[oneshot] PerrySimm says, "Log on."
[oneshot] Lydia has joined the channel.
GM says, "inky said he might be a few minutes late. We can start when he arrives."
Dana looks Lydia over from head to toe and makes a face at her 'fashionable' attire.
Erich stands to one side, eyes focused far away.
Morgan squats down in the shade, dropping his hat over his eyes.  He looks asleep.  is he?
(From Dana) Yes.
[Crows-Nest] Morgan says, "heh"
GM says, "Meanwhile, I should let you know about a couple little things."
GM says, "One, I'm making the brutes slightly different from in the book, so don't worry if their rolls seem wrong."
Morgan says, "mmm, brutes"
Erich smiles happily. "Brutes."
Lydia says, "Oh dear."
GM says, "Two, I'll be doing some rolls secretly -- stuff like perception, for example -- so you may not know when I'm rolling them."
Morgan says, "secret rolls are no fun unless we hear the dice :)"
Morgan says, "9speaking as an ex-GM)"
GM grins.
[Crows-Nest] Erich says, "That makes me wonder how an online game of Paranoia would go."
[Crows-Nest] Erich says, "I might have to try that one day."
[Crows-Nest] Morgan says, "heh"
[Crows-Nest] Morgan exclaims, "yay!"
eolo has connected.
Jemmy says, "arr"
Morgan says (to eolo), "'ai"
Morgan says, "er, ..jemmy"
GM says (to Jemmy), "Arr."
GM asks, "Are we all ready?"
Erich says, "Ayah."
Dana says, "I am."
Jemmy says, "absolutely"
Morgan says, "ready fer anythin"
Lydia says, "Ready."
GM says, "You are all here in response to this notice, posted in several places in Cardican: WANTED: MEN AND WOMEN FOR RETRIEVAL MISSION. DANGER LIKELY, PAY GOOD. ENQUIRE AT LOCAL EXPLORER'S SOCIETY HOUSE -- VELDI, 2:00-4:00"
[7thsea] Morgan asks, "veldi is a person?"
[7thsea] Lydia says, "Thursday, I think."
[7thsea] Morgan asks, "or a location?"
[7thsea] Morgan says, "ah"
GM says, "Each of you has arrived at the society house around 3:30 give or take; and you are shown to a small lobby."
[7thsea] GM says, "Monday."
Dana looks dubiously at the rest of the assembly.
[7thsea] GM says, "Tertius 24 (late March) to be exact."
Jemmy tips his hat and grins.
GM says, "It has comfy chairs, a table with yesterday's newpaper on it, paintings of seascapes on the walls."
Morgan leans back against the wall and waits.
Dana studies the seascapes, noting that the artists must not have much to do with real ships.
Erich cleans his fingernails with the tip of his broadsword.
Lydia sits in one of the comfy chairs, looking a bit excited.
GM says, "A short while later, a door opens, and a late middle-aged man steps out."
Jemmy looks up from glancing at the paper.
Billings says, "Ah, the last of the applicants? Come into my office."
[oneshot] Morgan has joined the channel.
Dana follows the middle-aged man.
Erich tromps after.
[oneshot] Dana has joined the channel.
Morgan hangs back, but follows.
Jemmy asks (of Billings), "wait, you asked for other people besides me? why?"
[oneshot] Jemmy has joined the channel.
Billings leads you into a pleasantly appointed office. There's paperwork scattered across the desk, and several shelves of books on the back wall. There are also several knick-knacks on the shelves and desk.
Erich asks (of Billings), "You asked for him?"
Jemmy says (to Erich), "well, he *should* have"
Morgan looks over the knick-knacks.
Dana gives Jemmy an irritated look, recognizing his Type immediately.
Erich says, "Mmh aah."
Billings says (to Jemmy), "Mmm? Well. We, erm, need to know that we have people with, ah, suitable qualifications."
Erich asks (of Billigs), "Two chits, a youth, an ex-serf, and me are suitably qualified?"
[Crows-Nest] Morgan says, "should have put a point in pickpocket"
[oneshot] Billings has joined the channel.
[Crows-Nest] Erich says, "'twas billigs, and the slithy toves"
[oneshot] Billings says (to Morgan), "On the desk is a oddly-shaped bowl with holes around the edge. On the shelves are a small figurine of a drachen, a ship in a bottle, and something like a twisted windmill."
Dana asks (of Erich), "'chit'?"
[oneshot] Billings says, "(Drat, crash dropped me off channel. Did I miss any comments here?)"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "(no)"
Erich asks (of Dana), "You'd prefer 'yer ladyness'?"
[oneshot] Billings says (to Morgan), "You can look at them more closely if you like."
Morgan says (to Erich), "forner like yerself's got room to talk"
Billings looks across the group. "Hrm. Well, have a seat. So."
[oneshot] Morgan says, "nah, nothing worth the effort of taking"
Dana ignores Erich and turns her attention on Billings.
Erich glances around, finds all the chairs too small for his taste, and remains standing.
Billings asks (of Erich), "Why did you respond to the notice, then?"
Jemmy grabs a good seat up front.
Billings smiles.
Lydia takes a seat.
Morgan looks at the chairs, and squats down next to the door.
Dana grumbles (to Jemmy), "Some of us can't see through your hat, friend."
[oneshot] Billings says, "(Er, 'then' wasn't in response to the chairs too small, BTW)"
Erich shrugs. "Adventure and treasure, yes?"
Billings nods, "Hrm, mmm."
Billings makes some notes.
Jemmy says (to Dana), "my apologies -- I should of course always take off my hat for a lady"
Jemmy sweeps his fedora off and into his lap.
Billings asks (of Lydia), "Tell me, what sort of qualifications do you feel you have?"
Dana snorts quietly.
Lydia says, "Well, I know a little about swords."
Billings nods, "Good, yes, very good."
Billings asks (of Morgan), "What sort of experience do you have, in the, er, item-retrieval business?"
Morgan says, "i've retrieved plenty of items in my day."
Billings nods, "Excellent, yes. Mmm."
Morgan says, "if yer referrin' to the ancient-artifact type, i can lern as i go"
Billings nods, "Mmhmm, mmm."
Lydia looks worried, obviously unaware she was supposed to be Qualified.
Billings asks (of Dana), "And how do you feel about small towns? Countryside?"
Dana says, "I'm used to just about any kind of countryside, sir."
Dana realizing that she perhaps took too long thinking, goes on: "And I've got a tough constitution, and enough common sense not to wear frippery dresses on a job like this.  (Shoots a look at Lydia).  And I'm used to... uncommon situations.  Beyond that, I can't tell you much until you let me know what sort of 'retrieval' you have in mind.
Billings nods, grinning. "Ah, yes. Quite good. Very good attitude, I like that."
Billings asks (of Jemmy), "And how about, erm, danger? Of the life-threatening, uh, sort?"
Lydia says, "What, is the job immediate? I thought this was just the information session."
Erich snorts.
Jemmy exclaims, "I don't know about these others, but I'm ready to set off immediately!"
Dana raises an eyebrow and looks pitying.
Billings says, "The job, or rather, the task is somewhat, it might be said, urgent, to a degree."
Erich puzzles his way through the tangle of clauses.
Dana says (to Billings), "I can go anywhere you like, as soon as you like."
Dana gestures to her pack.
Billings makes some notes. "Yes. That's good. Mmm. I think you five -- five? yes -- should do. Are you together?"
Erich asks, "I suppose we are now, ja?"
Morgan says, "I'm keen on leaving town soon, achtally"
[Crows-Nest] Dana says, "I bet"
Billings smiles. "Excellent. Perfect. I'll tell you about the, er, job then..."
[Crows-Nest] Erich asks, "'ach'? Isn't that my line?"
[Crows-Nest] Morgan says, "I'm failing miserably at transliterating this accent"
Billings asks, "Travers. Matthew Travers. He's a guild scholar, quite an expert on the Syrneth. He lives in Miltshire. Familiar with Miltshire?"
[oneshot] Morgan asks, "where is it?"
Dana makes a face, as though she isn't but would prefer not to say so.
[oneshot] Morgan says, "erlative to here"
Billings says, "Mmm. Well, I'm not. It's about thirty miles from here. East, er, east-north-east. It's where he lives."
Lydia frowns, trying to remember what Miltshire is.
Morgan says, "been near there, but nivver to town"
[early_musketeers] Sargent says (to inky), "Say, I have a sudden conflict for tomorrow afternoon."
Erich shrugs.
[early_musketeers] inky says, "erf"
Billings says, "Well, Travers was studying several recent acquisitions of ours. Several artefacts, interesting pieces, don't know much about them myself. Well, no one does yet, except for Travers. That's why he was studying them, heh."
[early_musketeers] inky says, "well, I s'pose we can postpone, or proceed with 3"
[early_musketeers] Sargent says, "Sorry about this."
[early_musketeers] inky says, "I'll see what other folks are up to -- it is easter, after all"
[early_musketeers] Sargent says, "My friend who's leaving the physics program sans PhD decided to have a party before he left for Florida."
[early_musketeers] Sargent says, "Given his penchant for careful planning and so on, he sent out an announcement yesterday that there'd be a party."
Billings says, "Unfortunately, about four -- well, yes, four -- days ago, his house was broken into. He was in it at the time. The pieces, the artefacts he was studying, were stolen. As was he. Kidnapped, that is."
[early_musketeers] Sargent says, "And then today got around to telling me that it'd be tomorrow."
[early_musketeers] Sargent says, "at 5 pm."
Lydia smiles at the joke, then hopes it was a joke.
Jemmy exclaims, "the villains!"
Jemmy asks, "do you know who the perpetrators were?"
Dana asks, "So it's a person-retrieval as well?"
Billings nods, "Mmm, yes, villains. We don't know *much* about them yet, but there was one witness. The local constabulary in the town can put you in touch with him. I imagine he may be of help."
Erich says, "Mmm. People are harder to drag around than things."
Billings says (to Dana), "Mmm, yes, quite so."
Morgan asks, "any sign if it was local lads, or someone brought in for the task?"
[Crows-Nest] Erich says, "Ooh, witnesses to Intimidate."
[Crows-Nest] Jemmy says, "YM "impress with my charm""
Billings says (to Morgan), "I can't say that I know, personally. That's something you'll have to find out."
[Crows-Nest] Erich says, "Right. Intimidate."
[Crows-Nest] Jemmy says, "or at least, that's what IM"
Morgan says, "no worries"
Billings shuffles through his papers. "The payment, ah, the, er, reward..."
Erich says, "Bringing people back costs extra..."
