[vodacce] PerrySimm says, "Log on."
Amber says, "Sorry about the lateness.  Apologies, all."
Giancarlo says, "I accept-a your apologies.  But my boss, I dunno."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Hey, I can add to that suspect list in terms of information.  Ludovica was told that I was the scientific type."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "And there were servants in the room, too."
[vodacce] Giancarlo asks, "Ooh, was she?"
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "the woman is looking more and more suspicious."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Of course, I also have 10 points of rep. from that, so that's not a huge deal."
Amber has disconnected.
Amber has connected.
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "I guess it was just too much for her."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "(her computer froze)"
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "heh.  It IS a rather cramped closet...."
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Are we all still in that closet right now?"
[vodacce] Wilson says, "I'm not ;-)"
[vodacce] GM says, "Okay, time to fire up the cast & crew."
npc1 has connected.
npc2 has connected.
[vodacce] GM says, "When we last saw #vodacce, Wilson was imprisoned, and the rest of you were talking to Ridolfo"
[vodacce] GM asks, "Is there any bidness which must be taken care of before we begin?"
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "What time of day was it, again?"
[vodacce] GM says, "It is nearly noon."
[Crows-Nest] RogerCarbol watches again.
Giancarlo says, "hm."
[interludes] GM has added Wilson to the channel.
Giancarlo says, "Perhaps it is time we came out of this closet."
Niccolo, being closest to the door, opens it.
Ridolfo says, "I do have things I must be, er, doing."
Ghogg materializes.
Giancarlo says, "Si..."
[interludes] Guard walks up to Wilson's cell door.
Venzi says, "right"
Venzi says, "I wish to investigate the cottage window as soon as possible"
Ridolfo asks, "Is there anything else you need from me right now?"
[interludes] Wilson exclaims, "Hi!"
Venzi asks (of Giancarlo), "did you plan on trying to investigate the will?"
[interludes] Guard says, "Humf."
[interludes] Guard says, "Fortunato says you're free to go."
Giancarlo asks, "Presumably there will be another attempt at the ball tonight.  What can you tell us about the ball?"
Venzi says (to Ridolfo), "if you could try and find out the name of the guard who escorted Wilson to his cell, I would appreciate it"
Niccolo says (to Ridolfo), "I'm curious about this bowl of yours, but I see you haven't the time."
[interludes] Wilson says, "Wow!  Thank you."
[vodacce] Gobbi exclaims, "Go? But he just got here!"
[vodacce] Alex says (to Gobbi), "Awwwk! Word on the street is that Go is like chess, only Japanese and cooler."
Giancarlo says (to Venzi), "perhaps."
[interludes] Gobbi exclaims, "Go? But he just got here!"
Ridolfo says (to Giancarlo), "It will be a masked ball, with much dancing and witty banter by my betters."
[interludes] Guard says (to Gobbi), "Shut up, you."
[interludes] Guard opens the cell door.
[interludes] Guard says, "Don't go killing anyone now."
[interludes] Wilson says (to Gobbi), "Yeah, but *I* didn't do anything."
Giancarlo says, "In other words, anyone might be there and we wouldn't know.  Right."
[interludes] Gobbi asks, "I didn't either! But do you see them letting me out?"
Ridolfo says, "There is that problem."
[interludes] Wilson says (to Guard), "Right."
Ridolfo says (to Venzi), "I will do what I can."
[interludes] Wilson exclaims (at Gobbi), "You said you did!"
Ridolfo says (to Venzi), "and will send word if I cannot come in person."
Venzi says, "thank you"
[interludes] Gobbi says, "Oh, yes, well. I am large, and contain..."
[interludes] Gobbi says, "Hang on, let me check this bowl."
[interludes] Gobbi says, "Ah, yes. I contain porridge."
Venzi says, "um, and do be careful -- I'm sure you'd hate to get another knock"
[interludes] Wilson laughs.
Ridolfo rubs his head. "I'll be more careful this time."
[interludes] Wilson exclaims (at Gobbi), "Well, good luck!"
[interludes] Gobbi exclaims, "You too!"
[interludes] Wilson asks (of Guard), "Er, which way's the exit?"
[interludes] Guard exclaims (at Gobbi), "Shut up!"
[interludes] Guard says (to Wilson), "I'll lead you."
[interludes] Wilson says, "Thank you."
Giancarlo asks, "Oh, I don't suppose you could spare one of those badges marking you as the Contessa's servant?"
[interludes] Wilson gathers his stuff, follows.
Ridolfo asks, "What did you have in mind?"
Niccolo asks, "Will the servants at the ball be masked as well?"
[interludes] Guard leads Wilson up some windy stairs, past torches and lamps, until they are once again in the basement of the house.
Giancarlo says, "It occurred to me that certain people might be more forthcoming to an agent of the House than to a stranger."
Ridolfo says (to Niccolo), "No, we won't."
[interludes] Guard says, "Kitchen's through that door."
[interludes] Wilson says (to Guard), "Thanks!  See you around!  Er, not in the dungeon again, though.  I hope."
[interludes] Guard says, "Oh, and Fortunato says you're to check in with the guards later this afternoon and again at the start of the ball."
[interludes] Wilson nods smartly.  "Will do."
Ridolfo says (to Giancarlo), "I dunno. I could get in a lot of trouble if I was caught giving those badges out."
[interludes] Wilson enters the kitchen.
Ridolfo says, "But I'll see if I can come up with something."
Giancarlo says (to Ridolfo), "I could rob you of one at knifepoint if you want."
Ridolfo says, "Yes, that is just what I want."
Chiara conceals a snicker.
Ridolfo says, "But duty first. I'm going to see what I can find out about that guard."
[interludes] Wilson confidently makes his way to his room.
Ridolfo says, "And do try not to get in too much trouble," on his way out.
Giancarlo says, "Us? Never."
Amber says, "Trouble?  Us?  Never."
[vodacce] Wilson exclaims, "Timing!"
Niccolo snorts.
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "hee"
Niccolo says, "This whole mess is trouble enough, if you ask me."
Venzi says, "right"
Venzi asks, "what are you others doing?"
Chiara says, "I thought I might take a stroll and see if I could find Sir Dixon.  Perhaps he knows something that could help his countryman."
Giancarlo says, "Well ... I'm still wondering what could possibly block the Contessa's sorte.  I wondered if the Bishop might know anything."
[vodacce] Giancarlo says (to Chiara), "Yay"
Amber says, "And Danel might be with him."
Amber grins.
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Hey, since I'm from Avalon, would I know aobut the Thomas knack?"
Chiara says (to Amber), "It is a pleasure to see you so dutiful."
[Crows-Nest] RogerCarbol says, "The Thomas Knack was on tv last night."
[vodacce] GM exclaims, "Sir *Guy*!"
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] GM says, "Dixon's his last name."
Amber says, "Or I could find some personal business to attend to, I'm sure."
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "Oh! I thought it was the other way around."
Amber says, "With Danel, of course."
Chiara says (to Amber), "that might be wise"
[vodacce] GM says (to WIlson), "Possibly, though you've been much more interested in science than in the magical arts."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "feh, these Avalonian titles"
Giancarlo asks (of Niccolo), "And what about you?  Where have you been?"
[vodacce] GM says, "Man, you'd think none of you have read Pride and Predjudice."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
[vodacce] GM says, "Or the even more famous Pride and Prejudice."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "(seriously, I've been getting mixed up about which of his names comes first)"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "I wasn't sure if he's the younger son of a duke or if he's a titled knight in his own right"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "heeheehee"
[Crows-Nest] RogerCarbol says, "Listen if people call him mylord or your excellency"
Chiara says (to Amber), "shall we?  I do not think additional chaperones will do us much good."
Niccolo says (to Gian), "I believe I've found where they're keeping Wilson."
[vodacce] GM says, "Heh. Also, sons of dukes are Lord."
Amber says (to Chiara), "The sooner the better."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "whoops, good point"
Giancarlo asks (of Niccolo), "Oh, have you?  Do you know how to get inside?"
Amber says (to Chiara), "Though I suggest you redo your lipstick first.  Giancarlo smeared it."
[Crows-Nest] RogerCarbol says, "Whoops.  Don't mind me, just a kibbutzer here."
[vodacce] (from Chiara) GM pulls out pocket copy of Debrett's
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
Chiara grimaces
Niccolo says (to Gian), "Yes, but I'd rather not speak of it openly in the corridors."
Chiara says, "We'll visit Sir Guy by way of stopping at our room, then."
[Crows-Nest] Niccolo says, "That's the channel for it, alright."
[Crows-Nest] RogerCarbol says, "Yay."
Giancarlo . o O ( Bishop first or the prisons first? such a dilemma.... )
[Crows-Nest] Venzi says, "if he's a kibbutzer, I think #israel's more appropriate"
Venzi says, "alright then"
Giancarlo says (to Niccolo), "alright.  Show me."
Venzi heads for Livio's cottage.
Niccolo leads Giancarlo out of the building.
Giancarlo shadows Nico.
[vodacce] GM says, "So Chiara + Amber to Sir Guy, Venzi to the cottage, Niccolo and Giancarlo to outside"
[vodacce] GM asks, "?"
Chiara drops by her room and amends her makeup.
[vodacce] Chiara says, "yes"
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "si"
[vodacce] Amber says, "oui."
Wilson exclaims (at Chiara), "Hey there!"
Chiara blinks
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
Niccolo waits until they're someplace where he can see if there's anyone around before starting to talk again.
Chiara looks around
Amber exclaims (at Wilson), "Well, then!  Fancy meeting you here!"
Amber asks (of Wilson), "Fortunato found you convincing, I take it?"
Wilson says, "I had a *very* interesting interview with Fortunado.  I expect you'll want to hear all about it."
GM says (to Niccolo), "Not many people out and about at the back of the house...skulking about."
Chiara . o O ( IS THERE NEVER ANY PRIVACY??? )
Chiara says (to Wilson), "oh, yes, ALL about it."
[interludes] GM has removed Wilson from the channel.
[interludes] GM has added Venzi to the channel.
[interludes] GM says, "It doesn't take you long to find Livio's cottage."
[interludes] Venzi says, "for a private interlude this is a pretty crowded channel"
Niccolo says (to Gian), "I've heard Jago of Linzia keeps a sparrow in a cage, as a pet."
Amber says (to Chiara), "I'll catch Wilson up on what we've been doing and meet up with you later, if you like."
Chiara says (to Amber), "That would be an excellent idea."
[interludes] GM says, "Think of it as group therapy."
[interludes] Venzi says, "I glance around for Fortunato or others before heading to check out the window"
Wilson asks (of Chiara), "You don't want to hear about the interview?"
[interludes] Venzi says, "glance/listen, I should say"
Amber takes Wilson aside.  "Wait 'till you hear about this . . .
Chiara says (to Wilson), "Attend to Amber."
[interludes] GM says, "You occasionally see guards moving hither and thither, but Livio's cottage is tucked to one side of the house where few people are."
Chiara turns away quickly and with an air of relief.
Giancarlo says (to Nico), "Really?  What an odd bird."
Amber says (to Wilson), "Let's go outside, and I'll tell you all about it."
[interludes] Venzi says, "I walk over casually, then, circling the house to look for a broken window"
Wilson says, "Uh, OK."
Niccolo says, "Indeed. Several other birds, as well -- he has a whole room set aside, just for the cages."
Chiara vanishes into the hallways.
[interludes] GM says, "No broken window. But there is a window with one pane replaced by a lot of paper."
Giancarlo . o O ( what the...? )
Wilson, who had just changed and was exiting his room again, goes with Amber outside.
[interludes] Venzi asks, "reasonable enough. wax paper?"
[interludes] GM says, "yes"
[interludes2] GM has added Chiara to the channel.
[interludes] Venzi says, "hrm"
[interludes] Venzi says, "well, I suppose"
Wilson asks (of Amber), "So what's up?"
[interludes2] Chiara looks around for a handy Servant to tell her where she might find Sir Guy.
Giancarlo says (to Nico), "Indeed.  It must be an interesting sight."
[interludes] Venzi says, "that wouldn't explain why it was on the window before it was broken, though"
Niccolo says, "I'm told he finds they're more likely to stay calm when they're in the darkness, so he had a special room built, deep *underneath his office*."
[interludes] Venzi says, "I examine the sill more carefully"
Giancarlo says (to Nico), "Ah, but surely light might get in when he opens the door.  Unless there's something more one should know about the entrance."
[interludes] GM says, "The sill shows signs of wax and putty caked on multiple times."
[interludes] Venzi says, "that's odd"
[interludes2] GM says, "Oh, look, there's one now."
[interludes] Venzi says, "I suppose he could have repeated window-breakings"
[interludes] Venzi says, "but it wouldn't be good for his insurance"
Amber & Wilson stroll about aimlessly.
[interludes] Venzi says, "although, hrm"
[interludes] GM says, "Or he's very bad at patching the window such that it holds glass."
Giancarlo asks (of Nico), "Tell me ... do any of these birds get agitated enough to fly the coop?"
[interludes2] Chiara asks (of Handy Servant_47), "Would you be so good as to tell me where Sir Guy might be at this time of day?"
Niccolo says, "Well, I am told the stairs are very narrow, and very steep. They go down quite a ways; someone who wanted to listen to the birds could take a nasty fall if they weren't careful."
Amber says (to Wilson), "Ridolfo used a magic bowl to eavesdrop on your and Fortunato's conversation, so we heard the whole thing."
[interludes] Venzi asks, "does it look like it's from burned-down candles? or from an attempt to seal the window?"
[interludes] GM says, "The latter."
Niccolo says (to Gian), "A good question, but one I don't have the answer to."
Giancarlo . o O ( Renzino's not getting away alive, is he? )
[interludes2] Servant says, "He's probably in his room in the house, madam."
Wilson (disappointed) "Oh."
Wilson (excited) "Oh!"
[interludes2] Chiara asks, "And where would that be?"
Wilson exclaims, "Wow!"
[interludes2] Servant says, "The house? You're in it now."
[interludes] Venzi says, "well, I suppose"
[interludes] Venzi says, "might as well try the door, while I'm here"
Amber says, "It was quite a fascinating affect.  It was almost like we were there, except we couldn't see you."
[interludes] GM says, "As if he'd tried to hold the glass to the frame, then had it start to slip, so had tried again, etc."
[interludes] Venzi says, "I go around to the front and knock, trying the handle if there's no answer"
[interludes2] Chiara looks at the Servant with withering disgust.  "I was hoping for more exact directions to Sir Guy's room.  Since this is not exactly a country hut."
Wilson exclaims, "Neat!"
[interludes] Venzi says, "mmhmm"
[interludes] GM says, "No answer."
Wilson says (to Amber), "So where are you off to now?  I'd like to go see Livio."
[interludes] Venzi asks, "and locked?"
[interludes] GM says, "No."
[interludes] Venzi says, "oh"
[interludes2] Servant says, "A thousand pardons. I can show you where it is."
[interludes] Venzi says, "well, may as well take a peek inside, then"
[interludes2] GM has added npc2 to the channel.
[interludes] Venzi says, "I take a second look for guards before opening it and slipping in"
[interludes2] Chiara says, "(sweetly) thank you."
[interludes] GM says, "The hut is terribly crowded with glassware, paper and notes, and the remains of various kinds of experiments."
Amber says, "I have no plans at the moment, though I need to meet up with Chiara later.  She apparently feels safe enough here to leave me behind for the moment.  I'm not sure I agree with her, though."
Giancarlo says (to Nico), "Well ... come to think of it, I should perhaps do some bird-watching ... perhaps a fledgling cardinal...."
[interludes] GM says, "Livio is sitting in a chair, staring at you."
[interludes] Venzi says (to Livio), "I'm glad I found you here"
[interludes2] GM says, "The servant seems to take an awfully long time to get you to Sir Guy's room."
[interludes] GM says, "Livio does not answer."
Niccolo asks, "Oh, yes?"
[interludes] Venzi says, "oh dear"
[interludes] GM says, "His gaze seems rather fixed."
[interludes] Venzi asks, "this isn't a good place for scientists, is it?"
Giancarlo says, "a bishop, if you will."
[interludes2] Chiara keeps a close and suspicious eye on the servant.
Wilson says, "Well, feel free to catch up with her, or you can go with me to Livio's place."
[interludes] Venzi says, "I walk over beside him"
[interludes] Venzi asks, "not feeling well, is he?"
[interludes] GM says, "Not feeling anything at all, judging from the paleness of his lips."
[interludes2] Servant says, "Here we are. This is his room."
Niccolo draws his finger to his lips as they pass this point, and moves closer to the window.
[interludes] Venzi says, "hrm"
Amber says, "Hmmm.  I was rather hoping to run into Danel . . ."
[interludes2] Chiara says (to Servant), "thank you."
[interludes2] Servant bows and retreats.
[interludes2] Chiara waits for the servant to depart again.
Giancarlo asks, "or, alternatively ... hm...?"
[interludes2] Chiara puts her ear to the door.
Wilson asks, "That nice man you were fencing with the other night?"
[interludes] Venzi says, "I think I'd better check the notes around here first and then search his pockets"
Giancarlo examines window
Amber says, "Indeed.  And he was quite good, too.  I had a hard time beating him."
[7thsea] Niccolo rolls 4k3: 7 7 4 5 | 19
Wilson grins.
[interludes2] GM says, "Perception."
[7thsea] Chiara rolls 4k4: 2 6 10+9 1 | 28
Wilson exclaims, "Well, I'll see you before the ball, then.  Good luck!"
