[oneshot] PerrySimm says, "Log on."
[oneshot] Erich says, "If all else fails, you can try tomorrow afternoon at 6, and I'll join if and when I can."
[oneshot] GM says, "Mrm. If we did that, though, it's entirely possible that someone else might get confused and miss it."
[oneshot] GM says, "And it could just end up with me and Jemmy sitting here."
[oneshot] GM says, "Eating muffins."
[oneshot] Erich says, "and drawing sheep."
[oneshot] GM asks, "We'll give him a few more minutes, at least. Anyone have his phone number?"
[oneshot] GM realizes he doesn't even know where schep lives.
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "michigan, I believe"
[oneshot] GM Emails him.
GM says, "Well, let's just go ahead and start."
Jemmy says, "alrighty"
Dana is standing about looking Fierce
GM says, "The last time we saw our intrepid heroes..."
GM says, "They were in a small chamber deep within the bandits' cave."
GM says, "On the floor were a pair of disabled blackcloaks, one large and slow, the other short and quick."
Erich looks around, wondering if he has overlooked anyone whose head needs a good thwacking.
GM says, "Erich was holding a chest full of coins, with a broken lid. Morgan had a sack filled with the things from the table."
Jemmy exclaims, "ha-ha!"
Dana had new pants!
Erich also had a nice new black cloak.
Dana thinks that the next step is to investigate the BlueCoat further
Erich says, "I am curious about those artifacts."
Dana says, "well, if we're going to play with them, perhaps we'd best take them home first..."
Erich says, "Bah. Caution."
Erich looks around. "Though this may be a little too chancy, even for my tastes.
Jemmy exclaims, "let's play with them now!"
Jemmy asks, "where's that sword?"
Dana looks warily at Jemmy as though he were 7
[oneshot] Rob has joined the channel.
[oneshot] Skip has joined the channel.
Dana says, "I for one am going back to the inn, I think..."
[Crows-Nest] Skip has joined the channel.
[oneshot] Erich asks, "Isn't there more area to be explored down here?"
DGlasser arrives, looking for booty.
[oneshot] DGlasser has joined the channel.
[Crows-Nest] DGlasser has joined the channel.
[oneshot] GM says, "There is a passage you haven't been down yet."
[oneshot] Dana says, "oh yes, forgot that"
Rob arrives, looking for booty.
Erich says, "There is one other passage I'd like to go look at."
Dana says, "ah-- I'll join in that, then"
Skip arrives, looking for booty.
Dana wraps her black cloak more tightly around her and heads out towards the passage
Jemmy follows along alertly.
Erich pauses to tie the lid back onto the chest with some rope, then follows.
GM says, "You get back to the junction, and the wide unexplored passage is south of you. You can't see too far down it, because it turns sharply east after a few paces."
Dana sneaks down the unexplored passage.
Jemmy sneaks too.
Erich follows, also sneakily.
GM says (to Dana), "It quickly opens into a wide chamber. A dim torch is guttering in the near side, which is otherwise largely empty. You see several indistinct forms low on the ground toward the far end."
Dana peers at the indistinct forms -- are they people, or things?
Erich draws even with Dana, then stops.
GM says, "Mmm. They do look rather like people, actually. Probably covered up by blankets or cloaks."
Dana puts a finger to her lips to warn Erich and Jemmy.  Especially Jemmy.
Erich counts the figures as best he can.
GM says (to Erich), "Six or seven."
Erich silently moves closer to the figures, looking for any other exits in the room.
GM says, "One of them rolls over, and starts snoring quietly."
GM says (to Erich), "That end of the room is dark, but you don't see anything that looks obviously like a passage."
Jemmy whispers "They're asleep!"
[oneshot] Erich asks, "The room empty otherwise?"
Dana glares at Jemmy.
[oneshot] GM says, "Yeah. Except for the torch, which is a ways from the sleeping people."
Dana (very quietly), "They don't look like prisoners, so unless you fancy slaughtering a few bandits in their sleep..."
Jemmy whispers "We can tie 'em up and interrogate 'em!"
Erich mutters (to Dana), "I could always wake them."
Dana frowns. "
Erich shrugs and moves towards the room's entrance and back down the passageway.
Dana follows Erich
Dana says, "I'm disinclined to pick a fight while the artifacts are in our possession..."
Erich says, once they're out of earshot of the "barracks," "There's little else here. I think your plan of returning to the inn is a good one."
Dana nods
Jemmy asks, "wait, what about the guy?"
Erich says, "He doesn't appear to be here."
Jemmy exclaims, "well, someone must know where he is!"
Erich says, "My guess is, should we find Herr BlueCoat, we will find Matthew Travers."
Dana says, "Remember, the Blue Coat supposedly enjoys torture."
Jemmy asks, "none of the guys looked like the guys, right?"
Dana asks (of Erich), "Can *you* tell what he's talking about?"
Erich says (to Jemmy), "None looked like a scholar to me."
Jemmy says, "no, the -- uh"
Erich says (to Dana), "I make uneducated guesses and go from there."
Jemmy exclaims, "Lester!"
Jemmy says, "and the other guy who kidnapped him"
Jemmy asks, "if they were bandits they have to be here, right?"
Erich says, "An interesting point."
Erich goes back to the two unconsious blackcloaks and takes a closer look at them.
GM says (to Erich), "One of them, the one whose voice reminded Morgan of Jemmy, is large and lumbering."
GM says, "He has a round nose, and not much of a chin."
GM says, "The other one is rather short, and looks a little bit rodent-like."
Erich asks, "A moustache or black hair on either?"
Jemmy says, "hmmm"
GM says, "Not either of these two men."
Jemmy exclaims, "perhaps they were wearing fake moustaches!"
Skip disappears through an invisible gap in the MUD. You think you may have heard the sounds of chatting before the gap closed again.
Dana says (to Jemmy), "And perhaps your imagination is running away with you.  Pray keep your voice down."
Dana is still inclined to go back to the inn and perhaps keep the appointment with Mordigan.
Erich says, "We could take these two with us. Talk with them further."
Dana asks, "do you think we can get them without waking the others?"
Jemmy says, "aw, no problem"
Jemmy says, "we'll just hit them on the head"
Dana makes a "be-my-guest" gesture.
Jemmy says, "uh"
Jemmy says (to Erich), "maybe you should do it"
[oneshot] Erich asks, "I am confused. I was talking about the two unconsious ones right here. Were y'all talking about going back into the sleepy chamber?"
[oneshot] Skip has left the channel.
[Crows-Nest] Skip has left the channel.
[oneshot] Dana says, "they could still make a lot of noise"
[oneshot] Jemmy asks, "the unconscious ones?"
[oneshot] Dana says, "I was thinking we were talking about bandits who looked like Lester or whatever, in the chamber, though"
[Crows-Nest] DGlasser asks, "what's the difference between talking on the mud and on #oneshot?"
[Crows-Nest] Jemmy says, "#oneshot stuff is out of character"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "#oneshot is generally OOC stuff, the players talking to each other."
[oneshot] Erich says, "I'm willing to go back in that chamber and look for our potential kidnappers."
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "ok, right, let's go back in and look at the sleepers"
Dana goes back in, looking exasperated
Erich says, "Let me put this chest back in here for a moment."
Erich does so, then goes down the hallway and back into where the men are sleeping.
[oneshot] GM says, "(In case any of you are having trouble remembering the description of the kidnappers, you can reread Trellien's report in http://www.bioc.rice.edu/~lpsmith/IF/7thSea/one-shots/ravens1.html)"
[oneshot] Erich says, "As I recall: one man short, the other with black hair and perhaps a moustache."
GM says (to Erich), "There are still seven men sleeping. Now two are snoring, slightly out of harmony."
[oneshot] Erich says, "the short man may be named Lester."
[oneshot] GM says, "That sounds about right, yes."
[oneshot] Erich says, "Right. I'll look for anyone who might fit the descriptions."
GM says (to Erich), "As you look over the men, you do notice that some look familiar. In fact, one of them is Charlie, huddled under his cloak."
