<This one ends somewhat abruptly due to problems the mud was having:>

[nobilis] Alexandra says, "just curious"

[nobilis] Alexandra says, "lac"

Penny arrives, looking for booty.

Gaston arrives, looking for booty.

Gaston says, "Pray god I am not too soon."

[nobilis] GM asks, "I dunno, did Rob say he'd be making it?"

[nobilis] Raul asks, "are there roles for someone who hasn't been here the last two sessions and only has an hour this week?"

[nobilis] Raul says, "Rob said his connection might be all flaky, I believe"

[nobilis] GM says (to Raul), "well, you could hang out for a bit and see what happens, and/or show up for tomorrow's"

[nobilis] Wilfred says, "My connection is all flaky ... I'm on my backup ISP, and should see if my regular one is straightened out again in about an hour."

[nobilis] Raul says, "Not sure what my schedule's going to be tomorrow, which is why I was going to show up some here"

[nobilis] Raul says, "just call me Captain Cameo"

[nobilis] Raul says, "you can tell by the small white thing-on-a-necklace I wear"

[nobilis] Michel says, "we'd assumed you'd got lost"

[nobilis] GM says, "right then, in that case we get started"

GM says, "a week or two has passed since we last left off"

[Crows-Nest] Raul says, "Lazt week, on Nobilis..."

Gaston says, "Being really pathetic investigators and letting houses burn down and stuff."

GM says, "Wilfred's brother John is no doubt still hanging around the chancel"

[Crows-Nest] Gaston asks (of GM), "Shouldn't there be a 'wistfully' in there somewhere?"

Michel has been teaching Therese more about firearms and pressure points

[Crows-Nest] Gaston says, "Or maybe a 'mooning', but that could be taken the wrong way."

Raul has been off checking on some unspecified people and places, as well as helping another chancel

GM says, "while Gerald Devereux, the mysterious frenchman whose house mysteriously burned down after it was rifled for papers and a strange black half-sphere, is still on the loose"

GM says, "assuming he's not dead"

[nobilis] Michel says (to Penny), "oh, there's a favour I'd like to ask, if you have the time"

Wilfred has been reading up on Chinese mythology.

[nobilis] Penny says, "well, that all depends"

Gaston:

Gaston says, "Er, oops."

Penny says, "hey, I've been making sure John isn't lonely or bored in the chancel"

[nobilis] Michel asks, "how difficult would it be for you to teach Therese ten or so languages?"

Raul asks (of Penny), "Playing hide-and-get-lost in the stacks?"

Penny says (to Raul), "something like that"

[nobilis] Penny says, "well, hmm"

Gaston says, "I'm not entirely sure what I have been doing, but I have a very nasty ache in my head."

GM says, "the papers have been recovered and picked through"

Wilfred wonders if John would be interested in an adventure into the Chinese underworld.

[nobilis] Penny says, "I'd assume either that's one hefty mjor creation or many minor ones"

[nobilis] Penny says, "er, major"

[nobilis] Penny says, "teaching normally would take a while, but would be doable, I suppose"

Raul brings back a plate of sour cream enchiladas

GM says, "although there is an awful lot of data to look at, and most of it is useless unless you'd like to blackmail somebody or find out what crimes have been going on in france"

[nobilis] Michel says (to Penny), "well, normal teaching I could do"

[nobilis] GM says, "you could probably teach, I dunno, three or four common languages with a minor creation"

[nobilis] Penny asks, "which is, what, 2 DMPs?"

[nobilis] GM says, "or I guess use preservation to help her learn"

[nobilis] GM says, "since you have domain 2, yeah"

Raul says, "vive la criminal"

[nobilis] Michel says, "well, if it's a problem... hm, just had a thought"

Wilfred says (to Raul), "you must be mistaken."

[nobilis] Penny says, "I'd happily do that once, but I don't want to eat up ALL my DMPs"

[nobilis] Michel asks, "you know how you can perform miracles via anchors? what about innate nobilis powers like languages and the sight?"

[nobilis] GM says, "yes"

[nobilis] GM says, "but you're effectively in the anchor at that point, I think"

[nobilis] Raul says, "Oh, really? Nifty. I'll have to remember that"

[nobilis] Michel says, "mrm, okay"

Raul says, "No, I'm fairly certain these are enchiladas."

[nobilis] Michel says, "I'm probably going to anchor her sometime in the near future, but I would like her to be able to do this independently of me"

[nobilis] GM says, "so it's not "here, tell me what this says", it's "here, let me look out your eyes for a sec -- ah, it's Italian""

Wilfred says (to Raul), "You'll just have to try the whole enchilada to find out."

[nobilis] Penny says (to michel), "I'll happily teach her as many as I can for a minor creation, fwiw"

[nobilis] Michel says (to Penny), "I would be indebted."

[nobilis] Penny says, "so we'll arrange to do that, then, at some point"

Wilfred says (to Raul), "Incidentally, I'd like to introduce you to my brother John."

[nobilis] Michel says, "whatever time is convenient"

Raul says, "Ah, so you're the man with the dead doubles. Pleased to meet you."

Penny is writing in her notepad at the moment

Michel gets some pistols made up with small grips and lots of recoil compensation

Gaston says (to Raul), "Dead ringers, one might say."

Wilfred says (to Raul), "<John travels. A Lot. I thought your domain might figure in his life rather significantly.>"

[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "oddly, I think my hero is somewhat harrison-ford-like"

[Crows-Nest] Gaston says, "I really hope Penny is not entering Nanowrimo."

Raul says (to Wilfred), "<Oh, hm. Undoubtedly so. Is there any specific information you're after?>"

[Crows-Nest] Wilfred says, "hee"

[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "no, it'd be too easy for her"

[Crows-Nest] Raul says, "No fair, er, padding your novel with too many 'heaving's"

[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "viscontessa of language, remember"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "hee hee"

[Crows-Nest] Penny says (to Raul), "and 'pulsing's"

[Crows-Nest] Michel says, "writing: aspect 1. originality: aspect -1"

[Crows-Nest] Gaston asks (of Raul), "This would be a nautical novel, right?"

