[ussura] PerrySimm says, "Log on."
Raelynn arrives, looking for booty.
[rpg] * NewsBoy hollers, "Extra! Extra! inky has posted message 108, about 'Freedom & Necessity rpg', to the bulletin board! Alex likes a monkey!"
Eolo has connected.
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I have Sargent's phone number this time"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "yay"
npc1 has connected.
[ussura] Pyotr whistles
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "did I mention we have to leave early?"
npc2 has connected.
[ussura] npc2 asks (of Pyotr), "Ah, when?"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "in an hour and a half"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "well, an hour and 20 now"
[ussura] npc2 says, "Alrighty, lemme try to get stuff movin', then."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "and I will diligently call Sargent"
[ussura] npc1 says, "No, he's gone."
[ussura] Raelynn asks, "gone where?"
GM has connected.
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "oh, is he not making it?"
[ussura] GM says, "Yeah, he's travelling this sunday and next."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "oh, ok then"
[ussura] GM says, "(more delays while Sara's computer gets set up)"
[rpg] Allen asks, "based on the Bull/Brust novel?"
[rpg] inky says, "not at all"
[ussura] GM says, "OK, so, recap."
[ussura] GM says, "You're in an egg."
[rpg] inky says, "but you play sorcerers in the victorian era manipulating the side-events of history in weird magical rituals"
[ussura] GM says, "--end of recap--"
[ussura] Raelynn says, "ha"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "yay"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
Era has connected.
Raelynn hangs on tightly to her seat
[rpg] Allen says, "hmm. Interestng"
Sebastien exclaims, "oh my goodness!"
Pyotr keep yelling "Woo!"
Raelynn says, "there is nothing else to hang on to"
Pyotr says, "Too bad we can't open a window."
Sebastien looks with interest out the window as he bounces up and down.
[ussura] Era says, ""computer, open window"
Raelynn begins to feel a bit green
GM says, "The scenery goes by faster and faster as the egg sprints through the woods on spindly legs."
Raelynn asks, "anyone have dramamine on them?"
Charles asks, "What?"
Raelynn says (to charles), "you know, nice little pills that cure seasickness"
Raelynn says, "they are magic"
Era asks, "What is this 'dramamine'?"
Era says, "It sounds like one of those modern types of plays."
Charles says, "In my time at sea, I have never seen such a thing."
Sebastien says (to Era), "ah, yes, the pantomimes are very popular in Charouse these days"
Era says, "I once saw a man named Marr-soh mimicing various audience members before the play began."
Charles says, "Although I suppose such a weakness is not something I would consider beyond a Montaigne navy..."
GM says, "The snow-covered trees are getting less and less snow-covered as you go, until suddenly, the egg stops, and the door opens onto more woods, but the season seems to be early autumn."
Raelynn says (to Charles), "hmph"
Pyotr says, "Alright, that was fun."
Pyotr jumps out.
Raelynn offended, turns her back as much as she could to Charles
Sebastien coughs politely. "It is true the avalonian navy is often too drunk to notice the motion of the waves."
Raelynn daintily steps out, while bestowing a brilliant smile on Sebastien
Era says, "And those curious green sour fruits they insist on having with them - how vile."
GM says, "As you look around, you notice something odd--Alixandre no longer seems to be with you."
[ussura] Raelynn says (to era), "hee hee"
Sebastien asks, "gracious me! whereever has Alixandre gone?"
Raelynn asks, "did we leave him behind?"
Sebastien climbs out of the egg and looks at it from the outside.
Sebastien says, "that would be extremely careless"
Sebastien says, "I am not sure what they would say back at the diplomatic corps"
Charles asks, "Did he board with us?"
Pyotr asks, "Perhaps he went looking for a place to do laundry?"
GM says (to Sebastien), "It looks the same as it did when you first saw it--the words you managed to form on it are lost again into the shifting patterns."
GM says (to Charles), "You do remember Alixandre getting on, yes."
Sebastien says (to Pyotr), "ah, good, a sensible thought at last"
Sebastien raps sharply on the side of the egg. "Contraption, I demand you restore Alixandre!"
Era says, "It appears the egg has taken a dreadfull toll on our party - I do hope it does not remove one of our members next time it decides to transport us. I much prefer eating eggs to being eaten by them."
GM says (to Sebastien), "It stands there, imperturbed."
Sebastien says, "I admit my training never touched on this eventuality"
[ussura] GM says, "Or whatever the word is."
Charles says, "Perhaps Alixandre has somehow offended Matushka."
Pyotr says (to Charles), "She is sometimes touchy."
GM says, "Perception checks! Perception checks for everyone."
GM exclaims, "Get 'em while they last!"
GM says, "Ahem."
[7thsea] Charles rolls 4k3: 3 2 6 6 | 15
Era says, "Having him eaten by bears is more her style."
[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 3k3: 9 2 7 | 18
[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 4k3: 6 1 3 10+4 | 23
[7thsea] Era rolls 3k2: 4 10+10+3 5 | 28
[7thsea] Raelynn rolls 3k3: 6 5 10+7 | 28
Sebastien looks worried. "I hope he is not being punished for some sort of fashion faux pas"
[Crows-Nest] (from Charles) GM says (to Pyotr), "You notice that Alixandre was standing behind a nearby stump this whole time."
GM says, "Era, Raelynn, and Pyotr all hear rough voices from through the trees, and over a rise."
Era says (to Sebastien), "Dear me, she is not so obsessed with one's appearance."
Pyotr waves everyone to be silent.
GM tosses a drama die to Sebastien.
Pyotr draws his axe and starts crawling up the hill to observe.
[ussura] Sebastien says, "yay"
[ussura] GM says, "(Your whole reaction is priceless)"
Era sends up a quick prayer.
GM says (to Pyotr), "Before you see anyone, you hear, "...just there, sleeping. I'dve taken them out myself, but I figured nobody could be dumb enough to not set watches, so came to get you.""
Pyotr waves everyone else to get ready and take cover.
GM says (to Pyotr), "The voices fade away again."
Pyotr keeps sneaking towards the voices.
GM asks, "Anyone else following?"
Era tiptoes across the terrain.
Pyotr silently whispers to everyone, "Grab your gear and come on, we need to follow them."
Charles follows Pyotr at a short distance, knife ready.
Pyotr starts after them, looking for tracks. How many feet passed this way?
[ussura] GM says (to Pyotr), "Roll tracking with Wits."
[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 4k2: 1 10+7 5 8 | 25
Sebastien gives a last sad look into the egg, and then follows along.
[ussura] GM says, "You come across one fresh set of tracks, that seems to overlay, not a well-worn path, but an area frequently travelled by groups of up to 10 or so."
Raelynn looks around carefully
GM says, "Pyotr leads, and the rest of you follow, until you get to a vantage point where you can see a group of eight or so men--clearly bandits."
Pyotr points to Charles, points to his eyes, and then points behind.
Pyotr keeps following the tracks.
GM says, "They're discussing something around the cinders of an old fire."
[ussura] Pyotr says (to charles), "I hope you got that"
[ussura] Raelynn asks, "all of us can hear them now?"
[ussura] GM says, "Heh ;-)"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "Raelynn is confused by my sign language"
Charles nods and sneaks around to get behind the group.
Pyotr motions the others to stop, and sneaks closer.
[ussura] GM says, "You can see they're discussing something, but can't hear the words from your current position."
[ussura] Charles says, "I have no idea if I did or not, but Charles seems to think he did."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "hee"
[ussura] GM asks (of Charles), "The group of bandits, or the group of you all?"
[ussura] Charles says (to GM), "The bandits."
[ussura] GM nods.
[ussura] Charles says, "(Ah. And now I surmise what Pyotr meant.)"
Pyotr has disconnected.
Pyotr has connected.
Sebastien watches the bandits alertly.
