Arvid says, "there we go"

GM says, "ar"

GM asks, "....why do I have a banana?"

Arvid says, "perhaps you were passed it"

GM says, "Perhaps."

GM asks, "So ... Arvid ... you've been here the longest, ja?"

Arvid says, "I thought so, but it seems like Gert's backstory has us arriving at the same time"

GM says, "Looked like Arvid arrived a little before Gert, though. And Gert having spent a couple of years here several years before anyone else officially arrived."

Arvid says, "yeah"

Gert unidles

Gert says (to Arvid), "I can change that if need be, it just seemed cute."

Arvid says, "nah, s'fine"

GM exclaims, "So! Invisible College people!"

Gert exclaims, "That's me!"

Arvid says, "so we are"

Arvid asks, "does the IC have any position on the revolution or helvetican independence?"

GM says, "Not really."

Gert says, "I would imagine the IC is sort of opposed to the anarchy in the wake of the revolution; the killing of nobles who are professors, that sort of thing."

GM says, "But Baron Walter Schriftsteller -- the guy who's running the show in Helvetica -- is trying to curry favour with the Invisible College. He's not a member, per se ... but he looks like he's willing to help out. If the College helps him."

Gert says, "And they are interested in Montaignian sorcery from an intellectual curiosity point of view."

[Crows-Nest] Gert says, "(as a point of curiosity you can take or leave, the IC book has them doing some experiments with the blood of sorcerors)"

GM says, "With the College being as hush-hush as it is, it's really up to you two how much you want him to know."

Gert asks, "What's the name of the college? Helvetica, too?"

Arvid says, "Geneva, apparently"

GM says, "The local school? Until about two years ago, it was the Geneva Girls' Finishing School."

GM says, "Now there are boys as well. So ... Geneva College."

Gert nods.

Arvid says, "it seems like the IC might be interested in Helvetica as a safe haven for scholars and as a place to use to smuggle information out of montaigne"

GM says (to Arvid), "Oh, it is."

Gert says, "Yeah, I was thinking that too."

Arvid says, "so in that sense their interest and the baron's would coincide"

GM says, "As a matter of fact...."

[Crows-Nest] Gert says (to Jota), "Hey, wake up."

GM says, "There is one other Invisible College member working in the school: Stefan Kramer, who teaches Natural Philosophy (specialising in biology) ... he apparently got into some sort of trouble in Vodacce, escaped with the IC's help, and has been here for about six months now."

GM says, "And you're expecting another guy -- Agustin Trujillo -- who's fleeing the Inquisition in Castille. Trujillo should be arriving any day now."

[Crows-Nest] Gert says, "Oh, right the Inquisition."

[7thsea] Arvid says, "man, maybe I picked up the wrong languages"

[7thsea] Arvid says, "I guess we can all speak thean to each other"

[Crows-Nest] Gert says, "What with the revolution and all, I didn't exp... well."

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

[7thsea] Gert says, "I have Castillian."

[Crows-Nest] Gert says (to Mis), "(oh, I uploaded a slightly-revised charsheet a few minutes ago; spent the 10XP and switched Hubris to 'Stubborn')"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "righto"

Charles has connected.

[Crows-Nest] Gert exclaims (at Charles), "Yay!"

[Crows-Nest] Hans exclaims, "Right! Sorry!"

[Crows-Nest] Gert says, "It's been all Invisible College stuff so far."

GM says, "Excellent."

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "so no wonder you haven't seen anything"

GM says, "And now, if you're all sitting quite comfortably, we can begin."

GM plays part 3 of the William Tell Overture.

GM says, "Helvetica is a mountainous region between Montaigne and Castille. The main town (one hesitates to call it a 'city') is Geneva, on the shores of Lake Lorraine."

[Crows-Nest] Gert asks, "Do we want a new channel or is #7thsea OK?"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "#7th is fine."

[Crows-Nest] Gert says, "Alrighty."

GM says, "You all know about the School. The guy running things around here, Baron Walter Schriftsteller, is hoping that it will soon be recognised as a proper combination University/Academy, with all the character-sheet advantages implied."

[Crows-Nest] Gert says, "Hee"

GM says, "The main mountain pass from Montaigne to Eisen skirts the northern side of Helvetica, on the other side of Mt. Schaedelbrecher."

[Crows-Nest] Gert says (to Hans), "(TW, I have a background now at http://spod-central.org/~lpsmith/rpg/transcripts/helvetica/Gert.txt which contains a mostly-elided story of us meeting and wedding plans.)"

[Crows-Nest] Gert says, "Er, BTW"

[Crows-Nest] Hans says, "Ah, cool."

GM says, "There's a monastery on the mountain, overlooking the pass on one side. This is the Saint Alsace monastery. The monks make a sort of super-secret herbal brew that seems proof against hypothermia."

[Crows-Nest] Hans says, "Hey, it's not very nice calling Arvid crusty."

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "I'm more grimy"

GM says, "And of course there's Schloss Shriftsteller. Baron Walter Schriftsteller is in his early 40s, a veteran of the War of the Cross. He's been widowed for about 10 years now, and has a 15-year-old daughter, Laura, just beginning as a student in the School."

[7thsea] Gert imagines the IC has been in negotiations with the monks to obtain the brew, and that they have been unsuccessful so far.

GM says, "You've all been here at least two years (judging by your sheets) ..."

[Crows-Nest] Gert says (to Arvid), "If you're not actually crusty, I will change that ;-)"

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "no, no, reasonably crusty"

GM says, "This introduction of boys to the school occurred about a year ago. There's been an influx of new teachers."

GM says, "Such as you lot."

[Crows-Nest] Hans asks, "So she won't have to wrap you in dough and shove you in the oven?"

[7thsea] Gert asks, "So the Baron is both in charge of the province and the school?"

GM says, "The headmistress of the girls' side is Mistress Maria von Pinn. Very prim and proper, always dressed in black ... carries an umbrella everywhere ... older than she looks."

[Crows-Nest] Hans says, "Ah, so there *is* one."

[7thsea] GM says, "Yes."

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "neat as a pinn"

GM says, "The Baron is officially the headmaster of the boys' side, but he just does administrative stuff; the actual academic stuff is handled by Master Franz Bergen."

GM says, "New within the past little while:"

GM says, "Master Stefan Kramer: Natural History / Biology"

GM says, "Edgardo the handyman. Arrived a year ago from Castille. Maybe 25 -- a significant portion of the girl students seem to have a crush on him."

GM says, "Lucia the seamstress. Edgardo's wife, arrived with him."

Hans . o O ( Better watch him. )

GM says, "Sir Galahad Locksley. A friend of the Baron's, supposedly a poet. He married one of the teachers, Justine du Paix, three months ago, and hasn't left Helvetica since."

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "well, he certainly sounds like a poet"

GM says, "(Justine du Paix, or Locksley as she is now, teaches rhetoric and poetry.)"

GM says, "And of course there are the students. Most of the male students are from Montaigne. The girls are split pretty evenly between Montaigne and Eisen."

GM says, "(I'll leave it to you at this point to go meet them.)"

GM says, "SO. Mid-afternoon, the early classes are done."

GM says, "Y'all are ... wherever you think you should be at this time."

[7thsea] Gert says, "http://spod-central.org/~lpsmith/rpg/transcripts/helvetica/NPCs.txt"

Arvid asks, "what's the weather like?"

[7thsea] Gert asks, "And what time of year is it?"

GM says, "Sunny, clear. Windy."

[7thsea] GM says, "Uh, let's say mid-Autumn."

GM says, "There's a bright spot of red in the sky. One of the students is flying a kite."

GM asks, "Where IS everybody, incidentally?"

Gert is busy raking leaves into piles to burn them.

Hans is strolling the grounds.

Arvid says, "I finished lunch and am out in a secluded nook someplace with a bottle of wine"

GM says, "Right."

