Gaston says, "'allo."

Michel arrives, looking for booty.

Michel nods randomly

Gaston asks, "And with what are you agreeing so stochastically?"

Kori has connected.

Wilfred says (to Gaston), "the Republican vote, I think."

Michel says (to Gaston), "The fact that you exist. Consider yourself priveleged."

Gaston says (to Michel), "I have done for some time."

Michel says (to Gaston), "It's the only way."

Franklin draws a card from the sorte deck. What the heck kind of card *is* that?

GM says, "right then"

Franklin folds up his newspaper and looks alert.

GM says, "so last time we left some of the group in mid-interlude, while the others had been hanging around the chancel and/or gossipping with other nobilis"

[interludes] GM says, "you guys, as you recall, were busy falling"

[interludes] Raul asks, "how could I forget?"

[interludes] Wilfred asks (of GM), "as in, Raul can't jump that far with his eyes closed?"

Gaston says, "I will be happy to pursue further gossipping opportunities."

[interludes] GM says, "just that he's been struck blind mid-jump"

[interludes] Wilfred exclaims, "I lasso a rocky outcropping with a length of red tape!"

[nobilis] Gaston says, "I assume there's #interlude stuff going on right now --"

Raul says, "<can't see no paths can't see no paths>"

Franklin has been supervising the clean-up on the library stacks, assessing what volumes were destroyed and what others were damaged but can be repaired or restored.

[interludes] GM says (to Wilfred), "excellent"

Gaston says (to Raul), "<Are you in trouble? Should we summon you?>"

Penny has been randomly flitting back and forth and surreptitiously purchasing stocks to replace missing stuff

Michel says, "hmm. reality is particuarly erratic tonight"

[interludes] GM says, "Your tape whips out of nowhere and wraps around a convenient outcropping, bringing your fall to a halt just below the ledge"

[interludes] GM asks (of Michel), "meanwhile, were you still leaping for the guy?"

[interludes] GM says, "(who is, you recall, on bird-back)"

[interludes] Michel says, "using mantis legs to kick off, then transforming midway and riding inertia, yeah"

[interludes] Michel says, "(I am such a fucking munchkin)"

[interludes] Wilfred breathes a sigh of relief and slides down the rest of the way to the ledge ... releasing red tape because, as we all know, red tape cannot be cut.

[interludes] Raul feels the ledge and holds on tight.

[Crows-Nest] Penny asks (of raul), "you have flight, don't you?"

[interludes] GM says (to Michel), "you manage to just grab hold of one of the bird's claws"

[interludes] Michel says, "<I can preserve emptiness beneath you guys to give you a cushion if you want>"

Raul says, "<Okay, I'll be okay. I'm okay.>"

[Crows-Nest] Raul says, "I don't."

[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "hunh"

Michel says, "<Eeagh! Giant bird!>"

[interludes] GM says, "causing it to dive downards, the guy on its back cursing all the way"

[interludes] Michel asks, "if I burn an AMP, can I claw up to its back?"

[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "oh well"

Franklin says, "I am still concerned -- not just that the chancel was attacked in general, but concerned at how it was attacked so specifically, by a creature that liked to lick the ink right out of books."

[interludes] Raul asks, "Can I tell what's going on by sound? Locate people, that sort of thing?"

[interludes] GM says, "being aspect 3 I assume you can get a reasonable idea of your surroundings, yeah"

[interludes] GM says (to Michel), "go for it"

[interludes] Wilfred says (to Raul), "<This time I think you should hold on to me....>"

Gaston says, "Well, we are not exactly secret."

Penny says, "well, it was deliberate"

Franklin says, "I'm not sure who'd even know something like that could be be summoned into existence. But they knew, and then they managed to get it in here."

Penny says, "and someone wanted to attack us, so"

[interludes] Raul says (to Wilfred), "<Yes. I was disoriented -- still am -- but I think I can function okay.>"

[interludes] Wilfred says, "<seeing as how the red tape lasso worked so well the last time, let's try this again....>"

Gaston asks, "Earlier I wrote a little defence plan for the chancel. Would you care to take a look?"

Franklin says, "Of course it was deliberate, that's what I find so disagreeable about the business. It was dead blatant."

[interludes] Wilfred swings red tape at Rafe(?).

[interludes] Raul turns his head to follow the descent of the bird, sightless eyes blinking.

Franklin says, "I'd love to take a look."

[interludes] Michel burns an AMP, hauls himself onto a more secure position. Tearing out as many feathers as he can.

[interludes] Wilfred says, "(I feel like a Chinese fighting fantasy movie hero(ine).)"

Gaston says, "It involves armed monks on little buggies, strong barriers which can be closed in emergencies, and an alarm system."

Franklin asks, "Little buggies?"

[interludes] GM says, "The bird squawks and shrieks and dives -- Rafe sees you coming and kicks at you"

Penny says, "go-karts"

[interludes] Michel grabs Rafe's leg and breaks it.

Penny says, "or golf-carts, if you really want"

Franklin looks puzzled, but not negative.

[interludes] Michel says, "(if I can)"

Gaston says, "I have not yet finished the design. They must be small and nimble to zip between the stacks."

Franklin says, "I see."

[interludes] GM says, "he's doing an aspect-2 kick, so I think you'll need a 3 to grab it and a 4 to break it"

Franklin asks, "The barriers and the alarm system are good ideas. What type of alarm system?"

[interludes] GM says, "(or a 2 to block it)"

[interludes] Michel says, "someone punches you, he has given you his arm to break. someone kicks you, he has given you his groin to elbow..."

[interludes] Michel says, "okay, 4 to break"

Kori has disconnected.

Kori has connected.

Gaston says, "I was thinking of something very loud, activated by buttons at various points."

Franklin says, "Good, good."

[interludes] Raul says, "<How close is the bird? I think I can still fight, just not very well. And I'm cut off from the paths.>"

Michel says, "<CRACKING KNEECAPS>"

[interludes] GM says, "You grab onto his leg and bend -- there's a snapping sound and he cries out"

Gaston says (to Michel), "<One of ours, or one of theirs?>"

Franklin says, "It should have multiple redundant circuits, so it can't be easily sabotaged."

[interludes] Wilfred says (to Raul), "<red tape measurement says....(xxx)>"

Michel says, "<would I have sounded so jubilant if it was mine?>"

Michel says, "<Don't answer that.>"

Wilfred says, "<It'll all be in my subsequent report.>"

[interludes] Raul yells at the crack, "Don't kill him!"

Franklin asks, "What will the barriers be made of?"

[interludes] GM says, "Meanwhile, Wilfred's tape settles onto the bird -- yanking it to a halt and halfway pulling Wilfred off the cliff"

[interludes] GM says, "(were it not for the other loop of red tape attached to him)"

[interludes] Wilfred says, "<yiii!>"

[interludes] Michel says, "<do you guys need some preserved emptiness beneath you?>"

Gaston asks, "Strong metal?"

[interludes] GM says (to Michel), "I think you might want to look for that yourself too -- the two of you are tumbling off the bird"

[interludes] Wilfred says (to Michel), "<We have a ledge and an endless supply of red tape. Don't worry about us.>"

Gaston says, "I don't think we can cover all the entrances, is the problem."

[interludes] Raul says, "<I felt that jolt. Did you get Rafe, Wilfred?>"

[interludes] Wilfred asks (of GM), "How swiftly can I make a tape net?"

[interludes] Michel says (to GM), "okaaay, preservation of emptiness just beneath us"

[interludes] Wilfred says (to Raul), "<Not quite ... but his bird isn't getting anywhere.>"

Franklin says, "No, we can't. Also, we need to have the ability to evacuate, should it come to that, knock on wood."

Franklin raps on a desk.

[interludes] GM says (to Wilfred), "reasonably swiftly with a creation, I think"

[interludes] GM asks (of Michel), "are you adding any penetration for his auctoritas?"

Gaston asks, "So, if we can't stop people coming in, and we don't want to stop ourselves from getting out...?"

Gaston says, "Perhaps the barriers could seal off any section of the library."

Franklin says, "What I don't like is that none of these precautions -- sound though they are -- would have done any good against that magical ink dragon."

Gaston says, "But I don't think that would have stopped the ink dragon."

[interludes] Wilfred says (to Michel), "<Let him fall ... I'll catch him.>"

Franklin says, "Internal bulkheads, that might be useful."

[nobilis] Gaston says, "(It was inky's suggestion to use technology rather than magic, since that's a strength of our chancel.)"

[interludes] Michel says, "His? Hell, if he falls to his death it's his lookout- he's got auctoritas, he can deal with the drop with his own powers"

[interludes] Raul says (to Michel), "though I want to know how he blinded me, since that keeps me from doing anything with paths."

[interludes] Wilfred creates a net of red tape floating under the Rafe ... if he falls ... instant Rafe-in-a-sack.

Franklin says, "There is probably a way to construct effective defenses with what we have, but it's hard to predict how exactly we'll be attacked next."

Gaston says, "Hmm. The monks claim their technology is some decades ahead of that we are used to. Perhaps we can design something more challenging for them."

[interludes] Michel says, "look, if you were a power of any significance you'd be able to cope with a death-dealing fall. I mean, it'd only hurt you a little bit, and you'd walk away from it. He'll be fine."

[interludes] GM says, "ok then -- Michel slows as the air thickens; Rafe keeps going (and sliding through the tape, too)"

[interludes] Wilfred asks, "*through* the tape!?"

[interludes] Michel says, "Though if it's a preservation, I can cope with 2 free penetration... enh"

[interludes] Raul says (to Michel), "in that case I'm worried about the 'walking away' bit"

Franklin says, "We can perhaps assume any new attack will be just as tailor-made for our realm here as the last one."

[interludes] Michel says (to Raul), "he'll walk away whether I stop him or not"

[interludes] Wilfred says, "Bloody anarchists, always slipping through the red tape...."

[interludes] GM says (to Michel), "incidentally, from up here you see the small camp you guys saw on the ground level -- with a few lights starting to filter out from it"

Franklin paces grumpily around the room, rubbing his forehead.

[interludes] Michel asks (of GM), "you mean they're turning out the lights, or I can see individual ones?"

Gaston asks, "Some kind of aggressive paper, then?"

Franklin asks, "Was anyone actually in Lo's chancel when it was relocated?"

Gaston says, "Lo's sibling Nobles, I assume."

[interludes] GM says, "meaning it looks like some people carrying lights are going out of the structuring"

[interludes] GM says, "(er, structure)"

Franklin says, "I'm sort of already expecting a direct attack on my own domain to appear. It's the anxious anticipation that's killing me at the moment."

