[vodacce] PerrySimm says, "Log on."
Niccolo draws a card from the sorte deck. What the heck kind of card *is* that?
Venzi draws a card from the sorte deck: the King of Staves (inverted).
[vodacce] Giancarlo puts on Don Giovanni for theme music. "Mmm ... this Mozart person is a genius. I am so going to get his next album when it comes out."
Justice has connected.
Justice walks the plank to adventure. Arr!
Justice arrives, looking for booty.
Amber gestures with her deck. "Anyone for a game? No?"
Niccolo draws a card from the sorte deck: the Squire of Cups (inverted).
InnocentBystander says, "Arr"
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Eisen fellow, funny hair?"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
InnocentBystander exclaims, "'ello, lads 'n lassies. Dontcha be mindin' me at all!"
[7thsea] Chiara rolls 4k4: 3 7 3 1 | 14
[vodacce] Amber says, "since Chiara and I are in our room . . ."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "(you're asleep)"
Amber exclaims (at Chiara), "I've been practicing with my knives. Watch this!"
[vodacce] Venzi asks, "sleep-kniving?"
[7thsea] Amber rolls 5k1: 5 2 10+5 2 9 | 15
Amber catches the knife she just launched.
[7thsea] Chiara rolls 4k3: 9 7 9 3 | 25
Amber says (to Chiara), "Too bad we don't have a target in here."
Amber asks (of Chiara), "Do you think they might have one at the market?"
[vodacce] Niccolo bets Chiara knows whose face she'd put on it.
(From Chiara) (From behind the screen where she is, perhaps, dressing) "Pity. No idea."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "heh"
[Crows-Nest] InnocentBystander says, "you realize ofc that in the end, I will turn out to be the killer"
[Crows-Nest] GM asks, "Butler, is that you?"
[Crows-Nest] InnocentBystander says, "no, it's me, Gardener"
[7thsea] Chiara rolls 4k4: 1 8 6 4 | 19
[7thsea] Chiara rolls 1 die: 1
[Crows-Nest] Venzi says, "I never trusted those rakes"
(From Chiara) (From behind the screen) . o O ( Not that there is the least distraction in here, noooo)
[7thsea] Amber rolls 5k1: 8 9 3 6 5 | 9
Amber's knife thuds to the ground.
Amber says, "Oops."
[7thsea] Amber rolls 5k1: 7 10+10+3 1 8 10+2 | 23
Amber realizes she's been doing this all wrong.
[7thsea] Amber rolls 5k4: 3 3 6 2 3 | 15
[7thsea] Chiara rolls 4k4: 3 4 9 10+4 | 30
[7thsea] Amber rolls 5k4: 10+6 1 1 7 7 | 31
Giancarlo spends some time in prayer before falling in bed. Never mind the suspicious-sounding thuds from the ladies' room....
Amber says, "Hey, I'm getting better. Now how about breakfast."
Amber tromps off to get breakfast.
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "or, before getting dressed. Thought this was still last night...."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Pizza is out of oven, so we're about 5-10 minutes away from the start of game."
[vodacce] Amber says, "or maybe some late dinner. Amber hasn't checked her wrist sun-dial."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "heehee"
Niccolo is still asleep. Having been up late last night tormenting scientists and all.
[vodacce] Chiara says, "now that it is nice and QUIET in the room I can finally THINK"
Giancarlo . o O ( someone in the family ... Ludovica? That fellow diTomaso ... wonder how he'd gain from all this ... where does Carinna stand in all this...? )
InnocentBystander is innocent.
Giancarlo writes down the names of the various suspects, sticks them against the wall, walks to the opposite wall, turns around three times and hurls a dagger at the names.
[7thsea] Giancarlo rolls 6k3: 6 4 1 7 9 1 | 22
[vodacce] Giancarlo asks, "which name do I hit?"
Niccolo jumps awake.
Niccolo looks around his room, trying to figure out where that noise came from.
[vodacce] InnocentBystander . o O ( not mine not mine )
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "After turning around three times first, you probably hit the door."
Amber fetches some tea, biscuits and sausage, and asks for some white cheese and a bit of coffee for Chiara.
[vodacce] Amber says, "(or, if its still last night, some night appropriate fare, still including the cheese.)"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "I am back, after some yummy white pizza"
Amber asks (of GM), "is it morning or evening?"
GM says, "Depends on whether people wanted to do things in the evening."
GM says, "I had been assuming everyone had been sensible and gotten some sleep."
[Crows-Nest] Venzi says, "mm pizza"
Niccolo decides that, since he's awake now, he might as well get up.
Venzi orders toasted biscuits downstairs.
Amber returns to her room carrying a heavily-laden breakfast tray.
Wilson orders a croissant and some wine.
Wilson gets bread and water.
Wilson exclaims, "Hey, this isn't what I ordered!"
Amber asks (of Chiara), "If you're finished dressing, there's food. If not, do you need some help?"
Giancarlo goes down to breakfast, dressed in a suit almost identical to the ones he's been wearing the past couple of days.
Guard says (to Wilson), "You'll eat it and you'll like it."
[vodacce] Venzi says (to Wilson), "hee hee"
Chiara comes out, dressed, and has some of the food.
Niccolo dresses, and meets anyone else in the hall in the hall.
Guard says, "Besides, you'll need your strength for the questioning today."
Chiara says (to Amber), "thanks."
Guard wanders away whistling the tune "Someone's Getting their Arms Broke Today."
Amber says (to Chiara), "You're welcome. I found some cheese for you."
Wilson says, "Mmm, catchy."
Amber goes through her usual morning limbering-up routines.
[Crows-Nest] InnocentBystander asks, "limbering-up? like felling trees?"
[Crows-Nest] InnocentBystander says, "no wait, that's lumber"
[Crows-Nest] Niccolo says, "No, that's timber."
[Crows-Nest] InnocentBystander says, "doh"
[vodacce] Amber says, "I lumber in the evenings, usually after drinks."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "You people are *boring*."
Giancarlo presumably meets everyone else on the way down?
Venzi finishes breakfast and looks around for the others.
Niccolo meets Giancarlo on the way down.
Amber asks (of Chiara), "Are you ready to go yet?"
Chiara says, "Yes, let's join the others."
Niccolo says, "Good morning."
[Crows-Nest] Wilson says, "Are you waiting for us to do stuff? I was assuming #interludes were happening."
Giancarlo says, "Good morning."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "I'm waiting for people other than you to do stuff, yes."
[Crows-Nest] Niccolo says, "I thought it was the end of pizzafication."
Amber says, "Hello all."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Unless we wish to skip forward to your interrogation, which will take out a large chunk of the morning."
[Crows-Nest] Wilson says, "Heh."
Venzi stifles a yawn.
Giancarlo asks, "Well. Last day of festivities, is it not?"
Amber rubs her hands together.
Niccolo asks, "Did any of you hear odd noises this morning? Banging, thumping...?"
Giancarlo greets people as they show up.
Amber grins, but says nothing.
Chiara asks (of Niccolo), "are you perhaps sharing a wall with Abrielle's room?"
Giancarlo shrugs.
Venzi coughs.
Niccolo says (to Chiara), "No, no... with Giancarlo's, I think."
Chiara looks demure.
Chiara says (to Niccolo), "oh, now that does surprise me."
Amber finds the scenery fascinating for a moment.
Giancarlo says, "There is the question of signor Wilson...."
Venzi says, "I believe I am going to speak to Fortunato this morning"
Chiara says, "Someone should make sure that he is all right, yes."
[Crows-Nest] Niccolo says, ""I am sure Fortunata is just fine."
[Crows-Nest] Niccolo says, "Er, Fortunato."
Amber says, "We could bring him breakfast, at the least, poor man. I'm sure they're keeping him on strict bread and water."
Giancarlo says, "Si ..."
Niccolo asks (of Amber), "How... terrible?"
GM has disconnected.
GM has connected.
[vodacce] GM exclaims, "Too exciting! You crashed my computer!"
Amber says (to Niccolo), "No, its not horrible, but it would be nice of us, and an excuse."
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "hee"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "rrr"
[vodacce] GM says, "Recap for the poor GM, please."
Giancarlo says, "Hm ..."
[vodacce] Amber says, "you missed nothing."
Niccolo nods.
Guard has disconnected.
Guard has connected.
npc2 has disconnected.
[vodacce] GM says, "Shortly after I made my last comment, my computer locked hard. :/"
npc2 has connected.
[vodacce] Amber is slightly disturbed by all these phantom people appearing and dissappearing.
Ghogg materializes.
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "We made small talk."
