GM says, "So, a purple-haired young woman just introduced herself to you as 'Mr. Brown.'"

GM says, "Then she led you to a corridor that looked like it should lead to a janitor's closet, but instead it led you to a room with an elevator in it."

GM says, "She pressed a button on the wall, and a green light shone from a ceiling fixture, alighting on each of you in turn:"

[Department] Reeve says, "looks around sharply, but says nothing."

Reeve says, "looks around sharply, but says nothing."

[Department] Reeve says, "sorry, getting used to mudding again"

Alexey wonders where this Reeve person appeared from.

GM says, "'Reeve Callum, standard human... Jamison Carver, hybrid human... Nelson Delany, standard human...' and so on."

[Department] Bob_Nobody exclaims (at Alexey), "she's been here all along!"

James asks, "Wait,what?"

Alexey says, "looks very confused"

Alexey looks very confused.

[Department] Reeve says, "I'm a guy"

James asks, "I'm a *hybrid*? Hybrid what?!?"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "good thing that was OOC, then :)"

[Department] Alexey asks, "Who's James?"

[Department] Alex says (to Alexey), "Awwwk! Word on the street is that James is James Eady, which is Jonadab. Furthermore, a good name for a pelican is James."

GM says, "Once the voice has identified everyone, she swipes her keycard and enters a passcode into a keypad by the door, and the elevator opens."

[Department] James says, "(I'm lps)"

[Department] James says, "(and Sara is Reeve)"

[Department] Alexey asks, "is it possible to get a description of what James and Reeve look like, please?"

GM says (to James), "'A hybrid human, sounded like to me,' she says as she leads all of you into the elevator."

[Department] Alexey says, "since they weren't there are the intro session"

[Department] EmmaSmith says (to james), "hey, hybrids have great mileage!"

[Department] James | http://spod-central.org/~lpsmith/rpg/transcripts/department/Jamison.html

[Department] GM says, "Good idea."

[Department] James | http://spod-central.org/~lpsmith/rpg/transcripts/department/Reeve.txt

James says (to Brown), "(grumbly) I know what it *said*..."

[Department] Bob_Nobody asks, "who's this Nelson?"

[Department] GM says, "Based on whom the light was on at the time, it was the man with the black eye."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "ah"

[Department] Reeve says, "I'm not quite six feet, trim, long straight brown hair pulled back in a queue, and wearing a duster."

GM says, "The elevator takes you down a level and opens into a small lobby."

James is tall and solid, with long fingers he steeples together when he's thinking. He's immaculately dressed, and has piercing green eyes.

GM says, "There, waiting for you, is a man who appears to be in his late fifties, wearing a wrinkled grey suit."

Alexey is big. Also, greying hair, grey eyes.

GM says, "'Hello!' he says. 'I'm William Billings. Welcome to the Department!'"

EmmaSmith looks around the lobby curiously

[Crows-Nest] James asks, "Ha; isn't Billings the dude from Explorers, too?"

[Department] Alexey asks, "have we heard of this person?"

GM says, "He's a bit on the short side, slender, and he speaks with a British accent."

Bob_Nobody's face is very generic. You're not sure you could describe him except by saying "He looks a lot like that guy... you know, whatshisname".

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Oh, no, not at all. That's *Devon* Billings. No relation whatsoever. Nuh-uh."

Alexey asks, "How... do you do?"

EmmaSmith is mousy. No other way to describe her.

Reeve nods.

GM asks, "I do very well! Thank you. You would be... Mr. Petrov, if I remember correctly?"

Alexey looks for a namebadge or some other sign of rank.

Bob_Nobody walks up to Billings and shakes his hand. "Great setup here! I love the diner overhead, very cloak and dagger. Maybe we need to re-think the janitor closet/elevator, though, huh?"

Alexey asks, "Yes, ... sir?"

GM says, "'I have all of your files. I was quite impressed with some of your physical test results, Mr. Alexey.'"

GM says (to Alexey), "He doesn't appear to be wearing any."

Alexey exclaims, "Thank you, sir!"

James asks, "Hey, the computer said I was a hybrid. What did it mean?"

[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "pants, that is"

GM says (to Bob), "'Oh? It seems to work fairly well so far. Those who know about it, know about it, and those who don't... er, well, they don't.'"

[Crows-Nest] Alexey says, "it's not a very popular diner"

EmmaSmith continues looking around the lobby curiously

GM says (to James), "A hybrid? Oh, Mr. Carver, yes? I believe that's all in your file... some interesting results in your bloodwork, as I recall."

[Crows-Nest] EmmaSmith says, "the service is kinda lackluster and the food is nothing to write home about"

James asks, "Can I see my file, then?"

GM says, "'I can look that up for you when we get into my office. That being where we're going. For the, er, introductions and such.'"

GM says, "'Except that I suppose we are introducing now. Perhaps explanations, then.'"

[Crows-Nest] Bob_Nobody says, "and they never bring you your cookies"

[Crows-Nest] Alexey says, "or whiskey"

GM says (to James), "'Oh, yes, certainly! Well. Not all of it. Some of it, though! There are certainly parts of it you can see. I think. I need to check which parts.'"

[Crows-Nest] Alexey says, "and customers who wish to complain to the manager are never seen again"

Bob_Nobody perks up at the word "files".

[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "LATER: "Hey, all these pages are intentionally left blank""

GM says, "He looks at a puddle on the floor. 'Is someone, er, dripping?'"

James sighs in resignation. "That'd be great, thanks."

James looks at the puddle, then at the ceiling.

jess says, "hi"

GM glances over the group, noticing that some of you look as though you just came in from a downpour.

Bob_Nobody says, "It is a bit wet out tonight."

EmmaSmith says, "that's what you get for brawling in the storm"

Alexey says, "oh, er... sorry."

GM says, "'Oh, my. Is it raining outside? Well, that could possibly explain some things...'"

GM says, "'Would you like to dry off before we begin? Perhaps some clean clothes? Or a towel? Or both?'"

Alexey exclaims, "yes please!"

GM says, "'Speldid! Back, back then! Back into the elevator!'"

GM says, "He motions at the elevator which is still closed, and which has another keycard swipe and numeric pad next to it."

Bob_Nobody mutters, "I have a change of clothes"

GM says, "'Oh, I should open that, I suspect.'"

GM uses his card and the pad to open the elevator and ushers everyone inside.

Alexey re-enters the elevator, looking now not so much confused as vaguely dazed.

Reeve surrepticiously wipes water beads from his duster.

GM says, "'We have full facilities here, for the convenience of our agents, er, operatives? Employees.'"

GM takes you down on a slightly longer trip.

EmmaSmith asks, "how far down does this place go?"

nm says, "hi hi, jess"

GM says, "'This is the third level here... we have full quarters for everyone in case of emergency -- at least, most of everyone, probably... I haven't actually counted...'"

Bob_Nobody wonders how deep this goes. How many buttons on the control panel?

GM says (to Emma), "'That is an excellent question!'"

[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "3 2 1 0 -1 -2 Turtle"

Bob_Nobody also tries to peek at the key-combo Billings pushed.

[Crows-Nest] James says, "Ha"

Alexey asks, "Everyone?"

GM says, "(There are seven buttons on the panel, 0-5 plus X.)"

[Department] Bob_Nobody asks, "that's, what, burglary?"

GM says, "'I've been on... hmm, seven levels? Perhaps nine. Myself. Although only the first five are generally accessible.'"

GM says, "'Not counting the diner, of course.'"

[Department] GM says (to Bob), "I think that'd be an Investigation roll."

Alexey asks, "what's further done?"

Alexey asks, "*down?"

Bob_Nobody rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: +1 +1 +1 0 | Superb (5)

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "same skill level :)"

[Department] GM says (to Bob), "5 5 6 1 9"

Bob_Nobody whistles to himself.

GM releases you into a wide corridor with a couch on one side and vending machines on the other.

Alexey examines the vending machines.

GM says (to Alexey), "'We have offices on top. Under the diner, which is more on top, but under that we have labs and equipment and such'"

GM says, "'And below that, is this! Living space and the gymnasium and so on...'"

GM says, "He shows you two entrances marked MALE and FEMALE."

Reeve's ears perk up at the word 'gymnasium'.

GM says, "'Here we have showers and towels and lockers and such. And in the cabinet, there are spare uniforms. One should fit each of you.'"

GM says, "'The uniforms are convenient at times, but I must admit they are a bit, er...'"

GM says, "'...optional. Yes. They are very optional.'"

[Department] Reeve asks, "uniform?"

Reeve asks, "uniform?"

Alexey takes out an uniform.

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "i am the only female?"

GM says, "He looks at the doors and then at the group again. 'I apologize, we only have male and female showers, if any of you are not, er, that is, if you are-- oh? Yes, uniforms!'"

Bob_Nobody heads into the room marked 'MALE' and finds a toilet stall. He walks in wearing an Armani suit and carrying a briefcase. Four and a half minutes later, a dreadlocked man wearing bicycle shorts and a frayed Bob Marley t-shirt walks out with a messenger bag over his shoulder.

Bob_Nobody says, "Hey, mon, let's get going."

GM says (to Alexey), "It appears to essentially be a grey jumpsuit, combined with a black dinner jacket."

Bob_Nobody grabs a uniform in his size and stuffs it into his bag.

Alexey goes and gets changed. At least it's dry.

EmmaSmith enters the FEMALE room by herself, and sighs with relief at finding it empty

GM says, "'I have never quite seen the appeal of them myself. Except in particular situations. But, er, I tend to avoid those situations.'"

Reeve stations himself in front of the hand blowdrier for a bit, eschewing a uniform.

[Crows-Nest] Alexey asks, "do the uniforms have any insignias?"

EmmaSmith quickly showers and gets dressed into her jumpsuit

[Department] Alexey asks, "do the uniforms have any insignias?"

EmmaSmith rolls up the sleeves and legs a little bit

EmmaSmith mutters "I hate being between sizes"

[Department] GM says, "The inner jumpsuit has a small symbol embroidered on the chest in black, of two concentric circles with an X going through them."

James remains in his own outfit, but is turning over possibilities in his mind of how to make at least the dinner jacket look good.

[Department] GM says, "But it would be covered up by the jacket."

EmmaSmith finds a plastic bag in the shower and stuffs her own clothes inside, slings her purse over her shoulder, and puts on the dinner jacket

Alexey says, "cool."

