GM says, "So, with 2.5 players, I know we're running a little light, but I'd kinda like to try to give this a shot, if people are up for it."
Everard says, "sounds good"
Sylith says, "hokay"
GM says, "So, as you all know, Meritep, king of Kesh, has offered fabulous rewards for anyone that can capture his brother, Pembatep, leader of the rebel forces of Nabo."
GM says, "Please describe how you learned of this quest, how you came to the palace of Meritep, and what he's offering you."
GM says (to Everard), "And.... go."
Gunther arrives, looking for booty.
Everard says, "I served for a time with a mercenary company but they were eventually caught in an ambush and all massacred but I"
[Crows-Nest] GM asks (of Gunther), "Hi -- interested in watching or interested in playing?"
Everard says, "a few days' hard riding found me recuperating in a tavern whence I heard this reward was all that was discussed"
Everard says, "whence? wherein, maybe"
Everard says, "seeing an opportunity for glory and honor, I proceeded to the palace, where the king offered the chance for royal favor among his knights if I were to succeed at this"
[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "watching, sorry"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "No problem; enjoy."
Everard says, "(that's all I got)"
GM says, "You've then surely already heard of Sir Tabir, one of Meritep's oldest friends and also Captain of the Royal Guard.  He also happens to be Naboan."
GM asks, "An excellent start.  Sylith, what brings you?"
Sylith says, "I was hired for protection by a caravan-master whose trust I earned in a frontier battle. Our journey together ended here and I have been making contacts and searching for something to do during the months while we wait for all the goods to be traded."
Everard says, "I seem to recall we know each other from me interrupting your original possession ceremony, and then again later"
Sylith says, "Times I recall with gratitude and a measure of shame"
Sylith says, "I have been offered wealth, but what I really want is battle"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "(nice)"
GM says, "Must be your lucky day!  Excellent.  So the king hears of the two renowned warriors who are willing to take up the torch, and invites you to the throne room to formally welcome you."
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "http://farquesia.net/sylith.html - still revising"
Everard bows precisely the correct amount for a third son of the nobility meeting the king holding his kingdom as a protectorate.
GM says, "The throne room is quite large -- about the size of a modern theatre.  A large open space, with red carpet, is in the center, surrounded on all sides by seated courtiers and guards and assorted royal hangers-on."
GM says, "At the far end, there's a large and detailed sculpture of a lion's head, in mid-roar.  It's so big that the king's throne fits in its mouth.  He's seated there, and waves you forward."
Sylith makes as appropriate an obeisance as possible - fashions here are not as they are at home
GM says, "To his right, Sir Tabir, looking stern and well-armoured, watches over the whole room.  To his left, and old, wizened man, dressed in the robes of an astrologer, is half-paying attention to the proceedings, half-preoccupied with discussing something with a younger man -- an apprentice, perhaps."
GM says, "(The king resembles Tony Soprano -- perhaps a bit more weathered, a bit fatter.  Sir Tabir looks like The Rock, except about 45.  The old wizard looks like Ben Kingsley at about 85.)"
GM says, "The king commands silence of the court with a wave of his hand.  'Welcome, brave adventurers!  Glad am I to see my call for assistance so well-answered.'"
GM says, "'Too long has Kesh been threatened by the cowardly predations of the rebels to the west.'"
Everard makes a mental note to investigate this 'cowardly' assertion.
GM says, "'Capture the exiled Pembatep, long may vermin infest his underclothing, and bring him to this court, that he might receive the punishment he so justly deserves.'"
GM says, "The king pauses, as if expecting some sort of reply from the adventurers."
Sylith asks, "and his rebellion?"
Sylith asks, "is it only Pembatep you desire?"
GM says, "'The Naboans are a good, honest people.  They are merely being incited to disobedience by my snake of a brother, for his own selfish ends.  With him removed, I am confident that peace will quickly follow."
Sylith says, "very well"
[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "nabooans? meesa honest"
Everard says, "we shall find this man and see that justice is done"
GM says, "'And yet, if capturing a rebel proves to be the quickest route to finding him, then certainly that option is open to you.  You are on the King's business; do what you must.'"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Shut it"
[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "sorry mate"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "(Actually I've a longer authorial story about Nabo, but that can wait.)"
Everard asks, "shall we be given warrants to show we ride on the king's business?"
GM says, "'A wise decision, Lord Everard; I shall have them drawn up immediately.'"
GM says, "Meanwhile, Tabir has been eyeing and sizing you lot up."
Everard says, "and perhaps Sir Tabir can inform us of the latest information on the rebel raids"
GM asks (of Everard), "Is your sword at your hip, or stowed safely away, or what?"
GM says, "He nods somewhat grimly."
Everard says, "I think I probably have the evil sword and a regular sword both on my hip"
Sylith says, "I just have my delicate little hands"
Everard says, "(I realize this is clunky but I make it work because I am awesome)"
GM says, "Tabir squints a bit at the hilt but doesn't really stare.  Unlike the way he's sizing up Sylith."
Sylith displays a charming smile.
Sylith says, "We will persuade them to avoid unnecessary bloodshed"
GM says, "The king says, 'Well then.  In keeping with our ancient customs, we shall invoke a blessing from the Gods Above upon our righteous undertaking.  Jabbran, if you please.'  The old man nods and turns his full attention to the court."
GM says, "You may just have caught a hint of Tabir rolling his eyes a bit."
GM says, "Jabbran makes a quick gesture to the back of the room, and a loud gong rings out.  A moment later, the loud grinding of stone accompanies a shifting of the floor on which you stand."
Everard starts in surprise.
GM says, "It's splitting down the middle and retracting somehow in the sides of the room."
GM says, "But slowly enough that you can calmly stroll out of danger."
Sylith casually avoids falling into the ritual space
GM says, "(This divides the room into about 4 zones -- the sunken middle, the right side, the left side, and the throne side.)"
Everard steps off opposite Sylith.
Everard says, "(since presumably we are next to each other)"
GM says, "Meanwhile Jabbran is going on and on about seeking the blessings of the Gods and the auspices of the stars and so on and so forth."
Everard asks, "what's the apprentice doing?"
GM says, "The moving floor reveals a chamber about 10 or 15 feet below the floor.  It's a roughly-made affair, with sand strewn on its floor, like a gladiator arena.  In the center, a stout wooden pole stands, to which is tied a struggling young woman of apparently Naboan descent."
Sylith says, "hrm"
GM says, "He's just sort of watching the whole proceeding; perhaps paying more attention to Jabbran than to the rest of the events."
Sylith sizes up the possibility of putting an end to this ritual right here and joining the rebels
GM says, "'We now submit this humble sacrifice to you, our Lords Above, that it may please you and bring us Your favour,' Jabbran says, and another gong rings out."
GM says, "You can perceive something shifting and moving just beneath the surface of the sand.  Something big."
Sylith looks at Tabir
GM says, "(And... go.)"
Sylith asks, "what's the convention for table talk?"
GM says, "Oh, just spit it out.  I'm sure we'll be able to figure it out."
Sylith says, "I am not going to peacefully observe a human sacrifice"
Everard says, "ok, let's jump on and stop it"
Everard says, "how about this:"
Everard exclaims, "I thank your majesty for the chance to prove our valor before the courts by slaying this beast!"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Action music swells in the background..."
Everard draws his (normal) sword from its sheath and leaps onto the sand!
GM says, "Meritep looks more bemused than anything."
Sylith says, "jumping down, no problem. Jusmping out, gonna take a some luck and teamwork"
Sylith asks, "can I pull the carpet over the edge of the chamber?"
GM says, "Sure."
Everard asks, "carpet? to climb out with?"
Sylith says, "okay, my intention is to have something to climb back out with. I'll grab the edge and haul on it while falling into the pit"
Sylith asks, "Why not a goat? You gods don't enjoy goat?"
GM says, "You both end up in the pit, Sylith dragging a 'rope' of carpet along behind her, Everard looking dashing with sword-in-hand."
Sylith says, "come forth, pit thing, let us greet and entertain you"
GM says, "From beneath the sand, a monster rears up its head.  It's like a gigantic flatworm, or an eel turned on its side; it's three or four feet wide, quite thin, and rearing up about 10' out of the sand, although apparently it's longer still."
GM says, "The trussed girl screams in the classic fashion."
GM says, "That's pretty much its turn, so now the slightly-more-Alert Everard gets to go."
Everard takes a step to place himself between the thing and the girl, and looks for weak spots.
GM says, "Okay; roll Weapons for the strength of your Block, and, hmmm, Alertness, say, to try to discern a weakness."
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "let's see if I remember how dice work here"
Everard rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 +1 +1 0 | Epic (7)
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Apparently you do"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "dang"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "ok, I guess you can do 'fudge great' to roll 4dF + great skill"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "I'm not sure the names are right for FATE, but the numbers are right"
Everard rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: -1 -1 +1 0 | Average (1)
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Feel free to narrate the results of your own actions too here"
Everard asks, "but, hmm, I can See the Unseen for another +2?"
GM says, "Sure; cough up a fate point... hrm I guess we should have set up the point counter thingy"
Everard slashes at the worm as it dives in to bite at the girl, forcing it back. As it rears, he notices a long blue vein down its underside.
GM says, "I'll just manually track it."
GM says (to Sylith), "Go ahead."
Sylith says, "okay, the demon probably will manifest when it gets really hairy"
Sylith says, "not sure when that will be - so I'll try to untie the girl"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Good to see we're meeting our Freudian quota for the day."
Sylith says, "(basically when one of us compels Urge to Kill, Rising or something of that sort)"
GM says, "Sure; just, well, just roll.  Probably +1 from Survival, I'll say."
Sylith rolls Average (1) + 4dF: -1 +1 0 -1 | Mediocre (0)
Sylith says, "sorry, we talked about the demon/human thing but it was a while ago"
Sylith says, "urf"
GM says, "I'll say that, /technically/, Wrapped Around Her Finger could apply here, so if you want to spend for it, go ahead."
Sylith says, "I should have brought a knife to this snake fight"
Sylith says, "also I don't *want* to demon out if it isn't necessary"
GM says (to Sylith), "No problem.  Like I say, feel free to narrate your result."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "If y'all want more feedback on the difficulty of something or 'how well' you did, roughly, so you can narrate better, lemme know."
Sylith says, "I struggle with the bonds and try to reassure the girl so that her struggles woon't make this any harder"
GM says, "She's reassured that the eerily-hot woman is trying to untie her."
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "clonk her on the head, just like rescuing her from drowning"
Gunther has disconnected.
Gunther has connected.
Gunther disappears through an invisible gap in the MUD. You think you may have heard the sounds of chatting before the gap closed again.
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "I guess Mediocre is a little progress but I reckon not enough to get her loose in one turn"
Gunther arrives, looking for booty.
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Yeah, pretty much."
GM says, "The sand-snake, angered at being denied its lunch, tries to attack Everard directly."
GM rolls Good (3) + 4dF: 0 0 +1 +1 | Superb (5)
GM says, "versus your weapons here, most likely."
Everard asks, "so I roll weapons again?"
GM says, "Yeah; combat is an opposed-roll system."
Everard rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 +1 0 -1 | Superb (5)
GM says, "The crowd oohs and ahhs as the two combatants are locked in a deadly dance of... death."
Everard dives to one side as it strikes, then rolls to his feet and stabs at the thing, driving it back
GM says (to Everard), "Your action."
Everard says, "I'm going to jump up and stab it right in the weak spot"
Everard says, "I assume that's just a weapons roll"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "In the distance, Tabir wrestles with a moral dilemma.  Should he try to save the hot chick?  Hmmm."
GM says, "Yep."
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "ha ha"
Everard rolls Great (4) + 4dF: -1 0 -1 -1 | Average (1)
Everard asks, "can I use the weak spot aspect?"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith exclaims, "preternaturally hot!"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "man, this must be one homely sacrificial girl"
GM says, "Sure.  Maybe for a reroll."
