[Department] GM asks, "Is everyone here?"

[Department] James exclaims, "I am!"

[Department] GM exclaims, "That's one!"

Alexey asks (of Everyone), "are you here?"

[Department] GM says, "Looks like we have six. That should be everyone."

[Department] GM says, "So, first, I have decided to assume that last week, one of you was taking notes and has scribbled up these:"

[Department] GM says, "http://www.grunk.org/rpgs/department/floor1.gif"

[Department] GM says, "http://www.grunk.org/rpgs/department/floor2.gif"

[Department] GM says, "http://www.grunk.org/rpgs/department/floor3.gif"

[Department] GM says, "Since it was clear they were much desired."

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "thans"

[Department] Reeve exclaims, "Yay GM!!"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "woo"

[Department] Alexey asks, "where's the training place in these?"

[Department] inky asks, "are 2 and 3 much bigger than 1 or is that my browser sizing them funny?"

[Department] GM says (to Alexey), "Level 5."

[Department] GM says (to inky), "They are."

[Department] GM says, "(Also, I see I forgot to label the elevator on Floor 1: it's in the lower left like the others.)"

[Department] inky says, "it's a *secret* elevator"

[Department] Reeve says, "it only goes to 2 floors, the rest is stairs ;-)"

GM says, "Last week, we left our intrepid heroes wandering around in a vast training room inside the bowels of the Department."

GM says, "They were exploring a makeshift robot village presided over by a mysterious Count."

Bob_Nobody says, "And I was planning a garlic-harvesting expedition! Let's go."

GM says, "They had just spoken with the owner of the general store who told that that he had recently sold the last of his garlic to the tavern, which apparently sells food as well as beverages."

GM says, "And he also mentioned a field to the east where he had gotten his vegetables from in the first place."

GM asks (of Bob), "Which direction are you going?"

Eugene walks briskly up. "There you all are! I got separated? When Billings showed me the lab I lost track of time. Fortunately you are the only non-robots in the area and --"

Bob_Nobody heads to the east, looking for a garlic field by smell in the dark.

Eugene pulls up short. "Carver."

[Department] Alexey says, "it seems strange that the count would allow trading in garlic, if it's a threat to him"

[Department] Eugene says, "you have to digitize it first"

[Department] Eugene says, "like in Tron"

[Department] James says, "Ha"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "you're suggesting I am following a pointless course of action? perish the thought, I have A Plan"

[Department] James says, "(also, we can have this conversation IC if you like)"

Bob_Nobody says (to Eugene,James), "So, question for you guys."

GM says, "You head east, and after a short distance realize you're about to reach the wall of the training area, when you spot on the ground several signs on little posts."

[Department] Alexey exclaims (at Bob_Nobody), "no, no, I trust you!"

Bob_Nobody says, "Hopefully, in a few minutes we'll have some garlic."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "you poor fool"

James looks at the signs.

Bob_Nobody says, "I want you guys to make some of it into robot garlic."

[Department] inky says, "ha ha"

GM says (to James), "They appear to be in the same language as sign over the general store."

GM says, "Also, near one of the signs, you also see a bowl of cabbages."

Eugene asks, "Robot garlic? Whyever for?"

James plugs them into babelfish.

EmmaSmith says, "let me take a look at that sign"

EmmaSmith squints

Bob_Nobody says (to Eugene), "It makes perfect sense that a robot vampire would be affected most strongly by robot garlic."

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "do i have to roll again to read? i didn't have trouble last time"

GM says, "Before James finishes typing it in, Emma reads them off:"

Eugene asks, "Robot vampire?"

Reeve wonders if he could somehow insert garlic into a bullet.

[Department] GM says, "You didn't have to roll last time. You just decided that Romanian was one of your languages."

James grumbles but puts his PDA back in his pocket.

Alexey asks, "you aren't suggesting the Count is a *real* vampire are you?"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "oh ok"

Alexey shudders.

GM says, "'Carrots, snozzberries, garlic, turnips, cabbages'"

GM says, "The bowl is by the one marked 'cabbages'."

EmmaSmith wrinkles her nose. "That's an odd assortment of things to plant

Alexey asks (of EmmaSmith), "is it the recipe for anything good?"

James asks, "you mean your mom didn't used to make you snozzberry-turnip stew?"

Eugene asks, "I doubt he is a real vampire, but might be programmed to act as one?"

EmmaSmith says, "what's a snozzberry"

Eugene says, "If so, we may not have to create a digitized version of garlic to have him react to the smell."

Bob_Nobody says (to Eugene), "Apparently this training scenario is based on a "real" robot vampire this Department dealt with in the past"

James says (to Eugene), "I dunno, it could be the same guy, who agreed to train people again."

[Department] EmmaSmith asks (of gm), "did my previous reading on the microfilm for the vampire identify if he was a real vampire or a robot one?"

James says, "If it is, that's a good sign, because it means everything's about to go horribly wrong."

James says, "And then we can save everyone for real."

Alexey says (to Bob_Nobody), "but but but there's no such thing as vampires"

Bob_Nobody asks, "Anyway, I figure, treat it as real as possible, so let's have regular garlic and robot garlic just in case, y'know?"

[Department] GM says, "The writers of the article seemed to believe he was both."

[Department] GM says, "A vampire whose soul had possessed the body of a robot."

EmmaSmith grabs two of each and sticks them in her getting-very heavy purse

EmmaSmith mutters, "I should have just left the phone thingamajig back in the room

GM asks, "Each what?"

EmmaSmith says, "vegetable. two carrots, two garlic, two turnips, two cabbages"

GM says, "There's a bowl of cabbages, but the others are just signs."

Eugene says, "What you would want to do is cause his robotic brain to process the garlic and present it as real to his vampire side"

Bob_Nobody grabs a bulb of garlic and tosses it to James. "What can you do with that?"

Alexey asks, "oh, there's no garlic?"

GM says, "The garlic, turnips, etc. have already been harvested."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "oh"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "sigh"

Bob_Nobody says, "Okay, so the robot garlic is more important than ever."

Eugene says, "Was there any information about how the robot worked? if he works like one of the local ones, we can deduce how his processing occurs"

Bob_Nobody says, "It just won't have any real garlic in it."

[Department] James says, "Ha, 'harvested'."

GM says, "(But the harvest vegetables may still be around somewhere in the village.)"

EmmaSmith says, "oh"

Eugene asks (of James), "You surely have disassembled one by now and turned it into a credenza or something?"

James exclaims, "I tried, but Bob wouldn't let me borrow the robot's brain!"

Bob_Nobody looks at the cabbage.

EmmaSmith says, "sticks two cabbages anyway"

[Department] Alexey asks, "is the bowl marked in any way?"

Bob_Nobody grabs his knife and tries to whittle the cabbage down until it looks like a clove of garlic. Maybe robots have no sense of smell.

Eugene says, "I think it's imperative we have a close look at several of the robots."

[Department] GM says, "Just by the sign that it's sitting next to."

[Department] inky says, "ha ha"

[Department] Bob_Nobody asks, "so, do I roll my deceit now, or wait til I am trying to actually deceive someone?"

Alexey takes the garlic sign.

James asks (of Eugene), "Why didn't you say anything when we were talking to them?"

[Department] GM says, "Let's wait. More dramatic that way."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "okay"

[Department] Alexey asks, "assuming I can just yank it out?"

Eugene exclaims, "I was late!"

Reeve pulls out his gun-gadget to see if he brought any hollow bullets.

[Department] GM says, "Yup. It's just on a little stand."

[Department] GM says, "So you could even stand it up someplace else if you wanted."

Eugene says, "Their lab here is highly impressive. You should see their centrifuges."

[Department] Reeve asks, ".gm can I fiddle some garlic into a bullet?"

James shakes his head, muttering, "As usual..."

EmmaSmith says, "i wanted to try to dismantle one too"

[Department] Eugene says (to James), "I'm assuming here that i got sidetracked and is why I wasn't around last session"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says (to Reeve), "we lack the garlic part of that, sadly"

[Department] Eugene says, "and Billings surely wouldn't have hurried me along"

[Department] Alexey asks, "it's just normal cabbage, right?"

[Department] GM says (to Reeve), "Well, we don't actually have any real garlic here. Just the cabbages that James is cutting up and the rumors of garlic."

Bob_Nobody says, "Well, this has been a bust from a garlic-gathering perspective."

[Department] GM says (to Alexey), "So far as you can tell."

Bob_Nobody exclaims, "On to the castle!"

