[ussura] PerrySimm says, "Log on."

schep_char has connected.

Alixandre has connected.

Alixandre says, "arr"

Sebastien asks, "yarr, I mean to say, what?"

Alixandre says, "mmm yes, indeed, yes"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "as I said, Raelynn won't be here"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "she just called to say the the diplomats from some place called New York will be taking her to a theatrical production"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "right on"

[ussura] Russet exclaims, "Oho, pantomime!"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "the theatre can indeed be diverting"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "she hopes to join us next time we gather, however"

Era has connected.

GM has connected.

GM waves!

Sebastien says, "right on"

[ussura] GM says, "Sorry we're late--took longer to eat than expected."

npc1 has connected.

npc2 has connected.

[ussura] Pyotr says (to gm), "recap to where I explain Raelynn's abscence"

[ussura] GM says, "Oh, so she got in after all? Excellent."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "she was given aticket by the New York republican delegation"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "i knew her donations would be worth something someday"

[ussura] GM asks (of Perry), "We started?"

[ussura] Charles says, "Perry's on, yeah."

[ussura] GM says, "OK, first of all: Everyone gets 2XP for your intros. In addition, Pyotr gets +1 and -2 reputation."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "woo"

[ussura] GM says, "(Since we're using both positive and negative rep."

[ussura] GM says, ")"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "that'll teach you to beat up on defenseless villagers"

[ussura] Pyotr tries to figure out his total rep now

[ussura] GM says, "ISTR it's +9 and -12."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "thanks"

[ussura] GM says, "Since everyone got +8 who was a former character."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "I am still more bad than good. drat"

[ussura] Russet says, "it's tough being a Scoundrel"

[ussura] GM says, "As you may or may not recall, you can spend your XP at any time; just let me know."

GM says, "And so, the story so far:"

GM | In Vendel, Charles runs into Louis, a Montaignian refugee who (with
GM | Charles' father's help), had survived an attack on La Halcon where he had
GM | been a prisoner.  He tells Charles that the first mate of that ship
GM | (Edmund Devoe) now holds a diplomatic post in Sredbirskyoye.  Vowing
GM | revenge, Charles heads to Ussura, Louis in tow.
GM |
GM | Meanwhile, in Montaigne, Raelynn was mistaken for Fleur, the wayward
GM | daughter of Gerard, a highly-placed noble. She manages to escape the noble's
GM | manor on her own, and the country with the aid of Sophie's Daughters.
GM | Once in Eisen, she meets Era, who agrees to take her to a town in Eisen
GM | where she can start life anew until it all blows over.  She and Era are
GM | attacked on the way, Raelynn being mistaken for Fleur again, but with
GM | the fortuitous arrival of Charles, manage to fend off their attackers.
GM | Raelynn decides Eisen is still not far enough away from Gerard, so the
GM | three of them (four, with Louis) head east into Eisen.
GM |
GM | In Ussura, in the meantime, events are happening apace.  Alixandre and
GM | Sebastien, junior diplomats in trouble with the Montaignian government,
GM | are sent to a post in Sredbirskyoye, to report to an Edmund Devoe once
GM | they get there.  They arrive to find the place deserted, however.  They
GM | meet with Dautania Rissanova, who plies them with a treaty to sign
GM | instead of answering their questions.
GM |
GM | And out in the woods between our two groups, Pyotr's past history
GM | catches up with him once again as a reward for his capture is posted in
GM | the town where he lives.  A dozen peasants try (and fail miserably) to
GM | capture him, making Pyotr... grumbly.  After knocking a few heads and
GM | saying goodbye to the boyar, he packs up his stuff and heads east.

[Crows-Nest] Russet says, "oo, didn't realize that Louis guy was coming along."

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "That was decided between sessions ;-)"

[Crows-Nest] Russet asks, "what's the use of being heroes if you don't have hangers-on?"

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "I need some brutes, clearly"

Gunther arrives, looking for booty.

[Crows-Nest] Russet asks (of Pyotr), "Haven't you seen how easily they go down?"

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says (to russet), "well, those were lame brutes"

[Crows-Nest] Alixandre asks, "can I have a hanger-on who presses and hangs my clothes?"

[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "I hope you do not mind me watchin'"

GM says, "So, now: Pyotr, heading east, meets a caravan heading his way, and recognizes Charles and Era."

Pyotr asks, "Friends! What are you doing here, so far in the east?"

Charles exclaims, "Pyotr!"

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says (to Alixandre), "and then puts them on the hanger"

[ussura] GM says, "(Sara's still busy with Ellric; assume she says hi and whatnot)"

[Crows-Nest] Alixandre exclaims, "thus the hanging!"

Charles says, "Era and I ran into each other in <town in Eisen> -- she was on her way back home, and I offered to join her."

Pyotr says, "Ah, you still have the wanderlust, I see."

[Crows-Nest] Russet says, "<Freiburg>"

[ussura] GM asks (of Charles), "Do people know your mission?"

[ussura] Charles says, "Hmm. Probably, since I've got a Louis and all."

Charles says, "That, and there's someone I hope to talk to -- but this probably isn't the time to discuss that."

GM says, "Later that evening, the three of you get a chance to talk alone."

Charles says, "Oh, and this is Raelynn, a friend of Era's. Raelynn, Pyotr."

Pyotr shakes Raelynn's hand vigorously.

Pyotr exclaims, "Any friend of Charles' is a friend of mine!"

Charles, later that evening, asks (of Pyotr), "Do you know the name Edmund Devoe?"

[ussura] GM says, "(no)"

Pyotr says (to Charles), "Devoe? Never heard of him."

Pyotr says, "Why are you looking for him here? That's not a local name."

Charles says, "He's a Montaigne diplomat; I'm told he's been posted to Gallenia."

Pyotr says, "Ahh, should be easy to find, then."

Charles says, "I've reason to believe he was on the ship that sank the original Halcon."

Era says, "Hmph. Diplomats - most of them can't be trusted."

Pyotr says (to Charles), "Ahh, we'll run him down."

Pyotr says, "I was just thinking I need something new to do, I hope you'll let me help you with this."

[Crows-Nest] Maxwell exclaims, "Hey!"

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

[Crows-Nest] GM chuckles.

[Crows-Nest] Alixandre says, "i am outstandingly trustworthy"

Charles smiles. "I would be pleased to have friends at my side."

[ussura] Charles asks, "Did Louis (and, by extension, do I) know the city Devoe would be in?"

GM says, "And so, thus united in purpose, the group of you head further east, out of Veche and into Gallenia."

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Yeah--Sredbirskyoye."

[ussura] GM says, "Except here."

[ussura] Charles says, "Ah, good."

[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "gesundheit"

[7thsea] * Gunther has joined the channel.

GM says, "You part ways with the caravan, which heads along the river to the north, and make your way to Sredbirskyoye. Where, one morning:"

Louis exclaims, "That's him!"

[ussura] * Gunther has joined the channel.

Louis points at Sebastien, stepping out of the Montaignian embassy.

Pyotr jumps on the man thus pointed out.

Pyotr exclaims, "You'll not escape us!"

Charles chases.

Sebastien says (to Alixandre), "I do believe those men intend to accost us"

Alixandre asks, "I think this coffee will be more to your liking, as it is fresh from the -- what? What?"

Sebastien says, "I am afraid they look somewhat ruffianly and ill-bred"

[Crows-Nest] Maxwell exclaims, "Huzzah, mistaken identity PvP battle!"

Alixandre says, "This is quite unseemly."

Sebastien says, "the very words for it"

GM says, "The two diplomats stand there somewhat bemused as the group of you charge."

[ussura] GM asks, "Hmm, initiative?"

