Franklin is wearing an ill-fitting Army uniform and a Napoleon hat made out of paper.
GM says, "so as we recall, in the previous session some tracking down was done of the kidnappers who got Penny"
Franklin says, "I've been trying to train the monks to stand in formation, but all they want to do is meditate and chant."
GM says, "and it was determined that the building on campus where she'd been held was rented by a student named Darren, who was away camping in the san juans at the time but was expected to be back in a few days"
Michel says (to Franklin), "if they would just stop chanting the situation would be perfect"
Michel says, "or if they went away"
[nobilis] GM says, "other points not-yet-followed-up-on: the chancel map and locating Astara"
[nobilis] Raul asks, "Astara?"
[nobilis] Franklin asks, "Astara?"
[nobilis] Michel asks, "astara?"
[nobilis] Michel says, "we are all confused"
[nobilis] Franklin says, "secret unknown knowledge suddenly fills our heads!"
[nobilis] GM says, "(Astara being the chancel Raul located in the last sunday session)"
[nobilis] Franklin asks, "he located a chancel?"
[nobilis] GM says, "he had a special guest appearance, yeah"
[nobilis] Franklin asks, "oh, sunday? sunday?"
[nobilis] Michel says (to GM), "then we've located it. job done"
[nobilis] Alex says (to Franklin), "Awwwk! Word on the street is that Sunday is the day after Saturday."
[nobilis] GM says, "good point"
[nobilis] GM says, "s/locating/finding a path to/, I should say"
Franklin asks (of Raul), "What's this about a chancel called Astara?"
[whiz-games] Whizzard says, "Hmm."
Raul says, "There's a funny story behind that."
Raul says, "Well, not funny so much as creepy."
Michel asks, "Would it be a good idea to stake out Darren's abode?"
Raul says, "Locus Ferarium asked for some help recently in locating a chancel"
Michel says, "I can quite happily sit around campus doing nothing all day. In fact, I know of nothing I do more often."
[whiz-games] Whizzard says, "Also, the head guy has pretty much said that he doesn't want to see any bonuses to BAB."
Kori asks (of Raul), "and?"
[whiz-games] Whizzard says, "So I need to give the cavers something else."
[nobilis] Kori says, "hmm, kind of lagged here"
Raul says, "I found its location, but I have yet to determine how to get from here to there."
Michel asks, "Is this Lo's chancel, or a different one?"
Franklin asks, "How can you have found it but not know how to get there?"
Franklin asks, "And why is it important to have found it?"
Raul says, "This is Lo's chancel. I followed the path of the circumstances of his imperator's birth"
[nobilis] Raul says, "Grf, lagging"
Raul says, "But that path is not one any of us can follow"
[nobilis] Franklin says, "hm, lag not hitting me"
Kori asks (of Raul), "meaning...?"
Michel says (to Raul), "odd, that"
[nobilis] GM says, "actually, that was a separate thing; what you followed was the ghost-path of one of the dead soldiers"
[nobilis] Franklin says, "hm, clearly I need to catch up on reading sunday transcripts"
[nobilis] Raul says, "Whoops, yes"
[nobilis] Raul says, "Pretend that's what I said"
[nobilis] Franklin asks, "dead soldiers from the attack on the sunday group chancel?"
[whiz-games] Whizzard asks, "Any thoughts on that one, ink?"
Raul says (to Kori), "Meaning I will need to scout about and find a more practical path"
[whiz-games] inky says, "well, an obvious thing would be to lose the -2 stat again"
[nobilis] Raul says (to Franklin), "right"
[nobilis] Raul says, "So I followed them back via spirit routes"
Kori says, "I see."
Michel says, "I don't think that there can be anything we could do to help with this"
Franklin says, "Or we could wait until they make this chancel disappear, and maybe we'll be plopped down right next to it."
Raul says, "I would like to do this soon, but at the same time we have pressing matters of our own"
[whiz-games] Whizzard says, "Good point, since they're ability mongers anyhow."
[whiz-games] inky says, "hmm"
[whiz-games] inky asks, "alternately, maybe saving-throw bonuses?"
[whiz-games] inky says, "I forget if other people have those already"
Franklin says, "I think we should follow through on our immediate business, with an eye on"
[whiz-games] Whizzard says, "I'll drop the -2 and the +1 BAB."
Franklin says, "handling the Astara affair afterward."
Michel asks, "unless the chancel's location and nature is connected to edges or the empty. do you know anything about the chancel apart from- didn't he say it was in the Himalayas originally?"
Raul nods.
[whiz-games] Whizzard says, "A +2 to STR is about as good as +1 BAB, though in different ways."
Raul says (to Michel), "Sorry, I misspoke. This wasn't Lo's chancel."
Raul says, "It was the chancel where the people who attacked Feriarum came from."
Michel nods.
Franklin says, "This is the chancel that happens to -- ah."
Kori asks, "So this chancel is probably hostile?"
Franklin asks, "Who's the Imperator of that chancel?"
Raul says (to Kori), "Very possibly."
Raul says, "All I know about the chancel is it has at its center a black city with tall towers"
Kori says, "In that case, I think we ought to be extremely careful, or they'll turn their attention to us"
Kori says, "And we're not exactly well-protected."
Michel says, "I am for inquiring after Penny's attackers"
Kori says, "Let's do that"
Franklin says, "Let's go."
Raul says, "I can be paying attention, looking for possible paths while we deal with Mr. Satanist"
[nobilis] Raul says, "Let's pretend I'm saying things at the appropriate time and we'll all be happy"
Michel asks, "shall we search his room for clues, or do the civilised thing and wait until he gets back?"
Raul says, "I'm all for searching his room."
[whiz-games] inky says, "mm yeah"
Franklin asks, "Doesn't he have a roommate?"
Michel says, "me too. they're students, they can hardly complain"
Franklin says, "That fellow we met."
GM says, "(Rick Spenlow was the roommate's name)"
[nobilis] Raul says (to GM), "Glad you mentioned it, since I couldn't remember."
Michel says, "we could break in during lectures, but that would hardly change the odds of him being there"
[nobilis] GM says, "I have to keep the transcripts handy at all times"
Michel strolls down a library coridoor and out into the university
Franklin goes and changes into something better tailored, then follows.
Raul tags along.
Raul says, "One thing we could do is pose as housekeeping"
Michel asks (of Franklin), "there will be a list of student room numbers somewhere. Can you get hold of it?"
Raul says, "assuming they have housekeepers who go through the dorms sweeping from time to time"
[whiz-games] Whizzard says, "Well, I'm still mostly okay with Mar. I mean, the races are its strongest point."
[whiz-games] inky says, "mmhmm"
[whiz-games] Whizzard says, "The talents are pretty much a mechanical gimmick."
Kori says (to Raul), "generally at least bathroom cleaners and maintenance people"
Michel says, "we could always shadow Rick, but that would take time"
Franklin says, "I reckon I could. I could always say I'm the fellow's doddering old grandfather and they'll tell me where he lives."
Kori says, "We could claim that his roommate called in a complaint about the heater unit or something, and we're fixing it"
Raul nods.
Michel looks distinctly displeased at this idea
Raul says (to Michel), "You can stand outside, smoking and loitering, and warn us if the roommate comes back"
[nobilis] Franklin asks, "say, what month is this in game-time?"
Raul says, "if he isn't there when we get there."
[nobilis] GM says, "we're running about a month behind real time"
[nobilis] Kori says, "s/heating/air conditioning, if you want"
[nobilis] GM says, "so yeah, they're in summer quarter"
Michel says, "mutter mutter *maintenance staff?*"
[nobilis] Franklin asks, "oh, is it the quarter system?"
Kori gives Michel a GET OVER YOURSELF sort of look.
[nobilis] GM says, "the UW is, yes"
Michel gives Kori a YOU FIRST sort of look
[nobilis] Franklin says, "because in my experience, spring quarter turned into summer quarter sort of mid-to-latish june"
Kori calmly puts on a pair of gardening gloves and generic uglyshirt
Franklin heads off to the aministration building to get information.
Michel loiters, smoking.
[nobilis] GM says, "yeah, that sounds right"
Franklin soon returns.
[nobilis] Franklin asks, "did they fall for the doddering grandfather routine?"
Raul alters his features so the roommate won't recognize him.
GM says, ""Why yes, Mr, er .. what did you say your name was? anyway, your grandson is in room 302, Haggett""
Michel changes his loitering pattern to outside Haggett's main entrance
GM says, ""And I'm sure he'll be pleased you're showing up to take him for a surprise golfing match""
[nobilis] Kori says, "bwahaha"
[nobilis] Michel says, "When Satanists Play Golf"
Franklin says, "Well, young men need exercise. Old fellers, too."