GM says (to Gert), "One of the girl students, Camilla Karnstein, is hanging about, 'helping'. She's a rotten horsewoman, but she seems to like hanging out with you."

GM says, "Camilla: ... of course, Grandmama never lets me rake leaves. She says it's not dignified, and I'm supposed to be a countess after all. I say if I really am a countess, why shouldn't I be able to do what I want...."

Gert says (to Camilla), "See if you can keep those leaves from... oh, drat this wind."

GM asks, "Camilla: Why are we raking the leaves, anyway? Why isn't Edgardo doing it? Isn't that what he's for?"

GM says, "(Camilla is actually one of the girls NOT crushing on Edgardo.)"

Gert says (to Camilla), "He's in charge of the inside; I'm in charge of the outside."

Gert says, "Besides, I like burning leaves. I like the way they smell."

Gert says, "You can tell your Grandmama that raking will give you strong muscles--you want a good husband, don't you? Have to have strong muscles to get a good husband."

GM says, "Camilla: Some of the other girls are so silly. Klara Sessemann says she wants to learn Castillian now ... she never did before."

GM asks, "Camilla: Oh, uh, I suppose. (She flexes) what do you think?"

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

Gert says, "I leaned Castillian when I was 8 and my da was working as a translator."

GM says, "Camilla is decidedly soggy in the muscle area."

Gert says, "Hmm, got a ways to go, sweetie. Here, take the bigger rake."

Gert says, "It's a nice language, but not very practical."

Gert exclaims, "Although I guess Klara hopes it'll be practical. Ha ha!"

GM says, "Camilla: Well, maybe I don't want a husband. Maybe I want to stay here. I don't know what Klara sees in Edgardo, anyway. I think he's dreadfully common."

GM says, "(Camilla keeps raking, not doing too well.)"

GM says, "MEANWHILE"

Gert says, "Now Camilla. Nobody's common if you know what to look for."

GM says, "A wagon's being driven onto the school grounds. It seems to be loaded up with furniture."

GM says, "Camilla mutters: he never says anything. AND he's already married."

GM exclaims, "Wagon driver: Delivery! Delivery for (ahem) Geneva College!"

[Crows-Nest] Arvid exclaims, "Gert is female!"

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "not that this should stop anything"

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "oh, wait, he = Edgardo, never mind"

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

[7thsea] Gert asks, "This is near me, then?"

[7thsea] GM says, "It's near anyone who wants to be near."

Gert exclaims, "That's us!"

[Crows-Nest] Hans says, "I admit, I *am* slightly curious about this girl who isn't interested in getting married, wants to spend the rest of her life at a girls school, and is fond of spending time with my betrothed."

Gert asks, "Hmm, that's a lot of furniture. What's the name?"

[Crows-Nest] Hans says, "(OOC. IC, I am completely oblivious to any such questions.)"

[Crows-Nest] Gert says, "Ha ha"

GM says, "Wagon driver: Just delivery. Furniture. Desks, wardrobes, the like."

Gert walks over and peers into the back.

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "don't forget the horses"

Gert says, "OK, I'll take this desk to duPaix's room; she's short. You can unload the rest of it into that cottage over there until we figure out where we want it."

Gert yanks out a desk and balances it on her head.

GM says, "He shrugs. Reckon you lot got them cheap ... original buyers not being able to take 'em no more."

Arvid carelessly tosses away his wine bottle and emerges from the bushes.

Gert asks, "Who's the original owners?"

GM says, "The wagon driver unceremoniously dumps the furniture outside the cottage."

Gert asks, "Er, original buyers?"

Gert exclaims, "Camilla, dear, can you get the doors for me? Oh, hi, Arvid!"

Arvid says, "I hope this is the new chair I've been asking for -- the old one is just about to fall apart"

GM says, "Wagon-driver: Lady du Sices. (he spits)"

Gert asks (of Arvid), "You want me to take it to your room?"

Arvid says, "if you'd be so kind -- no need to trouble the headmaster about it"

Arvid says, "I'll take, let's see, this one"

Gert exclaims, "Sure!"

Gert squats, grabs the chair, and tosses it on top of the desk, still balanced on her head.

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "hee hee"

Arvid says, "Lady du Sices? Let's see, the name sounds a trifle familiar"

[Crows-Nest] Hans says, "You should see what she does with the horses."

GM says, "Wagon-driver: (surly) no doubt. I'll be on my way, if you don't mind."

Gert asks, "She's not... not dead, is she?"

GM says, "Wagon driver: Wouldn't be sorry if she were."

Gert shudders, and the desk and chair wobble alarmingly.

Arvid says, "well, that's the way it goes, I suppose"

Arvid says, "we'll all be dust and worms before too long"

Gert says (to Arvid), "You sooner than me."

Arvid says, "alas"

Arvid says, "luckily I have the memories of my dissolute youth to comfort mne"

Hans asks, "What's all this?"

Gert says (to Camilla), "Come on, kid, open that door for me. This isn't as light as it looks."

GM says, "The wagon-driver grunts and leads the wagon back out towards the town's inn."

Arvid says, "which reminds me, I think I left another bottle around here somewhere .."

Gert exclaims, "Hans!"

GM says (to Hans), "Nice-looking furniture from Montaigne."

Hans exclaims, "Gert!"

GM says, "Camilla opens the door."

Hans grins.

Hans asks, "Need a hand or two?"

GM says, "There are a few desks, several chairs, a wardrobe and a grandfather clock."

Gert says, "Sure, if you can get that furniture into that cottage, I'll love you forever."

Hans says, "I can't refuse an offer like that."

Gert says, "I'll be right back after I deliver these."

Gert exclaims (at Camilla), "Thank you!"

Gert ducks into the door, the legs of the desk whapping the top of the doorjam, but surviving mostly unscathed.

Arvid returns with another bottle of wine and casually looks in the drawers and inside the clock.

Arvid says, "(and otherwise looks around for interesting stuff)"

Arvid says, "(while not being any help in the actual lifting and carrying)"

GM says (to Arvid), "There's a pair of large and very fluffy blankets in the wardrobe."

Hans loads some of the smaller things inside the wardrobe before carrying it inside.

Hans exclaims (at Arvid), "Hey! Wait until I set it down!"

Arvid says (to Hans), "you'd better take these out first"

Arvid pulls out the blankets

Hans says, "Those are to keep the chairs from scratching."

Arvid says, "hmm, I did need an extra blanket in my bed -- weather's getting a little chilly"

Gert says (to Camilla), "That door on the left... thanks... now the stairway... OK, duPaix is the third door on the left."

Arvid says, "ah, I see, what careful planning"

GM says, "Camilla hurries to do as she's told."

Hans makes a couple of trips to bring everything inside.

GM says, "Justine isn't in her room. Through a window, you can see something on the waters of the lake ... Sir Galahad is probably out sailing again."

Hans asks, "Hurm. Where to put it all?"

GM says, "Camilla: Some of the chairs are probably supposed to go into the boys' wing. Suzanna says her brother is always complaining about having to make do with boxes."

Hans says, "Bah. Builds character."

Gert says, "Oh, that makes sense."

Gert drops off the desk and the chair, then goes to find whoever she finds first out of Walter, Maria, or Franz.

Hans asks, "If school isn't here to teach them about how to deal with sitting on boxes, then what is it here for?"

Gert also peers out onto the lake, to make sure it's a boat.

GM says, "Camilla: *I* think Pierre Pervenche has more than enough character as it is. (concerned, glances out where the wagon driver rode off) I ... I'd better go speak to Suzanne, though...."

Gert asks, "Alrighty, thanks for the doors. Nothing's, er... nothing's bothering you?"

GM says (to Gert), "It IS a boat. Justine is standing on the banks, watching it. Maria is a short distance off, feeding the birds."

