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[nobilis] PerrySimm says, "log on"
[nobilis] Tyoka waits.
GM says, "Jack . o O (to Chaz) (I apologize for our abrupt departure from the warehouse, but I decided that if you failed to stop Ghin-aj, it wouldn't matter, and if you did, someone would need to make sure the rest of Rike's plots were cleaned up)"
[nobilis] Chaz asks, "Oh, one other question--is Seattle now a chancel; i.e. not actually in prosaic reality any more?"
[nobilis] GM says, "yeah"
Chaz . o O (to jack) ( No problem! We got him, and I have a nifty glass souvenier to boot. )
[nobilis] Tyoka says, "is that a good thing? I don't think so"
[nobilis] Kori exclaims, "sushi carts on every corner!"
[nobilis] GM says, "it's possible it might be an open-borders fully-connected chancel at the moment"
Chaz . o O (to jack) ( Where *is* Rike, anyway? )
[nobilis] GM says, "since there's no guiding imperator to raise the shields"
GM says, "Jack . o O ( Holed up in Olympus, I think -- Drake and I have been trying for a while to break into the chancel but he's got it sealed up tight. Or at least, someone has. I would feel much better if I knew where Amanda was now. )"
Davey asks, "so the weird sky went away?"
GM says, "in the Seattle chancel? yeah"
Chaz . o O (to jack) ( Have you tried Drake's tunnel from Greece? )
Davey . o O ( yeah, if we can find a weak point maybe I can force a road through )
GM says, "Jack . o O ( Interesting. Let me ask Drake about -- ah, I see. Perhaps we should all meet by the other end of the tunnel. )"
[nobilis] Penny asks, "Amanda wrote self-help books, yes?"
[nobilis] GM says, "yes"	[interludes] GM has added Gaston to the channel.
Chaz . o O (to jack) ( sounds good to me! Feel free to take a short-cut through Ferarium if it helps. )
[nobilis] Penny asks, "did we find out under what name they were written?"	[interludes] GM says, "(go for it)"
[nobilis] GM says, ""Amanda Pyne""
Davey asks, "time for a bus ride?"	[interludes] Gaston says (to Bronwynn), "<Hello?>"
	[interludes] GM says, "<Ah, Gaston,> Bronwynn says. <It has been quite a day, has it not?>"
[Crows-Nest] Tyoka asks, "weren't we, like, standing in a warehouse or something?"
[nobilis] Penny says, "possibly penny should try checking out her publishing contacts to see if she can find any clues to where amanda might be"
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "yeah, then your bodies got dragged around yesterday"	[interludes] Gaston says (to Bronwynn), "<Indeed. I must admit I'm not entirely clear on everything yet.>"
[Crows-Nest] Davey says, "yeah, but the space it occupied has changed, and we're in the restored Seattle chancel"
[Crows-Nest] Tyoka says, "aha"
Chaz says, "OK, Rike seems to be holed up inside Olympus. Anyone who wants to help try to break in, let's meet up in Greece."
Gaston says, "Oui."
Tyoka says, "Yeah"
Chaz says, "Taking along some fireproofing might be helpful--the Olympus chancel heart is a big flame, and Rike seems to be able to control it."	[interludes] Gaston says, "<Plans are afoot to bring Rike to justice, but it may not be as simple as that -- for instance, where is Amanda?>"
Chaz asks (of Gaston), "You guys have high-tech flame retardant clothes?"
Penny says, "I'm going to see if I can go track down amanda"
Davey says, "let's swing through Ferarium then."
[nobilis] GM says (to Penny), "let's see -- hmm, it looks like Amanda is scheduled to announce the release of her next book today"
Gaston says (to Chaz), "I believe so. I will ask the monks."
[nobilis] Penny says, "oho"
[nobilis] GM says, "There's a big ceremony of some kind in Chicago"
Davey says, "I want to haul along my bike, and Illuthien too. I think she may help if it comes down to a hunt."
Penny says, "<guys? I think amanda is having a book launch ceremony in chicago today>"
Gaston says, "These smocks are not entirely fashionable, but they are supposedly flame-resistent."
Penny says, "<anyone want to join me in going to check that out?>"
Sargent arrives, looking for booty.
Chaz picks up a smouldering boot.
Chaz asks, "Who do you think Raul would have wanted to have these?"
[nobilis] Penny says, "(I'll assume I can wangle free tickets or whatever)"
Tyoka . o O (to Penny) ( Sorry, I think out thought bubbles are incompatible )	[interludes] GM says, "You can feel Bronwynn frowning. <I don't know what to make of her -- I don't think she's a shard, although I was fooled by Rike for so long. But then, he was always inconspicious.>"
Tyoka . o O ( our )
Penny says (to Chaz), "a nun at a small church in italy"
Davey says, "I think maybe put 'em on a pedestal somewhere, myself."	[interludes] Gaston says, "<Hm, Penny is suggesting we attend her book launch in Chicago.>"
	[interludes] GM says, "<I think she's been fooled or corrupted or bought off by Rike, somehow. I don't know what she'd want enough to go in for all this.>"
Chaz says, "And not use em? He seemed the practical sort."
Davey says, "like, whaddayacall, the marker you use when there's no body."
Davey says, "cenotaph."
Chaz says, "Wow, cool word."	[interludes] Gaston says, "<I am currently working undercover, one might say.>"
	[interludes] GM says, "<Well, it might just be one of her various schemes -- she always seemed involved in something. But it might well be something bigger, too. It's probably worth checking out.>"
	[interludes] GM says, "<I hear you always do your best work that way, Gaston.>"
	[interludes] Gaston says, "<My reputation precedes me.>"
Davey shrugs. "I dunno. I don't think anyone's gonna fill them boots out right."
Penny decides to head to the book launch with just John, then
Davey says, "maybe you'll grow into them though."
Chaz says (to Davey), "You're highways. That seems pretty path-y."	[interludes] Gaston says, "<I think I will follow Penny secretly, then.>"
Tyoka says, "Thanks for not saying path-etic"
Kori says (to Penny), "I'll come too."
Chaz groans.
Penny says (to Kori), "hm? Oh, good"	[interludes] Gaston says, "<I'll keep you posted.>"
Davey says, "yeah, we had a lot in common, I guess. But I wasn't no use, and he was. I don't want 'em."
Penny says (to Kori), "do you have a date? I gather you really should take a partner to these things"	[interludes] GM says, "<Please do -- I don't have much personal power in Chicago, but I can call in favors for the Lakes if necessary.>"
Chaz says, "Aww, you've been great."
Chaz exclaims, "Those tanks! Kerpow! Boom!"	[interludes] Gaston, noting that Penny has gone with John, looks for Marcus.
Davey says, "hrr"
Kori says (to Penny), "Uh er"
Davey asks, "let's go kill Rike, huh?"
Chaz says, "Sounds good to me."
Gaston says, "Certainly."
Tyoka asks (of Chaz), "Hey, don't be getting overexcited -- where's your sis, anyway?"
Kori says, "I'm kind of sans attachment at the moment"
Penny says (to Kori), "well, I suppose you could drag Michel along, if he's around"
[Crows-Nest] (from Tyoka) Michel says (to Kori), "OOH ME ME ME"	[interludes] GM says, "Marcus is still mooning around the chancel, no doubt."
[Crows-Nest] Sargent says (to Kori), "take the boots! You can tell a sad story of how your date was vaporized just before"
[nobilis] GM says (to Kori), "you could take Marcus"
Kori asks (of Penny), "What, if you can't have a date, you should bring along an anti-date?"
Chaz says, "Back in Ferarium, I think."	[interludes] Gaston says, "I just need to talk to him briefly, to borrow his semblance."
Kori says, "No thanks."
Davey morphs into a bus. "All aboard for Ferarium."
Tyoka says (to Kori), "Dosis facet venenum, or something"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "ha"
Chaz hops on.	[interludes] Gaston asks (of Marcus), "Oh, it's you. Have you seen Penny? Or did she leave with John?"
Kori says, "I'll, um, grab a random monk if it's that important"
Penny says, "well, I guess it'll be fine to go to the thing stag"
Tyoka boards.
Penny says, "but it's the look of the thing, you understand"
Kori looks around for nearest monk
Penny says, "if you go alone amanda may decide to advise you on how to catch yourself a man"	[interludes] GM says, ""I think she was around here someplace -- oh, they're just getting ready to leave.""
Kori says (to Penny), "that's nothing to the advice I'd get if I went with Michel"
Davey hits the road	[interludes] GM says, "Marcus looks off wistfully and sighs."
	[interludes] Gaston says (to Marcus), "Oh, don't worry, I'm sure Penny will get tired of John eventually."
Tyoka hums, "hit the road, dave, ..."
Penny says (to Kori), "oh, grab a monk"	[interludes] GM says, "He brightens for a moment. "Yeah! And then she'll switch to -- well, somebody else, probably.""
	[interludes] Gaston says, "Oops, sorry, I have to go --"
GM says, "Davey chugs off."
Kori outfits nearest monk in appropriate attire and tells him to follow along
GM says, "along with Tyoka and Chaz and Gaston, I guess."
[nobilis] Sargent says (to Kori), "It oughta be Marcus. he doesn't get around much, anymore"
Tyoka says (to Kori), "Hey, leather is NOT appropriate attire for a monk"
(From Kori) It turns out to be Marcus, not that Kori pays enough attention to know
[nobilis] Tyoka asks, "all those weapons weighing him down?"
[Crows-Nest] Davey says, "like he doesn't get the hairy eyeball from the other monks enough"
Kori says (to Tyoka), "depends on what he's the monk of"
Gaston arrives, looking for booty.
Gaston says, "Ack."
Penny comes bustling back into the room with John, coughs a little at seeing Marcus with Kori, but says nothing
Tyoka says, "I'm afraid you have me confused, ma'am."
Marcus narrows his eyes at Penny.
Kori tucks her hand through Marcus' elbow and smiles winningly
Kori says (to Penny), "I just grabbed the nearest one"
Kori says (to Tyoka), "Different orders, different customs, you know."
Penny murmurs to Kori, "yes, but, er.. oh, well, never mind"
Penny says, "Well, shall we head off, then"	[interludes] Marcus says, "Muahahaha."
Kori says (to Penny), "I asked if he had any experience escorting nobilis places and he said yes"
Kori says (to Penny), "seemed perfect."
Penny says, "yes, well"
Tyoka says (to Kori), "Ah. I know little about monks of your religion, I guess."
Kori says (to Penny), "(in a low voice) and I think he's kind of cute"
Marcus mutters, "She took me to her parent's house!"	[interludes2] GM has added Penny to the channel.
	[interludes2] GM has added Kori to the channel.
	[interludes2] GM has added Marcus to the channel.