[ussura] Pyotr says, "sorry, dropped connection"
[ussura] GM says, "'Sokay."
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "I take it we don't see any captives or cases of loot or anything too unusual besides the group of bandits?"
Era listens intently.
[7thsea] Era rolls 3k2: 1 7 6 | 13
[ussura] Era says, "not as good as last time. :-("
[ussura] GM says, "Nothing more than a couple pieces of equipment, maybe a rolled tarp."
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "what did I miss?"
[ussura] GM says, "Heh."
[ussura] Raelynn asks, "any horses or stuff we can get...timing?"
[ussura] GM says (to Pyotr), "Nothing since your 'hee'."
[ussura] Sebastien asks (of GM), "does she get a raise for rolling high on her last roll?"
[ussura] GM says, "Oh, right. Hmm."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "(I don't know if it's enough to help, but)"
[ussura] Pyotr asks (of gm), "do I need to roll my stealth?"
[ussura] GM asks (of Pyotr), "How close are you getting?"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "close enough to listen"
[ussura] GM says, "Then, yes."
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "+wits?"
[ussura] GM says, "No, let's go Finesse."
[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 5k3: 9 10+6 4 8 6 | 33
[ussura] Pyotr says, "good, my Finesse is better"
GM says (to Era), "You don't hear much, but you do catch the word 'fops'."
[ussura] Charles asks, "Can anything more be seen from the side/rear angle?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha ha"
[ussura] Raelynn asks, "is there cover on the side? maybe we should spread out?"
GM says (to Pyotr), ""...and Ivan, you stay here. The rest of us will go get 'em. Can't imagine there'll be trouble, but keep an ear out.""
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "how many are there?"
GM says, "At that, two of them nod and sit on nearby logs, while the other six start heading into the woods down the hill."
[ussura] GM says, "(8 total)"
Pyotr waits until the leavers are out of sight.
Pyotr sneaks up behind the nearest one left, and hits him with the flat of his axe.
[ussura] GM says, "(anyone else?)"
[ussura] Charles asks, "Which direction did they go?"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "so, how many rolls do I need to make for this? :-)"
[ussura] GM says (to Pyotr), "Hee hee"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "I'm hoping my previous good sneak helps here"
[ussura] GM says (to Charles), "North? I dunno--you guys were uphill, they're going downhill."
[ussura] GM says, "Yeah, that previous sneak put you in a great spot."
Charles follows the group that's moving.
[ussura] GM asks, "The rest of you are watching Pyotr?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "yeah"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "it seems like he's got stuff under control"
[ussura] GM says, "OK--Pyotr, roll a straight attack."
[ussura] GM says, "Heh."
[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 6k3: 7 1 6 9 9 4 | 25
[ussura] Pyotr says, "(don't forget my +5)"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "((I always do, until I check my notes))"
[ussura] GM says, "That's a success--roleplay knocking him out."
Era tiptoes after Charles, sword at ready.
Pyotr gets right behind the bandit, and hits him on top of his head with the flat of his axe. The bandit immediately drops to the ground.
Pyotr jumps towards the other bandit.
GM says, "The other bandit scrambles to his feet. "Hey--""
Pyotr asks (of Raelynn), "Tie that one up, okay?"
[ussura] GM says, "And let's roll initiative."
Raelynn nods, Okay
[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 3 dice: 3 3 8
[7thsea] GM rolls 3 dice: 7 7 9
Sebastien comes out, hand on sword, once Pyotr knocks out the first guy.
Sebastien sees Pyotr is doing fine and doesn't actually draw yet, though
[ussura] Charles asks, "Should I bother with init?"
GM says, "3's beat 7's--go ahead Pyotr."
Raelynn takes the rope out of Pyotr's pack and binds the bandits wrists and ankles together, and then ties him to a tree
Pyotr tries to knock out this one, too.
[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 6k3: 4 3 8 9 8 1 | 25
[ussura] GM says, "Nah, we'll get to the other group next."
Pyotr hits, and the other bandit quickly joins the first.
Raelynn wrinkles her nose. "These guys stink."
Raelynn says, "i am surprised we didn't smell them before we heard them"
bandit says, "urk--"
Pyotr says (to Raelynn), "We came from upwind, luckily for you."
Pyotr smacks the tied bandit until he wakes up.
Pyotr asks (of bandit), "So, and how are you today? Enjoying the weather?"
Pyotr *smack*
GM says (to Charles&Era), "The group you're following goes down the hill, and you see eventually that they're coming to a more highly-travelled path."
bandit shakes his head. "WhaWhoHuh?"
Raelynn looks at the bandit, and then to pyotr
GM says (to C&E), "Both of you roll perception."
Raelynn says (to Pyotr), "(loudly) now you better be nice. Just because you are Pyotr the Horrible, Pyotr the Murderer, Pyotr the Terrifying doesn't mean you can just go around beating people up"
Pyotr says (to Bandit), "I just have a few questions. After you answer, we'll be nice and go away."
bandit's eyes widen.
Raelynn says (to Pyotr), "you have to at least be polite or people won't cooperate"
Pyotr says, "If you don't answer, well, we'll go away without being nice."
[7thsea] Era rolls 3k2: 2 4 3 | 7
[ussura] Era says, "sigh"
Pyotr asks, "First, where are we?"
[ussura] GM says (to Pyotr), "Hmm, roll perception yourself."
[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 3k2: 1 8 2 | 10
[7thsea] Charles rolls 4k3: 8 10+2 3 2 | 23
[ussura] Pyotr says, "plus drama"
[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 1 die: 8
Raelynn stands behind Pyotr to avoid the stink
GM says (to Pyotr), "The bandit inhales deeply..."
Raelynn says, "(of the bandit, not that pyotr is any less fragrant)"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] Era says, "chuckle"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "hee"
bandit exclaims, "Heeeeeelp!"
Pyotr asks (of bandit), "Now who's going to come help you?"
Pyotr *smack*
Pyotr's hand falls to his axe.
[ussura] GM says (to Charles), "There seems to be two fellows sleeping just off the road down there."
Raelynn says (to bandit), "forgive him. He hasn't learned manners in all the time I've been trying to teach him. I think he just got too used to killing off children with a glare"
[ussura] Charles asks, "Are the bandits heading towards them, or passing them?"
[ussura] Charles asks, "Also, what do they look like?"
Raelynn says, "yeah, in the last village, these two orphan beggar children went up to Pyotr to ask for a hunk of bread, and the next thing I know, they dropped dead after he clapped his hands together"
bandit exclaims, "Iakym! Ian! Heeeelp!"
[ussura] Pyotr says (to charles), "there's only six of them"
Pyotr asks (of bandit), "I do not have all day. WIll you answer my questions?"
[ussura] GM says (to Charles), "They're heading down towards them, fanning themselves out a bit."
[ussura] Pyotr asks (of gm), "can I do an intimidate roll to make him talk?"
bandit cowers.
[ussura] Sebastien says (to Raelynn), "hee hee"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "I think I have him pretty intimidated :-)"
GM says (to Pyotr), "Sure."
[ussura] Raelynn asks (of rae), "what, i haven't been doing enough?"
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "what do I roll?"
[ussura] Pyotr says (to raelynn), "you've been great"
[ussura] Raelynn says, "er pyotr"
[ussura] GM says, "I have no idea. Just a sec ;-)"
Charles sneaks up close enough to one of the bandits to whisper to him. "Hallo. Who are those two there?"
[ussura] Charles asks, "I take it the two are unfamiliar fops, and not Alix?"
[ussura] GM says (to Charles), "Now that you mention it, the two of them look remarkably like Alix and Sebastien."
[ussura] Charles says, "Oho."
ThreeofSix whirls around. "What the--"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "man, I knew mystical eggs were a bad idea"
Charles raises his hand to his mouth. "Shh -- you don't want them to hear you."