Erich keeps looking, but notes Charlie's position.
GM says, "Most of these men are bandaged, and look to be in poor condition. You recognize a couple of Charlie's men in the group. One has a goatee, and another one has a beard."
GM says, "There is one with a moustache, but he has red hair. None are unusually short, and none of the ones with black hair have moustaches."
Dana shrugs
[oneshot] Erich asks, "Y'all in here with me, or do I need to come back down the hall to consult?"
[oneshot] Jemmy scratches his head.
Jemmy scratches his head.
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "I guess we're in there also"
GM says, "One of them blinks, looking around."
Man mutters, "'ere, get down... trynasleepere..."
Erich kneels down by him. "Sorry."
Man says, "'SOK." and falls back to sleep.
Dana moves for the exit
Erich heads back out and joins Dana. "We might get useful information out of either of these two blackcloaks, and less danger than trying to snatch Charlie or someone else in that room."
Jemmy exclaims, "ok, let's do it!"
Dana nods
Dana grabs the feet of the smaller one
GM says, "Brwn, if you're trying to pick him up alone."
Dana looks pointedly at teh others, then shrugs
[7thsea] Dana rolls 3k3: 5 6 10+2 | 23
Erich grabs the chest again, then hefts the larger one.
Jemmy exclaims, "I'll, uh, scout ahead!"
[7thsea] Erich rolls 4k4: 7 8 5 3 | 23
GM says, "Lester dangles upside down, his cloak trailing on the ground."
[oneshot] GM says, "Brwn, of course, is Bron's Celtic cousin."
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "hee hee"
[oneshot] Erich laughs.
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "(wait, Lester?)"
Jemmy drapes the cloak back over the man.
Jemmy exclaims, "ok, let's go!"
GM says, "You find your way to the cave entrance without difficulty."
GM says, "The men you fought there are still mostly unconscious, except for a few who wish they were."
Erich glares at the awake ones as they pass.
Jemmy exclaims (at men), "ha-ha! take that!"
GM says, "They don't take much notice of you, being a bit busy trying to figure out how to keep their blood and such inside them."
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "(eew)"
GM says, "It's an hour or two past noon when you get back to town, assuming you're taking the most direct route toward the south gate."
[oneshot] Dana says, "just think of it like sheep"
Dana thinks perhaps they want to talk to the captive somewhere outside town
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "(yes)"
GM says (to Dana), "He is getting rather heavy at this point."
[oneshot] Jemmy asks, "uh, trying to keep all their wool inside?"
Erich glances at Dana. "This far enough away for you?"
[oneshot] Dana says, "uh... yeah"
Dana says, "This will do"
Dana puts the captive down.
Dana says, "Let's hope he's less stubborn than our last one."
Erich dumps the man he has been carrying as well.
Dana kicks him rather ungently
ShortOne says, "Unh."
Dana exclaims, "Wakey wakey!"
ShortOne clenches his eyesshut for a moment, before peeking out.
ShortOne asks, "Whassamatter? Wha' happened?"
Dana exclaims, "hey there!"
Dana exclaims, "You're here to give us some information!"
ShortOne exclaims, "Oh, it's you!"
ShortOne tries to jump up.
Dana prevents him from doing any such thing
Erich clamps his hands on the man's shoulder and pushes him back down.
Erich says, "Now, that's not very nice."
ShortOne is no match for both of you at once, and sinks back down.
Erich says, "You being our guest and all."
ShortOne grunts.
Erich says, "We would like to know about a man who favors blue as his color."
Erich says, "and a kidnapped man."
Jemmy looks around alertly for more bandits.
ShortOne looks a bit confused for a moment, then sneers.
ShortOne says, "Uh-huh."
ShortOne asks, "And you just want me to help you, because I'm a good citizen, right?"
Erich says, "Certainly."
ShortOne asks, "And I get a nice shiny medal from the mayor, do I?"
Dana makes a face. "And because you'd like to survive to see nightfall, perhaps."
Erich says, "Should that not convince you, we can try other approaches."
Erich says (to ShortOne), "You get to keep your fingers and toes in working order."
Erich says, "or at all, come to think of it."
[oneshot] ShortOne says, "(If that's intended as Intimidation, feel free to roll it)"
[oneshot] Erich asks, "That resolve?"
[oneshot] ShortOne says, "Right."
[7thsea] Erich rolls 3k2: 8 9 9 | 18
[7thsea] ShortOne rolls 2k2: 4 1 | 5
ShortOne's face slackens a little bit, as he peers down at his fingers and feet.
Erich counts. "Ah, good. Ten fingers. I would hate for you to start off with a...handicap, so to speak."
ShortOne asks, "Um. You, er, wouldn't do something like that. You're 'good guys', right...?"
Dana says (to ShortOne), "We're just hirelings, my friend."
Dana says, "We'll do what we need to do."
ShortOne nods slowly.
Dana says, "No one asks too many questions... as long as the job gets done..."
Dana looks distinctly bloodthirsty
Erich says, "and I am paid to be effective, not 'good'."
ShortOne says, "I see."
Erich whispers to the man, "Besides, I'm the kinder one. Her? She'll feed you your own entrails."
ShortOne tries to hold his hands inside the other, which is difficult when you're trying to conceal both hands.
ShortOne whispers (to Erich), "What's an entrail?"
Erich says (to ShortOne), "your guts."
ShortOne looks ill.
Dana pokes Shortone in the stomach with the tip of her knife.  "What I'd find if I pressed right about now..."
Dana asks, "So if you know anything, best to spill that instead, eh?"
ShortOne asks, "Er... what do you want to know?"
Dana asks, "What do you know about the BlueCoat?"
Erich says, "Let's start with the man in blue and go from there."
ShortOne takes a deep breath. "You don't start easy, do you?"
ShortOne says, "The Bluecoat... he runs the operation. The big boss..."
Dana says, "no need to feel guilty that you mentioned him -- you didn't.  you're just filling in some gaps, say... his identity, for a start"
ShortOne asks, "His name?"
ShortOne chokes out, "Bryce Mordigan.
Jemmy exclaims, "ha-ha!"
Dana smiles triumphantly.
Erich says, "Quite the double life he must lead."
Dana says (to ShortOne), "Good job, my runty friend."
ShortOne tries to look relieved.
Erich asks, "And Matthew Travers, the man who was kidnapped?"
ShortOne asks, "What about him?"
Erich says, "We need to find him."
Dana asks, "where is he now?"
Dana asks, "Does Mordigan have him?"
ShortOne nods, "Yeah. He's... wherevere Mordigan keeps people he needs information from."
Jemmy asks, "in his dungeon?"
ShortOne says, "Somewhere on his estate, I think. I'm not exactly sure."
Erich asks, "Mmm. Ever been to his estate?"
ShortOne shakes his head. "I think Manny's the only one who's ever been to Bluecoat's place."
Rob disappears.
Erich says, "Manny?"
ShortOne nods. "Yeah... he's one of the top blackcloak's. Right hand man."
Erich says, "Well."
Erich asks, "What does he look like?"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "(manny was met in the forest)"
ShortOne asks, "Um. Kinda Castillian. Moustache... hey, didn't you see him last night?"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "I don't know if names were exchanged"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "which is tragic because of the nameless sheep"
Erich says, "Was he the one we talked to, then? I never caught his name."
ShortOne nods. "He was on guard last night."
[oneshot] Erich asks, "So did we leave him in the jail, then?"
Dana says, "We had a chat, then"
[oneshot] Dana says, "yes"
Dana says, "He was uncooperative."
Dana looks faintly regretful.
Erich says, "We might have to revisit that little talk."
Dana says, "If he still feels able to speak..."
ShortOne grins, sickly. "He wouldn't betray the Bluecoat, I'm sure of that."
Erich asks, "is there anyone else who might be familiar with Mordigan's estate?"
ShortOne shrugs. "I dunno. He has servants, I think."
Erich asks, "Why is the bluecoat so feared?"
