Sebastien has disconnected.

Alixandre has connected.

[ussura] Alixandre says, "Indeed, I return, right on time"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "at least insofar as the Montaigne court reckons 'on time'"

[ussura] inky says, "heehee"

[ussura] Alixandre asks (of GM), "Are you still willing and able to hold forth on adventure?"

[ussura] GM says, "GM is watching Ellric jump on things for a sec - brb"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "you should put him to bed, like all good children"

[ussura] GM says, "he's back faster than I expected <Era waves!>"

[ussura] GM exclaims, "Alrighty!"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "Again, sorry for the delay. You know what they say: when the laser's rockin', make sure it's not going metastable"

GM says, "So, to recap: with the rest of the group, you made your way through the thrice-tenth kingdom and found a giant egg, which you and everyone entered. The door closed, spindly legs unfolded, and it took off."

[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee"

Alixandre says, "Goodness."

Alixandre says, "This is not entirely what I envisioned when we were given our assignment."

GM says, "At its destination, however, you seem to be the only one left in the egg."

GM says, "The door unfolds demurely."

Alixandre says, "Hm."

katre arrives, looking for booty.

Alixandre asks, "Halloa! Sebastien?"

echo asks, "Halloa! Sebastien?"

Alixandre says, "And hm again."

[Crows-Nest] Charles says (to Alix), "He just logged off a few minutes ago."

Alixandre says, "I daresay I shall have to ration my handkerchief usage, as I have no one to offer replacements."

Alixandre looks outside the egg door.

[Crows-Nest] Alixandre exclaims, "how unseemly!"

GM says, "Outside is a snow-speckled forest. Pine, mostly."

Alixandre . o O ( Were we supposed to be separated like this? It is as if I am pursuing my own narrative thread. )

[ussura] GM says, "Snicker"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "I'll step out and see what's what in the forest."

GM says, "The sun shines brightly off the patches of snow in the clearing where you enter."

GM says, "As you take a few steps, something--*lifts* from you."

Alixandre asks, "...er?"

Alixandre pats his coat, checks his pockets, his pack, his supply of ruffs.

GM says, "Everything seems to be in order with your stuff."

GM says, "It was something else--something you always carry."

[ussura] Alixandre says, "oh man"

Alixandre checks the...more spiritual things normally draped about him.

[ussura] GM asks, "er um what kind of bird were you again?"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "black kite"

[ussura] GM says, "Right."

Eolo has connected.

GM says, "You test, and can feel the black kite's spirit skin in...the place it normally resides. But the wolf skin is gone."

GM says, "A flicker of movement catches your eye, and you turn to look into the woods."

Alixandre says, "mrm"

Alixandre peers in a very sharp-eyed manner.

GM says, "A gust of wind blows a swirl of snow through the place you're staring, and you see it *twist* as it goes through."

Alixandre says, "That is not quite right."

Alixandre says, "Not that any of this has been quite right, starting with our sleeping accomodations."

Alixandre moves towards the odd place in the forest.

GM says, "And then, finally, your perception shifts, and there's your wolf, looking at you."

GM says, "It's a lot smaller than you remember. Of course, you were one at the time."

Alixandre exclaims, "oh!"

Alixandre asks, "hello?"

GM says, "The ghostly shape nods, then turns and walks into the forest."

Alixandre . o O ( Aha, one of *these* stories. )

Alixandre follows the wolf.

GM says, "As you walk, you find yourself short of breath. You must be somewhere with a high elevation."

Alixandre follows the wolf, only more slowly and carefully.

GM says, "The wolf leads you over a rise and down into a gully."

GM asks, "And there ahead of you--is that something gray?"

Alixandre squints.

[Crows-Nest] Alixandre says, "this is going to turn into one of those Hemmingway stories with short declarative sentences and the protagonist all tangled up in '<Name> <verb>' sentences."

GM says, "Aha--it's Techek! The wolf himself whose spirit skin you're following."

Alixandre exclaims, "!"

Alixandre moves to Techek and kneels.

Techek lies, panting.

GM says, "He's badly hurt--long red gashes in his side."

Alixandre tries to bind the wounds, making the ultimate sacrifice and tearing strips from a not-quite-in-fashion-anymore shirt.

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

Techek speaks in an odd combination of growls and sounds, "Aha. My human."

Alixandre asks, "Techek. What happened?"

Techek says, "My pack is scattered by the mining men, and I myself brought low."

Alixandre says, "Tell me of these men."

