npc2 has connected.
[vodacce] PerrySimm says, "Log on."
Niccolo exclaims, "Wait, that's not npc1!"
Niccolo exclaims, "That's Guard1 in a clever disguise!"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "some of the power in the building is off at the moment"
Guard2 says, "I think you have me confused with someone else."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "I am not quite sure how this works"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hrm, or I suppose perhaps just some of my circuit breakers have flipped"
[vodacce] GM says, "There are these things called 'elec-trons'"
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "You are MUDding by candlelight?"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "but, anyway, I don't think they'll be turning off my power but I guess it might happen"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "And you will be powerless to stop them."
[vodacce] GM says, "If you get quiet, we'll know...oh, wait."
[vodacce] GM asks, "On a more serious note, are we all set?"
[vodacce] GM says, "Now you've *all* gone quiet."
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "I am."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "mmhm"
[vodacce] Amber says, "yup"
[vodacce] Amber says, "wilson is changing the baby"
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "arr"
GM says, "Since it has been a while, let us do a 'last time, in Vodacce'..."
[vodacce] Giancarlo cues theme music
GM says, "The six of you arrived at Meander Verde de Falisci's party. Someone was drowned; someone else was seemingly drowned without the need for water."
GM says, "You were summoned by the Dowager Contessa Semponia Verde, who charged you to find out who wanted to murder de Falisci."
GM says, "There were swords in the water; there were people in the hedge maze."
[Crows-Nest] Niccolo asks, "Heck, who *doesn't*?"
GM says, "A trip to the bazaar ended with several men dead or unconscious, and you in the hands of Fortunato's men"
GM says, "save for Amber, who decided now was the time to stretch her legs."
Guard_2 says, "Come along, come along. I expect Fortunato will want a word with you."
Giancarlo says, "Si, I expect so."
Venzi whistles idly and follows along.
Wilson helps patch up the bleeding wounds on those men who are merely unconcious, comes along.
Chiara says, "Very well."
GM says, "The five of you and the detatchment of men eventually reach the guardhouse."
GM says, "(assuming none of the rest of you, ah, pull an Amber)"
[vodacce] Wilson says, "(and the unconscious people?)"
[vodacce] GM says, "Carried by soldiers."
[vodacce] RogerCarbol has joined the channel.
[Crows-Nest] RogerCarbol has joined the channel.
Niccolo is not making trouble.
Guard_2 says, "In here, if you please."
Giancarlo walks with head held high.
Fortunato says, "Did you discover what the disturbance in the square was -- oh. It is the six of you."
Guard_2 says, "Five, sir."
Fortunato pauses. "Five? There were six this morning. Did someone...?"
Chiara smiles prettily
Giancarlo . o O ( oh, so he knows we're a party of six.... )
Guard_2 says, "No, sir. One of them ran when we approached."
Fortunato frowns.
Fortunato says (to Guard 2), "What was the disturbance, then? I assume it involved these...five."
Venzi says, "we were attacked by ruffians and defended ourselves, sir"
Guard_2 says, "Sir, when we arrived there was evidence of fighting. Several men lay unconsious on the ground."
Wilson says, "Well, we were attacked by (pointing) those guys."
Fortunato says (to Venzi and Wilson), "One moment."
Fortunato says (to Guard 2), "Continue."
Giancarlo looks bored.
Guard_2 says, "The people here claimed that the unconscious men attacked, unprovoked."
Fortunato says, "I see."
Guard_2 tries to stand very straight and very official-like.
Wilson says, "But not while they were unconscious.  Before that."
Fortunato says (to Venzi and Wilson), "Pray pick up where my guard has left off."
Niccolo raises a hand partway meekly, "Not *exactly* unprovoked, actually."
Fortunato asks (of Niccolo), "Oh?"
Giancarlo says, "Ahem"
Giancarlo says, "They clearly wanted our purses, I believe."
Niccolo says, "Well, I think he bumped into me, or else I into him."
Niccolo says, ""Most likely the former, but he apparently considered it the latter, and took it rather personally."
Fortunato asks, "He bumped into you, or you into him, and they wanted purses so badly they were willing to draw for them when there was little chance they could escape with them?"
Guard_2 exclaims, "It's a mystery, sir!"
Fortunato rubs the bridge of his nose. "Yes, I'm sure it is."
Niccolo says, "I don't think he realized, at the time, that my friends would defend me."
Giancarlo says, "Or perhaps they wanted something else. <shrug>"
Giancarlo says, "Whatever the case, it was clearly a setup."
Fortunato asks (of Giancarlo), "How so?"
Giancarlo says (to Fortunato), "A bully who harangues a man who merely bumped into him ... does not usually come with reinforcements."
Wilson says, "Who were hidden in the crowd until that time."
Venzi says, "on the other hand, someone looking for trouble usually picks more competent assistants"
Wilson says, "Or easier targets."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Clearly, they didn't realize we were the PC's."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
Fortunato says (to unconscious man), "It is a shame you cannot tell me your side of things."
Venzi says, "I would be interested to see what he has to say also"
Fortunato asks, "Did the man or his hidden associates say anything notable before or during the fight?"
Guard_2 says, "As beat as that guy looks, he probably said 'ug!' a lot."
Fortunato sighs.
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "hee"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "AFK a few."
Venzi frowns, trying to recall
Venzi says, "I seem to remember him making some comment to Niccolo"
Fortunato asks, "Did he call him by name, perhaps?"
Venzi says, "not that I heard"
Venzi says, "but I was not walking near Niccolo at the time"
Chiara looks around the guard room thoughtfully
Niccolo says, "Um. I think he said I was rude, for bumping into him."
Venzi glances at Niccolo briefly
[vodacce] Wilson says, "I thought he said you were rude, for dancing to ska."
Niccolo says, "Even though I don't think I did, but I apologised, to be polite."
Fortunato says, "This morning there is an attempt on de Falisci's life, and you are there. This afternoon there is an altercation at the bazaar, and you are there."
Wilson exclaims, "Lucky thing, isn't it!"
Chiara says, "The first may have been coincidence; the second smacks of contrivance."
Fortunato says, "Indeed."
Chiara says, "but not ours."
Giancarlo says, "Clearly someone wants vengeance on us for foiling the attempt on his lordship's life."
Wilson says, "I hate to think what they would have done to some less prepared group."
Venzi says, "perhaps they had trouble this afternoon because they left all their swords behind this morning"
Guard_2 exclaims, "Oh! Because of the swords in the water!"
Guard_2 says, "I got that."
Fortunato says, "This, ladies and gentlemen, is one of my finest officers."
Guard_2 exclaims, "Thanks!"
Chiara says (to Fortunato), "my sympathies."
Giancarlo looks to see if Fortunato is being sarcastic
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Good thing no one here has chainmail."
[vodacce] GM says, "Guard_2 broke the chainmail and never got married."
Fortunato waves his hand. "I have much to do today, even though I am suspicious. When your assailants wake up, I will question them."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "It was the chainmail for someone else's chastity belt."
Fortunato says, "You are free to go"
Fortunato says, "for now."
Niccolo nods, and turns to go.
Wilson asks, "Hey, speaking of that assassination attempt, any clues from the swords yet?"
Fortunato says, "Please behave yourself this evening."
Fortunato says (to Wilson), "We are still looking into that"
Giancarlo bows. "of course."
Wilson exclaims, "Good!"
Venzi says, "I act always to uphold my honor and my duties, sir"
Venzi bows
Wilson waves cheerily.
Fortunato says, "Should you see your other companion, the fast one, ask him to come talk to me."
Guard_2 exclaims, "Her, sir!"
Chiara smirks
Fortunato says, "Yes, fine."
Wilson, assuming nobody has anything else to say, wanders off.
GM says, "As soon as you are out the door you hear Fortunato yelling instructions at his men, preparing for this afternoon."
Wilson listens, but doesn't stop to listen.
Giancarlo says, "Oh, excuse me one moment..."
Giancarlo turns back and knocks on the guardhouse door.
Guard_2 opens the door. "Yes?"
Giancarlo says, "a word with signor fortunato, if you please."
Guard_2 says, "Hang on."
Fortunato appears at the door. "Mmm?"
Giancarlo says, "just between the two of us ... if you could substantiate a rather disturbing rumour ...."
Giancarlo asks, "have you heard of a Signor ... Loccrichio, I think.  First name Renzo or Renzino or Rizzo, something like that?"
Fortunato asks, "Mmm?"
Fortunato says, "Ah, Renzino. A local businessman."
Niccolo wanders off, once he's outside.
Fortunato says, "'Honest' businessman, if you ask him."
[vodacce] GM says, "Feel free to RP what you'd like to do next, or discuss here on-channel."
Giancarlo asks, "you have reason to think otherwise?"
Fortunato asks, "Perhaps. You have dealings with him?"
Venzi says, "well then"
Giancarlo says, "no, not i. but i overheard it whispered that he might have had it in for his lordship...."
GM says, "It is about two or so hours before people will begin congregating for the festivities."
Fortunato says, "Aha. Well, we depend on information from honest people from out of town who are involved in suspicious altercations in order to do our job. You have my thanks."
Giancarlo asks, "i do not know this city, you see ... but i do owe it to my host, si?"
Venzi says (to Wilson), "if you wished to consult with Ridolfo about the seating arrangements he might be around"
Giancarlo says, "good day, signor."
Fortunato says, "Good day."
Wilson says, "Well, I want to check with the Contessa's servants and see if I can find out more information about Livio.  And, yeah, the seating arrangements would work, too."
Giancarlo walks off.
[Crows-Nest] Niccolo wonders if Fortunato is related to Vimes.
[Crows-Nest] Wilson says, "Yeah, he's Ring's cousin."
Giancarlo goes to find the others.
[Crows-Nest] Wilson asks, "Hey, is someone logging?"
[Crows-Nest] Venzi says, "yes"
[Crows-Nest] Wilson says, "Good."
[Crows-Nest] Venzi says, "vis, PerrySimm"
[vodacce] GM asks, "So who is doing what?"
Giancarlo asks, "Has Amber showed up?"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hmm"
Wilson says (to Venzi), "I should be safe enough in the household if you wanted to do something else, but you're welcome to tag along."
[vodacce] Amber says, "amber has not shown up."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "I think I'm wandering about to see if I can get a glimpse of where Amber went"
Venzi says, "in that case, I may return to the market"
Chiara says (to Venzi), "Perhaps I will accompany you, if you don't mind."
Venzi says, "I would be glad"
Chiara says, "My own escort having departed my company so rudely"
Venzi says, "I am sure she had the best of intentions"
Giancarlo says, "Perhaps someone should go find her."
Giancarlo asks, "Do you know where she is likely to have gone?"
Chiara says (to Giancarlo), "it is my intention to look around and see whether I can see her there"
Wilson laughs.  "I don't think she's the type that needs finding much."
Wilson says, "Hey, but it's a good excuse to go snooping around."
Chiara wonders if Amber has started playing with her springloaded bootknives and had an accident.
[vodacce] Amber exclaims, "heehee!"
[vodacce] Ghogg says, "Arr, pirates"
Chiara says, "and then, the market is always interesting."
Chiara tucks a hand in Venzi's elbow
Giancarlo reflects that finding a woman in Vodacce is not so easy as it sounds ... wear a black veil, you are a wife. wear a mask, and voila, you're a totally different class. and nobody asks any questions, nobody looks at you twice....
Wilson says, "Anyone else for the household?  If not, I'll see you all at the festivities in two hours by the copse of trees at the corner."
Venzi looks to see what Giancarlo and Niccolo intend to do
Chiara tugs slightly at Venzi's elbow.
Giancarlo says, "I should like to find out who might have been able to set up the sword trap."
Venzi asks (of Giancarlo), "to the market with us, then? or elsewhere?"
Giancarlo asks (of Niccolo), "Perhaps you know of all the access routes to that one canal?"
Wilson asks, "Oh, and in case I get to ask--have any of you managed to get a potential ID on the poison that killed that guy last night?"
[vodacce] Niccolo, you might not have noticed yet, is not actually there.
Venzi shrugs.
Chiara says (to Wilson), "no."
Chiara says, "Most peculiar."
Venzi asks (of Chiara), "well then, shall we be off?"
Giancarlo says (to Venzi), "Hrm. Not what I had in mind, but I suppose the canal can wait and the market cannot."
Chiara says (to Venzi), "let's."
Wilson asks, "Any poison class?  Do poisons come in classes?"
Chiara exclaims (at Wilson), "(over her shoulder) or perhaps in schools, like fish!"
Venzi and Chiara head out to the market
[vodacce] Ender has left the channel.
Wilson says, "That could explain the drowning effects..."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
Giancarlo says, "I think they come in little bottles marked with skulls and crossbones."
Wilson says, "Good point."
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Object cyanide ofclass poison..."
Giancarlo trails along behind Venzi & Chiara
[vodacce] GM says, "So: Chiara, Venzi, and Giancarlo to the market, Amber still missing, Niccolo already gone, Wilson going to find Ridolfo."
[vodacce] Ghogg says, "long_desc { "The label reads: Candy." }"
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "Oh, Niccolo already gone ... I missed that."
Chiara asks (of Venzi), "so what do you think of the festival thus far, aside from the dying?"
Wilson heads off to find Ridolfo.
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Sounds good."
Venzi says, "I fancy the men are merely unconcious, m'lady, and will recover in due course"
[vodacce] Wilson says (to GM), "Trade off with Amber and I while the other plays with Ellric ;-)"
Chiara says (to Venzi), "oh! I did not mean those ruffians, but the drowned ones."
Venzi says, "ah, well"
Venzi says, "a very interesting incident"
Venzi says, "I have seen men drowned before, but none on dry land"
Giancarlo looks around at the people and places as they go (since the other two clearly have other things in mind....)
Chiara says (to Venzi), "your employer seems to have a remarkably light heart about the whole affair"
[7thsea] Chiara rolls 4k4: 2 8 5 8 | 23
[7thsea] Amber rolls 4k4: 3 1 2 5 | 11
Venzi coughs.
Venzi says, "he can be a touch .. careless at times"
Chiara slows down
Amber says (to Chiarra), "Hello again, madame."
Venzi says, "but one cannot expect as much of an Avalon"
Venzi looks mildly surprised
Venzi says, "we meet again"
Amber nods at Venzi. "Sir.
Chiara says (to Amber), "well."
Giancarlo says, "We were wondering what had become of you"
Chiara asks (of Amber), "I suppose you saw some remarkable, going-fast bargain that you couldn't miss?"
Amber says (to Chiara), "You know me too well."
Chiara's glance travels down to Amber's boots.  "I see."
Chiara asks, "I was just going to look about the market for you, but that seems unnecessary at this point.  Perhaps you'd care to come along with us, though?  Or have you had enough shopping?"
Amber says, "I've been tailing you, seeing if anyone *else* has been keeping tabs on you.  As far as I can tell, you're clear."
Venzi asks, "tailing us?"
Chiara raises her eyebrows.
Amber says (to Venzi), "I figure someone must be keeping an eye on us; to stage an ambush, they had to know where we were, or where we were going to be."
Chiara says (to Amber), "There are more ways of keeping an eye on someone than merely following them, of course."
Amber says, "I plan to continue checking periodically.  Next time I'll give you more warning."
Giancarlo asks, "Well, now, why would anyone be paying particular attention to us?"
Chiara says (rather dryly), "That would be kind of you."
Amber says (to Giancarlo), "What was that remark this morning about "Welcome home?""
Giancarlo says (to Amber), "(shrug) to the Great Game. The endless scheming and shadow-puppetry."
Amber says (to Giancarlo), "Whom were you addressing - who was coming home."
[vodacce] Venzi asks, "is Emelia a port city?"
[vodacce] GM says, "Yes."
Amber says (to Giancarlo), "I sense a dodge, sir.  Please be direct."
[vodacce] Venzi asks, "and does the market border mingle with the waterfront?"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "er, -border"
Giancarlo says (to Amber), "Well, you.  You did say that that sort of 'nitty-gritty' was your calling."
[vodacce] GM says, "Part of it does, though most of it is more central to the city and away from the docks and the smelly laborers."