	[interludes2] GM has added Sargent to the channel.
Penny says (to Marcus), "this is a book launch for a self-improvement book"
Kori looks at Marcus with raised eyebrows. From Marcus to Penny, slowly.
Penny says, "try and act appropriately"
Kori looks back at Marcus, and a small, evil grin appears on her face.
Kori says (to Marcus), "Don't worry, I practically haven't got any parents."
Kori says, "And don't mind her."	[interludes2] Penny smiles at Kori brightly, and clutches John's arm in a determined fashion.
Chaz picks up a bunch of esplosion and entangle grenades from Octavo, a laser and an automatic, (also Octavian) and several silence, invisibility, and confusion spells from Feriarum.
[Crows-Nest] Davey says, "takes his gaydar unit off, shakes it, glares at it, puts it back in his ear."	[interludes2] Kori says (to Penny), "<Sheesh, you've got Harrison, there>"
Chaz also suits up in high-tech asbestos.	[interludes2] Penny asks (of Kori), "<yeah, but... well, c'mon, that's my ex?"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "har"
[Crows-Nest] Tyoka says, "I read that as "She took me in her parents' house""	[interludes2] Penny says, "(er, s/?/>"
	[interludes2] Kori says (to Penny), "<*I* didn't know that>"
[Crows-Nest] Gaston says, "Hee hee."	[interludes2] Penny says, "<you do now>"
	[interludes2] Kori says, "<and, er, we're just going to go eat caviar>"
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "*cough*"	[interludes2] Kori says, "<well it would look WEIRD if I put him back>"
GM says, "and eventually the Davey-bus pulls up by a small cottage in Greece"	[interludes2] Kori says, "<don't worry, I won't do anything to him. Much.>"
Davey reloads his shotgun, polishes up the Shovelhead and Illuthien	[interludes2] Penny says, "<fine. It's not like I'm uncomfortable or anything>"
	[interludes2] Marcus looks from Kori to Penny suspiciously, wondering what they're talking about.
Davey says, "ert."	[interludes2] Kori says, "<can we all just act like adults here??>"
	[interludes2] Penny says, "<oh, yes>"
	[interludes2] Kori smiles at Marcus
	[interludes2] Penny asks (of John), "so, this should be terribly tedious, I'm afraid. Maybe afterwards we can go to that little pacific island you were talking about the other day?"
	[interludes2] Marcus smiles back, in a triumphant-yet-terrified kind of way.
	[interludes2] Kori snorts faintly
	[interludes2] Kori asks, "Let's get this show on the road, all right?"
[nobilis] Chaz asks, "Can everyone get bullet- and fire-proof vests?"
[nobilis] Chaz asks, "/outfits?"	[interludes2] Penny nods at Kori, smiles up adoringly at John, and heads for a Chicago exit
[nobilis] Davey says, "I think there's no time"
[nobilis] Chaz says, "He's holed up; I think we can spare a few moments."
[nobilis] Chaz says, "It's on the way."
[nobilis] GM says, "sure, you can get the basic stuff"
[nobilis] Davey says, "okay, if we can bust something out in a couple hours, I guess that'd do"
[nobilis] Chaz says, "Cool."	[interludes2] GM says, "Eventually you folks head out of the chicago library, and catch a cab over to the sears tower"
[nobilis] Tyoka says, "I want to burn as many points as possible to increase my Aspect"	[interludes2] GM says, "Where the convention is to be held"
	[interludes2] Penny pointedly sits as far away from marcus as possible in the cab
	[interludes2] Kori says (to Penny), "<think carefully the next time you suggest I go on a date WITH MICHEL>"
	[interludes2] Kori makes cheery smalltalk with Marcus and John
GM says, "Jack comes out of the cottage as you arrive. "Ah, good," he says. "Drake's drawn up a map inside, if that helps any.""
[nobilis] GM says, "you probably want to save the points until there's a specific thing you want to do at higher aspect"
Davey stashes Illuthien in the shed.	[interludes2] GM asks, "So the first obvious question is, how does one get upstairs to the convention room?"
	[interludes2] Penny makes a point of holding hands with John ALL THE WAY THERE
[nobilis] Tyoka says, "ah, I can't just pump it up? Ok"
[nobilis] Chaz says, "I think he meant spending character points to go up in aspect."
[nobilis] Chaz says, "Oh, maybe not."
[nobilis] Tyoka says, "I did"	[interludes2] Marcus holds Kori's elbow, awkwardly.
	[interludes2] GM says, "There are various stern-looking security guards standing by the elevators and by the stairs"
[nobilis] Tyoka says, "don't know if I have enough though"
[nobilis] Davey says, "that would be 3"	[interludes2] Kori asks, "Can we claim to have been invited?"
[nobilis] GM says, "oh, whoops -- yes, you have enough to raise your aspect by 1, assuming you haven't spent any otherwise"	[interludes2] Penny says, "yes, I procured tickets for us"
[nobilis] Chaz says, "If you had one left over, we've gotten 2 over the course of the adventure."	[interludes2] Kori says, "Manufacture some friends in the publishing world? --ah, good"
[nobilis] GM says, "hrm, really? I thought there was a third, but I guess not"
[nobilis] Penny says, "3"	[interludes2] Kori asks (of Marcus), "see? isn't this nice?"
[nobilis] Tyoka says, "I've never spent one"
[nobilis] Penny says, "we have gained 3, because on the third I went WOO and boosted my rank and stuff"	[interludes2] Marcus says, "sorry sorry um, yes! Very nice!"
[nobilis] Chaz says, "I only have 2 finished Acts on the page, but maybe I missed one."
[nobilis] Tyoka says, "so I can raise to 1"
GM says, "Drake has the table cleared and a large map spread out."
[nobilis] GM says, "ok then"
[nobilis] Gaston says, "I only ever had two listed on my sheet, not that that matters so much right now"
GM says, "He looks up as you enter -- he's looking better than when you saw him previously but he still moves a little stiffly, and his otherwise greek-god face is marred a bit by the black eye"
Chaz exclaims, "Drake!"
Chaz exclaims, "Good to see you again!"	[interludes2] Penny flashes her ticket at the guards
GM says, ""Indeed, it is good to see you as well, Chaz""	[interludes2] Kori heads over to the guards, smiling at them ingratiatingly
Gaston says, "An idea! A painting: Noble and Black Eye"
GM says, ""Although I wish it were under happier circumstances""
Chaz asks, "So who would have won that duel, anyway?"
Tyoka says, "Ah, the noble of Competition"
Gaston wanders around looking at lighting possibilities.
Davey asks, "how long has Rike been...that? Any idea?"	[interludes2] GM says, "The guards don't smile back, but they do take Penny's tickets, examine them carefully, and check them against a list of people before letting you up."
[Crows-Nest] Tyoka says, "hey, I'll just talk the mountain into collapsing onto Rike's head!"
GM says, "Drake chuckles. "I think Cecily was just realizing she was in over her head.""
[Crows-Nest] Tyoka says, "worked with the towers"
Chaz grins.
GM says, ""I believe most of you have been to Olympus before, yes?""	[interludes2] Kori strolls upstairs
Tyoka says, "I'm afraid I think I haven't"	[interludes2] Kori looks around the convention room, scanning for Amanda
	[interludes2] GM says, "It's a big conference room, open to a few hundred people, with a stage up front and lights to pick out the speaker"
	[interludes2] GM says, "And no sign of Amanda -- you do notice a number of VIPs, though: Penny picks out some famous publishers, and there are some people you recognize from reports as the deputy mayor of Chicago and so on"
Davey says, "yeah, we were at Amanda's party. Sorry we couldn't help you sooner, we was worried about you."
Chaz asks, "Yeah, do you think you'll be able to control your giant?"	[interludes2] Penny drifts around, keeping her sunglasses on
GM says, ""Well, it won't matter much -- Olympus transforms in times of war.""
GM says, ""Ah, yes, the giant; I will have to see what I can do about him.""
Davey swallows.
Chaz says, "Oooh, neat."
GM says, ""I know he will respond to his master's call, but I do not know if he will still recognize me as his master.""	[interludes2] Kori looks for snacks
GM says, "Drake frowns."
Chaz says, "Maybe we can get Yaj to help."	[interludes2] Penny spots a publisher she knows vaguely, and makes polite small talk designed to find out exactly when Amanda will be turning up
	[interludes2] GM says, "There is a little sideboard with various snacks, and indeed most of the people are clustered around there, as it is just after lunch"
Gaston is sketching Drake from various angles.	[interludes2] Marcus, frowing at the publisher Penny is talking to, grimly collects a plate of small sausages.
Chaz asks, "Where's the nobilis of Animal Husbandry when you need her?"
GM says, ""It might be an interesting attempt; I'm not positive the clouds will support another giant, but we can try.""	[interludes2] Kori takes several peculiar nouveau sushi rolls
Chaz says, "It held up a few tanks."	[interludes2] GM says, ""Can you believe it?" the publisher says. "Supposedly this is going to be the biggest publishing event of the year -- and Amanda hasn't even announced what the title of the book is.""
	[interludes2] Marcus asks (of Kori), "Are those good?"
Chaz asks (of Gaston), "What do you think? Can Yaj come help us?"	[interludes2] Kori says (to Marcus), "not really, but probably better than small sausages"
	[interludes2] Penny says, "well, that's just shocking!"
Gaston says, "If he sinks until his eyes are at the level of the clouds, it would be just like being at our chancel."	[interludes2] GM says, ""I guess there's going to be some kind of visual presentation first before Amanda shows up -- she's certainly got a nose for style, that one. Now that Martha Stewart's out of the way, well, there's no limit on how far she can go.""
Chaz grins.	[interludes2] Kori says (to Marcus), "they seem to be experimenting with inserting various bizarre western ingredients"
Gaston says (to Chaz), "But of course, now that the plant menace has been thwarted"	[interludes2] Marcus holds up a sad sausage on a fork.
	[interludes2] Penny says, "Yes, I heard about that. Shocking tragedy to happen to her"
	[interludes2] Marcus says, "Hmm, I don't know why I went for these."
	[interludes2] Kori says (to Marcus), "I recommend ditching them and getting a new plate. Hand those to Penny's date"
	[interludes2] Kori says (to Marcus), "he'll go for anything"
	[interludes2] Penny says (to Publisher), "it's rather a neat marketing trick, this mystery. Smacks a little of the tacky, though"
	[interludes2] Marcus mutters darkly.
Gaston says, "Merely ask someone who is there in the chancel to send him our way"	[interludes2] Penny glares at Kori, though she's not sure why
	[interludes2] Kori dips another portabello-and-seared-beef roll in wasabi and eats it, looking inordinately pleased with the world
Chaz says, "Across the earth? We might get in trouble with the Locust court if we send *too* many people insane."