Gert says, "Hey, there's Maria."

GM says, "Camilla: Suzanne's worried about her parents. All the Montaigne students are."

Hans says, "That is a nice wardrobe, though." He gives it a thump. "Solid."

Gert exits the school and sees that Hans has loaded up everything into the cottage. "Hey, you're my favorite!"

Gert sighs. "So am I, kid. So am I."

Arvid refolds the blankets and carries them off to his residence.

Gert says, "But they've got to come to your graduation, right? So that's the trick--just be sure you graduate."

Hans gives Gert a thump too.

Hans says, "Ja, that you are."

GM says (to Arvid), "speaking of Montaigne students ... Andre-Nicolas Valois, one of the brightest students in his class, is standing on a slight rise near the lake, flying a kite."

GM says, "Camilla: I'll tell Suzanne that. And Arielle, too."

Hans asks (of Gert), "Where do you think the clock should go?"

GM says, "Camilla hurries off in search of her classmates."

Hans says, "Someplace that it would keep the girls from being late to class, if there is such a place..."

Arvid asks (of Andre), "flying a kite, eh? did you know that in Cathay they have fighting-matches with kites?"

Arvid says, "they put blades on the strings and whoever cuts the other's line first is the winner"

Gert says (to Hans), "I dunno--I'm going to go chat with Maria."

[7thsea] Gert asks, "I take it there were no secrets hidden in the clock or the drawers?"

Gert heads over to where she saw Maria.

GM asks, "Andre: I heard something like that. How do they keep from cutting themselves when they reel the kites in and out, though?"

[7thsea] GM says, "Nope, none. Just blankets."

[7thsea] Arvid says, "but I discovered their snuggly soft secret is being made from real castillian wool"

Gert asks (of Maria), "Just got a load of furniture in. You know where you want it?"

GM asks, "Maria: Fraulein Werden. I noticed a furniture delivery ... I trust everything has been dealt with?"

Arvid says, "they wear leather gloves like falconers so they can grab the blades, but they don't have blades all the way up, just on the top part of the string, near the kite"

GM says, "Maria: The chairs go to the boys' wing, of course. The rest ... I imagine they shall be distributed as and when they are required."

Gert says, "OK, I'll take care of it, then."

[7thsea] Gert says, "Hee"

GM says, "Andre: (nodding) There's a lot of potential for all kinds of things, I think. (He stares up in deep thought.) Imagine what you could do if ... if, like a kite, you could soar high overhead."

[Crows-Nest] Hans says, "He hasn't met Alixandre, I see."

GM asks, "Andre: Master Kjellsen?"

Arvid asks, "..yes?"

Hans comes out with chairs under each arm.

GM says, "Andre: I ... well, I'm not sure how to say this. I had a dream last night, and it's been bothering me ever since."

Gert also loads up with chairs, taking care to follow Hans out, so she can carry one more than he did.

Hans says, "I saw that, woman."

Hans exclaims, "You're lucky you're the one person I will let get away with that!"

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "hee hee"

Arvid says, "the analysis of dreams is complicated business"

Arvid asks, "what was it about?"

GM says, "Andre: There was this girl ... I thought it was Suzanne Pervenche -- Pierre's sister, you know -- only Suzanne has dark hair, and this girl's hair was a very pale blonde."

GM says, "Andre blushes. He has red hair, so blushing makes him look rather a bit like a tomato."

Gert widens her eyes innocently. "What? Just because you're a bit frail, doesn't mean you should get upset."

Arvid asks, "one of *those* sorts of dreams, eh?"

Arvid says, "well, I'm sure we can arrange to have your sheets washed discreetly"

[Crows-Nest] Gert says, "Ha ha aiee"

GM says, "Well. Yeah. Only ... uh ... there was nothing to clean up afterwards."

GM says, "(uh, Andre says that.)"

[Crows-Nest] Hans says, "I feel like we're eavesdropping."

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "I am communicating the substance of the conversation to you guys with sign language behind Andre's back"

Arvid says, "well, count yourself lucky, lad"

GM says, "Andre: I mean, Pierre's my best friend, how do I tell him I've been dreaming about his sister and that in my dreams she's blonde? Best friend or not, Pierre could beat me up into next week and back."

Arvid says, "perhaps you should start going for extra lessons with Hans"

Arvid says, "you could skip out of tutorial with me once a week -- you don't need it"

Arvid says, "then you could woo all the sisters you want"

GM says, "Andre: But ..."

GM exclaims, "Andre: I'm not really interested in Suzanne!"

GM asks, "Andre: ....am i?"

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "truly I am the least helpful counsellor ever"

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

[Crows-Nest] Hans says, "I dunno, it sounds like you've given him good advice so far. 'blah blah blah learn to fight blah blah'."

Arvid says, "well, no, it sounds like you're interested in a blonde"

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

[Crows-Nest] Hans says, "I think there were some other bits in there too, but I wasn't listening too closely."

Arvid says, "maybe he has a cousin"

GM says, "Andre: A blonde ... like Klara Sessemann, or Arielle Sainte-Seraphine? But they're both such silly girls."

[Crows-Nest] (from Hans) Arvid says, "you could ask Pierre to introduce you to the rest of his female relatives"

Arvid says, "you don't have to listen to them, my dear boy, just kiss them"

GM says, "Andre looks a little flabbergasted."

Arvid says, "I'm glad we had this little chat -- now, if you'll excuse me, I have a lecture to prepare or a nap to take, depending on what happens first"

Arvid takes another swig from his bottle and heads down the hill

GM says, "Andre: Maybe I'll look into taking Master Kleinberg's combat classes."

GM asks, "(Meanwhile ... Gert and Hans?"

Hans kicks the door. "Open up! We've got chairs!"

Arvid calls over his shoulder. "An excellent idea! If nothing else, it's always a good excuse to show a girl a wrestling hold you've been working on"

GM says, "The door opens. It's Edgardo."

GM says (to Arvid), "You're not sure, but you think you might have heard Andre going 'ghyeeeeagghh'."

Hans exclaims, "Have a chair. Take two!"

Gert asks, "Hey, Ed. Got some chairs for the boys. Want 'em somewhere special?"

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

[7thsea] GM tosses a drama die each to everyone.

[7thsea] Gert says, "Yay"

GM says, "Edgardo nods and stands aside to let you in."

[7thsea] Hans says, "Woo."

Gert says, "Sorry we couldn't manage more at once. Hans could only carry 12."

GM says, "Edgardo's lips twitch into a smile before he composes himself again."

Hans mutters something about 'stupid tall chairs' and 'no normal arm can reach that fair'.

GM says, "'Follow me.' Edgardo leads you up through the boys' wing, indicating every now and then where to drop off a chair or two."

Gert somehow manages to finagle it so that she's always carrying one or two more chairs than Hans.

GM says, "Everybody's glad to get chairs."

[Crows-Nest] Arvid exclaims, "everybody chairs!"

Gert asks (of Edgardo), "I don't suppose there's been any mail deliveries today?"

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "I mean, cheers"

GM says, "Coming back down ... in the hallway, you run into Brother Etienne Robert, from the Monastery of St-Alsace. He's been coming to the School to teach philosophy and theology for close to ten years now."

GM says (to Gert), "Edgardo shakes his head."

Hans says, "'Brother'."

GM says, "Accompanying Brother Etienne is an enormous white-and-brown dog. It's almost as big as Hans. Actually, it might actually be bigger."

GM says, "Etienne: Ah, good evening. I was just on my way back to the monastery."

Gert exclaims, "What a gorgeous animal!"

Arvid comes in.

Gert squats next to the dog and scratches its ears.

Gert asks, "What's her name?"

Arvid asks, "Etienne, just the fellow I was looking for. Tell me, how is that special brewing project of ours coming along?"

