Valentin has connected.

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

Valentin arrives, looking for booty.

Valentin says, "Arr."

Game_Master says, "arr"

Antoine-Gerard says, "arr."

Constantin arrives, looking for booty.

Game_Master says, "just Andres, now"

Antoine-Gerard says, "arr."

Constantin says, "Aharr, mes amis."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to inky), "So, I used most of those XP."

Antoine-Gerard says, "Constantin, mon ami, let us swear never to allow a pretty face to come between our friendship! I shall never fall in love again."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks (of inky), "Want the new character sheet?"

Antoine-Gerard's eye strays towards the pretty damsel passing outside....

[late_musketeers] Game_Master asks, "can you just tell me what you've done?"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "hm. haven't spent any of mine...."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Sure. Let's see -- I gave myself knife-throwing at 2 (spent 2+4) and raised stealth to 2 (spent 4) -- so 10 points spent."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "sounds good"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "oh shoot I forgot to figure out what I was gonna do with my xp"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "well, you can do that now"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "or wait. whichever"

Andres would like a good red wine, garcon.

Valentin says (to Andres), "Arr, mon ami."

Game_Master says, "excellent"

Antoine-Gerard says, "bonjour"

[late_musketeers] Andres asks, "So we're arrested?"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard realises that he's just fine with this character as is.

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "and, unless I hear objections, I will open act 3 in jail a day later"

[late_musketeers] Andres asks, "Also, what's Dana Carvey doing here?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "impersonating george bush, I assume"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Heh."

Constantin says (to Antoine), "Agreed!"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I was thinking maybe I'd raise my fencing attack to 4..."

Jacques comes walking into the stables-cum-jail.

Jacques exclaims, "I've brought you your breakfast, sirs!"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Jacques?"

[late_musketeers] Jacques says, "Jacques, you will recall, is Bron's assistant"

Valentin says, "Faugh. I have little appetite."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Right."

Constantin asks, "You call this breakfast?"

Antoine-Gerard says, "Ah, how can I eat? My heart has been broken."

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Jacques, tell us of the 7 ages of man."

Constantin says, "Let us out of here!"

[late_musketeers] Jacques says, "also, I should mention you have been disarmed and your musketeer's tabards taken, but retain your other possessions"

Antoine-Gerard looks at the breakfast doubtfully.

[late_musketeers] Jacques says, "the bandit chief has been taken away to another cell -- the four of you are in one"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "four in one"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Heh."

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "yay"

Constantin rattles the bars.

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "First things First, we need to get out of here."

Jacques says, "er, well, this baguette was the best I could do on short notice -- and I have a wineskin"

Constantin asks (of Jacques), "How can you stand by while we unjustly rot in this cell?"

Antoine-Gerard picks up the baguette and taps his head with it. Ouch.

Andres takes the wineskin.

Jacques passes them in through the bars.

Andres asks, "Is there wine in it?"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard asks, "and do I now have a concussion?"

Constantin says, "It's those other musketeers that are the felons."

Jacques says (to Constantin), "I, er, sir, these are Bron's orders. and you must admit the evidence is very strong"

Constantin asks, "We have been framed! Can't you see that?"

Jacques says (to Andres), "of course, sir. from the Grey Cat, just down the street."

Constantin says, "We weren't even in the city!"

Antoine-Gerard asks (of Jacques), "evidence?"

[late_musketeers] Andres asks, "Have we beeninformed of the evidence in the past few days?"

Constantin stomps to a corner of the cell, fuming and sulking.

Jacques exclaims, "weren't in the city? but I talked to you myself, sir!"

Andres drinks. A lot.

Constantin's eyebrows go up.

Constantin asks, "You talked to us?"

Constantin asks, "When?"

Jacques says, "I said "fine evening, sir!" and you said "it is indeed!""

Jacques says, "when you were on guard duty outside the bank, sir -- just a day ago"

Jacques says, "two days now, I suppose"

Antoine-Gerard exclaims, "That's impossible!"

Constantin asks, "How do you know that it was us?"

Valentin asks (of Jacques), "What is this mockery?"

Antoine-Gerard says, "It must have been some impersonator."

Constantin paces around slowly, thinking.

Jacques scratches his head. "It certainly sounded like you, sir. Although I admit we have not talked that much before."

Jacques says, "and you were wearing your tabard, I could see it in the street-light"

Andres says (to Gerry), "I knew we should have jailed more mimes."

Antoine-Gerard says, "Some ... some voice impersonator, then."

Jacques says, "and then there is Francis. poor, poor Francis."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "What's the name of the town we were in again?"

Constantin says (to Jacques), "If there were some way we could prove that it was not us, that it could not have been..."

[late_musketeers] Jacques says, "Font-Arrant"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "yay belated exposition."

Antoine-Gerard says, "Francis"

Antoine-Gerard asks, "Francis?"

[early_musketeers] Sargent asks (of inky), "So what did y'all end up doing?"

Jacques says, "in the du Lion brigade -- I"

Valentin says (to Jacques), "If you will send word to Font-Arrant, you will find where we really have been these last few days."

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "say, who was that fellow that the evil musketeers were harrassing in the grey cat that we saved?"

[early_musketeers] Jacques says, "playing anyway so's not to delay things more"

Valentin says (to Jacques), "We were not exactly inconspicuous."

[early_musketeers] Sargent asks, "Oh, playing *now*?"

[early_musketeers] Jacques says, "no"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "dunno, some voice impersonator."

[early_musketeers] Jacques says, "this is late musketeers"

[early_musketeers] Sargent says, "Aha, late."

[late_musketeers] Jacques says, "hee hee"

[early_musketeers] Sargent says, "I can understand going on. I'll read the transcripts when they're available."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "heh"

Jacques exclaims, "to Font-Arrant? but you returned from there days ago!"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "that rings a bell"

[early_musketeers] Sargent says, "& I'll talk to you more later on, when you're done with late."

Constantin says (to Jacques), "We were returning the day we were arrested!"

Jacques thinks.

Constantin says, "Before we even entered the city gates!"

Valentin asks, "We returned last evening. What is going on here?"

Antoine-Gerard says, "There couldn't have been time for us to have arrived 'days ago' if we left Font-Arrant the day we did."

Andres asks (of jacques), "What exactly did we doin Font Arrant?"

Jacques says, "but, as I was saying -- what of poor Francis? we found him lying in an alley, a near-mortal wound to his chest, murmuring "non, Constantin, non""

Andres says (to jacques), "Surely we reported as to what we accomplished there when we returned."