Tyoka says, "fine, then let them deal with it"	[interludes2] GM says, ""Definitely a little tacky -- Amanda's never been what you might call subtle.""
	[interludes2] GM says, ""But nevertheless, fascinating.""
	[interludes2] Penny drifts around, clinging to John's arm.
Tyoka says, "you're talking about my domain here"
GM says, "Drake frowns. "There is that.""	[interludes2] Marcus tries some wasabi, coughs.
	[interludes2] Penny makes a point to walk past some rival romance novel authors while John is leaning down to listen to something she is saying
GM says, ""Well, if necessary, we will just fight our way past him -- he's not invulnerable.""
Chaz asks (of Tyoka), "You think you could get people to ignore it while it travelled?"
Chaz nods.	[interludes2] Kori pats Marcus' back
GM says, ""But before we can reach him we will have to make it to the castle gates.""
Tyoka says, "I could try"
GM says, ""And I have no doubt Rike will have all his troops out in the meantime.""	[interludes2] Marcus says, "Wow, I'm used to simple monk-style food."
[nobilis] Tyoka asks, "don't know if this's possible?"	[interludes2] Marcus says, "Life was a lot simpler as a monk..."
	[interludes2] Kori says (to Marcus), "Don't worry, you can go back to it soon"
[nobilis] Chaz says, "A mild SEP field should do the trick ;-)"
[nobilis] Tyoka says, "yeah, something like that"	[interludes2] Marcus whispers (to Kori), "I don't know if I can go back!"
	[interludes2] Kori says (to Marcus), "awwww"
[nobilis] GM says, "um, I think this is "miraculous" madness and not ordinary madness. you can certainly do something to distract people or otherwise disguise the giant as it travels, though"	[interludes2] Kori says (to Marcus), "well, perhaps we can find you some other position"
[nobilis] Gaston says, "we could wrap it in a building"	[interludes2] Penny coughs at Kori, but again has no idea why
	[interludes2] Kori says, "Try the caviar"
	[interludes2] Marcus titters, then coughs and frowns monkishly.
[nobilis] Tyoka says, "I'll make it look like an UFO"
[nobilis] GM says, "there's also the issue of getting Yaj into the tunnel here"
[nobilis] Chaz says, "Kori made it small before, though it's not a building any more."	[interludes2] GM says, "The lights in the convention center begin to dim."
	[interludes2] GM says, "(in the room, rather)"
Penny rejoins Kori and Marcus
Penny says, "ilac"
[nobilis] Chaz says, "Also, invisibility spells."	[interludes2] GM says, ""Oh, goodness, it's starting!" says the publisher, and sits down."
	[interludes2] Penny says, "what I said"
[nobilis] Tyoka says, "even better"	[interludes2] Kori looks over at Penny and smiles again. She has smiled more today than in the past three months, possibly thanks to Michel's continued absence.
	[interludes2] Penny takes a seat, and leans her head onto John's shoulder
[nobilis] Chaz says, "Invisibility and a dirigible to carry him ;-)"
[nobilis] GM says, "excellent"
[nobilis] Gaston says, "or some ten dirigibles"
[nobilis] Chaz says, "Though yeah, if he won't fit in the tunnel, it's kinda moot."	[interludes2] Marcus looks at Penny, scowls, and almost leans his head onto Kori's shoulder before blinking in fear and sitting upright again.
[nobilis] Chaz asks, "Though if it'll fit tanks, could he crawl?"
[Crows-Nest] Kori says, "HA ha ha ha ha"
[nobilis] Davey says, "once we're in, if Drake can open the exits, maybe he can come in another way"
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "we so need an #interludes-crows"	[interludes2] Kori takes Marcus' hand reassuringly. Since, er, he seems sad and lonely.
	[interludes2] Marcus's eyes widen.
	[interludes2] Penny glares at Kori, then nuzzles against John
[nobilis] GM says (to Chaz), "hmm, yeah, he could probably squeeze in"	[interludes2] Kori looks oblivious and is pretty much the only one PAYING ATTENTION to the main stage
	[interludes2] Penny says, "(sod amanda, we could all just go to a cinema and do this)"
[nobilis] Chaz says, "This is becoming a very amusing mental image ;-)"
[nobilis] Gaston says, "He might also be able to widen the tunnel as he goes"	[interludes2] GM says, "The curtains on stage pull back to reveal a fancy videoscreen, and there is a ringing intro chorus from speakers to either side"
	[interludes2] Penny directs her attention to the stage
[nobilis] GM says, "so then"
[nobilis] Chaz says, "And, since it is tickling my whimsy..."	[interludes] Marcus says (to Bronwynn), "<I really, *really* hope not to get any further undercover than this.>"
	[interludes2] Kori says, "<Amanda adds that air of danger>"
Chaz says, "OK, I'll go grab him. Keep in mental contact so I'll be caught up."	[interludes2] Kori says, "<er, assuming she's even here, that is>"
	[interludes] GM says, "<You do lead them on so, Gaston.>"
Chaz quickly memorizes the map, then zooms off.	[interludes2] GM says, ""IN A WORLD ...""
Davey says, "okay then"	[interludes2] Penny says, "<oh, dear>"
	[interludes2] Kori says, "<hmmmmmm>"
	[interludes] Marcus says, "<Anyway, Amanda's presentation is starting. Penny and, ahem, Kori are here also.>"
	[interludes2] Penny says, "<I hear that voiceover guy is pretty expensive, though.>"
GM says, ""Right," says Drake. "So do we wait for him? Or strike and wait for him to come as reinforcements?""	[interludes2] Penny says, "<if somewhat overemployed>"
GM says, ""Rike certainly won't be waiting, but I don't know if a few more hours will actually help him any -- unless he's trying to buy time for something.""	[interludes2] Kori says (to Penny), "<I wouldn't know, but if you want me to get John out of the way while you find out... oh>"
	[interludes2] GM says, ""...A NEW BOOK FROM AMANDA PYNE...""
	[interludes2] GM says, ""...GUARANTEED TO CHANGE YOUR LIVES...""
	[interludes2] Marcus nibbles caviar, one-handedly.
Gaston says, "Sacre bleu, but we must carry the battle to him!"	[interludes2] Penny says (to Kori), "<keep your mind on the stage>"
	[interludes2] Kori says, "<oh, I am>"
	[interludes2] GM says, ""...BUT FIRST, A WORD FROM OUR TOUR SPONSORS:""
	[interludes2] Kori swipes a little toast from Marcus' plate
	[interludes] Marcus says, "I so want the real Marcus to turn up at some point."
Davey says, "Chaz can move pretty fast. If it don't work out with Yaj, he can be back with us if we yell."
Chaz . o O ( Yeah, I'm up for invading now. )
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "heehee"	[interludes2] GM says, "The screen cuts from black-with-flashing-colors to children playing in a room"
	[interludes2] Kori says, "<ummmm. what was that thing with the weird colors and the tv show and the children?>"
	[interludes2] GM says, "They look alertly around, building small towers of blocks and driving their trucks around with vrooom noises."
[Crows-Nest] Tyoka says, "ok, I know too little about just about everything here, so someone just tell me what to do"
Chaz . o O ( I'll sniff out where you've gotten off to. )	[interludes2] GM says, "Then one looks up at the clock. "Hooray!" he shouts. "Egbert the Octopus is on!""
	[interludes2] Penny leans forward in the seat to see if the kids are watching egbert the octopus or whatever...
Chaz . o O ( Actually, I might be able to sniff out Rike, too, if he's hiding. )	[interludes2] Penny says, "aha"
	[interludes2] Penny says, "<sigh>"
	[interludes2] Kori says, "<is this bad?>"
	[interludes2] GM says, "The kids rush into the other room and flip on the tv. "Egbert! Egbert!" they squeal."
	[interludes2] Penny says, "<think mind control for toddlers>"
Davey says, "Let's do this. Tactics? Should I tank up? The clouds were a little tricky for me last time."	[interludes2] Kori says, "<sounds like a *good* idea>"
	[interludes2] Penny says, "<a nice idea, but a little unethical in practise>"
	[interludes2] Kori says, "<think it would work on Michel?>"
	[interludes2] GM says, ""Hey hey hey! I'm Egbert!" says Egbert, dancing around on the tv-within-the-screen"
	[interludes2] Marcus unconsciously starts making little 'vroom vroom' noises as he watches.
	[interludes2] Kori says (to Marcus), "(patting his hand) ssh, dear"
	[interludes2] Penny says, "<it seems to be working on your current date>"
	[interludes2] Kori says, "<I picked him AT RANDOM>"
GM says, ""We have some special cloud-tanks -- you can probably switch into something more like that -- or an armed hovercraft, maybe?""	[interludes2] Penny says, "<YES I'M SURE>"
	[interludes2] Kori says, "<it's not my fault that SOMEONE left him an emotional BASKET CASE in need of a little reassurance and affection>"
Gaston says, "A hovercraft would be quite stylish."
GM says, ""I think I'll be able to shield our push in through the tunnel here, at least until we emerge -- I don't know how much longer beyond that.""	[interludes2] Marcus, sensing an increase in pressure on his hand, tries to look at Kori and Penny without moving his head.
	[interludes2] Penny says, "<is it my fault that I found a more mature and sensitive man?>"
	[interludes2] Kori continues to watch the tv screen attentively
	[interludes2] Penny leads in to John as she thinks this at Kori
	[interludes2] Kori says (to Penny), "<sensitive in which particular areas?>"
	[interludes2] Penny says, "<never you mind>"
	[interludes2] Kori says (to Penny), "<no, don't tell me>"
	[interludes2] GM says, "(Marcus apparently isn't the only one -- you can faintly hear other audience members going "hooray, Egbert!")"
	[interludes2] Kori says, "<I've seen the whipmarks>"
Davey says, "I'll do the hovercraft"
Chaz . o O ( Some confusion spells might help it look like we're actually coming out somewhere else, too. Or from multiple places. )	[interludes] Marcus asks, "By the way, can I hear Penny and Kori speaking telepathically?"
Davey . o O ( great idea )	[interludes] Marcus says, "I mean, so far I'm pretending not to."
	[interludes] GM says, "I think they're doing it privately to each other, since they don't want other chancel folks to hear"
	[interludes] Marcus says, "Okay, fine."
	[interludes2] Penny looks around the audience
GM says, ""Right then.""	[interludes2] Penny says, "<I am not happy with this reaction>"
	[interludes2] Kori says, "<did this always work on adults?>"
	[interludes2] Penny says, "<I don't know>"
[Crows-Nest] Tyoka says, "sigh"
Davey creates some local highway enforcement officers to hold this end of the tunnel
GM says, ""I'll open the portal -- if we can get in to the castle and take out Rike, this should all be over. If not, well -- I don't know what happens. It depends what he's planning.""
