[Helvetica] Hans says (to GM), "Assuming he knows it's six o'clock."

Gert arrives, looking for booty.

[Helvetica] Gert wave!

Eolo has connected.

GM says, "Yay Gert"

GM exclaims, "And yay everyone being here!"

Gert exclaims, "Woo!"

GM Cues theme music

Arvid asks, "is someone logging?"

GM says, "npc1 is."

Gert says, "Excellent."

Arvid says, "that dude's smart"

GM says, "SO! First order of business is giving everyone 4XP."

Hans says, "That's good business."

Cat says, "that's some good GM'in"

GM says, "We are into a new chapter (or between chapters, at the very least) so if anyone wants to spend anything, now's the time to do it."

Cat asks, "how much to take Finesse 2 up to 3?"

Gert says, "Oh, hmm."

Arvid says, "15xp, I believe"

GM says, "While people figure out what they're going to change and how, I'll just type up a quick summary of where you are and what's happened."

Gert says, "Is the 4xp for everyone, or just the people that were actually there? ;-)"

Gert says, "I guess if it's for the chapter, that's everyone."

Cat does so

Hans says, "I think I've got 13XP, so I'll wait until I earn two more and can raise Panache."

GM says, "Everyone."

GM says, "Remember that each drama die earned comes with 1XP attached."

Hans says, "I plan to re-count later -- if I find out that I actually have more than I thought, can I retro-actively spend them now? :)"

Gert tries to find his character sheet.

Hans exclaims, "Hey, I think I did miscount!"

GM says, "Heh"

Hans says, "I seem to have made a habit of copying down the XP from the start of each session rather than the end."

Hans says, "So I added 8XP + something several times over."

GM says, "When last we left our heroes, they had just apprehended Gabriel Renard, alias Raul Meunier, alias Reinhardt Gruber, and sent him off to Schloss Karnstein where, presumably Camilla's grandmother will order an execution once everyone is gone. Because Camilla herself is still a squeamish 16-year-old who needs to learn some of the harder parts of How To Be A Renaissance Countess."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I've apparently got gobs of XP, so Panache it is."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "man. I may have to confront the bizarre prospect of not utterly sucking in a fight"

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "There finally found it--this was the second chapter, or the third?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Now I can hit people *three* times in every fight."

[Helvetica] Gert says (to Cat), "Ha"

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "And I can pretend to dance!"

GM says, "The heroes returned to the inn to see what was up with the best man, Victor Gilbert, whom some might remember as being one of the lawyers from Bois-Franc, from their daring rescue of the famille Pervenche some time back."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(I still can't *actually* dance. But at least I'll look good while stepping on Gert's feet.)"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Good enough for me."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I assume you've already picked out your wedding boots."

[Helvetica] Gert exclaims, "Of course!"

GM says, "They overheard a conversation between Victor and Elena -- whom they have deduced to be Gabriel Renard's sister Azelma -- in which it is apparent that there is some funny business afoot involving a letter in which the Duchess du Sices renounced her rights (and thus the rights of Montaigne) to Helvetica."

Hans asks a servant from the castle to make sure things are arranged for tomorrow's duel tomorrow, including an appropriate weapon for what's-his-face.

GM says, "Elena/Azelma disappeared via Porte, and Victor wound up challenging Hans to a duel. To take place at noon the next day."

Hans says, "Yeah, him."

Arvid asks, "specifically, what, there were two copies of the letter, and one was in Helvetica and was destroyed, and the other is supposedly in the Duchess's library?"

Cat asks (of Gert), "so you're going to be his second, yes? Are you wearing his colours?"

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "I still have my ring, right? And are the various would-be affianced of Raoul all apprised of who he is?"

GM says (to Arvid), "right. Until now, it was believed that the Helvetica copy was the only copy existing."

Gert asks (of GM), "What made us think there was another in the du Sices library?"

Hans asks, "Who is running the Duchess's estate now?"

Cat says, "we purloined some letters"

[Helvetica] GM says (to Gert), "You have the ring. Agathe still doesn't know. Camilla does."

Gert says (to Hans), "Cat's parents, IIRC."

Cat says, "and listened at some keyholes"

Arvid says, "we heard Elena and Victor talking before Elena bamfed away"

Gert says, "Hmm, well, we're not going to beat her there."

Arvid asks, "also, Elena was going away to tell Montaigne to invade, right?"

GM says, "Fencing instructor Albert des Amis asked Hans to deliver a note of congratulations from him to Gabriel. This note has turned out to in fact be a letter informing Gabriel (and, through him, the Montaigne Revolutionaries) of the alleged existance of the second letter."

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "What about Agathe's brother who we dragged here with us?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "He knows, yes."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "OK, I'm happy to let him tell her, unless he feels he needs backup."

Hans asks, "Does Nicolette have any way to send a message there?"

Cat asks, "but we don't know whether the letter would give Montaigne cause to invade, or cause not to?"

GM says (to Hans), "no, unfortunately."

Hans says (to Cat), "The letter would give them cause not to."

Hans says, "I should think."

Gert asks, "I dunno. The revolution seems to be generally ignoring the stuff the nobility set up, but maybe they'd agree to this since it's an international thingy?"

Arvid asks, "which letter?"

Hans says, "But if it did not exist, then that cause would neither."

Gert says, "The copy of the letter giving Helvetica to the Baron."

Gert says, "True enough."

Hans says, "If they attack despite the letter, that is an act of war."

GM says, "Also, it seems that Gabriel's been making money by stealing things out of the letters he's been supposed to deliver. It seems that Gert's parents are alive and well, and sitting around in another town just waiting for Gert to give them the word."

Hans says, "But I suppose so is deposing your nation's rightful government."

Gert exclaims, "Yay!"

Gert says, "Oh, I get it! My mom sent me the ring via the post office."

GM says, "And Gabriel stole it along with the letter."

Gert says, "Whew."

Arvid says, "personally I'm sticking to carrier pigeons for everything from now on"

GM says, "They're probably wondering why she hasn't written or called."

Cat says (to Arvid), "we could train up Nicolette to be a carrier pigeon"

Gert immediately sets down to write a letter to her mom, explaining everything.

GM says (to Arvid), "at least until the Ussuran equivalent of Gabriel (Gavrilo) gets his hands on a pigeon spirit-skin."

Arvid says, "don't give lpsmith any ideas for his campaign"

GM asks, "So the scene opens now. Gert's writing her letter ... anyone doing anything before the morning?"

Hans says, "Informing servants of the duel so they can arrange things."