Alixandre bind bind bind.

Techek says, "They come from over the hills, and speak a strange tongue."

Alixandre asks, "and they do not respect you or the land?"

Techek says, "They search for something they call--drask? drarchen? drashkenesan." His tongue stumbles over the strange syllables."

Techek says, "Nay."

Alixandre says, "Eisen."

GM says, "Blood starts seeping through the strips you put on Techek, and he looks at them and shakes his head."

Alixandre says, "Are any of the pack nearby? I can carry you for a while."

Techek says, "It is late for me, young one, and well past my time. I have outlived five wives, and do not wish to mourn another."

Alixandre says, "You cannot be old, for then I am no longer young. Surely you have years ahead of you."

Techek says, "But I would have you help my pack, many of which are my sons and daughters."

Techek barks a laugh.

Techek says, "For your kind, perhaps. If we last over seven winters, we count ourselves lucky."

Techek says, "Our bond has strengthened me, and I have led our pack far longer than is usual."

Techek says, "It is enough."

Alixandre says, "If it has helped you, I am grateful, for it surely has helped me."

Alixandre says, "If I cannot help you, then I surely shall help your pack"

Alixandre says, "weak recompense though it may be"

Techek says, "I would hear of such help. Long have you left this land, and I have not been able to feel your presence."

Alixandre is silent at this.

Techek asks, "What? No tales of my skin lending you stealth, lending you strength?"

Alixandre says, "Oh, stories I have aplenty. Of sneaking into places I should not have been able to reach, of daring and bravery while aiding those who needed it."

Alixandre says, "But I was not here for you."

Techek says, "Tell me. Tell me your favorite."

Alixandre says, "I have a friend. Sebastien. Over time he came to know of your gift to me."

Techek nods, and relaxes.

Alixandre says, "We were tasked to investigate a kidnapping. A noble's daughter, snatched from her home under cover of darkness."

Alixandre says, "We worked long to find out who was responsible. We were close, very close, when we grew careless and were captured."

Alixandre says, "They took us both, bound our hands and feet, and blindfolded us."

Alixandre says, "They argued amongst themselves whether we should die or merely be left blind and mute for our masters to find us."

Alixandre says, "The arguing was heated enough that they left us alone in a room, temporarily unguarded."

Alixandre says, "Think of their surprise to find that only one remained when they returned."

Techek snorts another laugh.

[ussura] Sebastien says, "he left me ALL ALONE"

Alixandre says, "It was your gift that let me escape. I dispatched the guard assigned to watch over us and freed Sebastien."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "oh yeah"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "I came back! Though the wolf slobber never did come out of that tunic of yours."

[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee"

Alixandre says, "It was a fearsome night for our former captors, hunted by a shape they could not see, and facing the blade of their once-prisoner should they try to escape."

Alixandre says, "Were it not for your gift, I would not have escaped."

Techek nods. "It is well. And do not worry about being here for me. Matushka sent you, did she not?"

Alixandre says, "I believe she did. It was her device that delivered me here, alone out of all of my companions."

Techek says, "I will not question her timing, then, and neither should you."

Alixandre nods.

Techek says, "The miners can be found by following this gully around to the north, then turn and follow the twin peaks. My pack is scattered, but we used to gather at a watering hole east of here beneath the lone pine on the bald mountain. It may be that you will find some of them there."

Alixandre says, "In your name I will find them."

Techek says, "My twenty-seventh son Usevlad has talked with Matushka, and I believe would make a good leader in my absense."

Alixandre says, "Good. Matushka guide my steps."

GM says, "There is another *twist* in the air around you, and Techek's skin returns."

Alixandre says, "I thank you for your gift. I will honor you by finding your pack and reuniting them."

[ussura] GM says, "Also:"

GM tosses a drama die to Alixandre for his story.

[ussura] Alixandre says, "woo"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "it was the wolf slobber that sold it"

Techek relaxes, and closes his eyes. In a few moments, his breathing evens, and he sleeps.

[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee"

[ussura] Alixandre asks, "Does it look like he'll last long?"

[ussura] GM says, "No, not really. But he seems comfortable, at least."

[ussura] GM just had a vision of Alix waking him up again, asking, "Uh, where was that mining camp, again?" leading to a '"Oh, for heaven's sake," said Techek, who died testily.'

[ussura] Alixandre says, "yay"

Alixandre pulls a blanket from his pack and spreads it across Techek.