Wilfred says (to Raul), "<I'm concerned about his safety. I can't keep track of him as well as I can Rupert, who at least does things the orthodox way.>"

[Crows-Nest] Raul says, "'Full Fathoms, Och!'"

Penny says (to Wilfred), "<oh, I'll keep an eye on him, if you like>"

Raul says (to Wilfred), "<and I can as well.>"

[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "eye, hand, whatever"

[Crows-Nest] Gaston says (to Penny), "Eagh."

Michel says (to Raul), "you might not to watch his, um, movements *too* closely while he's in this chancel"

[Crows-Nest] Wilfred says, "So John looks like Harrison Ford in the Indiana Jones movies. I guess Wilfred's a slightly older version. (Sean Connery?)"

Penny says (to Michel), "<*ahem*>"

[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "yikes"

[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "the chancel is suddenly such an aesthetically pleasing place to be"

Raul exclaims (at Michel), "Why? I'd hate to lose him -- oh!"

[Crows-Nest] Gaston says (to Wilfred), "Nooo! Stop introducing craggy and manly brothers to the chancel, please."

Raul says, "And once again I am glad you cannot see if I am blushing or not."

[Crows-Nest] Michel does his best to balance this out

[Crows-Nest] Wilfred says, "Hee. Wilfred works very hard to stay bland-looking and forgettable, thank you."

[Crows-Nest] Penny says (to Michel), "blinkers. it's wonderful for preventing having to view unsightly things."

Wilfred asks (of Raul), "Are you?"

Raul says, "Certainly not."

[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "I think inky went to make a cocktail"

[Crows-Nest] Raul says, "and get his smoking jacket"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "sorry, was constructing things"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "right then"

[Crows-Nest] Michel says (to Penny), "if necessary, I can be as good-looking as the most handsome human alive. I just don't consider it that important."

[Crows-Nest] Michel says, "Raul, on the other hand, is inhumanly good-looking."

[Crows-Nest] (from Alexandra) Michel says, "Since I already have Kori's eternal love."

[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "; heeheehee"

[Crows-Nest] Raul says (to Michel), "in a stout-and-somewhat-short way"

[Crows-Nest] Kori says, "aHEM"

[Crows-Nest] Gaston says, "Good looks are demonstrably not everything."

[Crows-Nest] Raul says, "hey, we got Kori's attention, and without the word 'sushi'"

[Crows-Nest] Michel says (to Gaston), "a practical demonstration will not be necessary"

[Crows-Nest] Penny says (to Gaston,michel), "eek"

[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "my mental images of that demonstration just scared me a lot"

[Crows-Nest] Raul says (to Gaston), "aspect 3 has to be good for -- well, never mind"

[Crows-Nest] Michel asks, "okay, let's all just whip out our aspects and measure 'em, shall we?"

[Crows-Nest] Raul says, "and we dive headfirst into the domain of our good friend Dover"

Wilfred says, "<Now ... it occurs to me that we all have a number of friends and relations who might get snuffed at any minute by you-know-who....>"

[Crows-Nest] Gaston says (to Raul), "As it were."

Michel says, "mmm, that reminds me"

Wilfred says, "<I thought we might want to try organising something to deal with this.>"

Michel says, "it has been almost two weeks since I had that rather good bottle of wine broken over my head"

Michel says, "maybe I should check on things"

Michel slopes out of the chancel briefly

Wilfred asks (of Michel), "what things?"

[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "penny is so much more innocent than dover and will resist the urge to make any comments on his behalf"

Kori says, "hmm, I think I'm going to go have a look at some things myself."

Penny says, "I think I'll stay here in the chancel and keep an eye on the mortals here"

Kori says, "Short little trip to Seattle."

Kori says, "Visit some old friends."

Gaston says, "Hm. Coffee. I think."

Kori wanders out.

Raul says (to Kori), "You mind if I tag along? There's someone there I'd like to talk to briefly."

Kori says (to Raul), "<Sure, I'll wait for you on this side.>"

Kori goes through to the UW library and waits for Raul.

Raul meets up with Kori.

(From Gaston) Later...

Kori says (to Raul), "my roommate has sent me a letter, requesting that I check up on some things."

Raul says, "aha"

Kori says, "I was going to go see her."

Alexandra is hanging out in the chancel reading and mucking about on her computer

Raul says, "If you're willing to swing by an old army buddy's house on the way back, I'll go with you"

Wilfred peruses his mail....

Raul says, "Strength in numbers and all of that."

Kori says, "Right."

Kori leads the way back to her apartment.

Raul tries not to look out of place, and manages to succeed.

GM says (to Alexandra), "stock market unhappy, as usual .. nigerian spam on the rise .."

Kori lets herself in and calls for Sylvia.

[Crows-Nest] Raul exclaims (at GM), "ha!"

Wilfred says, "<...anyway ... the Chinese (bless their bureaucratic hearts) have a myth about a book of the dead in which everyone's allotted time is recorded ... subject to number-fudging and other such clerical unseemliness, of course.>"

[Crows-Nest] Alexandra says, "hee hee"

Penny stretches, and wanders around the chancel doing normal maintenence checks and so on

[interludes] GM has removed Michel from the channel.

[interludes] GM has added Raul to the channel.

Kori says (to Raul), "(seeming to remember her hostessly manners late and awkwardly) feel free to have a seat... if, er, you want to clear off some of those books"

[interludes] GM says, ""Heya," says Sylvia. "Just stopping by or staying?""

[interludes] Kori says, "I came by to find out what was going on... I can't stay too long this time, but if there's a problem I can come back later."

Michel has nothing in particular to do, and decides he might actually give a lecture he's meant to be giving

Wilfred says, "and I thought ... incidentally, anyone else interested in a slightly modernised version of Romeo and Juliet, without Leo di Caprio in it?>"

[interludes] Kori gestures at Raul. "I don't recall if you've met... this is my friend Raul. Raul, Sylvia."

[interludes] Raul says, "ey, Sylvia."

Gaston says (waking up) (to Wilfred), "<Hm?>"

[interludes] GM says, ""Pleased to meet you, Raul." She shakes your hand."