Kori says, "<anyone recall Egbert the Octopus having an effect on adults?>"
GM says, "Various greek policement appear and immediately take a coffee break."
Gaston is carrying a tasteful gun designed to look a lot like a paintbrush.
Chaz . o O (to Kori) ( Yeah, I think so. )
[Crows-Nest] Kori says (to GM), "yay"
Davey . o O ( no, it was the ads they ran on the show, I think )
GM says, ""Ok, let's go.""
Kori says, "<hmm>"
Davey sighs.
Davey says, "well, it's something."
GM says, "Drake stands, using an oak walking stick he's picked up from someplace, and walks out the back of the shed."
GM says, "(er, out back to the shed)"	[interludes2] Kori has a look around the audience
GM says, "Jack follows him"	[interludes2] Kori says, "<I wonder if this isn't, in fact, the main point>"
	[interludes2] Kori says, "<can we tell what the Message is?>"
	[interludes2] Penny wonders if she can sneak backstage
Gaston swaggers along gallically.
[Crows-Nest] Chaz says, "<Smash> "Oops, still a little disoriented. Should have used the door.""	[interludes2] Penny does a divination to read the message, if she can
	[interludes2] Kori says, "<maybe we could cause a brief interruption in the scheduled program>"
Davey says, "onward"
Tyoka follows confusedly	[interludes] Marcus says (to Bronwynn), "<Hmm, possible trouble. We're being shown an oddly hypnotic programme called 'Egbert the Octopus'.>"
Davey says (to Tyoka), "we'll point him out."	[interludes2] GM says (to Kori), "yes, because at this moment the camera zooms in on the tv set, where Egbert smiles and gives a thumbs-up to the audience with his tentacles, saying "Egbert the Octopus is pleased to announce Amanda Pyne's new book:""
	[interludes2] GM says, "then the screen cuts back to black, and the deep voice speaks again"
	[interludes2] Kori says, "eek"
	[interludes2] GM says, ""AMANDA AS SUPREME DICTATOR TELLS YOU HOW TO RUN EVERY ASPECT OF YOUR LIVES""
	[interludes2] Kori says, "<anyone want to go out for calamari later?>"
	[interludes2] Penny says, "<OH DEAR>"
	[interludes2] Kori blinks
	[interludes] Marcus says, "<My>"
	[interludes2] Kori sees if she can cause a slice in the film reel being shown
	[interludes2] GM says, ""Well, seems reasonable enough to me," one of the other audience members says."
	[interludes2] Penny asks (of John), "er, dear, would you say that Amanda Pyne running your life seems reasonable to you?"
	[interludes2] GM says, "There is a *pfft* noise as Kori concentrates and it whirrs to a halt."
Kori says, "<apparently Amanda is trying to use Egbert's mind control to become Supreme Dictator>"	[interludes2] GM says, ""Amanda? Isn't she one of those author-types? Can't say I read much.""
	[interludes2] Marcus says, "I don't know if I want to get involved with another -- er, um."
	[interludes2] Kori looks at Marcus pointedly
	[interludes2] Penny says (to John), "good answer"
Davey . o O ( oh, for cryiong out loud )	[interludes2] Marcus asks (of Kori), "Amanda is another one of You People, isn't she?"
Kori says, "<we're working on it>"
Tyoka . o O ( That is so lame )
Davey . o O ( and she played it all surprised when we brought it up )	[interludes2] Marcus asks, "Er um not females I mean, that is, powerful people?"
	[interludes2] Penny asks, "what say we crack out the weaponry and go get this sorted out backstage?"
	[interludes2] Kori says (to Marcus), "Yes, but she's a mean one"
	[interludes2] Marcus says (to Kori), "That's what I mean!"
	[interludes2] Kori says (to Penny), "fair enough"
GM says, "Meanwhile, you are heading into the tunnel."	[interludes2] Penny glares at Marcus
Davey . o O ( one'a my anchors is embarrassing himself through her books. We'll just do a photoshoot of his 'artwork' and pff, instant ridicule )	[interludes2] Kori says (to Marcus), "I am afraid your *cough* prior experiences may have misled you"
	[interludes2] Kori asks (of Marcus), "also, did you bring some guns?"
	[interludes2] Marcus says (to Kori), "Only the standard monk issue."
	[interludes2] Penny says (to Kori), "<oh, way to make him, er, even more nervous>"
GM says, "The tunnel is filled with brightness. Drake, at each step, has to concentrate to force it back and let you proceed -- but at last you break through the entrance."	[interludes2] Marcus says, "So, um, you and-I-suppose Penny can have guns."
	[interludes2] Marcus says, "But I don't have enough for John too."
Davey casts the confusion spell on the group	[interludes2] Kori says (to Marcus), "I'm not supposed to kill anyone anyway, so I've got a stunner"
	[interludes2] Marcus pulls out several smallish guns.
	[interludes2] GM says, ""What the hell is going on?" says another voice in the darkness. "What is this Egbert nonsense?""
	[interludes2] Penny says, "that's okay, John can use my pistol, and he should have my whips anyway"
Tyoka says, "huh what? Oh wait"
[Crows-Nest] Chaz says, "Presumably, not the one that makes us confused, but the one that makes us confusing ;-)"	[interludes2] Kori says, "Let's go before they get the lights back one"
	[interludes2] Penny says, "er, *whip*. One whip."
	[interludes2] Kori says, "-e"
[Crows-Nest] Davey says, "let's hope so"	[interludes2] Kori heads for backstage
	[interludes2] Marcus says (to Penny), "I meant to talk to you about the whip. That's, um, oh never mind."
	[interludes2] Penny says, "wait, that sounds like something suitable"
	[interludes2] Penny tries to make out who just spoke
GM says, "The hilly cloud-ground is still there, and the castle in the distance"
GM says, "But creatures fly in the sky above the castle, and you can see row after row of troops surrounding it"
[nobilis] Chaz asks, "Is it just the inside of the castle that changes in times of war?"	[interludes2] Penny says (to Marcus), "it's a weapon, not a plaything"
GM says, "and, yeah, the giant stands by the castle gate"	[interludes2] Kori is on her way to the back already
Gaston says, "A chance to storm a castle! I am atwitter with excitement."
Davey morphs to hovercraft, looks for targets for his 50-cals.	[interludes2] Marcus says (to Penny), "Oh, forget it! I need to protect my *date*!"
	[interludes2] Penny makes her way towards the area where the voice was coming from, pulling John along with her
GM says, ""Hrm," says Drake. "This doesn't look so bad, actually.""	[interludes2] Marcus blushes fiercely, then chases after Kori.
	[interludes2] Kori can't help calling out on the way, "Egbert the Octopus is mindless tripe that makes Barney look like Einstein"
	[interludes2] Penny says, "( (to Marcus) Meow! )"
Davey says, "as long as Rike's still here and don't try to trap us in a dying chancel"
[Crows-Nest] Tyoka says (to Gaston), "please don't ever say "atwitter" in my presence again"	[interludes2] Kori pokes her head behind the stage curtains
[Crows-Nest] Kori says, "it's these volatile Frenchies you know"
[Crows-Nest] Gaston says, "It is my unfamiliarity with your beastly tongue."	[interludes2] GM says, "Just as you guys make it to the eaves, the lights come on -- you duck behind the curtains stage right, right after glimpsing that white-uniformed soldier types have appeared around the edge of the audience"
Gunther hollers (to Rob), "YOU TELL ME THAT NOW? UH O---"
Franklin arrives, looking for booty.
[Crows-Nest] Gaston says, "Here, have some lovely lattes. Four of them, in fact."	[interludes2] Kori says, "oh, crap"
	[interludes2] Kori looks for weaponry on the soldier types
	[interludes2] Penny says, "uh-oh"
	[interludes2] Kori says, "<okay, right about now I would be willing to have brought Michel>"
	[interludes2] Penny pulls out her whip, and hand John a gun
	[interludes2] Kori says, "<he's not much for conversation but you can never call him under-armed>"
[Crows-Nest] Tyoka says, "merci, cheri"	[interludes2] GM says, "It looks like there's about two dozen of them, each with a pistol."
	[interludes2] Marcus says (to Kori), "Don't worry, I won't let them hurt you!"
[nobilis] Chaz asks (of Franklin), "Hey, you just helped me prep Yaj for storming Olympus. Wanna come along?"
[Crows-Nest] Davey says, "bbiam"	[interludes2] Kori asks (of Marcus), "um, right. Try not to get shot, okay?"
	[interludes2] Penny says, "<I'm thinking more along the lines of 'we should have another girl, then we could do the whole charlie's angels thing here"
	[interludes2] Kori stares at the pistols
	[interludes2] Kori asks, "could I sever the ends of them so all the barrels fall off at once?"
	[interludes2] Marcus looks around, trying not to look helpless.
	[interludes2] GM says, "I think two dozen is about your upper limit for this, but yeah"
	[interludes2] Penny casually sidles in front of John
	[interludes2] Kori says (to Penny), "<Too bad Alexandra isn't here>"
	[interludes2] Penny says, "<indeed>"
[nobilis] Franklin says, "oboy!"	[interludes2] Marcus. o O ( Damn, and I thought coming here would stop me feeling impotent! )
	[interludes2] Kori says (to Marcus), "<Don't. Think. So. Loudly.>"
[Crows-Nest] Davey says, "back"	[interludes2] Marcus blinks.
	[interludes2] Penny says, "<see why I broke up with him?>"
	[interludes2] Kori stares at the guns for a moment longer, and the ends suddenly fall off with a loud simultaneous clank.
GM says, "And, sure enough, it's not that long before your noticed"
GM says, "er, you're"	[interludes2] Kori says (to Penny), "<Given that you only have one use for a guy, yes>"
GM says, "one group of the creatures flying over the castles detaches themselves and swoops over towards you"
[nobilis] Chaz says, "(am I back yet?)"	[interludes2] Penny looks innocently over at Kori
Tyoka says, "good thing I brought this gatling gun"
Davey says, "budda budda budda"
Gaston asks, "I am feeling all American and belligerant today. Should we blast them?"	[interludes2] Kori gets out her stunner and prepares to start firing on the guards
Chaz . o O ( Let's hope that confusion spell works for you... )
GM says, "but on the plus side, with a rumbling, Yajpelapel stretches an arm out of the tunnel and pulls himself out"
[Crows-Nest] Tyoka says (to Gaston), "After we correct our spelling, sure"
Davey says, "if I don't see a white flag, I'm shootin'"	[interludes2] Penny cracks her whip at the guards menacingly
Chaz exclaims, "Yeee-haa!"