[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 3 dice: 10 5 3

[7thsea] Charles rolls 3 dice: 3 1 6

[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 3 dice: 9 3 10

[7thsea] Alixandre rolls 3 dice: 8 4 2

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "everyone likes a 3"

[7thsea] Era rolls 3 dice: 3 10 10

[ussura] GM says, "So, Charles first, on 1."

Charles pushes Sebastien against the wall.

Sebastien exclaims, "my good sir!"

Charles says, "Devoe. We have things to talk about."

Sebastien says, "this seems like a most distasteful way to make an introduction, but very well, Devoe, I am Sebastien"

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr exclaims, "ha!"

[ussura] GM says, "Alixandre, on 2 may do something if you wish."

[ussura] Alixandre says, "I'll hold"

Alixandre asks, "Devoe! Just the man we wanted to see. How do you feel about treaties?"

Charles says, "Don't play the fool. Louis told me who you are."

Sebastien says (to Alixandre), "why, I should have known the name sounded familiar"

Sebastien says (to Alixandre), "I must say, it's clear why they sent us to replace him -- he really has no dress sense at all"

Alixandre says, "Why, he looks almost Avalonian"

Sebastien says, "the very words"

Sebastien says, "quite shocking"

Alixandre says, "indeed"

Sebastien says (to Charles), "I do not know if you are aware, but your hand seems to be ruffling my collar somewhat"

[ussura] Charles patiently waits for his initiative turn to punch anyone.

[ussura] Pyotr says, "hee"

[ussura] GM says, "Oh, sure, go ahead."

[ussura] Charles says, "(It's amazing how much dialog can take place in one phase...)"

[ussura] GM says, "Sure: phase 3."

Charles socks Sebastien in the jaw.

[7thsea] Charles rolls 5k3: 3 8 2 8 10+7 | 33

[ussura] Sebastien says, "ow"

[ussura] GM says, "That's a hit."

[ussura] Alixandre says, "yikes"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "mmhmm"

[ussura] Charles says, "(Drat, forgot what unarmed damage is...)"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "0k1, IIRC"

[ussura] GM says, "(unless you want to do an active defense?)"

[ussura] GM says (to Charles), "4k1"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "can I? sure"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "fortunately he has a high skill in etiquette"

[ussura] GM says, "(er, total with your brawn)"

[Crows-Nest] Maxwell says, "(didn't three other people get to go first on 3?)"

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says (to Maxwell), "I'm not sure anybody else wanted to go first, though"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "it's hard to know just the thing to say when someone punches you"

[ussura] Charles waits for the potential active defense.

[ussura] Sebastien says, "I'll spend, mm, two drama dice to start"

[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 8k5: 5 6 7 3 8 7 2 3 | 33

[ussura] Charles says, "(Is there a penalty for being pushed up against a wall?)"

[ussura] Pyotr says (to seb), "nice"

[ussura] GM says, "Wow, exactly."

[ussura] GM says, "OK, roleplay dodging."

[Crows-Nest] Gunther asks, "who's GMing?"

Sebastien jerks up his left hand and deflects Charles's punch, just in time.

[Crows-Nest] Maxwell says, "lps"

Sebastien exclaims, "my good sir! I think you forget yourself!"

Charles asks, "Are you or are you not Edmund Devoe?"

[ussura] GM says, "And Era also goes on three."

[ussura] Era holds action

Sebastien says, "I have no claim to that name, sir"

Charles exclaims, "Louis!"

Sebastien says, "I thought you did, but perhaps there has been some confusion on this score"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "I'll grab Alix to keep him from interfering with Charles"

Louis asks, "Um, yes?"

Charles asks, "Who is this man in front of me?"

Louis asks, "A Montaignian diplomat in Ussura?"

Sebastien exclaims (at Louis), "very perceptive of you!"

Louis says, "The... clothes."

Alixandre says, "Perceptive, but not complete, I fear"

Sebastien says, "I am pleased to see this rough-housing has not completely taken the edge off my refined nature"

Louis says, "So I just sort of assumed..."

Charles, very slowly, turns to face Louis.

Louis takes an involuntary step backwards.

Alixandre says, "This is quite the mixup! It could almost be a comedic theatrical production."

Charles asks, "Do you, in fact, know what Edmund Devoe looks like?"

Sebastien, presumably unhanded, dusts himself off.

Louis exclaims, "I saw him before!"

Sebastien says (to Alixandre), "precisely my thought! I am sure we have all gotten lucky there are no cream-pies or wagons of fruit nearby"

Louis says, "Across a room."

Louis says, "From the back."

Pyotr exclaims, "Argh!"

Charles releases Sebastien's collar.

Louis says, "And I may have been a bit distracted by a woman at the time."

Pyotr hits Louis on the head.

Louis exclaims, "And some of the lanterns were out.. ow!"

Louis mumbles "Sorry."

Louis rubs a spot on the back of his head.

Charles says (through his teeth), "I apologise for my actions. And for his."

Sebastien says, "oh, no worries -- these mixups do happen on occasion"

Sebastien says, "as it happens, we ourselves are looking for this Devoe"

Sebastien says, "although apparently not with as much, er, personal interest"

Charles asks, "He's not here?"

Sebastien says, "apparently he abruptly left the embassy for parts unknown shortly before we arrived"

Charles mutters something under his breath.

Sebastien says, "leaving us in a bit of a diplomatic contretemps"

Sebastien says, "not to mention failing to secure a new supply of coffee for the embassy, and leaving the linens in most disreputable shape"

Sebastien says, "I begin to fear this reflects poorly on his character"

Charles asks, "When did he leave? What did he say before he went?"

Sebastien says, "let me see"

Sebastien says, "I believe the local citizens informed us he left a few weeks ago"

Sebastien says, "and Dautania Rissanova said that he left rather suddenly, without saying anything about his further travels"

Alixandre says, "We did ask for help from Mme. Rissanova -- yes, as Sebastien says."

Charles asks, "You weren't here?"

Pyotr asks, "But she didn't know where he went?"

Alixandre says, "No, and no, in that order."

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "is the city walled, or open?"

Sebastien says, "I rather got the impression that she also would be curious as to his whereabouts"

[Crows-Nest] Alixandre says, "Montaigne diplomats: overly precise even when not needed"

[Crows-Nest] Maxwell asks, "And when is a Montaigne diplomat needed?"

[Crows-Nest] Charles says (to Max), "Hee."

[Crows-Nest] Alixandre exclaims, "you have shifted my question in an effort to provide irony. it's extremely cute!"

Charles says, "He must have had some reason to leave. And I doubt that he knows enough of me to have expected or cared about my arrival."

Sebastien says, "very true"

Sebastien says, "when we arrived we found a diplomatic situation was already in progress"

Sebastien says, "and it is possible that he did not wish to play his part in it"

Era has disconnected.

Era has connected.

[ussura] Charles asks, "Wat do those of us who were out of the country know about the political situation?"

Sebastien says, "but I admit that does not strictly explain why he left a few weeks ago rather than a few months ago"

[ussura] Charles asks, "Would the news about Montaigne armies have been passed along on the caravan?"

[ussura] Era says, "sorry, our computer crashed. It should only happen 2-3 more times this session. ;-\"

Charles says, "Then we should find out just when he left, and what it was that happened then."

Sebastien says, "an excellent idea"

Pyotr asks (of gm), ";is the city walled, or open?"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "er, sorry"

Charles says, "And someone should search his offices and his home to see if he left anything behind that might be related."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "channel"

Era says, "And why he did not see to the coffee situation. Dreadful."

[ussura] GM says, "#belated Open."

Sebastien says, "indeed, we had made a cursory inspection of the embassy building, but perhaps a more thorough search would be rewarded"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "if I get an answer, I have ideas on how to search"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "the embassy is a little ways away from the main part of the city/town, is my impression"

[ussura] GM says, "Right."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "ah, drat"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "okay, time to intimidate the townsfolk until someone talks"

Sebastien says, "there will be some convenience in the search in that the same building serves as both residence and office for the diplomats"

Charles asks, "This one?"