[ussura] GM says (to charles), "Hmm, roll something to try to outwit him."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "crikey"
[7thsea] Charles rolls 5k3: 4 6 6 8 2 | 20
[ussura] Charles says, "Oratory."
[ussura] GM says (to Pyotr), "And you, roll straight resolve for intimidate."
[ussura] Pyotr asks (of gm), "do I get a bonus from my negative reputation?"
[7thsea] ThreeofSix rolls 3k3: 1 10+2 7 | 20
Charles says, "If they get away because you're shouting at me, you'll be to blame."
[ussura] GM says (to Pyotr), "You can use your reputation dice, sure."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "cool"
[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 4k3: 7 6 4 1 | 17
Pyotr stares at the bandit and taps his axe handle.
[ussura] Charles asks, "Does a tie mean reroll?"
[ussura] GM asks (of Charles), "A contested roll goes to the defender in a tie--want a drama die?"
[ussura] GM says, "Oh, er, ah."
[ussura] Charles says, "Aha. Yeah, I'll take one, if that's the case."
[7thsea] Charles rolls 1k1: 3 | 3
[7thsea] ThreeofSix rolls 1k1: 9 | 9
[ussura] Charles says, "Hey! :)"
[ussura] GM grins.
[ussura] GM asks, "Want another, or let that ride?"
[ussura] Charles says, "I don't trust myself to roll a six, so I'll let it go."
ThreeofSix bellows "I found their guard!"
[ussura] ThreeofSix says, "And we'll do initiative."
Charles says, "Bad move."
[7thsea] ThreeofSix rolls 3 dice: 10 6 10
Charles stabs the bandit.
[ussura] ThreeofSix says, "Oy."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "ha ha"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "that's why banditry never pays"
[ussura] ThreeofSix laughs.
[ussura] Pyotr says, "(and I should know!)"
[ussura] ThreeofSix says (to Era), "You roll initiative, too."
[7thsea] Charles rolls 3 dice: 10 10 7
[ussura] ThreeofSix says, "Wow."
[ussura] Charles asks, "Darn -- since my attack was in response to his comment, does it come before init, or should I wait for it?"
[7thsea] Era rolls 3 dice: 10 9 2
[ussura] Pyotr says, "man, 10 is busy"
[ussura] ThreeofSix says, "Since he wasn't surprised, you gotta wait for it."
[ussura] ThreeofSix says, "Unless you had combat reflexes or whatnot."
[ussura] ThreeofSix says, "But first, Era goes."
[ussura] GM says, "(era does indeed have combat reflexses, so:)"
[7thsea] Era rolls 1 die: 2
[ussura] Era says, "so I go twice on 2? hm."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "yeah"
[7thsea] Era rolls 6k3: 10+5 3 7 1 5 10+10+2 | 44
[ussura] Sebastien says, "lordy"
[ussura] GM says, "That there's a hit."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] GM says, "(you have to declare beforehand if you want two)"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "wow"
[ussura] GM says, "Also, you're near a different one than Charles's."
[ussura] GM says, "(And you knock one out of commission--go ahead and rp)"
Era's sword whistles through the air, cleanly parting the bandit's head from his body.
[ussura] GM says, "(also, belated, did I miss Pyotr's intimidate roll?)"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "I got a 17"
[ussura] GM says (to Era), "And you get to go again--raise to get more than one."
[ussura] GM asks (of Pyotr), "OK, that's a success--what was your question?"
[ussura] Era says, "'k this time with a raise"
[7thsea] Era rolls 6k3: 10+2 1 3 2 10+3 4 | 29
[ussura] GM says, "And indeed! That's another two."
Pyotr asks (of bandit), "I'll ask once more: where are we?"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "I wanted to start easy :-)"
Era's sword almost seems an extension of her body, as another two heads roll.
bandit asks, "Uh, Somojez?"
Pyotr asks, "Ah, good. And who are yours friends?"
bandit says, "Iakym is our leader, if that's what you wanted to know."
[ussura] ThreeofSix asks, "And now, 6?"
ThreeofSix attacks Charles.
Pyotr says, "I was more interested in what you're doing way out here."
[7thsea] ThreeofSix rolls 4k3: 8 10+3 6 5 | 27
[ussura] ThreeofSix says, "Wow, that's a hit."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "ouch"
[ussura] Charles says, "Indeed."
[ussura] Sebastien | http://www.shakaar.demon.co.uk/roleplay/7thsea/maps/ussura1.htm
[ussura] ThreeofSix asks, "Unless you wanted to active defend?"
Raelynn is writing everything the bandit and Pyotr says in this interrogation like a good court stenographer,
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "er, here, I guess"
[ussura] Charles says, "Nah. I can take it."
[7thsea] ThreeofSix rolls 3k2: 2 4 4 | 8
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "so I take it the egg has successfully moved us"
[7thsea] Charles rolls 3k3: 9 1 8 | 18
Raelynn draws the bandit and Pyotr towering over him while she's at it
ThreeofSix stabs through Charles' jerkin, but manages to miss anything major.
Raelynn adds flames shooting out from Pyotr's eyes, too
Charles ignore the scratch and stabs the bandit.
[7thsea] Charles rolls 6k3: 1 3 5 4 4 3 | 13
[ussura] ThreeofSix says, "Meanwhile, two others attack Era."
[7thsea] Charles rolls 1k1: 1 | 1
[ussura] Charles says, "Bah."
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "or, wait -- the transcript says he wanted to go to Breslau"
[ussura] ThreeofSix says, "Aww."
[7thsea] Charles rolls 1k1: 3 | 3
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "yeah"
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "so if we're in Somojez we've ended up in the wrong side of Ussura"
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "I blame Alixandre"
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "right"
[ussura] Charles stops there, hoping he's only TN 15.
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "I am guessing Matushka put us where she wanted us"
[ussura] ThreeofSix says, "Oh, sure."
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "that pesky Matushka"
[ussura] ThreeofSix says, "(you decommision him--you can rp it)"
[Crows-Nest] Era exclaims, "Had I less faith, I would think she wished us harm!"
[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "bad egg! it's time for an omlet!"
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "heh"
Charles sticks the blade in below his ribcage, and shakes his head sadly as the bandit falls to the ground.
Charles says, "I warned you to be quiet."
GM says, "Meanwhile, the two attacking Era:"
[7thsea] ThreeofSix rolls 4k3: 2 3 1 9 | 14
[7thsea] ThreeofSix rolls 6k3: 9 8 4 5 6 1 | 23
[ussura] Charles says, "(Sorry about stepping on their toes: I'd forgotten that they'd all act on the same phase.)"
Iakym's cohort stabs ineffectively, but Iakym slips past her defenses.
[ussura] GM says, "That's OK."
[ussura] GM says, "It's moot, since the others are dealing with Era."
[ussura] GM asks, "Also, Era just stepped out for a sec ;-) Any more questions from Pyotr?"
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "I was asking what they were doing out here, what they want"
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "lac"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "I was asking what they were doing out here, what they want"
[7thsea] Iakym rolls 4k2: 5 7 2 3 | 12
[ussura] Raelynn says, "i guess he wasn't intimidated"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "(also, we have 10 minutes left)"
[7thsea] Era rolls 3k2: 6 7 6 | 13
[ussura] Iakym says (to Era), "That's 12 damage, roll 3k2 for wound check."
[ussura] Iakym says, "And you succeed."
bandit says, "We're just poor travellers, trying to get by. We have to take from those more fortunate than us sometimes..."
[ussura] bandit says, "(heh, sorry)"
Pyotr says, "Bah, do not lie to me."
Pyotr *SMACK*
bandit exclaims, "Ow!"
Pyotr says, "I can see you are no use to me."
Pyotr says (to Raelynn,Sebastien), "Let's go find the others. Maybe the wolves will cut this fool free before they eat him. Or maybe not."