[interludes2] GM says, "You can hear the sound of someone shifting inside."
Amber says, "But sure, I'll go with you to see Livio, since your bodyguard has absented himself, if you wish."
[interludes2] Chiara frowns, trying to tell if it is a sound of more than one person.
[interludes] GM says, "On a table next to him is a note with many scribbles on it."
Niccolo continues walking. "I'm sorry, I thought I might hear a chickadee, but apparently not. You were saying?"
[interludes2] GM says, "Sounds like two."
[interludes2] Chiara takes a deep breath, then taps on the door.
[interludes] GM says, "It looks like Livio was drawing the window sill, and candles, and ropes."
[interludes] Venzi says, "I bet he was"
[interludes] GM says, "as if he was trying to diagram something"
Giancarlo says, "There was a, uh, turtle-dove that I noticed earlier.  Male, I think."
[interludes] Venzi says, "I don't suppose I can tell if these are fresh drawings"
[interludes2] Dixon says, "Come in."
Wilson exclaims, "Great!"
[interludes] GM says, "Perception, plus your keen senses."
[7thsea] Venzi rolls 4k3: 10+5 1 2 7 | 24
Giancarlo says, "Winging on in the direction of the vintner's guild.  And I was wondering what business it had there."
Wilson heads to Livio's lab.
[interludes2] Chiara opens the door and pushes it a bit open.  She looks suddenly quite a bit more distraught than she did a moment before.
[interludes] GM says, "When you touch the drawings at the bottom right edge of the paper, you find the ink still wet."
Niccolo asks, "Excellent question. Did you pursue your quarrey?"
[interludes] Venzi says, "right, figures"
[interludes2] Dixon stand. "My lady, what a pleasure -- is something the matter?"
[interludes2] Chiara says, "(acting would be based on what? wits?)"
[interludes] Venzi says, "a clue would be far too much to ask :)"
[interludes2] GM says, "Yes."
Giancarlo says, "It was too fleet for me, though I suppose it might be there still if one hurried."
[7thsea] Chiara rolls 5k4: 7 7 2 2 5 | 21
[interludes] GM has added Wilson to the channel.
[interludes] Venzi says, "I find a bit with a good sample of his handwriting and pocket it"
[interludes2] Chiara says (to Dixon), "(gulping faintly) I'm terribly sorry to disturb you, sir, but--"
[7thsea] Dixon rolls 4k4: 4 2 7 10+6 | 29
[interludes2] Chiara stops and looks around the room, frowning, as though just now wondering whether there might be someone else around.
[interludes2] Dixon says, "One moment, please."
[interludes2] Danel asks, "I should go?"
Giancarlo says, "For me, I think I will investigate my fledgling cardinal."
[interludes] Venzi spins around as Wilson enters. "Close that door!"
[interludes2] Chiara sniffs pathetically.
[interludes2] Dixon says, "Yes, please do. And take care of that business with the tailor."
[interludes2] Chiara says, "I'm sorry, I hadn't thought -- I'd assumed--"
[interludes2] Danel says, "Sir."
[interludes] Wilson exclaims, "Whoops!"
[interludes] GM says, "And look, here's Wilson, fresh on the scene."
[interludes2] Danel departs.
Niccolo nods. "Mmm. Let me know what you find -- I'd like to return to that chickadee's nest. If it's on the wing, I may check for eggs."
[interludes] Wilson says, "(actually, I would have just knocked, but hey.)"
[interludes2] Chiara wipes at one eye, shaking a bit (perhaps genuinely)
[interludes2] Dixon waves his hand. "Don't be too concerned with Danel. He had just returned and needed to be on his way again."
Giancarlo says, "Until later, then."
Niccolo touches his brow.
Giancarlo . o O ( this double-talk is for the birds. )
[interludes] Venzi says, "(yeah, but I wouldn't have answered, and then you'd have opened the door :)"
[interludes2] Dixon takes Chiara's hand solicitously. "If I may ask, what is the matter?"
[interludes] Venzi says (to Wilson), "he's dead, I think"
[interludes] Wilson says, "(Amber's here, too, BTW)"
[interludes] GM has added Amber to the channel.
[interludes2] Chiara allows herself to be persuaded to sit.
[interludes] Venzi says, "unless he's as lucky as Ridolfo"
[interludes] Wilson and Amber enter, close the door behind them.
Giancarlo nods, turns and strides back towards the front house.
[interludes] Wilson exclaims, "He's *dead*!"
[vodacce] Giancarlo asks, "Uh, is there a chapel on the grounds I might check into?"
[interludes] Wilson sprints to his side.
[interludes] Venzi says, "Fortunato told me this morning he was going to see Livio -- I don't know if he has but I expect the way things are going he'll be walking in in a few minutes"
[interludes2] Chiara says, "I-- I am extremely c-concerned about the direction things have taken... I'm not at all sure what to do"
[vodacce] GM says, "But of course. I'll take care of you and Niccolo in a moment."
[interludes] Venzi says, "(Wilson's in a chair in the middle of the room, staring at the door)"
[7thsea] Niccolo rolls 4k3: 5 9 5 8 | 22
[interludes] Wilson says, "(I am?)"
[interludes2] Chiara says, "and I thought that you might have some advice... or know something... I don't know"
[interludes] Venzi says, "(er, Livio. sorry)"
[interludes] Wilson grins
[interludes] Venzi says, "(you can too, but you'll have to move him)"
[interludes] Venzi says, "so I am going to hurry up and search his pockets now"
[interludes] Venzi does so.
[interludes2] Dixon pours some amber fluid into two glasses and offers one to Chiara. "You look as if you could use some bracing."
[interludes] Wilson asks, "Diagnose is wits?"
[interludes] GM says, "..Wilson"
[interludes2] Chiara accepts the glass graciously.
[interludes] GM says, "yes"
[interludes2] Chiara says, "(poison check, natch)"
[7thsea] Chiara rolls 5k4: 10+2 6 1 8 5 | 31
[7thsea] Wilson rolls 3k2: 3 2 10+3 | 16
[interludes2] Dixon says, "Free of poison."
[interludes2] Chiara says, "[well of COURSE he would say so]"
[interludes] GM says, "Judging from the large gaping hole in his chest over his heart, he's well and truly dead."
[interludes2] Chiara takes a sip.  It seems to steady her nerves a bit.
[interludes2] GM says, "He's right, though."
[interludes] Wilson asks, "Can I determine weapon?"
[interludes] Venzi says, "heh"
[interludes] GM says, "In his pockets are some pebbles and a quill pen."
[interludes2] Chiara asks (of Dixon), "Let me start, well, at what pertains most to you.  Do you know anything about this man Wilson who was arrested by Fortunato?"
[interludes] Venzi asks, "quill pen ok, but pebbles?"
[interludes] GM says (to Wilson), "Some bladed weapon. Hard to tell exactly."
[interludes] Venzi says, "I eyeball them and then pocket one"
[interludes] GM says (to Venzi), "Perhaps his new experiment."
[interludes2] Dixon says, "Wilson? Ah, your compatriot."
[interludes] Venzi says, "I don't know if there's any money in pebble-invention"
[interludes2] Chiara says, "But your countryman"
[interludes2] Chiara says, "...and, if I may say so, the idea that he is 'my compatriot' is a great deal of the trouble, here"
[interludes2] Dixon says, "True enough, though if he was trying to kill Meander, I'm not sure how much I should defend him."
[interludes2] Dixon asks, "Oh?"
[interludes] GM says, "Livio wasn't a very good scientist."
[interludes] Venzi says, "hee hee"
[interludes] GM says, "If I can speak ill of the dead."
[interludes] Venzi glances around the room a bit more, looking for anything else of note.
[interludes] Wilson says, "OK, I'm buying 'Examiner' with 2XP and try to determine if he was siting here when killed or moved; time of death, that kind of thing."
[interludes] Wilson says, "Also, using a drama die."
[7thsea] Wilson rolls 4k3: 4 9 9 6 | 24
[vodacce] Amber says, "interlude"
[interludes2] Chiara says (to Dixon), "Well, I-- I have found myself associating with -- or caused to associate with -- certain people here.  And it is beginning to seem as though that is not safe at all."
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "I bet."
[vodacce] Amber says, "Sorry. ilac."
[interludes2] Dixon says, "I see. Though I had not expected this to make you so distraught. You seemed very capable on our first meeting."
[interludes] Amber examines the pebbles.
[interludes] Amber says, "Wilson is changing the baby."
[interludes] GM says, "He has not been dead long, and has not been moved."
[interludes2] Chiara gives a half-laugh.
[interludes] GM says, "You'd guess less than an hour."
[interludes2] Chiara says, "Ordinarily, I would consider myself up to anything."
[interludes] Amber asks, "Are the pebbles all of similar size, smooth, and round?"
[interludes] GM says (to Amber), "Very smooth pebbles, the size of your thumb or smaller."
[interludes2] Chiara asks, "But-- do you know anything about fate witches, Sir Guy?"
[interludes] GM says, "All are nearly the same size, though they seem to have been chosen so as to vary in color across the rainbow."
[interludes] Amber looks around for something that could have served as a sling.
[interludes] Venzi says, "oh hrm"
[interludes2] Dixon says, "I have heard about them. We don't hear much about them in Avalon."
[interludes] GM says (to Amber), "Nothing obvious."
Giancarlo makes a beeline for the chapel.
[interludes] Venzi asks, "anything else in Livio's notes of note?"
[interludes2] Chiara nods slowly.  "We fear them, here.  And someone in-- well, in my line of work-- has reason to be cautious most of all."
[interludes2] Dixon says, "Oh? I think this is something I did not appreciate."
[interludes2] Chiara says, "Please don't let this sound like reasonless prejudice -- I know that there are many women who are very little different from myself, except for their breeding and the differences in education they are allowed to have"
[interludes] GM says, "SOme notes on the weathering of wood."
[interludes] Amber asks (of GM), "does each color have only one pebble, or are there several?"
[interludes2] Chiara says, "and I think, perhaps, if men treated us with less difference, there would be less envy and trouble between the classes."
[interludes] GM says, "A treatise on how the amount of time a pebble has spent in water affects its color."
[interludes2] Chiara says, "but that is-- well.  Sheer opinion.  The fact remains that a strong fate witch is a very great danger to someone like me."
[interludes] GM says (to Amber), "One per color, with some very close colors."
[interludes2] Chiara says, "and whatever I might think about the reasons, I am too practical not to be careful."
[interludes2] Dixon says, "I see."
[interludes2] Chiara meets Dixon's eye carefully, assessing his reaction.
[interludes] Amber says (to GM), "He wrote a treatise on pebble-color?  How, uh, interesting."
[interludes] Venzi says, "he's a dedicated guy"
[interludes2] Dixon says, "I can imagine that, should a fate witch's husband take a courtesan, she might not be pleased with the situation."
[7thsea] Chiara rolls 4k4: 6 9 8 10+5 | 38
[7thsea] Dixon rolls 4k4: 1 4 1 2 | 8
[interludes] Venzi says, "well, so"
[interludes2] Chiara says, "(perception, if I can tell anything about his emotions/whatever at this juncture)"
[interludes] Venzi says, "you see he has notes on candles and rope"
[interludes] Venzi says, "I suppose we could try and pin things on him, but I doubt it'll work"
[interludes2] GM says, "He seems wary, but honestly interested in what you've been saying."
[interludes] Venzi says, "it might be a good idea to leave before anyone tries to pin things on us, though"
[interludes] Wilson says, "OK, I'm going to Fortunado."
[interludes2] Chiara says, "Yes-- there's often simple envy."
[interludes2] Chiara says, "and jealousy"
[interludes] Amber Okay, so we have this stabbed, dead scientist, who wasn't a very good at what he did.  What does that tell us?
[interludes] GM says, "who will tell his half-brother Fortunato everything."
[interludes] Wilson says, "(Heh)"
[interludes] Wilson asks (of Venzi), "Shall I say you discovered the body, or me?"
[interludes2] Dixon says, "I can especially believe that in your case, given your obvious beauty."
[interludes2] Chiara says, "and sometimes there are more complicated schemes -- you know too much about Vodacce to think that everyone wears his motives on the surface, and the same goes for women."
[interludes] Venzi says, "um, nobody"
[interludes2] Chiara shows a flicker of a smile.
[interludes] Venzi says, "because he's going to grab whoever was found around the body and stick them in a cell"
[interludes] Venzi says, "and I have no intention of being locked up"
[interludes] Wilson says, "Someone's bound to have seen us come in."
[interludes2] Dixon asks, "Even courtesans?"
[interludes] Venzi frowns
[interludes2] Chiara says, "naturally."
[interludes2] Chiara smiles more brightly.
[interludes] Venzi says, "I don't think anyone saw *me* come in"
[interludes2] Dixon says, "And Abrielle would have me believe that she is guileless."
[interludes] Amber says, ""I'll tell him.  I'm a former Musketeer, that ought to do some good."
[interludes2] Chiara laughs slightly.
[interludes] Venzi says, "but perhaps you're right"
[interludes] Venzi says, "ah, a volunteer"
[interludes] Amber says, "Let's go then, unless there's anything else we can do here."
[interludes] Wilson says (to Venzi), "Go do whatever; Amber and I'll go to Fortunato."
[interludes2] Chiara says, "Abrielle seemed kind when I spoke to her, but I have suspicions that she does not get along with everyone in my company, or that, if not that, there is some emnity that motivates her."
[interludes] Wilson nods.
[interludes] Venzi says, "alright then"
[interludes] Venzi says, "you could, perhaps, mention these notes on ropes and candles"
[interludes] Amber strides off purposefully.
[interludes2] Dixon asks, "Oh? What led you to that conclusion?"
[interludes] Venzi says, "although I doubt he'll be delayed for long"
[interludes2] Chiara shrugs faintly
[interludes2] Chiara asks, "call it feminine intuition?"
[interludes] Wilson asks, "Sure.  Leave 'em here?"
[interludes] Amber asks (of Venzi), "What notes on ropes on candles?"
[interludes2] Dixon asks, "Not professional rivalry?"
[interludes] Venzi says, "I don't see why not"
[interludes2] Chiara says, "and, correspondingly, it might well be incorrect."
[interludes] Venzi points to the papers around
[interludes] Wilson nods.
[interludes] Venzi says, "but the ink is fresh -- I think he was trying to see if it was possible after-the-fact"
[interludes2] Chiara says, "I have not had occasion to set myself against Abrielle."
[interludes] Wilson says, "Huh."
[interludes] Amber says (to Venzi), ""All I saw earlier were the papers on pebble color, which were very interesting."
[interludes2] Chiara adds (with a flash of frankness), "At least, not yet."
[interludes2] Dixon says, "My money would be on you in such a situation."
[interludes] Wilson exits with Amber.
[interludes2] Chiara says, "You're speaking like a diplomat again."
[interludes] Venzi waits for the other two to leave, then exits cautiously a few minutes later.
[interludes] Wilson heads to the guardhouse.
[interludes2] Dixon says, "An occupational hazard, I fear."
[interludes2] Chiara says, "Here is my trouble, with no more circumlocution: I did not choose the company I am currently keeping.  It was chosen for me, by one of these same fate witches."
[interludes2] Dixon asks, "Chosen...?"
[interludes2] Chiara shakes her head. "Thanks to -- something in the air."
[interludes2] Chiara waves her fingers as though to indicate mysterious, probably fictional strands around her
[interludes] GM asks, "You knocking, or just walking in?"
[interludes] Wilson knocks.
[interludes2] Chiara says, "I cannot explain the whole story -- it is bizarre even to my ears."
[interludes] Amber knocks on the door. (And elbows Wilson out of the way.)
[interludes2] Dixon says, "I see. Sometimes I belive it impossible to escape these strands of fate. I feel as if I have been entwined since I set foot in Vodacce."
[interludes] Guard_2 opens the door to the guardhouse. "Yes...Oh!"
[interludes2] Chiara says, "(another perception roll, perhaps, to see if he's sincere)"
[7thsea] Chiara rolls 4k4: 7 6 1 9 | 23
[interludes] Amber exclaims, ""Stand aside, man!  We must speak with Fortunato!"
[7thsea] Dixon rolls 4k4: 7 1 7 7 | 22
[vodacce] GM says, "Giancarlo, Niccolo, get ready. You're about to be on deck."
[interludes2] GM says, "He seems sincere enough, and faintly put out."
[interludes] Guard_2 says, "Oh. Um. Through here."
[interludes] Guard_2 says (softly), "Nice to see you again, by the way."
[interludes] Guard_2 leads you to Fortunato's office.
[interludes] Amber strides in.
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "ar"
[interludes2] Chiara laughs.  "That is fair -- forgive my frivolity, but sometimes to mock such things seems like the only defense we have."
[interludes] Wilson follows, a slight grin on his lips.
[interludes] Amber says (to guard_2), "And you. Glad you're still here."
[interludes2] Dixon says, "I had no idea how entertwined fate is in everything here."
[interludes] Fortunato asks (of Wilson), "Were you not set free less than an hour ago?"
[interludes2] Chiara says, "Well, for some reason, beyond my control, it has brought me in contact with this Wilson character; if he is distrusted by Fortunato, then I fear something of his fate will befall me."
[interludes] Fortunato says, "And here you are again, no doubt with news which will make me very happy."
[interludes] Wilson sighs.
[interludes] Wilson says, "I went to see Livio."
[interludes] Amber asks (of Fortunato), "He's with me, this time.  Can we close the door?"
