Game_Master has connected.

Game_Master says, "arr"

Antoine-Gerard says, "I hope the connection stays stable."

Valentin arrives, looking for booty.

DiegoValdez has disconnected.

Antoine-Gerard says, "Also, I think I'm still lagging slightly."

Valentin says, "Arr!"

Antoine-Gerard says, "Bonjour."

[7thsea] Valentin says, "Hey there bucklers of swash."

[7thsea] Game_Master says, "arr"

[7thsea] Valentin says, "Just got back from Trader Joe's. I'm ready to drink beer and duel dastardly, um, dastards."

Antoine-Gerard was writing an Ode, when last we met....

[7thsea] Valentin says, "Where's last session's transcript, btw? It's been a couple of weeks..."

[7thsea] Game_Master says, "http://www.bioc.rice.edu/~lpsmith/IF/7thSea/musketeers/"

[7thsea] Game_Master says, "I'll summarize briefly when more people show"

[7thsea] Antoine-Gerard says, "meantime, I'm eating dinner. I love that veggie pate & Cambozola combo ... this time I'm trying it with spinach dip."

[7thsea] Valentin says, "Thanks."

[7thsea] Valentin says, "I'll make pizza, post-musketeering."

[7thsea] Giovanna says, "oo"

[7thsea] Game_Master says, "yeeeeah pizza"

Constantin arrives, looking for booty.

Constantin says, "Ho ho ho!"

Game_Master says, "arr"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "ok, april fools gag over, then"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "indeed"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Yeah."

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "are we all here, for once?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "tablesaw"

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "also, where were we? about to go to the bad guy's house to look for wossname's thingus under the bed and fight a bunch of guys, right?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "exactly"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "We're still missing TableSaw."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "http://www.bioc.rice.edu/~lpsmith/IF/7thSea/musketeers/ being where the prior transcripts are"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "yay, muteconn option"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I was wanting this before"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Muteconn?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "don't see people's connects"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "also, mutedisc"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I'm forgetting the bad guy's name, and wossname's name, and what the thingus was exactly"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "I'll recap when Andres shows up"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "or in three minutes, whichever's first"

Antoine-Gerard writes poetry. "There once was a gal from Fontarrant...."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "alrighty, we start"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "hm, he was on earlier today.."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "yeah, he's asleep"

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "he went to take a nap?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "he said he'd set his alarm and should be up in time"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "oog"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "well, he works nights, remember"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "oh"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "actually, I didn't know that"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "yeah, night proofreader in a law firm"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "huh"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "we shall have to do without Porthos, this once...."

Game_Master says, "so, when we last left our heros, they were sleeping after a hard day's work"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "twice"

[late_musketeers] Giovanna has joined the channel.

Game_Master says, "that work being 1) arriving in the village 2) finding out that the lawyer, Gregor, was apparently scheming to cheat Martin's daughter Celeste of her rightful inheritance 3) talking with Celeste and her beau Oliver 4) looking for Colin, Martin's old servant, and being unsuccessful, but managing to talk to his young, cranky cousin Denis, who handed over a chest full of things"

Antoine-Gerard dreams of moonlit walks with Helene. I mean, Celeste.

Game_Master says, "one of those things being a diary which made a reference to something hidden under Martin's bed"

Game_Master says, "and, I believe, the plan was to arise the next morning and speak with Celeste to locate the bed and go investigate"

Constantin dreams of making quick work of Celeste's pantywaist boyfriend.

Game_Master asks, "so, you awake the next morning. what now?"

Antoine-Gerard yawns and tucks his hastily-written ode inside his shirt.

Valentin asks, "Perhaps one who is less, um, addled should talk to Celeste?"

Constantin says, "I feel that I would have tried to wake up earlier than everyone else, pick some flowers, and attempt to woo Celeste."

Constantin says, "But perhaps I overslept."

Antoine-Gerard says (to Valentin), "Of course, and I'd be happy to."

Andres would like a good red wine, garcon.

Valentin asks, "Do we know where to find her?"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "yay Andres! Just in time"

[7thsea] Jota asks, "Did someone take over Perry?"

Antoine-Gerard exclaims (at Valentin), "I could look!"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Grrrr. Had to help mom understand web."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to Andres), "You haven't missed anything."

Constantin says, "We could ask our host where she stays."

Valentin asks (of Constantin), "True, true. Is our host afoot?"

Villager is making eating noises in the other room.

Constantin says, "No doubt he is already risen and tending his farming."

Constantin says, "Or, we could ask that villager."

Antoine-Gerard adjusts his hair, beard, clothes, etc.. Must look good for Hele--er--Celeste.

Andres says (to Valentin), "No, but he smells as one."

Constantin opens the door to the other room.

Valentin says (to Andres), "Hush, he has given us food and shelter. We must be courteous to these rude folk."

Villager looks up. "M'lord? I was just about to set off for the fields -- do you need something?"

Constantin says, "Good morning. We are looking for a certain young lady. Name of Celeste."

Valentin asks (of Villager), "It is urgent that we speak to Celeste. Where might we find her?"

Constantin says, "You might know her. The most exquisitely beautiful creature to walk God's green earth..."

Constantin trails off into some sort of reverie.

Villager says, "Celeste? I believe she may be in that house over there (pointing)"

Antoine-Gerard exclaims, "Right! I'm on my way!"

Valentin says (to Villager), "Thank you kindly."

Constantin asks, "No, I shall lead! Er, which way was it, again?"

Villager asks, "of course -- was there anything else?"

Antoine-Gerard bounds out past Valentin and Constantin, and out the door.

Villager says, "if not, I shall return in the evening"

Constantin grumbles and follows Antoine-Gerard.

Valentin says (to Villager), "By evening, we hope our task shall be accomplished."

Valentin follows Antoine out the door.

Antoine-Gerard says (to Constantin), "No no, this should only require one of us. Your efforts will be needed elsewhere."

Constantin says, "No no, I insist."

Antoine-Gerard says (to Constantin), "No no, *I* insist."

Valentin impatiently walks ahead of the disputacious twosome.

Constantin says (to Antoine), "Your tunic is stained. Perhaps you should go back and change it."

Constantin says, "Take your time."

Celeste is gathering flowers outside her door.

Antoine-Gerard exclaims (at Constantin), "what, this? hardly a stain at all!"

Constantin says, "Ah! Radiant beauty! Surely the angels sing her name!"

Valentin says (to Celeste), "Greetings, my good lady."

Celeste exclaims, "oh!"

Constantin says (to Antoine), "It's veritably filthy, my friend. I say this in all kindness, of course."

Celeste says, "good morning"

Valentin says (to Celeste), "We have some hopes of success."

Celeste asks, "I hate to trouble you so soon after your arrival, but have you any news?"

Constantin bows with an excessive flourish.

Celeste claps her hands. "You must tell me all!"

Antoine-Gerard says (to Constantin), "Ah, you must be feeling ill, and the fever is affecting your eyesight. You should go lie down."

Valentin, feeling a little self-conscious, adjusts his attire.

Constantin elbows Antoine to one side.

Antoine-Gerard bows with a similarly excessive flourish.

Celeste gazes with interest at Valentin's face.

Constantin says, "M'lady, we indeed have news."

Constantin glares at Valentin, shooting daggers.

Antoine-Gerard steps in front of Constantin. "Oui, news indeed."

Valentin says (to Celeste), "We have found some effects belonging to Colin."

Andres says (to Celeste), "We think we knos where the will is, but we must have access to your house."

Valentin says (to Celeste), "Which lead us to believe that the will is still secreted in the house."

Celeste exclaims, "you've found it? truly!"

Valentin says (to Celeste), "Not found it yey, mademoiselle. And there may be opposition."

Celeste exclaims, "you must go at on -- but what of Gregor? he has forbidden all others entrance to the house, and his men patrol the land!"

Antoine-Gerard exclaims, "Nothing that we could not handle, m'lady!"

Constantin says, "We do not shrink from the danger, of course. Bravely, bravely shall we lay our lives on the line for your sake."

Valentin says (to Celeste), "We shall have to make it past his men, it seems."

Celeste says, "but of course, you are musketeers"

Constantin mumbles, "Would your Oliver do that?"

Valentin asks (of Celeste), "Could we perhaps impose upon you to draw us a map of the house and grounds?"

Constantin asks (of Celeste), "So! Where is this house?"

Celeste says, "of course -- do come in"

Celeste finds a sheet of paper and a quill and draws out a map.

Antoine-Gerard pulls out a piece of paper with a flourish. "Please, mademoiselle."

Celeste exclaims (at Antoine), "oh, thank you kindly!"

Valentin says (to Celeste), "Splendid."

Celeste uses Antoine's paper instead.

Antoine-Gerard beams. "Anything to be of service..."

Celeste says, "we are here, see, and the manor is here, near the cliff and waterfall here"

Constantin glares at Antoine.

Antoine-Gerard blissfully ignores Constantin's glare.

Celeste says, "inside the manor is two stories -- my father's room was on the upper story, and his dressing-room and bath and the guest-room and bath, and then the dining room and receiving room and kitchen below"

Celeste labels them on her map

Andres asks (of Celeste), "And where was Colin's room?"

Constantin says, "I have no need of a map! I have a memory like a trap."

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "y'know, with Constantin and Antoine fighting over her, it's probably going to be Andres or Valentin getting the girl."

Valentin asks (of Celeste), "Do you know how many men Gregor has?"

Constantin takes a quick glance at the map when no one's looking.

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "spoilers!"

Celeste says (to Andres), "here, next to my father's dressing-room"

[late_musketeers] Celeste says, "hee hee hee"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Wait, is the map in Colin's room or her father's?"

Celeste says (to Valentin), "I think he cannot have more than a half-dozen in his employ .. of course, you are only four"

Celeste sighs.

Antoine-Gerard says (to Constantin), "why, you're almost a poet."

Antoine-Gerard says (to Constantin), "*almost*."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "colin's"

Valentin says (to Celeste), "Are they soldiers, though? I think we shall be a match for six."

[late_musketeers] Celeste says, "you can check the previous transcript to re-read the diary entry"

Antoine-Gerard says (to Celeste), "I would lay them low, singlehanded, if you so wish it."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Yeah, it looks like it's Colin's room -- he was bed-ridden."