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Some of us are waiting for others of us to say what they plan to do this morning."
[vodacce] Amber says, "You missed a couple of laughs."
Chiara says, "Someone should seek him out; someone else should talk to Corinna, I think."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "(er, Carinna)"
Giancarlo says (to Chiara), "I was thinking the same thing."
Niccolo says, "And perhaps someone should talk with Riccalbano, as well."
Chiara says, "And Abrielle, perhaps."
[vodacce] GM asks, "What time did all of you get up and going?"
[vodacce] GM says, "(feel free to use modern time)"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "I got up and going shortly after the noisy people did."
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "Early enough that we won't miss anything."
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Whenever that happened to be."
[vodacce] Chiara asks, "7ish?"
[vodacce] Amber says, "shortly after sunrise. and disturbed the neighbors."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "sunrise? my"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "(Chiara has no concept of earlier than that)"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "(since that would still be the night before)"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "I think 7 or 8 sounds right for me. maybe as late as 9, but not past that"
[vodacce] GM says, "Wilson will probably not be interrogated until around 10 or so, the better to let him despair."
[vodacce] Amber says, "assuming th sun rises at 6ish."
[vodacce] GM says, "Not that he will -- he has spiders to keep him company."
Niccolo asks, "Were Venzi and Giancarlo planning to see Fortunato?"
[vodacce] GM says, "This far south, and in the summer months, around 6 is a reasonable time for sunrise."
Giancarlo says (to Niccolo), "Fortunato has had enough of my speaking to him, I think."
Ghogg disappears through an invisible gap in the MUD. You think you may have heard the sounds of chatting before the gap closed again.
Niccolo nods.
Chiara says, "I am going to wander around and see whether I can find Abrielle or Corinna."
Venzi says, "but it is my turn now, yes"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "(Carinna, isn't it?)"
Amber says, "I don't think he'd want to see me either. I waasn't too cooperative last time."
Giancarlo says (to Venzi), "Good luck."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "(I keep getting it wrong)"
InnocentBystander has disconnected.
InnocentBystander has connected.
InnocentBystander walks the plank to adventure. Arr!
InnocentBystander arrives, looking for booty.
Niccolo says (to Venzi), "I can go with you then, if you wish company."
[Crows-Nest] InnocentBystander says, "I can't hear Fortunato without thinking Amontillado"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "(I think I read it somewhere the wrong way and it lodged in my brane)"
[Crows-Nest] GM exclaims, "For the love of God, Giancarlo! FOR THE LOVE OF GOD!"
[Crows-Nest] InnocentBystander says, "Yes... for the love of God."
Chiara says (to Amber), "you can accompany me, if you like"
Niccolo says, "Or if not, I'll find my breakfast. I'm guessing the rest of you ate alraedy."
[Crows-Nest] Giancarlo says, "yay"
[Crows-Nest] InnocentBystander says, "In pace requiesCAT"
Venzi says (to Niccolo), "I would be happy for company, unless you have other plans"
Amber exclaims (at But), "of course!"
[vodacce] Amber exclaims, "ha!"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Amber got back."
Amber says (to Chiara), "Of course."
Giancarlo asks, "This leaves me alone, eh?"
[Crows-Nest] Chiara says, "huSH"
Niccolo says (to Gian), "You could hunt down the signorino."
Chiara heads off to look around the public rooms and, if necessary, the gardens.
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Is that a word?"
Giancarlo says (to Niccolo), "Si. I would have thought the ladies would have had more luck with him, but ... ah, it matters not."
Giancarlo says (to Niccolo), "I find it rather unusual that we seem to have seen more of the daughter than of the son."
Niccolo says, "Perhaps he is quieter than she is."
Giancarlo . o O ( the noble daughter on the arm of an innkeeper ... quite unthinkable ... )
Giancarlo says, "...perhaps...."
Giancarlo says, "I shall look for him, then."
[vodacce] GM asks, "Okay, who goes where?"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "Amber and I go looking for ladies, respectable and otherwise."
[vodacce] Giancarlo goes to the dining hall and asks after Riccalbano.
[vodacce] Niccolo follows Venzi.
[vodacce] GM asks, "Anyone clamoring to go first?"
Venzi and Niccolo go to the guardhouse.
[vodacce] Chiara says, "I'd be willing to wait a bit since I need to afk for something for a sec anyway"
[vodacce] GM says, "Since Giancarlo is most likely to reach his destination first, let's start with him."
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "arr"
Giancarlo arrives in the dining hall and discreetly approaches a discreet-looking servant.
Server asks, "Sir?"
Giancarlo says (to Server), "Si, I was hoping to speak to Signor Riccalbano de Falisci. Perhaps you could point me in his direction."
Server giggles behind her hand.
[Crows-Nest] (from InnocentBystander) Server says, "HTTP/1.1 404 Not Found"
Giancarlo asks, "is something wrong?"
Server says, "My apologies, sir. You should speak to Madame de Lasse. Take those stairs up a floor and then turn left. Madame de Lasse will be in the third room on the right."
Giancarlo says (to Server), "I ... see. I trust I shall not be interrupting."
Giancarlo turns and heads in that direction.
Server exclaims, "Not at all, sir!"
[vodacce] Niccolo smirks at a thought...
Giancarlo pauses and flips the server a copper senator, then moves on.
Server exclaims, "Thank you!"
GM says, "It doesn't take you long to follow the server's directions. Mme. de Lasse is a rather forbidding, matronly woman who is somewhat advanced in years."
Giancarlo approaches with caution. "Good morning, Signora. I had hoped to pay my respects to signor Riccalbano.
de_Lasse asks, "Oh? And who are you?"
Giancarlo says, "A guest, from out of town."
Giancarlo . o O ( wait ... how old is riccalbano? )
de_Lasse says, "I'm afraid it will be quite impossible to see Riccalbano right now. His father insisted he go with him on a walk this morning at sunrise, and Riccalbano is currently napping."
de_Lasse says, "A boy that young shouldn't be up as late as he was last night, but he does love the fighting. He claps and burbles during any bouts."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "heeheehee"
Giancarlo says, "I see. Most unfortunate. Signor Bernoulli had hoped to send his regards."
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Thought so..."
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "oo, missed that last bit."
de_Lasse says, "Well, Signor Bernoulli doesn't have to deal with Riccalbano's tantrums if he does not get enough sleep. But I will be sure to let he and his father know of Signor Bernoulli's regards."
[vodacce] GM says, "The use of 'he' rather than 'him' is due to Mme. de Lasse being better at speaking Montaigne."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "heehee"
Giancarlo says, "I have already spoken to his father. It is our custom to speak to each member of the family ... to thank them for their hospitality."
[vodacce] Niccolo exclaims, "Whosa lil suspect? Whosa lil suspect, there? Whose daddy's the victim? Lookit daddy!"
[vodacce] Amber says, "major ellarm - Lucian & I afk for a while. he just puked all over himself and the carpet."
Giancarlo says, "Good day, signora."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "eep"
[vodacce] GM says, "Ai."
[vodacce] GM says (to Chiara), "actually, 'erp'"
[vodacce] Chiara says (to GM), "ew"
Giancarlo bows and retreats.
de_Lasse says, "Good day, signor."
Giancarlo . o O ( From the mouths of babes come pearls of wisdom ... but eh, I ain't got the time. )
[Crows-Nest] InnocentBystander says, "bedtime"
[Crows-Nest] InnocentBystander waves
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "So can we conclude he's not nervous?"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "bye"
[vodacce] GM says, "He's quite happy, yes."
InnocentBystander has disconnected.
[vodacce] GM says, "Now that Giancarlo's done trying to speak to very young kids, we'll go to Venzi and Niccolo."
Venzi says, "and there's the guardhouse."
Niccolo asks (of Venzi), "Where do you think they're keeping your employer?"
Venzi says, "I wouldn't be surprised if he's in here someplace -- it seems the obvious place to have the prison, too"
[vodacce] (from GM) Wilson says (to Niccolo), "I'm in here! In this channel!"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "the prisoner is coming from INSIDE THE CHANNEL"
Venzi knocks on the door.
Venzi says, "not that I am suggesting anything, but it might be nice if we could find out where he is"
Guard2 opens the door, then peers suspiciously at Venzi.
Venzi bows to the guard.
Venzi says, "good day"
Guard2 says, "Oh, friends of the assassin."
Venzi asks, "is Fortunato able to receive visitors?"
Venzi's face darkens for a moment. "*Accused* assassin."
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "I think I will now go in search of Stefani diTomaso"
Niccolo asks (of Guard), "Actually, we're the fellows who wanred the signor de Falisci, if you recall?"