Gert says (to Arvid), "Hee hee"

Hans asks, "Drafting a letter to the Baron, to be delivered by speedy messenger, regarding the situation with du Sices' library and all?"

Hans says, "I believe Arvid was also suggesting that we consider building a small army, in case Montaigne does invade."

GM asks (of Hans), "you know the Baron is right here, staying at Schloss Karnstein?"

Hans says (to GM), "Erm. I did last night."

Hans says, "But that was weeks ago."

Arvid says, "I am using my historian training to try to work out why Montaigne hasn't invaded before, and who on the Eisen side would be most interested in stopping them now"

Hans says, "OK, telling the Baron."

GM says (to Hans), "*build* an army? I think Andre-Nicolas would be very happy to help...."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

Hans says (to GM), "I had been thinking more along the lines of rounding up Eisen peasants, but you do make a good point."

Hans asks, "Does the Baron know about any of this letter business yet?"

Cat says, "I don't think so"

Arvid says, "I suppose we'd better inform him of the position of affairs"

Hans says, "Indeed."

Arvid says, "luckily we've had some experience breaking into the du Sieces manor"

Cat says (to Hans), "you talk war, I'll talk diplomacy"

GM says (to Arvid), "Montaigne has lost a lot of military men in the two-year war with Castille, and the recent campaign against Ussura. Now their best military mind seems to be stuck somewhere in Eisen (and probably not very willing to help out the people who deposed/killed off his wife's family anyway) and they've got to worry about all the other nations (Avalon in particular, hence the cosying-up to Avalon nobles) who might feel a bit paranoid about this recent Republican action."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "ANd by 'stuck'..."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I assume eggs are involved somehow."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Or possibly bugs."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Likely both."

GM says, "Military force is currently concentrated on being able to do something if a) Avalon invades, b) Castille seeks vengeance, or c) exiled nobles manage to convince Eisen to invade."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I guess there's nothing stopping both campaigns from existing in the same continuity, not that we could tell"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Or in overlapping continuity."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(E.g. the mysterious bowl that showed up in Ussura.)"

GM says, "Victor has run up to the Schloss ahead of you ... he's quite anxious to speak to the Baron, himself."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Heh."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "oh yeah"

Hans says, "Harrumph."

GM says, "You arrive in time to hear the Baron (rather grumpily) giving his word that he will be a fair and impartial referee for the duel."

Arvid says, "hmm"

Arvid says, "so possibly our best bet for stopping the invasion is to get Cat's parents involved"

Hans asks, "Do they have practice with this sort of thing?"

Cat says, "it would work better still if we cut them out of the loop entirely and I acted on their behalf"

Arvid says (to Hans), "well, last time we met they were very interested in making a conquest"

(From GM) Baron Schriftsteller seems to have been just about to go to bed, and isn't very happy about people suddenly wanting to see him Right Away Now.

Cat says, "Sir, this is a matter of defence of the realm."

(From GM) Baron Schriftsteller sighs. "What is it?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "A relatively small realm, but it's the only one he's got."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I'm sure he can work up to a nicer one"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Maybe he can absorb Bois-Franc."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Especially if we manage to assemble that army."

[Helvetica] Cat asks, "is Victor neatly out of the room by now?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "He's gotten what he wanted. He bows and leaves."

Cat says, "We have reason to believe that an invasion from Montaigne may be imminent."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I thought you were going to talk diplomacy."

(From GM) Baron Schriftsteller says, "Invade? They're in no condition to invade a watermelon patch!"

Cat asks, "Are you in condition to defend one?"

(From GM) Baron Schriftsteller says, "Well ... no. But no-one's going to take very kindly to this spread of Republicanism. They'll have Avalon and Castille screaming for their blood if they tried anything."

Cat says, "I am given to understand that the Helvetican military is small but dogged, with an excellent familiarity with the terrain despite the officer class' unfortunate preoccupation with tickly moustaches."

Cat asks, "And if they managed to find some kind of casus bellum?"

Cat asks, "Something that made this look like the pacification of a rebellious province, rather than annexing a sovereign state?"

(From GM) Baron Schriftsteller says, "yes, well, i'm a little worried about that one captain, dolphus whatsisname, who really should be teaching art....."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Rudolph Pervenche?"

(From GM) Baron Schriftsteller says, "The Duchess du Sices has formally renounced her claim on the region. I have that letter carefully stored away in my study."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(Albert des Amis?)"

Hans asks, "Are you certain of that?"

Cat says, "I heard that it had been destroyed."

(From GM) Baron Schriftsteller says, "What? Where did you hear that?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Hitler ref."

Hans shows him the letter.

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Oh, heh."

Cat says, "And that the only other copy is missing somewhere in Montaigne, where - if it were acquired - a slightly different version might easily be fabricated."

(From GM) Baron Schriftsteller says, "Well, damn."

Hans says, "Sir, I am certain that my family could provide a small force to help defend Helvetica, if it comes to that."

Hans says, "But I do not know if we have the time."

(From GM) Baron Schriftsteller says, "Kleinberg, I understand you have a duel tomorrow at noon? I've given my word that I'll referee it. Make it quick, and we'll set out from here on the fastest horses I can acquire."

Hans says, "That should not be difficult."

Cat says (to Baron), "you can always nominate a replacement, you know"

(From GM) Baron Schriftsteller says, "We'll change horses at the next village rather than rest them. Change them again as the opportunity arises...."

Hans asks, "By the by, when he spoke to you, did you confirm his license as a swordsman?"

(From GM) Baron Schriftsteller says, "A replacement referee? I'm sorry, but I gave the man my word."

Cat asks, "your personal word or your word as Baron?"

(From GM) Baron Schriftsteller says, (to Hans) "Yes, yes I did. Why?"

(From GM) Baron Schriftsteller says, (to Cat) "There's a difference?"

Hans says (to Baron), "I am curious what school he studied under, if it said."

Cat says, "according to *my* family's lawyers there is"

(From GM) Baron Schriftsteller says, (to Hans) "Valroux. All the Montaigne upstarts seem to fancy the poncy skewer-swishing."

(From GM) Baron Schriftsteller says, (to Cat) "In Avalon, perhaps, but not here."

Cat mutters something to Gert about men and their godforsaken honour

Gert, who had just slipped in the back after having finished her letter, pats Cat's arm sympathetically.

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[Helvetica] GM says, "If there's nothing further for the Baron, we could fast-forward to the next day, or even right up to the duel time."

Cat says, "maybe we could start betting on how many passes it'll take Hans to finish the fight"

Cat says, "that should save us half an hour of flourishing and carefully planned insults"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "It seems like the logical thing to do would be to send some of us on ahead, but that this would be sort of annoying play-wise."

