-Characters-

Bert says, "I should like to play a sort of guide. Once, faithful servant to the wealthy and famous British explorer Alfred Dayworth, until Master Dayworth learned that it takes time to reload an elephant gun, and a herd of wild pachyderm will not wait around for you to reload."

Bert says, "Now I (Bertrand Lark) hire myself out to would-be explorer. My past experience has given me a familiarity with wild and uncivilized terrain, and some knowledge of the sort of strange native customs popular in those heathen lands. Having had no *personal* experience with weapons and brawling, I instead rely on the primcipal that survival is not a matter of outrunning the lion, but simply of outrunning my current emplpyer, whoever that may be."

Lionheart asks, "How about a medical researcher investigating the unknown

Lionheart says, "OK, well, for want of inspiration, I'll just go with some generic English twit trying to get the pelt of a white Bengal for his drawing room."

maga_dogg says, "OK. I am Rev Dr. Jeroboam Issachar Rhys, five-foot-two Welsh blood-and-salvation doctor-missionary and long-time campaigner against the propogation of the criminal and insane classes."

maga_dogg says, "OK. I am as before, but without the missionary bit. As a sort of latter-day Galton figure, I wander around Africa studying animals and natives alike for any clues they may yeild to the mystery of inheritance."

-Log-

[CoC] PerrySimm says, "Log on."

Bert asks, "Should we use #CoC?"

[CoC] Lionheart has joined the channel.

CocGM says, "yes"

[CoC] Jeroboam has joined the channel.

CocGM says, "A pleasant hunting trip in the Olduvai Gorge , Tanganjika, has just begun"

Gunther is tainted; the two of us were never meant to be.

Bert says, "Here we are, sirs."

CocGM says, "The beautiful plains;"

CocGM says, "the roaming wild animals;"

CocGM says, "your faithful Negro guides"

CocGM says, "life is already good"

Bert asks, "Shall we set up camp here, sirs?"

Jeroboam measures the crania of his faithful negroes.

CocGM says, "it is evening, and time to settle. The trip from the coast has been stressful, if uneventful"

Jeroboam starts intensive note-taking

Lionheart says (to Bert), "Yes, rather."

Jeroboam grunts, sits down, and waits for someone else to put up the tent.

Bertrand speaks to the natives in their own tongue, organizing them into teams to unload and erect the camp buildings, as and other such menial labors.

CocGM says, "the road passes through a spectacular mix of savannah grassland and volcanic hills where red-robed Masai graze their cattle, before it drops steeply down into the gorge itself."

CocGM says, "(just so you have a general idea of what it looks like there)"

Jeroboam hates the Maasai because he is such a shortarse.

Lionheart asks (of Jeroboam), "I say, a long day in the sun really takes it out of a man. Fancy a spot of tea?"

Jeroboam says (to Lionheart), "Wouldn't mind if I do, old boy."

CocGM says, "Your other companion, Dr. Jeren, is still out and about"

Bertrand says, "Tea, sirs? I shall prepare it as soon as the boys have unpacked the camp stove, sirs. Tchlkikiki! Tchkikt! Akilo-o-eeka."

(From CocGM) Native says, "Ndiyo, bwana"

Lionheart says, "Excellent, that's a good lad."

CocGM says, "Time passes as you make camp and enjoy dinner"

[CoC] Bertrand has joined the channel.

Jeroboam asks (of Lionheart), "you know, I think this tea could do with a spot of whisky. (extracts hip flask) What do you say?"

CocGM says, "Dr. Jeren is *still* out and about, it seems"

[CoC] Bertrand wonders, OOC, if 'ndiyo' means 'up yours'.

[CoC] CocGM says, "it means "yes""

[CoC] Bertrand says, "A shame :)"

Lionheart holds out his cup. "Don't mind if I do."

Bertrand asks, "Would you like me to begin preparing dinner, or shall I wait until Dr. Jeren has returned?"

CocGM says, "(it is 9:30 pm local time)"

Jeroboam sloshes a generous portion in. "Excellent stuff. Get it from my man in Dar es Salaam. Irregular, but a cracking fellow. Oh, yes, dinner, get to it boy."

[CoC] CocGM asks, ""boy"?"

Bertrand says, "Very good, sirs."

Lionheart nods absently in agreement.

Bertrand avoids acknoledging the slight, and begins work on something from the unpacked rations.

Jeroboam asks (of Lionheart), "so, how long've you been in the bush then?"

Jeroboam asks, "First trip?"

[CoC] Jeroboam says, "enh, s/trip/tour"

Lionheart looks a bit startled. "Is it that obvious?"

[CoC] CocGM says, "I got to speed this up a bit"

CocGM says, "Several hours pass. You feel slightly uncomfortable when Jeren is still not back at midnight."

Jeroboam says (to Lionheart), "plenty of signs, old chap. You'll know."

CocGM says, "He is never one to miss dinner."

[CoC] Jeroboam asks (of GM), "could you give us a brief desc of Jeren?"

[CoC] CocGM says, "he's 55, grey hair and moustache, stocky, balding, always running around in a silly brown tropical suit (short pants! imagine!) and hat"

Lionheart says, "I do hope the doctor has not lost his way."

Bertrand says, "This area can be dangerous if a person is unfamiliar with it."

Lionheart asks, "Should we organize a searching party?"

Bertrand says, "Excellent idea, sir."

Jeroboam says, "the man's old enough to take care of himself. now let me tell you about the time I found a mamba in my bedroll..."

CocGM says, "your Negroes, Ashai, Chukwu and Eshire, are in their own tent right a few dozen feet away"

Jeroboam says, "...although *sniff* this is leopard country.if the idiot's got himself eaten, I'll want a look at the bite patterns"

Bertrand waits patiently for the two gentlemen to decide what should be done.

Jeroboam says, "All right. Let me just get my guns. Never go walking in bush without a shooter that can stop a lion, remember that."

Jeroboam picks up his heaviest-calibre rifle, a shotgun and his service revolver.

Lionheart says, "As you say, sir."

Bertrand asks, "Shall I wake the negroes to accompany us, then?"

Jeroboam says (to Bertrand), "No need, boy. I'm sure we can manage well enough ourselves."