Guard2 shrugs. "Fortunato has to make that distinction," he says to Venzi.
Guard2 says, "I'll go see if he's available."
Guard2 eases the door shut.
Niccolo says, "Friendly fellow."
Venzi says, "I think the de Falisci hospitality is more apparent at the main house"
Guard_2 opens the door. "He's got a few minutes."
Venzi says, "then let us make use of them"
Venzi steps into the building.
Niccolo follows, nodding to the guard in passing.
Venzi glances around casually, wondering vaguely where the armory is.
GM says, "Through a doorway you can see Fortunato at a desk, working on papers."
Venzi steps over to the doorway. "Pardon me?"
Fortunato looks up from his work. "Come in."
Fortunato says, "I see your persistent friend isn't with you today."
Venzi does so, taking a seat if one is available.
Fortunato asks, "And Niccolo. Not plying your trade in the canals today?"
Venzi says, "I, ah, convinced him that this was a job for the tactful"
Fortunato lifts an eyebrow. "That must have been quite the convincing."
Niccolo says (to Fortunato), "Good day, sir."
Venzi says, "it merely requires more persistence than he has -- as you say, quite a job"
[Crows-Nest] Giancarlo exclaims (at Venzi), "Untie me this instant, damn you!"
Venzi says, "we have of course come to see when this unfortunate misunderstanding with my employer can be cleared up"
[Crows-Nest] Venzi says, "hee hee hee"
[Crows-Nest] GM laughs.
Fortunato says, "Ah. 'Unfortunate misunderstanding.'"
Fortunato says, "What Meander calls his 'attempted assassination by a foreigner.'"
Venzi says, "I was sure that given the lack of evidence and, in fact, evidence making it clear that Wilson had no part in this, that he could be released at once"
Fortunato says, "You clearly are in possession of facts I do not have, and in fact may have been at an entirely different yet similar party last night."
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "don't forget, boys and girls, that this is 1668 and 'innocent until proven guilty' is a relatively modern concept."
[vodacce] GM says, "Yes, but it is the century of the Fruitbat."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Yay"
Venzi raises an eyebrow. "If I might take a moment of your time to sketch out the facts as they appear to me?"
Fortunato says, "I have a few minutes before talking to your employer. Go ahead."
Venzi . o O ( ah, good, he's still in a position to be talked to )
Venzi says, "as far as I can tell, the sum total of the evidence in favor of his having committed the crime is the paper found in his room"
Venzi says, "and not only was our room unlocked and empty for the entire day before the party, the paper is not even in his handwriting"
Fortunato asks, "You have samples of his handwriting, I take it?"
Venzi says, "no doubt some can be found in his possessions -- he is an educated man, after all"
Venzi says, "or you could request he write out some when you see him next"
Venzi says, "the other points raised yesterday -- that he was talking to people that morning about the probable location of his lordship at the fight -- surely speak more to an impulsive, eager-to-help man than an assassin"
Venzi asks, "would a man who carefully sketched out and calculated an elaborate murder plot really have waited until mere hours before the event to try and put it into motion?"
Venzi says, "surely not"
Fortunato asks, "You do seem to have an answer for everything. And the evidence making it clear that your employer was not involved?"
Venzi glances around.
Niccolo says, "The fact that this is at least the second attempt on Meander's life."
Venzi leans closer to Fortunato and speaks in a low voice. "And have you examined the swords in the river? The first attempt on Meander's life that we prevented, at risk of our own lives."
Niccolo says, "And Wilson was clearly uninvolved with the first."
Fortunato leans closer. "Judging from your words and your conspiratorial tone, I take it you have."
[vodacce] (from Chiara) Venzi preens. "Why yes, I am an accomplished diver..."
[vodacce] GM says, "He'd better appreciate Venzi's information -- it cost him several drama dice."
Venzi says, "(still quietly but firmly) did I not think you valued your employer's welfare as much as your own, I would not divulge this. But when I went out yesterday to take a look, I saw the insignia on the blade of the weaponsmith who supplies your own swords."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "no kiddin"
Fortunato says, "*The* weaponsmith? We have employed several, none under an exclusive contract."
Venzi asks, "no doubt. but do they all provide broadswords? with Maffeo Aiello's insignia?"
[vodacce] Giancarlo exclaims, "oooo!"
[vodacce] Amber says, "back. all better."
Fortunato asks, "Aiello, eh?"
Venzi asks, "and, like him, did they all have all their broadswords bought out recently?"
[vodacce] Wilson exclaims, "Aiello? Aiee!"
Fortunato says, "Interesting."
Fortunato asks, "Anything else?"
[vodacce] Niccolo asks (of Venzi), "Did we bring that sausage with the file in it?"
[vodacce] GM says, "'Take the canelloni.'"
Venzi spreads his hands. "Let me be frank -- in this matter, it has been made in my best interests that Meander's assassin be stopped. I know Wilson is not the man, and therefore keeping him out of the way only aids the real assassin."
Venzi stands, and bows to Fortunato.
Venzi says, "please keep that in mind"
Venzi says, "my thanks for your time"
Fortunato says, "One moment, please."
Venzi asks, "...yes?"
Fortunato asks (of Niccolo), "Do you have anything to add?"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "(I guess not)"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Whoops, sorry, in the other window."
[vodacce] GM exclaims, "You are *cheating* on us!"
Niccolo says (to Fortunato), "Only that I share Venzi's concern with Meander's well-being."
Niccolo says, "And that I'd like to help ensure that nothing ill befalls him."
Fortunato says, "Let me ask the two of you a few things."
Fortunato asks, "How well do you know Sr. Wilson?"
Fortunato says, "That is a question for both of you, so feel free to answer."
Venzi says, "he has been my employer since the day after I arrived in Vodacce"
Fortunato asks (of Venzi), "And how long ago was that?"
Venzi winces slightly. "Perhaps a week ago."
Fortunato says, "Aha. And you, Niccolo? As I understand it, Wilson did not arrive in our fair city until a few days ago."
Niccolo says, "To be honest, I don't know him well. But he's given me no reason to think he'd *want* to kill off the governor. He is, after all, only an Avalon."
Fortunato says, "Yes, a foreigner would never maneuver to undermine someone from Vodacce."
Fortunato says, "I am impressed by the loyalty that this relative stranger is able to command."
Niccolo shrugs. "His life isn't particularly meaningful to me."
[vodacce] Wilson exclaims, "But I'm a PC!"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
Niccolo says, "But the signor's is moreso."
Fortunato asks (of Venzi), "I know you are working as a bodyguard; have you ever done guard work?"
Niccolo says, "I would not want to see the wrong man sentenced for this crime."
Venzi says, "I do not keep a regular location long enough for guard work, generally"
[vodacce] Amber exclaims, "I have! Teacher, pick me!"
Fortunato says, "Ah. I have been a guard for much of my life, and head of Meander's guard for several years."
[vodacce] Amber says, "Oh, wait, wrong room. ;-)"
Venzi says, "so I gathered"
Fortunato says, "One thing I've discovered -- something quite surprising, in fact -- is that men often are willing to make complex plans, then wait until the last minute to put them into action."
Fortunato says, "I have much faith in human stupidity."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "I'm starting to think Wilson's guilty myself"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "ok, let's ditch him"
Fortunato says, "I also am suspicious of coincidences. There is a clumsy attempt on Meander's life -- and there are all of you to stop it."
Niccolo says, "Admittedly, Wilson may be well equipped in that regard."
Venzi asks, "clumsy?"
Venzi says, "I think it might well have succeeded, sir"
Fortunato says, "Perhaps."
Fortunato says, "But swords deep in the canal -- had Meander dove shallow, he would have come nowhere close to it. I normally expect more competent assassination attempts."
Fortunato says, "And then one member of this party, an unknown Avalonian with bodyguard and a taste for art, is wandering around the grounds."
Fortunato says, "Unaccompanied by his putative bodyguard, I might add."
Venzi sighs and looks harassed. "He is somewhat of a trial for a bodyguard."
Fortunato says, "I can imagine. Especially since I am unable to divine why exactly an art collector needs a bodyguard"
Fortunato says, "unless he has something more in mind than the appraisal of art."
[vodacce] Niccolo exclaims, "Like the APPRAISAL OF SPIDERS!"
Venzi says, "as circumstances have demonstrated, Wilson has a knack for getting himself into trouble"
Venzi says, "and as, ah, I did not bother to inform him of my familiarity with the area beforehand, he no doubt expected me to act as a guide to the area, as well"
[vodacce] Wilson says, "*I* don't know why I need a bodyguard. It just said so in my GM note ;-)"
Fortunato says, "Aha."