[interludes] Michel says, "<okay, lights are moving, people. I'm guessing Rafe's got a general mobilisation order out>"

[interludes] Raul keeps holding on to Wilfred, trusting in the eternal power of red tape.

Franklin says, "I'm just wondering about the potential for this chancel to be ripped from its moorings all of a sudden, while we're sitting around in it wondering what to do next."

[interludes] GM says, "(and Rafe drops away into the darkness)"

Kori says, "We can't worry about every kind of thing at once, though"

[interludes] Michel lights a cigarette and stands idly on thin air

[interludes] Wilfred says, "<I'm going to have to let go of one of these two tapes ... there's only so much stretch-racking a guy can take.>"

[interludes] GM asks (of Michel), "so now what?"

[interludes] Raul says, "<I need Rafe.>"

[interludes] Michel asks (of Wilfred), "need some help?"

Kori says, "Well. Maybe you can. It gives *me* a headache."

Gaston says, "A defence involving paper sounds interesting."

Franklin says, "I don't get the sense from the little reports sent by Raul, Michel and Wilfred that it remained happily populated afterwards."

[interludes] Wilfred lets go of the bird tape.

Kori says, "papier-mache your victims into immovable statues."

[interludes] Wilfred says, "<oof. I'm fine.>"

Gaston says, "We could have large paper planes for transportation."

Franklin stops pacing and sighs.

[interludes] Michel asks, "can I still see Rafe?"

Franklin says (to Kori), "It gives me a headache, too."

[interludes] Michel says, "mmm, actually, no."

Raul says, "<Hey, chancel folks. I think I need some research.>"

Franklin sits down and tries to unfurrow his brows.

Penny says, "<what on?>"

Kori says (to Raul), "<Good, something specific to do...>"

Franklin says (to Raul), "<That'd be a relief.>"

Raul says, "<Rafe said to me, 'You're blind!' And suddenly I was.>"

[interludes] Michel asks, "would it be a blatant abuse to move where the pres. of emptiness is?"

Penny says, "hmm"

Raul says, "<I'd very much like not to be.>"

Kori says, "<eek.>"

Penny says, "<we'll see what we can do>"

Michel says, "<actually, it was 'Raul, you can't see anything'>"

Franklin says, "<Gracious.>"

[interludes] GM says, "hmm, so you could walk across it back to the cliff? I guess that'd be fine if you move slowly"

Kori asks, "So what would that be under? Blindness? Or Telling People Things That Then Come True?"

Raul says, "<So it was, thanks.>"

Penny goes off to look up the latter of Kori's suggestions

Kori says, "'Cause I'm guessing the latter would be harder."

[interludes] Michel says, "nah, I was wanting to head downwards after Rafe"

Raul says, "<I'm wondering if this is some spell--Rafe seems fond of them.>"

[interludes] GM says, "yeah, that'd be ok too"

Michel says, "<I'd imagine the second.>"

[interludes] GM says, "(but again, probably slowly)"

[interludes] Wilfred says (to Michel), "You remind me of a certain comic book hero ... who was it..."

Kori looks up blindness spells.

[interludes] Wilfred says (to Michel), "Oh yeah. The Invisible Girl."

[interludes] Michel says, "right, I'll do that."

Franklin says, "<He simply pronounced you blind, and you were? Hrmph.>"

Gaston says, "<Jack is the power of Darkness, isn't he?>"

[interludes] GM asks, "ok, Michel's dropping -- are the other two of you hanging out on the ledge, or?"

[interludes] Raul says (to Wilfred), "I'd like to head down, assuming that was Rafe's direction."

Gaston says, "<Does anyone else think Rafe might in fact be Jack?>"

Kori . o O ( I had a professor who was always going on about Speech Acts, but I bet this isn't what he meant. )

[interludes] Michel says (to Wilfred), "you'll be the Hollow Man if you don't watch out. Heads full of straw..."

Franklin says, "<Wouldn't something like that need to -- what about Raul's auctoritas?>"

Gaston says, "<Unless I have my Nobles confused again.>"

[interludes] Wilfred says, "Heh"

Franklin says (to Gaston), "<Oh, is he? Ah, hm.>"

[interludes] Wilfred lets the tape reel out until they're back on the ground.

Michel says, "<speech acts are pointless sophistry>"

[nobilis] Gaston asks, "Hey, that's a good question -- doesn't auctoritas protect against outright offensive miracles?"

[nobilis] inky says, "yes"

[nobilis] Penny says, "enough penetration, and that makes no different"

[nobilis] GM says, "(er, window)"

[nobilis] Penny says, "er, -ence"

[nobilis] Gaston says, "Ah. So maybe he had to spend points to do it, which might explain why he didn't take out the others too."

Franklin says, "<It doesn't even sound like a spell! No hand-waving or chanting, just stating it like a fact.>"

[interludes] GM says, "The two of you drop down to the ground, joining Michel -- you see a dent in the ground and scuff-marks leading off into the darkness"

Gaston says, "<Killing Rafe might cancel the effect. Have you tried that?>"

Raul says, "<I'd also love to know how the hell he knew to do that. Someone's been investigating us extremely thoroughly.>"

[interludes] GM says, "and lights coming out of the darkness like will-o-wisps"

Franklin says, "<Extremely, yes.>"

[interludes] Raul lets go of Wilfred and stands, listening intently.

Gaston says, "<Who would know about your weakness? I certainly didn't.>"

[interludes] Michel asks (of Raul), "I reckon I can run pretty fast across this terrain. You?"

[interludes] Raul says, "I can, though this blindness could be a problem."

[interludes] Michel says (to Raul), "Oh."

[interludes] Raul asks (of GM), "what would it take to give me sonar-like capabilities?"

[interludes] Michel says, "Umm... hmm."

[interludes] Wilfred says, "Um."

Raul says, "<Vona? Other than that, I'm not sure.>"

[interludes] Wilfred says (to Raul), "You can see."

Franklin says, "<His weakness? Is this a specific weakness?>"

[interludes] Wilfred says, "(worth a try)"

Gaston says, "I think I will get the monks to start installing bulkheads."

[interludes] Michel says, "How we tackle the blindness really depends on where it takes effect"

Gaston says, "That will help us to trap intruders, and contain fires."

Gaston says, "Which seem like the two main threats."

Raul says, "<Without sight, I'm cut off from paths.>"

[interludes] Michel says (to Raul), "track the path of light through your eyes to your cornea"

[interludes] GM says (to Raul), "I think as an aspect-4 miracle you can get bat-level sonar; I don't know if that's enough to run with"

Franklin says (to Gaston), "Good idea."

Franklin says (to Raul), "<Oh my.>"

Kori asks (of Gaston), "(wistfully) could we get something with knockout gas?"

Gaston does that, then.

[interludes] Michel says, "and then the path of neurone activity from there to your brain"

[interludes] Raul says (to Michel), "No can do. I'm without my domain."

Kori asks, "or other poisons-for-people-that-aren't-us?"

[interludes] Michel says, "we'll work out- ooooh, shit"

[interludes] Raul says (to GM), "Better than nothing. It lets them fly. one amp burned."

Gaston says (to Kori), "A good thought. I can survive without breathing, so gas sounds good."

[interludes] Michel asks, "you can't track paths if you're blind?"

Franklin says, "Maybe we need Kori to help us get the edge on our enemies."

Kori says (to Franklin), "Har. Har. Har."

[interludes] Raul says, "Right. As long as I can't see, I'm cut off from all paths."

Franklin says, "I wasn't being entirely sarcastic."

[interludes] Michel says, "if this guy knows all our weaknesses I am soooo fucked"

Gaston says, "Ah, now, here's a thought -- we could impregnate all the air in the chancel with some invisible marker."

Gaston says, "So that we can later identify people who have breathed chancel air."

[interludes] Michel says, "Okay, enough talking, gotta chase"

Franklin says, "Hmmm."

[interludes] Michel says, "he can't have gone far with a broken leg"

[interludes] Wilfred says, "Well, *I* certainly have no weaknesses above and beyond the normal, average noble."

[interludes] Michel sprints off.

Gaston says, "The monks can probably come up with something subtler than mere radioactivity."

Kori says, "what, like a radioactive substance or something? Sounds --"

[interludes] Wilfred doesn't consider his "ceremonial" thing a "weakness".

[interludes] Wilfred exclaims, "Hey, wait for us!"

Gaston says, "Some harmless but recognisable molecule, perhaps."

[interludes] Raul says (to GM), "(actually, if I throw in another can I also sense air currents against my skin to aid in navigation?)"

[interludes] Michel considers "using quotation marks" a "weakness", "however".

[interludes] Wilfred takes Raul's hand and leads him after Michel.

[interludes] Raul says, "(another amp)"

[interludes] GM says (to Raul), "sure"

[interludes] GM says, "right then"

[interludes] Raul says, "I do that, then, and take off after Michel."

Gaston asks, "And while the monks are adjusting the air filters to do that, we can install some knockout gas. How does that sound?"

Penny says, "sounds okay to me"

[nobilis] Penny asks, "is our researchturning up any helpful information?"

[interludes] GM says, "You see a half-dozen figures emerging out of the darkness, carrying torches (like, actual fires) and guns"

Kori has disconnected.

Kori has connected.

Franklin says, "Might as well."

[nobilis] GM says, "well, it's not a spell"

[interludes] Wilfred asks (of GM), "ae their guns licensed?"

[nobilis] GM says, "as franklin points out"

[interludes] GM says (to Wilfred), "they seem to be missing serial numbers"

[interludes] Michel says, "oooh, boy"

[nobilis] Penny says, "hmm"

[interludes] Raul says, "What? I can sense people, but that's about it."

Penny asks, "is there a noble who's-who type book here?"

[interludes] Michel says, "whips out four more automatics"

Franklin says, "If we have areas we can seal off and fill with gas, we've at least taken a sensible precaution."

[interludes] Michel says, "and emotes"

[nobilis] GM says, "which suggests it's either a nobilis, an imperator, or excrucian power"

[interludes] Wilfred asks (of GM), "Faugh. Can I therefore confiscate them, since they officially (on paper) do not exist?"

Michel says, "<mmm, gunfight>"

Kori says (to Penny), "I'm sure there must be."

[interludes] Raul hears Michel's thought and groans.

Penny asks, "can we look to see is jack is darkness, and, if not, who is? or who sight is?"

[interludes] Michel says (to Wilfred), "empty magazines are more fun"

[nobilis] Penny says, "right"

[interludes] GM says, ""Who are you, strangers?" the lead one calls out"

[interludes] Raul keeps swivelling his head to track everyone.