Chiara watches this exchange with the faintest expression of irritation.
Venzi glances at the other three. "Shall we continue?"
[vodacce] Amber asks (of Chiara), "Irritation at Amber's lack of subtlety?"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "something like that, yes"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "(entirely IC)"
Chiara says (to Venzi), "yes, please."
Chiara resumes walking without bothering to glance at Giancarlo.
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "Oh, I thought Chiara was annoyed that Gian was at the moment not paying enough attention to her...."
Amber says (to Venzi), "No, please."
[vodacce] Chiara says (to Giancarlo), "you would."
Chiara stops and glances back.
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "hee"
Amber says (to Giancarlo), ""Welcome home" seems rather odd for an off-hand remark."
Chiara says (to Amber), "He has already explained his meaning."
Giancarlo shrugs. "I assure you.  If I had meant anything sinister by it, I would not have said it in your hearing.
Amber says, "Let's go, then."
Giancarlo proffers his arm. "Now take my arm before the people tailing us get suspicious.
Chiara lifts the trailing hem of her skirt and heads onward towards the market, keeping an eye out for anyone she might know.
GM says, "And the four of you go bickering your way to the market."
Amber asks (of Giancarlo), "(soto voce) "You saw someone?"
Venzi glances around vaguely for the weapon-seller's section
Chiara's back stiffens.
Guard_2 exclaims (at Amber), "Hi!"
Chiara's whole body stiffens, and she turns around.
[vodacce] Wilson back.
Guard_2 says, "Um. Fortunato wants to talk to you."
Venzi sighs.
Guard_2 says, "When you have a moment."
Amber looks startled.
Giancarlo says (to Amber), "Yes. Him."
Chiara says (to Guard_2), "I'm sure she will, later."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee hee oy"
Amber asks, "What?"
Chiara says (to Guard_2), "For the time being, I need her urgently."
Guard_2 says (to Chiara), "Oh? Uh. Oh."
[vodacce] Amber exclaims, "ooc, this is hilarious!"
Chiara stares down Guard 2 as though he was a bootscraping.
Guard_2 says, "Anyway, Fortunato would like to talk to you about the, the attack. In the bazaar. The fight and all."
Guard_2 says, "I'd, uh. I'd best be going."
Chiara says (to Guard_2), "Kind of you to relay the message. (Tight smile.)"
Guard_2 says, "M'lady."
Chiara says (to Amber), "I am beginning to think it is time to get dressed before the evening.  Perhaps you would be kind enough to come assist me."
Guard_2 marches back.
Amber says (to Chiara), "As you wish."
Chiara says (to Venzi), "I regret to have to leave so suddenly, but the demands of fashion, you know.  So ceaseless."
Amber says (to Chiara), "Fine though you presently look, as always."
Chiara courtsies pleasantly to Venzi, gives Giancarlo a dismissive nod, and moves decisively towards the house.
[vodacce] GM says, "Now we switch to Niccolo, who has been gone for a while."
Giancarlo nods sardonically, then whispers to Venzi: "methinks you have made a conquest, signor."
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Am I live, or am I memorex?"
[vodacce] Wilson asks (of GM), "Not up for this four-at-once thing?"
[vodacce] GM says, "Wait for the party tonight. :)"
Venzi sighs. "And yet I am a firm second to the demands of fashion."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Heh."
[vodacce] Amber exclaims, "hee!"
[vodacce] GM says, "Go ahead, Niccolo, as soon as Venzi is done mooning."
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Pull your pants up -- there are ladies present."
Niccolo reaches the manor at some point, and enters, in search of Ridolfo.
Servant asks (of Niccolo), "Can I help you?"
Niccolo asks (of Servant), "Yes, possibly. Do you know where I might find Ridolfo?"
Servant asks, "Ridolfo?"
Servant says, "Oh, the lady's servant."
Servant says, "I think I know where he is. If you'll follow me."
Niccolo says, "He's about so tall... has a spider patch on his jacket..."
Niccolo follows.
Ridolfo asks, "...and tonight will be a busy night, so be alert -- hello...Niccolo, is it?"
Niccolo asks, "Yes, it is. I was wondering if I could speak with you a bit?"
Ridolfo says, "Surely."
Ridolfo says (to other servants), "We'll talk again before tonight."
Other servants leave.
Niccolo asks, "The governor will be at the feats of strength and other activities this evening, yes?"
Ridolfo says, "I doubt you could keep him away with ropes and complex knots."
Niccolo smiles. "I was wondering, is it known what his actual plans are?"
Ridolfo says, "Specific plans? No."
Ridolfo says, "He will undoubtedly take dinner with his family and perhaps a few honored guests, but I do not know when."
Ridolfo asks, "What did you have in mind?"
Niccolo says, "Well, I was thinking of the events of this morning."
Niccolo says, "And what almost happened, as a result of someone anticipating his routine."
Niccolo says, "And so, I was wondering if there were any things tonight that someone might be similarly expecting of him."
Ridolfo says, "Ah, yes."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "I suppose him actually competing in any of the feats would be below his dignity"
[vodacce] GM says, "M'yes."
Niccolo says, "Say, a particular place where he might stand to watch the feats, or any specific events he's more certain than others to attend. Or anysuch detail."
Ridolfo says, "It's certainly known that he'll be in the hall tonight for the festivities."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Also, everyone else would purposely lose."
Niccolo asks, "Is that the same hall where we were last night?"
Ridolfo says, "Nothing is as regimented as his morning swim -- and Fortunato will undoubtedly be curtailing that."
Ridolfo says, "Last night was outside in back of the house. Tonight's festivities will be in the great hall."
Niccolo says, "Ah, right."
Niccolo asks, "And the events and contests?"
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "computer weirdness ... be right back...."
Giancarlo has disconnected.
Ridolfo says, "Swordfights are always popular. Wrestling. Some gambling, a few scenes from popular plays."
Wilson, coming around the corner, interjects, "Anything the prince is known for being good at?  Something he'd probably want to watch the finals for?
Niccolo asks, "I mean, will the hall be used for those as well, or will they be outside?"
Wilson says, "Oh, and hi."
Niccolo blinks. "Oh, hello Wilson. You walk quickly."
Giancarlo has connected.
Ridolfo says, "Ah, I see what you're driving at. There will be a big swordfight between the two most accomplished swordsmen around, and that will be the culmination of the night's festivities."
Wilson says, "Hey, I didn't know you wanted to talk with him too.  I'dve gone with you."
Wilson asks, "The two swordsmen being the ones that win, or is it already known?"
Ridolfo says, "Already known."
Wilson asks, "Who are they?"
Ridolfo says, "Giusto is the best blade in de Falisci's guards, and known for his quickness."
Ridolfo says, "Stentor is a local boy from the country, but stout."
Ridolfo says, "The fighting will be with buttoned rapiers."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "that's what they told hamlet, too"
Ridolfo says, "Smart money is on Stentor, if you are interested in the betting. Giusto is good, but over-confident."
Wilson asks, "Can I suggest that you replace the rapiers at the last minute?  With ones you know to be safe?"
Niccolo says, "I would suggest having Fortunato inspect the weapons beforehand, to be certain they are indeed blunted."
Wilson says (to Niccolo), "We think alike ;-)"
Ridolfo says, "A good suggestion. Fortunato is in charge of the fight, and will bring the swords himself."
Ridolfo says, "He is a paranoid man, and the events of today will not make him rest any easier."
Niccolo chuckles (to Wilson), "It seems you are growing accultured to Vodacce."
Wilson says (to Niccolo), "Shh!  Don't tell anyone, or by blundering foreigner act will be shot."
Wilson winks.
Niccolo says (to Ridolfo), "I had another question about the events of today -- or rather, early this morning."
Wilson asks, "Wait, one last question:  Is it known where the prince will watch from?"
Ridolfo says, "The floor, I am sure."
Wilson says, "But, in particular."
Niccolo says, "We should offer him at least a cushion, then."
Niccolo says, "Unless the floor is carpeted."
Ridolfo says, "He will want to be close to the action, so he will be near the middle of the floor."
Wilson nods.
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Oh, he won't have a chair and a table and stuff? Aw."
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "The poor fool."
Niccolo says (to Wilson), "We should place someone near him."
[Crows-Nest] Giancarlo says, "We, meanwhile, will want to watch from whichever balcony allows us to most easily swing from a chandelier."
Wilson nods.
Niccolo says, "Perhaps Venzi, your bodyguard."
[Crows-Nest] Venzi says, "hee hee"
[vodacce] GM says, "Offer him one of the little folding chairs basketball players use."
Wilson says, "Hey, good idea!  Since I won't need him."
[vodacce] Venzi quietly hits his head against the wall repeatedly
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "I wonder when shooting-sticks were invented. He could sit on one of those."
[vodacce] GM says (to Venzi), "hee hee"
[vodacce] GM says, "From down there you should have a good view of Chiara's skirt."
[vodacce] Niccolo asks (of Wilson), "Do you have anything else, or should I move onto the other questions?"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "cough"
Servant asks (of Ridolfo), "Sir?"
Wilson says (to Niccolo), "Go ahead and ask your other question."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "I will, of course, keep my gaze fixedly on her mask"
Ridolfo says, "Was there anything else? I'm afraid tonight is busy, as you can see."
Niccolo asks (of Ridolfo), "This morning... do you have any idea who might have been around, or may have have access to that section of the grounds, at the time when the swords would ahve been placed?"
Niccolo asks, "Or, if not, do you know who might have that information?"
Ridolfo says, "Hm."
Wilson says, "I'm sure Forunato is 'looking into it'.  Sigh."
Ridolfo says, "You would probably have to ask people individually."
Wilson asks, "I had another question:  What can you tell me about Livio?  His history, his habits, where his laboratory is?"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "'Hi! Were you suspicously hanging around the canal in the dark last night? No? Well,t hanks anyway.'"
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Heh."
Ridolfo says, "mm, Livio. I know he has a lab nearby, set up for him by de Falisci."
Wilson asks, "Not on the grounds, then?"
Ridolfo says, "Nearly on the grounds, actually."
Wilson asks, "Next door?"
Ridolfo says, "I don't have much to do with him."
Ridolfo says (to Wilson), "Bordering the grounds."
Wilson asks, "Which building is his?"
Ridolfo says, "if you are facing the front of the building, it is to your left, near the edge. It's easily mistaken for a gardener's shed"
Ridolfo says, "except for the belches of fire and imprecations coming from it."
[vodacce] Niccolo waits for Wilson to then blunder into the actual gardener's shed.
Wilson asks, "His father was a gardener, right?  Is that what it used to be?"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
Ridolfo says, "Ah, you've heard, then. Yes, it was his father's old shed."
Wilson says, "Yeah, someone said his father designed the hedge maze."
Ridolfo says, "Have you been? It's lovely."
Niccolo nods. "Yes, it is."
Wilson says, "My companions went through it, but I've just seen the outsides."
Wilson asks, "Any secrets hidden inside?"
Ridolfo asks, "That depends on who is in it at the time, doesn't it?"
Wilson grins.
Ridolfo says, "I apologize, but now I really must go."
Niccolo says, "There was one last matter tha-- ah."
Wilson exclaims, "See you later!"
Ridolfo says, "if it is quick, I might be able to answer."
Niccolo says, "Well, it's probably not quick, so I will find you again later."
Niccolo says, "Perhaps after this evening's festivities."
Ridolfo says, "That should do nicely."
Ridolfo asks, "Can you find your way out again?"
Wilson says, "Oh, easily.  Done it twice."
Niccolo says, "Yes, I think so. Thank you for your time."
Ridolfo says, "Anything I can do to help."
Servant asks, "Sir?"
Ridolfo says, "Yes, coming."
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Was that to us?"
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Oh, no."
Niccolo exits.
[vodacce] GM says, "Let's switch to the people at the market, then."
Wilson asks (of Niccolo), "I think I have enough time to stop by Livio's place before the festivities.  Care to join me, or do you have plans of your own?"
Venzi is leading the way on to the weaponsmiths'
Niccolo says (to Niccolo), "I think I'll meet up with you afterward."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "(Amber and I are headed back to the house; are we separate now, then?)"
[vodacce] GM says (to Wilson), "We'll pick you up after Venzi &c. and then Amber and Chiara."
Wilson says (to Niccolo), "Great.  We're meeting at the copse of trees at the corner."
Giancarlo is probably accompanying Venzi, since the ladies have decided to go get dressed.
Niccolo nods, "I'll see you there."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Excellent."
[vodacce] GM says (to Chiara), "i.e. yes, you're separate at this point."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "ok"
[vodacce] GM says (to Venzi and Giancarlo), "RP what you'd like to be doing"
Venzi glances around for someone selling swords.
Giancarlo says, "I think you are going in the wrong direction.  The flower-sellers are over that way."
Merchant exclaims, "Swords! Swords for sale!"
[vodacce] Venzi asks, "how many swords were in the river, anyway?"
Venzi says (to Merchant), "ah, just who I was looking for"
[vodacce] GM says, "Hard to say. A fair number -- easily fifteen to twenty."
Merchant exclaims, "You look like the kind of man who could use a sword, sir!"
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Where do you get a Sorte deck with a 17 of Swords in it?"
Merchant exclaims, "I have swords for every need and occasion!"
Merchant exclaims, "Should you require one which looks deadly yet could not cut butter, I can oblige!"
Merchant exclaims, "On the other hand, I have swords which can cleave hairs in twain!"
Giancarlo asks, "Have you anything that looks like it could not cut butter yet is deadly?"
Merchant says, "Ah, that would be a challenge, and not one I've had much call for."
Giancarlo asks, "Well, what have you had a large call for?"
Merchant says, "Mostly plain swords, sir."
Giancarlo says, "'plain'? You speak as though people order those in large shipments of twenty at a time/"
Merchant says, "You do if you're House Falisci, sir."
[vodacce] Niccolo smirks. "Giancarlo, master of subtlety."
Merchant says, "Though given how those guards weild them, I think I would be better off giving them stout boards instead."
[vodacce] Giancarlo may have just bowed, but you're not quite sure.
Venzi has disconnected.
Giancarlo says, "Or sending those shipments to other buyers."
Merchant asks, "Sir?"
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "Ohhh ... so that's why he went silent...."
eolo has connected.
[vodacce] GM says, "The candle burned down."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "and in fact the power did go out"
[vodacce] GM says, "No, wait, he found a new one."
Giancarlo exclaims, "What? Sure you don't mean to say House Falisci is the only family with a call for large shipments!"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "but then it came back on, and I even have heat now"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Woo."
[vodacce] GM says, "Excellent"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "mm, Giancarlo's investigation techniques"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "he should be a private eye"
Merchant says, "You seemed to be implying that I was pretending to sell swords to Falisci, but diverting them to other places."
Merchant says, "I think I will not be selling any swords to you today, sir."
Merchant exclaims, "Swords! Come see my swords!"
Venzi sighs
Venzi says (to Giancarlo), "come along -- we will have to seek supplies elsewhere"
Giancarlo says, "Oh, not at all.  Merely a comment on how these fine swords might be wasted on ... but you implied as much as to the guards' abilities, yourself."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "(that is, in fact, an obvious possibility that we didn't check out)"
Merchant glares at Giancarlo. "Swords and other weapons for sale!"
Giancarlo says (to Venzi), "Si.  Perhaps elsewhere."
Venzi steps away a bit with Giancarlo. "What did he say? I was distracted for a bit there"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Distracted...by elec-trons."
Giancarlo says (to Venzi), "House Falisci is known to buy swords in large shipments.  I didn't quite find out if anyone has been known to do such a thing."
Giancarlo says (to Venzi), "Though possibly not ... perhaps someone else will be able to tell us who the usual buyer from House Falisci is."
Venzi says, "it is entirely possible that the swords were taken from Meander's own supplies"
Giancarlo asks, "In which case someone should have noted the loss.  Or have we not been made aware of this?"
Venzi shrugs
Venzi says, "I am not sure his guards are the sort who would notice immediately"
Giancarlo says, "(musing) if Fortunato is behind this ... it would be very simple for him to appropriate the swords with no-one the wiser."