[vodacce] GM says, "Because it would look suspicious if you had one"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Hee."
Fortunato asks, "The paper, now, is interesting. Who tries to kill a man by timing the burning of a candle?"
Fortunato says, "What kind of a man would even know of these matters? I would expect it of someone like Livio"
Fortunato says, "but not an art collector."
Fortunato says, "But Wilson had putty and wax under his fingernails when we examined him last night."
Niccolo asks, "Putty?"
Venzi asks, "oh really?"
Venzi asks (of Niccolo), "had you not mentioned--?"
[vodacce] Chiara says (to Wilson), "you are *so* *screwed*"
Venzi asks, "you say 'we' -- might I inquire who else was at the examination?"
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Is Venzi referring to the window, or am I forgetting something?"
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Wait, what?"
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Putty and wax?"
[vodacce] Venzi says (to Niccolo), "yeah, I was wondering about window putty"
[vodacce] Chiara says (to Wilson), "oh, sure, act all innocent"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
[vodacce] Amber says (to Wilson), "We all know you did it, so 'fess up."
Niccolo asks (of Venzi), "Ah, from the window?"
Fortunato says, "I was a little loose with words."
[vodacce] Amber says, "Either that, or Fortunato is playing a deeper game than we suspected."
Fortunato says, "I had the guard who escorted him to his cell take a look at his hands."
Fortunato asks (of Niccolo), "The window?"
Venzi asks, "*the* guard?"
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "If it's Fortunato, we have to figure out exactly what Ludovica meant by that 'blind spot' business."
Niccolo asks (of Fortunato), "Yes -- he didn't tell you, when you asked him?"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "(I think I see)"
[vodacce] Wilson exclaims, "It was guard2, all along!"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hey, nobody suspects the comic-relief NPC"
Fortunato says (to Venzi), "Is he so dangerous I should put two guards on him? I had a word with the guard before he escorted him; he examined Wilson's hands. That is the 'we' to whom I referred."
Niccolo says, "He told us that he went to visit Livio yesterday, but when he knocked on the window, he accidentally broke it."
Fortunato says (to Niccolo), "I will be talking to him for the first time since last night in an hour."
Fortunato asks, "Oh? He visited *Livio*?"
Niccolo says, "He tried to, at least. Apparently Livio wasn't there."
Fortunato says, "I...see. So he visited our resident scientist."
Fortunato asks, "Was one of you with him?"
[vodacce] Chiara watches and laughs
Venzi says, "no, he was alone"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "this is the session where everyone gets embarrassed"
Niccolo leans in, "Is that significant?"
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "I like to think that I managed to salvage at least some of my dignity."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "I'm sure you like to think that"
[vodacce] Giancarlo asks, "Wouldn't you?"
Fortunato says, "Another curious coincidence. The man accused of trying to kill Wilson using a candle and how long it burns visited -- or tried to -- a scientist earlier that day."
Venzi says, "ah, that reminds me -- I believe Wilson said he left a note for Livio there"
Fortunato says, "Oh? I shall have to talk to Livio as well."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "(poor Livio)"
Niccolo says, "Ah -- that would be an example of his handwriting, then."
Fortunato says, "Well, I thank you for your time, gentlemen. It has been most enlightening."
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Yeah, but he's only an NPC, so his torment will happen off-screen."
[vodacce] GM says, "I'm sure he will bear up well under intense questioning."
[vodacce] Amber exclaims, "we could dust the note for fingerprints!"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "where he will explain how we broke into his room and harassed him, which will reassure Fortunato immensely"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "sigh"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Curse that Giancarlo."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "it's just not safe to browbeat people these days"
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "I think I will be marched off in chains before the day is over."
Venzi says, "yes, yes it has"
[vodacce] Amber says, "giancarlo is setting us all up."
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Who will now be locked up for putting a knife to his throat."
Venzi rises and bows to Fortunato.
Fortunato nods to both Venzi and Niccolo.
Niccolo says, "If you have any more need to speak with us, I'm certain you can find us."
Fortunato says, "And thank you for the information regarding the earlier attempt."
Venzi says, "of course. I hope your shoulder is feeling better -- do be careful"
Fortunato says, "I shall have Rocca check the armory."
Niccolo asks, "Rocca?"
Venzi asks, "Rocca?"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "Awwwk"
[vodacce] Venzi exclaims, "also: he has a name! he must be evil!"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Word on the street is that Rocca is the armourer."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "or good, I guess"
Fortunato says, "One of Fortunato's chief servants. He is literate, and been helping me with quartermaster duties."
Venzi says, "aha"
Venzi says, "kind of Meander to spare him"
[vodacce] Niccolo asks (of Fortunato), "And whom are we speaking to now?"
Venzi glances at the piles of paperwork. "But I'm sure you must find him helpful."
Fortunato says, "Yes, or else my desk would be piled even higher."
Venzi says, "I daresay"
Fortunato says, "Thank you again, gentlemen."
Venzi says, "we wish only to serve"
Niccolo touches his brow, and exits.
Venzi follows.
Venzi says (to Niccolo), "well, that was interesting"
Niccolo says, "For Fortunato, especially."
Venzi says, "hmm"
Venzi asks (of Niccolo), "you seem to know many people 'round these parts -- I don't suppose you're particular friends with any of the guards?"
Niccolo stops and thinks.
Venzi has walked some distance from the guardhouse by this point.
Venzi says, "it seems like it might profit us to find out who is the man who claims to have found the evidence of the wax and putty"
Venzi says, "for, though I would not say so to Fortunato, I find it hard to believe a man can get wax under his nails breaking a window"
Niccolo shakes his head. "I know some of the servants, but aside from Fortunato, I haven't had much contact with the guards."
Venzi says, "hmm, well, perhaps there is a roster we could find -- later, perhaps"
Niccolo nods.
Venzi says, "though I hope not too much later: this festival has been bad luck for Meander and I suspect this night will be no different"
Niccolo says, "I wonder what Meander is doing at this point."
Venzi says, "not being alone, I hope"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "hiding in bed"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "I'm ready to shift to a new person any time"
[vodacce] GM says, "We can switch to Wilson so he can thank the two of you for helping him out."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "or I could keep going if it's still our turn"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "ho ho"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "heehee"
Niccolo says, "Well, he's not being watched by Fortunato, we know."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "I am now baby-free, so it's OK by me."
Venzi says, "wow"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "er, /world"
[vodacce] GM says, "Actually, I'm going to switch to Chiara and Amber, who will have been doing things concurrent with Venzi/Niccolo and Giancarlo"
Niccolo says (to Venzi), "Unless he was hiding under Fortunato's desk just now."
[vodacce] Wilson sighs, takes back the baby from Sara ;-)
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "heehee"
Niccolo asks, "I'll meet up with you later, then?"
Chiara strolls through the house, looking keeping an eye out for a convenient servant (or any sign of Abrielle or Carinna).
Amber strolls with C.
GM says, "And, look, there's a servant."
Chiara asks (of convenient servant), "Do you know where I might find Signorina Carinna? or Signorina Abrielle?"
[7thsea] Niccolo rolls 5k3: 3 3 8 9 1 | 20
Servant says, "I believe Signora Abrielle is in her room. It's back the way you came..."
GM says, "the servant gives directions which I will not bother to elucidate."
[vodacce] Giancarlo wonders what Niccolo is rolling now....
Chiara nods.
[vodacce] Chiara says, "heh"
Chiara follows said directions, though she moves quietly when approaching the door itself.
Chiara listens to see if she can hear anything going on within the room before she knocks.
GM says, "The door is closed."
Amber asks (of Chiara), "Shall we knock?"
Amber asks (of Chiara), "Shall we knock?"
GM says, "Perception for you and Amber."
Chiara looks up and down the hall, and, when the coast is clear, puts an ear to the door.
[7thsea] Chiara rolls 4k4: 2 3 1 9 | 15
[vodacce] Amber asks, "straight wits?"
[vodacce] GM says, "yes, plus one if you have Keen Senses"
[7thsea] Amber rolls 3k3: 2 7 5 | 14
GM says, "You can hear indications that someone is inside."
Chiara knocks.
Abrielle says, "Come in."
Chiara enters, letting Amber come in behind her.
[7thsea] Niccolo rolls 4k3: 3 4 5 1 | 12
Chiara says (to Abrielle), "Good morning -- I'm terribly sorry to disturb you like this."
Abrielle asks, "May I help you...?"
Chiara says, "I am Chiara Venterrini; this is Amber."