[interludes] Michel says, "We are searching after an enemy who has taken refuge here"

Franklin says, "I wonder if there's some way in which we could all be using our powers to better purpose."

[interludes] Wilfred says, "Good evening. The name is Wilfred Owen Edwards."

[interludes] GM says, ""An enemy, eh?" He pauses. "An enemy of the Silver One?""

[nobilis] Raul says (to Franklin), "One thing I was interested in looking in to was the ability to make preserved miracles which could later be triggered for defense."

[interludes] Michel says, "The Silver One? I do not know any by that name"

[interludes] Wilfred asks, "I beg your pardon?"

[interludes] Michel says (to Wilfred), "<ssh, poncey nobilis talk required>"

Franklin says, "For example, if Gaston could super-reflect on everything that has happened so far, and draw some conclusions we're not seeing otherwise, some portrait of who's behind this and why."

Franklin says, "There are layers of distraction and deception, but there must be an overall pattern."

Gaston says, "Hmm, interesting idea."

[nobilis] GM says (to Penny), "and, further, it doesn't have the feel of nobilis power -- it's too, hrm, direct"

[nobilis] Gaston asks (of GM), "Can I do what Franklin said?"

[nobilis] Penny says, "hmmmmmmmm"

[nobilis] Franklin says (to Raul), "I like that idea."

Penny asks, "another suggestion: have we even *tried* contacting Vona yet?"

[interludes] GM says, "They glance at each other. "You do not know of the Silver One? Then how did you come here?""

[Crows-Nest] Wilfred says, "Clearly what we need is a Power of Solutions."

[Crows-Nest] Gaston says, "Yay."

[Crows-Nest] Raul says, "if nothing else, we could dissolve our problems away then"

[Crows-Nest] Kori says, "damn, I accidentally got the Power of Colloids"

Gaston says, "I can certainly draw pictures of everyone we have met since becoming ennobled."

[interludes] Michel says, "We came after- er, we followed upon the dread trail of one called Rafe"

[Crows-Nest] Gaston says, "Hee hee."

[nobilis] GM says (to Gaston), "um, you can do some kind of analysis, sure"

[interludes] Michel says, "who had done us much injustice and for his crimes shall penance do"

[nobilis] GM says (to Gaston), "obviously any kind of give-away of the plot would be outside the realm of your powers"

[nobilis] Gaston says, "This does smack a little of desperation."

[interludes] Michel says, "<etc etc>"

[Crows-Nest] Wilfred details the fellow's full name and social security number.

[nobilis] Franklin says, "heh heh"

[interludes] GM says, "(I am totally laughing here)"

[nobilis] Gaston asks, "Also, are there any useful rites we could be doing?"

[interludes] GM says, ""Rafe? Done you an injustice? Come with us, please.""

Kori says (to Penny), "I assumed she... just sort of knew."

[interludes] Wilfred details the fellow's full name and social security number.

Penny tries contacting Vona. <I am most sorry to disturb you, but we could use your advice>

[interludes] Raul says, "<Lead me. Let's not let them know how much I can sense just yet.>"

[interludes] Michel says, "<Are you sure this is a wonderful idea?>"

[interludes] Wilfred takes Raul's hand.

[interludes] GM says, "The men circle out to surround you -- two heading behind and two to the sides and two in front"

[interludes] GM says, "They glance nervously out into the darkness, thrusting out their torches for extra illumination"

[interludes] Michel says, "First we'd kind of like to make sure that you're not his cronies, though. Forsooth."

[interludes] Wilfred says, "<It's an invitation, presumably to see someone in charge. We can't really turn it down.>"

Franklin asks, "When was the last time we saw Vona? Was it when she dispatched us to Las Vegas, or was it after that?"

[interludes] Raul says, "<We can always split and run.>"

Penny says, "it might be worth a try. this does seem like an extreme enough situation to justify contacting her"

[interludes] Michel says, "<invitations are often traps>"

Gaston says (to Franklin), "She also sent us to recover the manuscript."

[interludes] Raul says, "<They're also often ways of getting information.>"

Vona says, "as it happens, there is a lull in the War at the moment"

Franklin says, "Oh, that's right."

Vona asks, "how have you been getting on in my absence?"

[interludes] Michel says, "<also, invitations always make me think of big parties full of horribly dull people who talk like donkeys and think similarly>"

[interludes] Wilfred says, "<And frankly I am not in favour of working from the fringes.>"

[interludes] Michel says, "<I am>"

Gaston says, "We have been harried somewhat."

Gaston says, "Not that we didn't miss you."

[interludes] GM says, "The men tramp on, silently, heading towards the base (the only other source of light on this plain, besides the moon)"

[interludes] Raul says, "<Yes, well, your power is all about fringes, discounting the kind that go on frou-frou curtains.>"

Penny says (to Vona), "My lady, we have fended off an attack, but, as Gaston says, we have been somewhat harrassed"

[interludes] Wilfred says, "<You're some damn pinko liberal, aren't you.>"

Penny asks, "would you happen to have heard of a Rafe?"

[interludes] GM says, "As they get close, one of the men waves his torch in some kind of signalling manner, around in two loops and then up and down, before proceeding onwards"

Gaston says, "Also Jack, a Noble."

[interludes] Michel says (to Wilfred), "<liberal? LIBERAL? Pinko, sure>"

[interludes] Wilfred asks (of GM), "can I figure anything out about the protocol involved here?"

[interludes] Michel says (to Raul), "<that's more Penny's department>"

GM says, "Vona says "Well, of course I know of Jack -- Duke of Shadows, he styles himself, but his interests extend to more than shadows.""

[interludes] Michel says, "<aaagh! fringes -> edges -> loser cat lady>"

GM says, ""The other name means nothing to me. In what context has it appeared?""

Gaston asks (of Vona), "Does he have, well, accomplices?"

[Crows-Nest] Wilfred exclaims, "Heee hee hee!!"

Penny says, "Rafe is apparently the one who has just blinded Raul"

[interludes] GM says (to Wilfred), "well, you can tell they're some kind of military or quasi-militay organization; but clearly undersupplied or away from the main base since they're using torches"

Franklin asks, "What besides shadows?"

GM says, ""Really? How interesting. Do explain -- where is Raul?""

[Crows-Nest] Wilfred asks (of GM), "and the hierarchy?"

Gaston says, "Oh, we found the chancel of our friend Lo."

GM says, ""That is also very interesting. How did you find it?""

Penny says, "Raul, Michel and Wilfred have found the Lost chancel, but it appears to have been.. corrupted somewhat"

Penny says, "they followed Rafe on a demon goat"

[interludes] GM says (to Wilfred), "is military, yes. you can see who the leaders are here, and that they're taking you to meet their leader"

[Crows-Nest] Raul says (to Vona), "I was ashamed of my blindness, and I hid."

Kori . o O ( as you'd expect from any chancel that had got Michel in it )

[Crows-Nest] Wilfred relays all he can divine about the camp's bureaucracy to the others.

Michel says (to Kori), "<emptiness is the antithesis of corruption>"

Gaston asks, "Hmm. I wonder why Rafe is in that chancel, though?"

GM says, ""A demon goat? My goodness. You have been up to a certain amount these last few weeks.""

[interludes] Wilfred relays all he can divine about the camp's bureaucracy to the others.

Gaston says, "Unless it is a trap -- and a rather poor one if so."

[Crows-Nest] Wilfred says, "I like a channel."

Kori says (to Michel), "<that wasn't *to* you, you dork>"

Gaston asks, "What business could he still have there?"

Michel says, "<do you really think I give a shit?>"

Penny says (to Vona), "we have been trying to defend our estates and our chancels"

[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "chancel, singular."

[interludes] GM says, "And indeed they do -- they usher you into a room full of soldiers, with a man on the other side of a desk, his white uniform surprisingly gleaming in the torchlight"

Kori says (to Michel), "<don't you have something urgent to attend to? like being stepped on by a giant Rafe-foot?>"

[interludes] Michel chews on an antenna

GM says, ""That is industrious of you. But tell me more about this lost chancel that you found?""

[interludes] Wilfred looks spiffily nondescript.

Kori says (to Michel), "<also, if you're so damned pure, why all the hangovers?>"

[interludes] Raul works hard not to stand at attention.

Gaston says, "Well, we'll have to wait for the others to return with the information."

[interludes] GM says, ""Greetings," he says. "Please, have a seat." He gestures, and chairs are brought."

[interludes] Michel folds one pair of arms, uses another arm to stroke where his chin would be if he had one, and flicks ash from a dogend with the fourth

Penny says, "it appears all the inhabitants have been twisted to be aggressive"

[interludes] Raul feels for the chair and sits.

Penny says, "and they have sideways avalanches"

Michel says (to Kori), "<One has to demonstrate some humanity somewhere. Oh, sorry, raw nerve.>"

Penny says, "aside from that, *we* know very little"

[nobilis] Franklin asks, "all the inhabitants have been twisted to be aggressive?"

[nobilis] Penny says, "as far as I could work out"

[nobilis] Franklin asks, "what inhabitants? furry animals?"

[nobilis] Penny says, "mmhmm"

[nobilis] Franklin says, "I thought those were native to wherever-it-is-now"

[nobilis] Penny says, "that was the impression I got from ghogg's comments"

[nobilis] Franklin says, "oh"

[interludes] GM says, ""We are the last survivors of the 3rd. Are you our relief?" There is a pause and then the other soldiers in the room laugh."

[nobilis] Penny says, "possibly I am wrong, though"

[nobilis] Franklin says, "I must have missed those comments as I went through"

Kori says (to Michel), "<I'm not the one spending most of my time as an insect.>"

GM says, ""Ah -- so they are still there, then? Raul, and Wilfred, and Michel?""

[nobilis] Penny says, "he did say that 'the inhabitants don't seem their normal selves'"

Michel says, "<though, let's face it, you might as well>"

Penny says, "they are under attack right now"

Gaston says, "Yes."

Penny says, "or were a few moments ago"

GM says, ""Hmm.""

[interludes] Wilfred says, "I'm afraid not."

GM says, ""Perhaps we had better bring them back, then.""

Kori says (to Michel), "<just because I don't invite *you* doesn't mean I don't have a social life>"

Michel says, "<and you're making the common confusion that purity and corruption are opposites>"

GM says, "Vona gestures to one of the monks, and gives him some instructions."

Michel says (to Kori), "<oh, I don't need *that* as evidence>"

[interludes] Raul asks, "3rd what? Where is your former regiment from?"

Penny says (to Vona), "thank you"

[interludes] Michel asks, "The 3rd?"