ShortOne says (to Erich), "There are stories about what he can do to people he doesn't like..."
Erich says, "Do tell."
ShortOne says, "They say that half of it doesn't even leave any scars."
ShortOne says, "And that if *that* doesn't work, he starts in on the stuff that *does* leave scars..."
ShortOne shudders.
Erich says, "Sounds unpleasant."
DGlasser disappears through an invisible gap in the MUD. You think you may have heard the sounds of chatting before the gap closed again.
[oneshot] DGlasser has left the channel.
[Crows-Nest] DGlasser has left the channel.
Erich asks (of Dana), "Anything you care to ask?"
Dana says, "No, though it seems wise to keep these with us..."
Dana binds up ShortGuy's hands
Erich says, "So many evil-doers to keep track of."
Jemmy asks, "how often do you see the blue-cloak guy?"
ShortOne says, "Whenever he needs to meet with us."
Jemmy asks, "he comes to you?"
ShortOne says, "Every night, one of the blackcloaks rides out to a spot in the woods."
ShortOne says, "Sometimes, the Bluecoat is there, with instructions. Usually he isn't, and we just go back to the cave."
Jemmy asks, "the same spot?"
ShortOne nods.
Jemmy asks, "where?"
ShortOne motions with his tied hands. "In the woods there, a ways southeast of the town..."
Jemmy says, "hmm"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "(do you guys want to see the spot? I don't care)"
Erich asks (of ShortGuy), "Oh, what is your name and the name of your friend?"
ShortOne says, "I'm Lester. That's Bob."
[oneshot] Erich says, "Hm. Might be able to stake it out and watch for the bluecloak."
Lester grimaces. "Nice to meet you."
[oneshot] Erich says, "Not sure what we'd learn, though."
Erich says, "Likewise."
Erich says (to Jemmy), "Lester and Bob."
Jemmy makes a remembering face.
[oneshot] Lester says, "You'd better find Jemmy a privy I think, quick..."
[oneshot] Dana laughs
[oneshot] Erich says, "Heh."
[oneshot] Erich asks, "So, see bluecoat spot or no see bluecoat spot?"
[oneshot] Dana says, "heh"
[oneshot] Jemmy asks (of GM), "how much time before the appointment?"
[oneshot] Lester says, "It's getting close to three. The appointment's at four."
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "uh, this probably isn't enough time"
[oneshot] Erich says, "Right."
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "ok then"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "(also, anyone know what we'd ask mordigan? "so, how does it feel to be a master criminal?")"
Erich says, "We'll make sure both of you are well cared-for, away from anything that might cut you open or take off a finger."
Lester glances at Dana when he says that.
Dana nods
[oneshot] Erich asks, "Tell him we're looking for Travers, mention that we've heard of a cave outside town we're planning on investigating later tonight?"
Jemmy says (to Lester), "oh, don't worry, she's perfectly nice"
Jemmy says (to Lester), "er, except when she's stabbing people"
Jemmy exclaims, "but that hardly ever happens!"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "mmfm"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "yeah, possibly"
Dana says (to Jemmy), "Not more than a few times a day, right."
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "I *assume* he already knows we've been fighting bandits"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "but perhaps not"
Jemmy exclaims, "back to town!"
Erich glances at ShortOne. "You don't really use that left-hand little finger, do you?"
Erich says, "Only, I'm somewhat out of practice."
Erich says, "and could use some reminding of how such things are done."
Lester asks (of Erich), "Is there a right answer to that question?"
GM says, "So if you set off back to town, you make it to the south gate just after three."
Jemmy exclaims, "just time to get more muffins!"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "(I had muffins this morning, as it happened)"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "(so I guess to logically follow my progress through the afternoon, Jemmy should be requesting a cupcake now)"
Dana asks, "enough time to leave lester behind, perhaps?"
Jemmy says, "oh yeah"
Jemmy says, "well, we have to go there to get the muffins anyway"
[oneshot] Erich asks, "What'd we do with bob?"
[oneshot] GM says, "Last I knew, you were carrying him around, unless you left him in the woods."
[oneshot] Erich says, "I figured I was carrying him, but Dana confused me."
Jemmy exclaims, "to the jail cell!"
[oneshot] Dana says, "sorry"
Jemmy alertly leads the way.
GM says, "At the station, the Sar-- er, Darnell is sitting at his desk."
Jemmy exclaims, "hi!"
Erich says, "We have more gifts for you."
GM says, "He's drinking a cup of coffee, and there's a plate of muffin crumbs nearby."
Jemmy looks shocked and hurt.
GM says, "Manny glares at Lester as you enter. Lester quails."
Darnell asks, "What is this, more of them?"
Jemmy exclaims (at Manny), "hi!"
[oneshot] Jemmy asks, "also, what happened to larry?"
Darnell looks at the group with a begrudging touch of respect.
[oneshot] Jemmy asks, "is he at the jail too? or did we let him go?"
[oneshot] Erich says, "I believe we let him go."
[oneshot] Darnell says, "Last I knew, he was at the Inn."
Erich says (to Manny), "Brought you some friends."
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "ok, just checking"
GM says, "Manny remains silent."
Darnell gets up and gets his keys.
Darnell says, "If you keep this up, we might have to rent you that toher cell, too."
Darnell lets Lester and Bob into the cell, bopping Manny in the head when he tries to rush the door.
Jemmy asks, "can we get a group rate?"
Jemmy thinks.
Jemmy asks (of Darnell), "I don't suppose there's any more muffins?"
Darnell says, "Not here, but Miss Kelly always has plenty of them over at the bakery."
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "(well, I know where I'm going until 4pm)"
[oneshot] Erich asks, "Shall we assume we kill time until our appointment, then?"
[oneshot] Darnell says, "Not too much time left to kill, really. Less than half an hour."
[oneshot] Darnell says, "Enough time to quickly grab a fe muffins, of course. Since you haven't had lunch yet."
Jemmy exclaims, "c'mon, to the muffin store!"
Jemmy alertly dashes out the door.
Dana goes along at a slower pace
GM says (to Jemmy), "Running at a breakneck pace, you find the bakery within mere seconds, the rest of the town fading to a blur as you pass."
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "yay"
Erich says (to Dana), "He is quick."
GM says, "Your nose tells you that there are baked gods within."
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "also, I'm happy to not play out the muffin store bit"
Dana says, "when there are muffins on the line? oh yeah"
[oneshot] Dana says, "awww"
Jemmy says, "mm, tasty deities"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "well, ok"
Jemmy goes inside.
Jemmy looks around for muffins.
GM says, "And by the time Dana et al. catch up, you have exited the store with your new purchases."
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "hee hee"
Jemmy exclaims, "look! muffins!"
Jemmy says, "maybe mister mordigan will want some too"
Jemmy starts walking towards the manor, eating a muffin.
GM says, "You get to the manor in plenty of time for the appointment. Tree-ined lane, big house, etc."
[oneshot] Jemmy asks, "are there any other houses around?"
Erich pulls Jemmy and Dana aside before they reach the house. "We should decide what tack to take with Mordigan."
[oneshot] GM says, "There are a couple outbuildings visible through the trees, one vaguely northish of the manor and one southwestish."
[oneshot] Jemmy asks, "but other things not associated with the manor? ie, neighbors?"
Dana says, "true... hrm.  we need to find out where the hostage is"
Dana says, "but direct confrontation won't reveal that... ideal would be if we could get to look around the place by ourselves"
Jemmy exclaims, "we'll have to sneak back here under cover of darkness!"
Dana says (to Jemmy), "possibly, possibly"
Jemmy asks, "but how can we throw him off the scent?"
Dana says, "In a sheep suit, perhas"
Jemmy thinks.
Jemmy asks, "what would our name be when wearing the suit?"
Erich says, "I would settle for unsettling him a little, and perhaps leading him to think we will be somewhere other than in town tonight."
Dana asks, "claim we're going to raid the bandits, say?"
Erich says, "Certainly."
Jemmy thinks.