Alexey exclaims (at Bob_Nobody), "well, we have a garlic sign!"

Eugene exclaims, "On to the robots!"

Reeve asks, "Let's just storm the castle, eh?"

GM asks (of Eugene), "Which robots do you mean, the robot at the General Store, the robot in the Cottage, or the robots at the Tavern?"

Bob_Nobody says (to Reeve), "I was thinking more "politely knock and talk our way inside" than "storm", but sure."

James asks, "Or the presumed robots at the castle?"

Bob_Nobody says, "To each their own way, I suppose."

GM asks, "Or the presumed robots at the castle?"

Eugene says (to GM), "I'd like to pick the nearest robot, take a close look at it (with, sigh, James's help), and then do a quick compare to another robot to see if they're similar"

Reeve asks (of Bob), "Where's your sense of adventure?"

Bob_Nobody says (to Reeve), "You haven't talked your way into some of the places I;ve been. :)"

GM says (to Eugene), "The closest would be the keeper of the general store who sold Emma her snozzberry cookies."

Eugene says, "And from that extrapolate how to fool its senses to let us affect it with traditional vampire symbols (holy water, garlic, crosses, women named 'Anita')"

Reeve says (to Bob), "Probably not."

James says (to Eugene), "You'll have to convince it you're friendly, first."

James says, "And Bob here doesn't want to see their brains."

Alexey asks, "women named anita?"

Bob_Nobody says, "They've been really nice and helpful to us."

[Department] Reeve says (to Eugene), "HAHAHAHA"

Alexey looks meaningfully at Emma.

James exclaims "Anita Blake!" happily, then looks embarrassed.

[Department] Eugene exclaims (at james), "ha!"

Eugene exclaims, "Surely it will see the necessity of helping us!"

Eugene heads for the robot.

Alexey asks, "Is this Count really so bad?"

James exclaims (at A), "We have no idea!"

Alexey says, "I mean, he lets the citizens have their snozzberries"

Alexey says, "sounds like a swell guy to me"

James returns with Eugene to the cottage.

EmmaSmith asks (of Alexey), "what?"

Eugene asks (of Robot), "Hi, I know you're busy, but could we take a look inside you?"

Eugene says, "I'm sure it won't hurt a bit."

GM says, "'I. Need. My. Insides. To. Run. The. Store.'"

James shrugs in an 'I told you so' manner to Eugene.

[Department] Reeve pictures internal organs managing inventory and is slightly disturbered.

Alexey says (to Emma), "they are not very popular though"

[Department] GM says, "Hee."

[Department] inky says, "well, what do you think handles the kidney beans"

[Department] GM exclaims, "And the artichoke hearts!"

[Department] Reeve says, "groan"

Eugene asks, "That is a good point. But we promise to return your insides from the outside, if you see what I mean?"

EmmaSmith says (to robot), "you take naps? Take one now, we will watch the store for you while they tinker"

[Department] Eugene asks, "is there any obvious power source to the robots that I can see? Maybe a nice big 0/1 switch on its back?"

Bob_Nobody stands outside and watches the countryside.

GM says, "'But. What. If. There. Is. A. Customer?'"

[Department] GM says, "Hmm. Try an engineering roll."

[Department] Eugene says (to James), "that's your department here"

James says (to Eugene), "Enh? Oh, here."

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

James casually points out the on/off switch.

[Department] GM says (to James), "You spot a tiny switch at the back of its neck."

Eugene exclaims, "Oh!"

Eugene exclaims, "We'll watch the store for you!"

Eugene flip.

[Department] inky asks, "who's minding the store??"

Eugene says, "Goodness, that's a tiny switch."

[Department] Eugene says, "I don't actually mind the store, it's the robot I'm more interested in"

[Department] GM says (to Eugene), "Hmm. That sounds like an attack to me."

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "i am i guess since i said we would"

Alexey had always wondered about a career managing his own business.

[Department] GM says, "Roll Pickpocket or Fists, depending on whether or not you want him to notice what you're doing."

[Department] James says, ";(slight of hand)"

[Department] GM says, "(To be countered with Alertness or Athletics by the robot.)"

[Department] GM says (to James), "Er, right, that."

[Department] Eugene says, "sure, I'll try slight of hand first"

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

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

James sighs.

GM says, "'Hey! What. Do. You. Think. You're. Doing!'"

GM says, "'Get. Out. Of. My. Store!'"

GM says, "'Help! Thieves! Help!'"

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

James slips behind the robot and flips the switch himself.

[Department] GM asks (of James), "What skill was that?"

[Department] inky says, "ha ha"

[Department] James says, "slight of hand."

[Department] GM asks, "Using Eugene as a distraction?"

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

Eugene exclaims (at James), "I distracted him for you!"

James rolls his eyes. "Thanks."

GM says, "'Help! Hellllppppppppp.......'"

GM says, "The storekeeper slumps over the counter."

[Department] Alexey wonders if this offends his sense of justice.

Reeve sidles up to the front door, checking to see if anyone responded to the faint cries for help.

[Department] Alexey asks, "then again, it's just a robot, right?"

Alexey looks really glum.

GM says (to Reeve), "You don't *see* anyone. At least, not yet."

James says, "OK, *before you touch anything*..."

Eugene says, "Fine, fine."

[Department] James says, "(Engineering to see where the computer outlets are)"

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

GM says, "You find the latch to open its front panel, and once inside, it's not hard to locate the I/O ports."

[Department] Eugene says, "he did say no *touching*. I'd like to scan with my watch thingy to get a better read on the insides (power flow, what its brain is made of, etc.)"

James says, "There."

[Department] GM says, "OK."

[Department] GM says, "Hmm. Probably don't need a roll for that."

[Department] Eugene asks, "what's the roll for that?"

[Department] Eugene exclaims, "even better!"

Alexey looks over the shoulders of the two nerds, wondering what on earth is going on.

[Department] GM says, "Looks like it runs on standard batteries -- the main power supply is in the left side of its chest."

[Department] Eugene asks, "what's its brain?"

Reeve continues keeping an eye out, from the vantage of the front window.

[Department] GM says, "And you detect electrical flow that seems pretty typical for an early-twenty-first century computer, with major processors in the head, chest and abdomen."

[Department] GM says, "And minor processors scattered throughout the body."

[Department] Eugene says, "cool."

Eugene relates the scan results to James.

Bob_Nobody is still outside on the porch ignoring.

Eugene says, "We should figure out how its visual and other sensors report to the processors"

Alexey asks, "say... does this suggest any weak points these things have?"

Eugene exclaims, "It might!"

Reeve says (to Bob), "If you're keeping an eye on the front, I'll move to the back."

[Department] Eugene asks, "if we want to figure out things like that, how should we go about it?"

[Department] GM says, "If you make an Engineering roll, then you can put an Aspect on the robots that you can invoke later on."

[Department] GM says, "The first invocation of it will be free, and you can later use it for a Fate Point like any other Aspect."

[Department] Alexey asks, "do other PCs get to use it?"

[Department] Eugene asks (of James), "maybe a You Sense What We Want You To hack?"

[Department] GM says, "Yeah, if whoever makes the roll tells the rest of the party about it."

[Department] James says, "Sure."

[Department] GM asks (of Eugene), "Is this a separate thing?"

James says (to Eugene), "Wait, go back, I think I saw something..."

[Department] GM says, "I thought your initial question was about if it had weak points."

[Department] Eugene says, "oh hm yeah"

[Department] James asks, "Maybe an assist roll from Eugene with Computers?"

[Department] Eugene says, "I'm good with either approach"

[Department] James says, "(mostly for practice)"

[Department] GM says, "If you want to reprogram it, then that's different, and will take both a Computers and an Engineering roll."

[Department] GM says, "With the difficulty depending on how much you want to change its programming."

[Department] Eugene says, "I was thinking more figuring out how these robots in general work so we can have ways of weakening robovamp"

[Department] GM says, "(E.g. the 'You sense what we want you to' thing.)"

[Department] Reeve asks, "if it's a self-aware machine, won't reprogramming it be an ethical question?"

[Department] GM says (to Eugene), "OK, that's just a simple Engineering roll for a free Aspect."

[Department] GM says (to Reeve), "Good point! You can bring that up IC :)"

[Department] Alexey says, "I was hoping it wasn't self aware"

Bob_Nobody keeps watching, and knocks gently on the door to warn everyone.

[Department] James asks, "vs. what target?"

EmmaSmith says, "pretends to take inventory while walking around the store"

Bob_Nobody says, "Psst, I hear something."