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "is there another door out, or do we come back to the corridor?"

GM says, "'Well then! Are we all refreshed?'"

Alexey nods.

Reeve remains ever-so-slightly damp; the hand-drier was not that strong.

[Department] GM says, "There is a door into the shower, but that's the only exit exit."

GM says, "'On with the tour, then!'"

EmmaSmith comes back to the corridor in a slightly baggy uniform

GM leads you through this level.

EmmaSmith takes a pen out of her purse and writes on palm, "Get sewing kit and fix uniform" before following the crowd

GM says, "'So, down there is a kitchen and dining area, and down those halls are various quarters... feel free to claim an unoccupied unit if you like, once the keycards are available...'"

GM says, "'I apologize for the keycards -- did I mention them yet? And over here is the gymnasium...'"

Bob_Nobody asks, "Er, we need to live here?"

Reeve asks, "Is there a firing range?"

GM says (to Bob), "'Oh, no. But if there are ever circumstances where it would be inconvenient to depart during the course of an investigation, then these are provided to make it less, er, inconvenient.'"

James says, "Yeah, what quarters? My kids will be expecting me home by six. Well, usually. Or at least sometimes."

Bob_Nobody says, "I mean, yay hidden lair, but so far I only see one exit."

Alexey asks, "Is there a good bar?"

GM says (to Reeve), "'Ah, yes! That is in level four.'"

James says, "Oh, good."

Reeve says, "Oh, perfect. You can show me later."

GM says (to Alexey), "'I believe that the kitchen is reasonably stocked. But you will have to server yourself.'"

GM says, "'And if you don't find what you need there, then you may be able to find what you want in the, er, storage... area.' He frowns. 'You may be able to.'"

GM says, "'So! That was level two...'"

Alexey still looks dazed, but that's okay.

[Department] GM says, "Actually, I take back what I said about the other door. I'm sorry, there'd logically be a door into the gym, wouldn't there."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "we demand maps"

GM takes you down another level in the elevator.

EmmaSmith asks, "is the kitchen just fridge/table, or is there a stove for cooking?"

[Department] GM says, "Hee. I'll scan them later."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "accurate to a resolution of one meter"

[Department] GM says, "But they are crude."

James mutters, "Place is worse than Google. If they expect me to *live* here..."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "not good enough"

[Department] GM says, "Sorry, these are to five feet."

[Department] GM says (to Emma), "The kitchen seemed fairly completely equipped."

GM says, "'Now, this is level four. There isn't much on level-- well, no there's quite a bit on level four, but only two things...'"

GM says, "'This door over here is for the firing range.'"

EmmaSmith asks, "what was on level 3?"

Bob_Nobody is looking around. What kind of security is in the hallways? Cameras? Motion detectors? Thermal imaging?

Reeve cracks the first smile you've seen.

[Department] Alexey asks, "do we see any other people down here?"

GM says (to Emma), "'Oh, level three was where we just were. Did I call it something else?'"

EmmaSmith says, "oh. i thought that was 2"

[Department] GM says, "Nope, aside from the people you've already met."

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "i will just wait for maps"

EmmaSmith says, "sorry"

[Department] GM says (to Bob), "Investigation or Burglary."

Bob_Nobody rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: -1 +1 0 +1 | Good (3)

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "lucky for me they're the same, I guess"

[Department] GM says, "Ooh, that's a fancy hidden-camera setup. You'd hardly notice it if you weren't looking..."

Bob_Nobody starts thinking about how to move around in here without the cameras noticing.

Bob_Nobody . o O ( There's gotta be air ducts, we're underground... elevator shaft? )

Reeve thinks he could probably shoot out the cameras if he had too.

Alexey asks, "is this place normally so empty?"

[Department] GM says (to Bob), "With your previous roll, you can declare an Aspect related to that, if you like."

[Department] GM says, "That's something you can use like your own Aspects if you're here later and need to do so."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "I am not pointing out the cameras, mind. anyone else can figure it out on their own"

GM says, "'And this other door is the storage area.'"

GM says, "He opens a door onto a vast room filled with row upon row upon row of shelves."

[Department] Bob_Nobody asks, "hmm, okay, so I can declare, say, 'Camera Blind Spot' and use that later to move unobserved past the cameras?"

Bob_Nobody peers in with interest.

[Department] GM says, "I believe that it will give you a free +2 on one roll here (e.g. Stealth)."

GM says, "The rows near the door seem to have simple office supplies -- cans of coffee, reams of paper..."

[Department] Bob_Nobody asks, "I don't feel like sneaking away just yet, so can I save it?"

[Department] James says, "And you could tag it again for another +2 if you spent a Fate point."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "cool"

EmmaSmith asks, "are we allowed to go in to the storage area on our own?"

GM says, "...further back, you see some cold weather gear, and a ski pole poking out into the aisle..."

[Department] James says, "(but the first tag of any environmental aspect is always free)"

EmmaSmith says, "or do we have to sign like a log to get in and take stuff out"

Alexey asks, "ski equipment? At this lattitude?"

GM says, "...behind that, you see a rack of clothing with what looks like it almost has to be a *gorilla* costume hanging from it..."

[Crows-Nest] James says, "Hee hee"

GM says, "'Oh, certainly, anything you need for a mission, feel free to borrow it.'"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "okay, new plan, I am rolling stealth."

GM says, "'If you can, er, locate it.'"

Bob_Nobody sidles over the the clothing rack, and grabs a few useful disguise components and stuffs them in his bag when no one is watching.

[Crows-Nest] Alexey says, "sooo, supplies sorted in order of silliness"

Bob_Nobody rolls Fair (2) +2 + 4dF: 0 -1 +1 -1 | Good (3)

EmmaSmith checks to see if there's a keycard panel for this door

GM says (to Alexey), "'It is surprising the sorts of things that are sometimes needed. Surprising to me, anyway.'"

GM says (to Emma), "There is not."

[Department] GM asks, "Are you hiding from Billings?"

Reeve keeps an eye out for gun cases, or unusual ammo.

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "yeah. so, hmm, no +2 on that"

[7thsea] GM rolls 1 die: 9

GM rolls Average (1) + 4dF: -1 0 +1 -1 | Mediocre (0)

[Department] GM says, "He is completely unaware."

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "can i use mental blueprint to kinda case out the storage area?"

GM says, "'And below this is the training area! Well, that tour went quickly.'"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "basically, roll to learn/memorize it now"

[Department] GM says, "Sure. Roll for it, and if you're successful, you can have an Aspect on it that you can use later."

[Crows-Nest] Alexey asks, "do I have any idea how many people can live in this area?"

[Department] Alexey asks, "do I have any idea how many people can live in this area?"

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "how do i use a aspect with a stunt?"

[Department] GM says (to Alexely), "Probably under a dozen, based on how many quarters you saw."

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "my aspect: Finders Keepers. Stunt: Mental Blueprint [Burglary]"

[Department] GM says (to Emma), "Ah, let me take a look at the stunt."

Alexey asks, "So... um, what are we all doing here?"

[Department] GM says, "The stunt lets gives you a +2 in your initial casing roll; a success on that roll gives you a free Aspect on the location, like 'Appears to be organized in order of increasing silliness'."

[Department] GM says, "And then when you try to do stuff in here later, you can call on that Aspect to get a +2 bonus on one roll."

[Department] GM says, "Normal Aspects (i.e. ones that you don't have a free use of) you spend one Fate Point to use to get a +2 bonus to a roll."

[Department] GM says, "(Once you've used your free use of the Aspect on this room, it becomes a normal one that you can spend a Fate Point to invoke later.)"

GM says, "'Oh, didn't we cover that at the start?'"

Alexey shakes his head.

GM says, "'I thought that was in the order of things... explanations, then equipment, then tour, then training...'"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "i will skip the finders keepers and just do a roll, then"

EmmaSmith rolls Fair (2) +2 + 4dF: -1 +1 0 -1 | Good (3)

GM says, "'Oh! I knew I forgot something! You have no idea why you're here!'"

EmmaSmith looks around very carefully at the storage room

[Department] GM says, "Success! So you can place an Aspect on this location."

GM says, "'Back to my office, then!'"

Alexey trundle trundle.

GM says, "He leads you back to the elevator. 'Or do we continue the tour? It seems like we may have skipped... yes, what about level two?'"

GM says, "He takes you up again, this time to what he declares is 'Level two!'"

James says, "Office."

GM says (to James), "'Oh. You don't want to see level two?'"

James asks, "What's on level 2?"

GM says, "'I thought you would like level two.'"

GM says, "'Labs!'"

GM says, "'And weapons!'"

Alexey asks, "I thought we changed clothes on level 2?"

GM says, "'And...' he looks around and spots the first door -- a large double-door marked with a radiation symbol, a biohazard symbol and a couple of others. 'And decon!'"

James sighs. "Sure. and while we're touring, you can *also* tell us what the job is, what pay scale we can expect, and the benefits package."

GM says (to Alexey), "'Oh, that was level three.'"

Bob_Nobody steps nervously back from the decon door.

GM says (to Jame), "'The job? Oh, right, the job!'"

EmmaSmith asks, "don't you have a library here?"

Alexey asks, "wasn't the gym on level 3?"

GM says (to Emma), "'We do! That's right down this hall. Unfortunately, it's frightfully disorganized... we haven't had anyone to keep it in order...'"

Alexey asks, "What is this place? What is going on?"

GM says (to Alexey), "'Yes, the gym and the showers and the quarters...'"

GM says, "'Going on? Is something going on? Oh, yes, what's going on... this is the Department of Unconventional Affairs, you see.'"

Reeve resolves to check out the lab and weapons at the earliest opportunity.

GM says, "'Our purpose is to identify, investigate, neutralize -- or, in some cases, negotiate with -- potential unconventional threats.'"

EmmaSmith says (to GM), "I can add that to my job description"

GM says (to Emma), "'Splendid! That would be of great help.'"

GM says, "'Unconventional threats are... well, are you familiar with, say, zombies?'"

Bob_Nobody says (to Emma), "Make sure he gives you a raise for it, too."

EmmaSmith says, "we will discuss payment later"

Bob_Nobody says (to GM), "I'm pretty zombielike before I get my morning coffee."

EmmaSmith smiles at bob

Alexey asks, "Zombies? Like in the movies?"

Alexey looks distinctly and unexpectedly scared.