[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"

Alixandre . o O ( Thank goodness Sebastien will not see how many good linens I am using. )

[ussura] GM asks, "So, where to first?"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "the watering hole"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "I want to find out what else the pack might know about the miners"

[ussura] GM nods.

[ussura] GM asks, "As a human, or you want to shift?"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "I'll shift. Easier to tell the story to the pack that way."

[ussura] GM says, "Alrighty."

GM says, "Leaving your pack by Techek, you take on his spirit skin and *shift* to being a wolf once again."

Alixandre stretches, feeling comfortable for the first time in a while.

Alixandre lopes off to the east, looking for a lone pine tree while listening for other wolves.

GM says, "As you do, the world goes from color to black, red, and white, but the landscape explodes into a boquet of scents. Paths for the rabbits, paths for the small deer you now know live here--and paths for the wolves, leading all over, but one stronger than the others leading east."

katre has disconnected.

katre jumps up and runs back home.

GM says, "As you go east, the smell of water grows stronger, and you emerge under the lone pine to a watering hole."

Alixandre sniff sniff sniff sniiiiiiiiff.

GM says, "Ah, there's the scent of wolf again--growing stronger, actually."

wolf pokes her head around a tree, looking at you curiously.

Alixandre barks for attention.

Alixandre exclaims, "Children of Techek!"

wolf starts, but watches and listens carefully.

[ussura] Sebastien says, "if they're all children of techek I fear for the genetic diversity of the clan"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "see, this is wolfish metaphor"

[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee"

[ussura] Alixandre sniffs.

[ussura] Alixandre asks, "I forget: what's the general animal attitude to the shapeshifters?"

[ussura] GM says, "Having essentially one male per generation that breeds with a harem is not an uncommon trait amoung some animals, but I don't think wolves are among them, if my reading last night was right."

[ussura] GM says, "Ah, hmm."

Ghogg arrives, looking for booty.

[ussura] Alixandre says, "I don't want to put my foot -- er, paw -- in it"

[ussura] josh_g says, "ISTR that wolves are pretty loyal to a single mate"

[ussura] Ghogg says, "you put your right paw out, you put your right paw in...."

[ussura] GM says, "Respect, mostly. Most animals are not as eloquent as Techek--he gained more intelligence due to his connection with you."

[ussura] GM says, "But they'll understand basic ideas."

[ussura] josh_g says, "(he interjects, completely not knowing what's happening in the 7th Sea room)"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "it was all that court training feeding back into him"

[ussura] GM says (to josh_g), "Right."

Alixandre asks, "He has sent me to you. Where is Usevlad? Where is the pack?"

[ussura] Sebastien says (to Ghogg), "hee hee"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "(pretend I'm modulating this down into more traditional wolf-speak. I think if I had to come up with 'Tashak send me! Where Uselvad! &c. &c.' I'd go crazy"

[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee. OK."

[ussura] Maxwell says, "but see #English earlier today for the effective use of multiple exclamation points"

wolf nods. "Come. I take to Usevlad."

Alixandre moves to follow wolf.

wolf leads you once more through the forest, loping easily over the heath.

[ussura] wolf says, "Not that I'm sure if there's heath here, but it sounded good."

Alixandre lope lope lope.

GM says, "Eventually, she leads you to a small cave, where you can tell there's a litter of pups in the back. The wolf barks twice, and a large grey wolf comes over a ridge."

Usevlad says, "Ah, Techek's human! You come to us in trying times."

Alixandre says, "So he told me. I am sorry to hear it."

Alixandre says, "I am here to right the wrongs the men have done to the pack."

Usevlad lifts his head and howls in fierce satisfaction.

Usevlad says, "I had thought to move us south, but the hunting is much worse there, and I feared for our health."

Alixandre asks, "What can you tell me about these men?"

[ussura] GM says, "(afk a sec--off to say goodnight to Ellric)"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "aw"

[ussura] GM says, "(back)"

Usevlad says, "They came several snowfalls ago, set up tents, and began digging into the rock. Some of the young ones were curious, not having seen humans before, and watched. Some of them must have decided us a threat, for their watchmen started hunting us soon thereafter."

Usevlad says, "I managed to keep most of us away after that, but then they began leaving us poisoned meat."

Alixandre says, "Mrf."

Usevlad says, "And you know kids--never want to work for their meals. It was too tempting, no matter how much I tried to warn them away."

Alixandre asks, "How many died?"

Usevlad says, "We are a third of our size this time last winter."

