[ussura] PerrySimm says, "Log on."
Raelynn arrives, looking for booty.
Era has connected.
Raelynn waves
[7thsea] * Gunther has joined the channel.
[ussura] * Gunther has joined the channel.
Gunther arrives, looking for booty.
GM has connected.
[ussura] GM says, "Yay, got Pueblo working on the new machine."
[ussura] GM asks, "Anyone want to spend any XP before we start?"
Ghogg arrives, looking for booty.
[ussura] GM says, "Also, sigh, no Alix."
Alixandre has connected.
[ussura] GM exclaims, "Yay!"
[ussura] Era exclaims, "greetings!"
[ussura] Era says, "yay new machine :-)"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "awesome"
[ussura] Sebastien says (to GM), "I would like to bump my wits to 4"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "wouldn't we all"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "as I will need all my wits about me"
[ussura] GM says, "Hee he"
[ussura] GM says, "e"
[ussura] GM says, "Done and done."
[ussura] Alixandre says, "I think there was something I wished to do as well. One moment"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "I want to bump my Wits to 2"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee"
[ussura] (from Charles) Pyotr looks for a rock to bump them with.
[ussura] Pyotr says, "er, to 3"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "clearly, katre's wits are too low, too"
[ussura] GM laughs.
[ussura] GM says, "Hey, making you all-3s."
[ussura] GM asks, "Min-max? Who needs it?"
[ussura] Alixandre asks, "It's 5 per level for traits?"
[ussura] GM says, "Right."
[ussura] Charles says, "Per level being raised to, yeah."
[ussura] Alixandre says, "indeed"
[ussura] GM says, "So 15 to raise to 3, 20 to raise to 4."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "actually, hmm. hmm hmm."
[ussura] Charles asks, "Also, darnit. Now I have to start keeping track of which fop is which again?"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "I take it back. leave wits at 2, brawn to 4"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "so do I raise Resolve to 5, or something else to 4"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "I never use wits :)"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "hm hm hm"
[ussura] GM says, "Hee"
[ussura] Sebastien says (to Charles), "I don't have to *use* the higher wits"
[ussura] Era says, "Just keep them in reserve."
[ussura] Raelynn says, "i am going to sit on mine for a while"
[ussura] Charles snickers.
[ussura] GM says, "Keep your wits about you."
[ussura] Era says, "sit on your wits? Hmmm."
[ussura] Alixandre says, "I shall bump my finesse to 4"
[ussura] GM says, "Alrighty.;"
[ussura] GM exclaims, "OK!"
[ussura] GM says, "I'm going with the full recap, since it's both been a while, and since you've been bouncing around on the GM slide show for a few weeks."
[ussura] GM says, "So:"
[ussura] GM | So, you all came to Ussura for different reasons:
[ussura] GM | -Charles is on the trail of Lavache. Barring getting him directly, his first-mate-in-crime, Edmund Devoe, is a diplomat in Ussura.
[ussura] GM | -Sebastien and Alixandre are diplomats in Ussura, and were supposed to report to Devoe.
[ussura] GM | -Raelynn is on the run from Gerard, whose daughter Fleur looks a lot like her. [ussura] GM | -Era is protecting Raelynn.
[ussura] GM | -Pyotr once killed a noble, and a reward for his capture was posted in the town where he was staying.
[ussura] GM | Since you've gotten here, S&A got a treaty from Dauntania Rissanova which they didn't know what to do with. There turned out to be a hidden room underneath the embassy with papers implying something about Dreng Rissanova and a Sud'ya monastery, and you tracked down Marceau, a man who claimed to work for Edmund, and who told you that Edmund was off to try to free Dreng from a Sud'ya monastery. Fleur showed up, wacky mistaken-identity hijinks ensued, and Fleur ran off with Marceau, while the rest of you went off to the monastery.
[ussura] GM | At the monastery, it turned out that Dreng had escaped during an attack on the monastery by wolves some six months ago. The monastery was then attacked by wolves again, and you fought most of them off, though Era managed to convince a few not to attack at all. Era and Raelynn went off with the wolves to their den to find the 'voice' that told them to attack, and found an oddly-shaped bowl in a corner.
[ussura] GM | That night, Fleur ported in and out of your room and stole your climbing equipment. The next morning, the monk Palech told you that a mob/army was moving towards Breslau (the Gallenian capitol), and the presumption is that Edmund Devoe and Dreng Rissanova are with them. The only way to get to Breslau in time was to travel through the thrice-tenth kingdom.
[ussura] GM | Once in the thrice-tenth kingdom, you encountered a series of trials of wits, strength, and loyalty, culminating in figuring out how to open a large egg, into which you climbed. The egg took you to a series of places, some of which may have been in the past:
[ussura] GM | -The hills in Somojez, where some bandits would have attacked a sleeping Alix & Sebastien were it not for your intervention.
[ussura] GM | -Charouse in Louis's mind, where it turned out he had witnessed L'Empereur killing the Heirophant.
[ussura] GM | -A place near the firewall, where you rescued a Cathayan woman from her attackers.
[ussura] GM | -A great mountain, where a currently-aged Montegue orchestrated a defense vs. attacking bugs with weird guns. A young Palech also was there.
[ussura] GM | -Meanwhile, Sebastien was taken to a place where the wolf who gave him his spirit skin was dying from a fight with some Eisen miners.
[ussura] Charles exclaims, "Eeeyow!"
[ussura] GM says, "Hmm, that could have been more graceful."
[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "yay recap"
[ussura] GM says, "But anyway."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "that is indeed a full recap"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "may I be excused? my brain is now full"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "also, s/Sebastien/Alixandre/ in the last bit"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "should have taken wits to 4"
[ussura] GM says, "Oh, right."
[ussura] Sebastien says (to Alixandre), "hee hee"
[ussura] GM says, "Right, I forgot to spend my own XP."
[ussura] GM asks, "Any questions?"
[Crows-Nest] Gunther asks, "yeah. where's the thrice-tenth kingdom?"
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "what happened to the Cathayan woman? did she go off through the firewall again?"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Matushka's Magical Mystery Realm."
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "it's a weird fairy tale thing"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "we left her there, I think"
[ussura] GM says, "She headed north to Breslau."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "or that"
[ussura] GM says, "With the two horses."
[ussura] Raelynn says, "we gave her both, didn't we? *grump*"
[ussura] Era says, "'cause we couldn't really take them with us in the egg."
[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "also, took me seven attempts to parse that this was not, in fact, "thrice-damned kingdom""
[Crows-Nest] GM exclaims, "Ha!"
[Crows-Nest] Era exclaims, "Hee Hee!"
[ussura] Charles asks, "Has the end of Alix's story happened yet?"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "not yet"
[ussura] GM says, "We will say that it has, though it hasn't been played out yet, if that's OK with Alix."
[ussura] GM asks (of Alix), "Is that OK?"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "but I fear it will end with 'wolf attacks...teeth ripping...arrow in back...best jerkin stained'"
[ussura] Alixandre says (to GM), "that's fine with me"
[ussura] GM says, "Perfect."
[ussura] Era says, "including the teeth ripping part. :-)"
[ussura] Charles asks, "In the last segment, did we climb out of the egg, or did we just amgically appear?"
GM says, "So, the egg shoots off again, through the snow, etc. etc. jostle bump blah blah string beans etc and it stops, and the door opens, revealing a slightly disheveled Alixandre."
[ussura] GM says, "You magically appeared back in the egg."
Pyotr grabs Alix's shirt and hauls him in.
GM says, "And the door *thunks* closed behind him."
Alixandre exclaims, "Oh dear! Do be careful! That shirt has been through much recently!"
[ussura] Charles says, "I mean the getting out of the egg part."
[ussura] Charles says, "(Although I guess I should assume they'd be the same.)"
Raelynn says, "OK!""
Charles asks, "Where have you been?"
Sebastien exclaims, "Alixandre! you seem a trifle in disarray!"
Alixandre dusts his shirt, but carefully, in case any stitching has loosened.
(From GM) Jostle jostle bump bump
Alixandre says, "It is true, I was forced to make camp without any amenities whatsoever."
Alixandre says (to Charles), "It appeared Matushka required someone to negotiate a truce between a band of wolves and a mining camp."
[ussura] GM says, "Oh, right. I think it dropped you off."
Alixandre says, "Er, as best I can tell. It was all very confusing and unexpected."
