[ussura] GM asks, "Any word from Sarge?"

[ussura] PerrySimm says, "Log on."

Gunther arrives, looking for booty.

eolo has connected.

Sebastien says, "er"

Charles raises an eyebrow.

[ussura] Sebastien says, "I have no idea if Sargent knows we're playing this week"

[ussura] GM asks (of Sebastien), "An hour late as in 2:30 or 3?"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "2:30"

[ussura] GM says, "Excellent."

[ussura] GM says, "I did talk to him earlier about today, though I dunno if he remembers."

[ussura] GM says, "Well, while we're waiting, let me recap XP stuff from the bb, and see if anyone wants to spend anything."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "I think I'm going to hang tight for now"

[ussura] Charles says, "Oh yeah."

[ussura] Era exclaims, "olah!"

[ussura] Charles says, "I need to go through the book and decide on that."

[ussura] Charles says (to Era), "Buenas tardes."

[ussura] GM | So, everyone has now received 2 XP from their prologues, and 10 XP from
[ussura] GM | everything since.  Pyotr got +1/-2 rep from his intro; now everyone gets +3/-1
[ussura] GM | Reputation; the +3 is from Palech sending word about you protecting the
[ussura] GM | monastery, and the -1 is from getting the guards to run you out of town.
[ussura] GM | Remember that you get 1 reputation die for every 5 reputation points.  Also,
[ussura] GM | I'm reversing my earlier idea of having drama dice being worth XP; drama dice
[ussura] GM | are just drama dice.  I'll hand out more XP by way of compensation.  Don't
[ussura] GM | forget you can give away your drama dice as you get em and they become a
[ussura] GM | 'story die' for the person you gave it to.

[ussura] GM says, "There we go."

[ussura] GM asks, "Anyone have Sarge's #?"

GM says, "OK, so."

GM says, "In our last adventure, it turned out that a mob/army was moving towards Breslau (the Gallenian capitol), and the presumption is that Edmund Devoe and Dreng Rissanova are with them. The only way to get to Breslau in time is to travel through the thrice-tenth kingdom, where, if Matushka accepts you, you can travel great distances in no time at all."

[ussura] GM asks, "Should we wait a bit more, or forge ahead?"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "we might as well go on, I think"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "since I don't know when Sargent is likely to show"

[ussura] GM says, "Yeah."

Palech says, "Once you enter Matushka's realm, you'll probably know it. Things will be...subtly different. More like a story about a forest, than a real forest, if that makes any sense."

Palech says, "Everyone's encounters there are different, but in general, expect some challenges."

Sebastien asks, "challenges?"

Palech nods.

Charles nods thoughtfully.

Palech says, "The original entrant in the Thrice-Tenth kingdom was the first prophet, who went there to talk to Matushka."

Era asks, "Can you give us any hints of things to look for, or specific people or creatures of which to be wary or friendly?"

Palech says, "He had to best three animals in a test of strength, a test of cunning, and a test of loyalty."

Sebastien looks nervous. "I hope they don't ask me what the latest fashions are -- it's just so hard to keep up when travelling."

Palech says (to Era), "There are four creatures that guard Matushka's realm."

[ussura] GM flip, flip, flip.

Charles asks, "Is there anything we should be careful *not* to do?"

Palech says (to Era), "The Firebird, the Wolf, the Great Bear, and the Cat."

Sebastien frowns.

Sebastien says, "I hope these wolves will be better-behaved than previous ones we have encountered"

Palech says (to Charles), "The best advice I've heard is 'be true to yourself and be true to your people.'"

Sebastien winces slightly.

Sebastien says, "still, I am sure the firebird and bear will be very scenic also"

Palech says (to Sebastien), "Indeed."

Sebastien asks, "well then -- should we pack in some supplies before we start?"

Era says, "Mhhmmm. . . I wonder if I, or we, rather, would be more welcome if we came in those forms."

Charles says (to Sebastien), "I don't believe the monks can provide you with much along the lines of silk or lace."

Palech says, "Actually meeting the creatues is fairly rare--the tests come in all sorts of forms for different people. It may be that your group will be separated for some tests."

Palech says (to Era), "I would go in the form you yourself are the most comfortable with."

Sebastien says (to Charles), "I have resigned myself to "roughing it", as I believe the expression is -- finespun cotton will be sufficient for my needs"

Palech grins.

Era snorts at Sebastien's unwitting sally, but tries to do it quietly.

Charles says, "Aside from climbing gear and consumables, we're already fairly well supplied from the village."

Era says, "I could use a bit more in the way of jerky, if you have some to spare."

Sebastien says, "a fine idea -- for myself, I must admit my supply of croutons is running dangerously low"

Palech plies you with comestables and last-minute advice. "I will send word if I can--if you mention my name to Obeslav, a priest at the Breslau Orthodox church, he will aid you if he can.

GM says, "And with that, the group of you head out into the forest."

Charles says (to Sebastien), "Hopefully we'll be able to find some more stale bread to break apart for you."

[7thsea] * Gunther has joined the channel.

[ussura] * Gunther has joined the channel.

Charles says (to Palech), "Thank you."

Charles says, "You've been very helpful."

Palech says, "You're welcome. I bid you good luck on your journey."

Charles says (after they've entered the forest), "I wonder if the monks ever take this route.

Sebastien looks around. "It doesn't seem like *anyone* ever takes this route."

GM says, "It's a clear day on the mountaintop, but quite cold, and you wrap your coats tight around you."

Era says, "The forrest in this area probably takes care to hide traveler's tracks."

Era says, "Which no true child of Matushka should find intimidating, naturally."

GM says, "After an hour or so of walking, you find yourself on a path--and you were fairly sure there was no path there a few minutes ago."

Sebastien says, "Er, right. Not intimidating at all. Just a-travelling in the forest, la te da."

GM says, "The trees all grow straight and true, and the sunlight glitters off the snow."

Charles says, "Where I came from, strange forests and their inhabitants are treated with respect and caution. I assume the same is true here."

[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "flamethrowers ahoy"

GM says, "The path turns a corner, and--disappears into an enormous snowbank that reaches higher than the tallest tree."

Sebastien says, "goodness"

Sebastien says, "it seems like there must have been an unexpected change in the weather"

Sebastien asks (of Pyotr), "I don't suppose you have some sort of digging implement with you?"

Charles asks, "Should we try to dig out the path, or keep going in the same direction the path would if it didn't turn?"

Charles says, "I'm going to look ahead in that direction."

Pyotr_ says, "It's not a large shovel, but it might be useful."

Pyotr_ hands Sebastien a medium-sized spade.

Charles goes a short way off the path, to see what would have lain ahead.

Sebastien says, "..oh"

Sebastien looks a little distastefully at the spade, then up at the pile of snow.

Sebastien prods at the pile of snow a bit.

Sebastien says, "I suppose conceivably we might scale this"

Sebastien says, "if the snow is packed enoug"

GM says (to Charles), "You step into the forest, and the trees surround you. To your left you still see the snowdrift, and to your right is more forest--and sounds of some sort."

Charles moves a little ways toward the noises,t hens tops to listen.

[ussura] Charles says, "(Er, 'then stops', of course.)"

(From GM) awwk! awwk! (rustle rustle)

Era tests the pile of snow for solidity.

[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "I read that as hens going "awwk awwk" thanks to charles' typo"

Sebastien says (to Era), "ah, here, you'll want to use this"

GM says (to Sebastien), "You prod the snow and it's somewhat loose, but packable."