Antoine-Gerard says, "That does it. When we're out of this mess, I'm giving up this blasted secular world, moving to Vodacce and joining some nice, peaceful monastery."

Jacques says (to Andres), "why, I did not see the report you sent to Bron -- I believe it said you dealt with the situation and regretted not being able to attend in person as you had been taken somewhat unwell"

Valentin says (to Jacques), "We were not unwell in the slightest."

Constantin gasps.

Valentin says (to Jacques), "And we sent no such note."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Are we missing some days here?"

Jacques says, "but I -- er"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "we've been in jail for a few days"

Jacques says, "this is all very mysterious -- I will have to speak to Bron"

Constantin says, "Bron will not listen."

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "don't think so. I thought this was the day after return."

Constantin says, "We need evidence."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I thought GM said it was a few days later"

[late_musketeers] Jacques says, "things should be about right, I think. you were in Font-Arrant about three or four days, and at the time of leaving were going to take up bank duty in two days"

Jacques scratches his head and starts to walk out.

Constantin says, "Help us!"

Andres says (to Constantin), "The way I understand it, they're the ones who need evidence."

Antoine-Gerard says (to Jacques), "Jacques ... listen to me ... you have to believe us. This is the work of some foul villain."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Ah, so the forgery had us finishing in Font-Arrant early?"

Antoine-Gerard drops to his knees.

Jacques turns.

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "right"

Jacques asks, "but I -- er -- what do you want me to do, sirs?"

Constantin whispers, "Good question. What do we want him to do?"

Valentin says (to Jacques), "Send word to Font-Arrant. There are many there who can confirm where we have been."

Antoine-Gerard says, "I appeal to you. I swear, by Theus and by the Prophets and all that is holy that we had nothing to do with this robbery, or with Francis's death."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "The girl was Celeste, right?"

Andres says (to Jacques), "You must inquire with [insert girly's name here] and [insert butler's name here] in Font Arrant who can confirm our whereabouts."

Constantin says, "Celeste and Colin."

Voice from upstairs booms "Feeding time's over, Jacques! Come away from those rogues!"

Constantin says, "Also, the man we stayed with."

Andres asks (of Jacques), "And while we're at it, where does Bron suppose those bandits that we brought in came from?"

Antoine-Gerard says, "Or at least find some way to get Bron to listen to us."

Jacques exclaims (at Voice), "just one minute, sirs!"

duLionMen tromp down the stairs.

duLionMen exclaims, "quiet, you! how dare you attack Francis like that! you're lucky you're behind bars!"

duLionMen hustle Jacques off, who has only time to squeak "I'll be back later, sirs!"

duLionMen (there are two) take up their guard stations at either end of the hall.

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "the girl was celeste, the butler colin, the dad martin, the lawyer gregor, the cousin denis"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "and the village leader lorenz"

Antoine-Gerard repeats his desire to retire to some monastery far away from women and from this secular mess. (pretty much the same thing he's being saying everytime he's gotten into a tough spot over the past 3 or 4 years).

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "and Oliver the sissy boy"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "and the villager you stayed with unnamed in the narrative so far, although it's Moris"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "yeah"

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "not maurice?"

[late_musketeers] duLionMen says, "some call him maurice"

duLionMen sit in their chairs, fidgeting, complaining about first bank duty and then this.

Constantin growls and snarls.

Antoine-Gerard slumps into his corner and sighs.

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Hrm, wonder if my 'Friendly' virtue would come in handy here."

[late_musketeers] duLionMen says, "hmm, yeah, you could use it if you wanted"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Should I try to charm the guards, or is that a hopeless case?"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "heh ... how are we all reacting here? I'm picking 'melancholic'."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "well, perhaps not the guards, but somebody else would probably come along"

Constantin shouts (to duLionMen), "So, with all that money you stole, what are you still doing on guard duty?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "also, time is apt to pass heavily whilst in jail, so if you would like to skip ahead for something specific (eg, dinner, or nighttime), feel free to say so"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Hrr, yeah. What d'you think, guys? Wait for night, or for our next visitor or whatever?"

duLionMen exclaims, "bah, you! I see you couldn't even take out Francis when you attacked him by surprise! you're lucky we don't beat you senseless!"

Antoine-Gerard says (to Constantin), "Oh hush. We don't know it was them. It ... hm ... anyone who saw the plan carved in the table...."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Night might be a chance for escape..."

Constantin says, "Let us out and we'll see, coward!"

Constantin spits.

Valentin says (to Constantin), "This serves no purpose."

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "I see Constantin has picked 'choleric'."

Constantin says (to Valentin), "Arr!!"

Constantin sulks in a corner again.

[late_musketeers] duLionMen says, "hee hee"

Constantin says, "You wouldn't be so diplomatic if it were your name on the dying man's lips."

Antoine-Gerard is thoughtful.

(From Game_Master) Time passes...

Andres says (to Stan), "Yes, I do believe that is their point."

Antoine-Gerard spends his time in meditation.

Game_Master says, "the guards are replaced by other guards, much of the same type, and it begins to grow dark outside"

Valentin broods.

Constantin wonders if petrified baguette could be used as a weapon of some sort.

Antoine-Gerard says (to Guards), "<ahem> excuse me, sirs."

Guard asks, "eh?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to Antoine-Gerard), "I hear there are forests of petrified baguette in the Arizona desert."

Antoine-Gerard says (to Guard), "I was just wondering. What exactly is all the evidence against us? Because we haven't a clue."

Constantin mutters, "Like the guards will know anything about it."

Guard exclaims, "Francis's word is good enough for us, knave! he'll be well enough to speak in a week or two, and then we'll get a full description of events from him!"

Antoine-Gerard says (to Guard), "Oh, he's alive then? I thought from what Bron had said that he was killed."

Guard says, "*nearly* killed him -- but Francis is made of tough stuff"

Antoine-Gerard asks (of Guard), "Tell me, where exactly was he found?"

Guard says, "why, one time in the army -- never mind"

Antoine-Gerard smiles hopefully.

Guard says, "in an alley beside the bank. I expect he came across you in the midst of the robbery and was stabbed for his pains"

Antoine-Gerard says (to Guard), "Was he not carousing with the rest of du Lion? I thought that was his custom."

Valentin asks (of Guard), "Tell me, do you really believe we were responsible? Does it make any sense to you at all?"

Guard says, "he was, ah, returning to his lodgings, I imagine."

Valentin asks (of Guard), "For one thing, why were we riding *into* the city last evening?"

Guard exclaims (at Valentin), "bah, I have no idea why you de Fleurs do anything. you have no sense of honor!"