Celeste shrugs. "I am sure they are just low farmers and brawlers"

Constantin says, "Why, there was the time, child, that I single-handedly defeated no fewer than ten able-bodied brigands, armed with only a wine cork and a fruit cup."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "A bow's a somewhat ungentlemanly weapon, right?"

[late_musketeers] Celeste says, "yeah, somewhat"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "sometimes it might be prudent though"

Antoine-Gerard asks (of Constantin), "Only ten?"

Celeste asks, "well .. is there else? or will you be off?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Valentin knows a little archery."

Constantin says, "Off, but not for long."

Valentin asks (of Celeste), "Do you know where the men would be stationed?"

Andres mutters, "And you allthink *I* get drunk..."

Constantin gazes at Celeste in a starry-eyed fashion.

Antoine-Gerard bows and plants a kiss on her hand.

Celeste says (to Valentin), "they seemed to patrol the border of the land, forbidding all trespassers."

Constantin causes confusion by simultaneously kissing her other hand.

Celeste looks somewhat surprised between her two grasped hands

[Crows-Nest] Giovanna laughs

Valentin whispers (to Andres), "You'll not fall for any girl who isn't a barmaid, hmm?"

Constantin emits nervous laughter and pats her hand.

Constantin says, "Till we return, dear lady."

Valentin bows to Celeste. "We shall return soon, with news. Have courage."

Constantin bows.

Antoine-Gerard says, "heheh. Hrm. <cough>."

Valentin heads out of the cottage.

Andres says (to Valentin), "Um...yes. Barmaid, young one."

Antoine-Gerard discreetly presses last night's poetry into Celeste's hand, bows again, and sweeps out.

Constantin takes his time, bowing and leaving backward.

Constantin considers telling Celeste that he wrote the poem, but his code of honour asserts itself and he refrains.

Antoine-Gerard leans against the wall outside, hand on heart, sighing blissfully.

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Hrm. It's about time for me to live up to my 'reckless' hubris, hmm?"

Game_Master says, "you step outside."

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "heh. uh-oh."

Constantin asks (of Antoine), "Say, what did you mean by kissing her hand when I was kissing her hand?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I was thinking that I would be acting somewhat reckless as well, since I'd be fighting for love"

Valentin asks, "So, gentlemen, what say you? A frontal assault, or perhaps a little more finesse?"

Constantin says, "This requires strategy, since we are potentially outnumbered."

Antoine-Gerard says (to Constantin), "You must be mistaken. I was already kissing her hand when you kissed her other hand."

Constantin says (to Antoine), "Oh, I disagree. I clearly reached for her hand first."

Constantin says, "And I caught the prettier hand! Ha-ha!"

Valentin says, "I forsee that if they know what we are looking for, they will destroy it."

Constantin says (to Valentin), "You are wise for your age, my friend."

Andres asks (of Valentin), "A decoy operation then?"

Antoine-Gerard says (to Valentin), "Right! So the three of you should make a beeline for the, uh, dining room while I sneak up to the bedroom."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "How dry is the brush?"

Constantin asks, "I am better at tactics than strategy. How shall this be done?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(I assume you're walking as you talk, since the manor is some distance away)"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "(yes)"

Valentin says, "We could, say, set fire to the fence to draw a few guards away."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "well, it didn't rain last night, but it's autumn, so it's fairly damp"

[late_musketeers] Andres asks (of GM), "You wouldn't happen to have actually made an ascii map somehwhere?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Andres), "no, but it shouldn't matter. if you want to know where something is, ask"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Are there front and back doors to the house?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "three doors, in fact, since the dining room has doors"

Constantin picks a grass straw as he walks and idly chews on it.

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "er, three sets of doors"

Constantin says, "If we could distract two guards that way, the odds would be even. If the lady is correct about their numbers."

Constantin says, "It is never wise to assume your opponents are fools, however."

Antoine-Gerard smiles, thinking about the upcoming mission. Hel-, errr, Celeste would be so happy.

Valentin says (to Constantin), "True."

Constantin asks, "Do we all storm in the same entrance?"

[late_musketeers] Andres asks, "Joseph Heller would be happy?"

Antoine-Gerard says, "Theus will provide, I'm sure."

Valentin asks, "We are four. Perhaps two in the front and two in the back?"

Constantin says, "I can climb. Perhaps I could scale straight into an upper window, if I had the opportunity."

Game_Master says, "the manor eventually begins to come in sight. you see two men sitting on the porch, talking. they don't appear to have noticed you."

Valentin says (to Constantin), "Hmm. If you could approach from the back and sneak in, while we draw out the guards in the front..."

Valentin says, "I fear a fire could damage the property we are trying to recover."

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "can I scope out the back of the house before we do anything rash?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "or are we just rash anyway?"

Andres says, "Our biggest concern will be where Gregor is within the house."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "OK, let's decide while still out of sight."

Antoine-Gerard plucks the grass straw out from Constantin's mouth. "Here, we could draw straws.

Constantin says, "Ptoof."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Oh, hey, I can climb too."

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "bet we can all climb"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "anyone with athlete has climbing, I think"

[late_musketeers] Andres asks, "anyone have climbing more than 1?"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "I"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Might be more prudent to send two up the wall, while the other two raise a ruckus up front -- being very official, stalling for time."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "I have 2."

Antoine-Gerard says, "I'd be willing to make the climb."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I have 2"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to Antoine), "How's your climbing."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "?"

Antoine-Gerard breaks the straw into two short and two long pieces.

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "climbing 2"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "how's my climbing? dial 1-800-CLIMBING"

[late_musketeers] Andres has 1.

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to GM), "Hee!"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "let's take some of this discussion to where Perry can log it"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to Andres), "Well, you're probably the most intimidating, right? So you should definitely be up front."

Antoine-Gerard asks, "Long pieces climb and short pieces decoy?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(perry is logging it, but it'd be better to have it off-channel if it's being spoken, yeah)"

Valentin asks, "Certainly. Two of each?"

Constantin says, "I think we should decide based on skill, not on random draw."

Valentin says (to Constantin), "Very well. Three of us are fine climbers."

Constantin says, "Andres is definitely for the front charge, then."

Valentin says, "Andres would perhaps be best at overaweing these rude folk."

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard asks, "wait, do I have a firearm?"

Andres says, "I don't particularly trust Romeodee and Romeodum to reach the balcony together."

Antoine-Gerard drops one of the short pieces.

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Andres), "he hee"

Constantin draws a straw.

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "you can have a firearm, sure"

Valentin asks (of Andres), "Perhaps, then, I should climb?"

Andres says, "I believe that young Valentin should be one to climb."

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "tmg"

Constantin says, "Fine, fine."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "One climber or two?"

Antoine-Gerard looks at Constantin's straw.

Constantin grumbles.

Valentin asks, "Shall another climb with me?"

Constantin says, "It was just my idea, that's all."

Valentin asks (of Constantin), "Join me then! Or will a third be needed at the front?"

Antoine-Gerard says (to Valentin), "I would be happy to join you, thank you for asking."

Antoine-Gerard glares at Constantin.

Constantin says, "This is no time for squabbling. I'll take the front with Andres."

Valentin says, "Very well, then."

Constantin says (to Antoine), "We'll squabble later."

Antoine-Gerard asks (of Constantine), "Is that a challenge?"

Constantin says, "Don't be absurd! Musketeers don't duel each other!"

Valentin says (to Andres), "Can you keep them talking a while? If we have already found the will by the time battle is joined, we can all fight together."

Antoine-Gerard exclaims (at Constantine), "Hah!"

Constantin says, "I would rather a broken heart than a broken company."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Somehow, I picture Andres as Cyrano."

Constantin says, "Now, off with you, and God speed."

Andres says (to Val), "I believe so. Be quiet."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Smite them with your nose, Andres!"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Hee."

Antoine-Gerard says (to Constantine), "You know nothing about broken hearts, mon ami."

Constantin says, "Oh but I do."

Antoine-Gerard turns to follow Valentin

Valentin sneaks around the back of the house, with Constantin.

Constantin asks (of Andres), "You'll do the talking, then?"

Valentin says, "er."

Constantin says, "Although, when they see two musketeers approaching, they may decide to talk with their swords."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master asks, "er, so who sneaks where?"

Valentin sneaks with Antoine, rather.

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "ah"

Andres says (to Stan), "We'll keep our swords sheathed. No need to start the brawl early."

Valentin examines the access to the second floor.

Constantin says, "Agreed."

Thug and his friend stand as you approach.

Thug exclaims, "hey! no trespassing!"

Constantin approaches smiling.

Constantin gives an innocent, puzzled look to Andres and the thug.

Valentin whispers (to Antoine) "Hmm. Shall we attempt to enter Colin's own window?"

Andres says (to Thug), "Good day, I am Andres du Evry, this is Constantin --."

Constantin says, "Souzet."

Antoine-Gerard asks (of Valentin), "Oui ... let's see ... it should be .... that one?"

Game_Master says, "you give the front a wide berth and (presumably) go unseen"

Andres says, "We are here to speak with a certain attorney, Gregor, I believe."

Game_Master says, "the house has trellises running up the sides, which presumably would be covered in flowers in spring"

Game_Master says, "both Colin and Martin's windows have trellises underneath"

Thug says, "the boss? he ain't here"

Thug exclaims, "and you shouldn't be either. now git!"

Valentin asks (of GM), "Is there movement behind the windows?"

Antoine-Gerard says (to Valentin), "The lighter of the two of us should climb first while the other secures the trellis from below."

Valentin says, "If not, we start climbing."

Game_Master says (to Valentin), "not that you can see from ground level"

Valentin says (to Antoine), "Indeed."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks (of GM), "Who's lighter?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "um, I dunno"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "brawn 2"

Constantin says (to Thug), "But we're friends of his. He asked us to come."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Also, they call me Zippo."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "if you want to be skinny you can be skinny, I guess"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "and presumably height factors in also"

Constantin chortles, "Good old Gregor! Ha-HA!"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Well, I have brawn 2, but I'm younger."

Andres elbows Stan.

Constantin says, "Didn't he tell you we were comi--oof."

Andres asks, "And whenwill he be in?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "So I guess I might have that skinny-18-year-old thing going?"

Antoine-Gerard looks at Valentin and himself, then shrugs and braces himself against the trellis.