Bertrand says, "Yes, sir."

[CoC] CocGM asks, ""boy"?"

Lionheart collects his rifle and a flashlight from his supplies.

Lionheart...pardon, a torch.

[CoC] Jeroboam says (to GM), "diminutive term applied to all negroes by colonialists, regardless of age"

Bertrand puts together a light field pack -- light, flint, a day's food and water. Just in case.

[CoC] Bertrand says (to Jeroboam), "I was born in Cornwall, sir."

[CoC] CocGM says, "Bertrand isn't a Negro, dude"

[CoC] Jeroboam says, "hmm. Dammit, I've been misreading all the descriptions"

[CoC] Jeroboam would recap properly, but no alex

[CoC] CocGM says, "he speaks Swahili"

[CoC] Bertrand says, "I'm the one who was a servant to some rich dude, and picked up lots of native lore and stuff while following him around adventures, until he died."

[CoC] Jeroboam says, "hmm. when he said 'guide', I somehow added 'native' to that"

[CoC] Lionheart checks his firearm as he has been trained.

Bertrand says, "I believe Dr. Jeren left camp this way -- to the south."

[CoC] CocGM asks, "are you seriously leaving the natives behind?"

[CoC] Bertrand is doing what he's told, since he's on payroll.

[CoC] Lionheart defers to the old hand's experience in this.

[CoC] Jeroboam says, "we'll look for a short time, and if we don't find him we'll go back and organise proper search parties"

Bertrand asks, "Perhaps -- if I might be so bold as to suggest -- we may wish to bring one to carry your field supplies and ammunition?"

Bertrand says, "Not that you would *need* any help, certainly, but you may find it convenient."

Jeroboam says (to Bertrand), "A capital suggestion. Take the biggest one, I forget his name."

CocGM says, "Chukwu"

Bertrand nods, "Very good sir."

Lionheart says, "Quite right, good idea"

Bertrand fetches him.

CocGM says, "right, and off you go"

Bertrand also explains to him -- Dr. Jeren missing, maybe in danger, how's your tracking?

Jeroboam unloads the big gun and hands it to Chukwu, but retains the shotgun

(From CocGM) Chukwu says, "Thank you, bwana"

CocGM says, "The full moon provides good light"

Jeroboam cranks some solid slugs into the shotgun, and looks around cautiously for lions

Lionheart keeps his rifle handy, but gives Chukwu the ammunition.

CocGM says, "and you have not walked long when you see a shape in the distance."

Bertrand asks Chukwu what he thinks of the shape. Look human to you?

(From CocGM) Chukwu can't tell from here, but it doesn't look like any of the larger animals.

Jeroboam cocks his shotgun and approaches cautiously

Bertrand says, "It's not one of the great beasts; it's too far to tell if it might be Jeren."

CocGM says, "You hear rustling behind you."

Lionheart turns to look for the source of the noise.

Bertrand waits to see what Chukwu does before acting himself.

CocGM says, "Turning around, you see one of your other boys running up; it's Ashai."

Jeroboam glances over his shoulder, but keeps his eyes in front

Bertrand says (to Ashai), "< What is it? >"

CocGM says, "As he approaches, he lets out a steady stream of apologies and explanations in Swahili"

Lionheart lowers his rifle and listens, though he doesn't understand a word.

Lionheart asks (of Bertrand), "What's he saying?"

Jeroboam keeps glancing at the shape every now and again

Bertrand says (to Lionheart), "It seems he's been charged with the safety of his younger brother -- Chukwu."

Bertrand says (to Lionheart), "His family would be quite distressed were he to allow Chukwu to go off into danger without him, sort of thing."

Jeroboam exclaims, "ah, a classic example of tribal integrity!"

Lionheart says, "Oh, is that all? Very well, then."

CocGM says, "Now it also seems clear that the shape, whatever it is, is either sleeping deeply or worse, since it hasn't moved at all through the rather loud arrival of Ashai."

Jeroboam makes notes.

Bertrand nods to Ashai. "< It is well. >"

Jeroboam strolls towards the shape

(From CocGM) Ashai says, "< Thank you, Bwana >"

CocGM says, "The two guides start murmuring quietly in Swahili as you approach."

CocGM says, "(to each other)"

Bertrand lets Jeroboam and Lionheart go first, following behind.

Jeroboam says, "What the devil is it? Shine that torch over here, old chap."

Lionheart shines his torch toward the dark shape.

CocGM says, "as you approach the shape, you recognize it is about human-sized"

CocGM says, "(or a small predator)"

Jeroboam asks, "Jeren?"

Jeroboam steps closer

CocGM says, "and indeed, it does appear to be Jeren."

CocGM says, "He also doesn't appear to be in a very good condition. His skin is grey, and his eyes are rolled back in his head."

Jeroboam says, "bloody 'ell"

Lionheart says, "Egad."

CocGM says, "He does not appear to be breathing; his entire body is puffed up unnaturally"

Jeroboam says, "I'd guess snakebite. Watch your feet."

Lionheart shines the torch on the ground in alarm.

CocGM says (to Lionheart), "no snakes that you can see"

Bertrand examines the body for signs of life.

CocGM says, "He seems quite dead"

Jeroboam says, "just hope to god it isn't a mamba, lads"

CocGM says, "you discover two bitemarks at the ankle, just above his heavy shoes"

Bertrand says, "It appears Dr. Jeren is no longer with us."

CocGM says, "Ashai and Chukwu begin discussing more agitatedly"

Lionheart says, "Aha. There's the confirmation. Snakebite."

Jeroboam asks, "Is the swelling specific to the leg, or all over the body?"

CocGM says, "until a word that is quite clearly recognizable as "shut up" shuts Chukwu up."

Bertrand asks (of Chukwu, Ashai), "What is it?"

Jeroboam says, "Quite right too."

Bertrand says, "Er, I mean, < What is it? >"

Jeroboam says, "oh, right, all over."

Jeroboam says, "Hmm. Bloody strange sort of snakebite. I'll have to find the thing to see if I can get a specimen"

CocGM says, "it's swollen all over"

Jeroboam starts kicking at the long grass

CocGM says (to jero), "nothing moves"

Bertrand asks (of Ashai), "< What is > mzonazanje?"

