

Jean-Sebastien says, "I don't know about the rest of you, but I'm ready for a bit of leave."

Game_Master says, "and thus endeth your tour of duty in Rayure -- except, of course, for the extra time Giraud spends drinking, and Jean spends being a danger to the maids of the city, and all the nuisance you make of yourself in the taverns"

(From Kestrel) Kestrel, meanwhile, is taken back to jail, where he spends the next five months.

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe says, "Now, *that's* what I call swashbuckling."

[early_musketeers] Amber exclaims, "yeah, man. party on!"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "and 12 xp for everyone. I would give drama dice too, but they'd just be reset."

Giraud says (to the others), "I *was* the one directly accused. I deserve a bit of wine for my trouble."

[early_musketeers] Kestrel says, "This story played out like what we were talking about Laurel and Hardy."

Jean-Sebastien says (to Giraud), "And you shall have it. Private stock."

Amber says (to giraud), "and whine, too."

Giraud says (to Amber), "After a few glasses I shall be infintely more pleasant."

[early_musketeers] Game_Master asks, "good game, everyone. any plot points to get straighted out, now?"

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "None on my end."

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "Though they would have gotten away with it, too, if it hadn't have been for those flowers."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "Well, one, but it's probably a matter of dramatic convenience."

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Giraud), "hee hee"

[early_musketeers] Amber says, "I loved it. No holds barred."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "If all the named characters we met in that other town were the great fights, and the others are brutes..."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien asks, "How come they were able to beat up Francis?"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "Crescenza is a (not too shabby) Ambrogia apprentice"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "Yeah, but she was with us at the time."

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "but sadly, was out of commission virtually the whole fight due to cursed die-rolling"

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "I enjoyed how everything went along reasonably; then there was the twist accusation; and then, right at the end, the big pie fight."

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "Plus swinging. Mustn't forget swinging."

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Jean), "picky picky"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien asks (of GM), "So that drama die you spent on my Hubris, in a way, was part of your undoing?"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "Lovely irony."

[early_musketeers] Game_Master asks (of Jean), "hey, whose hubris is it, mine or yours?"

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe asks, "Maybe Francis was drunk?"

[early_musketeers] Amber says, "sword fighting is fun. winning is more fun."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien wonders if Francis was a brute.

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Louis), "that does sound more plausible, yes"

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "Though I didn't get to activate my virtue."

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "I suppose that was a good thing, though."

[early_musketeers] Kestrel asks, "So, what was the deal with the Giraud look-alike?"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien asks (of Giraud), "What was it?"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says (to Kestrel), "Sound alike, I believe."

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "was actors disguised and Claude to imitate his voice"

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "Passionate"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says (to Giraud), "Oh, ah."

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "which only works when a comrade is in mortal peril."

[early_musketeers] Kestrel asks, "And that du Lion guy was just in the wrong place at the wrong time?"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "yeah"

[early_musketeers] Kestrel asks, "And Bron had nothing to do with it?"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "he was just an ass, yeah"

[early_musketeers] Kestrel asks, "What did they do with the villagers?"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "hired them to work on the stage production"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "If Bron were a bad guy, he probably would have claimed to have seen us report to him in person, rather than just submitting a report by paper."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says (to GM), "Oooh! Clever."

[early_musketeers] Kestrel says, "Ah, there we go."

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "Very clever."

[early_musketeers] Kestrel says, "And borrowed the old mansion, I guess."

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "mmhmm"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "presumably there was actually someone that had died there at some point or it was deserted for some other reason"

[early_musketeers] Louis-Phillipe asks, "So #late hasn't finished yet?"

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "I am Well Pleased. I saw very little of this coming, yet as it unspooled it all made satisfying sense."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says (to Giraud), "Yes. Agreed."

[early_musketeers] Amber says, "'Twas also fun. I'm better at action than plot-following, and I was kept happy."

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "late was going to finish sunday, but rob had conflict, so we reschedule to saturday, but TS had conflict. sigh. so this coming-up weekend, Iguess."

[early_musketeers] Kestrel says, "Can we give drama dice to the GM? ;-)"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "yay"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "well, obviously, this was my first time doing this, so I appreciate everyone putting up with my little quirks and imperfections and so on"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says (to GM), "Hmm. I wonder if they'll need six-seven hours too."

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "and at some point I intend to do a pirate game, but not for quite a while :)"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien asks, "So spending our XP probably wouldn't be of much use, huh?"

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "It was very smoovely done, I thought."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien is somewhat tempted to add a background... 'Lost Love'...

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Jean), "well, I mean, maybe they can be musketeer-pirates"

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien asks, "Should I go ahead and turn off the log?"

[early_musketeers] Game_Master says, "yeah, I guess so. goodnight, everyone."

[early_musketeers] Amber says, "I especially liked being lured into actions (like having only one guard on the jail cell) rather than being railroaded into things."

[early_musketeers] Jean-Sebastien says, "Good night. Good game :)"

[early_musketeers] Giraud says, "G'night."