Constantin says, "Ah, here's Andres."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks (of GM), "Mmm, renicing time?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(only markm has root access on the box to do it, unfortunately)"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "there's always davemud."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Why aren't the other muds all run at the same priority as ifMUD? Sheesh."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "mmf"

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "shall we start?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "ok, I guess this lag isn't too bad, so -- yeah"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Anyhow, never mind."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Let's buckle some swash."

Game_Master says, "it is about noon on the day of the play, which is scheduled for this evening after dinner"

Antoine-Gerard paces nervously.

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "I have prepared a paragraph or two about the plot of renaldo & juliana, which is not precisely like the shakespeare equivalent, at http://www.drizzle.com/~dans/if/play.txt"

Game_Master asks, "do you wish to make any preparations? or shall we just cut ahead to post-dinner?"

Valentin says, "Well, we might arm ourselves a little better, I suppose."

Antoine-Gerard says, "We should make some preparations."

Valentin says, "Though obviously we can't carry anything unconcealed."

Antoine-Gerard says, "Though I wish I knew what to prepare."

Antoine-Gerard looks at the pistol that they took from the guard, and fastens it to his forearm up his left sleeve. Now you see it, now you don't.

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to GM), "Hrm. Presumably we can't just walk into the play carrying swords."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "well, it's not unheard of for gentleman to have swords at their hips, but it is true it might attract attention"

[Crows-Nest] caleb has joined the channel.

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Thing is, we're not dressed as gentlemen."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "this is true"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(who got the sword from the guard last time? valentin? and antoine the pistol?)"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I tossed it to Valentin, I think"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "I just have knives. I think constantin has the swrd."

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "oui, the priest packs a pistol."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "I'm pretty good with knives, and can't easily hide a sword."

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "I have a knife, I believe."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Does anyone have a long cloak?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "They could carry the sword underneath."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(you can, of course, purchase some things in the market)"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Well, then..."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I plan to use whatever's at hand in the theatre"

Antoine-Gerard says (to Valentin), "Hm. Here's an idea. Get a long baguette, and slide your sword down it lengthwise. Place the baguette hilt-down in a bag, and voila, you're carrying a bag of groceries with an innocent baguette in it"

Valentin buys two additional knives, so as to conceal three about his person.

Valentin asks (of A-G), "Hmm. But does one normally bring bread to a play?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "there's nothing innocent about a baguette"

Antoine-Gerard says (to Valentin), "if one were a farmer, one might."

Constantin says, "A farmer might."

Constantin says, "Ha ha!"

Constantin pats Valentin on the back. "Nothing against farmers, of course."

Antoine-Gerard says (to Constantin), "Tomorrow when I shave, I shall not need a mirror, for I shall have you."

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Actually, at this time it was most likely very common (It would be in England, don't recall so well in France.)"

Valentin asks, "Well, then. WOuld anyone like a couple of spare knives?"

Constantin says, "Give them to Andres."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "In the cheap seats, anyway."

Valentin gives two knives to Andres.

Valentin says, "I'll keep one for my boot."

Antoine-Gerard says, "Hm. I should get a sword, too ... though in my position I'm not sure how to bring it in."

Valentin prepares the Dreaded Baguette Surprise.

Constantin says, "The actors will have swords. Perhaps one shall find its way into my hand."

Andres conceals two knives. One for attack, one for parry.

Valentin says (to Constantin), "Blunted swords, though."

Constantin asks, "What I should like to find is some clue that might show whether Bron is involved or ignorant. Some evidence of who, in fact, has planned this whole thing?"

Andres says (to Val), "If they are who we think they are, the swords will most likely be sharp."

Antoine-Gerard says (to Constantin), "We should then examine the bank."

Constantin says, "Even a blunted sword can be dangerous if you fight dirty with it..."

Valentin says (to Constantin), "Well, we shall see if he is at the theatre."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Hmm, I can't think of much to do before the show."

Andres says, "I fear that until we may see the play, we will have no way to prepare ourselves better."

Antoine-Gerard frowns. "Would Bron be in his office at this hour? We could conduct a little research.

Valentin says (to A-G), "Would be rather dangerous, to say the least."

Valentin says, "I fancy that if Bron is involved, our position is untenable."

Andres says (to AG), "I think it would be best to not go back to the people who falsely imprisoned us, seeing as we have forced our way out of said captivity."

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Bah. Tmg."

Antoine-Gerard says, "Oui, I suppose."

Valentin says, "If the villains mean to flee tonight, and Bron is in the conspiracy, he will wish to meet with them before they leave."

Valentin says, "So if we see Bron in speech with the actors..."

Antoine-Gerard thinks he could perhaps hide a sword under his habit and hope it doesn't show when he walks.

Antoine-Gerard says, "True."

Valentin asks (of A-G), "Could you feign a limp, perhaps?"

Valentin says, "Perhaps we could procure a sword-cane."

Andres says, "Undoubtedly, our main goal will be to secure the 'prop' trunks used in the play."

Antoine-Gerard says (to Valentin), "Aha!"

Constantin mumbles something about Celeste.

Andres says (to Stan), "She may have a sword hidden underneath her habit too. Think on that."

Constantin says nothing.

Antoine-Gerard says, "Even if we don't find a sword cane ... a sword for me and a cane for the limp ... which I could easily pass to Constantin who knows how to use a cane to best effect."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks (of Andres), "Is that your subtle way of saying she's actually a man?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "(sorry)"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "snrk"

Valentin says, "So."

[late_musketeers] Andres says (to Val), "With Andres, how on earth could you think otherwise."

Valentin checks around the more disreputable market stalls for a sword-cane.

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks (of GM), "Is one available at a price we can pay?"

Antoine-Gerard says (to Andres), "don't worry. I intend to be there if and when our friend Constantin confronts our lady Celeste. If that is indeed her real name."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master asks, "a sword? or a cane?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "oh ah."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "hrm."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "yeah, sure, I guess so."

Valentin hands Antoine a newly-purchased sword cane, with a flourish.

Antoine-Gerard says (to Valentin), "Ah, bless you."

Antoine-Gerard leans on the cane. "How ecclesiastical is that?"

Constantin says (to Antoine-Gerard), "Fool that I am, I am still looking for a way to believe she is innocent."

Antoine-Gerard says (to Constantin), "She certainly has a lot of explaining to do. Perhaps if we got her alone, away from the other cast members, she would be a little more forthcoming."

Constantin says, "Perhaps..."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "So, Antoine has a sword and a pistol, I have a sword and a knife, Andres has two knives, Constantin will improvise?"

Constantin fidgets.

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Let the buttock-booting begin!"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "yay"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "I suggest flashing forward to the evening, if no one else needs anything."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "yay"

Andres says (to AG), "Perhaps that would best be done after they all are placed into tiny little cells."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "alrighty"

Game_Master says, "you have a quick dinner before the play and then continue on to the theater, where you have thoughtfully already purchased tickets"

Game_Master says, "and a good thing, too, because the crowd is large"

Constantin says, "Better that way. Less chance of being spotted."

Antoine-Gerard says, "Let us separate and meet close to the backstage doors."

Valentin looks around for Bron, as well as for various villainous faces.

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Yes, obesity is on the rise in Montaigne."

Game_Master says, "it's a cross-section of the city -- merchants, tourists, amateur performers, and -- erk, a musketeer or two, with the distinctive du Lion designs on their uniforms"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Heh."

Constantin says, "I intend to fight my way into a front-row seat."

Constantin says, "And later, worm my way backstage."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "The seats are presumably in different classes, no?"

Antoine-Gerard smiles. "I expect the faithful to part before me...."

Valentin, as befits an agricultural type, joins the groundlings.

