[rpg] PerrySimm says, "Log on."

[rpg] GM says, "yeah, don't worry about calling; if he shows up, cool"

Horath says, "(Do you want to recap for the log?)"

GM says, "yeah"

GM says, "Trollbabe says you're supposed to start by showing the players the map and letting them pick where to start"

GM says, "but I can't draw"

GM says, "so look at this and pick a direction to start: http://www.drizzle.com/~dans/rpg/game-map.html"

GM says, "also, the rerolls are here: http://www.drizzle.com/~dans/rpg/game-rerolls.html"

[rpg] schep asks, "hmm, what's this one?"

[rpg] GM says, "a pickup swords & sorcery game with this system I'm trying out"

[rpg] schep says, "and I of course still haven't read the rules."

[rpg] GM says, "that's fine, they're easy"

[rpg] schep says, "what the heck"

schep arrives, looking for booty.

GM says, "this is basically conan-mythos"

schep says, "slightly familiar with that, thanks to Nethack."

GM says, "so good character concepts are barbarian warriors, sneaky thieves, wandering con-men, that kind of thing"

schep says, "Tourists? No, wait."

GM says, "you should probably have *some* relevant skill"

schep asks, "dangit, what did I call my character last?"

schep says, "aha, Melack"

Horath says, "The east and the west parts of the map look interesting to me."

Melack has connected.

GM says (to Melack), "anyway, to start off you and Horath should agree on a place to start on http://www.drizzle.com/~dans/rpg/game-map.html"

Horath says, "Horath seems like the sort of fellow who'd be travelling with a (cleverer) friend."

schep_char asks, "and make a character, you mean?"

GM says, "yeah, but I am fine with you assigning skills as we go along"

GM says, "give me a rough character concept to start out with, though"

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

schep_char asks (of Horath), "so you're a smash-em-up then wonder what it is type?"

Horath says, "If anyone ends up playing the roguish con-man, I wouldn't mind having my character already acquainted and travelling together with his."

Horath says (to schep), "Smash 'em up when told to. Not to bright, but good at heart, and trying to mainly hurt just the bad people."

Horath says, "Not too, that is."

schep_char asks, "would a druid apprentice work?"

GM says, "this is a really low-magic setting -- you could be an herbalist-type/mystic druid if you want"

schep_char says, "sure. A somewhat well-traveled one, perhaps."

GM says, "yeah"

GM says, "so set your name and agree on a location and we'll go"

GM says, "Horath had suggested east or west on the map"

Horath says, "(I am of course open to other suggestions too.)"

Russet says, "The forest by the eastern sea sounds interesting."

GM says (to Horath), "oh, and send me your character if you've got it written up"

[rpg] Horath says (to GM), "OK."

GM says, "right then, to commence"

GM says, "the two of you are travelling in the eastern forest on a mission for Natalios, Russet's master and high druid"

[rpg] * Russet has joined the channel.

[rpg] Russet asks, "what's a dF?"

[rpg] Alex says (to Russet), "Awwwk! Word on the street is that df is short for dfan."

GM says, "you owe him a favor for what he did in the recent Incident of the Jewelled Serpent and he has asked for you to repay him by gathering some nightsbreath which, as you know, grows only in the deepest heart of the eastern forest"

Ghogg arrives, looking for booty.

[rpg] Spinster says, "Fudge dice"

[rpg] GM says (to Russet), "a die that rolls +1, +0, or -1 with equal probability"

Ghogg sits in the spectator stands

[rpg] GM says, "to make a roll here you do 'fudge' to get a base roll, or 'fudge superb' to roll based on a skill level, or 'fudge superb+1' to roll on a skill with a modifier thrown in"

Russet says, "Ah, yes. The short twisty plant with black spots on the tips of the leaves."

Russet says, "... or so I have heard."

GM says, "someone in the last town told you that the only people who know where to find nightsbreath are some of the natives -- "but they're nasty people," he added. "keep to themselves.""

GM asks, "so how are you travelling? on foot? on horseback?"

Horath asks, "Is nightsbreath good to eat?"

Russet speaks softly, "I thank you for coming with me this time. I have a vague uneasy feeling."

Russet says, "I'd prefer to go on foot, if it's not too long."

Horath says, "Horath does not own his own horse."

GM says, "right then"

GM says, "so you're walking, which enables you to keep to the trails even as they grow narrow and disused"

GM says, "the afternoon sun starts to fade, both as the day grows later and as the canopy overhead grow denser"

GM says, "suddenly, an arrow whistles between your heads, thunking into a tree -- it is fletched with black feathers"

Russet exclaims, "Ho! We mean no harm!"

Horath asks, "Who is there?"

GM says, "there's no sound from up ahead save a bird-call"

Russet says, "Let's just wait here for them to find us."

Horath asks, "But what if they shoot us again?"

Russet says, "Well... then we may have to fight back. If we ever see them."

Russet tries to look non-threatening as he scans the trees.

(From Ghogg) The orchestra section keeps up a suspensful tremelo in the strings

Horath asks, "What if he runs away? How will we get the plant?"

[rpg] GM says (to Russet), "if you'd like to allocate some skill points to "spotting" or "perception" or "wood lore" or something similar you can roll with that -- you probably start with a base of -2 and can raise this up to 3 by spending points (you have a pool of 30 points to allocate)"

[rpg] GM says, "otherwise you should do 'fudge -2' and roll with the base skill"

[rpg] Russet says, "okay, I'll put 2 into perception."

Russet rolls 4dF.

Fair 0 0 +1 -1 = Fair (0)

GM says (to Russet), "there, up ahead -- a man a little taller than you stands in the shadows of a tree, watching you carefully. as you look, he slowly moves his bow from side to side, keeping you covered but not looking like he's about to shoot immediately"

Russet mumbles, "mmm. And his friends?

GM says (to Russet), "hmm -- there's one more besides him, perhaps two, off to the side of the path"

Horath asks, "His friends will run away too?"

Horath asks, "What do you mean, Russet?"

Russet whispers, "We're outnumbered. Let's hope they'll be nice at least to start with."

Russet says, "er, that's an emote"

Russet slowly approaches the men ahead.

Horath follows Russet and waves.

[rpg] Russet asks, "do all the 'civilized' people in this land speak a common language?"

[rpg] GM says, "yeah, all the civilized folks speak some kind of old-empire tongue"

[rpg] Horath says, "Hogarth does too"

[rpg] Russet says, "heee"

GM says, "a man off to the side shouts something, but the man up ahead (who shot the arrow, and seems like the leader) shouts something back as he lowers his bow"

Horath says, "Hello. I am Hogarth."

GM says, "The leader takes two steps forward towards Russet, and says something in a somewhat hostile-seeming but also inquisitive tone."

Russet says, "Greetings! I hope we didn't startle you."

Russet asks, "Uh, what was that?"

[rpg] GM says, "(which you can try and understand if you want to make a skill roll)"

[rpg] Russet asks, "skill in what?"

[rpg] GM says, "I dunno, something relevant -- Linguistics, maybe, or Forest Lore"

[rpg] GM says, "(I am pretty open to suggestions for this kind of thing)"

[rpg] Ghogg says, "the ever-handy skill Accounting"

[rpg] Russet says, "I think Forest Lore would be a good thing for a druid guy. I'll go for all 3 with that."

[rpg] Russet asks, "so fudge +1?"