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "just by comparison"
Everard says, "good idea"
Everard rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 -1 -1 +1 | Good (3)
Everard says, "man wtf"
GM says, "At least that was a freebie"
Everard asks, "hmm, can I throw in Chivalrous since I'm defending the lady?"
GM says, "Surely you can."
Everard says, "ok, I'll just take a +2 for that, so 5"
GM rolls Good (3) + 4dF: -1 -1 -1 0 | Mediocre (0)
GM says, "(You smack him pretty good, alright.)"
Everard exclaims, "by my honor!"
Everard's blade jabs the thing right below where its head would be.
GM says, "Suffering a major wound to an important artery, the sand-snake thrashes in pain!  Evil green ichor spews from its body over the arena."
GM says (to Sylith), "Go ahead."
Sylith asks, "still working on the girl. I will also look around to see how angry the court is - rapport?"
GM says, "Yep sounds good."
Sylith says, "okay, on the ropes:"
Sylith rolls Average (1) + 4dF: +1 0 -1 +1 | Fair (2)
Sylith says, "on the crowd:"
Sylith rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: -1 +1 -1 -1 | Good (3)
GM says, "I'll say that's enough to free her."
GM says, "And you get a 'good' read on the crowd, so, however you want to narrate their reaction is fine by me, actually."
Sylith says, "hopefully that will also help me see a pocket of people sympathetic enough to let us run through"
GM says, "Sure"
Sylith says, "I see a cluster of Naboans who are clearly on our side and will make a hole for us should we need to run"
GM says, "You do notice Jabbran has the whole huge vein on his forehead popping out thing going on."
Sylith exclaims, "hey, tehre's another weak spot!"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "ha ha"
GM says, "Snake's turn:  Thrashing around, the snake sprays the group with caustic ichor."
[Crows-Nest] Everard asks, "do we want to try to find a way to get out of this without fighting our way out?"
GM rolls Good (3) + 4dF: 0 +1 +1 -1 | Great (4)
GM says, "You both can roll, say, Athletics to dodge out of the way.  I'll roll for Sacrificial Girl."
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "I'm game if you can think of one. I think these people are girl-sacrificing jerks and we should side with the rebel brother"
Sylith rolls Mediocre (0) + 4dF: +1 0 +1 0 | Fair (2)
GM says (to Sylith), "I'll let you tag Must Keep Moving if you want to bump that up."
Everard rolls Good (3) + 4dF: -1 -1 -1 +1 | Average (1)
Sylith asks, "okay, that gives me a +2?"
Sylith asks, "or do I reroll?"
Sylith asks, "I need to beat a 4?"
GM says, "Well, you /could/ reroll... but I'd recommend taking the +2."
Sylith says, "okay"
GM says (to Everard), "Don't forget you're an Acrobat, too, so that's +2 for free."
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "I'm sorry I ddin't flesh out the character with some stunts, I forgot it wasn't finished"
Everard says, "oh, good point"
Everard says, "well, +3 is probably fine, I'll get a little burnt"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "That's alright; feel free to buy them as you need them, or just try wacky stuff, or whatnot."
GM says, "Rolling for the sacrifice:"
GM rolls Mediocre (0) + 4dF: -1 +1 -1 +1 | Mediocre (0)
Sylith says, "oh dear"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "man, this girl is no use at all"
GM says, "The acid catches her full in the face and she collapses to the sand, clutching at her ruined, smoking features and screaming."
Sylith says, "oh it's on now"
GM says, "Sylith managed to dodge behind the pole and avoid the goo.  Everard largely back-flipped over it all, but ended up inhaling a bit of the vapours and got a sore throat."
Everard coughs and his eyes water.
Sylith asks, "is the snake thing still alive?"
GM says, "Sure is."
Sylith says, "I have an astrologer who needs a closer look"
GM says (to Everard), "Your go."
Everard turns to the king and shouts "What is your command, your highness? Shall we finish the demonstration, or do you wish to show mercy?"
GM says (to Everard), "Roll me some Rapport."
Everard says, "ideally what I want to do is engineer a situation we can use as an excuse to grab the girl and get out"
Everard rolls Great (4) + 4dF: -1 0 -1 -1 | Average (1)
Everard says, "wtf"
Everard asks, "can I use, hmm, born to the nobility, since I'm talking to the king?"
GM says, "You may"
Everard rolls Great (4) + 4dF: -1 +1 0 +1 | Superb (5)
Everard turns to see the king's reaction.
GM says, "The king is swayed by your graciousness.  You get whatever reaction you desire."
Everard says, "in that case he gestures impatiently and says "Enough of this! We are wasting time here, when you should be fighting rebels! Stop the fight!""
GM says (to Sylith), "It's your turn; obey the slave-mutilating king or not, as is your whim."
Sylith says, "I will conceal my anger so as to bring down this whole corrupt court."
Everard says, "maybe you could help the girl up the carpet somehow"
Everard says, "wrap her up in it, perhaps"
[Crows-Nest] (from GM) Everard says, "then throw her in the river"
Sylith asks, "can I get some help from the audience?"
Sylith says, "using Rapport again:"
Sylith rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: -1 -1 0 0 | Good (3)
GM says, "That's enough to get /some/ help, sure."
GM says, "You're slightly-less compelling now that you're sweating a bit."
Sylith says, "hey, But I'm Still Hot, for +2"
GM says, "This is true.  The audience is now Helpful."
GM asks, "What are they helping you with?"
Sylith says, "okay, I help her climb out and get someone to take her to get her wounds dressed"
Sylith says, "and hopefully get her out of the sacrifice-worker lifestyle"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Heh.  She always wanted to be a lumberjack..."
GM says, "She is escorted away; you see Jabbran's apprentice go off with them."
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "this is where pole-dancing leads you"
GM says, "The snake retreats beneath the sands and is seen no more."
Everard says, "I leap up out of the pit after Sylith and the girl, and try to find some excuse to get out of the room since the king is probably still pissed off"
GM says, "Jabbran suddenly stabs his finger towards the pit.  'It is an omen!'  Indeed, there appears to have been some sort of unnatural pattern described by the snake's ichor in the sand."
GM says, "Figuring it out will be a Mysteries roll."
Everard says, "that is definitely someone else's department"
GM says (to Sylith), "You're still there (as far as I know) so go ahead."
Sylith says, "okay"
Sylith rolls Great (4) + 4dF: -1 -1 0 0 | Fair (2)
Sylith says, "I will use He showed Me Strange Books for +2"
GM says, "Unfortunately Everard oafishly stomped all over it when he back-flipped out of the pit."
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "no idea how many fate points I'm racking up here"
GM says, "That aspect sounds good -- go for it."
Everard exclaims, "I didn't know it was going to be an omen!"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "we have 7 or 10 or something"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "I have you both having spent 3 out of an original 10 so far"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "okay"
GM says (to Sylith), "You can perceive that the pattern is that of Leonis, the constellation of the Lion, rising from the eastern horizon."
Sylith exclaims, "Look! The gods are pleased with our sport!"
Sylith exclaims, "The Lion rises!"
Sylith says, "(man, does that mean these jerks are the good guys?)"
GM says, "The king is eyeing you impatiently, the captain of the guard is eyeing you with a new-found respect, Jabbran is approaching apoplectic, there's a group of people helping Scar Girl off somewhere else in the palace... think about where you want to go next."
GM says, "Commercial break: back in 5."
[Crows-Nest] Sylith exclaims, "intrigue is hard!"
Sylith says, "okay, I hate Jabbran a lot, I hate the king somewhat, I'm not sure what to do"
Everard says, "let's just talk to the captain of the guard and get out of here"
Everard says, "then return with the rebels and burn it all down"
Sylith says, "sounds good"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Back -- actually, from a directorial standpoint, this wouldn't be a bad time for you two to split up, if you want.  Everard could go pump Tabir (for *information*, ahem) and Sylith could give Jabbran a hard time, or whatever you like.  You also know that the palace has a library of arcana unrivaled in the known world."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Or sticking together is never a bad idea, either."
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "I don't really have anything on Jabbran, I'd like to talk to Tabir to see if we can get something on him"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "You got it."
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "ok, let's go talk to him"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "if the king is basically a good guy and Jabbran is the one pushing the sacrifices and slavery, It would be good to know that"
GM says, "The crowd parts hastily for you as you leave the throne room.  A little further out, one of the guards approaches you nervously.  'The Captain would have a word with you, if you please, if that would not be too much to ask.  If you would follow me to the barracks...' he says."
Everard says, "there is nothing we would like better"
GM says, "Just off the central courtyard of the palace is a parade square and the low, squat structure emblematic of barracks the world over."
GM says, "Tabir is standing in what you take to be his office -- a small, spartan affair.  He seems to be pouring himself some sort of drink."
GM says, "'Ah, excellent.  I am glad you came.  Too long has Kesh been falling into corruption, for the lack of brave men and women to oppose it.'"
GM says, "'I imagine you must have many questions.  Although I am but a soldier, I am at your disposal.'"
Everard says, "I suppose not all days at court are this exciting"
Sylith asks, "Do they call for the favor of the gods in that way...often?"
GM says, "'Not often, no, but ever since Meritep and his queen converted to the worship of Hethor, they are increasingly-frequent.  Jabbran says he is but a messenger, but it is not my place to say.'"
Sylith asks, "so, things were better before Jabbran gained the King's ear?"
Everard asks, "and when did they convert? around the time of the prince's exile?"
GM says, "'Or perhaps the reverse; Jabbran was the court astrologer before Meritep's reign, and perhaps even before his father's reign.'"
Sylith says, "hmm"
GM says, "'Indeed you are wise, Lord of Everard.  At the coronation, when Meritep announced the great conversion, Pembatep was at that time also exiled.'"
GM says, "'It may be the work of... demons...' he says, spitting on the ground.  'Ah, for the days when a steel blade was enough.'"
Everard shakes his head. "And if a blade is all we have, then that is what we must use."
Sylith looks around for potential listeners
GM says, "'Pembatep is not an evil man, in my estimation.  Otherwise I would have never allowed him to marry my sister, Nianki, after all.'"
GM says (to Sylith), "Roll away."
Sylith asks, "alertness?"
GM says, "Sure, or I'll let you use Deceit here, as I think it's relevant enough."
Sylith rolls Good (3) + 4dF: -1 +1 -1 +1 | Good (3)
GM says (to Everard), ""'It would seem to be a fine blade you wield, stranger.  Not as fine as The Lion's Tooth, of course, but fine nonetheless.'"
Sylith asks, "where do you think the true corruption lies then, Tabir?"
GM says (to Sylith), "There doesn't seem to be anyone listening in, but guards and servants are walking past irregularly."
GM says, "'Therein lies the rub, aye.  No good can come when brother turns against brother; perhaps that is enough.'"
Sylith says, "perhaps what we need to do is bring them together again on equal terms"
GM says, "He looks thoughtful."
Sylith says, "If there is demonic influence in the court, searcing it out will be risky"
Sylith says, "perhaps I misjudged Jabbran; I have had bad experiences with astrologers"
GM says, "There's a sharp knock on the door.  A flunky enters and drops off a report on Jabbran's desk, and then leaves.  'Damn, he's struck again!' he says."
GM says, "'The rebels and their Naboan steeds, fastest in the lands, have struck one of our conveys near Kitta.'"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Err, convoys."
Everard says, "hmm"
Sylith asks, "should our search for Pembatep begin there, or do you know of a base they strike from?"
Everard says, "or perhaps we could ride along on one of the upcoming convoys"
GM says, "'I wish I knew,' he says wistfully.  'He is like a ghost, striking out of the desert hills.  If he has a base at all, I do not know it.  But I remember Kitta from my youth -- they are not lovers of Kesh.  He may have support there.  Or, as you say, perhaps another convoy would work.  There's one leaving just tonight, headed west to the oasis of Kambula."
Sylith says, "good idea, Everard"
Iason arrives, looking for booty.