Jemmy says, "unless they're fair damsels, of course"
[Crows-Nest] (from Morgan) Erich says, "bringing just the ehad is cheaper"
Dana says, "Especially if they're fair damsels."
[Crows-Nest] Jemmy says, "none of these dimpled ehads"
Dana says, "Those are always the most obnoxious."
[Crows-Nest] Dana says, "heh"
Erich mutters, "...and a lust-crazed youth to boot..."
Billings says, "Ah, yes. We are prepared to offer you a substantial reward, due to the possible danger involved, as well as the importance of Mr. Travers and of these artefacts to the society, ah... one hundred twenty shillings for each of the three -I said three, yes? -- three artefacts that were stolen, if they are returned intact and undamaged..."
Lydia says, "So you're sending several small groups to find him? That seems odd."
Dana looks at Erich sympathetically
Dana asks (of Billings), "And for Travers himself?"
Billings says (to Lydia), "We have interviewed several applicants, but most were, uh, unacceptable. For various reasons. So we are sending a group, that is to say, you."
Lydia looks a bit shocked at this.
Lydia says, "Oh, of course."
Jemmy says, "but of course"
Jemmy bows as best he can, sitting down.
Billings says (to Dana), "Oh, erm, for Travers himself... two hundred fifty shillings, if he is returned intact and, er, undamaged as well... alive, that is."
Dana says (to Jemmy), "mind you don't bang your hat on your knees"
Dana says (to Billings), "Sounds reasonable to me.  We'll try to make sure he isn't too... nicked up."
Dana says, "I'm a believer in delivering the merchandise in good condition."
Jemmy says (to Dana), "I had of course already removed my hat from my lap so as not to interrupt the bow"
Billings says, "As well as ten shillings apiece, that is for each of you, for expenses on the mission, er job. To be paid now, if you accept it. The remainder to be paid on successful completion, and all that."
[Crows-Nest] Morgan exclaims, "10 shillings? whoop!"
Erich says, "Accept? Yes."
Billings asks, "So this is all, well, acceptable and such? Are there any questions?"
[Crows-Nest] Jemmy says, "1 shilling = 1 guilder = 1 chicken"
[Crows-Nest] Morgan says, "I know"
Billings moves several of his papers around, as though looking for the answers to the questions that haven't been asked yet.
[Crows-Nest] Morgan says, "for morgan, 10 shillings is a hell of a lot"
[Crows-Nest] Jemmy says, "but that's *10 chickens*, man"
Dana says, "Seems clear enough to me. Interview the local witness, find villains, pound heads together."
[Crows-Nest] Jemmy says, "oh, sorry, I didn't realize that wasn't sarcastic"
Dana rubs her hands.
Erich says, "Mmm, head-pounding."
Billings nods, "Ah, yes, well put. Yes. Be careful of Mr. Travers head, though. Very valuable head."
Lydia says, "I too will accept."
Jemmy asks, "where did the artifacts come from?"
Erich says, "Of course. That head is worth 250 shillings."
Morgan says, "Sounds do'ble"
Dana says (to Jemmy), "Who cares? It's old stuff."
Dana says (to Billings), "Begging your pardon, of course."
Billings asks (of Jemmy), "They are of, uh, Syrneth origin. I'm not certain which dig sites they were discovered in, to be specific, but -- herm, yes, you'd like to know what they are, wouldn't you?"
Erich rumbles, "And are they dangerous?"
Billings pulls out another paper. "Be nice to, well, recognize them when you see them and such. Yes."
Jemmy says (to Billings), "one never knows when the slightest clue may be important in a situation such as this"
Billings says (to Erich), "Good question. I have no idea. I expect that, well, Travers would be most likely to know."
Dana says (to Dana), "So it looks like we've got Miss Fashion Plate, Mr. Suave Scholar, someone of rather... dubious background, and a human treetrunk.  Great..."
Jemmy says, "why, when my trousers were stolen the night before exams, it was just such a tiny clue that put me on to the perpetrators"
Morgan grins.
Erich says, "and a woman with a tongue that is faster than her brain."
Billings says, "Mmm. Well, one of them is a ring. A gold ring, with a pattern around the edge. Hrm. Not much of a description. Could be any gold ring. Well. And the second, hrm, some kind of a black rod, with a silver knob on the end."
[Crows-Nest] Erich says, "A syrneth's rod has a knob on the end..."
Dana says (to Erich), "For the sake of the mission, I'll pretend not to have heard that."
[Crows-Nest] Jemmy says, "hee hee"
Billings asks (of Jemmy), "Trousers?" wrnkling his forehead slightly.
Erich says (to Dana), "likewise"
Jemmy says (to Billings), "the third artifact was a pair of trousers? surely you jest"
Billings says (to Jemmy), "Hrm, well? Oh, the third thing, it's a short white rod. With, ah, runes on it. Er. It doesn't say what the runes are. But I imagine there aren't a lot of short white rods with runes on. So that shouldn't be a problem."
Dana says, "Better describe those too, then.  We wouldn't want to bring back the wrong trousers."
Morgan says, "head a group in caerleon was doin' a play called 'the Wrong trousers' last year"
[oneshot] Dana says, "(bah, lagtiming)"
Morgan says, "supposed to feature a talkin' dog, or somesuch"
[Crows-Nest] Dana says, "(yay)"
Morgan says, "foolishness"
Jemmy says, "it's a fine day out when you bring back the wrong trousers, that's my motto"
[Crows-Nest] Erich says (to Morgan), "yay"
Billings says, "Hrm, no. No talking dogs. At least not," he turns the paper over, "listed in my notes. I don't think."
Morgan says, "good.  can't abide the unnatcheral"
Dana says (to Billings), "(very seriously) You never know what effect the runic rod might have on canines."
Erich says (to Morgan), "Remember we're on the trail of unnatural artifacts."
Billings says (to Dana), "Ah, quite so. Yes, be on the lookout. There could well be any, uh, such things about."
Morgan says (to erich), "eh, sound natcheral enough.  there's all sorts of stuff like that in these hills."
Billings says, "So. Mmm. You can prepare your things. Whatever supplies or whatnot. If you wish, and set out in the morning. Or tonight. If you, er, wish. Mmm."
Morgan says, "my friend bob was plowing his field 5-6 years ago, found some sort of black rod"
Dana says, "The sooner the better, as far as I'm concerned."
Morgan says, "his missus uses it to hang their laundry.  works great, she says"
[Crows-Nest] (from Dana) Morgan says, "And you should see the reception they get now."
[Crows-Nest] Morgan says, "hee hee"
Morgan says, "I'd need to make a quick stop, but i'm all for an early (or late, rather) start"
Lydia asks, "Yes, well. Shall we meet somewhere?"
Billings says, "You can get, erm, directions to Miltshire from Miss Cavendish. She's the one who showed you in? Yes.At the front desk."
Jemmy asks, "very well -- are we to ride there?"
Dana says, "Sounds a long walk."
Morgan asks, "ride?"
Billings says, "Hrm. If you wish. You can arrange, er, transportation. At your disgression. Or you can hike. It should be, perhaps a day and a half on foot."
Morgan says, "the day me own two feet aren't good enough for me..."
Billings says, "Or a day, if it's a long day."
Erich says, "Or three, if we turn out to be laggards."
Dana says, "Something tells me wasting time's not wise, in this case"
Jemmy says, "or four, if there's something interesting to see on the way"
Dana says, "Who knows what may be happening to Travers."
Dana says (to Jemmy), "I imagine the farmers' daughters could increase your trip by five or six days at least."
Erich says (to Dana), "By only ten minutes, I'd wager."
Dana coughs, but grins at Erich
Jemmy says, "ten minutes, bah -- that's merely enough time to gather the flowers"
Erich says, "Hadn't thought of that."
Morgan asks, "well, why'n't we meet at the east edge of town, and set out from there?"
Morgan says, "i needs to get me stuff"
Dana asks, "Well, I've a few supplies to gather, and I'm in favor of horses.  Shall we say at dusk?"
Jemmy says, "no point to leaving at dusk"
Jemmy says, "may as well get an early start tomorrow"
Dana twitches her shoulder into a shrug.
Erich says, "One's as good as another to me."
Erich says (to Morgan), "Though you'd wanted to leave soon-like."
Jemmy says, "well, it's afternoon"
Jemmy says, "if it's been four days, overnight won't hurt"
Dana says, "This is a time of year when the day's not long -- seems if we want to catch up with the miscreants we'd best be willing to travel by night."
Morgan says (to erich), "True.  But I've tramped most of the surrounding country in at all times and in all weather"
Morgan says, "to tell th' truth, i'm more used to travelling at dark"
[Crows-Nest] Dana says, "(I'll bet you are.)"
Dana asks (of Lydia), "What about you? Need to tell your parents you're leaving, perhaps?"
Lydia smiles.
Lydia says, "No, I'll be ready when you make up your minds."
Lydia says, "Assuming at least an hour or two to buy a few things."
[oneshot] Morgan asks, "what are horse rental rates?"
Dana says, "Right.  Well, we all need that, I think."
[oneshot] Morgan says, "buying a horse is indecently expensive"
[oneshot] Dana asks, "do you want a compact, or luxury?"
Erich says, "I'd just as soon walk."
Erich says, "never ridden much."
sonechka hollers, "I'm lost, I'm confused.  I want to say hi, but my fingers won't let me!"
Morgan says, "I agree with th' big fella.  plus, a horse is a bit expensive for meself"
[oneshot] GM says, "If you had time, you could probably find something for two shillings a horse per day. On short notice, probably four."
[oneshot] Morgan says, "right"
[oneshot] Dana says, "ach, fair enough"
Dana says, "Very well."
Dana says, "Might as well walk."
Jemmy shrugs.
Jemmy asks, "so tonight, then?"
Dana says, "Sounds good to me."
Erich says, "Yes."
Jemmy says, "very well then -- if we can just have our ten shillings, I'll be off"
GM says (to Jemmy), "Ah, yes, Miss, er, Cavendish will handle that."
Morgan says, "let's start movin' then.  I'll see you all in a few, east side o' town"
Dana goes to collect her 10 shillings from the useful Miss Cavendish, and get directions to Miltshire.
Erich does as well.
[oneshot] Morgan says, "okay, the book doesn't mention a price for a chicken"
[oneshot] GM asks, "So you're meeting around dusk, on foot?"
Lydia asks, "Yes. What are your names?"
[oneshot] Dana says, "right"
[oneshot] GM says (to Morgan), "About a guilder, I believe. Or a shilling, around here."