[rpg] GM says, "one sec"

[rpg] Ghogg asks, "Are you creating characters as you go, more or less?"

[rpg] Russet says, "I am."

[rpg] GM says, "to clarify, you're limited to one skill that's at +3 and three at +2"

[rpg] Horath says, "I think you can spend up to five, to bring the skill up to +3."

[rpg] GM says, "but that's the total bonus, not the numbenr of points you put in"

[rpg] Horath says, "(Timing.)"

[rpg] GM says, "so -- yeah"

[rpg] Horath says (to Ghogg), "Yeah."

[rpg] Russet says, "oh."

[rpg] GM says, "and typical task difficulties, like this one, are Fair"

[rpg] GM says, "(which is 0)"

[rpg] Russet says, "Oh, I thought you meant I was allowed to raise things up to three points above -2."

[rpg] GM says, "so if you put in 4 points you'll be pretty good at forest lore, and if you put in five you'll be a province-renowned expert"

[rpg] GM says, "right, sorry about the confusion there"

[rpg] GM says, "(I guess really putting in 3 points is 'pretty good' and 4 points is 'local expert' and 5 is 'extremely expert')"

[rpg] Russet says, "okay, I'll try 4 points for +2 (ah, but where is my home province?)."

[rpg] GM says, "heh"

[rpg] GM says, "ok, roll it"

Russet rolls 4dF.

Great 0 -1 -1 0 = Fair (0)

GM says, "you dimly recall some of the teachings of Natalios, who said that some of the tribes of the eastern forest spoke a debased form of old empire"

[rpg] Russet asks, "and while we're at it, I'll take staff fighting to +0. What's left?"

GM says, "you can make out enough to know that this guy is asking "Who are you, and why do you approach this village?""

Russet points to himself. "I am Russell, from the North <that way>."

Russet says, "We are *searching* for a *plant*"

GM says, "He grunts, seeming mollified (and unnocks his bow, which is always a good sign)"

GM says, ""A plant? What is this?""

Russet says, "Nightsbreath. It has black dots on the leaves."

GM says, "He looks surprised. "You are wise, stranger, to come seeking that here. But I am afraid you are too late.""

Horath looks back and forth between the man and Russet while they talk.

[rpg] Russet says, "I thought I could barely understand this guy."

Russet asks, "Why is that?"

[rpg] GM says, "(well, you got a Fair result, so you're managing ok -- but your skill is GReat, so it took a while for you to remember)"

GM says, ""I am E-dor; my band and I had come to the village here ourselves to seek counsel with the Wise Ones""

GM says, ""But when we arrived this morning, we found every member of the village had vanished""

Russet asks, "Strange. But who are the Wise Ones?"

GM says, ""...the Wise Ones are the only ones who know the location of that which you seek.""

Horath asks, "What is he saying, Russet?"

Russet says (to Horath), "He says only the Wise Ones know where to find nightsbreath, and they have left or vanished, or something."

Russet asks, "Why would they leave?"

GM says, ""They live in peace with all the other tribes, who respect their great knowledge of the forest -- at times even druids and lords from outside come to take counsel with them""

Horath exclaims, "That is bad!"

GM says, ""We ourselves had come to seek counsel, for the children of our village are all ailing -- only to find the Wise Ones gone!""

Russet asks, "This sounds most unusual. How near are we to the home of the Wise Ones?"

GM says, ""They are nearby -- come, I will lead you""

Russet says, "Thank you, sir."

Russet says (to Horath), "He says he will take us to the village where they used to be."

GM says, ""Continue watching for other strangers who might know what has happened," E-dor calls to his two men, and then he leads you onwards to the "village""

GM says, "...which turns out to be a collection of a dozen tree-houses, and a central fire-pit on the ground in the middle of the trees"

Russet tries to recall lore about 'Wise Ones' in the forest.

Horath looks around the village.

Russet rolls 4dF.

Great 0 -1 +1 -1 = Good (1)

GM says (to Horath), "hmm, the coals and ash in the firepit look fairly well-burned; it must have been a few days since they disappeared"

Horath says, "No one has cooked here in days."

GM says (to Russet), "in fact, you realize that Natalios himself has mentioned going to see them on an occasion or two -- they are indeed quite knowledgable about herbs and natural remedies and animal lore"

GM says (to Russet), "they believe in some kind of reverse-reincarnation, where people become animals if they have been virtuous in this life"

GM says, "(but, curiously, they still eat meat themselves -- this is a gift from the virtuous to the less-virtuous)"

GM says (to Horath), "furthermore, the treehouses (which can be reached by convenient notches in the trunk) don't appear to be in any kind of disarray, save one -- the others all have threadbare blankets folded neatly and small stones piled to one side"

Horath says, "This room is as neat as G'maw's cottage."

Horath says, "And G'maw kept her cottage very neat."

[rpg] GM says, "hee hee"

Horath goes to the one that was in disarray.

GM says, "E-dor speaks to two of his companions, and then approaches Russet. "We are not wise ourselves, but you, who come in search of herbs, may be wise -- if the Wise Ones are gone, can you help us cure our children?""

Russet asks (of E-dor), "I cannot say for certain. What ails them?"

GM says (to Horath), "this is a shambles; the blanket is shredded, feathers and stones and fur are tossed everywhere, and even the wood of the trunk is scratched and bitten"

[rpg] Horath asks, "Any blood?"

GM says, ""It is a strange malady," E-dor says. "They sleep and do not wake.""

Ghogg goes home.

[rpg] GM says (to Horath), "yes, some, but not a lot"

[rpg] GM says, "mostly on the floor, but in a few places drops are on the sides of the treehouse"

Horath says (to Russet and the man), "Some bad thing was here."

[rpg] GM says, "(I say 'treehouse' but I mostly mean 'natural place in the trunks with some wood and leaves to form a shelter' not 'a collection of nailed 2x4s')"

[rpg] Russet asks, "four points for +2 Herbal Medicine: do I know of anything that sounds like that?"

Russet rolls 4dF.

Great 0 -1 -1 0 = Fair (0)

GM says (to Russet), "the symptoms don't sound familiar -- you'd expect some kind of convulsions or outward signs in most cases, or else for it to wear off soon"

GM says, "E-dor turns to Russet. "Your companion speaks -- what did he say?""

Russet asks (of Horath), "Some bad thing?"

Horath says (to Russet), "It bites the tree and tears apart the cloth. There is blood, too."

Horath says, "But little. What it fought might still live, someplace."

Russet says (to E-dor), "He believes a creature attacked at that hut there."

GM says, "E-dor looks shocked. "Who would attack one of the Wise Ones? They are a friend to all animals!""

GM says, ""We had looked in some of their houses but they were all neat -- we did not wish to disturb more than we had to""

[rpg] GM says, "(if you would like to assume that Russet is translating back and forth that is fine)"

Russet seems to notice the tree and house Horath was just in for the first time.

Russet says, "Something happened here. See the scratch marks on the tree."

[rpg] Horath says, "I'm going to look for tracks or the like. Unskilled, though."

Horath rolls 4dF.

Poor 0 0 +1 0 = Mediocre (-1)

GM says, "E-dor nods, and bends down to look at the fur and feathers on the ground. Then he spits. "Monkey! Unclean beast!""

Russet asks, "Monkey?"