Amber says, "Greetings, Madame."
Chiara says, "My apologies for bursting in on you in this fashion, especially so early"
Abrielle says, "Not at all. I am Abrielle, though I trust you know that."
Chiara says, "but when one is in doubt it always seems best to appeal to, well, someone in the same, ah, line of business"
Abrielle asks, "Oh? In doubt?"
Niccolo crawl/walks a ways further along this side of the building, to the next group of windows.
[vodacce] Niccolo doesn't do any such thing. Carry on now. nothing to see here.
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
Chiara says (to Abrielle), "yes. I am acquainted with the Avalonian who was arrested last night... presumably you know of this, considering the ruckus it caused."
Amber says, "What my esteemed employer is trying to say, Madame, is . . ."
Chiara glances at Amber with a faint smile.
[vodacce] Amber says, "my computer is lagging."
Abrielle says, "Ah, the funny man with the wide-eyed expression."
Chiara says (to Abrielle), "Not *well* acquainted, mind you. But well enough to doubt that he is capable of any such thing, even if he were to desire it."
Chiara says, "Now, I do not know enough about matters here to be able to guess who might be able to plan a trick like that. But you seem to be extremely well-connected here..."
Abrielle says, "We are just lucky that Meander was not killed, or Fortunato hurt badly."
[7thsea] Niccolo rolls 4k3: 4 8 3 7 | 19
Chiara asks, "Fortunato seems a sort who is able to take care of himself, surely?"
Abrielle says, "He is, yes. And your flattery is most welcome."
Abrielle smiles demurely.
Chiara laughs.
Chiara says, "Well-- what can you expect? One grows used to framing one's words in a certain way..."
Abrielle says, "Certainly."
Chiara says, "But-- if I may speak frankly-- I am very concerned; for reasons beyond my control, I have been, if you will, associated in Fortunato's mind with Wilson -- through the merest coincidences, really, but it would be embarrassing to try to explain away"
Chiara says, "so if Wilson were shown to be innocent, I would rest much easier, myself."
Abrielle says, "I do not think he understands the nature of our lives."
Chiara nods sagely.
Abrielle says, "Would either of you care for a cordial? I have a small bottle and a few glasses."
Chiara says, "That would be most excellent. Pleas.e"
Amber says, "Not I, but thank you."
Abrielle pours two small glasses half-full and offers one to Chiara.
[vodacce] Chiara says, "I discreetly examine the glass to see if I can detect signs of tampering"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "(poison roll)"
[7thsea] Chiara rolls 5k4: 10+9 8 4 10+3 4 | 44
[vodacce] Amber asks (of Chiara), "Have you built up a resistance to iocane powder?"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "heehee"
[vodacce] GM says (to Chiara), "You're better than a unicorn's horn. No, no poison."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "apparently so"
Chiara lifts her glass in a polite salute and then sips it.
Abrielle does likewise.
Chiara says (to Abrielle), "Delicious."
Amber watches Chiara for any hint of an odd reaction.
Abrielle says, "Thank you."
Chiara does not react oddly.
Abrielle says, "So you are concerned for your friend."
Abrielle says, "Pardon -- acquaintance."
Chiara says (to Abrielle), "Quite. And indirectly for myself, as is so often the case."
[7thsea] Niccolo rolls 4k3: 9 7 4 8 | 24
Chiara says, "I was wondering whether you know who else might be capable of planning what he is accused of-- and whether you consider those people trustworthy."
Abrielle says, "Ah."
Abrielle frowns in concentration.
Abrielle says, "There are many who might benefit from Meander's death."
Chiara asks, "Oh?"
Abrielle says, "Few in the house, and none among his family, oddly enough."
Chiara says, "His wife seemed honest in her concern for him, though I doubt that she would have unburdened any great secrets to me, all things considered."
Amber says, "He is clever, then, to arrange things like that."
Chiara nods.
Abrielle says (to Amber), "Yes. I am most impressed with how he has handled Quieto."
Chiara asks (of Abrielle), "Quieto was a danger?"
Abrielle says, "He was indiscreet. And a poor hand at business."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "I keep expecting people to turn out to be deaf/mutes, or deranged, or living in the attic with a caretaker"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "oh wait"
Chiara asks (of Abrielle), "How so?"
[vodacce] Giancarlo says (to Chiara), "Riccalbano was almost that."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "heh"
Abrielle says, "He was given partial control of the wine export business."
Amber asks, "It did not go well, I take it?"
Abrielle says, "One year later he had a number of creditors who had not been paid and a supply line in danger of being permanently cut off by bandits."
Chiara sips at her cordial again and waits for Abrielle to go on.
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Does the Countess in the basement count?"
Chiara says (to Abrielle), "I see."
Amber asks, "And how did the Vintner's guild react to that?"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "oh yeah, them"
Abrielle says, "Not well."
Abrielle says, "Not well at all."
Abrielle says, "I do believe that was the beginning of Meander's current difficulty with the guild."
Amber asks, "I assume Meander rectified the situation once Quieto left?"
Abrielle says, "He has, though it has been long and difficult."
Amber asks, "Can you expound, please?"
Abrielle says, "Certainly. Quieto was given the job of going with some of the merchants taking wine north and told to work on establishing more bases of operation."
Abrielle says, "Of course, he was given an 'advisor' to help him."
Chiara says, "Aha."
Chiara says, "Convenient."
Abrielle says, "Meanwhile, Meander used some of his personal guard to convince bandits to find easier pickings than his wine."
Chiara says, "My sense is that Meander does have an ability to surround himself with competence -- which makes me wonder why--"
Chiara says, "well, why things are as they are."
Chiara asks (of Abrielle), "Through Fortunato?"
Abrielle says (to Chiara), "Yes."
Amber says, "Well, if Meander is still having Fortunato drown Vintner guild employee's in fish ponds, I'm going to go out on a limb, and say that things are not as hunky-dory as some folk would like."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "(hunky-dory being standard vodacce slang)"
Abrielle says (to Amber), "Not all the members of the guild were willing to work with Meander after the troubles with Quieto."
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "heh."
Abrielle says, "He persuaded some to work with him; others, he bribed."
[vodacce] Amber says, "of course."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "no doubt it's some bizarre montaigne slang she picked up"
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "Well, I seem to recall that the term 'hunky-dory' has nautical origins. Arrrr."
[vodacce] Amber says, "so is 'going out on a limb.'"
Abrielle says, "Those who refused he froze out."
[vodacce] (from Chiara) Giancarlo says, "Those hunky sailors, ya know."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "also, hey, that's my line"
[vodacce] Chiara says (to Venzi), "so you were taking too long"
[vodacce] Amber says, "typical."
Chiara says, "I can see why that might make some people angry."
Abrielle says, "After several months of dwindling revenues, some of those recalcitrant vintners decided that they would rather see Meander forced out than beg to be part of Meander's trading relationships."
Chiara asks (of Abrielle), "Did this only affect internal politics? Or were there surrounding states involved?"
Abrielle says, "Internal, for the most part. Meander was careful to work with those not directly allied with the Faliscis rather than take any rash action against them."
Chiara says, "It seems I've met several ambassadors here who are involved in arranging trade matters, so I wondered whether perhaps they might have an interest too, somehow. But perhaps not."
Abrielle says, "Oh, they have an interest."
Chiara asks, "In seeing Meander survive? Or the reverse?"
Abrielle says, "You asked earlier why people would want someone who inspires competence and loyalty removed."
Abrielle says, "There are always people convinced that they could do better themselves, or that they would do better were someone more...malleable in power."
Chiara glance flickers. "Such as Quieto?"
Amber says, "Ah. Because if you have someone surrounded by incompetent, disloyal assistants, you have bribable fools readily available for exploitations."
Abrielle says (to Chiara), "That is one of the things I most admire Meander for. He has arranged matters such that, were he to have an unfortunate accident, Quieto would not take power."
Abrielle says (to Amber), "You sound as if you've seen this before yourself."
Chiara asks (of Abrielle), "Oh?"
Chiara asks, "How did he arrange that?"
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Instead, we'd have Little Ricky in the hotseat?"
Abrielle says (to Chiara), "I don't know all of the details. I do know Falisci and Meander worked out the arrangement after much consultation."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "Then was Henry VI in infant bonds crowned king whose kingdom so many had the managing that they lost fair France and made his England bleed..."
Chiara asks (of Abrielle), "So you don't know who would inherit?"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Yeah, but we don't like Montaigne anyway, since we're Vaticine."
Amber says, "These assasination attempts have been very public, very showy, and rather unlikely to work. I'm wondering if they are not meant as a distraction from something else."