GM says, "Etienne: (proudly) Isn't he? It's his first time out of the monastery ... we've been breeding dogs for, uh, our work, you see."

GM says, "His name's Cujo."

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

GM asks, "Etienne: (to Arvid) Haha, as secret as ever. unless you plan on joining our Order?"

Arvid sighs

Gert says (to Cujo), "Hey, there Cujo. Aww, what a sweet boy you are."

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "oo wait, 'of ours'? I read 'of yours'."

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "I can roll with this"

Arvid says, "I'd be dead by the time I was done repenting enough to join, alas"

[Crows-Nest] Gert says, "The 'of ours' was just hopefulness."

GM says, "Cujo barks and gives Gert a huge licking."

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "I was thinking of some kind of private more alcoholic side-project"

[Crows-Nest] Gert says, "Oh, OK."

Arvid says, "but I am already set for the tonsure"

GM says, "Etienne: You're too harsh on yourself, Arvid."

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Sorry. Should have caught that."

Arvid rubs his head. "Why, look at that -- a few wisps after all!"

GM says, "Etienne: Cujo has a number of siblings, of course. We're planning on using them to search for survivors if ever another snowstorm traps travellers on the Montaigne-Eisen pass."

Arvid says, "sensible enough"

Arvid says, "I suppose there are more travellers about these days"

GM says, "Etienne: We'll call them Alsatians, since we're the Monastery of St-Alsace, after all."

Hans asks, "Will you train any of them to guard the monastery?"

GM says, "Etienne rubs his chin. 'I don't know if the Monastery needs guarding, being where it is. And really, they've been bred for gentleness as well, so far."

Gert says, "Are you planning on selling any? I'd love to have one."

GM says, "Etienne: Well ... hm ... Cujo's sister is expecting a litter very soon. I'll let you have first pick."

GM says, "Etienne takes a flask from an inside pocket and takes a swig."

Gert claps her hands. "Thank you! And let me know if there are any issues with the pregnancy--I have some herbs for animals that might help."

Gert rubs Cujo's head and stands up again. "This one certainly seems healthy enough, though."

GM says, "Etienne: Certainly! Well, I had better be off. Cujo, follow."

GM says, "Brother Etienne whistles as he strolls off in the direction of the monastery, Cujo bounding along beside him."

[Crows-Nest] Hans says, "A little bigger, and it could be a Riding Dog."

GM says, "Edgardo seems to have disappeared while you were talking to Etienne."

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "In your case, it already could."

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "a little bigger, or everyone else a little smaller"

Arvid says, "hmm, it'll be time for afternoon lessons soon"

Gert returns for more chairs, this time picking up two more than half the remaining before heading out the door nodding sadly at Hans.

GM says, "It's actually getting a bit late ... only lessons now would be the ones for students who either aren't quite up to snuff, or who want the extra credit."

Arvid says, "...hopefully no one can show up for tutorial and I can doze off"

Arvid says, "but I suppose I'd better at least go to my office"

GM says, "Edgardo seems to have wandered off somewhere, but presumably the remaining chairs belong in the classroom and/or the gym."

Hans says (to Gert), "What, you can't finish them all in one go? I'd help, but some of the boys have asked for an extra session tonight."

Gert says (to Hans), "Oh, I understand if the last trip tired you out. Go play with the boys, and I'll see you later."

Hans says, "They are so competitive at that age. They all have to be better, stronger, faster than each other."

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

Gert says, "My. I can't imagine where they get it from."

Arvid wanders off to his office, where he closes his door and lies back in his chair with a handkerchief over his face.

Hans shakes his head. "Indeed not."

Gert exclaims (at Hans), "Oh, that reminds me--you still haven't told me if you prefer the round-edge or the square-edge lace!"

Hans turns white.

Hans exclaims, "No time! They're probably already waiting!"

Hans rushes off with all haste.

Gert yells after the retreating Hans, "Just make a decision, you coward!"

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "ha ha more"

Gert sighs, and delivers the rest of the chairs.

GM says, "Arvid dozes off and dreams of a girl who looks a lot like Suzanne Pervenche, only blonde ... wandering in the moonlight. One by one, other girls follow behind her: Camilla Karnstein, Laura Schriftsteller, Adelheid and Klara Sessemann, Arielle Sainte-Seraphine...."

Arvid . o O ( clearly you're only as old as you feel )

[Crows-Nest] Gert says, "Yay"

GM says (to Hans), "You are, in fact, not the only fencing instructor in the school: Albert des Amis teaches fencing, with fencing foils. He's in the gym now with Pierre Pervenche. Your student, Erich Schreiber, is waiting for you."

[7thsea] GM rolls 1k1: 3 | 3

[Crows-Nest] Gert says, "AFK a minute or two for food..."

Hans says, "Ah, Erich. I see you're already dressed. Choose a practice sword, and we can begin."

Hans takes down his favorite wooden broadsword for himself.

GM says (to Hans), "You completely fail to notice a figure watching from the darkness."

GM says, "Erich nods and picks up his practice sword."

[7thsea] Hans says, "Of course -- I have more important things to concern myself with."

GM says, "spar spar spar. DesAmis and Pierre stop to watch you and Erich for a while."

GM says, "Albert: M'sieur Kleinberg, I think you are to have a new student or two very soon now."

Hans taps Erich in the side. "When you swing, don't throw your whole body into it, or you'll leave yourself open. Keep your sword between yourself and your opponent."

GM exclaims, "Erich: yessir!"

Hans doesn't take his eyes off of Erich when he replies to Albert. "Oh? How's that?"

GM says, "Albert: M'sier Pervenche -- the Vicomte du Cap-Royal -- having exhausted what he can from my store of knowledge, seeks to master a heavier weapon."

[Crows-Nest] Gert says, "(back, but content to watch)"

Hans says, "Ah, excellent! So he is ready to graduate to the next level."

GM says, "Erich falters. "Aw, Pierre, you just can't -- whooops!""

Hans scoops up Erich's sword from the ground and hands it to him.

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "figures, just when Andre was going to get in ahead of him"

GM says, "Albert laughs. "I think he's lowering himself, but what do I know.""

Hans says, "Never, ever take your attention away from your opponent."

GM says, "Erich turns a little red. "I'll try to remember, sir.""

Hans says, "I want you to try that move we were just practicing in front of a mirror. Watch yourself as if you were facing an enemy. Look for openings."

GM says, "Pierre: Then we can practice with each other. Maybe I'll even talk Andre-Nicolas into joining."

GM says, "Erich studiously ignores Pierre."

GM says, "So proceeds the afternoon, unless people want to do stuff before sundown."

Arvid says, "I make a couple inquiries about lady wossherface with the furniture"

Gert burns the piles of leaves, managing to not actually burn down any part of the school.

GM says (to Arvid), "Lady Jamais Sices du Sices ... famous court wit before the Revolution, and mistress of the nearest Montaigne province ... went into hiding near the beginning of the troubles, and hasn't been seen since."

Arvid says, "that's the way it goes, I suppose"

[Crows-Nest] Gert says, "Oh! She was one of my favorite characters from the books ;-) I'll not say anything, though."

Arvid . o O ( I wonder what happened to her library )

GM says, "Supper time rolls around and night falls...."

Gert heads into the great room to eat with the professors and students.

[7thsea] Gert says, "(assuming that's reasonable)"

[7thsea] GM says, "sure"

[7thsea] Hans says, "(If not, I'd have a few stern looks for anyone who disapproved.)"

Gert, smelling like burnt leaves, plops down into her usual seat.

[7thsea] Gert says, "Yay"

Arvid gets into an argument with Stefan Kramer and slams a potato onto the table to illustrate his point

Hans says, "Ah, you've been torching unruly students again, I smell."