[ussura] Iakym says, "Phase 9! Era, you have two guys atacking you, one clearly more experienced than the other."
Raelynn draws a picture of the bandit dangling over a pit of crocodiles
[ussura] Pyotr says (to rae), "hee hee"
[ussura] Sebastien says (to Pyotr,Raelynn), "hee hee"
Raelynn says, "(oddly enough, the crocodiles sort of resemble pyotr)"
Sebastien shrugs.
bandit exclaims, "What do you want to know? Aaaa!"
Sebastien asks (of bandit), "I don't suppose you have a spare handkerchief?"
Era lunges at the more experienced swordsman.
[7thsea] Era rolls 6k3: 4 1 10+3 4 7 9 | 29
Pyotr asks (of Bandit), "Who sent you here? Who do you work for?"
[ussura] GM says, "That's a success--roll damage."
[7thsea] Era rolls 4k2: 7 5 6 6 | 13
Raelynn asks (of Pytor), "can i use my knife and draw pictures on his skin?"
Raelynn says, "i am running out of paper"
bandit exclaims, "Sent? We live here! I work for Iakym!"
Pyotr says (to Raelynn), "You're the artiste."
bandit exclaims, "We live as we can!"
Era's sword-tip briefly appears on the wrong side of the bandits shoulder, as he is skewered like a festival boar.
[7thsea] Iakym rolls 2k2: 8 1 | 9
Pyotr says (to Bandit), "Well, you'll die as you can, too."
Pyotr places the bandit's knife just out of reach.
bandit exclaims, "Don't hurt me!"
Raelynn asks (of bandit), "what are you doing for Iakym?"
bandit exclaims, "I mean, don't hurt me any more than you already have!"
Pyotr says, "You might be able to reach that before the wolves come. Good luck."
Raelynn asks, "are you on a job?"
Pyotr heads after Charles.
[7thsea] Iakym rolls 1k1: 7 | 7
Iakym is stunned by the force of Era's blow, but manages to soldier on.
[ussura] Iakym says, "And, phase 10."
[ussura] Charles says, "I think I have the highest init total, so..."
[ussura] Iakym asks, "You both have 10 10, right?"
[ussura] Charles says, "7 10 10 versus 6 10 10."
[ussura] Iakym says, "I originally thought the passed phases' dice went away."
[ussura] Iakym asks, "Am I wrong?"
[ussura] Charles says, "Ah, hmm. I can try looking it up after."
[ussura] Charles says, "But you're the GM, so."
[ussura] Charles asks, "Simultaneous?"
[ussura] Iakym says, "Eh, go ahead and go first. we'll alternate after that."
Charles tries to finish off the last underling.
[7thsea] Charles rolls 6k3: 7 2 4 5 5 6 | 18
Iakym's underling falls back into the snow.
Iakym exclaims, "Yarr!"
Iakym continues to attack Era.
[7thsea] Iakym rolls 6k3: 10+5 10+2 6 9 1 10+9 | 46
[ussura] Pyotr says, "ow"
[7thsea] Iakym rolls 4k2: 9 6 3 2 | 15
[ussura] Era asks, "wow, did this guy just behead me?"
[ussura] Iakym says, "No, just did another 15 flesh wounds."
[ussura] Era says, "yowsa"
[ussura] Iakym says, "Roll 3k2 to defend."
[ussura] Iakym says, "Or, that's your strength check."
[ussura] Charles checks. "You are correct about initiative, BTW. My apologies."
[ussura] Iakym says, "To see if it's a dramatic."
[ussura] Iakym says (to Charles), "Aha ;-)"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "you check initiative totals then compare finesse"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "but maybe you have the same finesse"
[ussura] Charles says, "Mmhmm."
[7thsea] Era rolls 3k2: 9 4 8 | 17
[ussura] Iakym says, "With the flesh wounds from last time, that's a dramatic wound. Go ahead and roleplay it, if you like."
Iakym presses his advantage, and attacks again.
[7thsea] Iakym rolls 6k3: 4 7 6 10+10+1 10+8 5 | 46
[ussura] Iakym says, "Oy1"
[7thsea] Iakym rolls 4k2: 7 10+5 10+2 5 | 27
[ussura] Iakym blinks.
[ussura] Sebastien says, "goodness"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "okay, we're about to go"
[ussura] Sebastien says (to Iakym), "quit using Raelynn's dice"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "we're heading to join the group,l then auto-pyotr and auto-rae"
[ussura] Sebastien exclaims (at Pyotr,Raelynn), "bye!"
[ussura] Raelynn asks, "are we done with bandit stuff? or would our going lead us to miss anything?"
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "anything else you need from us?"
[ussura] Charles says, "I wonder where we'll find a doctor out here."
[ussura] Raelynn says (to Sebastien), "hee hee"
[ussura] GM says, "Sigh, sara took off again."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "bye all"
[ussura] Charles asks, "Need someone to roll 3k2?"
Pyotr has disconnected.
Pyotr goes home.
[ussura] Charles waves to P and R.
[ussura] GM exclaims (at Pyotr&Raelynn), "OK, see you in two weeks! If indeed we decide to do this again in two weeks!"
[ussura] GM says, "I'll let her do it."
Raelynn goes home.
[7thsea] Era rolls 3k2: 1 6 6 | 12
[ussura] Iakym says, "Oh, and Charles gets one more attack."
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "erf, is that two dramatics?"
Charles says (to Iakym), "Your men don't know when to keep their mouths shut."
[ussura] Iakym says, "Yeah, that's a second dramatic."
[7thsea] Charles rolls 6k3: 4 5 10+9 4 5 7 | 31
[ussura] Era says, "yup. I'm 'bout dead."
[ussura] Sebastien says (to Era), "well, you have 2xresolve wounds"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "you just start suffering penalties after resolve wounds"
[ussura] Iakym says (to Era), "Yeah, you're 1/8 dead."
[7thsea] Charles rolls 4k2: 5 7 5 1 | 12
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"
[ussura] Era says, "(re-checks resolve) or maybe not dead, just walking wounded. :-)"
[7thsea] Iakym rolls 2k2: 8 1 | 9
[ussura] Iakym says (to Charles), "And that's the coup-de-grace."
Charles slashes Iakym across the face; blood runs freely.
(From GM) **snore**
Charles doesn't bother waiting for Iakym to fall down before going to check on the fops.
GM says (to Charles), "And indeed, they're the ones snoring."
GM says, "About this time, the rest of the group catches up with you."
Era digs bandages and the last of the salve from her backbackp.
Charles kicks Sebastien awake. "Are you you, or someone else?"
Sebastien-lookalike gets jostled, but remains sleeping.
Era says (to Raelynn), "Would you mind helping me? Some of these wounds are rather awkward."
Sebastien comes walking in with Raelynn and Pyotr.
Sebastien exclaims, "gracious! Lady Kharkov is all over blood!"
Charles says (to Sebastien), "Put your hands where I can see them."
Era says (to Sebastien), "Much of it belonged to someone else, I assure you."
Sebastien asks (of Era), "I should hope -- er?"
Charles says, "And don't make any sudden moves until you can explain who that is on the ground."
Sebastien says, "that seems a trifle unfair - I believe I have prior rights to being myself, and it is he who should have to explain himself"
Sebastien carefully circles over to regard the two on the ground.
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "do they really look like us?"
Charles says, "I'd be asking him the same questions, if you weren't such a sound sleeper."
GM says (to Sebastien), "They do indeed look very like you, though the Sebastien looks more disheveled than you like to keep yourself. The clothes they are wearing are the same clothes you had with you on your trip to Ussura."
Sebastien says, "goodness"
Sebastien says, "wait a minute"
Sebastien bends over and rifles the man's pockets for a handkerchief.
Charles quickly glances around to check for extra Raelynn's before putting his attention back on the Sebastiens.
