[ussura] PerrySimm says, "Log on."
[ussura] Alixandre says, "can I have about two minutes before we start? Something just came up."
[ussura] GM says, "Sure."
[ussura] GM says (to inky), "Oh, and I need you to look something up for me in the book ;-)"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "yeah, what is?"
[ussura] GM says, "I think it's in the Gallenia section--the names of Tamara Rissanova's sister and brother."
[ussura] GM says, "And the name of the south city, too, though I'm changing its character from the book."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "man, these names are long"
[ussura] GM says, "First names are fine ;-)"
Russet has connected.
[ussura] Alixandre says, "and back"
[ussura] GM says, "Excellent."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "her sister is Dauntaina, and her brother (I assume, the other city's ruler) is Voevod"
[ussura] GM says, "Hmm, I think the Voevod is the name for a ruling body."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hmm"
[ussura] GM says, "It might mention her brother in Tamara's write-up in the NPC section."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "good idea"
[ussura] GM says, "(but while you're there, what's the name of that south-coast city?)"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "aha, right -- Dreng is her brother"
[ussura] GM says, "There we go, thanks."
[ussura] Charles says, "'Rowr, his body, is is ruling, is it not?'"
[ussura] GM says, "Snrk ;-)"
[ussura] Sebastien says, ""Sredbirskyoye""
[ussura] GM says, "Good golly, I'm never going to be able to type that."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "man, it's good thing this is online and we don't have to pronounce this stuff"
[ussura] Alixandre says (to GM), "tf macro, man"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "friends just call it Sreddy"
[ussura] GM says, "Alrighty, then."
[ussura] Charles says, "And you all thought Vestenmannavnjar was a tricky word."
GM exclaims, "OK!"
[ussura] * Russet has joined the channel.
Sebastien says, "awright"
GM says, "So, Sebastien and Alixandre left a while back... well, were sent away, really, to be low-level diplomats in Sredbirskyoye. They were given temporary diplomat status for their trip, but are to transfer the authority by writ of L'Empereur once they reach the local equivalent of an embassy there."
GM says, "Finally..."
[ussura] GM | Things could have been more dignified, all things considered. Still, [ussura] GM | having your coats covered with bits of straw from the wagon seemed to [ussura] GM | beat having your boots covered with mud from walking. And hey, at least [ussura] GM | you're not exhausted like you were after your trip through the Azov [ussura] GM | forest back in Veche. The farmer drops you off in front of a two-story
[ussura] GM | building, one of the few in the outskirts of Sredbirskyoye, and waves as he
[ussura] GM | heads over to the market. "There's the place! See the crest over the [ussura] GM | door? Surprised it hasn't been vandalized, what with the war, but I [ussura] GM | guess it don't affect us much, being so far away and all. See you [ussura] GM | 'round!" Um... war? [ussura] GM says, "Except not on channel. Curse my automatic @paste ;:|"
Sebastien exclaims, "wait, my good man!"
Alixandre asks, "A moment, if you please -- war?"
farmer pulls up his horse. "Eh, what?"
Sebastien says, "I am sure we could all profit by furthering this discussion a moment longer"
Alixandre smiles and nods in a suitably diplomatic fashion.
farmer chuckles to himself.
[ussura] GM says, "Hmm, I need an actual name."
Sebastien says, "What is this war you speak of? Surely our diplomatic mission here is one of nothing but furthering peaceful relations between our two great nations"
[ussura] Russet says, "Petry"
RogerCarbol arrives, looking for booty.
Demyan says, "Well, to hear tell of it, you all attacked us a couple months back."
Pyotr arrives, looking for booty.
Sebastien says, "...oh"
Alixandre says, "How...unexpected."
Alixandre exclaims, "Surely we would have been told before we were sent here if such a thing were in the offing!"
Demyan says, "It's all been in the west; unlikely to reach us here, and all."
Sebastien says, "I fear this may make our mission more challenging than I had anticipated"
Sebastien exclaims (at Alixandre), "an excellent point!"
Sebastien says, "still, I am sure the local diplomatic corps will be able to educate us on the current situation and bring us up to snuff, as it were"
Demyan says, "Didn't know about it, eh? Figures."
[Crows-Nest] Russet asks, "These two are from Montaigne, right?"
[7thsea] Pyotr says, "(sorry I'm late, I'm still afk for a few)"
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "yeah"
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien asks, "does it show?"
Demyan says, "As the prophet says, the right hand doesn't know what the left hand is doing."
Demyan says, "Hmm, maybe that was Matushka."
Alixandre says, "And if this is truly the situation, why, perhaps this will offer a chance for us to 'smooth things out,' as they say, and win some measure of glory for ourselves."
Demyan says, "Well, good luck with that."
Sebastien says, "Our thanks! you have been a most kind and accomodating guide"
Demyan says (to Alixandre), "You, uh, have some straw sticking on your hat."
Alixandre exclaims, "Oh!"
Alixandre brushes his hat furtively.
Alixandre says, "Thank you."
Sebastien shakes his head sadly, dislodging a piece of straw of his own
Demyan waves cheerily. "You two were good company--don't get into the city much, myself.
Alixandre says (to Demyan), "And a good day to you, sir."
Demyan nods, and clops off.
Sebastien says, "hrm"
Sebastien peers in through a dark window.
Alixandre says, "Well."
[7thsea] GM says (to Pyotr), "No problem; doing Seb and Alex now anyway."
Alixandre says, "This isn't the beginning I was hoping for."
Sebastien says, "it is true I was imagining rather more joyous natives casting down rose petals in our path"
[ussura] GM exclaims, "hee!"
Sebastien says, "or at least not quite so much straw"
Alixandre peers in another window. "Hello?"
Sebastien tries the door handle.
GM says, "The window is dark, and the handle doesn't turn. Though it might just be cold."
Raelynn arrives, looking for booty.
Sebastien says, "the staff seems to have thoughtlessly left the door locked behind them when they departed"
GM says, "Inside the window you see a desk with papers on it, and an oil lamp (unlit)."
Alixandre says, "Given that we've been assigned here, it certainly wouldn't be petty theivery to make our own entrance."
Sebastien says, "once again, an excellent point"
Alixandre asks, "I'll try the windows on this side. Why don't you check the opposing side?"
Sebastien wanders over to the other side.
Sebastien . o O ( I wonder if I should bill this as "accidental breakage" or "missing key replacement fee" )
[7thsea] Pyotr says, "((now I am all here))"
Alixandre jiggles the windows gently.
GM says, "There are a few more windows around the building, and a back door, which also seems to be locked. After a few rounds of testing, you find a window that's slightly loose."
[Crows-Nest] Russet says, "If it weren't for the cold air, they could spend all day discussing why it's locked and what the proper way to file a complaint is."
Sebastien asks (of Alixandre), "any luck?"
Alixandre says, "This window seems loose."
Alixandre says, "We'll have to *urf* document this *pff* shoddy workmanship."
[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "hee"
window ***creeeeeakk***
[Crows-Nest] RogerCarbol says, "...Just like yo momma."
Alixandre says, "Ah, wonderful."
Alixandre asks, "May I help you up?"