[interludes] Kori says (to Sylvia), "You can trust him."

[interludes] Kori asks, "Now, you said you were concerned about some of Karin's paintings?"

[interludes] GM says, ""Oh, one of *those* friends""

[interludes] GM says, ""Oh, good, you got my letter.""

[interludes] Kori smiles enigmatically. "Quite."

[interludes] Raul raises an eyebrow at Sylvia's comment.

Wilfred says, "<Rupert's latest play is opening soon. I'm about to get tickets.>"

Gaston says, "<Oh, why not.>"

[interludes] GM says, ""Yeah, I don't know what she's been up to lately -- well, I mean, I know she's been locked in her studio painting, but when she finally asked me to come look at them, I -- they didn't look typical for her.""

Penny says (to Wilfred), "ooh, that sounds romatic"

Penny says, "er, romantic"

Gaston asks (of Penny), "Rheumatic?"

[interludes] GM says, ""She said she wanted me to come take a look and see if I thought they were *strange* at all.""

[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "also, I thought, not said that"

Penny says (to Gaston), "pfeh"

[Crows-Nest] Gaston says, "...or so you thought."

[interludes] Kori asks, "so she's worried herself about them?"

[interludes] Kori says, "hmm"

[interludes] GM says, ""I asked if she'd talked to Alexandra, but she said she didn't want to worry her if it was nothing. Which seemed strange too.""

[Crows-Nest] Wilfred says, "Rupert, now *he's* the elder version of Indy, what isn't concerned with looking anonymous."

[interludes] Kori says, "I... see. I also didn't notify Alexandra, but I am beginning to think we might want to, after all."

Michel says, "so, mmh, this lecture is meant to be about, urnh, lecture schedule, one second... Enlightenment... critical theory... Johnson ... blah blah blah... okay, nobody really wants to know about this and it will not enrich your lives in any way whatsoever, so I think I'll deviate a little from the published topic..."

Penny says, "<mind if I come? we can drag John along to keep an eye on him, too>"

[interludes] Kori says, "It seems as though someone might be interfering in Karin's thoughts and dreams somehow."

[interludes] Raul says, "My paranoia is starting to rise here."

Gaston says, "<oh dear god>"

[interludes] Kori says, "And if so, I'm sure Alex would want to know..."

Kori says (to Alexandra), "<you free by any chance?>"

GM says, "A student in the back row gives up the fight against sleep and slumps onto his desk"

Wilfred says, "<the more the merrier, though I'd prefer to keep John far away from Rupert. Rupert still thinks John is dead, and it might be best that way.>"

Alexandra says (to Kori), "<pretty much>"

Kori says (to Alexandra), "<something disturbing has come up, and I think you might want to join us here>"

[Crows-Nest] Penny says (to inky), "yay"

Kori says (to Alexandra), "<my apartment>"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "you could disguise John"

Gaston says (to Wilfred), "<Perhaps we could slip John a secret potion in the fourth act!>"

Alexandra says (to Kori), "<on my way>"

[interludes] Kori says, "I imagine she'll be joining us in a moment."

Wilfred says (to Gaston), "<I'm sure the play couldn't be that bad.>"

[interludes] Kori says (to Raul), "I really don't like the sound of all this."

Michel ignores the student totally, as he generally does to all students

Alexandra turns off her monitor and heads for Seattle

Penny says, "<we could make John wear a disguise. I dunno, what disguises can we rustle up?>"

Gaston says (to Penny), "<You'd be surprised what those monks wear under their robes.>"

[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "I am being amused by the idea of Harrison Ford in a monk's robe here"

GM says, "(Another student or two slips out the back of the classroom)"

Gaston says (to Penny), "<...okay, you *might* be surprised.>"

[interludes] Kori asks (of Sylvia), "am I right in remembering that Karin was having some odd dreams, as well?"

Michel goes off on a protracted and iconoclastic tangent about allegory as primitive myth

[interludes] Kori asks, "and acting a bit funny?"

Wilfred says (to Gaston), "<they wear things under their robes?>"

Alexandra scampers toward Koris

Penny says (to Wilfred), "<so I hear>"

[interludes] Raul says, "<Did we ever hear from the power of dreams?>"

Penny says (to Wilfred), "<but Gaston seems to know a lot about this>"

[interludes] GM says, ""Yes -- you remember, at the art show, she was a bit nervous, and then she saw that friend of Alexandra's--" Sylvia breaks off as there's a knock on the door."

[interludes] Kori says, "<I've been a little busy the last few weeks dealing with exploding houses and other fun things involving Michel's daughter>"

[interludes] Kori says, "<perhaps Alexandra can tell us more>"

[interludes] Kori goes to open the door

Wilfred says (to Penny), "<I'm not sure I want to know how.>"

[interludes] Raul says, "<Hm. This is what happens when I go away.>"

[interludes] GM has added Alexandra to the channel.

[interludes] Raul has discreetly palmed a stunner.

[interludes] Kori says (to Alexandra), "Hi -- come on in. You remember my roommate Sylvia."

[interludes] Raul says, "Hey Alex"

Gaston says, "<It's no mystery. I spent a week as a monk, before deciding I would rather paint nudes.>"

GM says, "(eventually it's just Michel and one student in the front row, diligently writing down every word he says)"

Penny says, "<so, are we dressing john up in a monk's robe and dragging him with us?>"

[interludes] GM says, ""Ah, hello, Alexandra" Sylvia says, a bit nervously."

[interludes] Alexandra asks, "hey. what's up?"

Wilfred says, "<I think he's safer here.>"

[nobilis] Michel says, "foolish students fail to recognise an aspect-2 lecture when they see it"

[interludes] Kori says (to Sylvia), "tell Alexandra what you just told us"

Gaston says, "<Is this man in any actual danger?>"

[Crows-Nest] Penny asks (of GM), "and fluttering his/her eyelashes at him and nodding appreciatively at every comment?"

Gaston says, "<Other than the currently obvious, I mean.>"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "possibly, possibly"

[interludes] Kori says, "Don't worry, it's important that she know."