Kori says (to Michel), "if you've been trying to stalk me in your spare time, you're even more pathetic than I had previously dreamed."

Franklin asks, "You do realize a magical creature was let loose inside the chancel recently, and caused a great deal of natural and supernatural damage?"

[Crows-Nest] Raul says, "It's a good thing nobilis are able to split their attention to handle both the important and the excruciatingly banal."

Michel says, "<There are over a billion women in the world, and you think I'd stalk you? Vanity is a wonderful thing>"

Franklin asks, "We haven't been here that long. How do our enemies know so much about us?"

[interludes] GM says, ""You have not heard of the Silver One's armies? Surely there is some mistake. We are the 3rd, left here to guard the base -- for a year, damn him to hell.""

[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "it's a gift"

[interludes] Michel asks, "Does the name Lo mean anything to you?"

[Crows-Nest] Raul says, "I wish it had cost them more points, leaving them with less to put towards Bickering."

Gaston says, "Indeed -- they also knew about Raul's vulnerability."

GM says, "Vona glances around at the books. "The word-eater was a pity, I agree -- somebody was careless in bringing him in.""

Franklin gapes.

Gaston says, "I might suspect that Bronwynn knew about mine, but luckily I was able to resist the figure-hugging blue dress."

[Crows-Nest] Michel says, "s."

GM says, ""But they aren't particularly common either; were any of you around unusual books, perhaps?""

Franklin asks, "You mean you know what that creature was?"

[interludes] Wilfred likes a military operation ... everything so orderly and neatly filed away....

[interludes] GM says, ""Lo? I don't believe so.""

[Crows-Nest] Michel says, "s/able to resist/unable to remove"

[interludes] Wilfred says (to GM), "(can I divine the nature of their orders from the paperwork of the past year?)"

Penny says (to GM), "possibly I was"

[interludes] Raul says, "Clearly we need a history lesson, as we're working blind here. Some of us literally."

[nobilis] Penny says, "er, ..vona"

Franklin asks, "It came in here inside an unusual book?"

[interludes] Michel asks, "Who is this Silver One? And what do you know of Rafe?"

Kori says (to Michel), "<*mental shrug* how should I know how your tastes run? you're the one who appears to be wasting mental energy on the topic of my social life>"

Penny says, "but I didn't bring any to the chancel, so"

[interludes] GM says, "One of the other soldiers in the room (there are about forty, looks like) raises a cautious hand. "Sir? I believe Lo was one of the .. originators""

Penny says, "there *was* the manuscript we picked up for Shagapir's chancel"

Michel says (to Kori), "<I always have mental energy to spare for contempt>"

Penny asks, "can anyone think of any others?"

GM says (to Franklin), ""No, but they often are found around them; and then, if you were to travel suddenly to the chancel, it might have been brought along.""

Franklin says, "Yes, there was that one."

Gaston says (to Kori), "<You must admit he is doing rather well with the empty words.>"

Kori says, "Hmm. Unless there was some sort of word-eating power attached to the destroy-this-note note"

Kori says (to Gaston), "<you stay out of this.>"

Penny says (to Kori), "the one in execrucian script? hmm"

Gaston asks, "The destroy-this-note note?"

[interludes] GM says, ""So he was. You must pardon me -- it's been some time since that was useful information.""

[interludes] Michel says, "We're friends of his."

Kori says (to Michel), "<methinks you could use a hobby.>"

[interludes] Raul says, "A long time, assuming we are discussing the same Lo."

Kori says (to Gaston), "the one that wasn't destroyed."

Michel says (to Kori), "<No, I am not going to babysit your cat.>"

Kori says (to Michel), "<She'd pounce on you and eat you. It was too much to hope.>"

[interludes] GM says, ""But I digress. The Silver One is - was - the leader of our armies. He led us to victory here when we surged into this land and conquered it, promising us rich rewards, and then abandoned us here to lead the rest of the troops onwards.""

[interludes] GM says, ""Every day we curse his name.""

Kori says, "The one we found in the dorm room. Also, I doubt it has any relevance, but you never know."

Gaston says, "A booby trap sounds plausible, though."

Franklin frowns to himself, then walks out as if going to search the stacks for something.

Michel says, "<If you don't consider chasing co-eds a hobby, I play the sax. Happy?>"

Gaston says, "Just the kind of thing a cunning villain might do if he suspected we were on his trail."

GM says, ""But in any case, I am pleased you managed to dispose of it -- they have a certain amount of miraculous power on their own and are not easy to affect directly.""

Kori says (to Michel), "<if it means you're going to shut up now, ecstatic>"

Gaston says (to Vona), "Our solution was not entirely elegant, but effective."

Michel says, "<well, if you'd shut your yap I'd be more than happy to follow suit>"

Kori says (to Michel), "<...>"

[interludes] Michel says, "Weeell."

Penny says (to vona), "we have been trying to bolster our defences should another attack take place"

[interludes] Michel asks, "Can you tell us more about what the Silver One was like?"

[interludes] Raul says, "So you were an invasion force. What did you do on your march in? This place has been lost to the rest of the world."

[interludes] GM says, ""Rafe, then, is a lieutenant of the Silver One. He would often come to pass on orders, especially near the end.""

Michel says (to Lo), "<Dies The Silver One ring any bells?>"

Penny says, "but we are curious about why our defences were penetrated so easily in the first place"

Gaston asks (of Penny), "What defences?"

Penny says, "well, we have the giant"

Wilfred says, "<oh dear>"

Penny says, "and, er, not a lot else, to be fair"

GM says (to Michel), "<I don't think so,> Lo says."

[interludes] Michel says, "the fact that it's nighttime makes my life a little tricky"

Gaston says, "I forgot all about the giant."

[Crows-Nest] Kori says, "'why was the giant penetrated so easily' is not a good leadin question"

[Crows-Nest] Raul says, "unless you're another giant"

[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "tsk tsk gutter minds"

GM says, ""An excellent point.""

GM says, ""I will have to take it up with him.""

[Crows-Nest] Kori says, "it's the effect of talking to Michel over there"

[Crows-Nest] Kori points

[interludes] GM says, ""When we invaded, we did what you might expect -- our orders were to take and hold the base of the mountain, there, and keep reinforcements from rushing to it.""

[interludes] Michel asks, "Who were you fighting?"

[interludes] GM says, ""Others of our number, Rafe among them, headed up to the top of the mountain.""

Penny says, "I wonder if this is all tied in with the ceremony to steal the power of a noble"

Penny says, "somehow"

Penny says, "I very much doubt that college boy thought up the trap for me all on his own"

[interludes] GM says, ""There were strange creatures, here -- animals that talked like men and hippogriffs and I heard tales of a dragon""

Gaston asks, "What was the point of that ceremony?"

Gaston asks, "Just for a mortal to assume your power?"

GM says, ""Ah yes, that. It was to cut out the noble's heart, was it not?""

Penny says, "that was it"

[interludes] GM says, ""But not half as strange as what came after the mountain fell.""

[interludes] GM says, ""These damn two-headed snakes and sideways avalanches and other things -- and us trapped here.""

[interludes] Raul asks, "When the mountain fell, the exits went away, then?"

Penny says, "at a certain time, and mortal would assume powers, etc"

[interludes] GM says, ""I believe so. Once we decided we'd been abandoned, we scouted out the path we'd taking up here -- it was back off in the hills. But now it leads nowhere at all, just vanishes into the ground.""

[interludes] Michel says, "<I could get 'em out of here if absolutely necessary.>"

[interludes] GM says, ""So, our interest in you. How did you get here?""

GM says, ""There is entirely too much heart-cutting going on these days for my liking.""

[interludes] Michel says (to soldiers), "On a goat. From hell."

[interludes] Raul says, "Though you are cut off here, there is apparently a way in. Rafe got in by riding a demonic goat. We followed him on another."

[interludes] Michel says, "Called Joyce."

[interludes] Raul says, "We want to bring this land back into the world."

Penny asks, "this is a common occurence?"

[interludes] Raul says, "which would let you leave."

[interludes] Wilfred tries not to snicker.

[interludes] GM says, "The soldiers look a bit dubiously at you, but then get interested at Raul's statement."

[interludes] GM says, ""Really? Do you have a plan for doing this?""

[interludes] Michel says (to Raul), "<I could get 'em out but it'd be bloody hard>"

GM says, ""An attempt was made to do the same to Shagapir's chancel, was it not?""

GM says, ""Again, fended off, but nevertheless""

[interludes] Michel says, "We can do this sort of thing."

Penny says, "hmm"

[interludes] Wilfred says, "<Creating paths would be Raul's specialty, except he's a little incapacitated at the moment...<"

Penny says, "I suspect this is all connected in some tangled and nefarious manner"

[interludes] Michel says, "But we need to capture Rafe. Alive and fully sentient."

[interludes] Raul says (to Michel), "<How?>"

[interludes] GM says, ""He's been sighted here again? Where?""

GM says, ""...Yes.""

[interludes] Raul says, "He fell down from the mountain shortly before we descended."

Penny asks, "so, is it possible to get Raul and the others back here?"

[interludes] Michel says (to Raul), "<melding current himalayas with this space. very hard but possible.>"

GM says, "Vona turns to look at you all. "I think some explanations must be offered, but first, yes, Raul and the others should return for it.""

GM says, ""Where are those monks?""

[interludes] Raul says, "<Yow. I can see how that would drain power from you.>"

Penny grabs a monk and asks him to hurry along the first lot.

GM says, "Right on cue, a dozen monks emerge from the stacks, some carrying books, others staggering under incense burners and a blackboard."

Kori has disconnected.

Kori has connected.

GM says, ""Right then.""

[interludes] Michel says, "<it'd be brief. I couldn't manage a permanent one.>"

[interludes] Raul says, "<We really need a permanent solution.>"

GM says, "<Rafe,Michel,Wilfred: We are preparing to bring you back to the chancel. Make yourselves ready.>"

GM says, "(sends Vona)"

[interludes] Raul says, "With your help, we might be able to find him and get some answers from him."

Raul says, "<If you do that, will we be able to return here? I'm without the ability to make paths right now.>"

Michel says (to Vona), "<we need more time>"

GM says, "Vona gives more instructions to the monks, and they start setting up the two incense burners to either side of the blackboard."

Wilfred says, "<We've promised to set up a way for certain people here to come back with us.>"

GM says, "<More time? -- Ah.>"

GM says, "<How many more people must be transported?>"

Wilfred divines the regimental roll.

Wilfred says, "<That many.>"

[interludes] GM says, "(42, it appears, including the leader.)"