Sebastien says, "goodness -- Matushka has truly tested you to the utmost"
Charles nods. "Ah."
Alixandre says, "The unfortunate part is that I do not know to whom I should apply for redress of my expenses."
Era says, "Wolves, and a mining camp. What an odd fued."
Alixandre says (to Era), "The miners were poisoning the wolves, and the wolves were attacking the miners."
Era says, "Red dress? Alixandre, I know you take pride in your appearance, but I really cannot visualize you in a red dress. Garnet, perhaps."
Alixandre exclaims, "How scandalous! I would never wear such a dress!"
Sebastien says (to Alixandre), "it is a tragedy that we cannot all just get along"
Era says, "Maybe a rich shade of Merlot, even."
Alixandre says, "There was that one time we needed to infiltrate -- but not again, I swore."
Charles says (to Alix), "There was a communicative panel on one of these walls earlier. Perhaps you could ask it for recompense."
[ussura] Era exclaims, "ha!"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"
Alixandre says (to Charles), "luckily, my expenses were few. the miners did eventually feed me, and swore that the meat they gave me was not from their poisoned stock."
Era exclaims, "Poisoned stock? They were *poisoning* the wolves? How dreadful!"
Pyotr says, "That was nice of them"
Alixandre says (to Era), "Between that and their method of mining, I believe Matushka was displeased."
Sebastien says, "it is a credit to your diplomatic skills that you were able to bring about a successful resolution in this matter"
Era says (to Alixandre), "Undoubtedly. And she is not one to keep her displeasure to herself."
Charles says, "If you fall over mysteriously clutching your stomach, we will know whether or not to trust those miners if we see them again."
Sebastien says, "it is just a pity that the wolves will be unable to provide a testimonial to be brought back to Montaigne with us"
Alixandre says (to Sebastien), "It was one of the odder negotiations I have ever been party to."
Charles says, "Although, in that case, we may not have means to recognize them..."
Alixandre says, "And, yes, I did realize that the wolves would be unable to furnish me with a letter of commendation."
GM says, "Finally, the egg stops again, and the door opens."
Alixandre says (to Charles), "You can carry my body with you and see if anyone recognizes it instead."
Charles says, "I think this is our stop."
Charles exits.
Era says, "It was a noble deed. I trust Matushka is pleased. And perhaps she will cease running us about the countryside in her odd conveyance now that we have performed her quests."
Pyotr sticks his head out to look around.
GM says, "You are on the edge of a hill. In the distance, you see a red glow of what you now recognize to be the firewall, far to the east. Between you and there, the land slopes upwards to a large city. You can just pick out the outline of a castle, which (some of you know) sits on top of a tall cliff overlooking the firewall. The Spire sits to one side, and in the twilight you see a light atop it. The valley to your southeast is dotted with campfires."
[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "I assume all firewall jokes have already been made at this point"
Alixandre says, "What an interesting color."
[ussura] Raelynn asks, "i take it it's night/dark?"
[ussura] GM says, "Yeah, dusk."
Sebastien yawns.
Pyotr says, "Well, let's head in to town and find an inn, I'm bushed."
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "A sufficient number I believe, yes."
Sebastien says, "this motion in time is quite disruptive to my dining habits"
Sebastien emerges from the egg and stretches.
Charles says, "I wonder if this is Breslau."
[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "through a tragic error, it's Breslin"
[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "I'll shut up now"
[ussura] GM says, "(the natives and fops do indeed recognize it as Breslau, though only perhaps Era have ever been here before)"
Sebastien says, "it does seem that way"
[ussura] Era says, "My last visit here was quite some time ago."
Era says, "My eldest brother brought me with him when he came to argue land boundaries in our region. It was not as boring as we'd hoped."
Charles says, "It doesn't look as though the army we were told of has arrived yet."
[ussura] GM says (to Charles), "Now that you mention it, there are a *lot* of campfires."
Charles says, "Unless that's it over there."
GM says, "After you all exit the egg, it waves a spindly leg at you, then trots off."
Sebastien pulls Alixandre to one side. "Later, when you are at liberty, there are things we should discuss."
Alixandre nods at Sebastien.
Sebastien says, "well, so, the city"
Raelynn pulls her cloak tighter around her and pulls the hood over her head
Pyotr starts walking towards the gates.
Charles says, "Yes, I don't supposed we're ready to take on another army yet at this point."
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "glad to see they are not 'saffron', by which I mean 'orange'"
Sebastien says, "if they are at war it is possible they will be a trifle reluctant to admit us, but no doubt we will work out something"
Era sighs, wishes she had a horse again, and walks on.
Pyotr says (to Sebastien), "We're diplomats and hangers-on"
Sebastien exclaims, "an excellent point!"
(From GM) *trudge trudge trudge*
npc1 has connected.
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "ah, npc1, we meet again"
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "but this time I have the advantage"
[Crows-Nest] Alixandre says, "ha ha"
guard, from atop the wall, calls out "Ho there!" when you reach the gates.
Charles exclaims, "Hallo!"
npc2 has connected.
[Crows-Nest] (from Charles) npc1 says, "so you may think, but this time I did not come alone"
Sebastien exclaims, "greetings!"
[Crows-Nest] npc2 exclaims (at Sebastien), "ha HA!"
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien exclaims, "curses!"
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien . o O ( at least there is no npc3 )
guard asks, "What do you want?"
Alixandre says, "Fresh clothes, comfortable linens, and tasty food"
Alixandre says, "The order is negotiable, if you like"
Sebastien exclaims, "a bath, also!"
guard says, "OK, you can come back in the morning."
[ussura] Era asks, "We want to end the attempt at usurping the throne in the bloodiest possible way. What do *you* want?"
[ussura] Alixandre asks, "What's in *your* coup?"
Pyotr asks, "WHoa re those fellows over with the fires? Friendly sorts?"
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "man, bork figners"
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "who're, I meant"
Charles says, "I suppose if they won't let us in tonight, we may as well go face down Dreng and Devoe."
guard eyes you suspiciously (or so you suspect. It is dark, after all) "Why don't you tell me, since that's where you're from?"
Charles (to his companions, not the guard).
Charles says, "Seeing as that is what we came for after all."
[ussura] guard says (to Charles), "Right"
Alixandre exclaims, "Ah, I see the confusion! We did not come from those fires; we came from an egg!"
Pyotr says (to guard), "No, no, we just arrived and don't know what's going on locally."
Sebastien says, "surely you do not think we are spies"
Sebastien says, "spies would be much more organized than this"
Sebastien says, "and less suspicious"
guard asks (of Alixandre), "What, you're birds?"
Era tries to hush Alixandre. (no point in him sounding like he's just been hatched!)
guard says, "Ah, you're here for the gossip."
Era decides not to point out that she is, in fact, occasionally a bird. Probably wouldn't help negotiations.
Sebastien sighs.
Sebastien says, "perhaps Charles is right -- we should return in the morning"
Era says, "Sir, we have traveled far, and are very weary. Please let us pass. We will not trouble your town, I swear."
guard says (to Era), "Sorry, miss. The gates are closed for the night, and even if there weren't a mob of hoodlums out there, I'm not supposed to open it unless it's an emergency."
Pyotr says, "Hey, now, most of my friends are very nice people here."
Era asks (of guard), "Why is the city surrounded by, er, hoodlums?"
Charles asks, "Are we the hoodlums, or is that them over there?"
Era says, "I think he means the army encamped in the valley."
Pyotr says, "Oh, right, I was taking it personally."
Raelynn says (to guard), "excuse me, sir. but I am terrified of the dark, and of wild animals. i can't handle not being in the safety of the walls overnight"
Raelynn asks (of guard), "won't you please help?"
guard says (to Charles), "You will have to answer to Matushka for your own, er, hoodlumery, but reports are that the folks down in the valley are not nice people."
Raelynn adds a touch of panic and wheedling in voice
[ussura] Raelynn says, "not whining!"
Raelynn tries to look very very helpless
guard sighs.
Charles says, "We may have actually heard some rumors that may pertain to this group encamped there, as I recall."
Alixandre tries to look very very foppish.
Charles says, "I cannot say that they will necessarily be of any help to you, but I am sure we would be happy to share them with the appropriate commanding officer if we were allowed to enter."
guard says, "Listen. There are a variety of homes outside the walls, but everyone has moved inside. If you're worried about animals, you can hole up in one of them. My sister's friend lives just over than knoll and down the hill by the stream--I think you can stay there."
guard asks (of Charles), "Eh?"