[Department] GM asks (of Reeve), "Also, did you go out back after you said you would, past Bob?"

[Department] GM says, "(Because I think he would be stopping you now as you passed him.)"

[Department] James rolls an Engineering roll to find out something about the robots' weaknesses.

[Department] Reeve says, "Not outside; keeping an eye out through windows in the back (assuming there are some). Standing around outside would be too obvious."

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

EmmaSmith happens to be near the door and hears Bob's knock

[Department] GM says (to James), "For a simple free aspect, 0."

Alexey heads out to the door.

EmmaSmith says (to bob), "(after opening the door) what's going on"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "too obvious? that's me"

[Department] GM says, "Success! Make up a weakness you can exploit."

Bob_Nobody says, "Something's moving out there, tell everyone to get ready to move out."

Bob_Nobody says, "I'll investigate."

Bob_Nobody walks towards the woods.

Alexey asks, "should I come with you?"

Bob_Nobody says, "Just be quiet."

Reeve says (to Eugene&James), "Guys, looking at the robots insides is one thing, re-programming it might tamper with it's sense of self. That's a trickier question."

Alexey asks, "wait, the robot is alive?"

GM says (to Bob), "You meet another robot heading in the direction of the general store. This one is carrying an axe and an armful of wood."

[Department] Bob_Nobody asks, "what was the name of the turnip-chef's husband?"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "I know we found it, but I forget"

James says, "Ah, see that? Remember when they pause after every word all the time? That's because there's an internal feedback mechanism that delays them to normal speech speed, otherwise they'd be all 'hihowareyouwhat'shappening' But during those pauses, they literally can't do anything else."

[Department] GM says (to Bob), "'Iosif'."

Bob_Nobody asks, "Iosif, is that you?"

EmmaSmith says, "hey, we should hurry up. bob said someone is coming"

GM says, "'What. Is. Going. On? I. Heard. Shouts.'"

GM says, "'Yes! It. Is. Me. Iosif.'"

James asks (of Eugene), "You ready to turn this guy back on?"

EmmaSmith says, "i don't think we want to be caught with a dead robot"

Bob_Nobody says, "Am I glad I found you! Your wife is looking for you."

Eugene exclaims, "Of course!"

GM says, "'Oh! Is. She. At. Home?'"

Bob_Nobody says, "The shouts? One of my friends slipped and hit his head. The storekeeper is helping him, he'll be fine."

James puts the guy back together again.

Eugene assists.

Bob_Nobody says, "Yeah, we saw her at your house, she said that you need to head home right now without waiting for anything."

Bob_Nobody says, "It's that way"

[Department] inky says, "ha ha"

Bob_Nobody points south.

GM says, "'Do. You. Know. If. She. Is. Making. Turnip. Stew. For. Supper. Again. Tomorrow?'"

Bob_Nobody says, "She is! It sounds delicious."

James listens for Iosif to go away before turning the shopkeeper back on.

GM says, "'Oh. No. Not. Again.'"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "I am hoping I intercepted him far enough away from the store that he can't tell what's going on"

GM says, "'Maybe. I. Will. Go. To. The. Tavern. For. A. Delicious. Pie. Instead.'"

Bob_Nobody says, "Hey, I have an idea."

GM says, "'What. Is. That?'"

GM says, "'You. Said. I. Have. To. Go. Without. Waiting.'"

Bob_Nobody says, "How about if I give you a few bolts, and when you go to the tavern, you buy some garlic. Bring a bit back here to me, and take the rest to your wife. Some garlic will really make that soup extra tasty."

[Department] Reeve exclaims (at Bob), "Nice!"

GM says, "'But. She. Said. To. Go. Home. Right. Now!'"

[Department] Eugene says, "ooh"

Bob_Nobody says, "Sure, but she doesn't know when you met me."

Bob_Nobody asks, "Who's the wiser, right?"

GM says, "'Good. Point!'"

Bob_Nobody says, "And a little flavor will make that same old turnip soup go a long way."

[Department] Eugene says, "you are a quick talker"

GM says, "'OK!'"

[Department] Bob_Nobody exclaims (at Eugene), "It says so on my character sheet!"

GM says, "And so Iosif heads off in the direction of the tavern."

Eugene says, "phew"

[Department] Bob_Nobody asks, "did Alexey come with me after all?"

[Crows-Nest] EmmaSmith says, "that better not have been the bolts you owe me"

[Department] Alexey says, "no"

[Crows-Nest] Bob_Nobody exclaims, "I already paid you!"

Bob_Nobody heads back up to the store, tells Emma what's going on, and goes back to wait for Iosif.

Eugene says, "Let's wake him up"

[Department] GM asks, "Did you do any reprogramming?"

[Department] GM asks, "Or did you just study him?"

EmmaSmith says, "hey, bob headed off the other robot from coming this way"

[Department] Alexey says, "you might want to make him forget what just happened"

James sets up the shopkeeper in the same position he was before.

EmmaSmith says, "it was the lost woodcutter. he is going to buy bob some garlic"

James asks (of Eugene), "Er, you want to wipe one minute of memory first?"

Eugene says, "Yeah, let me loop that back quickly"

[Department] Eugene says, "computers to change his pointer"

[Department] GM says, "Sounds good."

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

GM says, "Whirrr-clickclickclick."

GM says, "He stands himself up and looks around a bit confused."

James says (to shopkeeper), "Sounds good to me."

James exclaims, "Thanks!"

[Department] Eugene says, "afk for Liza's bedtime"

GM says, "'You're... Welcome?'"

James waves cheerily and walks out of the store.

[Department] inky says, "hee hee"

Alexey follows.

GM checks his ledger to try to figure out what just happened, but sadly finds no relevant transaction.

[Department] inky says, "I think NPCs getting fast-talked is my favorite part of mud rpgs"

Reeve rolls his eyes as he walks out.

GM says, "A few minutes later, you hear someone coming through the woods again."

GM says, "It's Iosif! With his arms full."

[Department] James says, "It's almost as fun as PCs getting fast-talked, but only the GM gets to enjoy that."

[Department] inky says, "hee hee"

GM says, "In addition to the branches and axe, he is also carrying several small pies."

Bob_Nobody says (to Iosif), "Those smell delicious."

GM says, "'The. Bartender. Already. Cooked. The. Garlic.'"

Bob_Nobody says, "Oh, I see."

GM exclaims (at Bob), "In fact, they smell like garlic!"

EmmaSmith waves cheerfully at the shopkeeper and gets to the woods just as Iosif reaches Bob

[Department] inky says, "ha ha"

GM says, "'So. I. Brought. You. The. Pies. He. Made!'"

[Department] inky says, "pie the robot"

Bob_Nobody exclaims, "Thank you very much!"

Bob_Nobody says, "Please, take one for your trouble."

GM gives three garlic pies to Bob and saves one for himself.

GM says, "'Thank. You!'"

Bob_Nobody exclaims, "And remember, tell your wife you ran into me just this very instant!"

EmmaSmith stands upwind

GM says, "'Yes! Of. Course!'"

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

Bob_Nobody asks (of Eugene), "Okay, so much for Operation Robot Garlic. How about Operation Robot Garlic Pie?"

Bob_Nobody says (to Iosif), "You too."

Bob_Nobody starts heading north again with the pies

GM says, "Iosif waves, as best he can while carrying branches and axe and pie, then wanders off on his way home."

Reeve contemplates Garlic Pie, and cautiously takes a sniff.

[Crows-Nest] James says, "#band-name Branches and Axe and Pie"

GM says, "And assuming you are all following Bob, it's not long before you can see a shape to the north looming through the trees."

Alexey says (to Bob), "mmmh, those smell delicious"

Bob_Nobody exclaims (at Reeve), "No eating!"

Bob_Nobody says, "We need these for the Count."

Alexey counts the pies.

GM says, "A vaguely boxey-, fort-like, perhaps even *castlesque* shape."

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "wait, what did we learn about the robot?"

GM says (to Alexey), "Three."

Reeve says (to Bob), "What are we going to do with them? I have clown-like visions of throwing a pie in his face, but that seems minimally effective."

Bob_Nobody says, "Okay, so I'm going to walk up and try to talk my way in."

Bob_Nobody asks, "Some of the rest of you want to go play sneaky sneaky?"

Bob_Nobody says (to Reeve), "That might work."

EmmaSmith asks, "we should split up the pies. what if something happens to bob?"