Abrielle says (to Chiara), "If people knew, then the scheming would be fiercer than it is now."
Abrielle says (to Amber), "Interesting."
Abrielle says, "I suspect there are many subplots in this little play of ours."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "heh"
Chiara says (to Abrielle), "Indeed."
Amber says, "Such as trying to frame Wilson, and by extension, ourselves."
Chiara says (to Abrielle), "I was wondering, in fact, whether you yourself had had any... prior dealings with one of my acquaintances."
Amber says, "I hate politics."
Abrielle asks, "One of your acquaintances?"
Chiara asks (of Abrielle), "Do you know a Niccolo? or Giancarlo?"
Abrielle says, "I had the pleasure of dining with them both the first night of the festivities."
Chiara adds (a tiny bit grudgingly) "Or -- though I think he has been away -- Venzi?"
[vodacce] Niccolo says (to Gian), "Woohoo -- she said pleasure."
[vodacce] Giancarlo says (to Nico), "Yay"
Abrielle asks, "Venzi? That gentleman with the favorable mien who was duelling last night?"
Chiara says (to Abrielle), "Just so."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "that's mine mien"
Abrielle says, "I have seen him with you and your companions, but nothing further."
Chiara frowns slightly. "There is something about Giancarlo and Niccolo that makes me nervous, but I do not know whether that is just my nerves, jumping at everything. Well. Giancarlo especially."
Abrielle says, "He seems very driven."
Chiara says (to Abrielle), "And not very trustworthy."
Amber asks, "But towards what?"
Abrielle asks (of Chiara), "Oh?"
[vodacce] Giancarlo checks sheet. "Ah, there it is. Arcana: Loyal."
Chiara says (to Abrielle), "It's just a feeling I have, when he speaks, that he is working towards some especially oily goal."
Chiara says, "But-- like I said -- probably just a passing fancy of mine."
[vodacce] Amber says, "Another former Enron employee, out looking for revenge."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
Abrielle says, "And Niccolo? I know he is from the city -- I've seen him in his gondola."
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "heh"
Chiara asks (of Abrielle), "oh? And what do you know of him?"
Chiara says, "He always seems to be off doing some private errand, but that may or may not be a crime."
Abrielle says (to Chiara), "He seems well connected, but beyond that I don't know much about him."
Chiara looks thoughtful.
Chiara appears as though something has just now occurred to her. "Oh! That funny little scientist, Livio. Know anything about him?"
Abrielle says, "Livio is another funny man with a wide-eyed expression."
Abrielle smiles, but looks a little nervous.
Abrielle says, "He seems most agitated about something these days."
Amber asks, "Have you any insight into what that might be?"
Chiara asks, "I wonder whether the likeness to Wilson goes beyond the expression...?"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
Abrielle says (to Amber), "I think the church's dim view of scientists these days is making him concerned."
Abrielle asks (of Chiara), "Oh?"
[vodacce] GM asks, "Have you ever seen Livio and Wilson together? Huh? Have you?"
[vodacce] GM says, "Well, other than that first night dinner."
Chiara says (to Abrielle), "oh, just a thought-- well. Particularly that Wilson is being framed, assuming that he is being framed, for the sort of thing I imagine is more Livio's style."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "heh"
Abrielle says, "I am not sure Livio could plan to tie his shoes and carry that plan to fruition."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
Chiara says (to Abrielle), "Still, someone made those plans, and they weren't very straightforward ones."
Amber says, "Perhaps someone else is using him."
Amber asks, "Maybe the Vintner's guild?"
Abrielle says (to Amber), "That is an interesting idea."
[vodacce] GM says (to Giancarlo), "If you want to go looking for diTommaso, now's the time. I'll run things simultaneously."
[vodacce] GM says, "so that we can get to Wilson soon."
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "okay."
Chiara asks (of Abrielle), "Do you think he might be persuaded to lend himself to a plan against Meander, though?"
Giancarlo straightens his collar and makes sure that the colour in his cheeks have subsided a little before heading off in search of other prey.
Giancarlo . o O ( a babe in arms ... huh, I guess that washes him out.... )
Amber says, "I remember him mentioning his concern about Meander being able and/or interested in contiinuing to protect him. He was looking to a woman to get him out of the country."
Giancarlo stalks off in search of Stefani diTomaso, inquiring as to his whereabouts from a servant along the way.
Abrielle says (to Chiara), "I don't know, since he depends on Meander for protection."
Servant asks, "Yes, sir?"
Abrielle asks (of Amber), "Someone, like you, who is good with a sword?"
Giancarlo asks (of Servant), "Signor diTomaso. Have you seen him?"
[vodacce] GM says, "I should have a TF macro which does "@name me=Servant;say "Yes?"""
Amber says, "He wouldn't say who it was."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
Servant says, "I think he was meeting with Meander this morning, but is probably done."
Servant says, "Check near the dining room."
Chiara says, "He spoke of connections, however."
Giancarlo says (to Servant), "I see. Thank you."
Giancarlo tips servant as before.
[vodacce] (from Chiara) servant falls over.
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "You know, officially my home is in the cattle town of Calgary, Alberta."
[vodacce] Amber exclaims, "I was going to say that!"
Giancarlo heads down to the Dining Room.
[vodacce] Amber says, "Gian is carrying a rope, a candlestick, and a cannon."
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "And a Loud Noise."
Abrielle says, "Is there anything else I can help you with? I am due to lunch with Sr. di Argento."
[vodacce] GM says, "Dr. Lucky next moves on Wilson, so he'll go next."
[vodacce] Amber says, "I have no further questions, your Honor."
Chiara says (to Abrielle), "No-- thank you very much."
Abrielle says, "I hope I will see you at the dance this evening."
Chiara says, "And for this." (Setting down the glass.) "I will see you later, I imagine."
Amber says, "Thank you very much for your time, Madame. You have been quite helpful."
GM says (to Giancarlo), "A bit of searching around turns up diTomasso, clearly headed from somewhere to somewhere else with great vigor."
Abrielle stands and gathers Chiara's glass. "I hope you have a good morning."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "Abrielle: Quite Obviously Hiding Things. But I would to, if I were she, so."
Giancarlo falls into step beside the esteemed gent.
Chiara goes out.
[vodacce] GM says, "Oh, and if any of you are going to do wacky things regarding the interveiw with Wilson, now is the time to spring those plans."
diTomasso asks, "Eh?"
Giancarlo says, "buon giorno, signor."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "it'd be cool if we could all cluster outside the window and eavesdrop"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "subtly"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "all five of us"
[vodacce] Amber says, "Let's do that."
[vodacce] GM says, "'Just a bush. Move along. Bush.'"
Giancarlo asks, "I beg your pardon ... I had been hoping to speak with you. I hope I am not interrupting some business of yours?"
diTomasso says, "You are, but if you are quick I will not be too angry."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
Giancarlo says, "Of course. Well, you know that last night a dear friend of mine was accused (quite wrongly, I am sure) of, er, an attempt on his lordship's life."
diTomasso asks, "Oh? You are a dear friend of that would-be murderer?"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "see, I have acquaintances, Giancarlo has "dear friends""
Giancarlo says, "I do not believe him capable of such, sir. I was hoping you might have some insight that might help."
diTomasso says, "I have little interest in the machinations of foreigners or the work in which Fortnato will undoubtedly take such glee."
Giancarlo says, "You think ... oh dear. But what of his lordship, if the accusations prove wrong? The true assassin might still be lurking just around the corner."
diTomasso says, "Meander has seen fit to let that rogue and near-pirate run his guard. As soon as the work of would-be assassins involves the actual business of house Falisci, let me know."
diTomasso says, "In the meantime, I intend to steer wide around any investigations."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "hell-o attitude"
Giancarlo says, "Well, such investigations could hardly be expected to touch you, surely."
[vodacce] Giancarlo resists urge to browbeat.
[vodacce] Chiara asks, "since it's worked so well in the past, you mean?"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "tee hee"
[vodacce] Wilson says, "That's quite the opinion of Fortunato."
diTomasso says, "They have before, and each time I have been cleared."
Giancarlo blinks.
[vodacce] Chiara says, "hmmmmmmmmmmm"
diTomasso says, "Meander has no cause to doubt my loyalty, as I have proved time and again."
[vodacce] Giancarlo blinks.
[vodacce] Venzi says, "my goodness"
diTomasso says, "If you are looking for help freeing your dear friend, you should talk to Fortunato. I have a vintner's guild to corral."