Sebastien hands off the shovel.

[Crows-Nest] GM laughs.

Charles . o O ( Should have asked what a firebird sounds like... )

Charles proceeds further, quietly if possible.

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says (to Charles), ""rustle, rustle, FWOOM""

GM says (to charles), "You poke your head around a tree, and see a small clearing with a thorn bush in the center. An enormous hawk circles and swoops at the bush, worrying at a small grey animal--a rabbit?--crouched in the center."

GM says, "The hawk's cries fill the air, and send a shudder down your spine."

Charles moves slowly to extract the rabbit, keeping one eye on the hawk.

GM says, "The hawk dives at you, chasing you off as you start towards the bush. When you turn back, the hawk is back to trying to get at the rabbit."

[Crows-Nest] Charles carefully avoids thinking about how Era befriended the wolf pack.

[Crows-Nest] GM laughs.

Charles holds his cloak up with one arm to protect his face from the hawk's talons and tries again.\

Era eyes the spade, then eyes the snowdrift doubtfully.

[ussura] Charles asks, "How large is the hawk?"

GM says, "The hawk attacks, her claws raking your back."

Sebastien says, "I admit this does not seem like an endeavour which is particularly likely to be successful"

Sebastien says, "nevertheless, we can but try"

Maxwell has connected.

[Crows-Nest] Maxwell asks, "I miss much?"

[ussura] GM says, "Larger than normal--wingspan more than three feet across."

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "we have stepped into matushka's realm"

[7thsea] hawk rolls 3k3: 2 2 9 | 13

Charles stares at the hawk, and decides to try a different tactic.

[ussura] Charles asks, "Is that a damage roll?"

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "Charles is contending with a large hawk, and Era and I are inspecting a large wall of snow"

[ussura] GM says, "No, attack--it didn't do any damage."

[ussura] GM says, "(*this* time. muha muha muha)"

Charles takes off his cloak and holds it ready, waiting for the hawk to swoop down again, so he can try to entangle its talons.

[ussura] GM says, "Let's try straight finesse vs. finesse."

[7thsea] Charles rolls 3k3: 2 4 7 | 13

[Crows-Nest] Maxwell says, "Charles would be the one to upset the woodland creatures when Matushka is likely nearby."

[7thsea] hawk rolls 3k3: 5 9 5 | 19

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

[ussura] Charles says, "(DD)"

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "well, he's trying to save a rabbit from the hawk"

Era attempts to scale the snowdrift, at least for a few feet.

GM says, "The hawk dodges at the last second, but you deftly twist the cloak around, and catch its talons."

hawk exclaims, "Awwk!"

hawk flops on the ground, and starts to tear at the cloak with its beak.

Charles quickly grabs the rabbit while the hawk is distracted.

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

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "awesome"

GM says, "Your hand ends up very scratches from the thorns, but the rabbit consents to be picked up, and you race out of there before the hawk gets free."

Sebastien watches Era's climb with interest.

hawk (behind you, and frustrated) Awwk!

Charles t:ducks back into the foliage he came from, returning to the others.

GM says (to Era), "You start to pick your way up the snowdrift, stomping out places to put your feet."

Charles asks, "Hi. Could someone watch this while I go back for my cloak?"

rabbit says (to charles), "I thank you, good sir."

Sebastien says, "I would be happy to take custody of -- er"

Sebastien eyes the rabbit narrowly.

Charles asks, "Er. Who just said 'thank you'?"

rabbit waves a forepaw.

Sebastien says (to Charles), "this seems like a somewhat elaborate prank"

Charles says, "Oh. Hallo."

rabbit nods gravely.

Sebastien says, "but I applaud your foresight in bringing a rabbit hand-puppet along"

Charles asks (of Rabbit), "Are you a practitioner of, er, what's-it-called...?"

rabbit says, "The human sorcery? Nay."

Charles nods. "Ah."

rabbit says, "My name is Sivka, and I have ever been as you see me now."

Charles says, "It's nice to meet you. I'm Charles."

rabbit says, "If you ever have need of me, stomp the ground three times, calling my name each time, and I shall do what I can."

Sivka hops down.

Era turns at the sound of an unfamiliar voice, and is somewhat startled to see a hare has joined our party.

Sivka says, "Well met, Charles. Again, I thank you."

Charles waves, still a bit surprised.

Sivka lopes off into the underbrush.

[Crows-Nest] (from Gunther) Charles says, "By the way, I'm a bit peckish..."

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "curiously that never happens in these stories"

Charles asks (under his breath, of Sebastien), "Did you just see a talking rabbit?"

[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "except if they're by Roald Dahl or similar"

Sebastien says, "perhaps we should have asked, er, Sivka for help getting by this"

GM says, "In the mean time, Era has picked her way up the snowdrift a ways, digging out footholds where she needs them."

Sebastien says (to Charles), "I am afraid we have left normal realms behind"

Sebastien says, "at least, that must be the excuse for what I am about to do to my last few handkerchiefs"

Sebastien wraps his gloves securely in a handkerchief each, and begins to try and follow Era up.

[Crows-Nest] Maxwell says, "That's it, the handkerchiefs are out. Here's where party unity snaps."

Charles says, "Pardon me -- I'll join you in a moment."

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

Charles goes to retrieve what's left of his cloak.

Sebastien says (to Pyotr), "here, I may as well carry a rope up with me and see if that does any good"

hawk stands on a tattered pile of cloth, glaring at you as you emerge into the clearing once more.

Charles stares at the hawk, while walking moving slowly sideways in an arc.

hawk stands in one place, turning to watch you as you go around him.

[ussura] GM says, "Or 'her', as I think I called her earlier."

Charles says (to Hawk), "Pardon me; I'd just like to take that off your hands -- er, claws -- if you don't need it."

(From hawk) glare

Charles keeps circling slowly, moving ever closer.

[Crows-Nest] (from Gunther) Charles bites the hawk's head off. "SHARON!!"

Charles asks, "Do you speak Ussuran?"

hawk keeps turning to follow you. You notice that one of her talons is slowly getting twisted in the cloak once again.

Charles . o O ( No! Let go! )

Charles feels in his pack for a piece of jerky and holds it up where the hawk can see (and hopefully smell) it.

hawk eyes you warily, cocks her head at the jerky.

Charles waves the jerky from side to side a bit to make sure the hawk's attention is on it, then tosses it away from the cloak.

hawk's wings unfurl in one smooth motion, and she flies off after the jerky, picks in up in her beak, and flies off--trailing your cloak from one foot. Just as she flies over a tree, the cloak catches a branch, and pulls free from the hawk.

GM says, "Meanwhile, Era is starting to get tired of making footholds."

[ussura] GM says (to Era), "Roll an Endurance check."

Sebastien asks (of Era), "can you see the top yet?"

Charles . o O ( Phew. )

[ussura] GM says, "Oops, resolve."

[7thsea] Era rolls 4 dice: 5 7 3 1

GM says (to Charles), "Your cloak is hanging from a branch on the top of the tree."

Charles makes a go of climbing up the tree to get it in person.

GM says (to Era), "You still continue, but you're getting pretty tired."

Era looks to see how far she's come, then looks to see how far she has to go.