Jeroboam says, "Buggery and hell fire."

Lionheart says, "Poor old chap. I guess we'll have to have some of the boys cart him back to camp."

(From CocGM) Ashai says (to Bertrand), "< Dangerous snake >"

Jeroboam says, "Typical bloody natives. Shit-scared of snakes, all of 'em. Chameleons, too. From birth. Instinct, see."

CocGM says, "the body seems to be puffing up even more as you are watching"

Bertrand gestures the way they came. "< Is that a safe place for our camp? >"

CocGM says, "Chukwu now appears to be scared witless."

Jeroboam prods the body with a boot.

Lionheart asks, "I say, does he look more swollen now than he did when we arrived?"

CocGM says (to Jeroboam), "it disintegrates, flowing apart into a hideous gelatineous mass"

[CoC] CocGM says, "this is where I'd call for a SAN roll"

Jeroboam exclaims, "bloody fuckin' 'ell!"

Bertrand turns aside his face.

[CoC] (from inky) CocGM says "But we're playing ruleless, so I'll just say you fail"

Lionheart cries out in disgust, "Eeugh!"

CocGM says, "This is enough for Chukwu, who runs off towards the camp screaming. Ashai is directly on his trail."

Jeroboam exclaims, "now I've really got to find that fuckin' snake!"

[CoC] CocGM says, "mwa ha ha"

Bertrand says, "Best we follow them, I think."

Bertrand does so.

[CoC] CocGM asks (of Bertrand), "running, or walking?"

Lionheart says, "That... that's some poison."

Jeroboam takes some notes, and sketches the body

[CoC] Bertrand says, "Running. I'm no fool."

[CoC] CocGM asks (of jeroboam,lionheart), "you?"

[CoC] inky says, "stay and fight!"

[CoC] Jeroboam says, "I try to calm Lionheart so he can hold my torch"

[Crows-Nest] CocGM says, "I am so pathetic. I just laughed at my own @doing"

[CoC] CocGM says, "TSD"

[Crows-Nest] inky says, "heh"

Lionheart scans the ground in great agitation, searching for snakes.

[CoC] Jeroboam says, "while I sketch the body"

[CoC] CocGM asks, "what body?"

[CoC] Jeroboam says, "whatever, the pile of goo"

[CoC] Bertrand says, "Hee."

[Crows-Nest] Bertrand has joined the channel.

[CoC] Jeroboam says, "then I go back to camp to get a sample jar"

CocGM asks (of Lionheart), "you can't seem to -- wait, what's that?"

CocGM says, "-- no, it's just a bunch of grass."

Lionheart breathes a sigh of relief.

[CoC] CocGM asks (of Jeroboam,Lionheart), "so you're walking, not running, towards camp too?"

[CoC] Jeroboam says, "yep"

Lionheart stays with Jeroboam, shining his torch at the tree branches, looking for mambas ready to drop on his shoulders.

[CoC] CocGM says, "please hold while I deal with Bertrand"

Jeroboam says (to Lionheart), "you see, you've got to show calm and bravery in front of the natives. most of the time it isn't to difficult, like now"

CocGM has made you a member of #unclassified/cterlude.

[cterlude] CocGM has added PerrySimm to the channel.

#unclassified/cterlude (private)

Created: 10-Mar-02 17:58:13 Last message: 10-Mar-02 17:59:28

Users: Bertrand +CocGM PerrySimm

Also:

There are no new messages on #unclassified/cterlude.

[cterlude] CocGM says, "(again for recap, then)"

[cterlude] CocGM asks, "you're following right on the trail of the two?"

Lionheart nods, regaining his composure now that the danger seems to have passed.

[cterlude] Bertrand is doing his best not to let Ashai and Chukwu out of his sight, yes.

[cterlude] CocGM says, "then, depending on your training, you reach the camp a minute or two after the natives"

[cterlude] CocGM says, "Ashai and Eshire are busy restraining Chukwu, who's clearly terrified"

[CoC] Golrien has joined the channel.

[cterlude] CocGM says, "Ashai has his hand clamped tightly over Chukwu's mouth while straddling his chest and pinning down his arms, while Eshire is sitting on his legs."

Lionheart says, "I admit I am not knowledgable in this area, but I've never heard of venom that dissolved its victim like that."

[cterlude] CocGM says, "as you arrive, Chukwu seems to have calmed down some, but that may be attributable to the difficulty breathing"

Lionheart asks, "Some sort of acid?"

[cterlude] Bertrand asks, "< Is he alright? Is there something we ought to know about this Zonazanja?"

[cterlude] Bertrand says, ">"

[cterlude] (from CocGM) Ashai says, "< Dangerous snake! But I never see a snake do that! >"

Jeroboam says (to Lionheart), "who can tell. I'd kill for a live specimen of that snake."

[cterlude] CocGM says, "Chukwu is struggling weakly, clearly exhausted."

Jeroboam says, "It's also interesting to wonder what could justify such a ludicrously powerful poison."

[cterlude] Bertrand says, "< Mmm. Chukwu... is this something you've seen before? >"

Jeroboam says, "Perhaps the snake feeds upon the results. In which case, it might come back! Maybe I'll pick up my net, too."

[cterlude] (from CocGM) Ashai says, "< Bwana, he is mwenye kichaa >"

Lionheart says, "All right, but if that snake gets near me, you'll have a dead specimen like it or no."

[cterlude] CocGM says, "that last phrase meaning something like "attacked by evil spirits", i. e. temporarily insane"

[cterlude] CocGM says, "Ashai seems nervous, while Eshire is quite calm... but then, he wasn't there"

[CoC] CocGM says, "I love this swahili dictionary"

[cterlude] Bertrand nods. "< I'll speak to the others. He should rest, tonight. I'll try to convince them to break camp in the morning; we can move somewhere safer. >"

[CoC] CocGM says, "Finally, Ashai and Eshire release Chukwu"

[CoC] CocGM says, "oops"

[cterlude] CocGM says, "Finally, Ashai and Eshire release Chukwu"

[cterlude] CocGM says, "he doesn't move, and falls into a deep sleep almost immediately"

[cterlude] (from CocGM) Eshire says, "Yes, bwana."