[nobilis] Kori says, "I am now picturing this lurking, sulky guy in full-on black clothes and scraggly hair, lifting the golf club and then looking at it to see whether he can kill anyone with it"
[nobilis] Raul exclaims, "'From hell's hole-in-one I slice at thee!"
[nobilis] Kori exclaims, "yay!"
[nobilis] Michel says, "eeeagh, greebos"
Franklin says, "(after returning) They say he's in Haggett 302, wherever Haggett is. But they also gave me a little campus map."
Kori heads over towards 302 Haggett.
Kori straightens her gloves in a meaningful manner.
Franklin keeps the map handy in case he needs to give somebody a nasty paper cut.
GM says, "you make your way through the relatively empty dorm hallways, stepping around people leaning up against the walls chatting and/or playing backgammon in the hallway"
Raul finds a broom closet and manages to get it open, then pulls out a broom and bucket.
GM says, "eventually you arrive at room 302"
Kori looks through the broom closet for something appropriately aesthetic, such as a feather duster, but eventually gives up and takes a bucket.
Franklin pretends not to know the maintenance crew as he mills around.
Michel walks in little circles, hands in pockets and dog-end tucked in corner of mouth
Kori stops by the door and listens to see if anyone's inside.
[nobilis] Kori says, "man, this is just like #vodacce"
GM says, "doesn't sound like it"
[nobilis] GM says, "yeah, except you aren't dressed as nicely"
Kori says (to Raul), "<right, then.  now to get us inside.>"
[nobilis] Michel says, "and proud of it"
[nobilis] Michel says, "only armande's chancel are dressed nicely"
[nobilis] GM says, "hee hee"
[nobilis] Kori says, "well, yeah, but I think the huge dress and diamond tiara would draw some unwanted attention here"
Raul says, "I saved my hairpin from the other day."
Raul works on unlocking the door.
GM says, "(click)"
Kori stands next to Raul in a way that blocks anyone's casual view.
Raul opens the door. "Housekeeping!" he sings out.
[nobilis] Michel says, "ah, thank the lord for crappy student security"
GM says, "(no answer)"
Kori cracks her knuckles.
[nobilis] Franklin says, "say, I've never heard of student dorms having housekeeping staff that entered the rooms"
Kori heads into the room.
[nobilis] Michel says, "mine do"
[nobilis] Kori says, "that's why I argue for fixing-something"
[nobilis] Kori says (to Michel), "yeah, but you live at a swanky English university"
Raul waits until everyone's inside, then closes the door.
[nobilis] Kori says, "we had to do our own housekeeping, if any"
Raul says (to Michel), "<Warn us if you see anyone coming>"
[nobilis] Michel says (to Kori), "you know a university's swanky when it employs people whose entire job is to wake you up and bitch at you"
[nobilis] Michel says, "at 8am"
[nobilis] GM says, "wow"
[nobilis] Kori says, "the only times I had people in my room was when they were fixing stuff because the radiator was leaking, causing pieces of the ceiling to fall on the head of the chyk living below me"
[nobilis] Michel says, "(well, and clean, but that's a secondary role)"
Kori looks around the room to see what looks promising.
Michel says (to Raul), "<By 'anyone', do you include students?>"
GM says, "it's a dorm room, so it's pretty small -- there's no in-suite kitchen or bathroom, just a smallish living room and two doors leading off to bedrooms"
Franklin says, "I'm not sure how I'll explain being in here, but oh well."
Raul says (to Michel), "<I'm more concerned about the roommate.>"
Raul looks for clews.
Michel says (to Raul), "<what's he look like?>"
Raul describes the roomate for Michel.
GM says, "let's see"
GM says, "one room has a TMBG poster, but that could be either of theirs"
Franklin grimaces and tut-tuts at the general untidyness of the place.
GM says, "they both have underpants on the floor"
[nobilis] Raul exclaims, "aHA! Band of Satan!"
[Crows-Nest] Michel asks (of GM), "which pants have chicken feathers on?"
Kori borrows Raul's broom and uses it to poke around under the beds
GM says, "ah, hrm -- the right-hand room has some papers in the trashcan that look interesting"
[nobilis] Franklin asks, "what was that we heard earlier? something about a TMBG concert?"
Raul says, "oho. Franklin, this is your department."
[nobilis] Michel says, "they were both going"
GM says, "specifically, a paper saying "THE CEREMONY CONCLUDES [the day before Penny's kidnapping] -- ALL DARK BROTHERS TO BE IN ATTENDANCE.""
GM says, "there is a postscript reading "DESTROY THIS NOTE WHEN YOU HAVE READ IT""
Kori asks, "Hmm, not very tidy, is he?"
Kori laughs
Raul asks, "Not one for eating his secret missives, is he?"
[nobilis] Kori says, "I suppose he figured any onlookers would assume it was a black power rally"
GM says, "and then under the bed -- hmm, a single black glove"
GM says, "somewhat dusty"
[nobilis] Michel says, "enh, guess he figured he'd destroy the note next week"
Franklin says, "I'm not touching that thing."
Raul says, "Oh, for goodness -- here."
Kori pokes the glove out from under the bed with the broom-handle.
[nobilis] Michel says, "definitely black power"
[nobilis] Franklin asks (of GM), "can I get any vibes off the non-destroyed note that would be helpful at all?"
[nobilis] GM says, "yeah, 1 sec"
Franklin says, "Here, let me see that note."
Franklin holds it lightly between his palms and closes his eyes.
GM says (to Franklin), "you get a vague sensation of dust and darkness -- a man at a desk -- a quill (?) scribbling"
Franklin says, "Everything we run across seems to lead back to vague darkness and dust, and this is no exception."
GM says, "he has a robe on, with the hood pulled back"
[nobilis] Franklin asks, "it's handwritten?"
[nobilis] Michel says, "mmmm, dust"
GM says, "you get a shot of his face -- a sharp chin, black eyes, concentrating hard to make the writing fancy"
[nobilis] GM says, "(yeah)"
Franklin says, "I'm getting an image of a man in a robe, writing with a quill -- hm, who writes with quills these days? His hood is pulled back -- sharp chin, black eyes. Hmmrf."
Kori says, "Sounds like an unpleasant fellow."
[nobilis] Kori has flashbacks to making the SF feelies.
Franklin says, "I can't say I recognize him, but maybe if we run into him later I could say 'That's him!'"
[nobilis] Michel says, "that's what I was thinking"
Raul nods.
GM says, "other than that, there is an unidentified key, and various bills and school papers and so on"
[nobilis] Michel says, "also, I need to remember to beat up storme and get mine"
[nobilis] Kori says, "yeah, I can't believe you haven't got it yet"
[nobilis] Kori says, "sheesh"
Franklin says, "He was making an effort to write in a fancy fashion. Why it was worth the effort, considering what the note says, I'm not sure."
[Crows-Nest] Michel says, "an unidentifed key? it must open the unidentified door"
Kori asks, "hmm.  Any chance we could copy the key, real subtle-like?"
Franklin says, "Seems artificial in a funny way. Designed to make an impression."
Kori feels in her pockets for an existing key.
Kori says (to Franklin), "I'm a little unconvinced by these Dark Brothers."
GM says, "(he appears to be taking "Literature of the Victorian Era" and "Creative Writing II")"
Franklin says, "I'm inclined to agree."
Franklin drops the note back in the trashcan.
GM says (to Kori), "(ok, you have some extra keys)"
Kori pulls out a spare key (to her garage storage cabinet, as it happens) and holds it up against the Unidentified Key
[nobilis] Kori asks, "Can I Change Edges to make my spare a duplicate of the other?"
Franklin pulls out a moist towlette from somewhere and wipes his hands off.
[Crows-Nest] Kori says, "yay vooming towelettes"
Raul says, "This is all very elaborate."
Kori says (to Raul), "just a precaution."
[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "actually, I bought it at the supermarket"
[nobilis] GM says, "yeah, sure -- it'll be a level 6 miracle"
Raul says, "No, not the key, the letter."
[nobilis] Kori says, "so 2 DMP"
[nobilis] GM says, "mmhmm"
[nobilis] Michel says, "oh dear god he's an english student"
Franklin asks, "Are we doing anything with the glove?"
Kori focuses on the spare for a moment, until it morphs into the form she wants.
Kori sets the original back where it came from.
[nobilis] Michel shudders
[nobilis] Kori says, "what'd you expect?  I guess theater was another possibility"
GM says (to Michel), "meanwhile, outside, you see someone approaching"
Franklin says, "I don't suppose that since it's an empty glove, Michel could --"
Michel says, "<Might want to get a move on.>"
GM says (to Michel), "there are lots of people approaching, since, like, this is a public place, but this one is of note since he seems to be trying his hardest to slink"
Franklin says, "Ulp."