Venzi says, "also a good point"
Venzi says, "I have some mind to go down to the docks and see what the gossip is thereabouts, but that could perhaps wait until later"
Giancarlo says, "whodunnit..."
[vodacce] GM asks, "Do you plan to anger any more weapon sellers today, or should I switch?"
Giancarlo asks, "Did you have something else in mind for the present?"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "I'll take a stab at one more"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "(as it were)"
Venzi looks around for another merchant, out of hearing of the first one
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Might I suggest a few choice observations about his lineage?"
Metalworker says, "Fine weapons for sale."
Venzi says (to Metalworker), "greetings"
Metalworker says, "May I interest you in a short sword, sir? Not as fast as a rapier, but easier to conceal if you are short."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Hey, Emily should be interested."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "(ba-dum tish)"
Venzi takes the sword and glances at it. "Not bad, not bad."
Venzi says, "but I was looking for something a bit longer"
[vodacce] GM says, "He also has long swords for Georges Tall."
[vodacce] Venzi asks, "what were the swords in the river?"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "snrr"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Rusty."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
[vodacce] GM says, "Broadswords."
Venzi says, "broadswords, perhaps"
Venzi asks, "do you make those also?"
% You have new mail in /var/mail/jota
[vodacce] Chiara says (to Venzi), "obviously he is implying *you* are short."
Metalworker says, "I do, though I do not have any readily available."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "shows what he knows"
Venzi says, "oh? sold out? shows the quality of the merchandise"
Giancarlo says, "No? I thought broadswords were always in stock"
[vodacce] (from Chiara) Venzi says, "I'm just wearing my anti-platform shoes."
Metalworker says, "I could have one for you by the middle of next week, if you do not want much in the way of ornamentaton."
Metalworker says (to Venzi), "Why, thank you, sir."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "always kiss up to a guy with a lot of weapons, is my motto"
[vodacce] GM says, "As someone whose last name is a lot like 'grenade', I approve.."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
[vodacce] (from Chiara) Venzi says, "eg: 'That's a whole lotta weapon you got there.'"
Venzi says, "I don't suppose you remember who you've been selling them to? I'd like to take a look at one first-hand before I place an order"
Metalworker says, "The lord bought me out just the other day, in fact."
Metalworker says, "I suppose I should start mentioning that; it has a good ring. 'The sword used by Falisci.'"
[vodacce] Giancarlo asks, "did the guards use broadswords?"
[vodacce] GM says, "Some of them do, as it doesn't take as much skill as a rapier, and is more effective for crowd control"
Venzi asks, "ah, really? tell me, do all the guards use your swords?"
Metalworker says, "I haven't seen them carrying 'em yet. They may have been sent with a trade convoy, though."
Venzi nods.
Metalworker says, "I think Fortunato prefers rapiers but thinks some of his guards can't handle them."
[vodacce] GM says, "The metalworker is clearly not talking about Guard 2."
Venzi asks, "and if I do find someone with a broadsword, is there some sort of mark of yours I can look for to see if it's one that you made?"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
[vodacce] Amber says, "these vodaccians sure are chatty."
[vodacce] Amber exclaims, "here, have a clue!"
Giancarlo . o O ( the direct approach. no-one ever suspects the direct approach! )
[vodacce] Amber says, "I much prefer obvious clues.  I'm forever missing the subtle ones (online)."
Metalworker exclaims, "Look for an 'MA' stamped near the hilt. It is the mark of quality!"
Venzi says, "I'm sure it is"
[vodacce] GM says (to Amber), "The trick is to give you enough clues that not all of them matter."
Venzi says, "well, thank you for your time -- you have been most kind"
Venzi says, "I will certainly keep you in mind"
Venzi bows and departs.
Metalworker exclaims, "Please do. And if you are truly interested in a broadsword, talk to me next week!"
Metalworker exclaims, "Maffeo Aiello does not do shoddy work!"
[vodacce] GM says, "And he's fond of talking about himself in the third person."
Giancarlo says, "Oh by the way ... who was the House representative who actually made the purchase?  We'd perhaps like to speak to him as well."
Metalworker says, "Well, I'm not sure I should say..."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "oh yeah, good point"
Venzi raises an eyebrow
Metalworker says, "You might be a spy for a different smithy"
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "Why yes, *I* am a spy for a different family.  But don't worry, I'm spying on a completely different matter."
Venzi says, "surely you jest"
Chiara | >take all
Chiara | sack: Taken.
Chiara | sunlight: You can't reach from here.
Chiara | (Magic): That's hardly portable.
Chiara | wall: That's hardly portable.
Chiara | "acck
Venzi spreads his hands. "These are the hands of a swordsman, not a spy."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "(arrr, extreme apologies)"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "bad window no biscuit"
[vodacce] GM says, ">PASTE ALL"
[vodacce] Chiara runs away and hides
[vodacce] Chiara says, "ok, I am an extreme dork"
Metalworker says, "I doubt I am clever enough to catch a spy. I am merely an humble metalworker."
Metalworker says, "but I would hate to lose my connection to the de Faliscis."
[vodacce] Amber exclaims, "hey, after my "I don't get anything" remark, that's not so bad!"
Giancarlo says, "Your discretion does you credit, sir."
Metalworker bows slightly.
Venzi says, "I am sure both would hate to see that happen as well"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "(er, "we both")"
Venzi says, "well, if you still won't tell us ..."
Giancarlo says, "But you see, it would easier to find which guards your swords have been assigned to if we knew who handled the sale."
Metalworker spreads his hands. "Much as I'd like to help you, I am cautious."
Giancarlo . o O ( bribe him or beat the info out of him? decisions decisions. )
Venzi takes Giancarlo's arm. "We should be going, I think. Taking his non-cooperation into account, of course."
Metalworker says, "I appreciate your understanding, signors."
Metalworker says, "Should the person himself tell you, of course, that is no account of mine."
Venzi says, "of course."
Giancarlo sighs, turning away. "It is a pity. I wonder how Signora Sempronia will take this...."
Metalworker says, "With appreciation for my loyalty, I hope," his eyes narrowing somewhat.
[vodacce] Chiara says, "heehee"
Giancarlo says, "(as if surprised to have been overheard) What? Oh.  Of course."
[vodacce] GM says, "If y'all are done for now, I'll switch to Chiara and Amber."
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "um, sure...."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "well, I'd like to head back to the house to examine the swords, but that can wait"
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "We begin walking back, then."
[vodacce] GM says (to Venzi), "I'll come back to y'all, then. (Or you, if Giancarlo is going to go wandering elsewhere)"
[vodacce] GM says (to Chiara and Amber), "You're on."
[vodacce] Chiara asks, "so it's us?"
[vodacce] Amber exclaims, "Go, us!"
Chiara walks briskly towards the house, trusting Amber to follow her.
Chiara comes to the door, and half-turns, looking to see whether they have been watched, or followed.
Amber is at her elbow.
Chiara goes inside and up to their room
[vodacce] Chiara says, "(assuming we arrive there without odd incidents)"
[vodacce] GM says, "Only even ones."
Chiara closes the door behind them and turns to Amber.  "I thought that perhaps it would be a good idea to remove you from the general vicinity of the guards for a bit."
Amber says, "Thank you.  And Celeste sends her greetings, and invites you to visit."
Chiara begins taking off her gloves in a businesslike manner.
[interludes] GM has added Niccolo to the channel.
Chiara says (to Amber), "Very kind of her."
[interludes] GM says (to Niccolo), "For your wanerings around."
[interludes] GM says, "wanderings"
[interludes] Niccolo says, "Aha"
[interludes] Niccolo begins his wandering.
Chiara asks, "Do you have a history with these particular guards?  And if so, is it likely to be a problem again later?"
[interludes] GM asks, "Are you looking for anyone in particular, or hanging out in any specific part of the house?"
Chiara takes the pins out of her hair and shakes it out.
Amber says, "I've never seen them before, that I recall.  I don't think they'd have any reason to visit the House."
[interludes] Niccolo says, "Mmm. At first, the hall and its surroundings."
[vodacce] GM says, "You know, you could replace those pins in your hair with spring-loaded darts."
Chiara asks (of Amber), "So it is just... detainment... that you're worried about?"
Amber says, "Unless whats-his-name was in the habit of visiting so-called Houses of Ill Repute."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "heehee"
[vodacce] Amber exclaims, "Ha!"
[interludes] Niccolo says, "That is, the hall where Tonight will be happening."
Chiara says (to Amber), "Fortunato?  (laughs)  He seems a bit too prunish to unbend so far."
Chiara takes out her ordinary daytime earrings and puts them away in her jewelry box.
Amber says, "If you must know, Giancarlo gave me the willies."
Chiara says (to Amber), "(with a sympathetic, eyerolling look) I *know*"
Amber says, "You know when I left, it was under bad circumstances."
[interludes] GM says, "On your way there, you can hear a somewhat-heated conversation."
Chiara stops what she's doing and looks at Amber more closely.  "I had that impression, though the details are not clear to me."
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "me be sinister. arrr."
Amber says, "His "Welcome Home" remark made me think the ambush and the guards were for me.  I did kill a noble, you know.  That tends to ire some folk."
Chiara frowns slightly.
Chiara asks, "A noble from around here?"
[interludes] Niccolo eavesdrops discretely.
Chiara strips off her necklace and sends it to join the earrings.
[interludes] Niccolo says, "(Anything nearby I can pretend to be doing, if seen?)"
[interludes] GM has added Abrielle to the channel.
[interludes] GM asks, "Do you have unobtrusive?"
[interludes] Niccolo says, "No, just Stealth."
Chiara says, "I didn't have the impression that they were looking for you in particular."
[interludes] GM says, "We'll use that if necessary, then."
Chiara says, "But admittedly matters were a bit confusing."
[vodacce] GM says, "You discount Guard 2 once more, I see."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "puppy love"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "50% off, from now until Sunday."
[interludes] Livio exclaims, "But you said--!"
[interludes] Abrielle says, "I *said* I was sympathetic but that there was nothing I could do."
Amber says, "So I checked in on a trusted source, to be sure no one was still looking for me."
[interludes] GM asks, "It sounds like they're around a corner. Care to take a peek?"
Chiara says, "Wise."
Chiara asks, "And, to the best of your knowledge, no one is?"
[interludes] Niccolo asks, "Any mirrors or other highly polished surfaces at hand?"
Amber says, "My profoundest apologies for vanishing on you."
[interludes] Livio says, "Merda. I was told you have connections."
Amber says, "She says not, and she would know."
Chiara says, "It was faintly annoying, but I assumed you had a good reason."
[interludes] GM says, "It's an Italian household. Of course there is."
[interludes] GM says, "Though you'll have to move into the middle of the hall you're in."
Chiara takes out a bottle of some kind of expensive scented lotion and starts applying it to her hands.
[interludes] Abrielle laughs. Of *course* I have connections.
[interludes] Abrielle says, "But none that can help you."
Amber says, "I knew you were in good hands.  And besides, if it was me they were after, staying with you could have jeapordized you."
Chiara makes a face as though to acknowledge the sense of this argument.
[interludes] Niccolo says, "Assuming that seems less obtrusive than actually looking around the corner, I'll do that."
Amber absently begins brushing her hair.
Chiara says, "I don't trust Giancarlo, though."
[interludes] GM says, "It is. Give me a stealth roll to make sure neither of them glance into the shiny thing and see you. TN 15."
[7thsea] Niccolo rolls 5k3: 8 3 9 1 3 | 20
Amber says, "You either?  He's too pat."
Chiara says, "The others, mostly -- Wilson wouldn't hurt a fly, I think.  (Stops, thinks.)  Actually, he might, but only in the cause of feeding spiders."
[interludes] Livio says, "de Falisci does what he can to protect me, but there are people who would see me dead."
[interludes] Livio says, "Mancari, for one."
Amber says, "And Venzi seems pretty straightforward."
Chiara says (to Amber), "He said something odd to me the other night about thinking I looked familiar, and for a second I felt as though I had met him somewhere before.  It was... unsettling."
Chiara smiles faintly but does not comment on Venzi.
[interludes] Abrielle asks, "Mancari? Don't be silly. Mancari blusters but does nothing. Have you not seen how Martinez calms him?"
Chiara says, "And Niccolo?  I get the sense he is up to something, but he does not make my skin crawl, at least."
[interludes] Livio says, "Bah. I should trust a priest."
Amber asks, "Can you think of anywhere you might have met him?"
Chiara wipes her hands dry.
Chiara says (to Amber), "I can think of a few possibilities, but none of them appeal to me."
Chiara says, "I'm fairly certain that I have not been introduced to him before at an ordinary party."
[interludes] Abrielle says, "Logical as always, I see."
Chiara shrugs faintly.
Amber says, "It might have no appeal, but if I know, it may help me protect you, if I have an idea of what to look for."
[interludes] Livio says, "Logic has nothing to do with it! They're all out to get scientists."
Chiara goes behind the screen.  There is a rustling noise.
[interludes] Abrielle says, "You might be surprised."
Amber asks, "An unordinairy party then?"
Chiara says (to Amber), "(from behind the screen) No, no-- it's not that I have a particular recollection of a possibility."
(From Chiara) Chiara's gown is thrown up over the screen.
Amber says, "Do you need any help with that?" (As Amber removes the dress from the screen, and goes to hang it.)"
[interludes] Niccolo says, "(Did I see anything in the shiny thing?)"
Chiara says, "But if I met him, say, when I was at school -- we would both have been quite different.  Younger, and in a different context."
Chiara says, "(If you could fetch me the blue silk with the silver lace trim...)"
[interludes] GM says, "(Yes, sorry. It is Livio and Abrielle, talking in the middle of the hall. Other than that, nothing.)"
[vodacce] Giancarlo scratches his ear.
[interludes] Livio says, "I can't stay here, not if someone does actually kill de Falisci. I'd be next."
[interludes] Niccolo retreats to a less conspicuous position to continue listening.
[interludes] Abrielle says, "You flatter yourself, I think."
Amber says, "Sure."   . . . passes the dress over the screen."
[vodacce] Wilson asks (of Gian), "Someone talking about you?"
Chiara says, "I don't know exactly what I fear from Giancarlo.  Perhaps nothing more than that he seems a bit... a bit... well.  He *oozes.*"
(From Chiara) More rustling noises from behind the screen.
[vodacce] Giancarlo says (to Wilson), "Could be."
[interludes] Livio says, "Do I? I hardly see how I could not be the next target."
Chiara asks, "What do you think about the others, the ones not of our party?"
[vodacce] GM says, "Rustling noises? She has *spiders* back there."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "No, cattle."
[vodacce] GM says, "Mmm. If they were spiders, I suppose Wilson would be camped out in her room."
Chiara emerges from behind the screen in an extremely elaborate gown, the bodice of which is a velvet blue spangled with silver, and whose skirt sweeps the ground behind her.
Amber says, "Hmph.  Well, I'll continue to keep an eye on him.  Let me know if you notice anything specific."
[interludes] Abrielle says, "For someone who is supposed to have a magnificent grasp of knowledge, you know so little." She sighs.
[vodacce] Wilson says, "That's not the only reason I was... oops."
[vodacce] GM says (to Wilson), "Careful, or Guard 2 will have your ears."
Amber says, "Very impressive.  If you're ready, I'll change."
Chiara says (to Amber), "certainly, go ahead"
[interludes] Livio says, "Affanculo. If you cannot or will not help, I will do what I can on my own."
Amber quickly dons a much less elaborate outfit, that allows her to move freely and won't interfere with her sword.
Chiara frowns into the mirror and begins to sort through a collection of feathers, ribbons, miniature veils, small hats...
[interludes] Abrielle says, "As you wish. I am sorry you decided I knew things I did not."
[interludes] GM asks, "It sounds like they're moving down the hall again, towards you. Approach or retreat?"
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Or her spring-loaded daggers."
Chiara asks, "What do you think of the ambassador we met last night?"
Chiara rearranges her hair carefully and pokes into the creation a long curling feather tinted blue.