[7thsea] Charles rolls 5k3: 8 4 2 9 5 | 22

[ussura] GM says (to Charles), "I was going to ask if that was Brawn or Finesse, but they're both the same ;-)"

[ussura] Charles says, "Hee."

GM says (to charles), "You make it to the top of the tree, and see your tattered cloak hanging from an outer branch, a few feet out of reach."

Charles feels the branch -- how strong is it?

GM says (to Charles), "Not strong enough to carry you, but supple."

Charles pulls on it, trying to bend the end of the branch back towards him.

GM says (to Era), "You find you have to stop to take a breather. It's hard to say how much further you have, since the white of the snow blends in with the white of the horizon."

GM says (to Charles), "You bend the branch downwards, and the cloak slips off, fluttering to the clearing below."

Charles says, "Mrf.."

Charles climbs back down, hoping nothing else comes out of the woods to try to steal it in the meantime.

[ussura] GM says, "Man, that's tempting."

[ussura] Charles says, "Yeah, I thought it would be. But possibly unfair to the rest of the party."

GM says, "After a few more minutes, Era stops, breathing hard and unable to continue leading the climb."

[Crows-Nest] Maxwell says, "Not if the huge bear then proceeds to smash a path through the snowdrift."

Sebastien says, "I hate to think of these handkerchiefs being sacrificed in vain"

[ussura] GM says, "At that, a lightning bolt incinerates the cloak, leaving behind a pile of ashes."

[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "Sebastian is totally the Queer Eye for the Eisen Guy host"

[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "er, Sebastien"

Charles jumps the last couple yards to the ground.

Era passes the spade to Sebastien, and pauses to catch her breath.

[ussura] GM says, "Yeah, your cloak stays there ;-)"

Sebastien asks (of Era), "I seem to recall on our prior cliff ascent you were, er, able to assume the form of a hawk -- I don't suppose you could repeat the feat now?"

Era then proceeds to stamp herself a nice, chair-shaped depression in the snow, and has a quick snack of (very) cold water, and fine beef jerky. Yum.

Charles grabs it -- "Ha!" and tries to figure out how many pieces it is as he goes back to join the others.

Era says (to Sebastien), "Palech recommended using the form with which we were most familiar, and I had thought he was implying I should stay human. I'm beginning to wonder, though."

Charles asks, "Hail -- hprogress seems to be going well here. Shall I take a turn with the spade?"

GM says (to Charles), "the cloak is torn in several places, but seems mostly intact."

[ussura] GM says, "Er, in one piece."

Charles puts the cloak in his pack for the time being, until he can get it partially mended, lest it be damaged further with wear.

Sebastien says (to Charles), "if you would care to scramble up here I would be happy to pass the spade off"

Sebastien says, "I am not sure this climbing thing is really a viable solution to the problem of this snowdrift, however"

Era says, "I concur. While I think it would work, it may also take a week."

Era says, "It seems there are four obvious choices - over, under, around or through."

Charles starts packing anyway, since it'll keep him warm while his cloak's off.

[ussura] GM says, "OK, let's get an endurance check from Charles."

Charles says, "Under or through seem potentially dangerous."

Era says, "Over does not seem to be very efficient."

[ussura] GM says, "Er, Resolve."

[ussura] GM says, "Sigh."

[7thsea] Charles rolls 4k4: 4 8 5 8 | 25

Charles says, "Around is possible, but we're likely to lose the path that way."

Era says, "The fifth option, is other-worldly intervention, whether divine or magical I leave to your imagination."

GM says, "Charles leads on as the way up gets more steep and slippery, making it about as twice as far as Era did before having to stop."

GM says, "You're definitely closer to the top, but it's unclear exactly how much further you have to go."

Charles says, "It seems a bit soon to try to call in any favors yet."

Charles jams the spade in the snow alongside the stair and stretches his back.

Era says, "I agree. I think we've exhausted the option of 'over' and not-too-incidentally, exhausted ourselves."

[ussura] GM says (to Era), "You've rested long enough without leading that you could try leading again, if you wanted."

Charles looks around -- can we see more from this height than we could before?

GM says, "Far below you down the slope, you can see the trees and the bottom of the path. Above, the sun shines in the crisp air, with a few wispy clouds floating by."

Sebastien says, "I regret to say I am still unable to see my house"

[ussura] GM laughs.

Era feels a bit better after her snack, and resignedly trudges after Charles, further up the mountain of snow.

[ussura] GM asks, "Who's leading this time?"

Charles asks (of Sebastien), "Do you have a needle and thread I could borrow?"

[ussura] Era says, "These boots are made for stomping"

[ussura] Era says, "I can."

[ussura] GM says, "OK, roll another endurance check. You're pretty sure you'll need at least as much endurance as Charles did in his last attempt to make it to the top."

Sebastien says (to Charles), "why, yes, in my emergency repair kit -- what color thread did you care for? I am afraid due to the exigencies of travel I am only able to carry black, white, and a neutral brown"

[ussura] Era says, "trudge, stomp, trudge, stomp, trudge, trudge, trudge, stomp, stomp, stomp."

[7thsea] Era rolls 5k5: 5 6 5 8 2 | 26

[ussura] Era says, "oops, that should have been a4k4"

[7thsea] Era rolls 4k4: 4 10+2 4 2 | 22

[ussura] GM asks, "22 isn't going to be quite enough--want a dd, or to switch off the lead again?"

[ussura] Era says, "dd"

[7thsea] Era rolls 1k1: 5 | 5

Pyotr arrives, looking for booty.

[ussura] Pyotr says, "Hi, sorry we're so late"

GM says, "And with that, Era manages to lead you all to the top of the pile of snow."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "that's ok, you lent us your spade anyway"

Charles more or less fixes up his cloak with the black thread while following behind.

GM says, "Where, to your surprise, you once again see a path through the trees."

[Crows-Nest] Charles is scouring old transcripts to try to remember what color the cloak is.

[ussura] Sebastien says, "we've gone into Matushka's realm, Charles saved a talking rabbit, and now we've climbed a big pile of snow"

[Crows-Nest] GM laughs.

Era assumes a commanding pose, one foot on top of the mountain, arms crossed, gaze distant . . . . but only holds it for a moment, as Matushka frowns on pridefulness.

Sebastien says, "how peculiar"

GM tosses Era a drama die.

Sebastien says, "I guess it is a good thing we did not try and burrow under the snow, then"

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "excellent. are we picking up from auto-pilot?"

[ussura] Charles says (to Sebastien), "Saved a talking rabbit *and* my cloak."

[ussura] GM says, "Yeah."

Raelynn arrives, looking for booty.

[Crows-Nest] Maxwell says, "I can't really figure out why Seb would have an emergency garment repair kit if anything soiled might as well be discarded anyway."

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "I have it for cases like my pants getting ripped by the wolves"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Sara just said, "Thank you!" and gave me a kiss. "That's a good way to get drama dice," I replied."

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "since it is never safe to discard your pants in a foreign country"

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

Sebastien says, "well, onwards, I suppose"

Sebastien starts walking again.

[Crows-Nest] Charles asks (of Maxwell), "What do you do if you're at a formal affair, and your second vest gets snagged on a piece of ironwork?"

GM also tosses Charles a drama die for cloak retrieval.

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "However, you can skip the kiss."

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "aw"

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "and here i was getting ready"

[Crows-Nest] GM laughs.

[Crows-Nest] Charles says (to GM), "Yay, thanks."

[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "And for the DD too."