Morgan heads out, collects his money, and runs some errands
[oneshot] Erich says, "Ja."
Jemmy says, "Jemmy's the name -- Jemmy Ninepence"
Jemmy bows smartly and heads out.
Morgan asks, "cause e's a cent short of tenpence?"
Lydia says, "I'm Lydia Narcisse. Nice to meet you all."
Morgan says, "Name's Morgan"
Erich says, "'m Erich."
Dana says, "Dana."
[oneshot] GM says, "I'll fast-forward when you're ready."
[Crows-Nest] Jemmy says, "narcisse? heh"
[oneshot] Dana says, "kay"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "I guess I'm not doing anything except getting a snack before meeting folks"
[oneshot] Morgan says, "good"
Lydia gets her money and leaves. Outside, she sighs to herself.
[oneshot] Erich says, "okayi'mreadywecanfastforward"
[oneshot] Dana says, "I'm stocking up on food, making sure I have some rope and a lamp"
[oneshot] Morgan says, "the only thing I'm doing is buying a chicken to bring along for tonight's dinner"
GM says, "You acquire whatever adventuring gear you each need, and meet at the edge of town, for a brisk walk through the countryside."
[oneshot] Morgan says, "don't want to hunt at midnight"
GM says, "A couple hours later, you pass a smaller city by the road. And a few hours later, another. It approaches midnight."
Jemmy says, "ah, the great outdoors"
Morgan asks, "I know a site near here where we can camp, if you all are getting a bit tired?"
Morgan says, "i know i am"
Morgan says, "or, we can keep pushing on til the rosy dawn"
Jemmy says, "I have no desire to arrive half-asleep"
Erich says, "I'm ready to sleep."
Morgan leads the group off the road to a clearing next to a small stream
Dana allows herself to be persuaded to take some rest.  Though she shows, of course, no sign of fatigue
Morgan asks, "now i'll build a bit of fire and roast us some chicken.  Anyone else hungry?"
Morgan says, "I do love camping out."
Lydia says, "Chicken sounds good."
Dana sits mannishly by the fire and gets out some of her own food.
Dana says (to Morgan), "I'll trade you a bit of that chicken for a slice of this here cheese. (Shows enormous wheel.)"
[Crows-Nest] Morgan (to dana) :P
Jemmy pulls out some sausages to toast.
[Crows-Nest] Dana exclaims, "hey now!"
Morgan says, "i've been told by those who might know that cheese is good for you.  can't pass that up."
[Crows-Nest] Erich says (to Dana), "My, what a big wheel you have."
[Crows-Nest] Morgan says, "sorry, thought you were being standoffish and nasty"
[Crows-Nest] Dana says, "no, but Dana believes in trades"
[Crows-Nest] Dana says (to Erich), "yeah yeah"
Erich sits down and produces dried meat from his pack.
Erich then brings out some rye bread.
[Crows-Nest] Erich says, "Want some rye? 'Course you do."
[Crows-Nest] Morgan says, "mm, maybe i brought 2 chickens.  Enough for all of us, anyway"
Lydia munches on a bit of bread from her pack while waiting for the chicken.
Morgan roasts the chicken.  the smell makes your mouth water.
Morgan says, "'unger's the best seasoning, as me old mum used to say"
Erich offers bread to any who would have some.
Morgan says, "and the more I go on, the more i see it's true"
Morgan says, "thank 'ee"
Dana has some of the bread to go with the rest of her meal.
Dana says (to Morgan), "that it is.  Amazing what you can eat when you've been three weeks at sea."
Jemmy says, "three weeks at sea? my"
Jemmy says, "did you encounter any pirates? I've always wanted to meet some pirates"
Morgan says, "nivver been to sea, miss.  thought about it once, but i love these fields and forests too much to leave"
Erich asks (of Dana), "You a sailor?"
Dana says, "The biscuits get weevils in, and... (breaks off)"
Dana says (to Erich), "Did quite a bit of sailing on my father's ship."
Dana says (to Jemmy), "(dryly) I'm sure they'd enjoy meeting you, too."
Morgan says, "however, the things you'll eat when you've been living in a forest in winter for 2 months, I bet it's just as scary as your sea tales."
Jemmy exclaims, "ha-ha! not after they tasted my steel!"
Dana says, "heh.  I imagine that's so."
Morgan hands out chicken to everyone.
Lydia says, "Thank you."
Morgan says, "here y'are, and there should be a bit leftover for some cold breakfast in th' mornin'"
Dana asks (of Erich), "And where do you come from?"
Jemmy toasts his sausages happily on a stick he whittles, and offers them around.
Morgan asks (of jemmy), "what sort a' meat's in them?"
Erich says (to Morgan), "If they are anything like Eisen sausages, better not ask."
Jemmy squints at the sausages. "Smoked, I think."
Dana says (to Jemmy), "I'll have one of those."
Morgan says (to erich), "Ah ha."
Morgan says (to jemmy), "I'll skip, thanks"
Lydia eats the chicken awkwardly, as though chicken was never meant to be eaten held in the hand.
Erich takes a sausage and downs it contentedly.
Jemmy hands over a stick to Dana. "Don't get nothing like this at sea, I betcha."
Lydia says, "I'll try one, thank you."
Dana says (to Jemmy), "No, a good sausage is one of the pleasures of land, that's true."
Dana finishes eating, washes the last down with something from a flask
Dana asks, "Anyone else want a little evening nip?"
Morgan says, "Ah!  i'll take a swig of that, if ye don't mind."
Dana hands the flask across to Morgan.
Morgan takes a medium-sized swig.
Morgan says, "Ah, this the true stuff"
Morgan says, "thankee much, lady."
Dana laughs
Morgan hands the flask back.
Dana caps the flask and puts it away with the rest of her kit.
Morgan says, "only two watches left in the night"
Jemmy unrolls his bedding, whistling quietly, and fluffing up his pack for a pillow.
Morgan asks, "i don't mind taking the first, but who's got the second?"
Dana says, "I'll take it."
Morgan says, "very well, i'll wake you in a bit."
[oneshot] Lydia realizes there are some parts when GMs must get a bit bored.
Dana, having said this, yawns heartily and goes to sleep in her own bedroll.
Erich says, "I'll take third."
[oneshot] GM says, "No problem. I'm actually having fun watching you people. Kinda like Sims."
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "he can spend the time plotting against us"
Erich then stretches out and drops off to sleep. It turns out he snores. Loudly.
[Crows-Nest] Morgan asks, "how do i respond to that?"
Jemmy sighs, and puts his cape over his head.
Morgan gets up, and walks around the site.
[Crows-Nest] Dana says, "you know those eiseners can't count"
Lydia lies down, head on her pack. She has difficulty falling asleep for a while, but then sleeps deeply.
[oneshot] Morgan says, "while I'm out, I'm going to set up some safe signs to keep any bandits (who know my old group, anyway) away"
[Crows-Nest] Erich says, "Hey, I heard Morgan say he's got first, and then Dan saying he had second."
[Crows-Nest] Erich says, "a"
[oneshot] GM says, "OK."
GM says, "Several hours and a couple watches later, the sun begins to rise over the mountains to the east."
Morgan says, "wakes up as soon as the sun's up."
GM says, "A thick spring fog has settled in during the night, as they are wont to do in this part of Avalon."
Morgan says, "Ah, glorious mornin"
Morgan says, "sort of"
[oneshot] Morgan says, "grr"
[oneshot] Morgan says, "reacting too fast == bad"
Erich winces as he stands. "Not used to the ground any more."
[oneshot] Dana says, "maybe Morgan's just really cheery in the morning"
Lydia still sleeps, with the blanket tight around her.
[oneshot] GM says, "I'm sure many an Avalonian has had to learn to like fog."
Dana has been up, pacing around.
[oneshot] Morgan says, "he's medium cheery 24/7.  except when he drinks, when it goes to very"
Dana says, "Anyone want to prod Lydia awake?  I've got a sharp stick."
Morgan says, "now, now.  wake the lass gentle"
Dana asks (of Morgan), "Aye, as she's used to having her maid do it, perhaps?"
Morgan stage-whispers to Dana "but let's keep that Jemmy away from her"
Dana stage-whispers back, "Lord, surely even she has more sense."
Jemmy hops up and starts packing away his bedroll.
Dana nonetheless wakes Lydia with a gentle shove on the shoulder.
Morgan goes over and wakes up lydia.
Erich refrains from waking Lydia.
Lydia says, "hm? Ah ... it's foggy."
[oneshot] Dana says, "heh"
Morgan paks up his few belongings
Morgan says, "i've got a bit o' chicken left."
Morgan asks, "Anyone want some berakfast?"
Morgan starts in on a drumstick.
Lydia says, "Well, if it's there, might as well eat it."
Dana puts away a bit more of the cheese.
Morgan waves at the chicken, as if to say, "Grab some your ownself"
Dana eats some of the chicken as well
Lydia takes a small piece of chicken and chews on a bite a while.
Erich takes a hunk of chicken. It vanishes from his hands.
Lydia says, "Not so good as I remember it."
Morgan says, "well, let's get moving."
Morgan heads back to the road
Morgan says (to lydia), "true, it's not as good cold, but it's a sure sight better than no berakfast at all"
Jemmy starts whistling again, something vaguely jaunty and Castillian.
[oneshot] Dana asks, "Erich has chicken prestidigitation?"
Lydia puts together her pack, and catches up to the group still eating the chicken.
Dana asks (of Lydia), "So, kid, how did you get into this line of work?"
[oneshot] Erich says, "food prestidighi-- preshta-- magic."
Lydia says (to Dana), "I, um. To be honest, I've never done it before."
Erich asks, "oh?"
Dana glances at Lydia's sword, then at Lydia again, then says, gruffly, "Well, if you find yourself in trouble, keep your back to the wall and stick with the rest of us."
Morgan says (to lydia), "little rare to see a woman with a sword like that"
Morgan asks, "use it much?"
Lydia says, "I can hold my own, thanks."
Lydia frowns.
[Crows-Nest] Morgan erstrains his urge to spar
Erich asks, "Professionally trained or self-taught?"
[Crows-Nest] Morgan says, "no sense beating up people"
Lydia says, "I learned from a friend."
GM says, "By late morning, most of the fog has burnt off in the sun. Around noontime you start getting into areas that Morgan is less familiar with. You occassionally pass a small town or village as you walk."
GM says, "Eventually it gets to be mid-to-late afternoon, when you're stopped by a group of four young men standing in the road."
Erich says, "Afternoon."