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Is this a Globe-style theatre with standing room in front of the stage?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "you haven't been inside the theater, of course, but the general design is a stage -- yeah"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "okay, a front-row stand, then"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Well, then, I'll be amongst the groundlings."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "so standing room in front, the betters sit in the seats in back, there's a balcony above the back seats that extends sideways to nearby be above the stage's right and left corners, and then the back of the stage is a curtain, and behind the curtain is the performer's stuff"

Antoine-Gerard limps ever so slightly on his way through the front-row crowds, towards the front.

Andres takes a spot on the ground, cursing his assumed rank.

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Hrm, the balcony looks promising."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Might be able to see backstage from the end of it."

Antoine-Gerard eyes the balcony, checking to see if there are any swingable objects within reach.

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "is stage left and right determined from the audience's point of view or the actors'?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Audience's, normally."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "ok, couldn't remember"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Antoine), "well, there are the curtains, of course"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "actors pov."

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "from the audience's pov, it's called House left, house right."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I'm going to go to the front as far stage-left as I can"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "oh. stage right then"

[late_musketeers] Andres really wishes he had some idea what was going on.

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I'm not sure whether this puts me in a position to sneak backstage or not"

Antoine-Gerard mumbles to a random stranger, "oh dear. i wish i'd asked to see if i could get on the balcony ... it would have been a better view."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "hrm, it's possible, although there's a fair amount of people crowding into the theater now"

Constantin shoves his way to the front of the house.

Passerby says, "the balcony? right up those stairs, sir"

Constantin says, "Coming through! Beg pardon! Sorry!"

Antoine-Gerard looks to see whether there's any access to backstage from here. Doors, etc..

Constantin says, "Stand aside, thank you, coming through..."

Constantin stations himself stage-right.

Game_Master says, "there is a small door on either side of the stage"

Antoine-Gerard says (to Passerby), "Oh, may I? I wasn't sure what my ticket entitled me to. First time attending a play, you know."

Valentin lays on the agricultural dialect really thickly, and attempts to charm his way through the crowd to the stage-left corner at the front.

Constantin says (to old_lady), "No, madame, I will not remove my hat. Thank you."

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "hee!"

Passerby says (to Antoine), "oh, well, the nobles get the best seats in the middle of the balcony and the day-of-play peasants get the pit in front, and everyone else takes whatever seats they can"

Antoine-Gerard says (to Passerby), "Thank you, you are most kind. Theus bless you...."

Game_Master says, "so Constantin is far stage right, and Valentin far stage left"

Antoine-Gerard limps up the stairs, house right, and takes a corner within reach of the curtain.

Passerby exclaims, "enjoy the play, Father!"

Constantin gives the secret nod to Valentin.

Game_Master says, "(more people continue to file in)"

Valentin hefts his bread significantly, to Constantin.

Game_Master asks, "so Antoine up in the balcony, right. and where's Andres?"

Constantin scans the hoity-toity crowd.

Antoine-Gerard thinks to himself, "enjoy the play? oh, no doubt ... it'll bring the house down...."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "hee hee hee"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "'hefts his bread significantly'"

Andres takes center-front.

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "T 'heft my bread significantly' AMATNG."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "er, s/T/I/"

Antoine-Gerard takes note of Andres', Constantin's and Valentin's positions, nodding to them if/when he catches their eye.

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "So. Do we have a strategy in mind?"

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

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Nope/"

Game_Master says, "(most of the crowd is sitting down now)"

[late_musketeers] Andres asks (of GM), "Except for all of us who are standing?"

Valentin asks (of Game_Master), "Even the groundlings?"

Game_Master says, "(well, ok, except for the standing up people, where they are of course still standing but most of the good spots are taken)"

Antoine-Gerard asks (of neighbour), "oh my. this is all so very exciting. i don't suppose you've seen this one before?"

Neighbour exclaims, "not I -- but Fredric said it was the best he'd seen! And Juliana is to die for!"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Or from?"

Antoine-Gerard says (to neighbour), "so i heard. Oh, I do hope i'll be able to go backstage and give them my heartfelt thanks for this evening's entertainment."

Antoine-Gerard thinks to himself, "...and the entertainment of the past week, especially."

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "hee"

Neighbour thinks. "Well, I suppose you can try your luck at intermission."

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks (of GM), "where are the du Lion guys?"

[late_musketeers] Neighbour says, "(grabbed some spots in the seats on the bottom, below the balcony)"

Neighbour says, "although I'm told the best way to meet a pretty actress is to go 'round back of the theater and -- er, begging your pardon, Father. forgot who I was speaking to."

Antoine-Gerard says (to neighbour), "oh, no offence ... one must know as much as one can from this world, after all...."

Constantin says (to old_lady), "So, seen this yet? They die at the end, you know."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "So they'd have to wade through the whole crowd to get to us? Good."

Valentin chats with his neighbours. "Any of you folks seen this before?"

Antoine-Gerard asks (of neighbour), "though how one arranges to meet said pretty actress 'round the back is a mystery to me ... or do you happen to know?"

OldLady asks (of Constantin), "they die? (horrified look) isn't this 'A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Sun King's Palace'?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Hee!"

Neighbour says (to Antoine), "er, I'm told, by, you know, other people, not me at all, that you just look for an, er, alley or something"

Neighbour says, "I, uh, hear they always have a back exit or two"

Constantin chuckles. "Well, madame, it seems one of us is in the wrong place."

Antoine-Gerard says, "My my."

Antoine-Gerard should have asked Andres. Andres would probably have known this.

OldLady starts asking around *her* neighbors, and then eventually begins elbowing her way to the -- no, wait, it's starting. People look up in anticipation as a man walks on stage. And, I do declare, that is Gregor.

Gregor exclaims, "Ladies and gentlemen, lads and lasses, lords and peasants -- welcome to the show!"

Antoine-Gerard looks as if he were about to ask something more, then shuts up and rivets his attention on the stage.

Gregor exclaims, "Tonight you will be treated to the most spectacular performance it has ever been our privilege to put on -- the climax, I dare say, of this show, this tour, and our careers!"

Constantin exchanges glances with Valentin.

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Hmm, something more than a mere show?"

Antoine-Gerard things, "riiiiight...."

Gregor says, "without further ado, I present for you, the one, the only, the great and glorious and TRAGEDY OF RENALDO AND JULIANA"

Gregor gives a sweeping bow that takes him off-stage as the crowd applauds.

Constantin claps darkly.

Game_Master says, "the play opens at sea"

Antoine-Gerard grips his cane and golf-claps.

Game_Master says, "Juliana's father (played by Gregor, apparently), is a pirate captain of some reknown"

Andres hoots and hollers. Those near him wonder if he might be drunk.

Game_Master says, "his hard-bitten men growl and grimace at each other, held back only barely by his iron fist"

Valentin applauds, attempting to avoid doing anything, er, reckless.

Constantin hears Andres hooting and hollering, and hopes Andres is not drunk.

Valentin examines the men. Familiar?

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "IRTA 'iron feet'"

Antoine-Gerard attempts to hide his face behind the nearby curtain.

Game_Master says, "then, suddenly, they sight a ship on the horizon -- they give chase, cannons are fired, a grappling hook tossed, and the ship is boarded and taken"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(none of the half-dozen here are familiar save Gregor, I think, although of course they are in makeup and costume)"

Constantin oohs and ahhs along with the crowd, but his eyes are alert.

Antoine-Gerard stifles a chuckle, remembering Gregor in the hands of some *real* bandits.

Game_Master says, "and Gregor carries on board his ship a heavy chest, filled with the gold of Renaldo's family, the taking of which sets in motion the events leading inevitably to the tragic conclusion"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(that was Colin, I think)"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "yeah"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "Oh, right."

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "je suis confused"

Game_Master says, "then the action shifts, to the Vodacce castle in which Renaldo's family lives"

[late_musketeers] Valentin grumbles. To think that we actually *rescued* one of these bastards!