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "where's the log of our first session?"

Jacques's meek footsteps are once again heard on the jail stairs.

Antoine-Gerard asks (of Guard), "And where are his lodgings in relation to the bank and, uh, wherever du Lion were that night?"

Constantin restrains himself.

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

Jacques comes down the stairs. "Dinner, sirs!"

Antoine-Gerard places a warning hand on Constantin's shoulder.

Valentin asks (of Jacques), "Thank you. What news?"

Jacques glances warningly at the guards. "Bron, ah, would not listen, sirs. He can be very fixed when he gets an idea into his head."

Jacques passes over more baguette and wine and some fruit this time.

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "just our luck, the stubborn hubris. Arrgh."

Andres says, "Ah yes. Obsessive obstinancy. Always a fine trait in an agent of justice."

Valentin asks (of Jacques), "Has word been sent to Font-Arrant?"

Antoine-Gerard says (to Jacques), "Well, sooner or later there will have to be a trial. He'll have to listen then. Though frankly we'd prefer to prepare our case better before then."

Jacques says (to Valentin), "I, er, -- I could attempt to send someone myself, but --"

Jacques glances at the guards again.

Jacques hisses "I'll be back later!" and turns away and walks hastily out.

Valentin says (to Jacques), "That would be most friendly of you, and we would not forget it."

Andres says (to Jacues), "I am sure that they would like to know who the true attacker of M. Francis as well."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Well, Jacques seems to sort of believe us."

(From Game_Master) More time passes ...

Antoine-Gerard glances at the guards and retreats to the corner furthest away from them.

Game_Master says, "and it grows dark. night falls."

Andres drinks more wine. What else is there to do?

Game_Master says, "The guards are replaced by one guard, this time, who sits in his chair, leans back, and starts to snore"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "ah, it was Claude the ventriloquist who was being bullied by the duLion guys."

Antoine-Gerard says, "Hm."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Ventriloquist, hmm?"

Valentin whispers (to the others), "So, gentlemen -- what say you? Shall we attempt an escape?"

Constantin asks, "Even if we were to effect an escape, where would we go?"

Andres asks (of valentin), "we have committed no crime thus far, why should we commit one now?"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard asks, "do Thean churches do the whole 'sanctuary' thing?"

Valentin whispers "An escape might seem to be an admission of guilt. And yet, this cell has few charms."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "hmm"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "in theory yes, although the political-religious situation with the war with castille might make it a bit chancy"

Antoine-Gerard says, "I doubt we could do anything from here, and it appears that no-one is willing to investigate our half of the case."

Constantin says, "Hrm."

Antoine-Gerard asks, "Theus helps those who help themselves, the saying goes ... would Bron respect the sanctuary offered by the church?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Hrm. The guy in the bar being a ventriloquist seems like a rather large coincidence."

Andres says (to Gerry), "When the time comes for trial, I will contact one of my litigious friends in Paris. We need only wait."

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard asks (of Valenting), "uhh ... why don't you voice these suspicions in-character?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "He'd have a reason to be peeved at the du Lion, for one thing."

Valentin asks, "Hrm. Do you recall that man in the public house?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "wait, I don't quite follow what line of reasoning you're chasing"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Well, our *voices* were imitated."

Antoine-Gerard asks, "The ventriloquist?"

Constantin says, "Claude. Little fellow. Does ventriloquism."

Constantin says, "Shivers a lot."

Valentin says, "Well. From what has been said, our voices were imitated by someone."

Valentin says, "A ventriloquist could imitate our voices. And he had heard us speak."

Valentin says, "And he could have seen the map on the table."

Antoine-Gerard says, "Perhaps he would know someone else in his field, who might be the guilty party."

Andres says (to Gerry), "Or perhaps...him."

Antoine-Gerard says (to Valentin), "well, anyone could have seen it, after we left. Although, I did take a moment to carve a back entrance onto the plan before running off to answer Bron's summons...."

Constantin says, "Well, why would the fellow do this? He was in our debt for getting the duLion swine off his back."

Valentin says (to Constantin), "True. But not all men are honourable."

Andres says (to Stan), "We must consider that whoever imitated us must have seen and heard us. He did."

Constantin says, "Well, one thing we could do if we were to escape is find this ventriloquist."

Antoine-Gerard asks, "Where in town would he be, now? Would the innkeeper at the Grey Cat know?"

Constantin says, "We would need disguises... a safe place to hide..."

Andres says, "Perhaps, the guards would know, they didn't seem to like him either."

Constantin says, "Money..."

Constantin says, "All it all, it sounds extremely dangerous and liable to get us into worse trouble."

Constantin says, "I say we try it."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master exclaims (at Constantin), "yay!"

Andres says, "How about, we don't."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Hee!"

Constantin snatches the wineskin from Andres.

Antoine-Gerard says, "We could perhaps hide in the Church...? There's an old law about sanctuary, though I don't know how well it is regarded these days."

Game_Master says, "there is a noise outside the window"

Constantin says, "The drink has made you soft."

Valentin looks out the window.

Constantin goes quiet.

Jacques's face is at the window. "Sirs!"

Antoine-Gerard exclaims, "Jacques!"

Jacques exclaims, "I have come back!"

Valentin whispers to Jacques, "Thank you for coming!"

Jacques remembers to keep his voice down.

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Jacques remembers to @set himself noexclaim."

Jacques says, "I, er, was not able to convince Bron to send anyone to investigate Font-Arrant, either."

[late_musketeers] Jacques says, "hee hee"

Jacques says, "and I cannot go myself"

Jacques says, "but I thought --"

Jacques's voice trails off.

Valentin asks (of Jacques), "You thought?"

Antoine-Gerard mutters, "curses, foiled again."

Valentin says (to Jacques), "If there is anyone else you could send..."

Constantin says, "Just ask him what his idea was."

Jacques says, "perhaps, if, er, you would give your pledges to return as soon as this was straightened out, I er, --"

Jacques jangles something in his hand.

Valentin says (to Jacques), "On our honour and that of our families, we will be back."

Constantin says, "Sir, we do solemly so pledge."

Jacques says, "oh, dear, if anyone finds out"

Jacques frets.

Antoine-Gerard says (to Jacques), "On our mothers' graves! (and those of us whose mothers are still alive would do well to remember that)"

Constantin says, "And we shall never reveal your involvement."

Jacques asks (of Andres), "and you, sir?"

Andres says, "On the honour of, well something more honourable than myself."

Jacques, still fretting, passes a key ring through the bars.