[interludes] Raul moves into the background some, trying not to crowd Sylvia.

[interludes] GM says, ""Well -- Karin didn't seem to want to tell you, but I suppose they're right.""

[Crows-Nest] Wilfred asks (of GM), "Does he/she have "Hey Sexy" written on his/her eyelids?"

[interludes] GM says, ""She asked me to come by her place a few days ago and check out some of the paintings she'd been working on recently -- she'd been locked in her studio for a few weeks now -- didn't want to come out for anything while she was working.""

[Crows-Nest] Raul says, "or LOVE/HATE"

[interludes] GM says, ""She said she thought her new series was a bit .. strange, and wanted me to take a look. She said she didn't want to worry you about them.""

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "hee hee"

Wilfred says (to Gaston), "<Admittedly not....>"

Michel finishes the lecture and walks out feeling exceptionally pleased with himself

[interludes] Kori asks, "What was strange about the pictures?"

[interludes] GM says, ""They were --" Sylvia gestures vaguely. "I'm not sure I can really explain it. Some of them were like some kind of peephole into a dark place with, with *things* on the outskirts""

[interludes] GM says, ""And some of them were of the outside of her building, as if you were looking through the window watching her work.""

Michel rubs his hand together in gleeful anticipation of students filing complaints, and heads back to the chancel

[interludes] Kori says (to Alexandra), "I hate to say this, but I'm concerned that someone may be interfering with Karin's thoughts somehow"

[interludes] GM says, ""They were really unpleasant.""

[interludes] Kori says, "I didn't want to alarm you, but..."

Wilfred has disconnected.

Wilfred has connected.

GM says, "(where everybody is either gone, or getting dressed for the theater)"

[Crows-Nest] Wilfred asks, "oop, what i miss?"

[interludes] Raul says, "That sounds like someone is messing with her thoughts, yeah."

[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "Michel finishing his lecture"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "discussion over whether to dress John up and bring him or not"

[interludes] Alexandra says (to Kori), "yeah, this doesn't sound good. she was *supposed* to tell me if the dreams came back. How like her not to."

[interludes] Kori says, "I, ah, don't really know what to suggest we do from here"

[Crows-Nest] Wilfred says, "hmm"

Michel puts his feet up and blows smoke rings

[interludes] Kori asks (of Sylvia), "did she say whether she felt followed or watched recently?"

[interludes] Kori asks, "or mention anything about strangers hanging around, odd phone calls, anything like that?"

[interludes] Alexandra says, "and I'm still not sure I believe Jack when he claims to have no involvement. But. Sounds like it's worth going over there and checking these paintings out. And having a vehement little chat about the definition of 'suspicious things you should discuss with Alex.'"

Wilfred says, "<alright, let's hear this again. Who's going?>"

[interludes] Raul says (to Alex), "<Have you tried going into her mind lately?>"

[interludes] Raul says, "Oh, hm, I should find time to meet with Jack as requested."

[interludes] GM says, ""Well -- she hasn't been out of the studio, or at least she hasn't wanted to go anywhere when I've called before. So I don't think she's being followed. Watched, maybe -- but wouldn't she go to the police, then?""

Michel says, "<modern adaptations of shakespeare are dreadfully overdone. I'll pass>"

[interludes] Alexandra says, "<I hadn't. She was throwing some tantrum about wanting 'privacy.' Charming, it is, how well that's worked out>"

[interludes] GM says (to Raul), "(Alexandra actually met with Jack a few weeks ago, although presumably you could chat with him also)"

Penny says, "<well, you and Gaston and myself"

GM says, "Right then, off to the theater"

Penny says, "<and possibly John if we disguise him and if Gaston can withhold his revulsion>"

[interludes] Raul says (to GM), "(what? Things happened without me? I'm hurt!)"

[interludes] Kori says (to Sylvia), "maybe, maybe not"

[interludes] Alexandra asks, "Anyway, I would just give her a mental ring now, but it might be easier to deal with this in person. I'm going to head over. Y'all want to come too, or stay here?"

[interludes] Kori says, "for that matter, I'm not sure how much police could help with this"

[interludes] GM says, ""It's true she didn't answer her phone some of the times I called but I figured she was just busy working.""

[interludes] Kori says (to Alexandra), "I'll come along."

Wilfred says (to GM), "sure. you have carte blanche."

[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "purely as a note: feel free to argue penny down here"

[interludes] Kori asks (of Sylvia), "are you okay otherwise?"

Michel decides to go and find Therese and spend some time with her in Octavo, since constant visits to Ferarium are beginning to fray his nerves

[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "I honestly don't mind if he comes or not, but penny would nag and I don't have the energy to roleplay that with a cold"

[interludes] Raul says (to Alex), "I'll come as well. You might want some backup."

[Crows-Nest] Michel says, "well, it's more the not-smoking-around-kids thing that frays my nerves, but the bright lights and happy rides don't help"

GM says, "Wilfred and Penny and Gaston head off to one of London's smaller theaters"

[Crows-Nest] Wilfred says, "If Penny can promise to keep him from accidentally running into Rupert, I'd be fine."

GM says, "and I guess John in a monk outfit"

[interludes] GM says (to Kori), ""Well, except for my exams." She smiles wanly. "But other than that.""

[Crows-Nest] Raul says, "'Check out the matins and lauds on John!'"

Wilfred says (to GM), "good heavens. nobody goes to the theatre in a monk outfit. that's just not done. he's wearing pinstripes."

GM says, ""Romeo and Juliet: A New Vision by Morgan O'Hara" proclaims the large banner outside the small theater"

[interludes] Kori says, "all right, then"

Wilfred gets a programme.

[Crows-Nest] Penny asks, "'Morgan O'Hara'?"

[interludes] Kori says, "we're going to have to go, but let me know if anything else comes up"

[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "man, that's so much better a romance novel pseudonym than mine is"

Wilfred says (to John), "remember, Rupert's not to know you're not dead."