[Crows-Nest] Tyoka says, "mwa ha ha"	[interludes2] GM says, "The guards look around. "What the hell?""
	[interludes2] Marcus takes up a heroic defensive position.
	[interludes2] Kori shoots several of them with her stunner
	[interludes2] GM says, "The people in the audience mill around in some confusion."
	[interludes2] GM says, "Some of the guards fall over -- the other ones run for either the stage or the door."
	[interludes2] Penny follows the ones heading for the stage
	[interludes2] GM says, "(they're running towards you guys, assuming you're by Kori"
	[interludes2] Kori continues shooting
	[interludes2] Penny says, "we went towards the voice earlier, wherever that was"
	[interludes2] Kori says (to Marcus), "<you can shoot too if you would like. aim for nonvital bits, please>"
GM says, "As they get closer, you can see there's no white flag -- and you can hear horrible screeching"
Gaston says, "Very well, then, let them eat hot light."
Chaz, invisible, streaks towards the castle, with confusion spells making it look like he's zipping around at various askew angles within a hundred-foot radius.
Gaston shoots at the approaching beasties.
Tyoka sets Madness to 11 and charges.	[interludes2] GM says, "Right, it's being projected from the speakers up on stage"
	[interludes2] GM says, "The guards run for the stage and you shoot -- some dodge and some fall"
GM says, "Tyoka flies up and Gaston shoots"	[interludes2] Penny says, "(the one that said)"
	[interludes2] Penny says, "(""What the hell is going on?" says another voice in the darkness."
Penny says, "What is this Egbert nonsense?"""
[Crows-Nest] Davey asks, "invisible streaking?"	[interludes2] Marcus asks (of GM), "Are any of the guards attacking the audience?"
	[interludes2] Kori says, "<Any sense of where Amanda herself might be?>"
	[interludes2] Penny says, "bad paste, bleah"
Penny says, "ilac"
[Crows-Nest] Chaz says, "You can't see it, but I'm mooning you."	[interludes2] GM says, "It does not, in fact, appear that Amanda is here at all - or if she is, she's not on stage anywhere that you can see. What you mostly see are speakers, projection equipment, and that kind of thing."
	[interludes2] GM says (to Penny), "that voice was from an audience member"
Davey says, "Franklin, hop on. I'm gonna need someone to feed my gunbelts"
Tyoka stays out of the way of Gaston's shooting	[interludes2] Penny says (to Gm), "then that's where we headed"
Tyoka says, "but, hey, firebreathing where applicable"
Tyoka says, "void where prohibited"
GM says (to Tyoka), "the creatures dive towards you -- they're chainmail-wearing harpies, drooling acid and poison and with terrible breath"	[interludes2] Kori continues firing on guards
Franklin hops.
Gaston says, "Zap! Zap! I am like a science fiction hero of the future!"	[interludes2] Penny cracks her whip at the guards, taking off the tips of their ears if necessary to make them run
[Crows-Nest] Franklin asks, "what have I just hopped onto?"
Tyoka makes like a flamethrower.
Chaz exclaims, "Eeeagh! Stinky!"
[Crows-Nest] Davey says, "hovercraft with a couple Brownings mounted"
GM says (to Tyoka), ""I am Empowerment!" says one. "I am Affirmation!" "I am Motivation!""
Tyoka . o O (to Chaz) ( I could also use a little of your confusatron here )
Tyoka says (to Harpies), "No, actually..."
Davey . o O ( augh, they're *Amanda's* beasts )
Kori says, "<I don't think Amanda's here at all, so I'd watch out if I were you>"
[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "eagh"	[interludes2] Penny also looks around for what might be a control room
Tyoka says, "you're dead."
[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "(harpies)"
Chaz tosses Tyoka a few spells.	[interludes2] GM says, ""Regroup! Regroup!" the guards shout, and head for the door."
	[interludes] Marcus says (to Bronwynn), "<Another update: Amanda is most definitely on the other side, but she is not here.>"
	[interludes2] Penny tries to lasso one with her whip
Davey says, "zoom budda budda budda"	[interludes2] Kori asks (of Marcus), "grab one of the stunned ones, would you?"
Tyoka says, "fwoosh"	[interludes2] Kori follows, shooting
	[interludes2] Marcus chases after the guards.
	[interludes2] GM says (to Penny), "there's a thing up on stage that says "Projection Room" but you can't see it, since you're down in the audience"
Franklin feed fumble fumble feed fumble.	[interludes2] Penny says (to Kori), "<see anything promising up on stage?>"
[Crows-Nest] Gaston says (to Franklin), "heh"
Chaz . o O ( So, what, Amanda was seduced by Rike? Or she's a shard herself? )
Davey . o O ( actually I should just be hitting the ground troops. )
GM says, "The harpies claw at Tyoka as they move in, gashing at his back and arms even as he roasts them and the fall from the sky"	[interludes2] Kori says, "<projection booth, if you want to have a look>"
GM says, "and burnt feathers makes them smell even worse"	[interludes] Marcus says, "In fact, I think I'll stop being Marcus and turn into a guard."
	[interludes2] Penny says, "<sounds good>"
	[interludes] Marcus says, "And mingle with them in the confusion."
Davey . o O ( I don't wanna tag any invisible fryers )
Tyoka says, "hey! they disfigured my self-mutilations!"
Davey . o O ( flyers )	[interludes2] Penny heads towards the stage, once again dragging John along
	[interludes2] Kori grabs one of the downed guards
Chaz . o O ( Davey Actually, they're just mortal-level spells. You can tell where we are. )
GM says, "And Franklin and Davey and Gaston pick off more, although the chain mail seems surprisingly effective against the bullets"	[interludes2] Kori looks over his uniform for signs of identifying markings, other weaponry, communications devices, etc
	[interludes2] Marcus is nowhere to be seen.
	[interludes2] GM says, "It's one of the (apparently) standard-issue white-with-black-bars uniforms; there's a holster and a small radio set and a dogtag"
Gaston says, "Take this, you connasses! Ha ha!"	[interludes2] Penny bursts into the projection room
	[interludes2] Kori takes the radio set and dogtag
	[interludes] Marcus disguise disguise chase chase.
	[interludes2] Kori looks up and glances around for Marcus
Tyoka says, "ok, you need cop-killer ammo"
Gaston says, "This laser would be more effective if their chain mail weren't so shiny."	[interludes2] Kori says, "shit, you bring a date and look what happens"
[Crows-Nest] Penny asks, "'connasses'?"
Franklin says, "Hmph."	[interludes] GM says, "You are swept with the guards out the door. "Back to street level!" one says, and removes the radio from his belt. "VIP containment failed!" he says into it."
	[interludes2] Kori says, "<You don't see Marcus up there, do you?>"
[Crows-Nest] Penny says (to Gaston), "also, you're reflections, so shiny is your responsibility"	[interludes2] Kori says, "<these non-nobilis dates are not exactly easy to keep track of>"
	[interludes2] Marcus says (to Kori), "<I'm fine. Will explain later.>"
	[interludes2] Penny says, "<you LOST him?>"
	[interludes2] Kori blinks
	[interludes2] Kori says (to Penny), "<...apparently not.>"
	[interludes2] Penny says, "<oh, maybe not>"
	[interludes] Marcus hangs around a little while the other guards disperse.
	[interludes] GM says, "The guards force their way into the stairs and start heading down."
	[interludes2] Kori says (to Penny), "<also, are you sure that was really Marcus?>"
[nobilis] Chaz asks, "So is the group making its way to the castle despite the harpies?"
[Crows-Nest] Davey says, "work it. let's see some ricochet"	[interludes2] Kori looks at the dogtag
	[interludes] GM says, "A surprised-looking employee coming up is bowled over by a passing soldier."
	[interludes2] Penny says, "I tried not to look at him very hard, but it looked like him"
	[interludes] Marcus says, "I'll try to stick with the radio guy."
	[interludes2] Kori says (to Penny), "<well, did he have telepathy before?>"
	[interludes2] GM says, ""817821010A - PRIVATE""
	[interludes2] Kori says (to Penny), "<BECAUSE HE DOES NOW>"
Gerry has connected.
[Crows-Nest] Tyoka asks, "we don't happen to have a Marquis of Rust?"	[interludes] GM says, "He's heading down with the others."
[nobilis] Chaz exclaims, "Gerry!"	[interludes2] Penny says, "<could be someone guising as him>"
[nobilis] GM says, "slowly, but mostly they are biting and poisoning and scratching"	[interludes2] Kori tucks the radio set into her pocket to look at later
[nobilis] Gerry says, "I've escaped from the evil mind tortures of . . . whoever we're fighting."	[interludes2] Penny tries not to display obvious relief that Marcus probably wasn't really Marcus
[nobilis] Gerry says, "I'll tell you all about it later."
Davey asks, "can you do that thing with the paper?"
Davey asks, "blind 'em, wrap 'em up?"	[interludes2] Kori says (to Penny), "<yeah but... uh... who? And if you say Michel I swear to Vona I will chop everyone in sight into tiny, tiny little shreds>"
[nobilis] Tyoka says (to Gerry), "Commander Riker"
[nobilis] Tyoka says, "no, Rike"	[interludes2] Marcus says (to Kori), "<Ahem. This is Gaston.>"
	[interludes2] Penny says, "<eek>"
[nobilis] Gerry asks, "So what's happening?"
[nobilis] Davey says, "we're storming Olympus"
Gaston says (to Franklin), "If you fill their chain mail with paper, I shall set it on fire."
[nobilis] Tyoka says, "full-scale assault on Olympus"
[nobilis] Chaz says, "We're storming Olympus with Drake and Jack."	[interludes2] Penny says (to Kori), "<(very privately) HA ha you held Gaston's hand!>"
	[interludes2] Marcus says, "<I thought it better if I worked in secret. I'm currently guised as a guard.>"
	[interludes2] Kori says (to Marcus), "<cripes, man. Okay, well, better than the alternatives but I am never holding your hand again so DON'T ASK>"
[nobilis] Davey says, "either Rike, Amanda, or both are evil"	[interludes2] Kori says, "<I was thinking maybe you were Amanda for a moment and that was absolutely too freakish to contemplate>"
[nobilis] Franklin says, "maybe I can make a 9,000 pound paper ball and roll it on them"
[nobilis] Chaz asks (of GM), "Are the harpies on me, or did I make it past 'em?"
	[interludes2] Marcus says, "<I've no idea where Amanda is.>"
[nobilis] Gerry asks, "What are we fighting right now?"	[interludes2] Penny says, "<so, wait, who is with franklin etc?>"
[nobilis] GM says (to Chaz), "you zipped on around them"
[nobilis] Chaz says, "Self-affirming harpies."
[nobilis] Gaston says (to Franklin), "or my in-character suggestion, since I have a laser"
Franklin fills chain mail with shreddy little paper bits.