[late_musketeers] Constantin says (to val), "I'd think so"

Thug says, "he don't come 'round much"

Thug says, "just enough to check out his property"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "you probably did a lot of tree-climbin' in your youth"

Valentin, being lighter, climbs first, and looks through Colin's window.

Game_Master says (to Valentin), "the room is dark and (apparently) deserted"

Andres says, "Now that is certainly odd, we were led to believe that this was, in fact, his domicile."

Valentin attempts to open the window quietly. Is it latched?

Game_Master says (to Valentin), "it doesn't appear to be"

Thug asks, "haw haw! you think he'd live way out here?"

Thug says, "naw, Gregor stays in the village mostly, so's he can talk to Lorenz"

Valentin raises the sash and enters the room as quietly as he can.

Antoine-Gerard gets a bright idea. He pulls out a piece of paper, frowns, and tries to think up a phony but legal-sounding will.

Andres says, "Well, I presumed that Gregor, knowing the Sun King's law, would wish to remain in his residence particularly at the time of recent transition so as to protect himself from any claims of squatters et al."

Game_Master says, "the window sticks and creaks slightly, as if it hasn't been opened in a few months"

Game_Master says, "but it comes open eventually"

Thug says, "well, I ain't one for knowing my legal points, but Gregor doesn't miss a trick, I give him that"

Thug says, "and if he don't come here, I 'spect he don't need to"

Valentin braces the trellis, with his back to the window to watch for people entering the room.

Andres says, "Hm. That would seem to be a rather unusual oversight."

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard asks, "Eeagh! Wait, isn't Lorenz the guy that we got the trunk from??"

[late_musketeers] Thug says, "no, that's Denis"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "phew."

Constantin says, "Heh, that Gregor. You know how he is. --Ooof."

Thug shrugs.

Antoine-Gerard tucks his idea back in his tunic and climbs up.

Andres asks, "Could you tell me, my fine men, are you in fact residing in this building at the current time?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "who is lorenz? hm"

Thug says, "yep"

Thug says, "Hel 'n Otto are sleepin' inside now."

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "is the front door open at all? can I see anything inside from here?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks (of GM), "Can Antoine and I hear the conversation?"

Andres says, "Well that would certainly account for the legal discrepency then. So long as you and your friends do not wish to claim residency of the place, which of course, you are perfectly entitled to do under the most recent property law."

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard asks, "Also, I assume we're both up and in the room now?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Antoine), "yeah"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Constantin), "no, it's closed"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Valentin), "no"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Lorenz: mayor-kinda-guy."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(although you can presumably creep downstairs)"

Thug scratches his head.

Constantin quietly estimates that the other fellows are inside by now, and hears no ruckus, a good sign.

Antoine-Gerard says (to Valentin), "Here, I have an idea. I know a little of Law ... perhaps I can draw up a decoy will."

Valentin locks the door to the room, if possible, and then quietly lifts the mattress off of the bed.

Thug asks, "you're sayin' I could lay a claim to this place just from bein' here?"

Andres asks, "Most likely, how long have you been stationed here alone?"

Constantin is getting antsy to do something brave and dashing so he can brag about it to Celeste later.

Game_Master says (to Valentin), "you slide the comforter and sheets aside, and lift the mattress slowly."

Valentin says (to Antoine), "(whispering) I do not see how that would help, my friend. It is the real will we need."

Game_Master says (to Valentin), "..nothing."

Thug says (to Andres), "week or two, maybe"

Valentin examines the bed-slats and the base of the mattress. Any more sophisticated hiding place?

Thug says (to Andres), "Gregor got us from the tavern a couple days after the will was read"

Antoine-Gerard asks (of Valentin), "(whispering) we could use it to fool the thugs into thinking they've won, while we leave with the ... what, nothing?"

Game_Master says (to Valentin), "still nothing."

Andres says, "Hm well then you certainly have a strong case for contention."

Valentin asks (of A-G), "Have we the wrong bed?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "are there two thugs out front?"

Thug exclaims (at Andres), "well, then, I guess I should say git off *my* land! haw haw!"

Andres says, "Let me be clear, what you would be doing would not be contesting the will, instead we would be contesting Gregor's residency of the house under property law."

Andres says, "Most likely, even supposing the case is won, Gregor would retain most of the nearby lands. Unless of course you have begun tilling the fields."

Antoine-Gerard looks around the room. Is this the sort of room a servant would sleep in?

[late_musketeers] Thug says (to Constantin), "right"

Constantin starts flicking his eyes around, sizing up the other thug.

[late_musketeers] Thug's buddy hasn't said anything yet, except to laugh at the first thug's jokes.

Andres says, "But still, it is a fine house."

Valentin asks (of A-G), "Perhaps -- the other bedrooms?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "hee"

Antoine-Gerard draws his sword quietly. "it might be IN the mattress.

Valentin says, "Hmm. He said *under* the bed."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "yeah, it does look like servant's quarters, insofar as they're not as nice as you'd expect"

Antoine-Gerard looks under the bed.

Valentin examines the floor underneath the bed. Any loose boards?

Constantin thinks this is starting to take too long. Is something wrong?

Thug says, "naw, we ain't been doing no farm work"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "no loose boards"

Antoine-Gerard asks, "Surely he couldn't have meant the room under the bed?"

Andres says, "I assume that Gregor would then be paying all of you with an eye towards fair recompense to not making a claim."

Valentin, not finding any loose boards, cuts a slit in the mattress bottom with his knife.

Antoine-Gerard moves to the door, listening.

Thug says, "weel .. we could always be paid better, don't you know"

Thug coughs.

Game_Master says (to Valentin), "you slice open the mattress to reveal .. more mattress"

Constantin fidgets, but tries to look like he's not fidgeting.

Andres says, "I would hope that Gregor would not be underpaying without informing you of your legal rights."

Andres asks, "How much are you being compensated?"

Antoine-Gerard says, "Perhaps Gregor has found it, and it's locked away in his study."

Valentin feels around inside the mattress.

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Lagging, sorry."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Hrm. The initials in the diary were 'MA' -- no C."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Who's MA?"

[late_musketeers] Alex says (to Valentin), "Awwwk! Word on the street is that MA is Massachusetts."

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard exclaims, "Martin!"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Martin?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "that's the father"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I think."

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "It's MARTIN'S bed we should go for."

Thug says (to Andres), "couple guilders a week, maybe"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "Mention this in-game, I'm still clueless."

Valentin asks, "Wait -- the note was signed MA. Martin, then?"

Valentin says, "The master bedroom!"

Andres asks, "Hmm.. Areyou provided meals and ale?"

Antoine-Gerard says, "Gah. Of course."

Antoine-Gerard listens at the door for people.

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Just assume I said wine there."

Valentin quietly opens the door a crack, and looks into the hallway.

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Piratey flashback."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Antoine), "the door is silent"

Thug says, "Gerard pays our tab at the tavern"

[late_musketeers] Thug says, "er, sorry, Gregor"

Constantin glances around, hoping to see the other fellows sneaking successfully away from the house, and doesn't.

Antoine-Gerard steps silently out of the room.

Game_Master says (to Valentin), "with the door open, you can hear faint snoring from downstairs"

Thug says, "an' we can hunt rabbits and stuff around here"

Valentin says (to Antoine), "(whispering) Enemies downstairs!"

Valentin sneaks down the hall to the correct door, and listens at it a moment.

Antoine-Gerard nods and sneaks towards the master bedroom.

Andres asks, "Hm. Four men, several guilders, bar tab, and hunting privileges. Constantin, you've been eyeing the house. What is your reasoned estimate of its worth?"

Constantin says, "Oh, let's see..."

Game_Master says (to Valentin), "also quiet"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "gah. I don't know from this world's economics"

Valentin opens the door verrrry slooooowly.

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Make up a big number."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "they won't know any better"

Constantin asks, "Ten thousand?"

Game_Master says, "the door creaaaaks"

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "can we hear that creak?"

Game_Master says, "..but nothing stirs"

Antoine-Gerard says, "eagh"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "because I've had my ears peeled"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "no, it's just loud for them because they're right by it and the house is silent"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "ok"

Valentin steps quietly into the room and looks around.

Game_Master says (to Valentin), "dark. bed, dresser, etc"

Constantin says (to Andres), "Give or take."

Antoine-Gerard slips in behind Valentin and goes straight for the bed.

Andres says, "Of course, Ms. Souzet has not been given a chance to fully inspect the premises. Depending on the various furnishings, the value could be more or less."

Valentin helps antoine lift the mattress off -- carefully.

Constantin says, "It could be more, yes."

Thug asks, "inspect the premises, eh?"

Antoine-Gerard looks under bed

Andres says, "Oh that wouldn't be necessary unless a final decision was made."

Game_Master says, "you again move comforter and sheets and mattress, and this time -- there's a rectangular shape underneath"

Antoine-Gerard says, "aha"

Valentin grabs the rectangle. What have we here!

Constantin smiles.

Andres says, "But as a ballpark estimate, you can certainly see what you're sitting on here."

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "ballpark?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "(heh)"

Game_Master says, "it's a bit dark out (window half-curtained), but you can see the letters "LAST WILL AND TESTAMENT OF MARTIN D'ARRANT""

Thug nods thoughtfully.

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Translated into montaigne it means 'the place where courtly amusements occur'"

Thug says, "I admit I always wanted to be a land-owner"

Valentin says (to A-G), "We have it, my friend!"

Valentin says, "(whispering)"

Antoine-Gerard says, "yes! quick, hide it inside your tunic."

Andres says, "now keep in mind that this law is untested and so the chance of success could be no more that 50-50."

Constantin glances at the house as if still assessing its fabulous worth.

Valentin stuffs the will into his tunic as securely as possible.

Antoine-Gerard tries the window.

Valentin asks (of A-G), "Back out the window? Or the stairs and battle?"

Valentin looks out the window, considering the chance of getting out undetected.

Andres says, "But it might be worth your time to inform Gregor that you and your friends are now aware of this law and be paid something moreequivalent to the service you are providing him."

Antoine-Gerard says, "Back out the window of c--- (suddenly stops and thinks about how impressed Celeste would be) uh, downstairs to battle, of course."

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "NO! I have them! Idiots!"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Grr."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "they don't know that, unfortunately"

[late_musketeers] Thug says, "hee hee"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "hee"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Hrm."

Thug strokes his chin thoughtfully.

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks (of G-M), "How do our chances look at the window?"