Reeve says, "I hear they burn pretty easily."

GM says, "'Yes! Well, some of them. Some of them are like the movies. Some of them are quite different. It all depends on the color, you see.'"

Alexey asks, "the color?"

James says, "The color of your zombies."

Reeve says, "The color? So not just zombies, but rainbow zombies? This I gotta see."

GM says, "'And then there are aliens, of course... and, um, faeries...' He glances at James. '...and werewolves, naturally. And robots. Always robots.'"

Reeve asks, "Do they sparkle, too?"

GM shakes his head. '*Always* robots.'

GM says (to Reeve), "'You're probably most familiar with the rotting green ones, I suppose. Everyone is.'"

James says, "Hey, just because I'm... wait. No. No way."

GM says, "'Well! Your job is to, er, deal with. By whatever means. Those things.'"

EmmaSmith looks back and forth between James and Mr. Billings, thinking furiously

Bob_Nobody asks, "Hmm. You said "negotiate". So these guys can deal?"

EmmaSmith asks, "how?"

GM says, "'Negotiation or subterfuge or, er, violence. If necessary.'"

Bob_Nobody says, "I can make a deal with anybody."

Alexey asks, "why us?"

GM says (to Bob), "'Some can! Some have even agreed to assist the Department.'"

Reeve asks, "Might need to make up some special ammo. You mentioned a lab?"

GM says (to Alexey), "'Your tests suggested that you were highly qualified, capable of dealing with the unexpected and unfamiliar, and likely to be willing to accept.'"

GM says, "'I do hope that does not turn out to be untrue. Our tests are usually quite accurate in that regard.'"

James asks, "And the pay scale?"

Reeve asks (of James), "Didn't you hear the man? We get to blow stuff up! Who cares about the pay?"

Bob_Nobody moves over to Alexey and whispers, "After seeing this setup, it might not be healthy to turn away, y'know?"

GM says (to James), "'Ah! Yes. That is... er. I don't recall the precise figure, but... it is all in your individual contracts... where did I leave those?'"

GM says, "'Oh, my office! Yes, to the office!'"

GM says, "'My, this is the most rushing around I've done in weeks.'"

James asks, "Are our own keycards there, too?"

GM says (to James), "'Yes! Or rather, they would be. Or they are, but they're only cards, right now. Communications difficulty, you see.'"

GM says, "'With headquarters. I think it may be the storm.'"

Bob_Nobody asks, "This isn't the headquarters?"

GM says, "'Need official authorization to program them. But I do have the cards!'"

GM says, "'Oh, no, this is unit 7. DUA-7, we like to call it.'"

James says, "Just trips off the tongue."

GM says, "'I don't... that is, I'm not quite certain *how* many units there are.'"

GM says, "'At least several, I am pretty sure. Perhaps more than several!'"

Alexey says, "well, seven is a lucky number"

Bob_Nobody asks, "Probably six others, minimu, huh?"

James says, "Hmm."

GM says, "By now, he's brought you back up to the top level, and is trying to show you the bathrooms, kitchenette, conference room and observation room, but someone fortunately leads him back towards the door with 'Billings' written on it."

GM says (to Bob), "'Oh, quite likely. But I am not certain that they are number, er, in the precise sequential order, without, say, skipping. Or backtracking.'"

GM says, "When you finally reach his office, you find one side of it occupied by a large desk covered with piles of paperwork."

Bob_Nobody says, "Makes sens. You don't want to be too regular, give away too much info."

Reeve says, "If we're going against werewolves, I'm going to need some silver tip hollow points, and maybe some safety slugs. Bigger impact, less collateral damage, you know."

James pulls out his PDA and texts Stan: "Check out the interference. Normal storm? Or something weird? Text back"

GM says, "On the other side, are three comfy armchairs and four folding chairs. Apparently for the group of you."

GM says (to Reeve), "'Oh, yes! You should be able to find those in the weaponry. That was on level two. The blue door.'"

Reeve appropriates a comfy armchair.

[Department] James asks (of GM), "Can I roll Investigation for Stan? Or possibly Computers?"

Alexey takes up a comfy chair

Bob_Nobody takes a folding chair, carefully lifts it up to look underneath the seat, then sits down.

[Department] GM says, "Sure, either of those should be acceptable."

EmmaSmith takes a folding chair into the corner of the room and sits

[7thsea] James rolls good dice:

[Department] James says, "er"

James rolls Good (3) + 4dF: -1 -1 -1 0 | Mediocre (0)

[Department] Bob_Nobody asks, "oof. you can use an aspect to re-roll, right?"

[Department] James says, "Yeah, with a fate point."

GM says, "Billings shifts a few piles of paper around until he locates a pile of papers with 'Contract For Employment' at the top. He passes these around. Your names are already filled in, as are your pay grades. Which, you note, appear quite reasonable."

[Department] James asks, "Or could I try again for my next action with Computers instead?"

Bob_Nobody asks, "You mentioned you have files on us. Is this it?"

[Department] GM asks, "Sure. If you don't like what Stan texts you back, you can ask him to do a second check with Computers, how 'bout?"

Bob_Nobody read read "psst, what's In-frac-tion mean?"

Alexey looks shocked, and signs immediately.

[Department] James says, "Sure."

Reeve perfunctorily reviews the file.

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "drat. i am sitting too far away so i can't do curiosity killed the cat to sneak a look at other people's pay"

Bob_Nobody says, "I guess I'm in for meeting zombies and aliens."

Alexey then starts reading through the thing.

James carefully reads the file, and nods, satisfied.

Bob_Nobody asks, "Not so sure about robots. How 'bout we just blow them up?"

EmmaSmith reads and crosses out certain lines, initials passages, puts in some notes

[Department] GM asks, "BTW, is your PDA trying to attach to local wifi or the cell network?"

GM says (to Bob), "'Oh, this will be going into it. As soon as I file them.'"

James gets a gleam in his eye. "We can always reprogram them..."

Bob_Nobody shifts away from James.

[Department] James asks, "Is it reasonable that it could try both?"

GM says, "'And the clause about infractions just indicates that if you violate the terms of the contract -- say, by detonating a nuclear bomb in Washington, DC -- then you will be subject to, er, unspecified consequences.'"

GM says, "'So don't do that.'"

[Department] GM says, "Sure."

[Department] GM says, "You get no cell bars at all, but when you try the wifi, Stan answers:"

[Department] James says, "Cool. Then yeah, Stan would just try whatever he can."

Alexey asks, "we have access to nukes?"

Reeve . o O ( Note to self, no bombs in D.C. )

[Department] GM says, "'There you are! Someone unhooked me and jacked me into a whole new network here! There are comm ports out of here, but I can't see anything through them at all.'"

GM says, "'Er. No? I hope. Not yet, anyway.'"

GM says, "'But... as I said, sometimes specialized equipment is required for, er, specialized threats.'"

James says (to Stan), "[[Can you tell anything about the storm going on outside?]]"

GM says, "'So! Welcome to the Department! Or, er. Did we cover that part already?'"

[Department] GM asks (of James), "Is this asking him to try Computers instead, or is it a new thing entirely?"

Alexey asks, "Do you have a slide show, or something?"

[Department] James exclaims, "Uh, sure!"

GM says, "'Hmm. Welcome, explanation, contracts...'"

James rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: +1 -1 0 -1 | Average (1)

Bob_Nobody says, "Maybe a nice phamplet."

GM says, "'Oh. Slides. Pamphlet. Hmm. That is an excellent idea...'"

Reeve says, "And a map, later."

GM says, "'I could draw you a diagram? But I am not terribly good at drawing.'"

Alexey says, "sure, a picture says a thousand words."

GM says, "'Oh! We do have maps! I can get you some, yes! They're...' he looks around. '...around here someplace...'"

Reeve says, "How about getting to the part where you tell us what you want us to do? Specifically."

GM flips over a piece of paper and draws some stick figures. 'Here is a zombie... and there is a vampire... and a robot... oh, hmm? Oh, right.'

[Crows-Nest] James says, "Hee hee"

GM says, "'Well, every so often, we will discover that the city is being attacked by a giant robot, or that werewolves are eating villagers at night.'"

EmmaSmith asks, "how?"

EmmaSmith asks, "how do you find out?"

GM says, "'How do we find out that a giant robot is attacking the city?'"

EmmaSmith says, "i assume you don't hear about it on CNN"

Alexey says (to GM), "can't the lynch mobs deal with those themselves/"

Alexey asks, "?"

GM says, "'Oh, well, that is part of your job, in fact. If you *see* a giant robot attacking the city, you should tell me.'"

Reeve asks (of Alexey), "And how do you propose they lynch a robot?"

GM says, "'And then I call all of you, and say that there is a giant robot attacking the city.'"

[Department] Reeve says, "I feel sort of like I'm in "The Incredibles""

GM says, "'And then all of you go to the giant robot, and ask it why it's attacking the city, and if perhaps there's anything that might make it stop attacking the city.'"

GM says, "'And then it steps on a bank or somesuch, and you shoot it, or climb inside and reprogram it, or whatever seems appropriate to the situation.'"

Alexey says, "and then we blow it up"

GM says, "'Yes, that could work!'"

GM says, "'And then everyone gets bonuses!'"

Alexey says, "unless if we use a nuke to do it"

James says, "Only if it's attacking DC"

Reeve says, "And we're in D.C."

GM says, "'Right! Excatly.'"

Bob_Nobody perks up at 'bonuses'.

GM says, "'Oh, and you get equipment!'"

Reeve says, "Probably fewer people would object if were in, oh, Montana."

GM says, "'I mean, personal equipment. Like these!' He takes a cardboard box and puts it on his desk. Inside is a pile of metal boxes, about the size of a paperback book, but thicker."

James, interested, steps forward and takes one.

Alexey takes a box, and opens it.

Bob_Nobody asks, "Er... what is that?"

GM says, "'This is called the "WTT". The Department first started using them in the 1950's. These are actually the original model that was distributed then! WIth some minor internal modifications.'"

Bob_Nobody asks, "And it does... what, exactly?"

GM says, "Each one has a hinged lid, and when you open it, you see something roughly like: http://www.grunk.org/rpgs/department/wtt.jpg"

Alexey turns the knob to on.

James asks, "It's a... cell phone?"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "the rotary dial is a nice touch"

Reeve exclaims, "Awesome!"