GM says, "The leader -- more of a boy, really -- is wearing scruffy clothes and a black cloak."
Morgan asks, "nice day to be walking on the Queen's highway, innit?"
Charlie asks, "Ah, afternoon it is. You're headed into Miltshire, huh?"
[Crows-Nest] Morgan tries to recall the lines travellers have used on him
Dana looks over the young men thoughtfully, one hand on a knifehilt.
Jemmy is whistling as he waves his walking stick about.
Lydia watches the boys carefully.
Morgan says, "throught here, actually"
[Crows-Nest] Jemmy says, ""hey good-lookin', what's your sign?""
Morgan says, "just out to see the world, we are"
[Crows-Nest] Morgan says, "hee"
Charlie says, "I see. This is a toll road, you know."
[Crows-Nest] Morgan says, "I was born under a cobbler's sign, meself.  then the cobbler shooed us out"
Dana says (to Charlie), "Strangely, I was under the impression toll roads were posted."
Charlie says (to Dana), "That is why we need to be here, to let you know."
Morgan says (to Charlie), "Friend, I think you'd better head home and try this another day"
Dana asks (of Charlie), "I see.  And since you've no uniform, you do at least have a badge or seal of some sort?"
Morgan says, "Might be better for your health"
Charlie asks, "The toll is a simple matter of one-half of whatever money or valuables you're carrying right now. I'm sure you understand the arrangement?"
Erich steps closer to Charlie. "Perhaps we could work out a different deal."
Morgan grips his walking staff a little tighter
Charlie snaps his fingers, and four more men step out from the woods to stand behind you.
Lydia says, "That's easy. We don't have any valuables."
Jemmy asks (of Charlie), "you can have half of my sandwich. would that count?"
Morgan says (to Charlie), "i don't think that'll work at all."
Erich cocks his head to one side. "If you are nice, you might still have ten working fingers at day's end."
Charlie says, "If you can count, you'll see that we outnumber you. If you don't wish to cooperate, we can gladly do this the hard way."
Jemmy glances to either side of the road, looking to see what the surrounding land is like.
Morgan says (to Erich), "now, now.  he's just a working fellow.  not his fault he's too stupid to see we'er not worth the effort"
Charlie draws his sword, and his associates follow suit with their knives.
Dana has her own knife out in a moment.
Lydia draws her sword and smiles.
Morgan twirls his staff in a showy move, beforing grounding it in front of him.
Erich pulls on his broadsword...and pulls...and pulls, until it is completely free of its scabbard.
[oneshot] Charlie says, "If you insit on being so uncooperative with the poor boy, Initiative :)"
[7thsea] Dana rolls 3 dice: 2 10 9
[Crows-Nest] Morgan says, "mm, extra ing.  silly illiterate peasants"
[7thsea] Jemmy rolls 2 dice: 9 6
[7thsea] Lydia rolls 2 dice: 9 1
[7thsea] Morgan rolls 2 dice: 4 1
[7thsea] Erich rolls 2 dice: 5 4
[7thsea] Charlie rolls 2 dice: 7 4
[7thsea] Charlie rolls 2 dice: 6 4
[7thsea] Charlie rolls 2 dice: 10 7
[oneshot] Dana says, "rerolling the 10"
[7thsea] Dana rolls 1 die: 8
[oneshot] Charlie says, "Phase one."
[oneshot] Charlie says, "Lydia"
[oneshot] Lydia asks, "one raise to attack two?"
[oneshot] Charlie says, "Right."
[7thsea] Lydia rolls 6k3: 8 1 8 10+6 9 3 | 33
[oneshot] Morgan says, "nice"
[oneshot] Charlie asks, "Which squad? Three brutes with Charlie, or four behind you?"
[oneshot] Charlie says, "(TN 15 for the brutes, BTW)"
[oneshot] Lydia says, "um, the behind."
[oneshot] Charlie says, "Play it, then."
Lydia lunges at the fellow at the left rear, then turns and slices at the one next to him. Both fall down.
Lydia says, "Better run while you still outnumber us."
[oneshot] Charlie asks, "Phase one, going...?"
[oneshot] Morgan says, "yes"
[oneshot] Morgan asks, "did we ever change the double strike rules for attacking 2 brutes/henchmen/whatever?"
[oneshot] Morgan says, "because that's what I'll be doing :)"
[oneshot] Charlie says, "No, normal rules."
[oneshot] Morgan says, "mm, then there's no difference between double strike and regular attack.  glad I pushed them both to the same level"
[oneshot] Morgan asks, ";is double strike one attack roll, or 2?"
[oneshot] Charlie says, "Two."
[oneshot] Morgan says, "ah, cool"
[oneshot] Morgan says, "# 1, in front (henchman)"
[7thsea] Morgan rolls 6k3: 5 5 5 7 2 5 | 17
[oneshot] Morgan says, "and number 2"
[7thsea] Morgan rolls 6k3: 8 4 5 7 1 5 | 20
Morgan attempts to strike 2 of the henchmen as lydia just did, but misses both.
[oneshot] Morgan says, "grr"
Charlie jumps aside as the staff swings by. "Ha!"
[oneshot] Charlie says, "Phase 2"
[oneshot] Dana goes for Charlie himself
[7thsea] Dana rolls 6k3: 8 3 8 1 5 2 | 21
[oneshot] Charlie says, "(TN 15 for Charlie, too)"
Jemmy watches admiringly.
[oneshot] Charlie says, "Roll damage."
[oneshot] Dana says, "(rr, which is what formula again?)"
[oneshot] Dana says, "(sorry, no book)"
[oneshot] Morgan says, "brawn + weapon"
[oneshot] Charlie says, "Sword, right? Brawn + 2 k 2."
[oneshot] Dana says, "no, knife"
[oneshot] Charlie says, "Brawn + 1k2, then."
[7thsea] Dana rolls 4k2: 10+9 6 9 8 | 28
[oneshot] Dana says, "(there we go.  Thanks.)"
[7thsea] Charlie rolls 3k3: 2 5 3 | 10
[oneshot] Jemmy says (to Charlies), "wuss"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "-s"
Charlie asks, "Yow! Where'd you learn to do that?"
Dana smiles grimly.
Dana says, "If you wish to learn more, by all means stick around."
[oneshot] Charlie says, "Unless there's an interrupt, skipping to four."
[Crows-Nest] (from Erich) Dana says, "*Stick* around. Get it? Huh?"
Charlie swings his sword around to repay Dana.
[Crows-Nest] Dana says, "(yeah yeah)"
[oneshot] Erich asks, "Wait -- don't I have initiative there?"
[oneshot] Morgan says (to erich), "it's charlie, then goon, then you, then me"
[oneshot] Morgan says, "if i recall initiative ties properly"
[oneshot] Erich asks, "Oh. What did Charlier roll?"
[oneshot] Charlie says (to Erich), "You and Charlie both have two Panache, phase four, but his total's 11. Yours is 9."
[oneshot] Charlie says, "(4 7 vs 4 5)"
[oneshot] Erich says, "Aha. I thought he'd rolled a 4 5 as well."
[7thsea] Charlie rolls 4k2: 10+5 9 8 1 | 24
[oneshot] Charlie asks, "Defense?"
[oneshot] Dana asks, "footwork -> passive?"
[oneshot] Charlie says, "Right. So no active, I'll assume."
[oneshot] Dana says, "right"
[7thsea] Charlie rolls 5k2: 8 1 3 6 9 | 17
Charlie slashes Dana across the arm.
[oneshot] Charlie asks, "Wound check?"
[oneshot] Dana says, "er, trying to remember what toughness adds"
[oneshot] Dana says, "(I should just buy the fricking book()"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "one kept die"
[oneshot] Erich says, "toughness adds one kept die"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "so you roll 4k4"
[7thsea] Dana rolls 4k4: 4 2 9 6 | 21
[oneshot] Dana says, "'kay, thanks"
GM says, "The brutes try to jump Erich from behind."
[7thsea] GM rolls 3k2: 8 10+2 9 | 21
[oneshot] GM says, "TN 20, right? 6 wounds."
[oneshot] Erich says, "Yes."
[7thsea] Erich rolls 5k5: 10+1 6 8 7 1 | 33
GM says, "And manage one hit, between them."
[7thsea] Jemmy says, "wow"
Erich grimaces.
[oneshot] GM says, "Erich next."
Erich says (to Brutes), "You can be next."
Erich whips his broadsword around in an arc which seems likely to end in Charlie.
[7thsea] Erich rolls 6k3: 7 4 6 4 1 5 | 18
[oneshot] Erich asks, "Is he TN 15?"
[oneshot] GM says, "Yes."
[oneshot] Erich says, "Ah, good. I shall roll damage, then."
[7thsea] Erich rolls 8k2: 4 9 9 2 5 9 8 3 | 18
[7thsea] GM rolls 3k3: 9 7 10+10+6 | 42
[oneshot] Erich exclaims, "!"
[oneshot] Lydia asks, "which ones attacked Erich?"
[oneshot] GM says, "The pair behind you."
Erich's sword does hit Charlie, but does not bite deep enough to do any truly lasting damage.
Charlie says, "Cur."
[oneshot] Charlie asks, "Morgan?"
Erich says, "Careful of your words. It'd be a pity if your head had to follow them."
[oneshot] Morgan says, "okay, going for front henchman again, normal attack"
[7thsea] Morgan rolls 6k3: 9 2 10+10+1 1 3 1 | 33
[7thsea] Morgan rolls 5k1: 3 6 2 10+9 4 | 19
[oneshot] Morgan says, "grr"
[oneshot] Morgan says, "i could have hit 2 of them, -that- time"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "hee hee"
[oneshot] Charlie asks, "Henchman or brutes?"
[oneshot] Morgan <-- never happy
[oneshot] Erich says, "Heh."
[oneshot] Morgan says, "er, brutes"
[oneshot] Charlie asks, "OK, so you didn't actually need the damage roll, right?"
[oneshot] Morgan says, "i guess not"
[oneshot] Morgan says, "I am not aware of the rules"
[oneshot] GM says, "Brutes go down with one hit."
[oneshot] GM says, "Any hit. Henchmen are knocked out with a dramatic wound."
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "(ghogg's game didn't really strictly adhere to the brute/henchman/villain thing)"
[oneshot] GM nods.
[oneshot] Morgan asks, "which do we have here?"
[oneshot] Lydia asks, "we have 5 brutes and 1 henchman, right?"
[oneshot] GM says, "You have a squad of three brutes in front, two brutes behind, and a henchman called Charlie."