Amber gestures at her skirt - Look at these - I had these custom sewn to conceal Celeste's gift.
Chiara turns and looks at Amber's outfit.
Chiara asks, "Celeste's gift?"
[interludes] Niccolo asks, "Is there a next corner or anything else good to retreat behind?"
Amber says, "I had her help in designing it."
Chiara asks, "How much armament do you carry, at an average dinner party?"
Amber says, "She gave me  the pistols I carry."
[interludes] GM says, "They're approaching from a branch in the hall. Forward would take you to where the two halls intersect (though the one you're on continues on past that). Back you might be able to find a side hall."
Chiara raises her eyebrows.  "Ah!  Yes, quite."
Chiara starts looking around for the shoes with the diamond-chip heels.
[interludes] Niccolo says, "Mmm. I'll advance, then -- with any luck, passing them without them noticing who I am (and then maybe finding a place to regroup and listen again behind their backs)."
Amber says, "Being a body-guard gives me an advantage.  No one turns an eye-lash at my sword, though at some parties, swords aren't allowed, which is when the concealed pistols can come in handy, and now I have my knife-boots."
[interludes] Niccolo tries to make like a faceless extra.
Amber asks, "And how much do you carry?"
[vodacce] (from Wilson) Amber says, "Oh, and the vial of poison in my bodice, and my stiletto hairpin.
Chiara makes an amused expression.  "Just don't dance with anyone clumsy, or you'll find him crippled or worse."
Chiara says, "I have my knife.  It usually suffices."
[interludes] Livio stalks down the corridor, followed by a calm Abrielle. "If you can help..."
Amber says, "I'll have you know I'm a fine dancer."
Chiara says (to Amber), "I wasn't impugning *your* skills."
[interludes] Abrielle says, "I cannot. I told you, I do not know the people you think I do."
Chiara says, "But if you wound up with someone who stepped on your foot, well..."
[interludes] GM says, "(Another stealth roll, please. TN 20)"
[7thsea] Niccolo rolls 5k3: 7 6 3 7 6 | 20
[interludes] Livio shrugs. "As you would have it."
Chiara says, "He might be unmanned by the experience."
Amber laughs.  "Its never been a problem.
[vodacce] Amber says, "its all that footwork, you know."
[interludes] Abrielle says, "As it is."
[interludes] Livio shrugs again. "I will see you later tonight, then."
Chiara smiles and nods.  "You seemed to get along with Sir Dixon's bodyguard."
Chiara applies perfume behind each ear.
[interludes] Abrielle curtsies.
[interludes] Livio walks past Abrielle, who follows several steps behind. Both turn a corner and are gone.
[interludes] GM says, "Lucky they went the other way, then."
Amber says, "Danel?  He seems nice enough, and competent."
Chiara says, "Not overly encumbered with wit, perhaps.  But loyal.  It seemed."
[interludes] Niccolo asks, "Assuming I wasn't noticed, is it possible to shadow Abrielle in the halls (by the sound of her footsteps, perhaps)?"
[interludes] Niccolo asks, "Or did she have a chance to get too far away while I was avoiding being seen?"
[vodacce] Wilson says, "This chatting in the ladies' room contrasting with Niccolo's presumed skulking about makes me think of 'Upstairs, Downstairs'."
Amber says, "He made me look positively verbose, and Wilson, witty."
Chiara laughs.
[interludes] GM says, "Shadowing, TN 15."
Chiara says, "Poor Wilson."
Chiara says, "I think it is partly a show."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "or gosford park"
[7thsea] Niccolo rolls 4k3: 1 5 9 4 | 18
Chiara says, "Sir Dixon is very charming."
[interludes] Niccolo says, "(Presumed skulking about is *fun*.)"
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "I'm totally enjoying the ladies' talk."
Chiara selects a dangly pair of silver-filigree earrings with sapphires pendant
[interludes] GM says, "You follow Abrielle, who heads on down a hall. The house is starting to look more familiar. It looks like the section with the guests' quarters, near where you are."
Amber hunts under the bed for her other shoes.
Chiara puts them on, and the matching bracelet
Amber sneezes.
[interludes] Niccolo asks, "s/are/are staying/?"
[interludes] GM says, "Right."
Amber says, "They don't sweep under the bed."
Chiara asks (of Amber), "Inefficient housekeeping?"
Chiara says, "Oh dear."
Chiara says, "I suppose Sempronia has put them out of the habit."
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "No, their skirts just don't go under the beds."
[interludes] Niccolo asks, "Are we on the story with the rooms, or the one where I heard her the night before, or elsewhere?"
Chiara goes over to the corner, unwraps something, cuts off a bit, and pops it into her mouth.
[interludes] GM says, "You're on the ground floor; your rooms are one flight up."
[interludes] GM says, "(in general -- you're not sure precisely where they are from here)"
Chiara says (to Amber), "(sheepishly, with her mouth full) I have to say I don't have much of an opinion of the guards hereabouts."
Amber asks, "I was considering wearing the blue ones with this, but  . . .  What do you think?"
[interludes] Niccolo nods.
Chiara chews, contemplates Amber's attire.
[interludes] GM says, "Abrielle starts counting doors, slowing."
[7thsea] Amber rolls 4k2: 1 1 2 1 | 3
[vodacce] Chiara asks (of Amber), "is that your fashion roll?"
[7thsea] Venzi says, "wow"
Amber has no idea how fashionable her outfit may or may not be.
[vodacce] GM says, "You're going to be wearing sackcloth."
Chiara says (to Amber), "(with a voice of pitying tact) I wouldn't, myself."
Chiara asks, "What else have you got?"
[interludes] Niccolo says, "(She counts out loud?)"
[interludes] Niccolo says, "(Or am I close enough to see her right now?)"
Amber pulls out another split-skirt dress.
Chiara says, "Those have sort of the air of, well, provincial Montaigne."
[interludes] GM says, "Not out loud. You're close enough to see her."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "(what's the fashion-judgement roll again?)"
Amber exclaims, "I can't wear all those petticoats you do, I won't be able to move!"
[vodacce] Amber says, "wits/fashion, I think."
[interludes] GM says, "She stops and knocks. The door opens; she goes in."
[vodacce] GM says, "What Amber said."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Hey, provincial Montaigne's where she's been these last several months."
[7thsea] Chiara rolls 6k4: 4 3 5 5 10+10+7 3 | 41
Chiara says (to Amber), "here, let me."
[vodacce] GM says, "Unless you're trying to dress quickly but fashionably, in which case it's finesse+fashion."
[interludes] Niccolo, of course, listens in.
[vodacce] Venzi says, "heh"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "if you fail, you've put both feet in one sock"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "also, that's also the role to make to try and remove a corset"
Amber . o O ( Now I'll look stunning, rather than stunned. )
[interludes] GM says, "Give me one last stealth roll, please, TN 20."
Chiara looks into the closet and extracts from it an underskirt, an overskirt, and a bodice in watered silk.
Chiara hands them to Amber
Chiara says, "I think these will be better, with your coloring."
Amber asks, "And I'll still be able to fence?"
Chiara says (to Amber), "Trust me."
[7thsea] Niccolo rolls 5k3: 10+4 8 5 3 2 | 27
Amber shrugs.  "Okay."
[interludes] GM says, "You slide up to the door with ease and hear:"
[interludes] Abrielle says, "mumble mumble mumble MUMBLE mumble."
Chiara asks (of Amber), "Do you suppose Fortunato selected a bunch of halfwitted guards on purpose?"
[interludes] Someone says, "mumble. MUMBLE mumble, mumble mumble mumble."
Amber says, "They do seem rather dim.  He could easily do better."
[interludes] GM says, "Then the door is yanked open."
Amber says, "Me, for example."
Chiara says, "Heh."
[interludes] Carinna says, "Oh, good, I was just about to call for a servant. Lucky me. Here."
Chiara says, "I suppose you could speak to him about a position.  Since he, er, still wants to see you."
[interludes] Carinna hands Niccolo a chamberpot.
Chiara says, "But I would hate to lose you."
[interludes] Niccolo asks, "Thank you, ma'am. Will there be anything else, ma'am?"
[interludes] Carinna says (to Abrielle), "I can't tell you how lucky I am you stopped by. I'm trying to decide what to wear tonight."
Amber sighs.  "You're right.
[interludes] Carinna closes the door.
Amber says, "Have you been thinking anymore about that not-drowned man from the other night."
[interludes] Niccolo turns his head away from the pot.
Amber says, "I wouldn't work for him."
[interludes] Niccolo . o O ( What am I going to do with *this*? )
[interludes] Carinna says, "mumble mumble mumble mumble mumble"
Chiara says, "I don't know what to make of that, I confess.  If it was poison, it was nothing I know of."
Amber vanishes behind the screen.
[interludes] GM says, "I don't know, but you're very close to picking up some fabulous fashion tips."
[interludes] Niccolo says, "Unless I have reason to suspect I'll suddenly lose a layer of earwax and be able to hear words, I think I'll sidle away."
[interludes] GM says, "The door's just too thick for you to hear through it well. Plus your eyes are starting to water."
[interludes] Niccolo says, "And deposit this in an unoccupied guest room."
(From Amber) The sound of rustleing silk, accompanied by the occasional grunt, emerge from behind the screen.
Chiara opens a small box she keeps among her things, looks into it, puts something inside; closes the box again, and tucks it into the purse she carries.
Amber emerges.  "Is this better?"
[Crows-Nest] Giancarlo asks, "Good heavens.  Is she smuggling a piece of cheese into the festivities?"
Molley arrives, looking for booty.
Chiara pauses a moment.  "Actually, I think I've changed my mind: you'll cast me completely in the shade."
Whizzard arrives, looking for booty.
Whizzard has left.
Molley has left.
Chiara says, "But in all seriousness-- you look quite elegant."
[Crows-Nest] GM asks, "as in 'the mage'?"
Amber smiles.  "Thank you.  Its not often I get to look elegant.
[Crows-Nest] Whizzard says, "Yeah"
[Crows-Nest] Chiara says, "(no, not cheese.)"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Cool. There's someone I haven't heard from in years."
Chiara picks up a mask and dangles it from her fingers, turning it this way and that in the light.
[interludes] GM says, "You do so, and make your way back to your room (if that's where you're headed)"
[interludes] Niccolo says, "/recall 20"
[interludes] Niccolo says, "Idlac."
Chiara says, "Nothing left to do but wait, I suppose, though if you want to go ahead that is fine."
Amber says, "No, I'll wait for you.  Unless you want to accompany me to Fortunato's."
[interludes] Niccolo asks, "Mmm. Is there anything I'm going to want to do before the festivities, asks the man who makes sure to own two outfits in case he ever needs a spare?"
Chiara says (to Amber), "No-- in fact, perhaps you'd better go ahead and see to that."
Chiara says, "But I don't think he needs another interview with me."
[interludes] GM says, "Rest, perhaps. Nothing definite needs doing. Besides, you've gotten to skulk."
Amber asks, "If you're sure you'll be okay.  Do you know where Venzi is?"
Chiara raises an eyebrow.  "I'll be fine.  And I'm sure Venzi can look after himself."
[interludes] Niccolo says, "Mmm. Maybe I'll tune my lute or something."
Chiara says, "Oh-- and if Fortunato does seem to be giving you trouble, tell him I will vouch for you."
Chiara turns away as though she figures Amber is leaving.
[interludes] GM has removed Niccolo from the channel.
Amber picks up her sword-belt, and looks at it doubtfully.
Amber asks, "Uh, Chiarra?  This won't hurt the dress will it?"
Chiara says (to Amber), "put it on under the split skirt; you'll be able to get to it, and it won't damage the look."
Amber says, "Ah!  Okay."
Amber slips on her sword, tucks her pistols out of sight, makes sure she can reach  her knives, and heads out.
[vodacce] Chiara says, "I never gave this much thought to the complexity of fencing in full evening-gown attire"
[vodacce] Venzi asks, "not even during pytho?"
[vodacce] GM says, "Good thing there are no metal detectors in Vodacce."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Or cheese detectors."
[vodacce] GM says, "Wilson, it's your turn, if you want to do anything."
[interludes] GM has added Chiara to the channel.
[vodacce] Wilson exclaims, "Woo!"
[vodacce] schep says, "If there were, not one Vodacce could walk through it."
[interludes] GM asks, "Did I hear a request for Sorte?"
[interludes] Chiara says, "yes please"
Wilson heads out of the house only getting lost twice, then finds the shed/lab of Livio.
[interludes] Chiara says, "I'd like to do an arcana check on Fortunato, I think, to start with"
[Crows-Nest] Whizzard says, "Ok. One sec..."
[Crows-Nest] Whizzard says, "idlac, sorry."
[interludes] GM says, "Okay. You're going to have limited time before you're needed to make an appearance, so I may have to curtail you after a check or three."
Wilson walks up and knocks.
[interludes] Chiara says, "fair enough"
[interludes] Chiara asks, "it's skill + resolve, yes?"
[7thsea] Chiara rolls 4k3: 10+3 7 9 10+4 | 36
[vodacce] Niccolo says (to schep), "Bah, what little you know about the Vodacce."
[vodacce] Niccolo hides his screwdriver.
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Also, where is this in regards to the canals?"
GM says, "It's a not-very-imposing shed, with ivy curling around it."
[interludes] GM asks, "For measure?"
[interludes] Chiara says, "measure? when I did this in Ghogg's campaign he would tell me what the arcana for the character were, if any"
[interludes] GM says, "(I am new at this whole Sorte thing)"
GM says, "There is no answer to your knocks."
[interludes] Chiara says, "if I succeeded"
[interludes] Chiara says, "(I don't have the sourcebook, irritatingly)"
[interludes] GM says, "The player's handbook? I'm glancing through it now."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "it can't be too far from a canal"
Wilson waits a bit, watches the bugs crawl around on the ivy.  He knocks again, calls out, "Hey, Livio!  You in there?"
[interludes] GM says, "According to this, you can sense strands -- either the most important one, or look for one between two people."
[vodacce] GM says, "Canals are, indeed, everywhere."
GM says, "Livio does not say "no," but you imagine that is what he would say were he here to tell you he was not."
[interludes] Chiara says, "hmm.  ok, I'll look for the most important strand for Fortunato, then"
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "The trap-canal was out back?"
[vodacce] GM says, "(read read read read read)"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "I think there's one going through Gian's room."
Wilson tries the door.
[interludes] GM says, "(read read read read read)"
[interludes] Chiara says, "(heh)"
GM says, "Locked."
[interludes] GM says, "Give me two minutes to get back up to speed on Sorte. :)"
[interludes] Chiara says, "no problem"
Wilson examines the latch.  Still a shed-type door, or a more regular one?
[Crows-Nest] Whizzard says, "And I believe a cool granted power or two too."
[Crows-Nest] Whizzard says, "Damnit. Sorry."
[Crows-Nest] Wilson says, "Heh."
[Crows-Nest] Niccolo says, "Maybe you should make your default channel #whiz-games. So mischannels will be on-topic :)"
[Crows-Nest] Whizzard says, "Did. Will do so again. :)"
[interludes] GM says, "Aha, here we go. Yeah, you can see if someone has an arcana for a TN of 15."
[interludes] Chiara says, "okay, right"
[interludes] GM says, "which you clearly made several times over."
[interludes] Chiara says, "heh"
GM says, "It's been reinforced from your usual shed door. Banded wood, that sort of thing."
[interludes] GM says, "You shuffle the cards, dealing them out upon the bedside table."
Wilson sees if it's a slip=a=paper-through-the-cracks-to-open type lock.
GM asks, "It's one of those new-fangled key locks. Do you have lockpicking?"
[vodacce] Giancarlo exclaims, "Arrrr!!"
[interludes] Chiara stares at them intently, being relatively new to this sort of thing
[interludes] GM says, "The patterns slip in and out. You focus on Fortunato."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Nope. You'd think it'd be under 'spy', but no."
[interludes] GM says, "One card keeps recurring. You can nearly feel threads whispering across your mind."
[vodacce] Venzi asks, "it's not an advanced knack there?"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hunh"
[interludes] Chiara frowns, getting something that is almost a headache.