Era says (to guard), "Thank you kind sir. That is very good of you."
Charles says (to Guards), "Rumors as to who might be involved, possibly in a leadership position, with the mob yonder."
guard asks (of Charles), "I though you wanted to know who the mob was?"
Charles says (to Guard), "No, that was my friend here. He can be a tad... slow, at times."
guard says, "Uh-huh."
Era asks (of guard), "At what hour are the gates opened?"
guard says, "At dawn. Usually."
guard says, "If there's fighting, who knows."
Era says (to friends), ""Let's return before dawn, and pray there will be no fighting."
Charles says (to Era), "It's nighttime. We may as well pay a visit to the campers while we have the advantage of darkness."
Charles says, "If all goes well, we may be able to locate D-- the two of them, deal with matters one-on-one, and be done with the matter by dawn."
Sebastien says, "I am not sure it will be that easy"
Sebastien says, "but I suppose we can at least attempt it"
Pyotr says, "Sounds good"
Pyotr says (to guard), "Thanks for the advice"
guard says, "No problem."
Pyotr says, "(loudly) Let's go find that house and avoid the campfires entirely."
Alixandre murmurs, "no problem for him, of course."
Pyotr walks off following the directions.
GM says, "And you all trudge off over the knoll."
Pyotr says, "We probably shouldn't go in as a group"
Pyotr says, "A few people will find it easier to sneak."
Charles says, "Possibly two or three small groups could survey the edges of their encampment, to gather information and find weak points."
Pyotr says, "Sounds good."
[ussura] Alixandre asks, "who all has stealth?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "me"
[ussura] Raelynn says, "i do"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "hi"
[ussura] Raelynn says, "i was thinking of upping that stat today too"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "me as well"
[ussura] Charles says, "I have Finesse 3, but no specific Stealth skills, unless I try buying them right this second :)"
[ussura] Era says, "not I"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "Okay, you put your feet like..no, not..<SNAP> aww, man"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] Charles asks, "Are the campfires amid a forest, or a plain, or something in between?"
[ussura] Era says, "valley"
[ussura] GM says, "Yeah, it's a semi-forested valley."
[ussura] Alixandre asks, "do we want to split up? send a small group to reconnoiter the campfires and another group to claim a house?"
[ussura] Era says, "probably less forested, now, what with all the campfires."
[ussura] Pyotr says (to alix), "that's a thoughty"
Charles says, "I suspect some of you might be quieter than I am, so instead of trying to get too close to the fires, I'm going to climb that low outcropping overlooking the valley, to get a better view."
[ussura] Era says, "lacking stealth, house-warming seems good to me."
Pyotr asks, "I'm going in. anyone with me?"
Sebastien says, "perhaps Alixandre and I should accompany you"
Alixandre says, "I suppose Sebastien and I could be of some assistance in scouting"
Pyotr says, "Okay, sounds good."
Alixandre says, "We both have a very good eye for quality clothing that might be liberated."
Pyotr says (to Charles), "We'll be back in a few hours."
Sebastien says, "we can reconnoiter the handkerchief supply"
Pyotr starts heading down into the valley, but around, as as to come in from a different side than the city.
Charles says (to Pyotr), "Alright. If things don't work out, hopefully one of us will come to get you."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "I knew I should have raised finesse instead of brawn"
Sebastien follows Pyotr down.
Alixandre follows them both.
[ussura] Charles says, "Oh, I misunderstood; I thought Pyotr was going to the house."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "oh, whoops"
[ussura] Pyotr says, ";I meant into the camp"
[ussura] GM asks, "So: Era, Charles, Raelynn to the house (after Charles gets the lay of the land), and the other three to the camps?"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "er, did anyone else misunderstand me"
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "?"
[ussura] Charles says (to GM), "Sorry, I'm in the valley."
[ussura] Era says, "my animals are all of the day, I fear I would not be much help at night in such a crowd. The goshawk cannot see as well as the owl."
[ussura] Charles says (to GM), "Or near it, at least."
[ussura] GM asks (of Rae), "& Era You want to go with Charles?"
Charles heads down toward the valley, looking for a good spot overlooking the camp that he can climb to to get an idea of the layout.
[ussura] Raelynn says, "house"
[ussura] GM asks, "The house he told you about, then?"
[ussura] Era says, "house"
[ussura] GM says, "Gotcha."
[ussura] Alixandre says (to Era), "you should have taken something like 'night mouse'"
[ussura] Era says, "how about a rat? those can go in variety of places without causing comments, except "EEEEEEEEeeeeeeee!!""
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
GM says, "So, the men head down into the valley, with Charles splitting off when they get close. Era and Raelynn go to the house the guard sent you to, and find it open, pretty bare, but clean."
[ussura] Charles says (to Alix), "I think her forms so far have suggested a preference for the sorts of animals that eat things, rather than are eaten by things."
[ussura] GM says, "The Vampire Rat"
Gunther disappears through an invisible gap in the MUD. You think you may have heard the sounds of chatting before the gap closed again.
[ussura] Era says, "ha!! yup, I think yer right. :-)"
[ussura] GM says, "OK, house group in a bit, first the guy group:"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "we prefer to be known as the 'stag party'"
GM says, "Charles splits off and finds a good overlook (pretty close to where the egg dropped you off, in the end)."
Pyotr starts moving slowly, watching for sentries.
[ussura] GM says, "Whereas the stag is another 'eaten by things' animal."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "ha"
[ussura] Charles says, "Hee."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "but it looks nice"
Alixandre follows, with his knife ready in case there is a wild apple to be speared and consumed.
GM says, "The other three make their way close to the camps, where you do indeed see sentries, some stationary and some patrolling."
Pyotr says, "Okay, be careful."
Sebastien murmurs "They seem reasonably alert, I must say."
Pyotr drops down and starts sneaking between the sentries.
[ussura] GM says, "Alrighty, go ahead and roll stealth."
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "finesse+stealth?"
[ussura] GM says, "Yeah."
[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 5k3: 2 4 3 7 6 | 17
[7thsea] Alixandre rolls 5k4: 10+8 7 1 1 4 | 30
[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 6k4: 9 3 8 6 7 8 | 32
[ussura] Pyotr says, "wow"
[ussura] Alixandre exclaims, "fops to the fore!"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "very stealthy fops"
[7thsea] sentry rolls 5k2: 3 2 2 3 3 | 6
Charles tries to get an idea of the shape of the camp, and where the sentries are (and aren't) posted.
[ussura] Era says, "well, you know, all that tiptoeing around in kidskin slippers, dancing . . . . being a fop is a very stealthy business."
GM says, "The first few sentries have no idea you have the possibility of existing."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "who knows what evil lurks in the hearts of men? the fops know"
GM says, "The sentries seem to have some sort of military or military-esque training, but the majority of the people hanging around the campfires just look uncouth and burly."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "namely, badly-dressed evil"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "ah, good, _I_ can blend"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha ha"
GM says, "In little time, you are able to assess the basic strength of the camp. You also assess that there's one area that's *much* more heavily guarded than the majority of the camp."
[ussura] Era says, "I can vouch for the badly dressed part, but you're hardly evil."
Pyotr says, "Let's find out where they came from, then go check that area."
Pyotr wanders up to a fire and starts chatting.
Pyotr says, "Oh, my feet are killing me, I never walked that far before we came here."
GM says (to Charles), "You count campfires and sentries, marking off the times when you see people wander by or march."
Sebastien says (to Alixandre), "perhaps we have a moment to talk now"
Era says (to Raelynn), "The place looks clean - maybe we can throw together some dinner. I'm starved, and I'm guessing the scouting party will be ravenous by the time the return. Even fops need to eat."
[ussura] Charles asks (of GM), "How does it look near the well-guarded area?"
Sebastien asks (of Alixandre), "the journey we experienced in the egg was very peculiar -- do you think it likely that what you saw was a true event? or misdirection by Matushka?"
Miakush asks (of Pyotr), "Ha ha! From the city, eh?"
Pyotr asks, "Well, I grew up in a town, spent most of my time in the forest, but we sure came a long way, didn't we?"
Alixandre says (to Alixandre), "I believe it to have been true."