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "hrm"
[oneshot] Jemmy asks, "so what if he, say, doesn't know we've been attacking bandits? is there any better strategy to follow?"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "I guess I'm not thinking of anything, so onwards"
[oneshot] Erich says, "Well, we can tell him that we're looking for a kidnapped man, and that we think he may have been spirited away by local bandits."
[oneshot] Erich says, "and that we intend on heading for the bandit hideout in a cave in the hills here in a bit."
[oneshot] Jemmy asks, "how will we say we found out where the hideout is?"
[oneshot] Erich asks, "following a bandit, maybe?"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "hrm, ok"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "we can definitely say we were attacked as we came into town, and, I dunno, maybe spotted one"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "hrm"
[oneshot] Erich asks, "I think that would work. Dana, any comments?"
[oneshot] Dana says, "I'm fine with thtat"
[oneshot] Dana says, "er, that"
GM says, "It's at least four o'clock by now."
Jemmy heads up to the manor and knocks on the door.
Erich joins Jemmy.
GM says, "After a short wait, the door opens."
Edouard asks, "Yes?"
Edouard looks over Erich and Jemmy.
Jemmy exclaims, "hi!"
Jemmy says, "we're here for our appointment"
Dana pushes to the fore.  "We had an appointment with Mr. Mordigan."
Erich says, "We have an appointment to see Herr Mordigan."
Edouard nods, "Ah, yes. The master is expecting you."
Edouard says, "Please, come this way."
Erich follows Edouard, trying very hard not to brush up against anything and knock it over.
Dana follows, keeping an eye on her surroundigns
GM says, "The butler leads you through the large hall to the door in the west wall, which opens into a hallway."
Jemmy follows, almost tripping over a side-table.
GM says, "The hallway has several doors off of it; you're near the north end. He opens a door almost directly across from the one you came through."
GM says, "This door leads inbto a pleasantly-appointed drawing room. There's a comfy and somewhat worn couch under the windows in the north wall, and a loveseat in the southeast corner."
Jemmy walks over to look out the window.
GM says, "There's a boar's head trophy hanging on one wall, a coat of arms over the fireplace, and a liquor cabinet in the corner. The air smells faintly of cigars."
Edouard says, "I will inform the master that you have arrive."
Dana mutters something about Mordigan being a man's man
Edouard exits, closing the door behind him.
Erich eyes the trophy speculatively.
GM says (to Jemmy), "Through the windows, you see mostly woods."
[oneshot] Erich asks, "Wooden woods?"
GM says (to Erich), "It's a pretty big boar. Decent fangs."
Jemmy looks to see how far to the ground it is.
[oneshot] GM says, "No, plastic ones."
Jemmy also checks out the lock on the window.
[oneshot] GM says, "We used up all the budget on the spacious hall at the entry."
GM says (to Jemmy), "The window is, in fact, open."
GM says, "And it's on the ground level."
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "(but is there a lock to close it?)"
[oneshot] GM says, "Yes."
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "hmm"
Erich walks over to Jemmy. "Thinking of being able to return here later?"
Dana asks, "Perhaps of exploring now... does Mordigan expect three of us?"
Dana says, "I suppose he would, though..."
Dana sighs
Jemmy exclaims, "it's a nice window!"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "(also, are these the se woods?)"
[oneshot] GM says, "The window looks to the north."
[oneshot] Erich asks, "How hard would it be to make this window unlockable but not in such a way as to arouse suspicion?"
[oneshot] GM says (to Erich), "Hmm. Try Wits."
[7thsea] Erich rolls 3k3: 10+7 5 10+7 | 39
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "not bad"
[oneshot] GM says, "Oh, it'd be a piece of cake. Just loosen that third screw, and they won't even realize the latch doesn't hoild."
Erich makes sure Edouard hasn't returned, then fiddles with the lock on the window.
GM says, "You hear footsteps from the corridor or thereabouts."
Erich murmurs, "We should be able to come back through this window, if we have to."
Jemmy looks around alertly as Erich is doing that.
GM says, "The door swings open, and a dashing gentleman strides in."
Mordigan says, "Well, it's a pleasure to finally meet you."
[oneshot] Jemmy exclaims, "hey, I'm the dashing one!"
Mordigan says, "When I heard there were Explorers in town, I did hope I'd have a chance to say hello."
Mordigan smiles.
Mordigan says, "But excuse me; I'm forgetting my manners. My name is Bryce Mordigan."
Mordigan says (to Dana), "But you can call me 'Bryce'."
Dana smiles a little coldly
Jemmy exclaims, "hi!"
Dana says, "A pleasure to meet you as well," as though digging up the words from some paleolithic layer of her mind."
Mordigan appears early middle aged, with bushy black hair and a similar moustache.
Erich nods politely at Mordigan. "Good afternoon," he rumbles.
Mordigan smiles, walking over to the liquor cabinet. "Can I get any of you a drink? A cigar, perhaps?"
Jemmy exclaims, "thanks, but I've got a muffin already!"
Dana says, "I would take a drink, if it's no trouble."
Mordigan asks (of Dana), "What is your preference?"
Mordigan pours himself a March whiskey.
Dana says, "Whiskey, please"
[oneshot] Jemmy asks, "did we ever get a physical description of travers?"
Mordigan serves Dana, and gestures to the comfortable seats. "Please, make yourself comfortable."
Erich eases his weight down gently.
Jemmy sits on a seat, fidgeting.
Mordigan asks, "You're here in town to see about Mr., hmmm... Travers, I think it is?"
Dana says, "That's right."
Dana says, "Some people were disturbed by his loss."
Dana takes a sip of her whiskey
Erich sits back, looking a bit dumb.
Mordigan nods, "Mmm. Is there anything at all I can do to help you?"
Dana says, "We had originally hoped to ask you for-- any information you might have about his friends and enemies, his social position."
Dana says, "A man like you is in a position to know a great deal about what happens in a town like this."
Mordigan nods. "Ah." He looks thoughtful.
Mordigan gestures with his glass. "I must admit, I didn't know him well personally, but I heard he worked with some sort of ancient artifacts, yes?"
Dana asks, "Yes, that's right.  Do you know anything about the items involved?"
Mordigan asks (of Dana), "No. Did he have any here with him?"
Dana smiles a little dismissively.  "There weren't any when we searched his house.
Mordigan says, "Hrm. I am pained to say this, but there are a great many men of means who would very much like to own items such as those. Men who would be willing to go to great lengths to acquire them."
Erich asks, "They powerful or somefing?"
Mordigan glances toward the window. "Particularly to the north, things are less... civilized, than near here. I would not put it past a powerful lord to make arrangements to have anything Travers was working on stolen, the man himself killed..."
Dana asks, "An arrangement with men for hire? Unscrupulous men?"
Dana looks as though she'd already expected as much.
Jemmy, meanwhile, looks shocked.
Jemmy asks, "*killed*?"
Mordigan nods, "It's true. But it is probably best not to dwell on such things."
Mordigan says, "If this is the doing of a distant despotic noble, there is little chance of recovering anything."
Erich nods, but looks confused.
Mordigan takes a cigar from the cabinet. "Do you smoke?"
Dana says, "Unless the goods have not already reached this person... we'd had some dealings -- or rather, I should say, some dealings were nearly had with us -- by some bandits outside the town."
Dana says (to Mordigan), "I generally prefer chewing tobacco, but..."
Erich says (to Mordigan), "Sure. Wouldn't mind a good smoke."
Mordigan asks (of Dana), "The ravens?"
Mordigan fetches cigars for Dana and Erich, and lights his own at the fireplace.
Dana says (to Mordigan), "Right.  Folks in black cloaks.  Rather unpleasantly set on collecting toll."
Erich says, "Took care of 'em."
Dana bites the end of her cigar fiercely.
Mordigan nods. "Mmm. I've heard of them. Rather a blight on the community, although generally of little actual danger."
Dana smirks.  "They're not much of a fighting unit, I'll admit," she says.  "Easily overpowered, no discipline..."
Mordigan nods. "But yet you think them connected with this?"