Wilson gives up on the lock, wanders around the shed looking for/in windows.
[interludes] GM says, "The Star card, non-inverted."
GM says, "There's a window on one side."
Wilson looks in
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Unfortunately, that side is the floor."
[interludes] Chiara looks at it thoughtfully for a few moments.
GM says, "Grimy."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Heh."
GM says, "And, it appears, loose in its frame."
[interludes] Chiara asks, "do I have time to investigate something else?"
[vodacce] Wilson exclaims, "Hey, just like Zork!"
[interludes] GM asks, "You can try, sure. Arcana, strands?"
Wilson wiggles it a bit.
[interludes] Chiara says, "strongest strand for Niccolo"
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "How big is this building total?"
[interludes] Chiara says, "(I can't recall: do I just roll resolve for this?)"
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Like, 2-car garage?  Bigger?"
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Including or not including the area under the rug?"
[vodacce] GM says, "Two-car garage, yes."
[vodacce] Wilson grins.
[vodacce] Wilson nods.
GM says, "The glass pops loose, then begins to slide. Finesse, please."
[7thsea] Wilson rolls 3k3: 2 1 3 | 6
[interludes] GM says, "Wits, I think. The book is very poorly written on this score."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "D"
[interludes] Chiara says, "ok"
[vodacce] Wilson exclaims, "D'oh!"
[7thsea] Chiara rolls 4k4: 4 6 2 7 | 19
GM says, "and continues its slide out of your fingers, thick as sausages, and into the room."
GM says, "You hear something break into thousands of smaller somethings."
Wilson scrabbles after it, winces.
[Crows-Nest] Niccolo says, "People in Montaigne, roll Perception to see if you hear it."
[Crows-Nest] Chiara says, "heeheehee"
[Crows-Nest] GM laughs.
GM says, "There's an open window frame for you now."
Wilson looks through the window.
[interludes] GM says, "Again you shuffle and re-deal the cards."
Ghogg materializes.
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Ghogg? What are you doing in there?"
[interludes] GM says, "There's a faint whisper, again something dragging across your mind. The cards feel tacky somehow."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "(joke)"
Spectator sits in the back with popcorn
[Crows-Nest] Chiara handles them cautiously
[Crows-Nest] Chiara says, "er, ilac"
GM says, "There are benches, with glassware and wooden stands and books. (Even retorts, some large enough to match the one you just made.)"
[interludes] GM says, "The suit of coins figure strongly in Niccolo's life; several extend from him."
[interludes] GM says, "(figures)"
[interludes] GM says, "(and several strands. Geez.)"
[interludes] Chiara asks, "can I get any sense of where they go?"
[interludes] GM says, "Not without wits+coins knack, TN 20."
[interludes] Chiara says, "heh"
[7thsea] Chiara rolls 5k4: 7 1 5 8 4 | 24
GM asks, "Are you entering, or merely deciding on new things to break?"
(From Amber) Wilson I'm sure no one heard that.
[interludes] Chiara concentrates
Wilson sighs, looks around to see if there are people around.
[interludes] GM says, "There is a strong one, winding around him, twisting. It -- it almost seems to pass *through* Giancarlo and then onwards, into darkness."
[interludes] Chiara sits back, frowning
[interludes] GM says, "The vision of Giancarlo blocks that of who might be at the other end of the strand."
GM says, "No one nearby. A few people out on the street, but none seem to have noticed you."
[interludes] Chiara regathers the cards and shuffles them again
[interludes] Chiara lays them out a third time, this time trying to guess at the strands that most bind Meander himself
[7thsea] Chiara rolls 4k4: 3 8 4 4 | 19
GM says, "Time is ticking: the festivities draw near."
Wilson pulls out a piece of paper, writes, "Livio-- Oops!  Sorry about the window.  Wanted to see your place, and when I put my face up to the window, I accidentally pushed it in.  I'll stop by later, and hopefully you'll be here.  Here's something for the window.  --Wilson
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "heehee"
[vodacce] Chiara says (to Venzi), "HEY"
[vodacce] Niccolo wonders if Wilson realizes fingerprinting doesn't exist yet.
[interludes] Chiara frowns at the cards intently
[interludes] GM says, "The cards are definitely starting to stick to your fingers, and feel as if they are made of lead. They seem to cling to the air, making it hard to move them."
Wilson ties the note around more than enough money, tucks it into a crack in the front door.
[interludes] GM says, "Even so, you press on. The cups are notable, though swords run through all."
Wilson rolls his eyes at himself, heads out to the copse of trees.
[interludes] GM says, "and the longer you deal, the more swords appear."
[interludes] Chiara . o O ( it's the bottom of the canal all over again )
[interludes] GM says, "Heh."
[vodacce] GM asks, "So we've dealt with Inspector Clouseau; is there anyone else looking to do something before the games?"
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "sorta"
[interludes] Chiara frowns at the cards a final time, then gathers them all up and returns them to their hiding place among her possessions.
[vodacce] Venzi says, "I'd like to see if I can locate one of the broadswords from the river"
[interludes] GM says, "You could almost do with a nap now, but duty calls."
[vodacce] GM asks, "Will the two of you be looking into this together, or splitting off?"
[vodacce] Amber says, "I'm on my way to Fortunato's."
[interludes] Chiara glances at herself a final time in the mirror, takes a deep breath, and heads out.
[vodacce] Venzi says, "um, either way"
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "I want to see who normally purchases the swords, and if any are missing."
[interludes] GM says, "You're set, then? (This did take a fair amount of time)"
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "So, er, I guess I'm off to Fortunato's."
[interludes] Chiara says, "(yeah, I figure that's as much as is reasonable right now)"
[interludes] Chiara says, "(plus I need to think)"
[vodacce] Amber says, "I've had a lot of screen time; mine can wait."
[vodacce] GM says, "Venzi & Giancarlo, RP the parting and then we'll focus on Venzi."
[interludes] GM says, "Excellent."
[interludes] Chiara says, "thanks"
[interludes] GM has removed Chiara from the channel.
Venzi says (to Giancarlo), "I'd like to go investigate the river again, see what became of the swords"
Venzi asks (of Giancarlo), "do you wish to come?"
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "But first, on the way back to the house, I pick out a small bouquet of flowers (suitable for wearing in one's hair, if one were a lady) and advise Venzi to give it to Chiara...."
[vodacce] Wilson exclaims, "Cyrano wasn't Italian!"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "uh-hunh"
Giancarlo says (to Venzi), "Hm ... you might be better of examining it with Niccolo ... he'll know the nature of the place better."
Venzi nods
Giancarlo says, "Me, I'd like to find out more about the sword purchases ... see if the swords may have come from the household."
Venzi says, "reasonable enough. if you talk to the guards, they may know what became of the swords, if they're no longer in the river"
Venzi says, "I will see you at the festival later, then"
Venzi heads off to the river.
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "I may be a sinister, creepy mobster-type, but I'm also a romantic sinister, creepy mobster-type."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "heehee"
[vodacce] (from Chiara) Giancarlo says, "In short, I send black roses to every lady I meet."
Giancarlo turns his footsteps towards the guardhouse.
GM says, "It's not a far walk, and you remember the way to the canal from this morning."
[vodacce] Amber says, "heehee"
GM says, "There's little sign of this morning's disturbance."
Venzi whistles as he walks.
[vodacce] Wilson says, "'On this site in 1668, an assassination attempt was foiled by quick-thinking guests of the manor.'"
Venzi arrives at the edge of the canal and kneels down to look into the water to see if the swords remain.
[vodacce] Venzi says, "yay"
GM says, "They do. The guards have evidently been so busy that this has been a low priority for them."
Venzi says, "excellent"
[vodacce] Amber groans.
Venzi rolls up his pants and wades in, then reaches down to try and uproot one of the blades
[vodacce] Amber hits Wilson in the back of the head.
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Ow."
[vodacce] GM says, "Just a note: if you're going to wade, you're going to swim. The canal is deep at this point."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "pah"
[vodacce] GM says, "and the blades are a ways down."
Venzi strips off his shirt and pants, then, and swims.
[vodacce] GM says, "Think of it like a bath"
[vodacce] GM says, "IN ALL OF EMELIA'S TOILET"
[vodacce] Venzi asks, "what, another one?"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "WHen you get closer, you see a body in a guard's uniform, skewered by a spring-loaded sword in the middle of an attempt to retrieve the blades."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "eew"
[Crows-Nest] Chiara leans out the window and wolf-whistles
Venzi dives down to see what the blades are anchored to and how to remove them.
[vodacce] GM says, "Swimming, TN 20, to give yourself some time to see what's what down there."
[vodacce] GM says, "(brawn + swimming)"
[Crows-Nest] TableSaw says, "I'm going to be appending 'IN ALL OF EMELIA'S TOILET' to every fortune cookie I read."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "probably have to use a drama die"
[7thsea] Venzi rolls 3k2: 4 5 2 | 9
[vodacce] Chiara says, "or three"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "uh, or not bother"
GM says, "You reach the swords, but you're low on air, having misjudged the distance."
GM says, "You can try to stay down for longer, if you'd like. Resolve + swimming, TN 20."
[7thsea] Venzi rolls 3k2: 6 2 7 | 13
[vodacce] Venzi says, "fooey"
[vodacce] GM says, "Perception, please."
[7thsea] Venzi rolls 4k3: 1 3 6 8 | 17
[vodacce] Venzi says, "cripes"
[vodacce] Amber offers Venzi some different dice.
GM says, "You bob back to the surface. You didn't get much of a look at the swords, but there is definitely some spare ornamentation near the hilt."
GM says, "either that or mold has set in already."
Venzi sighs, and looks around for a handhold or something to help him dive down
GM says, "No handholds, but there are large cobblestones."
Venzi says, "good enough"
Venzi grabs one and tries to repeat his dive.
[7thsea] Venzi rolls 3k2: 4 1 4 | 8
[vodacce] Venzi says, "good lord"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "ok, whatever, I'm using some dice"
[vodacce] GM says, "I was going to give you a TN of 10 since you are now Weighed Down"
[7thsea] Venzi rolls 1 die: 1
[7thsea] Venzi rolls 1 die: 8
[vodacce] Venzi cries
[Crows-Nest] Ghogg says, "Man"
[Crows-Nest] Ghogg gives Venzi a cookie
[Crows-Nest] Venzi exclaims, "yay, cookie!"
Venzi thrashes around a bit but finally sinks.
[Crows-Nest] Niccolo says, "Wet cookie."
GM says, "You sink to the bottom, barely avoiding skewering yourself on some of the swords."
[vodacce] GM says, "Look quickly."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "oh dear"
Venzi hangs onto the rock as he rubs away the river-gunk on the hilt to look for the MA
[7thsea] Venzi rolls 4k3: 8 1 5 2 | 15
GM says, "There is indeed an MA on the first sword you clean."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "I should hope so, after all that."
Venzi . o O ( thank goodness )
Venzi drops the rock and shoots gratefully to the surface.
Venzi retrieves his clothes and goes back to the house to wash (yet again) and change for the festival.
[vodacce] GM says, "I was tempted to say 'there is an "HB" on the sword'"
[vodacce] Chiara asks, "you don't want to break Venzi's spirit entirely, do you?"
[vodacce] Venzi sniffles and looks pathetic
[vodacce] GM says, "He's doing fine on his own."
[vodacce] Giancarlo cracks knuckles. "time to put da pressure on signor aiello, si?"
[vodacce] GM says, "Now Giancarlo heads for the guardhouse, and just happens to meet up with Amber as she is heading there. Hijinx ensue."
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "I was just thinking that I might have better luck with the two guards we met much earlier today ... same place to look for them, though."
[vodacce] Amber peers at Giancarlo through half-closed eyes, which she rubs vigourusly.
Giancarlo asks, "Good evening.  Paying Signor Fortunato a visit?"
Amber asks, "Yes.  And you?"
Giancarlo says, "I had a few questions I wanted cleared up."
Giancarlo says, "I thought perhaps one of the guards might be able to help me."
Giancarlo knocks on the door to the general barracks.
Amber asks, "They haven't been much help so far, why should they start now?"
Guard opens the door. "Yes?"
Amber says, "Fortunato requested to see me."
Giancarlo says (to Amber), "...what can I say, I'm a gambler...."
Guard says, "Ah," and steps aside.
Amber says (to Gian), "Play your cards carefully."
Giancarlo says (to Amber), "don't worry. I cheat."
Amber walks to the Fortunato's area.
Fortunato, who is talking to some guards, looks up. "Yes? I'm very busy."
Giancarlo says (to Guard), "I was hoping to have a word with <guard 1> or <guard 2 from early this morning>."
Amber says, "You requested to see me."
Fortunato says, "Oho, you are our marathon runner.."
Amber smiles enigmaticly.
Guard says, "I think both of them are on patrol right now."
Fortunato says, "I must admit, I am a little curious about why you would run from our guards."
Giancarlo asks (of Guard), "that is a shame.  Do you know if or where I could find them?"
Amber says, "After the ambush in the street this morning, I suspected them of being reinforcements.  Better-disguised reinforcements."
Amber asks, "Might I sit down?"
Fortunato gestures towards a chair. "Run along, men. This may take a moment.
Amber adjusts her skirts.
Guard thinks. "Not really. They might be in the bazaar right now."
Fortunato asks, "You are fetchingly attired. You are going to attend the party tonight, I take it?"
Giancarlo says (to Guard), "It'll take forever to find them, then.  Well, perhaps you could help me."
Amber says, "I had planned to do so, yes."
Guard shrugs. "If I can."
Fortunato says, "So you mistook men wearing their insignia and moving in formation for ruffians who were, according to your friend over there, probably looking for your purses."
Giancarlo asks (of Guard), "Or ... on second thoughts, who is it who normally handles the purchase of equipment?  Swords, etc.?"
Guard says, "I'm not really sure. You'd have to ask Fortunato, probably."
Giancarlo says (to Guard), "Right, thank you."
Amber says, "That ambush was too well coordinated to have been simply 'rufians.'  And besides, I didn't stop to examine the authenticity of their equipage."
[Crows-Nest] Giancarlo says, "That's right.  She totally failed her perception roll."
Fortunato says, "Yet none of your companions felt compelled to run."
Amber says, "None of them were able."
Fortunato asks, "Truly? How so?"
Giancarlo moves over to Amber and Fortunato.
Amber says, "You've met them.  Two of them are not able-bodied, one of them was injured, and one was busy tending wounds."
Giancarlo . o O ( not able-bodied? )
[vodacce] Chiara says, "that's right, I'm a cripple"
[vodacce] Amber says, "and so is wilson. ;-)"
Fortunato asks, "So instead you were so concerned about the possibility of a further ambush that you left your companions to face it without your help?"
Amber says, "Right."
Amber says, "If one person escapes, that does more good than all being captured."
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "This is why she was hired as a bodyguard, of course."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "Believe me, I'm noting it down on her permanent record."
[vodacce] Amber asks, "verbal fencing - hmm, does footwork apply?"
Fortunato asks, "I see. No concern that one person might escape only to find the ones left behind were killed?"
[Crows-Nest] Ghogg says, "In Vodacce? Yeah right ;)"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "not easily snowed, our friend Fortunato"
Giancarlo asks, "Oh what does it matter.  If she had anything to hide, she wouldn't have come back, would she?"
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "We should tempt him into the catacombs with a promise of Amontillado or something."
Fortunato says (to Giancarlo), "That, sir, is what I am trying to determine. But I am once again thankful for your assistance in my investigation."
Amber glances at Giancarlo.  "Again?"
Giancarlo says (to amber), "we had an interview earlier this afternoon."
Amber says, "No matter."
Fortunato says, "He offered some startling insight into possible culprits in the recent attempts on de Falisci."
Amber says, "Fortunato, I returned to my client's side immediatly when she left your office, though she didn't know it."
Amber says, "Considering the coordination of the attack this morning, I tailed her to see if anyone else was following her."
Giancarlo . o O ( score! )
Amber asks, "And what progress have you made interogating those 'rufians' that attacked us?"