Franklin leaves the bedroom.
GM says, "he stands in a doorway and then, waiting til he thinks nobody is looking, runs to stand casually behind a lamppost"
Kori asks, "Can we risk just taking the glove?"
Kori says, "Might not notice."
Raul says, "Sure."
Kori says, "Okay."
Kori heads out.
Michel says, "<this is painful to watch>"
Raul says, "As messy as he is, he'll probably think he's mislaid it."
Franklin says, "I somehow doubt that."
Kori says, "That was my thought too."
Raul says (to Michel), "<Is it our satanist friend?>"
GM says, "he's making his way slowly and not-real-surely in the general direction of 302"
Franklin says, "Or he might think so, but whoever is controlling him will be wiser than that."
Michel says, "<I know him by his gait>"
Franklin dodders out into the hallway, looking like a befuddled old man.
Kori says (to Franklin), "<I guess we'll just have to hope for the best.>"
GM says (to Franklin), "you see him coming down the hallway, doing his best to look completely casual and not at all concerned"
Franklin says, "<Hope for the best, expect the worst.>"
Raul heads into the hall, sweeping.
GM says, "he is a bit on the short and chubby side, a somewhat unfortunate haircut, and a black turtleneck which is probably very hot this time of year"
Michel says, "<remember, he probably knows nothing- we just need to follow him>"
GM says, "his eyes bulge out briefly as he sees someone come out of his room, but then he relaxes as he sees Raul's broom"
GM says, "twitching slightly, he heads into his room and closes his door"
Franklin pulls out the campus map, making probably too much of a show of being lost.
GM says, "(there is a faint sigh of relief, audible through the door)"
Raul sweep sweep sweep.
Franklin says, "<Hmmm.>"
Michel says, "<the sight might have been an idea just here>"
GM says (to Michel), "he looked normal"
Michel says, "<not that he's likely to be much, but worth checking>"
[nobilis] Raul says, "I'm going to keep listening at the door while I sweep."
Franklin goes out to rejoin Michel.
GM says (to Raul), "you hear footsteps, a door (presumably the bedroom) creaking open, then the sound of drawers being frantically pulled open and stuff being pulled out"
Kori says, "<Any way we could get the glove tested for odd associations and/or funny substances?>"
Raul says, "<He sounds like he's in a hurry for some reason.>"
Franklin tells Michel what he told the others about the note in the trashcan.
Michel says (to Franklin), "I doubt that this group of satanists have the originality to hold their meetings at any time other than midnight"
Raul says, "<We should also talk to the glove in spirit land>"
Kori says, "<Hmm.  Could we draw back and then shadow him under another guise?>"
Kori returns her props to the broom closet.
Kori says (to Raul), "<good idea>"
GM says, ""I cannot believe how dusty I am," says the glove"
Raul says, "<I'm going to return the broom and talk to the hand -- er, glove. Meet you outside.>"
[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "hee hee"
[nobilis] Kori says, "awwww"
Michel says, "so I would advocate going and getting a coffee and then killing time until 11.15, and then stalking him"
[nobilis] Kori says, "poor glove"
Raul asks (of glove), "Were you under the bed for a long time?"
GM says, ""I have been under this bed for *ages*. It is SO CARELESS of him to drop me off there.""
Kori says, "<I'm guessing he won't be looking for it soon.>"
Franklin says (to Raul), "<Ask the glove where its partner is.>"
Raul says (to Franklin), "<Ah, good thought.>"
GM says, "the noises from inside the room stop, briefly, then start up again"
Raul asks (of glove), "Shouldn't you have a partner?"
Raul sweeps his way down the hall and towards the closet.
[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "somehow 'Raul asks (of glove)' makes me laugh"
GM says, ""Oh, sure -- but lot *he* cares. Just fling me under the bed carelessly, DON'T MIND ME""
[Crows-Nest] Michel says, "flashback to the Yellow Submarine film"
GM says, "(so nobody is listening at the door?)"
[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "great, a neurotic glove"
[Crows-Nest] Franklin says (to michel), "ooh"
Raul says (to GM), "I'm sweeping my way down the hall. I'll make a second pass by his room to see if he's still moving around in there."
[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "maybe it's got six fingers"
GM says, "(no, actually, it's gone quiet)"
Raul asks (of glove), "What did he use you for?"
Wilfred has connected.
[Crows-Nest] Wilfred says, "Arr"
[Crows-Nest] Raul says, "yay Wilfred"
Franklin finds the nearest bench outside and rests his legs.
Michel says, "<ah, wilfred. We're chasing satanists, do join us.>"
GM says, ""Ah, those were the days," says the glove. "A few glorious weeks of ceremonies at midnight, dark places, chanting -- until he lost me under the bed.""
[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "yay wilfred"
Wilfred says, "<what?? but but but ... oh all right, *someone*'s got to look after the proper procedures....>"
GM says, "(there is a faint scraping noise and a thump from inside the room)"
Raul says, "<Looks like this is our suspect. The glove's very excited about when it got to be part of some midnight chanting ceremonies.>"
Wilfred checks up the Chancel Employee Roll to see where everyone is.
Michel asks, "Very well then. Where were these ceremonies held again?"
GM says, "(Raul and Michel and Kori are all at the university of washington in somebody's dorm room; Penny and Gaston and Alexandra are mooching around the chancel)"
Raul says (to glove), "Do you remember where these ceremonies took place? Not under the bed, I'm guessing."
[Crows-Nest] Wilfred asks, "update me a little...?"
GM says, ""I should SAY NOT.""
Franklin says, "<I am beginning to think this is all a cartoonish imitation of Satanic rituals designed to fool only one gullible college student.>"
[Crows-Nest] Michel says, "mmm, mooching. it's like slacking off, but with blues music and dark glasses"
Kori says, "<which raises the question of why he's useful at all>"
GM says, ""Uh -- they were in some building -- a basement, I think. Somebody's house -- we had to go into their back yard to get in, and I kept brushing against the bushes""
Michel says, "<well, the rituals needed to summon penny might have required lots of participants>"
Franklin says, "<And yet, Penny was in real danger, drawn there by a very real ritual.>"
Michel says, "<Wilfred, while you're in the chancel->"
Wilfred puts a fresh carnation in his lapel and ... <yes...?>
Michel says, "<- could you research whether that ritual can be performed by non-nobilis?>"
[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "we have been investigating our only lead in penny's kidnapping of a few weeks ago"
[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "we found her at the UW campus, and in a room reserved by a student for supposed theater rehearsals"
Michel says, "<If, say, some dumb students happened upon a mystic tome describing the ritual, could they work the magic, or would a nobilis or excrucian be required?>"
Wilfred says, "<Rituals.  Sure ... I like rituals; they're so detailed in terms of what can be done and by whom....>"
[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "but which were seeming satanic rituals. we just went to the student's room"
[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "and found some evidence to support this satanism story, but it's fishy in a number of ways"
Kori says, "<whoever engineered the taking of the mystic tome obviously did have some real power, in order to make the librarian not notice>"
GM says (to Wilfred), "it looks like it's not a ritual of the nobilis, so presumably humans can do it, but some kind of magical ability is required at least for the leader -- so not just any human"
Michel says, "<right. I'm nipping back to the chancel to get me a glock>"
[nobilis] Franklin says, "I must admit, I'm very confused by the various threads of the story so far"
[nobilis] GM says, "good, good"
Franklin says, "<Hurry back.>"
[nobilis] Franklin says, "arr"
Michel says, "<and then I am going to stake out that room in mantis form>"
Raul says (to Michel), "<You didn't bring any? I've been carrying various small guns since the Penny-napping.>"
Michel ducks into a library.
Wilfred puts that book aside and looks up "magical ability -- who has it?"
[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "I'd hate to run into a mantis holding a glock"
Michel says (to Raul), "<I usually do, but I kind of emptied my supply attacking lawyers and policemen>"
Wilfred says, "..Raul <They're licensed, right?>"
GM says (to Wilfred), "mm, it looks like various humans do -- there's some argument over whether it's passed along bloodlines or just occurs randomly in the population"
Raul says (to Wilfred), "<Yeah. All part of the documentation package you helped put together.>"
GM says, "(so what are non-Wilfred and Michel folks doing?)"
[nobilis] Raul says (to Wilfred), "(this was from, mmm, last session. Several of us now have appropriate police force badges and forms and whatnot)"
Raul puts away his broom and goes to find Kori.