Game_Master says, "his father (Colin, in fact) has received notice of the taking of the ship, and swears to retrieve the gold, no matter the price"

Dana has connected.

Antoine-Gerard *now* stifles a chuckle, remembering Colin's involvement with some *real* bandits.

Game_Master says, "he inquires of a servant as to Renaldo's location, and the scene shifts again, to the port outside, where Renaldo and Juliana have their first star-struck meeting."

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "ITYM 'star-crossed'"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "possibly, possibly"

Antoine-Gerard says (to neighbour), "well, it must suck royally to be Star-Crossed...."

Valentin asks, "Do we recognize Renaldo?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "she is a famous pirate's daughter, after all, and he a noble"

Constantin looks at Juliana.

Game_Master says, "Renaldo is clearly being played by Oliver himself, and Juliana is of course Celeste"

Game_Master says, "(more beautiful than ever)"

Antoine-Gerard pays special attention to Juliana's movements.

Constantin begins to inch his way toward the backstage door. A shadow falls over his face.

Game_Master says, "then, back at sea, Juliana's father has just finished hiding away the gold in a secret place. Juliana is back on board now, happy over something she will not confess. but then, another sail sighted, another battle."

Game_Master says, "this one goes the other way -- the pirates have chosen a fighting-ship to grapple with and the battle turns against them"

Game_Master says, "more booms and smoke clouds pour down over the stage and the fighting is heavy (nobody notices Constantin slipping through the door)"

Antoine-Gerard looks around the stage area, to see how the curtains, etc work. (ie, appropriate things to shoot down if necessary)

Andres slurs, "Boy I'd like to have some of that goll..."

Valentin asks, "Does the gold look inappropriately realistic?"

Game_Master says, "Gregor is mortally wounded -- he draws his daughter close just as the guards (lead by Lorenz) leap on board, and makes her promise to retrieve the gold from its secret location"

Valentin considers whether he can make it backstage.

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(the chest has not yet been opened -- but it is true the men's legs bend when they lift it, and I don't think that's all simulated weight)"

Antoine-Gerard says (to neighbour), "I hear tonight's version has a surprise ending, by the way. Watch for it."

Andres mumbles "Boy I'd like to have the secret locationses."

Game_Master says, "Juliana looks at her dying father and the ship taken and leaps overboard, swimming away, as Lorenz gives the orders to sink the pirate ship. The curtain falls."

Game_Master says, "(people start standing up for intermission)"

Valentin asks, "Ho! Where's the ale?"

Antoine-Gerard hurries down the stairs (still limping artistically).

Game_Master says, "vendors start wandering around too, noisily hawking bread and drinks and so on"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master asks, "meanwhile, Constantin is backstage, doing what?"

Andres says, "Lemme have something!"

Antoine-Gerard calls back to neighbour "...hold my seat for me, i think i just spotted an old friend..."

Neighbour shrugs and puts his hat on Antoine's seat.

Valentin, making a show of a great thirst for ale, walks the length of the stage toward the backstage door.

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "(the one Constantin entered)"

Andres buys much drink. And drinks it.

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "um sorry"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "1) looking for a chance to equip myself 2) looking for evidence 3) looking for suspicious certain people 4)trying not to get caught doing the above"

Antoine-Gerard moves as quickly as he can with a fake limp towards Valentin.

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "(I'm attempting to meet Constantin when he emerges, to find out what he found)"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "I'm attempting to look drunk so that if I need to jump onstage to give support, it won't look odd."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "How about we let Constantin do his backstage scurrying, which presumably happened during the seond half of the first act?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(ok, he can do some scurrying)"

Game_Master says (to Constantin), "you step behind the door and close it quickly, looking around"

Constantin, meanwhile, has been backstage.

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "oops"

Game_Master says (to Constantin), "it appears there's a hallway with various doors leading off it runnning behind the stage"

Antoine-Gerard tries to catch up to Valentin "coincidentally" right next to where Andres is sprawling.

Game_Master says (to Constantin), "presumably some of these doors are actors' rooms and some of them are prop storage rooms"

Constantin looks for a spare costume to slip into, and a spare sword.

Game_Master says, "you poke into some of these doors -- ah, there we go. this one has trunks full of men's costumes."

Game_Master says, "(some of which are laid out for, presumably, use tonight)"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I do have an acting knack, if it comes up"

Constantin asks, "Hmmm, which one?"

Constantin chooses a random pirate costume.

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "there are various different roles in this play -- pirates and guards and servants comprise the main non-major characters"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "arr"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard asks, "might I suggest, one of the guards supposed to fence with Oliver/Renaldo at the end?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "although in the second half of the play, the pirates don't come on much except when Juliana talks to them briefly"

Constantin says, "If only I could slap on some stage makeup."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "oh, ah"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "seeing as how we've seen that bit performed and we should know which are the appropriate costumes."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "yeah, I was just going for a sword-carrier"

Constantin changes his mind and puts on a guard uniform instead.

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "(also, good to be able to hold Oliver/Renaldo down)"

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "could I use my Perspicacity to suss out where to look now that I'm backstage?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master asks, "hmm, possibly. what are you looking for?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "good question. um."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "evidence of who is behind all this, I suppose"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "if that's even to be found here"

Game_Master says, "(there don't appear to be any weapons in this room, just the clothing itself)"

Game_Master says, "(and the hats)"

Game_Master says, "(although of course even a hat is deadly in the hands of a tout pres adept such as yourself)"

Constantin switches hats.

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "uh, I think that's not enough to do anything with, really"

Constantin affects an actorly appearance.

Antoine-Gerard says (to Valentin), "V -- Victor, what a surprise."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "hm."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "well, I don't know what I'm looking for."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "hence my wondering what to do"

Game_Master says, "Someone suddenly pokes his head in the door."

Actor asks, "eh? what are you doing here?"

Andres drinks some more.

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I suppose I could attempt to ascertain if the gold is the stolen booty"

Constantin says, "Just rehearsing."

Constantin says, "You know how it is."

Valentin asks (of A-G), "Ah, Father, come to partake of some worldly entertainment?"

Actor shakes his head. "Suiting up already? You aren't supposed to come on until the end of the act!"

[late_musketeers] Actor says, "(ok, you can do that, although this + succeeding uses of your virtue will cost a drama die)"

Constantin says, "I like to get into character as early as possible."

[late_musketeers] Actor says, "(since you used your free usage last time in the first part of the act)"

Actor shrugs his shoulders and ducks out again.

Constantin says, "Say, you haven't seen my prop sword anywhere, have you? -- Blast."

Constantin follows the Actor.

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "well, I've got 3, so I think I'll spend it"

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "or did I use one, so I have 2?"

Antoine-Gerard says (to Valentin), "Mais oui. Though not to the extent of visiting any pretty actresses at the back door, of course."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I remember spending one to help parry a blow at one point."

Actor walks down the corridor a bit, looking in each room along the way. You overhear a snatch or two of conversation -- "This stagehand stuff pays much better than farming, any day!" "Come on, help me get the wave machines put away again!"

Actor almost bumps into someone walking the other way. "Ah, *there* you are!"

Actor walks off with the other actor back the way the other one came.

Constantin says, "Hmmmm..."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to Constantin), "Previous act, I think."

[late_musketeers] Actor says, "(I think you had 4 and now have 3, then, but I could be wrong)"

Andres says, "Whir's that Joliet Jake lady? She was hot.""

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to Constantin), "We haven't fought anyone in Act 3."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I think that is right. so yeah, I'll spend one and have 2 left"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "ok, yeah, it does seem likely that someone with a certain sense of humor would stick the stolen gold in the prop chest"

Constantin looks for the prop treasure chest.