GM says, "There are some empty spaces: Camilla Karnstein, Adelheid Sessemann, Suzanne Pervenche and Arielle Sainte-Seraphine. Klara, Adelheid's older sister, looks decidedly miffed."

Gert says, "Oh, good idea. Klara could use a good torching."

GM says (to Arvid), "Stefan cowers. He's a bit of a spineless sap."

Arvid . o O ( perhaps Suzanne is off dying her hair )

GM says, "Stefan: b-b-but what I mean to say is ... that is ... I mean, really, it's ..."

[Crows-Nest] Hans says (to Arvid), "Yay."

Arvid exclaims, "nonsense! the potato is the foundation of the modern army!"

Gert peers carefully to make sure there aren't any boys missing, too.

Arvid asks, "consider the famous battle in Castille in 1307! where would it have been without the potato??"

GM says, "Stefan: Um."

GM says (to Gert), "all the boys are present and accounted for. Pierre seems to have noticed the four girls' absences too."

GM asks, "Stefan: what about - what about places that don't have potatoes?"

Hans leans over four other instructors to shout to Arvid. "Wouldn't it still be in Castille?"

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "hmm, I wonder where potatoes came from in 7th sea"

Arvid exclaims (at Hans), "exactly!"

Arvid says (to Stefan), "you see, he agrees with me completely"

[Crows-Nest] Hans says, "I am going to guess 'the ground'."

[Crows-Nest] Gert says, "Ha"

GM says, "Maria: (to Hans) Do set a proper example for the young ladies and gentleman, Herr Kleinberg."

Hans nods. "Quite right." He takes another serving of mashed and gravy.

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Inismore. They're native to Inismore."

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "I guess that figures"

GM says, "Maria sighs."

Arvid looks around to see how Andre is doing

Gert exclaims (at Hans), "Not that, silly. This!"

Gert plants a wet one on Hans's lips.

GM says, "Andre is sitting between Pierre Pervenche and Erich Schreiber. They're trying to convince him on something, only Pierre keeps looking over at the empty spots at the girls' table."

Gert asks (of Maria), "You know where those girls are?"

Hans says (to Gert), "My dear, you are setting a far better bad example than I."

Hans grins. "Far, far better."

Arvid wanders across the room to talk to somebody, passing close enough to eavesdrop on the boys as he goes by

GM says, "Maria: Sadly, I do not. Perhaps it would be wise to go looking for them."

GM says, "Erich: ...I'm telling you, the sword's the way to go ... you've got to learn to defend yourself...."

Gert grabs a biscuit and stands up. "Yeah, probably a good idea. Hans, you with me?"

GM says, "Pierre: I could help you with the epee ... or if you take the broadsword, we could all practice together...."

Hans looks back and forth between his freshly-served pile of potatoes and Gert, then sighs.

Hans says, "I suppose so."

Gert exclaims, "That's the spirit!"

Gert says, "Oh, right." She grabs her goblet, downs the half glass of wine inside, and walks over to Pierre.

Gert asks (of Pierre), "You know where your sister and her friends are?"

Hans, while Gert is busy with Pierre, hurriedly finishes the potato and pockets a sausage.

[Crows-Nest] Gert says, "Is that a sausage in your pocket..."

josh_g arrives, looking for booty.

[Crows-Nest] Hans says, "I'm willing to share it, IYKWIM."

GM says, "Pierre looks up and shakes his head. "I'm sorry, Mistress Werden. But I think they sometimes go into the woods south of the lake. Suzanne mentioned something about that once.""

Gert frowns.

Gert asks, "You want to come with me to look?"

GM says, "Pierre: Of course! (stands up.)"

Gert says, "Right, then."

Gert heads outside, stopping by her cottage on the way to grab a lantern.

[Crows-Nest] Hans says, "Also, this is all going to be very embarrassing if it turns out they've found a book about covens and are dancing in the moonlight in their knickers."

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

[Crows-Nest] Gert says, "Hmm, maybe I'll join them."

GM says, "Pierre pauses to whisper something to Andre-Nicolas, then follows you."

[Crows-Nest] Hans says, "Especially embarrassing for Pierre."

Hans grabs his (real) sword from where he hung it by the door and straps it on.

Arvid makes a come-along motion with his head to Andre.

Arvid says (to Andre), "you want to impress them, don't you? well, here's your chance"

GM says, "Andre turns bright red. Pierre shoots him a quizzical look."

Arvid says, "I'm sure it'll be perfectly safe, just a little stroll"

[Crows-Nest] Gert says, "Ha ha yay"

[7thsea] GM exclaims, "You know, this actually saves me from some plot-contortions I was expecting later. Drama die for all!"

[7thsea] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[7thsea] Arvid says, "go us"

[7thsea] Hans says, "Yay."

[7thsea] Gert says, "Hee"

[7thsea] Hans says, "I am sure that this sausage I have is going to prove quite Significant later on."

GM says, "Pierre and Andre follow you out."

[7thsea] Hans says, "Also, poor Erich, getting left out."

[7thsea] GM says, "also, I think Arvid's taking a sadistic delight in embarrassing Andre-Nicolas."

[7thsea] Arvid exclaims, "I'm building his character!"

[7thsea] Hans says, "Just because he got into the plot late."

[7thsea] Hans asks (of GM), "Is Arvid sadistic, or is he earnest but played by a sadistic player?"

Gert leads the group around the lake to the south, looking for signs of the girls.

[7thsea] GM says, "Possibly both"

[7thsea] Hans says, "Ah, earnestly sadistic."

[7thsea] Hans says, "He takes young Andre's embarrassment very seriously."

[7thsea] Arvid says, "hee hee"

Gert muches on her biscuit as she goes.

[7thsea] Gert says, "er, 'munches'"

GM says, "It's past nightfall, and dark. The woods are fairly thin around here, but at some unspecified point (no-one cares to figure it out scientifically) they *do* join up with the Schwarzen Walder, which is always bad news at night."

Arvid whistles an old-time hunting song.

GM says (to Arvid), "you hear something ... off to the southwest."

[Crows-Nest] Arvid asks, "is it potato? or blair witch?"

[Crows-Nest] Hans says, "It is the Blair Potato."

Arvid stops whistling. "Anyone else hear that?"

[Crows-Nest] Hans says, "It leaves behind little crude french fry figures."

Hans says, "Nein."

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

GM says, "Andrew nods eagerly. Pierre frowns."

[Crows-Nest] josh_g | > sw

Gert says (to Arvid), "Well, if you can hear it, you lead."

Gert gestures with the lantern.

Arvid asks, "I think it was from that way -- maybe voices? or singing?"

Arvid says, "...or just branches, I suppose"

Arvid says, "I'm getting too old for this nonsense at night"

Hans says, "Branches don't sing."

Arvid leads on anyway.

Hans says, "The wind, maybe."

GM exclaims, "Voice: hello...!"

Hans says, "See? Not a branch."

Gert exclaims, "Ho there!"

Gert shines the lantern at the voice.

GM says, "It's Arielle Sainte-Seraphine."

Gert asks, "Young lady? What are you doing out here so late?"

Hans says, "You have completely missed dinner."

Gert asks, "And where are your friends?"

GM says, "Arielle: There's a man ... two men ... I think one of them's *dead*...."

[Crows-Nest] (from Gert) Arvid says, "Andre here was worried sick about you!"

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "hee hee"

Hans asks, "Where are they?"

Gert says, "Take us. Now."

[Crows-Nest] josh_g says, "*ahem*"

[Crows-Nest] Gert says (to josh), "Ha"

Gert demands Arielle tell the story as she leads them.

GM says, "Arielle begins to lead you further into the woods. Suzanne joins up. "Adelheid and Camilla stayed with them.""

Arvid frowns and looks stern.

Arvid nudges Andre in the ribs when Suzanne isn't looking

GM says, "Arielle: We were just ... uh ... berry-picking. We lost track of the time ... and then this enormous man showed up...."