Jacques exclaims, "oh, I do hope my trust is not misplaced!"

Andres whispers to Stan "I wouldn't go that far."

Jacques winces, and hurries away into the night.

Valentin takes the keys, and looks Jacques in the eye. "We will never foget this."

Jacques waited for Valentin's remark, of course

Antoine-Gerard says, "I will leave a note, giving our solemn promise to return. If nothing else, it should at least add a minor drop the evidence for our innocence."

Constantin wonders what to do about the guard.

Game_Master says, "the guard is snoring outside, as all guards seem to do"

Valentin says (to Constantin), "Don't wake him up, that's what."

Antoine-Gerard examines the guard.

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Glad I upped my Stealth, hmm?"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "continues to be stealth-less."

Constantin says, "Fortune smiles upon us! He is a stereotype."

Valentin verrry verry quietly turns the key in the lock.

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "er, channel"

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

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says (to Constantin), "don't be ridiculous. That was no mischannel."

[late_musketeers] Constantin wiggles his eyebrows

Game_Master says, "the lock squeaks, ever so slightly, but the guard does not wake"

Antoine-Gerard says, "perhaps the best unarmed fighter amongst us should be the last to go ... to knock him out should he wake."

Valentin creeps out the door.

Valentin asks, "The note?"

Antoine-Gerard creeps out, muttering a prayer.

Antoine-Gerard says (to Valentin), "Oui."

Game_Master says, "the cell door squeaks, ever so slightly, but the guard does not wake"

Antoine-Gerard quickly pulls out a piece of paper, ink and pen, and pens a few short sentences.

Valentin considers the route to the outside. How many guards?

Game_Master asks (of Antoine), "saying what?"

Antoine-Gerard asks (of Valentin), "Ah ... well now, why do you not leave this note in yon guard's lap?"

Constantin says, "No."

Constantin asks, "What if he wakes and blows his nose on it?"

Game_Master says, "you have to pass by the guard to get out, then up the stairs, then you're in the main part of the stables, then out"

Constantin says, "Probably better to leave it in the cell."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "What should the note say? 'We apologize for our absence -- we will return with evidence proving our innocence'?"

Antoine-Gerard wrote, "For your hospitality, we thank you. We have need to prepare the evidence for our case, and must therefore be on our way. Fear not, we shall be back in time for our trial."

Andres says, "For the record, I still think we should get a lawyer."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Jacques is the *best* bail bondsman!"

Antoine-Gerard asks (of Andres), "Like Gregor?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "hee hee"

Antoine-Gerard frowns at his note, and rewords it.

Andres says (to gerry), "yes like Gregor. Only on our side."

Valentin starts creeping up the stairs.

Constantin glares impatiently. "We must get going."

Antoine-Gerard wrote, "For your hospitality, we thank you. We have need to investigate the evidence for our case, and as no-one appears willing to do so on our behalf, we must therefore do this ourselves. Fear not, we shall be back in time for our trial."

Antoine-Gerard didn't want it to look like a confession of evidence-tampering.

Game_Master says, "perhaps for the last part of the trip, everybody should make (stealth + finesse keep finesse) rolls"

Game_Master says, "against, say, 15"

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "what's stealth?"

[7thsea] Valentin rolls 5k3: 2 2 2 3 10+4 | 19

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "a skill. 0 if you don't have it"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "hrm"

[7thsea] Andres rolls 3k2: 2 10+4 1 | 16

Antoine-Gerard puts the note in the cell and heads up after the others. Carrrrefully.

[7thsea] Antoine-Gerard rolls 3k3: 7 3 5 | 15

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "if I'd known, I'd have spent the 10xp on stealth..."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I have this terrible feeling everyone's going to sneak past and I'm going to trip over the guy."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(well, that's what I'm hoping, anyway)"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "heh. I almost did."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(also, you can use a drama die if necessary)"

Constantin looks nervously on as the others easily sneak past the guard.

Constantin says (to himself), "Well, here goes..."

Constantin he lifts a clunky boot...

[7thsea] Constantin rolls 2k2: 2 5 | 7

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "oh my"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "well, like I said, you can add drama dice to the roll"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "nah"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "you'd better."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "We have 3 dd, right?"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "you were the one pushing us all to 'escape'"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Er..you and everyone except me."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "we have three, but odds are I'm not going to make 15 even if I use one"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "and I don't really want to throw it down the toiilet"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "since we've got more trouble than this ahead of us"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "no? alrighty"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "heh ... 30% chance ... I don't like those odds. But I think the failing could be exciting."

Constantin kicks the bottom of the guard's chair as he passes.

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "What's the alternative? We all jump the guard at once?"

[late_musketeers] Alex says (to Valentin), "Awwwk! Word on the street is that alternative is a word used by music industry weasels for marketing and demographic purposes."

Guard sits up suddenly, then falls as his chair does.

Antoine-Gerard winces at the sound of boot on wood. "Andres...!"

Guard asks, "zz-what?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "can I grab his chair and smite him with it?"

[late_musketeers] Guard says, "sure, go for it"

[late_musketeers] Guard says, "improvised weapon roll, plus finesse"

Antoine-Gerard pushes the other two up the stairs.

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "keep...?"

[late_musketeers] Guard says, "keep finesse"

[late_musketeers] Guard says, "(always roll skill + stat keep stat)"

Constantin grabs for the chair.

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

Constantin swings it at the guard, quickly.

[late_musketeers] Guard says, "that's a hit -- roll, I dunno, 1+brawn keep 2 for damage (this is one case where you don't keep the stat)"

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

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "woo"

[7thsea] Guard rolls 2k2: 8 10+1 | 19

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Hrm, should we lock him in the cell?"

Guard says, "the guard, woozy from being hit over the head, still manages to stagger to his feet"

Guard says (to Constantin), "you -- you --"

Constantin says (to Guard), "Shh!"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says (to Valentin), "I'm already pushing you & Constantin up ... and you were the furthest up."

Guard asks, "shh?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says (to antoine), "um, I'm behind everyone else"

Guard starts to scratch his head.

Andres mutters, "Great, now he's going to wake up saying Constantin, too."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "hee"

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "can I hit him again?"

[late_musketeers] Guard says, "um, with your fist, or with the back of the chair -- not much time for anything else"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says (to Constantin), "Oh? I thought I was the third ... ar, never mind, I'm hustling Valentin to (relative) safety."

[late_musketeers] Guard says, "valentin and andres, I assume"

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "dirty fighting?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Why am I being hustled here?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "anyway, I guess same chair roll?"