[Crows-Nest] GM exclaims, "hee!"

GM says, "You continue along the path, which goes for a while, turns a corner--and ends at a mountain gap maybe 30 feet across. On the other side, you can see the path continue to wind its way up the mountain."

GM says, "Far below you, you can hear the rushing water of a river."

Era asks, "Who has the rope?"

Charles says, "I have one."

Pyotr says, "I have one, too."

Charles asks, "So you don't want to carry the snow here to pack it into a bridge?"

Charles looks for good things to tie ropes to, both here and on the far side.

Pyotr asks, "Anyone good with a lasso?"

[ussura] Raelynn asks (of pyotr), "is that throwing?"

GM says, "There are plenty of trees on this side, and a few on the other."

[ussura] GM says (to Raelynn), "We can call it that, sure."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "possibly. ask the GM, not me :-)"

Charles says, "I could probably tie one."

Charles gives it a try.

[7thsea] Charles rolls 4k3: 6 7 7 4 | 20

[ussura] Charles says, "(Wits + Knotwork)"

GM says, "You tie an expert lasso."

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "anyone have a bow?"

[ussura] Raelynn asks, "i was thinking, if i tie the rope to a knife, and then throw the knife, i use my knife throw skill, right?"

Sebastien says, "a lasso? I don't think I -- oh, a rope with a loop on the end"

[ussura] GM says, "Era does, I know. (she just stepped out a sec)"

Pyotr asks (of Charles), "Want to throw it, or shall I try?"

[ussura] Charles says, "I think the rope would be heavier thant he knife. But I dunno."

[ussura] Raelynn says, "i have a 1 throw, but 2 knife throw"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "I have a 1 in throwing, dunno if this uses Brawn or Finesse"

Charles says (to Pyotr), "You give it a shot. I'll try after, if it doesn't take."

[ussura] GM asks, "What are you trying to lasso?"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "hmm, not that my B and F are different"

[ussura] Charles says, "I have a 1 in Throwing too, and 3 in both traits."

[ussura] GM says, "Heh."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "trying to throw the lasso and catch a reasonably sturdy branch on the other side"

[ussura] Raelynn says (to pyotr), "aim for a short bush"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "i was going to stab a tree trunk, but i don't trust my rolls"

[ussura] GM says, "Let's say finesse to get it on an appropriate branch, and brawn to get it over the top of a tree on the other side."

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "okay, so, two rolls?"

[ussura] GM says, "No, just tell me which you're trying to do."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "I'll try branch"

[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 4k3: 8 3 8 6 | 22

[ussura] GM exclaims, "Success!"

Pyotr tosses the lasso to the other side, and snags a branch.

Pyotr carefully pulls on the rope to test the strength.

Charles says, "Let's try to do two -- to be safe."

Pyotr says, "Yeah, good idea"

[7thsea] Charles rolls 4k3: 5 9 5 3 | 19

Pyotr hands Charles the other rope

Pyotr ties his rope off to a handy tree

[7thsea] Charles rolls 4k3: 10+6 6 7 4 | 29

Raelynn looks worried.

[ussura] Charles says, "First was for tying the lasso; second for throwing it at a branch near Pyotr's."

Raelynn asks, "Are we going to be hanging from a rope?"

Pyotr asks, "Can't climb across a bottomless pit on a rope?"

Era says (to Raelynn), "I believe that is the plan."

Pyotr asks, "What are you doing in Ussura?"

GM says, "You pull the rope taut, and give it a few jerks. The tree on the other side shakes a bit, but holds firm."

Charles asks (of Raelynn), "Do you have a better way across in mind?"

Sebastien says, "I believe we will be standing on one rope and gripping the other"

Raelynn says (to Charles), "well no"

Era says, "However, I propose the lightest of us cross first, and tie the rope more securely on the other side."

Raelynn says, "but I am not strong enough to lift my weight"

GM says, "And charles' second rope also catches on a nearby branch."

Charles says (to Era), "Agreed."

Pyotr says (to Charles), "if we had a third rope we could probably make it easier for some of our group."

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn failed rope climbing in PE

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Aww."

Charles asks (of Pyotr), "One to stand on, two to hold?"

Pyotr asks, "I'll go across and make sure everything is stable, and hold it steady, okay?"

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "(assuming there was PE in those days. Duchess never had rope climbing)"

Pyotr says (to Charles), "exactly"

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "do we have a third rope?"

[Crows-Nest] Maxwell says, "You're not climbing up. Going across a two-rope bridge is much easier than climbing up one."

[ussura] GM says, "Sure."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "(someone say, "Yes, of course")"

Pyotr takes another rope, ties it around his waist, and hands the end to Charles.

[ussura] Sebastien says, "I have a rather natty leather belt"

Pyotr starts climbing out across the "bridge".

[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 5k3: 10+10+2 8 2 8 1 | 38

[ussura] Pyotr says, "Finesse+Climbing"

[ussura] GM says, "That'd be a success."

Pyotr reaches the other side, makes the ropes more secure, and arranges all three into a nice little bridge.

[ussura] GM says, "And in fact, you can tell from that what adjustments need to be done on the other side to make it easier for the others."

Charles ties the third one tightly on this side, to provide a second handhold.

[ussura] Pyotr says, "yay"

Pyotr exclaims, "Okay, come across!"

Charles says (to Raelynn), "If you're worried, you can go between two of us."

Raelynn asks, "okay, i will go now, then?"

Charles says, "I'll stay close behind you."

Pyotr says (to Charles), "One at a time would be best."

[7thsea] Raelynn rolls 4k3: 1 8 3 4 | 15

[ussura] Raelynn asks, "did i just fall to my death?"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "well, you can always use a drama die"

GM says, "Raelynn makes it halfway across, when:"

hawk exclaims, "Awwk! Awwk!"

Raelynn teeters

[ussura] Charles exclaims, "Ha!"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "awesome"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "I mean, uh-oh"

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "er, hawk?"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "the hawk that was harassing the talking rabbit earlier"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "uh oh"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "also harassing Charles' cloak"

Raelynn closes eye and tries to get balance

GM says, "A hawk with a shred of Charles' cloak still attached to its talon dive-bombs Raelynn."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "it is three feet across"

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn asks, "why in the world does this remind me of the canyon at Big Sur now?"

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "i was about to die halfway up that, too"

[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "IT'S COMING RIGHT FOR US! *blam*"

Pyotr exclaims (at Raelynn), "Hurry!"

Sebastien exclaims, "Era!"

[ussura] Raelynn asks, "do i have to re-roll?"

[7thsea] Era rolls 5k4: 10+7 4 2 4 2 | 27

Pyotr grabs a branch to use as a club.

[Crows-Nest] Maxwell says, "'You make it halfway across, when' has to be in the top ten worst GM phrases."

Era launches herself at the hawk!

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "hee"

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

[7thsea] hawk rolls 3k3: 1 7 9 | 17

[ussura] Era says, "laughs"

Raelynn inches forward slowly, looking at pyotr and trying to ignore birds

hawk turns away from Raelynn at the last second to face a new challenge in the sky.

Era -hawk lets out a piercing shriek.

Raelynn mutters, "Don't look down, don't look at birds, keep the balance, watch the hands, GAH, there is too many things to remember!"

Raelynn inches forward

[ussura] Sebastien says, "awesome"

Charles says, "I knew that hawk was bad news..."