Thug says, "well, I'll think it over."

Constantin says, "Think it ten THOUSAND times over!"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "well, you made it in ok"

Thug laughs and slaps his thigh

Valentin opens the window quietly.

Andres laughs.

Constantin laughs.

Valentin says (to A-G), "If we are to fight, best we do so when we are all together."

Thug says, "you're a witty one"

Antoine-Gerard says (to Valentin), "what? oh, of course."

Valentin says (to A-G), "With the document in a safe place, we can come take the place with the law on our side."

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Decide already! I've run out of law."

Thug says, "but I 'spect I'd like to keep this job until I git a chance to talk it over proper with Gregor"

Valentin easeshis way out of the window.

Antoine-Gerard holds the trellis steady.

Thug says, "and he'll fire me soon's look at me if he finds you tresspassin' here"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "No way we're getting out of this without a fight..."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "But worth a try."

Constantin's smile fades.

Andres says, "oh certainly. And don't put it past him to pull one over on you."

Valentin climbs down the trellis to the base, and braces it for Antoine.

Antoine-Gerard climbs down as quickly as he can.

Andres says, "When we see him, we shall certainly inform him of how thoroughly his hired men rousted us from the premises."

Thug says, "naw, I don't trust him one inch. but he's always paid up in the past."

Constantin keeps a secret, sideways eye on the second thug.

Game_Master says, "you make it to the ground without incident"

Thug's buddy is stroking his chin also and jingling his (thin) purse with his other hand.

Valentin sneaks around to the front, hopefully out of sight of the thugs.

Constantin wonders what could possibly be taking the others so long.

Antoine-Gerard follows, peeking around the corner to see how the others are doing.

Game_Master says (to Val&A-G), "you return the same way you came to where you split up with the other two"

Constantin espies Valentin and gives Andres a subtle nudge.

Andres asks, "M. Souzet? With Gregor not in residence, have we any further business here that i may have forgotten?"

Game_Master says, "(who are still talking to the thugs)"

Valentin checks to see if the others have seen him and A-G.

Constantin says, "I can think of none, M. du Evry."

Andres says, "Then I believe that we shall remove ourselves from the premises before we are accused of trespassing on...someone's land."

Game_Master says (to Valentin), "they don't appear to"

Andres says, "Good day."

[late_musketeers] Constantin thinks Andres needs to put his full name in his finger info

Constantin says, "We wouldn't want that! Ta!"

Andres turns to go.

Andres and Constantin return to the meeting place.

Constantin forces another huge cheery smile and backs away a couple of steps before turning his back.

Thug grins and gives you a thumbs up as you leave.

Constantin waves.

Valentin says, "Friends, we have the will!"

Constantin says, "What took you!"

Constantin says, "Although friend Andres here was spinning a most excellent line of patter."

Valentin says (to Constantin), "It wasn't Colin who hid it. It was Martin."

Constantin says, "I was not sure how long he could keep it going."

Andres says, "Let's yell these things when we are far far away."

Game_Master says, "it's getting on to late afternoon now, but still light out for a while"

Antoine-Gerard says, "Oui. Back to Celeste, then."

Andres says, "The stench of those men has infected my clothes."

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "I have to disappear for a few moments."

Constantin says, "Pity. I was hoping to tell her of my dashing bladework."

Antoine-Gerard says (to Andres), "I thought the smell appealed to you."

Andres shakes his head sadly.

Valentin says (to Andres), "These thugs mean nothing. I want a piece of Gregor."

Andres says (to Constantin), "You may tell her of your fine appraisal skills."

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "BBL"

Constantin says, "I shall slice him into a number of small chunks, and you may choose the piece you want."

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "luck"

Valentin says, "He vexes me."

Antoine-Gerard says, "Ah, he is of no consequence. He is no more than my little finger is worth."

Valentin asks (of Constantin), "I'll slice him lengthwise, and you slive him crosswise?"

Constantin says, "Any man who would steal from fair Celeste deserves a grim fate."

Game_Master says, "(you're walking back to town as you talk. Celeste is soon in view, standing outside her house, talking worriedly to Oliver)"

Constantin gnashes his teeth at the sight of Oliver.

Antoine-Gerard says (to Valentin), "here, give me the will so I may give it to her."

Constantin then hurries his step, seeing concern on Celeste's little face.

Constantin calls out her name.

Celeste looks up.

Valentin takes the will out of his tunic. "We have found it!"

Celeste exclaims, "oh!"

Constantin says, "As promised, dear child."

Valentin says, "We have not yet read it, though."

Celeste asks, "I'm so glad to see you, I've just -- you have found it?"

Constantin does another of his famous bows.

Antoine-Gerard grumbles a bit, then brightens up as he approaches Celeste.

Valentin hands the will to Celeste. "Are its contents what you hoped?"

Celeste turns to Oliver. "You see?"

Celeste turns back to Valentin. "Oh, how can I ever thank you!"

Constantin asks, "Was there ever any doubt?"

Celeste fumbles the envelope (containing the will) open, and extracts it, and looks it over.

Constantin snorts and fumes at Valentin, his moustaches quivering.

Valentin says (to Celeste), "We but do our duty as musketeers, Mademoiselle.."

Celeste says, ""my lands and house to be divided ..""

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks (of Constantin), "Not twirling?"

Antoine-Gerard glances at Valentin. Um. Maybe entrusting the thing to him wasn't such a great idea.

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to A-G), "Hey, I'm not trying to hog the crediot here."

Celeste says, ""a tenth portion of the first to be given, for all the time we have spent together...""

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "I know, but I was."

Celeste says, ""to my lawyer Gregor .. and the rest to my daughter Celeste!""

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "the party of the first part shall be known in this will as the party of the first part"

Celeste lets the will drop to the ground in her excitement.

Antoine-Gerard exclaims, "Huzzah! All's well!"

Constantin carefully plucks it up and dusts it off.

Celeste exclaims, "and a full day before the other will was to take effect!"

Constantin says (to Celeste), "Keep this safe!"

Valentin says (to Celeste), "Our work is half done, however -- Gregor's men are still in possession of the farm."

Constantin hands it back to her, taking the opportunity to touch her delicate little hands.

Gregor says, "not so fast, my lass."

Constantin says, "Egad! The villain himself!"

Constantin draws his sword.

Antoine-Gerard looks up, hand on his sword.

Gregor has appeared in your midst, walking up from behind you.

Gregor says, "let me just see this so-called will of yours ..."

Antoine-Gerard exclaims, "What? Thou moustache-twirling villain!"

Constantin spins.

Valentin removes his glove.

Constantin says, "Come no closer!"

Gregor says, "ha, as I suspected -- a total forgery"

Valentin says (to Gregor), "You are a villain and a cheat, sir!"

Gregor asks, "was this made by a lawyer? was this certified?"

Valentin tosses his glove in Gregor

Valentin tosses his glove in Gregor's face.

[late_musketeers] Gregor says, "(anyone here have law or some other relevant legal skill?)"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "I do"

Antoine-Gerard plucks the will back.

Gregor says (to Valentin), "bah, I have no time for this"

Constantin says, "You'll make the time, wretch."

Game_Master says (to Antoine), "the will is indeed not written out by a lawyer -- it appears to be in Martin's own hand -- which is legal, and only requires one witness to be valid"

Antoine-Gerard says, "As if YOU'D know anything of the Law, varlet."

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "also, I lag."

Valentin says (to Gregor), "And I propose to prove it on your body, right here and now."

Valentin draws his sword. "Very well, then, we place you under arrest, on our authority as king's musketeers."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Bah, laglaglag."

DiegoValdez has connected.

Andres would like a good red wine, garcon.

Gregor scoffs. "On what grounds?"

[late_musketeers] Andres asks, "Have we shown him the will yet?"

Antoine-Gerard says (to Gregor), "Unlawful possession of property."

Valentin says (to Gregor), "Also, fraud and forgery."

[late_musketeers] Gregor says, "he's looked at it, yeah, and claimed it wasn't valid due to lack of legal certification"

Gregor says, "nonsense! I have committed no crimes"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to Gregor), "Not to mention poor personal hygiene."

Gregor asks, "as for this will, pah. if it is truly the actual will, then where are the witnesses to attest to its authenticity?"

Antoine-Gerard says (to Gregor), "As for the will ... you are of course aware that in the case of LeDuc vs Delorme, 1654, a will uncertified by any lawyer was indeed recognised as legal."

Gregor says, "for the will that left all to me, you need to look no further than Lorenz himself for witness"

Antoine-Gerard looks down the will for the witness

Gregor exclaims (at Antoine), "yes, if it was a holographic will and the witness could testify. so produce him!"

Andres says, "We have documents that state that the testament you have is not the true intent of the deceased."

Andres says, "We are in the process of located the other witness."

Game_Master asks (of Antoine), "you read down the will, scanning for the name at the end, and it is .. "my servant Colin"?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Does Montaigne have trial by combat?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "um, not exactly"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Damn. I wanna do something reckless."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "it has dueling to settle points of honor, but"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Unless you count political assassination."

Celeste exclaims, "Colin? but that is just what I wished to speak to you about!"

Celeste exclaims, "I received a note from him this afternoon, just after you left!"

Antoine-Gerard says, "Aha, there is your witness."

Gregor exclaims (at Celeste), "what? impossible -- I mean, what good fortune for you!"

Gregor says, "but surely he is, ah, not able to testify"

Constantin snorts.

Constantin asks, "And how would you know this?"

Celeste exclaims, "he writes that he has been made captive by bandits! they captured him a few days ago as he accidentally stumbled on their hideout and are holding him for ransom or torture!"

Celeste wrings her hands, the will momentarily forgotten.

Gregor says, "oh, too bad, too, too, bad"

Constantin asks, "How did he manage to send a note?"

Gregor says, "because of course if Colin cannot be found by tomorrow evening the other will will take effect"

Antoine-Gerard slips the will inside his tunic.

Andres says (to Stan), "Ransom"

Constantin says (to Gregor), "I think your concern is feigned, monsieur."

Valentin says (to Gregor), "Your foreknowledge of this is rather interesting, knave."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "I've always wanted to call someone 'knave'."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I'm groping for new names to call this guy"

Celeste says (to Constantin), "the note was fished out of the river -- he must somehow have managed to place it therein and let it drift downstream in a bottle"

[late_musketeers] Celeste says, "don't forget 'varlet'"

Celeste exclaims, "please, you must rescue him!"