[interludes] Fortunato motions Guard_2 to step outside and close the door on his way out.
[interludes2] Chiara takes another sip of the liquid, as though this idea bothers her extremely.
[interludes2] Dixon asks, "Is he really a scientist?"
[interludes2] Chiara chokes slightly.  "He has not confided in me, but I have my suspicions."
[interludes] Amber says, ""Livio's been murdered."
[interludes] Fortunato says, "Damn. Damn, damn, damn."
[interludes] Fortunato asks, "Where? And did the two of you discover him?"
[interludes] Amber says, ""He's in his study, stabbed."
[interludes2] Chiara asks, "Tell me, how much do you trust Fortunato's -- judgement?"
[interludes2] Chiara says, "You've had an opportunity to observe him in action much longer than I have."
[interludes2] Dixon says, "Hm."
[interludes] Fortunato says, "It is not my day."
[interludes] Amber says, ""And quite bloody, too.  Had some papers strewn about."
[interludes2] Dixon says, "He is very dedicated."
[interludes] Fortunato asks, "#interludes Papers?"
[interludes2] Chiara says, "That does not make him correct."
[interludes2] Dixon says, "True."
[interludes] Wilson says, "On pebbles, candles, and ropes.  Ink was fresh on the candles and ropes papers, though--like he was seeing if it was possible."
[interludes2] Dixon says, "But I have seen him in action a few times since my arrival, and he is much smarter than some give him credit for."
[interludes] Wilson says, "I'dve investigated further, but I figured I should tell you first."
[interludes] Fortunato asks, "Candles and ropes? Do you have that paper?"
[interludes2] Chiara asks, "and the stunt with the drowning in the pond?"
[interludes2] Chiara asks, "was that justified?"
[interludes] Wilson says, "I left things where they were."
[interludes] Wilson asks, "Shall we go there now?"
[interludes] Amber says, ""We should bring a guard or 2."
[interludes] Fortunato says, "Accompany me, if you will."
[interludes] Wilson follows.
[interludes] Fortunato says, "And yes, I will have some guards come with us."
[interludes2] Dixon grimaces. "I'm not sure. I do know that that vintner was plotting against Meander."
[interludes] Amber goes with them.
[interludes2] Chiara asks, "You are certain?"
[interludes2] Chiara asks, "What was his grudge?"
[interludes] Wilson looks at Amber in such a way as to indicate that it's probably not wise to instruct Fortunato in how to do his job.
[interludes2] Dixon says, "There was an incident involving his older son and the wine business."
[interludes] Amber looks at Wilson in such a way as to indicate she had alterior motives.
[interludes2] Dixon says, "It's all very complex, and I'm not sure I follow the details."
[interludes2] Chiara says, "Ah, I've heard mutterings of this."
[interludes] Fortunato leads the troupe to Livio's cottage.
[interludes2] Chiara says, "But it seems as though there would be no benefit in killing Meander now, surely."
[interludes2] Dixon says, "At any rate, some in the vintner's guild became certain that they could run the business, with such a weak-willed individual at the helm of the business."
[interludes2] Dixon says, "Meander's method of reasserting himself was not gentle to those who were not willing to submit graciously."
[interludes2] Chiara asks, "Such a weak-willed individual as Quieto, you mean?"
[interludes2] Chiara says, "ah"
[interludes] Fortunato finds the paper. "Damn, damn."
[interludes2] Chiara asks, "And if he died?  What would happen then?"
[interludes] Fortunato says, "This is from our conversation not an hour ago."
[interludes2] Dixon says, "Chaos, certainly."
[interludes] Wilson says, "Oh, you did get to talk to him."
[interludes2] Dixon says, "It is possible that some in the guild believe they would come out winners in the inevitable struggle."
[interludes] Fortunato says, "I did."
[interludes2] Chiara looks thoughtful.
[interludes] Fortunato says, "I suggested he be cautious, and perhaps take a vacation elsewhere."
[interludes] Fortunato says, "I see my suggestion came too late."
[interludes2] Chiara says, "What I don't understand, then, is why they have chosen such peculiar methods of execution -- if indeed they are responsible."
[interludes] Wilson sighs.
[interludes] Guard_2 says, "Sir? Look here."
[vodacce] Giancarlo (worries that he's somehow not on an appropriate channel...)
[interludes] Guard_2 moves Livio's coat aside.
[interludes] Fortunato says, "Sword thrust."
[interludes] Fortunato says, "No doubt Livio just sat there the whole time, with those large puppy eyes of his."
[vodacce] GM says, "No, things are taking longer than I expected. :)"
[interludes] Amber looks for evidence he might have been tied up.
[vodacce] GM says, "Actually, if you want, you can go on to the chapel. I'll pick up with Niccolo next."
[interludes2] Dixon shrugs.
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Wasn't he going there already?"
[interludes] Wilson asks (of Fortunato), "Did you find out anything about the candles and ropes?  Would it have been possible, my suspicions aside?"
[interludes2] Chiara looks into her glass and sips the rest of it.  "You don't think, then, that this is all somehow a play for an audience?"
[vodacce] GM says, "Yes. I'm starting up that thread."
[interludes2] Dixon says, "Personally, I wonder if Fortunato was wise in releasing your acquaintance."
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Oh, I see."
[interludes2] Dixon asks, "A play? A feint, you mean?"
[interludes2] Chiara frowns.  "Yes-- but what do you mean?  That you have reason to distrust Wilson?  Or that you fear for his safety, free?"
[interludes] Fortunato says, "Livio was not sure."
[interludes] Fortunato says, "But then, Livio was not sure of many things."
[interludes] Fortunato sighs. "This timing is most unfortunate."
[interludes] Wilson nods.
[interludes] Amber says, ""Poor man."
[interludes2] Dixon says, "I have no reason, but presumably Fortunato did for locking him up in the first place."
[interludes] Wilson says, "But surely not coincidental."
[interludes2] Dixon asks, "Why then release him and add him back into the pool of potential suspects?"
[interludes] Fortunato says, "No."
[interludes] Fortunato says, "And you had no motive in this; he helped convince me to release you."
[vodacce] GM says, "Not that he's paying attention."
[interludes2] Chiara shakes her head.  "I don't know -- unless he found that Wilson was unquestionably innocent.  Or unless, perhaps, he wanted to draw someone into making another attempt under the cover of Wilson's guilt"
[interludes2] Chiara says, "A much more disturbing possibility."
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Is he on the appropriate channel? ;)"
[interludes2] Dixon says, "That is a frighteningly plausible one, though."
[vodacce] GM says, "I was going to have him not be on channel."
[interludes2] Chiara says, "And that means either that he himself wants Meander dead -- or that he knows such an attempt will not succeed."
[interludes2] Chiara asks, "Which brings us back to my question: are these colorful and bizarre attempts sincere?"
[interludes2] Dixon says, "Or he believes he can draw the guilty party out and catch them before they succeed."
[interludes] Wilson says, "But whoever framed me did, for the same reason."
[interludes2] Chiara says, "That speaks of great confidence in his own abilities."
[interludes] Wilson says, "Though if he had already convinced you, it's a bit late, though I guess spite could have done it."
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "Oh, I thought you were dealing with Niccolo"
[interludes] Fortunato says, "The two of you should go. I will have the guards finish up here."
[vodacce] GM says, "Sorry, no. You."
[vodacce] GM says, "Niccolo is next up."
[vodacce] Chiara asks, "who's on first?"
[vodacce] Alex says (to Chiara), "Awwwk! Word on the street is that on first is 'Who'. On second's 'What', and on third's 'I don't know'.  Furthermore, who is on first."
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "right"
[interludes] Wilson nods.
Giancarlo makes a beeline for the chapel
[interludes] Wilson exits.
[interludes2] Dixon says, "Do you have plans regarding Wilson? It seems you might have to take matters into your own hands."
[vodacce] Niccolo waits in line for an interlude.
[interludes] Amber heads off.
[interludes2] Chiara asks, "In what sense? Interrogating him for myself, you mean?"
GM says, "The chapel is next door to the house, down the street."
Giancarlo looks in to see if the Bishop Is In.
[interludes] GM says, "Decide what happens next while I work with Niccolo."
[interludes] GM has removed Amber from the channel.
[interludes] GM has removed Wilson from the channel.
Giancarlo . o O ( or, at any rate, his aide. )
[interludes] GM has added Niccolo to the channel.
[interludes] Venzi has left the channel.
[vodacce] Wilson says (to Amber), "I have a suspicion about the hedge maze.  Livio was the son of the gardner who built it--there may be a connection."
[interludes] Niccolo asks, "Are there flower bushes outside the window?"
Teodor asks (of Giancarlo), "May I help you, my son?"
[interludes2] Dixon says, "Or in convincing him to return to Avalon."
Giancarlo says, "Si, signor.  I was, ah, somewhat concerned about the events of the past two days...."
[interludes2] Chiara asks, "Would he be allowed to go, even if I succeeded?"
[interludes2] Dixon shrugs.
[interludes2] Chiara says, "I don't know -- it is my feeling that whatever fate binds us, it binds us all to stay here to the end-- whatever end that might be."
Amber asks (of Wilson), "Why don't we check it out?"
Teodor says (to Giancarlo), "Come inside, please."
Giancarlo steps inside.
Wilson says (to Amber), "Just my thought."
[interludes2] Dixon says, "Mmm. Fate again"
[interludes2] Chiara says, "One tries to ignore it."
[interludes2] Dixon says, "Until it drags you, kicking and screaming, into the future."
[interludes] Niccolo asks, "Or, barring that, anything else I could feign interest in?"
Giancarlo looks around the chapel, then at Teodor.
Teodor asks, "I admit that the recent events have disturbed me. But was there something particular you wanted to ask me about?"
[interludes2] Chiara says, "As long as the future does not feature drowning, or stabbing, or a sudden death in a dark room..."
[interludes] GM says, "A few scraggly bushes, yes."
Giancarlo asks, "Are we private?"
[interludes2] Dixon says, "Indeed."
[interludes] Niccolo considers them thoughtfully, while listening at the window.
Teodor asks, "We are, though if you need the services of the confessional...?"
[interludes2] Chiara looks thoughtful again.
[interludes] GM says, "Just the sound of someone moving around occasionally."
Giancarlo shrugs.
Giancarlo says, "It would do, si."
[interludes2] Dixon says, "You look as if you have thought of something."
[interludes] Niccolo keeps listening for any change.
[interludes] Niccolo asks, "But meanwhile, what does the window look like? Does it open from this side?"
Teodor leads Giancarlo to an empty confessional.
[interludes2] Chiara says, "What do you know of Carinna?  I am curious what she thinks of all this, and yet I am wary about approaching her directly."
[interludes] GM says, "The window has a clasp on the inside which holds it shut."
Giancarlo crosses, kneels.
[interludes] Niccolo asks, "Locked, I presume?"
[interludes] Niccolo says, "Or clasped or what have you."
Giancarlo asks, "Signor ... loyalty is a virtue, yes?"
[interludes] GM says, "Right."
[interludes2] Dixon says, "Ah, Carinna."
[interludes2] Chiara smiles dryly.  "Now you look as though you have thought of something, but I am not sure whether it is a pleasant thought."
[interludes] Niccolo nods. He'll exercise his patience for a little while, in case he hears anything happen.
[interludes2] Dixon says, "She has talked to me several times about Avalon. I believe she is lonely and interested in the world outside this town."
Teodor exclaims, "Of course!"
[interludes2] Chiara says, "Not an uncommon fate for someone in her situation."
Teodor says, "Though, like any virtue, it can be turned to vice."
Giancarlo asks, "And if one owed loyalty to someone, one should do what one can for him, yes?"
[interludes2] Dixon says, "She is less discreet than she should be, I fear."
[interludes2] Chiara asks, "About her loneliness?"
[interludes] GM says, "You wait for a while, but you don't hear any change."
Giancarlo nods.
[interludes2] Dixon says, "Her loneliness, her desire for knowledge and for company."
[interludes] Niccolo says, "OK. Under the guess that she's probably dressing for tonight, I'll move on... toward the vintners' guild."
Teodor says, "Certainly, as long as you stay within the bounds of the church's teachings."
[interludes2] Chiara says, "Things are different for Avalonian women, I take it."
[interludes] GM asks, "Walking, or finding a ride?"
[interludes] Niccolo asks, "How far is it?"
Giancarlo asks, "Signor, if a friend has been accused of something, and the world thought he were guilty, yet you had no proof otherwise ... what would be the advisable course of action?"
[interludes2] Dixon says, "Our social castes are not as rigid as those here, if I may speak so frankly."
Teodor says, "Ah."
[interludes2] Chiara says, "If I make speak equally frankly, that was one of the reasons I chose you to speak to.  I thought you might understand with less -- prejudice, than a man of Vodacce."
[interludes] Niccolo says, "If it'd take some time to get there, I'll get a ride from a friend from the gondoliers' guild."
[interludes2] Dixon says, "I am fascinated by the entire concept of your profession, milady."
[interludes] GM says, "It's about a thirty minute walk, but yeah, you can get a ride from an acquaintance without trouble."
Teodor says, "If one did not have reason to believe he was guilty, then yes, I would seek to prove his innocence."
[interludes2] Chiara laughs.  "Surely there are equivalents even in Avalon?"
[interludes] Niccolo says, "OK, will do."
Giancarlo keeps his eyes on Teodor throughout the interview....
[interludes2] Dixon says, "Of course! Though not so refined, educated, or socially acceptible."
Giancarlo says, "One has, of course, the option of consulting the strega...."
Teodor says, "I am wary of magics, personally."
[interludes2] Chiara looks suddenly sober.  "If the noblewomen were allowed to be educated, there would be fewer of us.  The education and the freedom are-- compensation for the lives we lead, and the precariousness of them."
[interludes] Dando exclaims, "Niccolo! You look like you need a ride!"
Giancarlo asks, "But sorte is so far-reaching ... what could stop it?  How could it fail to show me whom to look for?"
[interludes] Niccolo asks, "Just the man I was looking for -- d'you have time to drop me at the vintner's guild?"
Teodor says, "Understand, I do not speak from a position of great knowledge"
[interludes2] Chiara says, "And as you can see, that freedom is often illusory, and depends on the help and goodwill of men, after all."
[interludes] Dando says, "For you? Of course! Hop aboard, I haven't had a customer all morning."
Teodor says, "but there is much interpretation even in magic"
[interludes2] Chiara says, "If Carinna feels it binding her, I cannot blame her for it; I can only hope that her fiance is an understanding man."
[interludes] Niccolo says, "Much obliged."
[interludes2] Dixon says, "I am surprised noblewomen do not become educated by other means."
[interludes] Dando asks, "What're you after with the grape-squashers?"
[interludes2] Chiara looks at Dixon very fixedly.
Giancarlo asks, "All I know of magic is what I have been told about the strega.  Are there others?"
[interludes2] Chiara says, "(perception on his motives again)"
[7thsea] Chiara rolls 4k4: 4 6 3 7 | 20
[7thsea] Dixon rolls 4k4: 6 1 9 8 | 24
[interludes] Niccolo asks, "Well," he lowers his voice, "Did you hear about what happened two nights ago, at Meander's table?"
[interludes2] GM says, "He *seems* honest."
[interludes2] Chiara says, "[heh]"
[interludes] Niccolo says, "(Er, dinner, not table, I mean)"
[interludes] Dando says, "It's been the talk of the town! You really need to get our more, Niccolo."
Teodor says, "There are."
[interludes2] Chiara asks (of Dixon), "I have heard rumors of ways.  But you realize that such things contravene the laws of Vodacce...?"
Giancarlo looks doubtful.
Teodor says, "The magics vary widely by country. But those with power over others, like the strega, seem bound up in interpretation and guesswork, and the power can lash those who use it."
[interludes] Niccolo laughs. "Well then, keep me informed! I've been off work for the last couple days, hardly heard a thing going on in this town..."
[interludes2] Dixon says, "The only laws of Vodacce I have observed are "Do not get caught; anything else is permissible.""
[interludes] Niccolo tries to use his socializing skills to get information and rumors here.
Teodor says, "If you must, deal with the strega. But do not look to them for absolute answers."
[interludes2] Chiara smiles.  "And what do you think?  Would you blame a noblewoman, if she sought to learn how to read?"
[interludes2] Dixon says, "I? No. But then, I am from Avalon."
[interludes] Dando says, "Don't tell me you're mixed up in that unpleasantness."
[interludes] Dando says, "I mean, I knew you had business at the party, but I had assumed that's why you hadn't been around."
Giancarlo says, "(doubtfully) I don't quite understand.  If they see something ..."
Teodor says, "Imagine that you are allowed to look through a window smeared with soot."
[whiz-games] RogerCarbol says, "Sent char sheet via email."
Teodor says, "You can make out shapes and colors, and have an idea of what you are seeing."
Giancarlo . o O ( like a garden shed window.... )
[interludes2] Dixon says, "From your reaction I begin to suspect that there are such efforts."
[interludes2] Chiara nods.  "There are those in my profession -- by no means all of them, but some -- who are willing to help noblewomen in this predicament, and instruct them privately, realizing that it is better for both sides for it to be so."
Teodor says, "But it is possible that what you think you are seeing is not what you are seeing at all."
[whiz-games] Whizzard says, "Yah, looks good, but shades were created later on. They aren't really people who died then - they're echoes."
Teodor says, "That, as I understand it, is the problem with magics."
Giancarlo says, "I heard a strega describe something of the sort once.  She seemed frustrated, that this was not what she usually saw.  She thought something might be blocking her vision."