[ussura] GM says (to Raelynn), "Roll another climb check."

[ussura] Era says, "I think we're winging the combat, so to speak."

[7thsea] Era rolls 5k3: 6 1 8 9 9 | 26

[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"

[7thsea] Raelynn rolls 4k3: 7 7 3 9 | 23

[ussura] Raelynn says, "time to dance across the rope"

Pyotr holds out his hand to Raelynn.

Raelynn regains balance and steps more confidently to the edge, to where Pyotr had his grubby hand out

Charles asks (of Sebastien), "Do you want to go next, or should I?"

[ussura] GM says, "That's a hit--roll for damage"

Raelynn says (to Pyotr), "thanks"

Sebastien says (to Charles), "feel free to go ahead"

Sebastien eyes the hawks

[7thsea] Charles rolls 5k3: 5 5 2 6 5 | 16

[7thsea] Era rolls 2k2: 9 2 | 11

[7thsea] hawk rolls 2k2: 4 10+3 | 17

hawk cries as Era's talons rake her side, and dives down into the canyon.

[ussura] Pyotr says, "maybe I'll spend some XP on archery next time"

Era persues the hawk in a sharp dive, wings pressed close to her body.

[ussura] GM says (to Charles), "That's halfway."

[ussura] Charles says, "I somehow doubt the hawk remembers how I carefully avoided actually attacking it directly last time..."

Charles takes a moment to make sure of his balance before continuing on.

[ussura] GM says (to Era), "Try, hmm, sprinting keep finesse."

[7thsea] Charles rolls 5k3: 10+2 9 1 7 10+8 | 39

[7thsea] Era rolls 4k3: 9 1 7 2 | 18

[ussura] GM says (to Charles), "And you make it the rest of the way across."

[7thsea] hawk rolls 3k3: 2 5 4 | 11

Charles lightly steps along the rope with confidence, joining Pyotr and Rae on the far side.

Pyotr says (to Charles), "Next time we send Era off like this, someone needs to grab her bow and arrows first."

GM says, "Era catches up with the hawk and punches it in the back with balled talons, causing it to tumble forward, out of control."

Sebastien follows along when Charles is finished, waiting for an opportune moment with the hawks.

[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 5k4: 3 1 2 10+9 7 | 31

[ussura] Pyotr says, "don't forget Era's pack"

Charles asks (of Pyotr), "We sent her off?"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "if she wasn't carrying it, I guess I grabbed it, since I'm the last person"

Era wings her way back up the canyon, and though hawks can't really look smug, she manages anyhow.

[ussura] GM says, "There's Louis and Alixandre--someone roll 4k3 for the both of them."

[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 4k3: 3 3 9 4 | 16

[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "poor Louis"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "hmm, someone _else_ roll for them"

[7thsea] Charles rolls 4k3: 7 7 3 5 | 19

[ussura] GM says, "There we go ;-)"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "this is Xeno's rope bridge, I swear"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "everyone only gets half across"

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "clearly, someone unweighted pyotr's dice"

[Crows-Nest] Maxwell asks, "Louis is Charles' hanger-on? Has he been useful since scene one?"

[Crows-Nest] Charles says (to Max), "I keep forgetting he's there."

Era lands and transforms, then winces and massages her shoulder. "I think I strained something when we collided."

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "I hold out hopes of one day enlisting him as my valet"

[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "I originally thought he'd be handy for identifying Devoe."

Raelynn says (to Era), "I still have the ointment we used for the wolves back at the monastery"

Raelynn asks (of Era), "do you want to put some?"

Pyotr says, "Hmm. Well, let's just leave the bridge for the next group."

[Crows-Nest] Maxwell says, "We all remember how well that worked out."

[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "But that did not quite go as planned."

Pyotr says, "I don't really want to go back for the ropes."

Era says (to Raelynn), "That would be lovely, thank you so much."

Raelynn hands the ointment over, wrinkling her nose slightly at the smell

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

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "for an arrogant little brat, Rae is way too nice and polite"

Charles asks (of Pyotr), "Do we have any ropes left?"

GM says, "As you pause for Raelynn's ministrations of Era's shoulder, you see movement on the other side of the pass."

Pyotr says (to Charles), "Hmm, I have another, don't know about the rest of you."

Raelynn says, "I have one still"

[Crows-Nest] Era says, "Hmm, didn't know Rae was s'pose to be obnoxious."

[Crows-Nest] Charles asks (of Rae), "You have trouble being snarky with the people who save your life?"

Sebastien asks (of GM), "the side we just came from?"

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says (to Charles), "yeah :)"

Pyotr pulls out his axe and chops the ropes.

GM says, "Which resolves into a small pack of mice. They cross the pass on your rope bridge, and disappear into the undergrowth on your side, but not before one of them squeaks, "Thank you!""

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says (to Era), "well, not with you, but she's the daughter of a rich man. she's not supposed to take all this climbing and getting dirty as cheerfully as she has been"

Charles says, "Good. Most of mine were with the climbing gear when it was stolen."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "whoops"

[ussura] GM says, "Er, timing."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "oh well"

Raelynn looks oddly at the mice

[ussura] Pyotr says, "I was slower than I thought"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "and yet still ruined the bridge"

Sebastien says, "I wonder what they were running from"

Sebastien says, "perhaps the hawks"

[ussura] GM says, "Heh."

[ussura] GM says, "We'll say you got one before you realized what was up."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "heh, thanks"

Pyotr says, "Oh, whew, I was worried it was something worse."

Raelynn asks (of Sebastien), "have you heard the children's story about the rats?"

Raelynn says (to Sebastien), "it involved all the rats leaving a town together...I wonder if this is something like that"

Charles says (to Pyotr), "So, when you said 'let's just leave the bridge for the next group', I'm not entirely clear on what you meant by that."

Charles looks at the chopped ends.

[ussura] GM says, "Oh, and Era--you found it very easy and natural to switch forms here--you think it has something to do with being in Matushka's realm. In game mechanics terms, you didn't have to spend a magic die to switch."

Sebastien says (to Raelynn), "really? perhaps they had some sort of group tour package"

[ussura] Era says, "Sweet."

Charles asks, "What were the three trials the first prophet faced, again?"

Pyotr says (to Charles), "Let's just say I have a healthy worry about being followed too closely."

[ussura] GM says, "Also, as you travel, sometimes Era's shadow looks like a hawk, and sometimes like a wolf."

Sebastien exchanges glances with Alixandre. "How peculiar!"

[ussura] Charles asks, "At this point, I take it we can assume Seb and Alix now know about her Pyeryem?"

[ussura] GM says, "Yeah, I suppose so ;-)"

[ussura] GM says, "At least about the hawk form."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "we've seen her change to a hawk twice now"

[ussura] Raelynn asks, "not the wolf, yet, i think, right?"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "right"

[ussura] GM says, "Though Raelynn knows about that one."

[ussura] GM says, "OK, let's see."

Sebastien says (to Charles), "I hope he had enough rope with him"

Charles says, "I wonder what this path will lead to next. A wall of flame, perhaps."

Era shudders.

Pyotr says, "Let's find out."

Pyotr starts walking.

GM says, "You continue again, up the winding path, until it gets to the top of the mountain. There, at the top of the hill, is a most peculiar object. It's an enormous egg, about six feet high, covered with paintings and designs."

Sebastien says, "if there were only a wall of fire nearby, we could make some sort of omelette"

Charles walks around the other side.