[late_musketeers] Guard says, "I guess, yeah. dirty fighting attack + finesse for fists, or improvised weapon + finesse for chair"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says (to Valentin), "because it was my instinctive first reaction."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "let's try the dirty fighting then"

[7thsea] Constantin rolls 4k2: 7 8 8 10+7 | 25

Guard says, "hey, wait a -- oof"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Yay ungentlemanly behaviour?"

Constantin smacks him with a balled-up fist.

Constantin says, "Sorry about this, friend."

[7thsea] Constantin rolls 3k2: 4 10+7 8 | 25

[late_musketeers] Guard says, "not bad"

[7thsea] Guard rolls 2k2: 10+10+1 9 | 30

Antoine-Gerard says (to Valentin), "C'mon ..."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Oy."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "two 17s, then two 25s. weird."

[late_musketeers] Guard says, "(but that's 25 plus from before)"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "tough bastard guard"

Guard collapses onto the ground and the wreckage of the chair, sleeping peacefully.

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "anything worth grabbing from the guard?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "well, he's got a rapier and pistol, which none of you have"

Antoine-Gerard freezes at the top of the stair, expecting to be set upon by more guards.

Constantin pats the guard on the cheek. "Nighty night."

Constantin grabs the guard's weapons.

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "who's the best at shooting? antoine?"

Valentin asks (of Constantin), "Lock him in the cell?"

Game_Master says (to Antoine), "it doesn't *sound* like anyone heard that, but it's hard to tell"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Not me, I have no pistol skill."

Constantin says, "Sure, but let's be quick."

Game_Master asks (of Antoine), "there are always noises at night in a city, right?"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "I guess. Attack (Firearms ) at 2."

Game_Master says, "people walking, people talking"

Constantin hands the guard's pistol to Antoine.

Valentin hauls the guard into the cell and locks him in -- with his own keys, which he leaves in the lock.

Antoine-Gerard says (to Constantin), "merci beaucoup...."

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "is there someone who'd be best with the rapier?"

Valentin asks, "That way, they won't know that we had keys from Jacques, right?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Hrm. I attack at 3."

Constantin says (to Valentin), "This is true."

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "anyone higher than 3?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "since I can improvise, I can make do without it"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "once... twice..."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Hrm, I need either a sword, knife, or bow."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "OK, if no one speaks up, I'll take it for now."

Constantin tosses the guard's rapier to Valentin.

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "If we can wrangle a knife, I'll pass it on,"

Valentin says (to Constantin), "Merci, mon ami!"

Game_Master says, "meanwhile Constantin creeps up the stairs, and you now stand in the main stables. the horses whinny uneasily."

Game_Master says, "(those that are still awake, anyway)"

Constantin looks around.

Valentin says, "Shall we take horses? That might be too conspicuous."

Andres asks, "I suppose we're going to steal horses now?"

Constantin says, "We can't care for and feed horses on the run."

Constantin says, "Which way out? Let's not trust my sense of direction."

Antoine-Gerard says, "I'd leave the horses."

Antoine-Gerard says, "And I still think we should head for the church."

Valentin asks, "Wait, we'd best decide now -- is anyone going to Font-Arrant?"

Constantin thinks of Celeste....

Valentin says, "If so, that person will need a horse."

Antoine-Gerard says (to Valentin), "Yes. But first, we need a place to hide"

Constantin says, "Well..."

Valentin says, "Well, one of us could go to the village, while the others look for the ventriloquist."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Erm. But splitting up will make the game hard to manage. Never mind."

Constantin says, "I'll look for the ventriloquist. He'll know me."

Antoine-Gerard says (to Valentin), "To Font-Arrant? Not I ... that place has too many painful memories for me."

Valentin says, "In any case, this is not the time or place to discuss this. We need to get away from here."

Valentin opens the stable door a crack, and looks outside.

Game_Master says, "the streets are empty, thankfully"

Andres says, "Let us look for our mimic here, and send word to Font Arrant."

Valentin says (to ANdres), "Very well."

Antoine-Gerard looks to the church steeple. "That way?"

Valentin creeps out the door, looking left and right for guards...

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "...and oncoming trucks."

Constantin keeps looking behind.

Andres says (to Gerry), "Why would we want to involve ourselves with the degeneracy that is the clergy."

Andres says (to Gerry), "Surely we can find some sympathetic brothel."

Game_Master says, "the stable is quiet, at least for now"

Constantin whispers, "Someone decide, and let's move."

Constantin whispers, "Although I like the brothel idea, personally."

Antoine-Gerard looks as if he's been slapped in the face. "Once upon a time, I was but four days short of joining that clergy, friend Andres."

Valentin whispers I don't like the church idea. Better to be invisible somewhere.

Valentin whispers, "I don't trust Bron to respect sanctuary, and we can't investigate holed up in a church."

Constantin says, "Ok, so go, go."

Andres says (to Gerry), "I'm glad you found reason. Now let's find some jennys."

Constantin tries to nudge everyone along.

Valentin whispers (to Andres), "Do you know someplace *inconspicuous*?"

Valentin follows Andres.

Antoine-Gerard sighs. "Very well, lead on ... my Streetwise skill is non-existant."

Constantin says, "I guess we're following Andres."

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Do I need to roll for streetwise or underworld lore in order to find a good safehouse/"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "the latter, I guess"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "+wits, presumably"

Antoine-Gerard prays that Andres knows where he's going.

[7thsea] Andres rolls 4k3: 9 7 5 6 | 22

[late_musketeers] Andres asks, "Good enough?"

Game_Master says, "the city isn't really big enough to support the kind of area you really want, but there are a few small flophouses here and there, and Andres leads you to one of them. thankfully, your purses were not taken when you were thrown in jail, and you manage to get a room with no questions asked."

[late_musketeers] Andres asks, "Except of course for 'You're *sure* you don't need any 'help'?"

Game_Master asks, "still a few hours til dawn. what now?"

Constantin sniffs. "Smells a bit, but it'll do."

Constantin says, "We need something to wear other than musketeer outfits."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "your tabards were taken, I should point out"

Antoine-Gerard looks around, a little doubtful.

Valentin says, "Perhaps we'd best sleep now. WE may not get a chance later."

Constantin considers.

Antoine-Gerard says, "Would it not be easiest to seek a performer during the day? We might have to find some sort of disguise first, now, while it is dark."

Valentin says (to A-G), "There is that, yes."

Constantin says, "During the day, he'll be performing in the marketplace."

Constantin says, "At least, I think so."

Valentin says, "Disguises? I can pass for a farmer easily enough."