[whiz-games] RogerCarbol says, "Oh, okay."
[vodacce] (from Wilson) Teodor says, "Well, that and the fact that they are Tools of Legion.
[interludes2] Chiara says, "but it is not simple finding sympathetic participants to such an effort -- there are many courtesans who consider it best to keep the noblewomen ignorant, and many strega who seek to keep the ancient laws enforced, so that not even women are necessarily safe confidantes."
Teodor shrugs.
[interludes2] Dixon says, "I see."
[whiz-games] Whizzard says, "Also, did I miss anything important? No scrollback."
[interludes2] Dixon says, "I will not ask if you are part of such an effort. Such knowledge is dangerous."
[interludes] Niccolo says, "Mmhmm. I managed to wrangle myself a visit at his manor, even -- there's been so much coming and going, though. I bet that a few of the boys have had stories about the nobs wandering in and out like an anthive, though..."
[whiz-games] RogerCarbol says, "I don't recall anything.  Some discussion about what subdual damage was."
[interludes] Dando exclaims, "Oh, there have been *stories*!"
[whiz-games] Whizzard says, "Ah, that's not too critical. Ok, no worries then/"
[interludes] Niccolo grins, "Yeah?"
[interludes2] Chiara nods.  "You've learned enough of Vodacce, then.  But you see why I am concerned about Carinna.  It is possible that she takes dangerous risks in her frustration."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
Giancarlo says, "Well ... other than that, one supposes one should pray for one's host."
[interludes] Dando says, "The best I've heard is about that Avalonian guy, the ambassador."
[interludes2] Dixon says, "Yes."
Giancarlo asks, "You're not from around here, are you?"
[interludes] Niccolo nods, "Aha... the one with the big friend?"
Teodor says, "My accent gives me away, I take it."
[interludes2] Chiara asks, "Do you know anything about her fiance?  Is he likely to be patient with her, or does he try to make a proper lady of her?"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "(heh)"
[interludes] Dando says, "That's him. I hear he's had women coming in and out of his room"
[interludes] Niccolo raises an eyebrow conspiratorily.
[interludes] Dando says, "Quite the lover, I gather."
Giancarlo says, "I thought I saw you last night.  Or the night before.  And I wondered."
Giancarlo says, "After all, the heart of the church currently appears to be in your homeland."
[interludes2] Chiara says, "He seems a dangerous man himself, and likely to be a factor in the Chaos if Meander dies..."
Teodor says, "True, but I found I was called to come to Vodacce."
[interludes] Niccolo nudges, "Wonder how many of them were 'in the business'..."
Giancarlo asks, "Why?"
[interludes2] Dixon says, "Ah, diTomasso."
[interludes2] Dixon says, "He is not a pleasant man, I gather."
[interludes] Dando says, "Most of 'em, I figure."
[interludes2] Chiara asks, "How so?"
[interludes] Niccolo laughs.
Teodor says, "The Church is fragmenting. I wanted to see if I could help bring the factions together."
Teodor shrugs. "Too much pride, perhaps."
Giancarlo says, "Well, Bishop Mancari must be some help.  And then, the patronage of his lordship."
[interludes2] Dixon says, "He is icy in demeanor and willing to walk over anyone who gets in his way."
[interludes2] Chiara asks, "and, perhaps, stab or drown anyone in his way, as well?"
Teodor says, "Mancari is a very fervent man, and I hope has helped Meander in these difficult times."
[interludes] Dando says, "It seems like there's more society types around this year."
[interludes] Niccolo asks, "Hmm. You think?"
[interludes2] Dixon says, "I would not put it past him, though I have no reason to suspect him."
[interludes2] Chiara nods
[interludes2] Dixon refills Chiara's glass. "But I fear I am not helping you in your situation."
Giancarlo tries to formulate questions in a subtle, non-interrogatory way.  Wish he had his brass knuckles on him....
Giancarlo asks, "You agree completely with them, then?"
[interludes2] Chiara sips the glass again.  "No, it is a great deal of help to know what you have heard, even if it is not conclusive.  I find I am forming all sorts of peculiar ideas," she says with a half-smile.  "None of them very plausible, perhaps.  But I would prefer diTomasso were guilty than that Wilson is."
[interludes2] Dixon says, "I would prefer if diTomasso were guilty, though I do not know what would happen to Carrina if so."
Teodor says, "Completely? No. I know of no one who agrees totally with another"
Teodor says, "But he is wise, and I have learned much while being his assistant."
[interludes] Niccolo says, "It seems Meander's popularity in those circles is growing every year."
[interludes] Dando says, "Yeah. Makes you wonder why someone would want to kill him."
[interludes2] Chiara says, "Do you think it is likely she is part of it, if he is?  I was beginning to get the impression that they were not deeply in each others' confidence, despite their status."
Giancarlo . o O ( diplomatic, huh? )
[interludes] Dando says, "Especially not a scientist. I mean, he's always been friends to scientists."
[interludes2] Dixon says, "Oh, I cannot imagine Carinna being part of a conspiracy and being able to keep quiet about it."
[interludes] Niccolo asks, "A scientist?"
Giancarlo says, "I suppose if I wanted to clear my friend of the charges against him, the Bishop might know who else might have motive for this...."
[interludes] Dando says, "Haven't you heard? Some scientist tried to kill Meander last night."
[interludes2] Chiara says, "Heh.  Reasonable enough."
Giancarlo says, "Unless you do?  It would be helpful."
[interludes2] Chiara says, "Then if diTomasso were to be-- removed-- would she find herself free?  Perhaps she would prefer that, after all."
Giancarlo says, "....as well as saving me a visit to a witch...."
[interludes2] Dixon says, "I imagine she would, to be honest."
[interludes] Niccolo says, "My -- I knew they had a suspect, but I had no idea he was... I would think he'd keep something like that a secret, unless he had protection."
Teodor says, "Bishop Mancari might know, but he is not fond of scientists. I imagine he's convinced of Wilson's guilt merely for that."
[interludes2] Chiara says, "I imagine fleetingly that she might be staging this all to frame him and get rid of him, but again the plausibility of that seems slight."
Teodor says, "And I am wary of talking overmuch -- I hear many things in the confessional which I may not divulge."
Giancarlo says, "I was under the impression that most people imagined Wilson to be an art collector."
[interludes2] Dixon says, "Even if she wanted to, she seems incapable of it."
Giancarlo asks, "Where did you hear he was a scientist?"
[interludes2] Chiara says, "yes, that is most likely true."
[interludes2] Chiara looks pensive.
[interludes] Dando says, "They dragged him out of the party last night."
[interludes] Dando says, "And apparently he'd used that science stuff to kill him."
Teodor says, "It became common knowledge after last night. Ludovica herself had apparently heard he was a scientist."
[interludes2] Chiara says, "Unless someone *else* wanted to free her-- but this grows more contorted by the moment, and I imagine it is my woman's perspective that casts it all as a romance."
[interludes2] Chiara asks, "I don't suppose you've noticed that, say, Fortunato has a secret deep-concealed love for her?"
[interludes2] Dixon asks, "Fortunato?"
[interludes2] Dixon laughs.
[interludes2] Dixon says, "No, not Fortunato."
[interludes] Niccolo asks, "*Try* to kill him, you mean?"
[interludes2] Chiara says, "Do say yes; I won't believe you, but it will entertain me for years."
Giancarlo says, "I ... see."
[interludes] Dando says, "Oh, right, try to kill him. Sorry."
[interludes2] Chiara says (to Dixon), "I notice you say "not Fortunato" and not "not anyone""
Giancarlo says, "I wonder if anyone else had heard."
Teodor says, "In this town? By now everyone has."
Giancarlo looks up.  (presumably this chapel has candles?)
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hmm, I think I mentioned that martinez had known he was a scientist beforehand"
[interludes] Dando says, "Here we are."
Giancarlo says, "Before last night, I mean."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "but I don't know if Giancarlo would have picked that up"
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "I missed that."
[vodacce] Dando says, "And certainly Martinez wouldn't volunteer that information without knowing if Giancarlo would report him to the bishop."
[interludes] Niccolo says, "Ah, thank you -- I'll be sure to repay the favor."
GM says (to Giancarlo), "It does have candles."
[interludes2] Dixon says, "I would not rule out the possibility of someone else loving her, no."
[interludes] Niccolo bids Dando adieu.
[interludes2] Chiara nods
Teodor asks, "Before last night? You suspect someone of framing him based on that information?"
[interludes] Dando exclaims, "You take care!"
[vodacce] Wilson . o O ( Dando? )
[interludes2] Chiara says, "Well--"
Giancarlo asks, "Who else would plant science-based evidence on a man unless he knew that man to be a scientist?"
[vodacce] Dando says, "I used to sing for the Lemonheads."
[interludes2] Chiara sets her glass down.  "Unless you have somewhere concealed a letter of confession from someone (preferably not someone affiliated with me), I do not think there is much more you could do to ease my mind, and I am most grateful."
[interludes2] Dixon spreads his hands. "I do not. I only wish I could see you again under more pleasant circumstances."
[interludes] Niccolo sets toward the vintner's, taking a look around for anyone familiar in the area.
[interludes2] Chiara says, "I imagine it is possible, yes." (Smiling.)  "Assuming that we both survive the next few days.""
[interludes] GM says, "Some people are out and about -- it's a fairly crowded little street."
[interludes2] Chiara lifts her glass again after all.  "To survival," she says, and drinks the rest of it.
[interludes2] Dixon says, "Ah, you are honest. I appreciate that."
[interludes2] Dixon lifts his glass in return.
[interludes2] Chiara touches Dixon's hand gratefully and then turns to go.
[interludes2] Dixon stands. "Will I see you tonight?"
[interludes2] Chiara asks, "Would I miss a ball?"
[interludes] GM says, "The guildhouse is a two-story house sandwiched between others."
[interludes2] Chiara smiles again and goes.
Teodor says, "True."
[interludes2] Chiara says, "[Can I sneak up to my room and consult the cards quickly, or have I officially used up all my #interlude and then some?]"
[interludes] Niccolo asks, "Are there people going in and out of the building, or just people going past?"
[interludes] GM says, "Past, mostly."
Giancarlo says, "And something else ... this person must have much experience with candles, and the time they take to burn."
[interludes2] GM says, "You've been pretty busy. I need to find out what the other three've been up to."
[interludes2] Chiara says, "s'what I figured"
[interludes2] Chiara says, "ok"
Giancarlo asks, "(mock-playfully) I suppose you can vouch for you sacristan?"
[interludes] Niccolo tries to get a discrete look in the lower-story windows.
Teodor exclaims, "Theu, yes!"
[interludes] GM says, "Some people moving about on various tasks."
[vodacce] GM says, "So what have the three of you (Venzi &c.) going to do next."
Giancarlo says, "Thank you signor.  You have been of much help."
Giancarlo . o O ( Theus forgive me for lying to a priest. )
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hmm"
[interludes] Niccolo says, "Do I have any friends with the little folk at this guildhouse? (Front desk sitter, minor flunky, so forth)"
Teodor asks, "Anything to confess before you go?"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "there's one lead down"
[vodacce] Venzi asks, "what's left?"
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Amber and I were going to check on the hedge maze."
[interludes] Niccolo says, "(Also, AFK for a moment)"
[interludes] GM says, "You might. Let me know when you're back."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "There's also the matter of the Contessa being wrong in 'the past' that might be interesting to follow up on."
[vodacce] GM asks, "You leaving poor Venzi to his own devices?"
Giancarlo says, "Yes.  In the time since my last confession, I have told untruths and deceived people."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "possibly I will check out the market again"
[vodacce] Wilson says, "We already did, unless he met us again."
[Crows-Nest] Chiara says (to Giancarlo), "THERE'S A BIG SURPRISE"
[Crows-Nest] Giancarlo says, "hee"
[Crows-Nest] Chiara . o O ( and he acts all sad when we seem not to trust him )
[vodacce] GM says, "I didn't know if you were going to meet up with Venzi again, or if he was going to go do Venzi things on his own."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "That's up to Venzi ;-)"
[interludes] Niccolo says, "(Back)"
Teodor asks, "Have your untruths hurt others?"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "right, I'm going to the market"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "check back on that weaponseller guy, for one"
Giancarlo thinks. "Not that I know of."
[interludes2] GM has removed Chiara from the channel.
[interludes2] GM has added Venzi to the channel.
[vodacce] GM says (to Giancarlo), "Pretend Teodor has given you penance appropriate for the crime, since I don't know what penance the church of 7th Sea goes in for."
[interludes2] Venzi says, "heh"
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "okay"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "(going three days without cheeses)"
[vodacce] Wilson laughs.
[interludes2] Venzi says, "I am going to check back and see if he's alive"
[interludes] GM says, "You might know someone, but there's no way to be sure unless you head in."
[vodacce] Amber exclaims, "hee!"
Giancarlo nods, crosses, pays his respects, lights a candle on his way out, and moves on.
[interludes] Niccolo heads in.
[interludes2] Venzi says, "since people seem to be making a habit of not being so after I talk to them"
[interludes2] GM asks, "The weaponseller?"
[interludes2] Venzi says, "yes"
[interludes2] Venzi says, "who supplied the swords, possibly"
[interludes2] GM says, "You're able to find his stall without undue difficulty."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "(brief afk)"
[interludes] GM says, "There's someone in the main room."
Giancarlo . o O ( well, that was helpful.  Not.  I wonder if Venzi is still at the laboratory. )
[interludes2] Venzi says, "I peek in to see if he's there"
[interludes2] GM says, "He is. And alive, even."
Giancarlo turns his footsteps towards Livio's lab.
[interludes2] Maffeo says, "zzzzz"
[interludes2] Venzi nudges Maffeo in the ribs.
[interludes] Niccolo strides up, "Afternoon. Giorgio around today?"
[vodacce] (from Wilson) Giancarlo asks (to guards) "Hey, is Venzi still here?"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
[interludes2] Maffeo exclaims, "zz--SWORDS! FINE SWORDS!"
[interludes2] Venzi says (to Maffeo), "so, we meet again"
[interludes] Vintner says, "He's not in this week."
[interludes2] Maffeo exclaims, "Oh! Hello!"
[interludes] Vintner asks, "Can I help you?"
[interludes2] Venzi says (to Maffeo), "I happened to be in the area and thought perhaps I should give you a word of advice"
[interludes] Niccolo asks, "Aw, drat. Has anyone from the manor come in here this morning, or maybe yesterday?"
Giancarlo looks around for Venzi.
[interludes2] Venzi says, "there was an attempt on Meander's life last night, you know"
[interludes] Niccolo looks slightly distracted, as though he was sent for something, and things will go hard on him if he can't bring back a good word.
[interludes] Vintner asks, "Stefani diTommaso is meeting with some of the head members of the guild. Were you sent for him?"
[interludes2] Maffeo says, "I heard! How awful."
GM says, "There are a bunch of guards around Livio's place."
[interludes2] Venzi asks, "news travels fast, I see -- but did it tell you that there'd been one the previous day? swords planted in the river? swords with *your* mark on them?"
[vodacce] Amber says, "if guard 2 is around, amber waves."
Giancarlo . o O ( ? )
[interludes2] Maffeo asks, "Whaaat?"
[interludes2] Maffeo asks, "No! *My* swords?"
[interludes2] Venzi says, "I know you are a man of discretion and prefer to keep your own counsel, so I thought you would appreciate a friendly word. Good day."
[interludes] Niccolo says, "No, no... I was looking for a little guy, from the kitchens, called Marco... you might know him, he workds under the main wine steward."
[interludes2] Venzi turns to leave.
[interludes2] Maffeo exclaims, "No, wait! Wait!"
Giancarlo asks (of guard), "excuse me, did you happen to see <describes Venzi> come this way?"
[interludes2] Maffeo asks, "Which of my swords?"
[interludes2] Venzi pauses.
[interludes2] Venzi thinks.
Guard_1 says, "No, haven't seen anyone like that. Just that fellow Fortunato had locked up."
[interludes2] Venzi says, "by a strange coincidences, broadswords, I do believe"
Guard_1 says, "And some short woman with chopped-off hair."
[interludes2] Maffeo says, "Well, clearly I could not have been involved! All of my broadswords were sold to Meander's household."
Giancarlo asks, "Had?  You mean he's not locked up anymore?"
Guard_1 says, "Fortunato let him go."
Guard_1 shrugs. "Don't ask me why."
[interludes2] Venzi raises an eyebrow. "And do you have any proof of that?"
Giancarlo asks, "Well, where did they go, then?"
[interludes2] Venzi says, "Fortunato doesn't strike me as someone who is convinced easily"
[interludes2] Maffeo asks, "Fortunato? He is concerned about this?"
[interludes2] Maffeo swallows.
Guard_1 shrugs again. "Dunno."
Giancarlo asks, "Oh, and why are you all standing around this garden shed?"
[interludes2] Venzi says, "*very* concerned"
[interludes2] Maffeo exclaims, "He needs to talk to Rocca! Rocca bought my last set!"
Guard_1 says, "Someone killed Livio."
Giancarlo . o O ( ! )
Guard_1 squints at Giancarlo. "Come to think of it, why are *you* standing around the shed?"
[interludes2] Venzi says, "*really*"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "heeheehee"
[vodacce] Niccolo laughs.
Giancarlo says, "I'm standing around the shed because I'm talking to you and that's where you are."
Guard_1 says, "Oh."
[interludes2] Venzi says, "but I don't know if he'll be convinced -- I mean, you probably talk to Rocca all the time, how would you remember which set he bought"
Guard_1 says, "Well, that works out well."