Pyotr asks, "Where are you from?"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "even I cannot tell us apart"
Alixandre says, "What I have not mentioned yet is that I was summoned to the side of the wolf to whom my parents bonded me"
Miakush asks, "Veche! Well, most recently. Yourself?"
[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee"
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "quick, where's the map?"
Raelynn says, "good idea. I was thinking maybe we should grab some water before they get back and get our baths over with, but food sounds more important"
Alixandre says, "His pack was scattered and hunted by the miners I mentioned."
[ussura] GM says, "It's the central province, with one of the not-so-nice rulers."
Raelynn asks, "what do we have in our packs?"
[ussura] Raelynn says, "all that was to era"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "I just need to figure out what lie I'll tell (badly)"
[ussura] Charles says (to Pyotr), "Page 78 of the GM book."
Alixandre asks, "What did you experience that makes you question it?"
Pyotr says, "From Rurik, myself, but I've wandered around a lot."
Sebastien says, "we returned for a time to the halls of the capitol, in Charouse, back within the memory of Louis, Charles's companion"
Pyotr asks (of Miakush), "What were you doing before you joined up with this lot?"
Sebastien says, "where, if his recollection is correct, l'Empereur struck down and killed the hierophant"
Era says (to Raelynn), "I hadn't thought of bathing first, but that is an excellent idea. A good soak will do us both a world of good. I wonder if they have any bathing salts . . ."
Miakush exclaims, "Slowly, if you've never walked as far as you have today! Ha ha!"
Alixandre asks, "Within his memory?"
[ussura] Charles says, "Poor fops. What they're missing out on."
Sebastien says, "it was quite strange"
Alixandre asks, "And l'empereur killed the hierophant?"
Era hunts around the house for any supplies which might help in bathing, or preparing food.
Alixandre says, "That is knowledge it is best not to have, whether true or not"
Sebastien says, "it seemed as though Matushka was reconstructing the scene from the scraps of sensation that Louis remembered"
Sebastien says, "and then l'Empereur spoke of sending Montegue off on a war to keep him occupied so that he would not find out"
Miakush exclaims (at Pyotr), "Hunting!"
Sebastien says, "I tell you truly, it makes me worry about our mission here"
Miakush says, "The land belongs to the people, don't you know."
Pyotr says, "Ah, a wonderful occupation."
Pyotr asks, "How'd you hear of this bunch?"
Raelynn finds a tub and drags it indoors, and begins heating water
Miakush says, "Well, some high-falutin types get it in their heads that because their daddy did something great, they must be great too."
Alixandre says, "Plunge the country into an unneeded war to take care of one man? Extravagantly wasteful -- again, if true."
Pyotr says, "I've seen it myself."
Miakush says, "And that they own all the deer that roams the place they happened to be born."
[ussura] Charles asks (of GM), "How does the situation look near the well-guarded part of the camp?"
Pyotr says, "Deer were meant to be free, my friend."
Sebastien says, "but there are other things strange, as well -- do you realize it took us a full six months to travel here from Montaigne? I do not remember the journey being that long at all, and yet it is so"
Miakush says, "So, naturally, I didn't bother with that, and was spending a bit of time under wraps, as it were."
Era says (to Raelynn), "I found some lavendar. It is a bit dry, but ah, the smell! There may be some tea, too. Poor scouts, out in the cold."
Miakush exclaims (at Pyotr), "You said it!"
Alixandre starts counting weeks on his fingers. "Wait, that cannot be true."
Sebastien says, "it is! I did not believe it myself"
Raelynn giggles
Sebastien says, "in another scene we experienced while still within the egg, we came upon none other than the two of us, asleep on the ground"
Sebastien says, "unable to be roused"
Miakush says, "A friend I met there told me I might have luck with the new ruling group."
Miakush exclaims, "Says he's gonna give the land back to the people!"
Sebastien says, "some bandits attempted to attack our sleeping selves, but we visitors were able to fight them off"
Alixandre asks, "As if under the influence of some sort of drug?"
Miakush says, "So here I am."
Sebastien says, "perhaps -- or magic"
Miakush asks, "And you?"
Alixandre says, "This is stranger and stranger."
Pyotr says, "That's certainly an attractive idea."
Pyotr says, "Well, I was in a similar situation to you"
Sebastien says, "it seemed, as far as I could tell, to be us at a previous point in our journey to Ussura"
Alixandre says, "So what you experienced was not as concrete and straightforward as my journey."
Sebastien says, "and yet I remember no such thing; but then, it did not seem we woke"
Sebastien says, "I fear not"
Pyotr says, "When I met an old friend, who pointed out that when you shake things up, interesting things can come loose"
Pyotr says, "And then the stongest grabs them."
Pyotr grins.
[ussura] GM says (to Charles), "More activity than in the rest of the camp, but not anything excited."
Pyotr says, "Well, thanks for the use of your fire, friend. I need to go meet some other people in a bit."
Pyotr says, "See you around, I'm sure."
Miakush waves cheerily.
Pyotr wanders back off, looking for the fops.
Sebastien says (to Alixandre), "I no longer know what to believe -- but I have come to believe that my true duty is to Montaigne itself"
Sebastien asks, "and further, I -- ah, Pyotr! did you find anything of interest?"
[interludes] * GM has added Era to the channel.
[interludes] * GM has added Raelynn to the channel.
Alixandre says, "but...but l'empereur *is* Montaigne--"
Pyotr says, "Yeah, talked with one of these revolutionaries. Not professional soldiers at all."
[interludes] * GM has removed Charles from the channel.
Sebastien says, "they did seem rather thuggish"
Sebastien asks, "did you find out where they had been gathered from?"
Alixandre asks, "How organized do they appear?"
[interludes] GM says (to Era&Raelynn), "You both get a dinner going, and there's a knock at the door."
Pyotr says (to Alix), "not very."
Sebastien says, "hrm"
Pyotr says, "The certainly outnumber the city, but that's their only advantage"
Sebastien says, "it seems foolish to think -- exactly"
Sebastien says, "to take an armed city requires a vast force, even if they are of equal skill"
Pyotr says, "Exactly"
[interludes] Era draws her sword, and calls you "Who is it?"
Pyotr says, "Let's go explore the rest of the camp."
Alixandre says, "Very well."
Sebastien says, "perhaps they have plans we are as yet unaware of"
[ussura] Charles asks (of GM), "Is it near the edge of the camp, or more the middle? Are there gaps in the sentry pattern there, or are those ones too competent?"
[interludes] Raelynn draws behind the door with her knife in her hand
Pyotr wanders towards the heavily-guarded bit.
Alixandre says, "I am interested in what they guard so heavily."
[interludes] GM says, "A voice calls "Hello in there!""
GM asks (of Pyotr), "In the open, or stealthy again?"
Sebastien asks, "their leaders, no doubt -- but aught else?"
[interludes] Raelynn will follow Era's lead (and won't open the door till she says to)
Pyotr generally strolls past that area, then ducks behind a tent and starts sneaking back.
[interludes] Era says (to GM), "what kind of voice? mail, female, child, any accent? friendly, gruff? I'm not just opening the door to anyone, you know."
[interludes] GM says, "Male, stern."
[interludes] Era asks, ""Who are you?"
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "roll it again?"
[interludes] GM says, "'We'd like a word, please.'"
[interludes] Era asks, ""Who is "we" and what do you want?"
[interludes] GM says, "We're from the city, and we want to talk to you about what one of your group claimed you knew. Open up, please."
[ussura] GM says, "Yeah."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "I'm kicking in a drama"
[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 6k4: 3 7 5 7 9 5 | 28
[7thsea] Alixandre rolls 5k4: 7 3 5 1 5 | 20
[interludes] Era says, ""We can talk in the morning. Come back tomorrow, early."
[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 6k4: 6 9 5 1 6 6 | 27
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I will throw in a drama die if that is insufficient"
[ussura] Alixandre says (to Seb), "I believe that is my line"
[Crows-Nest] Daniil says, "Either you're with v'Rissanova, and will talk to us now, or you're with the mob in the valley, in which case we will arrest you for trespassing."
[Crows-Nest] Daniil says, "Sigh."
[Crows-Nest] Daniil says, "Either you're with v'Rissanova, and will talk to us now, or you're with the mob in the valley, in which case we will arrest you for trespassing."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"
[interludes] Daniil says, "Either you're with v'Rissanova, and will talk to us now, or you're with the mob in the valley, in which case we will arrest you for trespassing."
