[oneshot] Erich says, "Heh."

[oneshot] PerrySimm says, "Log on."

[oneshot] Erich says, "Go Tell It To The Syrneth: A Musical in Three Uplifting Acts"

[oneshot] Gunther asks, "you're STARTING?"

[oneshot] schep says, "no, second meeting"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "also, waiting for inky. my favorite absurdist play set in theah"

[oneshot] Erich asks, "Will he ever arive?"

[oneshot] Erich asks, "Is he a real person?"

[oneshot] Erich asks, "Or does he stand for God?"

[oneshot] Lydia says, "I heard he took a bus earlier. But I don't always believe what I hear."

[oneshot] Gunther says, "Waiting for God-dot-com, the 2001 remake"

[oneshot] GM says (to Erich), "You're looking for #musketeers."

[oneshot] schep exclaims, "ha!"

[oneshot] GM says, "inky claimed to be leaving where he was about 20 minutes ago."

[oneshot] GM says, "With the prediction that he'd be here about 30 from then."

[oneshot] Gunther asks, "so what's this aboot?"

[oneshot] Erich says, "Oh, three or four sessions."

[oneshot] Erich says, "Anyway, guy who's an expert in Syrinth stuff & several artifacts are missing."

[oneshot] Erich says, "we must track down and return."

[oneshot] Lydia says, "preferably alive, intact, respectively."

[oneshot] GM asks, "While we're pre-inky, did anyone want to spend their 2 XP?"

[oneshot] Dana says, "I was considering Underworld Lore"

[oneshot] Gunther says, "yay Yggdrasil!"

[oneshot] Dana says, "but wasn't sure whether it would be useful considering that I haven't been here before"

[oneshot] Gunther says, "also Nidhoggr"

[oneshot] Gunther says, "(is there a kibitz channel?)"

[oneshot] Lydia says, "#Crows, I think."

[oneshot] GM asks, "That's a Streetwise advanced?"

[oneshot] Dana says, "right"

[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "aha"

[oneshot] Erich says, "Maybe I'll save for a brawn of 5"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "I'm saving for moer panache"

[oneshot] Dana says, "(what was the URL for the previous game's transcript?)"

[oneshot] GM says, "http://www.bioc.rice.edu/~lpsmith/IF/7thSea/one-shots/ravens1.html"

[oneshot] Dana says, "thanks"

[oneshot] Dana says, "I think I'll continue to save up, I guess"

[oneshot] GenericRPGCharacter has joined the channel.

[Crows-Nest] GenericRPGCharacter has joined the channel.

Gunther disappears through an invisible gap in the MUD. You think you may have heard the sounds of chatting before the gap closed again.

In front of the entire MUD: GenericRPGCharacter twirls his moustaches.

GM asks, "Should we tell Generic that he's in the Dorm, or do you think he knows?"

Dana asks, "Who is Generic?"

GM says, "Gunther."

Eolo has connected.

GenericRPGCharacter arrives, looking for booty.

Dana says, "aha"

Jemmy says, "arr"

GM says, "I figured he created it to watch the game while still lounging."

GenericRPGCharacter says, "arr"

GM exclaims, "Ah ha!"

GenericRPGCharacter says, "also, for further games"

GenericRPGCharacter says, "so I won't be on all the damn channels"

GenericRPGCharacter goes home.

GenericRPGCharacter arrives, looking for booty.

GenericRPGCharacter says, "sorry, was barred"

[oneshot] GM asks, "Everyone ready to begin?"

[oneshot] Dana says, "yup"

[oneshot] Erich says, "Sure."

Lydia wakes up, looks around, and realizes the sun is shining directly through the window onto her pillow.

GM says, "Dawn, is it periodically does, has come."

[Crows-Nest] GenericRPGCharacter says, "TSD"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Just be glad she wasn't rosy-fingered, IYKWIM."

[Crows-Nest] GenericRPGCharacter says, "ew"

Jemmy yawns and stretches, dresses, and then comes downstairs chirpily to try and rassle up some breakfast.

[Crows-Nest] GenericRPGCharacter says, "'Dawn bit her lip as she came', with apologies to Adam"

GM asks, "What time are you folks getting up?"

Erich is already downstairs, eating his way through sausages. Many, many sausages.

Dana comes downstairs as well, considerably less chirpy.

Lydia goes downstairs and looks around.

Margaret brings more sausages when she sees the others arriving.

Margaret exclaims, "Good morning!"

Erich nods to Margaret when he sees the sausages.

Jemmy exclaims, "Hullo-ullo!"

[Crows-Nest] GenericRPGCharacter is eating a sausage right now... mmmm

Lydia smiles. "Sausages for breakfasts today?"

Morgan asks (of bartender), "Ahh, what type of fine breakfast do ye ahve fer us?"

Margaret says, "There are fresh sausages that the butcher sent over this morning, and we have lots of porridge."

Morgan says, "ah, porridge is the kind of breakfast thatv starts you off right"

Dana says, "You can't go wrong with porridge."

[7thsea] Jemmy exclaims (at Dana), "yay!"

Margaret smiles and ducks into the kitchen to procure porridge.

Lydia sits at the table to wait.

GM says, "There are a few other folks breakfasting here today, mostly loners. The barman who you saw last ngiht isn't around at the moment."

Jemmy whistles and props his feet up on a nearby chair.

Margaret returns with the porridge. "Anything else I can get for you?"

Dana looks as though the whistling pains her.

Morgan says, "Thankee, miss, this is plenty"

Margaret says, "OK. You need anything else, you just ask."

[oneshot] Morgan asks, "i forget, did i buy a whistle last game?"

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "I know I did"

Erich says (to Margaret), "The sausages are excellent."

[oneshot] Morgan says, "I'm thinking not, but i'm not sure"

[oneshot] Dana says, "oh someone please say no"

Margaret goes behind the bar and works on her knitting.

[oneshot] Morgan says, "hee hee"

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "I think you decided not to because you were bad at it"

[oneshot] Margaret says, "I think two of you did."

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "but I could be wrong"

[oneshot] Margaret says, "Which two, I'm not sure."

Morgan tucks into his porridge, looking whistfully at Jemmy's whistle

[oneshot] Dana says, "(ts somewhat d somehow)"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "yes, yes. :P"

Lydia sips her porridge without slurping it.

[oneshot] Margaret says, "Jemmy and Morgan did, yes."

[oneshot] Morgan asks, "I did?"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "must have lost it"

Erich eyes the porridge, then cautiously dips a sausage in his bowl.

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "apparently"

[oneshot] Margaret | Morgan puts away the whistel and hands over 4 pence.

[oneshot] Morgan says, "so i did"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "if I had spelt it right I'd be able to find it now"

Dana eats her porridge without comment

[oneshot] Margaret says, "That's the trouble with pence: so easy to spend..."

Jemmy wolfs down his porridge and goes back up to his room to grab his sword and things.

[Crows-Nest] (from GenericRPGCharacter) Landlady asks (of Dana), "Don't like it?"

[oneshot] Lydia says, "I think we're about out of interesting eating conversation."

[Crows-Nest] GenericRPGCharacter says, "ok, I need a shorter name"

[Crows-Nest] Dana says (to GenericRPGCharacter), "Dana doesn't like much."

[oneshot] Erich exclaims, "No, wait! I have yet to do the part where I stick forks in sausages and pretend they're feet and then make them dance!"

[Crows-Nest] Margaret asks, "GRPGC?"

[oneshot] Dana says, "oh lord"

Jemmy comes back down. "Now then, are we ready? Big day today!"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "hee hee"

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "hee hee hee"

[Crows-Nest] Lydia says, "hm, gurp-guck"

[oneshot] Margaret starts laughing.

[Crows-Nest] StandIn says, "StandIn will do"

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "Jemmy would totally dig that"

Morgan pushes back his bowl. "Indeed."

Erich nods.

[oneshot] Dana says, "I'm sure he would."

[oneshot] Erich says, "Unfortunately, it's far too whimsical for Erich."

Lydia says, "Yes. I think I'll go along to inspect the house, if it's all the same."

Erich says, "You are welcome to join us."

Morgan says, "splendid idea."

Morgan asks, "Shall we?"

Jemmy scratches his head. "And what was I going to do?"

Erich stands.

Erich asks (of Jemmy), "Play your whistle for some men?"

Dana says (to Jemmy), "I think there was some discussion of going to speak with the, ah, gentleman who has bankrolled the landlord here"

Morgan says (to jemmy), "I believe you and dana were going to go back to the sherrif and ask about the ravens"

Jemmy says, "aha, I knew it was something important"

Morgan says, "or, that"

Dana says, "but perhaps speaking with the sheriff first"

[oneshot] Morgan says (to dana), "sorry"

[oneshot] Dana says, "(um, I didn't have the plan perfectly worked out either)"

Jemmy says, "now then"

Dana says, "it might be wise to see what he has to say first"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "okay, you're just quicker and more confident"

Morgan says (to erich,Lydia), "day's a wastin'. let's be off."

[oneshot] Dana cleans her fingernails with her dagger.

Jemmy exclaims (at Dana), "ready? let's go!"

Lydia follows Morgan out the door.

[7thsea] StandIn has joined the channel.

Dana says (to Jemmy), "Of course."

Erich heads out.

Dana heads out the door and holds it pointedly for Jemmy.

Morgan says, "now, which way was that house? off this-a-way, i think"

Jemmy checks his sword and so on are in place, and then hurries after Dana (waving to Margaret).

Morgan wanders off into the village

GM says (to Erich, Morgan, Lydia), "You find your way three the several streets, passing a butcher's, a town hall, a bakery, and a number of private homes on the way there."

Erich follows Morgan bemusedly.

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "arr, pirate homes"

[oneshot] Dana says, "(what, no candlestick maker?)"

[Crows-Nest] Lydia asks, "no candlestick maker?"

[Crows-Nest] Lydia says, "dangit"

[oneshot] Dana says, "haha"

GM says (to Dana, Jemmy), "You travel in the opposite direction, passing the blacksmiths before running into the police station, just a short distance down the street from the Inn."

Dana strides back towards the sheriff at her rapidest pace

Morgan starts by examing the exterior of the house

Erich looks at the house.

[oneshot] GM says, "(Starting with station people)"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "okay"

[oneshot] Erich says, "Aw."

Jase says, "Ah, good morning."

[oneshot] Jase says, "Well, it's closer. You guys are still walking :)"

Dana says (to Jase), "Good morning."

Jemmy hurries to keep up with Dana and still stare at things on the way.

Dana says, "My -- er-- colleague and I were wondering whether --"

[oneshot] Erich walks faster.

Dana waits for her colleague to catch up.

GM says, "At this time in the morning, Jase is the only one minding the place."

Jemmy exclaims (at Jase), "good morning!"

StandIn walks the plank to adventure. Arr!

StandIn arrives, looking for booty.

Dana gives up waiting, shrugs. "We have heard some mention of a band of Ravens hereabouts.

Jase says, "Have a muffin."

Jemmy says, "ah, muffins"

Jemmy takes two.

Jase pushes the plate of berry muffins across the desk.

Jase says (to Dana), "Oh, them. Dratted bandits."

Dana looks startled by this distraction from her mission. "I already ate, thank you. Would you happen to know anything about these bandits?"

[oneshot] Lydia asks, "Which was Jase?"

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "the other policeman"

Jase blushes. "Er, I'm sorry, maam. I shouyldn't use such language."

[oneshot] Lydia asks, "the younger one with the whistle?"

Dana raises one eyebrow and uses a couple words she learned from the sailors.

[oneshot] Jase says, "The one who wasn't the Sarge. Right."

Jemmy says, "I must say, that man Trellien was most helpful the other day"

Jemmy blushes at Dana's language.

[oneshot] Dana says (to Jemmy), "Wimp"

Jase chokes on his own muffin, but doesn't comment.

Jemmy says, "but, yes, I can't help wondering about these Raven fellows"

Dana crosses her arms and waits.

Jemmy says, "it sounded as though there was quite a bandit problem in these parts until recently"

[Crows-Nest] StandIn says, "Mr. Choksonmuffin"

Jase says, "They've been around for... well, nearly as long as I can remember."

Dana asks, "Just hiding in the countryside hereabouts?"