[ussura] GM exclaims (at Charles), "Yay!"
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "(Minus the apostrophe.)"
GM says (to Sebastien), "Yup, there it is."
Sebastien says, "aHA"
Charles says, "Where I can *see them*, I said."
Sebastien puts it away carefully in his pocket.
Sebastien exclaims, "this was an emergency!"
Sebastien says, "I would estimate that this appears to be our semblances as we were on our trip here"
GM says (to Sebastien), "Man, you thought that handkerchief was gone forever."
Charles asks, "Does anyone have smelling salts?"
Sebastien says, "I admit this is somewhat confusing"
Charles says, "Or barring that, a spare waterskin."
Sebastien says, "in Pyotr's interrogations, the man reported that we were in Somojez"
Era asks (of Sebastien), "Might we borrow your smelling salts, please?"
Sebastien says (to Era), "ah, yes, of course"
[ussura] Charles says, "Oh dear."
Sebastien removes them from his pouch and hands them over.
Sebastien says, "it is always good to be prepared, as they told us in the diplomatic corps"
Era & Raelynn are almost through patching Era back together.
Charles says, "Who but Matushka knows its spread..."
Sebastien-lookalike fails to awaken, even upon liberal use of smelling salts, shouts, and shaking.
Charles says, "...and who but Matushka dare change it."
Sebastien says, "hmm"
Sebastien says, "perhaps he would awaken if I were to sleep"
Era says, "I suspect he is spelled."
Sebastien says, "in the interests of science, I will take a nap"
Charles asks, "How about Alix?"
Sebastien unrolls his blanket on the ground and lies down
Era says, "Rodk-a-bye baby, in the tree top . . .When the wind blows, the cradle will rock . . . ."
GM says (to Sebastien), "As you spread out the blanket, something long and spindly steps on the corner. You look up to see the egg, once again."
Sebastien says, "great scott"
Sebastien says, "if this was all a dream and I have not received an additional handkerchief, I will be sorely disappointed when I awake"
[ussura] Charles says, "Hee."
Sebastien says, "are we supposed to climb inside once more? this certainly appears to be the roundabout way"
Era says, "If Matushka wishes us to relocate, I suppose we had best do so."
Sebastien asks, "is it open again?"
Charles asks, "Should we bring these two with us?"
Charles says, "We are short one Alixandre."
GM says (to Sebastien), "As you ask the question, the door opens."
Charles says, "Although I don't know that we need a spare Sebastien. One is more than plenty."
Sebastien says (to egg), "that is convenient! I am sorry I rapped you"
Sebastien looks inside the egg to see if anything's different
GM says (to Sebastien), "it looks much the same as before."
Sebastien says, "well, Alixandre isn't inside"
Sebastien says, "I expect these two will do fine as it is -- I hate to wake them"
Charles says, "If we made haste east right now, we might make it to Sredbirskyoye before Devoe leaves."
Sebastien says, "handsome, though"
Era climbs inside the egg once again.
Sebastien says, "I think the egg awaits"
Sebastien borrows a sheet of paper and quill from Raelynn, scribbles a quick note, and tucks it into his pocket, then climbs into the egg
[ussura] Sebastien says, "(his = the sleeper's, that is)"
[ussura] GM asks (of Sebastien), "What does it say?"
Charles gets in after everyone else, after taking one last look outside.
GM says, "And at that, the egg takes off again."
[ussura] Sebastien says, ""Sorry about the handkerchief, but it is for the good of Montaigne - PS When the Avalonian punches you, duck""
[ussura] GM exclaims, "Yay!"
[ussura] Charles says, "Ha."
GM throws a drama die to Sebastien.
GM says, "And, while I'm at it:"
GM throws a drama die to Era for the fight, to Charles for his suspicion, and to Pyotr and Raelynn for the interrogation.
[ussura] Era says, "sweet"
[ussura] Charles says, "Poor Alix."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"
GM says, "Once again, the egg takes off, moving faster and faster across the landscape."
Sebastien says, "I could see this mode of transport becoming quite the fashion"
Sebastien says, "although perhaps with some more -- oof -- cushioning"
GM says, "It rattles and shakes as it goes faster and faster, and eventually is rattling so hard your teeth feel like they're about to fall out."
Charles says, "Careful; that's my pack you just fell on."
GM says, "*Still* it goes faster, the scenery a blur, until..."
Sebastien says, "erf"
Sebastien says, "if it's any consolation, it just fell on me"
(From GM) --blinding light
GM says, "...and you're standing in a well-furnished room."
Sebastien rubs his eyes with his new-found handkerchief.
[ussura] GM asks, "Er, what's the 'Paris' Thean equivalent?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "Charouse"
[ussura] GM says, "There we go."
GM says, "Out the window, those of you familiar with Charouse recognise the skyline."
Sebastien says, "gracious me"
GM says, "There's a harpsichord in one corner, and several divans and the like."
Sebastien says, "I believe we are home"
GM says, "Through an open archway, you hear talking in the next room."
Sebastien stops to listen.
[ussura] Charles asks, "Is Charouse where Above/Below happened?"
[ussura] Charles says, "(Probably not -- I should check a log...)"
GM says, "...No, 'aaaah', back of the throat." "..aaaay" "Closer! 'aaaah'""
[ussura] GM says, "I don't believe so."
[ussura] GM says, "But we can say you stopped by on your way before or after if you like."
[ussura] Sebastien says, ""Dore", it appears"
GM says, "The voices seem to belong to a young man and an even younger girl."
Sebastien murmurs "Ah, diction coaches"
Charles asks, "Is he hurting her?"
GM asks (of Charles), "You look in on them?"
Sebastien says, "no, no, merely training the vocal chords -- no doubt it will be "moses supposes his toeses are roses" next"
Charles was just asking Sebastien.
Sebastien says, "look for yourself"
GM says (to Charles), "Oh, right."
Charles says, "I do believe we were closer to our destination in Somojez."
Era looks about with interest.
Charles says, "If we continue much further west, we may fall off the edge of Theah into the seventh sea."
[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee"
Sebastien says, "I would guess this is another scene Matushka desires to show us for some reason"
Sebastien peeks in through the archway
GM says (to Sebastien), "Gracious--it's Louis! And a small young girl with violet eyes."
Charles looks around. Is there a Louis with us still?
Charles looks for Raelynn, Pyotr, Era, etc. as well.
Louis says, "I... remember this place."
Charles asks, "From how long ago?"
Era says (to Louis), "What was happening then? I wouldn't think we are about to be beset by bandits - more likely beset by butlers."
[ussura] GM says, "Everyone but Alix are still with you."
GM asks, "Maybe--eight years ago?"
Gunther arrives, looking for booty.
[ussura] GM says, "Er, window)"
Louis asks, "Maybe--eight years ago?"
[7thsea] * Gunther has joined the channel.
[ussura] * Gunther has joined the channel.
Louis says, "If this is the day I remember, it would have been, late august, I think."
Sebastien says, "I wonder if there is time to find a bathing-house before we are forced to return"
Charles asks (of Louis), "Where was Lavache then?"
GM says, "As Louis speaks, your surroundings *shimmer* slightly, and a breath of fall air blows in to the room."
Louis says, "This was before I met Lavache."
Charles says, "I have to find him."
[ussura] Charles asks, "Is the only exit to where the voices came from?"
[ussura] GM says (to There's), "another door in the room."
[ussura] GM says, "Er."
[ussura] GM asks, "Hmm, for timing--how long ago did your father die?"
Charles opens the other door, and if it's an exit, uses it.
[ussura] Charles says, "'66"
[ussura] Charles asks, "Is it '69 back in Sredsplatye?"
GM says (to Charles), "It's a closet."
Sebastien glances into the closet. Any clean linens?
[ussura] GM says, "My book ays '68 on it, so, sure, '69."