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "Here's the outline of what I want to do: find Pembatep and convince him to come to courst as if he is our prisoner. Start a big fight and flush out the demonic influence."
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "hey hey"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "that sounds good"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "that or see if we can learn anything from Jabbran"
GM says, "(You've a bit of time to kill prior to the convoy if you want to suss something else out.)"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "I guess we should try to sneak into his stuff before we leave"
[Spirit] Iason waves!
[Spirit] GM says, "Excellent timing; they're just setting off on a convoy."
Iason, wandering the streets, sees Sylith.  "Sylith!  Hi um er how are you?"
[Spirit] * Everard has joined the channel.
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "hrm. I think maybe I should just straight up talk to him."
[Spirit] Everard says, "whoops, good thing I noticed"
Iason. o O ( No demonic rages recently?  I hope? )
Sylith says, "actually we're kind of doing treason-talk in this barracks, but it's nice to see you"
GM says (to Iason), "You were just on your way to meet with the chief astrologer of the court, to discuss having research access to his impressive library of arcana."
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "argh, I dunno. He is such the archetypal evil vizier type"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "we can see what Iason comes up with"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "it's just that he's probably a mad at us, so I'm not sure how to play it"
Iason asks, "Treason!  Sounds exciting.  I had an appointment with the astrologer--anything I can help with?"
[Crows-Nest] GM says (to Sylith), "But you are Innocent in the Ways of the World."
[Crows-Nest] Iason says, "Heh."
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "oh, I guess I know Iason too"
[Crows-Nest] Iason says (to Sylith), "Looks like you're not on #spirit either."
Everard says, "ah, Iason, it is good to see you again"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith exclaims, "doh!"
Everard says, "we came to the court, as you know, because the king was seeking brave warriors to seek out his rebellious brother in Nabo and bring him to justice here"
[Spirit] * Sylith has joined the channel.
Everard says, "but now we see that perhaps things were not as they appeared"
[Crows-Nest] Iason says, "(not much discussion has been on it; Everard also wasn't there until a second ago)"
Sylith asks, "someone is evil, but who?"
Everard says, "the brother may have been exiled unfairly -- perhaps due to demonic influence in the court, or mere politics"
[Crows-Nest] (from GM) Sylith says, "I mean, someone other than me"
Everard says, "we are not sure if it is the king himself who is the corrupt one, or perhaps the royal astrologer"
Everard asks, "if you were to visit the astrologer on some excuse, and perhaps sound him out on the rebels and the king's new religion ..?"
Iason exclaims, "I have an appointment with the man within the hour!"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "also, http://roger.carbol.com/rpg/SoH/teaser.pdf has some background info"
[Crows-Nest] Iason also goes to look at his own stats.
[Crows-Nest] Iason says, "Hmm, nothing really social, but I can probably figure out some basics."
Iason asks, "Would you like to come along?"
GM says (to Iason), "Some junior astrologer plebe finally tracks you down.  He let's you know that his master is ready for you now."
[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "I sure hope you brought the Argonauts"
[Crows-Nest] Iason says, "They are countless.  Also, screaming."
Everard says, "I am not sure the astrologer is entirely pleased with us after interrupting his sacrifice"
Iason says, "Oh oops."
Iason says, "OK, I'll see you back here at the fourth watch."
Sylith says, "we are wondering whose idea it is to start having these human sacrifices. Thanks"
Iason hurries off after the acolyte.
GM says, "A nurse of some sort walks up to you other two.  'That poor girl you rescued would like to thank you,' she says."
Sylith asks, "Can we see her?"
Everard says, "we would like to speak to her as well"
[Spirit] Iason asks, "Is the astrologer named?"
GM says, "'Right this way,' she says."
[Spirit] GM says, "You know him as Jabbran."
GM says (to S/E), "A short walk later, you find the girl, lying on a cot and apparently recovering.  Some sort of salve has been spread across her face.  She seems, in the main, peaceful."
Sylith says, "hello. We're glad to see that you're recovering."
Sylith asks, "do you think you could talk to us for a short while?"
Gunther has disconnected.
Gunther has connected.
Gunther disappears through an invisible gap in the MUD. You think you may have heard the sounds of chatting before the gap closed again.
[Spirit] Iason says, "#coopting-the-channel-to-keep-the-scenes-distinct "Ah, Jabbran!  Thank you for agreeing to see me.  I have heard much of you in my travels!""
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "I hope I'm not stepping on Everard or GM conversations"
GM says (to Iason), "You climb countless stairs until you reach Jabbran's office.  As you enter, you see Jabbran intently-peering into ball of crystal, a foot or more in diameter.  He waves his hand across it as you enter, but you think you see a glimpse of your two friends."
GM says, "And... we'll cut to commercial for 5."
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "nah, I got nothing"
[Spirit] Iason asks, "Do you want to have things going at the same time, or do one scene and then the next?"
[Spirit] Sylith says, "probably best to do one scene at a time"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "I figured you'd lead off since you were the one who actually got her untied and out"
[Spirit] Sylith says, "depends on how agile Roger is feeling"
[Spirit] Iason says, "Yeah."
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "okay. I just want to see how she got sacrificed and who she's the scaredest of"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "yeah, I dunno if she was captured in a border raid or if she's an unfortunate local"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Actually I think I want both scenes running simultaneously and both in the Room, if that's okay.  I think it'll work out."
[Crows-Nest] Iason says, "Sure, we can do that."
GM says, "The nurse says, 'She has been given something for the pain, but she was insistent on seeing you.'  She gives you some privacy."
GM says, "Jabbran says, 'Ah, Iason.  You've arrived.  How prompt of you.'"
Iason nods smartly.  "I was hoping to hear more of Hethor from you, and some of the rites associated with her."
Everard says, "I blame myself for not shielding you better from the acid -- if there is anything I can do to aid your recovery .."
GM says, "Jabbran says, 'Hethor?  I'm hardly a priest.  The stars are above such foolish notions.'"
GM says, "The girl speaks in slow, broken Keshite.  'I... thank you.  Terrible... worm.'"
Iason says, "It is true that even the gods must follow the truths dictated by the stars, but the stars in turn grant power to the gods, so it is wise to not forget them."
Sylith asks, "yes. terrible. Do you know who brought you to that place?"
[Crows-Nest] GM says (to Iason), "This is basically a social conflict.  Due to the subject matter, you can roll Mysteries to try to direct the conversation in the direction you desire."
[Crows-Nest] Iason says, "Cool."
GM says, "The girl says, 'It was... a man.  A... great? man.  No.  Fat.  A fat man.'"
[Crows-Nest] Iason says, "Hmm, what's the syntax again?  I tried 'roll superb' but that didn't work."
GM says, "Jabbran drums his fingers impatiently."
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "'fudge superb'"
GM says, "A vein starts to pulse in his forehead."
Sylith asks, "Did you see him in the room, before the worm came up?"
Iason rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 -1 -1 0 | Great (4)
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "And let me know if you want to pull any Aspects."
[Crows-Nest] Iason says, "Nah, not for now.  I'm not even sure what it is I'm doing ;-)"
GM says, "The girl says, 'He... was.  Everywhere.'"
GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 0 +1 -1 | Great (4)
GM says, "Jabbran says, 'I hardly believe you came all this way.  To speak to me of Hethor.'"
GM says (to Everard), "I'd like to compel your See the Unseen here."
[Crows-Nest] Iason asks, "What *did* I come to speak to him about?"
Everard says, "go for it"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "I believe nominally you came to ask him about library access"
GM says (to Everard), "Through the lotions and the bandages you notice that her eyes are not the same colour they were when you first rescued her."
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "but what we'd asked was for you to find out, I think, how he stands wrt the king's new religion and exiling his brother (who is now the rebel leader)"
[Crows-Nest] Iason asks, "He was there at the sacrifice thingummy?"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "yeah, and (I think) was irritated that we jumped in and interrupted the worm eating the girl"
GM says, "The girl says, 'The sword is the source of every evil.'"
Everard frowns and studies the girl.
Sylith asks, "the sword? The Lion's Tooth?"
Everard asks, "am I sure it's the same girl, or could it be a different one swapped in?"
GM says, "Jabbran says, 'We may, I suppose, have some old scrolls.  In the library.  If you like.'"
Sylith says, "hmm, also the astrologer's assistant followed her out. I was afraid to pursue lest the court turn on us"
GM says (to Everard), "Give, oh, Empathy a roll."
Everard rolls Good (3) + 4dF: -1 0 +1 +1 | Great (4)
GM says (to Iason), "I'd like to compel your Interned with Evil aspect."
GM says (to Everard), "It's the same girl, as far as you can tell, but there's something affecting her beyond painkillers, you believe."
Iason asks (of Jabbran), "The interaction of the stars and the gods has long fascinated me, and such a recent change in religion is almost certainly tied to the recent astrological phenomena of which I am sure you are well aware.  Amwal now rises in The Scorpion, while Warel is between signs.  So I am curious--do you know if Hethor is taking advantage of this?"
[Crows-Nest] Iason says, "(sorry, was typing)"
GM says, "The girl says, 'Yes.  Tooth.'"
GM says (to Iason), "Roll it."
Everard says (to Sylith), "(quietly) does she seem .. normal to you? I sense something strange about her"
[Crows-Nest] Iason says, "Empathy?  I guess I'll stick that in my Average list ;-)"
Iason rolls ??? (empathy) + 4dF: +1 +1 0 0 | Fair (2)
Sylith turns away slightly to respond to Everard
Sylith says, "We need to find that apprentice"
[Crows-Nest] Iason says (to GM), "(also, compelling is fine with me)"
Sylith studies the girl as well, using Mysteries
Sylith rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 0 +1 -1 | Superb (5)
GM says (to Iason), "You perceive that Jabbran's attention is split between his conversation with you and... something else."
Sylith (if applicable)
GM says (to Sylith), "As you are so very familiar with, she is By Dark Hands Guided."
[Crows-Nest] GM says (to Everard), "Oh yeah -- you can take back that 1-point endurance hit by now."
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "the less-wheezy air of the sickbed"
Sylith says, "(quietly) I feel a presence in her - I think we did not save her at all. And if she's telling us the truth about the sword we need to investigate it. Maybe Iason can help"
GM says, "Jabbran says, 'It is the nature of Man to take advantage of situations.  Not gods.'"
GM says (to Sylith), "Your Spark of Compassion compels you to help the girl."
Sylith asks, "(to the girl) who took care of your injuries? Did the astrologer help you?"
Sylith asks, "indeed it does, but how?"
Iason asks, "Ah, so it is rather the worship of Hethor that is the result of someone... 'taking advantage'?"
[Crows-Nest] GM says (to Sylith), "That's just my way of saying, hey, here's a Fate Point back."
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "heh, okay"
GM says, "The girl seems wracked with pain for a moment.  She says, clearly, 'Shebbit', and then faints away."
Sylith says, "oh dear"
Sylith says, "I'll try to find the nurse. I think that's all the girl has in her. Also maybe we should learn her name"
Everard says, "something is very wrong"
GM says, "Jabbran says, 'What, are you still here?  Here, fine, go then; examine what books you must.  I am very busy, you realize; I cannot be bothered by every village bumpkin who can see the phase of the moon, you know.'"
[Crows-Nest] Iason says, "Hmm, I suppose declaring the astrological times could be an actual Declaration I could tag or something."
Everard asks, "do you know any rituals to protect her?"
Sylith says, "yes. I'll ask around for who or what Shebbit is."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Sure I'll let you run with that."
Sylith says, "er, rituals - let me think"
Sylith asks, "rituals first. Can I make a Mysteries roll to know how to sever this dark influence from her?"
Iason says, "Indeed.  I will show myself out.  Thank you for your time."
GM says (to Sylith), "Sure."
Iason steps out the door, then attempts to slip into the shadows.