Jase says, "Back when I was younger, things were pretty bad. They're not quite so awful now, but it's still nothing to be happy about."

Jemmy says, "lurking until they strike, I betcha"

Jase exclaims (at Dana), "Yeah. They don't come into town much. It was a big surprised when they did that to Mr. Travers, let me tell you!"

Jemmy asks, "so you think it was them, then?"

Jemmy says, "although I wouldn't put it past such villains"

Jase says, "Normally they just wander around outside the town lines. Sarge says theyre... er, 'outside our jur-- jurus--'... 'outside our area'."

Jase says (to Jemmy), "Well, that's the talk, from what Mr. Trellien said."

[oneshot] Morgan asks, "travers being the kidnappee?"

[oneshot] Jase says, "Right."

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "whereas trellian is the merchantr"

Dana asks (of Jase), "So might there be, for example, any connection between these bandits and anyone in town?"

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "-r"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "right, that I knew"

Jase raises his eyebrows.

Jase exclaims, "Gosh! I hope not!"

Jemmy scratches his head.

Dana asks, "Just wondering whether -- did Mr. Travers have any enemies?"

Dana says, "That you know of, I mean."

Jemmy says, "well, he didn't say anything about bandits to *us*"

Jase says, "Although, that *would* give us an excuse to go out and give 'em heck..."

Jemmy says, "but perhaps he didn't see their bandit hats in the dark"

Jase says (to Dana), "Everyone in town liked him. He's been here forever. Born in that same house, I think."

Jemmy says, "er, or perhaps bandits identify each other by their cloaks. I know it's one of those."

Jase asks (of Jemmy), "What's that?"

Jemmy says, "bandit hats, I mean"

Dana says (to Jase), "He's a bit confused I think."

Jase nods to Dana.

Jemmy asks, "but who's this Mr. Mordigan fellow, then?"

Dana says, "In any case-- we got the impression that a gentleman who lives in town had helped out a great deal with-- right, that was his name -- helped out with the bandit problem"

Jemmy says, "I was thinking we could talk to him and see if he had any advice about the bandits"

Jase says, "Mr. Mordigan? He's just this rich fellow, lives in a big house at the south end of town. He owns a lot of places around here."

Dana asks, "What's his business?"

Jase says, "I was kind of a kid when he moved in there, really."

Jase says (to Dana), "Owning places, I think."

Dana suppresses a remark on Jase's current age.

Dana asks (of Jase), "And he got them... by just buying them all up?"

Jase nods, "I figure so. I wouldn't think people would jsut give him stuff. Would they?"

Dana attempts to exchange a meaningful glance with Jemmy but gives up when she sees that he is staring out the window.

Jemmy says, "well, if he was nice, they might"

Dana coughs

[oneshot] Morgan says, "hee hee"

Jase looks a little confused for a moment. "No, no, I'm sure he must have bought them."

Dana asks (of Jase), "and no one said where he got his money for that? an inheritance, maybe, or some friends, or trade...?"

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "snrk"

Jemmy says, "do you talk to him much? it'd be too bad if he lived all by himself"

Jase says (to Dana), "I dunno. He came from out of town. I guess he was rich then, or he wouldn't have been able to do all that stuff."

Jase says (to Jemmy), "Well, I... hurm."

Jase asks, "That would be sad, wouldn't it?"

Jase says, "I'm sure he must have friends, though."

Dana turns aside and makes a faint choking noise, but recovers.

Jemmy says, "that"

Jemmy says, "is true"

Jase says, "Yeah, I've seen people coming to town to visit him before."

Dana asks (of Jase), "ah, what sorts of people?"

Jemmy asks, "oh, that's good to hear. nice people?"

Jase says, "Y'know, rich people. From other towns..."

Jase says, "I guess people like him are only s'posed to have rich friends."

GM says, "(Meanwhile...)"

[oneshot] Lydia says, "nice scene."

GM says (to Erich, Morgan, Lydia), "You find Travers house."

Lydia asks, "So this is it?"

Morgan says, "ahh, i knew I'd find it eventually"

Morgan asks, "who knew this village had so many streets?"

GM says, "It's a small two-story home with some grass out front and a little mailbox with 'Travers' written on it."

Erich takes a close look at it, trying to determine if anyone is inside.

GM says (to Erich), "No one is visible."

Morgan examines the outside, trying to figure where he would set up a kidnapping if he was in charge.

[oneshot] Morgan says, "using my Ambush skill, ofc"

Lydia goes up and looks over the front door, and the area around it.

[oneshot] GM says, "<rumble>"

Erich takes a *very* close look at the ground around the house.

[oneshot] GM says, "(OK, just kidding)"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "hee hee"

GM says (to Morgan), "You'd probably set up from the rear. Less likely to be seen by passing Trelliens that way. However..."

[oneshot] Lydia asks, "huh?"

GM says (to Morgan and Erich), "You notice that the grass near the front door is scuffed up."

Morgan continues looking out front, cause he knows that's where it happened.

GM says, "Like someone had been kicking it up."

Erich nudges Morgan. "Look at the grass."

Morgan says, "Ah ha"

Morgan crouches down and examines the ground.

[oneshot] Morgan says, "using my tracking, this time. :)"

GM says (to Morgan), "It definitely goes from the front door, cutting across the lawn, to the street."

Morgan says, "ahh, interesting"

Morgan says, "they went thattaway"

Morgan points

Erich says, "Mmm."

Morgan says, "Not a lot to tell this late, misfortunately"

Lydia says, "Nothing we didn't expect, though."

Erich says, "Let's look inside."

Morgan says, "true enough"

Lydia tries the door.

Morgan says, "You two check. i'm looking around back."

Morgan goes around back to see what he can see.

GM says (to Lydia), "Locked."

GM says (to Morgan), "There's a clothes line behind the house. No clothes on it, though."

GM says, "There's also another door leading in."

Morgan says, "mm, nice rope"

Erich walks to the other door.

Morgan tries the back door.

GM says, "It opens. There's a kitchen on the other side."

Morgan says, "Fellows, back here."

Lydia says, "Hm. Do we ask the police to let us have a look, or... oh."

Lydia follows inside.

GM says, "It's a fairly standard kitchen. Table, cabinets, pots, fireplace, etc."

GM says, "Looks fairly tidy."

Erich wanders in and starts poking about.

Lydia moves through to the next room.

Morgan asks (of lydia), "the coppers is busy. No need to get them involved just yet, is there?"

Morgan starts examining the larder.

GM says, "There's also a door, yes, leading to another room."

GM says (to Lydia), "This room looks like a living room. There's a nice braided rug on the floor, and a comfortable sofar, and some stairs leading up."

Erich follows Lydia.

[oneshot] Dana exclaims, ">MOVE RUG!"

Erich says, "If you're examining this room, I will go upstairs.""

GM says, "The inside of the front door is here, and there's also a door under the stairs."

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "yay"

[oneshot] Erich laughs.

Erich heads on up.

GM says (to Morgan), "There's some bread that looks slightly stale and some fruit."

[oneshot] GM says, "Under the rug is a grue."

Morgan says, "Ahh, the man probably ate out. A shame."

Lydia can't help herself from lifting a corner of the rug and peeking under it.

Morgan heads into the living room and examines the door under the stairs.

GM says (to Lydia), "Dust. But you do notice that the rug is slightly skew."

Morgan says (to lydia), "they never hide anything there"

Morgan says, "It's always the first place anyone checks."

Morgan chuckles to himself.

Lydia says (to Morgan), "Oh. Well, I read this book once .. never mind."

GM says (to Erich), "There's a landing at the top of the stairs, with two doors leading into other rooms."

Erich picks a door at random and opens it.

Lydia looks at this side of the front door.

GM says (to Erich), "A bedroom. It's something of a mess."

GM says, "Bedclothes are dragged halfway across the floor, and a lamp has been knocked off of the bedside table."

GM says (to Lydia), "It looks like you could unlock it from here if you wished."

Erich begins a quick systematic search for anything dropped or out-of-place.

GM says (to Erich), "Hmm. The clothes in the chest at the foot of the stairs look fine. There's nothing odd under the bed..."

GM says, "The shelves on the far side of the room look normal. The clock on the top shelf is stopped, though."

GM says, "There's the broken lamp, but otherwise it seems normal."

Lydia says, "I wonder if we could find anything helpful about those artifacts in the study. Whereever that is."

Erich eyes the clock. "Odd."

Erich takes down the clock and examines it.

Morgan asks, "would he have kept any notes on it?"

Lydia says, "I don't see why not."

[oneshot] Erich asks, "Has the mainspring run down?"

GM says, "It's a pendulum-style clock. It's currently set for 2:38."

[oneshot] GM asks, "Are the rest of you still in the livinf room?"

Lydia heads upstairs and enters the bedroom.

[oneshot] Morgan says, "I am checking the door under the stairs still"

GM says (to Lydia), "You see a large eisen man at the far end of the room, staring at a clock."

Lydia says, "My. Looks like they dragged him out of bed."

Erich whirls around, pistol in hand.

Erich says, "Ah."

Erich reholsters his pistol.

GM says (to Morgan), "It's a closet. There's a heavy winter cloak (burgandy) inside, as well as a pair of boots."

[oneshot] Morgan exclaims, "make him roll the quickdraw or shoot her accidentally!"

Lydia says, "eek! Watch where you point that."

Erich says, "Looks as if he was taken with a struggle."

[oneshot] GM says, "Hee."

Morgan checks the boots.

[oneshot] Erich says, "Heh."

[oneshot] Morgan asks, "are they my size?"

Erich says, "This clock was stopped at 2:38. No idea if it means anything."

[oneshot] Morgan asks, "anything in them?"

Erich opens the back of the clock.

GM says (to Morgan), "They're a size too small for you."

Morgan says, "drat"

GM says, "Nothing in them."

Morgan throws the boots down.

Morgan says, "And burgundy was never my color."

Morgan heads upstairs, loudly stomping on the stairs.

GM says (to Erich), "You see a great many gears, rods, escapements, and other things you don't know the names for."

[oneshot] Morgan asks, "any of them sound funny?"

Erich says, "Bah. Timepieces."

GM says (to Morgan), "You reach the landing. One of the two doors is open."

Erich replaces the clock.

Morgan looks in.

[oneshot] GM says, "Just the griptinschpiel."

Morgan says, "Woo, somebody sure was in a hurry to find something."

Morgan says, "probably the doohickies we've got to retrieve"

Lydia says, "It doesn't look like the room's been searched. Just like they dragged the poor man out of bed."

Erich nods and heads for the other room.

[oneshot] Morgan says, "okay, then i misunderstood the description"

Morgan looks under the bed

GM says (to Erich), "It looks like a study, or more likely a laboratory of some sort. It's also a mess."

GM says, "There's a alrge table in the room, but most of the stuff that was once on it are scattered and partly broken ont he floor -- glassware, measuring instruments, and the like."

Lydia follows into the other room.

Erich pokes around, mindful of the glass on the floor.

Morgan follows everyone into the study

GM says, "The chair is on its side, and books have been knocked off the bookshelves."

GM says (to Morgan), "Under the bed you fouond nothing, by the way."

Lydia carefully looks around for anything interesting or possibly relevant to recent artifacts.

Erich glances at the books during his search.

GM says (to Erich), "They look like they might be quite interesting, if you could read Cyrmu or Thean."

Morgan tries to see where people were in the room, based on patterns of breakage.

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "I can, I can"

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "read them, I mean"

GM says (to Morgan), "It looks like most of the breaking was done by people on their way into the room."

Morgan says, "mmm"

[oneshot] GM rolls some secret dice.

[oneshot] Morgan asks, "not very sekrit, are they?"

Erich continues his look around the room.

[oneshot] GM says, "They are if you don't know what they come out as."

[oneshot] Lydia says, "I haven't got to roll anything yet"

[oneshot] GM says, "This is just that rumbling you wanted to hear :)"

Morgan tries to figure out what stuff was before it was broken.

Erich reaches the table, then pauses.

Erich says, "There's a drawer in this table."

GM says (to Morgan), "Hmm. Some of the stuff was on the table, pushed aside. Other things came off of the shelves..."

Morgan says, "mmhmm"

[oneshot] Erich asks, "Can I open the drawer?"