CocGM says, "At this point, Jeroboam and Lionheart arrive back at the camp."

Bertrand says, "Ah, fellows. I trust you'll want to move camp in the morning. I've already arranged it with the boys."

CocGM says, "(you found the dead doctor about a kilometer from camp)"

Jeroboam says (to Bertrand), "The devil? I came for some hunting and some hunting I shall get."

Bertrand asks, "Sir?"

Jeroboam says, "I would advise that, since transporting the good doctor's remains is likely to prove impractical, we bury him tonight, send a boy back with a message, and then continue as normal."

Bertrand says, "I ... see, sir."

Bertrand May I suggest putting off the burial until daylight, at least, sir?

Jeroboam says, "We have shovels in the gear, I take it? Good."

Jeroboam says (to Bertrand), "Nonsense. If we leave it until then, hyenas'll get him."

[CoC] CocGM says (to Jeroboam), "common sense suggests Hyenas don't eat gelatineous dessicated corpses"

[CoC] Jeroboam says, "I don't operate on common sense, but on long experience. and there's little hyenas won't eat"

Bertrand says, "Ah. As you wish, sir."

[CoC] CocGM says, "this is your GM speaking, though"

Jeroboam grabs a spade, a sample jar, and a snake net.

[CoC] Lionheart says, "Besides, Jeroboam wants to see if the snake returns to slurp up the predigested corpse."

Bertrand asks, "Will you be needing me, sir? Or shall I prepare your tent?"

[Crows-Nest] (from CocGM) Bertrand says, "er, grave"

[cterlude] Bertrand says, "Hee."

[cterlude] Bertrand says, "(IlaCN)"

Jeroboam says (to Bertrand), "no, no, I shall just require one of the natives to assist with the digging"

Bertrand says, "Ah. Yes, sir."

Bertrand ducks into the other tent, to break the bad news.

Bertrand says, "< The fools have no sense. They want to bury the body tonight. I'm afraid I'm going to have to ask one of you to go with them. >"

[cterlude] CocGM says, "The natives are, to put it mildly, extremely unthrilled by the news"

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

[cterlude] (from CocGM) Ashai says, "< They cannot want this! There are ... evil spirits around tonight! >"

[cterlude] CocGM says, "Eshire glares at Ashai. "I will go with the red-bearded fool.""

[cterlude] CocGM says, "(assuming that Jeroboan has a red beard, of course)"

[cterlude] Bertrand says (to Eshire), "Thank you."

[CoC] Bertrand asks (of Jeroboam), "Do you have a red beard?"

CocGM says, "Bertrand emerges from the tent, Eshire in tow."

[CoC] Jeroboam says, "I considered it, but thought it'd be a cliche. Black hair, big bristly sideburns"

[CoC] CocGM says, "bah on you"

CocGM asks (of Lionheart), "what's your plan?"

[CoC] (from Jeroboam) CoCGM says, "Jeroboam spontaneously spouts a ginger beard, causing the natives to flee in terror!"

Lionheart asks, "Oughtn't we bring a couple diggers?"

Jeroboam asks (of Lionheart), "have you no muscle, man?"

Lionheart hmphs and manfully takes a shovel in his pasty aristrocratic hand.

Bertrand says (to Gentleman), "Eshire is the eldest of the three. I believe he should be more than able to perform as you require."

Jeroboam says, "three men should be perfectly adequate. We shan't bury him too deep, just enough to keep off the scavengers. Cover the grave with rocks, to stop 'em digging down."

Jeroboam strides purposefully off into the bush.

Lionheart follows, alternating watching the ground and the trees.

(From CocGM) Eshire follows.

CocGM says, "His posture suggests, ever so slightly, his annoyance."

Jeroboam hands his shovel to Eshire, so he can keep his shotgun pointing about.

Bertrand goes to shake out blankets and check the tents for snakes and things, in hopes that the tohers will want to sleep when they get back.

Lionheart gives his shovel over so he can keep his torch shining about.

[Crows-Nest] (from Jeroboam) Eshire falls over.

[cterlude] CocGM says, "You find no snakes or other critters in the camp."

[cterlude] CocGM says, "er, tent"

Jeroboam says, "Damnation! I left my best rifle with that Chukwu fellow! He'd better have put it back in my tent or I shall have words."

CocGM says, "As you near the site of the doctor's violent death, you notice that the shape is no longer visible"

CocGM says (to Jeroboam), "actually, he discarded it on the way back and you picked it up already"

Jeroboam says (to CoCGM), "okay, then it's back in my tent already, most likely"

Lionheart shines the torch on the ground, wondering if the goo was absorbed by the earth.

Jeroboam says, "Rum business."

CocGM says, "except for an oval-ish shape of scorched ground, you see nothing"

Jeroboam looks around for tracks or snake-marks.

Lionheart asks, "Perhaps the snake returned for its meal already?"

Lionheart looks around for just plain snakes.

Jeroboam sniffs the scorched earth.

CocGM says (to Jeroboam), "smells like burnt flesh"

Jeroboam says, "Bloody rum business."

CocGM asks (of Lionheart), "you don't see --- wait, what's that?"

CocGM says, "-- no, it's just a --"

CocGM exclaims, "-- no, it's moving!"

Lionheart shines the light and hisses to Jeroboam.

Jeroboam stands up and cocks his shotgun

Jeroboam asks, "What is it now?"

Lionheart says, "I saw something moving."

Jeroboam asks, "Where?"

Jeroboam asks, "Did it look like a snake?"

Jeroboam says, "If so, I'm going to tag the little bugger."

Lionheart cocks his head toward where he's shining the torch, trying to find it again.

CocGM says (to Lionheart), "nothing's moving anymore"

Lionheart says, "I'm not sure what it was, but I think I spooked it."

Lionheart listens intently.

Jeroboam says (to Lionheart), "you won't last long in the bush with that kind of thinking. I once spent a night in a tent surrounded by elephants. Slept like a log. It was musth season, as well."

Jeroboam says, "Come on, let's get some shuteye."

CocGM says, "nothing to hear. But you do know the spot where you saw whatever it was."