[shadowrun] Sylith rolls great: 3 3 5 3 2 2 3 3 4 5 1 3 1 5 5 6+5 5 3 4 4 3 5 3 1 4 1 2 4 5 4 3 3 6+2 5 5 1 3 6+6+6+5 4 2 3 4 5 3 1 1 1 2 5 2 3 5 5 1 5 4 1 5 3 1 |
GM says, "Jabbran waves you out."
Sylith rolls Great (4) + 4dF: -1 +1 +1 -1 | Great (4)
[shadowrun] GM says, "That was, wow, pretty great."
Iason rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 +1 0 0 | Superb (5)
Everard says, "perhaps Iason will be able to find out more about Shebbit in the library"
GM says (to Sylith), "You recall a glyph of protection than you can inscribe on her to protect her."
Sylith says, "or we could try contacting, if it's a person"
GM says (to Iason), "You are unto a ghost."
GM says, "The nurse barges in, giving you two accusing glares, and tries to tend to her patient."
Sylith says, "wonderful. I will find somthing medicinal to draw with"
GM says, "There's a wide variety of ointments in the room."
Sylith says, "one last moment please. She asked me to bless her"
Everard says (to nurse), "just one moment! perhaps you could assist me with a question I've been having blah blah"
Everard draws the nurse away a moment
[Spirit] Iason says, "(I didn't actually close the door, and am watching the room and listening to try to see what it was he's distracted by)"
GM says (to Everard), "Roll up some Deceit"
GM says (to Iason), "You see him peering into the big crystal ball again."
Everard asks, "whoops, apparently I don't have that -- is it average?"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "why does it hurt when I blah blah"
GM says, "He's frowning."
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "hee hee"
Everard says, "I guess it has to be average-1"
GM says (to everard), "Mediocre is the default."
[Crows-Nest] Iason asks, "This is a tower of some sort?"
Everard rolls Mediocre (0) + 4dF: 0 0 +1 -1 | Mediocre (0)
GM says, "She is apparently fooled by your blatantly-transparent ploy."
Everard says, "that's because I'm a lord"
Everard says, "nurses dig a title"
GM says, "Sylith succeeds in doing her thing."
GM says (to Iason), "Nothing exciting seems to be happening."
GM says (to Iason), "Someone passes near your hidey-hole and enters Jabbran's office.  Unfortunately for you, he closes the door."
Sylith says, "okay, let's get out of here and let her get some rest"
GM says, "You all sense that it must almost be time for the caravan to depart."
Sylith says, "sunup already, man"
Iason slips out a window and attempts to climb to the roof of the tower to inscribe a blocking sigil that should interfere with the crystal ball for a time.
[Crows-Nest] Iason says, "(athletics, then mysteries)"
Iason rolls goo -sided dice:  1| 1
GM says (to Iason), "Sure."
Iason rolls Good (3) + 4dF: +1 -1 0 +1 | Great (4)
Iason rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: 0 +1 +1 +1 | Legendary (8)
Sylith says, "dang"
[Crows-Nest] Iason exclaims, "woo-hoo!"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "that ball will never be the same"
GM says, "You hear the distant sound of loud swearing."
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "ha ha"
Iason grins, then makes his way back to meet his friends.
Everard asks (of Iason), "do you still have access to the library? do you know anything about the name 'Shebbit'?"
GM says, "As you rendezvous in the courtyard, you can see a series of wagons gathering."
Iason asks, "'Shebbit'?"
Iason thinks.
Iason rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 0 +1 0 | Epic (7)
Sylith says, "we'd better get going, if we're going"
Sylith exclaims, "jeesh!"
GM says (to Iason), "You seem to recall hearing once that Jabbran had taken on a promising new apprentice named Shebbit."
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "oh, heh"
[Crows-Nest] GM asks, "Anything y'all want to do before departing?"
Iason says, "I think that's one of Jabbran's apprentices."
Iason asks, "I do have access to the library, but it looks like people are heading out--shall I go with you?"
Everard says, "oh, of course -- well, I suppose there's no time to investigate further now, the caravan is leaving"
Everard says, "absolutely"
Everard has gathered together some travelling supplies in case they're separated from the caravan and gets his horse out of the stables and brushes off his travelling cloak and so on
Sylith says, "we'll have to track him down after we return. Perhaps Pembatep will tell us more about the king's conversion"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Wellllll... okay it's like this.  If you do want to still do research things, that'd be a good use for that astrology hocus-pocus to ensure that it wasn't an auspicious time to leave on a voyage.  Or if you want to go, that's fine too."
Sylith has little to pack, but gathers a water skin and some food
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Her entire wardrobe fits in a small purse"
[Crows-Nest] Iason says, "I'm inclined to just go, more given the genre than given what's-a-good-idea."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Heh, fair enough."
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "yeah, it feels like time for a scene change"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "ok, hi-ho"
Iason glances at the stars.  "Aha, an auspicious time to depart."
GM says, "You set off on the road with the convoy, leaving behind the lush river valley and entering a harsh and unforgiving desert."
GM says, "You travel a day and a night, always towards the west."
[Spirit] Iason says, "(I know I just got here, but it looks like I'll probably have to head out again in about half an hour.  Just as a heads-up.)"
[Spirit] GM says, "You'd better make sure your death is memorable, then."
GM says, "At last you see the shimmering oasis on the horizon.  It is still well-distant, but at least the monotony of the desert is relieved."
[Spirit] Iason says, "Excellent."
GM says, "And... roll up Alertness to see if you notice yourselves being ambushed."
Sylith says, "heh"
Iason rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: -1 0 -1 -1 | Poor (-1)
Sylith rolls Average (1) + 4dF: 0 0 0 +1 | Fair (2)
GM says (to Everard), "That means you too."
Everard rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: 0 -1 +1 +1 | Good (3)
GM says, "As enormous scorpions burst out of their hidden layers, only Everard seems ready for them."
Sylith says, "eep"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "pssht, giant scorpions, I knew it all along"
GM says, "There are three of them, each as big as a horse.  The remainder of the 'guards' are running around ineffectually."
Everard exclaims, "scorpions! keep the caravan back!"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "and the prince is probably sacking the capital *right now*"
GM says, "So the way ambush works, if I recall, is that if you are ambushed, your Defense is automatically Mediocre."
Everard draws his sword and charges.
GM says, "A scorpion attacks Iason."
GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 -1 +1 0 | Great (4)
[Spirit] Iason asks, "Are we using by-the-book combat or the Evil-Hat-revised version?"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "So you take a '4' hit, which is a 4 box or a moderate consequence (which is worth 4)"
[Spirit] GM says, "The 2-4-6 system"
[Spirit] Iason asks, "And how many boxes do I have total?"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Also, alright, I'll let you buy up your Mediocre defence with Aspect-tagging too, because I'm a nice guy."
[Spirit] GM says, "Default is 5, and for you... you get one more from Fair Endurance."
[Spirit] Iason asks, "And one hit at 4 means I fill in the '4' box, and if it gets hit again, it bumps up to the '5' box?"
[Spirit] GM says, "Yep pretty much"
[Spirit] Iason says, "Sounds good--I'll just take the hit."
Iason yells as a scorpion slashes him with its tail!
GM says, "A scorpion stabs its tail into poor Iason and pumps him full of poison!  He appears nonplussed."
GM says, "Attacking Sylith...""
GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 0 -1 -1 | Good (3)
[Crows-Nest] GM says (to Sylith), "Same dealie"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "okay, I think I'm going to get demony one way or another"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "ha ha"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "probably by blowing an endurance roll"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "hell yeah"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "I read the cobat rules a month ago and forgot it all"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "you could take a mild consequence and check off one boxz"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "okay"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "possibly the mild consequence would even be that you go demony"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "since that is pretty mild in the scheme of things"
Sylith exclaims, "ow, poison. Poison makes me angry!"
Sylith exclaims, "Schrrr! die bugs!"
GM says, "And a scorpion attacks Everard, even though he's ready for it."
GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 -1 0 -1 | Good (3)
Everard rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 0 -1 0 | Great (4)
Everard sends his horse dancing back a step, and sweeps his blade at its stinger.
[Spirit] Iason asks, "Are these beasts which we should set up Aspects on to tag them, or are these beasts which we can just fight directly?"
GM says (to Everard), "Your turn"
[Spirit] GM says, "You can do either, sure"
[Spirit] Everard says, "well, they've got great skill"
GM says, "But BEFORE your turn, a commercial break"
[Spirit] GM says, "And poison"
[Spirit] Everard says, "so if you don't have a high melee, we might be better up setting up something"
[Spirit] Iason says, "I have Great Fists."
[Spirit] Everard says, "we can probably just punch them then"
[Spirit] Iason asks, "So Great skill probably means they have 4 boxes?"
[Spirit] Everard says, "I dunno what they have for health"
[Spirit] Everard says, "great just affects the chance to hit them/get hit by therm"
[Spirit] Iason says, "Oh, right, OK."
[Spirit] Everard says, "like, if you both have great, that's a 50-50 shot, except we can use aspects (maybe they can too)"
[Spirit] Iason says, "Like Poison."
[Spirit] Everard says, "oh, I know, I'm totally jumping on their back"
[Spirit] Iason says, "I was thinking that exact thing ;-)"
[Spirit] Everard says, "ha ha"
[Spirit] Everard says, "let's all do that"
[Spirit] Everard says, "synchronized scorpion riding"
[Spirit] Iason says, "We can tame them."
[Spirit] Jearl says, "heck yeah"
[Spirit] Iason says, "Actually, that'd be awesome."
[Spirit] Everard says, "way better than horses for the desert"
[Spirit] GM says, "Haha"
GM says (to Everard), "Okay, now."
Everard rides his horse closer, then, at just the right moment, leaps from its back onto the scorpion, nudging the horse in the ribs so it runs away again.
Everard says, "I assume that's athletics, plus I have acrobat"
GM says, "Sure"
Everard rolls Good (3) + 4dF: 0 0 +1 -1 | Good (3)
Everard says, "(+2, I guess)"
GM says, "Yep, you made it."
[Spirit] Iason asks, "And now it has Aspect:  ridden by Everard ?"
Everard lands right on the back of the scorpion, and grabs onto the base of its tail, too close for it to sting him
[Spirit] GM says, "That sounds good."
[Spirit] Everard says, "we could try to get them to sting each other, too"
GM says (to Sylith), "I'm going to say you're busy this round transmorgrifying, if that's okay."
[Spirit] Everard asks, "isn't there something in mythology about scorpions stinging themselves?"
[Spirit] Iason asks, "Is it actually vaguely plausible that we could tame them, or is that too silly?"
[Spirit] GM says, "Conan would."
GM says (to Iason), "You're up."
[Spirit] Everard asks, "well, I can't tame them, but you're more of a magic guy, aren't you?"
[Spirit] Iason says, "Yeah."
[Spirit] Everard says, "so maybe you could"
[Spirit] Sylith says, "I strongly doubt I can tame them"
[Crows-Nest] (from GM) Everard says (to scorpion), "I'm a LORD.  OBEY ME."
[Spirit] Sylith exclaims, "crunch their buggy heads!"
Iason gets a gleam in his eye.  "Ah, scorpions.  About horse sized!  Let's see what I can remember from the Beetle Riders back home."
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "scorpions will not be bound by the dictates of an outmoded feudal system"
[Crows-Nest] GM imagines Beetle Riders is some radio serial popular back home.
Iason first pummels his opponent, as he knows a weakened mount is more likely to be docile.
Sylith rar extend jaw grow joints
[Crows-Nest] (from GM) Scorpion says, "Listen, just because some watery tart threw a sword at you..."
Iason rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 -1 +1 +1 | Superb (5)
[Crows-Nest] Iason says, "Hee"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "ha ha"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "dang man"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "any excuse to punch stuff"
GM says (to Iason), "Yep, that smacks it pretty good."
GM says (to Iason), "If you want to put an aspect like 'Subdued' or 'Docile' on it, go ahead."
Iason says, "Subdued sounds good to me."
GM says, "Scorpion's turn again."
GM says (to Iason), "Make an Endurance roll."