Game_Master says, "hrm, it doesn't appear to be ar -- ah, there. Right under Oliver/Renaldo's foot, as he leans against the wall, chatting with Gregor."

Game_Master says, "(meanwhile, what are you three doing in the intermission?)"

Constantin stays in the shadows.

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard asks, "artfully discussing plans?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Perhaps we should consider when to intervene."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "When the gold is onstage?"

Oliver says, "heh heh, you said it. First we clean up -- did you see the size of the house tonight? packed full! -- then we clean out."

Antoine-Gerard says, "I hear tonight's version of the play has a special twist ending."

Valentin says (to A-G), "I heard a rumor that there were actors hidden in the audience."

Constantin clenches and unclenches his fists.

Antoine-Gerard says (to Valentin), "Oh, you too? (glances at Andres)."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Is there much chance of anyone else sneaking backstage?"

Antoine-Gerard says, "I wouldn't be surprised, frankly, if anyone came swinging onstage from the balconies. Well, I would be, but not really."

[late_musketeers] Oliver says, "it's not outside possibility, I guess. antoine and andres aren't exactly dressed to do it at the moment, though."

Andres mumbles, "If I see someone try to take that gold, I'm going to smack em. Smack em good. Like this. And this."

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "what's andres dressed as?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(most people have popped outside the theater or at least back away from the stage during intermission)"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "We need to *publicly* expose the villains. Which means exposing them in front of the audience, no?"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "pimp, I think."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "all this talk of exposure is making me blush"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Yeah, I figured that having a conversation with the priest and friend on the balcony wouldn't be such a hot idea."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "There's a big ending scene when the gold and most of the cast are on the stage at once, right?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Should we just wade in at that point, maybe try to bring the du Lion in on our side once we've shown who really has the gold?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Or does anyone have better ideas?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "in the big ending, renaldo and juliana uncover the chest, two guards come on, renaldo duels them as juliana flees, then renaldo is overcome with guilty and buys poison from a wandering apothecary. he takes the poison just as juliana returns and confesses everything to her, then dies. then she kills herself too."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "All this time, the gold is onstage?"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "I'm guessing Juliana takes the gold backstage, and then she and Renaldo die onstage without the gold."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "um, the chest is (well, juliana takes it off-stage with her when she flees and then brings it back later)"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "So the chest could be empty at that point. We need a scene where the chest is in fact open."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Because otherwise they could be in the process of sneaking it out the back."

Antoine-Gerard says, "Did you see that chest? It must be worth a king's ransom if it were real gold in there."

Valentin says (to A-G), "I'd have better use for that than ransomin' kings!"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "real gold would be too heavy for the actress to scurry around with, I'm thinking"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "True."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "so maybe one thing to do is watch to see if there's a swap at some point. or .. hm"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "tired of waiting... recklessness rising..."

Antoine-Gerard says, "That last scene will be something to see, surely."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master asks, "do you want the play to continue?"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "we're inclined. Unless Constantin tells us otherwise."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "As opposed to just diving in and making a run for the gold? Starting a riot wouldn't help our cause."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "yes"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks (of A-G), "Good point. Does Constantin report back to us?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I think I've decided to stay backstage"

Game_Master says, "(the trumpet blows from above the stage to signal the ending of intermission, and people begin filing back to their places"

Antoine-Gerard says (to Andres), "M'sieur, you are drunk."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "somewhat recklessly"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I think what's driving me is a need to confront Celeste face-to-face"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master asks, "is valentin going backstage?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "because of, uh, emotional issues"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "so maybe I would attempt to intercept her when she comes off stage at one point"

Antoine-Gerard says, "Well, that chest looked awfully heavy. I wonder what could be in it."

[late_musketeers] Andres says (to AG), "Silicone"

Constantin attempts to look inconspicuously busy.

Antoine-Gerard says, "But I should get back to my seat. I'm up there, near the curtain."

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Oh wait."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "I'll slip backstage as well, if no one objects."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Think it's a bad idea?"

Man says (to Constantin), "standing around, eh? here, lend a hand with these backdrops"

Antoine-Gerard hurries back to his seat.

Man says (to Valentin), "and you too, slowpoke."

Constantin says, "Right-ho!"

Man says, "tug on these ropes gently -- I'll go up to the catwalk and signal when to stop."

Constantin obeys.

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says (to Valentin), "hee. looks like you just did."

Man climbs up on the catwalk and generally waves his hands around and things.

Constantin says, "Gently, you say? D'accord."

Constantin attempts to do a passably good job.

Constantin notices that the catwalk might be a good observation point.

Game_Master asks, "meanwhile, Antoine and Andres are returning to their seats, perhaps?"

Valentin tugs the rope.

Andres yells, "Start the show!"

Valentin takes the opportunity to update Constantin on what's going on, and find out what he's learned.

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard has a plan....

Constantin does the same, though he has not learned much.

Constantin says (to Valentin), "I plan to have a talk with mademoiselle Celeste."

Valentin says (to Constantin), "Well, you've spotted the gold, and confirmed that's where it is."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to Constantin), "Perhaps I'd best watch that it's not removed."

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

Valentin says (to Constantin), "Perhaps I'd best watch that it's not removed."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(uh, plan?)"

Constantin says, "Yes, keep a look on it. Especially if they make preparations to flee."

Antoine-Gerard goes back to his seat, and thanks his neighbour for saving it.

Valentin says (to Constantin), "If they do, I'll raise a ruckus that should draw the others."

Neighbour moves his hat so Antoine can sit down.

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "hm, well, my plan is to station myself where celeste is going to exit the stage and confront her"

Antoine-Gerard says (to neighbour), "thank you. it's very important that i have this seat. tonight's performance is very special."

Valentin looks for an unobtrusive vantage point to keep an eye on the gold.

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(well, there's on the ground by it, or up in the catwalk)"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "I assume that retrieving the gold is our only chance to prove our innocence, so it's kinda important."

Constantin says (to Valentin), "Be wary. I have an ill feeling in the pit of my stomach tonight."

Valentin says (to Constantin), "Shouldn't've eaten those sausages."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "oh right. so as soon as the catwalk is clear, I'm going to scramble up there"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "alrighty"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "perhaps watch the stage from there for a bit, then make my way to the wings"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "(using my knowledge of the play to time things)"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(you can see backstage as well as the stage itself from the catwalk, if you like)"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "okay"

Game_Master says, "meanwhile, the play continues"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks (of GM), "So where can I hide?"

Constantin waits for the coast to clear so he can scramble up into the catwalk.

Game_Master says, "Renaldo and Juliana come on-stage and there a touching scene where Juliana makes Renaldo swear to help her in her quest for the gold"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "um, in a nearby proproom, perhaps?)"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Sure, with the door cracked to watch."

Antoine-Gerard prepares speech.

Constantin makes a break for it during the big scene, quickly and quietly as possible.

Game_Master says, "then she steps off-stage for a moment and Renaldo begins to make a complicated speech about how he's torn between his two duties"

Game_Master says, "his duty to his family on the one hand, and his heart on the other"

Constantin rolls his eyes at this speech.

Valentin hides in the prop room, one eye on the chest and another on the movements of the players.

Antoine-Gerard thinks, "oh what does he know..."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to G_M), "His heart's on his hand? Ew."

Game_Master says, "Gregor re-emerges from his dressing room to stand by the chest, casually."

Game_Master says, "then Juliana is back on stage, and her and Renaldo begin their search for the gold"

Constantin scans both stage and backstage from his new vantage point. (Mostly following Celeste.)

Game_Master says, "there is a long series of things as they sail from place to place and climb walls and avoid guards and so on, until finally, they come to the place where the treasure is hid"

Constantin changes his attention to the treasure.

Andres slurs, "I don't know which chest I like more, hers or his..."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to Andres), "Heh."