[Crows-Nest] Alixandre waits for the sigh.
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Yeesh."
Era exclaims (at Raelynn), "<soto voce> What do you think? I really don't want them in here - I don't think we can take them all if things get rough!"
[interludes] Raelynn says (to era), "ask how many"
[interludes] Raelynn says, "also maybe allow only one in"
[interludes] Era exclaims, ""We will let one of you enter. The rest of you, back off!"
[interludes] Raelynn says, "and i will stay out of sight"
GM says, "OK, so: Pyotr and Sebastien get as close as they can through the guards, but the last bit is completely open and well-lit, with a variety of alert-looking sentries in it."
Pyotr says, "(very quiet) we need a distraction"
GM says, "Alixandre doesn't feel he can make it even as far as the other two, and holds off back a bit."
Era exclaims (at Raelynn), "<soto voce> okay - stay quiet. I hate this!"
GM says, "In the center of the clearing is a large make-shift tent."
[ussura] Charles asks, "Should I assume I can't see them, if they're doing their jobs right?"
Pyotr waves at Alix, points to a tent on the far side of the camp, and points to a fire
[ussura] GM asks, "Sorry, which?"
[ussura] Charles says, "The fops and Pyotr."
[ussura] GM says, "Oh, the fops, etc? Heh, right."
[interludes] Raelynn asks (of GM), "any large furniture i can hide behind in the house?"
Alixandre waves back jauntily.
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"
[interludes] Raelynn says, "otherwise i am going to just douse most of the light and stay in the shadows near the door"
[interludes] Daniil talks to some people you can't see, then says, "OK. It's just me. Open the door, please."
[ussura] Charles asks, "Also, is the clearing within throwing distance of here?"
[interludes] Daniil says, "Yeah, there's a large stove, for one."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "I should buy a point of long-distance-maintaining-stealth-sign-language"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "heh"
Alixandre falls further back from Pytor and Sebastien, towards the indicated tent.
[ussura] GM says, "Sorry, the tent is in the center of the clearing."
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "there are no other tents? in ussura in winter?"
[ussura] GM says, "Unless you meant--OK, right."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "I wasn't pointing at _the_ tent, just _a_ tent"
[ussura] GM asks, "Which tent do you mean, the tent or the tent?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I assume he wants a distraction to another tent so we can get into this one"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "yay"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "he wanted me -- what Sebastien said"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "also, heh"
[interludes] Raelynn hides behind the stove with knife ready, and gestures to Era to open the door
[ussura] Alixandre asks, "are there people around this other tent and fire?"
Charles watches for the others, in case one of them inadvertantly makes his presence known.
Era opens the door and lets one person enter.
GM says, "OK, the scene is: The central tent is in a clearing maybe 50 feet across. There are three campfires within the clearing, two or three men sitting at each campfire, two men standing in front of the tent (guard-ish), four men standing at the edges of the clearing, and three more wandering around. You can't tell who all's in the tent, but it could probably hold 10 people or so."
Sebastien leans close to Pyotr and whispers in his ear "The tent's too large -- even if we get inside, we're likely to be outnumbered."
Pyotr whispers back "I just want to see if Dreng or Devoe is here. You'd recognize them, right?"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "I'm going to make a diversion, unless Pyotr and Sebastien tell me no"
Sebastien says, "(whispered) I've never seen either in person; Devoe I know enough to recognize, most likely, but Dreng I only have a bare description of"
[interludes] Daniil enters, and peers around. "Er, weren't there supposed to be six of you?"
Pyotr says, "Oh"
Pyotr exclaims, "(whispered) Let's go in anyway!"
[ussura] GM says, "Yay hothead."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "sorry, I'd be cautious except I'm not"
Sebastien says, "(whispered) well, far be it from me to interrupt your foolish plans"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "I'm moving into the fire of a nearby tent -- near the clearing but not part of the guarded perimeter"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "er, into the circle lit by the fire, not directly on top of the embers"
[interludes] Era says, "Daniil There is only one of me. My brothers were thankful."
[ussura] Charles says, "That would have been a good distraction."
[interludes] Era says (to Daniil), "Please, have a seat."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "heh"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "'hello, I -- aiee! I am indeed become a liar whose trousers have caught fire!'"
[ussura] GM says, "Hee."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] Era says, "yay"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "yay"
[interludes] Raelynn shifts a little to try to see both the person and Era
[interludes] Daniil is dressed in a light tunic of the type the city guards wear. "I'll stand, thanks. So. What do you know of the mob?"
[ussura] GM asks, "So, make yoruself known, then?"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "I'm about to, if there are people lounging around the fire"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ok, this wasn't the distraction I had in mind, but hey"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "we'll see how this goes"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "if nothing else, it will be entertaining"
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "#fair-disclosure I've been re-reading Eddings lately"
Olan asks, "...that's not duck, thats...er, hello? Who are you?"
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien asks, "um, do the heroes normally survive their foolhardy plans in eddings?"
Alixandre exclaims, "There you are! I warned you, and yet you persisted!"
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "yes, amazingly"
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "ah good"
[interludes] Raelynn asks (of GM), "is Daniil armed?"
Olan looks around, bewildered.
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "but they also do lots of distractions by setting things on fire and waiting for the guards to go stare"
Alixandre exclaims, "I did not join this scrappy yet determined band of revolutionaries only to have the honor of my love besmirched by such as you!"
[interludes] Daniil says, "[Yeah, he has a sword]"
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "ha ha ha"
Alixandre asks, "Can you not see how your actions tear at the very fabric of my being?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "also ha ha ha ha"
Olan looks at you, dumbstruck.
[ussura] Pyotr says (to alix), "yay"
Olan says, "If, ah, er..."
GM tosses a drama die to Alixandre.
[interludes] Raelynn keeps an eye on Daniil's sword
Alixandre exclaims, "Well, I cannot stand silent any longer! I shall have at you if you do not leave Dunyasha alone!"
Olan asks, "Dunyawho?"
Pyotr waits for the guards to notice this stirring event.
Olan darts looks at his companions, who are all frowning at him.
Alixandre exclaims, "You claim ignornace now? This is too much!"
Alixandre points at one of Olan's companions. "You agree, surely!"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "with luck I won't have to get into an actual fight."
[interludes] Raelynn wonders if Era is going to try to keep Daniil in the house till Charles comes back or not
Charles . o O ( Ah. There's Sebastien there. I think. Or Alix. I wonder if he has a plan. )
[ussura] GM says, "And indeed, a couple of the guards standing at the perimeter seem to be listening interestingly, and one of the wandering guards stops his circuit."
[ussura] Sebastien says (to Charles), "hee hee"
Pyotr moves around towards the now-less-guarded bit, and keeps waiting
Alixandre asks, "Well, if you insist on pretending you do not know her, shall I describe her? Her sturdy legs? Her eyes as limpid as a snowy morning?"
[interludes] Era says, "<sorry, phone rang>"
Olan finally regains his composure enough to say, "Er, look, it's dark, and you seem to have confused me with someone else. I'm sorry about..."
[ussura] Charles says, "Oh dear. She's a horse."
Alixandre exclaims, "Oh, *now* you are sorry! Indeed, I would hate to make you even more sorry!"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "you guys done yet? My extemporizing may run out soon, and then it shall be fisticuffs and flailing."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "heh"
[interludes] Daniil says (to stove), "Er, you can come out. I don't bite."
Sebastien shrugs, and gestures towards the tent.
[ussura] Era says, "ha ha ha ha ha ha ha"
Pyotr waits until the guards are watching, then sneaks between two of the fires for the tents
Pyotr waves at Seb to stay back.
[ussura] Pyotr says, "so, another stealth, or do I auto-fail? :)"
Olan asks, "Wasn't there a rule against drinking tonight?"
Sebastien, thankfully, stays put.
Olan asks, "Are you okay?"
[interludes] Era says, "No, really, have a seat. I prefer not to be loomed over."
Alixandre says, "I shall be okay once my honor is -- hang on a moment."
[interludes] Era says, "<stall, stall, stall>"
[interludes] Daniil says, "I thought only *Raelynn* was short ;-)"
Alixandre peers very closely at Olan.
[interludes] Era says, "sorry, projecting from IRL"
Alixandre asks, "You -- you are not Egor?"