Erich says, "Heads bonk good, though."
Mordigan sits down, obviously interested in this theory.
Dana says, "In any case... they seem nonetheless able to overcome an old man who wasn't expecting them, and I very much fear that they are the intermediaries for whatever dispicable person wished to rob Travers."
Mordigan says, "My. Do tell."
Erich says, "They might be goons fer hire."
Erich shrugs. "Wave money under their nose, they come running, I bet."
Dana says, "There was a witness who saw some men leaving his house. They were wearing black cloaks."
Dana says, "So... having done a little scouting around, I believe we know where they will be tonight.  And it may be worth having a closer look thereabouts."
Mordigan nods, "Excellent! Well done."
Mordigan leans in, conspiratorily. "This is all quite fascinating.
Dana asks, "and you yourself... you have no clearer notion of who might be behind this?"
Dana pauses to listen to what Mordigan would say
Mordigan looks at Dana. "Mmm. You said they're the intermediaries for someone else?"
Mordigan puffs thoughtfully at his cigar.
Dana asks (of Mordigan), "Unless they want the artifacts for themselves... but how probable is that?"
Erich's eyes widen, as if a sudden thought has made its way slowly to the forefront of his mind. "You might of heard if someone was asking around for artifacts, bing a hob among nobs."
Mordigan says, "Hmm. It's possible. I certainly can't think of anyone near here who would do such a thing, aside from those good-for-nothing scoundrels."
Mordigan asks, "Well. Lor-- this is all quite confidential, yes?"
Dana exclaims, "Of course!"
Erich nods vigorously.
Mordigan says, "Lord Grensel, of Grenselloch -- very old family, you know the sort -- he has always been quite keen on old things..."
Mordigan frowns. "But I wouldn't think he'd be one to throw his lot in with common criminals."
Mordigan exclaims, "Oh, perhaps he might hire someone to hire them!"
Dana says, "rings within rings, sir"
Mordigan asks, "This is all quite stimulating! Do you do this sort of thing all the time?"
Dana says, "your mind is truly cunning..."
Dana says, "<dryly> oh, constantly."
Mordigan asks, "So, how do you plan to catch these bandits? In the act, maybe?"
Dana says, "if we find the goods before they have a chance to move them..."
Erich says, "Or maybe they've hidden Travers somewhere and they'll lead us to 'im."
Mordigan "So do you really think they'll be someone near town, still?
Dana says, "nearby, yes, I think so.  If not, perhaps we can at least find evidence"
Dana says, "it's worth a try"
Jemmy exclaims, "we can track them to their lairs!"
Jemmy says, "er, or just one lair."
Erich asks, "Say, you seen this Lord... uh... Gresnel? around lately?"
Mordigan says (to Erich), "Not since, oh... Secundus..."
Erich begins counting on his fingers, then gives up. "Oh."
Mordigan says, "That was when I held a small dinner party, for a few of the local people of import. He didn't really get along so well with the other guests, I must admit."
Dana says, "Interesting"
Dana asks, "So he is a friend of yours... of a sort?"
Mordigan shrugs. "We travel in some of the same circle.s"
Dana says, "Well..."
Dana looks regretfully at her fading cigar
Mordigan asks, "Oh, dreadfully sorry, I should be more attentive. Would you like me to refresh that?"
Dana says, "No, I was just thinking that we are taking a good deal of your valuable time."
Mordigan says, "This whole game with the artifacts and the bandits and so forth has been so interesting, I hardly noticed."
Dana says, "Though it has been most enlightening..."
Erich says, "Them bandits won't think it's a game."
Erich grins happily.
Mordigan smiles. "Indeed. I hope we have many opportunities to speak again."
Mordigan grins, and chucks Erich on the shoulder. "That's the spirit!"
Mordigan asks, "Well, good luck, good luck. Let me know how it all turns out, then, won't you?"
Jemmy exclaims, "you bet!"
Erich nods.
Mordigan smiles, "Wonderful, just wonderful." At that same moment, Edouard opens the door and steps in.
Mordigan says, "Well, Edouard can show you out, I'm sure you'll be kept quite busy handling matters with these bandits and all."
Dana says, "Thanks again for your time"
Erich stands, eyeing the seat to make sure it hasn't collapsed.
Dana allows Edouard to show her to the door.
Mordigan smiles at Dan. "It was my pleasure!"
Edouard shows you back the way you came in, to the main exit.
Dana shakes her head slightly as she goes.
Jemmy waves as he goes out.
Erich trods as lightly as he knows how through the hallway and out the door.
GM says, "As you step outside, it's still light out, but sunset is likely to be approaching in a half hour or so."
Dana says, "Just time for dinner, I think"
Jemmy asks, "now what?"
Dana says, "and perhaps a nap before we return"
Erich says, "And maybe a chance to look at those -- items."
Jemmy says, "oh boy"
Dana says, "how easily I forget the items"
Erich says, "He wasn't very informative."
Dana says, "No.  The main thing was that we have a route back in"
Erich nods. "I don't think they'll notice that loose hinge.
[oneshot] Erich says, "...or the missing double-quote from my statement."
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "hee hee"
[oneshot] Erich asks, "Back to the inn, then?"
[oneshot] Dana says, "right"
[oneshot] Erich says, "Mmm, sausages."
GM says, "As you get to the Inn, the dinnertime rush is in full swing."
Jemmy waves to Margaret
GM says, "People are gathered in groups, heartily eatily and talking with each other. Mr. Morton is behind the bar, and Margaret is hurry back and forth keeping the tables filled."
Margaret waves at Jemmy, as she bustles off in one direction or another.
Dana has a seat
[oneshot] Dana asks, "is there any reason not to fast forward to looking at artifacts?"
Erich sits by Dana.
Margaret eventually finds time to make it back to your table. "Hi! I didn't see you at lunch today."
Jemmy exclaims, "I had muffins instead!"
[oneshot] Erich says, "No, unless missing muffin rp-ing has left Jemmy unsatisfied."
Margaret asks, "Miss Kelly's muffins?"
Jemmy says, "they're good"
Jemmy says, "mm"
Dana rolls her eyes
Margaret says, "She's the one who bakes all our bread, too."
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "(uh, right, we can skip)"
GM says, "So the group of you enjoy a nice dinner of stew and bread. And no mutton."
GM says, "Instead there's ham today. Oh, and of course some cheese. And ale."
Dana says, "I'll take a double ration of everything.  Especially the cheese."
GM says, "And so everyone eats until they're satisfied, or until they run out of money, or whatever it takes."
Erich doesn't eat his weight in food, but not from lack of trying.
Dana belches dramatically to indicate satisfaction.
Jemmy is mostly full from muffins earlier and only picks at it.
[7thsea] Trent has joined the channel.
[oneshot] GM idly wonders how the heck many muffins he bought...
[oneshot] Erich says, "One. But it was Very Big."
[oneshot] Dana says, "all the muffins had names too"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "well, I had to buy a wheelbarrow to carry them"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "(incidentally, how are we doing on time here?)"
[oneshot] GM asks, "IC or OOC?"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "OOC"
[oneshot] Erich says, "I'm good for a bit."
[oneshot] Dana says, "me too"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "I am of course three hours behind, but I'm going to eat dinner here instead of waiting to go out if we're going to be going for a while"
[oneshot] Erich says, "I wouldn't mind if we were done in an hour or so."
Erich, once everyone has gathered in one room, upends the sack and dumps out the items.
Jemmy grabs for the sword.
GM says, "A silver bracelet, a black rod with a silver knob on the end, a reddish gold ring, a jewelled dagger, and an ivory sword hilt tumble out."
Jemmy says, "wait, this is more"
Erich says, "Those two are new."
Dana picks up the bracelet thoughtfully
Dana says, "pretty"
Jemmy looks with surprise at Dana.
GM says, "A shell pattern decorates it."
Dana asks, "Is it a magic sack?"
Erich says, "With any luck you'd still have your hand attached if you put it on."
Jemmy meanwhile is waving the sword hilt around a bit.