Hans exclaims, "I never plan my insults!"

[Setting the zoned flag.]

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I'm happy to skip ahead"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "for all my grumbling I'm not going to miss a duel"

GM says, "Close up on town clock. Hands start moving, accelerating and finally stop at 11:45."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I suppose we should probably go and comfort Nicolette"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "assuming she can be located"

GM says, "Victor and his second, a weedy little fellow whom he introduces as Jacques de Chemise-Rouge, are sitting at the town square, quite relaxed."

[Helvetica] GM asks, "Any preparations you want to have made?"

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "I'm the second?"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "I don't know what a second does, really."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Watches for fouls, perhaps."

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Gert), "Makes sense to me."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "You might also have to fight if I can't make it."

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Is this a duel to first blood or what?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "they negotiate with the other person's second to set the duel terms"

(From GM) Victor says, "First blood, I think?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "and make sure the equipment is there and stuff"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Death, from his challenge."

Cat says (to Hans), "this is where you grin and say "that's not how we duel where I come from""

(From GM) Jacques says, "First blood, I think?"

Hans says, "I believe your exact words were, 'You're a pair of dead men.'"

Hans asks, "Is that how you describe first blood?"

Cat says, "maybe he has the bleeding-sickness"

Cat says, "we can only hope"

Gert says, "That would make sense, given his parentage."

(From GM) Victor says, "Oh! Well, if I'd known you'd be so picky about rhetoric. Then I suppose I shall have to duel M. Kjellsen as well.

Arvid asks, "wait, what?"

Hans asks (of Arvid), "Do you have a membership in the guild?"

Arvid asks, "I'm busy drinking! you wouldn't duel a drunken professor, would you?"

Cat says (to Arvid), "that would require his survival, in any case"

Arvid says (to Hans), "I'm afraid I may have let it lapse, very careless of me"

Cat asks, "also, ooh, what'd you get?"

Cat inveigles the bottle from Arvid's grip, a feat formerly considered impossible by faculty and students alike

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hee hee"

Arvid says, "there were only a few bottles left after the brawl and the drinking and the drinking and the brawl"

GM tosses Cat a drama die. Or a dram.

Hans looks wistful at the loss of the post-wedding brawl.

Gert says (to Hans), "Tut tut, dear--we'll have our own in time."

Hans exclaims (at Gert), "Ja!"

(From GM) Victor says, "So which of you should go first? As I said, I was really thinking a duel to the first blood. One of you today, and the other tomorrow."

Hans says, "If Arvid is not a member of the swordsman's guild, it would seem inappropriate for him to accept the challenge."

Gert says (to Jacques), "I believe first blood, today only, with Hans, will be fine."

(From GM) Victor says (to Arvid), "Also, you should get a second. Unless Mademoiselle here is volunteering?"

Hans says, "But I have accepted, and if you do survive today's fight, then you can discuss the matter with him afterward. Possibly by post."

Cat says (to Victor), "We choose weapons? Alcohol."

[Helvetica] Gert asks (of Hans), "You use a sword, right?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "The way I see it, if we go by the letter, I kill him and he doesn't need to duel Arvid."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "If we don't go by the letter, then it's just first blood and he doesn't need to duel Arvid."

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Gert), "Right. The big heavy kind."

(From GM) Jacques says, "I believe there is a precedent for mismatched weapons."

Hans asks, "Oh?"

Arvid says (to Cat), "if this duel is going to go on, I'm going to need that bottle back"

Cat passes

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I thought the precedent was, 'he has to use a heavy sword too'."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Choice of weapons to the challengee and all that."

Gert asks (of Jacques), "Ah, yes, there are a few. Which do you prefer?"

(From GM) Jacques says, "Oh yes. Several duels have been fought over the superiority of one over the other, many of them escalating beyond the scope of mere exhibition bouts...."

Cat says, "oh, just have at each other"

Hans says, "As the Baron is officiating, it is for him to call."

(From GM) Victor says, "When the clock strikes noon, yes."

[Helvetica] Hans | Hans asks, "Very well! And as the challengee, I believe I have the choice of weapons?"

[Helvetica] Hans | Hans says, "I shall bring the swords."
[Helvetica] Hans | Victor says, "certainly."

Hans says, "I think we may have even agreed to each use a heavy weapon."

Cat says (to Arvid), "look, I brought pork scratchings"

(From GM) Victor says, "Well. I hardly think that fair. I'm barely trained in those heavy weapons."

Cat says, "and this funny-looking gooey stuff that I think you're meant to dip the pork scratchings in"

Cat says, "and some inedible black bread"

Arvid says, "mysterious"

Hans says, "If you wish to take back that agreement and use your preferred blade or blades, I will certainly allow it."

Arvid says, "well, virtually anything is edible if accompanied by enough alcohol"

Gert rolls her eyes and sighs. "What. Do you. Propose."

Arvid says, "the literature has a number of examples of men eating boots"

Hans says, "Provided I have the same luxury."

(From GM) Victor says, "Fair enough."

Cat scronch scronch scronch

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "'first blood' means 'a dramatic wound' or 'a flesh wound'?"

Hans presents his personal sword to the Baron to examine for poisons or any other sign of unfair play.

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I hope a dramatic. It seems silly otherwise."

[Helvetica] GM says, "In my book, a dramatic wound. If it's the end of a duel, it can't not be dramatic."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Perhaps flesh wounds in a duel context just mean giving ground or being weakened."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Sounds good to me."

(From GM) Victor says, "You'll have to excuse me while I hunt down my own sword. When you said you'd bring the swords, I assumed you meant ... well, never mind that."

Gert, amused, asks, "You assumed he'd pilfer your sword from your room?"

Gert says, "Well, be back by noon or you forfeit."

Gert asks (of Jacques), "Any other terms you wish to negotiate?"

(From GM) Victor says, "I assumed he'd bring a fencing foil. I'd quite forgotten where we were, in the heat of the moment."

Gert says, "Off you go, then."

(From GM) Victor strolls back towards the inn, taking his own sweet time.

(From GM) Jacques says, "Yes, there is the question of the definition of the piste. It's all very well using the square, but where should they begin?"

Hans asks, "The what?"

Hans asks, "Is this about Arvid again?"

Cat says, "the stuff you stand on while hitting each other"

Hans asks, "The ground?"

Cat asks, "right, but you're - why am I explaining this to *you*?"

Gert negotiates with Jacques that the duel is to start in the open area of the square, and that after that, they must stay within sight of the face of the clock, or forfeit.