	[interludes2] Kori says, "<uuhhh>"
	[interludes2] Kori says, "good question"
Tyoka has disconnected.
Tyoka has connected.
Tyoka walks the plank to adventure. Arr!
Tyoka arrives, looking for booty.
Gaston zaps the paper quite happily.	[interludes2] Marcus says, "<...oops busy must dash>"
Kori says (to Franklin), "<(very privately) is Gaston acting normal?>"
GM says, "the remaining harpies shriek and fall down"
Davey continues filling the air with rattling flak	[interludes] GM says, "Meanwhile, you make it down to street level"
	[interludes2] Kori turns on the radio set and tries listening to it
	[interludes2] Penny is presumably still midway through bursting into the projection room
[Crows-Nest] Chaz says (to Davey), "That sounds like a crude spoonerism."	[interludes] Marcus asks, "Can I look at the walkie-talkie in Mythic?"
	[interludes2] GM says (to Kori), "static ... "gamma units, report -- explain failure of VIP containment""
Franklin continues attempting to feed Davey more ammo.
[Crows-Nest] Davey asks, "fattening rack?"	[interludes2] Kori asks, "any way to trace back where the transmission is coming from?"
GM says, "Meanwhile, Chaz has darted on ahead, invisibly and confusing"
Tyoka has disconnected.
Tyoka has connected.
Tyoka walks the plank to adventure. Arr!
Tyoka arrives, looking for booty.
Tyoka has disconnected.
Tyoka has connected.
Tyoka walks the plank to adventure. Arr!
Tyoka arrives, looking for booty.
[Crows-Nest] Gerry says, "Flatulent Rack. A very rare side-effect of breast-feeding."
Kori says (to Franklin), "<(still privately) Are you where you can see Gaston? This might be important>"
Davey tries to cut a swath through the ground troops
GM says, "the ground troops are coming over as well, although slower"	[interludes2] Penny says, "(I'm gonna idle briefly)"
[nobilis] Davey says, "Franklin shouldn't have a problem with Browning machine guns"
Chaz . o O ( Gerry was at the chancel too--I told him to gather up a few extra spells and come join us. )
GM says, "it looks like row after row of spartans is tromping over the hills"
Gaston keeps firing, staying out of the way of Davey's skirt.
[Crows-Nest] Gaston says, "there's an unexpected phrase from Gaston"	[interludes] GM asks, "It's more or less a normal walkie-talkie -- or did you want to trace something?"
Davey exclaims, "whazzis, the Bronze Age? RUN, LITTLE PEOPLE!"
[Crows-Nest] Kori says, "hahaha"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "yay"
[Crows-Nest] (from Gerry) Davey says (to Gaston), "IT'S CALLED A KILT!"
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "heehee"	[interludes] Marcus says, "I was hoping there'd be a silver thread of conversation to follow, or some such."
	[interludes] GM says, "Oh aha"
Chaz distributes strategically-placed confusion spells and entangle grenades, designed to run the regiments into each other and stop up the rank and file.
Kori says (to Franklin), "<ARE YOU OK?>"	[interludes] GM says, "You can trace a faint line from it, yeah"
	[interludes] Marcus asks, "Maybe I can just mug this guy. How many other guards are around?"
[Crows-Nest] Davey says, "if you can read this you're deaf and possibly windburned"
[Crows-Nest] Gaston says, "yay"	[interludes] GM says, "The two of you are in the lead, around a bend in the staircase -- the others are coming on but not for a bit"
GM says, ""Argh!" the soldiers say, caught, as so many have been before them, between the entangling grenade and the talking hovercraft-tank"	[interludes] Marcus says, "I'll guise as the captain, then."
Davey whoosh crunch scumble	[interludes] Marcus says, "And I we pass anything that looks like a hiding place, I'll clock him and stuff the body there."
	[interludes2] GM says (to Kori), "yeah, you can look at it in mythic and get a line"
	[interludes2] Kori does so
Franklin says (to Kori), "<What? What? He's right here, I think?>"
Gerry arrives on the scene with eight infantrymen, two killer birds, two chaplains, two mounted knights, and one badass warrior queen, all invoking the Sicilian gambit.
Franklin says, "<(privately)>"	[interludes] GM says, ""Hey! Watchit! -- Oof" he says, as you catch up, grab him, and knock him out and shove him through a doorway onto the current floor."
Chaz is also testing the air for the scent of Rike and/or Amanda.
Kori says (to Franklin), "<(privately) well, there's someone with us who claims to be Gaston, too. So, er, something is very weird here>"
[nobilis] Gerry asks (of Chaz), "You still have supernose?"
[nobilis] Chaz says, "Yeah."	[interludes] Marcus says (to captain), "I'm sorry I have to do this, but only very slightly."
[nobilis] Chaz says, "Also, nice entrance ;-)"
Kori says (to Franklin), "<(privately) just watch your back>"	[interludes] Marcus says, "(wham! crunch!)"
	[interludes] GM says, "A janitor mopping up on the floor there watches you in some confusion."
Franklin says, "<(privately) Hrrmmrmmmrm.>"
Davey says, "oooh"	[interludes] Marcus says, "Sod."
Davey says, "stylin'"	[interludes2] GM says (to Kori), "well, you can trace the line at an angle out -- it looks like it must be some other building in chicago"
	[interludes] Marcus gives the janitor the reflective-mood whammy
[nobilis] Chaz says (to GM), "Also, the invisible mages I brought with me fan out with their confusion spells and attempt to add to the commotion without being sensed/caught."	[interludes] GM says, "The janitor leans on his mop."
	[interludes2] Penny says (to Kori), "<any ideas yet?>"
	[interludes2] Kori says (to Penny), "<I'm getting a lead from this radio transmission -- think I'm going to follow that>"
[nobilis] Franklin asks, "where is Kori, and who's she with?"	[interludes2] Kori goes outside to pursue the line
[nobilis] Penny says, "she's with me"
[nobilis] Penny says, "in chicago"
[nobilis] Kori says, "in Chicago with Penny at Amanda's thing"
[nobilis] Davey says, "she's checking out an Amanda event"
[nobilis] Franklin says, "oh, her book dealie"	[interludes2] Penny says, "<good call, we'll come with you>"
	[interludes] Marcus says, "I'll hurriedly steal the guard's radio and anything else that looks useful, shove him in a corner and continue up the stairs."
	[interludes] GM says, "Down the stairs, you mean? right"
	[interludes] Marcus says, "Oh, we were going down? Yes, that then."
	[interludes2] Penny and John dash towards the exit to follow Kori
	[interludes2] GM says (to Kori), "are you taking the stairs or the elevator or what? (this is the 33rd floor)"
[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "I can handle the technology, but I'm still a clumsy old guy"
[nobilis] Kori says, "oh, er, elevator, I guess"
[nobilis] Kori says, "er, ilac"	[interludes2] Kori says, "elevator"
	[interludes2] Kori says, "assuming nothing weird has happened to the power"
	[interludes2] GM says, "doo-te-doo -- luckily not too many people are using it at this point"
	[interludes2] GM says, "you emerge from the elevator banks just in time to see a pair of soldiers run out of the stairway and into the street -- the lobby, oddly, is totally deserted"
GM says, "meanwhile, the outside crew grinds their slow way across the clouds"	[interludes2] Kori says, "<hmm>"
	[interludes2] Kori tries to pick up the radio lead again
	[interludes2] Penny and John appear from the other elevatory
	[interludes2] Penny says, "(er, -y)"
	[interludes2] Penny says, "<which way do we need to go now?>"
	[interludes2] Kori says, "<follow me>"
	[interludes2] Kori leads out after the soldiers
[Crows-Nest] Tyoka says, "recapping myself I should have been Nobilis of Lines That Could Be In Bad Action Movies"	[interludes2] Penny wipes a little lipstick from John's face, and follows Kori
GM says, "forcing their way past lines of troops and weirder things as they get closer and closer to the walls"
Gaston says (to Drake), "Your chancel is quite well stocked with things to fight."	[interludes2] GM says, "the soldiers are scattering as they go out on the street -- it looks like they're running for cover"
GM says, ""I was expecting them to be fighting for me, not against me," Drake says."	[interludes2] Kori fires at a couple more, just on general principle
	[interludes2] Kori looks for the line to Amanda
	[interludes] Gaston-Marcus says, "<How are you doing?>"
	[interludes2] Gaston-Marcus says, "<How are you doing?>"
Chaz . o O (to Drake) ( You can't get them to recognize you again? )	[interludes2] Gaston-Marcus says, "<I'm guised as the captain of the guards, hopefully heading back to their base.>"
	[interludes2] Penny says, "<about average. running around confusedly<"
Chaz . o O (to Drake) ( Some sort of brilliant aspect or some such? )	[interludes2] Kori says (to gast-Marc), "<we're trying to trace a call. Where-- ah>"
Davey . o O (to Gaston) ( is there any way you can make them see Drake as their master? )
GM says, "(Drake, meanwhile, is mostly sticking next to Franklin in Davey and keeping his eyes closed)"	[interludes2] Kori asks (of Gast-Marc), "er, is there any reason you know of why there would be another Gaston back with Franklin?"
	[interludes2] Kori says, "<>"
GM says, ""I'm saving my energy for the castle," Drake says. "I think it's going to be tricky to get in.""	[interludes2] Kori follows the line
	[interludes2] Penny follows Kori, with John in tow
	[interludes2] Gaston-Marcus says (to Kori), "<Oh, well, um, you will remember our notable success with the Franklin-bot and Michel-bot.>"
	[interludes2] Gaston-Marcus says (to Kori), "<I, well, continued experimenting along similar lines.>"
	[interludes2] Penny says, "<my>"
Franklin says, "When you say tricky --"	[interludes2] GM says (to Kori), "as you hurry along the street, you get a glimpse of another soldier up ahead, apparently going the same way you are"
Gaston says, "Merde, but there are so many troops. My trigger finger tires."
GM says, "and then the troops end"
Gerry clears a line of enemies, causing a rain of blocks to fall down on succeeding troops.	[interludes2] Gaston-Marcus says, "<If I may say so, the Gaston-bot is a true masterpiece of verisimilitude.>"
	[interludes2] Kori prepares to shoot
GM says, "or at least, the spartans do"	[interludes2] Kori says (to Gast-Marc), "<ha>"
Tyoka says, "yay Tetris"
[Crows-Nest] Gerry says, "Bah. Timing."
GM says, "the next thing to come out in a wave from the castle is a line of angry squirrels"
Davey says, "froen lehven"
Franklin says, "Nuts!"
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "heehee"
Gerry says, "Nuts!"