[interludes] Raul . o O ( I knew they were the answer. )

Wilfred says, "<42>"

Michel says, "<but the reason we came here was to get Rafe, and if we could do that before we come back...>"

GM says, "<I suppose that can be made to work. You must draw circles on the ground, and place each man in a circle. The circles themselves must be arranged in a greater circle, and no light sources must exist, save the moon and the stars, within the circles.>"

[Crows-Nest] Kori says, "hey, it's a giant Star Trek transporter"

GM says, "Vona opens a case one of the monks provides her, and removes a long, glowing piece of chalk. She begins sketching out equations on the blackboard."

GM says, "As she reaches the end of the first line, the incense burners begin glowing with heat"

[interludes] Michel says, "<we need to catch Rafe FAST>"

[interludes] Wilfred says, "Speaking of cursing this Silver One, incidentally ... we'd be rather interested in gaining information for direct action."

[interludes] Raul asks, "Our compatriots are making a way for us all to return. But we need Rafe. Can you help us get him?"

[interludes] GM says, ""In exchange for leaving here? We would gladly do whatever you asked.""

[interludes] GM says, "The soldiers in the room lean forwarded expectantly. "A year, we've been here -- to see the sun!" one whispers."

[interludes] Michel says, "We can do it."

Franklin wanders back into the room, jotting down notes to himself on a pad.

Kori hangs well back out of the way.

GM says, "Vona continues to write, and the incense burners start pumping out smoke. Eventually she reaches the bottom of the blackboard, and a monk hurries over and wipes it clean, and then she starts over at the top again."

Raul says, "<Can you give us a bit of time to do set-up work and try to grab Rafe? I have a score to settle with him.>"

[interludes] Wilfred says, "<I think we may have scored here>"

[interludes] Michel says, "If you can help us catch Rafe alive and of sound mind..."

[interludes] Wilfred says (to Michel), "I doubt if he's of sound mind now."

[interludes] Michel says, "<well, 'not so bug-ass insane that we can't interrogate him', then>"

[interludes] GM says, ""What do you wish of us?""

[interludes] Raul asks, "We need to track him. Do you have patrols out right now?"

[interludes] Michel says, "We've seen him here. We know his leg's broken. Find him."

GM says, "<I can give you a little time,> Vona says. <I have already begun the calculations.>"

Raul says, "<We'll work fast. Rafe's got a broken leg. With any luck he hasn't gone far.>"

[interludes] GM says, ""We have one patrol out there now." "Do they have a walkie-talkie?" he asks an aide."

[interludes] Raul says, "Meanwhile, we will need some of your men to create circles for us all. When the time comes, there must be no light save that of the moon."

[interludes] GM says, ""Yes, sir. I'll raise them and let them know.""

[interludes] GM says, ""Er -- circles?""

[interludes] Raul describes the layout Vona described to them.

[interludes] Wilfred says, "It's part of the return procedure."

[interludes] GM says, ""Ah. Hrm.""

[interludes] Raul says, "We each will stand in these circles when the time comes and be returned to the world."

[interludes] GM says, ""It's dangerous out there, but it seems like it'll have to be outside; I don't think there's space anywhere inside our building.""

[interludes] GM says, ""Can we keep our guns?""

[interludes] Michel says, "um"

Raul says, "<Any problem with people having guns during the transport?>"

[interludes] GM says, ""And in the meantime, you wish to locate this man? We will send out two more patrols, then." He nods to his aides, and more men leave."

GM says, "<Do you trust these others to have guns in the chancel?>"

[interludes] Raul says (to Leader), "Keep them in walkie-talkie contact, since we'll need them to hurry back when the time comes."

Michel says, "<y'know, I'd rather we didn't transport an armed assault squad into the middle of our nice chancel>"

Raul says, "<Not completely, but if everyone is prepared, we should be able to handle it, yes?>"

[interludes] Wilfred says, "Rafe might be more dangerous than you think, too ... I'd advise them to be well-armed and careful. And prepared."

[interludes] GM says, ""You others, start sketching those circles. I want two groups to draw and two to guard.""

[interludes] Raul says, "You can certainly have your guns for now. When the time comes, we may need to throw them clear of the circles."

[interludes] GM says, ""Very well.""

GM says, "Vona continues to write, and soon is surrounded by a haze of chalk dust, to say nothing of the incense still pouring out of the burners."

[Crows-Nest] Wilfred exclaims, "and when the dust clears, Vona is gone!"

GM says, ""We'll need to clear a space someplace for them to come in," she says."

GM says, ""And sketch out equivalent circles here.""

Gaston says, "<If they start misusing the guns, we can have an early test of the barriers and sleeping gas.>"

Michel says, "<and all those guns *we* have>"

Raul says, "<We'll have them ditch them before we get beamed up.>"

Raul says, "<oh, and if we get Rafe, that'll be 43 besides us to transport.>"

Gaston says, "<My goodness.>"

[Crows-Nest] Wilfred is just wondering how Rafe cut through the red tape.

[Crows-Nest] Michel says, "he's a nam vet, he's got combat knives for teeth"

Franklin finishes scribbling, sticks his pencil behind one ear, and starts clearing a space.

Franklin says, "<You fellows have been busy.>"

[Crows-Nest] Raul says, "Hey, I was a nam vet, and all I got was empty space for feet."

[Crows-Nest] Wilfred says, "heh"

[Crows-Nest] Michel says, "enh, read Rafe as Raul"

[interludes] GM says, ""No sign of him, sir," the reports come back."

[Crows-Nest] Michel says, "next I'll be sending them out to hunt down a hispanic geriatric with shiny boots"

[interludes] GM says, ""Wait, there's some motion --" the call breaks off with the sound of gunshots."

[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "also, when you get back, we can play a game of 43-man squamish"

[interludes] Raul says, "Where was that patrol? We have to get there."

[interludes] GM says, ""Sorry, sir, false alarm. Scorpion-bear.""

[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "</joke-only-ddyte-ever-laughs-at>"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "I'll always laugh at squamish"

[interludes] Michel twitches

[interludes] Raul sits back down, trying to look nonchalant.

GM says, "<Time grows short,> Vona says. <Have you found him?>"

[interludes] Michel asks, "I don't suppose you have any coffee supplies up here?"

Raul says, "<Not yet. How much time do we have?>"

[Crows-Nest] Wilfred asks, "Wait! Do you know if this Rafe has any form of official identification on him? Dog tags, that sort of thing?"

[interludes] Michel says, "<okay, these guys are no help. we need a bright idea for a divination, and fast>"

GM says, "<You'd better start moving the people into the circles. I have a little time yet.>"

[interludes] Wilfred asks, "Wait! Do you know if this Rafe has any form of official identification on him? Dog tags, that sort of thing?"

[Crows-Nest] Wilfred says, "channel"

[interludes] Raul says, "And while you answer that, pull your men back in. We're about to have to go."

[interludes] Raul says, "<I'm out of the divining business for right now.>"

[interludes] GM says, ""I do not know -- he may have his army identification -- it'd look like this.""

[interludes] Raul says (to Wilfred), "<Oh, clever.>"

[interludes] GM says, "The man pulls out a drawing from the desk drawer"

[interludes] Wilfred says, "Get me a map of this region ... let me see if I can track down his ID."

[interludes] Michel says, "<I guess I could see what bits of the chancel are empty of people...>"

Franklin asks, "Say, do we still have that fat kid locked up in Wilfred's office?"

Franklin asks, "Is anyone feeding him or giving him restroom breaks?"

GM says, "(if not, Wilfred's going to have to clean his office)"

Wilfred says, "<Didn't I give instructions to look after him??>"

[interludes] GM says, ""Here's the best map we have.""

[interludes] Michel says, "<but that'd be like looking for carbon rods with a Geiger counter in an H-bomb crater>"

Gaston says, "<Oh, he's only been there for a few hours.>"

[interludes] GM says, "Outside, men are assembling with their torches and pistols, looking around nervously into the darkness."

Gaston says, "<He shouldn't be suffering from anything worse than dehydration.>"

[interludes] Wilfred tries to divine the location of Rafe's serial numbered dog tag.

Franklin says, "I am trying to figure out when and how a 'word-eater' was let into the chancel."

Michel says, "<and cretinism, but he had that before>"

[interludes] GM says (to Wilfred), "nothing there. not clear if that means it was dropped off elsewhere or what"

Kori says, "<an apparently widespread complaint in these parts>"

[interludes] Wilfred curses. "Nothing." Clearly he's a deserter.

GM says, "<A few minutes, now -- are you all in the circles?>"

Michel says, "<cretinism is a condition accompanied by stunted growth. otherwise you'd be a prime candidate>"

Franklin says, "And unless it randomly came along with Penny after she was researching who-knows-what, I can't figure out any particularly significant time it would have been brought back with anyone."

[interludes] Raul says, "Okay, into the circles. We'll have to leave Rafe for now."

[interludes] Raul says, "And extinguish those torches."

[interludes] Michel sighs deeply, and puts out his cig

[interludes] Wilfred says, "We can come back later, I'm sure."

GM says, "Vona writes furiously. The two monks on either side of her are kept busy cleaning the chalkboard so she can write."

Franklin says, "Although it did appear fairly soon after we brought the kid, whatshisname, Derwood."

[interludes] Raul says, "<Had I been thinking faster, I'd have suggested you divine the empty space where bone use to be in his leg."

Franklin says, "Not that he had anything to do with it."

[interludes] GM says, "There is a rumble like distant thunder as you guys step outside."

[interludes] Wilfred gets into his circle and brushes himself down.

[interludes] Wilfred asks, "Hm?"

[interludes] GM says, ""Rain, on our last day here?" one soldier asks."

[interludes] Michel says, "<that'd be filled by blood and fluid and bone splinters and things>"

GM says, "<Thirty seconds ...>"

[interludes] Raul says, "<Michel, you may have to preserve the sky empty of rain or something above us very shortly.>"

GM says, "<The lights are all out?>"

[interludes] Michel says, "<I don't think we should all leave>"

[interludes] Raul says, "<You guys will have to check on extra sources of light.>"

[interludes] Michel asks, "we're inside, right?"

[interludes] GM says, "no, you're outside -- there's no room inside to sketch the circles"

[interludes] Raul says, "Outside. Not enough space inside."

[interludes] Michel keeps his eye on the sky.

[interludes] GM says, "The leader gives orders, and the men throw their torches out of the circles"

[interludes] Wilfred is looking around, to the hills and mountains.

Franklin quiets up and folds his arms to watch what happens.