[rpg] GM says (to Horath), "that's enough to tell that there aren't any tracks on the ground around the base of this tree (save those you three yourself left)"

[rpg] GM says, "in the upper part of the tree the wood is too hard to leave any obvious tracks"

Horath asks (of Russet), "What did man call Horath?"

Russet asks, "What are these rocks?"

Russet picks one up to look it over.

GM says, "E-dor shakes his head. "It is the tradition of my people that monkeys are a debased form of humans -- see how they mock our form""

[rpg] GM asks (of Russet), "do you want to make another lore check? or ask E-dor?"

[rpg] Russet says, "both, but probably ask E-dor first."

[rpg] Russet asks, "does it look to me like an average rock?"

[rpg] GM says, "(yeah)"

GM says, ""They keep the stones to show their humility," E-dor says. "They disdain all material possessions.""

GM says, ""Also they are good to cook with.""

Russet sniffs at the rock.

Russet says, "huh"

Horath nods, if Russet translates. "Rock soup."

Russet asks (of Horath), "You like eating rocks?"

Horath says (to Russet), "What, and waste good soup rock? You save it for next time you make rock soup."

[rpg] GM says, "hee hee"

Russet says, "... mmhmm ..."

GM says, "E-dor looks hopeful. "Will you come to our village and see to our children? Or can you say what has happened to the Wise Ones?""

Russet comes out of a period of thought, saying (to E-dor), "Sleeping for days on end sounds like a bad omen. Sadly, I do not know of the illness."

Horath asks, "If monkey attacks one Wise One, will other Wise Ones leave to get away from monkey?"

Russet rephrases the question more tactfully.

[rpg] GM says, "hee hee"

Horath says, "Or maybe to go chase monkey, to get first Wise One back from monkey."

GM says, "E-dor looks shocked. "They would chase it off with yells and throw stones! The monkey is unclean!""

Russet says (to Horath), "... (another good reason to keep rocks around)"

[rpg] Horath says, "(I'm gradually realizing that I *have* done the big, tough, dumb but good-hearted guy before. Just not in an actual RPG session.)"

Russet asks (of Horath and E-dor in turn), "Do you know to what creature this fur belongs?"

Horath looks at the fur.

[rpg] Horath asks, "Can I use Handle ANimal for this?"

[rpg] GM says, "sure"

[rpg] GM says, "(but E-dor's identified it as monkey fur)"

[rpg] GM says, "(sorry if that wasn't clear)"

Horath rolls 4dF.

Great -1 -1 0 -1 = Mediocre (-1)

[rpg] Russet says, "in that case, I was clarifying that he meant a monkey, not just letting loose an insult."

[rpg] GM says, "hee hee"

GM says (to Horath), "well, not a dog or a cat or other commonly-trained animals; maybe something a little more obscure"

Russet attempts to clarify to Horath that it was a monkey after all.

Horath says (to Horath), "That was what you said before! Russet needs to make up his mind."

[rpg] GM says, "ha ha"

Russet says, "Yes, yes, my apologies."

[rpg] Russet asks, "so are we apparently out of leads?"

[rpg] Horath says, "We could go back and look at the children."

Horath asks, "Does man know where monkeys live?"

Russet asks, "What, you want to ask some chimpanzees if they chased off the Wise Ones?"

[rpg] GM says (to Russet), "as a by-the-way, you start with three fudge points which can be used for a variety of things, mostly if you blow your rolls -- they're themed, and the ones you can pick from are here: http://www.drizzle.com/~dans/rpg/game-rerolls.html"

[rpg] Russet says, "if for IC reasons such as sleeping somewhere safe tonight."

GM says, "E-dor gestures vaguely. "Monkey tribe lives south -- but they go all through forest.""

Horath says, "Russet said that man said monkeys were degene--de-- some kind of people."

Russet says, "I think that's a part of their mythology."

[rpg] Russet says, "maybe if I use enough big words he'll stop asking questions."

[rpg] GM says, "hee hee"

Russet says (to E-dor), "May we camp at your village tonight? I will gladly see if I can help the children at all, but I doubt I can cure them."

GM says, ""My village would be honored to have you there," E-dor says."

Russet says, "Thank you again."

Horath says, "I can make them soup."

GM says, "He leads you on through the forest for perhaps an hour or two -- it's hard to track time but it is definitely getting darker, though he is sure-footed and seems in no danger of getting lost"

Russet says, "I'm sure there are some good rocks along the way... the Wise Ones might want their rocks if they come back."

Horath says, "Do not worry, Russet. Horath has his *own* rock."

Horath pats his pack.

GM says, "Eventually you arrive at the village, where E-dor takes you to see the "grandmothers" (who seem to be in the leaders), and then to where the children lay unmoving under a lean-to"

GM says, "(er, lie)"

Russet . o O ( Well, maybe he really means potatoes. )

[rpg] GM says, "ha"

Russet checks for fevers.

GM says, "far from being warm, their foreheads are cold and dry, as is the rest of their skin -- there's barely a pulse"

[rpg] GM says, "(if you'd like to do another analysis, feel free to roll)"

Russet frowns.

[rpg] Russet asks, "Herbal Medicine again?"

[rpg] GM says, "yeah, unless there's something else you'd rather try"

Russet rolls 4dF.

Great -1 +1 +1 0 = Superb (3)

[rpg] Russet says, "woo"

GM says, "E-dor looks impressed as you expertly draw back their eyelids to inspect their pupils, smell their breath, and peer in their ears."

[rpg] Russet says, "now just don't tell me they need night-whatever"

GM says, "Eventually you conclude two things: one, that this appears to be a spiritual illness of some kind rather than a straight medicinal one -- something is affecting their souls -- and two, that you may nevertheless be able to brew a potion that will stimulate them temporarily enough to speak, if you want"

Russet explains this as well as he can to E-dor. "Should I ask the grandmothers?"

GM says, ""The people will wish to know," E-dor says, and leads you before the grandmothers."

GM says, "They seem somewhat taken aback by your news. "Who could have cursed them?" one asks. "What have our children done to be punished so?""

Horath, meanwhile, tries to communicate his desire to make soup to someone who may or may not be in charge of the cooking fires.

Russet says, "I cannot say what forces are at work here. Perhaps if we wake one bright and strong-willed child for just a while, we may learn something."

GM says (to Horath), "as you are gesticulating to somebody who might be the head cook, a brawny warrior comes over and inspects you narrowly. then he laughs and says something to his companions, who also laugh"

Horath frowns. "What is so funny?"

GM says, "One grandmother nods. "Perhaps K-ayl will speak now," she says. "She always spoke much before.""

GM says, "The warrior bends down and pretends to have trouble picking up a small log."

GM says (to Russet), ""Prepare your potion," the woman says. "We will aid however we can - what do you need for it?""

[rpg] Russet asks, "Do I have all the ingredients in my pouches?"

[rpg] GM says, "um, make a herb skill check to see, I guess"

Horath picks up the log and tosses it lightly in one hand. "Is this stick special?"

Russet rolls 4dF.

Great 0 0 +1 -1 = Great (2)

[rpg] Russet says, "don't get in too much trouble before I come back out"

[rpg] GM says (to Russet), "yeah, I guess so -- it'll take most of the night to brew, and you'll have to keep the fire tended, but you've got the stuff"

[rpg] Horath says, "Hmm. This would probably be a good time for one of those involuntary Intimidate checks, as I spin the log around."