GM says (to Pyotr), "OK, roll a steath."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "another drama"
[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 6k4: 7 9 4 5 5 6 | 27
[interludes] Raelynn listens anxiously for noises outside
[ussura] Pyotr says, "soon I will be out but hey"
[interludes] Era asks (of Daniil), "What do you wish to know?"
GM says, "And what with the distraction, the flickering lights, and the general boredom of the evening, Pyotr manages to slip through the shadows and stands stock-still at the border of the tent, in a tiny triangle of shadow from two different campfires."
[interludes] Daniil asks (of Era), "Your friend said he knew who was leading the mob. Who's leading the mob?"
Pyotr pulls out his knife and v-e-r-y s-l-o-w-l-y cuts a very small hole, and looks in
Olan looks relieved. "Olan, sir."
[interludes] Era says, "A very sly individual, who has connections with the diplomatic wing of the government, and has been around a long time."
Alixandre says, "Ah."
Alixandre says, "Well."
Alixandre asks, "Er, have any of you seen Egor?"
[interludes] Daniil raises an eyebrow. "And who might that be?"
Alixandre says (to Olan), "I swear, you could be his brother."
Alixandre looks closely again.
Alixandre says, "Second cousin, at least."
[interludes] Era says, "I'm afraid he began the roots of his plot many years ago, and has been consorting with unholsome persons of all sorts in the intervening years, gradually worming his way into their confidences."
[ussura] GM says (to Pyotr), "As you start to move, a guard on a circuit rounds the edge of the tent, and you freeze again. Then you hear voices from inside the tent."
Pyotr listens close.
Olan says, "I, uh, hope you find him."
[interludes] Era says, "His history is dark, complex, and mature, like layers of silt, which become striated sedintary stone."
Olan says, "What's your name? If I see him I'll tell him you're looking at him."
[ussura] Olan says, "Er, 'for'"
Alixandre says, "I do apologize. This is most embarassing."
Olan says, "Er, 'for'."
Alixandre asks, "What?"
Alixandre calms back down. "Ah, yes, of course. Alexeij."
Olan says, "I'll tell him you're looking for him."
Alixandre says, "Yes, thank you. Of course."
[interludes] Daniil just looks at you.
Alixandre says, "So sorry about -- well, of course, I was distraught"
[ussura] Era says, "I'm still chuckling over 'fisticuffs and flailing'."
Alixandre says, "Overwrought, perhaps."
Alixandre says, "I shall speak no more of it."
[interludes] Daniil says, "You realize I don't have all night? The v'Rissanova may be in danger, and you stall."
Alixandre backs away with much stammering.
[ussura] Era asks (of Daniil), "Not to split hairs, my friend, but we were at the gates begging for entrance, offering our information, and were turned away. I'm a bit skeptical of this sudden urgency. What new information have you heard, where now you are so interested in what we have to offer?"
woman's_voice exclaims, "Look, I got you the climbing equipment. Now let me go!"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "awesome"
[interludes] Era asks (of Daniil), "Not to split hairs, my friend, but we were at the gates begging for entrance, offering our information, and were turned away. I'm a bit skeptical of this sudden urgency. What new information have you heard, where now you are so interested in what we have to offer?"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "woo hoo"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "yay"
gruff_voice says, "Go. Indeed. I'll send you back to Montaigne, then."
woman's_voice says, "<flurry of foreign-speech Pyotr can't understand.>"
[ussura] woman's_voice says, "Wait, you *do* speak Montaigne."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] Charles says, "He had to. It was a job requirement."
[ussura] woman's_voice says, "And, in fact, the sort of language you know of Montaigne is exactly the sort of language she's using at the moment."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "hee hee hee"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "ha"
gruff_voice asks, "Ha. You still may have your uses, then. You can still tell where they are? They cannot interfere?"
woman's_voice says, "Yes, they're still at that monastery."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
Pyotr chuckles a bit to himself. Quietish.
gruff_voice says, "Excellent. Tomorrow, then, you go with us."
woman's_voice asks, "I'm not a fighter. What do you want with me at the head of the army?"
[interludes] Raelynn quietly cheers Era for standing up to Daniil
gruff_voice says, "Ha ha. I'll leave the army to that fool Dreng. We have business...elsewhere. We'll need what you got us, and what you can do."
woman's_voice says, "No."
gruff_voice asks, "Oh?"
woman's_voice asks, "You said you'd let me go if I did that for you, and you didn't. Why should I trust you now?"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "this was totally worth pretending to want to beat someone up"
gruff_voice says, "Surely you understand the vaguaries of war, my dear. Situations change."
woman's_voice says, "<growls>"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "too bad I can't figure out how to get out of here and tell you about it"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
gruff_voice says, "Tell you what. I'll bring this... knife of yours with us. When we reach our destination, I'll give it to you and you can go."
woman's_voice says, "<shuffles feet>"
gruff_voice says, "Excellent. And now..."
Pyotr tenses.
GM says, "And at that, the voices move to a different part of the tent, and trail off."
[ussura] Charles says, "This is where, in a movie, Pyotr would have been stabbed by a sword suddenly thrustthrough the wall of the tent."
[interludes] Daniil says, "(OK, back)"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"
Pyotr tries to see the best way to sneak back out.
[ussura] Pyotr says, "yay"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "pyotrlonius"
Sebastien sees Pyotr getting ready to move out, and glances over at Alixandre.
[interludes] Daniil says, "The situation was always urgent. The guard at the gate had no authority to let you in, but did his duty by reporting to his commander. Who would be me. I judged the situation worth investigating. Here I am."
Alixandre is biding his time off in the darkness.
Sebastien picks up a good-sized log from the ground, hefts it a few times, and then tosses it into a nearby fire.
[interludes] Raelynn tries to catch Era's eye to nod to urge her to talk to him
Sebastien exclaims, "We're being attacked!"
Sebastien exclaims, "To arms! To arms!"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "yay"
[interludes] Daniil says, "If you have actual information, now would be a great time to talk. If not, I'll simply have you arrested."
Pyotr sneak sneak sneak
Sebastien shouts and rushes for the edge of the camp.
[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 5k3: 3 6 9 5 7 | 22
guard exclaims (at Pyotr), "Hey!"
Pyotr exclaims (at guard), "We're being attacked! Tell Dreng, quickly!"
guard hesitates.
Pyotr asks, "This is his tent, right?"
[interludes] Era catches Raelynn's nod.
Pyotr turns for the entrance.
guard turns to look.
[ussura] Alixandre says, "see? you didn't need that bump up in wits at all"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
Pyotr dodges behind the guard and runs into the darkness.
guard turns back around. "Get back here!"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "heh"
[ussura] GM says, "And now's a good time to roll sprinting."
[ussura] GM says, "with, say, brawn."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "yya"
[interludes] Era asks, "Other than the threat of arrent if I do not tell you what you want, what do you offer?"
[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 5k4: 5 1 10+4 7 1 | 27
[ussura] Alixandre says, "yow"
[interludes] Daniil asks, "You want more than being arrested?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "not that sneaky, but oh so runny"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "like eggs"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"
[interludes] Daniil says, "I suppose I could have you tortured, too, if you like."
[interludes] Daniil says, "But we don't usually do that sort of thing."
[interludes] Era says, "Well, I'm thrilled to know I'm on the right side."
[7thsea] guard rolls 5k3: 1 7 2 8 5 | 20
guard gives chase, but quickly loses Pyotr in the darkness.
[interludes] Era says, "Their names are Dreng and Devoe. Doubtless you have heard of them."
Pyotr slows down and tries to look natural, then goes to find Seb and Alix.
[interludes] Daniil says, "Both together? That, we had not heard."
[interludes] Era exclaims, "And a message for your commanding officer. Next time you wish information, send a diplomat!"
Sebastien has headed out of the camp to where we first entered.
[interludes] Daniil chuckles.
Alixandre has, in turn, met up with Sebastien.
[ussura] Raelynn asks, "did Rae ever see Dreng and Devoe?"
[interludes] Era silently takes back her many scathing remarks about Sebastien and Alix.
[interludes] Daniil says, "The diplomats are in short supply."
Pyotr passes on what he heard as they sneak back out of the camp.
[ussura] GM says, "I don't think so. Just heard of them."
[ussura] Raelynn says, "okay"
Alixandre says, "My goodness."