[interludes] GM says (to Wilfred), "and whoah, there is something there"

[interludes] GM says (to Wilfred), "in fact, that's where the rumbling is coming from -- another sideways rockslide, heading right to here"

[interludes] Wilfred exclaims, "*extinguish* the torches. No light!"

[interludes] Michel says, "preservation of emptiness around us, NOW"

GM says, "<Prepare yourself! Mere moments now! Let no one leave the circles!>"

[interludes] Wilfred exclaims (at Michel), "Eeagh! There there there!"

Raul says, "<If we can go faster, we've got a rockslide coming at us sideways.>"

Gaston says, "<Again?>"

[interludes] Raul says (to Michel), "<Can you keep the rocks from hitting us?>"

Gaston says, "<Why don't we ever get attacked by people with a feel for originality?>"

[Crows-Nest] Raul says, "(Assume Wilfred told me about it, since I can't see it.)"

[interludes] GM says, "And the rockslide is suddenly nearly at you -- front-rolling stones kicked up towards you bounce off Michel's shield"

[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "you can hear it, sorta"

[interludes] GM says, "And there towards the back, standing somehow with one twisted leg on a giant boulder, you see Rafe"

[Crows-Nest] Wilfred exclaims, "Michel really IS the Invisible Girl!"

[Crows-Nest] Kori says, "woo woo"

Michel says, "<I'd be a lot happier if it was all less geographical. sinkholes, earthslides... maybe I need to swap tasks with Penny and fight some killer spiders>"

[Crows-Nest] Franklin asks, "he's getting it on with Mr Fantastic?"

[Crows-Nest] Kori plans not to let Michel live down whatever it is, once she knows what it is.

[Crows-Nest] Kori says (to Franklin), "heh"

[Crows-Nest] Michel says (to Franklin), "none of those in *this* chancel"

[interludes] GM says, "(doing anything?)"

Gaston says, "<Oh, it's the sinkhole man again? That makes sense.>"

[interludes] GM says, "The giant boulder will probably smash through the preservation, if it hits in time"

[interludes] Raul says, "(I can't see Rafe, so I'll need to be told what's going on.)"

GM says, "<5 .. 4 ...>"

[interludes] Michel says, "okay, let Rafe through, but shatter the boulder..."

[interludes] Wilfred says (to GM), "creating another red tape net to catch the boulder."

[interludes] Michel asks, "Raul, can you stop the boulder with brute strength?"

[interludes] Michel says, "Sort of a Sampson thing"

[interludes] GM says (to Wilfred), "it'll have to be anchored to something"

[interludes] Raul asks, "Yeah, but can I leave this circle?"

GM says, "<3 ...>"

[interludes] Michel says, "we want Rafe in the circles when we disappear"

[interludes] Wilfred says (to GM), "the other rocks piled up against Michel's shield, of course."

[interludes] Raul says, "(GM?)"

[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "we have entered a bubble of slow-time"

[interludes] GM says (to Raul), "well, Vona said not to"

[interludes] Raul says, "(Yeah, but is my circle close enough that I could stop the rock?)"

[Crows-Nest] Gaston exclaims, "Imperators do not use your puny earth seconds!"

[interludes] GM says, "the rocks and dust kick up into the air, held out by the preservation, but"

[Crows-Nest] Franklin laughs

[Crows-Nest] Kori says, "counting down the MINUTES"

[interludes] GM says, "you can be near the rock, sure -- but presumably you can't touch it until it rolls into your circle"

[interludes] GM says, "(without leaving the circle)"

[Crows-Nest] Kori says, "maybe someone will be caught in the rockslide unable to return."

[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "next time, we all ride the goat"

[interludes] Raul says, "I'll do it if I can, then -- stop the rock and grab Rafe (or have someone else grab it)"

[interludes] Raul says, "(er, him)"

[interludes] Michel says, "okay. I wait until Rafe &rock bust through the circle, then I form a preservation with 3 penetration to stop the rock but not Rafe"

[Crows-Nest] Gaston says, "But then we'll come back to empty books and a bloated dragon dozing on a huge pile of ink."

GM says, "<2...>"

[interludes] Wilfred throws streamers of red tape over the shield to wrap around the rocks on the other side and form a net in front of the boulder.

[interludes] GM says, "and the boulder slams to a halt as Raul braces himself and Michel's preservation slams up"

[Crows-Nest] Michel says, "and I will sing and dance"

Raul says, "<OOF>"

[interludes] GM says, "Rafe, screaming, flies through the air and slams down in the middle of the great circle"

GM says, "<1..NOW>"

Michel says, "<YAY>"

Raul says, "<Hope that bastard landed on his bad leg.>"

GM says, "and Raul and Michel and Wilfred and a bunch of soldiers appear in the middle of the chancel"

Michel says, "<be ready to BEAT THE SHIT out of one crippled satanist>"

Gaston presses the button to surround them all with strong metal barriers.

Wilfred says, "Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. I trust we have not inconvenienced you."

Gaston says (to Wilfred), "Similarly."

Wilfred says (to Vona), "My report will be on its way to you first thing in the morning."

GM says (to Wilfred), "and down at your feet, a severed hand -- apparently cut off in the transport for just overlapping the circle"

Gaston says, "Hmf, the knockout gas appears not to work yet."

Michel utilises 360 degree vision eyes to look around for any signs of Rafe

Wilfred says, "Oh."

Vona says, "right."

Raul asks, "Where is he? Where's Rafe?"

Wilfred says, "Oh my."

Vona stops writing, and catches her breath.

Gaston opens the barriers again.

Wilfred says (to Raul), "Well, his hand got here."

Wilfred picks up the hand.

Raul exclaims, "What? Dammit!"

Kori asks, "Can we, um, conjure up the rest using that?"

Raul says, "Also, ew."

Franklin asks (of Vona), "Since you were able to write all of those equations to draw them back here, do you happen to know where exactly they were?"

Michel exclaims, "But he hit the middle!"

Wilfred says, "And hands have all sorts of useful information -- like fingerprints -- that can go down on file for future reference."

Michel says, "Of the biggest circle. Bah."

Kori says (to Wilfred), "good. We'll leave YOU in charge of doing the fingerprinting."

Vona says (to Franklin), "near the end, the equations write themselves -- but yes, as you have speculated, they were in what remains of the Chancel of the Four Winds"

Michel says (to Kori), "and you in charge of making a pot of coffee. Er, actually, I'll do it."

Vona says, "now, I suppose you are, ah, wondering why I gathered you all here today"

Wilfred says (to Kori), "I will send the bill for a new pinstripe suit to the chancel, of course. Nothing gets bloodstains out."

Raul says, "I'll just sit here and be blind, then."

Michel likes to be able to *taste* his coffee.

Vona says, "Soon I will have to return to the War, but first I should explain a few things"

Michel says (to Raul), "oh, yes"

Vona says, "You have no doubt seen that this is an unusually large chancel compared to the others"

Wilfred says (to Michel), "Coffee you can stand a spoon up in? I'll have a flask of that, too, please."

Michel says, "we'd better get the monks onto this"

Kori says (to Michel), "<I can make perfectly good coffee. Of course, whether I would bother for your sake is another question.>"

Vona says, "Shagapir and I have been engaged in a particular offensive in the Vade Bellum for some time, and we have been consistently thwarted by one powerful Excrucian"

Michel starts up a pot of solid darkness

Franklin has to stifle his follow-up comments. Clearly Vona is not going to let him get many words in edgewise.

Raul fishes out a cigar and begins smoking it grumpily.

Michel calls up some medical monks to examine Raul and locate where the blindness manifests

Vona says, "recently, some decades ago, we learned that this Excrucian was making efforts to free his mortal form from where it had been trapped"

Michel asks, "Excrucians have mortal forms?"

Michel says, "I'm going to need more coffee."

Vona shrugs. "In some sense, yes. They have a form in the spirit world and one outside it, just as we do."

Kori sneaks around the chancel locking up all the WCs.

Vona says, ""He was trapped some centuries ago when a chancel became Lost with him inside; reports as to what happened exactly are unclear.""

Raul says, "but some things are suddenly becoming more clear."

Michel says (to Kori), "<I can just empty my bladder. Wilf might have more problems finding a properly designated spot.>"

Vona says, ""Shagapir and I heard that his shards had discovered some method by which he could be freed, and sought to do so.""

Kori says (to Michel), "<I'm looking forward to the monks' reaction when you pee in the fountain.>"

[Crows-Nest] Michel says, "also, I assume Immutable applies to that sort of thing"

Vona says, ""In response, we enchancelled ourselves -- and the move worked -- the enemy has been drawn out into the open.""

Michel says (to Kori), "<don't get your hopes up>"

Wilfred asks (of Michel), "<Did you think I'd forget to set up an executive washroom, with my own personal key, as part of my office?"

Vona says, ""You have done well, both as distractions and as warding off the attacks caused by those distractions.""

Vona says, ""And now we enter the second, and more dangerous phase.""

Raul says, "Oh, good."

Michel says (to Wilfred), "<I'm just confused as to how Kori can manage to lock a washroom without trapping herself inside.>"

Raul puffs away.

Vona says, ""Before the enemy was operating from bases; by finding them, you destroy their ability to launch major attacks -- if you have indeed destroyed all of them -- but they will be forced to resort to subtlety now.""

Kori says (to Vona), "How exciting."

Franklin flips through his notepad.

Kori says (to Michel), "<It's a gift>"

Franklin says, "You've actually answered one of the key questions I was preparing to ask."

Wilfred says (to Michel), "<she slips under the Edge of the door?>"

Franklin asks, "What is this Excrucian's name?"

Michel says (to Kori), "<No, I meant normally.>"

Vona says (to Franklin), "if you have others, now is the time -- I will be busy with our assault when I return to the War"

Franklin says, "I was going to ask what the Lost Chancel was -- Michel found a reference to it at one point."

Gaston says, "The idea of our enemies resorting to subtlety is certainly a relief."

Kori says (to Michel), "let's just say I only ever need one key."

Franklin says, "And I was going to ask where it was that the Four Winds chancel had ended up, not that this is important in the scheme of things any more."

Michel says (to Kori), "oh, you thought I meant ones with keys? no, I meant getting out of a stall with a latch inside"

Vona says, "The Excrucian styles himself Ghin-aj, but their names are not used the same way ours are"

Raul asks, "Must the Chancel of the Four Winds stay lost, then?"

Michel pours coffee

Vona says, "The chancels that have been lost, it appears, remain exactly where they are -- but chancels are each in their own universe and only connected to Earth via their exits, which have been destroyed"

Michel says (to Vona), "milk, or... mmm, probably not."

Gaston asks, "Might new exits be created?"