Giancarlo says, "Indeed! He esteems you highly ... I heard that you were betrothed to ... ah, I should congratulate you."
Giancarlo says, "Fortunato is none too fond of me, I fear."
diTomasso says, "Thank you. Carinna and I are to be married at the end of this year."
diTomasso says, "Fortunato is none to fond of most people."
diTomasso says, "But I must go now. Good day."
Giancarlo says, "Er ... guild? I heard there was trouble with the vintners...."
Giancarlo says, "Si ... good day ..."
diTomasso says, "Perhaps Fortunato did not like you because you are deaf. Good day."
[vodacce] Chiara laughs and laughs
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "Or a slow typist."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "aww"
[vodacce] (from Wilson) diTomasso says, "Excuse me, I must go before I reveal too much of the plot."
[vodacce] GM exclaims, "diTomasso: Much too important to be here; he must be there!"
[vodacce] Chiara says (to Sir), "your plot is showing"
[vodacce] Amber asks, "who is the ofTomato guy?"
Giancarlo is going to do some shadowing work.
[vodacce] GM says, "Chief advisor for Meander"
[vodacce] GM asks (of Giancarlo), "You are following diTomasso?"
Giancarlo allows diTomaso to head out a little in front, then he slips into the shadows and, er, shadows. To see where this Guild thing is happening.
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "si."
[vodacce] GM says (to Giancarlo), "Stealth, please."
[vodacce] Giancarlo asks, "not shadowing?"
[vodacce] Amber says, "whom I'm guessing would be getting a lot of power should Meander bite it."
[vodacce] GM says, "Actually, yes, since you're going to follow."
[7thsea] Giancarlo rolls 6k3: 5 4 8 1 8 2 | 21
[vodacce] Giancarlo will drama die if necessary.
[vodacce] GM says, "20 will do."
diTomasso strides towards the front of the house.
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "whew ... getting caught would be Exceedingly Embarrassing. More so than the Riccalbano fiasco."
[7thsea] Niccolo rolls 5k3: 3 6 5 8 8 | 22
[vodacce] Chiara says, "no kiddin'"
diTomasso steps outside and heads for the street.
Giancarlo continues as unobtrusively as possible.
GM says (to Giancarlo), "He is headed for a carriage tied at the edge of the street."
Giancarlo says (to GM), "If he tells the carriage driver where he's going, I'm going to want to lip-read that."
diTomasso reaches the carriage.
GM says (to Giancarlo), "He is talking to his driver, so feel free to give it a try. TN 20."
[7thsea] Giancarlo rolls 5k3: 3 6 7 9 7 | 23
Giancarlo slips behind a corner and concentrates on watching the conversation.
GM says, "You see diTomasso mouth, "To the vintner's guild. And hurry; I am late.""
[7thsea] Niccolo rolls 5k3: 2 5 2 8 1 | 15
[7thsea] Niccolo rolls 1k1: 7 | 7
Giancarlo . o O ( not an actual street address? Ah, if I only had someone handy who knew the city! )
[vodacce] Giancarlo wonders where Niccolo went.
[Crows-Nest] GM says (to Giancarlo), "Your local guide is busy rolling right now."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "(well, *that* was startling)"
diTomasso climbs in the carriage, which pulls away and heads down the street.
GM says, "But Giancarlo does get a drama die for his handling of Riccalbano and diTomasso."
[vodacce] Giancarlo exclaims, "Yay!"
GM says, "As does Venzi for his encounter with Fortunato."
[vodacce] Venzi exclaims, "yay also!"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Congrats."
[vodacce] GM asks (of Wilson), "You awake?"
[vodacce] Wilson exclaims, "Woo!"
[vodacce] GM says, "Now I just have to decide whether or not to let everyone else hear Wilson be interrogated."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "They're huddled outside the window, anyway."
[vodacce] GM exclaims, "But your cell *has* no windows!"
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "What do you think I've been doing all night?"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "hehee"
[vodacce] GM asks, "Seriously, as I'm getting ready for Wilson, what will the rest of you be doing?"
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Oh, right, watchingthat spider."
[vodacce] Venzi asks, "were we going to talk to Ridolfo about listening in?"
[vodacce] GM says, "If so, *hurry*. Because you've got about ten minutes game time."
[vodacce] Chiara asks, "ok, can we scamper to look for ridolfo, then?"
[vodacce] GM says, "Gogogo."
Chiara comes out of her interview with Abrielle and hastens off to find Ridolfo.
[vodacce] GM says, "Yes."
[vodacce] GM asks, "Who all is conveniently looking for Ridolfo?"
Venzi, having returned to his room, sees Chiara (and others, I guess) and tags along.
[vodacce] Amber says, "me."
[vodacce] Giancarlo will go find Graziano.
[vodacce] Wilson says, "And Niccolo. He's been doing nothing but hang out in the room this whole time."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
[vodacce] GM says (to Giancarlo), "I'll deal with that after/during Wilson."
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "On second thoughts, no. Listening in, more entertaining."
[vodacce] Amber says, "and randomly rolling some dice, for no reason whatsoever."
[vodacce] GM says, "Perhaps he's got knife-loaded boots too."
[vodacce] Amber exclaims, "hee!"
GM exclaims, "And what amazing luck -- there's Giancarlo!"
[Crows-Nest] Ghogg asks, "how's the story in progress?"
[Crows-Nest] Giancarlo says, "I feel like Mike Hammer trying to solve Agatha Christie."
[7thsea] Amber rolls 3k3: 7 2 10+6 | 25
Chiara exclaims (at Everyone), "Follow me!"
Giancarlo says (to Chiara), "Eh what? Right, then."
[Crows-Nest] Ghogg says, "The butler did it"
Chiara scampers Ridolfo-ward like some mad prophetess on a mission.
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "They're getting more clews."
[Crows-Nest] Venzi says, "when all you are is a hammer, everything looks like a nail"
[Crows-Nest] Giancarlo says (to Venzi), "That sounds dirty."
[Crows-Nest] Chiara says, "it's very smtuc"
Ridolfo exclaims, "There you all are! I've had servants looking for you!"
Ridolfo asks, "Where've you been?"
Chiara says (to Ridolfo), "Oh, here and there."
Chiara asks, "We are concerned about Wilson -- is there any way we can see what is happening to him?"
Ridolfo says, "See? No."
Ridolfo says, "But..."
Chiara asks, "Hear, then?"
Ridolfo produces a bowl with spider webs covering its opening with a flourish.
Chiara asks (of Ridolfo), "does it ... speak?"
Ridolfo glances around, then ushers you all into a small servant's closet.
Giancarlo raises a brow.
[vodacce] Chiara asks, "and does it get the top 40?"
Giancarlo gets ushered in.
Ridolfo says quietly, "I had hoped to bring you to a larger room, but we run short on time, or so Sempronia assures me.
Chiara says (to Ridolfo), "that's all right"
Chiara tries to make sure she gets wedged next to Venzi and not next to Giancarlo
Ridolfo says, "As I understand it, this web is in sympathy with one spun by a special spider in Wilson's cell."
Chiara says (to Ridolfo), "my goodness"
Venzi says, "I'm sure he would be pleased to know that"
Chiara says, "Sempronia's powers are... impressive."
Ridolfo says, "it should vibrate to the sound of things in the cell."
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Hey, what trait is cold read rolled with? It says it's rolled against resolve; does it vary otherwise?"
[7thsea] Niccolo rolls 6k3: 4 2 7 8 1 5 | 20
Amber raises an eyebrow. "In sympathy?"
Ridolfo says (to Amber), "So she says. Me? I don't really understand it at all."
[7thsea] Niccolo rolls 1k1: 1 | 1
[vodacce] Chiara asks (of Nicky), "havin' a lotta luck?"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "wits or panache, I would think"
[vodacce] GM says, "Cold read would be wits"
Ridolfo says, "There is only one problem: this thing works both ways."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Curses. OK."
Chiara says, "...oh."
Chiara says, "I assume then that you have not activated it yet"
Ridolfo says, "Yes. I am to speak a special word to activate it."
Chiara looks fixedly at the bowl and stops talking.
Venzi says, "ah"
Giancarlo seals mouth.
Venzi is quiet also
[7thsea] Niccolo rolls 5k2: 2 3 8 2 10+6 | 24
Ridolfo says, "So. Now we see if this thing works."
[7thsea] Niccolo rolls 4k3: 8 1 4 8 | 20
Ridolfo takes a deep breath and says, "auditor"
Wilson humms a perky little tune.
Wilson says, "Hey, little fella. You've been busy today. I'll have to see if I can find any flies to put in that impressive little web of yours."