Dana says (to Jemmy), "I meant as an appraiser of merchandise."
Dana sets the bracelet down again, making it clear she's not the type to wear any such thing herself.
Jemmy points it at the door, and says "ok, Chel Fa Nir!"
Dana stands well back
GM says, "A thin blade leaps out, white but otherwise resembling steel."
Jemmy exclaims, "cool!"
Jemmy waves it around a bit also.
Erich eyes the blade, keeping well clear of its waving.
GM says, "It feels nice. Very nice."
Jemmy says "Chel Fa Nir!" again, to see if it goes away.
GM says, "It does not."
Jemmy says, "uh .."
Erich says, "Perhaps you must say '!rin af lehc!'"
Jemmy exclaims, "yeah, or nir fa chel!"
Dana says (to Jemmy), "you seem to have let the cat rather permanently out of the bag"
Jemmy says, "I thought Erich took it out of the bag"
Erich laughs. "Indeed."
Dana says (to Jemmy), "Figure of speech."
Jemmy says, "hrm"
Erich says, "See if there is something to twist, or runes other than its name on its side."
Jemmy tries to remember if Travers' notes said anything about this.
Jemmy says, "good idea"
Dana says (to Erich), "You know, he's perversely endearing.  Sort of like a particularly obedient horse."
Jemmy looks at the hilt.
GM says (to Jemmy), "It's possible. You'd have to consult the notes."
Erich, meanwhile, picks up the black rod. "Might as well confirm Travis's notes."
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "(who had the notes?)"
Erich peers at the rod, careful to avoid the light end.
GM says (to Erich), "There's a silver knob on the far end, and a silver band around the near end."
Erich moves the band up the rod.
[oneshot] Erich says, "My, this can't help but SD, especially once I start twisting on the rod."
GM says, "As you do, the round knob begins to glow, with increasing strength."
[oneshot] Dana says, "heh"
Erich pushes the ring all the way forward.
GM says, "The light is roughly silvery white in color. When the band is at the far end, it's quite bright, and it's unpleasant to stare into the light directly."
Erich turns the ring.
GM says, "The light slowly shades to violet as you start turning it."
Erich tugs on the knob, to see if it moves.
GM says, "It can still slide back up the rod, and it can also turn further."
[oneshot] GM asks, "Meanwhile, is Jemmy doing anything else to the sword, or just swinging it around?"
[oneshot] Erich asks, "Er, the knob moves as well as the ring?"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "um, I'm looking at the hilt for other runes, I guess"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "and if not, looking around for where we left the notes on the artifacts"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "I seem to recall one controls intensity and the other color"
[oneshot] GM says (to Jemmy), "Just the three -- http://www.tiac.net/users/jota/runes-handle.jpg"
[oneshot] GM says, "And presumably you can find the notes, if you want. Under the table, perhaps."
[oneshot] GM says (to Erich), "Oh, whoops, sorry."
[oneshot] Erich says, "I had written down that the ring moves up and down to control intensity, and turns to control color."
GM says, "The knob does not move."
Erich resets the ring, turning off the rod.
GM says, "It returns to normal."
Jemmy looks through the notes to see if they say anything about turning off the sword.
[oneshot] GM says, "But it'd be difficult to flip through the notes while holding a sword in your hands."
Erich picks up the ring to look at it.
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "uh, yeah, good point"
Jemmy sets down the sword on the table.
GM says (to Jemmy), "As it leaves your hand, the blade vanishes."
GM says (to Erich), "It is reddish gold, and has a cross-hatch pattern around it."
Jemmy exclaims, "cooL!"
[oneshot] GM says, "Do you still want to look that up? ;)"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "(that'll do nicely)"
Erich says, "I do hope I don't regret this."
Erich slides on the ring.
GM says, "You hands feel warm."
GM says, "Not unpleasantly so."
Erich waves his hands around. "Well. I won't be carrying snow while wearing this."
Erich says, "Too bad I can't throw fireballs with this."
Dana asks, "Anyone have any idea why our stuff multiplied in transit?"
Dana looks at the bracelet again
Erich removes the ring.
GM says (to Dana), "It's nice. Possibly Vodacce in design."
Dana goes ahead and tries the bracelet on
Dana says, "no one laugh"
GM says (to Erich), "The warmth wears off."
GM says (to Dana), "It fits nicely."
Jemmy says, "well"
Dana asks (of GM), "no weird effects?"
GM says, "Nothing noticable."
Dana waves her arm around, counts to make sure she has the usual number of fingers, etc.
GM says, "It's hard to count while you're waving your arm, but they all seem to be there."
Dana takes the bracelet off again a little regretfully.
Dana says, "Silly stuff."
[oneshot] GM says, "(And there's also a dagger, to make five items total)"
Dana picks up the dagger
Dana says, "Now this is something a person could use..."
GM says, "It's set with several red stones, possibly rubies."
Dana tries pressing the stones.
GM says, "One in the pommel, and two by the crossguard, one on either side."
GM says, "They get smudged slightly, but nothing else odd happens."
Erich picks up the bracelent and turns it over in his hands.
GM says (to Erich), "You can roll Syrneth Lore if you like."
GM says, "With Wits."
[7thsea] Erich rolls 5k3: 6 9 1 5 9 | 24
Erich says, "This...looks wrong."
Jemmy asks, "wrong?"
Erich says, "Unlike Syrneth artifacts, I mean."
Jemmy says, "well, perhaps it's not one"
Erich eyes it again. "Vodacce, maybe. Or Crescent."
Dana says, "hmm"
Dana asks, "No chance it was already in the bag when we picked it up?"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "(I mean, entirely possible it's just some other expensive jewelry they robbed from people, yes? could we ask police about it?)"
[oneshot] GM says, "Just so Dana doesn't go crazy, I should remind you that it was there on the table with the artifacts in the bandit hideout."
[oneshot] Dana says, "ah okay"
[oneshot] Erich says, "Aha."
Dana says, "we can see if we can find the owners, and if not..."
Jemmy asks, "ooh, can we keep them?"
Dana says, "perhaps Lydia would like the pretty bracelet"
Dana says, "she seems the type"
Dana asks, "in any case... I'm for a nap, perhaps, and then a visit to Mordigan's?"
Jemmy exclaims, "ok!"
GM says, "It's around seven thirty or perhaps eight o'clock right now."
Erich says, "That sounds good."
GM says, "Crickets chirp somewhere outside."
Dana saws logs
GM says, "Time passes."
GM says, "The moon rises, and the stars cross the sky."
Dana wakes, stretches, puts on her darkest clothing, and creeps out
GM says, "You find the main entrance to the Inn latched, but it's an easy matter to unlatch the door."
Erich is waiting outside, fiddling with the fire ring.
GM says, "No one is about downstairs."
GM says, "It's slightly chilly out."
Dana asks (of Erich), "Jemmy awake?"
Dana asks, "or is he sleeping off his muffin diet?"
GM says (to Erich), "You notice that the chill goes away when you're wearing the ring."
Erich says, "He said he'd be down shortly."
Jemmy wakes up eventually and hurries down.
GM says, "It is perhaps midnight."
Jemmy has the sword hilt tucked in his belt.
Erich says, "That portable torch might be useful."
Erich says, "Though what the Explorer's Guild would think of us actually *using* these artifacts..."
Dana says, "no one has to mention it to them"
Erich asks, "Did either of you happen to bring that rod?"
Dana says, "Right here."
Jemmy exclaims, "right here! and the bracelet and the dagger!"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "(er, whoops)"
Dana has taken the dagger too, you notice.
[oneshot] Dana says, "laggggg"
Erich smiles. "Everyone gets a priceless artifact to play with."
Jemmy thinks. "Well, I *thought* I had it"
Jemmy says, "perhaps I confused it with a muffin"
Dana says (to Jemmy), "easily done"
Erich asks, "Shall we?"
Jemmy exclaims, "let's go!"
GM says, "As you pass the darkened street, you notice that most buildings are also dark, although there is a light at the police station."
Jemmy peeks over to look in the window.