Vona says (to Michel), "very, very black."

Franklin says, "Ohhh--Ho."

Michel says (to Vona), "eeexcellent"

Vona says, "Raul found an exit, I believe, to Chancel Astara"

Vona says, "proving that some may exist -- and indeed, it may be the case that the mythic world creates exits naturally to chancels"

Vona says, "but the hearts of the chancels must be restored for the Chancel of the Four Winds to become what it once was"

Vona says, "and that means recovering the body of its imperator"

Michel asks (of Vona), "would this buddha head have anything to do with it?"

Raul asks, "But if the mortal form of an Excrucian is trapped there, will we not be helping it by doing so?"

Wilfred says, "Here's a question ... what about Raul? He can't do his job in his present condition."

Vona says (to Wilfred), "no, that is true."

Vona says, "Raul, come here a moment."

Franklin says, "I'm unclear how stealing other chancels helps this Excrucian's minions to find his body in the Lost Chancel."

Gaston says (to Wilfred), "He could become a highly sought-after masseur."

Gaston says, "Oops, maybe too late."

Raul stands and walks to Vona.

Raul belatedly removes his cigar from his mouth.

Penny says (to Raul), "left a bit, right a bit, straight ahead now"

Vona leans forward and whispers something in Raul's ear.

Michel sticks a coffee cup in Raul's hand.

[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "sorry, just had a 'knightmare' moment"

[Crows-Nest] Gaston says, "Hee hee."

[Crows-Nest] (from Franklin) Vona whispers, "The password is .... CORN."

Raul exclaims, "!"

Raul blinks at the sudden light.

Kori glares at Michel's coffee mug. The handle starts to come a bit loose.

[Crows-Nest] (from Franklin) Raul exclaims, "I see -- Corn!"

Raul says, "That fact makes my grasp of reality, such as it is, even shakier."

Raul nods to Vona. "Thanks."

Kori looks oddly at Raul.

Michel has already finished his cup, and no longer cares

Gaston says, "I am quite sure you are not going to tell us what she said, so I will restrain my curiosity."

Franklin's eyebrows go up, then slowly settle down.

Vona says, ""But yes, that buddha head seems significant -- it must have come from the chancel's heart.""

Michel says (to Raul), "you get used to it"

Vona says, ""I would study it well.""

Kori says (to Michel), "<some people had such a grasp to start with.>"

Raul goes back to keeping his cigar lit.

Franklin asks, "Okay, so what does Deadly Subtle Phase Two mean for us?"

Michel says (to Kori), "<I'm continually amused that you consider that a positive faculty>"

Kori exclaims (at Franklin), "more kinds of poison gas!"

Vona says (to Franklin), "it means attacks, direct and indirect on all you hold dear -- you have triumphed every time they have tried physical force, and so they will give up on that"

Wilfred . o O ( It probably means that they won't be filing their reports properly.... )

Vona says, "if I knew more about what they would do, I would block it myself -- and I will do what I can from the spirit world"

Michel says, "hmm. I may need to leave the chancel for a little while"

Wilfred thinks concernedly about his brothers Rupert and John.

Franklin says, "Oh good, at least I can stop worrying it's going to happen and start knowing it's going to happen."

Gaston says, "Personally, I hold Michel and Kori's delightful little conversations very dear indeed."

Kori says, "In Michel's case this presumably means they're going to undermine his supply of cheap red wine."

Gaston looks around to see if that worked.

Gaston says (to Kori), "Apparently not."

Vona asks, "Is there anything else I can answer for you? I dare not speak too much about the lost chancels for fear of harming our future plans, but if there is something else..?"

Franklin can't help but chuckle, and starts coughing when he attempts to stifle it.

Raul asks (of Vona), "What would you have us do with the Four Winds chancel?"

[nobilis] Vona says (to Gaston), "hee hee hee"

Michel says (to Kori), "in your case, your uncooked fish will give your your moggy food poisoning"

Kori says (to Michel), "'your your'? Seems like you've got a few spare bottles tucked away."

[Crows-Nest] Franklin asks, "'moggy'?"

[Crows-Nest] Gaston says (to Franklin), "Pussy."

[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "mongrel. kitty."

Vona says (to Raul), "there may be more leads, there -- you may wish to return there and do more investigation"

[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "oh yah? okay"

[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "never heard that before"

Raul says, "Okay. And Franklin and I can look more into the map we talked about earlier."

Vona says, "but you may prefer to spend some time on more subtle defenses"

Michel says (to Kori), "don't try looking for them, they're vinta - *cough*"

[Crows-Nest] Wilfred says, "Britishism"

Michel pours himself another cup of coffee hastily, curses when the handle falls off

[Crows-Nest] Kori says, "hahaha"

Franklin looks at Raul and then scratches something else off his list of questions.

Vona says, "I know Gaston was attempting to, ah, make some alliances with other nobilis; that may be a wise move also"

Gaston says, "Speaking of subtler defences, I believe this little box will go 'beep' when I point it at anyone who has breathed chancel air."

Gaston points it around the room, beeping at people.

Gaston says, "Hmm, it does not beep at Vona, but I would hardly expect that."

[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "yes, evidently"

Gaston asks (of Michel), "You, however... are you feeling quite all right?"

Vona says (to Gaston), "I would hate for it to take the liberty."

[Crows-Nest] Franklin asks, "although, hm, aren't mongrels dogs, not cats?"

Michel says (to Gaston), "I am merely considering a few things which I would hate hostile forces (glance at Kori) to get involved with."

Gaston says (to Vona), "It is a polite little box."

Gaston says (to Michel), "Well, I'm sure your lungs are all the happier for being empty."

Kori whistles pleasantly.

Michel says (to Gaston), "Mr. Blondes fills them extremely well"

Vona says, "Right then. My compliments to you all on your success so far, and my best wishes that what we fight for will survive."

Franklin claps his hands. "Well, good. So we'll just sit and wait for all we hold dear to be attacked with supernatural precision, then. Sounds like a plan."

Vona doesn't bother to step behind anything this time, and just vanishes.

Gaston says, "I hold this little box dear."

Franklin says, "See you, unless of course we are all slaughtered."

Gaston says, "(In case anyone evil is listening.)"

Wilfred says, "Hmm."

Franklin frumps.

Kori says, "Hmm. I could try holding Michel dear, but that would be too disgusting, even despite the great rewards."

Raul says (to Franklin), "It sounds like the more active attacks are being taken care of by her and Shagapir and others."

Wilfred turns and heads back towards his office. He has a little plan for our friend Darren.

Gaston says (to Wilfred), "Here, take the box. It may unsettle him."

[nobilis] Penny says, "I think penny takes this opportunity to go catch up on sleep"

[nobilis] Penny says, "as do I"

Wilfred says (to Gaston), "I don't really want to unsettle him...."

[nobilis] GM says, "alrighty then"

[nobilis] Penny says, "g'night, people"

Penny has disconnected.

Penny goes home.

Michel says, "I, personally, will not wait for this. Excuse me, I have to go and undertake a blitzkrieg custody battle"

[nobilis] Wilfred asks, "so, how is Darren?"

Michel strides out of the chancel.

Kori says (to Michel), "(surprised) ><you have spawn-- er, offspring?>"

[nobilis] Gaston asks, "Uh, are we finishing now, or not?"

Raul says (to Franklin), "If you have the time, let's work on the map, and perhaps try to come up with some chancel defenses while we're at it."

Michel says (to Kori), "<SHUT UP>"

[nobilis] Gaston says, "I'll keep playing."

Franklin says, "I can think of no defensive steps to take which won't alert whoever this enemy is to my own vulnerabilities."

[nobilis] GM says, "ok then"

Kori, amazingly, does not press the issue.

[nobilis] Wilfred says, "I still want to do something..."

Franklin says (to Raul), "Good idea, I need something to work on or else I'll drive myself and everyone else crazy. And not necessarily in that order."

Gaston says, "Interesting to see how the suggestion that the things we hold dear may be in danger is making everyone go to check on those things."

Kori says, "It'd be easier if I had some idea of what kind of defense would be likely to help."

Kori asks (of Gaston), "you think someone might be watching us for just this?"

Gaston says, "Which would be very useful for an enemy who did not yet know what those things were."

Wilfred goes back into his office and speaks to Darren.

Gaston says (to Kori), "All I know is that I do not plan to check on anything."

Gaston says, "Unless... no."

GM says, "Darren says "You're back! Finally!""

Franklin pokes his cane in the air and then thumps it to the ground.

Wilfred says (to Darren), "Yes. And, I have good news."

Franklin says (to Gaston), "That's it, exactly!"

Franklin says, "Thank you for voicing what was nagging at me."

Kori says (to Gaston), "we could go check on some totally irrelevant things"

GM says, ""..good news?""

Kori says, "that'd be fun"

Wilfred asks (of Darren), "You're free to go, but ... tell me, how would you like to travel the world? See exotic places? Have incredible adventures?"

Gaston asks (of Kori), "A holiday, you mean?"

Kori says (to Gaston), "well, sure. Lead 'em offtrack, see."

GM asks, ""Would I still get to go to They Might Be Giants concerts?"

Gaston exclaims, "I love They Might Be Giants!"

Wilfred says (to Darren), "If they ever happen to be playing in your area, sure."

Kori looks much struck.

Kori asks (of Darren), "I don't know, do they tour Mongolia?"

GM says, ""Well, ok then-- I'm not doing much at school at the moment anyway""

Wilfred . o O ( ...assuming they play in the jungles of Borneo or in the Australian outback.... )

Wilfred says (to Darren), "Forget school."

Kori exclaims, "I love school!"

Kori . o O ( oh, wait. )

[Crows-Nest] Gaston says, "Hee hee hee hee."

Wilfred says (to Darren), "Oh, here's the other thing. Call it a Witness Protection deal. You need a new identity."

Kori asks (of Darren), "how do you like the name "Nerrad"?"

Wilfred elbows Kori.

Kori coughs.

GM says (to Kori), "Hey, who you calling a -- oh, wait"

Wilfred says (to Darren), "I can have your paperwork done in an hour. Passports, driver's licence, social security, everything. Even a birth certificate."

Gaston says, "<Hmmm... the rite of anchoring involves drinking blood, doesn't it?>"

GM says, ""I've already got a fake id, but ok, I guess that's better""

Wilfred says (to Darren), "Your new name will be ... let's see ... John McRae Edwards."

Raul sees to the people who came back to the chancel with him, Wilfred, and Michel.