[oneshot] Morgan says, "mm, if i could retro-actively make my attack do what i said, instead of what i meant...ah, well"
[oneshot] Morgan says, "2 brutes in front, now"
GM says, "The brute in front goes down."
[oneshot] GM says (to Morgan), "Right."
[oneshot] GM says, "OK, Erich next."
Erich growls. His broadsword curves around, headed again for Charles.
[7thsea] Erich rolls 6k3: 5 9 2 7 2 8 | 24
[7thsea] Erich rolls 8k2: 10+10+7 3 1 8 9 9 7 7 | 36
[7thsea] GM rolls 3k3: 9 5 7 | 21
[7thsea] GM says, "Nice. He's out."
[7thsea] Jemmy says, "5 brawn? man"
[7thsea] Erich says, "Four brawn + large"
[7thsea] Jemmy says, "oh ah. still."
[oneshot] Dana says (to Jemmy), "so, like, don't piss him off"
[oneshot] GM says, "Play the hit, if you like."
(From Erich) As Erich's broadsword sinks into Charlie, Charlie collapses. Erich pulls out his sword.
Erich says, "I think I hit his ribs."
Jemmy says, "and everything else in the way"
[oneshot] Jemmy says (to Dana), "I am of course too charming to do any such thing"
[oneshot] GM says, "Phase six."
Morgan says, "nice shot, friend"
Erich nods to Morgan.
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "hey, that's me"
[oneshot] GM says, "Indeed."
[oneshot] Jemmy asks, "I've lost track here -- who's left in front of me?"
[oneshot] Morgan says, "1 brute in front, 2 behind"
[oneshot] Morgan asks, "or is it 2 and 2?"
[oneshot] GM says, "Two and two."
[oneshot] Morgan says, "2 and 2"
[oneshot] Lydia says, "I think its 2,2"
[oneshot] Lydia says, "'"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "alrighty then. I will attack the two in front"
[7thsea] Jemmy rolls 6k3: 9 5 1 1 7 9 | 25
[oneshot] GM says, "Exactly on."
[oneshot] GM says, "Actually, 5 over what you needed. Take 'em down."
Jemmy continues to gesture vaguely with his stick, then suddenly hurls it towards one of the men in front and draws his rapier. It sticks into the arm of one and then whips out again to catch the stick-catcher in the chest. Both fall down.
[oneshot] Morgan asks, "wait, how much does it add to the TN to hit an extra brute?"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "5 per"
[oneshot] GM says, "Five."
[oneshot] Morgan says, "mmm"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "ie, double strike not that useful against them"
[oneshot] GM says, "Right. It's mainly for henchmen and villains."
[oneshot] Morgan says, "right"
[oneshot] Morgan says, "now you tell me"
TableSaw arrives, looking for booty.
[oneshot] GM asks (of Jemmy), "Is this a stick or a whip?"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "neither, it's a rapier"
[Crows-Nest] TableSaw asks, "What's going on?"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "I will save my flashy whip moves for later"
[oneshot] GM says, "Oh, right. Got it."
[Crows-Nest] Jemmy says, "jota's one-shot"
[Crows-Nest] Jemmy says, "#oneshot"
[Crows-Nest] Lydia says, "We're beating up random bad guys, at the moment."
GM says, "The two remaining brutes charge at Jemmy."
[7thsea] GM rolls 3k2: 10+3 1 4 | 17
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "(I have a 3 parry, so 20)"
GM says, "But he avoids them, with ease."
Jemmy exclaims, "ha-ha!"
[oneshot] GM says, "Phase 8"
[oneshot] Erich says, "Having ribbed Charlie, I'm done for this round."
[oneshot] Dana goes for the two remaining brutes
[7thsea] Dana rolls 6k3: 6 2 2 6 2 3 | 15
[oneshot] Dana says, "bah"
Dana slashes ineffectually at the air in front of the brutes' noses.
[oneshot] Erich says, "The cheese has slowed you down."
Dana mutters something about 'sealegs' and 'land staying put in funny ways'
[oneshot] GM asks, "Phase nine I believe is also Dana's, first?"
[oneshot] Dana says, "yes"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "ladies first"
[oneshot] Dana tries going for just one of them this time
[7thsea] Dana rolls 6k3: 8 6 5 8 1 6 | 22
[oneshot] Dana says, "(and that's fate, for you)"
[oneshot] Lydia says, "Who's on 9? I've got one, but I'm probably last."
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "I have 9"
Dana tries again, this time sticking her knife neatly between the ribs of the nearest brute.
[oneshot] GM says (to Lydia), "Dana first, then you and Jemmy simultaneously, I think."
[oneshot] Jemmy asks, "and panache 2, which I guess is the tie-breaker?"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "alrighty then"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "I turn to attack the last one behind, I guess"
[7thsea] Jemmy rolls 6k3: 2 5 6 1 7 6 | 19
[oneshot] Lydia says, "what does simultaneous mean? Oh, just go, I've taken my two."
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "er, ok"
Jemmy spins to face the remaining one, and shoves his rapier neatly between the man's ribs.
Jemmy sheaths his rapier and bows.
Dana claps sardonically, then retrieves and cleans her knife.
Erich wipes his broadsword on the front of Charlie's tunic.
Lydia asks, "What should we do with these criminals?"
Morgan searches the brutes for loose change.
Jemmy ers, and unsheaths his rapier again to clean off the blade.
Dana says (to Lydia), "Leave them."
GM says (to Morgan), "You five about three shillings, mostly in pence."
Jemmy exclaims, "we will tie them up and leave them in the middle of the road as a warning to other bandits!"
Morgan says, "mm, pence.  So easy to spend."
Erich says, "I suppose taking this one's tongue would be uncivilised."
Dana says, "or, yeah, you could do something theatrical and weird with them"
Dana kicks Charlie in recompense for cutting her sleeve
Lydia says, "I was thinking of making sure they never try this again."
Erich moves his shoulders, taking stock of his wounds.
Dana says (to Erich), "I don't know, I've always been partial to tongue."
Morgan says (to lydia), "don't waste your time"
Dana says (to Lydia), "If you're thinking of turning them in, we haven't time."
Dana says, "And if you mean to kill them, then frankly I'm a little startled by your bloodthirst."
Lydia says, "Fine then."
Morgan asks (of lydia), "we've beaten them up, and we'll grab whatever they've gained from this profession.  What else would you do?"
Dana says (to Morgan), "I imagine she cherishes gentry-like notions about magistrates."
[oneshot] (from Jemmy) Jemmy says "Steal their pants?"
Morgan exclaims (at dana), "ha!"
[oneshot] Erich exclaims, "They may be Syrinth pants!"
Lydia cleans her sword and puts it away. "The friend I mentioned happened to be a professional."
[oneshot] Dana says (to Jemmy), "You are starting to show signs of obsession."
[oneshot] GM says, "Such a thing scars a man for life."
Erich shrugs. "I have some rope. T'would be the work of a minute to leave them bound and helpless."
Jemmy says, "very well then"
Dana says (to Lydia), "Yes, dear, you fight very nicely, but that doesn't mean you're used to this world."
Jemmy starts tying, making a mess of the knotwork.
[oneshot] GM says, "AFK for a moment."
Erich takes special interest in tying up Charlie.
Dana says (to Jemmy), "Oh, for the sake of Theus"
Jemmy says (to Erich), "uh, do you have any more rope? I've used up this bit"
Morgan shakes his head sadly.
Erich sighs and hands Jemmy some more rope.
Dana says (to Jemmy), "Yes, and you wouldn't have if you'd half a clue."
Morgan says, "A man tries and tries to get by in the world, and this happens."
Dana reties several of the knots in a neat, sailor-like fashion.
Morgan puts half the pence back in one of the brute's pockets.
Erich steps back from Charlie. The man's hands and feet are tied together behind his back, leaving him bent in a backwards bow.
Morgan says, "now yer just bein cruel"
Jemmy says (to Dana), "hey, nice job -- you'll have to show me how you do that sometime"
Morgan says, "let's be on our way, time's a-wasting"
Erich says (to Dana), "I believe he is asking you to tie him up."
Dana dusts her hands.
Dana says (to Erich), "Perhaps some other time."
[oneshot] GM says, "Back."
[Crows-Nest] Morgan says, "sympathy for the bad guys is amusing.  i should try this more often"
[Crows-Nest] Dana says, "just watch out or Lydia'll get suspicious and tell on you"
[oneshot] GM asks, "Walking?"
[oneshot] Dana says, "yeah"
[Crows-Nest] Morgan says, "hee hee"
Jemmy asks, "now, where were we?"
Jemmy retrieves his walking stick.
GM says, "The road turns noth at this point, and within half an hour your can see another town up ahead."
Erich says (to Jemmy), "Walking on this "toll" rode."
Lydia says (to Jemmy), "Walking, I think."
[oneshot] Erich says, "er, road."
[oneshot] Dana says, "Freudian slip. You know in your heart we otta have horses"
[oneshot] Morgan says, "ha"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "that's what I said -- not that I can ride"
[oneshot] Dana asks, "how hard can it be?"
GM says, "The road runes alongside the town for a bit and then turns east to enter it. There is a sign here. Those of you who can read Cymru note that it says, 'Miltshire -- Population: 168'"
[oneshot] Erich says, "Freudian bridle."
[oneshot] Dana asks, "you just sit on a big animal, right?"
Jemmy scratches his head as he looks at the sign. "Is this with or without Travers?"
[oneshot] Dana laughs
Dana says (to Jemmy), "Perhaps they brought someone in to replace him temporarily."
Morgan says, "well, let's go in and see what's what"
Morgan heads in the gate
GM says, "A smaller sign denotes that in town, this east-west road is called 'Milton Street'."
[oneshot] GM says, "Th"re is no wall around the town. Although there is a gate, which is rusted open."
GM says, "You pass a few small houses, and come to another road sprouting out of this one. It leads north, and is appropriately labelled north street."
[oneshot] Erich asks, "So we should meet up with Satan walking along this road at any moment?"
GM says, "There's also a building to your right that smells a great deal like baking bread. Milton Street continues east."
[oneshot] Dana says, "heh"
[oneshot] TableSaw says, "Yay!"
Dana asks, "So, where were we supposed to discover our witness?"
[oneshot] GM says, "(Do you want to look around the town, or do you just want to do a quickie find-this-place?)"
Jemmy says, "the local constables, I believe"
Jemmy looks around alertly for the local constabulary.
GM says (to Jemmy), "It does not happen to be on this corner."
Jemmy thinks.