Jeroboam says (to Lionheart), "don't walk into the grass. Snake'll get you easily there."

Lionheart says, "All right."

Jeroboam cuts a whippy stick to thrash grass with

CocGM says, "suddenly, Eshire hisses. "Vulio! Na tara!""

Jeroboam looks at Eshire and tries to recall his few words of Swahili

CocGM says, "He's pointing at something in the grass. "Vulio!""

Lionheart looks at Eshire, then turns the torch, following his gaze.

Jeroboam points his shotgun at it

[CoC] CocGM says (to Jeroboam), "you do know that "na" means "do not""

[CoC] CocGM says, "but don't recognize the other words"

Jeroboam says, "I'll assume that's "do not move""

CocGM says, "nothing's moving there, but Eshire seems to realize you misunderstand him"

CocGM says, "as he's waving at you to come closer. "Vulio... kasoro na tara""

Jeroboam says, "I'll give a warning shot into the bushes. If it's a big cat or a snake, it'll most likely bugger off. If it's something more dangerous like a rhino or a buffalo, we'd have seen it by now"

Jeroboam asks, "What is it?"

[CoC] CocGM asks, "are you shooting?"

[CoC] Jeroboam says, "not yet, I'm just explaining to LH"

Lionheart approaches the beckoning native, pointing the torch at the thing in the grass.

CocGM says, "it's large and scaly and transparent"

Jeroboam exclaims, "Sweet Jesus!"

Jeroboam *kerblam*

Jeroboam releases both barrels into big scaly thing

Lionheart unshoulders his rifle.

CocGM says, "as you shoot at the snakeskin, it is, of course, torn to shreds by the force of the blast"

[CoC] CocGM says, "pieces of the snakeskin touch your skins and cause an intense burning pain"

Lionheart exclaims, "Gaah!"

Jeroboam swears like a trooper

(From CocGM) Eshire shouts, "baradhuli! laanifu baradhuli!"

Jeroboam wipes the burns on the ground

[CoC] CocGM says, "which means "idiot! fucking idiot!""

[CoC] Jeroboam says, "no shit :)"

Lionheart wipes his skin off on his clothing, not very cleverly.

[CoC] Jeroboam asks, "also, how much snakeskin? Small particles? Big sheets?"

[CoC] CocGM says, "particles"

[cterlude] Bertrand . o O ( Ah. They've found something to shoot at. )

[CoC] Jeroboam asks, "does wiping do any good?"

(From CocGM) Eshire spits on his hand, and wipes at the burns.

[cterlude] CocGM says, "heh heh heh"

(From CocGM) Eshire shouts, "na taradokolea!"

Jeroboam experiments with spit 'n' wipe

Lionheart follows everyone else's example.

CocGM says (to Jeroboam), "seems to work quite nicely... the skin is irritated and slightly red"

Jeroboam reloads, and walks over to the remains

CocGM says, "not much of the remains remains."

Lionheart says, "Well, at least my skin's not melting, yet."

[cterlude] CocGM says, "anything else you want to do? Ashai has, of course, come out of the natives' tent"

Jeroboam takes a shovel and glops whatever remains he can salvage into his sample jar

CocGM says (to Jeroboam), "you do so."

Lionheart plays the torch over the remains of the transparent serpent. "Extraordinary."

[cterlude] Bertrand comes out, too, then.

Jeroboam extracts his flask and takes a large shot of whisky, then offers it around

[CoC] CocGM says, "it wasn't a transparent serpent, it was a shedded skin."

[cterlude] Bertrand says, "< They seem to have found soemthing to hunt. Hopefully they can carry it back without help, whatever it is. >"

Lionheart...over the skin, then.

Jeroboam says, "now here's an interesting thing. there are lots of native myths about giant serpents."

[cterlude] CocGM says, "< the tall one will be happy >"

Jeroboam says, "However, I'm tired now, and I'm going back to bed. Not much we can do here. Come on."

Lionheart says, "Indeed."

[CoC] CocGM says, "hmm, we're not going to be able to finish this tonight"

[cterlude] Bertrand says, "< Mmm. Even if it gets away, they'll want to tell the story. >"

[cterlude] (from CocGM) Ashai rolls his eyes.

[CoC] Jeroboam asks (of GM), "how much longer?"

[cterlude] (from CocGM) Ashai realizes what he just did, and looks nervous.

[CoC] CocGM says, "I can go on for an hour or so"

[CoC] Jeroboam says, "'kay. another hour, and then we can reconvene some other night"

[CoC] (from Lionheart) CoCGM says, "Oh, look at the time. And the giant snake came back and ate everyone. *** You have died ***"

[cterlude] Bertrand chuckles. "< You're lucky. They won't expect you to listen to it, most likely. >"

[CoC] CocGM says, "well, I'll stop at a convenient point"

[CoC] Jeroboam exclaims, "righty ho. onward!"

[cterlude] CocGM says, "< Oh, I don't speak the language anyway >"

[CoC] Lionheart says, "Jolly good, what what."

CocGM says, "You walk back towards camp."

CocGM says, "Eshire is some distance behind you, muttering angrily(?) from time to time"

CocGM says, "a few minutes later, you arrive."

CocGM says, "no further sightings of snakes."

Bertrand says, "Good to see you back, sirs."

Lionheart exclaims, "Horrible business, but what a discovery! They may name a species after you for this!"

Jeroboam examines his glop for signs of change

CocGM says (to Jeroboam), "no changes"

Bertrand asks, "Did it all go well, then?"

CocGM says, "Ashai and Eshire talk among themselves agitatedly"

Lionheart uses some of the water to wash his wounds properly.

CocGM says (to Bertrand), "you can make out fragments like "fucking idiot" and "told them not to touch it""

Jeroboam says, "The bloody body had disappeared. Burnt, or some such."

[cterlude] Bertrand guesses he'll overhear some of that.

[cterlude] Bertrand says, "(Timing)"

Jeroboam says, "Shot something big and nasty. Turned out it was a great big snakeskin, all puffed up."

Jeroboam washes.

Lionheart applies some ointment from the first aid kit.

Bertrand asks, "How big was that?"

Jeroboam follows LH's example.