Morgan says, "okay, none of this has any meanin' fer me"

[oneshot] GM says, "Roll Brawn. TN 2."

Morgan says, "I'll be lookin' around outside s'more"

[oneshot] GM says, "Er. Yes."

[oneshot] Erich says, "Heh."

StandIn goes home.

Erich gives the drawer a jiggle. It pops open.

Morgan heads downstairs, and out front to stare at the scuffed grass again

GM says (to Erich), "There's a pile of papers in there."

[oneshot] Erich asks, "Anything else that I can see?"

GM says (to Morgan), "You can see the path from the messed up bedclothes, to the kicked rug in the living room, to the scuffed grass."

GM says (to Erich), "A pen and some ink, as well."

Morgan says, "mmm"

Morgan says, "looks down the street the scuffed grass folows."

Morgan asks, "And why did they lock up after?"

GM says (to Erich), "You notice that the symbols on the paper are familiar."

Lydia flips through the papers, hoping some of them will have sketches.

[oneshot] Morgan asks, "which way does that road run? does this town have walls?"

GM says, "They're from a code you've seen, based (very) loosely on Syrneth characters."

GM says, "Unfortunately, there are no pictures. Just the coded symbols."

[oneshot] Lydia says, "it had a gate, which was open."

Erich stares at the symbols, trying to understand them.

[oneshot] Lydia says, "no wall, I think."

GM says (to Morgan), "It goes north and south, but there are no walls that you've seen. There is a gate, sans walls."

GM says (to Morgan), "The intersection with the bakery is a short ways east, and there are more houses to the north."

[oneshot] Morgan asks, "how far is the gate?"

GM says, "Not far."

Morgan says, "mm, should see what's out that way."

GM says (to Erich), "You might be able to decode them, given time. But even then, it'd be hard if the original message isn't in Eisen."

Erich says (to Lydia), "We should take these to the others and see if any of us can make heads or tails of them."

[oneshot] GM asks, "South toward the gate, or north toward the other houses?"

Lydia says, "I know I can't. But they must be something important."

[oneshot] Morgan asks, "which way does the scuff go?"

Erich says, "Some are nearly Syrneth characters, near as I can tell."

[oneshot] GM says, "South."

[oneshot] Morgan says, "then south"

Erich gathers up the papers.

GM says (to Morgan), "Very shortly you each the bakery, where this road ends."

GM says, "The other street goes east, toward the middle of town (and the Inn), and west to the gate where you entered the town."

[oneshot] Morgan says, "wait"

GM says, "I think I'll Meanwhile you folks now, too."

[oneshot] Morgan says, "I'm not going yet"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "I'm waiting for erich and Lydia, and then going with them"

[oneshot] GM says, "OK. But I'm still meanwhiling you, if that's OK."

[oneshot] Morgan says, "mama Caradog didn't raise any fools"

Jase finishes his muffin.

[oneshot] Morgan says, "well, my brother is a bit thick."

Jemmy exclaims, "these are good muffins!"

Jemmy asks, "make 'em yourself?"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "9sorry, too far in character)"

Jase says, "Miss Kelly bakes 'em. She brings us a fresh batch every morning."

Jase grins. "She and the Sarge are what you'd call old friends."

Dana says (to Jase), "aha"

Jemmy exclaims, "well, I'm glad he's got friends too!"

Jemmy looks around happily.

Dana says (to Jemmy), "Yes, we're all just floating off in a bliss of friendliness"

Jemmy says, "well, let's see"

[oneshot] Erich says (to GM), "You *have* to stop saying 'Sarge'."

Dana says, "Is there anything else we wanted to know about Mr. Mordigan? Other than where he lives, that is"

GM says (to Jemmy), "There's a cell toward the back of the room, with a bench in it. The rest of the police station is mainly just a desk, a couple chairs, a stove, and a coffeepot. And some stairs going up."

[oneshot] GM says, "Hee."

[oneshot] Morgan resolves to keep throwing Dana and jemmy together in this little adventure

[oneshot] Lydia asks, "say Searge?"

Jemmy says, "it seems to me we should go see what Mister Mordigan thinks about the whole thing, and then see if we can get a lead to track down those Ravens"

[oneshot] Dana says (to Morgan), "Dana may die of exasperation"

Jase says (to Jase), "Oh, his place is easy to find. Just go straight south a ways, and look for the big fancy lane with the lined up trees."

[oneshot] Morgan says, "I know, but it's amusing exasperation"

[oneshot] Jase says, "Er, (to Dana)"

[oneshot] Erich exclaims (at Dana), "But the rest of us are entertained!"

Jemmy asks, "I don't suppose you know any better where the ravens are?"

[oneshot] Dana says, "Hrmf."

Jase sighs. "I wish I did."

Jemmy says, "that way I can sneak up on 'em and take 'em by surprise"

Jemmy says, "dang"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "we're doing this scooby-style from here out"

Jase says, "I know we're not supposed to be hunting them, but after this..."

Dana mutters to herself, "singlehandedly, no doubt"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "whenever we split up, it's me, erich, lydia on one team, and dana and jemmy on the other"

Dana says (to Jase), "it may become necessary"

[oneshot] Jase asks, "Which of you is Velma?"

[oneshot] Erich asks (of Morgan), "If I'm good, can I have a Jemmy snack?"

Dana says, "and if it does we'll be glad of your help"

[oneshot] Jemmy laughs.

[oneshot] Lydia says, "somehow I don't think Dana is Shaggy or Scooby."

[oneshot] Morgan says (to erich), "yay"

Dana looks at Jemmy as though trying to communicate the idea that we are Done Here

Jase nods, "I'll be glad to do what I can, so long as the Sarge says it's OK."

Dana says, "Right, wouldn't want to upset Sarge"

Jemmy exclaims, "alrighty! off we go then!"

Dana says, "He seems like a man of implacable wrath."

[oneshot] Sargent says, "'It's okay.'"

[oneshot] Jase asks, "Maybe she can be Scrappy?"

Jemmy exclaims, "I'm sure we'll be back later .. maybe there'll be more muffins!"

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "hee hee hee"

Jase waves, "See you around!"

Dana asks (of Jemmy), "I suppose it hasn't occurred to you that you can buy your own muffins?"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "okay"

Dana says (to Jase), "Thanks for your help."

[oneshot] Morgan asks, "is jemmy actually dumb, or just playing dumb?"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "i can't tell"

Dana waits until they get back outside.

[oneshot] Jemmy exclaims, "I cannot tell you .. it is a mystery!"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "aww"

[oneshot] Dana looks at sheet. "hmm, wits -1..."

Erich laughs.

[oneshot] Erich laughs.

Dana asks (of Jemmy), "Shall we attempt to find our friends again before visiting Mr. Mordigan?"

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "also, I see him as brighter than he's acting now but not necessarily with a lot of common sense at any time"

Jemmy thinks.

Jemmy says, "that might be a good idea"

Dana says (to Jemmy), "Let me rephrase that."

[oneshot] Morgan says, "okay"

Dana says, "Let's find our friends now."

Jemmy says, "alrighty"

Dana says, "I know the way back, so you can follow me. If you're confused."

Dana sets off.

Jemmy stashes the other muffin, pulls out his whistle, and plays it idly as he follows along behind Dana.

GM says (to Dana), "You pass by all the places you passed on the way here, including the Inn."

GM says, "Then you pass by the places they passed by on the way there."

[oneshot] Dana says, "(heh)"

GM says, "You find Morgan standing out in the middle of the street, looking both ways."

Dana asks (of Morgan), "Greetings -- any luck within?"

Jemmy exclaims (at Morgan), "we got muffins!"

Morgan says (to jemmy), "then it wasn't a wasted trip"

Dana says (to Morgan), "I believe he still has one in his pocket, if you're inclined to try it out. I'd beware the lint, personally."

Morgan says (to Dana), "Looks like he was dragged out of bed and taken off thataway"

Dana looks thataway.

Erich asks (of Lydia), "Shall we find Morgan?"

Morgan says, "I was waiting for someone to go with me and take a look outside town"

Dana asks, "Signs of a struggle?"

Morgan says, "Indeed"

Lydia says, "Yes, nothing else to be done here."

Morgan says, "broken things, messed up rugs, the lot"

Dana says, "I'm still interested in checking out this Mordigan fellow -- our friend at the police office has a charmingly innocent faith in his goodness, but I'm not convinced."

Morgan says, "i left the front door open, if you need to take your own look."

Jemmy asks, "were there any artifacts inside?"

Erich goes down the stairs and out the door.

Jemmy says, "I love artifacts"

Morgan says (to Jemmy), "Aye, laddie. We found the Ancient lamp of Bustedness"

Dana says (to Jemmy), "You love everything."

Erich says, "Ah, the rest of our party."

Jemmy says (to Dana), "that is *not* true. I don't like .. umm .. hang on, I'll think of it .."

Morgan says, "'Tis said that if you carry a piece in your pocket, it will insure your luck with the ladies, if you take my meaning."

Dana says (to Jemmy), "When you find out, let me know."

Erich says, "I have papers."

Jemmy asks (of Morgan), "a piece of muffin?"

Dana says (to Morgan), "Seems like it'd ensure the opposite"

Erich says, "Though evidently muffins are of more interest right now."

Jemmy asks (of Erich), "papers? what do they say?"

Morgan stage-whispers 9to dana), "Ah, I'm just havin' a bit of sport with the lad."

Dana snorts loudly and gives up

Erich shrugs. "Your guess is as good as mine."

Jemmy says, "c'mon, lemme see"

Erich unrolls some of the papers for others to see.

Dana says (to Morgan), "(stagily) A bit? You could have a whole fairs'worth of sport with him and he'd not notice"

Jemmy looks fixedly at the papers.

GM says, "Sure enough, they're full of nigh-incomprehensible symbols."

Morgan says, "mm, looks like thos'd be handy on a cold, wet night when you can't light a fire."

Erich says, "The symbols are reminiscent of Syrenth symbols, though simplified."

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "(er, are these the coded ones or the thean ones?)"

Jemmy scratches his head.

[oneshot] GM says, "Coded."

Jemmy says, "hey, wait, this is in code."

Dana asks (of Jemmy), "(sympathetically) liceA?"

Erich says, "Linguistic drift, I'd wager."

Erich says, "or people taking the language of the Syrenth and turning it into code."

Jemmy says, "I've always wanted to learn Syrenth"

Jemmy says, "but they didn't offer it at university"

Lydia laughs.

Jemmy says, "is it anything like Old Thean? I had a tutor for that"

Erich says, "Not sure."

Morgan asks, "Shall we go see your mr Mordigan, or take a looksee outside the gates?"

Jemmy shrugs.

Dana says, "And I always heard that scholars were given to melancholy."

Erich says, "The fastest way to find out what these mean is probably to find Travers."

Jemmy says, "I suppose seeing mister mordigan will take less time."

Morgan says (to Erich,Jemmy), "perhaps you two should go back to the Inn and rty to read that"

Dana asks (of Morgan), "Mordigan first, perhaps, and then when he denies all knowledge, which he doubtless will, go outside?"

Jemmy says, "unless he's busy. I think rich people are always busy."

Morgan says, "fine plan. lead on, then."

Erich says (to Morgan), "I don't imagine I'll learn much more from it."

Erich says, "I'm for finding Mr. Mordigan."

Morgan says (to jemmy), "right, but we're on a Mission. he'll be happy to see us."

Dana says, "We could send Miss Lydia of the Pretty Dress to call upon him"

[oneshot] GM says, "Perception, male characters."

Dana says, "She looks rich"

Jemmy says (to Morgan), "oh yes, I forgot"

[7thsea] Jemmy rolls 3k3: 5 1 8 | 14

[oneshot] Erich asks, "Remind me: what's perception?"

[7thsea] Morgan rolls 3k2: 7 4 7 | 14

[oneshot] GM says, "4k3 for you."

Lydia says, "Let's llook around the gates. There's probably nothing much to find there, then we can see Mr. Mordigan."

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "wits + 1 unkept for keen senses, if you have it"

[oneshot] (from Dana) Erich says, "I can't see it on my chart"

[oneshot] Erich says, "Aha, right. wits + keen senses unkept"

[7thsea] Erich rolls 4k3: 9 4 4 9 | 22

Morgan says (to lydia), "well, I'm proposing a bit of a walk outside town"

Morgan says, "So perhaps we should take care of this short task first"

[oneshot] Erich says (to Dana), "Hush, or you'll be forced to listen to Jemmy talk about Old Theah."