Sebastien says, "that would be extremely kind of you"
GM says, "After a bit of jostling, Sebastien manages to get through the window and fall ungracefully to the floor inside."
Sebastien bonk
Sebastien says, "ah, and here is a chair which may assist you in effecting your own entrance"
GM says, "This is a small room with a bed in it (made) with a dresser in one corner and a chamberpot in the other (clean)."
[Crows-Nest] Charles asks, "Aw, no round of 'after you'?"
Alixandre exclaims, "Splendid!"
Sebastien says, "or, my apologies, it is a chamberpot"
Sebastien says, "but you could *use* it as a chair"
Alixandre says, "Less splendid, but still serviceable."
[Crows-Nest] GM exclaims, "Ha!"
[Crows-Nest] Raelynn tries to figure out who is foppier
Sebastien says, "at least they had the sense to clean out the chamberpot before departing"
Sebastien looks idly through the dresser drawers.
Alixandre clambers in as gracefully as possible.
Alixandre . o O ( This is a chair, this *is* a chiar. )
Alixandre says, "I'll take a look at that desk in the main room."
Sebastien says, "an excellent idea"
Sebastien says, "and I shall abstract this chamberpot from outside, so as to prevent any vagabonds from making their entry"
GM says, "The dresser drawers contain neatly-folded Montagnian-style clothes."
Sebastien exclaims, "Alixandre! We are saved! Clean handkerchiefs!"
Alixandre says, "Oh! Thank *goodness*."
Alixandre says, "I hope the thread count is high enough."
GM says, "As you explore the rest of the main floor, you find an opening foyer with the desk you saw earlier, and the main room is a large one with a huge stone fireplace on one side. The bedroom you came in takes up a corner of the floor near the back."
Sebastien says, "(sadly) I fear that whoever stayed here before us had sadly lax standards, no doubt due to being out of Montaigne for so long"
Alixandre says, "Well, save them nonetheless. Surely rough linens will be in fashion before long."
GM says, "Looking at the fireplace, you realize it *is* a bit chilly in here, still."
GM says, "Behind another door you find a staircase which must lead upstairs."
Sebastien says, "true enough -- why, it was not so long ago that the most fashionable boot-heels were a full quarter-inch lower"
Alixandre exclaims, "Terribly cold, this country. I'd forgotten. I shall start a fire!"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Since it doesn't go down, I guess."
[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says (to Sebastien), "You sound way too much like Carson from Queer Eye"
Sebastien says, "an excellent idea -- I will inspect the upstairs"
Sebastien wanders upwards.
GM says, "Sadly, there doesn't seem to be any nearby firewood."
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien asks, "that's good, right?"
Alixandre says, "Hm. I wonder where they keep the fuel."
Alixandre unlocks the front door to look around the building sides, now that he's not distracted by other concerns such as actually entering the building.
[Crows-Nest] Charles says (to Raelynn), "Hmm. That does explain how Alix and Sebastien are such close companions."
[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "if the goal is to make me forget who Sebastien really is, yes."
GM says, "Thinking back, you remember a pile of firewood outside around to one side."
[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says (to charles), "hee hee"
Alixandre glances at his clothes, decides they can't get much worse for carrying wood, and goes to fetch some.
GM says, "Upstairs are a series of smaller rooms--another bedroom, two studies, and a smaller open room the chimney from downstairs goes through."
GM says, "The windows provide a good view of this area of the city, what with it mostly being one-storied."
Sebastien glances out with interest at the city.
Alixandre calls to Sebastien, "I think their standards have truly declined -- why, they failed to clean this wood properly! It still has bark on it.
Sebastien says, "shocking! I hope they have still maintained the decorative carving on the sides of the logs, at least"
GM says, "You can see what must be a church off to the east, and a large building that must be where the local ruler lives."
Alixandre says, "They have not."
Sebastien sighs
Alixandre drag drag clomp clomp.
Sebastien says, "we must fight against this influence on our own selves"
Sebastien looks around through the bedroom and studies for anything else important, such as brandy, new stockings, or diplomatic documents
Sebastien says, "(or a front door key)"
GM says, "You also see various peasants going about their business, riding horses, haggling at a nearby market; one man entering his home, another running pell-mell away from your building."
Alixandre says, "It's a terrible thought, that we might become so complacent as to stop caring about the little touches that civilise a place."
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "nice touch with 'civilise'"
[Crows-Nest] Alixandre exclaims, "thanks!"
GM asks (of Alix), "Hey, who left the back door open?"
Alixandre says (to Sebastien), "Have you been down here? Only the back door is now open."
Sebastien says, "surely not, and yet -- why, I perceive a man running away our building"
Sebastien studies the man from his window perch
Alixandre says, "Let me fetch him! He might know where they keep the liqueur."
GM says, "As you watch, the man runs down one street, turns and goes through the market."
Alixandre trots out the door. "Sir! Pardon me! Sir!"
Sebastien says, "bother, he's gone to the --"
Sebastien says, "that Alixandre is so impetuous"
Sebastien takes one last look around for the key and then hurries after him
GM says (to Alix), "You drop your wood, and step out the back door. Nobody is in view; nobody running, at least."
Alixandre says (to Sebastien), "He has vanished already."
Sebastien says, "I am afraid he has dashed into the market-place"
Sebastien says, "no doubt with the intent of losing himself among the crowds"
Alixandre asks, "Very unsporting of him. Would you recognize him again?"
Sebastien says, "it seems conceivable, though I only saw his back"
Alixandre glances back at the building. "I need matches regardless. Shall we close the door and follow after?"
Sebastien says, "a fine idea -- I regret I have not located the key, but no doubt the window will serve a second time"
Sebastien says, "and I must admit to being well-nigh famished after our exertions"
Alixandre exclaims, "Then it is settled!"
Alixandre closes the door to the embassy.
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "(locked, then?)"
[ussura] GM says, "Except asked here"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I'm not even sure we can lock it from the outside without a key, but supposing we can I guess we should"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "if we can't lock it, oh well."
[ussura] GM says, "Indeed, it seems that one cannot lock it from the outside, though you can leave one door locked of the two."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I guess we can lock the front and go out the back, like it was before"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "At least I won't have to climb on that chamberpot again."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "good point"
GM says, "You close the window, lock the front door again, and head out the back towards the marketplace."
GM says, "Which looks well-used, but not too crowded right now--most people seem to be home again by now; it's getting on towards dusk, and beginning to get cold."
Alixandre says, "Let's find that intruder, or failing that a hot meal and some matches."
Alixandre asks, "Do you see him?"
Sebastien looks around. "I believe he turned down this street here."
GM says, "You follow the street a bit, see no sign of the man, but after going a few yards, smell something delicious."
Sebastien says, "perhaps we should pause in our quest for a moment"
Sebastien looks around for the source of the deliciousness
Alixandre says, "That does smell good."
Iosif exclaims, "Ho, there! The only reason one is out this late, is that one has not eaten, and the only reason one has not eaten, is because one has not yet tried my soup! Come in! Come in and eat!"
Sebastien says (to Iosif), "your arguments are extremely convincing"
Sebastien comes in.
Alixandre follows.