Iason rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: -1 -1 +1 +1 | Fair (2)
GM says, "The poison coursing through Iason's body wracks him with pain!  Fill in your 3 box and your 2 box."
Iason says, "Ow!  Forgot about that."
GM says, "The punched scorpion decides to retaliate against Iason."
GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 0 0 -1 | Great (4)
[Crows-Nest] Iason asks, "And now I get to roll fists in return?"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Yep"
Iason rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 -1 +1 0 | Superb (5)
GM says, "But is apparently feeling too Subdued to really put its heart into it."
GM says, "The one attacking Everard is hungry for blood, though."
GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: -1 -1 0 +1 | Good (3)
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Stupid monsters"
Everard holds it off with his sword while hanging onto its tail.
Everard rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 +1 -1 +1 | Fantastic (6)
[Crows-Nest] GM asks, "This is crappy sword, yeah?"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "yeah"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "(why I'm only rolling great)"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "also, hey, I got spin and have riposte, so it takes a stress box"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Ooh that's also spin for which you have the funky stunty thing."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Surely it does"
Everard smites the scorpion with his sword as it thrashes around trying to throw him off.
GM says, "The scorpion tries to sting Everard, but instead only manages to sting itself."
GM says, "Sylith's scorpion sees an opening as she's all freaking out, and attacks."
GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 +1 0 +1 | Fantastic (6)
Sylith asks, "do I get any defense?"
GM says (to Sylith), "Yep you can roll your (human) Fists, let's say."
Sylith says, "hoo boy, okay"
Sylith rolls Average (1) + 4dF: +1 0 0 +1 | Good (3)
Sylith asks, "can I add +2 for Must kepp Moving so it doesn't get spin?"
GM says, "Sure, or maybe a scene aspect like 'Caravan personnel freaking out' or whatnot."
Sylith exclaims, "sure. A horse careens into mine, making its blow get me in the shoulder instead of the belly!"
GM says, "And with that, Sylith's transformation is complete."
GM says (to Sylith), "Your Alertness is now the highest, so you get to go first, which is a little weird, but it's fine.  So, yeah, bring it on."
Sylith exclaims, "rar!"
Sylith leaps off her horse and stalks towards her prey. She is taller and shimmers with tiny silver scales. Her legs seem - different. Alarmingly, she is still very attractive.
Sylith exclaims, "gonna rip its brain out!"
Sylith rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: -1 +1 -1 0 | Great (4)
Everard looks down uneasily at his own sword.
[Crows-Nest] Iason says, "This is the point at which the GM tags 'secret crush on Sylith' so that a scorpion stabs me when I'm all distracted."
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "hmm, should I put more on that? don't wanna run out of points"
GM says, "(Feel free to Urge to Kill if you want)"
Sylith says, "yeah, i certainly have an Urge to Kill"
Sylith says, "kill kill rar"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "If you run out of points then I'm not doing my job, so don't worry about it."
Sylith says, "+2"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "yeah, use aspects like you won't run out, it's more fun that way"
GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 0 0 -1 | Great (4)
GM says (to Sylith), "You lay down a palpable blow."
GM says (to Everard), "Go"
Everard crawls out onto the scorpion's back as it's running around and jabs his sword into its tiny, tiny brain.
Everard rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 +1 -1 +1 | Superb (5)
Everard says, "+2 for riding it"
GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 -1 -1 -1 | Fair (2)
GM says (to Everard), "That'll kill it"
Everard feels the scorpion start to thrash around in its death agonies and rips his sword free and leaps off, just before it flips over onto its back, nearly crushing him
Everard lands neatly on his extremely well-trained horse
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Heh"
GM says (to Iason), "Endurance roll time, amigo."
Iason feints left, then right again, then steps into a shadow right behind a particularly reflective patch of sun on the bright hot desert sand.  His scorpion tries to follow, getting more and more disoriented.
[Crows-Nest] Iason says, "(to get that out of my buffer ;-)"
Iason rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: -1 -1 -1 0 | Poor (-1)
[Crows-Nest] Iason says, "Hmm, I should aspect that."
[Crows-Nest] GM asks, "Ya think?"
[Crows-Nest] Iason exclaims, "Damn the consequences!  I'm fighting on despite the pain!"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "'Secrets of the Snake Cult' sounds like it should have inured you to venoms.  Or that."
[Crows-Nest] Iason says, "Hmm, -3 is probably best for a re-roll."
Iason rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: -1 -1 +1 0 | Average (1)
[Crows-Nest] Iason says, "Maybe Secrets of the Snake Cult to inure myself to poisons, too, for another +2."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "I'll let you keep spending if you want"
GM says, "The poison is reaching Iason's heart.  He takes a hit to the 2-box."
Iason slows his heart rate, as he learned to do when bitten by poisonous snakes back in the village.
[Crows-Nest] Iason says, "which jumps to the 5, I guess."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "No it's roll-down poison; if 2 is filled, take the 1."
You are not a member of #if/clubfloyd.
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "you could take a minor consequence instead"
[Crows-Nest] Iason says, "Oh, whew."
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "hmm, I think"
[Crows-Nest] Iason says, "Nah, roll-down is tolerable."
[Crows-Nest] Iason says, "I'm now full from 1-4 but hey."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Anyway, roll your action."
[Crows-Nest] Iason says, "Going for Stealth for the confusion."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Okay"
Iason rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 0 0 0 | Great (4)
GM rolls Mediocre (0) + 4dF: 0 +1 +1 -1 | Average (1)
GM says, "It is now Subdued /and/ Confused."
[Crows-Nest] Iason says, "Woo."
[Crows-Nest] Iason says, "Next round I'll try the Taming."
[Crows-Nest] Iason says, "And tag those two."
GM says, "Sylith's scorpion tries to sting her."
GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 -1 +1 0 | Great (4)
Sylith rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 -1 0 +1 | Fantastic (6)
GM says, "(vs Fists)"
GM says, "Ineffectually, as it turns out."
Sylith swats the stinger aside
GM says, "Iason's poor scorpion tries to find his prey."
GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 +1 +1 -1 | Fantastic (6)
Iason rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 0 -1 +1 | Superb (5)
[Crows-Nest] Iason says, "Hrm hrm."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "The minor might be the best path."
[Crows-Nest] Iason asks, "Do I want to take a minor consequence or a 5 box?"
[Crows-Nest] Iason says, "(or tag Confused prematurely)"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "consequences are just another aspect"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "so there's no reason not to take them"
[Crows-Nest] Iason says, "Sure, I'll take a minor."
[Crows-Nest] Iason asks (of GM), "Your choice, or mine?"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Oh let's say mine"
[Crows-Nest] Iason says, "OK by me."
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "(I guess it can tag it next round, but hopefully it'll be tame by then)"
[Crows-Nest] Iason says, "Heh, right."
GM says, "Iason narrowly dodges out of the way, but the attack from his erstwhile 'mount' Shakes His Confidence."
GM says (to Sylith), "Bring that demonic pain."
Sylith exclaims, "kill stingy bug!"
Sylith rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 +1 -1 -1 | Superb (5)
GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 -1 -1 -1 | Average (1)
GM says, "That'll kill it"
Sylith exclaims, "worry at the soft parts!"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "NOM NOM NOM"
GM says, "Over the ridge, a number of riders appear."
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "I hope the convoy personnel aren't looking too closely"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "they are running and hiding if they know what's good for them"
[Crows-Nest] (from GM) Convoy personnel says, "Damn, that hot chick is a freak!  She's a super-freak!  She's super-freeeekeeeeey
Everard exclaims, "look! men on the rise!"
GM says (to Everard), "And it's your turn too"
Everard says, "Prince Pembatep's men, I imagine"
Iason steps out of the shadow, hand extended in front of him with his thumb and pinky extended, murmuring arcane phrases, as he walks directly to the scorpion.
Everard asks, "do they look more like they're watching us, or more like they're going to charge down at us?"
[Crows-Nest] Iason says, "(sorry, I gotta run--can I make my rolls?)"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "go for it, I can wait"
[Crows-Nest] Iason rolls Mysteries, and double-tags his opponent!
Iason rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: 0 0 0 0 | Superb (5)
GM says (to Everard), "Mmmm let's make that, oh, Alertness"
[Crows-Nest] Iason exclaims, "+2 +2!"
GM exclaims, "Iason subdues his scorpion!"
GM says, "And apparently rides off into the sunset."
[Crows-Nest] Everard exclaims, "hi ho scorpio!"
[Crows-Nest] Iason says, "And I'm gone!  Thanks; this was fun."
[Crows-Nest] Everard exclaims, "bye!"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Thanks for coming =)"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "meanwhile, here's some alertness"
Everard rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: +1 0 0 -1 | Fair (2)
GM says, "Well, they're advancing, anyway."
GM says (to Sylith), "Hey, look at that, more prey that might be hostile."
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "ha ha"
GM says (to Sylith), "I'm pretty sure you feel like attacking them."
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "we probably shouldn't just let them have the convoy, but we need them to take us to Pembatep"
Everard exclaims, "Sylith! Stay back!"
Sylith says, "wurrrr"
[Crows-Nest] Everard asks, "can I use rapport to try to calm her down?"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "I think I'm being compelled"
Sylith says, "come down! want to...tarrrrkk"
GM says (to Everard), "Go ahead and roll it"
Everard rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 +1 0 +1 | Epic (7)
GM says (to Sylith), "And roll your, oh, let's say Demonic Resolve"
Sylith rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: -1 +1 0 0 | Fair (2)
Sylith says, "krsssh...evil...punish."
GM says, "Even with a +2 from my compel, yeah, you don't /need/ to kill those guys.  Unless you wanna."
Everard says, "not evil, Sylith -- don't hurt them now -- friends"
Not a valid command. Try typing 'help'.
Everard . o O ( I hope )
Sylith says, "okay, I'm not going to attack...this round."
GM says, "The riders see Sylith and are circling; keeping their distance."
GM says, "(We're no longer in initiative order; the fight music in the background fades out.)"
Everard asks (of riders), "Ho there! Are you Prince Pembatep's men?"
GM says (to Everard), "That's some Rapport"
Everard says, "I was going to be the talky guy for the group"
Everard says, "although apparently not the deceity guy"
Sylith says, "I am seducy girl for the group"
GM says, "Seducy/Bitey"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "some people go in for that sort of thing"
GM says (to Everard), "I mean, roll it"
Sylith says, "I'll sort of get between the riders and the convoy, to scare the riders into staying away from teh convoy and the convoy into getting itself back on its way"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "oh, right"
Everard rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 +1 0 -1 | Superb (5)
GM says, "The convoy has largely disintegrated"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "eaten by scorpions"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "and then trampled by Iason when he rode away"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith exclaims, "'So long suckers!"
GM says (to Everard), "Someone with fancier equipment than the rest waves you forward"
[Crows-Nest] (from GM) Iason says (to Sylith), "I still love youuuuu...."
Everard glances back to see that Sylith is safely in charge back there, and nudges his horse forward.
GM says, "The leaders says, 'And what brings Keshite scum like you so far into the desert?'"
Everard says, "I am a lord of Inkan, not Kesh"
Everard says, "we desire speech with Prince Pembatep"
GM says, "'Then you keep poor company, 'lord' of Inkna.'  Yes, you can hear the quote marks."
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "i have about an hour more left in me"
GM says, "'There are many who seek the Prince.'"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Alright, that should be enough."
Everard gestures to the scorpions. "And can they do this?"
GM says, "The rider peers off towards the horizon, whither Iason is rapidly departing.  'I am impressed, I shall grant you that.'"
GM says, "'And for what purpose do you seek the Prince?'"
Everard says, "We come from the palace of the king, where things are .. not right. We wish to find out from the prince if he can make them right, and aid him if so."
Sylith says, "ssss. Human sacrifice. Corruption. Cursed."
GM says, "'Indeed they are.  And indeed I can make them right.  For everything my brother has is rightfully mine,' he says."
Everard says, "oho"
Everard studies the prince.