Jemmy exclaims (at Lydia), "we have to find the bandits and track them to their lair!"

GM says (to Erich), "You notice that the house at the far north, , the big one with the balconies, has a porch. One which is a pretty young lady, who's waving at you."

Lydia says, "You know, if nothing else, our employers may be interested in those coded sheets."

[oneshot] Dana says, "hell. and I hate old languages."

Jemmy says, "if (looking mysterious) it really is the bandits who are responsible for this"

[oneshot] Erich laughs.

Erich holds up a hand.

Erich says, "I am being summoned."

Jemmy looks around alertly.

Erich, without really realizing what he's doing, tries to calm his unruly hair.

Jemmy asks, "by who?"

Morgan asks (of Erich), "now, i'm in favor of entertainment as much as the next man, but aren't we a bit busy?"

GM says (to Erich), "It's too far away to see her reaction."

GM says, "Or exactly which one of you she's waving at, for that matter."

Erich says, "There is a woman waving at us over there."

Erich gestures to the north.

Dana looks over dubiously in the direction in question. "Why the h-- why would she be doing that?"

Jemmy says, "why, so there is"

Morgan says, "You know, i left the farm cause i -didn't_ want to herd geese"

Jemmy enthusiastically waves back.

Dana looks sympathetically at Morgan

Morgan says (to Dana), "let's go find his mordigan"

Dana says (to Morgan), "I'm for it"

Erich asks, "I'm interested: why wave at strangers?"

Morgan says, "we'll meet you all back at the inn"

Jemmy exclaims (at Erich), "let's go see!"

Dana says (to Erich), "Because she has poor eyesight and can't tell you from gentlemen."

Erich says (to Dana), "Or can't tell you from a gentleman."

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "hee hee"

Erich says (to Jemmy), "Let's."

Erich asks, "Anyone else?"

Dana bows ironically

[oneshot] Morgan asks, "lydia?"

Lydia says, "Well, have fun. I'll go meet this Mr. Mordigan, I suppose."

Erich says, "We'll return to the inn when we're done."

[oneshot] (from Morgan) Morgan . o O ( they're going to talk to one girl, but I have two! )

Morgan says, "let's be off, then"

Morgan heads off in the direction he hopes Mordigan is.

[oneshot] GM asks, "Which of you are going which way?"

[oneshot] Jemmy says (to Morgan), "hee hee"

Dana sets off in the direction of Mordigans

[oneshot] Erich says, "Oh, I'll leave Jemmy in the parlor looking at books."

Lydia follows Morgan and Dana.

Erich goes north

Jemmy hurries to keep pace with Erich's strides.

[oneshot] (from Dana) Jemmy . o O ( ooh! parlor rug, pretty! )

GM says (to Dana), "You pass by most of the things you passed by earlier. This takes a little while."

[oneshot] (from Morgan) jemmy tries to lift up the rug and look underneath, but gets all tangled up and falls over.

Erich asks (of Jemmy), "Any luck with the local constables?"

Tabitha says, "Morning, boys."

Tabitha asks, "New in town?"

[oneshot] Erich says, "Whoops, that was quick."

Jemmy says (to Erich), "well, they gave me a muffin"

[oneshot] Dana says, "my"

Jemmy exclaims (at Tabitha), "hello!"

[oneshot] Tabitha says, "If you want more chatter time, feel free."

[oneshot] Erich says, "Eh, I was just riffing while we headed that way."

[oneshot] Dana says, "if you wind up getting caught in the toils of some harpy, don't expect ME to rescue you"

Tabitha asks, "Or are you... just passing through?"

Erich says (to Tabitha), "New in town, but just for a while."

Erich says, "You have a good eye."

Jemmy says (to Erich), "(before reaching Tabitha) Jase said that word on the streets was that it was that bandit gang who kidnapped Travers"

Tabitha grins. "Thank ye. How the rest of me?"

Jemmy says (to Tabitha), "oh, I, um. we'll be staying."

[oneshot] (from Dana) Jemmy says, "Furthermore, bandit gang is Ravens. Awwwk."

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "hee hee"

Erich eyes Tabitha appreciatively.

Erich asks, "Did you have something in mind when you signalled us?"

Tabitha stands up to give Erich a better view. She's dressed somewhat... provocatively. Considering that it's only eight or so in the morning.

Tabitha says, "Or, just saying hello."

Tabitha says, "You can think of me as your personal welcoming committee."

[oneshot] Dana coughs

Jemmy exclaims, "you sure are nice!"

[oneshot] Erich laughs.

Tabitha says, "Here at Miss Violet's, we specialize in making you feel welcome."

[oneshot] Erich says (to Jemmy), "You have excellent timing."

[oneshot] Dana laughs and laughs

Jemmy asks, "at Miss Violet's? is she your aunt?"

Erich says (to Jemmy), "She is indeed."

[oneshot] Morgan says, "oh, dear"

Tabitha grins. "Something like that, you might say."

Erich says (to Tabitha), "My young, impressionable friend is Jemmy. I am Erich."

[oneshot] Dana says, "(how old is Jemmy? 14?)"

Tabitha says, "I'm Tabitha."

Tabitha offers her hand.

Erich says, "A pleasure."

[oneshot] Morgan asks, "am i allowed to claim i don't know them?"

Erich takes her hand and kisses it.

Tabitha says, "If you two get lonely while you're in town, feel free to come and visit us."

[oneshot] Dana says, "absolutely"

[oneshot] Erich says, "Oh? I was going to give you two as references."

Tabitha says, "Most of them are asleep right now, but there's always someone around in the evenings."

Erich says, "Undoubtedly."

[oneshot] Morgan says, "the only reference she needs is the weight of your wallet"

[oneshot] Dana says, "I don't think you need references other than the kind in your purse."

[oneshot] Erich says, "See? You two make a great pair."

[oneshot] Morgan (to dana) :P

[oneshot] Dana says, "snrrr"

Tabitha grins, "We might even find a friend for your two... lady friends, back there."

Jemmy says, "do you ever visit Mister Mordigan? it sounds like he doesn't have very many friends"

[oneshot] Dana says, "(goodness me)"

Erich says, "Well. One of them might prefer your services."

[oneshot] Morgan exclaims, "!"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "ha ha ha"

Tabitha says, "Unfortunately, Mr. Mordigan doesn't come around here much."

Tabitha sighs.

Erich says, "We are in town on business, looking for a man named Travers."

Jemmy says, "oh, that's too bad. I hate to think of him being lonely."

[oneshot] Dana (to Morgan) :P

[oneshot] Morgan says, "heh"

Tabitha asks, "Oh, isn't it just a shame what happened to poor Mr. Travers?"

Tabitha says, "Richie told me about it..."

Erich asks, "Richie?"

Tabitha says, "Oh, well, Richard. He's this nice little man who comes through town every once in a while."

Erich nods. "I imagine you see a lot of travelers."

Tabitha says, "Sure do. Miss Violet's is a very popular establishment."

Jemmy nudges Erich. "She must know Mister Trellien!"

Tabitha exclaims (at Jemmy), "Yes, Richie!"

[oneshot] Lydia says, "ack"

[oneshot] Dana says, "heh"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "ha ha"

[oneshot] Erich says, "Heh heh heh."

Jemmy says, "he seemed like a very nice fellow"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "oh, god"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "DO NOT PLAY THE WHISTLE FOR HER"

Tabitha grins dreamily. "He sure is."

[oneshot] Erich says, "At any moment I expect this to degenerate into Restoration comedy."

[oneshot] Dana says, "oooh oooh, I get to be one of the long-lost twins"

Jemmy exclaims, "he was the one who saw mister travers being kidnapped!"

Jemmy asks, "did he tell you about it?"

Tabitha nods, "A little bit. He was awfully shaken up the next day."

Tabitha says, "He was on his way home from an appointment when it happened."

Jemmy asks, "an appointment? so late at night?"

Jemmy scratches his head.

Tabitha says (to Jemmy), "We do most of our business in the evenings."

Tabitha says, "A lot of the girls like to sleep in."

[oneshot] Dana laughs more

Jemmy exclaims, "oh, that makes sense!"

[oneshot] Dana says (to Jemmy), "treasure this moment, because it is the only time that anything will"

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "(er, ok, are we done here?)"

Erich says, "We're staying at the inn for the time being. If you do hear anything more about Travers, please let us know."

Erich says, "Or perhaps one of our party will, ah, drop by one evening."

Tabitha grins, "Sure thing, big stuff."

Erich says, "Jemmy, perhaps. He's an eager fellow."

Tabitha says, "I hope I see you around."

Erich asks (of Jemmy), "Ready to go back to the inn?"

Jemmy exclaims (at Erich), "alrighty!"

GM says, "Meanwhile..."

Jemmy waves to Tabitha as they leave.

[oneshot] Erich says, "I'd tell Tabitha it's been a pleasure, but that's a rather freighted word."

[oneshot] Morgan says, "whew, back just in time"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "(I am packing. woot-ish)"

GM says (to Dana, et al), "After apssing the police station, it's just a matter of following the road until you see the broad well-kept lane to the east."

GM says, "Well-trimmed trees line the lane on either side, as it leads up to a stately manor in the distance."

Dana says (to Others), "What's our excuse for dropping in? \"

Morgan says, "mmm"

Morgan asks, "we heard that he saved the town from the bandits, and wanted to hear the story personal-like?"

Morgan says, "it's a bit weak"

Dana says, "well, perhaps, but that seems an odd thing for passing strangers..."

GM says, "Much of the estate is fairly woodsy, with trees blocking the view of the area. But you can make out smaller buildings off to the northeast and the south."

Lydia says, "Good enough for a social call, maybe."

Dana asks, "perhaps that he seems, ah, closer to mr. Travers' social status than some of the others we've met here?"

Dana asks, "Or do we want to disclose that we're looking for him?"

Morgan says, "we've told enough people"

Dana says, "it seems hard to conceal at this point, it's true"

Dana says, "perhaps better to tell as few lies as possible"

[oneshot] GM asks, "BTW, will Erich and Jemmy be doing anything in particular at the Inn, or just hanging around?"

Dana says, "Very well; we're looking for Travers, we've heard he's a man with connections, we wonder if he knows anything"

Morgan says, "I see you've never...anyway, sounds good"

Dana ignores the first half of Morgan's sentence.

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "I will be hoping for another look at the coded papers."

[oneshot] Erich says, "Sure, we'll look @ the papers."

[oneshot] GM says, "OK."

[oneshot] Erich says, "and I'll count my money for possible later assignations."

[oneshot] GM asks, "In your room, or in the tavern area?"

[oneshot] Erich says, "Room. I don't want lots of people to know about the papers outside our group."

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "ok, his room"

[oneshot] (from Dana) Erich says (to Jemmy), "Want to come in and... look at some coded papers?"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "hee hee"

[oneshot] Erich asks, "Jemmy, do you like gladiator movies?"

[oneshot] GM laughs.

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "oh my"

Dana goes up and pounds on the front door of the manor.

Morgan follows, but hangs back a bit.

GM says, "There is a short wait."

Dana falls back slightly, realizing that she actually doesn't know much about the etiquette of the really rich

Morgan quickly pushes lydia up front.

Dana asks (of Lydia), "you know the drill, right?"

GM says, "Eventually, the door is opened by a butler."

Dana looks at Morgan sympathetically and tries not to look as out of place as she feels.

GM says, "May I help you?" with a Montaigne accent.

Lydia asks, "Hello. Is Mr. Mordigan in?"

GM looks over the group.

GM says, "I'm sorry. Mr. Mordigan is very busy at the moment."

Edouard asks, "Is there anything that *I* can help you with?"

Dana prods Lydia gently in the back.

Lydia says, "We're with the Explorer's Society. We'd like to speak with him about Mr. Travers, if he could spare a moment."

Edouard nods. "I see."

Dana tries to look as important and Explorerish as possible.

Edouard asks, "And what connect does Mr. Travers have with Mr. Mordigan, in this matter?"