Sebastien says, "but would you really consider this late? the shank of the evening, I would say, though I admit it is colder than I would expect"
[Crows-Nest] Raelynn asks, "heavens, this is the kind of diplomats my country sends?"
[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "no wonder we also have an army in ussura"
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[Crows-Nest] Alixandre says, "hee hee"
GM says, "A wave of heat almost knocks you backwards as you step inside a simple but comfortable home with a huge fire that also serves as a stove taking up one whole wall of the room."
[Crows-Nest] Alixandre says, "we're very sophisticated diplomats, so sophisticated that you might not realize how diplomatic we are"
Alixandre says, "I believe I have fallen in love with your fire. I didn't realize how cold I had become."
Sebastien says, "truly our passion for your fire burns like -- er, perhaps this simile needs some adjustment"
Iosif exclaims, "The only reason you have fallen in love with the fire is that you have not had time to fall in love with my wife's cooking!"
Iosif laughs heartily.
Iosif exclaims, "Come, sit! And tell me about yourselves!"
Iosif pulls up some large wooden chairs to the table, and sits beaming at you as a woman bustles into view with soup bowls.
Sebastien says, "and this must be your good wife"
Sebastien bows to her before sitting again.
Iosif says, "Indeed! This is Svetlana, my wife of 24 years, now."
Svetlana courtseys politely, grins.
Sebastien says, "surely not -- why, she does not look a day over 24 years of age"
Svetlana exclaims, "Ha!"
Svetlana looks pleased, however.
Sebastien says, "but to answer your earlier request, we are travellers from distant lands -- we had expected to be staying at the Montaigne embassy, but to our regret, found it deserted on our arrival"
Alixandre says, "Mostly deserted -- someone fled from the building shortly after we entered."
Iosif says, "Deserters from the army, are you? Well, can't say I blame you."
Sebastien glances over at Alixandre.
Alixandre exclaims, "Deserters! Not in the least!"
Sebastien says, "no, no, not at all"
Alixandre says, "Why, were we in the army, we would have stayed in the army. But we were not in the army."
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "hee hee"
Sebastien exclaims, "a very neat syllogism!"
[Crows-Nest] Alixandre says, "It's my special ability to explain things that got me this post"
[Crows-Nest] Russet asks, "this post to the frozen wasteland?"
Alixandre says, "In fact, we undertook our trip before the war began, and did not know until we arrived that there was, in fact, such a war"
Iosif says, "Ha! Well, as you say."
Sebastien says, "but to return to Alixandre's earlier point, I do not suppose you know the identity of the man who was staying in the building before us? We thought perhaps he could inform us of some of the details of the building's previous occupancy"
Alixandre eats some of the stew while Sebastien talks.
Iosif says, "Well, hmm. Not much goes on at the embassy normally, but even less of recent months, since the war, of course."
Sebastien eats as much as can be done gracefully while talking.
Iosif says, "The Montaignians there kept to themselves--never came by here on a friendly visit, that's for sure."
Svetlana beams at the hearty eaters.
[Crows-Nest] Russet says, "'Tastes like duck.'"
Sebastien sighs. "It is very sad -- personally, I intend to enjoy my time here to the fullest."
Sebastien says, "the moreso since I am no longer sure of exactly how long that will be"
Iosif says, "Sometimes would go 'round to the Rissanova place, seeing as how she's in charge here and all."
Iosif says, "But I don't think I've seen any activity over there for a few weeks."
Alixandre says, "If they never tried this soup, then I feel for them."
Iosif says, "Though I would expect that any squatters there might indeed take off once you two showed up."
Sebastien says, "true enough"
Sebastien says, "ceding to us their claim to the place, as is only right"
Svetlana refills your bowls, which have been mysteriously emptied.
Sebastien . o O ( odd, how did that happen? )
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr exclaims, "magic poison soup!"
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "mm, poison"
[Crows-Nest] Alixandre says, "that's 'poisson'"
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
Alixandre asks, "So everyone at the embassy left once the war began?"
Iosif says, "Not directly after, no."
Iosif says, "As I say, the war's been on a couple months, but the place has only been empty a couple weeks."
Alixandre says, "Ah, so you did."
Sebastien says, "strange"
Alixandre says, "I wonder what made them leave."
Alixandre says, "Lack of good handkerchiefs, perhaps."
Sebastien says, "it is true we may have to speak to the local cloth-merchants soon"
Alixandre asks, "And perhaps visit...Rissanova, was it?"
Iosif says, "As you say--Dautania Rissanova, sister to Tamara Rissanova, Knias of Gallenia."
Iosif says, "Dautania's in charge of this area of the country--Tamara keeps to Breslow, mostly."
[ussura] Alixandre asks, "What does that mean to us, the intrepid diplomats?"
[ussura] Alixandre asks, "i.e. do we know anything about Dautania at this point?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "Knias is the ruler of one of the five provinces"
[ussura] GM asks, "In what way?"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "I dunno. If there's diplomatic intrigue up, I didn't know if anyone would have told us ahead of time"
[ussura] GM says, "Breslow is the capitol of the province of Gallenia; the Rissanovas rule the province as a whole; there are, as mentioned, five provinces. Rurik is to the west and is currently being invaded; Gallenia is as far east as you can get and not run into the firewall between Ussura and Cathay."
[ussura] GM says, "And, yeah, you heard of no intrigue before you left."
[ussura] Alixandre says, "okay."
[ussura] Alixandre says (to Sebastien), "I'm mostly through with pumping him for information, as well as through with soup."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "right then"
Sebastien says, "well, you have been very kind to us, good sir"
Iosif asks, "What, only two bowls?"
Sebastien says, "sadly, we are out of practice in contending with this soup, but I am sure we will be back on a later date for further training"
Iosif says, "Excellent, excellent."
Alixandre says, "We thank you for the wonderful soup and conversation."
Sebastien rises, bows to Iosif and Svetlana, hands over some coins, and then heads out with Alixandre.
GM says, "As you head out again, the full moon is rising over the city, crisp in the clear air."
Sebastien says, "a clear night"
Sebastien says, "but a trifle chill"
Alixandre says, "Yes."
Alixandre asks, "This becomes more and more curious. What could have emptied the embassy like that?"
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr exclaims, "vampires!"
Alixandre says, "I think we should complete our survey of the building and make our introductions to Rissanova in the morning."
[Crows-Nest] Alixandre says, "hee hee"
Sebastien says, "it does not seem like they were forced out with violence -- there is no disarray in the building"
Sebastien says, "that seems like a good suggestion"
[Crows-Nest] RogerCarbol says, "Soup-induced madness."
Alixandre says, "Especially since we do not yet know where the local entertainment establishments are."
Sebastien says, "quite so"
GM says, "Nothing interferes with your plans, and the next morning, pressed and folded to within an inch of your life, you head over to the castle."
Sebastien says, "(I assume we found nothing interesting in the embassy building?)"
[ussura] GM asks, "Unless there was anything else you wanted to do?"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "Nah, fast forwarding's cool with me."
[ussura] GM says (to Seb), "Not in the dark, at least."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ok, onwards, then"
Sebastien nods politely to the castle guards.
Alixandre says, "If there is a war, I suppose there is no chance of ordering the current fashions and having them arrive in reasonable time."