Sebastien says, "interesting"
[ussura] Raelynn says, "then no sketches to help in the sketchbook"
[interludes] Era says, "Well, their numbers have been increasing. I can recommend one or two, if you like."
Sebastien says, "that must have been Devoe you heard, then"
Alixandre says, "And our fake Raelynn, I wager"
Pyotr says, "Yup, sounds like a nasty sort."
GM says, "Charles, meanwhile, watches the camp light up with activity for a while."
[ussura] Alixandre says, "it's like playing Sim Revolution"
Charles . o O ( Crap. They're in for it now. )
Sebastien asks, "we should rejoin the others -- they said they were heading for the house the guard pointed out, no?"
Alixandre says, "I believe so."
Charles . o O ( I wonder which one of them messed up. )
Pyotr says, "Right."
Alixandre says (to Sebastien), "I was impressed by your ploy -- direct, with very little need for personal humiliation."
[interludes] Daniil asks, "Where did you hear that they were working together?"
Pyotr says (to Alix), "You did a great job, too."
Alixandre says (to Pyotr), "Thank you. It was the best I could devise given a limited amount of time."
Sebastien says (to Alixandre), "true, but yours was by far the more artistic"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "Mainly I liked the idea of Alixandre the fop pretending to be an outraged local"
[ussura] GM says, "AFK a sec."
[ussura] Charles asks, "Are you guys coming aroudn to meet where you saw me headed, or are you going straight to the house where Rae and Era were?"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "hmm, straight to the house"
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "L:just notices for the first time that Rae and Era are anagrams."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "although if you see us and join us, great"
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[Crows-Nest] Alixandre says, "hee hee"
[ussura] Charles says, "Aha. After a bit, I suppose I'll head down towards the camp to rescue you, then."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "heh"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "it is conceivable you might hear us passing by, since I expect we lay off the stealth some once we're away from the camp"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "well, if my colleagues want to go find you, we will"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "and, yeah, what he said"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "TROMP TROMP TROMP"
[ussura] Sebastien exclaims (at Alixandre), "I'm not saying we'll abandon our natural grace!"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "so that would be what Pyotr would sound like, I guess"
[ussura] Pyotr TROMP timing
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "heh"
Charles follows the tromping sound, is surprised to discover it coming from an apparently escaped Pyotr et al.
Pyotr tells Charles what he saw.
Charles asks, "Do you have Devoe? Where is he?"
[ussura] GM says, "(back)"
[interludes] Era says (to Daniil), "We saw them together in Ussura"
Charles asks, "You didn't bring him back with you?"
Sebastien says, "too many guards -- we couldn't get into his tent"
[interludes] Era says, "<or not>"
Pyotr says, "I got next to his tent. He's apparently planning an attack tomorrow."
Pyotr says, "We should warn the city, and then try and ambush him."
[interludes] Era says (to Raelyyn), "Care to join us? You may be able to shed more light on the situation."
Charles says, "Mmm. If we're fortunate, perhaps we can take him prisoner."
Sebastien says, "from what you said, it sounded like Devoe and Raelynn's twin are headed off elsewhere"
[interludes] Raelynn stands up slowly
[interludes] Daniil nods.
[interludes] Raelynn says (to era), "er, glad to. My foot fell asleep crouching back there"
Alixandre says, "It also sounded as if Raelynn's twin is not destined to live long, if Devoe has his way."
[interludes] Raelynn says (to Daniil), "sorry, sir. We just needed to be sure that we weren't letting in an enemy"
Pyotr says (to Sebastien), "Right, thus the ambush. We just need to find a small group not moving with the army."
Charles says, "If she has the ability to slip away as she did in the monastery that night, she might take Devoe with him. We can't let that happen."
Sebastien says, "a willing accomplice before, and now an unwilling one"
[interludes] Daniil says, "I understand."
[interludes] Raelynn says (to Daniil), "some members of our groups saw some papers in Devoe's study"
Sebastien says, "possibly"
[interludes] Raelynn says, "they were parts of a correspondance with Dreng"
[interludes] Daniil says, "Aha."
Pyotr says, "Hmm"
Sebastien says, "it seems like if he wishes to keep her with him he will do what he can to prevent her from using Porte"
Pyotr says, "We should see what Raelynn knows of these methods."
[interludes] Raelynn says, "and we also captured another individual who tried to ambush another of our brothers, who confirmed this"
Pyotr says, "Maybe she can track her twin for us."
Sebastien says, "I do not know exactly what that would be, but"
[interludes] Raelynn says, "we had our reasons for looking for them when we discovered all this"
Pyotr says, "It sounded like he had something she can't give up"
[ussura] Charles asks, "Can I assume Pyotr reported back accurately what he heard?"
Pyotr says, "So she could leave, but refuses to"
[interludes] Daniil asks, "Looking for both Dreng and Devoe?"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "I've been assuming I did"
[ussura] GM says, "Sure."
Charles says, "When he mentioned needing what she could do, and then talked about her and himself reaching their destination..."
[interludes] Raelynn says, "right"
[interludes] Daniil says, "Hmm."
Charles says, "That almost certainly sounds as though he wants her to bring him somewhere with her sorcery."
[interludes] Raelynn says, "we traced devoe's trail here, so i would be almost positive they are both here, or at least one of them"
Sebastien says, "hrm, perhaps"
Sebastien says, "I was under the impression that only the most skilled of Porte mages could transport others, but perhaps I am mistaken"
[interludes] Daniil asks, "So, where are your companions?"
Sebastien says, "it is also possible that he requires her to do something when they reach their destination, I suppose"
[interludes] Raelynn says (to Daniil), "they went down to the army to see what they can find"
[interludes] Raelynn says, "they are hoping one of the Ds are down there"
Charles says, "Are there aspects of Porte that can only be used in certain places? I imagine Pyotr is right, and we should talk to Rae about this."
[interludes] Raelynn says, "I heard one of them say they were going to try to kill Devoe if they could"
Sebastien says, "if so, it is beyond my experience"
[interludes] Raelynn wonders if she said too much
[interludes] Daniil raises an eyebrow.
[interludes] Raelynn says, "er. Maybe, I shouldn't have said that."
Sebastien looks around. "I believe the cottage is around here somewhere."
[interludes] Daniil says, "That would certainly put a dent in the army's plans."
[interludes] Raelynn looks at Era
[interludes] Daniil says, "Though I imagine it is Dreng they follow."
Pyotr says, "Down that way, I think"
Alixandre says, "I am completely lost, I will admit that much."
Sebastien says, "I trust nothing has happened to the others in our absence"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "and now we wait for the GM, I guess, since they sound busy over there"
[interludes] Era makes a face, but doesn't say anything.
GM says, "The four of you make your way back to the house, where you see a group of 7 guards milling about outside."
[Crows-Nest] Raelynn asks (of Seb), "Oh NOW it occurs to you that maybe leaving two women alone wasn't the brightest idea?"
Sebastien says, "...oh"
Alixandre asks, "Pytor, did you give the guards your home address?"
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "oh dear"
Pyotr says (to Alixandre), "These don't look like the ones down there. Probably city guards."
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "when you put it like that, it is quite unchivalrous of me"
[ussura] Charles asks, "Uniformed guards? Or just brutish fellows guarding the house?"
Sebastien says, "well, I am sure they will be pleased to hear about the attack tomorrow"
Pyotr exclaims (at guards), "Hello, friends. We bring news from spying on your enemies!"
[ussura] GM says, "Yeah, same uniform as the guard at the city gate."
Charles asks (of Guards), "Did you see you young women pass near here recently?"
[interludes] Daniil says, "Hmm, maybe that's them."
[ussura] Alixandre exclaims, "Aha! Now is my chance to explain that we did not hatch!"
Daniil pokes his head out the door.
[interludes] Era says (to Raelynn), "From the noise level outside increasing, it appears our friends have arrived."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "when they made you, they broke the egg"
Daniil exclaims, "Aha, the rest of you!"
[interludes] Raelynn shouts aloud, "We are inside!"
Daniil asks, "And did you manage to kill Devoe?"
Pyotr says, "We failed, but I did overhear him."
[interludes] Daniil says, "[You can say that off-channel]"
Raelynn says (to Guys), "i sort of told him a lot of stuff"
[interludes] Raelynn says, "oh right"
[interludes] Raelynn shouts aloud, "We are inside!"
[interludes] Raelynn says, "grr"
Charles says, "I think the goal more involved kidnapping, but they didn't manage that, either."