Andres asks (of Lorenz), "You are close to the mayor, correct?"

Valentin says (to Gregor), "Hiring bandits to kidnap and torture is a crime that could put a rope around your neck."

Antoine-Gerard says (to Celeste), "of course, dear lady."

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Er..to Gregor."

Constantin says (through gritted teeth), "Will you stop at nothing in your avarice?"

Gregor says (to Valentin), "I cannot imagine what you mean, sir. And certainly there is not a shred of proof of your claims"

Antoine-Gerard exclaims, "Gentlemen! We have no further words for this snake-in-the-grass! We have a faithful servant to rescue!"

Constantin says, "Yes! To arms!"

Gregor says (to Andres), "I am"

Andres whispers to Valentin, "Actually I don't think so."

Antoine-Gerard says (to Gregor), "This isn't over yet. We can and will provide evidence of the witnessing, even without the witness. I think you will find that such evidence will hold up in court. It's called 'secondary documentation', not that you'd understand it."

Constantin kisses Celeste's hand again. "Fear not."

Andres asks (of Gregor), "Wouldn't you say that he would be concerned about any bandits that might be working in this area?"

Celeste says, "he says he is in the hills to the north of here, by the river that flows down the cliffs"

Constantin says, "To the hills, then."

Gregor says (to Andres), "er, of course. I am sure he would, ah, fully support your rash endeavor"

Valentin says (to Gregor), "Meaning you'd send bandits to ambush us? I think not!"

Valentin asks (of Celeste), "Have you rope?"

Andres says, "Ahem. I have very zealous compatriots."

Oliver says, "I have some rope, although I don't know why you need it"

Constantin lets the sunlight glint off his sword into Gregor's eyes.

Gregor flinches away.

Antoine-Gerard dashes off to call for the horses.

Valentin says (to Oliver), "It might be best if Gregor were held here for a time, so as not to forewarn the bandits."

Constantin sheaths his sword to prepare to travel.

Andres says (to Oliver), "Please inform M. Lorenz of our efforts. I am *certain* that he would not wish any of his citizens, particularly those upon whom the Sun King's law rests, to do ought but aid us."

Valentin says, "If it turns out he is in teh right, we shall apologize. But I doubt it."

Gregor sputters. "Why-- why"

Oliver returns with some rope, and hands it over.

Constantin laughs at Gregor.

Andres elbows Constantin.

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard asks, "I assume I can get the horses? Or at least a message that the horses are to be prepared?"

Andres says, "Calm yourself."

Constantin says, "Suddenly his glibness falls away. I find that amusing."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Is this tying Gregor up a Bad Idea?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "er, yeah, sorry, you find a villager and get him to fetch horses"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "well"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "yay"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "technically as musketeers you have pretty broad legal rights"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "I think so."

Antoine-Gerard dashes back.

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "If so, someone speak up, or I'm gonna do it."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "do it"

Antoine-Gerard says, "The horses are on their way."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "for wealthy people it is certainly possible to raise a fuss"

Valentin ties up Gregor.

Andres says, "Tying up M. Gregor will only place Oliver and Celeste in an uncomfortable position if he is found."

Antoine-Gerard says (to Gregor), "Oh, are you still here? Thought you'd have crawled under a rock by now."

Andres stops Valentin.

Valentin says (to Andres), "That is true."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "but for just an inconvenience, generally, he can't do anything about it"

Villager brings over the horses. "Your horses, sirs."

[late_musketeers] Andres asks, "Oh we do?"

Constantin says (to Villager), "Thank you."

Valentin asks (of Celeste,Olivier), "What say you? What shall we do with this knave?"

Constantin climbs onto his horse.

Antoine-Gerard says, "Hm."

Constantin asks, "What, am I the only one going?"

Andres says, "But then again, as Gregor knows, the musketeers have very broad legal powers which he would be loath to challenge."

Celeste exclaims, "ooh, let us tie him up and fling him in the dungeon!"

Andres says (to Valentin), "Keep going."

Oliver says (to Celeste), "we don't have a dungeon"

[late_musketeers] Constantin laughs, for some reason

[late_musketeers] Constantin laughs again

Celeste says, "well, in the spare bedroom, then"

Antoine-Gerard smiles. "<ahem> As a representative of the Emperor's Law in this province, I hereby invite you, M. Gregor, to spend a night in the company of my good friends, Oliver and Celeste.

Celeste says, "we need not even tie him up -- it has no window"

Valentin ties up Gregor. "Do not mistreat him, please."

Gregor snarls. "You are too kind."

Constantin says, "But under no circumstances untie him, no matter what he tells you."

Valentin tosses Gregor in the spare room.

Antoine-Gerard says, "Understand that to refuse this invitation would be to refuse the invitation of the Emperor's representative, and therefore to turn your back upon the Emperor's hospitality"

Andres says (to Gregor), "Indeed we are. And tomorrow, with our witness, you shall see the full extent of our kindness."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Wait, Montaigne has an Emperor?"

Gregor snarls again, but says nothing.

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "he just calls himself that to be impressive."

Celeste exclaims, "oh, indeed, we will be careful to avoid all his wiles and blandishments!"

Valentin takes to horse.

Constantin says, "Finally."

Celeste asks, "will you really go now? even though night is falling?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "wiles and blandishments, that's pretty good"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "How far is it?"

Constantin says, "Should the sun fall and ne'er rise again, still we would do our duty."

Antoine-Gerard says (to Celeste), "We shall return before you know it, m'lady."

Valentin says (to Celeste), "Best make haste, before Gregor is missed."

Andres says, "I would not want to waste any time. There is a deadline looming."

[late_musketeers] Celeste says, "she said a couple hours, although of course it would be hard for Colin to tell"

Constantin says, "Hy-eeaa!"

Constantin starts to gallop the wrong way, then stops and turns around.

Celeste waves her handkerchief. "Good luck! Au revoir!"

Valentin says (to Celeste), "And the camp will be easier to approach in darkness."

Constantin asks, "Which way to the hills, again?"

Andres mounts.

Game_Master says (to Constantin), "(north)"

Antoine-Gerard leaps on his horse.

Valentin waves to Celeste and Olivier from the saddle, then trots off in the *right* direction.

Constantin stares at the setting sun, tries to calculate north.

Constantin shrugs and follows Valentin.

Constantin waves to Celeste.

Antoine-Gerard waves his hat to Celeste, rears up his mount and gallops off after Valentin

Andres follows.

Game_Master says, "you ride on, as the sun falls"

Constantin fills his head with dreams of how Celeste will this time be so impressed she'll instantly elope with him.

Valentin says, "Ha, plain battle at last!"

[late_musketeers] Andres is hit on the head by the falling sun.

Valentin says, "Now that my blood is up, I have no stomach for sneaking."

Game_Master says, "the moon rises, a brilliant, full, silver, and still you ride, up the hills to either side of the cliff, and onto the flatland beyond"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "bonk du soleil"

Game_Master says, "along the river bank"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Everybody watch for isoceles triangles."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "(flatland, nyuck nyuck nyuck)"

[late_musketeers] Andres says (to stan), "hee"

Antoine-Gerard fills his head with dreams of how Celeste will never do any of what Constantin thinks she will, because she'll be in his, Antoine-Gerard de Bascone's, arms....

Constantin says, "Let us slow and be cautious as we near."

Game_Master says, "Celeste had mentioned that Colin's note said something about the last landmark he remembered being two jutting stones, one on either side of the river"

Game_Master says, "and you pull up as you spot those"

Valentin asks, "Ho! Is there firelight?"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Now we must summon the invisible swordsman!"

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "we don't know how many brigands there are, do we?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "no"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Valentin), "no firelight. but then, it's a *lair*"

Constantin mentally practices running brigands through.

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Ah, yeah. A cave?"

Constantin mentally practices kissing Celeste's rosy cheek...

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "he thought so, yeah"

Andres mentally practices [expletives deleted].

[late_musketeers] Giovanna coughs

Antoine-Gerard scans the landscape.

Constantin asks, "How far from here to the lair? Shall we leave horses here, and approach on foot?"

[late_musketeers] Andres says (to Giovanna), "Not with you."

[late_musketeers] Andres asks, "Unless...?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Antoine), "the most likely candidate is probably somewhere within the light forest that the river continues into"

Antoine-Gerard mentally elbows Constantin out of the way and mentally kisses Celeste's rosebud lips.

[late_musketeers] Constantin coughs

Valentin says (to Constantin), "That'd be best, yes."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Antoine), "hee hee"

[late_musketeers] Andres says (to Constantin), "Not with you."

[late_musketeers] Andres asks, "Unless...?"

[late_musketeers] Giovanna says (to Andres), "I was merely noting the sullying of my innocent mind"

[late_musketeers] Valentin sucks on a cough drop. No coughinhg here.

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Mmm, mead flavour!"

Game_Master says, "you dismount, and head onwards, listening."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "What's innocent about Andres?"

Constantin climbs off his horse and stretches his legs, limbers up his sword arm.

Game_Master says, "is that voices up again? no -- perhaps only the wind"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "er, up ahead"

Antoine-Gerard listens intently.

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "again = ahead? ah"

Constantin sniffs the air for scent of brigand.

Valentin creeps toward the sound.

Game_Master says, "it is hard to say, but perhaps -- ah, there -- the land rises partly, within the forest, and in the side of the hill the moonlight picks out a shadow that appears to be an opening"

Antoine-Gerard asks, "I say. Do you think we might have better luck if we were not dressed as his Majesty's Law?"

Constantin whispers, "I'm ready to charge in there. Who's with me? Hrrrr."

Valentin says (to A-G), "We are musketeers, sir!"

Andres asks (of Antoine), "Didyou bring an alternate wardrobe?"

Antoine-Gerard says (to Andres), "Well, no."

Valentin says (to Constantin), "I'm with you, friend."

Constantin resists the urge to shout out, calling the brigands various insulting names and daring them to come forth.

Antoine-Gerard says (to Constantin), "Very well. I'm with you."

Valentin asks, "Shall we take them in a rush? Or attempt to draw them out?"

Andres says (to Antoine), "then we shall continue to wear clothes."

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard asks, "Constantin resists, but does our Rash friend?"

Andres says, "We should be as quiet as possible. No need to wake up the ones still sleeping."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Hrm."