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "er, s/peek/sneak/"
GM says (to Jemmy), "You see Jase, drinking coffee, and looking like he's trying to wake up."
GM says (to Jemmy), "Roll Stealth."
GM says, "That'd be 5k3, if you're not sure."
[7thsea] Jemmy rolls 5k3: 10+8 3 10+9 6 3 | 43
GM says, "Jase doesn't notice you."
Jemmy waves and then sneaks back.
[oneshot] Erich says (to Jemmy), "You could creep in there, steal all his muffins, and be out without him ever noticing with that roll."
[oneshot] Jemmy asks, "hmm. is it dangerous to steal a police officer's muffins?"
GM says, "Eventually, you make it to the entryway to Mordigan's estate."
GM says, "Tree-lined lane, the whole bit."
Dana scouts about for sign of guards
Erich moves quietly from shadow to shadow, looking for the window.
GM says (to Dana), "If you like, you can try a Perception."
[7thsea] Dana rolls 3k3: 7 1 8 | 16
GM asks (of Erich), "Are you ignoring other windows and just looking for the one?"
GM says (to Dana), "You don't see anything significant."
Erich says, "Oh, ignoring nothing. I'll look in and see what I can see."
GM says (to Erich), "The windows on either side of the main double doors look into the main hall."
GM says, "There isn't anyone moving around in there, and it doesn't look like these windows are often opened."
GM says, "Assuming you're heading north, you find more windows looking in there on that side, and then (after a bit of empty wall), you find the windows for the drawing room."
[oneshot] GM says, "I can paste a map of what you've seen so far, if you like."
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "sure, if it'd help"
[oneshot] Erich says, "Sure."
[oneshot] GM |  |-=**=-----==--|
[oneshot] GM |  |      |<|     |
[oneshot] GM |  =      + +     *
[oneshot] GM |  +      | |     |
[oneshot] GM |  +      | |--+--|
[oneshot] GM |  =      | +
[oneshot] GM |  |      | +
[oneshot] GM |  |--++--| |
[oneshot] GM |  |      | |
[oneshot] GM |  |      |+|
[oneshot] GM |  |
[oneshot] GM |  |-
[oneshot] GM says, "| and - are walls, + are doors, = are windows, * are fireplaces, and < are stairs leading up."
[oneshot] GM says, "The big space in the upper left is the main hall; the space in the upper right is the drawing room."
[oneshot] Dana says, "ah"
[oneshot] Jemmy asks, "so the == is the jimmied window?"
[oneshot] GM says, "Right."
Jemmy peeks in through the window.
GM says, "It's dark in there. The fire is out."
Erich scouts on around the building, making sure no one else is around.
GM says (to Erich), "As you go around the northeast corner, you discover that the building is horsehoe-shaped."
GM says, "There's a three-walled patio with a fountain just south of where the drawing room is."
Dana says, "schmancy""
GM says, "There are no windows on this side of the building, but you can contiune around the southeast corner, or look around the patio if you like."
Erich glances around the patio.
GM says (to Erich), "There are double doors leading inside to the west, and a door lead (presumably) into the drawing room, north."
GM says, "There is also a balcony on the second story, above the drawing room."
[oneshot] GM says, "All of you should probably roll a general Stealth while wandering around out here."
[7thsea] Dana rolls 5k3: 4 3 2 2 1 | 9
[oneshot] Dana says, "urp"
[oneshot] Dana says, "drama die, I think"
[7thsea] Dana rolls 1 die: 7
[7thsea] Erich rolls 5k3: 3 2 4 6 5 | 15
[oneshot] GM asks, "Jemmy?"
[7thsea] Jemmy rolls 5k3: 7 8 6 4 9 | 24
[oneshot] GM nods, "OK, continue."
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "man, quit making so much noise, guys"
[oneshot] Dana says, "pthbbt"
[oneshot] Erich says (to Dana), "That's just the kind of thing he's talking about there"
Dana is inclined to see whether they can get through the window
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "hee hee"
Erich nods and moves back to the jemmy'd -- er, jimmied -- window.
GM says, "It opens easily. You could all fit without trouble, except for Erich."
GM says, "Who could fit, but with enough trouble to have to roll Climbing."
[oneshot] Erich asks, "That brawn or finesse?"
GM says, "(In this case, a failed Climbing roll would mean having to roll Stealth again)"
[oneshot] GM says, "Finesse."
[oneshot] Erich asks, "What's my TN?"
[oneshot] GM says, "20"
[oneshot] GM says, "It's not hard to get in; it's just hard to get in without making noise."
[oneshot] Erich says, "Sure."
Erich says, "Shall I go first? If I'm too noisy, we may have to run."
Dana says, "go ahead"
[7thsea] Erich rolls 6k3: 6 3 3 1 4 9 | 19
[oneshot] GM says (to Erich), "You'll have to manage a Stealth roll to catch yourself."
[7thsea] Erich rolls 5k3: 2 10+2 7 8 3 | 27
Erich says, "...fff"
GM says (to Erich), "It is Dark in here."
Erich pokes his head back out the window. "Not too graceful, but I'm in."
GM says, "You are likely to be eaten by a grue."
Dana climbs in as well.
Jemmy scrambles in after Erich.
Dana looks around and blows the dust lightly from her hands
GM says (to Dana), "It is, as Erich noticed, dark."
Dana says, "(who has the rod again? Erich?)"
Erich says (to Dana), "Now would be a good time to employ the rod."
[oneshot] Erich asks, "You did, right?"
Dana hands the rod to Erich, since she's not sure how to employ it herself
[oneshot] Dana says, "I thought I might've given it to you earlier"
[oneshot] Dana says, "now I have, though"
Erich slides the ring up enough to give a dim light, showing the others how it works.
[oneshot] GM says, "Clearly Dana is too ladylike to do the sorts of things necessary to activate it."
GM says, "The room is illuminated, and looks largely like it did earlier."
[oneshot] Dana says, "never play with a-- nah"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "my"
GM says, "Aside from the fireplace being cold and the liquor cabinet being again locked."
Dana wouldn't've minded another whiskey
Jemmy asks, "now what?"
GM says, "There are doors south and west."
Erich pauses by each door, listening carefully.
GM says, "You may roll Perception, if you like."
Jemmy helps listen also.
[7thsea] Jemmy rolls 3k3: 6 5 9 | 20
Dana too
[7thsea] Dana rolls 3k3: 2 7 7 | 16
[7thsea] Erich rolls 4k3: 9 7 1 1 | 17
GM says, "Nothing in particular."
GM says, "Except you do find yourselves rather pressed up against each other, all trying to have an ear to the door."
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "hee hee"
[oneshot] Dana exclaims, "wooho-- I mean, ugh!"
Dana takes a step back
[oneshot] Erich says, "Hey! Get your hand off my ro--er."
[oneshot] GM laughs.
[oneshot] Dana would cough meaningfully if we weren't all being stealthy
[oneshot] GM asks, "Turn your head, too?"
Dana asks, "So what do we think? investigate here, or upstairs?"
[oneshot] Dana says, "maybe"
Erich asks, "There's no downstairs, right?"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "snrk"
[oneshot] Jemmy says (to GM), "no, no, turn the *ring*"
Dana says, "not that I could see"
Jemmy thinks. "There might be a cellar"
Dana tries the door south
GM asks (of Dana), "Locked, although from the inside. Do you unlock it?"
Dana says, "sure"
GM says, "It opens onto the patio. You can hear the fountain much more clearly with the door open."
Dana says, "hmm, not quite what I wanted."
Dana closes the door carefully and tries the west one.
GM says, "It opens into the hallway."
Erich slides into the hallway, looking around.
GM says, "You're in the north part of the corridor, which turns into stairs at the end. Almost directly across from you is the door leading into the large hall."
GM says, "Further south, about halfway, are double doors which probably also lead into the patio, and there's another door at the far south end."
Jemmy says, "hmm"
Erich moves to the far south door.
Dana follows stealthily
Erich listens at it, making sure the others aren't crowding around it first.