Pyotr studies the paintings.

[ussura] Raelynn says, "i have history and research"

[ussura] Raelynn asks, "do i recognize the paintings?"

GM says, "It has similar markings all around it."

Raelynn looks quizzically at the egg.

[ussura] GM says, "Pick one, and roll with Wits."

[ussura] Charles asks (of GM), "Does the path continue on the other side?"

Raelynn asks, "It's a real egg. Not a sculpture?"

[ussura] GM says, "The path continues up to the egg, then stops."

Charles taps the egg, then puts his ear up to it.

[ussura] Raelynn asks, "well, my other question would be natural philosophy :) what animal is that big to lay such a large egg?"

GM says (to Raelynn), "If it was a real egg, the bird that laid it would be ginormous."

[ussura] GM says, "Heh."

[ussura] Era asks, "would Era know about Rocs?"

[7thsea] Raelynn rolls 4k3: 6 8 10+5 10+8 | 41

[Crows-Nest] (from Maxwell) GM says, "Grandfather Hawk is on a crag above, looking upset."

GM says (to Charles), "The egg is cool to the touch, and rings when you tap it."

[ussura] Era says, "Although I can't say I've heard of Rocs with artistic talent."

[Crows-Nest] GM laughs.

[ussura] GM says, "W00t."

[ussura] GM asks (of Raelynn), "Which skill was that?"

[ussura] GM says, "(of history, research, and natural philosophy)"

Charles asks, "Anyone want to try to hatch it?"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "Natl Phil"

[ussura] GM says (to Raelynn), "It seems clear to you that this egg was created by some sort of craftsman."

Raelynn says (to Charles), "this is not a real egg, sir"

Pyotr says (to Charles), "I was thinking of cracking it."

Pyotr pulls out his axe.

Raelynn says, "It was created by some kind of a craftsman"

Raelynn says, "Some artist"

[ussura] Charles asks, "What do the markings look like?"

Charles says (to Pyotr), "Wait."

Pyotr says (to Charles), "Very well."

Charles says, "We should at least try to determine if these pictures mean anything."

[ussura] Raelynn asks, "do they resemble the marks in the bowl?"

[ussura] Raelynn asks, "or charle's locket?"

[ussura] GM says (to Charles), "Roll, hmm, either straight wits or wits + something you think would be helpful."

Charles copies some of the markings down into his notebook.

Era circles the egg contemplatively.

[7thsea] Charles rolls 4k4: 4 4 1 7 | 16

[ussura] Charles says, "Trying history."

[ussura] GM asks (of Chares), "that 4k4 was just wits?"

[ussura] Charles says, "It seems there should be a more relevant Bard skill for this, especially if it's story-related, but I'm not sure what that'd be."

Gunther says, "bed"

Gunther waves.

Gunther has only four plausible reasons to carry a walking stick, two of which enjoy a 100% correlation with jerkitude.

[ussura] Raelynn says (to charles), "i can try another history roll after you"

[ussura] Charles asks (of GM), "Oops -- meant 4k3. Should I reroll, or just call it 15 (subtracting the 1)?"

[ussura] GM says, "Oh, so bardic history? That'd work."

[ussura] GM says, "We'll subtract the 1."

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "yay, i am finally using my nerd knowledge"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Heh."

[ussura] Charles says, "Yeah. History, and we'll say it's via Bard rather than Scholar."

[ussura] GM says (to Charles), "You remember a story about Matushka's Steed, a strange contraption that takes her various places very rapidly. It takes different forms, and it doesn't seem *too* out of line that it would take the form of an egg, given the Ussuran tradition of egg-painting."

[ussura] GM asks (of Raelynn), "You want to try history yourself?"

Charles says, "This reminds me of a story I once heard."

[ussura] Raelynn says, "sure"

[7thsea] Raelynn rolls 4k3: 8 2 8 7 | 23

Raelynn takes her sketchpad and starts copying down some of the pictures on the egg while listening to Charles

Charles says, "Set in the far east -- probably here, in Ussura -- about a small boy lost in the woods."

[ussura] GM says (to Raelynn), "As you look at the designs, you realize that many of them look like parts of letters."

[ussura] Raelynn asks (of GM), "what letters? Ussuran?"

Charles says, "He was surprised to find, in the middle of nowhere, a silver barrel."

[ussura] GM says, "Many could come from a variety of alphabets, but as you look more closely, Ussuran seems the most likely candidate for this set."

Charles says, "Because it was cold, and he had no shelter, he climbed inside the barrel to hide."

Sebastien asks, "a silver barrel?"

Raelynn sketches faster, looking surprised, occassionaly at each marking

Charles says, "From inside the barrel, he could hear the wind blowing, and could feel the cold of the snow through the metal."

Sebastien says, "I hope he checked carefully to make sure he could open it again afterwards"

[ussura] Raelynn waits for Charles

Charles asks (of Sebastien), "Indeed. Odd, is it not?"

Sebastien asks, "wait, then what happened?"

Charles says, "But after a time, he realized he could no longer feel the cold. So he climbed out, and was amazed to realize he was no longer in the same forest he was in where he became lost."

Charles says, "And standing there was an old woman. 'Is this silver barrel yours?', he asked."

Charles says, "'It is', she said. 'My steed can take many forms, and can take you to many places. This is the place you need to go; there is a village at the end of that path where you will find food and warmth.'"

Raelynn beckons to Sebastien

Charles says, "And he followed the path, and found a family that took him in and cared for him. Later, when he came back to show them the barrel, he couldn't find it again."

Sebastien asks (of Raelynn), "have you found anything interesting in your sketching?"

Raelynn asks (of Sebastien), "you are familiar with a lot of languages, aren't you?"

Raelynn points to the egg and her sketches

Raelynn says, "Look here, and here"

Sebastien says, "it is a nec-- very interesting"

Pyotr says (to Charles), "Nice story, but I don't see a barrel here."

Raelynn asks, "Don't they look like parts of letters to you?"

Charles says, "I was just realizing that the story is not altogether different from what Palech told us about the thrice-tenth wood."

Sebastien studies Raelynn's sketches attentively.

Pyotr says, "Ahh, right."

Charles says, "And if the woman said that her 'steed' could take many forms, perhaps this egg may be one of those."

Raelynn says, "like right there - it could be Ussuran letter for phi"

Pyotr asks, "Hmm. Then there's a way inside?"

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "so i can't remember my Russian alphabet and am using Greek"

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

Pyotr says, "Besides my axe, I guess."

[ussura] Sebastien asks (of GM), "I dunno, do I recognize anything here?"

GM tosses Charles a drama die.

[Crows-Nest] GM laughs.

[ussura] Charles says, "Gracias."

[ussura] Era asks, "are there stories in the pictures on the egg? some kind of fairie tales?"

[ussura] GM says (to Sebastien), "Sure, roll with, say, wits + the number of languages you know how to read."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "(I assume it's not actually Ussuran, since I can read that)"

[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 7k3: 2 1 8 2 5 6 7 | 21

[ussura] Sebastien says, "sheesh -- I'll add a drama die if I have to"

Raelynn says, "Hm. I wonder if this is some kind of Old Ussuran"

GM says, "As Era studies the egg, she touches it with her hand, and a section of it turns, then slides into place with a 'click'."