[Crows-Nest] James says (to Emma), "They have an Aspect 'vulnerable during pauses'"

[Department] James says (to Emma), "They have an Aspect 'vulnerable during pauses'"

Bob_Nobody says (to Emma), "Good idea."

Bob_Nobody asks, "But who is going where?"

GM says, "When you"As you reach the edge of the trees, you also hear water flowing."

Alexey says, "I can sneak. badly."

[Department] Reeve says, "I have great burglary and stealth . . . I might try scaling a wall."

Alexey says, "well, fairly"

Bob_Nobody hands Reeve a pie. "Remember, no eating til we're done."

GM says, "And soon find a shallow but broad stream between you and the castle."

Alexey says, "I'll back Bob up, I guess"

Reeve accepts the pie with a despondant grumble.

[Department] Alexey asks, "is there something about vampires being unable to cross running water?"

Alexey asks, "is there something about vampires being unable to cross running water?"

Bob_Nobody asks (of Emma,Eugene,James), "And you three?"

EmmaSmith thinks back to her microfilm reading

[Department] EmmaSmith asks (of gm), "anything in te article?"

Eugene asks, "I'm not sure I like garlic pie?"

[Department] GM says, "The article didn't mention it, but it is often a part of vampire lore, yeah."

[Department] Reeve says, "all this talk of pie is seriously making me hungry. Must Snack."

Bob_Nobody says (to Eugene), "Okay, so you don't carry one."

Alexey says, "so, beyond is the land of the vampire"

Bob_Nobody hands the last pie to Emma.

Alexey exclaims, "stay safe, men! Stay alive!"

EmmaSmith says (to alexey), "it's often the case, yeah"

Alexey shudders a little.

EmmaSmith wrinkles her nose

EmmaSmith says, "okay, fine"

James looks for a bridge.

Alexey wades in.

GM says (to James), "You can see more or less to the east wall, and there isn't one there, but there might be one to the west."

GM says (to Alexey), "It comes up to your knees, and there's relatively little current."

Bob_Nobody walks around looking for a door.

Alexey says, "this is but a paddling pool"

[Department] GM asks (of Bob), "Does that mean that you're wading across the stream with Alexey?"

Alexey splish splosh.

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "No"

[Department] GM asks, "Or just that you're peering across?"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "right"

James shrugs and wades with the rest.

Eugene sighs and wades.

Reeve asks (of GM), "is there a tree on the other side?"

[Department] GM says (to Bob), "It's dark, but you do spot something a little ways west of here."

Eugene asks, "psst, watch, can you detect the robot vampire person in there?"

James puts back on his shoes and rolls down his pants again on the other side.

[Department] GM says, "In fact, it looks like there might even be someone standing in front of it."

GM says (to Reeve), "Sure."

Bob_Nobody exclaims, "Psst!"

GM says (to Eugene), "'Define parameter: robot vampire person.'"

Bob_Nobody vaguely points to the west and the maybe-door and the maybe-maybe person

Bob_Nobody starts wading across and heads for the maybe-door.

Eugene says, "like the robot you scanned earlier, only with something new invested in it"

EmmaSmith says, "i guess it's good i didn't go over thataway to look for a bridge"

EmmaSmith grumbles as she wades across last

Reeve says, "Guys, let me try to get us a line across the water. I don't want to get wet if I'm going to be sneaking around later."

GM says (to Eugene), "'No non-standard robots within scanning range.'"

Reeve pulls a harpoon gun out from under his duster.

Alexey wades back across and pickes up Reeve.

Alexey says, "*picks, even."

[Department] Alexey says, "assuming he lets me."

Eugene asks, "Will you let me know if you detect one?"

GM says, "'Continuous scan mode activated.'"

Reeve accepts the piggy-back ride with ill grace.

[Department] Reeve exclaims, "also, Ha!!"

Alexey hums a tunes as he splishes and sploshes back across.

GM says (to Bob), "You find a large wooden door, guarded by two robots in guard uniforms."

GM says, "'Halt! Who. Goes. There?'"

Alexey says, "hums a tune even."

[Department] Bob_Nobody asks, "is anyone with me, or am I solo?"

Alexey drops off Reeve and rejoins Bob.

Bob_Nobody exclaims, "Hello!"

James lets Bob talk, but stands behind him ready to turn off one robot if need be.

Bob_Nobody says, "We are here to see the Count. We have an urgent message for him."

EmmaSmith says, "i am not near the door yet. a few feet behind"

GM says, "'What. Is. This. Message?'"

Bob_Nobody says, "Oh, it's only for the Count."

GM says, "'I. Will. Bring. It. To. Him.'"

Bob_Nobody asks, "Very hush-hush, you know?"

GM says, "'No. One. Sees. The. Count.'"

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "did anything i've ever read ever mention this count's big rival or nemesis?"

GM says, "'Except. For. Those. Designated. By. The. Count.'"

GM says, "'As. Being. Allowed. To. See. The. Count.'"

Bob_Nobody asks, "Oh, and who has he designated?"

GM says, "'He. Has. Designated. The. Castle. Staff.'"

Bob_Nobody asks, "Mmmhmm. Anyone else?"

EmmaSmith marches up. "How lovely. I am the new maid

[Department] GM says (to Emma), "No, you don't remember a nemesis per se."

EmmaSmith asks, "Can I come in?"

Bob_Nobody asks, "What if there were, say, an emergency in town and people need his help?"

[Crows-Nest] (from James) Bob holds up a stick. "As it so happens, this *is* the castle staff!"

GM says (to Emma), "'Do. You. Do. Windows?'"

[Department] (from James) guard says, "Or. Only. OSX?"

EmmaSmith says, "I do! And floors. But not ceilings"

GM says (to Bob), "'Then. We. Would. Relay. The. Message.'"

Bob_Nobody says (to Guard), "Ah, of course."

GM says (to Emma), "'Very. Well. You. And. Only. You. May. Pass.'"

Alexey steps forward.

EmmaSmith waves vaguely behind her. "These gents do all my heavy lifting

Alexey says, "I. Am. The.New. Security. Guard."

EmmaSmith asks, "You don't think I am strong enough to carry those buckets, do you?"

Reeve attempts to look burly.

GM says, "One guard looks at the other."

Alexey says, "I am. To. Accompany. This. Lady."

EmmaSmith says (to Alexey), "psst. Maid. not lady"

GM says, "He says, 'Does. This. Seem. Likely. To. You?'"

Alexey says, "I. Do. Not. Know. I. Am. A. Robot."

GM says, "The other one says, 'The. Count. Sometimes. Adds. Several. New. Staffmembers. At. Once.'"

Bob_Nobody exclaims (at Guard), "You can't expect a defenseless maid like this to wander around without a guard, in these trying times!"

Alexey makes some bzzt sounds.

Bob_Nobody exclaims, "The message I must deliver, to the Count himself, regards these new staffmembers!"

[Department] GM says, "If you'd all like to pass as staff, I'm going to ask for a deceit roll."

[Department] Alexey says, "this will be embarrassing"

GM says, "'But. The. Count. Introduces. The. New. Staff. Himself! This. Is. Irregular.'"

[Department] James asks, "From everyone, or just Bob?"

[Department] GM says, "From whoever is convincing him that you're all allowed to go in with Emma."

[Department] Bob_Nobody asks, "yeah, can I cover everyone?"

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "oh, so i am set?"

[Department] GM says, "Sure."

Bob_Nobody says, "Ah, and he will, first thing tomorrow morning."

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "whew. since i don't have deceit"

[Department] GM says (to Emma), "Unless Bob rolls really poorly :)"

Bob_Nobody exclaims, "But if he never comes out, we must go in, so he can introduce us!"

Bob_Nobody rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 +1 0 -1 | Fantastic (6)

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

GM says, "'That. Is. True.'"

GM says, "'Very. Well! Welcome. To. The. Castle. Staff.'"

Eugene says, "Er. Thank. You."

Eugene says, "Bzzt."

Alexey says, "Thank. you"

GM says, "And they open the door."

Bob_Nobody asks, "I am pleased we are being guarded by such fine fellows. May I be introduced?"

GM says, "'I. Am. Dorin. This. Is Boian.'"

GM says, "'Yes. I. Am. Boian.'"

Bob_Nobody says, "Ah, wonderful, I am Bob. So mice to meet you."

EmmaSmith rushes in, since she is supposed to be reporting for duty

GM says, "It. Is. Nice. To. Meet. You. Bob.'"

Bob_Nobody goes in and sweeps the rest of the group with him.