[ussura] GM says, "The new group did indeed know there was a war on--it started maybe a week or two before you left."

[Crows-Nest] Maxwell says, "Pyotr the Murder has arrived, and he wants ANSWERS."

Sebastien says, "precisely"

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr exclaims, "watch you chickens!"

[Crows-Nest] Maxwell says, "+er"

Sebastien gestures eloquently to the front door.

Pyotr says, "I will look around."

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "any chance I see any tracks?"

Pyotr wanders around the check the outside of the building.

Charles goes inside and starts looking around.

[ussura] GM says, "Weeks old in the middle of town? No, sadly."

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "are we in the town or outside it?"

Alixandre joins the hunt.

Charles asks, "Has anyone else been here after Devoe left and before you arrived?"

Sebastien says, "there was some gentleman, no doubt itinerant, residing in the lower levels"

Sebastien says, "he left in some haste when we arrived"

Era asks, "Did he leave any personal articles behind? Clothing, linens, something that could contain a scent?"

Sebastien says, "I regret that we were not able to track him down, although our pursuit did lead to the fortuitous discovery of an excellent eating establishment"

Alixandre exclaims, "Aha!"

Sebastien asks, "there were a number of items left behind, most belonging to the embassy, but -- aha?"

Alixandre exclaims, "I realize that, in our mistaken contretemps, we did not introduce ourselves. Alixandre, at your service!"

Era says (to Sebastian), "Always important, knowing the local cuisine."

Alixandre sweeps into an elaborate bow.

Charles searches the downstairs office area(s).

Era curtsies, which is somewhat impressive in her split skirt.

[ussura] GM asks, "OK, what are people searching for? Or just a general 'look around' type thing?"

Sebastien says, "And I am Sebastien, as perhaps I may have mentioned"

Sebastien says, "it is sad to see these little courtesies go by the wayside -- our apologies"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "I'm looking to see what sort of neighbors they have"

Era says, "Greetings, gentlemen. I am Era, of House Kharkov."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "and if I can go ask intimidating questions"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "I'm going to do a more careful search of the office, looking for papers, notes, that sort of thing"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "I will search the bedrooms, I guess, for personal articles"

[ussura] GM says (to Pyotr), "This is a somewhat nicer area of town; the market's not far away, and neither is a local Church of the Prophet."

Era says (to Sebastian), "If you find something in which the gentleman may have exerted himself, bring it with you. The more odiferous, the better."

[ussura] Pyotr wanders to ask around in the market if anyone knew Devoe.

Alixandre exclaims, "I do hope he did not leave his sweat-stained garments around!"

Sebastien . o O ( these new travellers have really quite strange hobbies )

[ussura] GM asks, "A search of the bedrooms reveals,... hmm, didn't I mention some clothing last session?"

[ussura] GM goes to check.

[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "Man. Alixandre is slipping already. I didn't even know the word 'sweat' was in his vocabulary."

[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "This rustic lifestyle is getting to him."

[Crows-Nest] Alixandre says, "it's the lack of good linens"

[Crows-Nest] Gunther asks, "instead of 'perspiration'?"

[ussura] GM says, "Yes, 'neatly-folded Montaignian-style clothes'"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "yes indeed"

[Crows-Nest] Charles says (to Gunther), "If there weren't a lady present, perhaps."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "I am more wondering about stuff left under the bed or behind the dressers or whatnot"

[ussura] GM says, "The desk has some sort of treaty laid out on it."

[ussura] GM says, "Behind the bed you find an old sock."

Sebastien picks the sock up between two fingers and holds it gingerly.

[ussura] Charles asks, "Is there anything around that looks like mail, or a notice, or new paperwork, aside from the treaty?"

[ussura] GM says, "With a miniscule hole in the toe, which would explain it being discarded."

Sebastien says, "Madame Kharkov! I believe I have located the sort of item you were seeking"

Era has disconnected.

Era has connected.

[ussura] GM says, "Grr, disconnected *again*."

[ussura] GM catches up.

Sebastien says, "Madame Kharkov! I believe I have located the sort of item you were seeking"

[ussura] GM says, "OK: looking through the paperwork, you find a variety of miscellaneous papers, but one thing catches your eye: a circled reference to a "Dreng Rissanova""

Alixandre says, "Sebastien! Take a look at this, if you would be so kind."

[ussura] GM asks, "Anyone else have a particular question I missed?"

Era says, "Excellent!" Era plucks the sock from Sebastian's delicate grasp, and packs it carefully into her backpack."

[ussura] Charles asks, "Is Dreng a name?"

Sebastien walks over to see what Alixandre and Charles are studying.

[ussura] GM says, "Yes."

Charles asks, "Dreng... do you know who that is?"

Sebastien says, "let me see -- as I recall, Dreng is the brother of Dautania"

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "anything useful in the market?"

[ussura] GM asks, "People-wise?"

Sebastien says, "I seem to remember some scandal associated with him, but I am afraid I do not remember any details"

Charles reads what it says about him.

Era continues to look about the room, trying to get a sense of what sort of person the missing diplomat was.

[ussura] Pyotr says, "yeah, mostly I'm trying to figure if anyone saw him last, and what supplies he was getting"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "supplies, clever"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "if not, I wander back."

[ussura] Pyotr says (to Sebastien), "You don't go anywhere here without the right supplies."

[ussura] GM says, "The last sighting of him was two weeks and a day ago; since then nobody has seen him."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "mmhmm"

[ussura] GM says, "Most of the people who supplied the embassy with stuff was fairly normal; enough food for 5 people on a regular basis."

[ussura] Era says, "no 50 feet of rope, or lantern oil, or a cloak of useful things? Oh, sorry, wrong game. :-)"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "hee hee"

[ussura] Charles says, "A sword with +2 against cold."

[ussura] GM says, "Your intution about supplies for a trip strike true, though, when you find a supplier of mountain gear say that he sold climbing/hiking equipment for four people to a Montaignian gentleman three weeks ago."

Pyotr wanders back to share this with the group.

GM says, "Back in the embassy: everyone here roll me a perception check."

[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 3k3: 9 5 3 | 17

[7thsea] Charles rolls 4k3: 1 2 2 5 | 9

[7thsea] Alixandre rolls 4k3: 1 6 6 8 | 20

[7thsea] Era rolls 3k2: 5 3 9 | 14

GM asks (of Alixandre), "Hmm, the fire's out--where's that smoky smell coming from?"

Louis has disconnected.

Alixandre says, "Sorry to interrupt our investigations, but I fear our fire may have been tampered with."

Louis has connected.

Alixandre moves to the fireplace for a closer look.

GM says, "The fireplace is a large stone behemoth, but there seems to be wisps of smoke coming from between the floorboards in front of it."

Era heads outside to examine the exterior of the chimney.

Alixandre says, "Did one of you happen to set the embassy foundation on fire? I fear it may be alight beneath us."

[Crows-Nest] Maxwell says, "Ha! Okay, that's too much."

Alixandre moves outside, stopping only to gather the interesting notes, the treaty, some good bedsheets, two changes of clothes, and his good cloak.

Sebastien says, "how very strange"

Pyotr asks (of Alix), "Why are you carrying all that out?"

GM says (to Era), "The chimney looks solid, but now that you look carefully, you do notice that it goes down into the earth below the embassy."

Alixandre exclaims, "It never hurts to prepare for the worst eventuality you can imagine!"

Sebastien inspects the floorboards to see if there is some manner of trapdoor beneath, and if not, goes out to inspect the foundations similarly

Era examines the building and chimney from outside.

GM says (to Sebastien), "As you inspect the floorboards, one comes loose in your hands, revealing a catch beneath it."