Constantin says, "I will not kill a sleeping dog, nor a sleeping man."

Andres says, "Fear not. There will inevitably be a skirmish."

Constantin picks up a rock, as if to hurl it into the cave opening.

Andres takes the rock.

Constantin says, "Wh--"

Antoine-Gerard says (to Constantin), "With your heavy feet, they'll be awake before you can do aught."

Andres dropsit.

Valentin says (to GM), "Go aheah, I won't resist."

Valentin says, "er, ilaw."

Constantin asks, "Heavy feet? Heavy?"

Antoine-Gerard says (to Constantin), "I beg your pardon."

Antoine-Gerard says (to Constantin), "Your heavy *boots*."

Valentin says, "Enough talk, friends."

Andres says, "Oh let's just go. And be quiet!"

Valentin walks up to the cave mouth. "Ahoy, villains!"

Constantin lets his blood boil a bit, wanting to get his adrenaline going.

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says (to Constantin), "Verily, enough to keep thee anchored to the moon."

Valentin says, "Come and taste steel!"

Constantin says, "Too late! Valentin's away!"

Game_Master says, "you hear voices from inside"

Constantin says, "Dogs! Come out and die like men!"

Antoine-Gerard says, "erk"

Valentin draws his sword and wades on in.

Constantin draws his sword and his knife.

Antoine-Gerard bounds forward, sword in hand.

Constantin attempts to give Valentin some backup.

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Can I use my drama die here, to get away with this?"

Constantin thinks of Celeste.

Andres draws his sword.

Game_Master says (to Valentin), "inside, it goes around a turn -- there are two men just standing up"

Game_Master says, "(and drawing their swords)"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "you can use your drama die at any time to add a bonus to an action, or to activate your virtue"

Constantin says, "Have at you!"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "or sometimes to make a smaller action just succeed"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Hrm, I'll look for a better opportunity."

Bandit exclaims, "arr!"

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "ok, let's go ahead and roll panache for the people coming inside"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "which is all of us."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I've already forgotten how to do this"

[7thsea] Andres rolls 4 dice: 10 10 8 2

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "OK. How many do I roll again?"

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "which is 'roll 3' if you have panache 3"

[7thsea] Antoine-Gerard rolls 3 dice: 7 10 5

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "you can reroll one if you have combat reflexes"

[7thsea] Valentin rolls 4 dice: 8 8 3 4

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "and lower is better"

[7thsea] Valentin rolls 1 die: 9

[7thsea] Constantin rolls 3 dice: 7 10 8

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "also also, the entrance is only narrow enough to let the first two attack the bandits"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "that's valentin and me"

[7thsea] Bandit rolls 3 dice: 1 6 1

[7thsea] Bandit rolls 3 dice: 3 3 10

Bandit says, "har har"

Bandit stabs at Valentin with his sword.

[7thsea] Bandit rolls 4k2: 8 8 2 2 | 16

Constantin attempts to parry.

Antoine-Gerard draws a pistol with his offhand.

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "How do I parry again?"

[7thsea] Bandit says, "your passive parry is your footwork or parry skill, times 5, plus 5. so if you have footwork/parry 2, it's 15, and 3 is 20"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "yeah, I need the remedial course again"

[7thsea] Bandit says, "(er, channel)"

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "your passive parry is your footwork or parry skill, times 5, plus 5. so if you have footwork/parry 2, it's 15, and 3 is 20"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "I have 20, then, so he missed."

Antoine-Gerard exclaims, "In the name of His Majesty Leon-Alexandre du Montaigne, drop your weapons!"

Bandit's first swing is deflected neatly by your sword.

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "ok, so it's 15"

Bandit swings again, trying his luck once more.

[7thsea] Bandit rolls 4k2: 3 3 4 8 | 12

Bandit was clearly off-balance from his first roll.

[late_musketeers] Bandit asks, "ok, we're into phase 2. anyone?"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "not until 5"

[late_musketeers] Bandit asks, "ok, phase 3?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Me."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "7 8 10 for me"

[late_musketeers] Bandit says (to Valentin), "ok, go ahead"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Well I can't attack, so I'll hold."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "I have attack of 3. How many do I roll?"

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "you roll your (finesse plus your attack) k (finesse)"

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "so if your sword skill is 3 and your finesse is 2, you roll 5k2"

[7thsea] Valentin rolls 6k3: 2 8 10+3 8 3 1 | 29

[7thsea] Bandit says, "ok, that'd be a hit, and he's a brute, so he's out of the fight"

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "ok, that'd be a hit, and he's a brute, so he's out of the fight"

[7thsea] Bandit says, "(brf)"

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "feel free to role-play something appropriate"

Valentin thrusts at the bandit's sword arm, and he crumples to the ground.

Bandit exclaims, "arr!"

[late_musketeers] Bandit asks, "anyone else with 3?"

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "ok, other bandit then"

[7thsea] Jota exclaims, "Please, no more spoilers! Now, not only do we know that passive defense is 5 + Parry * 5, but we've learned that brutes go down with one hit!"

Bandit swings with his sword.

[7thsea] Bandit rolls 4k2: 1 4 4 6 | 10

Bandit's swing goes totally wild.

Bandit says, "bah"

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "(and bandit again)"

[7thsea] Bandit rolls 4k2: 6 9 7 10+8 | 27

Bandit says, "ha-HA"

[7thsea] Bandit rolls 4k2: 3 3 5 10+10+4 | 29

[7thsea] (from Andres) GameMaster says, "Also, El Vago is the former Heirophant."

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "ok, I have hit Valentin (with the 27) and done 29 flesh wounds"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "ouchie"

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "so you need to roll (brawn) k (brawn) and try and get less than 29"

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "less than?"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "more, you mean."

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "er, more than"

[7thsea] Valentin rolls 2k2: 9 1 | 10

Bandit's sword stabs into Valentin's shoulder, and he sneers.

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "ok, so you take 0 flesh wounds and 1 dramatic wound"

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "nothing bad happens until you get more than your resolve in dramatic wounds"

Constantin sees this and is enraged.

[late_musketeers] Bandit asks, "4?"

[late_musketeers] Bandit asks, "no 4? 5?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "I only have 2 resolve."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Wait, I'm a 4."

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "ok, so you can take one more dramatic wound with no consequence"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "I'm on 5 but behind."

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "ok, roll on 4 then"

[7thsea] Valentin rolls 6k3: 8 2 10+8 6 9 4 | 35

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "ok, that's a hit and an unconsciousness again"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Nice."

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "is that both bandits?"

Valentin angrily slashes at the bandit, who falls.

Game_Master says, "the other bandit crumples to the floor"

Antoine-Gerard exclaims (at Valentin), "Good work!"

Game_Master says, "up ahead you hear more noises of approaching bandits, from where the tunnel widens"

Game_Master asks, "do you hurry up and go ahead or wait for them here?"

Constantin asks (of Valentin), "How are you? Can you continue?"

Antoine-Gerard says, "Let us move up, where more of us can act at once."

Constantin charges ahead!

Valentin says (to Constantin), "Aye, I can."

Andres follows, I suppose.

Antoine-Gerard charges after Constantin

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "my left-handedness gives me what advantage, again?"

Valentin flollows, drawing his knife in his other hand.

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "er, follows."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "+1 unkept. so you roll (finesse + weapon + 1) k (finesse)"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "6k2, ok"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard asks, "is there a chandelier?"

Game_Master says, "as you swing around the corner you see six bandits, four across and two behind, the two behind lifting crossbow bolts"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Antoine), "no, but there are smoky torches in the walls and rocks on the ground"

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "can I do a diving roll of some sort?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks (of Gm), "I don't have knife throwing. Can I use a drama die to try it anyway?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "er, lifting crossbows"

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "or toss a knife at a crossbow guy?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master asks, "do you have knife?"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard asks, "any smoky torches where the crossbow guys are?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Yeah, I have a knife. I have archery, too, but no bow."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "you can roll (finesse - 1) k (finesse - 1) to throw a knife if you have knife skill"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "I have knife skill, but not the throwing knack."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(and optionally use a drama die there, which'd let you roll (finesse) k (finesse) this once)"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "bah."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Antoine), "they're all along the corridor, yeah"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "OK, drama die it is -- those crossbows could be trouble."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I wonder what use I could make of a torch"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "I guess we should do the panache roll again, right?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "ok, and again we roll panache"

[7thsea] Constantin rolls 3 dice: 8 10 4

[7thsea] Andres rolls 4 dice: 7 3 4 2

[7thsea] Valentin rolls 5k4: 2 6 2 3 3 | 14

[7thsea] Antoine-Gerard rolls 3 dice: 1 1 1

[7thsea] Antoine-Gerard exclaims, "Whoa!"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "woo antoine"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "I guess I'll just roll once for the four guys and once each for the crossbow guys"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard exclaims, "Whoa!"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "er. Just keep the lowest 4 there."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Antoine), "not bad"

[7thsea] Game_Master rolls 3 dice: 5 1 9

[7thsea] Game_Master rolls 2 dice: 6 3

[7thsea] Game_Master rolls 2 dice: 4 10

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks (of Antoine), "You have a pistol, right?"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "yep."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "shoot the crossbow dudes"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to Antoine), "Though you can probably only fire it once."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "ok, the bandit swordsmen are going first, although if someone wants to fire a pistol or something they can do that now"

Antoine-Gerard takes aim at the torch closes to the crossbow guys and shoots it so that the torch falls on them (or, at least, at them).

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "(I imagine it takes forever to reload)"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "that would be antoine"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(if they want to spend two actions)"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "he's got three 1's, whatever that means"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "It might be best to let Antoine save the threeones."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(it takes forever to reload, yeah)"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard asks, "offhand penalty?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "is one unkept die"

[7thsea] Antoine-Gerard rolls 4k3: 9 6 5 8 | 23

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "hmm"

[7thsea] Game_Master rolls 2k2: 4 1 | 5

Game_Master says, "there is a flash and a bang and the bullet whistles over the heads of the swordsmen, smacking into the sconce"

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "what just happened there?"

Game_Master says, "the torch topples from its perch. landing right on the head of one of the crossbow men"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "he rolled to hit, then I rolled to see how they took it (since it hit)"

Antoine-Gerard says, "Did I miss? I think not."

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "ie, what did the GM roll mean?"