Alixandre says, "You are right: If they do not stop, you will have to move."

Usevlad nods.

Alixandre asks, "Must they leave? Or can you live with them if they stop hunting you?"

Usevlad considers.

Usevlad says, "It is possible for our kind to live near yours, of course."

Alixandre nods.

Alixandre says, "But these have killed, and killed in a cowardly way."

Usevlad says, "But this group contends with everyone--they contend with the land, they contend with us, they contend with each other."

Alixandre asks, "With each other?"

Usevlad says, "And even should they stay, they scare away the game with their loud noises and the brackish water from their camp."

[ussura] Alixandre says, "oy. this should be fun"

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

[ussura] Alixandre says, "'hi, I'm a montaigne fop. could you move your mining elsewhere?'"

Usevlad says, "I know not their language, but, yes--they speak to each other in harsh tones."

[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"

[ussura] GM says, "If you decide you need backup, we can figure out something."

[ussura] Alixandre says, "we'll have to see how it goes"

Alixandre says, "I will go and talk to them. Matushka willing, they will see reason."

Usevlad says, "Will you need my assistance? The pack will follow me, and you do look a lot like Techek."

Alixandre laughs, tongue lolling.

Alixandre says, "Have the pack ready. I do not want this to come to a fight, but you may need to show the pack's strength."

Usevlad nods.

Usevlad says, "Howl, and we will come."

Alixandre nods.

Alixandre says, "I thank you for your trust."

[ussura] Alixandre asks, "How long can you go?"

[ussura] GM asks, "Hmm. I'm OK for a bit longer--half an hour or so?"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "sure"

[ussura] GM says, "You're the one with an earlier sunrise ;-)"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "so maybe I burn a hole in the wall by accident"

[ussura] GM says, "But since you can't make the 12th, I figured we'd do another session before you all meet up again."

[ussura] Alixandre says, "sounds reasonable"

Alixandre says, "First I will see what they are up to now."

[ussura] GM asks, "Hmm--anyone want to be a miner?"

[ussura] Ghogg says, "I'll mine if you prompt me"

[ussura] GM says, "Sure."

Ghogg arrives, looking for booty.

[backstage] * GM has added Ghogg to the channel.

[backstage] GM says, "So, as surmised, it's a group of Eisen miners, encroaching on Ussuran territory in the chaos of Ussura's war."

[backstage] Maxwell asks, "need more than one?"

[backstage] GM says, "Sure, go for it."

[backstage] Maxwell says, "(I'm not entirely with it, but I can grunt and stuff.)"

[backstage] GM says, "Hee hee."

[ussura] GM says, "(getting the miners up to speed, just a sec)"

[backstage] miner says, "Go on."

[ussura] Alixandre says, "sure"

[backstage] GM says, "Ghogg, you be the tough who just fought Alix's wolf and left him for dead."

[backstage] Maxwell says, "@name me=Hans"

[backstage] Maxwell says, "whoops"

[backstage] GM says, "He had been troubling the camp for weeks. Some even were starting to spread rumors of it being a ghost wolf, since they would see it on the moutain staring at them at night."

[backstage] GM says, "You'll be surprised to see a Montaignian out here, and are anxious to not be discovered, since you're here illegally, after all."

[backstage] GM asks, "Need anything else?"

[backstage] Hans asks, "Alix speaks Eisen, I assume?"

[backstage] GM says, "Um, hmm."

[ussura] GM asks (of Alix), "What languages do you speak?"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "Montaigne and Ussuran"

[backstage] Werner says, "Hmm."

[ussura] (from Alixandre) GM says, "heh, heh, heh"

[backstage] GM says, "You guys speak Ussuran fine."

[backstage] Werner says, "All right then."

[ussura] GM says, "What kind of a diplomat speaks only two languages? ;-)"

[backstage] Werner says, "And if all else fails we can grunt meaningfully"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "the kind who depends on the kindness of strangers"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "and me"

[backstage] Werner says, "let's get this show on the road"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "whom I hardly know, really"

GM says, "You lope over the countryside once again, following Techek's directions until you come to a outcropping overlooking the mining camp."

GM says, "It's getting on towards dusk, and the smell of smoke rises your hackles. You have to fight the instinct to run away."

GM says, "You see six or seven large tents set up haphazardly in a small clearing, and the beginnings of a gaping hole in the side of the mountain opposite your vantage point."

Alixandre stares down at any miners around the tents.