Reeve follows

James checks to see if these robots have the same off switch as the others in town as he walks by.

[Department] James asks, "Do I need to roll for that?"

GM says, "Inside, you find an entrance hall. There is a tapestry on the wall -- well, painted canvas made to look like one -- of a crescent moon over a darkened hill."

GM says, "There is a door to the west, and there is a stairwell to the east."

[Department] GM says (to James), "Nah, I'll say they do."

EmmaSmith looks at the tapestry and marvels

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "do i recognize it?"

[Department] James says, "Cool."

[Department] GM exclaims (at Emma), "Yeah! There was a picture of that in the article!"

Reeve is on alert, always looking for a way out.

Alexey takes a swig from his hip flask.

EmmaSmith says, "hey, I saw this picture before"

EmmaSmith says, "in that article"

Bob_Nobody asks (of Emma), "Does it signify anything?"

EmmaSmith says, "in case we doubted it i guess we now know we are on the right track"

Alexey tries to take a look behind the 'tapestry'

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "should i make an art roll?"

GM says (to Alexey), "Try an Investigation roll."

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

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "i am curious if this is an indiana jones moment, where there's something with the moon's reflection or what not"

[Department] GM says, "Hmm. I think you're familiar enough with art to recognize that it's just a symbol of this castle."

[Crows-Nest] EmmaSmith says (to alexey), "next time, lay off the flask"

[Crows-Nest] Alexey exclaims, "it helps me relax!"

GM says (to Alexey), "Nah, there's nothing there except for that odd rectangular outline in the fake stone wall."

[Crows-Nest] Alexey says, "I can stop any time I want"

EmmaSmith says (to bob), "just that it's the castle"

Bob_Nobody says, "Okay."

Bob_Nobody says, "Well, counts and vampires are always at the top of the castle."

Alexey shrugs. "Gee, crappy architechs, these days

Bob_Nobody exclaims, "Up we go!"

GM asks, "The stairwell leads both up and down. Are you going up?"

Reeve follows bob some more

Bob_Nobody looks up, looks down. "Definitely up first."

[Department] Reeve says, "I want to shoot something"

GM says, "OK. You head up the stairs."

GM says, "And Eugene's watch goes 'Ping!'"

Eugene trudge trudge trudge. And also bzzt.

[Crows-Nest] Alexey asks (of GM), "I assume you mean I don't notice anything?"

Eugene exclaims, "Oh!"

Eugene asks, "Where?"

GM says (to Eugene), "'Non-standard robot detected to WEST.'"

[Crows-Nest] Bob_Nobody says (to inky), "hey, no fair"

[Crows-Nest] GM says (to Alexey), "I mean you see an odd rectangular outline in the wall, but don't know what it is or why it's like that."

Eugene says, "Can you get a rough layout of the castle and plot us a route? Try thz imaging, I think it will give you time-of-flight with the ability to gate past the walls you've already imaged."

GM says, "At the top of the stairs is a landing with a small end table."

[Crows-Nest] Alexey asks (of GM), "does it strike me as odd enough to warrant further investigation?"

GM says, "West of the landing is a closed door."

[Crows-Nest] GM says (to Alexey), "It does seem different from all the other walls, yeah."

Bob_Nobody looks at the end table. Anything on it? Does it have drawers?

[Crows-Nest] Bob_Nobody says, "is it portable? ;)"

Alexey decides to give the odd section a bit of a push and a tap or whatever.

GM says (to Bob), "A vase with a silk rose. No drawers. It is portable if you like."

Bob_Nobody takes the rose and sticks it up his sleeve.

GM says (to Alexey), "It sounds hollow and part of it is loose, as if it could be opened."

Alexey asks, "That said, hey... do you guys think there's something odd about this bit of wall?"

Alexey decides to apply some brute force.

GM says, "(Is anyone else still downstairs with Alexey?)"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says (to alexey), "we're all upstairs now. well, some of us"

GM exclaims (at Alexey), "You push and pull and SPROING pop the panel right off the wall!"

GM says, "On the other side is a shaft leading down."

[Department] Eugene says, "(I went upstairs and am busy with the scanning)"

[Department] Reeve says, "I'm upstairs with Eugene and Bob"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "(Whoops, missed Eugene's earlier question.)"

[Department] Alexey asks, "is it dark and spooky down there?"

[Department] James says, "I can be downstairs if A needs someone."

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "i guess splitting up is not a good idea?"

EmmaSmith says (to GM), "I am"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "oh, didn't realize Alexey was downstairs"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "i figured i need to find some staff to "Report" for duty"

GM says (to Eugene), "'Estimated layout, this level: Here, stairwell. West, large room. Large room contains robot vampire person.'"

EmmaSmith says (to Alexey), "huh. who'da thought"

GM says (to Alexey), "Behind the panel is a shaft leading down."

Alexey asks, "just a straight verticle shaft? How big? Any lighting down there?"

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "have i read (elsewhere, maybe) anything about this particular castle? anything to get an idea of what the castle layout is?"

GM says (to Alexey), "No lighting except for the torches in the entry hall, but as you peer in, you do see rungs set in the wall like a ladder."

Alexey steps back. Too scary!

GM says, "And it's about the size of a normal person."

Eugene looks down and sees what Alexey has found. "Oh, so, frontal assault or scary shaft leading down that may let us surprise the robot vampire?"

[Department] Reeve asks, "we're all still upstairs, right?"

[Crows-Nest] GM asks (of Emma), "The article didn't go into detail about the castle layout -- in fact, it was particularly hush on the matter. Perhaps the details were blocked by someone?"

[Crows-Nest] GM says (to Reeve), "If you choose to be."

[Department] Reeve says, "um, no, if everyone is heading down to Alexey, I will too."

GM says (to Eugene), "Your watch pings again. 'Robot vampire person moving west out of range. Out of large room.'"

Alexey says, "if I remember the movies correctly, this shaft should lead to a secret exit, a dungeon, or a mad laboratory"

Reeve says, "I'll give it a try."

EmmaSmith says, "i'll go"

EmmaSmith says, "too"

GM asks, "So you're climbing down the shaft?"

Eugene says, "psst, Cass, can you switch to small holograph map projection? I think we may want to go quiet for a bit."

[Department] GM asks, "Is projecting holograms a feature of your watch?"

Reeve fastens his duster so it won't impede his descent, and makes sure his favorite guns are easily accessible.

[Department] Alexey asks (of GM), "man, what isn't?"

[Department] Reeve says, "about to, yeah"

[Department] Eugene says (to GM), "I figure it is. But it doesn't hurt to be polite to it"

[Department] Reeve asks, "should I roll stealth?"

[Department] Eugene says, "next up it'll project: 'help me, everyone; you're my only hope'"

[Department] GM says (to Eugene), "Hmm. I'm sure you have enough processing power to generate the 3D images, but I don't think it has the actual hardware for projecting it. On the other hand, if you asked James for help..."

[Department] GM says, "...he might have just the thing."

[Department] Eugene exclaims, "good point!"

GM asks, "Where is everyone at this moment?"

Alexey is by the shaft entrance.

Eugene climbs back down the stairs and sidles over to James. "Does Stan still talk bluetooth?"

James sighs. "Yes. What do you need now?"

[Department] Eugene says, "as I just said above"

Bob_Nobody went back down with everyone and is looking at the shaft.

James looks interested despite himself. "Yeah, I can do that!"

EmmaSmith next to Alexey

Bob_Nobody says, "Actually, you go down that way, I'll try this way."

Bob_Nobody looks down the stairs further.

GM asks (of Bob), "Are you going down the stairs or just looking down?"

Eugene says, "I went down the stairs to James."

[Department] Reeve says, "poised at the top of the shaft for descent"

Eugene says, "So I could explain how I can provide updated maps of the complex in the format used by Unreal Tournament 3"

GM says (to Eugene and James), "So between you, you generate a small hologram of the castle. The rooms within scanning range are in green, those which were recorded earlier but are out of range are in blue, and you're a little yellow dot."

Bob_Nobody says (to GM), "Just looking for now. But if someone wants to come with me..."

GM says, "The entrance hall is in green, as is the stairwell landing to the east and an unidentified room to west."

EmmaSmith says, "i will follow bob instead, since i am not a fan of cellars"

GM says, "Below you can see part of a room that's about the size of this one. Above, you can see another room that extends west out of range. Also all in green."

Alexey says (to Bob), "let's stay together. This place isn't safe"

GM says, "In blue, you can see the landing above you and the rest of the shape of the large room upstairs."