GM says, "'These are what is called a "Walkie-Talkie Telephone"!' He looks at them, then back at you. 'They were a bit more, er, impressive when they were first introduced.'"

Bob_Nobody asks, "And it's not going to irradiate me or turn me into one of your colored zombies or something, right?"

EmmaSmith asks, "do we have to use these if we already have a cell phone?"

Alexey dials some random numbers.

GM says, "'But they are fully compatible with current cellular networks! And they also can communicate point-to-point with each other if you're ever out of cell range. And with the local network inside the building!'"

GM says (to Bob), "'Oh, no. Not at all. We hardly use any equipment that does that.'"

Bob_Nobody gingerly reaches out and takes one, then carefully opens the lid while pointing the box away from himself.

Alexey says hello into the ... grille?

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "I can see Technophobia will be just as much fun as I imagined"

GM says (to Emma), "'You don't have to, no. But given the current difficulties I am having getting an outside signal this evening -- surely temporary, I assume -- they might come in handy.'"

James, unable to resist, flips his open and looks in the guts.

[Department] James exclaims, "Engineering!"

GM says (to Alexey), "'Stephano's Pizza, canItakeyourorder?'"

James rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: -1 +1 -1 -1 | Good (3)

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "(hint: see me following my aspect!)"

Alexey says, "Um, wrong number."

EmmaSmith sticks box in bag, and immediately grunts at the weight

Reeve tucks his into one of his voluminous pockets.

[Department] GM exclaims, "Printed circuit boards! And a coil antenna! And a little cathode ray tube!"

Alexey says, "oooh, impressive."

[Department] GM says, "Clearly, some parts of this have been upgraded more than others."

Bob_Nobody asks (of Billings), "Got an aluminum foil handy?"

GM says, "'Oh, and I almost forgot, we also have these, which we have... inherited, you might say. Or rather, acquired. During previous... investigations."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "*any"

GM says (to Bob), "'There should be some in the kitchen. We can wait if you need to get some?'"

Reeve says, "Nify equipment, boss."

GM is clearly accustomed to strange requests from Department employees.

Bob_Nobody says (to Billings), "I'll be right back."

Bob_Nobody leaves the WTT on his chair, runs to the kitchen, comes back with the aluminum foil, and proceeds to wrap every inch of the WTT in a double layer of foil.

Bob_Nobody then puts the WTT in his bag.

[Department] GM says, "Excellent."

James . o O ( Hmm, I bet I could get this to triangulate on the source of the interference; make sure it's the clouds and not anything else... )

GM says, "'Now, as I was saying, these devices that we acquired from a certain scientist who is doing *much* better now that he is in therapy...'"

[Department] James asks, "Can I try an Engineering roll to modify it to do that?"

GM says, "He brings out a pair of pistols that look like http://www.grunk.org/rpgs/department/stun-pistol.jpg"

Reeve asks, "Did he agree to this therapy you're providing?"

[Department] GM says, "Sure."

James rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 0 0 -1 | Superb (5)

GM says (to Reeve), "'Oh, yes. Once we convinced him that taking over the world would not be in his personal best interests.'"

James's tongue sticks out of the side of his mouth as he works.

James exclaims, "Got it!"

Reeve immediately picks up a pistol and begins examining it.

James closes it up again, flips it over and examines the display.

Bob_Nobody asks, "What's this one do?"

Alexey exclaims, "this looks like a proper raygun!"

[Department] GM says (to James), "The source of the interference appears to be directly overhead. So it *could* be the storm, but if so, the storm is apparently centered directly over this building."

[Crows-Nest] EmmaSmith asks, "someone watched (rewatched?) Men In Black didn't he?"

James asks (of Billings), "OK, I have something to report. The interference is coming from directly above this particular building. Can we go to the roof?"

EmmaSmith says, "hey, i remember reading about this pistol in a book"

[Department] GM says, "Also, Stan gets back to you. 'OK, so I've got the layout of this place. Apparently, I'm not the only system surprised that there's no outside contact -- looks like this is not Situation Normal. All radio traffic is completely dead, and the logs show it happened right around the time you say the storm started. And landlines went out not long after.'"

GM says, "'This is a stun pistol! One direct shot seems to knock most ordinary untrained civilians out cold.'"

James says (to Stan), "[[Thanks--keep an eye out, will you, and let me know if the situation changes?]]"

Bob_Nobody asks, "Untrained? How does one train to not be stunned?"

Bob_Nobody asks, "And can I sign up for that class?"

GM says, "'It is a bit less effective on well-trained agents or, er, giant robots, of course. And it also takes several minutes to recharge. But it is just the thing for, um, knocking out innocent civilians.'"

Alexey says, "oh. Nothing a good knock on the head can't do"

[Department] Bob_Nobody asks, "how big is it? pocket-sized? Holster-sized?"

James says, "Billings. The Roof."

[Department] GM says, "'Untrained civilians' being 'minions and the like'."

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "stan is a coputer?"

GM says (to James), "'Wait?'"

[Department] GM says, "Er, I mean:"

GM says, "'What?'"

GM says, "'But I was just telling you about the stun pistols...'"

GM says, "He looks disappointed."

GM says, "'There's even a rifle we've been working on that uses some of the smae technology...'"

Reeve asks, "There's a rifle? What's its range? Let's have a look, shall we?"

[Department] James says (to Emma), "Yeah, he's my AI program."

GM says, "'...auto-targeting and everything...'"

GM says, "He shuffles around in drawer. 'Ah, here it is. I was just playing with it.'"

GM says, "It looks similar to the pistol, but sleeker, longer, more modern, and with *much* more complicated controls. All knobs and buttons."

James exclaims, "Oh, I think I recognize that!"

GM says, "'I couldn't figure out how to work it myself, though. I think you'd need an engineering degree just to know what button to push.'"

James exclaims, "But bring it along. I want to see what's on the roof!"

Reeve examines the rifle intently. You can amost see his eyes glow.

GM says (to James), "'Well, alright. Then the training?'"

James says, "Sure."

GM exclaims, "Right, then!"

Alexey asks, "there's something on the roof?"

Bob_Nobody pockets the stun gun and pulls a poncho out of his bag.

Bob_Nobody says, "I'm prepared, this time."

James says (to Alexey), "The source of the interference is coming from directly overhead. Like, precisely."

James says, "And the land lines are out too, now."

EmmaSmith longingly wishes for a book

GM takes a WTT of his own and dials it. 'Miss Desoto? Could you bring raingear for, er... six? Seven? Up to the roof?'

Bob_Nobody says (to James), "Maybe we should go out the front door and look up, then."

Bob_Nobody says, "Rather than all bursting onto the roof."

GM says, "'Ya, sure.' the phone answers, in the voice of 'Mr. Brown.'"

GM says, "'Well, come along, back to the elevator...'"

James says (to Bob), "Oh, come on. The roof of a secret lab is much more exciting than the front door of a diner."

James grins.

GM says, "He takes you all upstairs to the diner, and the purple-haired woman gives umbrellas and ponchos to those who don't have them."

Bob_Nobody says (to James), "In my experience, 'exciting' is just another way to say 'dangerous'"

GM says, "'There's a ladder around the back. We'll just need to go outside, then around behind the kitchen...'"

Bob_Nobody says, "I guess we both win."

James says, "Heh."

Alexey asks (of Bob), "I know, fun isn't it?"

Bob_Nobody asks, "Anybody have any binoculars?"

GM says, "He leads you out back in the pouring rain, where, if anything, it's even darker than it was earlier."

Bob_Nobody says, "Left mine at home."

Reeve pulls a pair from another pocket of his duster.

GM says, "Then he points to a rusty metal ladder. 'Er, after you. In fact, if you don't mind, I think I'll wait here.'"

Bob_Nobody asks (of Reeve), "Mind takign a quick look up there before we all climb up?"

James looks up in the sky, shrugs, then climbs the ladder.

[Department] GM asks, "So... once you get up there, in the rain and in the dark... what exactly are you going to be doing?"

Alexey follows.

[Department] James asks, "Looking up?"

[Department] Reeve says, "getting wet, again."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "I dunno, we're all following James here"

GM says, "Above you, you see a very dense, black cloud cover."

Reeve hands james the binoculars, but chooses not to brave the ladder.

GM says, "And to the sides, it seems to cover this area almost like a dome."

EmmaSmith decides to stay down on the ground with Mr Billings

Bob_Nobody follows James and Alexey.

Alexey says, "huh"

EmmaSmith asks, "another binoculars handy? Mr Brown?"

GM says (to Emma), "'Mr Brown' (aka Harriet Desoto) did not opt to follow you out into the rain."

Alexey says, "I've never seen weather like this."

Bob_Nobody asks (of Alexey), "Oh, man, this one time in Cambodia, I was moving some elephants across the border, and it was monsoon season, right?"

Bob_Nobody says, "So of course we had a terrible downpour, a lot like this, and of course the thunder and lightning spooked the lead elephant."

GM says (to James), "If you're still trying to triangulate the source of the interference, it's still immediately above you: either in the clouds or above them."

EmmaSmith says, "oh"

Bob_Nobody says, "Luckily we had brought along about a ton of peanuts, so we were able to lure them back after te rain stopped."

EmmaSmith stands in the rain with the poncho and umbrella, wishing we could get started on training. In doors.

James frowns, then pops open the back of his PDA (you can tell his does this all the time), then hooks up the embedded camera phone to some of the stuff in the back of the WTT and some other random electronic devices from his other pockets, and converts the camera to view in full-spectrum instead of just visible.

James rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 +1 0 0 | Epic (7)

[Department] Alexey says, "ugh, gtg"

[Department] Alexey says, "um, feel free to carry on without me"

[Department] GM says, "That would ordinarily be tricky, but Epic definitely covers it."

Bob_Nobody holds an umbrella over James while he does this.

[Department] Alexey says, "I'll read transcripts later"

[Department] Alexey says, "sorry"

Bob_Nobody asks, "That's.. um, that's not gonna go boom, right?"

Alexey knew that, etymologically, cravat actually derived from a ruthless band of 'Croat' mercenaries.

[Department] GM says (to James), "You can see the shape of the interference, now: it's a bit like an electromagnetic cage in the shape of a buckyball."

James aims the modified camera at the sky and tunes through the various frequencies.

James says, "Yup, definitely not normal."