Game_Master says, "Gregor (from offstage) helps Juliana (on-stage) pull the chest into view"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "The real gold is onstage. Is this our moment?"

Antoine-Gerard takes a grip on the curtain.

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Or shall we wait for Andres to climb on stage?"

Constantin begins to creep along the catwalk to the other side.

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "can I see the other three from where I am?"

Juliana exclaims, "the gold at last! my duty to my father almost fulfilled!"

[late_musketeers] Juliana says, "(yeah)"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard asks (of Constantin), "Er, aren't you supposed to be onstage now?"

[late_musketeers] Juliana says, "(but they probably can't see you)"

Andres yells "Hey! It's the gold!"

Juliana asks, "but hark -- what noise is that?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Here we go..."

Juliana asks, "could it be pursuers?"

Constantin snarls (to himself), "Duty to your father, hurmph."

Renaldo says, "noise? I hear no noise"

Valentin smacks his 'bread' against the palm of his hand.

Antoine-Gerard thinks, "you always were a thick one, even in Fontarrant...."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "...recklessness...rising..."

Game_Master says, "(up on the catwalk a man climbs up -- he starts rattling some kind of noisemaker, presumably to make a footsteps noise)"

Juliana exclaims, "there it is again!"

Constantin attempts to climb down the other side.

[late_musketeers] Valentin resists the temptation to charge onstage and break some heads.

Game_Master says, "the man on the catwalk says "ah, good, you're almost supposed to be on-stage!""

Antoine-Gerard judges the arc of a swing from his corner of the balcony to Juliana and the chest.

Game_Master says (to Antoine), "it's not impossible"

Constantin nods and smiles. Whew.

Andres yells, "Look out! They're coming!"

Game_Master says, "Andres's neighbors shush him loudly"

Antoine-Gerard judges the arc of a swing from his corner of the balcony to the stage near Juliana and the chest.

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks (of Andres), "Setting yourself up for a stage dive?"

Game_Master says (to Constantin), "and, indeed, you see two actors dressed in guard uniforms ready to go on stage."

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Setting myself up for something."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to Andres), "I wanna see crowd-surfing!"

Constantin worries that joining them will be a bad idea.

Juliana exclaims, "the noise again! they grow closer!"

Constantin does anyway.

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to Constantin), "You'll attract more attention if you don't, at this point."

Juliana exclaims, "we must move the chest -- ah!"

Antoine-Gerard winks at his neighbour. "They rewrote this part of the play just for tonight, you know."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "right"

Game_Master says, "Two guards and Constantin step on-stage"

Juliana looks a bit surprised for a moment to see three guards, but continues with her lines. "Renaldo! They come!"

Renaldo finally looks over.

Constantin tries to go along with what the other guards are doing.

Renaldo says, "ah! my fate is woven! all that remains is to play out the thread"

Antoine-Gerard says (to Neighbour), "watch that man there (indicates Andres)"

Andres yells, "They can't take the gold away from you!"

Constantin looks Renaldo in the eye.

Renaldo looks a bit taken aback, thinking for a moment.

Valentin opens the door a bit more, ready to charge onstage.

Constantin looks Celeste in the eye.

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "hey, I never got a sword"

Antoine-Gerard gets ready to swing onstage.

Guard exclaims, "defend yourself, now! justice is at hand!"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "I thought you did."

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "or did I?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "ok"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "You'd have to have one, as a guard."

[Crows-Nest] Jean-Sebastien says, "It must be like the shovel, from Photopia."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Might be a blunted stage sword, though."

Guard and other Guard step forward to engage Renaldo.

Guard duels with Renaldo for a bit.

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(uh, meanwhile Constantin is doing what?)"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "panicking"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "hee hee"

Andres yells, "Get 'em!!"

Game_Master says, "Antoine and Andres, meanwhile, see Juliana staring speculatively at Constantin"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks (of Andres), "Was that directed at us?"

Constantin shouts, "Villain! Villains all!" and draws his stage sword.

Game_Master says, "(from her position hiding behind the chest)"

Renaldo looks a bit taken aback, as do the guards. "That's not the line!" one hisses.

Constantin shoves some actor out of the way and engages Renaldo in swordplay.

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Wait, is Celeste/whatever onstage or off?"

[late_musketeers] Renaldo says, "on-stage at the edge, hiding behind the chest. she'll probably flee off in a bit with the chest, according to the story"

Antoine-Gerard grabs the fabric of the curtain and swings over, trying to land between "Juliana" and her exit.

Valentin slips out the door to stand just backstage, in a position to stop Celeste from leaving.

Renaldo whispers "damn spotlight-grabber!" but does his best to fend off Constantin's blows.

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard asks, "so who's reckless now?"

[late_musketeers] Renaldo says, "yee-haw"

Andres yells, "Don't worry my Jewel! I'll save you!"

[late_musketeers] Renaldo says (to Antoine), "ok, um, TN 20, finesse or panache + swinging"

Constantin roars, "That gold is stolen!"

Renaldo asks, "For my family's honor, I -- WHAT?"

Andres scrabbles onto the stage and staggers to Celeste.

[7thsea] Antoine-Gerard rolls 4k3: 6 5 2 2 | 13

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "drama"

[7thsea] Antoine-Gerard rolls 1k1: 6 | 6

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "drama"

Game_Master says, "(the crowd is rising from their seats and/or shouting)"

[7thsea] Antoine-Gerard rolls 1k1: 2 | 2

Constantin asks, "Who is behind this? Who hired you?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(nice save)"

Renaldo asks, "you fool -- what is this?"

Antoine-Gerard says (to Juliana), "At last! I have found you!"

Juliana asks, "you are -- and he is -- a priest - what?"

Andres says (to Juliana), "And we are BROTHERS!"

Andres embraces Antoine.

Juliana turns to run backstage.

Antoine-Gerard says (to Juliana), "'tis I, the man you left in ... in St-Etienne for this pirate's life. I joined the clergy to forget, but I couldn't."

Constantin asks, "Why Oliver, don't you recognize me?"

Valentin steps in Juliana's path.

Valentin says, "Well now."

[late_musketeers] Juliana asks (of Constantin), "are you actually fighting oliver here or just stage-fighting?"

Antoine-Gerard indicates Andres. "He helped me find you."

Valentin says, "I prefer your comedies onstage rather than off."

Juliana says (to Valentin), "and you too -- you all --"

Juliana stares around wildly.

Valentin says (to Juliana), "Fear me, for I am the Man With The Bread!"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I think I'm right at the point where I cross the line into real fighting"

Andres says (to Juliana), "Quickly, we shall hide you in this trunk!"

Antoine-Gerard hisses at Juliana, "let's just put on as good a show for these good folk as you put on for us, shall we?"

Valentin casually steps forth and opens the chest.

Constantin says, "En garde, sir!"

Constantin takes a lusty slash at Renaldo.

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(juliana has stepped off-stage a sec. the trunk remains on-stage)"

Game_Master says, "Renaldo, taken by surprise, has a nasty scratch opened in his arm."

Constantin says, "Ha-HA!"

Game_Master says, "the cap for blunting the tip of the rapier flies off"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard asks, "I thought Valentin had backed Juliana back onstage?"

Andres opens the chest then.

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Yeah."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "I'm so confused"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "yeah, I guess. she's between him and the chest, though -- ah, ok"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Yeah, that's what I thought."

Game_Master says, "and indeed, the chest is full of gold soleis"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Sure, maybe we're both just offstage."

Game_Master says, "each with the tiny stamped image of l'empereur on it"

Valentin asks (of Juliana), "Well now. Rather odd to use real gold in a stage performance, is it not?"

Game_Master says, "the crowd really can't see this but they're still impressed by the unfolding drama"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "What's up with the du Lion?"

Antoine-Gerard asks (of Juliana), "Mon petite! Is this the gold that was stolen from the bank of <er, this town> not three days ago?"