[oneshot] GM asks, "Jump to the police station?"
[oneshot] Morgan says, "please"
[oneshot] Erich says, "Fine by me. I already have bread."
[oneshot] Morgan says, "hee hee"
GM says, "After a few moments of determined searching, which doesn't take long in a town this size, you find a building resembling a police station, across from the blacksmith's."
[oneshot] Lydia says, "It might be less tiring to walk there. Depending how far it is."
Erich eyes the blacksmith's, eyes alight.
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "hee hee"
Jemmy walks inside.
GM says, "It's not a large building. There's one room on the ground floor, aside from the cell, and stairs lead up. Two men are inside."
[Crows-Nest] Lydia exclaims, "Two zorkmids!"
Jemmy asks (of men), "Greetings! I am Jemmy Ninepence. We are here about the kidnapping of Matthew Travers. Might I have a moment or two of your valuable time?"
GM says, "One has a badge, and a slight paunch, and a cup of coffee. The other is younger, and has a big smile on his face."
Morgan hangs to the back of the group, looking like he'd rather have stayed outside.
Darnell asks, "Hallo, there. What can I do for you?"
Darnell asks, "Travers? Ah, you're with the Explorer's?"
Erich says, "Hired by, yes."
Jemmy says, "absolutely"
Dana says, "Yes, that's right."
Darnell stands up, putting down his coffee. "I'm Sargent Darnell. There here's Jase."
Jemmy exclaims, "pleased to meet you!"
Jemmy shakes hands vigorously.
[Crows-Nest] Erich exclaims, "ha HA! My devious plan re: misspelling 'sergeant' continues!"
Darnell says, "Thanks, and yourself. It's a shame about Travers, a right nice fellow."
[Crows-Nest] Morgan says, "hee hee"
[Crows-Nest] Lydia says, "yay"
Darnell says, "You'll be wanted to talk to, oh, what's his name..."
Jemmy listens alertly.
Jase says, "Trellien. He's at the Paw."
Dana asks, "Local public house?"
[Crows-Nest] Erich says, "Talk to the paw."
[Crows-Nest] Dana asks, "does it have talons on it?"
Darnell says, "Oh, right, Richard Trellien. Yeah, the Paw's the inn down there on the corner, Peter Milton runs the place. He'll show you what room Trellien's in."
Jemmy says, "I don't suppose you know if anyone else was looking for Travers recently? scouting out the crime in advance, like"
[Crows-Nest] Erich says, "Depends on how far in Wearing the Claw you've gotten."
[Crows-Nest] Jemmy says, "hee hee"
[Crows-Nest] Morgan says, "I'm writing a killer game, Wearing the Paw"
Darnell says (to Jemmy), "No, nothing I've heard about. You and Trellien are about the only strangers we've seen in town in the last couple weeks."
Lydia asks, "The witness is a stranger to town?"
Jemmy asks, "do you know who this Trellien fellow is?"
Darnell nods, "Yeah, he was coming through to sell something or other. We get merchants coming through here every once in a while, usually on their way to someplace else."
Darnell says, "He seems a nice enough guy. Isn't too bothered that we asked him to stay here a few days extra to sort things out."
Darnell asks (of Jase), "What's that he was selling?"
[oneshot] Morgan asks, "do we know when this happened?"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "four days ago-ish"
[oneshot] Morgan says, "okay"
Jase says, "Whistles." He takes a tin whistle out of his pocket and plays a bouncy little tne, badly. "They're pretty nice ones, too.""
Dana says, "cute."
Morgan eyes the whistle interestedly.
Jemmy eyes the whistle thoughtfully. "I may have to put some business his way."
[oneshot] Morgan says (to jemmy), "HA ha"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "I took the extra time to be thoughtful."
[oneshot] Morgan says, "morgan doesn't bother with that sort of stuff"
Dana asks, "All I can say is that anyone who is tootling on one of those while I'm trying to sleep will wind up less of a man for the experience.  Shall we get going?"
Jemmy winces, and looks away from the whistle.
Darnell frowns and puts his whistle away sadly.
[oneshot] Darnell says, "Er, Jase"
Dana feels a twinge of remorse at hurting the boy's feelings.
Dana says (to Jase), "Not to say that you don't play very... nicely."
Jase says, "Aw, that's OK, ma'am. I just need to practice."
Dana nods briskly, glad to have that out of the way.
Dana says, "Well, I'm for the Paw, then, I think."
Morgan heads outside quickly.
Erich says, "Thank you, gentlemen."
Erich leaves.
Dana says, "Won't hurt to wet the old-- er-- whistle, after our little encounter on the road."
GM says, "You found the Bear's Paw quickly, since you passed it on the way in."
Jemmy exclaims, "no doubt I'll be back to chat soon!"
Jemmy waves.
Jemmy goes out.
Morgan says, "can't abide them places.  i need a drink now."
GM says, "Inside, you see the namesake, a large stuffed brown bear, mounted in the corner. A second one is mounted behind the bar."
Dana says (to Morgan), "Come now.  They seemed like fine, pleasant gentlemen..."
Morgan says (to Dana), "true, but I've met their like in other moods."
Jemmy walks up the bartender. "Nice bear, that."
GM says, "At a second glance, you realize that's actually the bartender. He grins, and hurries over to you. "Welcome, welcome!" He slaps Erich heartily on the back."
Morgan says, "pass me a tankard, friend"
GM starts filling them up. "And the same for the rest?"
Dana says, "If you'd be so good."
Erich says, "None for me."
Dana asks (of GM), "Have you a guest named Trellien about?"
Morgan says (to erich), "big man like you'd work up a ragin' thirst, i'd think"
GM says, "Welcome to Miltshire! Will you be staying the night?""
Bartender says, "Sure do! He's upstairs, right now. Third door on the left."
Bartender hands out the drinks.
Erich says (to Morgan), "Perhaps later."
Morgan says, "let's work on these, then go see our man"
Dana takes her mug and drinks it off with startling rapidity.
GM says, "Since it's dinnertime, many of the tables are filled with locals enjoying a hearty meal and each other's company."
Morgan says, "or, i suppose we could take him a little something to loosen him up..."
Erich says (to Morgan), "Not a bad idea."
Erich says, "and if he doesn't feel like drinking, well, I can loosen him about as easily."
Morgan asks, "bartender! what's Trellien drink?"
Bartender says, "Apple juice, mostly."
Dana smiles derisively.
Morgan says (to erich), "now, now.  he may be a reasonable man.  No need for that kind a talk. yet"
Morgan says, "ha"
Bartender says, "Poor man doesn't have the gut for drink."
TableSaw disappears through an invisible gap in the MUD. You think you may have heard the sounds of chatting before the gap closed again.
Morgan says, "well, give me a apple juice, with a bit of your cider mixed in"
Morgan says, "he'll never notice"
Lydia stands around looking at the chairs, staircase, and various other things indecisively.
Bartender says, "Sure thing."
Bartender does so.
Jemmy asks (of Bartender), "I hear he's a nice fellow -- been stayin' here long?"
GM says (to Lydia), "Some of the patrons notice you, and smile appreciatively at your fine foreign-wear."
Erich offers Lydia a chair. "You should be fine. Just don't trust the hard liquor," he murmurs.
Morgan asks, "Shall we head up?"
Bartender asks (of Jemmy), "About five days, I think. He's the one that saw them take Travers, they say. Are you the men -- er, I mean, the people he's been waiting to talk to?"
[oneshot] Lydia says, "actually I didn't bring the fancy clothes from yesterday."
[oneshot] Erich says, "I'd wager that *anything* you brought would look fancy in here."
[oneshot] Bartender says, "Ah. Then they're just admiring your foreign looks."
Bartender wipes down the bar with a dirty cloth.
Morgan grabs his tankard and the 'juice' and heads upstairs.  "You all comin'?"
Jemmy says (to Bartender), "indeed we are"
Dana follows Morgan
Lydia follows Morgan.
Erich follows Lydia following Dana following Morgan.
Jemmy goes up also.
Morgan goes to the door and knocks.
GM says, "A very small voice says, 'Yes?'"
Morgan waves at someone who isn't him to speak.
Dana asks, "Might we have a word, Mr. Trellien?"
[Crows-Nest] Morgan says, "thanks"
[Crows-Nest] Morgan says, "I knows me limitations"
Dana says, "We've come about Travers."
[Crows-Nest] Dana says, "heh"
Trellien opens the door. "Hello. Please, come in."
Morgan says, "brought you a little something, i did.  the bartender said this was your drink."
Dana does so.
Morgan hands over the juice
Trellien is a small, unassuming, mousish man.
Jemmy exclaims, "pleased to meet you, mister trellien!"
Jemmy shakes hands vigorously.
Trellien says (to Morgan), "Oh, thank you."
Trellien shakes Jemmy's hand back, smiling nervously at the five people who seem to be surrounding him.
Morgan asks, "I hear you sell whistles.  might i see one?"
Trellien says, "Oh, yes, certainly..."
Erich steps back against the wall and lounges inconspicuously.
Trellien kneels down in front of his chest, fumbling with the latch.
Trellien says, "They're tin whistles. From Carleon."
Trellien opens it up, and takes out several.
Trellien says, "They're quite easy to play."
Morgan asks, "might i try one?"
Trellien hands one to Morgan.
Trellien blows on one. It sounds kinda pretty, although it's not really a melody of any sort.
Morgan tries to play it, and produces an appaling shriek.
Trellien cringes.
Jemmy asks (of Trellien), "how nice! been in the whistle business long?"
Erich winces and massages one of his ears.
Morgan asks, "i want it!  how much?"
Trellien says (to Morgan), "T-try not quite blowing so hard..."
Trellien says (to Jemmy), "Well, I sell different things. Mostly tin -- sometimes whistles, sometimes cups and forks and things..."
Dana asks, "Bit of a tinker, then?"
Trellien says (to Morgan), "It's four pence for one, or three for tenpence."
Trellien says, "They make wonderful presents. And children especially love them."
Erich asks (of Trellien), "How much for you not to sell them?"
Morgan says, "mm, 4 pence is a lot for an instrument i can't play.  let me see if i can't do better"
Dana hums the tune of a bawdy song about tinkers.
Trellien asks (of Erich), "Er, pardon?"
Morgan tries again, making an even worse sound.
Jemmy exclaims, "I'll take one!"
Trellien hands one to Jemmy.
[Crows-Nest] Morgan says, "my plan is to keep playing atrociously until he drops the price to make me stop :)"
Jemmy passes over some coins.
Lydia says, "We could put in money and get a few for the deal."