Bob_Nobody looks and sees it. "Hmm, wonder if it's stunnable."

GM says (to James), "'Have you found anything up there?'"

Bob_Nobody says, "Eh, this is taking too long, let's try."

Bob_Nobody takes out his shiny new stun-gun, aims where he thinks James' camera was pointing, and fires.

GM says (to James), "'Can we go inside now, or are we still, er, investigating?'"

James exclaims (at Billings), "Yup! Give me that gun!"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "okay, paying a fate point (I started with 10, right?) to invoke Bored bored bored"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "and firing my pistol with Guns"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "also, apparently James had the same idea. sorry James"

[Department] James says, "You don't need to invoke your aspect yet, just post-roll, if you need it."

[Department] James says, "Nah, that's OK."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "well, my Guns is only average, I'll probably need it :)"

[Department] James says, "Heh."

Bob_Nobody rolls Average (1) + 4dF: 0 0 +1 -1 | Average (1)

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "yeah, let's bump that 2 to, um, Good"

James hands the camera to Bob for aiming, then goes to get the crazy knob gun thing.

[Department] GM says, "Hmm. OK."

GM rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 -1 0 0 | Superb (5)

GM exclaims, "The clouds seem to shift slightly, almost as if in response to your shot!"

GM says, "(As does the grid.)"

Bob_Nobody exclaims (at James), "Yeah, I think it noticed that!"

GM says, "But the storm does not actually stop, nor does it lessen at all."

James exclaims (at Bob), "Good!"

Bob_Nobody says, "Just not much."

James says, "OK, let me try with this thing. I designed something like it a few years ago..."

Bob_Nobody holds the camera so James can aim.

[Department] Bob_Nobody asks, "can I make any kind of assist roll here?"

James, assuming he has the gun, fiddles with the knobs to aim it at the hovering buckeyball.

[Department] Bob_Nobody asks, "say with Investigation?"

[Department] GM asks, "Hmm. What do you have in mind?"

EmmaSmith looks at Reeves. "Wonder what they are doing up there

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "or even just my Guns"

[Department] GM says, "I believe assists usually work by setting up Aspects."

[Department] Bob_Nobody asks, "hmm, okay. then can I use the camera to try and Investigate, and then set an Aspect for him?"

[Department] James says, "Oh, right--so you roll something and if it works, you give me a temporary Aspect of 'knows where the thing is' or something."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "(I dunno what happens between "I roll something" and the GM saying "You get to make an aspect", though)"

GM says, "'I am not certain myself,' says Billings. 'I would much rather be inside where it's dry.'"

Reeve hearing the sound of gunfire, decides to go up to the roof.

[Department] GM says, "OK. You can Investigate using the camera to help him aim, and if it succeeds, he can have a free +2 for his shot."

Bob_Nobody tries to spot the thing through the camera. The weird camera with crazy wires coming out all over it

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "I am spending another fate point to overcome my Technophobia, and making an Investigation roll (which I assume has no bonus)"

Bob_Nobody rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: +1 -1 +1 -1 | Fair (2)

[Department] GM says, "OK."

[Department] GM says, "That is successful, then."

Reeve pulls out a rifle you hadn't noticed before, and takes aim. Carefully.

Bob_Nobody yells, "It's right overhead! Now!"

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "wait. i thought reeve decided to not go up the ladder?"

[Department] GM says (to Emma), "He changed his mind when he heard Bob's zapgirl."

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "oh, i see that now"

[Department] Bob_Nobody asks, "my 'zapgirl'?"

[Department] Reeve says, "reeve heard gunfire, and was attracted like a moth to a flame."

James exclaims, "Oh, hey, Reeve. Watch this!"

James rolls Superb (5) +2 + 4dF: +1 +1 +1 -1 | Legendary+1 (9)

[Department] GM says, "Er, zapgun."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "sweet"

[Department] GM says, "I have no idea how I typed that."

GM rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: 0 -1 0 0 | Great (4)

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "now I want a groupie I can call a zapgirl"

GM says, "The image on James' display, and the storm as well, both shift away to the east."

EmmaSmith says, "hey the rain is moving"

GM says, "The rain lets up, and a large bank of fog rolls through."

GM says, "After it passes, it's a bit less dark -- it's still the middle of the night, but now the moon and stars are visible."

Reeve sighs, and re-conceals his rifle. You're not sure how he makes it disapear under his duster.

GM says, "And the bank of clouds is receeding into the distance."

James frowns, watching it go.

Bob_Nobody says, "That was... weird."

Bob_Nobody says, "Also, here, take this back."

GM says, "'Uh...' asks Billings. 'Did you do that?'"

James says (to Bob), "Thanks, that was a big help."

James exclaims (at Billings), "Yup!"

GM says, "He closes his umbrella. 'Thank you? I think.'"

James climbs back down the ladder.

GM says, "'Strange. I do not remember weather control being mentioned specifically in your file.'"

James says, "Time for an update, then."

GM says, "'But now we can move on to training, yes?'"

Bob_Nobody says, "I'd like to see these files. Or at least be told where you keep them."

James says (to Stan), "[[How's the network now?]]"

GM says (to Bob), "'Ah. Well. That depends on... well. Many of them are. You have seen the paperwork? My desk?' He gestures futiley with his hands."

Bob_Nobody says, "Ah ha."

Bob_Nobody says, "Let's do the training and then I'll sack out in the dorm if you don't mind."

James also looks at the bars on his PDA.

[Department] GM says (to James), "Stan hushes you. 'Later. I've got webcomics to catch up on!'"

[Department] James says, "Hee"

GM says, "'Right!'"

James pulls up Google Maps to see what's east of here.

GM leads you back inside and down in the elevator. On the way, he uses his WTT to make another call. 'Mr. McNeil? They're ready for training. Yes. On level five.'

EmmaSmith asks, "The guy that got beat up is doing training?"

[Department] GM says (to James), "Open countryside, a couple of small towns, although they're not in the direct path... some mountains, then the state border..."

EmmaSmith says, "hope he doesn't hold a grudge"

[Department] James says, "Ah, good."

GM says, "Billings deposits you in what looks a bit like a classroom, with benches and tables. Then he goes back up and leaves you there."

GM says, "Aside from the elevator, there's another door at the opposite end of the room (key card/pad locked), and another door in the east side (unmarked)."

James exclaims (at Billings), "(as he leaves) And get us those cards! You should be able to contact HQ now!"

Reeve wanders around the room a bit.

GM says (to 'Right!), "Good idea!'"

GM says, "After a minute or two, the elevator opens and McNeil comes out, dried off and wearing a uniform."

Bob_Nobody checks out the unmarked door. Any telltales (hairs carefully bridged across the frame, alarm systems, etc)?

[Department] GM says (to Bob), "Looks pretty ordinary."

Bob_Nobody opens the door and looks through.

GM says, "'Alright, so I'm here to give you your training. Your training is on the other side of that door.'"

James asks (of McNeil), "So, there was a hovering electromagnetic buckeyball cage above this building, causing the storm and the interference. Who needs to know about that, and how do we tell if it was hostile?"

GM says (to Bob), "'You DON'T open that door until I tell you!'"

Bob_Nobody carefully closes the door and steps back.

Reeve's hands disapear under his duster.

Bob_Nobody says, "Possibly it needs a sign, then."

[Department] GM says (to Bob), "On the other side you see a dimly-lit room with tables and chairs before you close it again."

GM says, "'And don't you talk back! Now, you have guns now, you know how to use them? And you have phones. You know how to use them?'"

GM says, "He doesn't wait for a response. 'On the other side of that door is a threat!'"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "i don't have Guns"

Bob_Nobody thinks back. "Did I already sign that contract? Maybe I can go rip it up now."

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "does that mean I can't shoot one?"

GM says, "'I want you to go in there and find out what that thread is. It is an UNCONVENTIONAL THREAT. Do you understand me?'"

GM says, "'You are to determine the nature of the threat and then neutralize it. That is your mission.'"

Reeve asks, "Is this the part where we're supposed to say SIR, YES SIR!?"

[Crows-Nest] EmmaSmith says, "TOTALLY MEN IN BLACK"

[Department] GM says, "You can, but you roll it as Mediocre."

Reeve says, "'Cause you're going to be waiting a while, if so."

[Crows-Nest] EmmaSmith asks, "Should i be looking for the 5 year old girl with a calculus textbook?"

GM says (to Reeve), "'I said DON'T TALK BACK!'"

Bob_Nobody asks, "Uh, okay. Reeve, why don't you come help me, but let's hold off on the shooty-shooty until we have to?"

GM says, "'Now you don't come back here until you have neutralized that threat. When you have, you come in here and you push that red button.'"

GM says, "He points at a red button on the wall."

Bob_Nobody says, "Hmm, I'm sensing a big threat very close nearby..."

GM says, "'And then you WAIT HERE for further orders.'"

Bob_Nobody says, "In this room, in fact."

GM says, "Then he steps back into the elevator and pushes a button. As the doors close, he says, 'You may open that door... NOW!'"

Bob_Nobody opens the door again, all the way this time.

Bob_Nobody says, "Er, I hope you all were ready."

Reeve pulls out a pair of almost-matching handguns.

James says, "Lead the way."

GM says, "Inside, you see what looks remarkably like a stage set of a tavern."

Reeve says, "I am now."

Bob_Nobody isn't holding a gun and walks confidently in.

GM says, "The walls are clearly painted backdrops, and the tables look like generic props. The customers even appear to be some sort of mannequins."

GM says, "Animatronic ones, even: two seem to be playing a game of cards at one table, while the bartender (also mechanical) wipes down the bar."

GM says, "They all look up as you open the door, then they go back to what they're doing."

Bob_Nobody says, "Hmm, didn't they keep mentioning giant robots? There aren't giant..."

James asks (of Bob), "Wasn't that... not what you saw a second ago?"

[Department] GM says, "Oops, someone at my door."

Bob_Nobody says (to James), "Yeah, they seem to know something about quick changes here, too."

[Department] Bob_Nobody exclaims, "game off!"

Reeve experimentally pokes a mannequin.

EmmaSmith strolls over to watch the card game

Bob_Nobody goes to chat with the "bartender".

[Department] GM says, "Back."

[Department] Bob_Nobody exclaims, "game on!"

[Department] Reeve says, "hehe"

[Crows-Nest] (from James) GM says, "It was just my mom, so I sent her away."