Alixandre says (to Raelynn), "So it appears."
Pyotr says, "He's planning an attack in the morning."
Sebastien says (to Raelynn), "I am sure that you said exactly the right things in our absence"
Pyotr says, "You guards should probably get ready."
Era exclaims, "We're inside! Come on in!"
Raelynn grumbles to Era, "Thanks. I was having trouble"
[ussura] Era says, "Or maybe you're already inside."
Charles goes in, then.
Charles says (to Raelynn), "By the by, apparently your mirror image was there as well."
Daniil asks (of Pyotr), "Would you be willing to come with me to tell my superior?"
Raelynn says, "Fleur? That girl gets around faster than we do"
Pyotr says (to Daniil), "Sure, not a problem, we just need your help caputring Devoe. You can have Dreng, though."
Alixandre says, "We had the opportunity to hear Devoe and Raelynn's twin, sneak about, claim an attack, and pretend to be incensed over slights against a lover."
Raelynn asks (of Daniil), "can't we all go in?"
Charles looks at the guards, decides not to ask her the questions just yet.
Alixandre says, "All in all, an eventful evening."
Raelynn says (to Alix), "also, don't call her my twin. This captain of the guard might think we are related and arrest me too"
Pyotr exclaims (at Alix), "Devoe never pretended to be incensed!"
Sebastien asks, "he really was incensed?"
[ussura] Alixandre asks, "how much longer are we planning on going tonight?"
Daniil says, "Getting into the camp has been fairly easy for our own spies, but none had yet succeeded in penetrating the commander's tent."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "yeah, I need to go soon-ish also"
Alixandre says, "Ah, I was not referring to Devoe in that part"
[ussura] GM says, "Right."
[ussura] Charles says, "I would not object to leaving soonish, as it were."
Ghogg goes home.
[ussura] Pyotr says, "works for me"
[ussura] GM asks, "In general, do you all want to go with this guy into the city with your info?"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "sure"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "yeah, I am up for that"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "I was hoping for a hot bath, but duty beckons unremittantly"
[ussura] Era says, "sure, why not"
[ussura] Charles says, "I was hoping to privately talk to Raelynn about Prote first, but I'm fine with that."
[ussura] Era says, "and we need to wrap up soon anyway"
[ussura] Charles says, "(Privately == not in front of the Ussurans)"
[ussura] Pyotr exclaims (at charles), "hey!"
GM says, "OK, then--the guards escort you all into the city, Alix explains to the gate guard that he did not actually hatch, and the guard nods politely."
GM says, "And </scene>"
[ussura] Charles exclaims (at Pyotr), "I just mean the Ussurans who respect Matushka's laws!"
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "should we say we were sent by Matushka?"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "...string beans...the end"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "excellent"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "that seems a little hard to prove"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "unless that rabbit will show up again"
[ussura] GM says, "So, scheduling."
[ussura] GM asks (of Alix), "You're gone the next several sundays?"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "next sunday for sure"
[ussura] Charles says (to Seb), "Which might be possible to arrange."
[ussura] Alixandre says, "'Oh Matushka, show us a sign of your favor! ...look, a wittle bunny wabbit'"
[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee"
[ussura] Raelynn says, "katre and i will be unavailable the 12th"
[ussura] Charles says, "Next weekend in general is not optimal for me, although admittedly not entirely out of the question."
[ussura] Raelynn says, "i won't be around the 19th but katre will be. (i may be, no promises)"
[ussura] GM asks (of R), "That's a Saturday--is the 13th open?"
[ussura] Raelynn says, "+1 to get to sunday, sorry"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "for me, march 6 and 27 are no, 13 and 20 are possible"
[ussura] GM says, "20 is the XYXXYies."
[ussura] Charles says, "The weekend including the 12th and the week following it are good for me in general, if there's a non-sunday time that'd work."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ok, I am going to split, but I will catch up on transcript later; I am free next sat/sun, the sat/sun after that, saturday the 19th, and then busy that sunday and then the next two weekends"
Eolo has disconnected.
[ussura] Charles asks, "so, if the 13th is what katre and Duchess can't do, does that mean the 12th might eb doable?"
[ussura] Charles asks, "Or did I misudnerstand?"
[ussura] GM says, "The 12th is full for Sara and I, sadly."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "that entire weekend is out"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "as I will be in florida for a memorial service"
[ussura] GM asks, "Some Friday night?"
[ussura] GM says, "Oh, right."
[ussura] Charles asks, "Mmm. Is it the 19th (Sat) or the 20th (Sun) or both which may be bad for Duchess and/or katre?"
[ussura] Charles says (to GM), "A Friday night at 6:30ish or later Eastern time might be OK for me."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "the 18th and 19th are all bad, the 20th is bad duchess-only"
[ussura] Charles says, "I iamgine that no one else would find a Wednesday evening to be feasible."
[ussura] GM says, "Man, I need a chart."
[ussura] GM says, "If only they made charts with some sort of boxes arranged as the days of the week."
[ussura] Alixandre says, "I've got to run. I'll check the transcript later"
Alixandre has disconnected.
[ussura] GM waves.
[ussura] Charles asks, "Is the weekend of 25/26/27 the first weekend that has likely Duchess availability at some point?"
[ussura] Charles says, "(Also, am I correct about Wednesdays?)"
[ussura] GM says, "OK. March 4 is bad for Sara, 5 is probably bad for Alix, 6 is definitley bad for Alix. 11/12/13 plus 18/19 are bad for katre/duchess, 20 bad for duchess, plus it's the XYZZYies."
[ussura] GM says, "25/26/27, April 1/2/3 inky's out of town."
[ussura] Charles says, "Oh, drat."
[ussura] Charles says, "It sounds like we'll either have to do a weeknight or miss somebody."
[ussura] GM says, "There's the outside chance that March 5 is OK for Sarge."
[ussura] Raelynn says, "i can do weeknights"
[ussura] Raelynn says, "and forget to take me in the city and leave me in the cottage, if you guys have to leave me out"
[ussura] Raelynn says, "i am not very useful at this stage"
[ussura] GM says, "Aww."
[ussura] Pyotr exclaims, "we have questions for you!"
[ussura] Raelynn says, "pyotr can make more sessions than i anyway"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "plus, you'd be the perfect spy"
[ussura] Raelynn says (to pyotr), "write a letter"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "as long at Fluer isn't in the same location"
[ussura] Raelynn says, "heh"
[ussura] Raelynn says, "anyway. ..gm as i said before weeknights are not a problem"
[ussura] Charles says, "I guess maybe N people could stay in the cottage and have a planning/debriefing/information sharing session at a different time from the rest of the group."
[ussura] GM asks, "Hmm. What if we did some commiserating via e-mail?"
[ussura] Charles says, "Is anyone else OK with any weeknights? (For me, Wednesdays are fine, Mondays are tolerable, and Tuesdays and Thursdays are out.)"
[ussura] Charles says (to GM), "I could do some of that."
[ussura] GM says, "Wednesdays and Thursdays are bad for Sara."
[ussura] GM asks, "Maybe Monday?"
[ussura] Charles says, "I can do a Monday so long as it's not too late."
[ussura] GM asks, "7-9 Pacific?"
[ussura] Charles says, "Hmm. A little late, but I can just bow out a half hour early if I have to."
[ussura] Charles says, "(And now I really ought to go. Should I leave Perry up and let you boot him when you come to a decision?)"
[ussura] Raelynn asks, "what's 7-9 pacific in est?"
[ussura] Charles says, "10-12."
[ussura] Raelynn says, "i should be back from class by then"
[ussura] Raelynn asks, "is that tomorrow?"
[ussura] Charles says, "Tomorrow might be short notice for inky/Sarge."
[ussura] GM says, "Sara's out of town this week, so it'd be the 7th."
[ussura] Raelynn says, "; ok"
[ussura] Charles says, "Sounds good."
[ussura] Charles asks, "I assume Pyotr doesn't object?"
[ussura] GM says, "Let's try it, then."
[ussura] Raelynn says (to charles), "i will tell him to not object"
[ussura] Charles says, "Heh."
[ussura] * NewsBoy hollers, "Extra! Extra! GM has posted message 20, about 'Monday March 7th', to the bulletin board! You have a mind of your own, take it to the Dome."
[ussura] PerrySimm says, "Log off, until the seventh, 10E/7P."