Sebastien exclaims, "my goodness!"

Alixandre staggers back inside, burdened down. "What is it?"

Sebastien says, "it appears some sort of accessory has been attached to our floor"

Sebastien attempts to twist the catch and see what opens

GM says (to Sebastien), "Roll finesse."

Alixandre exclaims, "Then our building is not truly on fire? Capital!"

[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 4k4: 7 8 10+4 7 | 36

[ussura] GM says, "Oh, that's right--one of the few non-3 stats ;-)"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "we castillians are well-equipped for any emergency, at least if it involves finesse"

Sebastien says, "I rather fancy things are looking up already"

[ussura] Era says, "I'm assuming I see nothing amiss on the exterior."

Alixandre says, "Just let me return these things to their proper location."

GM says, "As you twist the catch, part of the floor suddenly gives way beneath you, but you nimbly twist and manage not to fall into the hole revealed beneath--and now, clouds of smoke billow up from below."

Sebastien exclaims, "oof!"

Sebastien says, "things were very nearly looking down as well"

Sebastien coughs and covers his face with a handkerchief.

Pyotr stares down into the hole.

Charles peers into the hole.

[ussura] GM says (to Era), "Nothing amiss, no--I did say the chimney seems to go into the earth below the embassy."

Pyotr asks, "Was this burning when you two arrived?"

Era strides back into the room, and yanks Sebastian and Pyotr back from the smoke.

Sebastien says, "I assure you, we would not have tarried overly long in any situation such as this, had we known it existed"

GM says, "It's dark and smoky below, which makes it hard to see anything."

Alixandre says, "It was not, insofar as we could tell."

Era asks, "Did you stop to think it might be drugged? Why are you standing around inhaling this stuff?"

GM says, "As you wave away the smoke, you do see some stairs, however."

Era opens the windows.

Pyotr says, "Ah, here we go."

Sebastien looks dubiously at the stairs.

Pyotr starts down the stairs.

Sebastien looks relieved

Charles follows Pyotr.

Era thinks of sparrows, and waits to make sure the men do not collaps in the hole before following them.

Pyotr takes a bandana, wets it down with his water bottle, and ties it over his face

Charles pulls his cloak over his mouth and nose.

Alixandre says, "Do remember that, even though this is beneath the embassy, it is still Montaigne ground."

Alixandre says, "As it were."

Pyotr says (to Alix), "No worry, we're already at war."

Era asks, "Is that supposed to make me feel better?"

GM says (to Pyotr&Charles), "The smoke is making your eyes water, but you step down from the stairs onto an earthy floor, peering around. Aha--flames! Something large and wooden and on fire."

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Like a peasant."

Pyotr looks to see what besides the burning thing is here

Pyotr asks (of Era), "Perhaps we should get some people for a bucket brigade?"

Charles checks if the burning thing is close to anything else that might catch fire.

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "hey, is this the Montaignese embassy or the Trogdorian one"

[ussura] Charles says, "(Aside from the ceiling, that is.)"

GM says (to Pyotr), "A shelf of some sort, next to what seems to be a burning desk."

Era hollers "Good plan!" as she dashes off for help.

GM says, "As you watch, something on the shelf catches fire."

Pyotr grabs the whatever off the shelf and tries to smother the flames.

Era organizes the locals.

GM says (to Era), "You empty the ashes bucket you find next to the firplace, and rush outside for snow."

Sebastien says (to Alixandre), "I am afraid we may need to exert ourselves somewhat in this situation"

Charles grabs anything small and flammable that mgiht be Important and takes it up and outside.

Sebastien sighs and goes to fetch a bedpan

Alixandre says, "The smoke has already ruined this outfit."

Alixandre joins in fetching water.

(From GM) stamp, slosh, pat pat, thump thump, cough cough

[ussura] Pyotr waits to see if he has burned fingers.

GM says, "After the dust and ashes settle, you survey what you've managed to salvage."

GM says, "Charles grabbed a stack of only-partially-burned papers off the desk before they went up, and Pyotr saved a book from the shelf that deals with recent Gallenian history."

Alixandre says, "I daresay they did not intend for our embassy to be such a 'hot spot'."

Alixandre says, "when they opened it"

Pyotr says, "I wonder what started the fire now."

Sebastien says, "ha ha, very witty -- truly this becomes more like a humorous dramatic each moment"

Sebastien says (to Pyotr), "it is a question of some interest, yes"

Sebastien asks, "did you espy any other entrance to the area?"

Charles asks, "How did someone get in here to start this fire right under your noses?"

Era examines the desk.

Alixandre says, "We should note these things down for a memoir."

Era asks, "Might there be a hidden entrance somewhere?"

GM says (to Era), "It's fairly well burned, but you find an odd misshappen piece of metal in it."

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "Are there any other stairs in the cellar?"

[ussura] Era says, "x metal"

Alixandre looks for other egresses in the cellar.

[ussura] Era looks for egrets in the cellar.

GM says (to Era), "It's very hard--nothing you have seems to scratch it. It seems to have melted in some fire a long time ago, though. And there may be some sort of markings on it."

GM says (to Alixandre), "Indeed--there's a small crawlspace off to one side."

Era says, "I"

Alixandre asks, "Oho, what have we here?"

Era says, "I'll rinse it off when I have the chance, and see if the markings are clearer."

Pyotr says (to Alix), "Hmm? Let's take a look."

Alixandre looks at his clothes, shrugs sadly, and starts crawling.

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "any fresh tracks?"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "(in the crawlspace)"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "that Alix just destroyed"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "I'll wait for pytor"

[ussura] GM says, "Heh. Roll tracking."

[ussura] Era says, "Alix destroyed the crawlspace? That was quick."

[ussura] Alixandre says, "rp grabbing me before I go in"

[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 4k2: 3 2 3 4 | 7

[ussura] Pyotr says, "Hmm, yes, someone definitely crawled in here not five minutes ag...Oh."

Pyotr says, "Hmm, I don't see anythin, let's see where this leads."

[ussura] GM says, "hee hee. Yeah, it's hard to say how recent anything is, but someone has clearly crawled through this crawlspace at some time in the past."

Pyotr asks, "Would you like to go first, or shall I?"

Charles looks through the papers and the book while the others investigate downstairs.

Alixandre says, "This is far more adventure than I envisioned when we were posted here."

Alixandre says, "I shall go first."

Alixandre begins crawling.

(From GM) crawl, crawl, crawl

Pyotr follows.

Sebastien assists Charles in looking at the paperwork

(From GM) crawl, crawl, ack, thunk.

GM says, "You've emerged into a small open area."

Pyotr says, "hmm, odd."

GM says, "With, from the smell, turnips."

GM says, "But it's pitch black."

Alixandre asks, "Do you smell root vegetables?"

Pyotr says, "I wouldn't have picked diplomats as turnip-hoarders."

Era says, "Hmmm, I much prefer rutabegas."

Pyotr says, "That's a serious matter back home, you know."

Pyotr asks, "Anyone bring a light?"

Pyotr starts feeling the walls and ceiling.

Alixandre asks, "do either of you possess means of illumination?"

Alixandre carefully feels his way around.

Era says, "I'm afraid I left my lantern in my room."

Pyotr feel feel bump ow

[ussura] Alixandre asks, "what can we feel in the room?"

GM says, "Meanwhile, Charles looks over the blackened and slightly damp papers. Hmm, more references to Dreng. '...possible ally...' 'willing to take on his sister once ... ' '...proper motivation.' 'Sud'ya"

[Crows-Nest] Maxwell says, "What room? I thought the group just got into town."

(From GM) thump thump turnip thump thump tap.

GM says, "The ceiling seems to be made of wood."

Pyotr pushes the ceiling up.

GM says (to Pyotr), "It fails to budge."