[peanut-gallery] LoneCleric asks, "I see a bunch of weird names. Are those RPG characters or newbies?"
[nobilis] Wilfred says, "oh, ah."
[peanut-gallery] inky says, "the former"
Franklin is sitting on a bench outside the dorm, wondering if things are uneventful enough for him to go back to the chancel and take a nap.
Kori is standing around outside nonchalantly some distance from Michel.
Chaz has connected.
Chaz walks the plank to adventure. Arr!
Chaz arrives, looking for booty.
[peanut-gallery] LoneCleric says, "Is it possible to identify those people? (i.e. Are Mis or jnc among them?)"
[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "chazzo"
[nobilis] Michel says, "yeah, and we'd like you to put us all together a wide selection of fake IDs sometime. particuarly police and secret service ones for all major countries"
[Crows-Nest] Chaz waves, dude.
[peanut-gallery] Sargent says, "fingering the character can tell you more in many cases"
[nobilis] Franklin says, "passports"
[nobilis] Wilfred says, "oy vey"
[Crows-Nest] Raul says, "hey Chaz"
[Crows-Nest] Franklin says (to kori), "michel just went back to the chancel"
[Crows-Nest] Wilfred says, "arr"
Wilfred goes to meet Michel, armed with recent research.
[Crows-Nest] Kori says, "well, some distance from where he used to be"
Raul asks, "So what now, do you think?"
[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "I'm around there too, so we're probably within sight distance of each other"
Raul says, "It seems like we'll have some time before our favorite satanist makes a move."
Kori keeps an eye on the windows of 302.
GM says, "it would seem like that, but in fact you don't -- there he is, sneaking around out from behind the dorm"
Franklin stands up.
Raul says, "I'm going to follow."
[nobilis] Raul says, "I'm going to do a ghost miracle to make it appear that the path of light bends around me instead of hitting me"
Michel strolls out of the library, six-legged with a small armoury under his wings
[nobilis] Franklin says, "whoa"
[nobilis] GM says, "hmm, interesting"
[nobilis] Michel says, "Raul the black hole"
[nobilis] GM says, "I think that won't be as effective as "real" invisibility but it'll help"
[nobilis] Franklin says, "it won't take much to fool this kid"
GM says, "he's glancing around nervously in all directions"
GM says, "apparently trying to decide if he should sneak or run"
Wilfred comes out of the library administration office and walks on out.
Kori blends in
Franklin says (to Raul), "<Remember, it's not this kid who you need to be careful of, it's whoever's manipulating him.>"
Raul says (to Franklin), "<Right. I'll keep my eyes open.>"
Kori says, "<Hmm, I'm not much on the aspect miracles... does someone else want to trail him?>"
Michel scuttle scuttle scuttle
Raul says (to Kori), "<I'm on it. Michel, care to join me?>"
Michel hops onto Raul's shoulder
Kori says, "<if you get in trouble, call>"
GM says, ""Oh man oh man ohman" says the kid"
Wilfred says, "<Well, here's the report.  It's not a specifically nobilis ritual, but requires a certain degree of magical ability.  Sound like your suspect?>"
GM says, ""Gotta stay calm, gotta stay calm""
Raul says (to Kori), "<Don't worry. You'll hear my shouting.>"
Franklin says, "<I have no hope of keeping up on foot. Maybe I should go back to the chancel for the time being?>"
Raul says (to Wilfred), "<I'm not sure our kid here has the ability to butter toast.>"
GM says, "he wipes his forehead and jogs on for a bit, then stops and looks around again"
Wilfred says, "<You want I should keep track of where his driver's licence goes?>"
Raul says (to Franklin), "<That seems reasonable. We'll keep everyone updated.>"
Michel says, "<I'm sure he spends more time working on his toast-buttering skills than, say, writing essays>"
Raul says (to Wilfred), "<That is an *excellent* idea.>"
Raul says, "<The rest of you might want to be ready to come running if necessary.>"
GM says, ""Ok, right," he says, and ducks into a nearby building"
Kori goes back to the chancel armory and looks around for some stun-equipment.
Raul follows along very cautiously, listening.
Michel says, "<Being communicated to? An anchor?>"
GM says, "you see him stepping into the bathroom"
Michel says, "<this is a job for MantisCam>"
Raul says, "<Wow, that's a frightening thought. If so, he might be able to notice us easily, assuming the Nobilis makes the effort.>"
Franklin grumps and follows, lagging a ways behind.
Michel hops off Raul's shoulder and into the bathroom
Wilfred goes to a campus map and divines a marker indicating the location of the suspect ... "<but before I do this, I need to know his name.>"
Raul says (to Wilfred), "<Darren Housm>"
GM says (to Michel), "you wriggle under the doorway, which has a relatively large gap"
[Crows-Nest] Franklin asks, "Housm?"
[Crows-Nest] Raul says, "Hey, it's in the transcript."
Michel chews on an antenna with a look of distaste.
GM says (to Michel), "he's alone in the bathroom, darting nervous glances at the door in between trying to bleach his hair in the sink"
[nobilis] Franklin asks, "what building is this?"
Michel scuttles under a stall door, to minimize chances of being stepped on
GM says, ""This is so not working," he says, staring a bit wildly at his reflection in the mirror"
Wilfred . o O ( better get a portable version ... I'll ask for a map of the campus at the student centre. )
[nobilis] (from Kori) GM says, "Chem lab."
[nobilis] GM says, "(it's one of the buildings classrooms)"
[nobilis] GM says, "er, with"
[nobilis] Franklin says, "hah"
GM says, ""Eeeagh! Bug!" he says, seeing Michel run across the floor"
Michel says, "<you know, he could just have a date, hard as that is to imagine>"
Raul says (to Michel), "<A date with Satan, sure.>"
Franklin looks at campus map, trying to find where everyone went.
Kori says, "<yeah, right.>"
Michel says, "<Satan'd be too classy for this guy>"
GM says, "he seems to be about to make a half-hearted effort to step on Michel, then goes back to his hair dying"
GM says, "Franklin starts walking towards the building"
GM says, "slowly but surely"
GM says (to Michel), "peeking out from the under the stall, you see he has his backpack on the floor next to him with a smaller bag beside it, and an envelope up on the counter next to him"
Michel says, "<Franklin? There's an envelope.>"
Franklin says, "<Oh? Hm.>"
Michel says, "<If you could open it, or just read the contents from where you are...>"
Franklin says, "<Tricky. Let's see.>"
Michel says, "<I could get into the backpack, but that might be tempting fate>"
[nobilis] Franklin says, "that's quite a trick, long distance without knowing where everything is in this bathroom"
Michel describes the vague location of the envelope
Franklin folds his map into an extremely sharp and pointy paper airplane.
[nobilis] Wilfred asks, "Um, can I make a tracking device using Darren's driver's licence and a campus map?"
[nobilis] Franklin asks (of GM), "what can I reasonably manage to do?"
Michel says, "<oh, what the hell>"
[nobilis] GM says (to Franklin), "hmm -- I guess it might be more difficult than usual, but a divination is only level 1 and you have a level 4 skill, so"
[nobilis] GM says (to Wilfred), "sure"
[nobilis] GM says (to Wilfred), "although you know he's here at the moment"
[nobilis] Franklin says (to GM), "okay then"
Michel waits until Darren's got his head in the sink, and scuttles up to the bags
Raul says (to Michel), "<If you're seen, just start talking to him in a deep voice and telling him it's okay, his dark master sent you.>"
[nobilis] Franklin asks, "so that's reading the contents long-distance?"
GM says (to Franklin), "it seems like -- hrm, a bit indistinct, something cardboard -- aha, a ticket"
Michel says, "<if this is a trap to catch some more nobilis, I will not be best pleased>"
Franklin says, "<It's a ticket in the envelope.>"
GM says (to Franklin), "and a note beside it -- let's see -- it says -- um,"
[nobilis] Wilfred says, "Okay, I'm homing in towards his building and being Unobtrusive outside."
Franklin says, "<And a note-->"
Michel says, "<TMBG, no doubt>"
Franklin stops walking for a moment to concentrate.
GM says, ""ALL IS DISCOVERED   THE CULT'S REIGN IS SHATTERED   WE WILL HAVE OUR VENGEANCE LATER   FLEE NOW""
[nobilis] Franklin asks, "what kind of ticket?"
Michel says, "<oh, crap, I am definitely not going into that backpack now, if he's going to some godawful gig>"
GM says, "it appears to be a greyhound ticket"
Michel says, "<well, that seems promising>"
[nobilis] Kori says, "I'm actually starting to feel pretty sorry for this idiot"
Franklin says, "<Greyhound ticket out of here. Note says, 'All is discovered, cult reign shattered, vengeance later, flee now.'>"
Michel says, "<since there's nothing to lose, we may as well nab him>"
Raul says, "<A *Greyhound* ticket? He's going upscale.>"
Franklin starts walking again, hurrying a bit more.