GM says (to Bob), "Downstairs, you find another landing with a door going west. The door is near the southwest corner of the room."

[Department] GM says, "(Did I miss any requests from anyone while typing all that out?)"

Bob_Nobody looks to see where the shaft would pass this room.

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "oh, I head down and open the door first"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "sure, I'm feeling crazy"

GM says (to Bob), "The shaft was in the north wall, so if there's a room just west of here, it'd pass by it."

GM says (to Bob), "When you open the door, you find a corridor running along the south side of the castle."

GM says, "Oddly, it seems like there should be a room just north of that corridor, but you don't see any entrance to it."

GM says, "But there is another door at the far west end of the corridor."

Bob_Nobody taps the wall looking for a secret door.

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

GM says, "Hmm. You don't find anything along the corridor."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "(that was investigation. sheesh)"

Bob_Nobody bruises his hand, decides to go find everyone else and heads back up.

GM says, "(Note that you are not actually close enough to look for the shaft: you are simply looking for the room that the shaft would be adjacent to.)"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "right"

[Department] Alexey asks, "has reeve descended yet?"

GM asks, "Is everyone gathered around the shaft still, wondering if someone should descend?"

Reeve descends into the darkness.

[Department] Reeve asks, "should I roll stealth?"

[Department] Reeve asks, "should I roll stealth?"

GM says (to Reeve), "You climb down to the bottom, which is about one story below where you started."

[Department] GM says, "That's up to you."

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "wasn't there a room to the west of the stairs?"

Reeve rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 0 0 0 | Great (4)

[Department] Bob_Nobody says (to Emma), "on the second floor"

[Department] Reeve asks, "what are the odds?"

GM says, "At the bottom, you can feel a panel in the wall similar to the one that let you into the shaft in the first place."

Alexey says, "looks down the shaft fearfully"

Reeve pokes around the panel, trying to dislodge it.

[Department] GM says (to Emma), "You're in a room to the west of the stairs. Above, there was a doorway west of the stairs leading into a room that Eugene saw with his scanner, but which no one opened."

Alexey exclaims, "He's not making any sound! Maybe something ate Reeve?!"

[Department] Eugene says, "The robovamp was up in that room but walked out of there"

[Department] GM says (to Emma), "Below, there was a door west of the stairs leading into a hallway that went along the south side of the castle, not near where the shaft went."

James follows Reeve.

Alexey exclaims, "Reeve! I'm coming down to avenge you!"

GM says (to Reeve), "You find a catch and it swings open into a chamber dimly lit by some large device."

Alexey descends as well.

Reeve peers around carefully.

GM says, "Everyone who comes down sees that most of the room is taken up by some kind of machine."

[Department] Eugene says (to Alexey), "ha"

James . o O ( Hey, a large device! )

Eugene asks, "Hello? Er, hello?"

Eugene says, "Oh, sigh."

Eugene climb climb climb.

Alexey exclaims (at Reeve), "you're alive!"

GM says, "Made up of many slowly-moving pistons and a large globe in the center, filled with a faintly-glowing blue liquid."

James doesn't really check to see if there's anyone else in the room, and begins examining the device to see what it does.

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

[Department] Reeve says, "that's almost like 4 zeroes"

GM says (to James), "This is definitely a some sort of energy-conversion device. And it's plugged into the solid floor of the castle."

Eugene clambers into the room and spots the device. "Ooh! What is *that*?"

[Department] James asks, "Where's the output?"

GM says, "From the design, it looks like something designed to convert small amounts of energy slowly over a great deal of time, storing it someplace for later use."

[Department] GM exclaims, "As best as you can tell, those plugs *are* the output!"

James says (to Eugene), "It converts energy from the... floor? Earth? The lower levels of this training facility? And stores it here somehow."

GM says (to James), "No, no: it goes the other direction."

Alexey asks, "whatever it is, it's evil, right?"

GM says, "You can tell from the way that conducer is laid out."

Alexey asks, "shall I break it?"

Reeve wonders if he can shoot it, and if so, where.

GM says, "And the polarity of the throbulating capacitance matrix."

GM asks (of Eugene), "Are you also going to analyze it, or do you trust James' assessment?"

James says, "Wait, no. It collects ambient energy and injects it into the floor. (trobulating capacitance, as you know)"

Eugene asks, "Oh, I'm going to analyze it as well, but not because I distrust James. It's just cool science. How is it creating the potential difference to make the energy flow like that? How can you store energy like that? And what do you do with it?"

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

[Department] Eugene says, "you know, you could run this game diceless based on our recent rolls"

[Department] James asks (of GM), "Does it look like it stores the energy in itself and hasn't sent it into the floor yet, or that it has sent it away for use somewhere?"

[Department] James says, "Heh."

Bob_Nobody climbs down and starts looking for other doors out of the machine room.

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

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "I guess I am worse than diceless"

Alexey says, "you know, maybe this doubles as the robot vampire's resurrection room"

GM says (to Eugene), "At first glance, it looks quite impressive -- but then you realize after a minute that it's actually a crude version of something you've seen before. It's a gravitational accumulator! It stores gravitational energy into some massive object the same way a regular generator might store electrical energy in a battery."

Eugene says, "Oh."

[Department] GM says (to James), "It looks like it's already been stored."

Eugene says, "Oh oh oh."

GM says, "In fact, you have a similar -- but more more advanced and compact -- device in your watch."

Eugene says (to Alexey), "Er, don't break that. It's storing gravimetric energy."

Alexey asks, "gravy what?"

Eugene says, "That's a matrix of gravitons in there. We, er, don't want that loose."

Reeve asks, "Why not?"

Alexey says, "but we do have pie"

GM says, "In theory it looks, anyone with the right adaptor could plug into the castle walls and tap it for power."

[Department] GM says, "(I'm not sure how the word 'like' got converted into a comma there.)"

James asks (of GM), "Any spare parts lying around?"

Eugene says, "You know how we produce energy by having water fall down and turn turbines and such? That's converting gravitational energy into electrical energy."

Reeve asks, "What happens if we loose the stored gravimetric energy? Earthquake? Fire? Rioting in the streets?"

Eugene says, "This is a setup for storing the gravity itself."

Alexey asks, "so if you want to be really heavy really fast?"

Eugene says, "You'd get weird gravity effects? Like suddenly heavy in spots, or far lighter due to self-interference depending on whether this is storing it coherently or not."

Reeve asks, "Like, sudenly I'm on Saturn heavy? Or just put on a few pounds?"

Eugene exclaims, "I don't know. Though it would be fun to see!"

Eugene asks, "Er, from far enough away?"

EmmaSmith asks, "what happens if we plug in a robot?"

EmmaSmith asks, "didn't james and eugene find outlets on them?"

Eugene asks, "Who collects and uses gravity as a power source, though? I mean, aside from me?"

Reeve says, "Would that many gravimetric whatevers suddenly on the loose implode the Department from here? If so, this no longer feels like a training excercise."

James hacks together an appropriate adaptor so he can power up his gun from the wall of the castle.

[Department] James asks (of GM), "TN?"

Eugene says, "The robots in the village ran on traditional batteries, though."

Eugene says, "It could be they are using rechargable batteries? I forgot to look that closely."

[Department] GM says, "Hmm. Without the right tools, that would be very, very difficult. Probably a 7. With the right tools, maybe a 2."

[Department] James asks, "I assume I don't have the tools, then?"

[Department] Reeve asks, "could we shoot it?"

[Department] GM says, "Not on you."

[Department] GM says, "You could shoot it."

[Department] GM says, "The energy is still stored in the castle walls, but that would prevent it from being used in the future."

Alexey says, "break or don't break? Alexey is conflicted."

James asks (of Eugene), "I think I can put together an adaptor to get the energy from the walls, but I'll need your help. Can you program this fromitz board to accept throbulating capacitance?"

[Department] James says, "(to give in an Aspect I can tag."

Reeve says, "I say we shoot it. Whatever it is, it can't be good."

Eugene says, "I -- well, in *theory*."

[Department] James says, ")"

[Department] Eugene asks, "so is that my science supporting his engineering?"

[Department] inky recaps a zillion

[Department] GM says, "I'm not sure how supporting rolls like this work, actually."

[Department] GM says, "(Trying to find it in the docs now.)"

[Department] inky says, "people who are rolling crappy should be using their aspects to get rerolls"

[Department] James says, "The way we did it the other day was that one person made a roll to give one of my tools an Aspect I can tag when I make my own roll."