Constantin says, "Fine then. I'll sleep."

Antoine-Gerard says, "I can pass for a priest ... if I had a priest's robe."

Constantin lies down on the stinky floor.

Valentin lies down. Zzzz...

Constantin says, "I'll pass for a man who slept in his clothes on a flophouse floor."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master asks, "doing anything, or do we skip to tomorrow morning?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "skip I guess"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "No way to get disguises in the middle of the night, anyway."

Andres sneaks out to a...different room.

Constantin says, "Zzz..."

Game_Master says, "the sun comes up, bright and cheery"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard asks, "I'd like to go see if I can beg the priest for a habit ... can we assume I do that?"

Game_Master says, "you wake up, less cheery"

Constantin groans.

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says (to Valentin), "oh, there's that I guess."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "well, I'm sure you could purchase something similar in the marketplace"

Constantin flicks a cockroach off his leg.

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "also any number of herbal potions, crosses, books, hats, cheeses, and souvenirs of rayure"

Antoine-Gerard stretches as he wakes up. "Hm. Where's Andres?"

Valentin scratches flea bites. "Faugh!"

Andres stumbles in, very happy.

Constantin says (to Valentin), "There is a reason I chose the floor over the bed."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "We'll buy giant cheeses, put them on our heads, and pass as visitors from the distant land of Wisconsin!"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "yay"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "oh my"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "so yeah, I guess I'll buy a large disguising hat of some kind"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "and some cheese"

Antoine-Gerard says (to Constantin), "Urf ... I was wondering about that. Now I guess I know."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "alrighty"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master asks, "so what disguises are other people buying?"

Antoine-Gerard asks (of Andres), "There you are! I trust you were downstairs settling our bill?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "hm, does Perspicacious ever come up?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Farm clothes for me."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Since I can talk like a farmer easily enough."

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "Priest or monk robes. Preferably with a hood."

Andres says (to Gerry), "Well, I generally don't call it the 'bill' but to each his own."

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Pimp guard."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master asks, "can you use it, you mean?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "yeah"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "Er ... monks unlikely to travel, priest habits no hood ... erm. Priest's robe."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "also, I'm a little fuzzy on what it means still"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Constantin), "well, you can try and use it to try and figure out what's going on, or wait until you figure out who's responsible and try and figure out what they're doing next"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "ok."

Antoine-Gerard says (to Andres), "Well, I thank you, friend. It is nice to know that you are so willing to pay for our next night's stay here."

Andres asks, "Pay?"

Antoine-Gerard says (to Andres), "I would of course attempt to dissuade you, to offer to pay instead, but since you insist, I will not insult you."

Antoine-Gerard turns around quickly, to deal with shaving/whatnot.

Game_Master says, "ok, you purchase disguising bits of clothing"

Game_Master asks, "now what?"

Antoine-Gerard practices his Old Thean.

Constantin says, "I shall wander the marketplace and search for the pipsqueak Claude."

Antoine-Gerard asks, "To the marketplace, then?"

Constantin adjusts his big wobbly hat.

Constantin says, "I don't think we should walk as a group."

Andres asks around for the ventriloquist rat.

Valentin asks, "Shall we scatter about the marketplace and search?"

Constantin says, "Let's pick an appointed meeting place and time."

Antoine-Gerard says, "Let us each take a quarter, then."

Antoine-Gerard says, "And meet in the middle."

Antoine-Gerard says, "As if by accident."

Constantin says, "Done."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "heh, I read that as 'disgusting bits of clothing'"

Valentin wanders through the market, doing his best 'amialble halfwitted farmer' impression.

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Erm. That typo was almost Presidential."

Antoine-Gerard strolls through his appointed quarter of the market, giving benedictions when asked.

Game_Master says, "you split up to search the market"

Game_Master says, "the market is, if possible, even more crowded than before -- it must be getting to the end of the festival"

Constantin wanders around like a tourist, eyeballing all corners where performers are entertaining the crowds.

Game_Master says, "there are the usual array of jugglers, musicians, walkers-on-hands"

Game_Master says, "but, at least as far as you can see, no ventriloquists"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Ouch! You stepped on my hand!"

Valentin unobtrusively purchases a knife at one of the stalls.

Game_Master exclaims (at Andres), "and then, wait, there he is!"

Andres purchasess two knives

Game_Master says (to Andres), "talking to another man outside a performer's wagon"

Andres says (to Claude), "Hello, there sir. Pardon me if I move my lips."

Game_Master says, "the ventriloquist says something to the other man, laughs, and starts walking away"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "grabs Claude"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Gr."

Game_Master says, "(you're still at some distance -- do you want to go up to him?)"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "The rest of us are presumably oblivious."

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Oh, in that case."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "?"

Andres follows Claude for a bit.

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "yeah, you're off in your own quarters, still searching"

Game_Master says, "he walks quickly and a bit nervously, glancing behind himself once or twice"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master asks, "do you have shadowing or something?"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "I do."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "ok, roll that plus, hrm, wits, I guess"

[7thsea] Andres rolls 4k3: 10+2 5 4 10+8 | 35

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "excellent"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to GM), "BTW -- I presume I'm not carrying that rapier with me around the market? A farmer wouldn't."

Game_Master says, "Claude doesn't notice you, and you get closer and closer"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "I assume not, although I guess you could hide it under your cloak or whatever"

Game_Master says, "then, damn, at the last minute he steps into a building, and the door slams shut behind him."

[late_musketeers] Andres asks, "What building?"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard contemplates stepping up to the building and shouting "Open up in the name of the Inquisition!"

Game_Master says, "this appears to be the back side -- you walk around to see what it is, and notice the big banner hanging on top "THE TRAGEDY OF RENALDO AND JULIANA -- BIGGEST AND BEST AND FINAL SHOW TONIGHT""

Game_Master says, "it is the town theater"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard exclaims, "Oo, I get to play Father Clarence!"

Andres looks for a listing of the players.

Game_Master says, "'the Fair Damsel Juliana', 'her lover Reginald', 'the stern father Giovanni', 'the villanous Lothario', etc, all have names"

Game_Master says, "although none is Claude"

[late_musketeers] Andres asks, "Reginald or Renaldo?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Well, he's a ventriloquist. Maybe he's doing 'voice overs'?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Andres), "pardon me. Renaldo, yes"

Dana has disconnected.

Dana has connected.

Andres checks to see if any of the doors are open.