Fortunato walks up to the front of Wilson's cell, a guard in tow. "Good morning, Wilson."
Wilson says, "Oh! Hi."
Ridolfo mouths, "It works!"
Chiara nods at this obvious remark.
Giancarlo reads Ridolfo's lips.
Fortunato opens the cell door.
Fortunato says, "Come with me. We should speak elsewhere."
[vodacce] Wilson laughs.
Wilson asks, "OK. Where we going?"
Chiara makes a very irritated expression.
Fortunato says, "A slightly more comfortable room."
Wilson asks, "More comfortable for you or for me?"
Wilson grins.
[vodacce] Chiara says, "arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh"
Fortunato says, "Would you rather sit at a table? I would."
[Crows-Nest] Ghogg asks, "still stumped?"
Ridolfo says, "Great."
Fortunato asks, "What?"
[vodacce] Chiara laughs more
Ridolfo claps a hand over his mouth.
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Hee."
Wilson says, "That would be great."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "oh man"
Fortunato says, "Follow me, please."
Ghogg materializes.
Wilson says, "OK."
[vodacce] Chiara votes Fortunato and Ridolfo drama dice of their own
Wilson says, "Let me grab my shirt."
Ridolfo murmurs, "silentium"
Ridolfo says, "Okay, okay, we just have to wait a moment."
Chiara says, "well. that was instructive."
Chiara asks (of Ridolfo), "how so?"
Ridolfo says, "There's a possibility that they'll move into another room with a web."
Chiara looks surprised, but shrugs
Venzi keeps his hand on the doorknob, just in case.
Giancarlo asks, "Are they going to do what I think they're going to do?"
Ridolfo says (to Giancarlo), "I hope not."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "I actually was planning on that before the web thing."
Ridolfo says, "not least because Fortunato keeps that chamber very clean."
Chiara grimaces.
Giancarlo tries to remember the proper interrogation procedure from Lord's Hand School.
Ridolfo says, "Let's give this a try."
Ridolfo says, "reperio"
[7thsea] Wilson rolls 3k3: 8 9 6 | 23
Ridolfo watches the webs ripple on the surface of the bowl.
[Crows-Nest] (from Venzi) Ridolfo says "Hmm, all I'm getting is ESPN2"
[Crows-Nest] Giancarlo says, "You know your timing ... Don Giovanni just got to the scary dinner scene with the Commendatore's appearance."
Ridolfo says, "I wish I knew how this works."
[vodacce] (from Niccolo) A voice echoes across the grand hall, "I wish I knew how this works."
Ridolfo says, "Fate witches. All that power, and it leads to us clustered around this dirty bowl."
Giancarlo says (to Ridolfo), "Shh."
Chiara signals everyone to be quiet.
Chiara listens closely.
GM says, "You hear chairs being scraped on stone."
Fortunato asks, "So. Is there anything you'd like to tell me before we begin?"
Fortunato says, "A confession would be nice, but is not necessary."
Wilson says, "Well, I have one question."
Fortunato asks, "Just one?"
Spectator disappears through an invisible gap in the MUD. You think you may have heard the sounds of chatting before the gap closed again.
Wilson says, "I have plenty, but I gathered since you were here to question me, one was my limit."
Fortunato says, "Your restraint is admirable. Go ahead."
Wilson says, "But my question is: Why are you interrogating me? Why not just make up whatever you want, and condem me out of hand? It's not like I have powerful local friends to come to my rescue. I'm a nondescript foreigner."
Giancarlo . o O ( powerful local friends, huh.... )
Fortunato asks, "Ah. You expect to swing by the end of the day, perhaps?"
Wilson says, "My expectations depend a great deal on your answer to my question."
Chiara . o O ( he's cooler than I would have expected... )
Fortunato asks, "Let me answer you with a question. What do you think my overriding aim is here?"
[vodacce] GM says, "At any moment he's going to break his chair into splinters by accident, I can feel it."
[vodacce] Giancarlo watches Chiara's affections swing over from bodyguard to employer....
Wilson asks, "Wasn't that my question?"
[vodacce] Chiara exclaims, "I have not expressed any affections!"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee ee"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "^h"
Wilson says, "I asked because I have no idea."
Fortunato says, "Your question went to my motives. My question went to your apprehension of the situation."
Wilson says, "Well, I don't know, so I asked."
Fortunato asks, "Let me ask you this, then. If I were to do as you have said and condemn you out of hand, what would be the outcome were you not the true assassin?"
Wilson says, "That depends on who the true assassin is."
Fortunato says, "You did notice the clause at the end of my question, I trust."
Wilson says, "Oh! Heh. I know *I'm* not the assassin, so I didn't realize the implication."
Wilson grins.
Wilson says, "No, I meant who *else* was."
Fortunato says, "Go on."
Wilson says, "And what happens next depends on what their goals are. Maybe they'll give up, since the 'culprit' has been caught. Or maybe they'll try again. Maybe they'll try again and try to figure out a way to implicate me again."
Fortunato asks, "If their goal is truly assassination, why give up just because one culprit is in hand?"
Wilson says, "Right--if that's the goal, they'll try again."
Wilson says, "But Merciful Theus, they're not doing a very good job."
Fortunato says, "Your innocence is touching."
Wilson says, "That whole calculating burn rates of candles is a joke."
Fortunato says, "Really? I am always interested to hear the opinion of art collectors on such matters."
Fortunato asks, "How is it a joke?"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
Wilson says, "Well, I *used* to be a scientist, before the Church decided we didn't need them any more. Surely you've heard of my paper on the physiology of various Avalonian insects. Youngest person ever published in the Royal Journal of Academics."
Fortunato asks, "Oh, you're a scientist as well?"
Wilson says, "I *was*, as I say."
Fortunato says, "And an accomplished one, I take it."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "once a scientist always a scientist"
Wilson says, "Clearly, once the Church disallowed it, I stopped immediately."
[vodacce] GM says, "He's hoping Fortunato will cite him in his writeup of this case."
Giancarlo did not know this. well well well.
Wilson says, "But that wasn't too many years ago."
Wilson exclaims, "Hey! You never answered my question!"
Fortunato asks, "Hm, so I didn't. So you are able to speak to the burning of candles with some authority?"
Wilson says, "I guess you don't have to. Sigh."
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Is there a guard here with us?"
[vodacce] GM says, "Yes, but not Guard_1 or Guard_2"
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "The same one that brought me to the cell, or a different one?"
[vodacce] GM says, "Different one."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "Guard_3"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "(just a guess)"
Wilson peers at Fortunato.
Fortunato gently reminds Wilson, "You were talking about how foolish calculating the burn rate of candles was."
Wilson exclaims, "Right, because there's too many variables!"
Fortunato asks, "Too hard to predict, you mean?"
Wilson says, "If you light something on fire, it's going to eventually burn through, but to claim you can calculate how fast that would happen is just silly."
Fortunato says, "And yet someone did, well enough that Meander was almost hurt, possibly killed."
Wilson says, "If you really wanted to know how fast that would happen, you'd have to just try it a few times."
Wilson says, "You think so? I don't. I think they just lit the candle and hoped for the best. The calculations were there so they could frame me for it."
Fortunato says, "Ah."
Fortunato says, "So we have the coincidence that it almost worked coupled with paper which happened to be in your room with calculations. And much to my surprise, you just happen to be a scientist."
Wilson says, "Or Livio, I guess. Though I don't remember seeing him there that evening."
Fortunato says, "Sorry: happen to *have been* a scientist."
Fortunato says, "I will admit that I am not the smartest man in the world. I never was a scientist. But this entire situation puzzles me greatly."
Fortunato says, "There's the matter of the putty and wax that was under your fingernails when the guard brought you to the cell, for instance."
Wilson blinks.
Wilson looks at his hands.
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Do they have putty and wax on 'em?"
[vodacce] GM says, "Some under the fingernails, yes."
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Where are they from?"
[vodacce] GM says, "You'll have to guess, since you didn't notice it until now."
Wilson says, "Wow, look at that."
Wilson says, "Let's see, the last time I washed my hands was..."
Wilson thinks.
[vodacce] GM says, "A reasonable guess would be the window (or more specifically, the sill and where the pane used to be attached) from your misadventures at Livio's."
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Putty, OK, but wax?"
[vodacce] GM says, "You've seen how Livio kept his shack. Imagine what he would do if some of the putty dried out and flaked off around, oh, say, a loose windowpane."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Hrm. OK."
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "When *was* the last time I washed my hands? Breakfast yesterday?"
[vodacce] GM says, "Probably, yes."
W