[interludes] Niccolo says, "(Paused, or he just doesn't have anything to say there?)"
[interludes2] Maffeo exclaims, "But normally I deal with Fortunato! This was a special order!"
[vodacce] Chiara asks, "Fortunato really does hire the best and brightest, doesn't he?"
[interludes] Guard_1 says, "Sorry, got distracted. What did you say? I completely missed it."
Giancarlo asks, "Might I ask ... how and why was Livio killed, and by who?"
[interludes2] Venzi asks, "that's odd; did he say why?"
[vodacce] Amber says, "you know those guard types.  too many muscles between the ears."
[vodacce] Amber says, "except guard_2, of course."
[interludes2] Maffeo exclaims, "No! He had an order and the money, and I knew he was Fortunato's quartermaster!"
[vodacce] (from Chiara) Danel cries!
Guard_1 says, "You may."
[interludes] Niccolo asks, "No, no... I was looking for a little guy, from the kitchens, called Marco... you might know him, he works under the head wine steward?"
Giancarlo asks, "Alright.  How and why was Livio killed, and by who?"
[vodacce] Amber asks, "heehee!  I can look, can't I?"
[vodacce] (from Chiara) Guard_1 says, "That's *BY WHOM*, dammit."
[interludes2] Venzi asks, "ah, good point. and when was this, out of curiosity? a few days ago?"
[interludes2] Maffeo says, "About a week ago"
Guard_1 says, "By a sword, and we don't know who did it."
[interludes2] Venzi asks, "did you happen to keep the order, or did he take it away with him?"
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "We won't mention what Amber's and Venzi's essential roles are, right?"
Guard_1 eyes Giancarlo's sword.
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "sorry.  For some odd reason I thought it was in the nominative."
[vodacce] Chiara is too busy scoping out... er, certain parties... to answer Amber.
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Guard_2 also has muscles between the ears, but they're nicely toned."
[vodacce] Chiara says (to Giancarlo), "Livio's nominative because it's a passive construction"
[interludes] Vintner asks, "Marco? Oh, is he the one who helps out at Meander's house?"
[interludes] Niccolo asks, "That's right -- have you seen him?"
[vodacce] Wilson says, "But he's dead, so that makes it dative."
[interludes2] Maffeo exclaims, "The orders are all verbal. There's never been trouble before!"
[vodacce] Giancarlo says (to Wilson), "you mean 'dated'."
[interludes2] Maffeo asks, "Wait -- how did they use my swords to try to kill Meander?"
Giancarlo looks innocent as usual.
[vodacce] Chiara says, "wait, in all this joking around I failed to actually grasp the "livio is dead" part"
[interludes] Vintner says, "I think he's in the cellars helping select wine for tonight."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "poor bastard"
Guard_1 says, "I think you should move along."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Good, 'cause you're not supposed to know yet anyway."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "well yeah"
[interludes2] Venzi stares at Maffeo.
[vodacce] Chiara says, "I know that"
Giancarlo says, "Well, thank you very much.  Good day."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "You *don't* know that, you mean."
[interludes2] Venzi says, "I can tell you are an honest man and wish only to help Meander and find out who is responsible, so I will tell you"
[vodacce] Chiara asks, "don't know what?"
Giancarlo goes back to the house.  Trotting quickly once he's out of sight of the guards.
[vodacce] GM laughs.
[interludes2] Venzi says, "the swords were placed in the canal where Meander is accustomed to bathe"
[vodacce] Wilson says, "That Livio is dead.  Oops!  I told you again."
[vodacce] GM asks, "So Amber & Wilson are headed for the maze?"
[interludes2] Maffeo says, "Oh my."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Ayup."
[vodacce] Amber says, "Yes.  To admire the pretty scenery."
[interludes] Niccolo says, "Oh, phew! Thanks..."
[interludes2] Venzi says, "I admit, it seems a trifle over-fancy"
[vodacce] Amber says, "And look for clues."
[vodacce] Chiara says (to Wilson), "I am seeing a Hercule Poirot episode guest starring Britney Spears"
[vodacce] Wilson laughs.
[interludes] Vintner says, "No one is allowed down there right now, to prevent tampering."
[interludes2] Maffeo says, "And I can't believe it would actually kill him."
[vodacce] Giancarlo asks, "If I'm so sneaky, how come most of my activities happen in the main room?"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "hey, ok, wait.  If Amber's guarding Wilson, then that means Venzi should oughta hafta guard me"
[vodacce] Chiara says (to Giancarlo), "they don't; you're just cleverer about keeping your interludes sekrit"
[interludes2] Venzi says, "no, it seems unlikely"
[vodacce] GM asks, "Giancarlo, are you going to happen to catch up to them or go off in other directions?"
[vodacce] Amber says, "You didn't want guarding for your assignation of Sir Guy."
[interludes2] Venzi asks, "but then, what would the purpose be? merely to amuse Fortunato and keep him diverted?"
[Crows-Nest] RogerCarbol says, "Assassination!  Oh, wait."
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "Oh, I can do that?  I do that, then."
[interludes2] Maffeo exclaims, "Tell Fortunato I had nothing to do with any of this! I am a loyal subject of Meander's!"
[vodacce] Chiara says (to Amber), "no, that would've been distinctly in the way"
[vodacce] Amber says, "Remember all that privacy you wanted?  So there.  :-b::"
[vodacce] Chiara laughs
[interludes] Niccolo says, "Oh, yeah, that's fine. No problem."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "I am just trying to have my cake and eat it too"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "and also have it be a cheesecake"
[interludes2] Venzi says, "I am sure he will be pleased that you were so helpful"
[interludes] Niccolo says, "Huh, wonder why Stefani DiTomasi's here..."
[vodacce] Amber asks, "Oh, you're eating *cake* are you?"
[vodacce] GM says, "Danel was there -- Amber and he could have been sent off together."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "That Venzi is quite the cheesecake."
[vodacce] Chiara stops chewing guiltily and looks from side to side.
[interludes] Niccolo says, "(Er, except saying his name, right)"
[interludes2] Venzi says, "but, I must repeat, a word of advice: watch your back. these are dangerous times until things are sorted out."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "*There's* timing for you."
[interludes2] Maffeo exclaims, "I will, sir! Thank you for the information!"
Giancarlo notices movement off to the direction of the hedge maze.
[interludes2] Venzi says, "my thanks for your assistance -- I will speak of it to Fortunato when I see him next"
[vodacce] Chiara clears her throat
Giancarlo says, "aha"
[interludes] Vintner says, "Oh, something to do with that unpleasant business at the party."
[interludes2] Venzi says, "(muttered) and hopefully he'll be in a better mood"
[vodacce] Amber exclaims, ";laughs and laughs!"
[interludes2] Venzi leaves the shop.
[vodacce] Chiara says, "I'm, uh, going to go do some nice knitting now"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
[vodacce] Amber says, "Danel's quite a cheesecake himself."
[vodacce] (from Chiara) Amber says, "A very muscular, adept, sword-wielding cheesecake"
[vodacce] GM says, "If Amber and Wilson are done making Chiara blush, they can be in the hedge maze with Giancarlo."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "'Cheesecake' must be the Vodacce equivalent of 'stud muffin'."
[interludes2] Venzi says, "I suppose, since I'm at the market, I could check on my personal background stuff -- unless you'd rather interlude with other people first"
[vodacce] Amber is about to laugh herself off her chair.
[interludes2] GM says, "Feel free to go ahead."
[vodacce] Chiara asks (of GM), "Doing WHAT exactly???"
[vodacce] GM says, "Look, I'm running some eight interludes. I don't have time to keep up with these little pastry interludes of yours, too."
[vodacce] Wilson exclaims, "You don't want to know.  Or, rather, you do, but you don't.  I mean, say, did you hear Livio's dead?  Oops!"
[interludes2] Venzi says, "I seem to recall the market adjoined on the waterfront -- I find a tavern over in that area where the sailors meet"
Giancarlo hustles over to the hedge maze.
[vodacce] Amber says, "Nothing!  We're doing absolutely nothing.  Really."
[interludes] Niccolo nods, "Ah, right." He glances up to the ceiling. "Whatever they're saying up there, I guess it's probably high class stuff... nothing I'd understand, anyway."
[interludes2] GM says, "It does. And there are taverns galore."
[interludes] Vintner says, "I don't know any of the details, myself. When they want the rest of us to know they'll tell us."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "'pastry break' == 'idle time'."
[vodacce] GM says, "yie"
[interludes2] Venzi heads into the Diving Dolphin and orders himself a drink, then sits down at the bar.
Wilson exclaims (at Gian), "Hey there!"
[vodacce] Amber asks, "Yeah, but I haven't laughed like that in a long time.  See these tears?"
[interludes2] Sailor says, "And so I says to him, I says, 'That's no lanyard!'"
Amber heads over to examine some maze.
Giancarlo says (to Wilson), "I see you're out and not so much the worse for wear."
[interludes2] GM says, "The other sailors with him laugh uproariously."
Wilson asks, "Yup!  Nothing to worry about.  I think Fortunato's on the level.  Say, did you know Livio's dead?"
[interludes] Niccolo nods, chuckles. "Thanks for the time. I've got to get back to the kitchens to let them know about that wine." He waves, and leaves.
Giancarlo says, "I just found out."
Amber says, "Stabbed to death.  Poor man.  Horrible way to go."
[interludes2] Venzi laughs also, and moves his seat a bit closer.
Giancarlo says, "hmph"
Wilson says, "He died pretty much right after I got out of prison.  Fortunato went to talk to him."
Amber says, "Looks like he didn't put up much of a fight, either."
Wilson asks (of Amber), "Stabbed to death is horrible?  How many people have you stabbed in your carreer?"
[interludes2] Sailor says, "Did you hear? Fortunato's been waging war on pirates lately."
Amber says, "Quite a few.  That's how I know."
[interludes2] Sailor_2 says, "The better for us, then."
[interludes2] Venzi says, "really? I'd think he'd be too busy with the stuff up at the house"
[interludes] Niccolo says, "(Is there any convenient way to eavesdrop on an upstairs room?)"
[interludes2] Sailor says (to Venzi), "Oh, not him personally. But for the last month he's had small ships going after pirates."
Giancarlo says, "Well, I've just been speaking with Padre Teodor."
Giancarlo says, "And gotten nowhere."
[interludes] GM says, "Short of walking up to the door in the hall, no."
Giancarlo asks, "What about you?"
Wilson says, "I was *going* to talk to Livio."
[interludes2] Venzi nods.
Wilson says, "I'm not sure what the motivation was to kill him."
[vodacce] GM says, "There would have been a fun conversation. Wilson: Have you seen these spiders I found?  Livio: ....."
[interludes2] Venzi says, "I'm glad it makes the sailing safe 'round these parts -- I've been on land for a couple days now, but I'm sure I'll be shipping out again soon enough"
Wilson says, "He had just talked to Fortunato and had convinced him to set me free.  So, it could be spite for whoever set me up.  But not much use, in the end."
[interludes2] Sailor_2 asks, "You been sailing much around these parts?"
Amber says, "Maybe he convinced Fortunato to let you go because he knew who was actually guilty."
[interludes2] Venzi says, "nah, I've been far away from Vodacce -- this is a bit of a homecoming."
Giancarlo asks (of Wilson), "Oh, Livio spoke to Fortunato?"
Wilson says, "But another possibility is that he knew something.  Since his dad was the creator of this maze, I thought it might be that he knew something about the maze that someone didn't want known."
[interludes] Niccolo heads back toward the manor then, on foot. Unless there are any other PCs in this part of town he might chance to bump into on the way there.
Wilson says (to Gian), "Yes--apparantly just before he died."
[interludes2] Venzi says, "it's fine to ship out, but a man gets wistful for news of his birthplace"
Giancarlo says, "hm."
[interludes] GM says, "No, you're a bit off the beaten path."
Giancarlo looks over to the maze.
[interludes2] Sailor says, "Aye."
[interludes2] Sailor beckons the barkeep over. "A pint for your homecoming, then."
Giancarlo says, "Well, it's a maze. I don't really know what it could be hiding."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "HA HA HA"
[interludes2] Venzi says, "my thanks -- and the same for you"
[interludes2] Venzi asks, "two rounds now saves some time later, eh?"
[interludes] Niccolo says, "Right."
[interludes2] Sailor exclaims, "you bet!"
[interludes] Niccolo pauses himself until he gets back to the manor.
Amber asks, "Is anyone good at maps?"
Giancarlo shakes his head.
[interludes2] Sailor_2 says, "Where you planning on shipping out next? Not a lot of ships running this time of year."
Giancarlo looks up to see if any windows overlook the maze from high up.
Wilson says, "Well, I'm good at drawing, at least--I have an eye for detail."
Wilson says (to Gian), "Oh, good idea."
GM says, "The maze is set a ways from the house."
[interludes2] Venzi says, "Hard to say -- I thought maybe I'd go inland for a bit first. You know the Tagliati lands? I hail from near there"
[vodacce] Wilson says (to Gian&Amber), "Of course, since we're not on an #interlude channel, this is probably a wild goose chase."
[interludes2] Sailor says, "I've been up there once or twice, yeah."
Wilson says (to Gian), "Here, let me stand on your shoulders."
[interludes2] Sailor asks, "Luciano in charge, right?"
Giancarlo looks up to see if there's *anything* up high from which the maze may be examined.
[interludes] Niccolo says, "(If they're still chatting outdoors when I get back, I'll try to conveniently run into them.)"
Giancarlo says, "Eh?  Sure...."
[vodacce] Amber asks, "How tall are the shrubs?"
[vodacce] GM says, "Shrubs are at eye height for you."
Giancarlo says, "remember, you owe me."
[interludes] GM says, "You'll arrive in about ten minutes, then."
Amber asks, "How about getting a ladder?"
[interludes2] Venzi nods, slowly. "Sounds right, yep."
[interludes2] Venzi says, "Wasn't the case when I was there, but it's been a while and I think he was in line"
Giancarlo says, "Or there's that."
Wilson says, "Well, I'd volunteer to have you stand on my shoulders, but I doubt I'd last very long.  I'm more agile than strong."
Wilson says, "Eh, we're here."
[interludes2] Sailor says, "I heard Virgilio died unexpectedly a few years back."
Wilson scrambles up Gian's back.
Giancarlo steadies himself on some nearby convenient object.
[vodacce] Wilson says, "(like Amber)"
Amber becomes a nearby convenient object.
[interludes2] Venzi says, "Funny how this inheritance stuff works -- I hear Meander's not even passing things on to his own kid."
[vodacce] (from GM) Giancarlo . o O ( too bad it wasn't Chiara )
[vodacce] Chiara says, "RRR"
[interludes2] Sailor_2 asks, "Yeah! Why is that?"
[interludes2] Venzi says, "But maybe that's the best way, eh? These nobles got it too soft, anyway"
Wilson stands carefully, surveys the maze.
[interludes2] Sailor says, "Way I hear it, his kids are no good."
[interludes2] Venzi says, "Well, the son's in Eisen, and you can't tell me they'd send somebody there who was behavin' himself"
GM says, "There are a few people wandering the maze that you can see. Some couples."
[interludes2] Venzi says, "But I hadn't heard anything about the daughter"
[interludes2] Sailor_2 says, "I hear the daughter's right pretty."
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Anyone I recognize?"
[vodacce] GM says, "No."
[interludes2] Venzi says, "Pretty girls sometimes get themselves into trouble"
[interludes2] Sailor says, "That's the truth."
[vodacce] Giancarlo asks, "Any closed-off parts of the maze?"
[interludes2] Sailor says, "Besides, who cares if she's pretty? Not like we'll ever see her."
[interludes2] Venzi laughs
Wilson surveys the maze looking for blocked-off sections.
[vodacce] Wilson says, "(timing!)"
[vodacce] GM says, "Now that you mention it...there is one area that seems inaccessible and self-contained."
[interludes2] Venzi says, "Yeah, she's probably the stay-at-home type"
[interludes2] Sailor_2 says, "I could show her a thing or two."
Wilson says, "Hey, that's interesting..."
[interludes2] Sailor asks, "What, like that nasty disease you got last year?"
Wilson maps out mentally how to get there.
[vodacce] Chiara says, "CURIOSER AND CURIOSER"
[interludes2] Venzi laughs
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Wilson, mentally mapping?"
[interludes2] Sailor_2 grimaces. "That's almost cleared up."
[vodacce] Chiara laughs
[vodacce] Wilson says, "This is Research, man."
Amber asks (of Wilson), "See anything interesting?"
[interludes] GM says (to Niccolo), "You'll arrive just about now."
[interludes] GM has removed Niccolo from the channel.
Giancarlo asks (of Wilson), "And might I recommend a different shoemaker?"
Niccolo waves, "Hey there."
[interludes] GM has added Chiara to the channel.
[interludes2] Venzi says, "Well, speaking of clearing up, I'm gonna clear out -- got some other business in the market to attend to. Thank you kindly for news of home; I'll keep it in mind"
Giancarlo . o O ( don't wave don't wave don't wave )
Wilson says (quietly) "There's a self-contained section of the maze.  Let's see, two lefts, a right, a left, straight on to the end, then through.
[interludes2] Venzi claps the man on the shoulder and heads for the door.
Wilson exclaims, "Niccolo!"
Wilson waves cheerily.
[interludes2] Sailor says, "Good to meet you. You need a job next week, come find me and I'll see what I can do."