[interludes] Kori says, "and, ah, good luck"

[interludes] Kori . o O ( I should really try showing my own face around the university occasionally. Just so they don't think I'm dead. )

[interludes] GM says, ""Yeah, thanks." Sylvia glances over at the large pile of books on her side of the room. "And thanks for checking this out.""

GM says, ""Right. Undercover, that's the word.""

GM says, "John adjusts his false moustache."

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

Penny says, "oh, you *do* look debonair"

[interludes] Kori says, "sure."

[interludes] Kori nods to the others. <Ready when you are.>

[interludes] Alexandra says (to Sylvia), "thanks for letting me know. and for putting up with Karin."

Wilfred . o O ( as long as, when we come out, the moustache is still on John and not on Penny.... )

[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "ha"

[Crows-Nest] Gaston exclaims, "Ha!"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "hee hee"

Michel sits around in Octavo playing incredibly downbeat saxophone solos, while Therese runs around annoying the monks

[Crows-Nest] Raul says, "yay"

[interludes] GM says, "You three head over to Karin's."

[interludes] GM says, "The lights are on inside although the shades are drawn."

Wilfred says, "Let's see ... I think we have pretty good seats."

Gaston says, "<Oops, I still have several firearms on my person. I wonder if I should hand them in at the cloak room.>"

[interludes] Raul has that stunner in his hand again.

[interludes] Alexandra decides to skip the knocking part and barge in, using her key

Gaston says, "<Oh, I won't bother.>"

GM says, "An usher in jeans hands you the (photocopied) program, which lists the cast members"

Wilfred reads.

Penny reads down the cast list.

Wilfred . o O ( not exactly the West End, is it... )

GM says, "Rupert is listed both as "Tybalt Smith" and "Mercutio Jones""

Penny says, "<oh dear>"

Michel groans involuntarily, several dimensions away

[interludes] GM says, ""Who's th-- oh. Ah, er, hello Alex. How have you been?""

[interludes] GM says, "Karin puts down her palette and brush and walks over."

[interludes] Alexandra says, "Lovely. I hear you have not been lovely, however. Good of you to let me know."

Gaston says (to Wilfred), "<Oh, it has the potential for far more raucous energy and invention than the stifling great hulks of the theatrical establishment.>"

[interludes] Alexandra takes a look around for the paintings

Gaston says, "<Alternatively it could be really bad, but we'll see.>"

Wilfred says, "<um. it has been a while since i last read the original, but isn't there supposed to be a duel in act 3 between tybalt and mercutio?>"

[interludes] GM says, ""Um -- well, I didn't want to worry you, and so I told Sylvia -- sigh""

GM says (to Wilfred), "nor a song-and-dance number in act 2"

[interludes] Kori hangs towards the back, not eager to be drawn into this conversation

Wilfred says (to Gaston), "<And don't knock the stifling great hulks of the theatrical establishment>"

[interludes] Raul hangs to the side, the back being taken up by Kori.

GM says, "also, there is a note in the thanks-to section: "And to Bert's Costermonger, providing the prawns""

Penny says (to wilfred), "<concentrate on, um, the nice bureaucratic tickets>"

Gaston asks (of Wilfred), "So, er, what other starring roles has Ruper had?"

[interludes] GM says, "Those of you with higher aspect note Karin's somewhat careworn expression -- it looks like she hasn't been sleeping well, and maybe taking no-doze pills"

[nobilis] Gaston says, "Rupert, even."

[interludes] Alexandra says, "And how many times we did we discuss 'worry me! tell me when *anything* weird happens!'"

Wilfred says (to Gaston), "I think he was Jet #8 in West Side Story."

GM says, "It's reasonably good seating, thankfully, although you have to elbow past a few people to get to your seats"

[interludes] Raul uses the time to give Karin's apartment the once-over.

[interludes] Kori says, "<I wonder whether removing Karin to another location would prevent whoever-it-is from getting access to her. Though I realize Franklin will get pissed if we bring any more people back to chancel.>"

[interludes] GM says, "Karin sighs and hangs her head. "I've just been -- you know, distracted.""

[interludes] Alexandra points at the paintings. "That. Counts. As. Weird."

[interludes] GM says, "Right, so to take a moment for the apartment"

Gaston asks (of GM), "Is anyone in the audience *not* in the front row?"

Wilfred says (to Penny), "<I rather get the impression that this is the sort of place with a highly creative accounts ledger.>"

[interludes] GM says, "It's a smallish studio apartment, with a bathroom off to one side and a bed in the corner, but with most of it open and with painting supplies scattered around"

GM says (to Gaston), "well, there are the two people arguing over the lights"

[interludes] Alexandra says, "<I tried keeping her in the chancel. We, um, don't do well together for long in one place. And she kept sneaking out, which is why I finally just let her come back here. With the explicit understanding that she was to yell the minute anything seemed odd. Grrrrrrr.>"

GM says (to Gaston), ""I said, get a green bulb, the old one's burnt out. But did you listen? Noo, you were too busy shagging that--" "Fine, fine, let's not drag up old scores here. We'll just shine the blue and the yellow at the same time -- who's going to notice?""

[interludes] GM says, "There are rather a lot of paintings -- if she's done all this in only a few weeks, no wonder she hasn't been sleeping much"

[interludes] Alexandra says (to Karin), "<are you still having the odd dreams? Have they come back?>"

[interludes] Kori says, "<I see>"

[Crows-Nest] Michel says, "mmm, inky has done his research in meticulous detail"

Wilfred . o O ( everyone? )

[Crows-Nest] Michel says, "as evidenced by colourful local use of the word 'shagging'"

[interludes] GM says, "Probably a dozen canvasses or so, although about half of them don't really have anything on them -- just some seemingly-random splashes of color and then, I guess, the painting was abandoned"

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

[interludes] Raul looks for patterns in the paintings.

[interludes] GM says, "The others are weird, just like Sylvia said"

[interludes] GM says, "In contrast to the splashes of color ones, and even in constrast to most of Karin's previous stuff, these are realistic"

[Crows-Nest] Raul asks, "If Tybalt says 'give us a snog, then' you'll be really impressed and/or horrified?"