Gaston says, "<We appear to have a hand dripping Excrucian blood here...>"

Kori says, "<!!!>"

GM says, "(it's not actually excrucian blood)"

Kori says, "<So you think we could anchor it and then destroy the anchored things?>"

Gaston says, "<Just a thought. I suspect Darren would need a great deal of persuasion.>"

[nobilis] Gaston says (to Kori), "Well, apparently not."

Wilfred says (to Darren), "All you have to do is to go out and enjoy yourself in whatever exotic, adventurous place you like ... the more off-the-beaten-path, the better."

Wilfred says (to Darren), "I'll pay the expenses."

Kori says, "<Eh, raspberry daiquiri, he'll never know"

[nobilis] Kori says, "drat."

GM says, ""Uh .. do I have a choice about this?""

[nobilis] Gaston says, "We could research and see if we can do anything useful with it, maybe."

Raul says, "Step lively, step lively. Where are you guys from? We can probably get you back there."

Franklin asks, "Who are all of these folks?"

Wilfred asks (of Darren), "Actually ... no. But it helps to think you'll be living the life of another Indiana Jones, doesn't it?"

Kori exclaims, "Spiffy hat and everything!"

GM says, ""Um, if you put it that way, I guess I accept.""

GM says, ""Ooh, fedora.""

Kori says, "Good choice."

[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "yay"

GM says, "Darren practices tipping his invisible hat"

Raul says (to Franklin), "They invaded the four winds chancel, then got trapped there."

Franklin asks, "Are they, er, are they good guys or bad guys?"

Wilfred goes to his desk drawer and creates the necessary documents.

Raul says, "Mercenaries."

Franklin asks, "Are they like the ones that attacked the carnival?"

Raul shrugs.

Gaston says, "<Mercenaries? Alexandra might be interested.>"

Raul says, "You could talk to them, if you want."

Raul says, "<Oh, a very good idea.>"

GM says, "A soldier says "We're from around. Some of us are from Earth; some of us were born in chancels.""

Franklin says, "Born in chancels? How interesting."

GM says, ""There are some nobilis that just train soldiers -- War, for obvious reasons, makes a project of it.""

Raul asks, "Huh. And these nobilis let you invade other chancels?"

Wilfred says (to Darren), "Right. Here are your passports: British, South African, US and Argentine."

Wilfred says (to Darren), "Don't worry, they're all legal and recognised."

Franklin removes the pencil from his ear and jots a few more notes.

Wilfred says (to Darren), "Driver's licence. Medical charts."

GM says, ""Well, no -- but sometimes people break away from their armies or are left behind, and we form up into companies.""

[Crows-Nest] (from Michel) Wilfred says, "I made you an Israeli one, but it'd only get you into about four countries."

Wilfred asks (of Darren), "Now, where do you want to begin? Australia? Kenya? Mongolia?"

Franklin asks, "So who hired you this time?"

GM says, ""Australia? But I don't speak -- oh, wait.""

Michel says (to Wilfred), "<I can fix him up with a nice starting point>"

Wilfred says (to Michel), "<Oh...?>"

Franklin says, "<Wilfred, what in the world are you doing?>"

GM says, ""I think I'd prefer Australia, yeah. I mean, I know they talk kinda funny and eat weird stuff but I bet I can still get a burger there.""

Michel says, "<actually, that fat bastard's not drinking my beer>"

GM says, ""(nervously) Unless it's a kangaroo burger.""

Michel says, "<oh just say you're a vampire and bite him in the neck and he'll die of happiness>"

Raul says, "<You should tell him that his new IDs require him to be a vegan.>"

Wilfred says (to Darren), "Kangaroo's a wonderful dish, trust me. Like chicken, only tastier."

Wilfred says, "Just remember: You are Mr John McRae Edwards. Got that? John McRae Edwards."

GM says (to Franklin), ""The Silver One, they called him. He never gave us a name -- he just had these very nice eyes.""

GM says, ""Uh .. right.""

Franklin asks, "Nice eyes? Dark black and piercing?"

Wilfred says, "You have two brothers: Rupert Brooke Edwards who is an actor, and Wilfred Owen Edwards who is a banker."

Raul says, "<And both of his brothers are big losers like him.>"

Wilfred says (to Darren), "You haven't spoken to Rupert in years, but sometimes Wilfred sends money."

GM says, ""Oh. That's nice of him.""

Franklin flips through his notes, finds several circled mentions of eyes.

Wilfred . o O ( You have no idea how nice.... )

GM says (to Franklin), ""Mostly very nice. Sometimes sharp if he was displeased.""

GM says, ""Just like the rest of his manner, really.""

Franklin writes, "The Silver One -- ???"

Raul asks, "What did he tell you the job would entail?"

Franklin asks, "And he wanted you to do what? Invade the Chancel of the Four Winds and bust it up?"

Wilfred leads Darren to an exit to a library in Canberra. "Now go out and have a good time. And don't stop."

GM says, ""He said it was a holding action -- we'd take charge of the mountain, the other troops would head up top and take somebody for ransom, and then we'd split the pay""

Wilfred says (to Franklin), "<That, by the way, was Operation Decoy.>"

GM says, ""I guess we were crazy to go along with it -- I mean, how much ransom would we each have gotten. But it seemed reasonable at the time.""

GM says (to Wilfred), ""Uh -- thanks. See you, I guess.""

GM says, "Darren walks into the library and out into Australia"

Franklin says, "<I don't see how that kid is important enough to be a decoy for Jack Squat, let alone one of us.>"

[Crows-Nest] Michel says, "and is immediately eaten by a dingo"

[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "hee hee"

Wilfred says (to Franklin), "<If anything, it'll at least slow someone down if they're looking for the real John McRae Edwards.>"

Wilfred says (to Franklin), "<And give me some kind of warning.>"

Franklin says, "<And who is that?>"

Wilfred says (to Franklin), "<my younger brother.>"

Franklin says, "<Ohh, now it makes sense.>"

Raul says, "<Ah. Interesting.>"

Wilfred says (to Franklin), "<Now all I have to do is figure something out for Rupert....>"

Franklin says, "Take somebody for ransom."

Franklin says, "From the Four Winds? Hm."

GM says, ""Right, he said some rich guy lived up on top of the mountains.""

Wilfred hopes Darren leaves a paper trail a mile wide.

Franklin asks, "And did the chancel get cut off, or moved, or whatever we're calling it, as soon as you got there?"

Michel says (to Wilfred), "<Switch all Kori's documents with Rupert's>"

Franklin says, "A trail of candy wrappers."

GM says, ""The folks who were going to grab the guy for ransom headed up the mountain -- I guess they were soldiers and what looked like a couple magicians""

Franklin's eyebrows go up again. "I'm sorry, did you say 'magicians'?"

GM says, ""I've been around a chancel or two in my life -- I've seen some of 'em have guys that can do weird stuff""

Franklin says, "For my next trick, I will make this chancel disappear. Presto vanisho."

GM says, ""Maybe they're psychics or demons or something, but I call 'em magicians""

Kori says (to Michel), "<Thanks ever so much>"

Franklin scratches his ear.

Michel says (to Kori), "<hey, it'll probably be a winning proposition for you all round>"

GM says (to Franklin), "that was just what it was like -- we guarded the mountains as all the folks tried to climb it or fly up to it or whatever, and then a couple hours later, poof, dark as night"

Raul asks, "Who would pay a ransom for someone kidnapped from a chancel?"

GM exclaims, "and the top of the mountain just vanished!"

Kori says (to Michel), "<being pursued by excrucians?>"

Franklin asks, "If you kidnap a rich man, who pays the ransom?"

Gaston says, "<Isn't the random just a cover story? Surely they were really interested in capturing the Heart.>"

Michel says, "<yeah, but it'd help your student debt>"

GM says (to Raul), ""I know it sounds crazy now -- but at the time, we were all for it""

Gaston says, "<Er, ransom.>"

Michel says, "<I know who I'd rather face>"

GM says, ""Going to be rich, we thought. And then he left us behind to "guard the base," he said. Damn him!""

Franklin says, "<I am still unclear on everything Vona described to us.>"

Gaston says (to Michel), "<Tell it to the hand.>"

Franklin asks, "<She seemed to imply that building this chancel was a means to flush out the bad guys, but in what way did it do that? And how does stealing other chancels, like the Four Winds, help in reuniting this Excrucian with his body?"

Franklin says, ">"

Raul asks, "Did it sound more plausible when the man with the eyes told you about it?"

Michel says, "<nobody ever said imperators had to make sense>"

GM says, ""Well -- yeah. He could talk the wings off a griffin.""

Gaston says (to Franklin), "<Well, building a tempting chancel with lots of Nobles lured the Excrucian into attacking, I suppose.>"

Raul says, "<Always nice to be bait. I think I'd rather fish.>"

Gaston says (to Franklin), "<Since he needs a Noble's heart for some reason.>"

Franklin says, "<What good does attacking nobles do, in terms of their scheme?>"

Wilfred says, "<What, we're *bait*?>"

Franklin says, "<Oh, okay.>"

Gaston says (to Wilfred), "<Since being bait involves being bestowed with preternatural powers rather than being suspended on a hook, I for one am not too put out.>"

Franklin says, "<Noble hearts and chancel hearts.>"

Gaston says, "<Feel free to discuss the matter with Vona.>"

Franklin says, "<Like we'll see her again anytime soon.>"

Wilfred says (to Gaston), "<Well, I always wanted to be one with the filing system.>"

Kori says, "<now THERE's a fetish for ya>"

Franklin says, "Well, consarn it, it just seems like there's some positive action we could be taking now that Vona's identified the exact Excrucian who's behind everything."

Franklin asks, "If they can research our weaknesses and target them with attacks, can't we do the same thing to them?"

Wilfred says (to Franklin), "Of course. Let's see what the books have to offer."

Raul says, "Back in a second. I'm going to see these fellows off and out of the chancel."

Franklin sits down, looking suddenly exhausted.

Raul leads them away. You can hear him saying, "...and don't go off storming the chancels."

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "yay"

[nobilis] Wilfred says, "so..."

[nobilis] Gaston says, "I'm kind of tired."

Wilfred goes of researching. And worrying about Rupert.

[nobilis] GM says, "so, I'm just finishing up with Raul. y'all are doing research into this excrucian."

[nobilis] Franklin asks, "oh, is that what's happening?"

[nobilis] GM says, "if anyone else has anything they'd like to do now, we can do it, otherwise we'll resume in two weeks"

[nobilis] Gaston says, "I think I'm done."

[Crows-Nest] Michel says, "hmm. just a check that people can do oneshot in next week's gap..."

[nobilis] GM says, "ok, cool. see you folks then"

GM has disconnected.