Alixandre says, "But that bed's linens are at least eighteen months out of date."
Sebastien says, "I am not sure how the current trends will reflect the new military situation -- it seems there is some risk epaulettes will come back into fashion"
GM says, "You manage to get an appointment with Dautania for the afternoon, and eat a good lunch in a little shop by the castle."
GM says, "Which, since you skipped breakfast, tastes particularly good."
[ussura] GM asks (of Alix), "You have about 15 more minutes, right?"
[Crows-Nest] Charles wonders whether or not they've found matches.
Alixandre says, "At least the food here is good."
[ussura] Alixandre says, "Yeah, something like that."
[ussura] Alixandre says, "I can probably push it to 30 if I have to."
[ussura] GM says, "That should be OK; I may have to break for lunch myself then; a cousin unexpectedly showed up and we're all about to eat."
[ussura] Alixandre says, "whoops"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "serve them soup"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"
[ussura] GM says (to katre), "Are you OK with waiting an hour or so, or should we postpone yours yet again? I do apologize."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "I will wait"
[ussura] GM says, "OK, cool."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "sharpening his axe"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "busy trapping wildly"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "I have just befriended a weasel"
[ussura] GM says, "Excellent."
[ussura] Alixandre says, "this is straying frighteningly near Jearl's latest mystery DVD"
[ussura] Charles asks, "Wait, so he has or hasn't met Sebastien and Alixandre yet?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hasn't"
[ussura] Charles says, "(Joke.)"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "unless he is a chef"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "oh, whoops"
Dauntania says, "So, they tell me you claim to be Montaignian diplomats."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] GM says, "Snrk."
Sebastien says, "I am sure you will find our paperwork all in order"
Alixandre bows. "My lady, yes."
Sebastien produces it.
Dauntania asks, "May I?"
Sebastien says, "please"
Alixandre says, "As my compatriot says, we have papers with stamps and ribbons, all in the official manner."
Dauntania peers over it.
Alixandre smiles winningly.
Dauntania says, "Hmm. With Devoe gone, you appear to be unable to complete your instructions."
Dauntania says, "And therefore still have the same diplomatic status you had on your trip."
Alixandre asks, "Oh?"
Dauntania sighs.
Dauntania says, "Your instructions are to present yourselves to Devoe, here in Things could have been more dignified, all things considered. Still,"
[Crows-Nest] Dauntania says, "Ack, sorry."
Dauntania says, "Your instructions are to present yourselves to Devoe, here in Sredbirskyoye. At that point, you would become his attaches. But with him not here, you are still free agents."
Sebastien murmurs "We so often are."
Alixandre says, "That is true. Do you happen to know where Devoe went? We understand he left some time after the war began."
Dauntania peers at you critically.
Sebastien smiles winningly back
Alixandre smiles winningly again.
[Crows-Nest] Alixandre says, "yay"
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "hee hee"
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "they have taught us well in diplomat school"
Dauntania asks, "Suppose I did. You would then go find him?"
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "OK, now I know for certain that they're interchangeable."
[Crows-Nest] Dauntania says, "Yay ;-)"
Sebastien says, "naturally we are bound by our diplomatic duties, but it seems like they would lead us to seek him out if nothing else calls us here"
Alixandre says, "If that would be pleasing to you, we would be happy to assist."
Dauntania says, "Hmm."
Dauntania says, "As it happens, I do not. I do, however, have a copy of a treaty Devoe seemed disinclined to sign."
Dauntania waves, and a servant brings in a document.
Sebastien winces.
Dauntania says, "A trifle--this would simply ensure that in return for certain trading concessions, L'Empereur will not send troops as far east as Gallenia."
Dauntania says, "These documents," (she waves to the ones you gave her) "give you the authority to sign."
Sebastien says, "it is very kind of you to offer us the opportunity to participate in these delicate negotations, m'lady"
Alixandre says, "Indeed, such negotiations are quite what we have been trained to do."
Dauntania says, "Indeed."
Sebastien says, "and I am sure that L'Empereur would much rather deal peacefully with a free Gallenia than otherwise"
Sebastien says, "nevertheless ..."
Dauntania asks, "Perhaps you could tell me, as a matter of curiosity, what posessed L'Empereur to send two non-Montaignians into Ussura with diplomatic status?"
Alixandre says, "Undoubtedly our prior successes dictated our being assigned to such a sensitive post."
Dauntania waves her hand. "Take the treaty with you, and consider it; read it over."
Sebastien says, "that is very kind of you"
[ussura] Alixandre says (to Sebastien), "What do you think: offer to take a look at the documents and consider -- aha, Dautania moves ahead of me"
Sebastien bows.
Alixandre bows as well.
Sebastien gingerly takes the document.
Sebastien says, "I am sure we will have the opportunity to discuss this at some later date"
Sebastien . o O ( ideally *much* later )
Alixandre says, "Our thanks for your time and hospitality."
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "wait, Alix and Seb aren't Montaignian?"
Dauntania says, "Should you find out about the whereabouts of Devoe, if you would please inform me he has returned. He left somewhat percipitously."
[Crows-Nest] Alixandre asks, "'percipitously' means 'sweating a lot,' right?"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Uh, yeah."
Sebastien says, "it would be our pleasure"
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "hee hee"
[ussura] GM says, "And, people are eating--I'll be back.. 4:00ish? Will that work for you, Pyotr."
[ussura] GM asks, "?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hmm, I think we're both montaignese citizens"
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "what time is it there now?"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "yeah"
[ussura] GM says, "Almost 3."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I am not quite sure how nationality-changes work here"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "okay, sure"
[ussura] GM says, "Thanks--sorry, again."
[ussura] GM idles.
[ussura] Raelynn says, "what did D-lady mean just now? about non-montaign as diplomats"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I am afraid her eagle eyes have pierced our fashionable appearance to our non-montaignese origins"
[ussura] Raelynn says, "oh good. that means you aren't my countrymen"
[ussura] Raelynn says, "i can be ashamed of you without guilt now"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "but we were both raised in the finest traditions of montaigne diplomacy"
[ussura] Charles asks, "Do you speak Montaigne without a foreign accent?"
[ussura] Alixandre exclaims (at Charles), "but of course!"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "naturally"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "I think we are living up to montaigne diplomatic standards"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "given that those standards have led to all-out war between montaigne and ussura"
[ussura] Raelynn asks, "so what are alixastien, really?"
[ussura] Charles says, "http://www-bioc.rice.edu/~lpsmith/IF/7thSea/ussura/cast.html, last section."
[ussura] Raelynn says, "not montaigne, so....? ahhh"
[Crows-Nest] RogerCarbol asks, "Errr... is the game over?"
[Crows-Nest] Russet says, "To Be Continued in about 50 minutes"
[Crows-Nest] RogerCarbol says, "Oh I see"
RogerCarbol disappears through an invisible gap in the MUD. You think you may have heard the sounds of chatting before the gap closed again.
Eolo has disconnected.
Alixandre has disconnected.
[ussura] GM back!
[ussura] Charles asks, "But is anyone else?"
[ussura] GM asks (of Pyotr), "You still there?"