Kori says (to Franklin), "<(privately) Our Gaston now claims that your Gaston is a bot of some sort>"
[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "ha ha!"	[interludes] Gaston-Marcus says, "Merde, I wonder if I was supposed to use the elevator at some point."
[Crows-Nest] Gerry says, "DAMN YOU!"
Tyoka says, "Squirrels?!"
Gaston says, "It is those little scampers from before, I would wager."
[Crows-Nest] Gaston laughs.
Davey says, "get behind me"	[interludes] GM says, "(that is you they're coming up on, by the way --)"
Tyoka says, "BUDDABUDDABUDDA"
Davey vroom squish eep
Franklin says (to Kori), "<(privately) I almost suspect the other way around. Either that or something more fearful.>"
[nobilis] Gerry asks, "What's the squirrel connection again?"
Tyoka roast crackle toast.
Kori says (to Franklin), "<(privately) Yeah, well, I'd still be careful if I were you>"
[nobilis] Chaz says, "The power of Squirrels was in Astara."
[nobilis] Franklin says, "they were used in an evil plot against me, once"
[nobilis] Gaston says, "the power of squirrels was featured in one of the lost chancels"	[interludes] Gaston-Marcus asks, "Kori and Penny are tracing the radio link to me?"
GM says, "The squirrels swarm all around in a great brown squeaking carpet, and sweep up onto Davey's flanks as well as everyone else"
[nobilis] Gerry says, "Right. Got it."
Kori says (to Franklin), "<(privately) we are being careful also>"
[nobilis] Franklin says, "because the power of squirrels was stolen by someone else"
Gaston says, "Down! Down! I have no tasty treats for you!"
Davey says, "um, careful guys. maybe get in the cabin and shut it up tight"
Franklin says, "Er, ack"	[interludes] GM asks, "no, but -- er, weren't you also tracing the radio link?"
Tyoka fire"bombs" the squirrels from above.	[interludes] Gaston-Marcus says, "Aha, right."
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "heehee 'tasty treats'"	[interludes2] Kori runs after the soldier
[Crows-Nest] Penny says (to Gaston), "they're after your nuts, man!"	[interludes2] Gaston-Marcus ditto ditto.
GM says, ""Squeak! Pop! yeep!""
GM says, "The squirrels in Davey start biting at Drake and Franklin and Gaston"	[interludes2] Gaston-Marcus says, "Er, different soldiers."
[Crows-Nest] Gaston says, "Now I am even more frantically defending myself than before."
GM says, "the ones biting Gaston squeak sadly and back off again"
Franklin says, "!"
Gaston says, "Let that be a lesson to you: never bite the French!"	[interludes2] Penny just follos Kori
	[interludes] GM says, "So, sorry, that was you they saw emerge from the stairs and run off -- they caught up but you're still a bit ahead"
Tyoka says, "(unwashed french people joke)"
Franklin says (to Kori), "<(privately) Hmmmm. Hang on. Also, ouch.>"	[interludes] Gaston-Marcus says, "This is too complicated!"
Gerry gets on top of Davey to prevent swarming into the hatch.
Franklin kicks and swats at the varmints.	[interludes] GM says, "So what I am leading up to is, Kori is coming up behind you with a stunner"
Gaston kick kick stamp kick.	[interludes] Gaston-Marcus says, "I am slowly realising this."
[nobilis] Chaz asks, "Also, the squirrels can get around the blasts of air from hovertank Davey?"
[nobilis] GM says (to Chaz), "yeah, they're jumping up"
[nobilis] Chaz says, "Aha."	[interludes2] Gaston-Marcus says (to Kori), "<Um, this soldier you're chasing...>"
Davey . o O ( guys, I can't protect my passengers from these squirrels. Little fire down this way? )	[interludes2] Kori says (to Gaston), "<yes?>"
Tyoka lands on top of Davey and acts as a flamethrower.	[interludes2] Kori prepares to fire
	[interludes2] Gaston-Marcus says (to Kori), "<Is he currently waving his left arm frantically?>"
	[interludes2] Kori looks at soldier
	[interludes2] Gaston-Marcus wave wave.
Franklin says, "Ouch, ouch, ouch!"
GM says, "Drake bats at the squirrel with his staff."	[interludes2] Gaston-Marcus gestures somewhat brusquely, then dashes off ahead again.
	[interludes2] Kori asks (of GM), "is my soldier waving?"
GM says, "Between Tyoka and Gerry most of them get fending off"	[interludes2] GM says, "(yes)"
Gerry kicks and kicks and kicks and kicks.	[interludes2] Kori says, "<sigh>"
Davey asks, "is there any open ground I can make a break for?"	[interludes2] Kori says, "<yes, it appears we are carefully trailing you>"
Franklin says, "I'm not sure how to paper them when they're all squirming in large numbers."	[interludes2] Kori refrains from shooting Gaston-Marcus despite strong temptation
	[interludes2] Penny says, "<well, he's following someone we want to catch, so let's keep going>"
	[interludes2] Kori keeps going
	[interludes2] Gaston-Marcus says, "<Well, at least we're heading in the right direction, I think.>"
Davey says, "maybe you can flypaper the floor"	[interludes2] Gaston-Marcus says, "<I'm following the captain's radio link."
	[interludes2] Gaston-Marcus says, ">"
	[interludes2] Kori says (to Gaston), "<Next time you are doing something clever and undercover, you could, say, inform us of the fact>"
[nobilis] Chaz asks, "Are you going to share your Gaston-bot suspicions with anyone?"
Gaston says, "Pfui, I have squirrel fur in my mouth. The dastardly vermin swarm most thoroughly."	[interludes2] Gaston-Marcus says, "<But then what would be the point?>"
	[interludes2] GM says, "As you guys continue walking you can hear a crowd shouting off in the distance."
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "interludes is one crazy experience this session"
[nobilis] Franklin says, "now's a rather busy moment"
[Crows-Nest] Gaston-Marcus says, "Tell me about it."
[nobilis] Gerry asks, "Pfui?"
[nobilis] Chaz says, "OK."
[nobilis] Tyoka says, "We should try him by the good old Kirk method"	[interludes2] Kori still seems fairly pissed about the whole hand-holding thing
	[interludes2] GM says, "which gets louder as you continue"
[nobilis] Tyoka says, "if he explodes, he's a bot"
[nobilis] Gerry asks, "And if he sinks, he's a witch?"
Davey to Chaz, "<the squirrels are leaving Gaston alone, and he never answered me about using his power on the soldiers>	[interludes2] Penny keeps running, towing John behind him
	[interludes2] Penny says, "er, her"
[nobilis] Tyoka says, "also, Pfui is German for "Ew""	[interludes2] Penny says, "GASTNO IS ALL OF US"
	[interludes2] GM says (to Penny), "don't you start revealing any surprises now too"
	[interludes2] Gaston-Marcus says (to Kori), "<If we were not currently so busy I would point out that a) *you* brought *me* along, and b) *you* held *my* hand.>"
Franklin says, "<That's right, he didn't.>"
Chaz . o O (to davey) ( That's odd. )
Chaz . o O ( gaston Hello? )	[interludes2] GM says, "As you get closer, it resolves itself into "Amanda! Amanda! Amanda!""
[nobilis] Chaz adds ) ( as appropriate.
[nobilis] Gerry says (to Tyoka), "Right, but the only person in English who still says Pfui instead of Phooey is Nero Wolfe."
Davey . o O ( if he sent his robot he'd tell us, wouldn't he? )
[nobilis] Tyoka asks, "so Gaston is really Nero Wolfe?"	[interludes2] Kori says (to Gaston), "a) because you happened to be standing there when I went looking for a monk which was your fault that you disguised yourself and b) you looked all sad at Penny for pity's sake and if you really-- nah, I draw the line at giving this kind of advice."
[nobilis] Gerry says, "No. He's a Nero Wolfe Robot."
Franklin covers his forearms and legs with paper padding against squirrel nibbling.
[nobilis] Tyoka says, "ERROR ERROR DO NOT FOLLOW"	[interludes2] Kori keeps running towards the crowd
	[interludes2] GM says, "and then you turn the corner and you see that what looks like half the population of chicago is crammed into the streets around a tv station"
	[interludes2] Penny screeches to a halt
	[interludes2] GM says, ""We want Amanda!" the crowd chants"
	[interludes2] Kori looks around for Egbert sources
	[interludes2] Gaston-Marcus says (to Kori), "<I was *role-playing*, and -- oh, later.>"
	[interludes2] Kori says, "<yeah, well, I'm still washing off the cooties>"
GM says, "Davey forces his way through the lines of squirrels, and then the troops that follow, and at last you are at the gates"	[interludes2] Gaston-Marcus says (to radio), "*crackle* I'm on the street, repeat, on the street, over. *click*"
GM says, "Yajpelapel is some ways back, still, looking for stable spots on the clouds and moving slowly"
[nobilis] Gerry asks, "Taj Mawho?"
Chaz spins round and round the giant, like some biplane 'round King Kong.
[nobilis] Gaston says, "the giant from our chancel"	[interludes2] Kori says, "<I'm just sad I didn't have a chance to tell about a half-dozen publishers that they should watch out for the upcoming Ice Queen Vortex series>"
[nobilis] Chaz says, "(along with my duplicates, natch, but all spinning the same way."
[nobilis] Chaz says, ")"
GM says, "The giant at the gate here roars and bats at Chaz"
[nobilis] GM says (to Chaz), "I suppose you've dropped your invisibility for this"	[interludes2] Penny says (to Kori), "<I'll put the word around. I, er, have some contacts in the publishing world)"
[nobilis] Gerry asks, "Wait, there's a giant at the gates, too?"	[interludes2] Kori says, "<heh>"
[nobilis] Gaston says, "Invisiblity: dropped. No invisibility: taken."
[nobilis] Chaz says, "I personally am invisible, but I have an entourage of confusing visible duplicates."	[interludes2] Kori looks for Amanda
[nobilis] Chaz says, "If that works for you."
[nobilis] Gaston says (to Gerry), "Yes. That's why we brought Yajpelapel along as well."	[interludes2] Gaston-Marcus says (to radio), "All units, report! Now, dammit! Over."
[nobilis] Chaz says, "Otherwise, I can drop the invisibility."	[interludes2] GM says, "Well, if she's here, she must be inside the building."
	[interludes2] Penny tries to elbow her way through the crowd
	[interludes2] GM says, ""All units taking position -- New York units ready to receive and relay broadcast --""
[nobilis] Chaz says, "Also, if it seems like the giant isn't going for the dupes."	[interludes2] Gaston-Marcus says, "<New York!?>"
	[interludes2] Kori says, "oh f#ck"
	[interludes2] GM says, ""Wait, who is this?" another voice breaks in. "Identify yourself!""