(From GM) Jacques says, "See, as we go past noon, the sun will descend towards the west. The man beginning on the east side of the square will very likely get the sun in his eyes."

Hans asks, "Then we stand to the north and south ends?"

(From GM) Jacques says, "Also, there is the possibility of property damage in the course of the duel."

Cat asks, "and when can I annoy someone enough to get to do this?"

Gert says, "The participants may use the terrain as they see fit, but may not touch the onlookers."

Hans asks, "Is it the Montaigne way to take such a simple joy as swordfighting and strip all the fun from it?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Jacques has a thick stack of crib-notes full of possible issues to negotiate before the duel."

Arvid says, "well, they are lawyers"

Gert says, "Any property damage is to be paid for by the person whose body part or personal belonging caused the damage, as judged by the Baron."

(From GM) Jacques says, "I am proposing we outline the fighting area in chalk, and any hit outside of that area shall be disqualified.

Hans asks (of Baron), "Is there any way you can simplify all of this? As the referree?"

(From GM) Baron says, "Don't ever ask them again if there's anything more to negotiate."

Gert says (to Jacques), "Ha, no, what's the fun in that? Within sight of the clock."

Hans asks, "Is it noon yet?"

Gert whips through the rest of Jacques' proposals, making snap decisions she then insists on.

[7thsea] Gert rolls 2k2: 10+4 6 | 20

(From GM) Jacques says, "I'm sorry, but that is really too terribly vague. After all, the clock tower can be seen from the rooftop of the inn, for instance, and from outside the town gates...."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "(wits)"

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "Nice Wits roll!"

Gert asks, "Within sight of the Baron, then?"

Hans says, "Yes, the rooftop of the inn. I would be happy to fight him there."

(From GM) Jacques says, "Um, uh...."

Gert exclaims, "Good, it's settled!"

GM throws Gert a drama die.

[Helvetica] Gert exclaims, "Woo!"

Arvid taps his foot. "Victor is certainly taking his time."

Gert says, "Well, if the clock chimes and he's not here, we win and go home."

Cat says (to Gert), "actually, I believe the second has to fight in his place"

Gert says, "Oh, true."

Cat says, "that being the original purpose of the second, apart from carrying away the bodies"

(From GM) Victor returns, at 11:59:30. "Sorry, got held up by a discussion of my bill."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Ha ha."

Cat says, "I'm not sure who has to carry away the second's body"

Gert says (to Jacques), "You can borrow my axe if you need to... oh, here he is."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "For a moment, I thought we were going to discover that Jacque was actually a trained assassin swordsman and that this was his plan."

Hans takes his place! Wherever Gert says that is.

(From GM) Victor glances at the stack of crib notes, looks back up at Jacques, who shrugs helplessly.

Gert gives Hans a kiss for luck.

Cat makes up outrageous lies about Hans' past military prowess and spreads them liberally among the inevitably-gathered crowd

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Hee"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Ooh, reputation points."

(From GM) Victor begins to voice a protest that Gert might be a fate witch and he's heard all about these famous Vodacce "kisses before the duel" when the Baron nearly explodes and tells him to shut up and get on with the duel.

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Ha ha."

[Helvetica] GM says, "Initiative"

Gert tosses the Baron a drama die.

[7thsea] Hans rolls 3 dice: 9 2 8

[7thsea] GM rolls 4 dice: 3 9 7 5

Cat says, "...three trained assassins, and him naked and only armed with a pair of salad tongs"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Ooh, panachy."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "That's right, that's the Montaignian advantage."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Good thing you went to 3."

[Helvetica] GM says, "Hans"

Hans charges at Victor and grabs at his sword with his panzerhand.

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Adding a DD."

[7thsea] Hans rolls 5k4: 3 3 2 5 7 | 18

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(Bind.)"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Oh, I forgot one unkept die:"

[Helvetica] GM says, "His TN is 20."

[7thsea] Hans rolls 1 die: 9

[7thsea] Arvid says, "oho"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "That was the unkept die I forgot the first time."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Which makes it 24."

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Adding 6 for 24?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(And also, whoops, it's the sword I can do that with, not the panzerhand.)"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(So assume I did it that way. Sorry.)"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(It's been a while since I've looked at the combat rules.)"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Victor drops his two upcoming actions (3 and 5) to parry."

[7thsea] GM rolls 6k3: 7 3 3 4 5 7 | 19

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Oh, it's a special sword thingy?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "It's the sword that's dracheneisen, not the panzerhand."

[Helvetica] GM says, "+5 for Valroux, that's 24."

Cat scans the crowd for nobblers, sand-chuckers, mirror-flashers, and assorted cheats

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "So he failed his parry and is now bound?"

GM says (to Cat), "none that you can see."

[Helvetica] GM says, "24 vs 24, I think."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "For an active defense, which way does that go?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "The latest guy rolling, I think."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "So he dodges the bind, but loses two actions? Cool."

(From GM) Victor just manages to flick his sword out of the bind, and takes a defensive position.

[Helvetica] GM says, "He's holding his next move (7). Hans goes."

Cat (and crowd) oooooooh

Hans says, "Not bad. I see that you are experienced fleeing from warriors."

[Helvetica] GM says, "Wait, what does the dracheneisen sword do...."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "GIves me dice when I fight with it."

[Helvetica] Hans | +1 unkept die to Heavy Weapon knacks (for the sword)

[Helvetica] GM says, "ah, right"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "And you agreed that eisenfaust knacks counted for that."

Cat exclaims, "He's stalling! Finish it!"

Hans comes at him directly with his sword.

[7thsea] Hans rolls 7k3: 10+2 9 4 7 7 2 4 | 28

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Man, fighting involves a lot of math."

(From GM) Victor again attempts to parry the incoming strike.

Cat exclaims, "Don't cut his face! Scars are very becoming on a man!"

[7thsea] GM rolls 6k3: 5 6 4 5 1 2 | 16

Hans asks, "What if I cut off his nose, to spite it?"

[Helvetica] GM asks, "oof. Damage?"

[7thsea] Hans rolls 6k2: 6 7 9 5 7 10+3 | 22

[7thsea] GM rolls 3k3: 9 7 7 | 23

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "dangit"

[Helvetica] Fang says (to Hans), "welcome to the dark secret of rpgs"

(From GM) Victor says, "A touch! You can do better than that, surely? The size of your weapon?"

(From Hans) Victor raises his sword to parry, but Hans takes aims a bit to the side and gouges his upraised forearm instead.

Hans says, "I thought we should try to make the fun last. But we can end it quickly if you prefer."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Nine. Simultaneity. Is he holding to respond to me again?"