Wilfred says, "<wait, was this note mailed or hand-delivered?>"
Kori says, "<Greyhound is, I am quite sure, controlled by Dark Masters>"
GM says, "(there was no stamp on the envelope)"
Franklin says, "<They bought him a bus ticket?>"
Raul says (to Kori), "<Based on how uncomfortable their seats are, I have no problem believing that.>"
GM says, "Franklin arrives at the place eventually, just as Darren finishes dyeing his hair"
[nobilis] Michel says, "I am SO tempted to type :waits until the kid's got his head in the sink again, then becomes human, standing beside him, and waits there silently waiting for him to look up"
GM says, "Franklin starts fumbling around in the smaller bag and eventually comes up with a false moustache, which he puts on"
GM says, "(Er, Darren does)"
Raul says, "<I'm beginning to agree with Michel. If he's just getting out of town with no specific destination in mind other than what's on the ticket, we might as well start talking to him.>"
Franklin says, "<This kid seems to be so unimportant, I have to wonder why they are going to all of this trouble to yank his chain.>"
[nobilis] Wilfred says (to Michel), "I'd do that.  I've done similar."
[nobilis] Michel does.
[nobilis] Franklin says, "I have my own mustache!"
Wilfred says, "<what's the destination on the ticket?>"
GM says, "(Boise)"
Michel waits until the kid's got his head in the sink again, then becomes human, standing beside him, and waits there silently waiting for him to look up
[nobilis] Kori says, "now I REALLY feel sorry for him"
Franklin says, "<Boise.>"
Raul says, "<Boise! By Greyhound? This kid must have sold his soul on the cheap.>"
GM says, "The kid straightens up, checking his moustache in the mirror, sees Michel, says "aiegahagha!" and faints"
[nobilis] Wilfred asks, "Heh. Can I get to the front door of the building before the fun starts?"
[nobilis] GM says, "(you can get there about now, same as Franklin)"
Franklin says, "<Clearly nowhere important, but all of this will scare the kid away to Boise, never to return. So what use is that to whoever is behind this?>"
Michel says, "<Okay, let's take him to the chancel>"
Franklin says (to Michel), "<Oh, grab the poor fool and be done with it.>"
Michel executes a fireman's lift
Raul holds the door for Michel.
Wilfred prepares a tissue of lies to tell observers.
GM says, "some students glance at Michel a bit oddly as he walks along, but then turn away again, shrugging"
Michel asks, "Now, where can we find a library that also takes coma patients?"
Wilfred asks, "Medical library?"
Michel asks (of Franklin), "you couldn't make him look like a whole load of books, could you?"
Franklin says, "I don't think so. At best he'd be a fat-kid-shaped pile of paper."
Raul says (to Michel), "Let me take him. I'll ghost out again and head for the library."
Michel says, "one with inferior hygiene, too. does someone else want to carry him - ah, thank you Raul"
Franklin says, "Don't worry, it's nearly exams time, and students are jaded."
Wilfred asks, "Have you guys searched his apartment?"
Raul says, "Oof. He smells of chemicals."
Michel says, "yes"
Franklin just goes home via whatever library is closest.
GM says, "the patrons glance slightly oddly at the vague shimmering in the air as Raul goes in, but they shrug and turn away also"
Wilfred pauses to take the kid's backpack and follows.
GM says, "and eventually everyone is back at the chancel, staring at Darren's unconscious form"
GM says, "(ah, yes, and his bags)"
Franklin says, "(and the envelope)"
Kori . o O ( damn, should've just stolen his key )
[nobilis] Franklin asks, "I wonder what that key we duped goes to?"
Franklin asks, "Hmm. Has he fainted or is this some other kind of unconsciousness?"
Michel asks, "does anyone have any smelling salts?"
GM says, "(he's fainted)"
Raul says, "I'm surprised his hair doesn't wake him up."
Franklin slaps the kid's chubby face.
Franklin says, "Yoo-hoo! Mr. Sleepyhead."
Michel hands Franklin a towel to clean his slapping hand
Franklin says, "Thank you."
Raul murmurs, "We should let Franklin do all the talking. That'll scare him."
Michel makes coffee and smokes cigarettes
Franklin scowls at Raul.
Raul says, "being interrogated by his grandfather."
Michel blows smoke-rings at Darren
[Crows-Nest] Chaz says (to Raul), "Especially if he has unresolved issues with his grandfather."
GM says, "eventually Darren's eyes flutter open"
GM says, ""Oh, my hea-- aie!""
Franklin takes a cup of coffee and sits down.
GM says, ""Oh no oh no oh no""
[Crows-Nest] Wilfred says, "Hee ... what Michel did, scaring the kid ... I did that to a roommate once.  I've never seen some one jump straight up while in a reclining position before."
Michel asks (of Darren), "Coffee? Cigarette?"
Franklin asks, "Ticket to Boise?"
GM says, "His eyes dart around wildly. "I knew I shouldn't have got involved -- oh man -- yeah, coffee thanks -- I shouldn't have -- oh man""
[Crows-Nest] Michel asks, "You can turn into a mantis?"
[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "eeagh"
[Crows-Nest] Wilfred says, "No, but apparently I can walk into people's rooms without them noticing."
Michel says, "Indeed."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "that rules"
GM says, "uh"
[Crows-Nest] Raul says, "heh"
GM says, "he looks around, taking in the chancel"
Kori smiles at Darren in what doesn't quite turn out to be a reassuring manner.
Wilfred says (to Franklin), "read him his rights before you start."
GM says, ""Where *am* I?""
[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "john cleese had a funny story about doing that to michael palin once"
Michel says, "Never you mind."
Wilfred says (to Darren), "That's inconsequential."
GM says, ""Maybe I'm dead""
Kori says (to Darren), "Not yet."
GM says, ""You guys don't look like demons, though--""
GM says, ""Oh, good. I think.""
Michel shoots a disapproving look at Kori
Kori appears not to notice.
Raul stands quietly, sipping his coffee.
Wilfred asks, "Did you ... want ... to be dead?"
Michel nods slowly, holding the smoke in.
Franklin says, "I think we should get to the point. Although, I'm not sure what the point is, exactly."
GM says, ""Uh .. no, but, er -- I figured, ah""
GM says, ""Are you guys the avengers of light?""
Franklin says, "Listen, young man. You're --"
Wilfred sits at a convenient desk and pulls over a typewriter.
Franklin raises his eyebrows.
Michel says, "<now would be a good time for Penny to stroll in>"
Michel puts on an amused expression
Michel says, "We're not avengers of anything much"
Wilfred says (to Darren), "Avengers of Light?  Please explain."
GM says, ""...Oh.""
GM says, ""Rafe said the avengers of light were out to rip the secrets of our cult of darkness from its still-beating heart""
Wilfred says, "<Protocol, people. We're not the ones giving the answers here.>"
Kori says, "<Exactly my thought.>"
GM says, ""So I guess I assumed when I saw this note that -- uh.""
Michel says, "<the kid's scared, we don't want to go the whole interrogation vibe>"
Wilfred says, "Why don't you start from the beginning.  Leave nothing out.  It'll be needed for your report."
GM says, "Showing a very small amount of spirit, he says "And why *should* I?""
Michel looks Aspect-2 stern
[Crows-Nest] Franklin says (to michel), "woo"
Wilfred says (to Darren), "Because that's the way things are done around here."
GM says, ""Yow!""
GM says, ""ok ok I'll tell""
[Crows-Nest] Michel says, "bwahaha"
[Crows-Nest] Raul says, "We've captured Zippy the Pinhead."
GM says, ""Uh er um""
GM says, ""My name is Darren Housman""
[Crows-Nest] Michel says, "y'know, I think he may expect some demons or something"
Wilfred meanwhile fades into obscurity, except for the tap-tap-tapping on the typewriter.
[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "tell us about.. three rocks"
GM says, ""I'm, um, a student here -- or there, I guess -- at the university""
Michel says, "< we could rig up a really fake-ass evil ritual to make him feel at home>"
GM says, ""I guess you want to know about the Cult of Eternal Darkness and the Mysteries of Midnight""
Raul does not in any way laugh at the Mysteries of Midnight.
Kori says, "<you just want to muck around with fireworks and smelly candles>"
Michel says, "<and then have penny kick his ass, just to make him feel *really* at home>"
GM says, ""Uh .. (hopefully) unless this is about my student loans?""