Constantin says, "You have robbed the de La Fleur regiment of its honor, and I intend to win it back."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Constantin), "uh, I guess you should actually roll your panache if you're going to attack him"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "it's 'ma petite'"

Juliana says, "but, ah, wait, I can explain, you see, ah"

Antoine-Gerard says (to Juliana), "Ah! That my love should be not merely a pirate's daughter, but a thief and ... and the lover of a dishonourable Vodacce dog!"

Game_Master says, "(there is shouting from backstage now also)"

[late_musketeers] Dana says (to Constantin), "nah, he's just insulting her femininity"

[late_musketeers] Constantin asks, "urf, you'll have to remind me one last time... attack + panache keep panache?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "just roll panache for right now, to see when you actions happen"

Andres says (to Juliana), "How dare you deceive my brother so!"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "oh right."

[7thsea] Constantin rolls 3 dice: 9 3 8

Juliana says, "I --"

Juliana drops to her knees and covers her face with one hand.

[7thsea] Renaldo rolls 2 dice: 4 3

[late_musketeers] Renaldo says, "(ok, you go first, on 3. roll attack + finesse keep finesse, trying for 20)"

Antoine-Gerard says, "I cannot take this any more ... brother, you are a musketeer. Arrest her."

Andres removes his costume.

[Crows-Nest] Jean-Sebastien exclaims, "Eeek!"

Game_Master says, "(meanwhile, the roaring from backstage gets louder and closer)"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Hey! No nudity on stage!"

Andres says, "Indeed I am, although I was forced to take this disguise in my travels."

[Crows-Nest] Jean-Sebastien covers his eyes!

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "plus something for left-handedness"

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

Valentin turns around to face whoever's coming from backstage.

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "(and I raised attack to 4 before we started)"

Game_Master says, "good lord -- it's Lorenz, swinging an enormous battleaxe"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "so that's 7k2"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "well, then, you will probably hit"

[7thsea] Constantin rolls 7k2: 7 10+5 2 9 7 5 2 | 24

Valentin retaliates, with bread.

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "ok, and now damage -- 2+your brawn k 2"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master asks, "are you, er, unsheathing from the bread?"

[7thsea] Constantin rolls 4k2: 6 5 9 1 | 15

Antoine-Gerard says (to Audience), "And thus is the price of Sin, my friend / The Tragedy now is at an end."

[7thsea] Game_Master rolls 2k2: 7 2 | 9

Andres says (to Juliana), "I place you in the custody of l'Empereur!"

Antoine-Gerard actually waits for Andres to say that before saying anything to the audience.

Juliana says, "but I -- cannot, because -- ha-HA"

Juliana leaps to her feet in the space Valentin opened, a rapier suddenly in her hand.

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Yeah."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Oops. Somebody better take on Juliana -- my hands are full."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Val), "ok, you too roll panache then"

Antoine-Gerard draws the pistol and fires at one of the ropes holding up the curtain. Curtain Down.

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "+1 for combat reflexes, right?"

Andres asks, "Brother, how could you have chosen such a treacerous woman?"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says (to antoine), "very theatrical"

Andres draws his knives.

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "roll one extra and then drop one"

[7thsea] Valentin rolls 5 dice: 3 2 5 4 8

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "OK, 2 3 4 5"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(cripes)"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Heh."

[7thsea] Game_Master rolls 2 dice: 1 8

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(hrm, but apparently he goes first)"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "I like having lots of panache."

[7thsea] Antoine-Gerard rolls 5k3: 7 2 6 8 10+2 | 27

[7thsea] Andres rolls 4 dice: 6 3 6 8

Game_Master says, "Lorenz swings his battle-axe just as Valentin slips the last of his baguette off."

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard asks, "Ah, I think I just capped the end of the play. Did I?"

[7thsea] Game_Master rolls 5k2: 2 2 3 9 9 | 18

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Valentin), "uh, that's a hit if you have a 2 footwork/parry, and a miss if you have 3"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "I think you just signified the beginning of the end."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "I have 3 fencing parry."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "How does that work, again?"

Game_Master says, "more or less at the same time, three things happen: Constantin's thrust finds a home in Renaldo's breast, who drops to the ground as the blade is removed; a bullet strikes the rope and the curtain drops, cutting off the audience; and Valentin ducks narrowly under Lorenz's axe-swing"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "the target to hit you is your parry times 5 plus 5."

Game_Master says, "plus Juliana and Andres have drawn their respective blades"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "OK, now I take a swing at him. That's finesse+attack keeping finesse?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "right. trying for 15, in this case"

[7thsea] Valentin rolls 6k3: 9 10+1 6 4 9 5 | 29

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Yow."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "ok, that hits, and now damage -- 2 + your brawn k2"

[7thsea] Valentin rolls 4k2: 4 8 3 1 | 12

[7thsea] Game_Master rolls 3k3: 3 6 7 | 16

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "So just a flesh wound, right. Now I remember."

Game_Master says, "Lorenz staggers as Valentin's cut opens up a gash in his arm, but he shrugs it off."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(you can also take your 3 4 5 actions)"

[7thsea] Valentin rolls 6k3: 10+8 3 1 2 7 3 | 28

[7thsea] Valentin rolls 4k2: 3 10+5 10+4 10+7 | 32

Constantin asks, "Who is behind this?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Man, these dice like me."

Game_Master says (to Andres), "meanwhile, Celeste/Juliana is coming at you, as the other one with weapons"

Renaldo coughs blood. "It was to be our best -- performance ..."

[7thsea] Renaldo rolls 3k3: 4 8 4 | 16

[late_musketeers] Renaldo says, "(not bad)"

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "(golly)"

Lorenz says, "Valentin's second thrust stabs deeply into Lorenz's shoulder. He staggers back, almost falling over, but not quite."

Antoine-Gerard draws his sword-cane sword and leaps to Valentin's side (presumably at the end of this round).

[late_musketeers] Lorenz says (to Andres), "so, uh, you could roll panache"

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Hrm, do I take another swing, or is he done?"

[late_musketeers] Lorenz is still on his feet, but barely.

Constantin says, "Instead, it was your final curtain."

[7thsea] Valentin rolls 6k3: 1 10+9 5 2 8 5 | 32

Renaldo says (to Constantin), "you must confess .. we had you fooled .. the essence of stage-... craft"

[7thsea] Valentin rolls 4k2: 3 8 10+6 3 | 24

[7thsea] Renaldo rolls 3k3: 2 2 10+2 | 16

Constantin says, "Yes -- yes, you had me fooled."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(man, you can roll 'em)"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "I did 6368"

Valentin says (to Lorenz), "You're a better player than fighter, friend."

Game_Master says, "clearly, I must take my last bow"

Lorenz falls over backwards after saying that.

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "That leaves Gregor to deal with."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Along with Celeste and -- who-all else?"

[late_musketeers] Lorenz says, "Colin is, I think, the other major player not yet having made an appearance"

Constantin removes his hat and drops it.

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "At some point, there'll be twenty du Lion musketeers charging the stage."

Constantin walks off, looking for Celeste and the others.

Valentin bows to Lorenz.

Antoine-Gerard says, "Backstage! There's still the back exit unaccounted for!"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to Constantin), "Celeste is still here, fighting Andres."

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Yay damsel fighting pimp cum musketeer."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master asks (of Andres), "did you roll panache?"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to Andres), "Bet she's tougher than she looks."

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "(well but constantin has to find them first)"

Antoine-Gerard says (to Andres), "don't hurt her too badly...!"

Valentin looks backstage for Gregor.

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "I've said yes already. 6, 3, 6, 8"

Antoine-Gerard runs backstage.