Charles goes to the door where the voices were and looks in, muttering as he crosses the room "...it may not be too late..."
GM says, "About that time, the voices stop. "What was that?" asks the then-Louis."
then-Louis says (to his_charge), "My dear, I... have a bad feeling about this."
Charles shakes his head. No point in being stopped before he starts.
Charles tries the window.
then-Louis says, "Come."
GM says (to Charles), "You open the dwindow and look down. Below is... hazy. The landscape seems to shimmer, and shrubbery appears and disappears below you."
Sebastien looks out the window also.
Sebastien says, "it didn't seem like it would be that easy"
[ussura] Charles asks, "Is there anything to climb?"
[ussura] Charles says, "Ledges, trellises, etc."
Sebastien says (to Charles), "if we were able to change the past we would no longer be here to do it, you know"
GM says (to Sebastien), "The view is solid straight out hte window, but wavers as you look around the edges."
Era says (to Sebastien), "You surprise me, sir."
GM says, "From the other room, you hear sounds of then-Louis and the girl getting to their feet."
Sebastien shrugs. "Perhaps I'm wrong."
Era says, "I would have thought a man of your . . preoccupations . . . would not pursue the philosophical."
[ussura] GM says (to Era), "Hee hee"
Charles says (to Sebastien), "I do not care to be here any longer than necessary, if it means I will be back on my father's ship."
Sebastien says, "I am not sure what you are implying -- surely one must decide whether the word creates the thought or the thought creates the word before one decides what sash to wear for dinner"
Charles starts trying to climb down, ignoring the unreality of the ground below.
Sebastien says, "it would be doubly embarrassing to make a philological error as well as a fashion one"
then-Louis enters the room, the young girl in tow.
Sebastien bows to Louis. "Good day, sir."
Era says, "Well, the word in this slice of the universe did not utter the entire creation into being. I'm not sure about your sash."
then-Louis seems to not notice Sebastien at all, and heads straight for the closet.
Sebastien asks (of Charles's back), "see?"
GM says (to Charles), "Go ahead and roll a climbing check."
then-Louis opens the closet, says, "We're going to play a little game. Let's see how quiet we can be. Got it?"
Sebastien asks (of Louis), "but we are missing the point here -- what are we here to see?"
[7thsea] Charles rolls 5k3: 6 3 10+2 10+1 4 | 29
then-Louis enters the closet and closes the door.
GM says (to Charles), "You succeed in climbing down, though it's more like climbing rigging than a wall. Once you land in the gardens below, the ground pitches and rolls like the waves."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "awesome"
Era says, "I suspect then-Louis may be creating future-Louis'es, perhaps? He seems a bit young, though."
Louis asks (of Sebastien), "I can't say. I have wondered that very question myself--what was it that happened, that day?"
Sebastien asks (of Louis), "why did you hide?"
Charles looks back up at the window.
Sebastien asks (of Charles), "what do you see?"
Louis says, "I thought--I didn't know. Intuition, perhaps. I do know that--"
GM says, "At that, you hear the door slam open in the other room."
harsh_voice asks, "Anyone here?"
Sebastien says, "(quietly) let us hope our invisibility holds"
Sebastien steps forward and peeks into the other room.
Charles moves toward the docks, using what he learned at sea to keep his balance.
[ussura] GM says, "Um , what's the Versailles equivalent? I really should have looked this up before hand ;-)"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "Chateau du Soleil, maybe"
GM says (to Sebastien), "As you look into the next room, the door is open, and you can hear a voice, but it doesn't seem to be coming from anywhere."
harsh_voice says, "Better check anyway..."
harsh_voice moves through the room, and various things are knocked about.
Sebastien . o O ( a third traveller, perhaps? )
Sebastien stays out of the way of the things, trying to remember if the voice is familiar at all.
GM says (to Charles), "As you leave, you realize that you were at the Chateau do Soleil, an area of town you didn't get to much. But as you try to head towards the areas of town you *did* know, nothing looks familiar. The streets curve and twist, and keep leading back to the Chateau."
Charles looks for a passerby to accost.
GM says, "The voice mutters to itself as it crosses the room, and finally makes it to the closet. The handle begins to turn..."
Sebastien pushes against the closet.
GM says (to Charles), "There's...nobody here. You can hear voices that sound like the patter of street merchants, but can find nobody to embody those voices."
GM says, "Another voice calls from the other room, excited. The first voice mutters, the handle snaps back shut, and the voice moves out of the room."
Charles exclaims, "Fishmonger! I hear you -- come out. Tell me the way to the navalyard!"
GM says (to Charles), "babble babble fish here! babble fresh! babble"
Sebastien follows the voice back.
Sebastien says, "Matushka certainly seem to be the indirect type -- she'd do well as the diplomat"
Charles says, "Not real... none of this... why Somojez, but not here..."
Charles, at a loss, follows the streets back to the only place they'll take him.
Louis says, "We must have waited an hour, silently."
Louis says, "After that..."
then_Louis opens the door cautiously.
Charles pounds on the front door of the Chateau.
Charles tries to open it, if no one responds.
GM says (to Charles), "You pound for a bit, then find yourself inside."
then_Louis says (to girl), "Tell nobody of what you heard today. Ever."
Charles barges through the halls, looking for servants, residents, anyone.
(From GM) --blinding light**
Sebastien says, "curse it all"
GM says, "And you're all where you were originally. Soft voices again come from through the archway."
Charles asks, "What is this nonsense?"
[ussura] GM says, "(Charles, you're back in the room with everyone else.)"
Charles opens the door to young Louis and the girl and walks in.
Charles asks (of Young Louis), "What is this place?"
[ussura] GM says (to Charles), "That's an open archway."
then_Louis says (to girl), "No, 'aaaah', back of the throat."
[ussura] Charles says, "Right. So skipping the opening part."
[ussura] Era says, "sounds like a Star Trek episode"
[ussura] Charles asks, "Can we see the girl?"
[ussura] GM says (to Charles), "Yes"
[ussura] Charles asks, "Also, if she were Raelynn, Raelynn would have told us, right?"
[ussura] GM says, "Raelynn does not remember this, right."
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "did Louis know Raelynn?"
Sebastien says, "they couldn't see us before"
[ussura] GM says, "However, she follows you into the room, and gasps. "She looks just like I did at that age!""
Charles asks, "Fleur?"
girl says (to Sebastien), "No, I didn't know Raelynn. But I did know Fleur. I was her tutor."
[ussura] girl says, "Oops."
Louis says (to Sebastien), "No, I didn't know Raelynn. But I did know Fleur. I was her tutor."
Sebastien says, "oho"
Era says, "So Matushka is using our look-alike selves to play roles in our history. I will be quite startled if I find myself facing, er, myself."
Charles asks, "It didn't occur to you to mention this at some point?"
Louis asks, "Um... no?"
Louis says, "I had tried to forget. After today, my fortunes changed."
Sebastien asks, "today? what are we going to see?"
Louis says, "Just what you did."
Era asks, "Changed for the better, I hope? How exactly did Fluer aid you? Or was it more indirect?"
[ussura] Charles says, "You know, if it weren't for Sebastien and Alix having confirmed that Devoe *was* supposed to be in Sred, I'd be getting very concerned about travelling all the way across the continent on this fellow's information."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"
Sebastien asks, "I don't understand -- we're here a second time to see the same thing?"
Louis says, "No, they changed for the worse."
Charles picks up a vase of flowers and upturns it over the other Louis' head.
Louis says, "A man of my station cannot do much better than tutor the daughter of a nobleman."
Louis exclaims, "Hey!"
Sebastien says (to Charles), "no wonder his fortunes changed for the worse -- you'll probably make him have caught the chills"
Charles says (to Louis), "It isn't your head, and none of this is real."
Louis cringes and the vase disappears just as Charles upends it.
Charles asks, "See?"
Louis blinks.