GM says (to Reeve), "The mannequin looks at you when you poke her. 'Hello. Can. I. Help. You?'"

[Crows-Nest] EmmaSmith asks, "what's the card game? and are they using any special published moves?"

[Crows-Nest] Alex says (to EmmaSmith), "Awwwk! Word on the street is that asshole is a card game."

[Crows-Nest] EmmaSmith says, "lac"

Reeve says, "No, thanks. Sorry."

Bob_Nobody asks (of Bartender), "So, not much of a crowd tonight. It always like tis?"

GM says (to Emma), "They seem to be playing poker. There's a small pile of nuts and bolts in the middle of the table."

[Crows-Nest] EmmaSmith says (to alex), "potty mouth"

[Crows-Nest] Alex exclaims (at EmmaSmith), "Awwwk! No parse found!"

GM says (to Bob), "'Only. The. Regulars. And. You. Are. You. New. In. Micmunte?'"

Bob_Nobody asks, "Yeah, just strolled in tonight. Can I get a pint of 10W-40?"

GM says, "'Sure. One. Pint. Of. Beer. Coming. Up.'"

GM says, "He jerkily moves to the other end of the bar, fills a mug with beer, and brings it back to you."

GM says, "'That. Will. Be. One. Lugnut.'"

Reeve wanders around looking for threats.

Bob_Nobody says, "Oh, um, lugnut. Shoot, I only have dollars."

Bob_Nobody says, "Tell you what, you look like you enjoy a game of chance, I'll dice you for it, double or nothing."

EmmaSmith touches a nut in the pot. "Can I take a look at this?" she asks the players

GM says (to Reeve), "The place seems pretty peacesful. There's an exit to the east -- the opposite side of where you entered by."

Reeve heads east, nonchalantly.

GM says, "'I. Do. Not. Normally. Gamble.'"

Bob_Nobody says, "Sure, sure."

GM says, "'But. You. Seem. Like. A. Nice. Guy.'"

GM says, "'So. I. Will. This. Time.'"

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "i am trying to get a nut to toss to bob. is the player going to let me?"

Bob_Nobody exclaims, "Everyone thinks so!"

GM says (to Emma), "'Hey. Watch. The. Pot! Are. You. Joining. The. Game?'"

[Department] GM says, "You could maybe slip one out sneakily, especially if they were distracted."

[Department] Bob_Nobody asks, "okay, I will roll my Gambling. just a direct contest, or any weird rules?"

[Department] GM says, "But they won't let you take one in front of their noses."

EmmaSmith says, "i have no nuts of my own."

Bob_Nobody rolls Average (1) + 4dF: -1 0 0 -1 | Poor (-1)

[7thsea] GM rolls 0 dice:

GM rolls Mediocre (0) + 4dF: +1 +1 +1 0 | Good (3)

GM says, "'Oh. Hard. Luck.'"

Bob_Nobody says, "Oh, wow. I rolled snake eyes, you got a seven."

EmmaSmith asks (of players), "hey look - the bartender is gambling. is that normal?"

Bob_Nobody says, "Tough luck for me. Look, I don't have any lugnuts now, but I totally owe you."

GM says (to Emma), "One of them looks up. 'Maybe. He. Will. Finally. Join. The. Game!'"

Bob_Nobody asks, "I'll get you the cash, don't worry, but if there's anything I can help you with,.... ?"

GM says (to Bob), "'OK. I. Will. Put. This. On. Your. Tab. This. Once.'"

Bob_Nobody exclaims, "Thanks!"

[Department] Bob_Nobody asks, "but did I get the beer?"

EmmaSmith says, "Hey Bartender! These players want you to play!"

[Department] GM says, "Yup."

Bob_Nobody mimes drinking the beer but doesn't let it touch his face.

[Department] GM says, "(I am considering this a Rapport check that you automatically succeeded at.)"

Bob_Nobody says, "Mmm, delicious."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "I could tell you I'm using my Five Minute Friends stunt if that helps"

GM says (to Emma), "'Oh. I. Could. Not. They. Are. Too. Good. For. Me! I. Would. Lose. My Shirt!'"

[Department] GM asks (of Emma), "Are you stealing a nut while they're looking at the bartender?"

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "is that enough distraction for the players looking at the bartender for me to grab a handful?"

[Department] GM says (to Bob), "That is also helpful."

[Department] GM says (to Emma), "Sure. That's a Pickpocket check."

[Crows-Nest] Bob_Nobody says, "so far, very unconventional, I'm not seeing much threat"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "i was going to use stealth or burglary"

Reeve continues his eastwardly moseying till he gets to the door.

[Crows-Nest] James says, "Sleight of hand, I think, officially."

[Crows-Nest] James says, "(ilac)"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "oh i have sleight of hand"

Bob_Nobody scans the bar. Any peanuts or other snacks?

EmmaSmith rolls Good (3) + 4dF: -1 0 +1 +1 | Great (4)

[Department] GM says, "I think because it's quick and dextrous, it would have to be SoH, unfortunately."

GM rolls Mediocre (0) + 4dF: +1 +1 +1 -1 | Fair (2)

[Department] GM says, "But fortuantely, they don't notice a thing."

[Department] GM says, "You now have a handful of nuts and bolts."

EmmaSmith grabs a handful of nuts and bolts and pockets it in her dinner jacket

James follows Reeve to the east door.

EmmaSmith says, "i think i will pass for the game for now."

EmmaSmith says (to Player1), "i will fold if i were you. the other guy has a full house of Aces"

GM says, "'Probably. A. Good. Idea. I. Am. On. A. Roll. Tonight!'"

EmmaSmith strolls away towards Bob

Reeve stealthily opens the door.

EmmaSmith says, "and ya know, a pair of Kings is not worth jack"

GM says, "'A. Pair. Of. Kings. Is. Worth. More. Than. *Two*. Jacks...'"

Bob_Nobody exclaims, "Oh, hey, I know how to pay my tab!"

Bob_Nobody says, "Hand me three or four of those pint glasses."

EmmaSmith says (to bartender), "here is a nut to cover the initial tab. i am not going to cover the rest of his debt"

GM says (to Reeve), "Outside, it's darker than it is in here. Many fake trees are scattered about. The 'training level' seems to be very large: you can't make out the walls in the dark."

EmmaSmith walks behind the bar

[Crows-Nest] EmmaSmith says, "the players are mighty calm for my giving away their hands"

GM says, "The bartender slides several glasses to Bob."

Bob_Nobody says, "Okay, I learned this from the Magnificent Grif, just watch the glasses, round and round they go..."

Reeve meanders into the darkness.

Bob_Nobody begins to juggle the glasses high into the air.

James follows Reeve.

Bob_Nobody starts walking around the room, still juggling.

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Indeed. Not to mention the fact that a bunch of strangers just wandered in out of the back door :)"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "SoH and my aspect 'Raised by the circus'"

Bob_Nobody rolls Good (3) +2 + 4dF: +1 0 +1 -1 | Fantastic (6)

GM says, "Now everyone is watching: the bartender, both poker players."

GM says, "After a few moments, they all break into spontaneous applause."

Bob_Nobody pretends to stumble, but catches himself and the glasses, and sets them on the bar.

[Crows-Nest] James says, "Clap. Clap. Clap. Clap."

EmmaSmith rummages and pokes through all the things behind the bar

Bob_Nobody says, "Hmm, no hat, clearly I didn't plan ahead."

GM says, "The bartender nudges you back. 'You. Should. Not. Go. Back. There!'"

James calls into the darkness, "Hello? Anyone out there?"

Bob_Nobody grabs one of the empty glasses and holds it out as if he's busking.

EmmaSmith ignores the bartender and goes back behind the bar

[Crows-Nest] Bob_Nobody says, "oh wait, I am busking"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "way to get beat up by a robot"

GM says (to Reeve, James), "As your eyes adjust to the light, you see a few nearby buildings."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "I like these guys, but I'm kind of at a loss here"

GM says, "The poker players toss some more nuts in the glass, but the bartender is busy trying to keep Emma from robbing him."

GM says (to Emma), "Which is probably a contested Might roll."

EmmaSmith says, "i just want to see!"

Bob_Nobody puts some bolts on the counter for the bartender, and one to pay back Emma when she's less busy.

EmmaSmith says, "i am not going to TAKE anything"

EmmaSmith lets herself get manhandled back to the front

GM says, "One poker player says to the other. 'Boy. This. Is. The. Best. Entertainment. We've. Had. Since. The. Count. Took. Over.'"

Bob_Nobody asks, "The Count?"

GM says, "'Count. Constantin. Petre. Urzica.'"

GM says, "'He. Lives. In. The. Castle.'"

Bob_Nobody says, "Never heard of him. Like I said, we're new in town."

Bob_Nobody asks, "Anything we should know?"

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, ""i remember reading about this" - does the name sound familiar?"

GM says, "'He. Rules. Micmunte.'"

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "do i just spend a fate point?"

Bob_Nobody . o O ( didn't Billings mention "vampires" at one point? )

[Department] GM says, "You would spend a Fate Point and roll a relevant skill, and you'd get a bonus added to the roll."

Bob_Nobody asks, "Are there any people like us left in Micmunte? Or just your type?"

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "mysteries, academics or investigation?"

GM says, "'You. Are. The. Only. Strangers. In. Micmunte.'"

Bob_Nobody says, "I see."

[Department] GM says, "I think any of those would work."

Bob_Nobody says, "Well, thanks, I should catch up with my friends."

GM says, "'Have. A. Good. Night!'"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "okay, spending a fate point. rolling mysteries"

Reeve heads towards the buildings. Anyone around?

EmmaSmith rolls Great (4) +2 + 4dF: +1 +1 -1 -1 | Fantastic (6)

GM says (to Reeve), "A head pokes out of one the door of a smaller building. 'Hello?'"

Bob_Nobody says (to Emma), "Come on, let's find those two."

[Department] GM says, "You do recognize the name, from one time when you were going through the old microfiche periodicals."

EmmaSmith follows Bob and co out the tavern, while mumbling. "Micmunte, Count Constantin Petre Urzica. I know the name. Where did I see this before?"

Bob_Nobody looks around for Reeve and James.

[Department] GM says, "There was a story in a cheap tabloid about a a robotic vampire, who was called 'Count Constantin Petre Urzica'. Of course, the tabloid had to make a joke of it, by calling him 'Count CPU'."