Game_Master says, "he yipes, drops his bow, and starts beating at his hair with his hands"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(I was rolling the guy's resolve)"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "ok"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Nice one, Antoine!"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master asks, "ok, now the four swordsmen will attack, unless there's someone else with a gun?"

Antoine-Gerard calls to the other crossbowman "M'sieur, your comrade is on fire!"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "no, I've got sword and knife in hand"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "As do I."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "ok, I guess each one stabs at one of you"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I was in front, charging stupidly ahead"

Bandit swings at Antoine.

[7thsea] Bandit rolls 4k2: 5 4 1 3 | 9

Bandit misses completely.

Bandit swings at Andres.

[7thsea] Bandit rolls 4k2: 10+7 8 10+9 2 | 36

Bandit exclaims, "ha-ha!"

[7thsea] Bandit rolls 4k2: 5 1 10+5 2 | 20

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "what does bandit have to roll to hit?"

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "(20 flesh wounds)"

Antoine-Gerard laughs. "Non, non, non ... here, let me show you....

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "either 15 or 20 for most of you"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "ok"

[late_musketeers] Bandit says (to Constantin), "(this was obviously a hit so I didn't have to ask)"

[late_musketeers] Andres asks, "I'm 20, who does the tie go to?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "right, I'm just trying to ask a lot now so I don't have to after this"

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "no, his hitroll was 36"

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "damage was 20"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Ah. Probably not going to counter that, then."

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

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "grr."

Bandit swings at Constantin.

[7thsea] Bandit rolls 4k2: 9 5 10+9 5 | 28

[7thsea] Bandit rolls 4k2: 3 7 6 2 | 13

[late_musketeers] Bandit says (to Constantin), "13 damage for you"

Andres feels blood flow from his leg.

Bandit slashes at Constantin's arm just as his companion slashed at Andres' leg.

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

Bandit misses Valentin, however.

Antoine-Gerard is going to try to take out two of the bandits at once. TN?

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "15 to hit 1, 20 to hit 2, etc"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Time for 2s? I have two 2s."

[7thsea] Antoine-Gerard rolls 5k3: 2 10+10+1 4 4 9 | 34

[late_musketeers] Bandit says (to Constantin), "so you should roll your brawn here to try and absorb the 13 damage"

[late_musketeers] Andres asks, "Are both of the bowmen out?"

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "only one bowman is out"

[7thsea] Constantin rolls 2k2: 4 10+5 | 19

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "whew"

[late_musketeers] Bandit says (to Constantin), "ok, good, so it's only a flesh wound"

Constantin tries to roll with the blow.

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "you have 13 damage until the end of combat, though"

Antoine-Gerard slaps one of the sword-wielding bandits into the other, bowling them over into an untidy (unconscious) heap.

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "what does that mean?"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "and I hold my third 1."

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "I'm going afteranother swordsman."

[late_musketeers] Bandit says (to Constantin), "if you get more damage, you have to roll over the total"

Constantin winces as his flesh is raked.

[late_musketeers] Bandit asks, "ok, anyone with 2?"

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "RIPPLED FLESH"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "That's me."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Me. 2 of 'em."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to Andres), "After you, Monsieur."

[late_musketeers] Andres says (to Val), "Thank you."

Andres swings vengefully at a bandit!

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "so two bandits and one crossbowman and one burnt crossbowman remains"

[7thsea] Andres rolls 4k2: 6 2 8 1 | 14

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "miss, unless you spend a drama die"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "OK, I'm activating my virtue."

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "ooh, tricky"

[late_musketeers] Andres asks, "Free for the first one, right?"

[late_musketeers] Bandit asks, "yes. what is it?"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Fortunate."

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "aha"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "reroll anything with TN 20 or less."

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "ok, reroll then"

[7thsea] Andres rolls 4k2: 8 10+4 6 9 | 23

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Heeah!"

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "ok, that's a take-down also"

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "(so, nu, write something)"

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "(er, lag)"

Andres swings slightly wide, but the bandit dodges the wrong way and gets sliced heavily across the jaw.

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "My turn?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "How many are left?"

Bandit exclaims, "oof!"

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "one bandit, two crossbowmen, one of whom is still trying to extinguish himself"

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "which he does as much as the next bandit"

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "and you can charge over the bodies to attack the crossbowmen, if you'd like"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "that's what my plan is"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "OK, then, I'll save the drama die and go for the non-combusting crossbowman."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "I have two 2s, anyway, so I'll probably take him out."

[7thsea] Valentin rolls 6k3: 3 10+10+6 8 9 1 7 | 43

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "yow"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Yowza."

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "not bad"

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "ok, yeah, that does it"

Valentin,charging over a fallen bandit, gives the unhurt crossbowman a smiting he'll never forget.

Bandit drops his crossbow, falls over.

Antoine-Gerard spends his kept action reloading.

[late_musketeers] Bandit asks, "anyone else with 2?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Now I'll go for the other one."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "(second 2)"

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "ok, go ahead"

[7thsea] Valentin rolls 6k3: 8 9 4 10+3 5 9 | 31

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "(geezus)"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "yay"

[late_musketeers] Andres asks, "Um, won't it take like 20 actions for AG to reload?"

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "if you're going to be rolling that high, you may want to take one raise (ie, roll against TN 20 instead of 15) to attack two of them at once"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "yeah, but I figure you guys will finish off the last guy really quickly."

Valentin puts out the remaining crossbowman's burning hair -- with a heavy blow of his sword-hilt.

Bandit oofs and collapses to the ground like a noodle.

[late_musketeers] Bandit asks, "more 2? or 3, anyone?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Since when do noodles collapse? Also, hee!"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "I have two 3s, as well."

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "you know, he does that wiggly thing"

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "well, ok, go for 3 then"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "hee"

[7thsea] Valentin rolls 6k3: 6 1 1 5 3 8 | 19

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "mister handle-the-entire-combat-himself"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "I've got a 3 as well."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "sigh"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Oh, sorry."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I need to save my high rolls for combat instead of the panache roll"

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "ha, well, there's always more bandits"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Was that a hit?"

[late_musketeers] Andres asks, "Is that it then?"

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "yeah, it takes 15 to hit them"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "do they die immediately? you're not rolling after he strikes I'm noticing"

Valentin strikes at the remaining bandit.

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "brutes die with a single blow"

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "oh, brute is an actual term?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Well, they're out of the fight, anyway."

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "yeah"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "well, get knocked out, anyway."

[late_musketeers] Bandit says, "er, right, are knocked out"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Not dead, IIRC."

Bandit collapses to the ground.

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "yeah, figurative dead"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "I'll bet there's someone tougher ahead."

Constantin raises his sword to strike and... hey, where did everybody go?

Game_Master says, "you hear noises from up ahead, where it apparently widens more."

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "No, they stay around where they can find powerful magic rings and torment the party."

Antoine-Gerard reloads.

Game_Master says, "a voice calls out "I don't know who you are, but you'd better drop your swords!""

Valentin, having cooled off a bit, realizes his shoulder's bleeding a fair bit.

Constantin stares, impressed, at Valentin.

Andres asks, "Are you Colin?"

Constantin says, "Apparently your wound has not slowed you down, friend."

Valentin says (to Constantin), "Luck was with me, it seems."

Valentin says (to Constantin), "I apologize for letting my rage get the better of me."

Antoine-Gerard calls to the voice "And why?"

Voice exclaims, "here for Colin, eh? well, drop your swords or I'm slitting his throat right now!"

Constantin pretends to make a sword-clattering noise.

Antoine-Gerard looks at the people carrying knives, and at his pistol. Shrugs, and drops his sword.

Andres says (to Valentin), "See, now if you hadn't yelled back there, I could have convinced this man that we were lawyers again."

Voice says, "now, come 'round the corner so I can get a look at you."

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "(whispered}"

Antoine-Gerard also presses himself up against the wall near the corner.

Valentin puts down his sword, and switches his knife to his right hand.

Andres drops weapons.

Constantin says, "We can't. There are too many felled bodies in our way."

[late_musketeers] Voice says (to Andres), "hee hee"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "er just the sword."

Valentin says, "Any harm to Colin, and we'll not take you alive!"

Constantin considers that he can use improvised weapons, and dropping his sword and knife might be okay.

Voice exclaims, "come around the corner now! I'm warning you!"

Andres says, "Or possibly alive, but in several pieces."

Andres turns the corner.

Constantin drops his weapons and follows Andres.

Antoine-Gerard stays hidden.

Valentin conceals his knife in his belt, under the back of his tunic, and follows.

Constantin considers the possibilities of torches and rocks.

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard asks, "have I managed to reload?"

Game_Master says, "the room is fairly largish, at least big enough to hold the seven bandits comfortably -- well, plus Colin, who is being held on the other side of the firepit by a bandit with his knife to Colin's throat."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "sure"

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "there's a firepit?"

Game_Master says, "the other bandits are ranged to either side, snarls on their faces"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "in the middle of the room, with sticks sticking out of it and a spit roasting over it"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "These bandits are rather limited, facial-expression-wise."

Andres says, "Good evening."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to Andres), "Quick, fell them with legalisms!"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "hmmmmmm, sticks"

Game_Master says, "four of the bandits have crossbows, while the chief has his knife in his hand (and a broadsword against the wall), and the remaining two just have broadswords"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(ie, heavier swords than the previous guys)"

Constantin says, "Release that man."

Chief says, "musketeers, eh? I should have known"

Andres stays back. Prepared to retreat to the weaponry place.

Constantin says, "Of course you should have known, if you heard the screams of your fallen comrades."

Chief exclaims (at the bandit next to him), "idiot! I told you your loose tongue would bring the law down on us one of these days!"

Chief says, "but as you can see, we are seven and you are four and injured."

Andres says (to Chief), "Actually, it was the tongue of one of your friends."

Valentin says (to Chief), "Half of your companions are down already. I think us a match for what you have left."

Andres says (to Chief), "A M. Gregor who told us were we could find you."

Chief asks (of Andres), "eh? who's that?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to Andres), "Ooo, good ploy!"

Chief says (to Valentin), "ha, I think you will find me a tougher opponent than those poor fools, if you don't surrender immediately"

Constantin sidles as close to the firepit as he can get without being stopped.

Chief says, "now then -- line up against the wall, and we'll tie your hands"

Andres says, "Well he seemed to know you well enough to tell us where you would be holding Colin, once he was placed in custody."