[ussura] GM says, "Hmm, I'll check back in 15 minutes or something."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "hi"
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "sorry about that, still here?"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "drat, shows me for eating dinner"
[ussura] Raelynn asks, "4 more minutes till gm return?"
[ussura] Russet says, "something like that"
[7thsea] Raelynn asks, "hm. i need to sign the cast don't i?"
[7thsea] Russet asks, "Who got hurt?"
[ussura] GM back yet again!
[ussura] Duchess says, "YAY"
[ussura] GM says, "Went back for pie and icecream ;-)"
[ussura] Duchess says, "ah ha"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "mmm, pie"
[ussura] GM says, "OK, let's see."
[ussura] GM says, ">flip flip flip<"
[ussura] GM says, "Anyone want to be an NPC for this bit? I have a few openings."
[ussura] Russet says, "oo."
[ussura] Raelynn says, "oo2"
[backstage] * GM has added Russet to the channel.
[backstage] Raelynn asks, "guess i should leave?"
[ussura] GM says (to Rael), "And you're already here ;-)"
[backstage] GM says (to Rael), "And you're already here ;-)"
[backstage] Russet says, "he said a few openings"
[ussura] GM says, "Channel ;-)"
[backstage] Raelynn says, "ah ha"
[backstage] GM says, "OK, this bit is going to be played mostly for humor, so feel free to ham it up. You two are part of a group of peasants who saw posted a reward for Pyotr's capture and/or head. You've taken it into your heads that the 12 of you are going to surprise him when he's out trapping."
[backstage] Russet says, "ha ha"
[backstage] GM says, "The sad thing is, you have threat rating 1, so most of your die rolls will be xk1."
[backstage] Raelynn says, "ah ha"
[backstage] Gretl asks, "aw, so we are bumbling?"
[backstage] GM says, "Except when you're attacking en masse, when the 12k1 turn into 10k3."
[backstage] GM says, "So."
Eolo has connected.
[backstage] GM says, "Yeah, bumbling."
[backstage] GM says, "@addtoc backstage=eolo"
[backstage] GM says, "oops."
[backstage] * GM has added Sebastien to the channel.
[backstage] GM asks (of Seb), "Can you recap?"
[backstage] Rudolf says, "Hee hee, we sneak."
[backstage] Sebastien says, "I have recapped this channel, but I can't recap the room"
[backstage] Gretl says, "nothing done in room yet"
[backstage] Katrina says, "name changed"
GM says, "OK, we're all set."
GM says, "Pyotr is out trapping and hunting in the woods."
Pyotr sets another trap, hides behind a tree.
GM says (to Pyotr), "As you're walking to set another trap... roll ambush+wits."
[backstage] GM says, "And someone here roll 2k1 afterwards."
[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 3k2: 8 9 1 | 17
[7thsea] Rudolf rolls 2k1: 10+6 4 | 16
[backstage] GM says, "Wow."
[backstage] Katrina asks, "so we failed to ambush him?"
[backstage] GM says, "OK, stage-whisper stuff like 'here he comes!'"
[backstage] GM says, "Right. Though that was remarkably close."
(From Katrina) "Psst. Duck down! I see him!"
Sebys rustle rustle
(From Rudolf) A voice ahead whispers, "He's right up there!"
(From Katrina) "What should we do? Surround him?"
Pyotr pulls out his axe and ducks behind a tree.
GM says, "OK, roll another ambush+wits"
[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 3k2: 7 2 7 | 14
[backstage] GM asks, "And here?"
[7thsea] Rudolf rolls 2k1: 1 3 | 3
[backstage] Rudolf says, "much better"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "wha ha ha"
[ussura] GM laughs.
[backstage] GM asks, "He's gone! What happened?"
(From Sebys) "Where'd he go?"
Pyotr listens to see if they walk past him.
(From Katrina) "I can't see him anymore either!"
GM says, "A small group of people start to wander out in the open."
(From Sebys) "Maybe he buried himself in the snow"
(From Rudolf) "He's run off!"
(From Katrina) "Maybe he climbed a tree."
Katrina looks up at the branches
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "who is closest? how many?"
(From Sebys) "I guess we scared him off!"
(From Rudolf) "Awww, drat."
Sebys inspects the snow at his feet narrowly
Katrina says, "Damn. I wanted that new fur rug for my fireplace for this winter!""
Pyotr leaps out from behind his tree at the nearest one.
[ussura] GM says, "There are maybe a dozen? Poorly armed. A couple are wandering closer to you--with your successful ambush roll you can surprise them."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "cool, that then"
Sebys exclaims, "aiee!"
[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 3k2: 7 5 2 | 12
Katrina falls flat down to the ground
[ussura] Pyotr says, "the perils of being hot-headed"
[ussura] GM asks, "3k2?"
[ussura] Rudolf says, "don't fall down, it's a disadvantage"
[ussura] Katrina says, "i am a coward!"
[ussura] Pyotr asks (of gm), "er, wits+ambush again?"
[ussura] GM says, "Oh, no, you already successfully did that."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "oh, okay then"
[ussura] Rudolf says, "it's chopping time"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "thought I had to again"
[ussura] GM says, "Right; sorry."
Katrina scrambles up and grabs a nice wooden branch
[ussura] Pyotr says, "a dozen? I attack the three nearest brutes"
[ussura] Katrina huffs. Brutes?
[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 6k3: 4 4 5 2 7 9 | 21
[ussura] Sebys says, "I may have a brutish exterior, but inside is the soul of a poet"
[ussura] Rudolf says, "yeah, we're acting together."
[ussura] GM says, "OK, go for it. I forget how surprise works, so let's say you get one free attack, then everyone rolls initiative."
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "so, that's a 26, do I make it?"
[ussura] Rudolf asks, "a 26?"
[ussura] Katrina asks, "so we all roll now?"
[ussura] GM says, "That's 2 raises? Oh, and your 26. Yup, three of them go down--go ahead and roleplay it out."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "I get a +5 from my axe school"
[ussura] GM says, "Right."
[ussura] Rudolf says, "ah"
Pyotr quickly slams the sharp bit of the axe into the nearest man, swings about and fells another with the backswing, and then smashes the legs of the third.
Katrina says, "Gaah! He is violent!"
Rudolf emits an "eep!" as his buddies collapse into the snow.
Pyotr exclaims, "You'll never take me alive!"
Katrina says, "His mama didn't teach him how to play nicely"
Sebys exclaims, "look out!"
Rudolf says, "Oh, come on. There's only one of 'im."
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "initiative time?"
[backstage] Katrina asks, "any weapons?"
[ussura] GM says, "OK, roll for initiative. Ambushy group, you get 2."
[backstage] Katrina asks, "or just random wooden cudgels?"
[ussura] Rudolf says (to GM), "you better do the brute rolls now"
[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 3 dice: 5 4 6
[backstage] GM says, "Yeah, random blunt stuff."
[backstage] Sebys says, "I have my shoemaker's hammer"
[ussura] GM says, "Yeah, sure."
[7thsea] GM rolls 2 dice: 7 4
[backstage] Katrina says, "hm. i guess i can carry a nice heavy skillet"
[ussura] GM says, "That's both starting on 4; Pyotr goes first."
[backstage] GM laughs.