EmmaSmith follows absently, still mumbling. "no, it definitely wasn't on the Web. Did I hear about him on TV?"

[Crows-Nest] EmmaSmith says, "ha ha ha"

[Crows-Nest] Bob_Nobody says, "excellent"

EmmaSmith says, "no no no...I know I read it. Not in the National Enquirer."

[Crows-Nest] James says, "Hee"

EmmaSmith says, "Oh!"

EmmaSmith says (to Bob), "It's Count CPU!"

Bob_Nobody asks, "Er what?"

EmmaSmith says, "he's a robotic vampire!"

Bob_Nobody says, "That sounds both unconventional _and_ threatening."

Bob_Nobody says, "Let's run for those two."

EmmaSmith says, "hm"

Bob_Nobody runs.

EmmaSmith follows

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "hopefully we didn't lose Reeve and James"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "or, y'know, they didn't lose us. whichever"

EmmaSmith says, "i. don't. think. he's. a. threat"

James meanwhile, has been wandering around but isn't too far away.

EmmaSmith pant pant pant pant

[Department] GM says, ";I am not sure what James or Reeve have done since Reeve called out and someone answered."

Bob_Nobody catches up to James and Reeve and, after Emma catches her breath, has her fill them in.

[Department] James says, "Wait, someon't answered? Missed that."

EmmaSmith says, "so the tabloids call him count cpu"

EmmaSmith asks, "but how much of a threat is he if they can crack jokes?"

Reeve exclaims, "Hello back!"

[Department] Reeve says, "sorry"

Bob_Nobody says, "He might have a better chance of catching us."

EmmaSmith says, "the piece i read was very much jokey and a fun tidbit kind of thing"

Bob_Nobody says, "I guess it helps we don't have hydraulics"

GM says, "'It. Is. Late. For. A. Stranger. To. Be. Wandering. Outside.'"

[Crows-Nest] EmmaSmith says, "note to self: a librarian should have better vocabulary"

[Crows-Nest] James says, "Heh."

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "can we get a desciription of this building the responder is in?"

[Department] GM says, "It's a small, old European-style cottage, probably one room. Of course, it also appears to be constructed from pre-fab walls covered in theatre backdrops."

[Department] Reeve asks, "is the responder another mannequin?"

GM says, "It's in the middle of a dark forest of fake trees; the ceiling is high overhead, and marked with tiny lights (except for one in the shape of a crescent moon), and the walls are too far to see in the dark."

[Department] GM says (to Reeve), "She is."

James asks (of woman), "Hey, where's the castle?"

EmmaSmith leans against a fake tree, hoping it doesn't break

GM says, "She points north. 'It. Is. That. Way. Do. You. Have. Business. With. The. Count?'"

Reeve says, "Yes, urgent business. Thank you."

[Department] GM says (to Emma), "It tips a bit, but otherwise seems sturdy."

GM says, "'Watch. Out. For. The. River.'"

James asks, "What's in the river?"

Reeve asks, "What about the river?"

GM says, "'Water! Very. Dangerous.'"

James says, "Right. We'll keep that in mind."

Reeve asks, "What makes the water so dangerous?"

Bob_Nobody asks (of Reeve), "You're asking a robot that?"

GM says, "She shudders."

GM says, "'It. Is. Very. Conductive.'"

Reeve asks (of Bob), "I'm just checking, who knows what things are like here?"

[Crows-Nest] EmmaSmith says, "ha ha ha"

James says (to woman), "Actually, pure water isn't conductive at all; it's the impurities in it that cause it to conduct electricity."

GM says, "'Oh.'"

Reeve exclaims (at James), "No way!"

Bob_Nobody says, "Okay, let's not get distracted here."

James exclaims, "Right. Well, OK. Thanks for the directions!"

James says, "Oh, wait."

James asks (of woman), "Is the Count bad?"

GM says, "'You're. Welcome. Have. A. Nice. Night.'"

GM says, "'He. Is. The. Count.'"

James asks, "Do you wish the count hadn't taken over?"

EmmaSmith asks, "Can we go inside and see what the cottage looks like?"

EmmaSmith says, "I am curious what the robots need houses for"

GM says (to James), "She stares at you for a long time."

GM says, "'I. Do. Not. Understand.'"

GM says (to Emma), "She'd probably let you in if you asked."

EmmaSmith asks (of robot), "Can I see your house?"

[Department] Reeve says, "brb"

James asks, "Is the count, I dunno, a fair and just ruler?"

GM says (to Emma), "'If. You. Wish.'"

GM says (to James), "'He. Is. The. Count.'"

EmmaSmith goes to the door and sticks herhead in

James asks, "Does he love to count things?"

GM says (to Emma), "You see a cupboard and table and chair and a fireplace with a pot over it and a bed and a trunk on the floor."

GM says (to James), "'Who. Doesn't?'"

James chuckles. "Touche"

James asks, "OK, I have another question. Is your cottage covered with theater backdrops?"

EmmaSmith asks (of robot), "is that food cooking over the fireplace?"

GM says, "'I. Do. Not. Know. About. Theatre.'"

[Crows-Nest] Bob_Nobody asks, "If I asked you whether the Count would lie if I asked him if you would lie, would you lie?"

GM says (to Emma), "'It. Is. Too. Late. At. Night. To. Cook.'"

[Crows-Nest] EmmaSmith Gets a headache

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Hee."

EmmaSmith asks (of robot), "so what's that over the fireplace?"

EmmaSmith asks, "you are a robot. surely you don't eat?"

GM says, "'It. Is. A. Pot. For. Tomorrow's. Soup.'"

GM says, "'Turnip. Soup. It. Is. Full. Of. Energetic. Carbohydrates.'"

EmmaSmith hands a bolt. I want a cup of soup

GM says, "'But. I. Am. Making. The. Soup. Tomorrow. Now. It. Is. Too. Late. To. Cook.'"

GM says, "She points west, at the tavern. 'If. You. Are. Hungry. The. Tavern. Has. Soup. And. Pies.'"

EmmaSmith asks, "So what is it doing in the pot? just sitting?"

James says, "Hmm. Do you mind if I examine your brain for a bit? I'll put it back."

EmmaSmith says, "Oh!"

EmmaSmith says, "okay, sorry. it took me a moment to parse your pauses"

GM says (to Emma), "'There. Is. Nothing. In. The. Pot. Yet. It. Is. For. Tomorrow.'"

[Crows-Nest] Bob_Nobody says (to james), "ha ha"

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "if a robot gets annoyed, do we see steam coming out?"

GM says (to James), "'That. Is. A. Strange. Request.'"

[Department] GM asks (of James), "Are you using any particular social skills?"

[Department] GM says, "(Because she is right; that is a strange request.)"

[Department] Reeve asks, "does James have any particular social skills?"

[Department] GM says, "I don't think he does, in fact."

James says, "Um, yes. Yes it is."

James says, "Happily, my friend Bob here can explain why I need it."

[Department] GM says, "Ha ha."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "um"

Bob_Nobody boggles at James.

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "okay, I guess I'm rapporting with Five Minute Friends"

James nudges Bob.

[Department] GM says (to Bob), "Go ahead. Make friends with the poor woman who's been interrogated about her dinner and then asked to surrender her body parts."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "now I gotta remember what that does"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "I know, I'm not.. hey, wait, I'm technophobic, I don't wanna see this"

Bob_Nobody says (to Robot), "Miss, I'm sorry my friend is badgering ypu."

Bob_Nobody says, "I'll just take him on his _urgent_ business with the Count now."

Bob_Nobody grabs James' elbow and drags him off.

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "why don't you just charm her with your eyes closed?"

James grumbles and jams his hands in his pockets.

GM says, "'If. You. See. My. Husband. Tell. Him. To. Come. Home!'"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "I am dealing fine with robots as long as I pretned that are people"

EmmaSmith runs after the pair

[Department] Bob_Nobody exclaims, "I like peopel! they're so easy to scam!"

James asks, "What's your husband's name?"

Reeve says, "We will! Have a nice evening."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "but once he wants to show me it's actually a technical monstrosity all bets are off"

Reeve helps Bob hustle James away from the beleagured mannequin.

GM says, "'Iosif.'"

James calls, "Thanks!" over his shoulder.

GM says, "She closes the door."

GM says, "So! Back into the woods, and since we're at the three hour mark, this is probably a good point to wrap up."

[Crows-Nest] EmmaSmith says, "robot says "Good riddance. Training these agents will take forever""

EmmaSmith says, "aw"

[Crows-Nest] EmmaSmith says (to gm), "ten more minutes mom!"

[Crows-Nest] EmmaSmith says, "or rather, dad i guess"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Well, OK, if everyone wants to go a little longer, we can."

James says (to others), "Aww, I just wanted to take a look at the programming of the scenario."

[Crows-Nest] GM asks, "But not past 10:30, since I need to get ready for bed at some point myself, OK?"

[Crows-Nest] Bob_Nobody says, "sure"

[Crows-Nest] James says, "Stopping now is fine for us, but we can also go to the half-hour."

Bob_Nobody exclaims (at James), "Maybe it's not a scenario, maybe they just teleported us to the other side of the world... oh god can they do that? Can they?!"

GM says, "So! You are still in the woods. To the north there is a slightly larger building (with lights in the windows), and to the west is another small cottage (with no lights on)."

Bob_Nobody starts poking at his body, wondering what's real.

James pulls out his GPS.

EmmaSmith asks, "what does your AI say about this scenario?"

James says (to Emma), "That's a good question."

[Department] GM says (to James), "You appear to be... on the outskirts of town. Somewhere near a place called 'Spicy Fry's Home Cookin''."

Bob_Nobody says, "We should have just turned back at the bar and hit the red button."

Bob_Nobody says, "'Hey, bar was clean, everything was fine!'"

James says (to Stan), "[[Hey, can you get us any info on this training scenario? Try to trick the local computer network into giving it to you.]]"

Bob_Nobody walks towards the large lighted building.

[Crows-Nest] James asks, "Can I use Stan's Deceit?"

[Department] James says, "(only asked here)"

[Department] GM says, "This would definitely come under Computers, I'd say. Since it's basically hacking."

[Department] GM says, "[[I can give it a shot.]]"

[Department] James says, "Alrighty."

James rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: +1 -1 -1 -1 | Mediocre (0)

[Department] James says, "Cripes."