[rpg] GM says (to Horath), "go for it"

Horath rolls 4dF.

Great 0 0 +1 -1 = Great (2)

GM says, "The warriors' laughter dies away nervously, and they back up a few steps, and then make a hasty exit."

Russet says, "I need only a fire kept warm through the night."

Horath says, "This log is probably for fire pit, Horath bets."

Horath breaks it over one knee and puts it on the fire, for fuel.

GM says, "One of the grandmothers nods. "We will give you and your companion the spirit-lodge -- that is where the Wise Ones have stayed when they have visited us in the past.""

Russet says, "I am very honored."

GM says (to Horath), "the cook-person nods in approval, and then tosses a stone on top of the fire-pile"

Horath asks (of Cook), "Is there bird meat?"

Horath mimes a bird, for the uneducated savage.

[rpg] Rob asks, "what game is this?"

[rpg] Russet says, "inky's trying out his Fudge rules."

GM says, "The cook nods in approval, gesturing to an array of meats laid out -- some songbirds, some venison, and some rabbits"

GM says, "and it all gets used this evening as the village throws a feast for you -- there is much singing and dancing and mime-plays, the humor of which is generally broad enough that even Horath can understand"

[rpg] Rob says, "oh. gee."

[rpg] Rob says, "I guess I missed the bb somehow. hrm"

GM says, "there is also a certain amount of some kind of fermented beverage of unknown origin but undeniable kick"

Horath says, "It is good."

Russet glimpses a bit of the party, but is constantly slipping off to work on the brew.

GM says, "and then finally it is time for sleep, and the villagers return to their beds (well, plant-piles) and you two to the spirit lodge"

GM says, "the main fire is extinguished and the village becomes dark and silent -- or as silent as the forest ever gets, with insects and night-birds calling"

[rpg] Horath says, "It is on-the-fly character creation, but it's probably too late to join in at this point, unfortunately."

[rpg] GM says, "yeah, I think it's about 2/3rds over"

[rpg] GM says, "since I was shooting to stop at 6"

GM says, "and then the roof of the lodge opens up and silvery moonlight streams in"

Russet rubs his eyes.

Horath says, "Horath hopes it does not rain."

Russet asks, "You see it too?"

GM says (to Russet), "the ground around you is bathed in silver -- the pile of logs, the fire, the iron cauldron (a valuable import for the tribe), Horath sleeping -- and, curiously, Horath standing next to Horath sleeping"

GM says, "The standing Horath is the one who spoke"

GM says, "and then as you watch, Russet stands up and puts another silver log on the silver fire, then returns to staring into it silently"

[rpg] Horath asks, "Was that last part directed to me or him or both?"

[rpg] GM says (to Horath), "all from his perspective, but you can see the same thing (including two Russets, one sitting and one standing)"

Russet moves silently farther away from real-Russet to try to reduce confusion.

Russet looks around, at the moonllight above, and waits.

Horath asks, "Sitting Russet" Russet, who is that man standing over there in the corner?"

GM says (to Russet), "Your feet make absolutely no noise on the ground as you walk away; and, indeed, it seems quieter outside than it was before"

Russet says, "I doubt he can hear you."

GM says (to Horath), "the sitting Russet ignores you, making no sign he heard"

[rpg] Russet says, "I didn't mean to leave the hut"

[rpg] GM says (to Russet), "right, sorry -- I mean, 'from what you can hear of outside'"

Horath asks (of Standing Russet), "Are you Russet or is he Russet?"

Russet says (to Horath), "This must be some sort of vision. See, you're still sleeping."

Horath looks down.

(From GM) sleeping Horath snores

Horath asks, "Is this what they call sleep-walking?"

Russet says, "I wonder if this is what happened to the children. Except I'm not asleep like they are."

GM says (to Russet), "meanwhile, as you look up, the moonlight starts to crystallize as it comes down -- one chiming pieces falls and then another, and then it's like a snow shower, though the pieces vanish as they hit the ground (it's like snow, for those of you who have seen it)"

Horath tries to touch things.

[rpg] Horath asks, "Am I carrying what I usually do, or am I like I was when I fell asleep?"

GM says (to Horath), "the ground is soft but spongy, like soft earth (whereas it is actually hard earth). same with the walls. the leaves you were/are sleeping on barely register"

[rpg] GM says, "you're carrying what you usually do, yeah"

GM says (to Horath), "the light, though, solidifies as you touch it"

Horath hits the club on the ground with the club in his hand.

GM says, "The held-club sinks into the ground-club"

Russet continues just taking it in, but also reaches out for the falling moonlight.

Horath tries to take both, then. Wouldn't want a club that couldn't hit things.

GM says, "it also solidifies as you touch it for a moment"

[rpg] Horath asks, "Is it cold like snow, too?"

GM says (to Horath), "your hand passes through it softly, and you can't get a grip"

[rpg] GM says, "a little bit, yeah -- maybe not quite that cold"

Horath tries to touch Russet.

[rpg] GM says (to Russet), "you felt that poke alrighty"

[rpg] Horath says, "(The standing one.)"

Russet asks, "Would you cut that out?"

Horath says, "Dorry."

[rpg] Horath says, "Sorry, even."

Horath says, "Maybe everyone does this here."

Russet says, "Hmm. Perhaps we should go see the children."

Horath says, "OK."

Russet leaves slowly, keeping an eye as long as he can to be sure Sitting Russet seems healthy.

GM says, "Sitting Russet tosses another log on the fire and leans in to stir the pot, sending another waft of smoke out to coil around the room (it sparkles in the moonlight)"

GM says, "the two of you push aside/through the hanging on the doorway -- and you see the village is almost gone"

GM says, "instead trees are everywhere, as if the forest has been here all along, even though in places there are people sleeping on the ground"

GM says, "the people glow faintly silver just like you do"

[rpg] Russet asks, "were the other selves glowing silver?"

[rpg] GM says, "no"

[rpg] GM says, "well -- no more than anything is in the moonlight -- but you and the villagers glow a brighter silver"

[rpg] Horath asks, "What about the children?"

Russet tries to find the place where the children were among the trees.

GM says, "There they are -- lined up neatly in little nests of vegetation on the ground like eggs"

GM says, "and glowly so very faintly you can hardly see them"

GM says, "but -- you can see as you look closer that they're encased in some kind of webbing"

GM says, "silver lines of light"

Horath pulls at the light.

Russet watches, and makes no move to stop Horath.

GM says (to Horath), "it's like, hrm, very tight thread -- as you pick it up to tug on it, you realize the web you're tugging at has a single thread which stretches out into the darkness"

[rpg] Russet tries his small cutting knife on the web binding another child.

Russet tries his small cutting knife on the web binding another child.

GM says, "And as you tug, you hear a faint screech in the darkness"

Russet draws back, hearing the screech.

Horath tries to break the thread.

Russet says, "wait"

Russet asks, "What was that noise?"

Horath says, "Maybe a monkey."

Russet says, "It didn't come from the real world with the birds and bugs."

Russet gently feels at the thread connected to the web and starts to follow it out into the forest.

[rpg] GM says, "(feel free to try and identify the noise if you want, or not if you don't want)"

Horath says, "We could go see."

Russet says, "Yes, let's."

[rpg] Horath says, "Hmm, yeah. Might as well try a Handle Animal again."

Horath rolls 4dF.