Alixandre feels the ceiling for seams.

Sebastien says, "Sud'ya? that seems to be an important signifier here"

Pyotr feels for an edge or handle or a hinge or anyhting.

Sebastien says, "it is a pity I do not remember any such name"

GM says (to Pyotr), "Aha, there's two wooden handles; one on each side--it's as if both open outward. You push, letting in a crack of light from the middle, but it seems to be barred from the outside."

Pyotr pulls out his dagger and tries to budge the bar through the crack.

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "hmm, do I know Era's secret?"

[ussura] GM asks, "Which?"

Era says, "Sud'ya, Sud'ya. I should know what that is . . ."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "well, the reason she wanted the sock"

[ussura] Alixandre asks, "Wait, is Era here with us, or in the room where Sebastien and Charles are?"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "her secret sock fetish is still a mystery to you"

Era says, "I remember - It is very old . . ."

Era says, "It's an old religion of Ussura; older than the Church of the Prophet. They're somewhat mystical, and into the spirits of the land and such."

[ussura] Pyotr says (to alix), "good hearing"

[ussura] GM says, "Hmm--she transformed into a bird in that first adventure."

[ussura] Charles says, "(Oof. Got knocked offline. Reading scrollback.)"

Sebastien says, "interesting"

(From GM) Pyotr push push pry pry flip

[ussura] Era says, "I'm in the crawlspace with you."

[ussura] Era says, "or rather, in the room the crawlspace led to."

GM says, "And the door to the root cellar opens, leaving the two of you blinking in the winter sunlight."

Pyotr says, "Ahh, finally."

Pyotr says, "Let's see what we have here."

Pyotr crawls out.

Alixandre blinks and looks around.

[ussura] GM says, "Oh, oops--three of you, then."

GM says, "You're in a nondescript root cellar, around the back of a nearby house."

Era eyes the turnips distastefully.

Pyotr says, "Interesting. I wonder who lives here."

Sebastien says, "perhaps Dreng is an adherent of this religion and that is what led to his disgrace"

Sebastien says, "it seems a bit unlikely, however"

Era says, "One year, all we had over the winter was turnips. It was the only crop that had done well that year. By the end of winter, we all hated turnips, but at least we hadn't starved."

Alixandre says, "Let us go forth quietly and with all good stealth."

Pyotr walks around to the front and knocks on the door.

Era asks, "And why is there a secret passage from the embassy to a turnip cellar?"

Alixandre says, "Or we could go forth and rap commandingly on the front door."

Pyotr says (to Era), "As soon as the owner shows himself I will ask."

Pyotr exclaims, "Come out in there!"

Khristen opens the door. "Hello?"

Pyotr says, "Ah, good sir, hello, why don't we come in."

Pyotr pushes the door open and steps inside.

Pyotr asks, "So, who are you and where is Devoe?"

Khristen asks, "Sir? What? Who are you, and why are you in my kitchen?"

Khristen glares at you.

[ussura] Khristen is also a woman.

[ussura] Era says, "As long as she's not brandishing something . . ."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "whoops"

[ussura] Alixandre exclaims, "Old man!"

[ussura] Khristen exclaims, "I'm 47!"

Alixandre says, "This is most forward. I apologize, madam, but we are attempting to find a wayward colleague of mine."

Pyotr asks, "We're in your kitchen because we were just in your cellar. Why are you working for the Montaignians?"

Khristen asks, "And you think he's in my house? Are you daft?"

[Crows-Nest] Maxwell says, "It's beginning to become obvious that Pyotr's people skills don't blend well with the diplomats' style."

Khristen asks, "What were you doing in my cellar?"

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr asks, "Pyotr has people skills?"

Pyotr exclaims, "We'd come in via your secret passage!"

[Crows-Nest] Maxwell says, "so to speak"

Alixandre says, "We were in your cellar because it turns out to be contiguous with our embassy."

Era stands outside the door, casual-like, keeping an eye out for interlopers, and keeping an ear out on the argument in the house.

Khristen asks, "What?"

Alixandre asks, "I say -- have you been engaging in secret romantic rendez-vous with the ambassador?"

Khristen glares at you. "Edmund? I should say not! Wouldn't even accept a pie a baked him when he first moved in. Vile man."

Pyotr stands back to the diplomat, but keeps an eye on things because he doesn't trust him.

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

Charles says (to Sebastien), "Someone seems to have been plotting against Dautania Rissanova."

Alixandre asks, "Vile? My goodness. I am ashamed for him. What did he do?"

Khristen exclaims, "Didn't you hear me? He wouldn't accept my pie!"

Charles says, "And that someone did not leave town wseveral weeks ago."

Alixandre asks, "Oh, I see. I thought -- my apologies. He kept to himself, then?"

[Crows-Nest] Maxwell says, "This would be the time to introduce yourself as the new ambassador and request your pie."

Khristen says, "Indeed he did. Very inhospitable."

Charles says, "Which means that Devoe may not have been one of the plotters."

[Crows-Nest] Alixandre says, "Indeed."

Alixandre says, "I fear in our haste and surprise we failed to introduce ourselves. I am Alixandre, one of the new diplomats."

Alixandre bows sweepingly etc. etc.

Khristen asks, "I... see. Very nice for you, then. Work with Devoe, do you?"

[Crows-Nest] Maxwell says, "'The angry man behind you is Pyotr the Murderer. Perhaps you've heard of him.'"

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "hee"

Khristen asks, "Or just unsuccessfully tracking down his mistresses?"

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "double hee"

Alixandre exclaims, "Well, see, ha ha, that is quite the thing. He vanished before we arrived!"

Alixandre says, "Very inconsiderate of him, all in all"

Khristen eyes you critically. "You're a bit... dirty, for a Montaignian."

Alixandre says, "In scoping out the 'lay of the land,' as it were, I found that a passage existed from beneath our embassy to your cellar behind your house."

Khristen says, "What? This I have to see."

Alixandre says, "True, my clothes are very much the worse for wear, but whomever designed the secret passage forgot to account for ruffs."

Khristen sweeps past you and around to the back.

Alixandre asks, "You did not know?"

Alixandre follows.

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

Pyotr goes as well.

Era intercepts her on her way out the door.

Khristen exclaims (at Pyotr), "No stealing my tarts, now!"

Khristen says (to Era), "Why, uh, how do you do, lady."

Pyotr says (to Khristen), "They do smell good, but I shall leave them be."

Era says, "Greetings, madame Khristen. I am Era, of House Kharkhov, and I can vouch for these gentlemen."

Era says, "At least, I can vouch for some of them. We are investigating a disapearence, among other things."

Khristen asks, "Well, good then. You came through this tunnel, as well?"

Khristen walks around back as she talks.

Era says, "Indeed. It is a bit cramped."

[Crows-Nest] Charles asks, "I assumed Era took the *non* hands-and-knees route?"

[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "Or, I guess not."

Khristen peers into the cellar.

[ussura] Era says, "no, I'm a bit dirty, too."

[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "Yeah, I seem to be slightly lagged. SOrry about that."

[ussura] Era says, "While I was standing outside keeping watch, I brushed a fair amount of dirt off my dress."

Khristen exclaims, "My rhubarb! Trampled!"

Pyotr says, "You will be pleased to know that your turnips are safe, however."

Alixandre exclaims, "We apologize, madame. But rest assured they were trampled in the course of duty rather than theivery!"

Khristen sighs, and peers at the hole.

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says (to Alixandre), "ha ha"

[Crows-Nest] Alixandre says, "I can tell I'm going to be annoying peasants across the countryside."

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "we're a great team: you annoy them, then I terrify them"

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

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "together they are Fear and Loathing"

Khristen straightens up. "Well, I can tell you I haven't seen that hole before, and couldn't imagine why it's there. Hmm."