Chief says, "behave and we won't kill you"

Antoine-Gerard is at the back, pistol behind his back.

Valentin says (to Chief), "I think not. Release Colin, and you may leave this cave alive."

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "are there torches along this wall?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Reinforcements might've been nice..."

[late_musketeers] Chief says, "a few near the entrance. mostly the firepit (there are some sticks half in and half out of the firepit)"

Andres says (to Chief), "He won't be able to pay you further."

Chief asks (of Colin), "do you know this "Gregor"? is he the one who told you how to get here?"

[late_musketeers] Andres is the official distractor of the party.

Colin says, "I-- I don't any Gregor, sir"

[late_musketeers] Colin says, "(er, don't know)"

Colin's eyes roll frantically.

Andres follows Colin's eyes.

Colin, by the way, is an old man who looks like a butler, albeit in (dirty) travelling clothes.

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Hmm. Is the chief distracted enough for me to get a shot at him with the knife? Or Antoine with the pistol?"

Colin is looking at the crossbowmen, nervously.

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "or me with a flaming stick?"

[late_musketeers] Colin says, "yeah, probably, although he does have his knife pretty near Colin's throat."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Anyone have anything written? A note or something? Doesn"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "'t matter what."

Chief exclaims, "well? up against the wall!"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "I have paper ... probably a few messes of my attempts at poetry last night."

Andres places his hand upon the wall.

Antoine-Gerard asks, "which wall would that be?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Toss it to him -- tell him to read it -- it might distract him and give us a better shot.."

Chief says (to Antoine), "that wall over there, idiot (pointing)"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard exclaims, "Or...!"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Another idea?"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard asks, "called shot: the guy's knife arm?"

[late_musketeers] Chief says, "TN 25"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says (to Valentin), "while he's pointing."

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "You kill Colin, and we'll all laugh."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "I just figure our best bet is to get Colin away from him, then haul butt to the other room and defend the entrance."

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Or be hung."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "What if I use all my drama dice on a knife throw?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "(cough) hanged"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says (to Valentin), "together."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to Constantin), "Heh."

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "what's this use of drama dice, again?"

Antoine-Gerard says, "Ohh, *that* wall...."

[late_musketeers] Chief says, "then you'll probably hit if you have three finesse, yeah"

[late_musketeers] Andres says (to Stan), "Grr. That's right."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks (of AG), "OK, sure. So we're both aiming for his knife arm?"

[late_musketeers] Chief says, "drama dice can be spent to add one die to the roll"

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "and we have how many? 2?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "OK, with a drama die. Between the two of us, oughtta work."

[late_musketeers] Chief says, "it's added as kept dice, so if you roll AkB normally you roll (A+1)k(B+1)"

[late_musketeers] Chief says, "you have as many as your lowest trait, plus however many I've award"

[late_musketeers] Chief says, "which I think is none so far, but there will be some after this act"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "So my knife shot is -- what roll normally?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "IF WE SURVIVE"

[late_musketeers] Chief says (to Constantin), "right"

Antoine-Gerard pretends to turn, then swings around with this pistol levelled at the Chief's knife arm (nearer the shoulder) and fires.

[late_musketeers] Chief says, "it's TN 25 to hit him"

[late_musketeers] Chief says, "(in the arm)"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I'm worried about the crossbowmen, personally"

[7thsea] Antoine-Gerard rolls 5k3: 1 3 2 8 4 | 15

[late_musketeers] Chief says, "oh, and you can use a drama die after rolling"

[7thsea] Antoine-Gerard says, "This is where I get to spend drama dice."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Gah!"

[late_musketeers] Chief says, "although it's more helpful to do it beforehand"

[late_musketeers] Andres says (to Antoine), "DD!"

[late_musketeers] Andres asks (of Chief), "Really?"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard asks, "(can I argue that this is an "attempt to save my beloved Celeste" and activate Virtue?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "DD?"

[late_musketeers] Alex says (to Constantin), "Awwwk! Word on the street is that DD is Double Density."

[late_musketeers] Chief says (to Antoine), "yes."

[late_musketeers] Chief says, "DD = drama die"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "ok"

[late_musketeers] Chief says, "(it's more helpful to do it beforehand if you roll 4k3 and get 9 9 9 9, and then use a drama die and get 1)"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard asks, "I believe that means I get 3 more dice?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I think I would take the opportunity to attack somebody while everyone's surprised about the pistol shot"

[late_musketeers] Chief says, "mmhmm"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard asks, "Or ... how does Passionate work for you?"

[late_musketeers] Chief says, "doubles kept dice"

[late_musketeers] Chief says, "so, I dunno, why don't you roll 3 more dice and add those"

[7thsea] Antoine-Gerard rolls 3k3: 8 10+4 10+5 | 37

[late_musketeers] Chief says, "um, I think that'd do it"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "pffft."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "whooza"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Nice shootin', Tex!"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "for Celeste!"

[late_musketeers] Andres says (to Stan), "Passionate shot!"

Chief's arm is suddenly flung backwards and he shouts in surprise.

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "er. to annie."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "OK, I'll grab Colin and haul him out the Entrance."

Colin falls forward.

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Do I need a roll of some sort to do so successfully?"

[late_musketeers] Colin says (to Valentin), "(you'll have to circle the firepit to do that)"

Antoine-Gerard almost slips. His pistol flies up, spins, he catches it and fires that Crucial Shot into the Chief's elbow.

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "I'll use a drama die if necessary."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Also, jump over the fire."

Crossbowmen fire!

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says, "ooh, jumping over the fire"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "wait, I wanted to attack before they got a chance to fire"

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says, "hrm"

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says, "they've got loaded crossbows"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says (to Andres), "Also, that's Antoine Oakley to you."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "that's precisely why I wanted to attack before they fired"

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says, "mmhmm"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to A-G), "Hee!"

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says (to Constantin), "so roll panache"

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says, "ditto anyone else wanting to act suddenly"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "either that or I could use a broadswordman as an improvised parry"

[7thsea] Antoine-Gerard rolls 3 dice: 9 2 3

[7thsea] Constantin rolls 3 dice: 6 1 3

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says (to Antoine), "you've already acted"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "oh yeah."

[7thsea] Andres rolls 4 dice: 1 7 6 9

[7thsea] Valentin rolls 5k4: 5 6 9 7 5 | 27

[7thsea] Crossbowmen rolls 2 dice: 1 4

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says, "hmm"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Grm, 5 5 6 7"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says (to valentin), "why do you keep..."

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says, "ok, well, Constantin and Andres rolled 1s, so I guess they can act pre-firing"

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says, "or simultaneously with, perhaps"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to Constantin), "I have combat reflexes."

Andres runs for colin.

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen asks (of Andres), "around the firepit or over it?"

[late_musketeers] Andres asks, "What would be the difference, mechanically?"

Constantin grabs a stick from the firepit.

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says, "(to recap, colin + chief are on opposite side of firepit from you, then each side has swordsman, two crossbowmen)"

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says, "over the firepit is faster but riskier"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "TN? (without leaping)"

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says, "it'd be, say, TN 20 leaping + brawn"

[late_musketeers] Alex says (to Andres), "Awwwk! Word on the street is that the TN is 15."

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says, "then a finesse roll to see what happens on the other side"

Crossbowmen asks (of Constantin), "ok, and doing what?"

Andres runs arounf the firepit to Colin

Constantin stabs at the nearest crossbowman with it.

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "am I still left-handed with it? hm."

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says, "crossbowman is behind swordsman, but what the hell"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "oh hm"

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says, "yes, if it's in your left hand"

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "ok, that's 5k2 then?"

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says, "sure"

[7thsea] Constantin rolls 5k2: 7 9 9 2 10+10+10+7 | 46

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says, "if you have a two improvised weapon skill"

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says, "my"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I do"

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says, "that'd be a hit"

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says, "roll damage for these guys, who are tougher"

Constantin exclaims, "Yarrr!"

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says, "say, um, brawn + 1 k 1"

[7thsea] Constantin rolls 3k1: 3 5 9 | 9

[7thsea] Crossbowmen rolls 2k2: 5 8 | 13

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "what does that mean?"

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says, "hmm, I think it means you burn his arm but he fires anyway"

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says, "since he rolled over your number"

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says, "(so, finally they fire)"

Crossbowmen says, "2 at antoine:"

[7thsea] Crossbowmen rolls 5k3: 9 2 9 7 7 | 25

[7thsea] Crossbowmen rolls 5k3: 3 10+5 9 1 5 | 29

Crossbowmen says, "1 at andres"

[7thsea] Crossbowmen rolls 5k3: 3 9 9 9 8 | 27

Constantin burns the crossbowman, but doesn't disable him.

Crossbowmen says, "1 at Constantin"

[7thsea] Crossbowmen rolls 5k3: 7 9 6 5 8 | 24

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says, "my"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "these guys are trained sharpshooters I see"

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says, "I believe those are all hits"

[7thsea] Crossbowmen rolls 2k2: 4 9 | 13

[7thsea] Crossbowmen rolls 2k2: 8 8 | 16

[7thsea] Crossbowmen rolls 2k2: 6 4 | 10

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

[7thsea] Andres rolls 2k2: 10+10+9 7 | 36

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "what is it? brawn k brawn?"

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says, "right. against 8"

Andres takes a bolt, but hardly notices it and keeps running.

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

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard asks, "oof. So I get 13 and 16 flesh wounds?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "arr!"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I had 13"

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says (to Antoine), "mmhmm"

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says (to Antoine), "that'll teach you to be a good shot"

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says (to Constantin), "oog"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard asks, "roll against 'em together or separately?"

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says (to Constantin), "well, now you have 0 flesh wounds and 1 more dramatic"

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says, "um, together"

[7thsea] Antoine-Gerard rolls 2k2: 1 3 | 4

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says, "ipe"

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "because it's 21?"

Antoine-Gerard appears to be crippled.

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says (to Constantin), "just whenever you don't roll over your flesh wound total, your flesh wounds are reset and your dramatic wounds go up by one"

Constantin grimaces as he is hit with a bolt.

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "what does this mean, then?"

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says, "it means nothing until you get up more than your resolve in dramatic wounds"

[late_musketeers] Crossbowmen says, "ie, once you take 3 or 4 or them"

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