(From GM) Victor says, "Oh, if it's fun you want, I have no objections. Have another try?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Victor will go on 9, but after Hans."

Gert sighs dreamily.

Hans marches forward again to make another strike.

[7thsea] Hans rolls 7k3: 8 10+5 7 4 9 7 9 | 33

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Amusingly, had I not been Small, this would probably be over already."

[Helvetica] GM says, "Victor again uses his move to parry."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Well, maybe not. But I'll pretend."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Heh."

[7thsea] GM rolls 6k3: 8 10+3 3 6 7 6 | 28

[7thsea] Hans rolls 7k2: 9 7 10+8 5 2 8 10+7 | 35

[7thsea] GM rolls 3k3: 6 9 2 | 17

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Ow, two."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "oof"

GM says, "There is definitely blood being drawn now."

Hans comes in to finish it, ramming his blade through Victor's abdomen, nearly piercing it through.

Gert bounces up and down and claps.

Hans sighs, retracting his blade. "I had hoped you had more of a challenge prepared. But I see not."

Cat leads the horses forwards

Hans says, "The next time you are in a duel, I recommend attacking your opponent at some point. It makes things more interesting."

Hans cleans his sword and sheaths it, coolly oblivious to the certain cheering of the crowds.

(From GM) Jacques says, "Oh, I must protest, I thought there was quite enough blood in the first strike to have ended the duel right then! Victor was clearly just pulling the bravado, silly fellow should have given in right then and there. As should you...."

(From GM) Jacques says, "I'd say a rematch is in order. Once Victor recovers."

Gert waves her axe at Jacques.

Hans says (to Jacques), "He should have given in before we began. But that was his choice."

Cat asks, "does he really have that many organs to spare?"

Cat saddles up

Gert says (to Jacques), "If you feel you have cause for complaint, my axe is ready now. If not, we can declare this settled."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Actually, is that two or three dramatics?"

(From GM) Baron says, "Game to Herr Kleinberg. Now let's get going."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Oh, just *barely* two."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "35+22-17"

Cat exclaims, "Yah!"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Doesn't really matter, at this point. Victor's objective had been to delay you as long as possible."

Gert hops up on her horse.

[Helvetica] Hans says, "And my objective was to cut some bits off of him."

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "SO we both win!"

Arvid gets help to climb up behind somebody

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hee hee"

Hans mounts Steinflanken and waves.

[Helvetica] GM says, "What about: Nicolette and Erich? The Baron is leaving Laura at the Schloss."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I think we're taking Nicolette along"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I assume Erich would want to come with us."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "to prevent her getting mixed up in an ill-advised prison break"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "And I imagine Nicolette would get to make her own decision, but I'd recommend her joining us, yeah."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "I sort of assume Erich will come along but not try to break his neck in so doing."

[Helvetica] GM says, "And Camilla has been told about what's happening back at Geneva, and will only set out once she receives word that she can."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Does Camilla know that she's in danger of turning into a vampire if she dies?"

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Wait, what prison break would N want to take part in?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I wonder if someone should ahve warned her."

[Helvetica] GM says (to Gert), "Gabriel has also turned out to be Nicolette's older half-brother"

[Helvetica] Cat asks, "based on anything other than her name?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "that seems like telling her she has an STD"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "And the fact that his story matched her childhood memories."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Which could have been a well-researched lie, of course."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Did he pull the whole, 'search your heart; you know it to be true' thing?"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Ha."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(Use the Porte!)"

[Helvetica] GM says, "You could ask Antoinette Guillot when you get back. She seemed to know all about Nicolette's mother."

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Are we leaving the mirrors behind to keep G in prison?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "That seems sensible."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "We'll have to worry about Elena, but that's OK."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "yeah"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "And Nicolette will stop being confused."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Also, have we settled on 'Gabriel and Azelma Renard' as their official names?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "we can find another mirror in montaigne somewhere"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "I would be happy to call them 'Riel and 'Elma so they still have the same first letter of their names."

[Helvetica] GM says, "hee"

GM says, "Okay. Away you ride."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I imagine the Baron will probably be dismissing Albert when we get back..."

GM says, "Some people are going to lag: Nicolette, and whoever has Arvid also riding with them."

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Can I try an Animal Training to eke out a bit of extra speed from the herd?"

Cat says, "Arvid and Nicolette are not allowed to share a horse"

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Oh, maybe to try to negate the Arvid/N lag?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Sure."

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "What stat do you want?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "we could put Nicolette in the Baron's coach"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Wits. Also, a coach will definitely lag."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I figure the Baron's probably in a hurry."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "OK, that's 3k2, with a +5 from Animal Affinity."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Although I guess he may have his retinue following us somewhere behind."

[7thsea] Gert rolls 3k2: 10+9 5 5 | 24

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Yeah buddy."

GM says, "Gert manages to keep the animals more or less together. At the first town you get to, half of you change horses (the sadlery doesn't have enough horses to change all of you).""

Hans asks (of Steinflanken), "Think you can make it the rest of the way?"

Gert pairs up Arvid with Cat, noting correctly that Cat's horse is best ready to take on the combined weight of the two of them.

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Steinflanken?"

GM says, "At the next town, the other half of you change horses, accompanied by much arguing since those horses are now pretty well exhausted."

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Gert), "Hans' own horse."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Heh, OK."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "ours is the party horse"

GM says, "(presumably Steinflanken gets changed at the second town.)"

Hans says (to Stablehand), "And make sure to take good care of him! WHen he's rested, have someone bring him back to Helvetica."

Hans tips well for this.

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "woooo, party horse"

Gert, at each change, redistributes riders and gear to best equilibrate the group.

GM asks, "Remember the journey to Karnstein from Helvetica took about two days. Are you sleeping at all?"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Napping in the saddle, in shifts?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I guess those without Riding probably can't manage that."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "They could nap on my back."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "My broad soft shoulders."

Cat says (to Arvid), "hands to yourself, or you're riding slung over the pommel"

Arvid says, "after Hans's exhibition I hardly need a reminder"

[Helvetica] Gert says (to GM), "I think we try to press on as long as we can."

[Helvetica] GM says, "okay"

GM says, "Some of you change horses again at the next town, and now the road is mostly uphill."

Cat says, "we'd better not have to walk anywhere after this"

GM says, "It is about mid-day on the next day when you encounter a carriage heading downhill towards you."

GM says, "The driver is Edgardo."

[Crows-Nest] (from Hans) Edgardo shouts, "NO BRAKES! NO BRAKES!"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "hoo boy"

Gert asks, "Edgardo! What news of Helvetica?"