[Crows-Nest] Kori says, "HA HA HA HA HA HA HA"
Franklin idly sails his paper airplane off down a corridor. It turns a corner and disappears.
GM says, ""Oh.""
Michel says (to Darren), "nah, for that they break your kneecaps first and ask questions later"
GM says, ""Well, um, I guess it was a couple months ago that I was inducted into the ancient mysteries""
Franklin says, "So tell us how you got involved with this crowd."
Kori says, "<that would be ancient as in 'made up the night before'>"
Franklin asks, "This Rafe fellow recruited you, perhaps?"
GM says, ""I was at a coffee-shop downtown""
Michel says, "good boy"
GM says, ""Yeah, Rafe! How'd you know?""
Franklin asks, "You were at a coffee-shop, and then what?"
GM says, ""Anyway, um, I saw him sitting there all the time in the corner, staring at the people""
Wilfred says, "It is our business to know things."
GM says, ""I thought he was pretty interesting""
GM says, ""But he didn't say anything""
GM says, "'Then one day I was walking home afterwards and suddenly he was there, grabbing my arm and pulling me into the alley""
Franklin refills his coffee.
[Crows-Nest] Michel says, "this sounds like a Penny novel"
GM says, ""'I can teach you the secrets of powers!' he said""
[Crows-Nest] Michel says, "s/powers/kilts"
GM says, ""I mean .. um .. I've always known there was something more out there than just what we see around us""
Franklin asks, "And you found this man trustworthy?"
GM says, ""This was my big opportunity to get involved!""
Michel (with infinite sarcasm) "mmmHMM."
Franklin says, "And your big opportunity to move to Boise, apparently."
GM says, ""Oh. Well.""
(From Wilfred) tap tap tap tap bing! tap tap tap....
GM says, ""So after that I started going to meetings -- first once a week and then more often""
Franklin says, "So then they had you reserve this room for the rituals."
GM says, ""All the other cultists were really nice to me -- they let me chant along with them and we studied the ancient mysteries together""
GM says, ""Yeah, Rafe said it was my big chance to be of service to the cult""
Michel says (to Darren), "your narrative style is less than compelling"
GM says, ""It was a Place of Power he said -- just like that""
Franklin asks, "What was the cult's mission?"
Raul says, "So you were the one who reserved Padelford Hall, Place of Power."
GM says (to Michel), ""Yeah, that's what my teachers said too""
GM says (to Michel), ""I may have to drop creative writing and just stick to litcrit""
GM says (to Raul), ""Yeah, Rafe said I should -- he gave me the dates and everything""
Michel says (to Darren), "oh, no, I'd stay out of that too"
GM says, ""And he gave me a bag of cash to pay with in advance""
Franklin catches his paper airplane, which just sailed in from the opposite direction.
Michel says, "<somewhere, an english professor is thanking me>"
GM says, ""Good thing, too, since I'd just maxed out my credit cards buying those They Might Be Giants tickets""
Raul says, "<Oho, a bag of cash. Wonder what Alex would make of that.>"
Franklin asks, "Where is Rafe now? When did you last see him?"
GM says, ""Uh .. mission? I guess, you know, to penetrate the eternal mysteries of the universe and stuff""
Michel says (to Franklin), "<too obvious>"
GM says, ""We were going to have this ceremony to draw up one of the powers of the universe and draw out her spirit and use it to unlock the gates of the dark lord -- I was all set, but then this kayaking trip came up and I had to miss the ceremony""
Franklin says, "<Bah. This will take all night.>"
GM says, ""And I'd reserved the room and everything!""
Michel says, "<FUCK>"
GM says, ""Rafe said there'd be other ceremonies just as good, but ..""
GM says, "He sighs"
GM says, ""And now the cult is broken and the avengers of light are probably going to kill me""
Michel says, "<OTHER CEREMONIES JUST AS GOOD?>"
Wilfred says (to Darren), "Don't be silly."
Franklin says, "<Unlock the gates of the dark lord? Harumph.>"
Michel says (to Darren), "we're trying to reform the cult. but to do that, we need to know where its founder is"
Wilfred says, "<Y'know.  I'm tempted to let him know just how close he got.>"
Michel says, "the reforming rituals are very long and complex, and if you could help us out we'd let you be the first skull-holder"
Franklin says, "<I think he's lucky Penny isn't here.>"
GM says, ""Uh .. you mean Rafe? I guess I haven't seen him since the day before the kayaking trip""
(From Wilfred) tap tap tap pause stare at Michel tap tap tap tap tap bing! tap tap tap tap....
Raul asks, "How did you find out that things had gone bad?"
GM says, ""Hey, a skull -- we only had one skull at the cult room, and I think it might havecome from a science lab""
GM says, ""We have a secret location for the receipt of messages -- it's pretty great, just like a spy movie""
Michel says, "the reforming ritual has *thirteen* skulls, and yours will be the most important"
GM says, ""I checked there when I came back from kayaking and found this note, before I went to my dorm room""
Wilfred says, "Skulls could be easily requisitioned, if you knew whom to ask and where to go."
Michel says, "Mmmm."
Kori says, "<people with heads, say.>"
Michel puff puff puff
Michel says, "So... I assume you're all very secretive. You probably don't know anything about Rafe at all"
GM says, ""Oh, no. .. well, I mean, except we used to have meetings in his basement""
GM says, ""But he was always in disguise""
Kori asks, "His own basement? He let you come to his house?"
Michel asks, "He was in disguise in a coffee shop?"
GM says (to Michel), ""Well, he *said* he was in disguise then. That his true form would not be visible to terrify the mortals, I mean.""
Michel says, "<snrk>"
Kori says (in a hushed voice), "*Oh*, I see."
GM says (to Kori), ""We couldn't find any other place to meet until I found out about being able to get Padelford""
Kori asks (of Darren), "But it wasn't a Place of Power, I'm guessing?  Just some house?"
GM says, ""We tried some of the churches in the area but they were usually busy on weekends with boy scout troops""
GM says, ""And Rafe thought that would be a bad idea anyway""
Michel says, "<hmm. rafe's house might be worth checking>"
Wilfred asks, "What was Rafe's address, incidentally?"
Michel says, "<Wilfred, here's a thought>"
Raul says, "Mmmhmm. The psychic energy from knot-tying merit badges can mess up even the most meticulously planned ceremony."
Wilfred says, "<look up the address?>"
GM says (to Kori), ""Well .. Rafe said we had to go to Padelford because it was a Place of Power, so I guess his house wasn't""
Michel says, "<if you can get that greyhound ticket's number, presumably you can find out if other tickets were bought at the same time and place?>"
Michel says, "<or if they were bought with a card, say>"
Wilfred says, "<Oh, good one.>"
Wilfred gets up from the desk and the typewriter. (the typewriter goes on typing up the transcript anyway).
Michel says, "<but the next step is going to that house>"
GM says, ""He's over on Mercer Island -- 2737 78th Ave., S.E""
Kori says, "<man, this guy's got a good memory>"
Raul watches to make sure he's not consciously lying.
[nobilis] GM says, "hee hee"
Wilfred checks up Greyhound Ticket Sales.
GM says, "(it doesn't look like he's been lying at all, although he's definitely nervous so it's hard to say for sure)"
Michel says, "<shall a couple of us check it out and a couple keep talking to this prat?>"
[Crows-Nest] Chaz asks (of inky), "Is that a real place?"
Raul says (to Kori), "<Clearly being frightened into fainting by a transforming mantis is good for memory. We should offer our services to others.>"
Raul says (to Michel), "<Good idea.>"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "(yes, although just the first mercer island address I could dig up)"
Kori heads off to try out the Mercer Island branch of the King County library system
Michel says, "<I personally want to spend as little time with bad students as possible>"
Michel looks pointedly at Kori's retreating back
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "it is apparently the mercer island republican district office"
Raul says, "<I'm willing to go investigate, since I haven't been saying much to the kid.>"
[Crows-Nest] Raul exclaims, "Ha!"
[Crows-Nest] Kori says, "excellent"
[Crows-Nest] Chaz says, "Now you have to incorporate that into the plot."
[Crows-Nest] Michel says, "vote democrat or satan wins"
Raul says (to Franklin), "<Are you interested in coming along, or do you want to offer the kid a hot meal?>"
Wilfred says, "<I'll look up records around here.  Keep the tele-link open.>"
GM says (to Wilfred), "it appears six tickets to various areas near but not in seattle -- portland, eugene, spokane, boise -- were bought all on the same card, charged to one R. Hagen"
Wilfred says, "<R. Hagen.  I'm guessing that's our "Rafe".>"
GM says, ""Uh .. so what are you guys going to do to me?""