Great +1 0 +1 0 = Superb+1 (4)

GM says, "The two of you head out into the forest, following the line -- it seems like in the darkness you should stumble, but nothing impedes your progress"

[rpg] Horath asks, "Do all the threads go in roughly the same direction?"

[rpg] GM says (to Horath), "yeah"

[rpg] GM says, "and that would be a monkey alrighty"

[rpg] GM says, "no doubt the same kind of monkey you saw the fur from earlier"

GM says, "eventually -- you have no idea for how long you're travelling -- you feel the line begin to slacken slightly, and then you emerge at the edge of a clearing full of monkeys"

Horath says, "It sounds like that thing in the pen at the arena in Glomrul."

[rpg] Russet asks, "glowing?"

Horath says, "With the big ears and fingers and tail. It was very funny."

GM says, "the monkeys glow a faint silver, save for a dozen or so in the center of the clear"

GM says, "-ing"

Horath exclaims, "Hey, it is them!"

GM says, "these glow a bright silver, and they hang on the backs of a dozen humans"

Horath says, "They dance if you give them fruit."

GM says, "the thread in your hand stretches into the back of a monkey"

[rpg] Horath asks, "Normal humans, or silver humans?"

Russet says, "sshh"

[rpg] GM says, "the humans are the same faint silver as the children were"

GM says, "and, indeed, the monkeys and humans are dancing, jerking around at the end of the thread"

Russet mumbles, "The Wise Ones"

Horath asks, "Why are the Wise Ones dancing with monkeys?"

GM says, "The strangest part is that this is all totally silent, except for the occasional shriek from a monkey"

Russet retreats a sort distance and tries cutting a thread without pulling on it.

Horath walks up to a human. "Hello. Are you a Wise One? I am Horath."

GM says, "As Horath starts to walk into the center of the clearing, a monkey screeches and jumps on his back"

GM says, "Then another one, and another one"

[rpg] Russet says, "Dream monkey whooping time."

Horath pulls them off one by one.

[rpg] Russet says, "(don't you all wish you were playing?)"

[rpg] Horath says, "I'll try a Handle Animal check first, to see if I can get them off peacefully."

GM says, "Meanwhile, Russet saws at the cords"

Horath rolls 4dF.

Great -1 0 +1 0 = Great (2)

Horath says, "Bad monkeys, get down..."

Horath says, "Horath will give the monkeys fruit if the monkeys stop jumping on Horath."

GM says, "One of the monkeys sinks its fangs into Horath's hand -- but he shoves it off, along with the others"

GM says, "Russet saws through the cord, which snaps -- and the man topples backwards into Horath's hands"

[rpg] Horath asks, "How big are the monkeys?"

[rpg] Russet asks, "the cord was connected to a grown man?"

[rpg] GM says, "no, it was connected to a monkey"

[rpg] Russet asks, "okay, what man topples?"

Horath asks (of Man), "Are you OK?"

GM says, "that is -- the monkey to which the cord was connected begins to grow less silver, and the man on whom it is riding falls backwards into Horath's hands"

GM says, "he moans faintly and shakes his head from side to side"

[rpg] GM says, "(the monkeys are like the size of a child)"

[rpg] Russet says, "okay, got it."

[rpg] GM says, "probably they have their legs a little higher than the man's waist, and the arms reach up around his neck"

Horath asks (of Man), "Are you done dancing now?"

Russet grabs for a few more cords and commences cutting.

GM says, ""cursed .." the man mumbles "sin .. greed""

GM says, "(and, curiously, you can understand him)"

Horath sets the man down and tries pulling the monkeys off of some of the men directly.

GM says (to Horath), "hmm - it looks like the monkeys are actually *part* of the people they're riding on"

GM says, "or at least you don't see a clear break between the monkey and the person, and tugging pulls on the person too"

[rpg] Horath asks, "But the cut thread separated them?"

GM says, "but as Russet cuts more cords, more monkeys begin to stop moving, and the people stop their dancing"

[rpg] GM says, "no, the monkeys are still on -- just fading to not-so-bright silver"

[rpg] Horath says, "Oh, ah."

Horath asks, "Why are the Wise Ones tied to the children who sleep?"

GM says, ""Greed," murmurs an old woman, lying there. "Told us how to reach more than we deserved""

Horath asks, "Who told you?"

Russet calls out, "They're talking? Ask what we should do!"

Horath asks, "What should Horath and Russet do?"

GM says, ""U-tal," whispers one of the Wise Ones. "U-tal" whispers another. "U-tal's vision -- we should not have tried to go before our time""

GM says, ""Look for --" there is a gasp "Black fur""

Horath says (to Russet), "Man says to look for Black Fur."

GM says, "And then one by one the Wise Ones and monkeys wink out, leaving only the cords"

[rpg] Horath asks, "What color was the fur we found?"

[rpg] GM says, "gold"

Horath exclaims, "Russet, the Wise Ones left again!"

GM says (to Russet), "in your hands, the cords start tugging, away from the clearing"

Russet exclaims, "The cords are going back! Come!"

Russet follows the cords lest he get lost.

Horath follows Russet.

GM says, "The lines stretch out into the darkness, pulling you along -- and then abruptly you feel them split -- they open up into a shimmering spiderweb, the size of the clearing"

Russet says, "This just gets stranger and stranger."

GM says, "and on the web, dancing agilely towards you, is an enormous spider"

Russet backs off in a hurry.

GM says, "on the far edge of the web you see a dozen thread-wrapped bundles"

Russet asks, "I don't suppose you're Black Fur?"

Horath says, "I hope that I have the right club."

GM says, "The spider shows no sign of responding, though as it descends (the web slopes upwards) you do notice a peculiar zig-zag design on its underbelly"

Russet says, "those bundles are the size of ...."

GM says, "Then it is upon you, grabbing with its legs and clawing with its fangs"

GM says, "if you're staying to fight make some kind of attack roll"

Horath rolls 4dF.

Great +1 -1 +1 0 = Superb (3)

Russet says, "Staff:"

Russet rolls 4dF.

Fair +1 0 +1 0 = Great (2)

Horath exclaims (at Spider), "Do not attack Horath and Russet!"

GM rolls 4dF.

Great -1 0 +1 +1 = Superb (3)

[rpg] Horath asks, "How do Fudge fights with several participants go?"

[rpg] Horath asks, "Does the spider have to pick which of us it's focussing on?"

[rpg] GM says, "hmm, I think the way I'm going to rule is that Horath matched it and Russet lost slightly, so Horath should describe something that's a tie and Russet should describe something where he takes a slight setback"

[rpg] GM says (to Horath), "normally, yeah, but for large creatures they can attack multiple people at once"

[rpg] GM says, "(and similarly it doesn't take the normal penalties for being attacked by multiple people)"

[rpg] GM says (to Russet), "so you can describe yourself as taking a small wound (which will be a Scratch, which has no effect until you get four total), or of losing your staff, or of tripping, or otherwise being slightly set back"

Russet lands a knock on the spider's back but gets pushed to the ground by a claw.

Horath fends off the hairy, chitinous leg while dodging the spider's fangs.

Horath rolls 4dF.

Great +1 +1 -1 0 = Superb (3)

[rpg] GM says, "(right, next round)"

GM rolls 4dF.