Gert looks suspiciously at Arielle. "Where's your basket?"

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "dear penthouse forum: I never thought I'd be writing! I'm a student at a small eisen college and was out "berry picking" with my girlfriends .."

GM says, "You come to a clearing. Adelheid Sessemann and Camilla Karnstein are there. Also, a huge, brutal-looking fellow, all over scars, carrying an older, delicate-looking man."

[Crows-Nest] Gert says, "Snrk"

GM says, "Gert gets a drama die."

[7thsea] Gert says, "Yay"

[7thsea] Hans asks, "Does anyone here know anything medical?"

GM asks, "Arielle: my basket? Oh. We were just eating as we went along. Weren't we, Suzanne?"

[7thsea] Arvid says, "yeah, I have doctor"

[7thsea] Gert says, "As do I, actually."

Gert asks (of man), "Do you speak Eisen?"

[7thsea] Gert asks, "What nationality do they look?"

GM says, "The big guy grunts and shakes the older man gently by the shoulder. The older man stirs and looks up."

Gert asks (of Arielle), "Which one did you think was dead?"

[7thsea] GM says, "The big guy looks like a generic peasant-type. The older man is wearing a travelling cloak in the Montaigne fashion, though his complexion is more along Castillian lines."

Hans asks (of Gert), "Can you help him? Or do we need to take them back to the school first?"

GM says, "Older guy: (hoarsely) Please ... I'm fine ... conserving my energy."

Gert looks around. "In this light, in the dead of night, in these woods? Let's get them back to the school."

GM says, "Arielle indicates the older man. "He looked so still....""

Gert says (to men), "Come on, back to the school with the two of you."

GM asks, "Older man: Geneva College? We're near it, then?"

Gert asks (of big_guy), "You carry him?"

Arvid says, "just through the woods here"

Hans says, "Very near."

GM says, "The big guy picks the older guy up like he's weightless."

Arvid says, "and as for the rest of you .."

GM says, "The girls shuffle uneasily."

Gert says (to Arielle), "Smile at me."

GM says, "Arielle smiles hesitantly."

Gert shines the lantern at her perfectly-white teeth.

Gert says, "Hmm."

Gert says, "I want a full report from the four of you *tonight*. But after these two are safe."

GM says, "Suzanne: (muttering to Arielle) you blithering idiot."

Gert says (to men), "Come on, this way."

Arvid says (to Gert), "I think perhaps we could arrange a certain degree of mercy in exchange for them not spreading the news of these men around the school"

Hans asks (of Arvid), "Why is that?"

Gert grunts and looks uncomfortable.

Arvid says, "I'd like to talk to him a bit first before anyone else does"

Arvid asks, "clearly he's coming here for a reason -- now why would that be?"

Gert tromp tromp tromp.

Hans says, "Perhaps he is related to one of the students."

Hans says, "Or an old friend of an instructor."

Arvid says, "it's a strange way to arrive, then"

Hans says, "Or has business with the Baron."

GM says, "Back by the lake. There's the cottage with the furniture."

Arvid asks, "there we are -- isn't there a bed in there someplace? or at least a cot?"

Gert mutters, "Not a single lamp between the four of them... out at night near the Schwarzen... 'berries'..."

Gert asks (of Arvid), "Yes, in the closet. Hans, can you and the boys help them?"

GM says, "There is in fact probably a bed in there."

Gert says, "As for the four of you, you're coming with me."

Gert stalks off to her cottage.

Hans whispers (to Gert), "But none of the boys missing. Were they really alone?"

Hans says, "Help? Yes."

[Crows-Nest] Arvid asks, "so I want to talk to the guy -- should I wait until you're back?"

[7thsea] Hans says, "(So I seem to be a few lines late...)"

[Crows-Nest] Hans says (to Arvid), "I think she just gave us permission to start without her."

Gert whispers back "That's what I intend to find out. It could be a female thing, sweetie. And trust Arvid for now, and I'll fill you in later. Love you."

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "ha ha female thing"

[Crows-Nest] Hans says, "Oh dear."

[Crows-Nest] Hans says, "They *were* dancing in the moonlight."

Arvid gets the guy settled down on the cot and offers him and his friend some wine from a bottle he produces from somewhere.

Arvid says, "there we are, all settled"

GM says, "Older guy: Thank you. I don't drink. A little quirk of mine, if you please."

[7thsea] Gert says, "Yeah, go ahead. You might want to send the boys on some errand if you don't want them to hear."

Hans says (to Pierre), "Go get some fresh water."

Arvid shakes his head sadly. "You're missing out on one of the finer pleasures in life."

Arvid says (to Andre), "and go get some more cups"

GM says, "Pierre and Andre scurry off."

GM says, "Older guy: My name is Agustin Trujillo. This is my manservant, Pedro."

GM says, "Pedro grunts and folds his arms."

GM says, "Agustin: Don't mind him. He's a man of few words."

Arvid says, "I sympathize -- I am a man of few words myself"

Arvid says, "you must have had quite a journey to get here, especially this time of year with the passes beginning to get cold"

[7thsea] Hans asks, "Many of them being 'wine', 'drink', and 'bottle'?"

[7thsea] Arvid says, "and 'hic'"

GM says, "Agustin: yes. you could say that."

GM says, "Agustin: I'm sorry. I don't know your name."

Gert enters her cottage and turns on the four of them, drawing herself up to her full height. "*What* were you *thinking*! The middle of the night! The Schwartzen! What if those men had been dangerous! You will tell me *now* exactly what you were doing, or so help me, *each* of you will be on fertilizer duty for the rest of your tenure here! With no tools!"

Arvid says, "Arvid Kjellsen"

[7thsea] Gert says, "(I'm fine with doing one scene and then the other, though)"

Arvid says, "at your service -- I'm a professor here"

Arvid says, "some might say, the professor"

[Crows-Nest] Gert says, "Ha ha"

Arvid says, "though not very many"

[Crows-Nest] Hans checks his list of Time Lords.

GM says (to Gert), "Suzanne looks very pale, and bites her tongue. Adelheid and Camilla glance guiltily at each other and shake their heads. Arielle bursts into tears."

GM says, "Agustin: Kjellsen? kjellsen ... yes ... (glances suspiciously at Hans.)"

[Crows-Nest] Arvid asks, "hmm, does Hans have a last name?"

[Crows-Nest] Hans says, "Kleinberg."

Gert asks (of Suzanne), "It's you, isn't it? Are you in trouble? More than you are already with me?"

Hans says, "Hans Kleinberg."

Arvid says, "Hans is one of the school's weapons instructors and, I am assured, a terror on the battlefield"

Hans nods and grunts.

GM says, "Arielle: we were just taking a walk ... Elena said -- (The other three girls nudge her and she shuts up.)"

Arvid says, "a reliable fellow, though not a member of the same .. academic college as myself"

Hans looks quizzically at Arvid.

GM says, "Pedro turns and eyes Hans speculatively."

[Crows-Nest] Gert says, "It's OK, you can trust him, he's a PC."

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "hee hee"

GM says (to Gert), "Suzanne shakes her head. "We were just taking a walk. Elena -- one of the chambermaids -- said it was lovely this time of year.""

Gert says nothing, and just stares at Suzanne, waiting.

[7thsea] Gert says, "I could do an Intimidation roll if you wanted to do it that way."

[7thsea] Gert says, "Though I forget the rules."

[7thsea] Hans says, "I think that when I looked it up once, it was weirdly done."

[7thsea] GM says, "Arielle is going to pieces as it is. Suzanne is a little more stubborn."

[7thsea] Hans says, "I think a success gives you some advantage when making future rolls against the target."

Gert says, "Look. If there's trouble, I can help. If you were just being idiots, I'll punish you and that'll be the end of it. If you don't tell me, I'll punish you, and you'll never hear the end of it."