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "well, I guess I won't be seducing him later"
Everard asks, "so tell us, then, your highness, why were you exiled?"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "I dunno, he's been alone in the desert a long time"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "or maybe he likes scales"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "(actually, wait, I guess he's married to that guy's sister)"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "oh right"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "man, I'm a demonic homewrecker"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "ha ha"
GM says, "'All good men in times of evil face such a fate, my Lord.  I am a better man than he; surely my work here, with this rag-tag band of dirt farmers, bears testament to that.'"
GM says, "'If it is an audience he seeks, I shall be quick to grant it.'"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "hmm, a slightly ticklish diplomatic situation here"
Sylith says, "I'm going to invoke True Nature Hidden and collapse"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Yay"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "whew, thanks"
Sylith says, "need to get back to someone with people skills"
Everard says, "no, I fear --"
Everard exclaims, "Sylith!"
Sylith coughs
Everard turns his horse and hurries back to her.
Sylith looks human again.
GM says, "Various riders make superstitious gestures."
Sylith says, "The sword...the Lion's Tooth"
Sylith says, "cursed"
Sylith says, "Your kingdom needs you..."
Sylith says, "but will be against you..."
GM says, "'Ah.  Perhaps it is cursed -- since it slew the demon Sekhmeth, none have dared wield it.'"
Sylith pulls herself together
Sylith says, "Will you come with us, and humble yourself for the sake of a ruse? Your brother must think you defeated"
GM says, "'If we are with the Gods, who shall be against us?  None.  The, 'woman', speaks well, Inkan.  I shall return with you.'"
GM says, "'But I shall return a Prince.'"
Sylith says, "and we will protect you to strike down the corruptor"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "yeah, this'll be tricky"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "hmm"
[Crows-Nest] Everard asks, "possibly we should get him to the lion's tooth and he should draw it?"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "or try to"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "maybe we can kidnap the assistant"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "I guess this says the tooth is near the throne"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "I'll let you chat this over for a few minutes."
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "maybe after a scene change we can learn more about the curse"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "hmm"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "(Yes -- the sword is embedded just ahead of the throne.)"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "this is knd os a dramatic moment to be all 'oh by the way'"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "and we have a day's ride"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "I'm not sure anyone knows exactly what the curse is"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "except that burned-face girl"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "well, there's that sekhmet thing he just mentioned"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "I think you're right we have to deal with the assistant"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "oh yeah"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "maybe when we get back we should split up -- you go find the assistant and deal with him, and I get the prince and some of his men into the throne room and he tries to draw the sword"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "okay"
Ghogg arrives, looking for booty.
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "(if you have a better idea, I'm open -- I just don't really know what's going on)"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "no, that sounds pretty planlike"
GM says, "'Shall we then ride?'"
Sylith says, "Yes, let's waste no time"
Everard says, "yes indeed"
Everard says, "I think we should be able to find a way to bring a half-dozen of your men with us, in disguise"
Everard says, "the rest will have to stop at the border"
GM says, "You are given two mounts, quick Naboan steeds, and you ride for the border."
GM says, "There are only about six men with him."
Everard says, "perhaps on the way you can tell us of this Sekhmeth"
Sylith asks, "Your highness, could you tell more about the deon Sekhmeth?"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "timing"
GM says, "'Ah, yes.  In our tales it is called the Lion of the Desert; an immensely old and powerful demon.  When Kesh the First subdued it, with the power of The Lion's Tooth, the kingdom was founded.  I am his son, through many generations.'"
Sylith says, "And none has wielded the sword since then? But Meritep's corruption seems to have begin recently."
GM says, "'Perhaps the stars or the tides were wrong; who can say?  Or perhaps it's always been there, waiting for the right time to bubble above the surface.'"
Everard says, "if the astrologer's assistant is responsible, perhaps he has awakened it"
Sylith says, "there was a strange omen. We saw the stars of the Lion rising in the east, in the blood of a sandworm. But I'm no astrologer."
GM says, "You reach the border.  When the guards see you two, renowned as you are, escorting the prince, they let loose with a joyous noise."
Sylith says, "like, 'yay, the Prince is here to fix things!'"
Sylith says, "or like, "Yay, the traitor is defeated!'"
GM says, "'Ha!  The old women call our family that, some times, the bloodline of the Lion.  And how could two brothers, Lions of the Desert, go so far astray?  The Gods work their mysterious ways.'"
GM says, "More like the latter."
Sylith says, "hrm"
GM says, "But their bravado decreases as the prince approaches, until they are finally obsequient."
Everard says (to guards), "let the word be passed throughout the country -- we have found the prince, and will be bringing him to the throne room in three days where justice will be done"
(From GM) Guard says, "Yes sir!"
GM says, "Word passes even quicker than the fleetest horse, and by the time you arrive at the palace, a mighty throng has gathered, portenting your arrival."
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "I'm not sure why I'm making a big fuss but it seems like a good idea"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "hmm, this isn't giving me time to ride ahead and get the assistant, whose name i forget"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Shebbit.  He'll be around..."
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "okay, right, he'll be in the throne room"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "if the big meeting is tomorrow you could try to grab him tonight"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "or grab him as things are getting ready"
GM says, "In the throng you hear the odd snippet of conversation "...on the back of a giant desert scorpion!  No, I swear it by my mother's uterus!""
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "ha ha yay"
GM says, "You see members of the Royal Guard discreetly surround you on your way to the throne room."
GM says, "And the ride through the desert was /so/ relaxing, you get all your fate points back."
Sylith asks, "okay, were we able to disguise some escorts of our own?"
Everard says, "we could dress them up as caravan guards, maybe"
Sylith says, "could roll some deceit or something"
Everard says, "or as my servant"
GM says, "No one seems to particularly mind."
Sylith says, "okay"
GM says, "Perhaps because they're 'just' Naboans."
Everard says, "ooh, burn"
GM says, "You see courtiers running flat-out ahead of you, bringing news to the crown."
GM says, "As you reach the entrance proper of the palace and the end of the courtyard, you find you must dismount."
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "I'm going to need to monster out again, at some point..."
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "ah well, we'll see, maybe they'll have a moving reconciliation"
GM says, "The prince's guard stay with the horses; the three of you approach."
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "we're going to have cut a path to the boulder, probably"
[Crows-Nest] GM says (to Sylith), "EPIC FAIL"
[Crows-Nest] GM asks, "Wait what boulder?"
[Crows-Nest] Everard asks, "that the tooth is in?"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith asks, "the one the sword is in?"
[Crows-Nest] Everard asks, "or is it in the floor?"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "It's in the floor itself.  Actually the whole diorama is carved such that the sword is embedded in the outstretched tongue of the lion."
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "hunh, fancy"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "I, uh, could have mentioned that earlier.  But you didn't ask for a Perception check!  Too bad for you."
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "hee hee"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "nah, it's fine"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "probably he'll have to approach the king at some point"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "if he doesn't just get fed to the rancor"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "the real question is when is Sylith going to be able to grab the assistant"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "or maybe I should and she should help the prince"
GM says, "You're about to enter the throne room."
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "I have mysteries at a decent level when 'human' and we may need it"
Everard looks around for the assistant
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "maybe knowing what more we know now, you can just eyeball the sword and the astrologers and the king and decide what's up"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "I figure some words will probably be exchanged, and then we can try to get the prince close to the sword"
GM says, "The doors swing open."
Ghogg goes home.
GM says, "Within, the throne room has been cleared of extraneous personnel.  It seems strangely empty and cavernous without all the bodies."
Everard says, "..."
Everard stops walking abruptly
Everard asks (of guard), "what nonsense is this?"
Sylith asks, "are the astologers here?"
GM says, "Meritep, the king, sits on his throne.  Tabir is nearby; Jabbran and Shebbit stand on the other side of the throne."
GM says, "You now notice, plunged nearly hilt-deep, the sword called The Lion's Tooth."
GM says (to Everard), "Roll Alertness"
Everard rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: -1 -1 +1 0 | Average (1)
GM says, "Yep, it's a sword."
Everard says, "(I can use see the unseen, if it'll help)"
Sylith murmurs to the Prince, "The sword is your birthright, yours and your brothers - it must be drawn again. If there is a curse we will help you defeat it."
GM says, "Hmmm yeah that helps a bit.  You notice the sword bears a familial resemblance to your own Sword."
Sylith says, "even if that means destoying it"
GM says, "The king stands as you enter.  'My champions, you have returned.  And victorious!  Your honour is well-deserved, I see.'"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "dammit, 'destroying'"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "The floor is 'closed' again, by the by."
Everard says, "you are kind, your majesty -- but I am surprised to see the room so empty"
Everard says, "surely you would wish the entire court to see what happens when your brother is returned"
GM says, "The prince says, 'This is family business, isn't it, Meritep.  The machinations of royal families behind closed doors has always determined the fate of nations.'"
Sylith asks, "what's going on on the faces of the astrologers?"
Sylith rolls Rapport
Sylith rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: 0 -1 -1 +1 | Great (4)
GM says, "Jabbran looks worried; Shebbit looks sort-of smug."
GM says, "The king says, 'Indeed.  So, Pembatep.  So what now.  So what shall we do...'"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "argh, intrigue is hard"
GM says, "The prince says, 'You know the laws lain down by Kesh.  Only one sword may legally draw the blood of the royal family.  The sword you have so foolishly let rest idle.'"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "ah, good"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "'by the way, Shebbit there defiled your ritual the other day with demon magicks'"
GM says, "Meritep approaches the sword."
GM says (to Sylith), "Roll me some Mysteries."
Sylith rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 +1 0 +1 | Epic (7)
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "woot"
Sylith says, "this room is right on a ley line! my word."
GM says (to Sylith), "You have the sudden sense that drawing the sword would be a very bad idea indeed."
Sylith exclaims, "hold, your Highness!"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith exclaims, "aaaagh I dunno what to say!"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "say there's a demon in it"
Sylith exclaims, "the sword is still defiled with the evil of Sekhmeth!"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "now we're talking"
GM says, "Everyone's heads whip around."
Sylith exclaims, "it must be made pure or this act will cast your kingdom into chaos for generations!"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "awesome"
GM says (to Sylith), "Roll some Rapport."
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "um um"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "maybe we should point out the astrologer"
Sylith rolls ??? (rapport) + 4dF: +1 +1 -1 0 | Average (1)
GM says (to Everard), "You too."
Sylith says, "they are Wrapped Around my Finger"
GM says, "You mis-rolled that."
Sylith rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 +1 -1 -1 | Superb (5)
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "I think you typed 'fudge rapport' instead of 'fudge great'"
Sylith says, "so I did"
Everard rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 0 0 +1 | Fantastic (6)
GM says, "You're both at Fantastic, so."
Everard says, "I'm going to try to circle around to get closer to the astrologers"
Everard says, "as she holds the court's attention"
Sylith asks, "Shebbit, why don't you tell us what you know of demons?"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "ha ha"
GM says, "'Why don't you, demonspawn?' he replies."
GM says, "Meritep has stayed his hand for the moment, clearly intrigued."
GM says (to Everard), "You see Tabir eyeing up the Tooth."
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "oho"
[Crows-Nest] Everard asks, "like in a I'm going to draw it kind of way?"
GM says, "The prince is quasi-casually strolling towards the throne."
Sylith says, "I know how they lead men into treason and corruption, how they promise power in exchange for petty mischief."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Perhaps 'covetous' is the most accurate way to put it."
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "hmm"
Sylith says, "The way you magicked the girl from the ritual, from last we stood in this room, for example."
GM says, "Jabbran interrupts.  'You shall be silent, Tainted One.' he says."
GM says, "(social conflict -- he's Intimidating.)"
Sylith asks, "Was she to nourish the gods, or your master?"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "okay..."
GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: -1 -1 -1 +1 | Fair (2)
[Crows-Nest] Sylith asks, "rapport again?"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Sure"
Sylith rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 0 0 -1 | Superb (5)
GM says, "As he reproaches you, his eyes subtly glance at your ample bosum, entirely ruining the effect."