[Crows-Nest] Gaston says, "Possibly both, since the same guy is playing the person he's supposed to fight."

[Crows-Nest] Michel says, "I shall be deafened by the sound of the Bard spinning in his grave"

[interludes] GM says, "Most of them do indeed appear to be studies of some kind of dark place, as viewed through a gap -- it's hard to make out exactly what's going on, but it's like looking through a fence at night into a junkyard full of wild animals, perhaps"

[interludes] GM says, "Only moreso"

[Crows-Nest] Raul says (to Michel), "I don't think he's settled down yet from Romeo+Juliet"

[interludes] Raul says (to Karin), "These look like a new oeuvre for you."

[interludes] Alexandra says, glancing at the paintings, "Ick. Your head seems a scary place to be at the moment."

[Crows-Nest] Michel says, "if you attached electromagnets to him you could power half of London"

[Crows-Nest] Raul asks, "the west end, perhaps?"

[interludes] GM says, "The remaining two are equally disturbing, but in a different way -- they're studies of Karin painting as viewed through one of the windows outside. It's not clear why, but the paintings have a distinct air of -- hrm, as if the viewer is something hungry watching Karin"

[nobilis] Kori says, "afk a moment switching to laptop"

GM says, "eventually, not without discussion, the curtain drops"

GM says, "some of the audience members seem surprised by this and have to be dragged into their seats"

GM says, "and then the crackly PA system kicks in"

Gaston carefully dampens any feedback effects.

[Crows-Nest] Michel says (to Gaston), "ssh, it's INTENTIONAL"

Wilfred prepares to say "oh bugger" in case he has to.

[Crows-Nest] Michel says, "post-modern irony and all that bullshit"

GM says, ""IN A WORLD WHERE-- (whispered) no, stop that, we agreed not to do that bit. We're going to do it *tomorrow*. Ok, fine, fine. -- THE MODERN SHAKESPEARE RESTORATION COMPANY IS PLEASED TO PRESENT, ROMEO AND JULIET, THE UNTOLD STORY""

[Crows-Nest] Alexandra says, "hee hee hee"

[Crows-Nest] Gaston exclaims, "Ha!"

Gaston grins like a fule.

[interludes] Alexandra shivers

[Crows-Nest] Raul says, "wahoo"

[interludes] Alexandra says, "OK, now that we have established that all is not peachy, time to figure out what's doing this"

GM says, "The curtain slowly rises, to reveal several backdrops, hand-painted with large green leaves and flowers"

[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "oh dear me"

[Crows-Nest] Raul says, "It's a midsummer's night bard mauling"

[Crows-Nest] Raul says, "Also, drat, time for me to go"

GM says, "Two people come skipping from either end of the stage, to give exaggerated starts of alarm as they see each other"

[Crows-Nest] Raul says, "sorry to nobilis and run"

[Crows-Nest] Michel says, "okay, bets on. evens it's a nude version, five to one it's going to involve down with the kids street slang"

[Crows-Nest] GM says (to Raul), "byebye"

Raul has disconnected.

GM says, "one seems to be dressed as little red riding hood, complete with basket"

[Crows-Nest] Michel says, "six to one there will be topical political references"

GM says, "the other is carrying a surfboard and wearing swim trunks"

[interludes] Alexandra says, "Hmm. This may be a stretch, but ... it seems like whatever is causing this is creating its effect from just outside the normal areas of perception and consciousness. Since it's influencing conscious actions. Working from an edge, as it were."

GM says, "it gets worse from there"

Wilfred checks his programme again.

[interludes] Alexandra asks (of Kori), "any chance this is something your could trace, sometime that would fall under your domain?"

[Crows-Nest] Michel says, "two to one they'll make knowing quips about how bad actors they all are"

Gaston says (to Penny), "<If you feel like making any subtle changes to the script, please be my guest hint hint.>"

[Crows-Nest] Michel says, "two to one on they'll mention the word 'mimesis'"

GM says (to Wilfred), "(some time later) not too much longer now -- it just lists "tap-dancing political satire" before the intermission"

Wilfred prepares to say "oh bugger" in case he has to.

[interludes] GM says, "(I think she said she was going to be afk a sec)"

[interludes] Alexandra says (to Karin), "<and if I ever find out about weird stuff like this happening again, that you weren't telling me about ... well, I'll have to come up with some suitably nasty response. Smack you around. Or, er, not smack you around for a bit. Whatever is the opposite of whatever you're into that week.>"

[interludes] GM says, "(ha!)"

[interludes] GM says, "Karin sighs. "I suppose you're right, I'm just --""

Michel stops his sax playing, looks around guiltily to check that Therese isn't in eyeshot, and lights up a cigarette

[interludes] GM says, ""I don't know what's going on, if I'm going crazy or what.""

Kori has disconnected.

Kori has connected.

[interludes] Alexandra has a momentary stab of empathy.

Penny makes some subtle adjustments to make the script more, ahem, tailored to her tastes.

Wilfred senses a "No Smoking" violation.

[interludes] Alexandra says, ""It's ok. I know this whole situation is highly weird."

[Crows-Nest] Michel says, "wow, and I thought there was no way this could get worse"

[interludes] GM says, ""It seems like people have been watching me lately, or if I'm just dreaming that and then imagining it later on""

[Crows-Nest] Michel says, "now it'll be tap-dancing political satire with added heaving bosoms and swooning"

[interludes] GM says (to Alex), "(you might want to repeat your comment to Kori)"

[interludes] GM says, "(since this channel doesn't recap)"

GM says, "eventually intermission hits, and the actors retreat back to their dressing room"

Wilfred sighs.

GM says, "(assuming there is one - they might just be stepping out into the alley to smoke)"

[interludes] Alexandra says, "(oh yeah, whoops. I'd missed the away bit)"

Wilfred says, "I'm going to speak to Rupert."

[interludes] Alexandra says, "Hmm. This may be a stretch, but ... it seems like whatever is causing this is creating its effect from just outside the normal areas of perception and consciousness. Since it's influencing conscious actions. Working from an edge, as it were."