Fortunato grins. "Was anyone else following your client?"
Amber asks, "Have they woken up?"
[Crows-Nest] Giancarlo says, "Yes. Him (points at Guard 2)"
Fortunato asks, "Did you have reason to believe you might be the source of attacks before the event in the bazaar?"
Amber says, "And when I did let her know I was there, that man (points) told me you needed to question me."
Amber asks, "Am I being accused, sir?"
Fortunato says, "You are being...questioned."
Amber says, "I had noticed."
Fortunato says, "Attempts are made on Meander's life. You and your companions appear, and have the fortuitous luck to save him."
Amber says, "Then I would think we warrant gratitude, not an interogation."
Fortunato says, "There are a good dozen possible groups of people that might want to see de Falisci dead -- but the six of you I cannot place."
Fortunato says, "And that makes me concerned."
Fortunato says, "*Especially* since the dowager countessa has seen fit to place you under her protection."
Amber says, "If you have any doubts as to my character, feel free to contact my former commanding officer in the Musketeers."
Fortunato says, "You do have my gratitude, assuming this is not some ever-more elaborate ploy to ensure that Meander dies on a different schedule than that set by whomever set those swords."
Fortunato says, "Unless the swords were only a feint, to help you gain trust."
Fortunato says, "These are the possibilities I must deal with when new elements appear in the picture."
Fortunato sighs and rubs the bridge of his nose. "I have no evidence that any of you are up to no good, and suspicions alone do not a reason make."
Fortunato says, "I thank you for coming to speak with me. Your appearance here does you credit."
Fortunato says, "Please enjoy the evening's entertainment."
Amber asks, "Thank you.  So I am free to go?"
Giancarlo says, "Yes, it is a rather fetching dress...."
[vodacce] Amber says, "timing"
Amber asks (of Giancarlo), "Shall we go?"
Giancarlo says (to Amber), "Yes, let's."
Giancarlo says (to Fortunato), "Oh, by the way.  Signor Aiello sends his regards, and hopes the last shipment was satisfactory."
Amber asks (of Giancarlo), "Aiello?"
Fortunato says, "Ah."
Amber says, "Ah, the metalsmith."
Amber says, "Chiara mentioned him to me."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "(er -- I wasn't around for that interview)"
Giancarlo says (to Fortunato), "(I'm assuming, of course, that you handled the purchase ... he wasn't entirely clear ... busy, you know.)"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "(but whatever)"
[vodacce] Amber says, "<sleepy>"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "(mmhmm)"
Fortunato says, "Do enjoy the games tonight. I hope there will be a chance for you to fish there as well."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "heh"
Fortunato says, "And now I must continue making plans. Do excuse me."
Giancarlo bows, turns and leaves.
Amber says, "Good day, sir."
Amber departs.
Fortunato says, "And to you."
[vodacce] GM says, "And a drama die for Amber"
[vodacce] Amber says, "whoohoo1"
Giancarlo says (to Amber), "(as soon as we're out of earshot) I don't think Signor Fortunato likes us...."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "yay blatant lies"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
[vodacce] GM asks, "Is everyone ready for the FEATS OF STRENGTH?"
[vodacce] Chiara exclaims, "woohoo!"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "aw yeah"
[vodacce] Giancarlo exclaims, "Wait, we haven't upped our Brawn yet!"
[vodacce] Chiara pictures Venzi wielding a really enormous hammer
[vodacce] Venzi says, "they have to go better than my feats of swimming"
[vodacce] Chiara says (to Venzi), "heh"
[vodacce] Amber says, "the spirit is willing, but my right hand is dying."
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Will there be a pie-baking contest and a pie-eating contest?"
[vodacce] GM says, "We can stop for the night, if necessary."
[vodacce] GM says, "The next scene may take an hour or so"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Hmm. I am sleepy but willing."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "I'm fine"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "but then I never go to bed before 4 am these days so"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "um, I'm west coast, so it's not even 10:30"
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "I'm fine too"
[vodacce] Amber says, "not sure I'll last, but I'll try."
[vodacce] GM says (to Venzi), "I'm east coast. We must fight."
[vodacce] (from Wilson) Venzi says, "But man am I tired.  'night, everyone!"
[vodacce] Venzi asks, "hiphop or rapiers?"
[vodacce] GM says, "Snaps. You mama so fat, she don't need a buckler, she need a *fence*."
[vodacce] Chiara laughs
[vodacce] Venzi laughs
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "hee"
[vodacce] GM says, "A brief word on the fights tonight."
[vodacce] GM says, "They're all with buttoned swords, so I'm going to use a modified version of combat, for those of you who decide to take part."
[vodacce] GM says, "Points are scored by touches, and are by "wounds". Fights are to the first "dramatic wound," which counts as a win."
[vodacce] GM says, "No actual wounds occur, assuming the buttons stay on."
[vodacce] GM says, "Heh."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "mmhmm"
[vodacce] Ghogg says, "Muahahaha"
[vodacce] Ghogg asks, "but WILL THEY?"
Ghogg disappears through an invisible gap in the MUD. You think you may have heard the sounds of chatting before the gap closed again.
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Will there be any damage rolls or wound checks, to judge the effectiveness of a touch?"
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "How about chairs?  I can hit people with chairs.  Do I need a button?"
[vodacce] GM says (to Niccolo), "Yes. It works just like combat, with no one taking actual damage and only to the first dramatic wound."
[vodacce] Amber asks (of Wilson), "What about people who are standing?"
[vodacce] GM says (to Wilson), "Yes. Just a button."
[vodacce] Venzi swoons
[vodacce] Niccolo doesn't bring a weapon, but just flings buttons at people.
[vodacce] Venzi says, "er, sorry, little overenthusiastic"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
[vodacce] GM says (to Niccolo), "You will have to fight with a toothpick."
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Arr, I'm a scurvy dentist, I yam."
[vodacce] GM says, "Everyone can make their entrance when ready."
[vodacce] GM says, "Servants will escort you to the main hall."
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "It's all inside?"
Venzi, freshly bathed and clothes changed, heads downstairs.
[vodacce] GM says, "Yes."
Niccolo comes out of his room.
Giancarlo asks (of Amber), "Will you be taking part?"
[vodacce] Wilson says (to Venzi), "Wait, we need to have a long conversation in our room while we change."
Chiara is already downstairs, dressed in blue and silver from head to toe, and contemplating the furnishings.
[vodacce] Wilson says, "(amber afk)"
[vodacce] Niccolo says (to Wilson), "Too late, you're in the copse."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
Giancarlo shows up with Amber and scans the room from the periphery.
Niccolo straightens his shirt a little, then heads downstairs.
Wilson comes in, realizes everyone is more dressed up than he, runs upstairs to grab a nice hat, returns.
GM says, "There are people mingling about in all manner of attire. You can pick out the people who will not be participating in the more physical exhibitions by their fancy dress."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "(oh, or not)"
[vodacce] Wilson says, "But I'll keep the hat ;-)"
Niccolo arrives at the hall, and is releved that he can blend in with the contestants at least, if not the proper guests.
GM says, "Areas are set up for brief friendly fights. Two guards are arm-wrestling in one corner. Near one wall two well-dressed ladies in masks are trading carefully-crafted verbal barbs."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "'Alors, my dear, yo mamma so fat...'"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
[vodacce] GM says, "yay"
GM says, "Some are gambling on the outcomes of the various matches."
Amber turns to Chiara in glee.  "I can go change!  Though I hate to lose my elegant look.
Niccolo looks around to see what feats will be taking place, and how the contestants are being selected.
Venzi glances around for the fencers.
Chiara says (to Amber), "ah, my efforts are wasted on you!  (but she seems amused.)"
[7thsea] Giancarlo rolls 4k1: 7 1 4 2 | 7
Wilson (walking up, to Amber) "Oh, I wouldn't change out of that.  Looks elegant *and* practical."
[7thsea] Giancarlo rolls 4k3: 4 9 2 5 | 18
Giancarlo places a bet on a likely-looking contest.
[vodacce] GM asks (of Giancarlo), "What are you rolling?"
Amber exclaims (at Wilson), "Why, thank you!"
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "gambling"
[vodacce] GM says, "Aha."
Sabatino exclaims, "Ah! Ah! It is my friends!"
[vodacce] Wilson rolls for gamboling.
Sabatino makes his way towards you.
[vodacce] Venzi asks, "do you even have dancing?"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "or maybe it'd be more like jumping"
[vodacce] GM says, "You can assume that plenty of entertainment activities are going on. If there's one in particular you'd like to partake in, let me know."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "I do have dancing."
Giancarlo nods in Sabatino's direction by way of greeting.
Chiara scans the crowd, looking for familiar faces.
[vodacce] Wilson says, "But not jumping."
Carinna exclaims, "There you are, Sabatino!"
Venzi says (to Sabatino), "why, hello there"
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "What sort of stealth roll would it take to disappear before he knows I've seen him?"
[vodacce] GM asks, "Sabatino, you mean?"
Ghogg materializes.
Carinna says (to Carinna), "Ah, child, I had hoped to see you here."
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Yeah. Not that I have anything *against* him exactly, but..."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
[vodacce] GM says, "Whoops, window. Assume that came from the right person."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Carinna Carinna?  I saw that."
[Crows-Nest] Ghogg says, "Gaah, I thought you were stopping."
[vodacce] GM says, "Also, TOO LATE"
[Crows-Nest] Venzi says, "we're going for another hour, looks like"
Sabatino asks, "Have you met Carinna Verde de Falisci?"
Venzi says, "only in passing"
Wilson grins.  "We saw each other, but have not been formally introduced.  Wilson Mayhew."
Carinna says, "So pleased to meet you formally."
Giancarlo says, "Giancarlo Bernini"
Wilson says, "And I you, my lady."
Carinna curtsies gracefully, then giggles. "Have you been to one of father's parties before?"
Wilson asks, "Can't say that I have.  What are they like?"
Sabatino exclaims, "They are ever so entertaining!"
Carinna smiles. "I quite like them."
Venzi says, "this is a very fancy party, I must say"
Carinna says, "Though I'm not as fond of tonight as I am of the dancing tomorrow night."
Giancarlo says, "Tonight's entertainment certainly looks excellent."
Chiara listens in on the verbal barbs.
Venzi asks, "does your father have a favorite event here?"
Amber asks (of Chiarra), "Do you mind if I participate in the fencing?"
GM says (to Chiara), "Workmanlike, but uninspired."
Chiara says (to Amber), "not at all"
Carinna says, "Oh, certainly the swordfighting."
Carinna asks, "Are any of you participating?"
Giancarlo says, "Not I."
Giancarlo looks like he'd like to, though....
Chiara raises her eyebrow expressively at the two insult-combattants and moves away slowly
Venzi says, "if I am not too outclassed, yes"
Sabatino exclaims, "Whyever not? I imagine you would amaze us all, sir!"
Amber grins.
Venzi says, "I do not know what the quality of the local swordsmen is like"
Carinna pats Sabatino's arm. "You must forgive Sabatino; he is ever enthusiastic."
Giancarlo says, "I have my reasons."
Sabatino says, "Oh, well. If you have reasons, I cannot gainsay them."
Wilson asks, "What's to forgive about that?"
Wilson smiles broadly.
Sabatino exclaims (at Wilson), "Exactly what I tell my young friend here!"
Carinna rolls her eyes.
Amber asks (of Carinna), "Who should I approach about entering the contests?"
Carinna says, "Oh, you can either just choose an ongoing contest and ask the people around to participate, or you can find a partner and an appropriate space here in the hall."
Amber looks around for a fencing contest.
Sabatino exclaims, "I'm afraid I must go mingle. I am an innkeeper, after all!"
Sabatino exclaims (at Niccolo), "I was especially glad to see you again!"
Venzi says, "do enjoy yourself"
Giancarlo says (to Sabatino), "It has been a pleasure, signor"
Wilson exclaims (at Sabbie), "Good to see you!"
Carinna offers her arm to Sabatino. "Lead on, sir."
Niccolo says (to Sabatino), "Yes! And I'm sure you will again."
Sabatino exclaims, "With pleasure! Enjoy this evening, everyone, enjoy the evening!"
Chiara says (to Niccolo), "(once Sabatino is gone) He seems quite fond of you."
Giancarlo watches Carinna walk off with Sabatino
Niccolo says (to Chiara), "We met yesterday evening. I believe, to his attention span, that is halfway to lifelong friends."
Chiara says (to Niccolo), "consider the alternatives: some people take half the time to make lifelong enemies."
Dixon says, "I see some of my dinner companions from last night were able to attend tonight."
Niccolo avoids glancing in Giancarlo's direction.
Chiara looks up at Dixon with surprise and pleasure.
Chiara exclaims (at Dixon), "Greetings!"
Wilson exclaims, "Hey, I recognize that accent!  I'm not the only Avalonian here after all!"
Niccolo slips into the crowd.
Dixon says (to Wilson), "Well done. I am indeed from Avalon: Sir Guy Dixon at your service."
Chiara looks back and forth between Wilson and Dixon, a wry expression on her face.  "Sir Dixon Guy, let me make known to you Wilson Mayhew."
Chiara says, "An... eccentric gentleman of your country."
Dixon says, "My pleasure."
Wilson says, "Eccentric, am I?  Well, maybe in this country."
Wilson grins.
Dixon asks, "You are newly arrived in Vodacce, then?"
Wilson shakes Dixon's hand, as is customary back home.
Wilson says, "Yes, just got here a few days ago."
Wilson asks, "You been here a while?"
Venzi heads away also.
Amber asks (of Dixon), "Is Danel with you tonight?"
Dixon says (to Wilson), "For some time now, as an ambassador."
Chiara says (to Amber), "now there's a good idea! you could challenge Danel to one of these contests."
Amber says, "Exactly what I was thinking."
Dixon says (to Amber), "He was just a moment ago. If you are interested, I expect he would be most willing to match swords with you."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "woo woo"
Wilson asks (of Dixon), "Ah, excellent.  And what do you think of the place, now that you've gotten to know it better?"
[vodacce] Giancarlo asks, "by the way ... Carinna is in traditional strega garb, right? black dress, veil, etc?"
Chiara says (to Wilson, Dixon), "Perhaps I should step away so that you can answer honestly..."
[Crows-Nest] Ghogg says, "I keep wanting to read Wilson as 'Mason'"
[vodacce] GM says, "She is."
Dixon says (to Chiara), "That would be both of our loss, though. I find Vodacce a fascinating and complex place."
[vodacce] Amber says, "I keep wanting to read 'Mayhew' as 'Mayhem'."
Rosanella says, "There you are, Sir Guy. I was afraid you were avoiding me in order to make trade concessions."
[vodacce] Wilson asks (of GM), "She wasn't earlier today, though, right?"
Dixon says (to Rosanella), "I would hardly be able to do so, as watchful as you are. Lady Rosanella d'Angelo, let me introduce Chiara Venterrini, Amber, and Wilson Mayhew."
[vodacce] GM says, "Correct."
Wilson says (to Rosanella), "Greetings, m'lady."
Chiara says (to Dixon), "I am glad to hear you say so."
Chiara nods graciously to Rosanella
Rosanella says (to Chiara), "It is good to see you and your companion again."
Rosanella says (to Wilson), "and a pleasure to meet you, sir."
Wilson asks (of Rosanella), "Trade concessions?  So you too are a diplomat?"
Chiara says (to Rosanella), "Indeed."
Rosanella says (to Wilson), "When I must be, yes. I represent Bessarion here at de Falisci's court."
Rosanella says (to Wilson), "You sound, though, as if you are from further away than Bessarion."
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Do I know what that is?"
Dixon says (to Rosanella), "He is one of my contrymen, actually."
Chiara says (to Dixon), "(in a low voice) we have had the most instructive day.  Meander spares no effort to make his events memorable, I note."
[vodacce] GM says, "You know it's a nearby town in Vodacce."
Dixon says (to Chiara), "Truly? You have piqued my interest."
Chiara plays with her fan and flutters it in front of her face.  "Well, there's the bazaar, of course."
Giancarlo wanders off in the direction Carinna and Sabatino took.