[late_musketeers] Constantin says, "presumably on his next turn"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "oops, sorry"

[7thsea] Game_Master rolls 3 dice: 4 1 10

[7thsea] Game_Master rolls 5k3: 4 10+2 4 3 8 | 24

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Are Lorenz and Renaldo/Olivier dead? Live suspects would be nice, evidence-wise."

Game_Master says, "Juliana lunges at Andres with her rapier, opening up a gash on his arm."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(dead or dying)"

[7thsea] Game_Master rolls 4k2: 6 9 9 1 | 18

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(uh, 18 flesh wounds)"

[7thsea] Andres rolls 2k2: 9 3 | 12

Game_Master says, "meanwhile, Valentin, Antoine, and Constantin run backstage."

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "dammit ... it's supposed to be either Antoine or Constantin fighting Celeste...."

Constantin asks (of Antoine), "Where did she go?"

Game_Master says (to Constantin), "there is an explosion from the catwalk -- a pistol shot embeds itself in the wall by your head"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Gregor seems to be the mastermind behind this. I want his sorry butt hauled in front of Bron."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to A-G), "Urk, we might need your gun-fightin' skills."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says (to Andres), "you can attack on 3, TN 15"

Constantin rolls for cover.

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "I already fired my shot.... dunno how many I have."

Game_Master says (to Constantin), "you duck behind some props, and look up to see Gregor on the catwalk, a smoking pistol in his hand."

Valentin asks (of Constantin), "You take left, I take right?"

Gregor exclaims, "you've ruined this all! my greatest performance!"

Constantin feels fear. This surprises him.

Andres would like a good red wine, garcon.

Antoine-Gerard says (to Gregor), "I've seen better shots from a drunken Ussuran bartender!"

Valentin runs for the right catwalk staircase

[late_musketeers] Andres asks, "What happened?"

Constantin shouts, "Surrender, villain!"

[late_musketeers] Gregor says (to Andres), "you're about to attack on 3"

[late_musketeers] Gregor says, "TN 15"

Antoine-Gerard continues, looking for the backstage exit.

[7thsea] Andres rolls 3k2: 2 7 7 | 14

Gregor exclaims, "never surrender!"

Gregor starts frantically reloading his pistol.

Constantin makes a break for the catwalk ladder.

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Oog, Andres might need some help."

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "grr"

[late_musketeers] Gregor says, "(drama die?)"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Yeah, why not."

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "This is the end."

Constantin shouts, "You are under arrest, by authority of the de La Fleur Musketeers."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "um, ok, it's a hit, so roll damage then"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard asks, "hold on ... doesn't Andres have one more unkept than that?"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard asks, "Attack 2?"

Constantin starts to climb up to the catwalk.

Andres stabs at her. "I'd rather plunge something else into you, you twisted Jenny."

Dana has disconnected.

[late_musketeers] Andres asks, "I've only got a knife, remember?"

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "oh, right."

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks (of Andres), "Hmm, I still have a knife. Want my sword?"

Game_Master says, "Constantin and Valentin run for the ladders. Andres stabs at Juliana. Antoine runs looking for the exit."

[7thsea] Andres rolls 3k2: 6 2 6 | 12

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "no, wait. you roll finesse + attack keep finesse for attack"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "so you roll 4k2 if you have attack 2"

[late_musketeers] Andres asks, "Sure, but where are you?"

[late_musketeers] Game_Master asks, "or do you have attack 1 with the knife?"

[7thsea] Game_Master rolls 2k2: 10+5 8 | 23

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to Andres), "I can toss it to you from the catwalk."

[late_musketeers] Andres says (to GM), "I know, but I only have Attack 1 for the knife."

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says (to GM), "but he has a knife, with attack 1."

Constantin asks, "Don't they know what it means for a man's heart to beat with love? That they would play with it, for a game? For greed?"

Game_Master says, "meanwhile, Juliana takes the blow on her leg but keeps moving"

Game_Master says (to Antoine), "meanwhile meanwhile, here's Colin -- and Claude, fighting to get out the exit. "Lemme out!" "Me first!""

Valentin catches Andres' eye, and tosses him his sword, meanwhile drawing a knife from his boot.

Constantin's head peers over the edge of the catwalk. He sees Gregor.

Antoine-Gerard says, "<ahem>! Gentlemen!"

Antoine-Gerard handles the pistol as if it were still loaded.

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Claude? Which one's that?"

Game_Master says, "Gregor has backed against the side of the catwalk, staring at the two faces."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "the ventriloquist"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Ah, right."

Claude spins around. "I'm busy, what do you -- ah. Er."

Valentin says (to Gregor), "If you surrender now, you may live."

Claude says, "um."

Antoine-Gerard says (to C&C), "And after all we did for you, too."

Valentin says (to Gregor), "You have no place to run to, and face two musketeers."

Claude says, "hey, yeah, that was pretty good of -- hey, wait a minute"

Antoine-Gerard asks (of C&C), "Now, why don't you two come along quietly?"

Constantin says, "Two de La Fleur Musketeers!"

Valentin says (to Gregor), "We do not hang thieves here, and the man you stabbed lives -- consider carefully."

Constantin advances a step.

Gregor says, "well, I still have my pistol --"

Gregor waves it around threatening.

Gregor says, "+ly"

Constantin checks his footing.

Valentin says (to Gregor), "Which you haven't had a chance to reload."

Claude says, "uh, yeah. good idea. no fighting."

Valentin says (to Gregor), "You're not *that* good a player, sir."

Constantin says, "Drop the weapon, monsieur."

Antoine-Gerard says (to C&C), "Step away from the door. Hands in the air."

Claude and Colin step back quietly as Antoine asks.

Gregor says, "I --"

Antoine-Gerard says (to C&C), "You're going back to the stage for a final bow."

Gregor suddenly hurls the empty pistol at Valentin and charges for Constantin, making a break for the ladder.

Antoine-Gerard says (to C&C), "Move along, now."

Valentin ducks the pistol, and runs after Gregor, attempting to tackle him.

Constantin, surprised, grasps at Gregor.

Constantin feels off-balance.

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Oh no! A thrown pistol is far more dangerous than any fired bullet could be!"

Gregor roars as he slams into Constantin. The two of them suddenly start to tip backwards.

Constantin hears wood breaking.

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Hrm. The du Lion haven't rushed the stage yet?"

Gregor grabs frantically for a handhold.

[late_musketeers] Gregor says, "(nobody's frontstage except Andres)"

Antoine-Gerard herds C&C back towards the stage where Andres has no doubt subdued Celeste/Juliana.

[late_musketeers] Gregor says, "who, meanwhile, is being attacked again by Juliana, although he's grabbed the sword that Valentin flung"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Well I might have, but the GM shifted focus backstage."

Constantin feels his weight tip over the railing. He grabs hold of Gregor's costume.

Constantin says, "We go down together, villain!"

[7thsea] Gregor rolls 5k3: 10+10+2 2 8 2 4 | 34

[late_musketeers] Valentin asks, "Can I sprint to get there in time to hold them back?"

[late_musketeers] Gregor says, "(er, that was juliana)"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Oog. She's rather tough."

Gregor roars again, as Constantin pulls his hands free -- the two of them slip off the ladder and fall with a crash to the ground.

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Guess not."

Juliana's blade connects again.

Constantin says, "Ahh--..."

[7thsea] Juliana rolls 4k2: 2 2 1 3 | 5

Constantin ><

Juliana exclaims, "only a nick, but I'll finish you off soon enough!"

Game_Master says, "(meanwhile, there are voices on the audience side of the curtain)"

Valentin runs to the ladder and slides down.

Game_Master says, "with the one ladder snapped, the catwalk is creaking dangerously as Valentin slides to the ground."

Game_Master says, "Antoine is marching Colin and Claude frontstage, I guess"

Andres says (to Celeste), "Somehow I doubt it."