Great +1 +1 0 -1 = Superb (3)

[rpg] Russet says, "I'll take Dodge to +1. (only half my points gone, though)"

[rpg] GM says, "sheesh"

[rpg] GM says (to Russet), "yeah, sure"

[rpg] GM says, "look at all these superbs"

Russet rolls 4dF.

Good +1 0 +1 +1 = Superb+1 (4)

[rpg] Russet says, "haha. That was a Dodge roll."

[rpg] GM says (to Russet), "ok, you beat the spider there, so I'll say what happens"

GM says, "Russet rolls to one side as the spider swings a clawed leg at him, rolling so he ends up underneath it"

[rpg] GM says (to Horath), "and you tied again"

Russet . o O ( oops )

Horath swings his club at what might be compared to a face, but the spider pulls back at the last second.

Horath rolls 4dF.

Great +1 0 +1 +1 = Superb+2 (5)

[rpg] Horath exclaims (at Spider), "Beat *that*!"

[rpg] GM says (to Russet), "since you're in a better position this round, you can attack with a +1 if you want, or do something else"

GM rolls 4dF.

Great 0 -1 0 -1 = Fair (0)

[rpg] Russet says, "but there's no room to swing a staff. I have the little knife, I guess."

[rpg] Russet says, "unless you'll allow a Staff +1 anyway, of course."

[rpg] GM says, "um, if you can describe a plausible staff attack from underneath I'll allow it"

[rpg] GM says, "(well, vaguely plausible, anyway)"

[rpg] GM says, "or give yourself a knife skill/additional weapon"

Russet pulls out the cutting knife to take a stab upward.

Russet rolls 4dF.

Fair +1 -1 -1 +1 = Fair (0)

[rpg] GM says (to Russet), "so go ahead and dictate something that ends in a tie, I guess, assuming that included the +1 bonus already"

[rpg] Russet says, "I suspect the character as we go is actually hurting me, since I'm skimping on actually applying points."

[rpg] jnc says, "Agh! I forgot about the game!"

[rpg] GM says (to Russet), "well, we're winding down here, so feel free to splurge if you want"

Russet's blade makes a tiny scratch that didn't seem to phase the spider.

GM says, "...however, it does distract it long enough for Horath to get in a nasty slam on its front claw -- it hisses and staggers backwards as the chitin snaps"

GM rolls 4dF.

Great -1 +1 0 +1 = Superb (3)

[rpg] Russet says, "Dodge again"

Russet rolls 4dF.

Good 0 -1 -1 -1 = Poor (-2)

Horath rolls 4dF.

Great -1 +1 +1 -1 = Great (2)

[rpg] Russet says, "oops, I'm out"

[rpg] GM asks, "out?"

[rpg] Russet says, "well, no."

[rpg] Horath says, "You could use a Fudge die."

[rpg] Russet asks, "what happens if I don't?"

[rpg] Horath says, "You get to narrate what happens, I think."

[rpg] GM says, "hmm, you should pick a reasonably severe consequence -- probably something on the order of three scratches, or getting tangled up in the web, or similar"

[rpg] Russet says, "Hey, that was almost the intent anyway. Except for the getting stuck and tangled part."

[rpg] GM says, "hee hee"

Russet rolls out from underneath, only to go too far and entwine himself in the silvery web.

[rpg] GM says (to Horath), "you too, I guess"

Horath is raked across the forearm by the claw, but hardly seems to notice it.

GM rolls 4dF.

Great 0 0 -1 0 = Good (1)

[rpg] Horath asks, "Do you need to use the reroll table for all fudge dice, or just actual rerolls?"

[rpg] GM says, "hmm, see if you can use it for all"

GM says, "also, I realize that the spider should get a -1 for being Hurt from Horath's blow earlier, so call that a Fair (0)"

[rpg] Russet says, "'a friend in need...'"

Horath suddenly realizes that, although far vaster, this spider is remotely related to a species that was common where he grew up.

[rpg] Horath says, "A flash of recognition, to get a Superb roll."

[rpg] Russet says, "I guess I'll use a Dodge roll to struggle against the web."

Russet rolls 4dF.

Good 0 0 +1 +1 = Superb (3)

[rpg] Horath says, "(Which would be Superb(+2) with the skill added, I guess.)"

GM says, "The spider starts to back up to bite at Russet, only to have Horath's club slam into another leg which cracks nastily"

GM says, "The spider hisses and starts to scuttle back further onto the web, limping slightly"

GM rolls 4dF.

Great +1 -1 +1 -1 = Great (2)

GM says, "(er, -1 again)"

[rpg] Russet asks, "where are the bundles relative to all this?"

[rpg] GM says, "on the back part of the web -- so the spider is heading towards them"

Horath rolls 4dF.

Great 0 +1 +1 +1 = Superb+2 (5)

[rpg] GM says, "man"

[rpg] GM says, "look at Horath go"

Russet rolls 4dF.

Good 0 +1 +1 -1 = Great (2)

Horath exclaims, "Horath knows Bricklebacks! You are just a very *swing* big *swing* Brickleback!"

[rpg] GM says, "ha ha ha"

GM says, "Horath's club slams into the spider, sending it reeling back, half-ripping through the web"

GM says, "and then Russet's knife cuts the last strand, sending the spider plummeting into the void below"

[rpg] Russet asks, "oh, I got free?"

[rpg] GM says, "with the Superb last time and the Great this time, yeah"

GM says, "and then you look up -- it's daylight and you are standing in the village in front of the children"

Russet rubs his eyes again.

GM says, "the other villagers are looking surprised, but not at you; one man lies crumpled on the ground"

Horath asks (of Russet), "Can they see us now?"

GM says, "One of the women kneels down beside the body, and pulls his amulets aside to examine him"

Russet checks to see if anyone is glowing.

GM says, "no, no glowing -- it's daylight and everything seems back to normal"

GM says, "As she does examine him, Horarth recognizes him as the man with the log-lifting from earlier"

GM says, "and you both see a pecular zig-zag scar on his chest"

Horath exclaims, "Brickleback!"

GM says, "One of the grandmother approaches Russet. "Do you wish to go ahead and administer the potion still, or should we see what curse has fallen on I-mas?""

Russet says, "My companion and I had a vision last night. We must tell it first."

Horath says, "Then maybe look to see if Horath still sleeping."

GM says, ""A vision?" the woman looks surprised (but respectful)"

Russet relates the whole story, being sure to mention Horath's mighty club blows in a way that would please him (if sound effects had been added, that is).

[rpg] GM says, "ha ha ha"

GM says, ""But what does it mean?" asks the grandmother. The villagers drew in their breath is surprise when the giant spider is mentioned, and some of them stare over at I-mas."

[rpg] Russet asks, "Was I-mas the first name the Wise Ones mentioned?"

[rpg] Horath says, "The Wise Ones said Black Fur."

[rpg] Russet says, "before that."

[rpg] GM says, ""U-tal", they said"

[rpg] Russet says, "oh yeah"

Russet asks, "Is he alive?"

GM says, "The woman who was attending him shakes her head. "He is dead," she says. "Struck down -- or fallen.""

Russet asks, "Strange. What does it mean? Shall we see how the children are?"

GM says, ""Will you give them the potion?" E-dor asks"

Russet says, "I do not know."

Russet says, "If the grandmothers wish it, of course I will."

GM says, ""It seems like the vision did not caution against it," one says. "And we have no other hope.""

[rpg] Russet asks, "say, did the villagers first gasp at 'spider' or at 'zigzag scar'?"