Wilson asks (of Rosanella), "Have you done so long?"
Dixon says, "An ever-popular destination."
Chiara says, "If I were in charge of organizing it there would be fewer weapons sellers and more silk merchants.  But it does well enough.  <meaningful pause>"
Chiara says, "As long as one's companions are not beset, quite randomly, by a bunch of pickpockets."
Dixon asks, "Oh?"
Rosanella says (to Wilson), "For well on two years now."
Chiara says, "Perhaps that's too generous a term.  Ruffians?  They fell upon us for no reason at all."
Chiara asks, "Is that a common occurrence hereabouts?"
Dixon spreads his hands. "I have heard that the bazaar can be dangerous, but mainly to your purse strings. Rosanella?"
Wilson says, "Long enough to start being good at it, then.  At least, if being a diplomat is anything like the various professions I've attempted."
Rosanella says, "People fighting in the bazaar? It's not unheard of, but it is unusual, especially this time of year when Fortunato's men are more alert than normal."
Wilson says (to Rosanella), "Though I take it that growing up in Vodacce makes a diplomat of you from the time you are children, by necessity."
Rosanella asks (of Wilson), "It does help, certainly. What professions have you tried?"
Chiara says (as though it had just occurred to her), "Fortunato! He's another one that confuses me. Such a grim, mirthless man, seemingly all business, never a smile, and yet he heads a squadron of hired buffoons."
Wilson says, "Farming, serving, drawing, and now painting."
Dixon says (to Chiara), "Do not underestimate his men, or especially him. Not all of his guards are as incompetent as they seem."
[vodacce] Chiara asks (of Dixon), "do you know anything about a guard named "Guard 2"?"
GM says, "You notice Venzi preparing to try his rapier skill on a rather burly man."
Chiara says (to Dixon), "mm"
[vodacce] GM laughs.
[vodacce] Giancarlo asks, "Whom should I vote on?"
[vodacce] Giancarlo asks, "Er, whom should I bet on?"
Amber wanders off to find Danel.
Chiara asks (of Dixon), "it is a dangerous ploy, I think; wouldn't it be better to inspire fear, as a deterrent?"
[vodacce] Amber says, "Before I fall asleep ;-)"
[7thsea] Giancarlo rolls 4k3: 4 4 9 3 | 17
Venzi says (to Man), "(solicitously) I hope you find one long enough for you -- I do hate to see a man who can't handle his blade properly"
[vodacce] GM says, "Danel will show up as soon as Venzi is finished. :)"
Chiara glances over towards Venzi, then hunches up one shoulder dismissively.
Man says, "I shall show you how one handles a blade, then."
Dixon shrugs. "Such decisions are beyond what I deal with.
Venzi says, "I am always anxious for instruction"
Danel says (to Dixon), "Sir, sorry I'm late."
Man says (to Venzi), "On your guard, then."
[vodacce] Man says, "And roll initiative."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Venzi's finished already?  Wow."
[7thsea] Man rolls 2 dice: 2 3
Venzi raises his blade. "Let the lesson begin."
[7thsea] Venzi rolls 3 dice: 5 4 4
[7thsea] Venzi says, "rerolling 5"
[7thsea] Venzi rolls 1 die: 10
Chiara says (to Dixon), "Ah, I was only curious about your opinion of these matters.  As I said, Fortunato puzzles me."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "(yar)"
[vodacce] Wilson laughs.
[vodacce] Chiara says, "first lesson: HOW TO ROLL DICE"
Dixon says (to Danel), "Amber was looking for you. She wanted a chance to cross blades with you."
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "You should have had Wilson run the probabilities for you."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "sublesson a: I should try and roll anything this evening"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "er, shouldn't"
Man lifts his sword in a salute, then brings it around with a snap of his wrist.
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hrm, I guess we probably both have exploit weakness"
[vodacce] Wilson exclaims, "Except with the punches!"
[vodacce] (from Niccolo) Venzi says, "I should type, too."
[7thsea] Man rolls 5k3: 4 1 3 3 7 | 14
[vodacce] Venzi says, "(I have parry 3)"
[vodacce] Man says, "swing and a miss. (You're TN 20, right -- yup)"
Venzi steps to the side as the man attacks. "A bit slow. Care to try again?"
Man grimaces. "You dance very prettily." He brings his rapier back around, cutting at Venzi's legs.
[7thsea] Man rolls 5k3: 6 3 10+9 3 7 | 32
[vodacce] Venzi says, "I'd like to try and parry that"
[vodacce] Man asks, "You care to try active, or just going to take it on the shin?"
Dixon says, "He is very good at what he does, though he is a hard man to get to know."
[vodacce] Man says, "(Go ahead)"
Danel says, "Fortunato is not as good as you seem to think."
[vodacce] Venzi asks, "I assume he's not using ambrogia so exploit weakness doesn't apply?"
[vodacce] Man says, "Now that you're fighting him, you can definitely tell that he uses ambrogia-style fighting. So, yes, exploit weakness is possible."
Wilson asks (of Danel), "Why do you say that?"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "alrighty"
[7thsea] Venzi rolls 7k3: 4 6 4 6 3 10+1 5 | 23
[vodacce] Venzi says, "(for all the good it does me)"
Danel says (to Wilson), "He does not keep discipline as he should."
Wilson asks, "Which bring dissention?"
Venzi swings his blade down, not in time.
[7thsea] Man rolls 5k2: 5 2 8 1 5 | 13
[vodacce] Venzi asks, "am I rolling brawn as usual?"
[vodacce] Man says, "Yes."
[7thsea] Venzi rolls 2k2: 1 7 | 8
Danel says, "It allows things to happen which should not happen."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "bah"
[vodacce] Man says, "Unless you wish to spend a drama die, that's going to be it."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "I have no more drama dice after the ill-fated swimming event"
[vodacce] Man says, "I thought you'd earned one last ep."
Chiara asks (of Danel), "such as?"
Dixon says, "I believe your passion for order is overrulling your judgement."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "um, I have no idea"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "if you're willing to say I have one I'll certainly use it"
[vodacce] Man | [vodacce] GM says, "And I pause to bestow a drama die on Giancarlo for his drunken sailor act and Venzi for his effectiveness."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "woo"
[7thsea] Venzi rolls 1 die: 7
[vodacce] Venzi says, "yay"
Danel says (to Chiara), "The incident at the canal this morning is one such."
Venzi staggers back as the blade stabs at his legs. "That's more like it."
Chiara asks, "Do you suppose that could have been avoided easily?"
Wilson asks, "Wait, that's common knowledge?"
Dixon says, "Danel believes everything can be avoided. One would think he has a touch of Sorte, the way he talks."
Venzi exclaims, "now then, have at you!"
[vodacce] Man says, "He's TN 20."
[7thsea] Venzi rolls 8k3: 6 3 6 5 3 9 1 5 | 21
Chiara asks, "Or is it just that the number and ingenuity of Meander's enemies makes matters difficult?"
[7thsea] Venzi rolls 4k2: 3 5 4 3 | 9
[7thsea] Man rolls 3k3: 9 8 1 | 18
Man tries to dodge, but is not fast enough and is tagged on the arm.
[vodacce] Man says, "You've got two more chances."
Chiara says (to Dixon), "If he understood Sorte as any Vodacce understands it, he would know that Sorte tends to mean *nothing* can be avoided."
Venzi asks, "tag for tag, eh?"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "no, I parried"
[vodacce] Man says, "Whoops, forgot about that."
[7thsea] Venzi rolls 3 dice: 10 1 7
[vodacce] Venzi says, "rerolling 10"
[7thsea] Venzi rolls 1 die: 8
Danel says, "Planning can make the difference in matters such as these, yes."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "(sigh)"
[7thsea] Man rolls 2 dice: 7 4
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Did Dixon just call Danel a girly man back there, BTW?"
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "hee"
Man says, "I shall finish you off shortly."
Venzi plays it a bit more cautiously this time.
[vodacce] Venzi says, "(holding the 1)"
[7thsea] Man rolls 5k3: 7 8 6 8 6 | 23
[vodacce] Venzi says, "trying to parry again"
[7thsea] Venzi rolls 6k3: 6 5 10+4 9 4 3 | 29
Venzi swings his sword out to block as the man approaches.
[7thsea] Wilson says, "You rolled 7k3 last time.  Not that that's not good enough, of course."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "whoops, right. thanks."
Man shouts as he makes what he thought was an excellent strike, only to see it parried. People watching applaud.
Dixon says, "I should not second-guess Danel. He knows far more about the military arts than I."
Venzi grins and sidesteps, waiting for the man to approach again.
[vodacce] Venzi says, "(holding the 7)"
[vodacce] Man says, "Goodness."
[7thsea] Man rolls 5k3: 7 4 8 4 1 | 19
Chiara manages to pay attention to Dixon and notice every movement of the fight at the same time.
Man rushes his next swing and misses altogether.
Giancarlo is somewhere being unobtrusive
[7thsea] Wilson says, "And every movement of those sinewy muscles too, I bet."
Venzi says, "forgetting your lesson from before, eh? let me re-teach it"
[7thsea] Venzi rolls 8k3: 5 8 1 10+7 1 1 5 9 | 34
[7thsea] Venzi rolls 4k2: 9 4 8 6 | 17
[vodacce] Man says, "Gah, and I can't parry."
[7thsea] Man rolls 3k3: 10+2 4 2 | 18
[vodacce] Wilson exclaims, "Got 'im!"
[vodacce] Man says, "That's a good enough touch. RP it out."
Dixon says, "Your friend over there is quite the swordsman."
Venzi dives in as the man is off-balance, knocking away his sword and striking straight at the chest.
Chiara shrugs, smiling wryly.
Judge exclaims, "That ends the match!"
Chiara says, "I hadn't noticed."
Man exclaims, "Grah! I was cheated!"
Man exclaims, "Did you see? I was cheated!"
Venzi frowns.
GM says, "The crowd starts booing the swordsman."
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "I saw him use a drama die!  You saw it, didn't you?"
[vodacce] Ghogg says, "hee hee"
Judge says (to Man), "That will be all, thank you. You are done for tonight."
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "if a roll of 17 on a Gambling check is enough to guess that Venzi is the better fencer, I collect my winnings."
Venzi rubs his shin. "I will remember your blow later -- let's keep the memory at that, shall we?"
Man exclaims, "But...but...it's not...he...he's so *little*!"
[vodacce] Man says, "I think so. Enjoy your winnings."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hey, I thought Amber was the short swordsperson here"
[vodacce] Man says, "Had he fought her, he'd be saying 'so *teeny tiny*'"
[vodacce] Wilson exclaims, "Cheat!  Too small to hit!"
Man collects himself and bows to Venzi. You might hear his teeth grinding as he does so.
[vodacce] Chiara says, "heehee"
Venzi returns the man's bow, then thanks the judge and returns his rapier.
Danel says (to Chiara), "Is Amber around? I would like to fence against her."
Chiara says (to Danel), "she was looking for you quite recently"
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Amber is almost asleep on the floor.  Shall I wake her?"
Giancarlo scans the crowd for the tell-tale black veils.
[vodacce] Man says, "If she's up for a quick fight, yes. This shouldn't be much longer."
Amber shows up again.
Amber exclaims (at Danel), "There you are!"
Danel bows. "Would you be interested in a match?"
Amber smiles.  "Yes, I'd love to."
Amber and Danel find a good spot and a Judge.
Danel chooses a rapier, giving it a few experimental swings.
Dixon says, "I hope she doesn't take off his other ear."
Venzi comes over to watch their technique.
Amber checks the buttons on a rapier, swings it likewise.
Chiara says (to Dixon), "It's all in affection, I'm sure."
Amber squares off and salutes.
Danel returns the salute.
[7thsea] Amber rolls 3 dice: 9 1 2
[7thsea] Danel rolls 3 dice: 1 6 5
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Wow, simultaneous."
[vodacce] Danel has joined the channel.
Amber and Danel spring at each other with lightning-quick grace.
[7thsea] Amber rolls 8k4: 2 7 10+4 10+2 8 3 9 8 | 43
[vodacce] Venzi says, "eyow"
[7thsea] Danel rolls 6k3: 3 6 10+9 1 6 4 | 31
[vodacce] Venzi says, "see, that's the sort of rolls I should have been making"
[vodacce] Danel asks, "I'm TN 20, as are you, right?"
[vodacce] Venzi takes notes for next time.
[vodacce] Amber says, "Yup."
[vodacce] Amber asks, "Can I parry for my other action?"
[vodacce] Amber asks, "Or, spend the dice to parry?"
[vodacce] Danel says, "Sure. Which is what I'll do as well. Ladies first."
[7thsea] Amber rolls 6k3: 7 10+1 7 8 4 5 | 26
[7thsea] Danel rolls 6k3: 2 3 1 1 7 8 | 18
[vodacce] Amber spends a drama die.
[7thsea] Amber rolls 1 die: 8
Danel moves forward, only to see his blows blocked.
[vodacce] GM says, "Roll damage"
Amber dances forward, dodging Danel's attack, and strikes his shoulder.
[7thsea] Amber rolls 3k2: 3 4 10+3 | 17
[7thsea] Danel rolls 3k3: 8 3 9 | 20
Dixon says (to Chiara), "Interested in a friendly wager? Despite that first exchange, I believe Danel will still prevail."
Amber dances back out of range.
Danel flexes his arm, wincing. "'s a good hit."
Danel asks, "Shall we try again?"
[7thsea] Danel rolls 3 dice: 8 8 2
Amber just smiles and advances again.
[7thsea] Amber rolls 3 dice: 1 6 9
Chiara says (to Dixon), "Certainly."
[7thsea] Amber rolls 8k4: 3 3 3 3 1 10+5 1 8 | 29
Chiara says, "I have every confidence in Amber."
[vodacce] Danel says (to Chiara), "Especially after that roll."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "(easy for me to say, too)"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "heh"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
[vodacce] Danel says, "I'll use my 8's to parry."
[7thsea] Danel rolls 6k3: 10+5 2 10+7 3 10+1 10+10+10+5 | 67
[vodacce] Amber exclaims, "Wow!"
[vodacce] Ghogg says, "MUAHAHAHA"
[vodacce] Danel says, "I will say that I parried successfully."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "GOOD LORD"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "my goodness"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Remind me not to make enemies with Mr. Danel."
Amber thrusts, and witnesses the best parry she has ever seen in her life.
Danel whips his sword around. It blurs, knocking Amber's sword off true.
[vodacce] GM asks, "Also, why couldn't I get those rolls when I was a *player*?"
[vodacce] Wilson laughs.
Danel follows up with a simple thrust.
[7thsea] Danel rolls 5k3: 5 10+3 6 6 5 | 25
[vodacce] Amber says, "Parry."
[7thsea] Amber rolls 6k3: 6 2 3 10+7 3 10+8 | 41
[vodacce] Venzi says, "cripes"
[vodacce] Danel says, "Now *this* is a fight."
[vodacce] Ghogg says, "Clash of the titans"
Amber neatly steps aside, letting Danel's blade whistle harmlessly through the air.
Danel snaps his sword back and retreats a step.
[vodacce] Danel says, "The time goes quickly when you have to keep doing interrupt actions."
[7thsea] Danel rolls 3 dice: 7 10 4
[7thsea] Amber rolls 3 dice: 5 10 6
Danel shuffles his feet, then strikes from a feint.
[7thsea] Danel rolls 5k3: 6 8 4 1 4 | 18
Danel misses, though.
Amber grins and lunges.
[7thsea] Amber rolls 8k4: 10+5 3 9 8 7 2 7 5 | 39
[vodacce] Danel says, "Oof. Another desperation parry."
[7thsea] Danel rolls 6k3: 9 3 8 9 3 5 | 26
[vodacce] Danel says, "Roll 'damage'"
[7thsea] Amber rolls 4k2: 3 7 6 10+1 | 18
[7thsea] Danel rolls 3k3: 2 1 1 | 4
[vodacce] Danel laughs.
[vodacce] Venzi says, "wow"
Chiara smiles to herself.