[nobilis] Gerry asks, "How's Yaj doing at getting over here?"	[interludes2] Penny says, "<Oh Dear>"
	[interludes2] Gaston-Marcus says, "Merde."
[nobilis] GM says (to Gerry), "unstable footing on the clouds, is tromping slowly."
Penny says, "<Anyone near New York right now?>"	[interludes2] Kori says (to Penny), "<can you scramble the transmission into, say, Esperanto?>"
	[interludes2] Gaston-Marcus asks (of GM), "Can I block out all their transmissions with a painful feedback loop?"
	[interludes2] Kori says, "<Something no one actually understands?>"
Penny says, "<who could, like, take down a few broadcasting stations?>"
[nobilis] Chaz says, "But in some fasion or another, I'm trying to get the giant to start turning around and around, following me."
Franklin says, "<Not likely, no.>"	[interludes2] Penny says (to Kori), "hmm, probably"
GM says, "The gate-giant tries to kick at Davey with one foot while balancing on the other sufficiently to swat at the Chazzes"	[interludes2] Kori says, "Basque would be even better"
Davey says, "hold on tight"
Franklin says, "Quick, tip him over!"	[interludes2] Penny tries to scramble it into Manx
Gaston holds on tight	[interludes2] Kori continues to look for a sign of anyone in charge among the crowd, and to force her way towards the doors
	[interludes2] Penny says, "(even more obscure, I think)"
Davey shoots the giant in the ankle	[interludes2] Kori says, "(good choice)"
	[interludes2] GM says, "It looks like the crowd is milling its way aimlessly around, so there's nobody really in charge but it's also not that hard to make your way to the doors"
	[interludes2] Penny says, "(and I burn as many DMPs as I need to)"
[nobilis] Gerry asks, "Hm. What kind of miracle would it take to clarify for Yaj a path through the *maze* of clouds?"
Chaz lobs an entangle grenade at that same foot, just after the smoke clears, to try to pin it to the ground.	[interludes2] Gaston-Marcus says, "<Should one of us head for New York?>"
	[interludes2] Kori gets over to the doors and makes her way inside
[nobilis] GM says, "I think that would be a straight divination miracle for you (ie, level 1)"
[nobilis] Chaz says, "We should have given Yaj the boots ;-)"	[interludes2] Kori says, "<I think we're more likely to cut it off here, if Penny can keep the broadcast from really going through>"
GM says, ""RARRR!" says the giant"	[interludes2] Gaston-Marcus says, "<Okay.>"
[nobilis] Franklin says, "sniffle"	[interludes2] GM says (to Kori), "it's locked, natch"
[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "(needing no translation)"	[interludes2] Kori slices the lock
Gerry shows Yaj the fastest path through the clouds. Color-coded for right and left foot.	[interludes2] Gaston-Marcus follows Kori.
GM says, "It waves both arms around."	[interludes2] Kori says, "my interest in being subtle is about gone, here"
	[interludes2] Penny also follows Kori
GM says, "Yajpelapel . o O ( Ok, so I spin red and foot, which means I put my left foot on a red dot ...)"
Franklin papers his arms to his sides.
[Crows-Nest] Gaston says (to GM), "yay!"
Gaston tries to blind the giant with his paintbrush-laser.
Chaz . o O ( gaston Hello? Are you there? )
[nobilis] Chaz says, "(bah, gaston=hello)"
GM says, "The gate-giant's arms are slammed back onto its sides by the world's largest paper straightjacket, and as it roars it falls sideways."
Franklin says, "Ho ho ho!"
Davey . o O ( he's been split into his frenchman and git halves and they both think they're the real one! )
Tyoka chainsaws the beanstalk
[Crows-Nest] Penny says (to davey), "heeheehee"
[Crows-Nest] Kori says, "yay"
[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "chuckle"
Chaz . o O (to group) ( Gaston does not seem to be answering any mental hails. )
[Crows-Nest] Gaston laughs.
Tyoka . o O (to davey) ( wait, there's a difference? )
GM says, "Yajpelapel arrives just in time to grab it as it falls and body-slam it into the clouds, which shake like a bowl full of jelly"	[interludes2] GM says, "Click -- the door pops open."
Davey exclaims, "whoa!"
Franklin says (to Kori), "<(privately) All signs and suspicions indicate we have a bogus Gaston here.>"	[interludes2] Kori pushes through inside
	[interludes2] Penny says, "(did I successfully scramble the broadcast?)"
	[interludes2] GM says (to Penny), "It definitely feels like you're scrambling something, yeah"
Kori says (to Franklin), "<(privately) meanwhile the one here is demonstrating all the usual signs of, er, capitalizing on all his romantic opportunities however unfairly, so I think that solves that>"
Chaz . o O (to group) ( So if this isn't gaston, the real gaston might also be in trouble, since he can't respond. )	[interludes2] Kori goes looking for the source of the broadcast
[Crows-Nest] Penny says (to Kori), "HA ha"
GM says, "the castle walls tremble themselves as the ground bumps"
Kori says, "<I think the real Gaston is the one with us>"	[interludes] Gaston-Marcus says, "Oop, I assumed I couldn't hear Chaz trying to talk to me, but Chaz obviously assumes otherwise."
Kori says, "<and we're, um, a trifle busy>"	[interludes2] GM says (to Kori), "the radio broadcast is just through the door up ahead there and then to the left"
Davey . o O ( well, could you please ask him if he had one a them robots made? )
[Crows-Nest] Penny says, "Kori and Gaston, sitting in a book launching, H-O-L-D-I-N-G (hands)"	[interludes] GM says, "Feel free to play it either way -- I think since he can contact you from a distance you can hear it, but however you like"
[nobilis] Chaz asks, "Wait, Kori finally thought to the whole group?"
Kori says (to Davey), "<(privately) That's what he says. I admit I'm confused how that's possible>"
Franklin steadies himself.
[nobilis] Kori says, "yeah, because I could hear you"	[interludes2] Penny follows Kori
	[interludes2] GM says, "This is the walkie-talkie broadcast, that is, not what Penny is attempting to scramble, probably"
	[interludes] Gaston-Marcus says, "I'll plead distraction, like Kori's deadly vice-like grip."
[nobilis] Kori says, "and it seemed established that fake-Gaston couldn't"
Davey . o O ( okay, maybe Gaston's a robot, but I think he's friendly. Still, one eye on him, folks )
[nobilis] Franklin says (to chaz), "it seems like we're eliding for narrative convenience"
Chaz . o O (to kori) ( You have a gaston? Does he respond to mental hails? )	[interludes2] Kori puts her ear to the door
Chaz . o O (to kori) ( Or could both be duplicates? )
Kori says (to Chaz), "<yeah>"
GM says, "The defenders up on the walls shout, and then a rain of arrows falls down on the people below (ie, you guys)"
Kori says (to Chaz), "<this one revealed his true Gastonity by answering hails>"
Chaz . o O (to kori) ( Ah, good. )	[interludes2] Gaston-Marcus says (to Kori), "<Er, are you talking to the others?>"
Kori says (to Chaz), "<once that were not, in fact, directed at him>"	[interludes2] Gaston-Marcus says, "<I wonder if I should explain.>"
	[interludes2] GM says (to Kori), "you can hear somebody walking back and forth"
Chaz . o O (to himself) ( Didn't answer *my* hail... )
Franklin says (to Davey), "<That's the plan.>"
Chaz tries to draw their fire.	[interludes2] Kori says, "<you could've explained earlier, monkbrain>"
	[interludes2] Kori looks under the door
Franklin whips up some sort of thick paper shield over his head.
Davey . o O ( okay, maybe someon'e blocking us from him. weirder. but he's right here with me, I can pin 'im down if it comes to that )
Gaston says, "Should this get bad enough, I will have to seek shelter."
GM says (to Chaz), "well, they're mostly interested in Davey and co"	[interludes2] Kori says, "<(privately) you think one of them is Evil?>"
	[interludes2] Gaston-Marcus says (to Kori), "<You were slicing my hand off at the wrist at the time!>"
Davey says, "that tickles"	[interludes2] Penny says, "<No idea>"
[nobilis] Chaz says, "In that case, I focus on the gate."
GM says, "the arrows above Davey in particular thunk into Franklin's shield"
[nobilis] Chaz asks, "Is it closed? Open?"
Gerry gets behind Davey.
[nobilis] GM says, "closed, yes :)"
Franklin says, "Gnyahhhh."
Gaston says (to Franklin), "Ah, well timed."	[interludes2] Gaston-Marcus says (to Kori), "If you slice open the lock, I'll go in first and try out this guise."
[nobilis] Chaz asks, "Can I fly over it?"	[interludes2] Kori says (to Gaston), "<frankly the most suspicious person around here for miles is you>"
	[interludes2] Kori slices the lock
[nobilis] Chaz asks, "Or where are these people on the wall coming from?"	[interludes2] Kori says (to Gaston), "<but be my guest>"
[nobilis] Gerry asks, "Does the gate have a lock?"	[interludes2] Gaston-Marcus bursts in, panicked-guard fashion.
Franklin isn't protecting Gaston with paper shield.	[interludes2] GM says (to Kori), "(there are feet -- booted feet -- under the door)"
Gaston huddles next to Franklin anyway, oblivious.	[interludes2] GM says, "The guard on the other side spins around to point her gun at Gaston as he runs in. "What are you doing here?" she says."
	[interludes2] Penny makes sure John is armed
	[interludes2] GM says, "(Gaston-as-guard, that is)"
Gerry . o O (to Drake) ( You wouldn't happen to have a password. )	[interludes2] Gaston-Marcus says (to guard), "They're all dead! It's magic or something!"
	[interludes2] Penny says, ""<OH NO IT'S A WOMAN IF THIS REALLY IS GASTON WE'RE DOOOOMED"
	[interludes2] Kori stands back out of the way
[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "this Gaston thing is mighty disconcerting"
Davey says, "everyone huddle together, I'm gonna shift"
[nobilis] GM says, "The castle, despite having walls, actually has a force-dome-like-thing over it as well"
[Crows-Nest] Penny asks, "you're telling *us*?"
Chaz skates over a line of archers, bapping each in the head with the back of his skateboard.
[nobilis] GM says, "the people on the walls are firing through arrow slits"
[Crows-Nest] Franklin says, "it's my only frame of reference!"
[Crows-Nest] Kori says, "you aren't the one who was HOLDING HIS DISGUISED HAND"
[Crows-Nest] Tyoka asks, "does he make beep-beep noises?"
Gaston asks, "Shift? As in go faster?"
[nobilis] Chaz says, "Oh, in that case, scratch that idea."
[nobilis] GM says, "(sorry, forgot to explain this)"	[interludes2] Gaston-Marcus says (to guard), "Quick,