[ussura] Raelynn says, "i hope i didn't just step on GM/Sebastien toes"

[Crows-Nest] Maxwell says, "I thought they were 'parts of letters'. This is plainly a 40x40 cylindrical Fifteen puzzle. Timing."

Pyotr says, "Ah ha. Always let the ladies deal with the eggs, my father taught me."

[ussura] Era says, "ha"

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says (to Pyotr), "ha ha"

GM says (to Sebastien), "The parts of the letters all seem to line up in circles around the egg."

Sebastien says, "it does indeed seem like these are rings we could rotate"

Sebastien experiments.

Era backs away from the egg, somewhat reluctant to touch it again.

Pyotr pulls out some jerky and has a snack while the people who know the words fix this.

GM says, "And indeed, the egg seems to be made of (or at least encircled by) rings which can be rotated."

Raelynn keeps sketching as parts are rotated, to keep track of various combinations

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "at this rate i am gonna need to buy a new book"

[Crows-Nest] Era grins.

GM says (to Raelynn), "As you sketch, you start to get a sense of which segments are more likely to go together than others. The top section seems the easiest."

Raelynn says (to Sebastien), "hey hey"

Raelynn says (to Sebastien), "move the top section"

Raelynn says, "that one seems to actually match with that one next to it"

Sebastien slides the top section per Raelynn's instructions.

Era watches, intrigued.

Raelynn says, "and move that one on the right over one"

GM says, "Sebastien follows Raelynn's instructions as she tells him to move one section and then the next. Finally, the following text emerges:"

GM says, "In the dark, it grows,"

GM says, "The sun feeds it,"

GM says, "The sea surrounds it,"

GM says, "The tooth will free it."

[ussura] Raelynn says, "someone who reads Ussuran, please read it aloud"

Sebastien says, "it appears to be some sort of riddle"

Sebastien reads it out.

Raelynn writes it down as Sebastien reads it

[ussura] Charles says, "I was just planning to take the Riddles knack, but was waiting until after the session :)"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "aw"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "ha"

Charles says, "The sea surrounds an island."

[ussura] Raelynn says, "what skill is that a knack for?!"

Pyotr asks, "what islands grow?"

Sebastien says, "what grows in the darkness? mushrooms, perhaps"

Charles says, "The sun feeds... well, anything that doesn't eat, perhaps? Plants, stones, warm water..."

Pyotr asks, "An iceberg?"

[ussura] Charles says, "Bard."

[ussura] Raelynn says, "ah. rae can't sing, so that's out"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "you can actually take a knack on its own"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "up to three times"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "or something"

Charles asks, "The tooth will free it... food, perhaps?"

Raelynn says, "something grows in the dark, and still likes the sun? that's..."

Charles says, "A seed grows underground; a stalk is fed by the sun."

Raelynn asks, "a plant that grows in the sea?"

Pyotr asks, "A leaf?"

Pyotr exclaims, "A potato!"

Charles says, "And a tooth will break open fruit to free the seeds again. But I don't know if the sea fits anyplace."

Sebastien says (to Pyotr), "this doesn't *look* like a potato"

[ussura] Maxwell says, "I think that's supposed to be at character creation. Specialty."

[ussura] Raelynn says, "I took it already, for Drawing"

[Crows-Nest] Era says, "for potatoes, the sea surrounds Ireland . . . somehow, I don't think thats it."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "well, there aren't rules for picking up a new advantage after creation"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "because Rae can't sing :)"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "aha"

Sebastien says, "hmm"

Sebastien says, "in university one of my professors asserted that baby birds emerge from eggs with a tooth"

Sebastien says, "and I assume it is dark inside"

Pyotr says, "Hmm"

Charles says, "An eggwhite is like the sea, I suppose."

Raelynn asks, "some kind of a bird that lives near the sea?"

Sebastien says (to Charles), "interesting"

Charles asks, "And the yolk like the sun?"

Sebastien says, "I would agree with that"

[Crows-Nest] Era says, "the gm is chortling, so I think you're on to something. :-)"

Sebastien says, "but proving that the answer is an egg does not seem to get us anywhere we were not before"

Charles says, "So the answer would be a chick."

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Hey, no fair ;-)"

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "Yay Spy"

Pyotr says, "We need a bird to sit on it."

Pyotr says, "Er, a really big bird."

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says (to Era/GM), "Are you two sitting next to each other on different computers? I feel weird with us doing that on the couch"

[Crows-Nest] Era exclaims, "<laugh> he says he just made it up, too, so yay gm!"

Sebastien says, "well, Palech mentioned the firebird"

Sebastien asks (of Raelynn), "do you see any other patterns now that the pattern is lined up?"

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "hey, nice"

[Crows-Nest] Era says, "We're in the same room, yes. Weird that you're together in New York, and we're together in Seattle, and we're all, well, together."

Raelynn looks at her sketches and thinks

[ussura] Raelynn asks (of gm), "do i?"

Raelynn traces one pattern and another, looking for more hints

Charles knocks on the egg. "Hello, firebird? Are you inside?"

GM says (to Raelynn), "And indeed, knowing that the answer is probably 'chick', you figure out the next section."

[ussura] Era says, "so now we know a bird is in the egg. I guess that is some kind of progress."

Raelynn says, "okay, the answer is a "chick" for this section"

Raelynn says, "now move that middle bit to the left"

Raelynn says, "i think we need to keep moving the other sections till we solve all of them"

Charles pushes on the middle bit as Raelynn decrees.

Sebastien asks, "what, there's more?"

Sebastien sighs

Raelynn says, "and that left piece should come to the other side of that first piece"

Raelynn asks (of Sebastien), "don't you feel your scholarly juices flowing?"

GM says, "As the sections move to form the answer, the designs seem to be shifting on the lower bits as you solve the upper bits."

Charles asks, "...scholarly juices...?!?"

Sebastien says, "I would hate to refer to those in mixed company"

Sebastien says, "but still, I can see why few take this path"

Sebastien hangs his snow-dampened handkerchiefs on a nearby branch to dry as people continue to study the egg

Raelynn says, "hm, the lower bits are moving too - but okay, move that piece with the three squiggly lines down"

Charles <click> <click> <click>

GM says (to Raelynn), "Again, you make more sketches and ask people to move sections, until the following emerges:"

GM says, "Who we are today,"

GM says, "Is what we did then."

GM says, "Steadily, it piles up,"

GM says, "Threatening to overwhelm us."

GM says, "Its opposite is yet unwritten,"

GM says, "And stretches out in front,"

GM says, "Who but Matushka knows its spread,"

GM asks, "And who but Matushka dare change it?"

Raelynn asks, "Fate? History?"

Raelynn asks, "Destiny?"

Charles asks, "History?"

Sebastien asks, "yesterday?"

Raelynn asks, "Future? Reincarnation?"

Charles says, "Something to do with the past, I suspect."

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn asks, "Buddhist wheel of life?"

[Crows-Nest] GM says (to Raelynn), "Heh"

Charles says, "If 'its opposite is unwritten and stretches out in front'."

Sebastien says, "exactly"

Sebastien asks (of Raelynn), "do any of those seem to work?"

GM says, "Raelynn has you all move sections around a while until the simple word 'Past' emerges from the designs."

Charles says, "But if Matushka can change the past... she is even more powerful than I had supposed."

Raelynn asks, "Past chick?"

GM says, "And at that, a section of the egg swings out."

[ussura] Charles asks, "Did we make the word 'chick' appear?"