[CoC] CocGM says, "about two meters long"

Jeroboam says (to Bertrand), "too fucking big by half, old chap. First thing tomorrow I'm going looking for it."

Jeroboam divides his glop into two smaller jars, and puts some leftovers from dinner in one of them.

Bertrand says, "Ah. As you wish, sir."

[CoC] Bertrand asks, "Jeren's share of dinner?"

[CoC] Jeroboam says, "yay"

[CoC] CocGM says, "hee hee"

Lionheart says, "A massive creature. Wonder how Jeren missed it."

[Crows-Nest] CocGM says, "It certainly didn't miss HIM"

[Crows-Nest] Jeroboam asks, "but the bitemarks were normal, right?"

Bertrand says, "Perhaps it was slightly less so when he, er, found it."

[Crows-Nest] CocGM says, "yeah"

[Crows-Nest] Jeroboam says, "small-toothed snake"

Lionheart says, "Or perhaps he was bitten by one of its young."

Bertrand asks, "Shall we retire for the evening?"

Jeroboam says, "Now *there's* a possibility."

Jeroboam retires to his tent, having securely fastened his jars.

Bertrand does as well.

CocGM says, "the rest of the night passes uneventfully"

Lionheart retires as well, to rest up for the next day's adventures.

[Crows-Nest] Jeroboam says, "ah, 'uneventfully' , the most useful word in the GM's vocabulary"

CocGM says, "the next morning, though, you are awakened by a shout of terror"

Bertrand rises quickly.

[CoC] Bertrand asks, "Whose voice?"

[CoC] CocGM says, "one of the natives"

Jeroboam runs out of his tent in full-length underwear, clutching his shotgun in one hand and his pistol in the other

Lionheart follows shortly after, having paused to put on his boots if not his clothes.

Bertrand, since Jeroboam appears to have the 'running outside impetuously' bit under control, dresses.

CocGM says (to Jeroboam), "Ashai runs out of the natives' tent and right past you, into Bertrand's tent"

Bertrand says, "< Is someone hurt? >"

CocGM says, "Eshire follows more calmly. He seems to look somewhat annoyed again, though you can't be sure"

[cterlude] (from CocGM) Ashai says, "Chukwu! He's dead!"

Bertrand buckles his trousers, while talking with Ashai.

Jeroboam sits down on a campstool, lights his pipe, and waits for this to resolve itself

CocGM says, "you're also not quite sure if he's sneering at you... nah, he couldn't be"

Lionheart sees no immediate cause for alarm, and goes back inside to change.

Jeroboam says, "ah, no pipe in underwear"

[cterlude] CocGM says, "Ashai is extremely upset and close to tears"

Jeroboam heads back to find pipe and boots, and to examine jars of goo for changes

[cterlude] Bertrand says, "< *Dead*? That's terrible! Was he bitten last night? >"

[cterlude] CocGM says, "< We see no marks! >"

[cterlude] CocGM says, "< Just blood from his nose >"

[cterlude] CocGM says, "< If he was bitten, it was while we slept! >"

Bertrand finishes dressing, too.

[cterlude] Bertrand says, "< Poison, maybe? Something he ate? >"

[cterlude] CocGM says, "< he ate the same as all of us >"

[cterlude] Bertrand says, "(GM: Do I have any first aid sort of skill?)"

[cterlude] CocGM asks, "since this is freeform, why not?"

[cterlude] Bertrand says, "< May I take a look at him? >"

[cterlude] CocGM says, "< yes >"

[cterlude] CocGM says, "< ... bwana >"

Lionheart rejoins the party and asks Bertrand what is with the alarums and excursions.

Lionheart asks (of Bertie), "What's all this then?"

Bertrand follows Ashai to the other tent. On the way he explains, "Chukwu is dead. They don't know how it happened. I'm going to look at the body."

Lionheart asks, "That's the big one, right?"

CocGM says, "yeah"

CocGM says, "the youngest of the three"

Bertrand says, "Right. The one who was shaked up last night, after... what happened."

[CoC] Bertrand says, "Er, shaken."

Jeroboam goes to have a look at the body.

Bertrand goes into the natives' tent, also to take a look at the body, looking for any clues tot he cause of death.

CocGM says, "Eshire stays outside the tent as you duck in"

CocGM says, "Ashai, when he tries to follow in, is stopped by Eshire"

CocGM says, "Chukwu lies there as if sleeping, but he is not breathing. His skin is as grey as a Negro's skin can be."

Lionheart says, "Right, right, the one who took off and abandoned."

Lionheart says, "^ us."

Jeroboam says, "Hmmm."

Jeroboam says, "If he starts swelling, I'm going to get worried."

Lionheart checks his ankles.

CocGM says, "he's not puffed up. The only visible mark is some blood coming from his nose"

Jeroboam prods Chukwu with his pipe.

Bertrand examines the face, and especially the nose.

CocGM says, "or rather, having come. It's dried."

Jeroboam takes some sketches.

Lionheart says, "I don't see any bite marks."

Jeroboam says, "Now it's not unknown of for natives to fear black magic so much they die of fear. In fact, this is the principle cause of the perpetuation of the black magic myth."

CocGM says, "hm... you can see some movement in the chest area now..."

CocGM asks, "... breathing?"

CocGM says, "... no ..."

Lionheart asks, "Black magic? Is this something to do with that giant serpent legend you mentioned?"

CocGM says, "... more like something moving underneath the skin ..."

Bertrand moves back. "Does one of you have a mirror?"

Jeroboam cocks his revolver.

Jeroboam says (to Lionheart), "Go and get a mirror, son."

Lionheart rankles slightly, but does as told.

Jeroboam watches the movement intently.

CocGM says, "definitely looks like movement underneath the skin"

Bertrand holds the mirror under Chukwu's nose.

CocGM says, "no, definitely no breathing"

Jeroboam, with his non-revolver hand, taps out a coal from his pipe onto the moving bit

Bertrand says, "I believe what we have here is a parasite of some kind."

Bertrand gives back the mirror, and moves *away* from the body.

Jeroboam says, "I propose we get a knife and cut the thing out."