GM says, "There are several at the hole, some mingling in the tents, and a few gathered around a campfire."

GM says, "One large man in particular is waving his sword around, seemingly illustrating some battle."

[backstage] Werner asks, "That's me?"

[backstage] GM says, "Yeah."

Werner gesticulates meaningfully

Alixandre . o O ( The Eisen really should work on finesse. )

[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee"

[ussura] GM says, "Hmm. Let's see here."

[backstage] Werner asks, "Should I continue narrating a battle?"

GM says, "As you listen to the harsh syllables of what you recognize as Eisen, a breath of wind touches you, and you hear a deep female Ussuran voice say, "Understand". The wind dies down, and you realize you suddenly can make out what the voices are saying."

[backstage] GM says, "There we go. Have at ;-)"

[backstage] GM says, "(I was envisioning you narrating your battle with the wolf)"

Alixandre says, "huh"

Werner says, "Right, so he already had a chunk of me out of my left arm..."

Werner wave my sword circularly

[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "if I get to keep this I am totally going to ask for a raise"

[ussura] GM exclaims, "Ha!"

Werner says, "But I guess he was distracted by the bit in his mouth 'cause he stopped for a breather. That's when I plunged in."

Werner thrusts

Hans and a few others join in with brief cheers.

Werner says, "But the fellow was still squirming, and because of the terrain, he pushed me over. My sword went down the hill."

Werner throws his sword to the side where it clangs around a bit

[ussura] Alixandre says, "I'm tempted to let them go on for a while"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "because it's really entertaining"

Werner says, "So it comes at me, right at my face, and it becomes a wrestling match, see."

Werner leans backwards

Hans says, "You're jokin!"

[backstage] GM says, "(I may join in as Stefan if I want to add something, just so you all know.)"

Alixandre slips behind some trees to change back to a more acceptible form.

Werner says, "Aye, we went eye to eye."

Werner says, "I held his teeth but the tongue kept slapping my face. I noticed there were some sharp rocks down the hill if I could twist just right..."

Werner turns his body

Werner then I kicked out my legs and down it went, right on the pile.

Werner says, "Then I kicked out my legs and down it went, right on the pile."

Alixandre adjusts his clothing, wishing he had something more suitable for negotiating with a mining camp. Perhaps something in linen.

Werner swings dramatically, kicking up some rocks in the process.

Werner says, "It stopped moving after that. Was real as flesh though, I tell you."

Hans asks (of Stefan), "Dat Werner, always the smart one, nah?"

Alixandre wanders down to the camp.

Werner brushes his hands off

Hans says (to Werner), "It weren't the ...."

Stefan says, "Smart? Damn fool, taking on that one by hisself, you ask me."

Alixandre exclaims, "Good afternoon!"

Hans stares at the Montaignian.

Werner says (to Stefan), "If it weren't so *sudden*...besides, I knew I could--"

Werner squints

[backstage] Werner asks, "um, does he have any skills?"

Alixandre says, "What a surprise! I had no idea there was mining going on here."

[backstage] GM asks, "Werner?"

[backstage] Werner says, "Yeah."

[backstage] Werner says, "Other than beating people up."

[backstage] Werner says, "'course, that's kind of all you need."

[backstage] Hans says, "let's see, there's broadsword, mining, and, uh, broadsword."

[backstage] GM says, "Whatever you like--beating people up is your job, and you can take a hobby if you find you need one ;-)"

Werner picks up his sword and does a backtwirl with it, putting it away.

[ussura] Hans asks, "which language is Alix speaking?"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "Hm, good question"

[ussura] GM says (to Alix), "Your options seem to be Ussuran or Montaignian--you can understand their speech, but not speak it yourself."

[ussura] Alixandre says, "Ussuran, then, even though it is not truly the language of diplomacy"

[ussura] GM asks, "What, you don't like 'We will crush you!'?"

Hans mumbles (to the others), "Who in legion is that?"

[ussura] GM says, "(That was Eisen, we assume)"

[ussura] Hans says, "yeah. I figure he can't understand me, so no harm."

Werner circles around and steps a polite distance behind the Montaignian, doing the occasional sword twirl.

Alixandre . o O ( Hm, they don't seem to be understanding me. )

Alixandre asks, "Do any of you speak Ussuran?"

Hans asks, "Little. Who are you?"

Alixandre says, "I'm Alixandre, Montaigne diplomat. Without portfolio, perhaps, but still."

Alixandre smiles winningly.

Hans stares again.