Morgan tries to look inconspicuous as possible

[oneshot] Edouard says, "Connection."

[oneshot] Dana says, "<Travers> has connected to ifMUD"

Lydia says, "We've heard he's very well connected, and wondered what he might know."

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "hee hee"

Edouard says, "I see."

Edouard looks over the group of you again.

Dana meets Edouard's eye and lifts her chin.

Edouard says, "I will speak to Mr. Mordigan. Come in and have a seat."

Morgan smiles weakly.

Edouard says (to Morgan), "And please wipe your feet on the mat."

Lydia smiles. "Thank you."

[oneshot] Morgan exclaims, "I'm wearing shoes!"

[oneshot] Dana laughs

[oneshot] Morgan says, "and if they'd fit, i'd have a new pair of boots now. 8sulk*"

GM says, "He leads you into a spacious hall, with marble flooring."

Morgan ostentatiously wipes his feet.

GM says, "There's a large fireplace in the north wall, and double doors in the middle of the south wall. A grand piano is in the southwest corner."

Dana looks around, gives a faint whistle]

Morgan looks around, especially examining small, portable items.

Dana frowns at Morgan

GM says, "Convenient and comfortable-looking couches and chairs are gathered near the walls and corners, suitable for cocktail party mingling. There are also various paintings, ferns, and minor statuary about. The main entrance you came from is west; another door leads east."

Dana asks, "(hissed undervoice) not this time, eh?"

[oneshot] Erich says (to Dana), "See, should've sent him on to the ladies of negotiable virtue"

Morgan asks, "'this' time?"

Lydia seats herself on a couch.

Morgan moves away from the tables.

Dana says (to Morgan), "I'm all for rustling the place over later..."

Edouard says, "I'll be back in a moment. Keep in mind that Mr. Mordigan is, as I said, very busy."

Edouard leaves by the east door, closing it behind him.

Dana says, "(in a voice that can't be heard by anyone else, that was)"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "i was taking 'sotto voce' as understood, except by jemmy and morgan"

[oneshot] Dana says, "heh"

Dana looks over the paintings thoughtfully

[oneshot] Edouard says, "AFK for a quick moment."

Dana asks (of Lydia), "what's your sense of the butler? he seems rather rude, is that normal?"

Lydia says, "Oh, entirely normal."

Dana thinks this over for a second, then shrugs. "The preferences of the rich elude me."

Morgan says, "fellas like him are always as rude as they can get away with"

Morgan says, "With us, he can get away with a lot, i'd think"

Dana says, "Seems to me that the more money you had the more you could afford to have around someone with a pleasant disposition"

Morgan says (to dana), "I'm sure when he's around the boss he's sweet as sunshine"

(From Dana) It suddenly occurs to Dana that someone might describe Jemmy has having a pleasant disposition. She shudders and reconsiders.

Dana says (to Morgan), "Most likely."

[oneshot] Erich says, "I keep hearing in my head a slightly revised version of an MST3k song"

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "hee hee"

[oneshot] Erich says, "'I'm Jemmy, the lemur!'"

[oneshot] Erich says, "</obscure>"

Lydia says, "Well, he's probably very effective at keeping nobodies from disturbing Mr. Mordigan."

Dana looks around again, trying to see if anything seems out of place.

GM says (to Lydia), "You notice that much of the decorations are of the style popular with the nouveau riche."

GM says (to Dana), "Aside from any objects that Morgan might have pocketed, no."

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "hee hee"

Edouard returns.

Edouard says, "I'm sorry. Mr. Mordigan is currently occupied with paperwork involving his various holdings."

Edouard says, "As payments regarding those holdings are generally collected around this time of the month, he will likely be busy for some time."

Dana looks to Lydia

Lydia asks, "Too busy to speak with the Explorer's Society, hm?"

Lydia frowns.

Dana restrains the urge to solve this by threatening Edouard, as that would likely backfire.

Edouard asks, "I'm very sorry. Perhaps if you returned tomorrow, he might have an opportunity to speak with you then?"

Lydia asks, "Could we get an appointment?"

Edouard says, "That is a possiblity. Perhaps tomorrow aftertoon, I expect the master might be able to find time around four o'clock."

Dana nods.

Lydia asks, "Would you ask now, please?"

Edouard says, "Assuming your business here is important. He would be somewhat displeased if it were over a trifle."

Edouard nods. "I'll return momentarily."

[oneshot] Morgan says, "woo, gettin' firm with the hired help"

Edouard exits.

Lydia says, "I'm afraid this probably won't get us in today, but it was worth a try."

Dana says, "Certainly."

Edouard returns eventually, with a short nod.

Morgan says, "Yer doin' excellent, lass"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "er, earlier. damn this afk"

Edouard says, "Yes, he is willing to speak with you tomorrow. At four o'clock. Assuming nothing of vital importance arises in the interim."

Edouard continues on towards the door.

Lydia stands. "I hope he realizes, Mr. Traver's safety is of vital importance to us."

Lydia says, "Thank you for your trouble."

Edouard says, "As it is to all of us, I am certain, madam."

Dana rolls her eyes (where Edouard can't see)

Edouard opens the door. "I do hope the rest of your day is pleasant a pleasant one."

[oneshot] Edouard says, "OK, so Edouard can't type."

Morgan waits for the lady and dana to go first, then heads out the door.

[oneshot] Lydia says, "I'd think typing came under Menial Tasks."

[oneshot] Edouard says, "He must have put his points into fashion. Or maybe it just looks that way when he's standing near Morgan."

Dana once they're outside remarks, "I'm starting to think a visit without appointment, in the dead of night, would have advantages."

[oneshot] Morgan says, "hey, mud-splattered breaches are in this year"

Morgan says (to Dana), "interestin' thought"

Lydia asks, "You think we'd learn anything useful?"

[oneshot] Dana says, "only if they're artistically spattered by your manservant"

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "MUD IS THE NEW BLACK"

Dana shrugs

Morgan says (to Lydia), "eradin' a man's papers can tell you powerful lot about him, or so i've been told"

[oneshot] Erich exclaims, "Ha!"

Morgan says, "never tried it meself, of course."

[oneshot] (from Dana) Morgan says, "If ye can read."

[oneshot] Morgan says, "yay"

Lydia asks, "Yes, but is it useful to us?"

Dana says (to Lydia), "I'm highly curious about this man's... connections."

Morgan asks (of lydia), "could it hurt?"

Morgan says, "on second thought, don't bother answerin'"

Lydia asks, "Well. Anyway, shall we rejoin the others and see what we can find outside town?"

Dana says, "Yes, let's."

[oneshot] Lydia says, "afk a minute or so"

Morgan follows

GM says, "When you get back to the Inn, you find Jemmy and Erich in Erich's room."

[oneshot] (from GM) GM says, "Quickly trying to get dressed."

[oneshot] Morgan says, "hee hee"

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "snrk"

[oneshot] Erich says, "Bah. Ms. Vicky's -- er, Violet's -- will service my needs."

Jemmy is staring at the paper and making little doodles on a piece of paper.

GM says (to Jemmy, Erich), "You've made a little progress with these papers. It's definitely a code."

[oneshot] Erich asks, "Alt: I'm getting drunk! Am I in the tavern?"

Erich asks, "Welcome back. Did you learn anything from Herr Mordigan?"

GM says, "It seems that the original message was written in Thean, and the symbols are a fairly complicated variant cipher. With a little more work, you can probably start getting some real information out of it."

GM says, "It's currently getting towards late morning -- ten or eleven. Since you took some time to visit with Tabitha, you've really only been working on the papers for an hour or so, maybe less."

Jemmy exclaims, "I think we're getting somewhere .. and I've drawn this picture of a house!"

Morgan says, "Ah, he wouldn't talk to us."

Morgan says, "Some flunky met us and didn't know anything."

Jemmy sighs.

Erich says, "We may be making headway. Jemmy's knowledge of Thean is most helpful."

Jemmy asks, "doesn't he know he has to be friendly to make friends?"

Dana says (to Jemmy), "Perhaps you could give lessons."

Lydia says (to Jemmy), "You'll have to have a talk with him if you meet."

Morgan says (to jemmy), "clearly, you shoulda come with us."

Erich says, "On our part, we spoke to Tabitha, who works for Miss Violet."

Morgan sighs.

Erich says, "Little information, but hopefully she will let us know if anyone mentions Travers."

Morgan mutters something about people who forsake their work at 10 am.

Erich says, "She sees *many* visitors."

Jemmy explains "Miss Violet is her aunt. I think it's some kind of boarding-house."

Dana says (to Jemmy), "unh hunh."

Erich says (to Dana and Lydia), "Tabitha did mention that she might have some...people interested in talking to the two of you."

Dana raises her eyebrows.

Lydia says, "Well. How .... Well."

Jemmy asks, "I didn't understand that part .. doesn't she know they've got rooms here at the inn?"

Dana says, "I can think of only two reasons, neither of them wholly savory."

Dana says (to Jemmy), "We'll explain when you're older."

Jemmy says, "but I *am* --"

Jemmy goes back to working on the code.

Dana asks (of Erich), "was she looking for custom or for employees, do you think?"

Erich says (to Dana), "Oh, custom."

Dana says, "Ah, all right then."

Erich says, "She mentioned 'friends'."

Morgan says, "back to our business in this fine town..."

Morgan asks, "did the authorities give you any idea of where the ravens lair?"

Jemmy says, "they don't know"

Dana says (to Morgan), "They were singularly useless"

Morgan says, "excellent"

Dana says, "though they did give Jemmy muffins, as he will no doubt remind you several times"

Jemmy says, "except for the muff-- right"

Morgan says, "also excellent"

Erich says, "That is making me hungry."

Erich asks, "Is it lunch time yet?"

Morgan says, "mm, a shame this town is so small"

Dana asks, "shall we leave Jemmy, who is already fed, to work on this code, and the rest of us eat a bit?"

Morgan says, "if it was a bit larger, i could probably start up a friendly dice game tonight and find someone who knows something"

Morgan says, "i may try anyway"

Morgan grins evilly.

Dana grins as well.

Dana says, "Excellent plan."

Erich says (to Morgan), "If you wish some muscle to back you up..."

Dana says, "But right about now I could go for a big plate of ham, if they have it hereabouts, and perhaps some bread"

Morgan says (to erich), "the way I play, a fast getaway is better than a fight, but i'm always glad of some company"

Erich nods. "My skill with dice is better than some."

Morgan says, "mmm"

Morgan says, "I thinkw e have a plan. For fun, if nothing else."

Erich says (to Jemmy), "I'm going to get some food; then I'll rejoin you on the code for a bit."

Morgan starts a discussion with Dana and Erich about better betting strategies.

Morgan says, "i knwe a fella back in the day with the most amazing luck."

Dana asks (of Morgan), "Luck, eh?"

Morgan says, "he could roll sixes all day long, it seemed."

Erich asks (of Morgan), "This was no skill with magic?"

Morgan says, "A shame my luck isn't similar."

Morgan says (to erich), "they were fair dice. i handed them to him meself."

Dana says (to morgan), "It could be made similar, with the right equipment"

Lydia asks, "And after lunch, will we go trying to meet some Ravens again?"

Dana says, "oh, aye, I'm sure you did"

Jemmy says, "well"

Dana says, "and which ones he rolled is another question"

Morgan says (to Dana), "heh"

Jemmy says, "we could go walk around outside and see if we see any"

Jemmy exclaims, "then we could make them take us to their lair!"

Morgan says, "i've always wanted to learn those skills, but never met anyone willing to teach me"

Lydia says, "Or just follow them."

[oneshot] Erich says, "I have an image with Jemmy wearing a sandwich board: I WANT TO TALK TO RAVENS"

Morgan says, "it seems to be a closely guarded secret"

Dana says, "(now I see why Jemmy wears the hat -- otherwise the breeze through his ears would reach gale force)"

Dana says (to Morgan), "You just have to get the right man drunk, I think"

Morgan says, "Ahh"

Morgan says, "clever"

Dana says, "but we can discuss this all over our food"

Erich says, "Agreed."

[oneshot] Morgan asks, "in more serious news, how far do we want to get tonight?"

[oneshot] Erich says, "I'm good to whenever."