Game_Master says, "they all seem pretty firmly shut -- presumably the theater is not in fact open yet"

Game_Master says, "(it being early in the day)"

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "hrr, I have muteconn and mutedisc set. why did I see Dana's connect and disconnect?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "because those are different than the messages in <>s"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "and only get printed because she has quiet set"

Game_Master says, "but then --"

Game_Master asks, "what is that up at the window?"

Game_Master asks, "Celeste's face?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "!"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "!"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard exclaims, "!"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to Constantin), "You're a fast draw on that there exclamation point, bucko."

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Oh, er... !"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says (to Andres), "you had to break the trend...."

Andres keeps watching for anything interesting.

Game_Master says, "her face disappears again shortly, and the theater is again still"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "OK, wha?"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "omigawd, she's Lady deWinter...."

Andres sets off to disperse the news.

Game_Master says, "everyone else's searching is, alas, fruitless, and so Andres is the only one with news when you rejoin"

Valentin boggles at the news.

Constantin is shocked, heartbroken, irritable, and defensive at the news.

Valentin asks, "Celeste? Here?"

Antoine-Gerard says, "!"

Antoine-Gerard asks, "How is that possible?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "also, would I be able to use my perspicacity to see where celeste fits in?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "or do we need to know something else first?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "you can use it any time -- the more info you know the more info you'll get"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "the first time you use it it's free, after that it costs a drama die"

Andres says, "i think we should buy some tickets."

Valentin thinks. "if Celeste is here, she must have arrived close behind us."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "oh, I didn't know the first time was free"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "since it's free, seems worth trying"

[late_musketeers] Andres asks, "Which one is the performer?"

Valentin checks to see if the ticket office is open.

Constantin does some heavy thinking.

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "right, sorry, first use of any virtue, once per act, is free (this is my house rule, not standard rule)"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "I'm gonna use my Friendly virtue to chat up the ticket agent, see what I can find out."

Antoine-Gerard is confused. Why ...? But Bron ...

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Since it seems to be virtue-use-time."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(I will talk to valentin, and then to constantin)"

TicketAgent exclaims, "there you go, sir, four tickets!"

TicketAgent says, "and lucky you are to get them -- we're almost sold out"

Valentin asks (of TicketAgent), "Tell me, friend, is this show always this popular?"

Constantin is moody and humorless as he takes the ticket.

TicketAgent says, "This is the biggest performance in years. It's not often a troupe does a fancy performance like this here tragedy, even if they are a no-name bunch"

Valentin asks (of Valentin), "Are they from out of town, then?"

Valentin says, "er."

Antoine-Gerard asks (of Andres), "You are sure of this?"

Valentin says, "s/Valentin/TicketAgent/"

TicketAgent says (to Valentin), "oh, of course, sir. But then, most all actors travel around from city to city performing -- no sense sticking around for the folks to get tired of your act"

Andres asks (of Andres), "Sure of what?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin laughs

Antoine-Gerard says (to Andres), "That it was Celeste you saw."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "next thing you know, I'll be talking to myself"

Valentin asks (of TicketAgent), "And has this troupe been to the city before?"

Andres says (to Andres), "Well it was her face."

[late_musketeers] (from Dana) Constantin says (to Constantin), "now don't you start"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says (to Antoine-Gerard), "Don't be ridiculous."

TicketAgent says (to Valentin), "like I said, I ain't heard of 'em before"

TicketAgent says (to Valentin), "but they're good, sure 'nuff, and folks are linin' up to see 'em"

Antoine-Gerard says, "Nothing here makes sense."

Valentin says (to TA), "The other day, I met the most diverting ventriloquist, a chap named Claude. I heard a tale that he was in this performance, but you know the worth of tales told in public houses..."

TicketAgent scratches his head.

TicketAgent asks, "the name don't sound familiar -- mebbe you could describe him?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Can I?"

Valentin describes Claude, as best as he can remember.

TicketAgent says, "yeah, folks were right distraught when the show stopped for a couple days there, but I expect they were just building up the excitement for these last sows"

[late_musketeers] TicketAgent says, "er, shows"

[late_musketeers] TicketAgent says (to Valentin), "yeah, he's short. make up whatever other details you want"

Valentin says (to TA), "This Claude is short, dark-haired, clean-shaven. Wears red."

TicketAgent thinks.

Constantin says, "Pale, simpering, twitchy..."

Valentin asks, "Also, how odd that the show was stopped. When did this happen?"

TicketAgent says, "well, he sounds a bit like he might be the apothecary -- that fellow's short 'n a bit twitchy"

[late_musketeers] Valentin starts to wonder if the whole Font-Arrant bit was a performance for our benefit.

TicketAgent says (to Valentin), "oh, it just started up again a day or so ago"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "I'm sure it was."

Valentin asks (of TA), "How long was it closed down, then?"

Andres asks (of Val), "About three days, don't you remember?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "So, then -- they lured us out of town while they robbed the bank? What about the bandits we fought, then?"

TicketAgent says, "oh, yes, right, three or four days, I think."

Valentin says (to TA), "Well, I'm certain it shall be most enjoyable."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "the bandits claimed not to recognize wossname, the lawyer"

[late_musketeers] TicketAgent says, "(gregor)"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Yeah. The bandits might've been real bandits. They had 'Colin' blunder into them deliberately."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "But wait, how could they move a bunch of strangers into that village unnoticed?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin waits for his virtue to kick in.

Valentin says (to TA), "One more inquiry, if you don't mind."

TicketAgent exclaims, "you bet, sir. I've got all day in this booth!"

Antoine-Gerard says, "We may have to go back to Font-Arrant to get to the bottom of this."

[late_musketeers] TicketAgent says (to Constantin), "(once I finish with the ticketagent)"

Constantin says (to Antoine), "That may not be necessary."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "One of the chaps who recommended the show to us was rather taken with a lovely young woman in the troupe."

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

Valentin says, "One of the chaps who recommended the show to us was rather taken with a lovely young woman in the troupe."

Antoine-Gerard asks (of Constantin), "do you have a better idea?"

Constantin says (to Antoine), "It's forming."

Valentin describes Celeste. "What can you tell me of her?"

TicketAgent exclaims, "Crescenza? oh, yes, I imagine she's part of the draw for the show!"

Constantin's jaw muscles twitch.

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "whispers, "Bron sent us on this mission, sent us to the Cat, knew when to arrest us, he is undoubtedly out most major foe.""

Valentin asks (of TA), "Which role is hers, then?"

Antoine-Gerard says (to Constantin), "Well, nothing's made sense so far. I'm still reeling from Bron, of all people, refusing to see that our side of the story is checked into. And surely he should know who was supposed to be guarding the bank that night."