[interludes] Alexandra asks (of Kori), "any chance this is something your could trace, sometime that would fall under your domain?"

GM says (to Penny), "John says "That bit where he calls her his darling snookums -- you put that in for me, didn't you?""

Gaston says (to Wilfred), "Can we come along too? I'd like to offer my congratulations."

Michel hastily stubs out the cigarette and conceals the butt as Therese wanders back in, head in clouds

[Crows-Nest] Gaston exclaims (at GM), "Eagh!"

Wilfred says (to Gaston), "congratulations, they lived? sure."

[interludes] Kori says, "hm... not the kind I've tried before, but I suppose everything is worth a try"

[Crows-Nest] Wilfred asks (of Michel), "what sort of clouds?"

Penny asks (of John), "(fluttering eyelashes) oh, you noticed?"

[interludes] Kori tries to sense around the edges of Karin's consciousness, see whether the borders of it have been broadened or confused

Wilfred stands and heads backstage-wards.

[interludes] GM says, "(I guess this is a divination)"

Gaston says (to Penny), "<I have a sneaking suspicion that you may have wilfully misinterpreted my suggestion -- oh, never mind.>"

Gaston follows Wilfred.

GM says (to Wilfred), ""Hey, you can't go back there -- well, not unless you want to talk to somebody," the nominal stage-manager says"

Penny smirks happily.

[interludes] Kori says, "ok"

[interludes] GM says, "It doesn't feel like -- hrm"

[Crows-Nest] Michel says, "oh, I emptied the smoke away, it's all safe (I hope)"

[interludes] GM says, "It doesn't feel like Karin has been affected directly, as such, which makes sense since she's an anchor and they're harder to effect"

Wilfred says (to stage-manager), "I'm here to speak to Rupert Edwards."

[interludes] GM says, "But the whole area here feels a little uneasy -- reaching out, in fact, it seems like about as far as you can sense in the neighborhood, the edges get fuzzy, somehow"

[interludes] Kori reports this

GM says, ""Rupe? Oh, yeah, sure -- back there --""

GM says, "He gestures vaguely to one of the doors."

[interludes] Kori asks, "the mental edges? or the physical ones?"

Wilfred goes

[interludes] GM says, "Both, I guess. What it feels most like is like a chancel entrance, where two realities or sub-realities or whatever are overlaid and it'd almost be possible to slip between -- but not quite"

[interludes] Kori switches to Mythic sight and looks around

Michel solos mournfully

GM says, ""Wilfred! You made it!""

GM says, "Rupert is having a beer with the actor who played Romeo and Juliet's nurse"

GM says, "while some other person is trying to sew up a rip in the side of his costume caused by over-enthusiastic gesturing in the third scene"

[interludes] GM says, "There's nothing exactly wrong here, but all the spirits seem a bit nervous themselves"

[interludes] GM says, "The chairs shrink into the corners, the paint-cans try and hide under their lids, the canvases don't want to look at what's painted on them"

GM says, ""So," Rupert says, "Do you like it?""

[interludes] Kori says, "eesh"

[interludes] Alexandra follows suit

Wilfred asks (of Rupert), "Are you sure you're supposed to be drinking in between acts?"

[interludes] Alexandra asks the room and objects in general,"Hi. Noticed any nasty spirits or presences lurking about here recently?"

[nobilis] Gaston says, "I am kind of falling asleep here. Sorry if I'm on autopilot."

GM says, ""Oh, this?" He looks down vaguely at the beer. "I'm sure it'll add just that extra je ne sais quoi --" he gestures with the can and some splashes out onto the person trying to sew up his cloak"

[Crows-Nest] Wilfred says, "Oh dear. it's in a *can*, too...."

[interludes] GM says, "The chairs shiver. "We can feel something coming," they say. "I don't know what it is," says the bed. "I'm closing my lid up tight and not coming out," says a paint can."

GM says, "Rupert looks down a bit apologetically."

GM says, ""Sorry, I pinched this one from the stagehands -- if you want one, I expect they can spare one or two""

[nobilis] DavidW has left the channel.

Wilfred says, "Thank you, but I'm fine."

Wilfred . o O ( I'll just nip into Michel's wine collection when I get back )

GM says, ""INTERMISSION OVER!" somebody shouts from up front. "EVERYBODY SIT DOWN!""

[interludes] Alexandra asks, "You feel something coming *now*?"

Michel says (to Wilfred), "<you will have to find it first, and that is no easy task>"

GM says, ""Oh, whoops, that's my cue," Rupert says. "I'll catch you after the show, ok? This is the big scene!""

Wilfred says (to Rupert), "Well, break a leg, as they say."

[interludes] GM says, ""Soon," they say uneasily. "Not yet, but soon. We hear things whispering outside.""

Wilfred returns to his seat

[interludes] Alexandra asks, "Has it been here before?"

Michel looks vaguely in Therese's direction for any sign of an opinion

[interludes] GM says, "The spirits rustle and look at each other."

[interludes] Alexandra says, "We're the good guys. We'll protect you."

GM says, ""I think I prefer classical," she says"

[interludes] GM says, ""It talks about being very very old," they say"

[interludes] GM says, ""Older than memory""

[interludes] GM says, ""It says it will come again""

[interludes] Alexandra says (to Kori), "<oy. sounds like something really fun to tangle with>"

Michel says, "ah, at least you have escaped the filthy crooning stuff your mother listens to"

[interludes] Alexandra says, "Thanks. So you know anything else about it? the more we can find out, the better job we can do of making sure it doesn't hurt anyone here."

Michel says, "or that unpleasant guitar thing whotshisface is so fond of"

[interludes] Alexandra says, "(so=do)"

GM says, "Therese makes a face at the memory."

[Crows-Nest] (from Wilfred) Therese says, "But I *like* Barry Manilow!"

Alexandra says, "<anyone back at the chancel? we might need some research>"

Michel says, "<me, but I was just about to go on a walk with my- ah, never mind>"

Michel says, "<what do you need?>"

[interludes] GM says, ""It is so hard to tell," the spirits say. "But we can feel it when it comes nearer, sometimes. It seems to be interested in this place, in this person -- but we do not know why.""