[ussura] Pyotr says, "okay, I'm taking the next three"
[ussura] Katrina says, "so the ambushy group doesn't roll? (i am so confused)"
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "or are there more inits?"
[ussura] GM says, "The ambush group goes on 4 and 7, after Pyotr."
[ussura] Sebys says (to Katrina), "the GM rolled for us, because we attack as a group"
[ussura] Katrina says, "ah"
[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 6k3: 4 8 6 1 9 5 | 23
[ussura] GM says, "And indeed another three go down."
Pyotr spins to the left and does it again.
Rudolf exclaims, "Yoww, 'e's fast!"
Katrina says, "Somebody tie him up. This is not fair odds"
Sebys . o O ( this might be why he hasn't gotten caught yet )
[ussura] GM says, "OK, lesse--Katrina, roll a 6k1"
[7thsea] Katrina rolls 6k1: 8 9 6 9 4 1 | 9
[ussura] Katrina says, "bah"
[ussura] Katrina asks, "roleplay missing, then?"
[ussura] GM says, "And you miss, which you can roleplay."
Katrina swings the heavy cast-iron skillet with all her might at Pyotr's head. And misses
Sebys bumps into Rudolf and then into a tree as Pyotr dodges
Katrina overbalances and staggers to the left
Sebys exclaims, "my nose!"
Rudolf exclaims, "my shoulder!"
[backstage] Katrina says (to sebys), "hey, you can't be a fop and a peasant. pick one!"
[backstage] Sebys exclaims, "I'm in disguise!"
[backstage] GM laughs.
[backstage] Rudolf exclaims, "ha!"
[ussura] GM exclaims, "Phase 5!"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "and again"
[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 6k3: 6 5 6 8 9 8 | 25
Katrina says, "yow, he moves fast"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "should have taken more"
Pyotr knocks out the last three unnamed brigands.
[ussura] Katrina asks, "can we take away some of his rolls for rolling-too-high?"
Pyotr exclaims, "Tell your boss he needs better help!"
Rudolf exclaims, "This ain't worth it! I'm outta here!"
[ussura] Katrina says, "he needs a handicap"
[ussura] GM says, "Heh."
Katrina says (to Rudolf), "come back here! I want that fur rug and you are gonna help me get it!"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "I'm holding my action on 6"
[backstage] GM says, "You can, indeed, run away if you wish."
Katrina asks, "although wait a minute. we are next, if we stay, aren't we?"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "just on the very off chance I want an active defense"
[backstage] Rudolf asks, "all of us, or can we split?"
[backstage] GM says, "Since he took down 9 out of the 12 of you."
Sebys says, "I'm jumping into the snow behind a tree"
Pyotr waits, poised, steady.
[backstage] GM says, "You can split up."
[backstage] Katrina says, "ooh, i like the idea of splitting"
[ussura] GM says, "Phase 7"
Sebys ker-sploosh
[backstage] Katrina says, "i am going to run north"
Rudolf dashes off directly away from the mad axeman.
Pyotr exclaims, "Bring more friends, I need better exercise!"
Katrina runs out of the clearing and hides behind a different tree
Rudolf yells behind him, "Somebody'll get ya, ya villain!"
Pyotr laughs and laughs and laughs.
GM says, "And, since there are now 9 of their friends out cold in the snow, the remaining few run off."
[backstage] Katrina says, "are ussurans devout? can i roleplay praying to mother matushka? :)"
[ussura] Sebys exclaims, "it's a strategic retreat!"
[backstage] GM says, "Yes, sure."
Katrina pray aloud, "Oh Mother Matushka, please save me from that madman out there, I beseech thee."
Pyotr starts walking back to town, and pulls out a bottle of vodka to warm himself.
[backstage] Katrina asks, "do we go back to town and jump him there again?"
Pyotr puts his bottle back away after a few sips.
[backstage] GM says, "Heh, maybe."
[ussura] * josh_g has joined the channel.
[ussura] Pyotr says, "don't wanna get drunk, I hear these woods are dangerous sometimes"
[ussura] GM says, "Heh."
josh_g arrives, looking for booty.
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says (to josh), "you just missed me kicking ass"
[backstage] Rudolf says, "more like go back to town because we live there and run screaming to the law guy when he shows up."
[Crows-Nest] josh_g says, "curses!"
[backstage] Katrina says, "yeah, let's sic the sheriff on that guy"
GM says, "As you enter town, you see a mirror. Uh, a weird white mirror with black lines. Wait, no, that's just your picture on a flyer."
[Crows-Nest] josh_g says, "hee hee hee"
Pyotr goes over to take a look.
Pyotr asks, "How much is it this time?"
RogerCarbol arrives, looking for booty.
GM says, "WANTED: for criimes against the KNIAS including but not limited to POACHING SORCERY and STEALING. 500 rubles"
Pyotr says, "Hey now, I never did no stinking sorcery."
[Crows-Nest] josh_g says, "I hate it when people poach my sorcery"
Pyotr rips down the flier, and heads back home to gather his belongings.
(From Rudolf) There's a familiar "eep!" down by the bar.
Pavel says, "Ah, there you are."
Pyotr says, "Here I am, there I'm going, excuse me."
Pyotr pushes past.
Pavel says, "Going as in *going* going? Because that's fine, if so."
Pyotr says, "I think it's time I moved on."
Pyotr says, "New towns to see, new forests to explore."
Pavel sighs.
Pavel says, "Tomas will be sad to see you go, but yes, clearly you can't stay."
Pyotr asks, "Who put those up? He still here?"
[ussura] GM says, "Tomas is the local noble on whose lands you have permission to trap stuff."
Pyotr says, "I wouldn't mind a quick chat about the subject."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "cool"
Pavel says, "I'm afraid I don't know myself--they just showed up one night."
Pyotr says, "They usually do."
Pyotr says, "Someday I'll get around to straightening things out, but it's such a bother."
[backstage] Rudolf says, "and of course, if that's not the guy in charge around town, said guy is being notified"
Pavel says, "If you want to talk to Tomas before you leave, I'm sure he'd be willing to talk to you."
Pyotr checks the sun to see how late it is.
Pyotr says, "Thanks."
[ussura] GM says, "Noonish or so."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "okay, plenty of time to see people and still make a start"
[backstage] GM says, "Right."
Pyotr goes by his place, packs the essentials, and heads over to Tomas's home with his pack ready to leave.
Tomas says, "Pyotr! Come in, come in."
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "basically, I need my spare fur hat and my axe sharpening stone"
Pyotr says, "How do you do, sir."
[Crows-Nest] Tomas says, "Heh."
Tomas says, "I see you're leaving. I expected as much, and I really can't let you stay, but I'm sorry to see you go. I think that apart from the wildlife you actually caught, neither beast nor foul knew you haunted my lands."
Pyotr says, "Thank you for letting me stay here. It is a good place."
[backstage] Katrina asks, "can i be the cook working in tomas' kitchen?"
Pyotr says, "Hopefully I can find somewhere as nice to stop next."
[backstage] GM says, "Hee! Sure."
[backstage] Rudolf exclaims, "Aha, so that's how he was betrayed!"
Tomas beams. "Been in the family for generations."