[interludes] Chiara says (to Sailors), "Howdy"
[interludes] GM says, "No, no, it's HELLO, SAILOR"
Giancarlo tries to compensate for Wilson's waving, wavers.
Amber moves to brace Giancarlo better.
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Is Wilson still atop Giancarlo?"
[interludes2] Venzi says (to Sailor), "I might just do that -- no telling where my tides'll go"
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Yup."
Wilson says, "Oops!  Sorry."
[interludes] GM says, "Anyway, I understand you wanted to use your illicit powers."
Niccolo looks up. "Looking for something?"
[interludes] Chiara says, "yes please"
Wilson hops off.
Giancarlo brushes off shoulders.
Giancarlo says (to Nico), "I dunno.  Ask the scientist."
[interludes] Chiara says, "I return to my room, lay out the cards, and try to detect a strongest thread for diTomasso"
Wilson says, "There's a self-contained area of the maze.  Let's go check it out--but careful, there's others wandering around."
[7thsea] Chiara rolls 4k4: 2 4 1 9 | 16
Niccolo says, "Oh? Hmm. Wonder how we missed that before..."
Wilson says, "Well, no path leads to it."
Giancarlo shrugs.  "Why should they care?  Come on.  You lead the way.
Wilson strides in to the maze.
Amber troops off after Wilson.
Niccolo follows.
Giancarlo troops off after
Wilson says, "OK, it should be through this hedge."
Wilson searches around for a good way through.
[interludes] GM says, "Perhaps it's the alcohol you had earlier, because you mainly get a headache from the cards."
[interludes2] Venzi says, "and now back to the manor, to try and dig up Ridolfo"
[interludes] Chiara fiddles with the cards, frustrated.  "Perhaps I shouldn't've had so much of that wine..."
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Everyone but Chiara and Venzi are here, right?"
[interludes2] GM says, "You'll be a little bit getting back."
[interludes2] Venzi says, "that's fine"
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Perception:"
[vodacce] GM says, "Yes."
[7thsea] Wilson rolls 3k2: 6 8 2 | 14
[interludes] Chiara reshuffles and tries something simpler -- a cups check on Carinna.
[7thsea] Chiara rolls 5k4: 9 9 5 6 5 | 29
[interludes] GM says, "Oh, got it easily."
[vodacce] Wilson says (to Chiara), "Hey, there you go."
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "And whatever Chiara's doing, she's doing it well."
Wilson seems to be having problems finding an easy way through the hedge.
[interludes] GM says, "You shuffle the cards and spread them out before you. The line of cups does *not* wind towards diTomasso."
[interludes] Chiara leans closer, frowning.
Giancarlo says, "Here, let me."
[interludes] Chiara tries to see where it goes.
Giancarlo draws his sword.
[7thsea] Niccolo rolls 5k3: 8 1 2 3 9 | 20
Wilson exclaims, "Ack!"
Giancarlo says (to Amber), "Lend me a hand here."
Wilson says, "No, wait, stop."
Giancarlo asks, "why?"
Niccolo says, "You might try it from the other side..."
Amber says (to Giancarlo), "I hate to destroy the bushes.  I'm sure we can find a way through, it may just take a bit longer."
Niccolo goes around a different corner, beckoning.
[interludes] GM says, "It is leading to...someone large and loud."
Giancarlo shrugs.  "Sure.  We could always toss someone over the other side.
Wilson shrugs, follows.
Giancarlo follows Nico, puzzled.
[interludes] Chiara . o O ( Sabatino? )
Wilson asks (of Niccolo), "You've been in here already?"
Amber asks (of Niccolo), "You've been here before?"
Giancarlo . o O ( Echoing each other ... they could be husband and wife. )
Niccolo asks (of Wilson), "Yes -- you remember, when you followed Carinna into the house, the other day? And Venzi and I went into the maze?"
[interludes] Chiara . o O ( Not what I personally would have chosen, but then, the silent and mysterious type is so much more appealing, really. )
Wilson says, "Yes."
[interludes] GM laughs.
Niccolo takes a path that leads them away from where they're aiming at first, but then doubles back to approach it from the other side.
Wilson says, "But you didn't say you found a secret area."
[interludes] Chiara scoops up the cards again and tries to focus on diTomasso once more, this time looking for arcana.
Niccolo says, "Oh, well, no. But once you mentioned it, it was just a matter of figuring out which bit of the maze we *didn't* see before."
[7thsea] Chiara rolls 5k4: 5 2 10+2 3 7 | 27
Wilson says, "Ah, OK."
Niccolo leads up to a 'dead end' which, hopefully, will provide access.
[interludes] GM says, "The cards fairly dance off your fingers, showing you the magician, inverted."
GM says, "You can push your way through the bushes if you want."
Niccolo says (to Wilson), "You did the hard part, of course, in finding out about the missing area."
[interludes] Chiara frowns at it nervously.
Niccolo pushes the bushes aside.
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Sure, *now* he tells us."
[interludes] Chiara gathers up the cards again and hides them safely, then goes down to see if she can find the others.
Giancarlo says, "huh"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Perhaps he means that *here* the bushes are thin enough to push through."
[interludes] GM says, "It'll be a while."
[interludes] Chiara says, "(sure)"
[vodacce] GM says, "Yes."
[interludes] GM has removed Chiara from the channel.
[vodacce] Amber says, "Awe, no merciless slaughter of shrubbery."
Giancarlo pushes in
Wilson follows.
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "Awww."
Niccolo holds the bush aside for Amber.
Wilson looks around excitedly.
Amber says (to Niccolo), "Thank you."
Amber pushes through the small hole.
Niccolo nods and follows.
GM says, "Inside is an opening roughly fifteen feet by thirty."
Giancarlo looks around.
[vodacce] Amber claps excitedly.
Amber examines the opening.
[vodacce] Wilson says, "(was that it, or is there more to the description?)"
[vodacce] (from Niccolo) GM says, "Inside are about eight of Fortunato's guards. They look like they've been waiting for someone."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "doh"
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Heh."
GM says, "There is a small bench, and the grass around it is well-trampled."
Niccolo says, "We're not the only ones who know about this place."
Amber looks to see if there are holes in the shrubbery from others shoving their way through, or perhaps a trap door in the ground somewhere.
Niccolo looks at and around the bench.
Wilson examines the grass to see if there are footprints, and if he can tell vaguely how many people have been here before.
Giancarlo looks under the bench.
[vodacce] Wilson says, "(examiner)"
[7thsea] Wilson rolls 3k2: 6 9 6 | 15
GM says, "There are lots of footprints, some old, some new. One of the shrubs to the north is a slightly wrong color."
Giancarlo says, "Hm.  Looks like a convenient spot for a pair of secret lovers."
Giancarlo strides over to the discoloured shrub and pushes at it.
[vodacce] Wilson says, "(not the one we came through, I take it.)"
GM says, "It wobbles."
Giancarlo pulls at it. harder.
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Does it go wibble-wibble-wobble or wobble-wobble-wibble?"
Niccolo asks (of Gian), "What's that?"
GM says, "It comes away in your hands."
Amber says, "Well, they'd still have to be fairly quiet, whomever they were.  You may not be able to see this place, but someone wandering around outside could hear them."
Niccolo looks at what Gian's doing.
Giancarlo says, "Well, looks as though I got to slaughter a bush today after all."
Giancarlo sets the bush aside and looks at the spot where it was.
GM says, "The bottom of the bush is a stand."
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Is there a space behind it, or just more bushes?"
[vodacce] GM says, "Behind where it stands is a passageway in the maze."
Wilson thinks.
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "One we've seen before, or more of the blocked off part?"
[vodacce] GM says, "You're pretty sure you've seen the passage before."
Niccolo says, "I'm surprised we didn't notice anything odd about the bush from the other side."
Wilson says, "No, I think I first came at this area from there."
Wilson points at a thick part of the hedge.
GM says (to Niccolo), "It blends well when you're just walking past walls of shrubbery."
Amber says, "We weren't looking for anything odd, then.  The color is very similar."
Giancarlo examines the stand.
Wilson searches the stand.
[vodacce] Wilson says, "We must be married."
Niccolo says, "Mmm. I guess it would blend in better when your just walking past walls of shrubbery."
GM says, "The stand is merely four pieces of wood forming an X."
Wilson says, "Hmm."
Giancarlo searches around to see if the bush might have been hiding something.
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Used to be attached to the bush, so it can be moved around, sort of thing?"
Amber asks, "I wonder what this was used for.  Privacy?  And for what purpose?"
Wilson examines the bench again, then looks for trap doors.
[vodacce] GM says, "Think of a cheap Christmas tree stand. There's a slight depression in the ground that it fits into."
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, ">look in depression"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "it's for smoochies, d00ds"
[vodacce] (from Chiara) Venzi says, "I should know.
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
[vodacce] (from Niccolo) You see a bottomless pit of despair. A prozac sails past your from above, but it's quickly lost in the darkness and gloom below.
[whiz-games] Whizzard says, "Hmm. Think I'll do the wanderers next."
[vodacce] Wilson says (to Gian), "Depression is caused by a variety of forces, often involving stress of some sort."
[vodacce] GM says, "The pit is empty now that you've removed the shrub stand."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "And I take it nothing unusual about the bench or the ground, either."
[vodacce] Niccolo leaves Gian to the depression, and instead joins Wilson by the bench. Looking for traces of the people who've come here.
Amber asks, "You think Livio and that woman he mentioned may have come here for private assignations?"
[vodacce] GM says (to Wilson), "No."
[whiz-games] inky says, "hey, they're not next alphabetically"
Niccolo leaves Gian to the depression, and instead joins Wilson by the bench. Looking for traces of the people who've come here.
Wilson asks, "Woman?"
[whiz-games] Whizzard says, "Yeah, I know. But I've got art for them."
Niccolo says (to Amber), "Probably not... I didn't get the impression he knew her especially well."
Giancarlo blinks.
Amber says, "He mentioned a woman had or was going to help him leave the country, but she was stalling."
[whiz-games] Whizzard says, "Besides, what're you worried about? I already did cavers. :)"
Giancarlo says, "she's probably in danger now."
Wilson says, "Or she's the killer."
[whiz-games] inky says, "good point"
Giancarlo says (to Wilson), "That puts her very much in danger."
Wilson says, "Fortunato said he told Livio to take a vacation."
Wilson says, "So he may have arranged to see this woman immediately."
Wilson says, "And, seeing as he was no more use to him, she killed him."
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "(Was that a night Amber had to sleep early?)"
Wilson says, "One theory, any way."
Giancarlo asks, "Were you there when Fortunato spoke to him?"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "(No, I guess not, never mind)"
[whiz-games] Whizzard says, "And hey, Turtle got a +1 BAB out of it..."
[whiz-games] inky says, "I'm not arguing"
Wilson says, "No, this was the conversation that led him to release me."
Wilson says, "But he told us that bit."
Niccolo says (to Wilson), "That seems frighteningly feasible."
Niccolo says, "Particularly if she thought he might become trouble for her."
Giancarlo says, "Perhaps we should speak to her."
Giancarlo says, "Or ... hmmm...."
Wilson asks (of Gian), "You know who she is?"
Giancarlo says (to Wilson), "Niccolo apparently knows."
Wilson looks at Niccolo questioningly.
Niccolo says, "Yes. The chickadee was in her nest earlier, I believe. She may still be."
Giancarlo rolls his eyes
Niccolo says, "Er, I mean, she's probably in her room preparing for the ball."
Wilson says, "The chickadee isn't native to this area of the country, though."
Niccolo raises an eyebrow.
Wilson says, "Oh, you mean a person."
Wilson asks, "But who?"
Amber asks, "Who is the chickadee?"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
Niccolo mutters, "Does everyone here have a memory like a sieve..."
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Whoza little chickadee?  Who?  Who?"
Giancarlo steps into the area vacated by the bush.
Amber exclaims, "Yes, and if you don't spill, I'm going to hit you over the head so you'll be like the rest of us!"
Wilson says (to Niccolo), "I've been in jail.  I'm certain you didn't mention it to me."
Niccolo speaks particularly quietly, "Her name is Abrielle. She is a courtesan who was seated at the same table as Giancarlo and myself, the first night."
Amber (suprised) "But she seemed so nice!
Niccolo says, "I happened to overhear Livio begging her to help him get out of the country yesterday afternoon. She has connections of some kind, but she told him they couldn't help him."
Wilson says, "It is a theory that she killed him, still.  But the evidence does point to her."
Niccolo says, "I believe she is also connected with Carinna, although they might only be friends. The young <countessina?> seems to freely mingle with all classes."
Amber says, "Hmph.  I'll be she fights Ambrogia style, too.  Those sword thrusts wounds *did* look familiar . . .."
Giancarlo says, "I noticed that too"
Giancarlo asks (of Amber), "Were they left-handed or right-handed?"
Wilson asks, "The wounds were Ambrogia?"
Amber says, "I'm just conjecturing aloud.  But it does make sense."
Wilson thinks back.
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Can I remember from my investigation at the time if the wound was caused left- or right-handed?"
[vodacce] GM says, "You're not sure."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Or if it could have been from a dagger and not a sword."
Wilson asks, "Is Abrielle right- or left-handed?"
Amber says, "Ambrogia-style fighting was invented by a courtesan, and Abrielle is a courtesan.  That's how I learned the style."
Niccolo says, "I should add, Carinna's not the only one she's been acquainted with."
Niccolo says, "I believe she's also had dealings with the Avalon -- Guy, I believe he's called."
Amber says, "I could ask Fortunato if we could re-examine the body."
Giancarlo asks (of Niccolo), "Are you trying to tell us that there's some secret society of women ... oh, Sir Guy?"
Wilson asks, "What kind of dealings?"
[vodacce] GM says, "You've not had enough battlefield experience to tell."
[interludes] GM has added Venzi to the channel.
[interludes] Venzi says (to Sailor), "arr, so we meet again"
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Boy, there's an understatement."
Niccolo says, "Information, perhaps more. Unfortunately, I don't know *what* information."
Wilson asks, "Like, you saw them trade information?"
Giancarlo asks, "Wasn't Chiara planning on speaking to Sir Guy?"
[interludes] Venzi arrives back at the house and looks around for a servant to go find Ridolfo
Niccolo says, "I heard her ask, and him... consider it, at least."
[interludes] GM says, "Fortunately this house is well stocked with servants. There's one now."
[vodacce] Giancarlo asks, "Dammit, it really IS Sir Guy, isn't it??"
[interludes] Venzi asks (of servant), "excuse me -- might you direct me to Ridolfo? or Ridolfo to me?"
Wilson exclaims (at Gian), "Really?  And here her bodyguard is with us!"
[vodacce] GM says, "Yes, and he's killed Chiara."
[vodacce] Venzi exclaims, "!!"
[interludes] Servant says, "Certainly. If you will wait here."
[interludes] Servant walks off.
Amber exclaims, "Damn! I've got to go to her.  I knew it was a bad idea to let her go alone!"
Giancarlo asks (of Amber), "Yes, what happened after you and Chiara left earlier?"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "If that's not a joke, the rest of the game might be a bit boring for Emily..."
Wilson says, "Gian, you go with her."
Amber says, "We ran into Wilson, and she wanted to go speak with Sir Guy privately.  I respected her wishes."
Wilson asks, "Niccolo, should we visit Abrielle now?"
[vodacce] (from Chiara) Chiara's ghost says, "woooOOOOOOooooo"
Giancarlo says, "Aye."
Niccolo asks, "Do you even know where Guy *is*?"
Wilson says, "Well, he has a room, presumably."
Niccolo says (to Wilson), "I think so."
Giancarlo says, "To his room, then."
Niccolo says (to Wilson), "I know where her room is."
Giancarlo turns and begins marching.
[interludes] Servant returns. "He couldn't come, but said he had the name you wanted: Pio is the guard who took Wilson to his cell."
[vodacce] GM asks, "So where are people going?"
Amber starts jogging off in Sir Guy's direction.
Wilson exits, replaces the bush, and goes with Niccolo to Abrielle's.
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "to the house, to find Sir Guy."
[interludes2] Venzi sighs. "Well, I had a new name for him, but never mind. Do thank him for me."
Niccolo asks (of Wilson), "Door or window?"
[interludes2] GM has removed Venzi from the channel.
Amber breaks into a sprint.
[interludes] Venzi sighs. "Well, I had a new name for him, but never mind. Do thank him for me."
[vodacce] GM asks, "So everyone's headed out of the maze toot sweet?"
[interludes] Venzi says, "(thanks)"
Giancarlo runs after Amber.
[interludes] Servant asks, "Can I take a message to him?"
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "So it seems. Will Gian put the bush back at least?"
[vodacce] Amber asks, "is sprinting brawn or finesse?"
[vodacce] GM says, "Brawn"
[vodacce] Giancarlo says (to Nic), "Wilson's done so already"
[7thsea] Amber rolls 3k2: 7 9 9 | 18
[interludes] Venzi frowns. "No, I don't think so. I will try and speak to him later."
GM says, "Amber and Giancarlo run past five men loitering around the maze."
[7thsea] Giancarlo rolls 4k2: 4 8 5 5 | 13
Amber passess Giancarlo.
Niccolo asks (of Wilson), "Are we going to her door or her window?"
[vodacce] GM asks, "Wilson and Niccolo are going to the house as well?"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Yes."
Wilson says (to Niccolo), "I can be quiet when I need to be."
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Except I'm not sprinting yet."
Niccolo says, "Or, we could split up. One of us going to each way in."