GM says, "Agustin: Hrmph. Well. I can tell you we've had a hard time of it between Altamira and here. We thought going through Montaigne would be easier than going through Eisen -- who wants to travel through Sieger? -- but apparently we were mistaken."

Arvid says, "you picked a tumultuous time to travel through Montaigne, from what I hear"

GM says (to Gert), "Suzanne: For ourselves, we're not concerned. The fact is that we were told a fairy-tale, that if we went to a certain clearing in the woods at sundown, we would meet a man who would be fated to marry one of us. We don't want to get anyone else in trouble. That's all there is to it."

[7thsea] Gert says, "I'm not parsing 'for ourselves, we're not concerned'"

[7thsea] Arvid says, "they're not worried about getting in trouble themselves"

GM asks, "Agustin: We knew about the Revolution. But, Kjellsen, they've gotten worse. Last we looked, they were content with merely lowering the nobility to their level ... I don't know if you've heard of Antoinette Guillot?"

[7thsea] Arvid says, "maybe Elena, though"

Arvid says, "I've heard .. rumors"

Gert asks, "And who told you this... fairy tale?"

Arvid says, "but it's hard to separate truth from wild story in the news from Montaigne"

GM says (to Gert), "Suzanne: It was just a silly story, and we thought we'd take a walk to find out. It wasn't very far into the woods."

[7thsea] Gert says, "Whoops, I mutated her name from Suzanna to Suzanne."

Hans grumbles. "Nobility is a privilege which must be earned again and again. Those Montaignes did not deserve it."

GM says, "Agustin: She invented a sort of automated decapitation machine ... a humane killer, she called it, to make executions swift and painless. It's ... become quite in vogue."

Gert says, "Hmm."

Arvid frowns.

Arvid asks, "I don't suppose you've heard further news of Lady du Sices?"

GM says, "Agustin: When we left Paix, they were calling for the heads of those aristocrats attempting to convince foreign powers to step in and restore the old order ... when we arrived at Mont-Saint-Gabriyon, they were calling for the heads of ALL aristocrats -- men, women, children...."

[Crows-Nest] Hans says, "Hans: A noble, but about as far from an aristocrat as you could get."

GM says (to Gert), "Camilla: I'm sure Elena was just repeating something she overheard somewhere. She's not very bright, poor thing."

Hans asks, "Children?"

[7thsea] Gert asks, "*Is* Elena very bright?"

Gert asks, "Is it Elena you're trying to protect, then?"

josh_g, prepare to be SERMONATED!

Arvid shakes his head. "Then the only question is how much can be saved from the flames before the madness burns itself out."

GM says, "Agustin: They've got the Comte and Comtesse du Cap-Royal in prison, along with their son Edmond. The only reason they haven't chopped their heads off yet is that the youngest daughter, Lucille, is missing, and they want her to make up the set."

[7thsea] GM says, "Elena is a chambermaid ... she doesn't have very much to do with the staff, but she seems popular with the students. Quite chatty. Yeah, you would have thought her bright enough."

[Crows-Nest] Gert says, "And Lucille has blond hair, I bet."

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

Arvid says, "I wonder how long she's been missing for"

GM says (to Gert), "the girls squirm a bit and nod."

GM says, "Agustin: Not too long, I think. Probably not longer than 36 hours. Everyone was talking about how the Cap-Royals and their friend, Philippe Sainte-Seraphine, were caught at the gates of Bois-Franc trying to make their way here."

Gert gets out four chairs, and places them around the room facing the four corners. Then she sits each of the girls in a chair, and gives them a pad of paper and a pen. "Pop quiz time, ladies. Write the story Elena told you. If you decide it's time to include any more details, feel free. You will be graded accordingly." Then she plops herself into the couch along one wall, quelling with a glare any attempts at communication between the four.

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "pop quiz, hotshots"

Arvid frowns.

Arvid says, "well, we will have to talk more about this later"

[Crows-Nest] Gert says, "That sounds like a quote, but I can't place it."

Arvid asks, "for the moment, is there anything you need? or anyone here at the college you wish to speak to?"

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "from Speed"

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "but it's one of those catchphrasey things"

GM says, "Agustin: have someone send some food up. I haven't had anything to eat since this morning."

Arvid says, "we can arrange that"

[Crows-Nest] Hans says, "I *was* going to send Andre for some, but he was sent for cups before I could..."

Arvid says, "and then perhaps I should speak to the headmaster about finding you a less-cluttered room"

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "hee hee"

Gert at one point catches Arielle's eye when the others aren't watching and mouths, "Tell me. It's OK."

GM asks, "Agustin: That would be much appreciated. I have to tell him, too ... Monsieur Sainte-Seraphine had a daughter here, I think?"

[Crows-Nest] Hans says, "Oh, as if we know anyone's names yet..."

Arvid says, "...yes, she is a student here"

Arvid says, "hrm"

Arvid asks, "was she particular friends with Lucille, do you know?"

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "(I see from recap it's Arielle)"

[Crows-Nest] Gert says, "(It's Arielle)"

[Crows-Nest] Gert says, "I've been updating http://spod-central.org/~lpsmith/rpg/transcripts/helvetica/NPCs.txt too"

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "right on"

[Crows-Nest] Hans says, "Ah, cool."

GM says, "Agustin shrugs. "I don't know the relationships between the children. But Mlle Sainte-Seraphine is an orphan now."

Arvid says (to Hans), "perhaps Gert should break the news"

Hans asks, "Is this official news?"

Hans frowns at Arvid. "Or is this conversation still a secret?"

GM says, "Agustin: someone has to tell the girl, and somehow I don't think the Montaigne butchers care to post obituaries to the surviving loved ones."

GM says (to Gert), "One by one, the girls come back with their written stories."

Arvid gestures wearily. "At this point I don't think secrecy matters -- except about the girl Lucille, perhaps."

Arvid says, "it seems unlikely she would come here, but not impossible"

Arvid says, "if she does come here, though, there may be pursuers"

GM says (to Gert), "everything seems to mesh with what Suzanne just told you."

[7thsea] Gert asks, "What's the story?"

[7thsea] GM says (to Gert), "If you go to a spot in the woods and wait in a clearing near a waterfall until sundown, you will meet your future husband."

[7thsea] Hans asks, "So are they supposed to marry Augustin or Pedro?"

[7thsea] Arvid says, "vote for pedro"

[7thsea] GM says, "Camilla adds that it has to be around the night of a half moon."

[7thsea] GM says, "Arielle gushes on a bit about how they were distracted from the project by the sounds of Pedro and Agustin Trujillo coming through the woods, and the wacky hijinks that ensued."

Gert says, "Well. Thank you. I am informing the kitchen cleanup staff that they have the week off, and that you four will take their place. Without slipping in your schoolwork, either. And if I hear of our guests from the other students without Arvid saying it's OK, it'll be a month. You are dismissed."

Gert then heads out to find Elena.

[7thsea] Arvid says, "ok, I'm done interrogating this guy"

GM says, "Elena would be helping with cleaning up the great hall, about this time."

[7thsea] Arvid asks (of Hans), "do you want to do anything with him?"

[7thsea] Arvid says, "otherwise I'll get him some food and go to bed"

[7thsea] Hans says, "Nah, I'm fine."

[7thsea] Hans says, "But I'm curious where Pierre and Andre got to."

GM says, "Agustin settles back and closes his eyes. "Pedro, wake me when supper is here.""

[7thsea] Arvid says, "I guess we never did tell them to be quiet"

Gert confirms the girls' story with Elena.

[7thsea] Gert says, "It was implied strongly in the journey back from the woods."

GM says (to Gert), "Elena seems horribly embarrassed that the whole thing came out. She giggles -- a very foolish-sounding, frivolous giggle."