Sebastien exclaims, "I was certainly missing this handkerchief!"
Sebastien says, "although admittedly that could be explained by mere carelessness"
Louis says, "It's...exactly as I remember it."
Charles takes out one of his less favorite knives, and attempts to rend the apparition's jacket.
[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "to lose one handkerchief could be regarded as a misfortune..."
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "to lose many can only be regarded as diplomatic service beyond the call of duty"
GM says (to Charles), "Fwoosh"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Yay"
[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "or really having the hots for some guy"
Charles says (to Sebastien), "The ground in Somojez did not waver, and the bandits were not unseen and untouchable."
Sebastien says, "that's true"
then_Louis asks, "What was that?"
then_Louis turns to the door.
Sebastien says, "possibly we were intended to interfere there"
then_Louis says (to his_charge), "My dear, I... have a bad feeling about this."
then_Louis grabs Fleur's hand and walks back into the room you just left.
Charles says (to Sebastien), "Further, I seem to recall actually exiting the egg the first time."
Sebastien says, "true enough"
Charles says, "I might guess that we're still inside of it now."
Charles follows Louis into the closet.
Sebastien says, "but, regardless, we are apparently set to relive this until we have done whatever is required"
Sebastien says, "it is curious how the voices were invisible to us"
Sebastien says, "perhaps because Louis had no idea who they were"
Charles asks, "You think we're only seeing and hearing things Louis remembers?"
Sebastien asks (of Louis), "are you sure there are no details you recall? a scent? a stray sound?"
GM says (to Charles), "It's dark in here, but while the city was vague and etherial, everything in the closet is thrown into sharp relief."
Sebastien says (to Charles), "(though the keyhole) it might explain things"
GM says (to charles), "You can hear the pounding of Louis' heart, even."
Louis shakes his head. "I've spent eight years trying to forget! I don't want to remember this!"
Charles opens the door.
Sebastien says (to Louis), "whether you like it or not, I suspect that it is intimately tied to our time in the present"
GM says, "As he shouts, the scene shifts again to the beginning, with the voices coming in through the archway."
Sebastien asks (of Louis), "are you sure you knew nothing of Devoe or affairs in Gallenia until recently?"
Louis nods his head vigorously.
Sebastien asks, "then it must be something else -- but what?"
Louis says, "It was Lavache who seemed to have it in for me."
Sebastien says, "let us see"
Louis says, "When he attacked La Halcon, I even thought--"
Louis stops, looking at Charles.
Sebastien asks, "thought what? that he was after you?"
Louis nods, still looking at Charles.
then_Louis asks, "What was that?"
Charles says (to Louis), "Tell me everything."
then_Louis says (to his_charge), "My dear, I... have a bad feeling about this."
Louis exclaims, "I... I don't know!"
[Crows-Nest] (from Charles) GM <click> <copy> <click> <paste>
Charles asks, "Why did you believe Lavache had it in for you?"
Louis exclaims, "But after this day, politics changed in the palace, and I was out!"
Louis says, "I never saw Fleur again."
Louis looks with sad eyes at the young girl.
Sebastien asks, "politics changed how?"
Louis says, "I thought if I kept my head down, it would all blow over."
Charles asks, "What does Lavache have to do with what happened here?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "wait, I should know about the politics change"
[Crows-Nest] GM asks, "Want a politics roll?"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "channel"
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "yeah -- it looks like I have history or diplomacy as the closest relevant skills; what should I roll?"
[ussura] GM says, "Either's fine."
[ussura] GM says, "With, say, wits."
[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 4k3: 8 2 5 10+5 | 28
[ussura] GM says (to Sebastien), "Let's see, eight years ago. That was when the Heirophant disappeared, didn't he? And after that, sorcery seemed to come back into vogue in Montaigne."
Sebastien says, "of course -- foolish of me not to recall -- eight years ago was when the Hierophant vanished"
Sebastien says, "it sent the church into disarray"
[ussura] GM says, "Various nobles were ousted, mostly the ones who had disapproved of it. But not all--L'Empereur used the opportunity to consolidate his power base."
Sebastien says, "and ripples through the nobility"
Sebastien says, "in Castille the Inquisition works with none to answer to"
Sebastien says, "Raelynn said the people who confused her with Fleur thought she stole something; perhaps this is what's being sought now"
Louis says (to charles), "Lavache is part of the inner circle of nobles that L'Empereur drew around him at that time--the same group that surrounds him today."
Louis says, "I didn't want to know, didn't want to think about what I might have..."
then_Louis asks, "What was that?"
then_Louis says (to his_charge), "My dear, I... have a bad feeling about this."
Gunther disappears through an invisible gap in the MUD. You think you may have heard the sounds of chatting before the gap closed again.
Sebastien says (to Louis), "about what? about what you might have overheard? wrack your brains, man, this is vital"
GM says, "As Louis scrunches up his forehead, things slow down to a stop around you, then reverse."
then_Louis says, "?taht saw tahW""
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
Era says, "However, it does seem as though you will have help - we will re-live these moments in your life until Matushka's will is complete."
GM says, "Then things move forward once again."
Sebastien asks (of Louis), "now think -- what was the first noise you heard? someone at the door?"
faint_voice exclaims, "power ... stop ... dead!"
(From faint_voice) thumpthumpthumpthump
then_Louis says, "What wa--"
Sebastien asks, "running feet? or someone hitting the door?"
Louis says, "That was it."
Era asks, "What?"
Louis walks to the door, and opens it.
GM says, "The door opens onto a long spiral staircase that extends both up and down."
Era says, "Maybe we can see other scenes, depending on which way we go on the stairs."
Sebastien asks (of Louis), "is this what you remember too?"
Louis says (to Era), "Those are the actual stairs outside this room."
Louis says, "That voice must have come from the staircase."
Sebastien asks, "do you remember what's up the staircase?"
Sebastien asks, "was that where the Hierophant was staying?"
Louis says, "I didn't think I understood the words, but maybe I just didn't want to understand the words."
Louis says, "He was to see L'Empereur that day, but I knew not where."
Charles asks, "What do you think they were?"
faint_voice exclaims, "...you may have the power now, but soon it will matter not. Not even you can stop me, because you will be dead!"
Sebastien asks, "the hierophant? which way is that from? up or down?"
GM says (to Sebastien), "Down,you think."
Sebastien hurries down the stairs.
Sebastien exclaims, "come on! try and remember more!"
Louis follows.
Louis says, "I didn't see this, but from what I heard, perhaps..."
GM says, "You go down a complete turn, and see an image of L'Empereur, frozen in a haughty pose."
GM says, "Beneath him on the stairs, stands the (rather portly) Heirophant."
GM says, "The Heirophant tips over, and..."
GM says, "*thump*"
GM says, "*thump*"
GM says, "*thump*"
GM says, "*thump*"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha ha"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "oh man"
faint_voice asks, "What was that?"
[ussura] then_Louis says, "Arr, I meant, of course:"
then_Louis asks, "What was that?"
[ussura] Charles says, "Aw, I thought it was on purpose."
[ussura] Charles says, "Since we're downstairs now."
[ussura] GM says, "Hee, you're right."
L'Empereur turns, saying "*garble garble* nobody *garble* up. *garble* upstairs, too."
Sebastien says, "trying to eliminate all the witnesses, then"
Charles looks at Louis.
Louis looks fearfully back at Charles.
Sebastien says, "you're a lucky man, Louis"
Era exclaims, "He just murdered the Heirophant?!"
Sebastien says, "it seems likely"
Louis says, "Or miserable. I didn't *ask* to hear this."
Sebastien says, "they put about that he'd fallen ill, as I recall"
Charles says, "Not that anyone outside of Montaigne believed that story."
Sebastien shrugs. "He was an old man, and not in the best of health."