Khristen frowns in thought.

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says (to seb), "yay"

Pyotr asks, "When was the last time you opened this cellar?"

Alixandre says, "Someone just now set fire to things beneath our embassy, clambered back through yon tunnel, and undoubtedly went scarpering away."

Khristen exclaims, "Gracious!"

Pyotr looks for tracks again.

Khristen says (to Pyotr), "It's been a week, at least. Some of my shelves look re-arranged; whoever it was could have moved them over this hole and I would never have seen it."

Pyotr says, "Ah ha"

Khristen says, "I do remember some odd noises about a year ago... Just about the time Monsieur Devoe moved in, at that."

Alixandre says, "My goodness."

Alixandre says, "Devoe may have been engaged in some sort of skull-duggery"

Alixandre says, "or worse, been caught at it"

Khristen says (to Alixandre), "Can I ask you to fill this? I can't say that I relish the prospect of more Montaignians popping up among my... relish."

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

Alixandre says, "Of course! Our government does not hold with such non-secret secret passageways."

Khristen asks, "Only secret ones, eh?"

Alixandre asks, "Have you seen anyone lurking about your cellar in recent times?"

[rpg] * Gunther has changed the topic to: Generally, you must fight stuff.

[ussura] GM says (to Pyotr), "You can roll tracking again if you wish."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "okay, I'm adding 1 drama die to it this time"

[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 5k3: 8 2 7 9 8 | 25

[ussura] GM says, "Aha, there we go--a bit of red thread on a nail into the cellar, and footprints leading west."

Era says, "I think we may hire a couple of local farm boys to fill this - they'll do it much faster than these gentlemen, having more practice and all."

Alixandre exclaims, "A fabulous idea!"

Charles says (to Sebastien), "The others have been down there for some time. I wonder how deep that hole was."

Pyotr grabs the thread. "Ah, some footprints!"

Pyotr says (to Khristen), "Thanks for your help."

Pyotr exclaims (at Era,Alixandre), "Let's follow these!"

Alixandre says (to Khristen), "My thanks and my apologies. We shall have this hole taken care of in good order."

Khristen says, "Next time, don't barge in! You're more than welcome to some of my tarts."

Alixandre says (to Pyotr), "I would only ask that we fetch Sebastien. He is quite the 'gay blade' when the situation arises."

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Snrk"

Pyotr says, "Very....well."

Era says, "Its been a long time since I've had good Ussuran tarts. I'll drop by sometime."

Pyotr says, "Charles wants to know too, I bet."

Alixandre says, "And your other companion as well."

Pyotr says, "But we need to hurry, he's gaining on us."

Alixandre says (to Khristen), "My compatriot and I shall make a more social call when we have the chance. Thank you."

Alixandre sprints to the embassy to fetch the others.

[Crows-Nest] Maxwell asks, "sprinting? won't that disturb the soiled ruffs?"

Charles is slightly surprised when Alixandre returns via door. "You found another exit, then?"

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

Sebastien says, "my good fellow, you will be most interested to hear what we have found in these documents"

Sebastien says, "it appears Devoe was contemplating some sort of alliance, no doubt for his own gain and against the interests of the court"

Charles asks (of Sebastien), "If it was Devoe, then who torched the basement? Do you suppose he's still in town, in hiding?"

Alixandre exclaims, "No time for that -- we have a trail to follow!"

Sebastien exclaims, "a trail? excellent!"

Alixandre says, "I shall fill you in as soon as I change clothes and -- no, not even time for that I fear. Come, let us fill you in as we go."

Sebastien says, "truly we must be in a rush, in that case"

Charles asks, "Where?"

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr asks (of Alix), "don't want Pyotr dragging you through the streets, eh?"

Sebastien says (to Charles), "no doubt they have tracked down these malefactors"

Alixandre says, "I do not yet know where the trail may lead."

Sebastien says, "though I fear that Devoe has left town; I suspect that the arson was committed by a local conspirator, though why this conspirator has not left also, I could not say"

Alixandre goes to rejoin Era and Pytor, sadly daubing at his clothes all the while.

Pyotr leads the way after the footprints.

GM says, "At that, the group of you follow Pyotr through the streets. It heads due west, out of the city, and you soon find yourself in the forest, where Pyotr has a fairly easy time of it as you all crunch through the two-day-old snow."

Charles follows Alixandre, since he's the only one who knows where this trail is.

[Crows-Nest] Alixandre says, "This is going to knock my fashion skill down at least one rank."

Alixandre asks (of Sebastien), "Did I tell you that I have been trying my hand at that new form of poetry that was beginning to sweep the court when we left?"

Alixandre says, "I am reminded of it because our setting seems so apropos."

Sebastien asks, "oh? is there a composition you would care to recite?"

Alixandre clears his throat.

Alixandre says, "Snow falls all around"

Alixandre says, "Blanketing the woods and fields"

Alixandre says, "I could use a drink"

Sebastien asks, "..and?"

Alixandre says, "(It is rough, I realize, but with more practice I am sure I will be prepared the next time we are at court.)"

Pyotr asks (of Alix), "You've never snuck through the woods before, have you?"

GM says, "At that, you come across a small, fur-lined tent, and the remains of a campfire."

Pyotr runs up to the tent and checks inside

Alixandre says (to Sebastien), "I will explain the structure later, as that seems to be its key element."

Sebastien says, "ah, I see, short and sweet"

GM says (to Pyotr), "Empty."

Sebastien says, "I must confess I still prefer the one about the young woman from charouse"

Era asks, "The poetry or the dwelling?"

[Crows-Nest] Alixandre says, "ha ha"

Pyotr checks the campfire.

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "how long has it been out?"

GM says, "(Well, empty of people. There's blankets and such)"

GM says, "There are still some hot coals at the bottom of the ashes--out no more than 2 hours, you'd say."

Pyotr says, "We're close behind him."

[ussura] Era asks, "did we just race out of town with nothing but the clothes on our back to track across country? Or did I miss something?"

Pyotr looks to find where the quarry left.

[ussura] Alixandre says, "nothing but the filty soiled clothes, yes"

[ussura] GM says (to Pyotr), "Another tracking roll, if you will."

[ussura] Pyotr says (to era), "this is why I spent the points on the Survival knack"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "I believe that is correct"

[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 4k2: 4 5 6 5 | 11

[ussura] Pyotr says, "and another drama"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "notice how we manfully bear up under the strain, however"

[ussura] Charles says (to Era), "I don't know about you, but I brought a backpack."

[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 1 die: 8

[ussura] Era says, "I shouldn't multitask whilst role-playing. Making plum jelly has distracted me."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "mm"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "I thought we had just arrived and still had all our stuff"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "(except for the fops)"

[ussura] Era asks, "I usually have my backpack and my weapons, but still. Ah, well, if we brough civilization with us, where would the adventure be?"

GM says, "You cast about, failing to find anything, and almost give up when--wait! The large tree on the edge of the campground has some more of that red string on it."

Pyotr says, "Ah, here we are"

Pyotr says, "He seems to be very clumsy or his clothes are destructing."

Pyotr asks, "Anyone recognize the string?"

(From GM) Alixandre says, "Well, it's a very fine weave."

Alixandre says, "if he had to crawl through that tunnel, I can understand what happened to his clothes."

Pyotr asks, "Shall we keep on, or do some of you want to head back?"

Alixandre says, "I admit I am curious, but I am ill-equipped for further adventuring."

GM says (to Pyotr), "Actually, you find no tracks leading away from the tree."

Pyotr says, "Hmm, that is odd."

Pyotr pockets the threads.

Pyotr examines the tree for climbability.

Era looks around at the tracks, trying to see if there are *any* tracks leading away from the tree.

GM says (to Pyotr), "Hmm, some of the bark has been scraped off recently."