[Department] GM says (to inky), "He hasn't rolled yet."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says (to gm), "last time, we did a roll to create an aspect that another person used for a +2 bonus"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "right that"

[Department] James says, "The difficulty of that roll is also set by the GM."

[Department] GM says (to inky), "I've been letting them use skills that don't explicitly mention creating aspects when I thought it was clever and it seemed especially appropriate."

[Department] inky says (to GM), "yeah, that was re Bob complaining about rolling badly, not about the current situation"

[Department] inky says, "(I did say I recapped a bunch)"

[Department] GM says, "But I am not sure that this is a sufficiently special case to do that."

[Department] inky says, "also, you can create aspects with any skill"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says (to inky), "yeah, I considered it but it wasn't worth a fate point"

[Department] inky says, "like you can make a guns roll to place an "in my sights" aspect on somebody"

[Department] GM says (to inky), "OK."

[Department] inky says, "(that's an explicit example in the rules)"

[Department] GM asks (of inky), "So you could use Science to analyze something to put an aspect on it that can be used by someone else for an Engineering roll immediately afterward?"

[Department] inky says, "the ones like academics and burglary are noteworthy because they create aspects that were "there all along""

[Department] inky says, "yeah"

[Department] GM exclaims, "OK then!"

[Department] Eugene says, "so I'd like to sciencize the board and plug to tag it with "So *That's* How You Plug It In""

[Department] James says, "But again, you can set the TNs for 'em."

[Department] GM says, "Right. On the other hand, Eugene's got a bonus for it being Gravity, I believe."

[Department] Eugene says, "yeah, my scientific genius category is physics, sub-category gravity"

[Department] James asks, "Is that an Aspect?"

[Department] James asks, "Oh, a Stunt?"

[Department] Eugene says, "yeah"

[Department] James says, "Cool."

[Department] Eugene says, "so I roll science against a TN? Man, RPGing is hard"

[Department] James says, "Hee."

[Department] Reeve says, "afk"

[Department] GM says, "Right. I'll say the TN for the assist is 4."

[Department] Eugene says, "right-o"

[Department] GM says, "And if you fail, something gravity-y happens."

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

[Department] Eugene says, "diceless, I tell you. it's the wave of the future"

[Department] GM says, "Darn, nothing gravity-y happens."

[Department] GM says, "So you have a free Aspect! Which James can now use if he wishes."

Eugene says, "Oh, right! Okay, here's how you could tap in..."

James says, "Perfect! Now, if I just rejigger that fromitz to this slot over *here*..."

James rolls Superb (5) +2 + 4dF: -1 +1 0 +1 | Legendary (8)

James proudly holds up an adapter.

GM says, "Perfect! And surely no one will miss the parts you cannibalized from the gravimetric accumulator."

[Department] Eugene says, "hee hee"

James says, "Yeah, those bits were totally redundant."

Eugene asks, "It's not as if we want it to keep accumulating?"

[Department] Eugene says, "and now we move from all-science all-the-time"

Alexey is overawed.

Alexey asks, "so, um, what are you making?"

EmmaSmith asks, "shouldn't we all be *moving*?"

EmmaSmith asks, "how else are we going to find the count?"

James says, "See, now if I need an extra boost for my energy rifle, or if it runs out of charge on its own, I can just grab some energy from the wall! Or I need to drain the wall in an emergency, to keep something *else* from charging, say."

James exclaims (at Emma), "Sounds good to me!"

[Department] GM says (to James), "So because that is cool, I will say that if you plug it into your fancy gun and into the castle wall, then your gun will get a boost to do +1 damage on a successful hit."

[Department] James says, "Cool, thanks."

EmmaSmith says, "i am going to go look at those rooms"

GM asks (of Emma), "Which rooms are you looking for?"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "specifically the one on the 2nd floor"

[Department] GM asks, "OK. So the door at the very top of the stairs that no one has gone through yet?"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "yeah"

[Department] GM asks, "Is anyone else going along?"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "there's also a door on the basement level we haven't checked out"

[Department] GM says (to Bob), "True."

[Department] GM says, "And based on what you've seen, it would seem to lead to a room west of the room with the gravity device."

[Department] Alexey asks, "there are no other doors in the room with the gravity device?"

EmmaSmith goes back upstairs, not waiting to see who follows (antisocial much?)

Bob_Nobody follows Emma.

[Department] GM says, "The only obvious one is the secret passage to the shaft."

Alexey follows Emma.

GM says (to Emma), "Huh, someone seems to have taken the rose that was on that end table."

Eugene looks once more at the accumulator, shakes his head sadly, and climbs up after the others.

[Crows-Nest] James says, "It amuses me how Bob and Emma follow each other, and James and Reeve follow each other."

[Department] inky says, "for later reference, the stuff about placing maneuvers is on http://zork.net/~nick/loyhargil/fate3/fate3.html#resolving-maneuvers"

[Crows-Nest] EmmaSmith says, "it's totally unintentional! we marked that at last session"

EmmaSmith looks at the door

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "is it locked?"

[Department] inky says, "(there was also a later rules suggestion by the designers that you merge fragile and sticky aspects, and replace them with using the degree of success to determine how long the aspect lasts)"

[Department] Eugene says, "oh, that makes sense"

[Department] Eugene says (to James), "did you follow? I was going to see if vampire was around"

[Department] James says, "Yeah, I'm following."

Eugene asks (of James), "any sign of our robotic vampire person on the map?"

[Department] James asks, "But it's your watch with the detector, right? Or maybe I missed that he's also noted on the holograms?"

James happily popus up the hologram map.

GM says, "He appears to be out of range, although you can clearly see the full outline of the large room on the map."

[Department] Eugene says, "Cass is passing all scanning info -- map, our location, and the vampire"

EmmaSmith tries to open the door

GM says, "Based on what happened earlier, it is likely that he is west of there now."

[Department] James asks, "'large room' == 'training area'?"

[Department] Reeve says, "back"

GM says (to Emma), "On the other side, you see what looks like a bedroom, mortuary, and engineering workshop all rolled into one."

[Department] GM says (to James), "Large == twice as big as the entrance hall or the room with the device."

EmmaSmith says, "wow, creepy"

[Department] James says, "Gotcha."

Eugene says, "Oh, this is where he must make his robots"

EmmaSmith says, "i will leave the machinery to the nerds"

GM says, "Near the east wall, a coffin is laid out on the floor. Near it is a desk."

Bob_Nobody goes to look at the desk.

GM says, "Near the west side are several benches with tools and spare parts laid out as if someone was working there recently."

James examines the engineering workshop area.

EmmaSmith goes to the coffin and peers in

GM says, "There is also a closed door in the west wall."

[Department] James says, "Engineering, I presume:"

[Department] Reeve says, "also, I often follow bob"

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

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

EmmaSmith says, "(if oclosed, opening the coffin)"

Eugene rifles the desk.

GM says (to Bob), "On top of the desk is a large leather-bound book. It's open, and the page it's open to is hand-written."

EmmaSmith asks, "vampires sleep in coffins, don't they?"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "okay, now that was a good investigation"

Alexey asks, "what sort of tools are there?"

[Department] EmmaSmith says (to bob), "No, that was a superb investigation"

GM says (to James), "Most of the tools look like they would be useful for working on gravimetric devices like the one in the basement."

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "get it right"

Bob_Nobody says (to Emma), "Hey, a present for you."

[Department] inky asks, "what does robot handwriting look like?"

GM says (to Emma), "Fortunately, it's unoccupied at the moment."

[Department] inky asks, "...comic sans?"

[Department] Alex says (to inky), "Awwwk! Word on the street is that comic sans is a disease done up to look like a font."

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "can i climb in?"

[Department] EmmaSmith says (to inky), "hee hee"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "what language is the book written in? I am not touching it, just looking"

EmmaSmith asks (of Emma), "oh? what did you find?"

[Department] Eugene says (to inky), "http://www.brainybetty.com/PPT9/fonts.3.gif"

[Department] inky says, "yay"

GM says (to Bob), "You also discover, in a hidden drawer underneath the desktop, a gold medaillion with an embossed relief of the same image as was on the tapestry."

[Department] Alexey asks (of GM), "are there any nice bedroomy things?"

GM says (to Emma), "You can climb in, if that is what you wish."

[Department] GM says (to Alexey), "There is a wardrobe with several nice silk capes -- black with red lining, of course."

[Department] inky says, "ha ha"

Bob_Nobody pockets the medalion.