Lionheart ughs and gives Jeroboam a straight razor from the shaving kit he got the mirror from.

Jeroboam takes the razor. "Thanks. Here, take this revolver. Careful: it's cocked."

Bertrand, in fact, steps out of the test to speak with his brothers.

[CoC] CocGM says, "you're not going to get far with a razorblade"

[cterlude] Bertrand says, "< I think there's something inside him. >"

[CoC] Jeroboam says, "dude, straight-edge"

[CoC] Lionheart says, "Can't be that deep if we see it moving under the skin"

[CoC] Jeroboam says, "if it's under the skin- yeah"

[cterlude] (from CocGM) Ashai says, "< There's something we must talk a... >"

[CoC] Bertrand says, "Don't forget rib-cage."

[cterlude] Bertrand says, "< Yes? >"

[cterlude] (from CocGM) Eshire slaps Ashai.

[CoC] Jeroboam says (to Bertrand), "yeah, but then movement wouldn't show up... unless it was fuckin' strong"

Lionheart trains the revolver on the moving lump.

[cterlude] Bertrand says, "< Please. We don't want what's happened to Chukwu to happen to anyone else. >"

[cterlude] (from CocGM) Eshire hesitates.

Jeroboam says, "I trained as a doctor, for chrissakes. This is just like a scalpel. If we have problems, I'll just go and get a panga."

Jeroboam starts to cut

Lionheart (ooc) looks up 'panga', and is impressed by Jeroboam's vocabulary.

[cterlude] Bertrand waits,

[cterlude] Bertrand.

CocGM says, "you expose a writhing nest of tiny snakes"

Jeroboam pulls back helluva fast

Jeroboam exclaims, "God shat a brick!"

[CoC] Bertrand is conveniently out of the room as the SAN checks are passed around...

Lionheart ewwws, but holds his fire, remembering the exploding snake skin from last night.

[cterlude] (from CocGM) Ashai says, "It's about Chunusi"

[cterlude] Bertrand asks, "Chunusi?"

[CoC] CocGM asks (of Lionheart), "would that really be your only reaction?"

Jeroboam says, "I'm going to go and get some boots and a collector's jar. Lion, you stay here, and if any get away, stomp on them. Hard."

[CoC] CocGM says, "try to play IC what you'd really do if that happened"

[cterlude] (from CocGM) Eshire sighs.

[cterlude] (from CocGM) Eshire says, "< An old legend, nothing more >"

[CoC] Lionheart isn't going to shoot until Jeroboam is clear, and thinks he would have time to think better of it.

[cterlude] (from CocGM) Ashai says, "< You know it's more than that! We must tell them! >"

[CoC] CocGM asks, "I mean, wouldn't you throw up and get the hell out?"

[cterlude] Bertrand looks from Ashai to Eshire. "< If there's nothing to it, is there any harm in telling me? >"

[CoC] Lionheart says, "Roll me a constitution check, then."

[CoC] Lionheart says, "Or whatever."

Jeroboam (to Bertrand, stepping out of the tent) "I'd go in and keep an eye on the first-timer... keep an eye on those snakes, too. Don't let the little buggers get away."

[CoC] CocGM says, "more like Sanity"

[CoC] Bertrand says, "Or an INT check, to decide if he realizes that he just saw a chestful of squirming baby snakes."

[CoC] CocGM says, "Well, we don't have stats"

[CoC] CocGM says, "but I am assuming a SAN check would fail"

Bertrand asks, "Snakes?"

[CoC] Lionheart asks, "OK, GM, so I bolt with the screaming meemies?"

Jeroboam says (to Bertrand), "You'll find out. Your parasite guess was rather too accurate."

[CoC] CocGM says, "unless you have a good reason why not, yes"

Jeroboam scuttles off to put on pants, boots, and get a fine-meshed net and a big jar

Bertrand speaks to Ashai and Eshire again.

[cterlude] Bertrand says, "< Snakes. The legend is about snakes. >"

[cterlude] CocGM says, "Ashai starts to speak, but Eshire cuts in. "< It is nothing. But if you insist, I will tell it to all of you. >""

[cterlude] Bertrand says, "< Thank you. >"

[CoC] Lionheart says, "Just the mental preparation of holding a gun on the parasite and waiting to see what emerged."

[CoC] CocGM shrugs.

[CoC] Lionheart says, "It's your call, you're the GM."

[CoC] Jeroboam says, "but this is freeform"

[CoC] Jeroboam says, "we're not trying to win, we're trying to play in character (hence me doing stupid gung-ho stuff)"

[CoC] Bertrand says, "We're watching to see how long before Jeroboam and Lionheart are either killed by the Things or else driven mad."

Jeroboam returns, with boots, trousers, net, jar, shotgun filled with buckshot

Lionheart holds back his gorge, but keeps a stiff upper lip.

Jeroboam slaps Lionheart heartily on the back. "Hang around, old chap."

[CoC] Jeroboam asks, "have any snakes crawled out yet, or are they still in the wound?"

Lionheart ulps at the slap, looking green.

[CoC] CocGM says, "they still feast on the body"

Jeroboam asks (of Lionheart), "all right then. Now, I want you to go and get me some lamp oil. All right?"

Lionheart gratefully takes off on the errand.

[cterlude] Bertrand says, "(Is Eshire waiting for me to get the other two, or is he just momentarily paused while you handle the snakes?)"

[cterlude] CocGM says, "he's waiting. and not very happy."

Jeroboam carefully tries to scoop some snakes with the net and jar.

[cterlude] CocGM says, "Ashai seems more willing, but is clearly terrified of his elder brother."

(From Lionheart) Lionheart takes a while. Retching sounds come from without the tent.

Bertrand says (to Tent), "There's a legend... about a 'Chunusi'. It may have something to do with what's happened."

Bertrand says (to Tent), "They're willing to tell us, when you're ready."

Lionheart returns eventually with the oil.

Jeroboam says (to Bertrand), "I'd like an explanation now, so I know whether to flame these things or not."

[CoC] Bertrand says, "(They're going to light the tents on fire... they're going to light the tents on fire...)"

Bertrand says, "Then, if you would, sirs..."