Everard moves closer to the Tooth, then
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "ha ha"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "ha ha ha"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "she's magically delicious"
Sylith asks, "so would drawing the sword be Bad no matter who draws it?"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "man, social standoff."
GM says, "The prince says, to the king, 'Then you have not studied well our laws.  Yes, the Lion's Tooth may draw royal blood.'"
GM says (to Sylith), "That's your sense of it."
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "uh oh, he's fixing for a strangling"
GM says, "The prince continues, 'But it is merely the best-known, by us, off the Swords of Destiny.'"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Err, 'of'"
GM says, "Everyone suddenly takes a step back away from Everard."
Everard's hand has instinctively gone to the hilt of the Bad Sword
GM says (to Everard), "It's humming with a faint killing energy, man.  It wants you to draw it."
GM says, "(compel)"
Everard's forehead breaks out in beads of sweat as he struggles not to draw the sword from its sheath
GM says, "Shebbit waves his hand across the room."
Everard says, "didn't realize before -- so close -- blood calling to blood -- twin demons"
GM says, "Roll Mysteries if you want to try to stop whatever it is he's doing."
Sylith exclaims, "you! stop!"
GM says, "(both of you, I mean)"
Sylith rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 +1 +1 -1 | Fantastic (6)
GM rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 -1 0 -1 | Great (4)
Sylith exclaims, "what are you trying to do?!"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "hee hee"
[Crows-Nest] Everard asks, "I don't have mysteries, but can I roll resolve?"
GM says (to Sylith), "Well, he's tagging your True Nature, for one thing."
GM says, "The two seem locked in a contest of wills"
Sylith says, "wuh oh"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Mmm not really; you'll (maybe) see why"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "ok, I'll just roll mediocre then"
Everard rolls Mediocre (0) + 4dF: 0 -1 -1 0 | Terrible (-2)
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "ha ha"
GM says, "Jabbran seems to suddenly realize what is happening and slaps Shebbit in the mouth."
Sylith says, "this man is not your loyal servant"
Sylith says, "I do not know what he is"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Smooth move there, Houdini."
GM says, "The prince remarks, 'Is this the way of things now, Meritep?  Letting your pawns wage your wars?'"
GM says (to Everard), "Pembatep is obviously mocking the king; if you want to calm him down, that's Rapport."
GM says (to Sylith), "Roll Mysteries again."
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "I kind of just want to punch out the assistant but I['m not sure that will help"
Everard exclaims, "your highness! that ill-befits a man who claims the right to rule!"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "I'm not sure what will help at all"
Everard rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 0 +1 +1 | Fantastic (6)
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "It's Conan -- punching people out always helps"
Sylith rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 -1 +1 0 | Superb (5)
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "yeah, just grab the guy"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "he'll probably turn out to be a snake-man or something"
GM says, "The king vacillates.  'You should listen to your friends.  They're better than mine, it would seem/"
Sylith exclaims, "If you are determined to meddle with demons, I'll give you a closer target!"
GM rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: -1 0 -1 +1 | Great (4)
Sylith asks, "what did that Mysteries roll do? Just resist another spell?"
GM says, "Tabir lunges and shoves the fat king out of the way."
Sylith says, "wuh oh"
GM says (to Sylith), "Yeah, he's still trying to pull it off."
GM says, "He's reaching for the sword, but there's time enough to catch him, perhaps."
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "I was going to sock him one, but it looks like I should grab Tabir"
Sylith exclaims, "hey! Don't!"
Sylith jumps into Tabir's path
[Crows-Nest] (from GM) Sylith says, "If you want to grab something, grab these!"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "har"
GM says (to Sylith), "Roll your, oh, let's say Fists, I guess."
Sylith says, "You cannot wield it - it will wield *you*"
Sylith rolls Average (1) + 4dF: +1 +1 0 -1 | Fair (2)
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "In soviet Kesh..."
GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: -1 -1 0 +1 | Good (3)
Everard says, "clearly the time for words has passed"
Sylith says, "I'll put in A Spark of Compassion"
GM says, "Sylith's attempts are narrowly ineffectual."
Sylith says, "as much as I would like a demon brawl, Tabir seems like an okay guy"
Sylith says, "oh well"
GM says, "Tabir puts in Covet's Lion's Tooth"
GM asks (of Everard), "You getting in on this action?"
Everard says, "I guess -- uh"
Everard says, "ok, I leap onto the assistant and shake the hell out of him"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "I wish it were against genre to be such a reluctant hero, but, as it turns out, nope, that's pretty much Conan.  Oh, I /guess/ I'll save the kingdom."
GM says (to Everard), "Roll it"
Everard asks, "I only have athletics, can I use that?"
GM says, "Sure"
Everard rolls Good (3) + 4dF: 0 0 0 -1 | Fair (2)
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "it's a little tough to tell what to do in this situation. sorry you keep having to cue it"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Yeah, I know it's a bit weird.  It'll get more straightforward momentarily."
GM says, "Everard gives Shebbit a good shaking; it breaks his concentration."
GM says, "Meanwhile, Tabir has wrapped the thews of his fingers around the Lion's Tooth and, with a mighty wrench, pulls it free."
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "the ol two-fisted diplomacy"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "okay, it's on"
Sylith says, "oh, Tabir..."
GM says, "Jaws drop.  People stare.  Tabir himself looks half-surprised."
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "I assume this is a thing nobody is supposed to be able to wield unless they're the rightful whatsit"
GM says, "He says, 'My sister married the Prince.  That means I'm royal blood.  The time has come...'"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "oh right"
GM says, "He's cut off by a horrible rumbling, grinding noise."
Everard . o O ( sadly there's no time to clarify proper inheritance rules with him )
GM says, "An earthquake, perhaps?  People stumble and dust falls from the rafter."
GM says, "A cracking sound like a gunshot, and somehow there's a stone skin falling away from the lion's head, revealing something not-granite-coloured beneath."
Everard exclaims (at king), "get out from there!"
Sylith says, "I knew it"
GM says, "An enormous sigh, like a tornado wind, issues from the mouth, blowing away the throne and a century of dust."
GM says, "The hideous yellow lion eyes, larger than you, fix on the proceedings."
GM says, "Feel free to react now."
Sylith says, "well, I think it's time to call my demon forth"
Sylith says, "rather than get eaten"
GM says, "Yep it's surging to get out"
Everard says, "I'm going to drop Shebit like a sack of flour and charge into the mouth to try to pull the king out"
Sylith says, "rrrrunn"
GM says (to Everard), "I'll take Athletics for that"
Everard rolls Good (3) + 4dF: +1 0 +1 0 | Superb (5)
GM says, "You snatch the king away right before the giant tongue retracts and the maw gnashes shut."
GM asks (of Sylith), "You're demoning up?"
Sylith says, "yeah"
Sylith says, "is there a giant rest-of-demon"
Sylith says, "oh man, the lion stars meant the demon was rising, not the kingdom"
Sylith says, "durr"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "you mystics can only interpret this stuff after it happens"
GM says, "The head seems to be stirring as though there was a gigantic body behind it."
GM says, "Sekhmeth inhales and lets loose with a bone-rattling roar."
GM says, "Endurance rolls, people."
Everard rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: -1 0 +1 0 | Fair (2)
Sylith rolls Good (3) + 4dF: -1 -1 -1 -1 | Poor (-1)
Sylith says, "doh"
Everard exclaims, "but No Challenge is Too Great!"
GM rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: 0 -1 +1 +1 | Fantastic (6)
[Crows-Nest] Sylith asks, "um Betrother to a distant baronet?"
GM says (to Everard), "Sounds good to me"
Sylith exclaims, "Must keep Moving!"
Sylith rolls Good (3) + 4dF: +1 0 -1 +1 | Great (4)
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Sounds good to me."
GM says, "So you both take a 2-box hit (or a minor)."
Sylith says, "I'll take a consequence"
Everard says, "me too"
GM says, "Deafened"
Sylith says, "oh well"
GM says (to Sylith), "Okay, your turn"
Sylith says, "I can see eyes, so I'll claw at one"
Sylith rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 -1 -1 0 | Great (4)
GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: -1 +1 0 0 | Great (4)
GM asks, "Any aspects?"
Sylith asks, "can I tap that is has no body?"
GM says, "mmm Sure"
Sylith says, "I'm sure that'll be rectified shortly"
GM says, "One eye of the demon slams shut, green ichor oozing from it"
GM says (to Everard), "Go ahead"
Everard says, "I still hope to do this without drawing the Bad Sword, so I charge in, leap up, and stab at the eye"
Everard rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 0 +1 -1 | Superb (5)
GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 0 0 +1 | Superb (5)
Everard asks, "hmm, trained as a duelist, since this is a precise shot?"
GM says, "No you don't get to duel a 12-storey demon."
GM says, "Your mundane steel seems to have little effect on it."
Everard says, "argh"
Everard looks down to see the hilt of his blade - the rest has snapped off on its skin
GM says, "Tabir drops his Sword and runs away"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith exclaims, "ooh, use both!"
GM says, "Everyone else is cowering, except for Shebbit who looks pretty happy about the whole situation."
GM says, "The demon takes a bit at Sylith"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "freakin' Shebit"
GM rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 +1 +1 -1 | Epic (7)
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "I am totally throwing him into the mouth"
Sylith says, "eep"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Err, bite"
Sylith rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: 0 -1 +1 +1 | Fantastic (6)
Sylith asks, "can I use the same aspect repeatedly?"
Sylith says, "I was thinking "Must Keep Moving""
GM says, "Sure that's alright."
GM asks (of Everard), "And you, sir?"
Everard asks, "it's biting me too?"
GM says, "Well... no.  Okay I guess it's Sylith's turn.  Man I hate initiative order.  Go ahead, Jen."
Sylith asks, "is that still Fists?"
Sylith says, "I will try to grab Shebbit and hurl him into the mouth"
Sylith says, "sorry, missed quote mark"
GM says, "Sure, that sounds Fisty enough."
Sylith rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: -1 +1 0 +1 | Fantastic (6)
GM says, "Shebbit disappears into the demon's jaws."
Sylith exclaims, "whee hee!"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "awesome"
GM says (to Everard), "Okay NOW you can go"
Everard says, "once again I break my word and draw the sword that should not be drawn"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "By the power of Greyskull..."
Everard pulls the Reaving Blade from its sheath and stabs at the other eye
Everard rolls Superb (5) +1 + 4dF: 0 -1 +1 +1 | Epic (7)
GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 0 +1 -1 | Superb (5)
GM says, "It's definitely not happy about getting stabbed in the eye"
Everard says, "it's going to get less happy"
Everard says, "especially if it has more eyes"
GM says, "It shakes itself loose of the building and stands to full height; it appears to be roughly humanoid, with a lion's head, and very tall.  It takes a swip at the whole building."
GM says, "Athletics roll to avoid injury from the rubble."
GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: -1 0 0 -1 | Fair (2)
Sylith says, "this would be a good time to learn that the capital has some seige weaponry"
Sylith rolls Good (3) + 4dF: +1 0 0 0 | Great (4)
Everard rolls Good (3) + 4dF: 0 -1 0 -1 | Average (1)
GM says, "Tabir /was/ running... somewhere..."
GM says, "Fortunately Everard is a ninja and therefore is unharmed."
Everard says, "oh yeah, acrobatics rules"
GM says (to Sylith), "You're up."
Sylith asks, "um, is there anything on it I can still hit?"
Everard says, "climb up it colossus-style"
Sylith says, "yeah, that might be the plan"
Everard says, "or bite its kneecaps off"
GM says, "Sure; there's pretty much its entire body.  Or, yeah, with that Athletics roll, you could have backflipped onto it somewhere."
Sylith says, "okay, I'll have scuttled up to cling to its torso"
Sylith says, "I'll claw at its abdomen"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "So just an average day, then"
Sylith rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: 0 -1 -1 +1 | Great (4)
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "hee hee"
GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 -1 -1 +1 | Great (4)
Sylith exclaims, "Urge to Kill!"