GM says, "As Wilson and Niccolo come out of the maze, the five men wander over to them."
Giancarlo says (to Amber), "You seem suddenly very much convinced that Sir Guy's a great danger."
Niccolo shuts up at this point.
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Do they look familiar?"
Man says, "'scuse me."
Man says (to Niccolo), "You're free to go. We just need him."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "whuh-oh"
Wilson runs.
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Are they guards?"
Amber says (to Giancarlo), "I feel badly for leaving Chiara before, and I would hate to have something bad happen to her.  I'm not convinced Sir Guy is evil, but there's no point in loitering."
[vodacce] GM says, "Sprinting. And they are so not guards."
Niccolo says (to Guard), "OK -- thanks."
Niccolo runs too.
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Adding drama die:"
[7thsea] Wilson rolls 4k3: 4 1 10+1 5 | 20
[vodacce] Chiara says, "The uniforms are anti-guard uniforms"
Wilson exclaims (at Amber), "Help!"
Niccolo makes a point to run more Gian and Amber -ward than Wilson-ward, though.
[7thsea] GM rolls 3k3: 2 3 10+8 | 23
[7thsea] GM rolls 2k2: 8 7 | 15
[7thsea] GM rolls 2k2: 3 1 | 4
[7thsea] GM rolls 2k2: 7 7 | 14
[7thsea] GM rolls 2k2: 2 6 | 8
Giancarlo thinks about what Teodor said about foreign sorceries.
[7thsea] Amber rolls 4k4: 10+9 6 10+3 5 | 43
GM says, "Wilson manages to outrun everyone but the man in the lead."
GM says, "who lunges at him, sword outstretched."
Amber stops on a dime, turns around, and whips out her pistols.
[7thsea] GM rolls 7k4: 8 2 3 6 10+9 10+9 6 | 52
Giancarlo asks, "did you hear something?"
[7thsea] Niccolo rolls 3k2: 5 5 3 | 10
[vodacce] (from Chiara) Amber, meanwhile, takes the gold in speed-skating
Giancarlo skids to a halt.
[vodacce] Chiara says, "also, eeyow"
Amber exclaims, "Halt!"
[vodacce] GM asks (of Wilson), "You going to try to actively defend, or take it like a scientist?"
Wilson says, "I keep running."
Amber starts sighting on the brutes.
[7thsea] GM rolls 5k2: 6 6 9 1 4 | 15
[vodacce] Wilson says, "I was trying to run towards the house, but if they were in the way, I ran the other direction."
Giancarlo whips out throwing knives
[vodacce] GM says, "Roll your brawn."
[7thsea] Wilson rolls 2k2: 9 1 | 10
[vodacce] GM says, "The critical wound will slow you down. You can keep limping."
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Did Amber and Gian actually hear me yelling?"
[vodacce] GM says, "At this point we're into rounds and such."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "I do have a 4 resolve."
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "Yeah, we stopped and produced ranged weaponry."
[vodacce] Amber asks, "initiative?"
[7thsea] Giancarlo rolls 3 dice: 7 1 4
[7thsea] Wilson rolls 3 dice: 7 6 5
[vodacce] GM says, "Yeah. Hang on and let me set up where everyone is."
[vodacce] GM says, "Or everyone can just roll."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Heh."
[7thsea] Amber rolls 3 dice: 10 2 8
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "We're into the, 'whoever's not for us is against us' bit of the story, right? Is the converse true, I wonder."
[7thsea] Niccolo rolls 3 dice: 2 5 7
[vodacce] Giancarlo says (to Niccolo), "The converse is the actual quote."
[vodacce] Niccolo says (to Gian), "Doesn't say anything about whether or not it's true, though."
[vodacce] Giancarlo says (to Niccolo), "I think it's in one of Paul's epistles.  'whoever is not against us is for us'."
[vodacce] GM says, "Wilson and the lead man are next to each other. Four men are staggering behind them."
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "(Er, applicable, I should say)"
[vodacce] GM says, "Giancarlo is a ways ahead, Amber even further."
[vodacce] GM says, "And Venzi just happens to be skulking around the outside of the house."
[vodacce] Giancarlo asks, "Within knife-throwing distance?"
[vodacce] GM says, "and can be here in a full round if he wishes"
[vodacce] Amber exclaims, "yay Venzi!"
[vodacce] Venzi exclaims, "yay me!"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Ah, I'll head Venzi-ward."
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "You want to peg Venzi with a knife?"
Venzi, wandering along casually, has his attention attracted by the noise.
[vodacce] GM says (to Giancarlo), "Out of range of any ranged weapons, but he can run and meet up with Niccolo by the end of this round."
[vodacce] GM asks (of Niccolo), "You running for Venzi, then?"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Yeah."
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "I mean, the lead man and/or the other stragglers."
Wilson exclaims, "Ow!  Help!  Murder!"
[7thsea] GM rolls 3k3: 9 10+5 1 | 25
Venzi looks over at Niccolo running towards him, and starts to run towards *him*
[vodacce] GM says, "oops, let me try that again."
[7thsea] GM rolls 3 dice: 9 5 1
[7thsea] GM rolls 2 dice: 4 1
[7thsea] GM rolls 2 dice: 4 7
[7thsea] GM rolls 2 dice: 6 4
[7thsea] GM rolls 2 dice: 5 9
[vodacce] GM says, "Niccolo, you'll spend this series of rounds meeting up with Venzi and dragging him Wilson-wards."
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "He he within talking distance?"
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "I have an action on 1.  If the attackers are within range, I'm whipping a knife at the lead man."
[vodacce] GM says, "Without shouting distance. He can hear you say indistinct things very loudly."
[vodacce] GM says, "The lead man is in range, and has an action this turn as well. One of the other men also has an action, and will use it to run closer to Wilson and lead guy."
[vodacce] Niccolo waits a few phases to call to him, then.
[vodacce] GM says, "Lead guy acts first."
Lead_Guy takes another swipe at Wilson
[7thsea] Lead_Guy rolls 7k4: 6 5 4 7 7 6 1 | 26
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Wait, so I could have done an active defence on that attack for free? Durn."
[vodacce] Giancarlo asks, "I assume left-handed bonus doesn't count for ranged attacks?"
[vodacce] GM says (to Giancarlo), "Correct."
[vodacce] GM says (to Wilson), "Also, you're hit again unless you're doing something about it."
[7thsea] Giancarlo rolls 6k3: 9 1 7 6 8 2 | 24
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Dude, I get a k2.  I'm staying pat."
[vodacce] GM says (to Giancarlo), "One second, please."
Lead_Guy lunges, burying his steel in Wilson.
[7thsea] Lead_Guy rolls 5k2: 9 10+2 7 7 1 | 21
[7thsea] Wilson rolls 2k2: 7 4 | 11
Lead_Guy exclaims, "Stop running!"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "(also ow)"
[vodacce] (from Niccolo) Lead_Guy exclaims, "I have your birthday present!"
[vodacce] GM says, "That's two dramatic for Wilson. Now, Giancarlo."
[vodacce] GM asks, "So you were throwing at lead guy?"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "ow"
[vodacce] Giancarlo asks, "yep. that was 24.  enough, or should I dd it?"
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Eh, they got 6 more to go before I'm dead."
[vodacce] GM says, "It's a hit. He's TN 20."
[7thsea] Giancarlo rolls 3k2: 1 10+7 9 | 26
[vodacce] Wilson says, "I'll be fine.  Go ahead and collect clues and stuff."
[7thsea] Lead_Guy rolls 3k3: 10+9 1 1 | 21
Lead_Guy pulls up short, a knife deep in his right leg.
Giancarlo whips a throwing knife at the attacker and begins running after it before checking to see if he hits.
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Y'know, there is the possibility that they didn't entirely want to hurt Wilson, but didn't know what else to do when someone starts running..."
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "...nah."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "heh"
[vodacce] GM says, "Round 2. Amber, you're up."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "'what else to do' == tackle, not 'hit with sword'."
[7thsea] Amber rolls 6k4: 10+7 3 8 9 5 9 | 43
[vodacce] GM says, "And Niccolo can get within shouting range of Venzi."
[vodacce] Amber exclaims, "forgot to mention my raises!"
[vodacce] GM asks, "Lead guy, pistols?"
[vodacce] Amber asks, "can I reroll with raises?"
[vodacce] GM asks, "If you want. How many raises?"
[vodacce] Niccolo exclaims (at Wilson), "tell them, not me!"
Niccolo exclaims (at Venzi), "Five men... attacking Wilson!"
Venzi asks, "really! where?"
[vodacce] Amber says, "just one."
[7thsea] Amber rolls 6k4: 2 2 4 8 5 6 | 23
Niccolo exclaims (at Venzi), "Chiara... maybe in danger!"
Venzi is shouting somewhat breathlessly as he runs towards Niccolo
[vodacce] Amber exclaims, "adding drama die!"
[7thsea] Amber rolls 1 die: 3
Venzi asks, "*really*? *where*?!?"
[vodacce] GM says, "You hit."
[vodacce] GM says, "Roll damage."
Niccolo waves an arm at Wilson et al, since he doesn't know really where Chiara is.
[7thsea] Amber rolls 5k3: 6 2 5 9 9 | 24
[7thsea] Lead_Guy rolls 3k3: 8 8 6 | 22
[vodacce] Chiara says, "(somewhere offscreen, Chiara and/or her ghost are deeply touched)"
Venzi shrugs and runs thataway, then
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "Actually, Chiara is now a small ball of cheese.  Darn that glamour."
[vodacce] Venzi says (to Chiara), "I would like to come save you but he's not telling me"
Lead_Guy shrieks in pain as he takes a lead ball in his previously-wounded right leg.
[vodacce] Chiara says (to Giancarlo), "Heh"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "a fitting end"
[vodacce] GM says, "No one has round 3, so on to round 4."
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "I'm sprinting over."
[7thsea] Giancarlo rolls 4k2: 6 10+5 9 3 | 24
Giancarlo sprints over to Wilson's side.
[vodacce] GM says, "You'll be there in time for your next round."
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "excellent"
GM says, "Two of the other guys catch up with Wilson and the lead guy; the third guy who had already reached Wilson decides it's his turn to take a swipe."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "(Running past the other 4, no doubt)"
[7thsea] Random_Guy rolls 6k3: 4 6 2 10+2 10+10+7 2 | 45
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "This is still round 4?"
[vodacce] GM says, "Yes, round 4."
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Can I spend two future rounds and run away?"
[vodacce] GM says, "You can in round 5."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "No, spend my 6 and 7 to run."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "heh"
[vodacce] GM says, "You didn't let me know before Random_Guy stuck you."
[vodacce] GM says, "so you have to take the blow."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Arr, didn't know.  Hey, I still have plenty o'resolve."
[7thsea] Random_Guy rolls 4k2: 3 4 1 4 | 8
[7thsea] Wilson rolls 2k2: 7 10+8 | 25
Wilson exclaims, "'Tis but a scratch!"
Random_Guy, huffing and puffing mightily, manages to nick Wilson.
[Crows-Nest] Giancarlo opens bible.  First thing he sees is: "Death!" (Sirach 41:1)
[vodacce] GM says, "Round 5. Wilson, then lead guy."
Wilson runs.
[7thsea] Wilson rolls 3k2: 1 3 2 | 5
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Pfft."
Niccolo stops, and shouts.
Niccolo exclaims, "Keep them running that way! I'll go check on WILSON, over THIS WAY!"
Niccolo turns and runs the other way.
Wilson . o O ( Heh.  Right. )
GM says, "As Wilson hobbles away very fast, the lead guy takes a two-handed swipe at him."
[7thsea] Lead_Guy rolls 7k4: 7 1 4 6 3 9 9 | 31
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "(That being my phase five action, whenever it comes up)"
[vodacce] GM says, "There's another for WIlson, who is collecting wounds faster than spiders."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "eew"
[7thsea] Lead_Guy rolls 5k2 (no explosions): 8 1 10 7 8 | 18
[7thsea] Wilson rolls 2k2: 3 1 | 4
[vodacce] Chiara says, "(sheesh)"
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Geez, what happened to my 25?"
Lead_Guy shouts in excitement when his blade strikes home. "I hit bone!"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Ow..."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "(yeuck, too)"
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Do I need a a dd to avoid 2 dramatics?"
[vodacce] GM says, "You certainly do."
Venzi is running and muttering under his breath "man, all the other times I leave and there's no problem, and I let him out of my sight for one hour and ..."
[7thsea] Wilson rolls 1k1: 9 | 9
[vodacce] GM says, "Round six. wilson, then random guy."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "(when do I arrive?)"
Wilson's leg twists away at the last second, but there's still a nasty cut.
[vodacce] GM says, "Roll a sprint for me."
[7thsea] Wilson rolls 3k2: 4 3 4 | 8
[vodacce] Venzi asks, "brawn? resolve?"
[vodacce] GM says, "brawn"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "I guess they're both 2"
[7thsea] Venzi rolls 3k2: 7 7 10+7 | 24
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Brawn."
[vodacce] GM says (to Venzi), "You'll be there for round seven."
[vodacce] GM says, "(ranged weapons) and in blade distance by 8."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "alrighty"
GM says, "Wilson wobbles on, forcing random guy to really reach to try to hit him."
[7thsea] Random_Guy rolls 3k2: 3 5 10+4 | 19
Random_Guy exclaims, "Damn!"
[vodacce] GM says, "Round 7. Wilson -- again -- and Giancarlo, then Random Guy"
[7thsea] Wilson rolls 3k2: 4 7 9 | 16
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Finally!  Something respectable."
Giancarlo raises a fist as he gets in close, not slowing down but cannoning bodily into lead guy.
[vodacce] (from Chiara) GM says, "Sir Random Guy, to be precise"
[vodacce] Giancarlo asks, "whassa roll and can i use pugilism/left-handed?"
[vodacce] Wilson says, "I'm assuming all this running is giving me some sort of bonus against these attacks, at least."
[vodacce] GM says (to Wilson), "minus one unkept from last guy, and now they have to run after you since you've gained on them."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Cool."
[vodacce] GM says (to Giancarlo), "You can use pugilism, either attack or jab."
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "Well, I'm mainly trying to bowl him over.  Using my body as a battering ram, as it were.  So not jab."
[7thsea] Giancarlo rolls 5k3: 8 7 10+9 7 9 | 36
[vodacce] Wilson says, "I could bowl him over with my stunningly accurate drawings, but probably only in a different setting."
[vodacce] GM says, "Use your attack, then. If you hit, instead of damage, roll brawn against his finesse to knock him over."
[vodacce] Venzi says (to Wilson), "hee hee"
[7thsea] Giancarlo rolls 2k2: 5 10+3 | 18
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "'E's a dangerous one, that Wilson. No wonder they're afraid of him."
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "he should beat that 18 easily...."
[vodacce] GM asks, "Lead guy?"
[7thsea] Lead_Guy rolls 4k4: 4 3 2 9 | 18
[vodacce] GM says, "You take him down. RP."
Giancarlo sprints in, fist first, ramming into the lead guy like a speeding train, if trains were invented by 1668.
Lead_Guy exclaims, "Gah! My leg!"
GM says, "His leg does indeed buckle under him"
GM says, "leaving him on the ground with Giancarlo on top."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "woo woo"
Giancarlo asks (of Lead_Guy), "Youse leave da scientist-guy alone, see?"
Niccolo exclaims (at Maze), "Help! Thugs, on the estate!"
GM says, "The random guy who had gotten close goes after Wilson, breathing hard."
Niccolo exclaims (at Maze), "Men of honor, bring your swords!"
GM says (to Niccolo), "With any luck, people will respond shortly."
[vodacce] GM says, "Round 8. Amber."
[vodacce] Amber says, "raise one to hit two"
[7thsea] Amber rolls 6k4: 8 5 8 9 8 4 | 33
[vodacce] GM says, "You hit."
Amber cunningly lines up two assisins in her sights, and shoots down two in one shot!
[vodacce] GM says, "Roll damage twice"
[7thsea] Amber rolls 4k3: 8 3 1 8 | 19
[7thsea] Amber rolls 4k3: 9 4 8 9 | 26
[7thsea] Random_Guy rolls 2k2: 3 6 | 9
[7thsea] Random_Guy rolls 2k2: 10+4 3 | 17
[vodacce] Amber exclaims, "whoohoo!  I rock!"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "nice"
GM says, "One of the men hit by Amber clutches his throat, blood spurting, and falls. The other catches the riccocheting bullet in his left arm."
GM says, "Venzi is now in range of the big ball of lead guy and Giancarlo."
[Crows-Nest] Giancarlo says, "hee"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "er, how's giancarlo doing? I assume he has the guy under control, as it were"
[vodacce] Amber asks, "how far away are they from me now?"
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "How many are still on their feet?"
Giancarlo is (presumably) sitting on the lead guy's chest.
[vodacce] GM says, "Giancarlo is sprawled across the lead guy, who has an action in round 9. The men are still as far as they were before, Amber, since you've been standing still and shooting, and Wilson's hobbling away on a line slightly away from you. There are still three on their feet."
Venzi continues running towards the men still on their feet, then.
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Was the Random Guy near me hit by Amber, or is he still going?"
[vodacce] GM says, "The random guys are bunched near you, but not quite in sword range."
[vodacce] GM says, "One of them has an action in round nine and will catch you, but be unable to attack yet."
[vodacce] GM says, "Round nine. Venzi, then lead guy, then random guy."
Venzi keeps running until he reaches a guy who is chasing Wilson but not being sat on by Giancarlo.