GM says, "You can just see someone, presumably his wife, silhouetted inside the carriage."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Is he a probably-good guy or a bad guy or a 'we don't trust him but can't prove anything' guy?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "third category I am pretty sure"

(From GM) Edgardo says, "Ah, hello. Ah, I am turning in my resignation."

Hans asks, "Any other news?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "he is up to something but we weren't sure what"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "is I believe the deal"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "although the whole running-away bit would tend to move him towards category 2"

(From GM) Edgardo says, "well, a large pack of Montaigne soldiers rode in early this morning."

Cat asks, "And you decided not to stay around long enough to discover their intentions?"

Hans says, "I knew I should have written to father before we left."

Hans asks (of Baron), "Would you like me to request that army now?"

(From GM) Edgardo says, "they claim that the paperwork shows that Helvetica belongs to Montaigne. Lucia and I decided to leave while we could."

Cat asks, "Any fighting?"

(From GM) Edgardo says, "the fellow at their head, he's been stalled, uh, well, by *you*, Signor Schriftsteller."

Hans says, "Ah, convenient."

(From GM) Edgardo isn't bothering to hide that he's not, in fact, Castillian anymore.

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "awesome"

Arvid exclaims (at Baron), "good thinking!"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "It's nice when the people you help in Act II come back to help you in Act XV."

(From GM) Edgardo says, "I assume it was Signor Pervenche dressed up in your armour."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Also, I assume that his own accent is Vodacce?"

Hans says, "Either that, or this is."

Gert says, "Oh! Aha."

[Helvetica] GM says, "oh yes."

Cat cocks her head. "Do we have the honour of being told?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I guess this is a little too generic to count as a ref exactly"

(From GM) Edgardo says, "I would watch out for a messenger coming out to warn you about the situation."

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "What?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "The guy who looks just like the guy pretending to be the guy in the guy's place."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hee hee"

Hans says, "Perhaps our Baron should wear a hood."

Hans says, "Lest we confuse the messenger."

(From GM) Edgardo says, "Oh, and Signor Kramer has decided to flee as well. I don't know where. I don't suppose you passed him on your way up?"

Hans says, "Nein."

Hans says, "I don't remember smelling any odd plants along the way."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "It occurs to me, we should have duelled to surrender..."

(From GM) there's some knocking inside the carriage, and Edgardo yells at his wife to stop panicking, it's only the Baron and the other teachers who went off to the wedding at Karnstein.

Cat looks significantly at the Baron, or his double. "Whichever one you are, we may want to keep you out of town, or sneak you in under cover of darkness."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Then Victor could have stalled as long as he liked :)"

Hans says, "I vote for the latter."

Cat says, "Well, naturally."

(From GM) Edgardo says, "I'm sorry, Lucia, my wife, has been in a terrible state of nerves since we left."

Gert exclaims, "This is horrible!"

Gert asks, "Who's going to do the tablecloths and tapestries *now*?"

Cat tries to get a look inside the carriage

(From GM) Edgardo says, "I'm sure you will find someone."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Is anyone else concerned by the knocking?"

[Helvetica] GM says (to Cat), "Wits+ ... Stealth, I think."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I see Cat is. Never mind."

[7thsea] Cat rolls 6k3: 7 7 6 4 7 6 | 21

GM says (to Cat), "It's dark inside, but Lucia seems to be manhandling something on the floor of the carriage."

Cat exclaims, "Gertie! Grab the lead horse!"

Cat throws open the door, pistol cocked

Gert grabs the lead horses!

Gert exclaims (at Edgardo), "Sorry, but I simply can't let you go without speaking to your wife about the arrangements!"

GM says, "Horses rear, whinnying. Edgardo tries to calm them. Carriage door opens, revealing Lucia (in full Fate Witch regalia, sitting on Stefan Kramer, who's bound and gagged on the carriage floor."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "(leaping from the saddle to do so)"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "he was the one who somebody mysterious assaulted, right?"

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "They just wanted him for his vanilla beans!"

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Arvid), "I don't remember that."

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "and we thought it was Edgardo but couldn't prove it?"

Cat says, "Really now. There are some things a married woman simply should not do in shuttered carriages."

[Helvetica] Arvid | Who was the "Inquisitor" agent who threatened Stefan? Was it Edgardo? Why do they want the body?

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I'd forgotten it was the body they wanted"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I don't actually remember which body it is"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Aha. Which body?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I guess two bodies disappeared from the crypt"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Dead Body #3?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "one of them went into Morgana"

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Arvid), "I thought it was just a body and a head."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Morgana's head."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "the other is apparently professor schlegel's wife"

Cat says, "Out of the carriage ever so slowly, Madame."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "There is no Professor Schlegel in the wiki."

Hans asks, "Have we time for this?"

[Helvetica] GM says (to Gert), "Brawn+Animal Handling. Edgardo's going to try to charge through the lot of you."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Maybe he meant Schickele."

[7thsea] Gert rolls 5k4: 7 2 5 6 4 | 22

[Helvetica] GM says (to Gert), "oooh, I should have."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Hee"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "(with a +5)"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Is Edgardo on foot or horseback?"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "On carriageback."

[Helvetica] Arvid says (to Hans), "he was just some dude"

(From GM) Lucia says, "We are doing you a favour! This is a very dangerous man, a murderer and a desecrator of crypts!"

Arvid says, "well, if they slow us down, we can always take their horses to make up for it"

Gert asks, "Who did he murder?"

Hans says, "Pfft. Like we haven't dealt with murderers and desecrators of crypts before."

Hans says, "Heck, we've got a-- but I say too much."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

(From GM) Edgardo says, "There was a dentist on Falisci's island. Also a flower merchant."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Ha ha ha"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "also, if I weren't a PC and hence immune to conventional morality I would sweat this more, given the -- exactly"

Hans asks (of Kramer), "Is this true?"

Cat says, "Can someone get the gag off him? I'm kind of occupied here."

Hans hops down to handle that.

GM says, "Lucia whips off the gag. Stefan says, "well, sort of ... it was an accident, I swear...." Edgardo snorts disbelievingly."

Hans asks (of Kramer), "Have you been before a court yet?"

(From GM) Edgardo says, "There was a dentist on Falisci's island. Also a flower merchant."

Cat says, "if you want to level accusations and attempt an extradition process, you may do so before the courts of the land"

Cat says, "and until we've sorted out who exactly those are..."

(From GM) Edgardo says, "Prince Falisci likes him, Theus knows why, and his instructions were to have him watched. If anything else happened ... well, you must surely remember the disappearance of Signora Schlegel's body?"