Wilfred says (to Darren), "Tell us about the other participants in the cult."
Raul follows after Kori.
Raul says (to Michel), "<And do remember your weaponry this time.>"
Michel says, "<get that card's details. we need every bank account he's owned and everything he's ever paid for on it>"
GM says, ""Well, we weren't really supposed to talk to each other about the rest of our lives -- it disrupts the fabric of the darkness of time, Rafe said -- but sometimes we'd chat when Rafe was late""
Kori emerges on Mercer Island and has a look around for 78th.
Wilfred pulls up information from the card.  Also, checks police files for R Hagen, Rafe Hagen, Raphael Hagen.  And police files for the address.
Raul asks (of Kori), "Do you have at least a stun gun?"
GM says, ""There was Floyd -- I think he was a mover. And Max ran a lighting store.""
Kori says (to Raul), "Yes."
GM says, ""Then there were the enforcers.""
Kori says, "Three."
Raul says, "Good."
GM says, ""I don't know who they were -- they didn't really come to the meetings with us very often except the big ones.""
GM says, ""I think they may have been some gang members Rafe picked up someplace. They weren't devoted to the pure pursuit of wisdom like we were""
Michel says, "<aha>"
Wilfred finds it a little amusing that a *lighting* store manager would be in a cult of *darkness*.
Kori says (to Wilfred), "<Hey, good for business>"
Michel says, "<aaaleeeexaaandraaa, you may want to enter the queue to kick this guy in the nads, right after penny>"
GM says (to Wilfred), "it looks like this has been mostly unused -- but you see some demolitions equipment from a construction company; some miscellaneous paint and brushes and so on; some car rentals; a medical-supply-store rental of some kind; some chemical-store purchases"
Raul says, "This should be interesting. I wonder if Rafe is Excrucian or Nobilis."
GM says (to Wilfred), "also a few charges to things that turn out to be incense stores, candles, other new-age type stuff"
GM says, "the police files, however, are empty"
Wilfred checks hospital records.
Michel says, "<okay, next logical step: find out where that account was opened from>"
Michel asks (of Darren), "Cigarette? More coffee?"
GM says, "ditto those, save getting wisdom teeth out and braces in at various points in his life"
Wilfred asks (of GM), "Birth cert?"
Michel says, "<photos might be nice, too. if he's got a driving license...>"
Franklin says (to Raul), "<Oh, I'll stay here and babysit.>"
Wilfred says (to GM), "And what Michel said ... where account was opened from."
Michel says (to Raul), "<I'm guessing anchor>"
GM says, "Ah, here we are -- RUDOLPH DAVID HAGEN, 37 years old, born in Minnesota"
GM says, "the credit card is a normal visa account through his bank"
Michel can take this no more, and heads out of chancel
GM says, "the driver's license shows a pretty normal-looking man, darkish eyes, sharpish chin"
Kori arrives where the address should be, and looks around.
Michel says, "<oh, the plate might be useful too.>"
Michel says, "<if he's got a car, we can find him>"
GM says, "(ok, you get that)"
GM says, "meanwhile, folks arrive at mercer island"
GM says, "it's a pretty typical mercer island neighborhood, so a somewhat wealthy suburb"
Michel says, "<it'd probably be too much to get that plate crossreferenced with cctv records>"
GM says, "the houses are spacious and have large fenced-off backyards, and this one is no exception"
Wilfred pulls out the transcript once it's done typing and has Darren sign it.
GM says, "many of them have little pillars in front"
Raul is wearing a generic set of workers' clothes. Brown cap, brown button-up shirt, and jeans.
Michel says, "<don't let him read the books or talk to anybody>"
Michel is wearing what he always wears
Raul says (to Michel), "You really should get into the spirit of the thing more often."
Raul says, "Though you'll probably just change into a mantis, so."
Wilfred says, "<I'll just lock him in my office.>"
Michel says (to Raul), "I like this coat."
Michel brushes a bit of red dust from the lapels.
GM says, "Darren signs, rather nervously (or perhaps he's always that sloppy)"
Wilfred says (to Darren), "Well, I think we're done ... for now.  We may have further need of your co-operation, but in the meantime, please follow me."
Raul wanders up to the front door and presses the doorbell.
Michel says, "<right, if he's running away he might drive too fast... numberplate against recent traffic violations...?>"
Michel says, "<running out of ideas here>"
Raul asks, "Hello?"
Kori hangs back and looks disassociated from Raul.
Michel flicks a cigarette butt onto the lawn.
GM says, ""Ah .. ok ..""
GM says, "There's no answer"
GM says, "although you hear the doorbell ding-dong-ding-dong in a rather impressive set of chimes"
Raul exclaims, "Hi? I was wondering if I could interest you in some Amway products!"
Wilfred leads Darren through the twisty stacks to his office ... directs Darren to sit down at the window ... seals off the important documents behind a barrier of red tape, then leaves and locks the door behind him.
Michel says, "mumble mutter bourgeois grumble"
GM says (to Raul), "now up on the porch, you see there's a small pile of newspapers off to the side"
Raul idly moves the newspapers with his foot, checking for the oldest date.
GM says, "Darren says "Uh .. you're not going to leave me here, right? Right?""
Michel says (to Raul), "If you don't buy our products, we'll pick your lock and ransack your house for evidence of satanists? Hello? Nobody in? Oh well then"
Wilfred tries to divine the location of Rudolph David Hagen's driving licence.
GM says, "It looks like they're from the last few days"
Franklin remains vigilant at the chancel, convinced the kid will somehow stir some kind of trouble, despite appearances.
GM asks (of Wilfred), "it appears to be -- nowhere?"
Raul returns to the others. "No answer, and there's a pile of newspapers on the porch from the last few days. Let's see how clean his backyard and back entrance are."
Wilfred says, "(calling through the door) I'll be right back.  Enjoy the view ... you don't get that sort of view this time of the millennium."
Kori says (to Raul), "Right."
Kori heads around back.
Wilfred tries to divine the location of Rudolph David Hagen's social security card.
GM says, "you walk through a bushes-lined passage to the back fence, which is unlocked"
GM says, "his backyard has a rockery, some small shrubs, and a patch of grass"
[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "mm, rockery"
[Crows-Nest] Chaz says, "That must be where the republicans are."
GM says, "also what looks like a bomb shelter, which seems somewhat out of place here"
[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "there's a word I don't hear often"
Kori tries the door of the bomb shelter
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "I have a rockery at my house"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "well"
[Crows-Nest] Raul says, "I had a rookery, but now nevermore."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "I suppose since it's outside my house it is the condo's, not mine"
GM says, "it creaks open, revealing stairs leading down"
GM says, "it might be more of a storm shelter, really"
[Crows-Nest] Michel says, "yes, and satanists put it there no doubt"
Kori says, "mm, BOMB basement."
GM says, "but there's not much of a need for storm shelters out here."
Kori heads carefully down the stairs.
Franklin says, "<Give it the sight, I say.>"
Raul goes with Kori.
Kori looks around in mythic.
GM says, "(and his social security card and other paraphernalia are also not to be found)"
Michel runs a hand idly across a large tommygun, and follows
GM says, "in the mythic world the walls drip with blood"
Kori says, "<EEAGH>"
Michel says, "mmm, charming"
GM says, "in the normal world, only dust"
Franklin says, "<Eeeagh indeed.>"
Kori proceeds, but considerably more slowly.
Michel says, "I think a sample of this dust might tell us something"
GM says, "there are obvious signs that people have been here frequently -- candles, circles scribed on the floor, the faint scent of incense, burnt-out matches"
GM says, "and a small ikea bookshelf holds various books"
Raul riffles through the books.
[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "ikea, heh"
GM says (to Raul), "they seem like the book you guys got from the UW library, only even crazier and with less useful content"
[Crows-Nest] Raul says, "It's the little touches that give it a lived-in feel."
[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "hee hee"
Michel scrapes some dust into his palm and sniffs at it
Kori asks (of candles), "What have you been up to here?"
Raul asks, "Geez, are all these writers certifiably insane?"
GM says, "(it's just dust -- the taint is purely spiritual)"
[nobilis] Michel says, "yeah, but I like dust"
GM says, ""We serve in the ceremonies," intone the candles, "We burn for the rituals""
Kori says, "<I don't like this.>"
Michel says, "this is all incredibly dull"
Kori asks (of candles), "what sort of rituals?"
Raul says, "<Ask what kind of rituals, and how many. They may have been doing nobilis-snatching for a while.>"
GM says, "but one book is of note -- "A History of the Cult of Eternal Darkness, Mysteries of Midnight, Demons of Darkness, and Blood of the Night""
Raul says, "Hey, this one looks like what Darren was going on about."