Sylith says, "for +2"
GM says, "It's mighty demonic six-pack is clawed by demonic Sylith."
Sylith says, "must be some organs somewhere"
GM says (to Everard), "Sword-guy, go"
Everard says, "I scramble up his leg and reach about thigh level by the time it's time to start hacking"
Everard rolls Superb (5) +1 + 4dF: 0 0 0 +1 | Epic (7)
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "yow"
GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: -1 +1 -1 0 | Good (3)
GM says, "Oh it's not happy with you at all."
GM says, "It receives a deep wound in the groin area and starts to stumble."
GM says, "In fact, it lands right in the river."
GM says (to Sylith), "Go, underwater girl."
Sylith says, "brble"
Sylith exclaims, "keep clawing! I can breathe when I'm dead!"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "ha ha"
Sylith rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: -1 +1 -1 -1 | Good (3)
GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: -1 0 +1 0 | Great (4)
Sylith asks, "can I tap that it's prone?"
GM says, "For you, sure."
Sylith says, "heh"
GM says, "Squishy bits are coming out."
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "demon sword seems to be doing most of the damage. I really should have done stunts"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "nummy"
GM says (to Everard), "Go, demonboy"
Everard says, "die die die"
Everard scrambles up along its body towards its neck
Everard rolls Superb (5) +1 + 4dF: 0 +1 +1 0 | Legendary (8)
GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 -1 +1 +1 | Superb (5)
GM says, "Oh it doesn't like you much either."
Everard asks, "hey, since I'm holding this sword, can I sense where the other sword's gotten to?"
Sylith says, "I think Tabir dropped it"
GM says, "Sure; it's back in the rubble there somewhere."
Everard says, "I'm worried we're going to need to use that other sword to put this guy back inside"
GM says, "The demon thrashes around in the river"
GM says, "It manages to give Everard a good swat"
Everard says, "since I'm not sure what happens if this sword gets demon-tainted twice"
GM rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: 0 0 0 -1 | Great (4)
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Or not"
[rpg] katre asks, "what game is going on?"
[rpg] Jota says, "I think Roger's SotC game."
Everard rolls Good (3) + 4dF: 0 +1 0 +1 | Superb (5)
[rpg] katre says, "ah ha"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "yay"
[rpg] GM says, "Yep"
Everard dodges out of the way as it swats at itself
[rpg] katre says, "I was thinking "But Miseri just posted asking for players!""
GM says (to Sylith), "Go ahead"
Sylith says, "I'll climb out to some non-submerged part and keep clawing"
Sylith says, "the spine if I can get at it"
Sylith rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: -1 0 -1 +1 | Great (4)
GM says, "More like his head"
GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 -1 -1 0 | Fair (2)
Sylith says, "awesome"
GM says, "He's not happy about that."
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "we're going to need to burn the body, build a temple over it, and then burn *that*"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "ha ha"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "I'm not sure about drinking from this river, either"
GM says (to Everard), "Hey you now"
Everard asks, "I can't really tell -- are we making progress here?"
GM says, "Yeah, he's blinded in both eyes and his guts are falling out."
Everard says, "well, that's a good start"
Sylith says, "he's also misunderstood"
Everard says, "I guess I'm going to run and try to find that other sword"
GM says, "It rolls of a piece of floating debris and literally falls into your hand, you lucky sod."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "OFF"
Everard says, "blood calls to blood"
[Crows-Nest] Everard asks (of Sylith), "would it help if I give you this sword? or are you too bitey to use a sword?"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "I don't have any weapons skill"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "we could probably put some aspects on it so you could get a roll"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "worth a shot"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "I'm just wondering if you'd be able to use it in-character"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "awesome"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "She still has hands, or at least tentacles, sure"
Everard waves the sword to Sylith, since his ears are still ringing
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "it's demony, I'm demony, It's going into a demon - all good"
Sylith asks, "WHAT?"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "ha ha"
Sylith exclaims, "oh, okay!"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "ha ha more"
[Crows-Nest] Everard asks (of GM), "ok, was my turn hunting for it?"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "That and passing it off, I think, yeah"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "alrighty"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "oh, so I've already got it? sweet"
Everard clambers back over the rocks and tosses the sword to Sylith
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "No you're still in the water."
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "I was thinking we could each put an aspect on it this round instead of hitting it and then you could hit it with the sword next round"
Sylith says, "I'll come get it next turn then"
GM says, "The demon belches some unholy ichor into the river."
GM says, "Roll up some Endurance.  Again."
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "always with the ichor"
Sylith rolls Good (3) + 4dF: +1 +1 0 0 | Superb (5)
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Gotta go with the classics."
Everard rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: 0 0 -1 +1 | Fair (2)
GM rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: -1 +1 +1 +1 | Epic (7)
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "hoo boy"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "hmm, I'll take a -4 consequence and a 1 point damage"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "it'll either be over real soon or we'll be dead"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "yeah"
Sylith says, "I think I'll just take the damage"
GM says, "Okay; Everard is now Choking (to Death) and Sylith has the damage roll up to the 3-box (if my record-keeping is accurate.)"
GM asks (of Sylith), "Sword in hand, what do you do?"
Sylith says, "that sounds right"
Sylith exclaims, "gah! Everard is dying!"
Everard waves his hand in a don't-worry-about-me kind of way
[Crows-Nest] Sylith asks, "hrm, what aspects were you thinking of putting on it?"
[Crows-Nest] Everard asks, "off-balance? distracted?"
[Crows-Nest] Everard asks, "weak spot?"
[Crows-Nest] Everard asks, "you could climb up on it and get well-positioned?"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "(or swim under it)"
Sylith says, "okay, I'm tapping the injuries it's already suffered, and By Dark Hands Guided"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "That's what she said"
Sylith says, "to get to the ideal spot"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "ha ha"
Sylith asks, "can I still attack this turn, or is that my action?"
GM says, "okay, so roll, oh, Fists, say, to place that aspect"
Sylith says, "okay"
Sylith rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: 0 0 0 +1 | Fantastic (6)
GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 0 +1 +1 | Fantastic (6)
Sylith asks, "hmm, what else can I throw in?"
GM says, "You do have that Urge to Kill, though"
Sylith says, "ah, of course"
Sylith exclaims, "moar fate!"
GM says (to Everard), "Goest thou"
Everard is coughing and wheezing but staggers over anyway to jab at the demon's leg and Distract it
Everard says, "then I can collapse on the leg"
Everard rolls Superb (5) +1 + 4dF: -1 -1 -1 0 | Good (3)
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "ha ha"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "see? wheezy"
Everard exclaims, "but no challenge is too great!"
Everard rolls Superb (5) +1 + 4dF: +1 -1 -1 -1 | Great (4)
Everard says, "...except this one, apparently"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Or Brightblade, if you want to use that"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "yes, yes I do"
Everard rolls Superb (5) +1 + 4dF: +1 0 +1 0 | Legendary (8)
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "awesome"
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "woot"
Everard staggers onto the leg, jabbing his sword in and falling over as he strikes the blow
Everard says, "for .. Brightblade .."
GM says, "The demon, with its foot nearly-severed, is well-distracted."
Sylith asks, "okay, so I've got +6 to this Mediocre weapon attack?"
Sylith says, "assuming it doesn't swat me away"
GM says, "Mmm, that sounds about right."
Sylith asks, "does it get an action before I go?"
GM says, "It's busy doing... something.  It's skin seems to be getting harder."
Sylith says, "fab"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "I'm bad for "it's" today."
Sylith says, "okay, stabbing"
Sylith rolls Mediocre (0) +6 + 4dF: 0 +1 0 0 | Epic (7)
[Crows-Nest] Sylith says, "maybe it's just turning back into stone"
[Crows-Nest] Everard says, "you are the stabbiest"
GM says, "Sylith stabs the thing in its belly."
GM says, "You can both feel a bolt of energy conduct through the demon, between the two swords embedded in it."
GM says, "The body stiffens, and then turns to a gray silt which washes away in the current."
Sylith says, "whoo"
Sylith falls into the river and plashes out to everard
Sylith exclaims, "Doctorssss!"
GM says, "As the two of you struggle to the banks of the river, Brightblade and Lion's Tooth in respective hands, you can see the remnants of the palace, and, amongst the ruins, Tabir, bloody but alive, is standing at the head of a throng."
Everard staggers to his feet with Sylith's help
GM says, "'All hail the new King and Queen of Kesh!' he says, and they all kneel before you."
GM says, "THE END"
Sylith says, "um"
Sylith says, "wow"
Sylith exclaims, "awesome!"
GM says, "Heh, thanks."
Everard says, "hooray"
GM says, "Also that goober Jabbran, and the old King, and everyone else you didn't like, all died in the collapse./"
Everard says, "I'd like to thank all the demons that made this possible"
Everard says, "also, this was really pretty fun"
Sylith says, "yeah"
Everard says, "and worked well as a two-player game, which these usually don't"
GM says, "Somewhere, Iason feels slightly-unfulfilled."
Everard says, "well, two-and-a-half"
Everard says, "he's got a pet scorpion, what more does he want"
Sylith exclaims, "hey, he's got a riding scorpion!"
GM says, "That is true.  And, yeah, that was fun."
Everard says, "he can be our royal scorpion wrangler"
Sylith exclaims, "we have to like administer!"
GM says, "It felt a bit draggy in the middle but I think it generally moved along alright."
Everard asks, "which part was the middle? the throne room?"
GM says, "The funny thing about SotC combat is that you look at it and you think, okay, Endurance is hit points.  But it's not.  Fate Points are hit points.  Combat serves to burn through them."
Sylith says, "yeah"
Everard exclaims, "interesting!"
GM says, "Mmmm right around the split-scene, I think."
GM says, "I was trying to pull something off that I don't think the players caught."
Sylith asks, "well, the astrologer was watching us, right?"
Sylith says, "I wasn't sure what we could do about that"
Everard says, "oh, yeah"
Everard says, "I'm not sure I can actually pay attention to two scenes at once"
GM says, "IE, Jabbran was puppetmastering the injured girl and trying to keep up both conversations.  Which since that's what /I/ was doing as GM, I thought that could be fun."
Everard says, "aha, nice"
Sylith says, "huh"
GM says, "Maybe I needed to tip my hand harder; I dunno."
Everard says, "but yeah, I didn't realize that"
Sylith asks, "so jabbran knew Shebbit was evil?"
GM says, "I mean, it's not /bad/ you guys didn't pick up on it; everything worked out okay."
Sylith says, "I'm still puzzled about what side Jabbran was on"
GM says, "Well, alright, here's the poop.  Jabbran knew about Sekhmeth but was happy to keep her pinned down.  Shebbit wanted the demon to arise again."
GM says, "Jabbran was pretty much on his own side, really.  The two sides, as far as I can tell, turned out to be Status Quo, and Change.  Where Change is equivalent to drawing The Lion's Tooth."
Everard asks, "what about Tabir?"
GM says, "Tabir loved the king but lusted after the sword itself, though he knew nothing about demons and such."
GM says, "He just hated to see a lovely weapon lying around."
Everard says, "ha ha"
Sylith says, "okay, I need to get away from computer and eat food"
GM exclaims, "Also it's sort of strange how I felt like I had to beat you guys into the Social Conflict system sometimes.  Even when you're both Rapport munchkins!"
GM says, "Thanks for playing, Jearl.  It was good times."
Everard asks, "did you log this, btw?"
Sylith says, "yeah...a lot of that for me was just not knowing what result I should be trying to achieve"
GM says, "If my client is working right, yes."
Everard says, "I have a log but it'll take a little cleaning"
Everard says, "ok, good"
Sylith says, "anyway, thanks, both of you"
Sylith goes home.
Everard says, "glad we could finally have a game of this"
Everard says, "and now, vamoose"
Eolo has disconnected.