Pyotr exclaims, "Up the tree I go!"

Pyotr drops his pack and climbs up.

Sebastien watches the climb with interest.

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "this is what, Finesse+Climb?"

(From GM) ***BANG***

Sebastien asks (of Alixandre), "anyway, as I was saying before, it appears that Devoe was attempting or planning to make sort of alliance with -- what was that?"

GM says, "And Charles goes sprawling in the snow."

Pyotr drops from the tree back to thr ground.

Alixandre drops into a crouch, trying to pinpoint the location of the sound.

voice exclaims, "go away!"

Sebastien leaps athletically behind a tree.

[ussura] GM says, "It came from up the tree."

Pyotr exclaims, "We just want to talk!"

[ussura] GM says, "(both the voice and the retort)"

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "how thick is the tree?"

voice exclaims, "I don't want to talk to you! I want to be left alone!"

[ussura] Charles says, "Oof. That's what I get for falling offline again."

Alixandre murmurs to Sebastien, "This may call for some of your valuable skill with words."

Sebastien says, "my good sir, do be reasonable"

[ussura] GM says, "Hmm, two people could reach around it and hold hands."

Sebastien says, "surely you do not propose to remain up in that tree all day"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "so too big to chop down"

[ussura] GM says, "Well, it would take a while, yeah."

Pyotr starts climbing again, but more carefully.

Era flattens herself on the ground, and starts wriggling behind a large tree.

voice exclaims, "Stop!"

Sebastien says, "why, this situation reminds me of a poem"

voice exclaims, "I'll shoot again!"

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "no one has first aid?"

Sebastien says, "Snow falls on the tree, and, um, -- I seem to recall the upshot, however, is you should come down and have a drink with us"

(From voice) *click*

Charles picks himself up carefully.

[ussura] GM says, "No."

[ussura] Charles asks, "Is that to me or Pyotr?"

GM says (to Charles), "You're winded and rather shaken up, but surprisingly seem to not be bleeding."

Era puts her back to the tree she has wriggled around behind, and contemplates her options. She checks to make sure no one can see her.

[ussura] GM says, "Pyotr, sorry."

[ussura] Pyotr asks (of gm), "do I need to roll the climb yet?"

[ussura] GM asks (of Sebastien), "Hmm, do you want to try rolling something?"

Charles says, quietly, "I thought firearms were supposed to be more... well, painful, than that."

[ussura] GM says (to Pyotr), "You can; the voice seemed to be talking to you re: 'stop', however."

[ussura] Sebastien asks (of GM), "sure -- panache? wits?"

Pyotr keeps climbing.

[ussura] Sebastien says, "(I have diplomacy and oratory)"

[ussura] GM says, "Let's say Panache with either."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "ok, oratory then"

[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 5k3: 5 6 5 6 6 | 18

[Crows-Nest] Alixandre returns, laughs and laughs.

Charles peers up intot he tree, trying to spot the Voice.

[ussura] Sebastien says, "I would be happy to throw in a die there if it's TN 20"

[ussura] GM says, "As you speak, you *do* get the sense that if you only spoke a *bit* more persuasively..."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "well ok then"

[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 1k1: 6 | 6

[ussura] GM says, "And go ahead and roleplay talking some more."

[ussura] GM says (to Pyotr), "And you, roll climbing + finesse."

Sebastien says, "I'm sure nobody wants any violence here -- why, I have a strong aversion to it myself, and, er, many of my companions also do occasionally"

[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 5k3: 9 2 2 6 1 | 17

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "heh"

Sebastien says, "far better for us to all come down on solid crowd and chat for a bit in a friendly and companionable manner"

[ussura] GM says (to Pyotr), "You make it up to the first large branch."

Pyotr stops while his companions talk.

voice exclaims, "Tell your friend to stop climbing up here! I'll shoot him, I swear!"

Pyotr asks, "I'm stopping while we talk, see?"

Sebastien says, "ah, see, there we go"

Sebastien says, "all friends now"

[ussura] Charles asks, "I take it he can't be seen from the ground?"

voice says (to nobody_in_particular), "Leave me behind with nowhere to go and bloody peasants following me and grah"

Charles asks, "Who left you behind?"

Alixandre exclaims, "I say! Peasants!"

Sebastien exclaims, "shocking behavior!"

Alixandre looks guiltily at Sebastien and falls quiet.

Era very quietly and slowly readies an arrow on her bow, making sure crazy-tree-man cannot see her.

[ussura] GM says, "As you look, you do see a hint of red through the leaves."

[ussura] Charles says, "Hmm. I guess this man would be the discrepency between food for five delivered each week and climbing gear for four purchased."

[ussura] Alixandre says, "he seems to have done his own climbing"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"

voice exclaims, "I want diplomatic immunity!"

voice exclaims, "And... a bath!"

Sebastien says, "diplomatic, eh? that could perhaps be arranged"

Sebastien says, "Alixandre and I are accredited diplomats"

Sebastien says, "paperwork all in order, I assure you"

voice asks, "Alixandre? You're... montaignians?"

Alixandre says, "We are with the Montaigne embassy, yes."

Alixandre says, "And I can assure you, a bath is very much on our minds."

Sebastien says, "not to mention some repairwork for the ruffles"

Pyotr says, "Bah, bathing in winter is clearly unhealthy."

voice says, "I just... I just want to go home. It was bad enough in that cellar, and it's worse out here."

Sebastien says, "you were in the cellar for an extended period of time? I am very sorry to hear that"

Pyotr climbs back down.

Sebastien says, "I shudder to think what the effect must have been on your attire"

[Crows-Nest] Alixandre says, "I like that our judge of how severe things are is how bad our clothes look."

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

voice asks, "Is... is your friend OK?"

Alixandre says, "I'm afraid not; he is Avalonian."

Charles says, "I'm fine."

Sebastien says, "but aside from that he seems to be fine"

Sebastien says, "so no harm done"

voice asks, "So you'll let me go home if I come down?"

Sebastien says, "why, if we all spent our time complaining about attacks accidentally made, nothing would get done"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "hee hee"

[ussura] Pyotr exclaims, "Zing!"

Sebastien says, "just a brief chat and then you'll be on your way"

Charles says, "After we've had a chance to talk about what's happened."

(From voice) A head appears out of the leaves.

voice mutter mumble mutter mutter peasants mumble mumble unclean mutter climb climb climb.

Sebastien smiles in a friendly manner

Marceau sighs.

Sebastien says, "now then -- I believe my companions had a few questions, if you would be so kind as to spare us a few moments"

Marceau says, "OK, whatever."

Marceau says, "I want my bath, though."

Pyotr says, "Why don't we all head back to town and talk? It's getting late."

Era has disconnected.

Era has connected.

Charles keeps an eye on Marceau, lest he make a break for the nearest river.

Era emerges from behind the tree, after putting away her weaponry.

GM says, "In the end, you all make it back to the embassy, where you manage to procure a large tin basin, fill it with water, and put it in front of a roaring fire."

Sebastien exclaims, "at last!"

Marceau, relaxing and naked in the water, says, "OK, what do you want to know?"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha ha"

Charles asks (aside, of Sebastien and Alixandre), "Is this what passes for entertainment in Montaigne?"

Alixandre says, "Among certain members of the nobility"

Charles asks (of Marceau), "Did you work with Devoe?"

Marceau says, "Yeah, came here with him a year ago."

Charles asks, "Do you have any information about where he might be now?"

Marceau says, "A year! In this backwater country! Surprised I lasted as long as I did."

Marceau says, "Oh, probably springing Dreng from that Sud'ya monastery."

Alixandre says, "My goodness. Devoe appears to have been busy."

Charles says, "More detail would be appreciated."

Alixandre says, "Why don't you begin from the beginning, explain what Devon and you were involved in, but skipping the boring parts."