Katrina emerges from the back room, "Master, will you be eating in the solar this evening?
Katrina says, "eep!"
Pyotr exclaims, "You!"
Katrina runs back to the kitchen
Tomas asks, "What?"
Pyotr asks (of Tomas), "You sent them after me?"
Tomas asks, "Who, Katrina?"
Pyotr says, "That is one of the ones who tried to ambush me today."
Tomas's eyes narrow, and he glares.
Pyotr says, "Her friends were not as lucky as she was."
Tomas strides back to the kitchen.
Pyotr follows.
(From Katrina) The backdoor is swinging closed
Pyotr says, "Yes, I recall she was very good at running."
[Crows-Nest] RogerCarbol says, "...then open... then closed... then open again... it's one of those sorts of doors."
Tomas sighs.
[backstage] Katrina says, "for purposes, I am hiding behind the cow"
[backstage] Katrina says, "assuming Tomas owns a cow and she is somewhere in the pasture or the barn"
Pyotr says, "The reward they offer is too tempting for many."
Tomas says, "She can cook well, but I never did like the company she keeps."
Pyotr says, "Well, she keeps less company now."
Tomas snorts.
Tomas looks out the back door, sees a fresh pair of tracks through the snow to the barn.
Pyotr says, "Take care, and Matushka keep you, my friend."
Pyotr says, "That one, I want a word with."
[Crows-Nest] (from Charles) Tomas says, "And she was always trying to corrupt my sones, Sebys and Rudolf."
Tomas hollers at the barn, "You can stay out there tonight!"
[Crows-Nest] Sebys says, "aw"
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "heh"
(From Katrina) "Master, it's cold!"
Pyotr says, "But if you wish, I will promise not to hurt her."
Pyotr says, "It is not good to hurt a woman, anyway."
Pyotr says, "They break too easily."
[ussura] GM says, "AFK company--back in a few. go ahead and roleplay bickering ;-)"
[backstage] Katrina says, "silly man, now i can kill him"
Pyotr stalks over to the barn, but stands outside.
[backstage] Rudolf says, "I'll be impressed if you can give him a flesh wound."
Pyotr asks, "So, woman, whose idea was it to attack me?"
Pyotr asks, "And who were you going to give me to?"
(From Katrina) A silence
Pyotr exclaims, "So, you think I cannot follow fresh tracks in today's snow? Ha!"
Pyotr kicks the door open and walks inside.
Katrina says, "eep!"
Pyotr says, "I see you, girl."
Katrina says, "have mercy. don't hurt me"
Pyotr says, "Tell me what I want to know, and quickly."
Katrina blubbers. She looks like a whale when she blubbers
Katrina says, "i just wanted a new fur rug"
Katrina says, "me hut gets so cold in the winter"
[Crows-Nest] josh_g says, "I can't imagine how that looks, but it made me laugh"
Pyotr asks, "And who was going to give it to you?"
Katrina says, "i was just going to use my share of the reward and buy one from Boris"
Katrina says, "he likes me, that one does"
Katrina says, "he would give me a discount and everything"
Katrina says, "and my feet would have been warm this winter. but you had to kill the others"
Pyotr asks, "Ahh. And which of you was brave enough to take me and deliver me for the reward?"
Katrina finishes the sentence bitterly
Katrina says, "(sullenly)I don't know"
Pyotr says, "Such a good plan you had."
Pyotr asks, "So, who was the leader, and where do I find him?"
Katrina says, "(sullenly)I don't know"
[Crows-Nest] Rudolf says, "well, our group's Wits roll was 12k1"
[Crows-Nest] Sebys says, "ha ha"
Pyotr says, "Oh, you have no memory. Maybe I help your memory."
Pyotr shakes his fist at Katrina.
Katrina cringes
Katrina says, "(less sullenly) I don't know"
Pyotr asks, "Where did you meet him?"
Pyotr takes out his axe.
Katrina says, "i met no one"
Katrina jibbers in fear
Katrina says, "it's not me"
Katrina says, "i never saw the guy"
Katrina says, "it's Rudolf"
Katrina says, "he came and told me about this reward"
[backstage] Katrina says, "sorry, he is about to chop me up!"
[Crows-Nest] josh_g says, "I always knew that reindeer was trouble"
[backstage] Sebys says, "ha ha"
Katrina says, "so i said i would join him"
[backstage] Rudolf says, "gee, thanks"
Katrina says, "leave me alone!"
Pyotr asks, "And where can I find this Rudolf?"
Katrina collapses in a sobbing heap
Pyotr says, "I will make it worth your while."
[backstage] Katrina says, "you still have sebys to foist the nut on to"
Pyotr says, "In my home are several furs I am not taking."
[Crows-Nest] Charles asks, "So this Ussura has rubles?"
Pyotr says, "Tell me where to find Rudolf, and they are yours."
[Crows-Nest] Charles asks, "Not chickens?"
[Crows-Nest] Sebys says, "picky picky"
Katrina looks up.
Katrina asks, "Truly? You do not lie to me?"
Pyotr says, "No, I do not lie."
Katrina says, "We all know Pyotr the Murderer has done many horrible things"
Katrina says, "he is the reason all our chickens died last fall"
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "ha ha ha"
Pyotr asks, "One man dies in a fight, and I am Pyotr the Murderer, eh?"
Katrina says, "you have cursed the furs. we know about your evil eye"
[Crows-Nest] Sebys says, "hee hee"
Pyotr says, "Very well, enjoy the cold this winter."
Pyotr walks back to the house.
Katrina says, "Wait!"
Katrina runs out of the barn after Pyotr
Pyotr asks, "Yes?"
[Crows-Nest] josh_g says, "now he plays hard to get"
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "I know how to woo the ladies."
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "drink vodka with them til they pass out"
Katrina says, "If you want to find Rudolf, you can find him in the alehouse with the newest girl, Tatyana"
Pyotr says, "Thank you."
Pyotr tells her where to look for the furs.
[ussura] Pyotr says, "now to wait for Tomas to come back."
Katrina rushes off to claim the furs
[backstage] Katrina says (to rudolf), "enjoy :)"
[ussura] Rudolf says, "well, I'm here"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "hmm, true, I guess if Tomas wants me he can send a letter"
[ussura] (from josh_g) Rudolf says, "come get some"
Pyotr wanders down to the alehouse, and lets himself in by the back door.
Barkeep raises an eyebrow.
Pyotr says (to Barkeep), "How are you. I am looking for a man named Rudolf, he's a friend of Tatyana's."
[Crows-Nest] josh_g says, "showdown at high noon, in the Wild East"
Pyotr asks, "Is he here?"
Gretl is bustling around serving ale to the patrons
Barkeep says, "*cough* uh, uh, well, he was here."
Barkeep says, "ain't you ..."
Barkeep thinks better and says, "... never mind"
Pyotr grabs the barkeep's shirt.
Pyotr says, "I am just going to talk to Rudolf, and then go."
Pyotr asks, "The faster I talk, the faster I go, got it?"
Barkeep says, "*cough cough*"
Pyotr lets the bartender breathe a little.
Barkeep says, "He was in here not half an hour ago rantin about how he almost caught Pyotr the Murderer."