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "oy"

GM says, "Meanwhile, the second half goes up"

GM says, "Rupert has a dramatic scene where he dashes from side to side on the stage arguing with himself"

Wilfred needs peril-sensitive glasses.

Alexandra says, "<the stacks are a lovely place for a scenic stroll. trying to get details, but, we're having a bit of trouble here with some nasty messing with Karin's mind and kind of stalking her. something 'older than memory' is about all we have to go on so far"

GM says, "until finally the daring swordfight wherein he spits himself on his blade and falls dramatically to the ground, and then stands to put his foot across his other foot and give his victory speech"

Alexandra says, "<I'm hoping 'older than memory' does not mean 'and has been really really quiet and undocumented for the last few billion years'>"

Michel says (to Therese), "I have to look something up for the nice decadent capitalist lady, but I promise after that we'll go for a walk in, unh, Kashmir or someplace nice"

Wilfred says, "...oh for the love of the august personage...."

Penny is now ignoring the play and conversing happily with John.

Michel hastens to do research on anything 'older than memory' that might affect minds

Alexandra says, "<the spirits we're chatting up here say it will 'come again,' so it's been through this existance at least once before>"

[Crows-Nest] Alexandra says (to Michel), "belated hee hee"

GM says, "Michel researches busily"

GM says, "sending out monks to look at books while he speed-reads the ones they bring back"

GM says, "until finally, with a clash of cymbals, romeo and juliet collapse onto the stage"

Michel says, "see, darling, this is called academia. it is exceptionally boring but it makes you feel very important"

GM says, "but then in the dramatic surprise ending, two other actors, dressed in white with little wings and halos step out mincingly from the eaves and hover around the corpses"

[interludes] Alexandra settles down on one of the chairs they've been chatting up

Michel says, "and it also affords many possibilities for, um well, I will tell you when you are older"

GM says, "before joining hands and dashing off into the wings"

GM says, "The curtain drops amidst, well, some applause"

GM says, ""A happy ending!" the person next to Wilfred murmurs to her neighbor. "How postmodern!""

Wilfred . o O ( what a load of crap. )

Penny barely notices the curtain descend, but claps politely as she's in the presence of wo brother's of one of the actors.

Wilfred asks, "I think it was quite good, don't you?"

Penny says, "or even two"

Penny says, "yes, a very ...interesting interpretation of the text."

GM says (to Michel), "ok, it looks like the only thing you come up with that seems to sort of fit the symptoms is what people feel before land that cut out of an area to form a chancel returns to the place it was cut out of with the death of the area's imperator"

GM says (to Michel), "but that would take hours, or at most a few days, not the extended period this seems ot be covering"

[nobilis] Penny says, "okay, Iain is about to collapse with tiredness"

[nobilis] GM says, "I think we might be cutting this session short here"

Michel says (to Alexandra), "<It might seem that some imperator is being slowly killed, and their chancel is returning to the human world>"

[nobilis] GM says, "since Kori is also not feeling well"

[nobilis] Penny says, "and I am sniffling and coughing in a disconcertingly powerful fashion"

Wilfred heads backstage

GM says, "and Alexandra reported a more, hrm, active malevolence than that would imply"

Michel says, "<but I stress this is only a vague possibility>"

[nobilis] Gaston says, "Sorry."

[nobilis] Penny says, "so, er, Gaston and Penny and presumably John will head back to the chancel now."

Alexandra says, "<good that it's vague, cos that would probably be very bad>"

[nobilis] Gaston says, "Gaston might wander around Soho for a bit first."

[nobilis] GM says, "yeah, that's flu season for you"

Michel says, "<this may be the equivalent of dropping a chancel on somebody from a great height>"

GM says (to Wilfred), "there is some sort of party going on, or perhaps this is the pre-party before they go to the actual party elsehwere"

[nobilis] Alexandra says, "I would not mind cutting short. David is also feeling badly and wanting company"

[nobilis] Penny says, "yeah, Penny and John might go on a nice little tour of london"

Michel says, "<where are you, exactly? if I can find out that I can probably find out chancels that were created from that area>"

[nobilis] GM says, "ok, I'll finish up this research with Michel and then we'll cut it"

[nobilis] Penny says, "anyway, I think we bow out now. sorry, guys."

[nobilis] GM says, "byebye"

Penny has disconnected.

Penny goes home.

[nobilis] Michel says, "see ya"

Gaston slopes off with some actress woman.

Michel says, "<and then confirm by investigating all the chancels that fit>"

Gaston says, "<She says she is an actress, anyway.>"

GM says (to Michel), "this is the vague Seattle area"

[nobilis] Gaston says, "Bye."

Gaston has disconnected.

Gaston goes home.

Michel says, "<anywhere in particular?>"

GM says (to Michel), "er, s/vague/greater/, I guess"

Alexandra says (to Michel), "<Seatle. karin's apartment, specifically>"

[nobilis] Alexandra says, "yikes, and now am lagged"

Michel starts checking for lists of chancels formed from the Seattle region

[nobilis] Michel says, "lagging"

Wilfred . o O ( Rupert, go home! I can get you a nice, cosy little job stapling newsletters..... )

Wilfred says (to Rupert), "oh, good show. That was ... quite impressive."

GM says (to Michel), "it's hard to track down exactly where all the chancels came from, as some imperators are a bit quiet about this kind of origin"

GM says (to Michel), "but, eg, Bronwynn's chancel is cut out of the ocean nearby"

[Crows-Nest] Wilfred says, "lag"

[nobilis] Alexandra asks, "I would know if I were in a chancel,. right? or wouldn't I?"

[nobilis] GM says, "you would, and you aren't"

Michel gives a quick courtesy prayer to all the chancels he can find, checking that nothing untoward's happening

Michel says (to Bronwynn), "<You wouldn't be experiencing any instability with your chancel, by any stretch of possibility?>"

[nobilis] GM says, "it doesn't even feel exactly like being by a chancel entrance, just similar"

<At this point the mud went down, effectively ending the session. Now that's what I call a cliffhanger.>