[oneshot] Morgan says, "i can play for another hour or so, but then i need to crash"

[oneshot] Lydia says, "I'm fine for quite a while."

[oneshot] Morgan says, "since i need to be up again at 4 am, and i remember what happened when i played 7th sea all night before a trip to philly"

Morton asks, "Hallo. How was your business about town?"

Dana disappears into the back. Words like "large piece of ham" and "cheese" and "wheel of" are heard.

[oneshot] Morton says, "I'm fine for however long you folks want to go."

[oneshot] Morgan says, "okay"

Morton says, "My daughter said you folks were all a-chatter this morning."

[oneshot] Morgan says, "i just wanted to point that out before we started anything large scale. :)"

Morgan says, "We allays are"

[oneshot] Morton asks (of Dana), "In the kitchen?"

Erich says (to Morton), "Mmyes."

Dana says, "(specially Jemmy)"

Morgan says, "but for now, we'd like to be all achewin'"

[oneshot] Dana says, "(yes)"

Jemmy . o O ( wheel of ham? )

Morgan asks, "what's on the stove?"

Dana emerges from the kitchen

Dana says (to Morton), "I believe you are wanted within."

Morton says, "Oh? Well, you folks make yourselves comfortable. I'll be back in a moment."

Erich asks (of Dana), "Dare I ask what we'll be having for lunch?"

Morton ducks into the kitchen.

Dana says (to Others), "I think we are out of luck with the ham, but there are mutton and stew"

GM says, "You hear voices raised in the hushed whispers of people who don't want you to know they're fighting."

Morgan says, "mutton? can't abide it."

Dana says, "Nell seemed a tiny mite annoyed at me coming on inside, but I daresay it'll be understood..."

Erich says (to morgan), "You are far too picky."

Morgan says, "I'll take a bit of stew, i think"

Dana says, "And referred to Morton as a rat"

GM says, "It seems mostly one-sided, and would appear to involve 'no one coming into *my* kitchen!'"

Dana says, "Ah, married bliss"

Erich says, "There is little I will turn down."

Dana raises an eyebrow in the direction of the kitchen

Morgan says (to erich), "clearly you've never raised sheep, and don't know what they're willing to eat"

GM says, "Shortly after Peter returns with your food."

Morgan says (to Erich), "aye, we saw that this morning with Miss whatserhname"

Erich says (to Morgan), "Swordfighting, blacksmithing, these I know. Farming? I know little."

Morgan says, "A happy man ye are, then."

Erich says (to Morgan), "I shan't tell you the offer she extended to you as well, then."

Morton says, "Ah, old Nellie. You folks be careful. She can be might dangerous with her kitchen knives if she thinks anyone's trying to steal her recipes."

Dana says (to Morton), "Ah, a misunderstanding -- tell her I apologize"

Dana says, "Just trying to, ah, expedite matters."

[oneshot] Morgan asks, "she has a 5 in attack(knives), doesn't she?"

Morton says (to Dana), "Will do. A bit later, perhaps though."

Dana says, "Couldn't cook myself if someone put a spell on me to do it"

[oneshot] Morton says, "And you don't want to see her Brawn."

Dana shrugs and whacks off a truly colossal slice of the cheese

[oneshot] Morgan says, "hee"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "I remember the avalonian fishwife Pyotr tabgled with"

GM says, "Other people are also filtering into the tavern and ordering their own stews."

Morgan takes some cheese and dunks it into his stew with the bread

Erich gathers an immense amount of food in front of him.

Dana looks pained by Morgan's action, but says nothing

Morgan stares at the bread and cheese, mutters something about sand, then goes back to eating.

Lydia asks (when Morton is out of earshot), "Didn't we have this yesterday?"

Dana says (to Lydia), "I daresay it's the same stew, yes"

Morgan says (to lydia), "aye, and we'll have it tomorrow, til it's gone"

Lydia takes a big bowl of stew anyway.

Morgan says, "eat up. it's getting good and tasty by now."

Dana asks (of Lydia), "Why, you like to eat something different for every meal?"

Morgan exclaims, "why, i bet she likes to eat for every meal!"

Dana asks (of Morgan), "Once the rodents start to fall in the flavor does pick up, doesn't it?"

Morgan says (to dana), "aye, 'tis true"

Lydia says, "Well, it would be nice if you have it."

Erich says, "This stew is tangy."

Morgan says, "I personally like a bit of spider in my stew"

Lydia makes a face at the rat comment.

Erich says, "Or perhaps that is the cheese."

Jemmy works away busily on the cipher upstairs. Also on his drawings.

Dana says (to Lydia), "Oh, don't mind, she skims off the skins and bones again"

Erich finishes, then walks over to Morton. "Mind if I take a bowl of the stew up to the lad?"

Morgan says (to dana), "Me mum allays left those in. gives it a bit of crunch"

Lydia says, "Heh."

Dana says (to Morgan), "not everyone cares for em. Acquired taste"

Lydia continues eating, with a bit of a grimace.

Morgan says, "true, true"

Dana makes a show of picking something out from between her teeth.

Dana says, "(tail, I think.)"

Morton says (to Erich), "Sure, I'll mark it against the room."

Dana says (to Erich), "Ah, he's been fed once this morning"

[oneshot] Morgan asks, "are we running a tab, or paying as we go?"

Erich says (to Dana), "Growing lad needs his spider stew."

[oneshot] Morton says, "You tell me."

Dana says, "then again he probably uses a lot of energy yapping"

[oneshot] Morgan asks, "also, is the ES paying expenses, or a flat fee?"

[oneshot] Lydia says, "Now I roll Resolve - Etiquette to not throw up"

[oneshot] Morton asks, "You remember those ten shillings you got?"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "I'll always run a tab if they let me. :)"

[oneshot] Dana says, "heehee"

Erich goes up and joins Jemmy, bringing a bowl of stew and some cheese. The cheese is mostly free of Erich's teeth marks.

Jemmy exclaims, "great, stew!"

[oneshot] Morton asks (of Erich), "So then whose teethmarks *are* they?"

Erich asks (of Jemmy), "Any luck on the code?"

Jemmy says, "I've been working really hard here -- look, I've drawn a horse outside the house"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "probably dana's. she does like her cheese"

Erich says, "The chimney is a nice touch."

[oneshot] Erich says, "Oh, is Dana not dangling from this hunk of cheese? I'd just assumed so."

Dana finishes her food and heads up as well.

[oneshot] Dana says, "(heh)"

GM says (to Erich), "Jemmy's gotten a little further. These papers seem to be Travers' notes, possibly on the artifacts in question."

Jemmy draws little smoke clouds coming out.

Dana asks (of Jemmy), "Good to see you hard at... er... what are you doing?"

Lydia forces a bit more in before following the group.

Erich attacks the symbols with a will, fortified by rat proteine.

[oneshot] Morgan asks, "does theah have tobacco?"

Jemmy says, "I think the code is Travers' notes on the artifacts."

GM says, "It looks like it's divided up into five sections."

Dana asks, "And it says, "there's a house with a horse outside"?"

Jemmy exclaims, "he must have been doing something top secret if it's all in code!"

Dana exclaims (at Jemmy), "you don't say!"

Jemmy says (to Dana), "look, and the horse is eating the grass"

Morgan sits down and waits for the group to stop playing with paper

[oneshot] Erich says, "Okay, you two must stop making me laugh so that caffeinated beverage comes out my nose."

Dana asks (of Jemmy), "I'm very impressed. Er, why does the horse only have two legs?"

Erich asks, "Anyone know how many artifacts Travers was working on?"

Jemmy asks, "three, remember?"

Erich says, "I hadn't. My thanks."

Dana looks closely, sees third leg. "Ah. I thought that was a pole he was standing in front of."

Jemmy says (to Dana), "no, that's a *tree*"

Erich says, "Thank goodness that was not his...well."

Erich says, "The notes seem divided into five parts."

Dana realizes that Jemmy's "three" was not an answer to her.

Jemmy says, "a gold ring, a black rod, and a white rod"

GM says, "Also, it appears that the third section of the notes is the longest, followed by the last."

Dana says (to Erich), "(sotto voce) Remember the young lad's innocence. He's probably only encountered geldings."

GM says, "The first is shortest, and then the second."

Erich points out where he belives the divisons to lie.

Jemmy works on the third part.

Dana, being unable to read, finds this rather boring and waits impatiently for them to come up with an answer.

Morgan asks, "maybe we should be checking out the area outside the gates while they work?"

[oneshot] GM says, "Do you want to fast forward while you decode, or will the other pe-- OK."

Dana looks relieved at the thought of having something to do.

Dana says, "yes, let's go"

Morgan says, "Excellent."

[oneshot] GM asks, "Lydia too?"

Erich looks up. "Mmm? Oh, certes. See what you can find."

Lydia says, "I'm ready, yes."

Morgan waves to Erich, heads out the door.

[oneshot] Erich exclaims, "Tonight, on 7th Sea: Exciting Cryptographic Action!"

[oneshot] Erich says, "THRILL as the heroes decode section three of the notes."

[oneshot] GM smirks.

[oneshot] Erich says, "GASP as the meaning comes clear -- no, wait, they're wrong."

[oneshot] Morgan exclaims, "they only rolled a 6!"

[oneshot] GM says, "'It says something here about... I think, "antifacts"...'"

[oneshot] Erich says, "'anty pants'"

[oneshot] Erich says, "for very small bugs"

[oneshot] Dana says, "antipants annihilate pants when they come into contact"

GM says (to Morgan, Dana, Lydia), "OK, you're at the gates."

Morgan examines the gates

[oneshot] Lydia asks, "how far was the spot where the 'toll' was before?"

GM says, "It's hard to see much of a trail in the road itself here, since it appears a party of five have tromped through here since the abduction."

[oneshot] Morgan asks, "would I have to actually deal with the gates at all to leave town?"

[oneshot] GM says, "Maybe an hour form town. Probably less."

[oneshot] GM says (to Morgan), "No."

[oneshot] Morgan says, "mmhmm"

[oneshot] GM says (to Morgan), "Only if you actually followed the road."

[oneshot] Morgan asks, "are there guards here?"

[oneshot] GM says, "Nope."

Morgan says, "this gate seems sort of pointless"

Morgan walks around the outside of it.

Lydia asks, "A town has to have gates on its roads, doesn't it?"

Lydia walks through the gate.

GM says, "In fact, the gate appears rusted open."

Morgan asks, "Why ahve a gate if you can go around it, and if you're not gonna bother guarding it?"

GM says (to Morgan), "Roll Wits."

[7thsea] Morgan rolls 2k2: 10+7 3 | 20

[7thsea] Jemmy says, "heh"

GM says (to Morgan), "You realize that you'll never be able to understand city folk and their wacky ways."

Morgan says, "so rtue, so true"

Dana considers this problem too, since Morgan raised it

[7thsea] Dana rolls 3k3: 7 6 9 | 22

GM says (to Dana), "You realize that Morgan seems to be making an awfully big deal out of city folk and their wacky ways."

Dana says (to Morgan), "This place is inhabited by loons, I think."

Dana says, "best to let it go."

Morgan says, "yer right, as usual"

Morgan starts examining the land outside town

Lydia says, "But ... it's just ..."

[oneshot] Morgan asks, "what kind of land? how far to the forest?"

GM says, "Anyway, the road turns south right outside of town. You could get to the forest pretty quickly by going straight west."

GM says, "Or by turning north."

GM says, "Alternatively, you could follow the road south bac towards your 'toll'."

Morgan says, "mmm"

Jemmy adds some sheep to his picture.

Morgan thinks of where he would want to be, on the wild chance that he was a bandit.

Erich says (to Jemmy), "I think sheep wool is curly."

Lydia says, "Unless you can see any clues, I suggest we go where we actually met some Ravens."

GM says (to Morgan), "That's easy. In the woods near the road, where you could see people coming and jump out at them before they saw you."

Morgan says, "as i figured"

Morgan says (to lydia), "we can head down that way"

Erich says (to Jemmy), "Look here. This seems to detail Travers's experimental method."

Jemmy exclaims, "it's boring, that's what!"

[oneshot] (from Morgan) Erich says, "He experimented by drawing sheep!"

Erich says, "Not very exciting, I'll grant."