Werner steps a little closer while pacing, making sure his flashing sword is in Alixandre's peripheral vision.

Alixandre exclaims, "My goodness, it's almost as if you know how to weild that!"

Alixandre says, "At any rate, I was hoping to speak with the leader of your mining camp. It appears you may be having a negative impact on the land and on Matushka."

[backstage] Werner says, "I want to do a showoff roll."

[backstage] GM says, "Hee! Sure."

[backstage] GM asks, "Hans, you want to be the leader?"

[backstage] GM says, "Or Werner can."

[backstage] Hans says, "not really"

Hans asks, "... negativimpachh ... [eisen] What did he say?"

[backstage] Werner says, "How about Werner be the leader but Hans pretends to be the leader nominally in initial meetings."

[backstage] GM says (to Werner), "If you're up for it, go ahead and be the leader."

[backstage] GM says, "I think schep is sleeeepy."

Alixandre smiles more.

[backstage] Werner says, "Gimme that roll."

[backstage] GM says, "Oh, right--uh, I dunno. 5k3."

[7thsea] Werner rolls 5k3: 5 1 10+8 3 5 | 28

[ussura] Alixandre says, "that's always a comforting sign"

[ussura] GM says (to Alix), "Werner is trying to impress you--roll resolve."

[ussura] Alixandre says, "it's like they say in diplomat school, dice rolling is the last refuge of the incompetent"

Werner circles up to Alixandre's face, finishing his sword maneuver's with one that spins it sideways so it plunges bladefirst into the ground.

[ussura] GM says, "hee hee"

[7thsea] Alixandre rolls 4k4: 6 1 3 10+6 | 26

[ussura] Alixandre says, "drama die"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha"

[7thsea] Alixandre rolls 1k1: 7 | 7

Werner asks, "What 'negative impact' are you meaning?"

[ussura] GM says, "Ha! OK, you fail to be suitably impressed. You should rp some reason ;-)"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "ok"

Alixandre says, "I'm sorry, I was distracted -- do you always dull your blade in the dirt like that? It seems like you'd spend all of your time cleaning and sharpening it, not to mention that Matushka probably isn't all that happy with you stabbing the land like that."

[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee"

Werner says, "I asked you a question."

Alixandre says, "My apologies, so you did."

Alixandre bows.

Alixandre says, "It appears you are mining, possibly for dracheneisen, a profession with a long and noble history."

Alixandre says, "But your methods seem to involve doing overmuch damage to the land and the creatures around, such as the wolves."

[ussura] Alixandre says, "(away for one second)"

Werner asks, "Let's take for granted a wolf attacked me and I knocked his bloody head in. That doesn't have anything to do with mining. What's causing this land damage, exactly?"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "okay, back. I've only got about 15 more minutes of play in me"

[ussura] GM nods.

[ussura] GM says, "So, let's finish the conversation (hopefully without a fight) and call it a night."

[ussura] Alixandre says, "heh, okay"

[ussura] GM says, "If a fight breaks out, we'll do that later ;-)"

Alixandre says, "The wolf issue we can certainly table for the time being."

Alixandre asks, "Are you familiar with Matushka and how she feels about the land?"

Werner asks, "I have a nodding impression. That doesn't answer my question. What's causing this land damage, exactly?"

Alixandre says, "The specific way you're going about your mining, I believe"

[backstage] Werner asks, "I'm confused. How do they know there's mining specifically?"

[backstage] Hans says, "the wolves told him, and he can see a big hole in the ground"

[backstage] Werner asks, "Is this just a bunch of tents with a bunch of guys, or are we sitting right next to an orrery or whatever?"

[backstage] GM says, "Like, the wolves? The two wolves in particular were intelligent ones, and understand some of human actions/methods."

[backstage] GM says, "But, yeah, there's a big hole in the side of the mountain."

[backstage] Werner says, "Ok. I'm just trying to figure out what to confirm or deny."

Werner examines his fingernails

Werner asks, "What is it you're asking for, exactly?"

Werner picks up his sword again and swings it idly

Alixandre says, "I hope to learn more about how you are mining, and what all has been going on, and see if there is a way I could help you and your crew work more in harmony with the land."

Werner mouths something back to Hans in Eisen

[backstage] Werner says (to Hans), "Go check to see if he's got any friends nearby."

Werner says, "Give me an example."

Hans grunts.

Werner waves to a nearby rock. "Seat?"