GM says, "You're there."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "(I'm a picky guy, what can I say)"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "alrighty then"
GM says, "They're bunched around Giancarlo/lead guy."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "And you can raise to hit two."
[vodacce] (from GM) Wilson says, "*please*"
Venzi exclaims, "surrender now!"
Venzi draws his sword.
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Did that sound like a recommendation?  It was information only, let me assur you."
[Crows-Nest] Giancarlo says, "surrender dorothy"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "and running after, if they're still running -- and if they don't do anything in a second, I'm hitting them"
GM says, "The men don't respond -- they seem committed right now."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "very well then, I'm hitting them."
[7thsea] Venzi rolls 7k3: 7 8 5 9 4 9 9 | 27
[7thsea] Venzi rolls 4k2: 9 3 7 5 | 16
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Are these guys also TN 20?"
[7thsea] Random_Guy rolls 2k2: 1 7 | 8
[vodacce] GM says, "Yes."
Venzi yanks his sword back as the man stumbles. "Who's next?"
Wilson exclaims, "Hey, it's my bodyguard!  Neat!"
GM says, "It turns out the man who was in the lead is next."
GM says (to Giancarlo), "Contested brawn to keep him down."
[vodacce] Venzi laughs and laughs
[7thsea] Giancarlo rolls 2k2: 9 1 | 10
[7thsea] Lead_Guy rolls 3k3 (no explosions): 8 7 3 | 18
Wilson says, "Boy, you guys are in trouble now."
Lead_Guy digs a thumb into one of Giancarlo's eyes and uses the resulting distraction to wriggle out from under him.
Wilson says, "(pant)"
Giancarlo says, "gahh"
GM asks, "Round 10. Amber?"
[vodacce] Amber says, "I'm running toward the fight while changing weapons."
[Crows-Nest] Giancarlo says, "Sooner or later I always get the eye-gouge...."
[vodacce] Amber says, "I assumed that would take an action."
[vodacce] GM says, "You'll be there for the next turn."
[vodacce] GM says, "Right."
[vodacce] GM exclaims, "Everybody rolls!"
[7thsea] Amber rolls 3 dice: 2 3 3
[7thsea] Wilson rolls 3 dice: 3 8 1
[7thsea] Giancarlo rolls 3 dice: 9 2 8
[7thsea] Niccolo rolls 3 dice: 9 4 2
[7thsea] Venzi rolls 3 dice: 5 8 3
[7thsea] Venzi says, "rerolling 8:"
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Yay!  I needed that one."
[7thsea] Venzi rolls 1 die: 4
[7thsea] Lead_Guy rolls 3 dice: 4 10 10
[7thsea] Random_Guy rolls 2 dice: 6 4
[7thsea] Random_Guy rolls 2 dice: 10 6
[7thsea] Random_Guy rolls 2 dice: 8 10
[vodacce] Wilson exclaims, "Woo!"
GM says, "Round 1. Lead Guy will spend his two round tens to act."
Wilson runs away.
[7thsea] Wilson rolls 3k2: 6 1 6 | 12
[vodacce] Giancarlo asks, "are lead guy and I both on the ground or are we now more-or-less standing?"
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Lead guy is standing, at least."
[vodacce] GM says, "Lead guy is mostly standing. You are holding your eye and still on the ground."
Lead_Guy, seeing that Wilson is out of range, strikes at Giancarlo instead.
[7thsea] Lead_Guy rolls 7k4 (no explosions): 7 7 4 5 7 1 7 | 28
Giancarlo takes it
[7thsea] Lead_Guy rolls 5k2 (no explosions): 10 8 7 9 6 | 19
[7thsea] Giancarlo rolls 2k2: 6 2 | 8
[vodacce] GM says, "Two dramatics for Giancarlo"
Lead_Guy leans into it, driving his blade home.
[vodacce] Giancarlo asks, "two?"
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Were you looking at the 28 instead of the 19?"
[vodacce] GM says, "Whoops, yes."
[vodacce] GM says, "Sorry. One dramatic."
Lead_Guy asks, "punch me, will you?"
GM says, "Round 2."
Giancarlo grunts. "Yeah."
GM says, "Giancarlo, then Niccolo, then Amber."
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "me"
Giancarlo swings a knife around low at the lead guy.
[7thsea] Giancarlo rolls 6k3: 10+3 3 7 8 7 1 | 28
[vodacce] GM says, "Hit."
[7thsea] Giancarlo rolls 3k2: 6 5 9 | 15
[7thsea] Lead_Guy rolls 3k3: 2 8 10+4 | 24
[vodacce] GM says, "Whoops, no explode. But still a 20."
[vodacce] GM asks, "Niccolo?"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Holding."
[vodacce] GM asks, "Amber?"
[vodacce] Amber says, "two raises."
[7thsea] Amber rolls 8k4: 2 3 10+8 7 1 3 3 6 | 34
[vodacce] GM says, "You got it."
[vodacce] Amber exclaims, "slice & dice!"
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "is using his 8 and 9 to move on 3."
[vodacce] GM says, "You might could wait until Amber's done."
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "(er, I am, I mean)"
Amber slashes at the man attacking Giancarlo, turns and slices the man behind him.
[vodacce] GM says, "Damage for 'em."
[7thsea] Amber rolls 4k2: 4 1 9 5 | 14
[7thsea] Amber rolls 5k2: 6 10+10+2 3 8 10+3 | 35
[7thsea] Lead_Guy rolls 3k3 (no explosions): 2 3 1 | 6
[7thsea] Random_Guy rolls 2k2: 1 7 | 8
GM says, "Both go down, the former lead man twitching and burbling."
[vodacce] Amber says, "not sure I'm rolling this right - I added a die to each damage roll, one for each raise."
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "you're right.  I guess I won't be using that 8 and 9 as an interrupt after all."
GM says, "Round 3. Wilson, Venzi, Amber, Amber."
[vodacce] GM says, "Mmm, I'll let it stand."
[vodacce] Venzi asks, "er, is anybody still alive?"
[vodacce] GM says, "But, yeah, your raise goes into hitting two."
[vodacce] GM says, "There are two very scared-looking people."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "I'm not quite sure how many hits these guys are taking"
Wilson, most of the carnage behind him and not turning to check, keeps running.
[7thsea] Wilson rolls 3k2: 5 7 3 | 12
[vodacce] Amber asks, "so how should I have rolled it for raise 2?  just one aditional die for one damage roll, right?"
[vodacce] GM says, "Yeah"
[vodacce] GM says (to Wilson), "At this point you're well away from them."
[vodacce] GM asks, "Venzi, what are you going to do with the other two?"
Venzi says (to remaining guys), "if you surrender now, I won't slice your bellies open"
Random_Guys look at their comrades on the ground, then throw their swords as far away from them as they can.
Venzi asks, "now then -- let's have a little chat, shall we?"
Random_Guys nod briskly.
Giancarlo smiles.  This is his favourite part.
[vodacce] Venzi says, "(not that they're scared of me -- they're scared of *Amber*)"
Amber approaches the Random_guys.
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Phases and rounds done now, right?"
[vodacce] GM says, "Yes."
Venzi asks, "first of all, who are you working for? second of all, why were you attacking him?"
Amber exclaims (at Giancarlo), "Aw, you're not going to let me slice them up?  That's the fun part!"
Niccolo jogs over to the mess of blood and swords and things.
Venzi asks, "and third of all, WHERE'S CHIARA?"
Random_Guy says, "Er, we worked for Battista there."
Random_Guy points at burbling former-lead man.
[vodacce] Chiara says, "(aww)"
[7thsea] Wilson rolls 3k2: 8 8 8 | 16
Random_Guy says, "And, uh, we were attacking that guy because that's who Battista told us we'd been hired to kill."
Amber exclaims (at Wilson), "You can stop running now!"
Random_Guy asks, "Er, and, uh, Chiara?"
Giancarlo turns Battista over so he doesn't drown in his own blood.  Er, assuming he ain't dead.
Wilson makes it to the house, turns to run along it, realizes there's noone around.
Venzi sighs.
Venzi says, "great"
Niccolo eventually catches back up to Venzi, Amber, Giancarlo.
Venzi says, "well, I think you can consider your job over"
GM says, "He's going to be dead very soon. Amber didn't leave him with much of his side intact."
Wilson stops, pants, comes back.
Random_Guys nod vigorously.
Giancarlo asks (of Battista), "Confession time.  Quick.  Who sent you?"
Amber says, "I'll have to be more careful in the future."
Niccolo says, "If you've got things in hand here, I thinks some of us still ought to be heading to the house to check on Chiara."
Battista's laugh fades away. "...or what?"
Venzi says (to random guys), "don't let me catch you around here again."
Giancarlo says (to Battista), "Speak quickly and maybe we'll get a priest to you in time."
Niccolo asks (of Amber), "Do you know where she'll be?"
Wilson says (to Battista), "I can help."
Random_Guys take Venzi at his word and run like hell.
Wilson kneels down by him.
[vodacce] GM says (to Wilson), "If you want, it'll be a TN 30."
Amber says (to Niccolo), "She's with Sir Guy."
[vodacce] GM says, "to stop the worst of the bleeding."
Venzi asks, "now, why did you guys think she was in trouble?"
Amber says, "I'm concerned about her."
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "For first aid, or surgery?"
Niccolo says (to Venzi), "Because she's with Sir Guy."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Not that they're different."
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "This is wits?"
[vodacce] GM says, "First aid. You don't have what you'd need to do real surgery at this point."
[vodacce] GM says, "And yes, wits."
Venzi says, "also (glancing around to see who's near) it was Rocca who bought the swords -- Fortunato's new quartermaster"
[7thsea] Wilson rolls 3k2: 1 7 6 | 13
Niccolo asks, "Oh? Handy. Who's friends with Rocca, then?"
[vodacce] GM says, "It looks like if you squeeze here on Battista -- no, that just makes the blood pour out faster."
Battista says, "...said it'd be easy. said he was a scientist, couldn't fight for..."
Venzi says, "and I don't know if Wilson and Amber had a chance to mention it, but Livio's dead"
Wilson says (to Battista), "Er, hold on, I think I got it."
Battista says, "...didn't mention *friends*..."
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "So how do I tell Venzi, 'we thought she was in trouble because the GM said she was dead. but OOC'"
Giancarlo asks (of Battista), "WHO sent you?"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
[vodacce] Wilson says (to Niccolo), "It's because we suspect Sir Guy."
Giancarlo carefully reads Battista's lips as he speaks.
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Via Abrielle."
GM says, "Battista's lips form a 'D', but then go completely slack."
[vodacce] Venzi asks, "via abrielle?"
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Who *isn't* associated with Abrielle in this place?"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "also, I bet Fortunato would be SO PLEASED if we come over and talk to him"
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "D.  As in Dixon."
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "She'd give any fate witch a migraine with all those strands."
[vodacce] GM says, "You people are the PARTY OF DEATH"
Wilson says, "Oh, drat."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "or as in D'Angelo, for instance"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Or 'damn'"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
Wilson fixes his own and Giancarlo's wounds, instead.
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "Or diTomasso"
[vodacce] GM says, "Or, I will point out helpfully, diTommaso"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "there we go"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Or DiTommaso, I -- bah you."
Giancarlo winces at the patching up.
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "(Wait. Don't bah the GM for giving hints)"
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Hey, doesn't 'diTommaso' start with a D?"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "and then there's diArgento"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "they're all LIES anyway"
[vodacce] GM says, "Also, d'Fortunato"
[vodacce] Chiara laughs
[vodacce] Venzi says, "ok, right"
Venzi asks, "ok, so what now?"
[vodacce] Niccolo exclaims, "No, wait, it's Madame DeLasse!"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "YES"
Giancarlo says (to Venzi), "Now?  We get a fresh set of clothes for dinner."
[vodacce] GM laughs.
Venzi asks, "it seems as though matters have been coming to a head -- what did you find out before the fighting started?"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "it's all actually a complex Montaigne porte scheme"
Niccolo says (to Venzi), "Abrielle the courtesan is up to her chin in connections with everyone here, and she may have had motive to kill Livio."
[vodacce] GM says, "This will be the end of this session. Wilson will be able to patch Giancarlo up well enough, but Wilson's going to be slowed for the next while."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "to replace the Vodacce cheeses with Montaignais ones, smuggling everything through a porte rip in the secret area of the maze..."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "I thought there wasn't any game effect until your dramatics reached your resolve."
[vodacce] GM says, "oh my."
[vodacce] Amber says, "Yay us for cool role-playing."
[vodacce] Amber says, "and Yay GM for cool GMing."
[vodacce] Venzi asks, "wait, you managed to make it through that with less than 4 dramatics?"
[vodacce] GM exclaims, "yay!"
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "Yay Yay"
Niccolo says (to Venzi), "Among her associates are Carinna and Dixon -- the latter of which iswith Chiara."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Ayup."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Three."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "also yay gm for handling a half-dozen interludes at once"
[vodacce] (from Chiara) Chiara's ghost says, "wwwuhhhhoooOOOOOoooo"
Venzi asks, "'associates' in what sense?"
[vodacce] GM says (to Wilson), "You won't lose any rolls, but you're not getting rid of all three of those dramatics just by binding yourself up."
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Yeah, there was some fun stuff this session."
Niccolo says (to Venzi), "That's exactly what I'd like to know."
[vodacce] (from GM) Niccolo says (to Venzi), "*Sapphic* associates"
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Oh, right--I just meant the 'slowed down' bit."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "my my"
[vodacce] Giancarlo asks, "Sapphic?  You mean they sit around and write poetry?"
[vodacce] Wilson says, "(I assume Gian will still have his dramatic, too.)"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "And Abrielle just wanted Dixon to fetch her a book of Cymru rhymes."
[vodacce] Amber asks, "is the cool gm giving cool xp tonight?"
[vodacce] Chiara says (to Amber), "oh, YOU're subtle"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
[vodacce] Amber asks, "you hadn't noticed?"
[vodacce] GM says, "Right. You can both get one taken care of if you find someone to help you out at the start of next session."
[vodacce] GM laughs.
[vodacce] GM says, "This was a good 2xp session."
[vodacce] GM says, "A drama die for Wilson the human pincushion"
[vodacce] Wilson exclaims, "Woo!"
[vodacce] Niccolo says (to Wilson), "Yay"
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "Yay Wilson"
[vodacce] GM says, "And one for Niccolo for something I can't really talk about."
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Yayyay"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "good job getting THINGS poked in you Wilson"
[vodacce] Wilson says, "I do what I can."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "heh"
[vodacce] Amber exclaims (at Wilson), "And not dying!"
[vodacce] GM says, "If ou had stopped running you could have done more."
[vodacce] Niccolo asks (of Chiara), "It'd SD to ask what you've been doing, after that comment, right?"
[vodacce] Chiara coughs
[vodacce] Wilson says, "My legs were on auto-pilot."
[vodacce] Chiara says (to Niccolo), "you will note that I did NOT receive a drama die.  You can take what meaning you like from this point."
[vodacce] GM asks, "I'd give Chiara a drama die, but what do ghosts need with them?"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Hee."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "snk"
[vodacce] GM says, "Y'all have found out a lot of good stuff this time."
[vodacce] Niccolo asks (of GM), "Is spending XP mid-story kosher?"
[vodacce] GM says, "Sure."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "wilson's been doing it, so I assume so"
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Next week--Saturday still work for people?  Sara and I are Going Out friday."
[vodacce] Chiara says, "um, yeah, should be ok"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Saturday's taken."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "I believe I am busy saturday"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "or, er, not"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "yeah, saturday not good"
[vodacce] Amber asks, "Sunday afternoon?"
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "How early?"
[vodacce] Amber says, "whenever."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "I'm free sundays"
[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "Sunday not good for me. I'm not home until 9."
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "I'm free Sunday, provided it's early enough."
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Never mind."
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "During the week?"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "I could do Thursday evening maybe."
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "But that's my only weeknight."
[vodacce] Wilson asks (of GM), "How early would you be available?"
[vodacce] GM says, "So the moral is Niccolo is a big fat load of trouble."
[vodacce] Wilson says, "(in the week)"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "Thursday's be ok for me"
[vodacce] Venzi exclaims, "I'm trouble too!"
[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Why is Niccolo trouble?"
[vodacce] GM says, "I tutor from 5:30 to around 7 in the evening, so the earliest would be around 7:30 eastern."
[vodacce] GM says (to Wilson), "Niccolo's got something next Saturday."
[vodacce] Amber says, "Thursday's okay if we start early enough (the usual time, 7:00 here, is fine)"
[vodacce] Wilson says, "We don't get home until then anyway."
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "7:30 eastern Thursday is fine with me."
[vodacce] GM says (to Venzi), "What about you? You've got work and stuff, I know."
[vodacce] Venzi says, "oh, um, er"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "I guess I can leave early thursday"
[vodacce] Wilson says, "Or stay late ;-)"
[vodacce] GM says, "'What are you doing?' 'Oh, *coding*. See, it's all text!'"
[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "And the GM class is multithreaded."
[vodacce] Niccolo asks (of Chiara), "Thursday for you?"
[vodacce] Chiara says, "yeah, that'd work"
[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Then I'll close the log."
[vodacce] Wilson asks (of GM), "And you'll be ready by then?"
[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Unless anyone has anything else?"
[vodacce] NewsBoy hollers, "Extra! Extra! GM has posted message 20, about 'Next game', to the bulletin board! This is something completely new, really just part of your randomness."
[vodacce] GM says, "Oh gosh, will I be ready."