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "yay"

[oneshot] Erich says, "Woo"

Jemmy exclaims (at Erich), "maybe the last section will have his conclusions!"

Erich says, "You work on that. I'll look at the fourth section."

GM asks, "Just, er, standing in the road for the time being?"

GM asks, "Or are you going somewhere?"

Lydia says, "[south down the road, I think]"

GM says, "OK."

Lydia keeps an eye out, although she's not sure for what.

Morgan keeps an eye out, looking for good spots for an ambush.

[oneshot] Morgan asks, "what was the guy's name?"

[oneshot] Morgan asks, "the one we didn't kill last time?"

[oneshot] Lydia asks, "you mean Charlie?"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "yeah, him"

[oneshot] GM makes some rolls.

[oneshot] Morgan exclaims, "and here he is!"

Erich says (to Jemmy), "Take a look at this fourth section. I think there is more structure to it."

Erich says (to Jemmy), "and then you can go back to drawing more grass for your sheep."

Jemmy says, "alrighty."

Jemmy switches over to the section four.

Jemmy says, "the last part just has books in it."

Dana has disconnected.

Dana has connected.

[oneshot] Dana says, "erg"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "er-hey"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "which is ofc what Gilgamesh said to Ekidu"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "Enkidu"

Dana starts

Dana tugs Morgan's sleeve and gestures towards the bushes subtly

Lydia stops.

Dana says, "(sotto voce) I think we have company"

Morgan looks at the bushes, but keeps moving as if nothing had happened

Morgan pulls lydia's sleeve

Jemmy says, "aha"

Lydia continues on.

Morgan tries to see if the potential ambushers are following.

Jemmy scribbles down some notes.

Erich asks, "What did you find?"

Morgan says, "Well, I don't think there's anything at all interesting out here"

Morgan says, "Let's go back to town and talk to our good friend the Seargent, who is waiting for us"

Jemmy stares alertly around the room.

Morgan turns around, keeping an eye on the bushes

Jemmy says, "it says the ring is some kind of fire thing"

Jemmy says, "and the white rod is a swordhilt that can be activated with its name"

Jemmy says, "and the black rod is a light"

Dana whispers (to Morgan), "They're definitely trying to avoid us, not planning to ambush"

Jemmy goes back to studying the sections more directly.

Lydia stage-whispers, "I'd rather meet one."

[oneshot] GM says, "Sorry, whispering to multiple people."

Jemmy looks at the white rod section first.

Dana says, "I wonder whether we should--"

Morgan whispers 9to Dana), "Good."

Erich looks over Jemmy's shoulder.

Dana asks (of Morgan), "Are you sure we shouldn't investigate now?"

Dana says, "(still quietly)"

Morgan says (to dana), "while we may not be outnumbered now, we would be shortly"

Dana says (to Morgan), "They don't seem to think the advantage is with them"

Morgan says, "best to mark this as a place to come back to, more sneakily, with help"

Dana says, "and I'm afraid that we may not be able to find them again if we wait"

Lydia says, "I could follow one, if ..."

GM says, "You think you hear them whispering, too."

GM says, "But it's hard to tell."

Dana asks, "who's to say it's not just a random spot in the woods where they happen to be at the moment?"

Morgan says (to dana), "I expect someone's gone to fetch help. it's what i want to do."

Dana says, "carpe diem before they can, then"

Dana continues this conversation while strolling with maximum slowness along the lane

Morgan asks, "what do you think we'd learn from fighting more of them?"

Dana says (to Morgan), "I think if we managed to disable a few of them we might find out who their associates are"

Morgan asks, "as opposed to coming back later and exploring a bit more discretely?"

Dana says, "I'd prefer a fair fight to all this sneaking around."

Lydia says, "Where they have a lair, assuming there is one."

Morgan says, "see, i'm all in favor of sneaking"

Dana says, "I don't think we'll find anything if we go away and come back"

Dana says, "if you can think of a way to subtly follow them without fighting, that's fine"

Morgan says, "considering that the two times we've been on this road we've run into them twice..."

Morgan says, "I'd say they're here fairly often"

GM says, "The people in the woods seem to come to a conclusions. To be exact, they take off en masse, nearly tripping over each other in their attempt to escape, and hampered considerably by the under and overbrush."

Morgan says, "now we follow"

Dana says, "oh F*SK"

Dana tears off into the woods after them

Morgan takes off, a little more carefully, into the woods

[oneshot] GM asks, "Trying to catch them or just to keep up with them?"

Lydia tries to head for the noise as well as she can.

Dana stores up a whole battery of I-told-you-sos for later

[oneshot] Morgan says, "keep up, for me"

GM says, "You hear a variety of profanities from the other group as you follow."

[oneshot] Morgan says (to dana), "we can argue this all out later"

Dana yells back over her shoulder, "they're just going to run into help!"

[oneshot] Dana asks (of Morgan), "I suppose you're unaware of my hubris?"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "I am"

[oneshot] Dana says, "Stubborn"

Dana runs faster

GM says, "At the moment, you and they are running west."

[oneshot] Lydia would attack anyone hanging behind she can catch.

[oneshot] Morgan says, "ahh"

GM says, "Quickly, their leader cuts a left. The others follow less effectively."

[oneshot] GM says, "Everyone, Sprinting."

[7thsea] Lydia rolls 4k3: 9 10+2 5 2 | 26

[oneshot] Morgan asks, "that's what trait?"

[oneshot] GM says, "Finesse."

[7thsea] Morgan rolls 5k3: 2 4 4 6 5 | 15

[oneshot] Morgan (to lydia) :P

[7thsea] Dana rolls 5k3: 8 1 7 3 2 | 18

GM says (to Lydia), "You're ahead of the others by a fair margin, and could easily tackle one of the men trailing their group, if you wished."

Lydia grabs a Raven in back and tries to pull him to the ground.

GM asks, "Lydia and the other man are now rolling ignomiously on the ground. Do the other two of you keep going?"

GM says, "Footwork and Sprinting if you want to keep chasing."

Dana keeps running

[7thsea] Dana rolls 5k3: 1 4 10+1 9 9 | 29

Morgan stops and helps lydia disable her guy.

GM says, "Also, their group takes another sharp left, heading back towards the road."

[oneshot] Dana asks, "er, wait, footwork AND sprinting?"

[oneshot] GM asks, "Was that Footwork or Sprinting?"

[oneshot] GM says, "Yes."

[oneshot] Dana says, "that was sprinting"

[oneshot] Dana says, "footwork now"

[7thsea] Dana rolls 6k3: 8 5 6 4 8 9 | 25

GM says, "Dana deflty leaps over Lydia, Morgan, and the poor unfortunate without breaking stride, and continues after the others."

GM says (to Lydia and Morgan), "You subdue him easily. He's utterly terrified."

Morgan ties up the raven

GM says (to Dana), "You're within range to grab one of them if you want."

[oneshot] Morgan says, "aww, wanted to roll my dirty fighting. :)"

Lydia looks over the guy, and takes any obvious weapon.

Dana throws herself at the trailing Raven

Morgan asks (of lydia), "got him?"

GM says (to Dana), "You take him down easily. The rest keep running, adn quickly escape into the woods."

Lydia says (to Morgan), "Uh."

Morgan says, "right"

Morgan hauls the fellow to his feet, and drags him over to dana and her captive.

Dana sits on disabled guy, holds knife to his throat.

Dana asks, "Who are you?"

Lydia says, "If he's tied up, I suppose."

Morgan asks (of dana), "I thought you were mistress of knots? or is that too easy for ye?"

[oneshot] Lydia asks, "Do I have some bad guy's weapon?"

Dana asks, "And what are you doing here?"

Erich says, "Hm. I think this is talking about the sword at this part."

Dana says (to Morgan), "I could tie him if I meant to let him live"

Morgan sighs.

Guy says, "Meep."

Dana jabs guy slightly with tip of knife in a menacing fashion

Morgan asks, "fairly bloodthirsty, aren't we?"

OtherGuy has already passed out, apparently.

Lydia says, "Well, we won't gain anything by killing them."

Guy exclaims, "What do you want? You already took our money!"

Dana makes a face at the others as though they ought to shut up

Dana asks (of Guy), "Er, what?"

Morgan whispers (to dana), "Look, it's easier to get a man to tell you things if you promise to do something _nice_ for him after"

Dana exclaims (at Morgan), "I'm not that kind of girl!"

GM says, "You notice that the two men are both already bandaged."

Morgan says, "Not what i ahd in mind"

Dana eases off a bit.

[oneshot] GM says (to Lydia), "Oh, and yeah, assume you got their knives if you like."

Dana asks (of Guy), "(more gently) Who are you?"

Lydia goes a slight distance from the others, and turns away from them.

Guy says, "I'm... I'm Larry..."

Guy says, "I... I didn't want to be a bandit. I'm sorry. I'm sorry."

[oneshot] Lydia says, "Blooding the knife."

[oneshot] Dana says, "(and OtherGuy is Moe, I suppose)"

Guy says, "Please don't hurt me."

[7thsea] Lydia rolls 5k3: 8 10+4 7 3 2 | 29

Dana sighs, gets up, but does tie up guy's wrists

Morgan sits back and lets Dana take the lead.

Dana asks, "Why don't you start at the beginning and explain what's going on?"

Dana asks, "You didn't want to be a bandit?"

[oneshot] Guy asks, "Should I look up the blooding rules, or do you know if it passed?"

[oneshot] Lydia says, "I think it's 20 to succeed."

Guy says (to Dana), "I... I work for Charlie. He just tells me what to do."

Dana asks (of Guy), "Why do you work for him?"

[oneshot] Guy says, "OK. Well done. :)"

Dana says, "If you don't like him, I mean"

[oneshot] Lydia says, "yeah, 20."

Guy says, "I needed money. Charlie's not so bad. I mean, he's rude and stuff, but he's not so bad."

Lydia walks back slowly and listens.

Guy says, "And y'know, if I do good, they make me a Blackcloak. But I won't."

Guy says, "I promise, I won't do it any more."

Dana asks (of Guy), "what do they want you to do, exactly?"

Guy says, "We, well, we rob people. I mean, we collect the tolls."

Morgan snickers.

Guy says, "That's what they call it. It's not so bad. I mean, we don't hurt people. Usually."

Morgan asks, "if they cooperate?"

Dana asks (of Guy), "And Charlie got you to join by promising you money?"

[oneshot] Erich says (to Jemmy), "When they come back, we'll have to talk VERY LOUDLY about how much fun decoding these symbols were."

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "hee hee"

Guy nods. "I didn't have anything when they found me."

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "hey, I'm finding out cool stuff about the sword"

Dana asks (of Guy), "and it's good to be a blackcloak?"

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "also I've drawn a cow and a pig"

Guy nods, "Yeah. A Blackcloak gets respect. Then listen to them."

Lydia asks, "I suppose Charlie would be too mad at us to let us join?"

Dana asks (of Guy), "how many are there? do you know?"

[oneshot] Erich says, "I had what was going to be a landscape with happy trees, but now it looks like random ink blitches."

Guy says (to Lydia), "Well... I dunno that he'd trust you. You don't look like... well, you don't look like you need us."

Guy says (to Dana), "Oh, there are a lot of us. We got a regular business going."

Morgan asks, "who are these blackcloaks?"

Guy says (to Morgan), "They're, like, the leaders. Kinda."

Morgan asks, "who picks them?"

Dana asks (of Morgan), "Is Charlie one of them?"

Guy says, "I mean, they're not the top, but they're the only kinda leader we get to see."

Morgan says, "ahh"

Guy says (to Dana), "Yeah. I'm in his squad."

Dana asks (of guy), "and he reports to someone else?"

Guy nods. "Yeah. The Bluecoat."

Morgan says, "now we're getting somewhere"

Dana asks (of Guy), "Bluecoat?"

Dana asks, "Have you seen him?"

Dana asks, "or just heard him mentioned?"

Guy tries to chuckle, nervously. And fails. "No, no one ever sees the Bluecoat."

Dana asks (of Guy), "what do you hear about him?"

Guy says, "Um. They don't talk about him much. I don't think he wants people to talk about him much."

[oneshot] Lydia says, "First rule of the Ravens..."

Dana says (to Guy), "but you HAVE heard about him"

Morgan whispers (to dana), "Ask what kind of 'business' they're in besides tolls. perhaps he knows about kidnappings..."