Alixandre spreads his hands. "I understand that this is both strange and very forward of me. And I would not expect you to accept what I'm saying at face value."

Hans says, "[eisen] ...crazy armyman..."

Hans wanders off in the direction of the woods.

Alixandre says, "If you would join me in a drink, certainly! I'm afraid I only have vodka with me."

Werner says, "I'll just use my own flask, if you don't mind."

Werner sits

GM says (to Hans), "It's hard to see in the long shadows of twilight, but something is moving there."

Hans draws his own sword and creeps forward part of the way in typical unstealthy Eisen fashion.

[ussura] Alixandre says, "hee hee"

Alixandre says, "Certainly."

[ussura] GM says, "I dunno why I missed this before, but it suddenly hit me that it's gotta be strange to have a Montaignian--whose country is currently at war with Ussura--talking about placating Matushka."

Werner says, "So, example."

Alixandre pulls out his small supply of vodka and sits.

[ussura] Alixandre says, "I can only get away with this because no one around here knows me"

[ussura] GM says, "Heh."

[ussura] Werner asks, "Was that roll earlier Panache?"

[ussura] GM says, "Yours? Sure, that makes sense."

Alixandre says, "Well. First I have to explain that I wasn't originally planning on coming here. As far as I can tell, one of Matushka's devices brought me here, separating me from my companions."

[ussura] Werner says, "Well, I meant Alix's"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "resolve"

[ussura] GM says, "His was Resolve."

[ussura] Werner says, "ah, ok"

[ussura] Werner says, "That's a lot of resolve for a Montaignian"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "yes it would be"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "I'm Ussuran, but my parents moved to Montaigne when I was young"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "so I have all of the charm of Ussura with the humbleness of Montaigne"

Werner says, "You don't have to explain."

Werner says, "Just give me the details."

Werner takes out a black flask and swigs

Alixandre says, "I explain because I'm still working it out, and to show you that I don't necessarily have a set of "do this and don't do that" answers."

[backstage] Hans asks, "catching any glimpses of what I'm trying to see?"

Alixandre says, "As far as I can tell, Matushka brought me here because of your mining."

[backstage] GM says, "Something gray."

Alixandre asks, "From what I understand, you've been having trouble with wolves since shortly after you arrived. Is that true?"

Werner says, "A few. No more than normal."

Werner says, "You always get some sort of critter when you're outdoors."

Alixandre asks, "Enough that you have to lay out poisoned meat to deal with them?"

[backstage] GM says, "(you did)"

Werner says, "It's a normal thing to do when you have critter problems."

Hans returns to camp, and shakes his head at Werner from behind Alix (though looking a bit unnerved).

[backstage] Hans says, "(but how would he know that?)"

[backstage] GM says, "You have no idea."

[backstage] Hans says, "right"

Alixandre asks, "Perhaps. So things have gone smoothly otherwise?"

[backstage] GM says (to Werner), "No, not really."

Werner asks, "Yes. Get to the point. What are you asking us to do?"

[backstage] Werner says, "Yeah, but he's not going to say that to a Montaignian."

[backstage] GM says, "Right ;-)"

[backstage] GM says, "Just so you knew."

[backstage] Werner says, "Heh."

Hans is hanging around again, trying to look uninterested.

[ussura] Alixandre says, "I guess 'join greenpeace' is out of the question"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"

[ussura] GM says, "Heh."

Alixandre says, "Mine with more caution. Stop killing animals beyond what you need to feed you and your men. Be mindful of where you dump your dross."

Werner says, "Look, I kill a wolf when it attacks me. If they don't attack, I don't."

Werner says, "Therefore you are making no sense. We don't *eat* the bloody things."

Alixandre asks, "You would stop putting out poisoned meat if the wolves did not attack?"

Werner asks, "What's the point of wasting good meat that way if you don't need it?"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "it's going to turn out this was all a frame-up by the squirrels"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "ha"

Alixandre asks, "What would it take to convince you that the wolves would leave you alone?"

Werner says, "Well, let's see."

Werner says, "The wolves...leaving us alone. Yeah. That's it."

[ussura] GM says, "That rascally Rike."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "wow, good ref"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "heh"

[ussura] GM (closes browser) "What?"

Alixandre says, "If you were to remove any tainted meat at this point, I can guarantee that the wolves would leave you alone."

Hans fidgets with his sword-hilt.

Werner says, "Now, well, I would be happy to oblige you, but I also don't give a damn about this sort of wound..."