Game_Master says, "Andres is about to attack Juliana again, I think"

[7thsea] Andres rolls 4k2: 8 2 9 5 | 17

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "yeah, 'herding' them."

Game_Master says, "and Constantin lies on the ground in a tangle of bodies"

Valentin rushes over to see to Constantin (and Gregor)

[7thsea] Andres rolls 4k2: 6 1 10+4 8 | 22

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(nice)"

[7thsea] Game_Master rolls 2k2: 5 5 | 10

Constantin wheezes.

Andres goes at Celeste like I virgin to his first inflated sheep bladder Jenny facsimile.

Game_Master says, "Juliana cries out as Andres's rapier cuts a gash in her leg. "I see you handle that better than the knife," she gasps."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "eew"

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to Andres), "Eeeagh."

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "(and Andres has another attack on 6?)"

Andres says (to Celeste), "There's little that I handle better. And it isn't little."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Hee hee."

[late_musketeers] Andres asks, "She's not down yet?"

[late_musketeers] Andres says, "Damn."

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

[late_musketeers] Game_Master says, "a nasty wound, but she's still standing"

[7thsea] Andres rolls 4k2: 5 7 8 8 | 16

[7thsea] Game_Master rolls 2k2: 4 9 | 13

Constantin starts to feel cold.

Antoine-Gerard says (to Andres), "I know I told you not to hurt her too badly, but I didn't expect you to just play with her."

Game_Master says, "Andres's second blow strikes her other thigh, and Juliana's legs buckle as she falls to the ground."

Game_Master says, "Gregor moans, a little."

Andres says, "And that's how one gets the Jenny's legs to spread."

Andres peeks outside the curtain to the house.

Antoine-Gerard says (to andres), "Really. Here, I caught a couple of live ones..."

Game_Master says, "ah, apparently Bron did make it to the performance after all"

Constantin asks (of Gregor), "Oh, you miserable dog. Don't you have the decency to die?"

Constantin coughs.

Valentin says (to Constantin), "Better we let him live."

Game_Master says, "he is gesturing angrily to the stage while three du Lion men are standing around shaking their hands in not-me gestures."

Valentin asks (of Constantin), "How do you, my friend?"

[late_musketeers] Andres asks, "What's Bron doing?"

Constantin says, "Not so well, I think."

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "heh ... given the 7th Sea falling rules, I'm surprised he's hurt at all..."

[late_musketeers] Valentin says (to A-G), "C'mon, it's *dramatic*."

Constantin says, "I can't seem to move most of my body, and what I can move hurts like the devil."

Game_Master says (to Constantin), "Gregor's mouth, by one ear, convulses in a sudden whisper to you -- "a worthy close to our drama, this. as one performer to another, I applaud.""

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "heh, true."

Constantin rolls his eyes and mutters, "Actors."

Game_Master says, "Bron finally gives up trying to convince his men and draws his rapier and starts marching up to the stage himself, forcing his way through the crowds."

Constantin starts to laugh, then coughs and wheezes.

Constantin says (to Valentin), "I think this is farewell, mon ami."

Valentin says (to COnstantin), "I think not. Be of good cheer."

Andres says (to Bron), "Ah, there you are."

Antoine-Gerard asks (of Bron), "What took you so long?"

Bron asks, "now then, what's all this?"

Constantin says, "Vive de la Fleur...!"

Valentin wipes Constantin's face with a handkerchief.

Constantin's eyes close.

Valentin says, "NO!"

Constantin goes limp.

Constantin has disconnected.

Constantin is called home.

Antoine-Gerard asks (of Bron), "Allow me to introduce ... uh, what was that?"

Andres asks (of Bron), "Well, these actors submitted a false report, which you sent us on. Then replaced us on the bank guarding assignment, which you gave to us...Valentine?"

Valentin rushes to the stage. 'Constantin is dead!'

[late_musketeers] Valentin says, "Assuming he actually is, of course."

[Crows-Nest] Jean-Sebastien is trying to figure out how to react to this. Snorting and giggling somehow seem inappropriate, which is unfortunate.

[late_musketeers] Antoine-Gerard says, "No he's not! He's got to be alive for the sequel!"

Game_Master says, "(and things end here)"

[Crows-Nest] Valentin asks (of J-S), "C'mon, can't you appreciate melodrama?"

Valentin says, "Oof."

Game_Master says, "or perhaps they end later, when the actors are locked in cells at the jail, and you three are riding back to your commander, letters of commendation from Bron in your saddlebags."

[Crows-Nest] Andres asks, "I take it no one died in your session?"

[Crows-Nest] Jean-Sebastien says, "Right, but Constantin is obviously faking. I mean look, you can see him breathing."

Valentin says (to GM), "Well."

Game_Master says, "or perhaps just later that night, after the play, drinking in the tavern"

Valentin says (to GM), "Thank you very much."

Game_Master says, "in any case the story continues."

Game_Master says, "but not told by me :)"

Valentin says (to GM), "That was great!"

Antoine-Gerard says, "yay"

Game_Master says, "yay"

Game_Master asks, "are there any lingering plot queries to clear up?"

Valentin asks, "What, no sequel thirty years later when they're all grizzled and bald?"

Constantin arrives, looking for booty.

Antoine-Gerard says, "Arr."

Jean-Sebastien says, "Yay, you guys."

Valentin says, "That was fun."

Andres asks, "So was Bron involved?"

Valentin says (to Andres), "I would say not."

Constantin says, "Yeah, but yipes."

Game_Master says, "I think he was just stubborn"

Valentin asks (of Constantin), "Wait, was the dying thing purely your improvisation?"

Game_Master says, "and (clearly without merit) biased against de la Fleur"

Valentin asks (of Constantin), "Or was it prearranged between you and inky?"

Constantin says, "Well"

Constantin says, "It was improvsed, but"

Constantin says, "preordained."

Constantin says, "Destined!"

Constantin says, "Ok, not really."

Antoine-Gerard says, "Yeah right."

Jean-Sebastien says, "I think it would deserve a drama die if there were any use to getting a drama die right now."

Game_Master says, "he asked for a dramatic death scene"

Antoine-Gerard asks, "You'll be back by way of Miraculous Recovery for the sequel, non?"

Constantin says, "You will have to travel to the underworld to rescue my spirit."

Game_Master says, "and I waited to see a place where it'd be appropriate"

Constantin says, "You know, the Star Trek 3 scenario."

Constantin says, "Also, Orpheus."

Game_Master says, "Constantin isn't much like Spock, really"

Valentin says (to Constantin), "Heh, well."

Game_Master says, "he's more like an Orpheus of hats"

Andres says, "Late Musketeers II: The Search for Constantin."

Constantin says, "yay"

Valentin says, "This'll be my last bout of RPGing for a while. I forgot what a time-sink it was."

Andres says, "Seriously."

Game_Master says, "yeah, I was expecting three sessions of three hours"

Constantin says, "I've never really done it before. Not like that, anyway."

Constantin says (to GM), "Fool!"

Game_Master says, "I think it turned into five sessions, two of which were extra-long"

Game_Master says, "#early did seven, I believe, of normal length"

Constantin says, "But what I'm dying to do is read the #early transcripts."

Game_Master says, "well, feel free now"

Constantin says, "hooray"

Game_Master says, "at http://www.bioc.rice.edu/~lpsmith/IF/7thSea/musketeers/, as you recall"

Constantin says, "I have it bookmarked and ready"

Game_Master says, "hee hee"

Game_Master says, "you can also all use 12 xp, if you play on doing anything further with these characters"

Constantin says, "Alas! I go! Awooooooo"

Constantin is called home.

Andres goes out as well.

Game_Master says, "alrighty. I hope everyone had fun."

Valentin says (to GM), "Indeed we did."

Game_Master says, "and I close the log ... now."