[7thsea] Hans says (to Gert), "Yeah, I'm just not sure why they never came back."

[7thsea] Arvid says, "maybe they got grabbed by shadowy figures"

[7thsea] GM says (to Hans), "scroll back to your conversation with Albert desAmis."

[7thsea] Hans says, "Oh dear."

[7thsea] Arvid asks, "oh, so they really didn't come back?"

[7thsea] GM says, "nope, they really didn't."

[7thsea] Gert asks, "Wait what?"

Hans says, "The boys should have been back with the water long ago."

Arvid says, "true enough"

Arvid says, "let's step out to arrange a meal for Agustin and Pedro and have a look around"

Arvid says, "and see what Gert learned"

Hans says, "Yes."

[7thsea] Hans says, "But we should probably do that next week."

[7thsea] Arvid says, "yeah, getting late"

GM asks (of Gert), "Elena: It is all my fault. Please, don't tell the Headmistress ... Von Pinn, she can be so frightening sometimes. I will be quiet in the future, yes?"

Gert sighs. "Yes, Elena. But for pity's sake, don't send the girls on foolish errands into the woods at night! I *know* what's out there, and it's not pretty."

[7thsea] Hans asks, "Man. Is Pedro *that* bad?"

[7thsea] Gert asks, "What's the significance of the Albert conversation?"

[7thsea] Gert says, "Hee"

[7thsea] Arvid says, "well, there actually was a shadowy figure watching him"

[7thsea] Hans says (to Gert), "I failed a Perception check during it."

[7thsea] Arvid says, "although maybe it was just Albert"

GM says, "Well, the water that Andre and Pierre went to get ... it's sitting on a table outside the room. Pierre and Andre are nowhere in sight."

[7thsea] Gert asks, "Outside which room?"

Arvid asks, "any sign of a spill or other disruption?"

[7thsea] GM says, "ah, that's not what I'm referring to."

[7thsea] Arvid says, "oh, heh"

[7thsea] Arvid says, "ok, I dunno then"

GM says, "Nope, it's been set there quite deliberately."

[7thsea] Hans says, "Oh. Er."

[7thsea] Hans says, "I guess maybe they're fighting? That'd be perfectly fine."

[7thsea] Gert says, "Hee"

[7thsea] GM says (to Gert), "the room where they left Agustin Trujillo"

[7thsea] Gert asks, "Like they were listening at the door?"

[7thsea] GM says, "possibly"

GM says, "(Okay, where is everyone right now?)"

Gert is heading back from talking to Elena to the furniture cottage.

[7thsea] Hans says, "Outside of the room where the water was left."

Arvid says, "with Hans"

[7thsea] Hans says, "Looking for Pierre and Andre."

GM says (to Gert), "the stable door's been left open."

Gert looks into the stable and counts the horses.

GM says (to Gert), "Two horses are missing -- the ones belonging to the Sessemann sisters. Klara Sessemann is a particularly excellent horsewoman; her horse, Incitatatus, is reckoned the fastest in the stable."

[Crows-Nest] Gert says, "Ha ha 'Incitatius'"

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "wtf"

[Crows-Nest] Arvid looks it up, laughs

GM says, "(also, just one 'ta' in 'Incitatus')"

[Crows-Nest] Gert says, "Oh, weird, I read it with only one 'ta'."

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "And I could've sworn I typed it with only one 'ta'."

Gert curses, grabs the second-fastest horse, and bolts from the stable, yelling at Hans to follow, damn him.

GM says, "And this is where we close for the session."

Hans says, "More trouble? This is a busy night."

[7thsea] Arvid says, "cool beans"

Gert exclaims (at Hans), "Take Allegro and try to catch up!"

Gert gallop gallop gallop.

[Crows-Nest] Gert exclaims, "Yay, thanks!"

[Crows-Nest] Hans exclaims (at Gert), "I can't! The session is over!"

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "hee hee"

[Crows-Nest] Gert says, "Hee"

[7thsea] GM says, "and, re: Hans & Albert ... I was referring to the fact that Albert refers to Pierre Pervenche as the 'Vicomte du Cap-Royal'. The Comte and Comtesse du Cap-Royal are his parents."

[7thsea] Arvid exclaims, "oh!"

[7thsea] Arvid says, "wait, I thought all their kids got nabbed"

[7thsea] Arvid says, "wait a minute"

[7thsea] GM says, "All their kids who weren't at the School. Edmond and Lucille are too young."

[7thsea] Arvid says, "aha"

[7thsea] Hans says, "Aha."

[7thsea] Hans says, "This makes things a bit clearer."

[7thsea] Gert asks, "And the Cap-Royals are the ones awaiting beheadment?"

[7thsea] GM says, "yep"

[7thsea] Gert says, "I guess that's appropriate, given their names."

[7thsea] Hans says, "Man."

[7thsea] Hans asks, "Did their family have any Porte-imbued artifacts?"

[7thsea] Hans asks, "Perhaps in the form of bedroom furniture?"

[7thsea] Gert says, "Ha"

[7thsea] GM says, "If they did, clearly they didn't send any to the school ... the delivered furniture was all stuff ordered by the Sices family -- nothing to do with the Pervenches du Cap-Royal."

[7thsea] Gert says, "Oh, ordered by? Got it."

[7thsea] Hans says, "Yeah, well, I'm still not going to climb inside of it without a good reason."

[7thsea] Gert says, "Maybe it'll sprout legs and take you across the countryside."

[7thsea] GM says (to Hans), "yay"

[7thsea] Hans says (to Gert), "That is not quite the story I was thinking of."

[7thsea] Gert says, "Heh, I know."

[7thsea] Gert asks, "So the deal with drama dice is that we get XP and the die at the same time?"

[7thsea] GM says, "yes"

[7thsea] Hans asks, "And we each got two, plus one for Gert?"

[7thsea] GM says, "yes"

[7thsea] Hans says, "I forget how many drama dice we start with."

[7thsea] Gert asks, "Are you going to do XP via dd, or will you be awarding straight XP at times?"

[7thsea] Arvid says, "equal to our lowest trait, I think"

[7thsea] Gert says, "1x lowest stat, if we go by the book."

[7thsea] GM says, "I'll award XP without drama dice at various points."

[7thsea] Gert says, "Sounds good."

[7thsea] GM says, "And drama dice (1x lowest trait) is awarded (without XP) at the beginning of every session."

[7thsea] Gert says, "Ah, OK."

[7thsea] Arvid says, "hmm, I guess we didn't have any rolls this session"

[Crows-Nest] Hans says, "Also, now I am curious if it is possible to identify sources for all the anmes."

[7thsea] Hans exclaims, "I had one!"

[7thsea] Hans says, "The GM made it for me."

[7thsea] Gert says, "Ha"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Some have more than one source."

[Crows-Nest] Hans asks, "Like Sir Galahad Locksley?"

[Crows-Nest] Gert says, "Hee"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "There's at least three right there."

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "One of them so ... obscure? circuitious? ... I'm not sure it counts anymore."

[Crows-Nest] Gert asks, "Three for 'sir galahad locksley'?"

[Crows-Nest] Gert asks, "What's the reference for 'sir'?"

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "hee hee"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "hahah"

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "possibly it is a gilderoy lockhart joke"

[Crows-Nest] Gert says, "Hey, good call."

[Crows-Nest] Gert exclaims, "If it wasn't before, it is now!"

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "hee hee"

GM asks, "So ... same time next week?"

Hans says, "Sure."

Arvid says, "I think that'll work, yeah"

Hans waves.

Arvid says, "we should probably confirm mid-week"

Hans has disconnected.

GM says, "Yeah"

Arvid says, "ok then, au revoir"

Eolo has disconnected.

PerrySimm says, "log off"

[7thsea] Gert says, "Wait, no, I'm gone next weekend for memorial day."