Werner shows his arm

Werner asks, "However, I have some fellows over there who don't exactly like breathing next to death, you see?"

Alixandre says, "So it would not really be enough for the wolves to leave you alone."

Werner says, "Oh, it would, I'm talking about the day of not knowing. Nothing I can do with them, see."

Werner says, "Unless you, whoever it was you said you were, have a better suggestion. Trust me, I'd be happy with no wolves."

Alixandre says, "How terribly rude of me, I have forgotten my manners in all of these unusual goings-on. Alixandre Leuridan, at your service."

[ussura] Alixandre says, "and I'm a little lost: I don't understand the 'day of not knowing'"

[ussura] Werner says, "well, ask"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "I think this may be because I am tired :)"

[ussura] Werner says, "But he means if he trusts Alix then he'll have to go a day with not putting out meat"

[ussura] Werner says, "leaving them theoretically more vulnerable to wolves"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "ah, there we go"

[ussura] Werner asks, "and Alix may just be in cahoots with whassisface and trying to have them eaten, y'see?"

[ussura] Hans says, "nah, he's obviously either a lunatic or a spy with a far-out lie."

Werner asks, "I tell you what -- when's the last time you did guard duty?"

Alixandre says, "And I can understand that, after the earlier attacks, you're suspicious that the attacks wouldn't really stop"

Alixandre says, "Guard duty? Why, I suppose a week or so ago. Highly unpleasant."

Werner says, "I tell you what. You can stand out there..."

Werner wiggles his thumb

[ussura] Alixandre says, "I'll leave out that I was having to guard a town against incoming wolf attacks."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "tee hee"

Werner says, "That's near the forests, where the wolves are coming from."

Alixandre says, "I...see."

[ussura] GM laughs.

Werner says, "If I hear you screaming and being eaten, then we know what the real story is."

Alixandre asks, "Should I rub raw meat on me, as an extra enticement?"

Werner sniffs

Werner says, "Only if you really want to."

Werner says, "They're hungry enough as it is, trust me."

Alixandre says, "There was Lord Armand, who did cause quite the fashion stir with his meat hat -- but no, I do not believe it will be necessary."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "yay"

[backstage] Werner says, "I have no idea if this is where you wanted the plot to go, but it seemed a reasonable thing to do."

Alixandre says, "Very well, I will make my camp near the forests, within your sight. I have enough supplies for the time being."

Werner says, "I'll be watching you. Come back tomorrow. If you've got limbs, that is."

Alixandre says, "And if they do not eat me, you can drink to fewer deaths, and I can drink to warm myself up."

Hans is grinning.

[backstage] GM says, "I had no plan--that works."

[ussura] Werner asks, "Did his last guard duty go pleasantly?"

Alixandre stands up. "I thank you for your time and your reasonableness. I shall see you in a day, then?"

Werner says, "Aye."

Werner says, "Have some of this, you might need it."

[ussura] Hans says, "the PC party slew many wolves, and spoke with a few who failed Resolve checks."

[ussura] Alixandre says, "I had to stab a couple of wolves. It did terrible things to my clothes."

Werner waves his black flask in the air

Alixandre says, "I'll take it, and gladly."

[ussura] Werner says, "Alix isn't too happy right now, I imagine."

Werner hands it over

[ussura] Alixandre says, "I haven't been happy since my bed, poor linens or not, just about burned down and we had to leave."

[ussura] Werner says, "Hey, at least he didn't ask him to do the meat paste rubbing thing."

[ussura] Hans says, "This seems like a nice turn of events for him, overall."

Alixandre puts on a brave face, bows to the men, and wanders towards the forest.

GM says, "And, </scene>"

Hans immediately speaks quietly and excitedly to Werner.

[ussura] Alixandre says, "It's better than I was hoping for, honestly"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "I was trying to figure out if offering to be a hostage would work when Werner suggested it"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"

[backstage] Hans says, "describing of course how the Geistwolf is already waiting there and the idiot has no chance."

[ussura] Werner says, "Nah, he figures Alix will just get eaten"

[ussura] Alixandre exclaims, "All right, bedtime for me. Thanks for the session!"

[backstage] GM exclaims, "Alrighty--see some of you on the 12th!"

[ussura] Alixandre says (to GM), "and thanks for accomodating me and my wonky schedule"

[ussura] GM exclaims, "Alrighty--see some of you on the 12th!"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "g'night"

[ussura] GM says (to Alix), "Heh, sure."

Alixandre has disconnected.