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "She is still not in the wiki!"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Was she the one who was taken at the same time as Morgana's brain was taken?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "yes"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "yes"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "sorry, I thought I said that"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I wasn't sure if you were guessing."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hmm"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Probably because, as I check scrollback, you said 'I guess'."

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "did we ask Stefan if he'd taken the body to feed to his orchids?"

Cat says, "look, we don't have time for *another* trial, and there's no dungeon handy to throw you all in until we sort this out"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Oh. Right. A dentist."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Duh."

Hans asks (of Cat), "Isn't there?"

(From GM) Edgardo says, "And this morning, just after the soldiers marched in, someone (gives a meaningful look back at Stefan) threw Herr Bergen from an upstairs window."

Cat says, "fortunately, we have an even chance of having us a supreme legal authority right on-hand"

Hans asks (of Baron), "Don't you have a dungeon?"

Hans asks (of Kramer), "Did you do *that*?"

Cat says (to Hans), "I mean one we can get to without running a military blockade with three dangerous prisoners"

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "What's the wiki URL again?"

Hans says (to Cat), "Oh, that sort."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "http://inky.org/wiki/index.php?title=Helvetica_NPCs"

(From GM) Kramer says "NO! I've never even been up to that part of the school!""

[Helvetica] Hans says, "http://inky.org/wiki/index.php?title=Helvetica is the main page."

Gert asks, "Why? What's up there?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ok, I see we did ask Stefan and he denied it"

Cat asks (of Edgardo), "No confession. Any evidence?"

(From GM) Kramer says "I don't know. Bergen's private quarters, I think. He and Trujillo are up there all the time. I think Trujillo did it, if you ask me."

Arvid says, "or Pedro"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "And what would Trujillo want with a dead body?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "he's the one who animates them"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "<tinkle>"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "The corpse jester"

(From GM) Edgardo shrugs. "Funny how deaths and other strange events seem to follow this man around, that's all I'm saying."

Cat says, "Deaths, strange events and spies."

Hans says, "I thought that happened to everybody."

Cat says, "Causation or correlation? You tell me."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "it'll be a few sessions before I get any jokes involving remembering any facts about the NPCs"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "so is Edgardo accusing Stefan of being a PC?"

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Arvid), "That's because you're not referring back to the wiki after every comment anyone makes."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Ha ha."

[Helvetica] Gert says (to Arvid), "Heh."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Maybe he is a PC in some other party who considers us to be NPCs."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "awesome"

(From GM) Edgardo shrugs. "Even if he WERE innocent ... I do not think Prince Falisci wishes our friend here to be handed over to the Montaigne butchers."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "the Baron's awfully quiet"

Arvid says, "well, that's fair enough, but surely there is some middle ground between that and tying him up in a carriage"

Gert says, "Well, there is that."

(From GM) Edgardo mutters "...who would probably caramelise those beans, put them in ices and call it 'Montaignais Vanilla'...."

[Helvetica] GM says, "You guys are doing all the talking."

Cat says, "Ah, of course, this is *commercial* espionage."

Arvid asks (of Edgardo), "...say, I suppose you two are on your way to report back to your Prince, eh?"

(From GM) Edgardo says (to Arvid) "Yes....?"

Arvid says (to Edgardo), "perhaps you could let him know that the Montaigne army is invading because they think they've destroyed all copies of the letter renouncing Montaigne's claim to Helvetica"

Arvid says, "but this is not in fact the case, and we will have the letter very shortly"

Hans says, "Maybe if it were a cherry ice..."

(From GM) Edgardo shrugs. "As you wish."

(From GM) The Baron would prefer that Edgardo and Lucia and Stefan stop at the next town and wait for him to send back word as to what to do next.

Arvid says, "I'm not really sure we're in a position to constrain them if we wish to leave"

Arvid says, "(er, they wish)"

Arvid says, "but it seems as though Stefan should have a similar choice"

Cat says, "well, Helvetica is on a war footing, and these are quite clearly spies"

Cat says, "and all three of them possibly murder suspects to boot, by the sound of it"

(From GM) The Baron says, "I'd be upset under normal circumstances, but right now I have more pressing matters to upset me."

Gert says, "Well, Stefan presumably wants to get his plants back."

Gert says, "So that'll keep him nearby."

Cat says, "I am guessing that the plants are in the carriage somewhere."

Hans asks (of Kramer), "Would you prefer to go with Edgardo and Lucia and trust them to hold you in the next town until this can be worked out, or to help us fight our way into Helvetica so we can safely lock you in the Baron's dungeon for the time being?"

Arvid says, "I suppose we could take his gag off at some point"

Gert asks (of Edgardo), "Unless you stole those as well?"

[Helvetica] Gert says (to Arvid), "I believe we did."

Cat says, "Most likely secreted somewhere in that appalling dress."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "He's ungagged."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "At least, he's said stuff."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "oh, whoops"

(From GM) Kramer says "Helvetica! I choose Helvetica!"

Cat asks (of Kramer), "where are the seeds?"

Hans asks, "Any objections?"

(From GM) Edgardo says, "We couldn't have those plants fall into the hands of the Montaigne, could we?"

Hans says, "Right. Let's all go to Helvetica, then."

(From GM) Edgardo sees no reason to sit around waiting for you to tell him what to do.

Cat gives Lucia her most commanding stare. "The plants, if you please."

(From GM) Lucia says, "Certainly not."

Hans says (to Gert), "If you shake her upside down, maybe they'll fall out."

Hans says, "If not, it could still be entertaining to watch."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I presume I can't use my Resolve to just stare her down"

Gert exclaims, "Aww, but she did the most *darling* turn on the hem of my dress!"

(From GM) Lucia says to Hans, "Don't make me destroy that upcoming marriage of yours. It's such a lovely story."

[Helvetica] GM says, "I think it's your resolve vs her resolve."

Cat says, "Wait, did you just threaten Gert's -"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "okay, throwing in a drama die"

[7thsea] Cat rolls 5k4: 1 7 9 7 6 | 29

Gert blinks. "Really?"

[7thsea] GM rolls 3k3: 8 4 1 | 13

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "well, if she's a fate witch .."

Cat blazes with barely-suppressed fury, eyes locked on Lucia's

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I don't remember if she's the one who really is a fate witch and is pretending not to be, or the one who isn't and is"

GM says, "Lucia blinks and looks away."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "The former."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "It's Elena-who-is-actually-Azelma who was pretending to be but wasn't."

GM says, "Lucia pulls a small packet of seeds from her bosom and tosses it to Cat."

Cat says, "Give. Go. Do not even *think* about crossing my friend, ever, or..."