Pyotr asks, "Ha, he said that, did he?"
Pyotr says, "You came closer, my friend."
Pyotr asks, "Where is he now?"
Barkeep says, "He was gonna see Tatyanna today, see, but he decided he'd better go see the sherrif instead."
Pyotr says, "Thank you, friend."
Pyotr walks back out.
[ussura] Pyotr says, "I hope our GM can follow this"
[backstage] Barkeep says, "I guess now we need a sheriff."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "cause I'm sure lost"
[ussura] Sebys says, "hee hee"
[backstage] Barkeep says, "(whisper to Charles)"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "I don't think walking directly into the sherrif's is a good idea, so I'm just gonna loiter around out front of the alehouse, waiting for Rudolf to come back, until the GM returns."
[ussura] Rudolf says, "ah"
(From Rudolf) There's shouting around the corner. "I'm telling ya, that high-n-mighty Tomas is keeping the villain."
(From Rudolf) A door slams.
[Crows-Nest] (from RogerCarbol) A shot rings out.
Pyotr . o O ( Maybe I need to be better hidden. )
Rudolf comes tromping around the corner, too worked up to pay much attention to anyone or anything.
Pyotr grabs Rudolf, and drags him into a shady corner.
Alixandre has connected.
Rudolf exclaims, "yaah!"
Pyotr says, "Greetings"
[Crows-Nest] Gretl says, "ooh la la, interlude"
[Crows-Nest] Gretl asks, "romance?"
[Crows-Nest] Alex says (to Gretl), "Awwwk! Word on the street is that romance is a quiet evening nibbling corknuts followed by extended hours of GETTIN' IT ON."
Pyotr says, "I heard you wanted me, thought we should talk about that."
[Crows-Nest] Sebys says, "ha ha ha"
[ussura] GM says, "Man, this is great. I should leave more often."
Rudolf says, "It's you! Look, don't hurt me. I... I'll...."
[ussura] Pyotr says (to gm), "we don't need you! wait, yes we do"
[Crows-Nest] Alixandre says, "man, I go away for two and a half hours and you're *still at it*"
Pyotr says, "Oh I won't hurt you...if you talk."
Pyotr asks, "Who put up those posters?"
[Crows-Nest] GM says (to Alix), "We took an hour+ break ourselves."
Rudolf's face blanks. "Uh?"
[backstage] GM says, "Feel free to make something up. Probably someone with a western accent."
[Crows-Nest] Alixandre says, "I clearly will have to read the transcript"
Pyotr asks, "How did you know about the reward?"
Rudolf says, "It's right there on the posters."
[backstage] GM says, "But mostly you just saw the poster."
Pyotr asks, "And who did you talk to about the reward?"
[backstage] GM says, "Hmm, actually..."
Rudolf says, "it was just some of us ... we needed the money ... we thought it would go easy and quick"
Pyotr asks, "Ha, more fool you. SO it was your own idea?"
Rudolf whimpers, dirty tears running down his thin cheeks.
Pyotr says, "Bah, make sure to pick on someone your own size, next time."
Pyotr drops Rudolf and walks away.
[Crows-Nest] Sebys says, "aww"
[Crows-Nest] Sebys says, "that big meanie Pyotr"
[backstage] Gretl asks (of gm), "do you have a next step? or should we do stuff again?"
[ussura] GM asks, "Anyone else you want to terrorize before you go?"
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "Pyotr the Murderer, thanks"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "Nah, time to split"
[Crows-Nest] josh_g says, "you call that mean? the guy's head is still attached"
[Crows-Nest] RogerCarbol says, "Pyotr the Moyderer"
[Crows-Nest] Gretl says, "i am telling you, he dismembered a defenseless six year old boy after paralyzing him with his evil eye!"
[Crows-Nest] Gretl says, "(helping his negative reputation along)"
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "sigh, I guess I'm not supposed to be unhappy when 12 people jump me in the forest"
[ussura] GM says, "Also, Tomas offered to supply you with anything you wanted for your trip."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "okay, luckily, I have what I need and a travel light."
[Crows-Nest] Sebys says (to RC), "heh"
[Crows-Nest] (from Gretl) Pyotr slings his spare fur cap at the end of the axe handle
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "yay"
[ussura] GM says, "Alright! The next bit is where you meet everyone else, so I think we're done."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "okay"
[ussura] GM says, "Sorry for being in and out so much."
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "so when's the next time?"
[ussura] Rudolf says, "that seemed like a neat intro"
[ussura] Sebys says, "wait, we're all going to meet up at once? that's crazy talk"
[ussura] Raelynn asks, "week after laborday?"
[ussura] Charles says (to Sebys), "Excepting that some of us have already met up."
[ussura] Sebys asks, "I believe our next session is next sunday, isn't it?"
josh_g disappears through an invisible gap in the MUD. You think you may have heard the sounds of chatting before the gap closed again.
[ussura] GM says, "Yeah, I think next Sunday still works for us."
[ussura] Charles personally has no clue when we play again.
[ussura] Raelynn says, "i was hoping to do stuff next sunday"
[ussura] Charles says, "Wasn't there some day when a third of the group couldn't meet/"
[ussura] GM says, "Then not on Labor day weekend, then the week after that."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "I'm free next sunday but my wife isn't"
[ussura] Charles asks, "Was that next week or the one after?"
[ussura] Raelynn says (to charles), "i think the no way was labor day, week after next"
[ussura] Sebys says, "next week is not labor day"
[ussura] GM says (to Raelynn), "Oh, hoping to do *other* stuff."
[ussura] Raelynn says (to gm), "yeah. i was hoping to go meet some vikings, cheerleaders, mickeys, and pirates"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "next sunday"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "because, hey, I've got a treaty to read"
[ussura] Sebys says, "hee hee"
[ussura] Rudolf says, "sounds like Seventh Sea to me"
[ussura] Raelynn says, "if you guys want to play, and put me on autopilot, that's fine"
[ussura] Charles asks, "OK, Vikings and pirates, check. Mickeys, in a bar, maybe. But how do cheerleaders fit into 7th Sea?"
[ussura] Raelynn says, "i may get back from the protests early"
[ussura] Raelynn says (to charles), "the anarchists are dressing like that for the RNC protests Sunday, and I am covering them for class"
[ussura] GM says, "Well, in general I was hoping to do every other week, and next week would be the third in a row, but I'm up for it if others are."
[ussura] Alixandre says, "I'll just type 'raelynn says 'you two are poor diplomats!'' over and over"
[ussura] (from Pyotr) Raelynn yells, "Free rights for all Eisen!"
[ussura] GM says, "Heh."
[ussura] Raelynn asks, "play next week, except do it normal time at 5?"
[ussura] Alixandre says, "yeah"
[ussura] GM asks, "OK, so no Raelynn next week, though possibly late?"
[ussura] GM says, "Yeah, normal time."
[ussura] Raelynn says, "i can probably head back by 6, if i do get back"
[ussura] Sebys says, "ok, cool"
[ussura] Sebys says, "and then starting next week we'll be on every other weekend schedule"
npc1 has disconnected.
npc2 has disconnected.
[ussura] GM says, "Right, I think that'll work."