Dana says (to Morgan), "Ah, good point"

Dana asks (of Guy), "do you ever do any other kinds of jobs?"

Guy says, "Well. I know that the Blackcloaks get to talk to him..."

Dana asks (of Guy), "whenever they want to? or by appointment?"

Guy asks, "Other jobs?"

Dana says (to Guy), "other than, er, collecting Toll"

Guy says (to Dana), "I think he calls them. I dunno. They don't talk to us about that..."

Guy says (to Dana), "I've only done this. I dunno."

Guy says, "I mean, we take stuff other than just money, if that's what you mean."

Dana asks, "what kinds of stuff?"

Guy shrugs, "Whatever they have. Merchants have their goods, and we usually take a share."

Guy says, "Y'know, we need to eat too and stuff."

Dana says (to Guy), "ah. But you're not looking for specific things"

Guy says (to Dana), "No, just whatever's valuable."

Guy seems to be a little bit more relaxed now that you're not acting like you're going to kill him.

Lydia says, "I think this is pointless."

Dana asks (of Guy), "mm. and you have a hiding place around here? or where do you sleep?"

[oneshot] Morgan asks, "see?"

Dana says (to Lydia), "patience, my fancy-dress friend."

Guy says (to Dana), "Yeah, we-- I mean. Um."

Guy looks frightened.

Morgan says (to guy), "this has been real easy up til now"

Dana says (to Guy), "Don't worry, they can't get you now."

Morgan says, "we'er almost friends here"

Guy asks (of Dana), "What do you mean...?"

Morgan asks, "however, friends tell each other stuff they know, right?"

Dana says (to Guy), "I mean you have more to fear from us than from them."

Guy asks, "Are you saying you're... my friends?"

Guy nods slowly.

Dana says (to Guy), "Depends on you."

Guy asks, "If I help you... you help me?"

Lydia listens for signs of another sort of "help".

Dana says (to Guy), "We'll see to it, yes."

Dana says, "But you need to be honest with us, or we can't do anything."

Guy says, "If you can get me out of town, someplace far away, I promise I'll never rob anyone again..."

Dana asks (of Guy), "and about your hiding place?"

Guy looks nervous. "Yeah, OK."

Guy tries to stand up, but finds it difficult with his hands tied.

Dana helps Guy to his feet, not untying him.

Lydia returns Larry's knife to Larry's outfit.

Guy tries to point with his elbows, failing. "It's that way... well... if you're in town, and you go straight south a ways, maybe an hour and a half, you'll find these five hills, you see."

[oneshot] Morgan asks, "what's happening with the other guy?"

[oneshot] Dana says, "I thought he was out cold"

[oneshot] Guy says, "Must have tackled him too hard. He is a brute, and all."

[oneshot] Morgan says, "oh, right"

Dana asks (of Guy), "yes?"

Guy says, "And you go east from the hills, kinda toward the mountains, but not all the way, and there's this one big hill."

Guy says, "Kinda like a little mountain. Really rocky. There's a cave there."

Guy says, "That's where the rest of them are."

Morgan says, "caves are always good"

Dana asks (of Guy), "the Blackcloaks too?"

Guy nods, "Yeah. Well, they're not everybody there right now. A lot of 'em are out on duty, like we were."

Morgan says, "right, makes sense"

Dana says, "right"

Dana says, "I'm thinking we rejoin the others and discuss this all together"

Morgan says, "sounds good"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "i'm also thinking of sleep"

Guy asks, "Are you taking me with you?"

Dana begins marching guy back to inn

Lydia says, "Hm."

Dana asks (of Guy), "how else would we see you're protected?"

Guy says, "Oh, thank you."

Lydia looks at the other guy, out cold.

Morgan says (to lydia), "let's just leave this one."

Guy sighs in relief, and marches along.

Morgan gets his rope back

Dana says (to Lydia), "Surely you and Morgan can carry-- or not"

Morgan asks (of dana), "what would we do with him?"

Lydia says, "Yes, well. This will only take a moment."

Lydia comes to a decision and takes the other knife as well.

Dana says (to Morgan), "I don't know, maybe he knows more than our first friend here"

Morgan says, "you want him, you got him"

Lydia goes a few paces again.

Morgan ties the other guy up again, and starts dragging him back to town

[7thsea] Lydia rolls 5k3: 4 6 10+9 9 8 | 36

[7thsea] Morgan rolls 2k2: 5 4 | 9

Morgan says, "gurf, he's heavy"

Dana says, "There's also always the further possibility that if we leave him he coul communicate about us to the guys"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "(brawn check)"

Guy says (to Morgan), "You don't manage to pick him up, but can drag him."

Lydia tosses the knife back onto the ground.

Morgan says, "I doubt he'd tell Charlie he was taken out by a girl"

Dana says (to Morgan), "or we could trade I guess"

Lydia says, "Good idea."

Morgan says (to guy), "hey, give me a hand here"

Lydia says, "nah, just leave him here."

Morgan drops the guy, so his head hits a rtee root fairly hard

Morgan says, "let's make up our mind"

Dana says, "Oh for pity's sake"

Morgan says, "I'm getting a bit tired here"

Dana says, "you're going to kill him"

[7thsea] Dana rolls 3k3: 1 5 4 | 10

[oneshot] Dana says, "then again I seem to be incredibly weak too"

[oneshot] Dana says, "sheesh"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "ha"

GM says, "Wits."

[7thsea] Dana rolls 3k3: 8 4 8 | 20

[7thsea] Morgan rolls 2k2: 9 1 | 10

[7thsea] Lydia rolls 2k2: 10+1 9 | 20

[oneshot] Erich says, "See, that's what happens when you leave the Muscles from Eisen behind."

[oneshot] Morgan says, "hee hee"

GM says (to Dana , Lydia), "Since he's been out cold this whole time, he doesn't know anything more than the rest of Charlie's gang, who all saw him get tackled by you anyway."

GM says, "So he's no more dangerous to you than the other brutes who got away."

Dana looks at OtherGuy thoughtfully, shrugs

Dana says, "Okay, leave 'im"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "that's what i was thinking, but was too tired to argue"

Dana kicks him once

[oneshot] Dana says, "it's the hubris talking"

Dana says, "let's go."

Dana starts speeding back towards the inn.

Morgan reclaims rope, kicks other guy in the stomach, and heads back to town

GM asks, "Is Larry still tied up?"

[oneshot] Dana says, "(also, man, other guy is going to feel like shit when he wakes up)"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "yeah"

Dana says, "yeah, loosely"

[oneshot] Dana says, "er, that was meant to be here"

Morgan says, "we'd be a bit conspicious arriving to town with a guy tied up"

Dana says (to Morgan), "truth enough."

Dana says (to Larry), "I assume you won't run on us now"

Dana unties Larry

GM shakes his head. "Please. I won't run."

Dana nonetheless stays where she could easily re-grab him if necessary

GM says, "OK, the group of you find your way back to the inn."

Dana says, "Good. Because I'd hate to have to stop you with a throwing knife."

GM says, "It's late afternoon by now, not quite time for dinner. Morton waves as you go by."

Dana bounds upstairs and throws the door open breathlessly. "So, how goes the code, my artistic friends?"

[oneshot] Morgan asks, "okay, are we near a stopping point?"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "i am falling asleep"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "which is, at this point, a good idea for me"

[oneshot] Dana says, "(I assumed we talked to them for a minute but perhaps not)"

Erich says (to Dana), "Some progress. I have an idea what the three artifacts are."

Dana asks (of Erich), "What they do, and so on?"

Jemmy says, "there is a sword, and a ring, and a rod"

Dana comes over to look at the paper but sees mostly a complex rural scene

Dana asks, "They turn people into sheep?"

Erich says, "As Jemmy said."

Dana nods, listens

[oneshot] GM says, "Also, we stop whenever you guys want to stop."

Jemmy says, "the sword is the best -- it has the blade appear when you say the name, I think"

[oneshot] GM says, "This is totally up to you."

[oneshot] Dana says, "I'd like to hear the discoveries and then stop, personally"

Lydia asks, "Do you know the name?"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "that's cool"

Jemmy looks over his notes.

Jemmy says, "yeah, here it is"

Erich says, "I believe so. 'windblade', or 'chel fa nir'"

Erich asks (of Jemmy), "does that match what you found?"

Jemmy says, "the ring is a fire-ring"

Jemmy nods.

Jemmy says, "I think it looks like a fencing weapon"

Jemmy exclaims, "but we'll have to try it and see!"

Dana says (to Jemmy), "sounds painful to wear"

Jemmy shrugs.

Lydia asks, "A fire ring?"

Dana asks, "what does it do?"

Jemmy says, "it's boring -- it just keeps your hands warm"

Erich says (to Dana), "More protection from fire than anything else."

Jemmy says, "and the rod shines a light"

Jemmy says, "in different colors"

Erich says (to Jemmy), "I found indications that you can summon fire to your hands while wearing it, for afight."

Jemmy says, "it might be pretty"

Jemmy says (to Erich), "oh yeah"

Jemmy says (to Erich), "I forgot about that part"

Dana asks, "A light in different colors?"

Dana asks, "For what, parties?"

Erich says, "Like a rainbow."

Erich says, "Use? Who can tell."

Dana shrugs

Dana says, "well, ok"

Jemmy says, "perhaps we could get some kind of ball and put mirrors on it and hang it from the ceiling, and then shine the light at it"

Dana asks (of Erich), "Did you give him something... funny... in his stew?"

Erich shrugs. "Was the cheese you procured bad?"

Jemmy puts down his pencil and stretches. "So, what did you guys do?"

Morgan asks, "were those mushrooms or toadstools?"

Dana says, "Oh, not much"

Dana says, "We went for a walk, tackled a guy, found out the location of the bandit hideout"

MrLarry waves.

Erich asks, "Oh?"

Dana says, "His name is Larry. Larry, meet Jemmy and Erich."

Jemmy exclaims, "really? great!"

Dana says, "Jemmy is the-- brighteyed one here."

MrLarry says, "Hi."

Dana says, "I'm sure he'd like to be your friend, too."

Erich asks (of Larry), "You are a bandit?"

Dana says (to Jemmy), "Larry likes friends."

Jemmy exclaims (at Larry), "hi!"

Dana says (to Erich), "Past tense. ::cough::"

MrLarry says, "Um."

Dana says, "He has seen the light."

Erich says, "Ah."

Dana says, "It appears that there's something of a bandit hierarchy"

MrLarry whispers (to Dana), "Could I talk to you for a second?"

Erich says, "How disappointing. I missed the action."

Erich asks, "Could I perhaps hit him, just for exercise?"

Dana says (to MrLarry), "ah, all right"

[oneshot] MrLarry says, "Darn those real MUDders using up the good names..."

Dana asks (of Erich), "Let's hold off on that, mm?"

Dana slips aside to talk to MrLarry

Erich looks disappointed.

LarryX says (to Dana), "Those things they were talking about..."

LarryX asks, "The ring, and the rod, and stuff?"

Dana asks, "yes?"

LarryX says, "I think I might have seen them."

GM says, "<End>"

[oneshot] Dana says, "yay dramatic ending"

[oneshot] Lydia says, "excellent. what fun."

[oneshot] Morgan says, "yay"

[oneshot] Erich says, "woo"

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "excellent"

[oneshot] GM says, "And two more XP for everyone."

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "yay"

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "soon I will have 5"

[oneshot] GM asks, "And what will you do with five?"

[oneshot] Erich says, "Be five closer to 10."

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "um, save up for explorer's guild, I guess"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "okay, fun game all, crashy time"

[oneshot] GM says, "One question:"

[oneshot] Dana says, "g'night, good trip"

[oneshot] Morgan says, "thanks"

[oneshot] GM asks, "When next week?"

[oneshot] Erich exclaims, "bye Morgan!"

[oneshot] GM asks, "Friday, Saturday, or both?"

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "I can do whenever"

[oneshot] Dana says, "mmf"

[oneshot] Erich says, "Okay, I'll be gone next Sunday through Friday."

[oneshot] Jemmy says, "I don't know when ender was planning on running CoC"

[oneshot] Erich says, "so I'm out for that."

[oneshot] Dana