[Department] James says, "OK, I'll go ahead and pull in 'Stan! I need you!" for +2"

[Department] GM says, "[[Ack! There's a whole part of this network that's behind some major Ice. Sorry, that's on the wrong side of that wall. How seriously important is this to you?]]"

James says (to Stan), "[[And Stan--I really need this information. The quicker we can get through this, the better.]]"

Bob_Nobody asks, "So, we knock on te door and ask Count CPU what his long-term goals are vis-a-vis world domination?"

[Department] James asks, "Was that pre- or post- the +2?"

Bob_Nobody asks, "or does someone have a better idea?"

EmmaSmith hollers, "Thrax - congrats"

[Department] GM says, "Pre-."

[Department] GM says, "[[Right. I'll give it a try. If I don't make it, tell my subprocesses I love them.]]"

[Department] James says (to Stan), "[[I mean, don't get yourself wiped; I'd need to find that last backup again and we'd lose a day again.]]"

EmmaSmith walk walk walk walk walk walk walk towards big building with lights

[Department] James says (to Stan), "[[Thanks!]]"

[Helvetica] Miseri says, "hee hee hee...."

GM says, "The slightly larger building is about the size of the tavern, and there's a sign above the door in some Eastern European language."

Bob_Nobody asks, "Um, anyone read that?"

Reeve joins Emma in her walk.

[Department] Bob_Nobody asks, "can we pretend that a) Alexey is still here, and b) he can read that?"

[Department] GM says, "(If anyone wants to declare that one of the Languages they got is this one, I'll read it.)"

[Helvetica] Miseri says, "game today."

[Department] Bob_Nobody asks, "how many languages do we get?"

[Department] Bob_Nobody asks, "or is that a skill/stunt?"

[Department] GM says, "As many as your Academics score."

[Department] Bob_Nobody exclaims, "I speak 0 languages!"

[Department] GM says, "Hee."

[Department] GM says, "I'll be nice and let you have English for free."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "I don't speak it well"

[Department] James plugs it into babelfish.

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "i can read it"

[Department] GM says (to Emma), "It's Romanian, and it says 'General Store'."

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "since i have superb for academics"

EmmaSmith says, "this is the general store"

Bob_Nobody asks, "And it's open this time of night?"

[Helvetica] Miseri says, "Don't know if people remember Sir Galahad Locksley, wife Justine, and wife's brother Joseph ... basic Pimpernel setup, Galahad = Pimpernel, Justine suspected as the leak, Joseph being the go-between for Galahad and the field...."

Bob_Nobody says, "I mean, the tavern, okay."

EmmaSmith says, "unconventional"

Bob_Nobody goes to check the door.

Bob_Nobody says (to Emma), "Point."

EmmaSmith says, "let's go in. I am hungry. that cookie wasn't very filling"

EmmaSmith pounds on the door

GM says, "'Come. In! It. Is. Open!'"

EmmaSmith pushes against the door

Bob_Nobody follows Emma in.

Reeve wanders in behind them.

GM says, "The door opens, and inside you see shelves with various goods on them and another mannequin behind a counter."

GM says, "'Welcome! Are. You. New. To. Micmunte?'"

EmmaSmith goes straight for the food shelf and looks for more cookies

Bob_Nobody says, "We are, in fact, new."

Bob_Nobody says, "But we had a great time down at the tavern just now. And we were looking for Iosif."

GM says (to Emma), "There is a box of cookies! They are apparently snozzberry cookies."

GM says (to Bob), "'Iosif. The. Woodcutter? Is. He. Out. Late. Again?'"

Bob_Nobody says, "Yes, his wife wanted us to send him home. You know how it is."

GM says, "'He. Is. Probably. Lost. In. The. Woods.'"

EmmaSmith asks, "a woodcutter in a fake forest? what does one do?"

GM says, "'He. Has. No. Sense. Of. Direction.'"

Bob_Nobody says, "Poor guy."

Bob_Nobody asks, "Maybe he should find work in town, eh?"

GM says (to Emma), "'That. Is. A. Good. Question!'"

Bob_Nobody asks, "Anyway, we're also looking for the Count, but we're a bit turned around. You wouldn't know where his castle is, would you?"

GM says, "'The. Count. Is. To. The. North. Through. The. Woods.'"

Bob_Nobody says, "Ah, thanks."

Bob_Nobody turns to James, "See, I told you south was the wrong way."

GM says, "He points behind himself, in the general direction you were travelling when you encountered this shop."

GM says, "'Do. You. Need. Any. Supplies?'"

Bob_Nobody says, "Well, my friend here needs some cookies, apparently."

Reeve asks, "Is there a bridge or a forge across the river?"

James asks (of storekeeper), "What do *you* think about the count?"

GM says, "'They. Are. Fresh. Cookies. Baked. By. The. Tavernkeeper. With. Berries. Gathered. By. The. Woodcutter's. Wife.'"

Bob_Nobody says, "Hmm, I was thinking about making some delicious steaks for dinner tonight."

GM says (to James), "'He. Is. The. Count!'"

[Helvetica] Miseri says, "Players seem to have come to the conclusion that Sir Galahad is an Evil Sidhe character who has brainwashed Justine into marrying him and forgetting every Joseph tells her, while also disguising himself as her so well as to fool her own brother."

Bob_Nobody asks, "Do you have any stakes or garlic?"

Bob_Nobody puts his finger to the side of his nose and winks broadly.

GM says (to Bob), "'There. Are. No. Steaks. Here!'"

GM says, "'This. Is. A. Vegetarian. Village.'"

Bob_Nobody asks, "Garlic?"

GM says, "'I. Had. Some. Garlic. But. I. Sold. It. To. The. Tavernkeeper.'"

James says, "Vegetarian robots. Nice."

Bob_Nobody asks, "Maybe some slightly stinky turnips?"

Bob_Nobody says, "Work with me here."

GM says, "'I. Sold. The. Turnips. To. The. Woodcutter.'"

GM says, "'Maybe. You. Could. Ask. For. Garlic. Or. Turnips. At. The. Tavern. Or. The. Woodcutter's. House.'"

James looks around. Is there anything actually here?

Bob_Nobody stage-whispers to Emma, "What else might scare off a robot vampire?"

Bob_Nobody says, "We've already been there, sadly."

EmmaSmith says, "everyone keeps trying to send us back to the tavern"

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "do i roll academic again to see what i've read about robot vampires?"

GM says (to James), "Aside from cookies? Ropes, buckets, hammers, cabbages, crowbars, candles..."

Bob_Nobody says, "Always forward, that's us."

[Department] GM says, "Sure."

Reeve asks, "The tavern has garlic you say?"

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "do i need to use my aspect again?"

GM says (to Reeve), "'Yes! I. Just. Sold. My. Last. Bunch. To. The. Tavernkeeper.'"

[Department] James says, "You never need to roll Aspects unless you don't like your roll."

[Department] GM says, "You can roll it directly and see how you do."

EmmaSmith rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: 0 0 -1 0 | Great (4)

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "that's a poor roll, consdiering"

[Department] GM says, "It's good enough for me."

[Department] James says, "yeah, but 'Great' should still get you enough info."

[Department] GM says, "You've read stories about different kinds of vampires, including a certain kind who possesses inanimate objects, like puppets or mannequins. It seems like robots should work on the same principal."

Bob_Nobody asks, "Out of curiousity, where do you get the garlic? Someone in town grows it, or what?"

[Department] GM says, "These vampires are generally affected by the same things as normal vampires: vampires, holy water, stakes (if you can manage to pierce the 'skin' with it -- tricky if they're made of wood or metal)."

GM says, "'It. Is. Grown. In. The. Fields.'"

EmmaSmith says (to Bob), "robot vampires don't seem any different from regular vampires"

Bob_Nobody asks, "Which fields?"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "holy water, stakes,"

GM says, "'The. Fields. To. The. East.'"

Bob_Nobody says, "Ah, thanks."

EmmaSmith says, "hm holy water"

Bob_Nobody says, "I was just curious."

Bob_Nobody says, "I have no plans to go visit those fields."

EmmaSmith asks, "i wonder if the river is regular water. if anyone blesses it, does it automatically become holy?"

Bob_Nobody says, "If you hear anything tomorrow I was totally uninvolved."

EmmaSmith looks closely at the storekepper

[Department] GM asks (of Emma), "Is that directed at the party or at the storekeeper?"

James asks (of Emma), "Are they all evil, or are some great guys once you get to know them?"

EmmaSmith says (to emma), "party"

EmmaSmith says (to james), "well, they can possess other things. like ahem. mannequins"

Reeve asks, "Since the tavern keeper has a variety of things, perhaps he has a priest or holy person of some type as well. Don't they frequent taverns too?"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "sorry, i meant the holy water comment was to the party"

[Department] GM says (to James), "[[OK, I just got back. And I got some info.]]"

[Department] James says (to Stan), "[[Hey, nice going.]]"

[Department] GM says, "[[This whole thing is based on a real event that the Department dealt with years ago.]]"

EmmaSmith says, "no wonder these mannequins won't talk against the count. he's controlling them"

EmmaSmith asks, "what happens if we break one?"

[Department] GM says, "[[It looks like these robots in the simulation are actually based on real robots who were there at the time. They were all built by the Count, in order to give him some place to be Count over.]]"

Reeve says, "Creepy."

James relays the info to the group.

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "ha ha]"

[Department] GM says, "[[The whole thing happened some place out in the foothills of California someplace. He built a whole fake village. He was under some delusion or something, but the Department got him and took care of things before he got too dangerous.]]"

EmmaSmith says, "perfect"

[Department] James says (to Stan), "[[Excellent. Thanks!]]"

EmmaSmith says, "can we break one? the count will have to respond to us"

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "also i assume time to stop?"

James says, "Or we can just go to the castle."

[Department] GM says, "Yeah, I think so."

[Department] Reeve says, "probably"

[Department] Reeve says, "I think storming the castle will take a while."

[Department] Reeve says, "And a miracle. ;-)"

Bob_Nobody asks, "Let's just go to the castle and talk to him. Maybe he'll be reasonable?"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "okay, sounds good"

[Department] Bob_Nobody asks, "next session I plan to harvest some garlic. anyone else want some?"

[Department] James says, "Sure."

[Department] James says, "Might as well hand it out."

[Department] GM says, "I'll see you all next week at the same time, then."