[Department] GM says, "(Are there any questions or actions that I missed?)"

EmmaSmith asks (of Eugene), "close the coffin over me. I want to see if anything happens in the coffin. But the second i bang on it, you open it, you here?"

EmmaSmith says, "hear"

[Crows-Nest] EmmaSmith says (to bob), "klepto"

Eugene says, "Oh? Er, sure."

Eugene closes the coffin over Emma.

[Crows-Nest] Bob_Nobody exclaims, "it says so on my character sheet!"

[Department] Eugene asks (of Bob), "what's the book say, anyway?"

Alexey exclaims (at Bob), "I found some nice outfits for you!"

GM says (to Emma), "It's very dark."

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "I don't even know if I can read it"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "and, surprisingly, Emma isn't interested"

[Department] EmmaSmith says (to bob), "if you can't read it, i will as soon as i get out"

GM exclaims (at Eugene), "Hey, now that you've moved west, you might want to check the map!"

EmmaSmith bangs on the cover

Eugene opens the coffin. "James, any update on the map?"

[Department] EmmaSmith says (to bob), "i asked what you found. you didn't say "a boo""

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "er "book""

James looks.

Alexey checks the back of the wardrobe.

GM exclaims (at James), "There's another area to the west of this room, one with no ceiling -- and there's a red dot in it!"

EmmaSmith says, "quite confining. i wonder how people sleep in it"

[Department] Eugene says, "you can tell we're pulp heroes by way of IF by how much stuff we take"

Bob_Nobody says (to Emma), "Check out this book."

EmmaSmith climbs back out to look a the desk

EmmaSmith says, "ooh"

EmmaSmith leans over to read

Reeve takes a couple expiremental prods at the coffin.

[Department] EmmaSmith asks (of gm), "what language?"

[Department] inky says, "ha ha"

GM says, "On the open page, you see handwritten text in Romanian -- much like the signs earlier."

Bob_Nobody looks at the clothes Alexey found.

[Department] inky says, "pulp IF hero = punches stuff in the face, then takes it"

GM says (to Reeve), "It seems pretty solid. Decent construction."

Bob_Nobody says, "Those capes are far too gaudy. Everyone would just stare."

GM says (to Emma), "The open page says something like:"

EmmaSmith takes the book over to bed and lies down to start reading

EmmaSmith says, "(aloud)"

GM says, "'Day 212. Success! The power levels have finally peaked, and I have enough stored energy to finally activate the lens! Soon my plans will reach fruition!'"

EmmaSmith asks, "a lens?"

Reeve asks (of Emma), "Can you flip back a couple pages?"

EmmaSmith says, "sure (flip) (flip)"

[Crows-Nest] Alexey says, "success in only 212 days? that's pretty good for a research project"

EmmaSmith says, "i saw this play a while back, it was of this guy. his name was um."

GM says, "'Day 189. Found out why the power wasn't charging. Fault transmission line in the accumulator. Appeared to have been chewed through. Tomorrow I will dismantle all the robot rats. They are more trouble than they are worth.'"

[Crows-Nest] inky says, "this is a computer simulation of the real villain, remember"

[Crows-Nest] inky says, "I don't remember how far along his plans were in the real world when he was caught"

[Department] Alexey asks (of GM), "so no false rear to the wardrobe?"

[Department] Reeve asks, "no other world, full of snow? Where it's always winter and never Christmas?"

[Department] GM says (to Alexey), "Ah, sorry -- no, no false rear in the wardrobe."

EmmaSmith says, "anyway. whatever. and he had this friend who was hunched over. and they used lightning to do all these experiments."

EmmaSmith says, "i wonder if the lens is something like that"

EmmaSmith asks, "also, ew rats?"

[Department] GM says, "(I can provide further entries if you wish.)"

[Department] Reeve says, "I can shoot 'em for you, if you like. No worries."

EmmaSmith flips to the beginning

[Department] James asks (of GM), "Maybe an Investigation to discover what the lens is/does?"

EmmaSmith asks, "a proper scientist always puts down an introduction or a hypothesis or something, doesn't he?"

[Crows-Nest] James says, "(also, robotic rats are hilarious)"

Eugene says, "For publication, sure? But you're free to rant all you want in your lab notebook."

Eugene says, "Er, so I hear."

GM says, "'Day 1. I have finished construction of my village of minions. Tomorrow, I shall begin constructing a gravimetric accumulator, and when that is done, I will build the gravitational lensing projector. It is all going according to plan. Muahaha...'"

Eugene says, "Oh, so he's wanting to have a gravity beam? Really, you could do better with a graviton laser, though you'd need something to set up your population inversion in..."

[Crows-Nest] Alexey says, "gee, I wish we could just grep this"

Reeve exclaims, "So this guy wants to shoot gravity somewhere? I want one!"

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

EmmaSmith jumps to Day 100

EmmaSmith says (to Eugene), "tsk tsk. how disorganized"

EmmaSmith says, "we librarians like to clearly state the beginning the middle and the end"

[Department] Alexey says (to Emma), "maybe you can just do a academics roll"

[Department] Alexey says, "to search for something specific"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "good thought"

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

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "ugh"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "you can use an aspect to re-roll"

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "(by spending a fate point)"

GM says, "'Day 100. I have built a model gravity lensing projector as a proof of concept. It seems to function adequately: the lens is the proper shape, forming a dome above the table that bent nearly all lamplight around it. The effect should scale well to sunlight, I hope.'"

[Department] EmmaSmith says, ""comprehend the incomprehensible for 1 FP, Alex""

[Department] Bob_Nobody says, "also, I believe I have discovered the problem: these dice are actually covered in fudge"

[Department] EmmaSmith asks, "so do i just re-roll?"

[Department] Alexey says, "ooooh, he wants to blot out the sun"

James exclaims, "Oh, he wants to make the area permanently dark!"

[Department] GM says, "I think that's an adequate roll."

James exclaims, "Since he's a vampire!"

Reeve says, "Wow, this vampire wants to bend sunlight so he can walk about."

[Department] EmmaSmith says, "hooray nice GM"

[Department] GM says, "But I think James and Alexey and all have gotten the gist of it :)"

Reeve says, "Let's make sure we shoot him first. That is so uncool."

Bob_Nobody says, "I dunno, I get some of my best work done at night..."

Eugene exclaims, "Oh, that's *clever*!"

Eugene exclaims, "you could replace parasols with this!"

Eugene says, "It's a shame the Victorians had no concept of gravitational lensing."

[Department] inky says (to Eugene), "ha ha"

EmmaSmith keeps reading, just not aloud

GM says (to James), "I'd like an Alertness roll, please."

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

GM says (to James), "That red dot on the holomap? It appears to be approaching the door to this room."

James exclaims, "Hey, here comes the count!"

James moves to the side of the door and plugs in his gun.

Alexey says, "yikes"

Alexey looks for a place to hide.

Bob_Nobody dives behind the coffin. Or into it if there's no behind.

James says, "Someone else talk to him before Reeve and I have to shoot him."

GM says, "You take your places, perform any last minute preparations before..."

EmmaSmith is under the bed

GM says, "</scene>"

EmmaSmith says, "heh."

Reeve goes stealthily behind the bed

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

Reeve has disconnected.

Reeve has connected.

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

EmmaSmith asks, "if we are trying to destroy him, or at least capture him, why are we hiding?"

[Department] GM says, "And that is the end for tonight."

[Department] Eugene says, "Yay"

Bob_Nobody says (to Emma), "He's a vampire! you always hide from the vampire"

[Department] Reeve says, "so we can get the drop on him"

Alexey arrives, looking for booty.

[Department] Alexey says, "I'm back"

[Department] Reeve says, "sweet"

[Department] Alexey says, "I rolled stealth, BTW"

[Department] Reeve says, "see you guys next week"

[Department] GM says (to Alexey), "OK. We'll use that at the start of next session."

[Department] GM exclaims, "See you all next week at the same time!"

[Department] Reeve asks, "i rolled stealth too . . . did it show up when I accidently disconnected?"

[Department] inky says, "I don't think so"

[7thsea] Reeve rolls great dice:

[Department] Eugene says, "I can't wait to congratulate him on the work he's been doing"

Reeve rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 -1 -1 0 | Fair (2)

Reeve has disconnected.

[Department] GM says (to Alexey), "I saw 'Alexey rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: +1 0 +1 +1 | Superb (5)'"

[Crows-Nest] James exclaims, "That was fun! See you next time!"