GM says (to Erich), "It's unlocked, and leads into an alcove which is part of another room."
GM says, "In the alcove, three doors lead in different directions: north (the one you just came through), west, and south (which has a window in it."
GM says, "To east, the alcove opens up into a kitchen."
Erich glances through the window in the south door.
GM says, "It looks outside."
Dana follows and looks into the kitchen
[oneshot] GM says, "If you need any help navigating, I can repaste the (updated) map whenever you ask."
Dana says, "if there's a cellar, it might be hereabouts..."
GM says, "The kitchen appears well equipped. There's a broad counter along the south wall, under the windows."
GM says, "Er, strike that. There's a large fireplace to south."
GM says, "And there's a basin on the east wall. Long tables stretch north-south across the room."
Jemmy looks around for stairs down.
GM says, "The north wall is mostly covered in tall, floor-to-ceiling cabinets."
GM says (to Jemmy), "There's no obvious stairwell."
Jemmy says, "hrm"
GM says, "Probably about time for another Stealth roll."
[7thsea] Erich rolls 5k3: 6 7 1 1 7 | 20
[7thsea] Jemmy rolls 5k3: 1 2 7 5 10+7 | 29
[7thsea] Dana rolls  5k3: 4 4 5 7 3 | 16
GM says (to Jemmy), "If you're doing an actual serach, you can try Perception, if you like."
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "uh, sure"
[7thsea] Jemmy rolls 3k3: 5 8 4 | 17
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "save vs kitchen"
GM says, "Hmm. Dust under the tables... a ring around the basin..."
[oneshot] Erich says, "Or choke on your muffin and die."
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "whuh-oh"
[oneshot] Jemmy asks, "that was that spatch game, right?"
GM says, "Ashes in the fireplace, looks like it was used recently. Four cabinets in the north wall, big enough to hide in, all generally to the west end of the wall."
[oneshot] Erich says, "Choke on the Muffin and Die: Jemmy's Tragic Life."
GM says, "But the first one you open has shelves, so you probably couldn't."
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "YM "behind the music""
Erich checks the door to the west of the alcove.
GM says (to Erich), "It leads into a dining room."
GM says, "Long table with nice chairs. China cabinet in the northwest corner."
GM says, "Double doors lead north."
GM says, "Fireplace, windows."
Jemmy shrugs.
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "ok, hrm"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "presumably none of these rooms have the guy"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "he'd be, what, either in a guest bedroom or a different building or a cellar or something"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "or in a secret room, I guess"
[oneshot] Erich says, "Yeah."
GM says, "I should remind you, of course, that it's still fairly dim in most of these rooms, assuming you haven't turned up the rod without telling me."
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "so either we should be searching for secret rooms or trying to get upstairs or something"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "it seems like he wouldn't be torturing people in the house, though"
[oneshot] Dana asks, "yeah, I'm surprised there's no downstairs... we didn't see any outbuildings?"
[oneshot] GM asks, "Did everyone move into the dining room, or are people hanging out in the kitchen?"
[oneshot] Dana says, "dining"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "we're all staying together, I assume"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "we did see outbuildings, I thought"
[oneshot] Erich says, "As Jemmy said."
[oneshot] Dana says, "I'd investigate that, then"
[oneshot] Dana says, "it seems safer and more probable than upstairs..."
[oneshot] Erich says, "I agree."
Dana heads back outside
Jemmy follows.
Erich leaves the building.
GM asks, "Which way?"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "(don't forget to relock the door)"
[oneshot] Dana says, "Erich Has Left The Building"
[oneshot] Erich says, "Yes indeedy."
GM asks, "The kitchen door, the patio door, or the window?"
[oneshot] Dana says (to GM), "um... towards outbuildings... ah"
[oneshot] Dana says, "kitchen I suppose"
[oneshot] GM says, "There was one north of the house and one southwest."
GM says, "OK. You slip out the door, locking it behind you."
GM says, "Peering through the trees, you are entirely unable to make out any other buildings to the southwest."
GM says, "But then, it is the middle of the night."
Dana creeps around the building
[oneshot] Dana says, "(still looking for more outbuildings)"
[oneshot] Erich says, "You should have gone before we left the inn."
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "hee hee"
[oneshot] Dana says, "ptah"
[oneshot] GM says, "Well, I should note that it's dark enough that you can't see more than a half dozen yards in front of you."
[oneshot] GM says, "Less, with all the trees around."
[oneshot] Dana asks, "does anyone remember where they were?"
[oneshot] Jemmy asks, "can we go to the one to the sw we remember?"
[oneshot] GM says, "Sure. You ahve a general idea of where it was."
[oneshot] Erich says, "Let's go, then."
Dana lets the others lead
GM says, "You pick your way through the woods, stumbling after a bit onto a path that was someone hidden by the night."
GM says, "It leads you to a smaller house, in a simpler style than the manor."
GM says, "There is a door in the front, and a few windows."
Dana peeks through the windows
Erich creeps up to the windows.
GM says, "The ones nearest the door peer into a cozy living room."
GM says, "It is currently unoccupied."
Dana says, "shall we? <gesturing at door>"
Jemmy shrugs.
Dana tries the door gently
GM says, "(And of course, there are other windows if you so chose)"
GM says (to Dana), "It is locked."
Dana says, "Figures."
Dana says, "Let's check the other windows..."
Dana looks through another
GM has disconnected.
Erich picks a different window.
[oneshot] Dana says, "no point in breaking in if this is where his mother-in-law lives or something"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "mmhmm"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "mrf"
GM has connected.
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "(trying another window)"
[oneshot] Erich asks, "How much longer shall we play?"
GM says, "Other windows along the same side of the building look into a bedroom."
GM says, "It's hard to tell from here, but it appears that the beds are empty."
GM says, "(Some more Stealth, while we're here)"
[7thsea] Dana rolls 5k3: 3 9 5 9 2 | 23
[7thsea] Jemmy rolls 5k3: 5 6 1 4 3 | 15
[7thsea] Erich rolls 5k3: 3 2 6 7 8 | 21
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "uh, right"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "if this investigation is going to take much longer we'll have to do it next session, I guess"
[oneshot] Erich says, "I am not yet recovered from my Date with Science."
[oneshot] Dana says, "my"
[oneshot] Dana says, "okay, yeah"
[oneshot] GM asks, "OK, closing the book for tonight?"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "if there's not a better stopping point just up ahead, yeah"
[oneshot] GM says, "Nah, this is fine."
[oneshot] GM says, "Well..."
[oneshot] GM says, "No, actually. I take that back."
[oneshot] GM says, "Keep going, and I'll tell you when it stops :)"
Dana tries the windows to see if they can be forced open
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "(when we fail a stealth roll, no doubt)"
GM says, "Yes, you could manage to get it open."
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "(quietly?)"
GM says, "Try Brawn if you want to."
[oneshot] GM says, "Ah, now that's the rub."
[7thsea] Dana rolls 3k3: 6 8 9 | 23
GM says, "It sqeaks a bit, but opens up."
Dana climbs in
Erich joins Dana. "Ah, good."
GM says, "Rather more stuck than locked."
GM says, "Perception."
[7thsea] Dana rolls 3k3: 9 4 1 | 14
[7thsea] Erich rolls 4k3: 5 9 10+5 1 | 29
GM says, "It is a bedroom, and it looks like someone was just sleeping here recently."
GM says, "The door is open, leading into a hallway."
Jemmy listens.
GM says (to Erich), "You hear voices from the hallway."
Dana listens
GM says, ""Which promptly grow quiet as you enter."
GM says, "<End>"
[oneshot] Erich exclaims, "Eek/yay!"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "heh heh"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "ok, that's a better ending"
[oneshot] GM says, "Two XP to everyone who was here."
[oneshot] Erich exclaims, "Fun!"
[oneshot] Jemmy says, "yay"
[oneshot] Dana says, "yep"
[oneshot] Dana says, "I still want to keep the dagger"
[oneshot] GM says, "I won't complain :)"