Jemmy plays a little song.
Trellien says, "Thank you."
Dana asks (of Trellien), "So business here has been good? When did you arrive in town?"
GM says (to Jemmy), "Not being skilled in the art, it doesn't come out as much of a coherent song, but it's far more euphonious than Morgan's attempts."
Morgan puts away the whistel and hands over 4 pence.
[Crows-Nest] Morgan says, "oh, well"
Trellien says (to Dana), "About five days ago. The day before that thing happened..."
Jemmy exclaims, "with a little practice I'll be great in no time!"
Morgan sits back to let the serious work start
Dana asks (of Trellien), "Yes, the thing.  What did you see?"
Jemmy says, "oh, yes, right."
Trellien says (to Dana), "Well, it was late at night, and somewhat dark out. I was on my way back to the inn."
Jemmy listens alertly.
Trellien says, "When I heard this commotion behind me."
Trellien says, "I was frightened, since there was some muffled shouting, and so I hid in the bushes."
Dana doesn't comment on this unmanly behavior.
Trellien says, "Then I say three men coming out of the house right nearby. One of them was struggling, fighting to get away. But I think he was an older man, and the other two were a lot stronger than him."
Jemmy says, "the knaves"
Jemmy exclaims, "!"
Dana asks, "How well did you see the two men who were dragging him?"
Erich says, "Hmm."
Morgan asks, "could you see their clothing?"
Trellien says (to Dana), "It was dark, so I'm not sure, but one of them was sort of short."
Trellien says, "And the other had black hair, and it looked like he had a moustache, but it was hard to tell with the shadows."
Dana asks, "did they seem to be carrying anything besides the man?"
Jemmy asks, "did they say anything you could understand?"
Trellien says (to Morgan), "Only partly. They both had black cloaks on, although I couldn't see what was underneath."
Trellien says (to Dana), "Yes, one of them had a bag."
Trellien says (to Jemmy), "I'm not sure, but it *sounded* like the one with the moustache called the little one 'Lester'. Although maybe he was saying 'faster'."
Morgan says, "mmm"
Jemmy says, "or 'Fester'"
Trellien nods, "Yes, maybe that was it."
Jemmy says, "well"
Trellien fidgets nervously with his whistle.
Lydia asks, "Which way did they leave then?"
Jemmy asks, "so what happened? did they tie him up?"
Trellien says (to Lydia), "From where I was, they went east. I don't know where they ended up, though."
Erich asks, "Did they leave anything behind?"
Trellien says (to Jemmy), "They didn't tie his feet. I'm pretty sure, since he was walking between them. But they just forced him off. I imagine they must have gagged him."
Trellien says (to Erich), "I didn't see anything. As soon as they were away, I hurried back here to tell Mr. Morton about it."
Morgan asks, "Mr. Morton?"
Trellien asks, "Yes, he's the innkeeper. You probably met him downstairs?"
Trellien sips his juice.
[Crows-Nest] Lydia says, "Mr. Morton is the Subject of the Sentence."
Morgan says, "ahh, didn't catch his name"
Trellien seems to be slightly more relaxed, having finished nearly half the drink.
Lydia asks (of Trellien), "And now what will you do?"
Jemmy exclaims, "I'm sure he's anxious to help us apprehend those miscreants!"
Jemmy slaps Trellien on the back.
Trellien says, "Well, if you don't need me anymore, I'll probably be on my way in the morning. I'll be going to Nidded next."
Morgan asks (of trellien), "where exactly did this happen?"
Trellien flinches at the slap. "But, if you still need me, I guess I'll... be here..."
Trellien says (to Morgan), "It was by Travers' house, at the west end of north street. It's the second house up, if you're coming from here."
Morgan says, "ahh, we should go look there when we're done here"
Erich says, "Second house up, right."
Jemmy exclaims (at Trellien), "I'm sure we'll have this cleared up in no time, sir!"
[Crows-Nest] Morgan asks, "okay, we doses Trellien with hard liquor, not jemmy, right?"
Trellien smiles. "I hope so."
[Crows-Nest] Morgan asks, "or did i give the mickey to the wrong one?"
Erich says, "I think we know enough to begin."
Erich says, "Though it is not nearly as much as I had hoped for."
Lydia says, "It was kind of you to wait in town for us. Thank you."
[oneshot] Morgan asks, "what time of day is it?"
[oneshot] Erich says, "dinner time"
[oneshot] Morgan says, "ahh"
[oneshot] Trellien says, "Evening."
[oneshot] Trellien says, "It was dinner time when you were downstairs, but some time while you were chatting up here."
[oneshot] Morgan says, "mmhmm"
Morgan says, "Well, let's go start looking"
Morgan says (to trellien), "thanks fer the help"
Trellien nods, You're welcome. Do be careful. Those men looked dangerous."
[oneshot] Morgan asks, "anyone else have questions?"
Erich rumbles, "We are rather dangerous."
Lydia says (to the others), "Perhaps we can get some food and talk to some more people first."
Morgan heads out the door and back downstairs.
Morgan goes to the bar again.
Morgan says (to bartender), "another tankard, if ye'd be so kind."
[oneshot] Lydia says, "afk a minute"
GM says, "As you come down the stairs, you notice two men talking to the bartender."
Morgan asks (of bartender), "i was wonderin' if there's be anyone in this here town by the name o' 'Lester'?"
[oneshot] Morgan says, "doh, too fast again"
Jemmy gazes alertly at the men.
Man says (to Morgan), "Just a moment, sir. We have some business to take care of."
Morgan says, "very well"
Morgan sits and waits, while examining the men.
Man says (to Bartender), "It's the twenty-fifth. You know what that means."
Bartender says, "Yes, yes... here, have a drink. On the house."
Bartender calls toward the back, "Nell? The men are here about the rent. Is the money ready?"
[Crows-Nest] Morgan says, "oh, no"
[Crows-Nest] Morgan has a bad feeling
FemaleVoice says, "It's under the bar, but we don't have the whole thing. You'll just have to tell them they'll get the rest next week."
Bartender grins nervously, getting the money out. "Um, here you are, sirs. Like my wife said, we'll have the rest next week. I promise you that."
Man finishes his drink. "You'd better. You know Mr. Mordigan doesn't like to wait. If it wasn't for him..."
Man and Other Man leave.
Bartender asks (of Morgan), "So, what can I do for you?"
Erich asks, "Who is Mr. Mordigan?"
Morgan says (to bartender), "first, a drink, and pull one fer eyrself"
Morgan says, "you look to be needing it"
Bartender says, "Ah, well, Mr. Mordigan. He owns this place. Half the town, I hear."
Bartender gets the drinks, looking pleased at the suggestion.
Morgan says, "Ach, i know the type"
Bartender says, "He lives down at the south end of town. He saved this town, really. If it wasn't for him, most of us'd be bankrupted."
Erich asks, "What happened?"
Bartender says, "The bandits around town -- you be careful if you're going to be outside town -- they used to be a lot worse than they are now. Hardly got any visitors who made it in, and most goods going out didn't make it very far."
Erich says, "We ran into some of those bandits."
Erich says, "led by a man named Charlie."
Lydia sits on a stool to listen.
Morgan says, "bandits, horrible."
Bartender asks (of Erich), "Oh, yeah? The ravens are a tough bunch. You had to pay the 'toll', then?"
Morgan slouches down a bit.
Erich notices Morgan's motion.
Erich says, "We persuaded them to let us through."
Bartender raises his eyebrows.
Bartender says, "Well done, then."
Erich asks, "so Mr. Mordigan organinzed a militia to stop the bandits?"
Bartender says, "Well, no, not exactly. But he did help keep us from being shut down."
Erich asks, "Protection money?"
Bartender says, "When he heard about how everyone was out of money, he offered to buy off anyplace that needed some extra finances."
Jemmy says, "how .. thoughtful of him."
Bartender says, "He paid a fair price -- more than fair, really, considering that no one was getting much business back then. And he let everybody keep running their places, at a fair rent."
Erich asks, "How did that help with the bandit situation?"
Bartender says, "Well, the money was enough to keep in business until the bandit attacks died down a bit."
Dana says, "I see."
Jemmy asks, "did they just die down on their own?"
Bartender says, "After a while, I guess even the bandits realized that they weren't going to stay in business if everyone avoided Miltshire entirely, so they started cutting down."
Bartender says, "They used to take everything you had, y'see, but now they usually just take half of it. And merchants usually only have to pay a twentieth part of their goods."
Dana says, "That's more foresight than I'd credit most bandits with."
Morgan says, "bad business to kill the goose hat lays the eggs, it is"
Bartender nods, "Yeah, and good fortune for us they figured it out, since I wouldn't like to be a dead goose, myself."
Dana says (to Morgan), "Yes? Perhaps."
Morgan says (to bartender), "too true"
Morgan says (to bartender), "you know most of the people in town, i'd imagine"
Morgan asks, "know of a feller named 'lester'?"
Jemmy says, "I'm surprised Travers came to live in such a dangerous neighborhood"
Bartender nods, "Sure, sure. Most everyone comes through here, at least once in a while."
Bartender asks, "Lester? Hrm. Doesn't sound familiar... what's he look like?"
Dana says, "Short guy."
Morgan says, "nivver met him personal-like"
Bartender asks, "Well, lots of people are short... anything else?"
[oneshot] Morgan asks, "was he the dark-haired one?"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "no"
Dana says, "Favors black clothing, perhaps, though that's not so telling."
[oneshot] Morgan says, "not that that's amazingly distinguishing, either"
Bartender asks, "Black clothes?"
Lydia asks, "or was it Fester?"
Bartender asks, "Hrm. Like, shirt and trousers, or like a black cloak?"
[oneshot] (from Dana) Morgan says, "I hate dark-haired guys with mustaches."
Dana says, "A cloak."
[oneshot] Morgan exclaims, "yay!"
Bartender frowns.
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "heh"
Bartender says, "I don't know if this fellow you're looking for is one of them, but that's a sort of symbol, ofr the ravens..."
Dana asks, "The ravens?"
Morgan says, "ahh, intersting"
Morgan asks, "charlie's group, they are?"
Bartender says (to Dana), "Those are the bandits I was telling you about."
Bartender says (to Morgan), "Charlie was the one who got you on the road? Yeah."
Morgan asks, "interesting.  Charlie their leader, or just run the tolls?"
Bartender shrugs, "I don't know who runs the group. All the ones with the black cloaks are kinda important ones in the group, though."
Morgan says, "mmhmm"
[oneshot] Morgan asks, "chalie have a cloak?"