Sebastien says, "precisely"

Marceau says, "We got here... string beans... Devoe left... turnips... the end."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha ha more"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "yay"

Marceau says, "Right, so."

Marceau says, "This is, as you may have noticed, not the cushiest of assignments."

Alixandre exclaims, "You have no decent linens!"

Marceau says, "But Devoe was determined to make the most of it."

Marceau exclaims (at Alixandre), "Precisely!"

Charles looks around at the spacious and well-furnished room.

[ussura] Alixandre exclaims, "At last! Someone else understands!"

Pyotr says, "This is much nicer than where I gre up."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "grew, too"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "(it is too hot for good typing, sadly)"

Marceau says, "Sadly, Devoe did not exactly make friends either with Tamara Rissanova or her sister Dauntania, the ruler of this tcity."

Miseri takes the biscuit.

Marceau says, "So by the time war broke out, Edmund was thrilled."

Marceau says, "For two weeks, he thought of nothing but how to help L'empereur's campaign, and finally hit upon a plan to destablize Ussura from the rear, as it were."

Marceau says, "Dreng Rissanova had been exiled to a Sud'ya monastery two years ago after a failed coup."

Marceau says, "And Edmund thought it would be peaches and cream if he could convince him to try again."

[Crows-Nest] (from Charles) Pyotr . o O ( Peaches? What's a peaches? )

[ussura] Era says, "hee"

Marceau says, "So he packed up what he could, emptied the embassy's coffers, bought climbing equipment for the Krasnyi mountains, and headed out."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "duchess just got home"

Marceau exclaims, "Leaving me behind!"

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "is it worth her logging in?"

Sebastien frowns

Marceau splashes some water at the fire, where it sizzles.

Sebastien exclaims, "those coffers should have been put to some better use!"

Sebastien says, "new linens, for instance"

Marceau exclaims, "Like lin--yeah!"

[ussura] GM says, "Nah, we're about to end."

Sebastien says, "so I guess the only other question is who lit the fire in the basement"

Marceau says, "Oh, that was me."

Marceau says, "He wanted me to make sure he wasn't followed."

[Crows-Nest] Maxwell says, "(also possibly, who ran away when you two first got there)"

Marceau says, "I didn't really like the prospect of living on my own, though, so I stayed here at the embassy."

[Crows-Nest] Maxwell says, "never mind"

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "yeah"

Sebastien asks, "aha -- so that was you who left so abruptly when we arrived?"

Marceau says, "Then when you two showed up, I high-tailed it out of here."

Alixandre says, "You're doing a fine job of protecting him."

Alixandre exclaims, "Aha!"

Charles asks, "Why did he leave you behind, and why did you light a fire in the basement?"

Marceau says, "Then I remembered the papers in the basement."

Marceau exclaims, "Well, if you read the papers, you'd know where he went!"

Alixandre says, "That is true."

Charles stares blankly at Marceau.

Sebastien says, "I am afraid most of the papers were consumed in the fire"

Sebastien says, "we did salvage a few scraps"

Sebastien says, "also I believe Lady Kharkov located some sort of metal object"

Marceau says, "The few scraps that would lead you right to him. I know how these things work."

Era debates mentioning the metal, and decides to keep quiet.

[ussura] Era says, "or, we can discuss it in detail."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "whoops, sorry"

[ussura] Era says, "s'okay :-)"

Marceau says, "This way, you don't kill me, I get to go home, and you don't waste time piecing it all together."

Marceau says, "And most importantly:"

Marceau says, "I get to be clean."

Alixandre says, "It is true that you have pieced things together quite nicely."

[Crows-Nest] Maxwell says, "hey, you have an NPC spilling the plot. get all you can."

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "hee"

Charles says, "I supposed it would be useful at this point if you knew the route he was planning to take."

Pyotr says, "I'll buy us climbing equipment first thing tomorrow."

Marceau says, "North? I dunno. Most people travel on the rivers this time of year."

Marceau says, "Seeing as how they freeze over and stuff."

Alixandre says, "Do we want to follow him? It sounds as if he is headed for places quite without baths."

Charles says, "Yes. We do."

Alixandre says, "It is true, we cannot truly take over our diplomatic duties here until he has accepted our letters."

Alixandre says, "It is a terrible burden when duty and comfort take diverging paths."

Era snorts, very quietly.

Charles asks, "Before you leave, can you give us a clear description of Devoe?"

Era says, "Or maybe you could sketch him for us."

Charles says, "We wouldn't want there to be any more... mistakes."

[ussura] Charles says, "Is Louis in the room to overhear that/"

Era says, "That would be dreadful."

Marceau says (to Era), "Somehow, I doubt stick figures would really help."

Era says, "Drat."

[ussura] GM says (to Charles), "If you like ;-)"

[Crows-Nest] Duchess promises to read transcript

Marceau says, "He's, what, five and a half feet tall, brown hair, one of those twirly moustaches that are all the rage. Er, or were all the rage last year, at least."

Alixandre snorts.

Alixandre says, "Those moustaches are quite gauche now."

Marceau says, "Ha! Figures."

[Crows-Nest] (from Maxwell) Alixandre says, "Er, or were gauche a month ago."

Alixandre says (to Sebastien), "Though I fear this is a terrible glimpse into our future if we are not soon reassigned."

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

[Crows-Nest] Marceau exclaims, "Yay!"

Sebastien says, "it is true -- first seclusion, then linens, then moustaches"

Sebastien shakes his head sadly.

Sebastien exclaims, "we must spare no effort to complete our mission!"

Era says, "Tomorrow. Tonight, we need to pack, in case we wander into any more, er, displaced diplomats."

Pyotr says, "Indeed"

Sebastien exclaims, "we will certainly need to lay in some supplies before setting out!"

Khristen flings open the door, rushes inside, and slams it shut behind her. "Help me," she says, with wide eyes.

Alixandre says, "I hardly thought to pack for climbing."

[ussura] Khristen exclaims, "Bah!"

Pyotr asks (of Khristen), "What's wrong?"

Era asks, "Not to mention, can any of us track without a good nights sleep behind us?"

Raelynn_ flings open the door, rushes inside, and slams it shut behind her. "Help me," she says, with wide eyes.

GM says, "And, </scene>"

[ussura] Era says, "gotta love those cliff-hangers. :-)"

[ussura] Pyotr exclaims, "noooo!"

[ussura] Era says, "Hi, Raelynn."

[ussura] GM says, "They work even better when you get the names right."

[ussura] Duchess says (to Era), "I am apparently on auto-pilot"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "So now we need to find Devoe, get him to sign our letters, then help him destabilize the Ussuran government."

[ussura] Duchess says (to GM), "Nice _"

[ussura] GM says (to duchess), "Heh ;-)"

[Crows-Nest] Maxwell asks, "Uh. Won't Alix and Seb be more motivated to help Devoe than Charles?"

[ussura] Era asks, "so, same time, in two weeks?"

[ussura] Sebastien says (to Alixandre), "exactly"

[ussura] Charles says (to GM), "Of course, you have the power to tweak transcripts."

[Crows-Nest] Maxwell says, "Unless of course there are more Twists coming."

[ussura] GM says, "Also Cloud Men's Minds."

[ussura] Alixandre exclaims, "fun!"

[ussura] Charles says, "(Mrf. Sorry if that appears well after it was relevant.)"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "though at the expense of some very nice clothes and a disrupted early-morning coffee"

npc2 has disconnected.

npc1 has disconnected.

[ussura] Sebastien asks, "only one more question -- if this is the rate we should be spending drama dice at, are we going to start getting a few in?"

[ussura] Era asks, "GM - same time in two weeks, right?"

[ussura] GM says, "So, right: two weeks for the next one; sunday the 12th."

[ussura] GM says (to Seb), "Bah, you're right."