[vodacce] Venzi says, "done down by bad dice in the end"
Danel misjudges Amber's thrust and steps directly into her sword.
[vodacce] Ghogg says, "Amber, you're a meanie"
[vodacce] Wilson says, "That's enough for *2* dramatics."
Judge exclaims, "That does it!"
[vodacce] Danel says, "I did say I stepped directly into the thrust, didn't I? Don't rub it in any further."
Venzi exclaims, "a fine match, both of you!"
Danel rubs his stomach where the button from Amber's rapier dug into his skin. "A fine thrust, and an excellent bout."
Amber flourishes, bows to the audience, then salutes and bows to Danel.
Danel returns the bow.
Amber says, "Excellent fight, good sir.  Excellent fight."
Dixon says (to Chiara), "And I believe I now owe you."
Amber is clearly in her element.
Chiara says (to Dixon), "You do indeed."
Danel says, "Your parries are extremely efficient."
Chiara smiles sweetly.
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "And that element is iron."
Amber asks (of Danel), "Thank you, but that parry was like nothing I've ever seen.  Can you show me that move again?"
Dixon asks, "I will be sure to have my purse with me tomorrow, assuming you are staying the night?"
Dixon says, "If not, we can stop by my room and I shall pay you forthwith."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "...if you know what I mean."
Danel says (to Amber), "I am not completely sure I could reproduce that move."
Chiara says (to Dixon), "I believe I can trust you as far as tomorrow."
Danel says (to Amber), "though I am willing to try."
[vodacce] Ghogg asks, "Has anyone read 'The Fencing Master'?"
Dixon bows. "You are too kind."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "yeah, I'm doing my best not to cough meaningfully"
Niccolo moves toward a group of people playing string instruments, and tries to join them.
Amber and Danel immerse themselves in technical talk.
[vodacce] Amber says, "On that triumphant note, I'm going to bed."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "g'night amber"
[vodacce] GM says, "Yay! Have a drama die for your troubles."
[vodacce] Niccolo waves to Amber.
Giancarlo unobtrusively moves into some position where he can watch the spectators of the main big match.
[vodacce] Amber accepts the drama die with aplomb.
[7thsea] Niccolo rolls 6k3: 4 6 5 3 5 1 | 16
Meander enters, with entourage.
Ghogg disappears through an invisible gap in the MUD. You think you may have heard the sounds of chatting before the gap closed again.
Amber has disconnected.
Niccolo says (to Violinist), "What's the name of this song? I don't think I'm familiar with it."
[vodacce] Violinist asks, "What's the name for the gypsies in this world again?"
[vodacce] Wilson says, "In vodacce they have a slightly different name."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "um..."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "the vodacce gypsies are Cymbr"
Violinist says, "It's one I learned from the Cymbr. It's called 'Mister Frog, He Has Left to Go Courting'"
Violinist says, "though they have a much more uncouth name for it."
[vodacce] Chiara laughs
[vodacce] Venzi says, "yay"
Meander says, "This is what I like to see at my parties! Good swordsmanship, good fighting, and I hope good gambling."
Niccolo says, "Aha... I shall have to play it the next time I am with my Cymbr friends."
Violinist says, "Oh? Do you know any other Cymbr songs? I would love to hear some."
Giancarlo pats his pocket full of senators
Niccolo says, "Mmm, a couple -- here, let me see if I can remember the beginning of this one..."
[7thsea] Niccolo rolls 6k3: 2 2 1 1 7 4 | 13
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Drama die, I think."
[7thsea] Niccolo rolls 1k1: 2 | 2
[vodacce] Niccolo sighs.
[vodacce] Violinist says, "That's good enough to stumble through a song."
Niccolo tries to feign confidence as he works through the difficult bits.
Violinist says, "Not bad."
Violinist tries to match Niccolo's runs, and nearly succeeds.
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Arr.  Now I have 'Froggy went a-courtin' and he did ride, uh-huh, uh-huh' running around in my head.;"
Niccolo says, "Thank you. It's been a while since I've had a chance to play it; I'm just glad I didn't forget any important parts."
Giancarlo scrutinises the entourage
Niccolo bows to the other musicians, and rejoins his associates.
Meander asks, "May I have your attention, please?"
Chiara says (to Niccolo), "I did not realize you -- "  (She stops short.) "Later, I sppose."
Meander says, "Thank you."
Chiara listens
Meander says, "I hope you have been enjoying the evening."
Chiara cheers politely
Meander says, "I am pleased to say that it is time for our main attraction: the bout between Giusto and Stentor."
[Crows-Nest] (from Chiara) Meander says, "You will notice that I have invited 144 guests -- one gross."
Giancarlo watches the guests rather than Meander
Wilson, instead of watching Meander, watches the people around him instead.
[Crows-Nest] Venzi says, "heh"
Meander says, "So if you'll all quiet down..."
Violinist says, "Everyone eventually does."
Meander exclaims, "...we can begin!"
Niccolo watches for Fortunato, and the swords.
GM says, "Two men who are presumably Giusto and Stentor step into a cleared space in the middle of the room. Everyone draws back, except for Meander and Fortunato, who stand near where the two will fight."
Giancarlo fingers a throwing-knife.  For emergency use.  Also checks out the chandelier placement.
GM says (to Giancarlo), "There are chandeliers, though you might have to climb up a bit to reach one."
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "I take it Gian and I didn't see anything/one unusual?"
GM says, "and the candles would probably burn you a bit."
[vodacce] GM says, "Actually, perception all around, please."
Venzi shifts around get a view of both the fight and Meander
[7thsea] Giancarlo rolls 4k3: 6 5 10+2 1 | 23
[7thsea] Venzi rolls 4k3: 2 4 6 10+8 | 28
GM says, "Giusto and Stentor begin their fight."
[7thsea] Niccolo rolls 4k3: 10+7 2 8 7 | 32
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "I never remember this.  Wits + keen senses?"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "yes"
[7thsea] Wilson rolls 3k2: 2 5 6 | 11
[7thsea] Chiara rolls 4k4: 2 1 5 10+1 | 19
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "I can roll 4k3. I can roll 5k3. I just can't roll 6k3."
[vodacce] Wilson laughs.
[vodacce] Wilson says, "(I guess we'll skip Amber?)"
GM says, "There aren't any astounding parries or thrusts as in Amber and Danel's fight, but there is plenty of fine swordsmanship nonetheless."
Wilson, attempting to be a fly on the wall and just observe, ends up being distracted, and just observing a fly on the wall.
Giancarlo glances over to the black veils.
GM says, "Stentor seems to have the edge, but they are pretty evenly matched."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Hey, I thought the rapiers were buttoned."
Niccolo nudges Gian.
[vodacce] Giancarlo asks, "If I were placing a bet, on whom would I place my bet?"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "he said he had the edge, not that he got the point"
[vodacce] Venzi says (to Giancarlo), "fortunato gave you a tip before, you recall"
[vodacce] GM says, "Take your pick, or roll gambling, TN 20."
[7thsea] Giancarlo rolls 4k3: 1 6 7 9 | 22
Niccolo looks around.
[vodacce] GM says, "Stentor is the most likely to win this match."
[vodacce] Giancarlo says (to Venzi), "well, regardless of tip..."
GM says, "Giusto unleashes a sudden onslaught of thrusts, pushing Stentor back."
Meander exclaims, "Well done!"
Niccolo whispers (to Giancarlo), "What's doing that...?"
GM says, "Stentor recovers, though."
[vodacce] GM says, "Perception all around again."
[7thsea] Wilson rolls 3k2: 5 2 6 | 11
[7thsea] Venzi rolls 4k3: 6 6 5 10+7 | 29
[7thsea] Niccolo rolls 4k3: 5 4 4 5 | 14
Giancarlo asks (of Niccolo), "what?"
[7thsea] Chiara rolls 4k4: 1 2 6 8 | 17
[vodacce] Wilson says, "At least I'm consistent."
[7thsea] Giancarlo rolls 4k3: 2 3 6 4 | 13
Niccolo's eyes bulge out.
Niccolo rushes toward Meander.
GM says, "Then Giusto stumbles to one knee, and Stentor presses his advantage."
Venzi exclaims (at Meander), "your lordship! above you!"
Venzi also runs towards him.
Niccolo exclaims (at Meander), "Signor, quickly, the chandelier is about to fall!"
Fortunato looks up, then knocks Meander away.
Wilson starts, but has the presence of mind to watch the audience.
GM says, "And the chandelier does fall, its rope whistling through the metal loop on the ceiling. Its edge catches Fortunato's shoulder, sending him sprawling."
Giancarlo looks up and around
Giancarlo looks to where the rope should have been fastened.
Meander asks, "Theus preserve us, another assassination attempt?"
Venzi goes over to check out the rope itself
Niccolo looks at the end of the rope that fell, to see if it looks cut or frayed.
Fortunato exclaims (at Venzi), "Do not touch that!"
Fortunato exclaims, "Guards!"
GM says, "The chandeliers are attached by ropes that lead up to the ceiling, then through a metal loop and to the wall, where they're tied."
GM says, "The chandelier which fell has a charred rope end."
Venzi says, "odd"
GM says, "Guards step into the room in a maneuver eerily reminiscent of last night."
Venzi tries to judge the length of the rope to see where the break took place
Niccolo looks for the other charred end of rope.
Giancarlo joins the group examining the rope
Guard says, "Sir! Someone set a candle below where the rope was attached to the wall."
Giancarlo asks, "Making it look like an accident?"
Fortunato has worked his way out from under the chandelier. His left arm hangs down by his side. He waves Meander away. "A candle?"
Venzi says, "not much of an accident"
Niccolo says (to Guard), "Put it out. It may be important to know how far it had burned."
Wilson goes over to Fortunato, not saying anything, but assessing his wound.
[vodacce] Wilson says, "(diagnosis + wits)"
Fortunato frowns at Wilson, but allows him to work.
[7thsea] Wilson rolls 3k2: 4 10+5 1 | 19
[vodacce] GM says, "Looks like a nasty sprain. Hard to tell if there's anything worse wrong."
Guard asks (of Fortunato), "Sir?"
Fortunato says, "Do as he says. And gather up the rope and chandelier."
Wilson says (to Fortunato), "(quietly) "You should be fine for now, but do have that looked at.""
GM says, "Another guard comes up to Fortunato and whispers in his ear. Fortunato's expression turns sour."
Giancarlo asks, "Something wrong?"
Fortunato asks (of Wilson), "Sir, do you draw?"
Wilson says, "I do, sir."
Wilson asks, "What do you need?"
Fortunato says, "My men found a drawing of this very hall in your room."
GM says, "The crowd watching on falls quiet."
Fortunato unfolds a piece of paper with a very detailed map of the room. A large X is marked near its middle. Numbers fill the side margin.
Giancarlo says, "..."
Wilson says, "Interesting."
Fortunato says, "I am no scientist, but these look suspiciously like calculations involving lengths of time and how fast candles burn."
Venzi asks, "and did they also find an explanation of how he was supposed to know Meander would stand there?"
Wilson says, "I've never seen this before, of course, but I don't know how you might believe that."
Venzi asks, "or why he would wish his lordship harmed?"
Servant says (to Fortunato), "Sir? I heard him asking Ridolfo if there was any specific place Sr. de Falisci would be during the match."
Fortunato glances around until he spies Ridolfo. "Is this true?"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Hee."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "ooh, good"
Wilson says, "Oh, it's true."
Wilson says, "I assumed that another assassination attempt would be planned in the next place Meander was known to be."
Wilson says, "And I wanted to be prepared."
Ridolfo says, "Well, sir, not exactly. That is, he was looking for ways to protect Meander."
Ridolfo says, "As he says."
Fortunato says, "So he *did* ask for details of Meander's position during the fight."
Ridolfo says, "Er, well. I suppose it could be taken that way. In a certain light."
Wilson says, "More specifically, I asked if it was known."
Venzi asks (of Ridolfo), "and what did you reply?"
Ridolfo says, "That he would be watching the match."
Ridolfo exclaims, "But he didn't know his way around the house, sir!"
Ludovica says, "He was wandering around this morning, and claimed to be lost."
Venzi says, "but surely that would not be enough to place him directly under a chandelier"
Wilson exclaims, "Hey!  I only got lost once!"
Wilson says, "Well, twice."
Ludovica says, "And that woman told me he was a scientist."
Fortunato's frown deepens.
Giancarlo . o O ( Hmm...? where did Ludovica come from...? )
Fortunato turns to Chiara. "Is what she says true?"
Wilson asks, "I don't suppose the calculations are in my handwriting, are they?"
Chiara says (to Fortunato), "He is easily confused, sir."
Fortunato asks, "So he was wandering the halls unsupervised, then? And he is a scientist?"
[Crows-Nest] Niccolo asks, "How old is Gian, and he chooses *now* to start wondering about that?"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hmm, I didn't think it was Livio, but this is pretty suggestive"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Either that, or Livio was to be framed, but Wilson tripped and fell into it himself."
Meander asks (of Meander), "What are you suggesting?"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "well, maybe"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
[Crows-Nest] Giancarlo says, "I was counting the strega earlier, and noticed that Ludovica wasn't there."
Fortunato asks, "I am suggesting that our friend here would do well to spend tonight more closely supervised. Guards?"
[vodacce] Ridolfo says, "Grm rrm stupid windows."
GM says, "Two guards step to either side of Wilson. "You'll need to come with us.""
Wilson says, "Oh, sure."
Fortunato says, "You lot, gather up that chandelier. And finish searching the guest rooms."
Fortunato says, "I will apologize to all of you later."
Chiara stirs but forces herself to be quiet.
Fortunato says (to Meander), "Sir, come with me."
Fortunato strides out, leading Meander, who can only say, "Uh, thank you, and good night..."
Giancarlo is going to slip off after Fortunato and Meander. Stealthy-like.
Wilson waves cheerily to his friends.  "Don't worry!  I'll be all right!"
Niccolo says (to Meander), "For Theus' sake, *be careful*."
[vodacce] GM says (to Giancarlo), "Stealth, please."
Venzi looks after Wilson, and shakes his head.
[7thsea] Giancarlo rolls 5k3: 3 5 3 9 2 | 17
GM says, "As you walk quietly after Meander and Fortunato, a guard says, "Hey! Are you following them?""
Fortunato whirls around. "You!"
Fortunato asks, "Come to offer your aid once more?"
Giancarlo says (to guard), "no, I'm looking for <guard 1 from this morning>."
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Who was left with the drawing?"
Meander says (to Fortunato), "Fortunato, he's *mumble mumble mumble*."
[vodacce] GM says, "Meander has it, and his men have gathered up the chandelier, rope, and candle."
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Meander, not Fortunato?"
[vodacce] GM says, "s/Meander/Fortunato/"
Fortunato glares at Giancarlo. "Go. Go and finish what you came here for. I do not need," and here he pauses, as if trying to choose an appropriate word, "amateurs making my life more difficult."
Giancarlo says, "I shall see that the amateurs are kept away from you, then."
Giancarlo asks (of guard), "so, have you seen <guard 1 from this morning>?"
Fortunato says, "I shall reserve judgement."
Fortunato storms off, Meander following. Two guards step behind him and stand, blocking Giancarlo's way.
GM says, "Meanwhile, people have slowly filed out of the hall and away."
[vodacce] Meander has left the channel.
Chiara is stiff and angry-looking
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Was Wilson taken away, or is he just being watched?"
[vodacce] GM says, "Marched off to the hoosegow."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "The hoosegow?  Wow."
[vodacce] Wilson exclaims, "Such treatment!"
[vodacce] GM says, "I'm sure there will be plenty of spiders for you down there."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "the ambassador's in town if you want to complain"
[vodacce] Wilson exclaims, "Yay!"
[vodacce] GM says, "That's the culmination of tonight."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hmm"
[vodacce] GM says, "If no one has more to do, I'm shutting things down."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "no more, your honor"
Giancarlo goes back to his room and tabulates thoughts.
[vodacce] Chiara says, "also, yay session"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "I can wait til next time"
[vodacce] GM says, "The end, then. And 3xp all around."
[vodacce]