Jemmy says, "hey, wait, *I* have a cloak"
Jemmy says, "I suppose it's more of a cape, really."
[Crows-Nest] Morgan tackles jemmy and wrestles him to the floor.
Dana says (to Jemmy), "Yes, and you're short.  Suspicious..."
Jemmy exclaims, "I am not!"
Lydia says, "Where do the Ravens stay, or meet? If anyone knows that."
Jemmy draws himself up to his full height.
Dana smirks.
Bartender says (to Lydia), "I have no idea. I try to avoid them, as much as I can."
Morgan says, "Sensible, that"
Dana says, "Understandable."
Erich says (to Bartender), "But you might know who'd know."
[oneshot] Lydia asks, "also, did anyone in that group have a black moustache?"
Morgan says (to Lydia), "lads in their line usually skulk in the forest."
Morgan says, "depending on how far they range, they can be pretty well hidden, i'd guess"
Bartender says, "Hrm. You can feel free to ask around in here, most of the folks are pretty friendly. I don't know if any of them will know more than I do, though."
[oneshot] Bartender says (to Lydia), "No."
Morgan says, "thanks for the help, friend"
Morgan asks, "what are ye servin' fer dinner tonight?"
Bartender smiles, "Glad to. Anyone who takes on a pack of them and makes it through is a friend of mine."
Bartender says, "Let's see... I think Nell made some of her stew, and there's fresh bread, of course."
Morgan says, "ah, i haven't had a proper stew in ages"
Jemmy exclaims, "sounds good to me!"
Bartender asks (of BackRoom), "What's the special, today?"
Morgan says, "I'll have to have a bowl of that"
FemaleVoice says, "Mutton."
Morgan looks for a tables big enough for the 5 of them.
Erich says (to Morgan), "Make it a large table. I'm famished."
Morgan says (to erich), "feller your size probably needs 2 tables to fill up, sure."
Bartender asks (of Serving Maid), "Could you bring ive stews out, with bread and ale?"
Morgan takes a seat.
Margaret smiles and disappears into the back room.
[Crows-Nest] Dana says, "Mutton yesterday, mutton today, and blimey if it won't be mutton again tomorrow."
[Crows-Nest] Lydia exclaims, "hee!"
Erich sits next to Morgan. "I noticed your reaction when the bartender mentioned the Ravens."
Morgan asks (of Erich), "what?"
Erich says, "You seemed to slink down some."
Margaret returns after a couple minutes with a large platter. She serves out five bowls of stew, and puts a plate of bread in the middle of the table.
Margaret says, "I'll be back with your drinks."
Lydia says (to Margaret), "Thank you."
Dana helps herself to the bread and starts dipping it in the stew.
Margaret smiles at Jemmy as she passes, on her way up to get the ale.
Dana rolls her eyes.
Jemmy waves extravagantly at Margaret.
Morgan starts in on his stew, the better to not talk.
Margaret sets out the ale. "You're adventurers, right?"
Lydia smiles. "You might say that."
Dana asks (of Others), "Might it be useful to have a look around Travers' house, in addition to asking about for Ravens?"
Jemmy exclaims (at Margaret), "of course!"
Margaret says, "I always wanted to meet adventurers. It sounds so... *exciting*."
Erich says (to Dana), "I would think so."
Lydia nods to Dana, since her mouth is full of bread and stew.
Morgan says (to dana), "i was thinking i'd take a look at the house, whilst maybe a few of you could go ask the constables some questions"
Erich says (to Morgan), "I'd like to accompany you as well."
Morgan says, "if anyone wanted to come with me, I'd be glad of it"
[oneshot] Margaret says, "For reference, it's probably getting on around eight by now. There are fewer people in the pub than there were earlier."
Dana says (to Margaret), "If you like being rained on and sleeping in the mud, yes."
Erich says (to the others), "I'd wager you three will be faster with questions than I would."
Lydia says, "I'd rather see around the house if it's all the same."
Jemmy exclaims, "I will go wherever my talents can be best applied!"
Morgan says, "aye, then the three of us can do a prope job of it, while you two find out what the coppers know about the ravens"
Jemmy belatedly realizes Margaret is nearby. "Exciting it is! The only life for me!"
Lydia sips some of the ale, coughs for a while, then drinks a bit more.
Morgan asks, "as for now, it was a late night last night.  what say we get a start when the sun ups tomorrow?"
Margaret sighs wistfully.
Morgan slaps lydia on the back.  "Takes some getting used to, but it's quite the stuff, innit?"
Dana says (to Morgan), "I'm a bit curious about this Mr. Mordigan as well..."
[oneshot] Dana says, "rrf, megalag"
Erich polishes off his meal in record time.
Morgan says (to Dana), "rtue, he seems a bit shady to me"
Morgan says, "but then, i've always been suspicious of landlords, since my pa lost the farm."
Morgan takes a large swig of ale, to drown sorrow.
[oneshot] Morgan asks, "are we agreed?  sleepytime?"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "I think so"
[oneshot] Morgan says, "good"
Jemmy drinks some ale himself.
[oneshot] Erich says, "Sure."
[oneshot] Margaret asks, "Is that OOC too, or do you want to keep playing for a while?"
Lydia looks around at the other patrons.
[oneshot] Morgan says (to jota), "on a totally coincidental note, how far do you think we'll get tonight? :)"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "(and, for that matter, how are folks doing? I can keep playing, but it's midnight--)"
[oneshot] Erich says, "I need to call it a night."
[oneshot] Margaret says (to Morgan), "That's up to you folks and how tired you are."
[oneshot] Morgan says, "I'm medium tired, but i just made another cup of tea"
[oneshot] Morgan says, "but if erich is done, let's call it a night"
[oneshot] Erich says, "I just need one more moment w/Morgan as we head up to our rooms."
[oneshot] GM says, "OK."
[oneshot] Morgan says, "oh, dear"
Morgan finishes his meal, and asks the bartender for a room.
Morgan says, "G'night all, and sweet dreams to ye"
Erich does likewise, then draws Morgan to one side.
Erich says (to Morgan), "before you go..."
Morgan asks, "yes?"
Bartender asks (of Morgan), "Will you just be staying the night, or do you want it for a week?"
Erich waits for the Bartender to finish and move away.
Morgan says (to Bartender), "mm, Can't tell yet.  let's go night-by-night fer now, it that's suitable"
Bartender nods, "Right, then. Thruppence a room."
[oneshot] Lydia asks, "does anyone sitting around look particularly shady or rough?"
[oneshot] Morgan is willing to steer a bit of expense money to the bartender :)
Morgan hands over the money, and settles up for the meal and drinks as well
[oneshot] Dana says (to Morgan), "For a thief, you're awfully generous... :)"
[oneshot] Bartender says, "Rough in a works-on-a-farm-doing-heavy-labor sense, but not in a shady sense."
[oneshot] Morgan says (to dana), "well, yeah, but i was a rob-the-rich-to-feed-the-poor type"
Bartender asks, "Thanks kindly, Mr...?"
[oneshot] Morgan says, "or at least, i wanted to think i was"
Morgan says, "they call me morgan.  morgan caradog"
Jemmy yawns and stretches, winks at Margaret, and heads up to his room.
Morgan says, "t'is a pleasure to stay here tonight"
Bartender grins, "Thank you, Morgan. I'm Peter, if I didn't say already."
Morgan heads up the stairs, trying to avoid Erich
Erich follows Morgan, the better to be out of earshot of the others.
[oneshot] Morgan says, "does my Streetwise help me avoid people in crowded inns? :)"
[oneshot] Erich says, "You could always close the door on me."
[oneshot] Erich says, "Please, please, close the door on me."
[oneshot] Morgan says, "I'm thinking about it"
[oneshot] Morgan says, "hee hee"
[oneshot] Morgan says, "you just want to use fighter's knock"
[oneshot] Dana exclaims (at Morgan), "aw, surely you can't be afraid of anything Erich might have to say!"
[oneshot] Morgan exclaims, "my favorite spell!"
Morgan asks (of Erich), "yes, you wanted to chat?"
Erich says (to Morgan), "Your past and your present are your own business, but only insofar as they do not put me and the others in danger."
Lydia gets a room and heads up.
Erich says (to Morgan), "You acted as if you had heard of the Ravens before now."
Morgan says, "heard of them?  Never."
Erich says (to Morgan), "If they are going to know you -- if they are going to have some sort of *grudge* against you -- we have to know."
Morgan says, "however, i know their type"
Morgan says, "and i can sympathize with how hard it is for fellows like themselves to get on"
Erich nods.
Morgan says, "it's a cruel world, and the way it's set up do not making things an easier for those of us on the bottom"
Erich says, "I don't know about the others, but I have no great longing to 'clean up this town'."
Morgan says, "heh"
Morgan says, "don't worry about me.  if the job is to get back this travers, I'm with you all the way"
Erich says, "When the time comes, if we have to deal with them, should you have any suggestions as to how to deal with them peaceably, that would be helpful."
Morgan says, "I'll thinkl on it"
Erich shrugs. "And that is all I had to say about that subject."
Morgan says, "this type doesn't always listen to sweet erason, tho"
Morgan says, "have a good night, then"
Erich says, "And you."
Erich heads for his room.
[oneshot] Bartender asks, "Everyone through for the night, then?"
Dana has gone to bed.
Morgan asks, "watch out for the bedding.  i'm sure nellie keeps a clean place, but who knows who was here last?"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "I'm through"
Morgan heads into his room
[oneshot] Dana says, "mmhmm"
[oneshot] GM says, "In that case, 2 XP for everyone."
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "and already sleeping peacefully"
[oneshot] Morgan says, "woot"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "woo"
[oneshot] Dana says, "woot"
[oneshot] Erich asks, "Can I assume I clean and bandage what few wounds I got so's they go away?"
[oneshot] GM asks (of Erich), "You only have flesh wounds, right?"
[oneshot] Erich says, "Right. Six of 'em."
[oneshot] GM says, "You'd walked 'em off by the time you got to the town gate."
[oneshot] Erich says, "yay"
[oneshot] GM says, "Also, some of you were interested in being in the Explorer's Society, so I'll post rules about how to get in at some point."
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "woo"
[oneshot] Erich says, "Nifty."
[oneshot] (from Morgan) GM says, "Step 1) rescue travers and artefacts.  Step 2) ..."
[oneshot] Erich laughs.
[oneshot] GM says, "Hee"
[oneshot] GM asks, "Anything else before I hit Perry with a big stick?"
[oneshot] Erich says, "Nothing here."