[cterlude] (from CocGM) Ashai asks, "< What are they doing? >"

Jeroboam says (to Bertrand), "I want to keep an eye on these things. We can't have them escaping and running around camp biting us."

[cterlude] Bertrand says (to Ashai), "< I think they want to burn the snakes. >"

[cterlude] (from CocGM) Eshire glares.

[cterlude] (from CocGM) Ashai asks, "< Snakes?! >"

Jeroboam says, "Talk through the tent."

[cterlude] CocGM says, "he looks about ready to wet himself"

[CoC] (from Lionheart) The radio croons that 20's hit, "o/~ You're the one who sets my tent on fiiiire... o/~"

[cterlude] Bertrand says, "< Yes. I'm sorry. That's what's inside Chukwu... what *was* inside Chukwu... what killed him, apparently. >"

Bertrand is talking again to Eshire and Ashai.

(From CocGM) Ashai falls to his knees, wailing.

(From CocGM) Eshire tries to comfort him.

[cterlude] Bertrand says, "< I'm sorry. I... I'm sorry. >"

(From CocGM) He doesn't look all that arrogant anymore

[CoC] CocGM asks, "well?"

Jeroboam asks (of Bertrand), "Are you going to tell us, then?"

[CoC] CocGM asks (of Jeroboam), "what are you doing inside the tent?"

[CoC] Jeroboam says (to GM), "making sure none of the little bastards escape"

[CoC] Bertrand asks, "Are you two inside the tent or out right now?"

[CoC] CocGM asks (of Jeroboam), "how?"

[CoC] Jeroboam says (to GM), "if they get away, I stomp 'em"

Bertrand says (to Jeroboam), "A moment please, *sirs*. They have just lost a brother, and are in something of a condition."

[CoC] CocGM says, "is that all? they'll have eaten the body soon"

Jeroboam says (to Bertrand), "If you don't explain fast I'm going to torch the little bastards right a fucking way"

[cterlude] Bertrand says, "< Please... they're listening. Tell me, and I'll tell them. Should we kill the snakes? >"

[cterlude] Bertrand says, "< Is there something more we should do? >"

[cterlude] CocGM says, "Ashai, still in tears: < Kill them all! >"

Bertrand exclaims, "Yes, kill them all!"

Jeroboam says, "so, unless your legend says something important like 'don't set the snakes on fire', I'm going to kill 'em all"

Lionheart says, "Burn them. Burn them all."

Jeroboam liberally sploshes lamp oil over the body and snakes, then backs out of the tent, leaving a trail of oil

Lionheart makes tracks.

[cterlude] CocGM says, "< what, and the tent? >"

Jeroboam asks, "Wait. Are these small tents, or big high-roofed expedition-type ones?"

CocGM says, "this one houses three people"

[cterlude] Bertrand says, "(Who's speaking?)"

[cterlude] CocGM says, "Eshire"

[cterlude] Bertrand says, "< The snakes are in the tent... >"

Jeroboam checks to see that the other tents aren't nearby, then taps his pipe into the oil

[cterlude] Bertrand says, "<There... I assume there are many of them. >"

[cterlude] CocGM says, "< it's your equipment... >"

Jeroboam says, "n.b. this is lamp oil: doesn't burn very strongly or fast."

[cterlude] Bertrand sighs, but there isn't much he can do about the matter.

Jeroboam says, "unless it's in a hurricane lamp, that is"

Lionheart watches the tent flap uneasily, fingering Jeroboam's revolver.

CocGM says, "the fire disappears into the tent..."

CocGM says, "...you can hear unnatural hissing."

CocGM says, "then, you hear a <whomp>"

Jeroboam says, "Shame. Unique species. Lucky I still have my specimens. <waggling jar>"

CocGM says, "and seconds later, the tent explodes, tearing Eshire to shreds and knocking the rest of you off your feet."

Lionheart exclaims, "Holy Mother of God!"

CocGM says, "there is an inhuman scream as the tent blows up"

CocGM says, "and it sounds like it is echoed, from miles away"

Jeroboam juggles the snake jar, which falls to the ground and rolls dramatically into some bushes

CocGM says, "from the gorge."

CocGM says, "THE END... for now."

Jeroboam says, "yay"

Lionheart asks, "Whoo, exciting! When's part 2?"

[CoC] Bertrand says, "Mmm, incendiary snakes."

CocGM says, "as soon or late as we want"

Bertrand says, "I've got time."

Lionheart says, "Them snakes blowed up real good, ayep."

Bertrand says, "(Just kidding.)"

CocGM says, "I hope my GM skillz were to your enjoyment."

[CoC] Jeroboam says, "damn. first rule of cthulhu: EVERYTHING explodes if fucked about with"

maga_dogg says (to Gunther), "nice going"

[CoC] CocGM says, "no, Rule 1 is actually "RUN!!!""

[CoC] maga_dogg says, "hee hee"

maga_dogg says, "so, when's good for other people? oh, damn"

Bertrand asks, "Why damn?"

maga_dogg says (to Bert), "gunther left"

CocGM says, "no"

maga_dogg says, "oh, right"

Bertrand says, "No he didn't. He arrived."

maga_dogg says, "I thought- bah."

Bertrand asks, "Tomorrow <afternoon MUDtime/evening Europe>?"

maga_dogg says, "Sounds good"

CocGM asks, "can do, probably. around the same time?"

[CoC] Bertrand asks, "Four MUDtime?"

Lionheart says, "Works for me."

maga_dogg says, "Yep, that's good"

[CoC] Bertrand says, "Idlac."

Lionheart asks, "Mudtime is 7:59 PM now?"

CocGM says, "that's 10 pm. yeah, ok"

Lionheart asks, "Or is it that I set my time zone?"

Bertrand asks, "I guess that's nine UK, and... ten Austria?"

CocGM says, "as I said, yes"

Bertrand says (to Lion), "MUDtime is eight now, yeah."

Bertrand says, "OK. See folks then."

Lionheart asks, "So, 4PM EST?"

CocGM says, "w00t"

Lionheart says, "OK."

maga_dogg says, "yay"

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

Lionheart says, "Yeeha."

CocGM has disconnected.

CocGM goes home.

Bert has disconnected.

Bert goes home.

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