TicketAgent says, "why, Juliana herself"

Valentin says (to TA), "Aha! I'm sure it shall be a splendid performance."

Andres whispers, "Bron sent us on this mission, sent us to the Cat, knew when to arrest us, he is undoubtedly out most major foe."

Valentin says (to TA), "Thank you greatly for your pains.."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "OK, Constantin's turn..."

TicketAgent exclaims, "any time, sirs!"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Constantin), "ok, so"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "mm"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "you know that celeste is here, under a different name, which certainly lends credence to the theory that the whole village thing was a hoax"

Antoine-Gerard says (to Andres), "Surely not!"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "so the questions are, who's involved, and how did it happen"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "presumably everyone you saw at the village was involved, since ordinary villagers wouldn't likely participate in this kind of deception, and that's chancy anyway"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(and, come to think of it, you didn't really encounter a huge number of villagers anyway -- although it's a small village)"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "so the real villagers must have been gotten out of the way somehow"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "hmmm"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "probably by trickery rather than force, since that's how these folks apparently like to operate"

Andres asks (of Valentine), "Could you ask your friend if he recognizes Gregor?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "so the questions are if either Bron or the bandits are involved"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "and the answer is, it's not clear"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "probably there were too many bandits for them to be involved"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "Bron certainly might be, but it's also possible he's just a stubborn fool who's been tricked and is too proud to see it until it's made plain for him"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "that's been my thinking"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "it would, admittedly, make things easier if he was involved"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "for the night of the theft, it's pretty clear"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Easier?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "the ventriloquist was obviously a plant of some kind, to learn your voices and appearances"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "it's not clear why they picked you, except that you're the new guys in town"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "so if they just returned early, disguised as you, stayed out of sight, and went to the bank dressed in tabards, they could probably pull it off for a night"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "they must have met francis and he must have recognized that the one who sounded like Constantin was not in fact him"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "and been stabbed for his pains -- so perhaps you are dealing with an expert swordsman"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "hmmmm"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master asks (of Constantin), "more questions?"

[late_musketeers] Andres asks, "what time is curtain?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Which means that they're likely to want Francis dead."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "it's a post-dinner production, so, like, 8/9pm"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Valentin), "yes indeed"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I'm trying to think what Constantin, having sussed all of this out, would be looking for"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Hopefully they don't know he lived."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "oh, and it's almost certain that they'll be sneaking out after tonight's show"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "really, it's not clear why they stayed this long"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "an expert swordsman among the actors, some clue that might show whether Bron is involved or ignorant, some evidence of who, in fact, has planned this whole thing? hm."

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard asks, "aren't there swordfights in Act III and in Act V of this play?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "a backstage sneak, maybe?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Antoine), "I believe so, yes"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks (of Antoine), "One of the actors? Or perhaps a trainer?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "and, of course, you saw the actors earlier performing one of the big swordfight scenes in the marketplace"

Constantin says, "If this acting troupe was used to distract us in Font-Arrant, as well as involved in the bank robbery, I am surprised they have remained in town to continue the theater show."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "back before you went to font-arrant"

Constantin says, "I would expect that they are preparing to leave town after tonight's performance, as quickly as possible."

Antoine-Gerard says (to Constantin), "perhaps they need some time to move the goods. Or perhaps they think that to leave too soon would be suspicious."

Constantin says, "I also imagine that there are expert swordsmen in the company, which is a problem given that we have lost our swords."

Antoine-Gerard is still shocked. Shocked and betrayed.

Valentin says, "We have one sword, that is all."

Constantin says (to Antoine), "Me as well."

Antoine-Gerard says, "And a pistol."

Constantin asks, "We have our wits. What shall we do?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "What we really need is a big-ass electromagnet."

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "I purchased two knives before i saw Claude."

Game_Master says, "(you could presumably procure a sword or two in the market, although it would be hard to find good ones on short notice)"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "I bought one."

Antoine-Gerard says (to Constantin), "Assuredly, I shall never fall in love again."

Valentin asks, "More to the point, what do we do? Confront them?"

Constantin says, "Perhaps Andres can make a stealthy move backstage during the show."

Andres says (to gerry), "Oh god, I hope so."

[Crows-Nest] Antoine-Gerard sings, "What do you get when you fall in love / You only get lies and pain and sorrow / So for at least, until tomorrow / I'll never fall in love again."

[late_musketeers] Valentin is starting to be glad he upped his Stealth.

Valentin says, "During the show would be the best time to get into the theatre. It would also provide our tormentors with an easy exit."

Antoine-Gerard asks (of Andres), "you know something of the stage?"

Andres says (to Andres), "Well, I know how to get into the boudoirs of most of the major opera houses in Paris. By invitation, of course."

Constantin asks (of Valentin), "What do you mean?"

Valentin says (to Valentin), "Well. They could melt into the crowd to escape."

Valentin says, "er."

Valentin says, "I seem to be talking to myself again."

Antoine-Gerard says, "Well, I can think of one person I would never miss no matter the crowd."

Antoine-Gerard thinks, "Legion hath no fury...."

Valentin asks, "I doubt they would leave without their booty, in any case. Has anyone heard how much was taken? Enough to be an encumbrance?"

Game_Master says, "(several chestfuls of coins, most likely)"

Constantin says, "My main concern now is that we restore the honor of the de la Fleur regiment."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "OK, but why are they inhaling money?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Constantin), "good man"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "ok, so I say we take our tickets and go into the show, and some of us snoop around, and stuff"

Valentin says (to Constantin), "Indeed. Although a little revenge would not go amiss."

Antoine-Gerard says, "Thankfully Montaigne banks still deal with Montaigne coin ... imagine if we were using paper guilders."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "(also, I have to leave at 10pm, so)"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master asks, "yeah, would folks like to cut things here, and think about it all for next time?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Fine with me."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "that'd be fine"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "alrighty."

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

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, ""next time" in this case is not going to be next week, since I'll be out of town all weekend"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "yeah. My focus is drifting."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "aha"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "but either we can schedule something during the week, or next next week"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "ok"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to GM), "And you're not going to spend three hours of your trip in a net cafe on our account? Bah."

[late_musketeers] Valentin grins.

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "My last exam is on the 25th...."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "hee hee"

% Resuming TinyFugue.

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks (of GM), "WHere are you off to, btw?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "philly"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(woo woo)"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to Gm), "Ah. Yay."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Well, I'm off."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "ok, until next time. good session, folks."

Valentin has disconnected.

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "yay"

Constantin has disconnected.

Constantin goes home.

Game_Master has disconnected.