Sebastien says, "it was at least possible"
Era says, "Fallen ill, eh? That's the first I've heard ill as a euphamism for dead, I must say. Hmm."
Sebastien says (to Era), "it was quite common when Alixandre and I were stationed in Vodacce, I assure you"
Era shudders.
Sebastien says, "one time half the guests at dinner caught something -- very messy"
Sebastien asks, "but now what?"
Charles says, "There must be more, or we wouldn't still be here."
Sebastien says (to Louis), "do you remember anything else? it seems like this must be the end of it"
L'Empereur, meanwhile, has turned and gone down the stairs.
Louis asks, "Maybe while I was in the closet?"
Era exclaims, "Empereur!"
Charles asks, "If the Emperor went downstairs, who was upstairs with you?"
Era says, "Drat, of course he can't hear me."
Sebastien asks, "his guards? or someone else who was with him?"
GM says, "The scene *shifts* again, and you're all in the closet."
Sebastien says, "in the closet? what a peculiar place to find oneself"
harsh_voice says, "..somewhere in here..."
Charles mutters. "For the first time I am grateful for your kind's need of expansive space for storing linens and clothing."
Charles says, "Or this would be an even tighter fit than it is."
Sebastien says, "true enough"
Sebastien says, "perhaps Alixandre couldn't come because he wouldn't fit in the closet"
harsh_voice says, "...what's he's going to do with Montegue, that's what I want to know. Send him off on some misbegotten conquest, most likely..."
[ussura] Era says, "Does the back of the closet open onto a snowy wood? Oh wait, wrong tale. . . ."
Charles tries to look through the keyhole without stepping on or elbowing anyone.
[ussura] GM says, "Heh."
Era removes her foot from under Charles' boot.
GM says (to Charles), "Once again, the harsh voice is disembodied, presumably since Louis never looked out to see."
GM says, "And at that,"
(From GM) --blinding light**
GM says, "...and you're all back in the egg again."
GM says, "And, </scene>"
[ussura] Charles says, "That was definitely something."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "yeah, wow"
[ussura] GM says, "As the clock strikes 5."
[ussura] GM says, "W00t."
[ussura] GM says, "That actually played out roughly like I had it in my head. One of the first scenes to do so, I think ;-)"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] Charles says, "I am a little confused about the historical chronology, though. I think our history is slightly different from the book's."
[ussura] GM says, "Probably--I didn't try to match stuff up exactly."
[ussura] GM asks, "Was there something in particular you need retconned?"
[ussura] Charles says, "Nothing particular to my character."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "well, in the book the hierophant died two years ago, not eight"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I think"
[ussura] Charles says, "Although I'm curious who declared war officially in this timeline, if the Herophant was dead."
[ussura] GM asks, "Declared war?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "the hierophant is the equivalent of the pope"
[ussura] GM says, "Right."
[ussura] Era says, "bath time for El Nino - I'm off."
[ussura] Charles says, "Then the church sent an army to march on Charouse, after the King started being open about sorcery."
[ussura] Sebastien exclaims (at Era), "good game!"
[ussura] Charles says, "Er, when, not then."
[ussura] Era says, "see you guys in a couple of weeks - being transplanted all over was neat. :-)"
[ussura] GM says (to Era), "Yay"
Era has disconnected.
[ussura] Sebastien says, "it looks like the castille invasion was *before* the hierophant died"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "and it was pushed by the high inquisitor"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "and the hierophant went out to montaigne to try and repair relations"
[ussura] Charles says (to Sebastien), "Right, yeah."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "(the invasion was as a result of l'empereur openly allowing sorcery)"
[ussura] Charles says (to Sebastien), "I thought the invasion of Castille was after Montaigne had already fended off the church."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "sorry, I meant the invasion *by* castille"
[ussura] Charles says, "Oh, right."
[ussura] Charles says, "Aha -- hcecking the book, it looks like High Inquisitor Verdugo was actually responsible for the invasion anyway."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "the hierophant died very shortly after Montegue's stand where he invented the shooting thing"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "yeah"
[ussura] Charles says, "So whether or not the Heirophant was still alive then isn't that relevant anyway."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "yeah"
[ussura] GM says, "Hey, passive ret-conning is the best."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "well, I think it all works out"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "except possibly the dates in our personal timeline, since this is supposedly two years ago by the books"
[ussura] GM says, "Yeah, I mostly was setting things *based* on your personal timelines."
[ussura] GM says, "With a slight tweak for the fops."
[ussura] Charles says, "You've definitely got me wondering where we're going next."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "maybe to a scene with Montegue"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I'm not quite sure why the guy wants to get rid of him especially"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "and also not sure how this ties in with Devoe's stuff"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "since it seemed like he was working alone"
[ussura] GM resists the urge to comment and instead takes notes.
[ussura] Charles says, "If Lavache was one of the muckity noble mucks back then, then his officers might be more significant than one would normally expect."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "well, I should rephrase -- I think we know from the books that Montegue was popular with the people"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "but I don't know why l'empereur wants to get rid of him as a result of the hierophant"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "or if he wants to get rid of montegue so l'empereur can consolidate power in his absence"
[ussura] Charles says, "I meant that as a response to your second question, about Devoe."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "oh, aha, right"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hmm"
npc1 has disconnected.
[ussura] Charles says, "Also, I thought Montegue only became famous when the war happened."
npc2 has disconnected.
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I could believe that, say, Lavache told Devoe to stir up some trouble and gave him a lead"
[ussura] Sebastien says (to Charles), "yeah, but the castille war, not the ussuran one"
[ussura] Charles says, "But this is before either war."
[ussura] GM says, "Hmm."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "sorry, usign "the castille war" to mean "castille's invasion of montaigne" again"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "the hierophant showed up shortly after montegue held off the castillian forces and (presumably) got famous"
[ussura] Charles says, "(Also, as a half-Castillian, I prefer to think of that as the church (and in particular, the Inquisition) invading Montaigne -- the Montaignes choosing to attack poor, innocent Castille in retaliation was entirely inappropriate.)"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I'm not sure how religious I am now"
[ussura] Charles says (to Sebastien), "Except that we just saw that the Heirophant died six years before what you're referring to."
[ussura] Charles says, "So presumably, these peace talks did not actually happen."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "yeah, maybe"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "but Montaigne hasn't been invading Ussura for eight years -- that would be crazy"
[ussura] Charles says, "(The GM is free to correct me if I'm mistaken.)"
[ussura] Charles says (to Sebastien), "Right -- what I'm saying is that it appears the Heirophant died around '61ish, leading to Montaigne nobles feeling more free about admitting to sorcery, leading tot he King admitting it around '64, prompting the Inquisition to invade Montaigne in '66."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "oh aha"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ok, that makes sense"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "no, wait, it still doesn't"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "since they mentioned Montegue in 61"
[ussura] Charles says, "At which point Montegue became famous by defending Montaigne from the attack, and retaliated by attacking Castille (at which point Carlos Algun died), still around '66."
[ussura] Charles says (to Sebastien), "Right. But he's an upstart nobody at that point, which explains why the soldiers/guards/whatever talking about him don't like him."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hrm, maybe"
[ussura] Charles says, "(If your underling was the next Montegue, wouldn't you feel a bit threatened?)"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "well, yeah"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "this doesn't explain why they didn't invade ussura like they planned, but maybe Montegue was decoyed with some other stuff for a few years"
[ussura] Charles asks, "Didn't they invade Ussura after they finished invading Castille?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "right"
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "but, right, the guys at the death of the Hierophant mentioned sending Montegue off to Ussura, didn't they?"
[ussura] Charles says, "I thought they just mentioned sending him on some foolish conquest. But let me scroll back."
[ussura] Charles | harsh_voice says, "...what's he's going to do with Montegue, that's what I want to know. Send him off on some misbegotten conquest, most likely..."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "oh, whoops"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "guess I just automatically filled in Ussura"