Era asks, "Something out of style?"

[ussura] GM says, "Yeah."

Charles asks, "Are there any other messages?"

Sebastien asks, "if she changed the past, how could we tell?"

Sebastien sticks his head inside the section and looks around.

Charles says, "It would seem to be time to climb inside the barrel."

Pyotr climbs in, tired of being bored.

Sebastien says, "I hope there's room for all of us"

Sebastien goes inside to make room for Pyotr to go inside

[Crows-Nest] (from Charles) GM says, "All of you manage to squeeze in. It's a tight fit, and only Louis is left behind."

GM says, "Oddly, there seems to be more room on the inside than it seemed there would be on the outside."

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "aww"

[Crows-Nest] GM exclaims, "Hee!"

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "it's ok, we'll strap him on the roof"

Pyotr says, "Hmm, roomy."

Charles gets in after Sebastien and Pyotr.

Era eyes the inside of the egg in awe.

Sebastien says, "good thing I remembered to retrieve my handkerchiefs."

Sebastien says, "I hope there's a clothes-press where we're going"

[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "Also, between the bit about changing the past about this bit about all of us squeezing inside, I'm now thinking about Bill and Ted."

Raelynn looks around to make sure nothing got left behind

GM says, "The walls are again covered with designs, with windows all around to look out. You can see the riddles, backwards, faintly sketched on the outside of the glass."

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

[Crows-Nest] Maxwell says, "yay"

Sebastien exclaims, "delightful!"

Sebastien asks, "now what? can we close the opening?"

Charles asks, "Are we ready to?"

Raelynn looks at the paintings to see if they are any different from the outside

Sebastien says, "I believe we are all inside"

Charles closes the hatch, then.

Raelynn says (to Sebastien), "Oh no! You left a handkerchief on one of the branches!"

Sebastien gasps.

Raelynn says (to Sebastien), "hee hee, just kidding"

[ussura] GM_ says (to Raelynn), "Since I'm typing in another window--no, the designs are the same on the outside as the inside."

[ussura] Raelynn says, "oh good. save my paper"

Sebastien removes some smelling salts from his bag and waves them under his nose.

[ussura] GM_ asks, "So, you close the door?"

GM_ also throws Raelynn, Sebastien, and Charles a drama die for riddle-solving.

Sebastien exclaims (at Raelynn), "this journeying is already a strain on my physique without additional mental anguish!"

GM says, "Looking down through the windows, you can see spindly legs emerge from the side of the egg, which rocks a bit as it stands up."

Raelynn gives the die to Pyotr

[ussura] Raelynn says, "one story die handed over"

[ussura] GM says, "Hey hey."

[ussura] Raelynn asks, "we don't need reasons, right?"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "thanks"

[ussura] GM says, "Hmm."

[ussura] GM says, "Yeah, actually, I'd like it if you gave a reason. It doesn't have to be earth-shattering."

[ussura] Charles says (to GM), "She just remembered what you said earlier about drama dice and kisses."

[ussura] GM laughs.

[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"

[ussura] GM says (to Raelynn), "Just something you appreciated about something he did."

[ussura] Raelynn says, "yeah. when i was falling off the rope"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "and him not hitting me on the head for calling his hand grubby"

[ussura] GM says, "Hee! Perfect."

GM says, "And with that, the egg scampes off into the forest."

Pyotr exclaims, "Whee!"

Raelynn looks for something to hang on to

Pyotr raises his arms in the air.

Sebastien says, "goodness"

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says (to Pyotr), "that's why you insisted on sitting in the front"

Sebastien says, "this ride is a bit bump-ump-umpy"

Charles says, "Not entirely unlike horseback."

Era clutches at . . .but there's nothing to clutch, and she remembers that really, she's quite brave.

[ussura] GM says, "And, since it's just about 5:00, and since the next bit will be a bit involved, let's call it there."

[ussura] GM exclaims (at Era), "Hee!"

Raelynn makes no pretenses at being brave, and covers her head

[ussura] GM says, "Yay everyone! Fun problem-solving skillz."

[ussura] Raelynn asks (of GM), "21st?"

[ussura] Charles says, "Yeah, good session."

[ussura] Charles asks, "How much of the obstacles did you plan in advance, and how much was on the fly?"

[ussura] GM says (to Raelynn), "Yeah, I think so."

[ussura] Charles asks, "Also, what was your ruling on the cost of languages with XP?"

[ussura] GM says (to Charles), "I read a bunch of russian fairy tales last week, and had a bunch of possibilities, but nothing specific."

[ussura] Sebastien asks, "it's 3xp to 1 hp, isn't it?"

[ussura] GM asks, "Hmm. 3x cost in HP?"

[ussura] GM says, "Yeah."

[ussura] GM asks, "The 21st is the weekend before Thanksgiving, not after, right?"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "right"

[ussura] GM says, "So if you have linguist, that's 3xp less than it would have been."

[ussura] GM asks, "What language do you want?"

[ussura] Charles says, "Vendel. I'd meant to have it originally, but it somehow got dropped off my sheet when I was redoing it back at the start."

[ussura] GM nods.

[ussura] GM says, "If someone in the group can teach you, that's great, otherwise you'll have to find a teacher. Not that it'll make a huge difference... Uh, wait. Louis can probably teach you."

[ussura] Charles says, "It's 1 point for Avalonians, and I have linguist, so I'd like to spend 3xp form what I'd had unspent back when we started retroactively, if that's OK."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"

[ussura] Charles says, "Since I think I was actually using it in my prologue."

[ussura] GM process process Oh!

[ussura] GM says, "Yeah, that should be fine."

[ussura] GM says, "So the rule is that you have to spend at least 1 point on languages, but that can include being literate if it would otherwise 'cost' zero."

[ussura] Charles asks, "Cool. Should I send you a character sheet with my other purchases, or should I just tell you here?"

[ussura] GM says, "I'll just write it on my copy."

[ussura] Charles says, "Basically, I'd like a number of advanced knacks at 1: From Scholar, Astronomy and Occult. From Sailor, Sea Lore and Weather. From Bard, Riddles."

[ussura] Raelynn asks, "how much to get an advanced knack?"

[ussura] GM says, "Yay Riddles ;-)"

[ussura] GM says (to Raelynn), "Post-character-creation, they cost the same as regular knacks."

[ussura] Charles says (to Raelynn), "Same as basic knacks, if you're buying with XP: 2x whatever rank you're bringing it to."

[ussura] Charles says, "So to get one at rank 1, it's 2XP."

[ussura] Era says, "if that's all folks, I'll sign off. See you all ina couple weeks."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "byebye"

Era has disconnected.

[ussura] Charles says, "So with Vendel, I think that's 13 I'm spending, leaving me with 4."

[ussura] GM says, "Yup, looks good."

[ussura] GM asks, "Anyone else want to spend stuff?"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "me"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "Archer"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "i need some more active skills, since feasibly, hanging out with this lot should have taught me something"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "so just 10XP for Archer's Attack 1, Fletcher 1"

[ussura] Raelynn asks, "Feasibly, Era can teach me, can't she?"

[ussura] GM says, "Right."

[ussura] GM says, "(Yeah, that's fine)"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "i will pick up a bow of my own when we next hit a village"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "unless pyotr will whittle me one"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "I don't see any trees inside this egg."

[ussura] Raelynn says, "updates log"

Maxwell has disconnected.