[rpg] GM says, "well, spider, but both"

Russet, meanwhile, tries to figure out if he actually *has* a potion.

GM says, "yeah, the iron cauldron is on the ground near your feet, partly full of the thing you were making last night"

Russet draws a small draught then.

GM says, "Russet administers a small portion to K-ayl, and her eyelids begin to flutter almost immediately"

GM says, "They open, taking in his face, and then shut again, before she begins murmuring"

Russet listens, and makes sure others can hear too.

GM says, ""A false vision," she says. "The next life stolen -- our own folly betrayed us -- greed, greed -- the fool driven off beyond the stream""

GM says, ""Black fur," she says, and then sinks back onto her pile of bedding and says no more"

[rpg] Ghogg asks, "How'd it go?"

[rpg] GM says, "not quite done, but winding down"

Russet asks, "Black Fur again. Who or what is Black Fur?"

[rpg] Russet says, "one minute break for me"

Horath asks, "Where is beyond the stream?"

GM says, "E-dor looks confused. "There are several streams in the forest -- which would they mean?""

[rpg] Horath asks, "Do you know who is U-tal?"

Horath asks, "Do you know who is U-tal?"

[rpg] Horath says, "(Idlac.)"

GM says, ""U-tal? Why, he is one of the Wise Ones -- but what does it mean?""

Horath tells, via Russet, of the people with monkeys on their backs and what they said.

Russet says, "In the vision, the men who seemed to be the Wise Ones vanished, but we could not save the children from the spider's web. Perhaps the Wise Ones have returned home."

Russet says, "If not, the only other action I can think of would be to look for the monkeys."

GM says, "E-dor spits at the mention of monkeys again. "I will show you where they live, but will not go to the place of the unclean ones myself""

Horath says, "That works for Horath."

Russet says, "I would be glad of your help, and I will do all I can trying to help the children."

GM says, "E-dor sighs. "So what is there to do? Do you wish to see the Wise One's camp again? Or the monkeys?""

Russet says, "Let us visit the camp first. If they are not there, there will be no reason to linger."

Horath nods in agreement.

GM says, ""Very well, then.""

GM says, "E-dor leads you back through the forest to the Wise One's village; again it takes a while and involves walking along deer paths and around the edge of clearings and over a creek before you finally make it there"

Russet says privately to Horath, "I would ask if there were more villagers willing to come, but if we find the Wise Ones one delegate will suffice; if not, it sounds like none would be willing to go to the monkeys."

GM says, "but the treehouses are still deserted -- except that when you peek into the messy one, there is a quick motion and a monkey leaps out the window and into the trees"

Horath exclaims, "Follow that monkey!"

Russet says, "Be my guest."

Horath leaps out the window and into the trees. Or some sort of approximation thereof.

[rpg] GM says, "ha ha ha"

[rpg] GM asks, "ok, um, do you have any relevant skill here?"

[rpg] Russet says, "quick, upgrade the risk on this daring leap"

[rpg] Horath says, "Aside from my ability to soak injury? No."

Horath rolls 4dF.

Poor 0 -1 0 +1 = Poor (-2)

Russet follows, but via the tree-notches.

[rpg] GM says (to Horarth), "I dunno, I guess thud into the ground -- make something appropriate up"

Horath grabs a vine to swing, which quickly takes him to a thin branch. He balances for a moment, reaching for the next vine, before the wood suddenly cracks, dropping him several yards to the leafy forest floor below.

[rpg] GM says, "(then if you'd like to chase after the monkey, make another skill roll -- Russet also)"

Russet rolls 4dF.

Poor 0 -1 +1 -1 = Terrible (-3)

Horath rolls 4dF.

Poor -1 -1 +1 0 = Terrible (-3)

[rpg] GM says, "ha ha ha"

[rpg] Russet says, "I would be mainly chasing after Horath of course."

GM says, "The monkey races on through the trees, as you get mired in the creek-mud and it is soon out of sight"

Horath says, "That is a fast monkey."

Russet says, "Most are."

Russet says, "Or that was my impression---but you're the animal expert here."

Horath says, "The last monkey Horath saw lived in a pen."

GM says, "E-dor comes up behind you. "Where did it go? What was that monkey doing defiling the Wise One's room?""

Russet says, "I guess that would slow it down."

Russet says, "Monkeys seem to enjoy defiling that particular room."

Horath says, "Horath could not watch where the monkey went while Horath was coming down from tree."

[rpg] Russet says, "ha ha ha"

Russet asks, "Well now. Which way did you say the monkeys live?"

GM says, ""Dark monkeys especially bad," E-dor adds."

GM says, "He chucks a stone in the direction the monkey fled."

GM says, ""If you still wish to see the other monkeys, I will take you," he says."

Russet says, "It was black? Hmm."

GM says, "(yeah, it was)"

GM says, "(or darkish, anyway)"

Horath says, "Horath wants to see the monkeys."

GM says, ""Very well, then." E-dor leads you on to the monkey colony. "The monkeys are in those trees," he says, and indeed you can hear them from here, screeching like crazy"

[rpg] Russet says, "Horath has only had one good chance to use Horath's club, and that was weird dream."

Russet says, "Thank you. Wish us luck."

[rpg] Horath says, "I'm hoping we get some big monkeys, because Horath will feel bad about hitting little ones."

[rpg] Horath says, "(Although, I guess child-sized is big enough, come to think of it.)"

GM says, "The trees prove to be swarming with monkeys of all colors -- some screech and come towards you, and some run away, and some climb up and down branches and watch"

Horath exclaims, "Hello there monkeys! Come down here and talk to Horath!"

Russet says, "Most of these seem to be harmless enough."

GM says, "Some monkeys climb down and cluster around Horath, tugging at his hair and his ears"

GM says, "some other ones throw clods of dirt"

GM says, "other ones approach Russet if he gets close"

Russet says, "Play nice, monkeys."

Horath says (to Monkeys), "Horath and Russet want to find Black Fur."

GM says, "well, some of the monkeys do have black fur"

GM says, "some also have gold fur"

Horath wades into the monkey village.

Horath asks, "Wise Ones, are you in the monkey village?"

Russet gets an apple from his pack and tosses it to some monkeys, hoping to distract at least some of them.

GM says (to Horath), "one of the black-furred monkeys screeches loudly in your ear"

GM says (to Russet), "some of the monkeys begin fighting over the apple"

Russet stays close to the guy with the club.

Horath exclaims (at Horath), "What are you saying? Horath does not speak monkey!"

Horath rolls 4dF.

Great 0 -1 +1 0 = Great (2)

[rpg] Horath says, "(Handle animal roll, in case it helps.)"

GM says, "a few more black-furred monkeys come over and cluster around Horath's feet, squabbling and wrestling with each other"

Horath asks (of Russet), "They can not all be Black Fur, can they?"

Russet asks, "Beats me. Now why do they rush over and then fight with each other?"

[rpg] Horath says, "The difference between some different RPG systems is brought to mind, as I note that a D&D druid would be able to cast Talk To Animals at this point."

[rpg] GM says, "(yeah)"

[rpg] Horath says, "And that further, in Nobilis, we could have just asked the rocks in the tree house what happened."

[rpg] Russet says, "Many Ussurans can also speak with animals, of course."

[rpg] Horath says, "(Which isn't to say they'd have been any help, but we'd have done it anyway.)"