Michel says, "<Oh, death certificates.>"
GM says, ""We burn for knowledge ... we burn for wisdom ... we burn for night .. we burn for blood""
GM says, ""We seek to understand; we seek to control""
Wilfred goes back to his office.
Michel says, "<His boss might have got rid of him, to cut off the leads>"
Kori says, "<I don't think they've got much of real use to give us here.>"
Kori asks (of candles), "how many times?"
Raul takes the book. "I'm going to check his house."
Raul says, "<Maybe the real Rafe died a while ago.>"
[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "these candles are creepy"
Michel idly stomps on a candle
GM says, ""Blasphemer! You will pay for -- crunch""
Kori says, "<GEE, THAT'LL HELP>"
Michel says, "<oh, as if they know anything useful>"
Kori asks (of candles), "how many times?"
Michel says, "<I just hate it when inanimate objects give themselves airs>"
Raul reaches the rockery and blinks in the sunlight.
Wilfred says (to Darren), "Now, I hope you don't mind waiting.  I have a lot of work to do ... and the sooner it gets done, the sooner this will all be over."
GM says, ""We are not the first who have burned; many of our brothers burn for many hours in pursuit of knowledge""
Kori says, "<since you prefer to reserve that right for yourself>"
Wilfred checks up on the other 5 greyhound tickets.
Kori says (to Raul), "<search the house, too?>"
Michel smirks
GM says, ""By our light they study and draw the runes and plan""
Raul says (to Kori), "<Yeah.>"
Michel says, "<I give myself nothing>"
Kori says (to candles), "ah, planning"
Raul tucks his clipboard under his arm and checks the back door.
Wilfred asks (of Darren), "By the way ... how many of you were there altogether, including Rafe?"
Kori says (to Michel), "<Your favorite!>"
GM says (to Wilfred), "well, one is for a Floyd Murgatroyd"
Franklin says (to Raul), "<Careful. We've seen one booby-trapped door already.>"
Kori asks (of candles), "have any other powers come through here?"
Michel realises he's alone with Kori, and hastily makes his way up the stairs
Kori asks (of candles), "summoned?"
GM says, ""Ah .. perhaps nine of us, and then a half-dozen enforcers, I think. We were very select.""
[Crows-Nest] Kori says, "hey, we had the candles"
Raul pauses at the door and checks for wires or sensors or the humming of an alarm circuit.
GM says (to Raul), "odd. it's unlocked."
[Crows-Nest] Michel asks, "also, my favourite what?"
[Crows-Nest] Raul says, "And spirit-blood walls. Very Nobilis romantic."
Raul says, "<Who leaves their back door unlocked in the big city?>"
[Crows-Nest] Kori | Michel says, "<I give myself nothing>"
Raul opens the door.
GM says (to Kori), ""This is not a place of power, they said -- they made plans to go elsewhere -- some of my brothers were chosen, but not I""
GM says (to Raul), "a bit dusty in here, too"
Michel says, "<mmm, just had a nasty thought>"
GM says, "and dark, but presumably there are lightswitches"
Michel says, "<dust -> entropy>"
Franklin says, "<I can't help thinking this is all -- hrm.>"
Raul turns on the lights.
Kori says, "<I'm guessing they hadn't tried anyone before Penny, then.>"
Kori says (to candles), "thank you."
Kori goes out to join Raul.
Michel says (to Kori), "You thanked. The candles."
[Crows-Nest] Franklin laughs
GM says, "hey, track lighting"
Kori says (to Michel), "I am courteous to every-- well.  Almost everyone."
GM says, "also a fancy chandelier in the dining room here"
Michel addresses his latest cigarette. "Thank you, Mr. Blondes unfiltered."
Kori asks (of cigarettes), "Lung cancer.  Three months.  You with me?"
Michel says (to Kori), "watch it, or I'll conspire with your sushi to give you salmonella"
Franklin paces around the chancel with a sour, suspicious, "It's quiet... TOO quiet" look on his face.
Michel follows Raul
GM says, "elsewhere in the house is also deserted"
Raul says, "Children, please. We're investigating the dusty home of a supposed Satanist. Show some respect."
GM says, "the front door has had a few days' worth of mail pushed through the slot and now piled up sadly on the floor"
Kori picks up the mail and riffles through it.
Michel ruffles through the mail
Michel bashes his head against Kori's
Kori already has the mail.
Michel says, "Ow."
Kori says (to Michel), "I'm surprised your skull is thin enough for you to feel any pain."
Raul looks for a desk or papers.
GM says (to Franklin), "well, I wouldn't quite go that far -- but there is a monk approaching you"
Michel says (to Kori), "Only if it comes into contact with extremely dense objects."
GM says, ""Sir? Bart requests your attendenace in his office.""
[nobilis] Kori asks, "anything of interest in the mail?"
Franklin says, "He does? Harumph. Very well then."
GM says (to Wilfred), "a similar messenger comes for you"
GM says, "(the mail seems mostly bills and credit-card advertisements)"
GM says, "no desk in here, but then -- ah, here we go"
Michel says, "Dear god. He has enough free AOL hours to last him into the next century."
Kori tosses Michel a couple of offers for high-interest credit cards.  "Here, buy yourself something nice."
Kori says, "Charm school, say."
Kori stretches, looking around.
GM says, "perhaps you're sensitized to this after being down in the basement there, but the hair on the back of your neck tingles a bit as you step into this side room"
Kori says, "<I wonder whether one of those greyhound tickets was for himself?>"
GM says, "(none under his name, anyway)"
Raul flips to mystic sight.
GM says, "the room has been cleared of furniture, although presumably at one time it was a study or something"
Kori follows Raul in.
Michel allows them to bounce off him. "If that's where you picked up your party-girl extroversion, I'll pass."
GM says, "there is a large circle scribed onto the floor, a dull red-brown in color, and burnt-out calendars mark the points around the edge"
Kori has already left the room, so Michel's comment echoes in the silence.
GM says (to Franklin,Wilfred), "Bart is looking at you across his desk, frowning"
Franklin frowns right back.
GM says (to Franklin), ""Something has come up that I think you should investigate""
Franklin asks, "That you think?"
Michel never looks at or listens to Kori while speaking to her anyway, so it makes little difference
GM says, "He claps his hands, and a monk comes in with a book. "Theodore was doing research in one of the lesser-visited corners of the library and found this.""
Raul says, "I swear, I should have the two of you sitting in opposite corners with your own cans of Play-Doh."
GM says, "Bart gestures, and Theodore hands you the book"
Michel wanders in. "Calendars? Oh, the originality"
Kori looks at the circle thoughtfully.
[Crows-Nest] Wilfred says, "(sorry, brief break ... one moment....)"
Franklin regards it carefully.
GM says, "(er, calendars? candles.)"
GM says (to Franklin), "you open it up and .. it's blank."
GM says, "every page"
Raul asks (of GM), "Anything in mystic vision?"
Franklin says (to Bart), "What's this? It's blank."
Michel says, "<not guilty>"
GM says (to Franklin), ""And a whole shelf just like it," Bart says."
Franklin says, "What!"
GM says (to Franklin), ""Something is attacking the library.""
Franklin asks (of book), "Where did your writing go?"
GM says, "back at mercer island, you don't see anything in normal vision, but shifting to mythic points out something else"
Wilfred asks (of Bart), "What section was it in?"
Wilfred says (to Bart), "And are you sure it wasn't merely Michel's little hidey-hole."
GM says, "in the corner of the room, a small form carelessly tossed away -- a rabbit, perhaps -- throat cut open"
Franklin says (to Wilfred), "We should go there immediately."
GM says, "the book is silent."
Raul says, "Blrf."
Wilfred says (to Franklin), "Sounds right."
Michel says, "<remind you of anyone?>"
Michel says, "<Knight, for instance?>"
GM says, "the aura of the room seems to darken, slightly, or perhaps it's just your imagination"
Raul goes to that corner.
Wilfred says (to Bart), "I expect a full report of the incident.  And, er, (glancing in Darren's direction) keep it confidential."
GM says, "and on these notes I think we end here for the week"
Franklin says, "brr"
Michel says, "dunh dunh DUUUNH"
Franklin says, "I KNEW something would happen to the chancel! but erasing books, that's just cruel"
[nobilis] GM says, "thanks for making it early today -- next week is back at the usual time"
[Crows-Nest] Wilfred wraps the library up in red plastic tape.  Let's see any attack get through THAT!
[Crows-Nest] Michel asks, "also, I want the green playdoh. how come kori always gets the green playdoh?"
[nobilis] Franklin says, "okey doke"