[rpg] GM says, "ha ha"

[rpg] GM says, "well, if you guys are getting bored here, feel free to spend a fudge point for a break"

[rpg] Russet says, "'We were put in neat little piles.'"

Horath asks (of Russet), "Because you give them one apple, but there are many monkeys?"

[rpg] Russet asks, "as in, something helpful happens?"

Russet says, "Well, I don't have many apples."

[rpg] GM says, "yeah"

Horath says, "Maybe the monkeys are Wise Ones."

Horath says, "Who became dege-- d-- whatever it is that monkeys were."

[rpg] Russet says, "sure. That 'animal is unexpectedly helpful' category sounds appropriate."

[rpg] GM says, "alrighty"

[rpg] GM says, "hmm"

GM says, "One of the black-furred monkeys scampers down from the trees, something clutched in its mouth"

Russet says, "Actually, the Wise Ones would have been happy with that fate."

Russet asks, "Hey, what has he got?"

GM says, "another one tackles it as it is running over towards you and the thing goes flying -- but it drifts through the air; it must be a feather"

Russet grabs for it.

Horath asks, "Where did the monkey get that feather from? Up in the tree?"

Horath attempst to climbup after it.

Horath rolls 4dF.

Poor -1 0 0 0 = Terrible (-3)

GM says (to Russet), "it's a white feather -- it looks like it actually has some kind of runes written on it"

[rpg] GM says (to Horath), "you might, you know, want to spend those points on an athletics skill or something"

[rpg] Horath says, "Hee. Not a bad idea."

[rpg] Russet asks, "I got the feather?"

[rpg] Horath says, "Two points in Athletics, then."

[rpg] GM says (to Russet), "yeah"

Horath can't even get a grip on the bark.

[rpg] GM says, "they ignored it after it went flying"

Horath says (to Russet), "Horath can help Russet up tree, maybe."

[rpg] Russet says, "+1 in, uh, Old Languages I guess."

Russet rolls 4dF.

Good 0 0 +1 +1 = Superb (3)

Russet studies the feather.

GM says (to Russet), "aha -- you recognize this from studies with your master as being some sort of magical writing used as part of a ritual; the writing here reads "TRANSFORM""

Russet says, "transform? Not sure that sounds good."

GM says, "...with a slight sense of, hmm, "ascension" or "rising""

Russet stashes the feather and looks up at the tree down which the monkey came. (Perception)

Russet rolls 4dF.

Fair 0 +1 0 0 = Good (1)

GM says (to Russet), "you see a few more feathers stuffed into a hole in the tree"

[rpg] Horath says, "This is around the point where I've got to go, unfortunately."

Russet asks, "how high?"

[rpg] GM asks, "rr, sorry, I didn't realize it was going to run this late; can you stick around for like five minutes?"

GM says (to Russet), "about ten feet"

Russet says (to Horath), "Actually, looks like the rest of the feathers are just up there."

[rpg] Horath says, "Yeah."

Russet says, "So if you just give me a lift for a moment...."

Horath hoists Russet up.

Russet says, "oof"

GM says, "The monkeys screech and climb over the two of you, but Russet's able to grab the feathers"

GM says, "Climbing down and studying them, he's able to make out (since he already made a good skill check) that the rest of them put together some kind of ritual to 'advance people into the next form'"

GM says, "it seems to be like reincarnation, but without death"

Horath asks, "What do those marks mean?"

Russet says, "This is beginning to make sense, in a frightening way."

GM says (to Russet), "only, hrm, this would be a pretty tricky ritual to get right, you think"

Russet says, "I think the Wise Ones used these to get to the 'next life', which to them means becoming an animal. Or at least, they tried to."

Horath asks, "But it went backwards instead?"

Russet says, "If they look anything like those things in the vision, I'd say it didn't go all the way."

Russet says, "But we still don't know where they are or if there's anything we can do about it."

Russet says, "I guess we keep going."

[rpg] GM says (to Russet), "well, you might be able to put something together from these feathers"

[rpg] Russet asks, "for reversing it, you mean?"

[rpg] GM says, "yeah"

[rpg] GM says, "or you can poke around the tree more"

[rpg] Russet says, "okay, I'll take my +3 in Obscure Feather Rituals."

[rpg] GM says, "ha ha ha"

[rpg] GM says, "or ritual magic, anyway"

[rpg] Russet says, "okay, +1 Ritual Magic."

Russet says, "Unless these can help reverse the ritual...."

Russet rolls 4dF.

Good +1 0 -1 +1 = Great (2)

[rpg] GM says, "aha"

GM says, "ok (summarizing, in the interests of time)"

[rpg] Horath asks, "You realize that's the first step on the road to becoming an immensely powerful sorceror who can kill with a glance but barely resembles a human anymore, right?"

[rpg] Horath says, "And then I'll have to kill you."

[rpg] Russet says, "All druids need to study the black arts for their own defense."

GM says, "Russet uses his druidical training and some help from the grandmothers to put together a ritual to reverse the spell, and invokes it -- immediately, a dozen black-furred monkeys turn back into naked humans, some squabbling with monkeys, some biting their feet, and some wrapped over a branch of the tree"

GM says, "and all very ashamed"

Horath exclaims, "Horath recognize them!"

GM says, "there is a real feast that night, though, and since the tribes have avoided the monkeys in the forest you're the only ones who see the Wise Ones before they're able to clean themselves up a bit"

GM says, "at the village feast the Wise Ones explain that one of their number had a vision giving him a ritual to promote themselves to the next life, and they convinced themselves that their virtue made their ok"

[rpg] Russet says, "ah, denoument"

GM says, "er, made this ok"

[rpg] Russet says, "that looks like it needs more vowels"

GM says, "but fate was cruel -- or perhaps someone's malice -- and they were instead transformed into dirty monkeys"

[rpg] Matthew says (to Russet), "It does. Denouement."

GM says, "which influenced their minds and made it difficult for them to do anything about their position, although they did remember enough to cuff the one who had started all this and chase him across the creek, and then grab the feathers from the ritual and carry them off"

[rpg] Horath asks, "What about the children?"

[rpg] GM says (to Horath), "good point"

GM says, "fate was, no doubt, cruel, because the spell worked by stealing the children's souls and using those to fuel the transformation of the Wise Ones"

GM says, "even though it only transformed their bodies and not their minds"

GM says, "and the next morning after the feast the Wise Ones lead you to the herb you seek, and you are able to return in triumph to Russet's master"

[rpg] Russet asks, "what about Manspider?"

GM says, "the grandmothers and the Wise Ones promise that they will aid you if ever in the future you need something"

[rpg] GM says, "they're not sure about the situation there, but from your description, it sounds as though one of the villagers may have been responsible for the ritual going wrong -- or perhaps he somehow planted it in the first place"

[rpg] GM says, "and I think that's a wrap -- thanks for playing, people; I will tinker some with the system and get back to you"

[rpg] Horath says, "I'll mail someone a transcript tomorrow."

Horath waves.

[rpg] GM says, "great, thanks"

[rpg] Russet asks, "is there going to be more, you mean?"

[rpg] GM says, "sorry it went late -- I was really trying to keep it to three hours"

Horath has disconnected.

[rpg] GM says, "yeah, I'd like to run another story of these to try out some other stuff; combat needs some retuning and that kind of thing"