Hans . o O ( Huh. So they probably would have fallen out. )

Cat slams the carriage door

(From GM) Lucia says, "Well, fine, take the seeds, and may Legion give you the joy of them."

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "I guess Stefan is with us now?"

(From GM) Stefan Kramer says, "HEY WAIT!"

Hans says (to Kramer), "Anything else we should ch--"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Nope, Lucia still sitting on him, as far as I can recall."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I figured that Hans dragged him out when he was ungagged"

GM also tosses Cat a drama die.

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Yeah, me too."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I am surprised that Lucia was able to restrain him and yet still carry on this entire conversation."

Gert says (to Lucia), "Thank you again for all your beautiful work on the dress and tapestries. I'll try to find someone as good to finish them off, but there's nobody I can think of whose work is even close to as good as yours."

Hans yanks Stefan out from under Lucia. Possibly dumping her sideways in the process.

[Helvetica] GM says, "Well, okay, then Edgardo and Lucia probably aren't going to go very far. It's not as if they can really stop you, given how many of you there are compared to the two of them."

Hans says (to Stefan), "C'mon. Let's get to a proper, safe dungeon."

Cat hands the seeds over to the Baron. "It's beyond me who is the rightful owner of these, and I have, uh, a conflict of interest. But they're valuable, and their ownership may provoke a minor diplomatic incident if mishandled."

[Helvetica] GM says, "It was undignified but necessary. Like gutting a fish."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "It's nice to have a friendly rightful government to throw inconvenient decisions to."

(From GM) The Baron takes the seeds thoughtfully. "We could perhaps parlay them into an alliance with one of the other nations against Montaigne, if necessary."

Cat takes a few moments to seethe before clambering stiffly back onto her horse

(From GM) Stefan babbles incoherently.

(From GM) Edgardo says, "Hmph. We'll be waiting in the next town, if you need us."

Cat says, "Come along, Herr Kramer. If you turn out to be innocent, and those turn out to be your legal property, you may just get them back after all."

Cat says, "And at least you're not facing the strappado in your immediate-"

[Helvetica] GM says, "if no-one is stopping them, Edgardo and Lucia continue downhill."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Sure."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Yeah, that's OK with me."

Cat asks, "wait, Herr Baron, you gave up strappado interrogations, right?"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Assuming Stefan doesn't let us know about other prisoners they had in there."

Cat says, "I can never get the fine points of legal theory straight"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Unless that prisoner is Audrey."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "In which case, we should probably let nature take it's course."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Its."

Cat asks, "So. The first point of order is to sneak the Baron back into town, correct?"

Hans says, "That sounds right to me."

Cat says, "I think a carriage and a set of armed outriders would attract attention."

Hans says, "Yes, we usually do."

Hans asks, "Or did you not mean us?"

GM says, "Continuing uphill, it's another hour or so when you're hailed by someone who's apparently been waiting for you."

Hans says, "Hail."

GM says, "One of the servants. Let's call him Rupert."

GM says, "Rupert explains the situation. Some of it you already know from Edgardo."

Cat asks, "Have the soldiers taken control of the school? The castle? The town?"

Arvid asks, "the tavern?"

GM says, "Rodolphe Pervenche was indeed pressed into service as the Baron's double. Rupert says it was Sapt's idea."

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Sapt?"

GM says, "(Sapt being the Baron's butler. Mentioned before, but I don't recall if he ever had any lines.)"

GM says, "Pervenche, pretending to be the Baron, is keeping Chevalier (the guy who rode up at the head of the Montaigne contingent) busy in a game of "is not, is too"."

Hans says, "Ah. Chevalier."

Arvid says, "won't he be pleased to see us again"

Hans says, "He's probably just there to pick up his fiancee."

Cat says, "won't he be in for a surprise"

Arvid asks, "Stefan in a wig?"

Cat says, "I wonder who I can pretend to be engaged to *this* time"

Hans asks, "Stefan in a wig?"

GM says, "The soldiers are mostly keeping an eye on the students. According to Rupert, Sapt seems to think that Chevalier's plan is to use the children as bargaining chips: several of them have noble parents currently holed up with the other emigres up in Wische."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hmm"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "on the one hand we need to get the letter out, but on the other we need to free the hostages"

Hans says, "Well, let's lock Chevalier in the dungeon too."

Hans says, "There should be plenty of room."

Arvid asks, "how many soldiers are there? a substantial force?"

Cat says, "the way things are going we're going to be stacking them like cordwood"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "it seems my fiance choices are Gert in drag or Erich"

GM says, "Antoinette Guillot is in the dungeon. She's going to be shipped off to be executed as soon as Chevalier can convince the fake Baron that yes, this is indeed Montaigne soil and he can execute her if he wants."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Didn't you do Gert in drag last time?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I thought I was her bodyguard."

Hans says, "That seems like a difficult claim."

Arvid says, "not if you have enough soldiers"

GM says, "There are just enough soldiers to keep the townsfolk from rising up in arms. But not enough that Chevalier wouldn't care if they did."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hmm"

Hans says, "So we could probably take them without much trouble."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "that kinda sounds like we should do hostages first, then letter"

Arvid asks, "what about the students?"

Hans says, "Yeah, they could help."

Hans says, "Well, mine could, at least."

Hans says, "I don't know about yours."

Arvid says, "papercuts can be quite serious"

GM says, "Chevalier has 'very kindly' instructed that lessons should continue as per normal. It will show that nothing has changed."

[Helvetica] Cat asks, "how long can we keep hostages free without the letter?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "It sounds like they don't have the letter either."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "it depends a little if montaigne is going to send more troops"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "or if this is all they can spare"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "probably the latter"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Technically, they are free. In the sense that they can wander around the school."

Arvid asks (of Rupert), "has Elena shown up again?"

Hans asks (of Messenger), "Did Chevalier have any documentation supporting his claims?"

Cat asks (of Baron), "Can you hold the town if we disentangle the hostages?"

GM says, "Elena has not shown up. Chevalier's document of proof is the treaty of Weissberg, which ended the War of the Cross four years ago and ceded a good deal of land to Montaigne and Castille."

Cat asks (of Erich), "And how old are you, anyhow?"

Gert says, "Well, it seems to me the main thing is to get that letter."

Hans asks, "Not to get the Baron back into Helvetica and Chevalier back into a prison?"

GM says, "The Baron thinks he could probably organise an uprising with ease, but thinks the losses may be too much to bear."

Gert says, "And maybe call up the Kleinbergs."

Cat says, "Then let's get the letter first and organise resistance later."

Hans says, "Very well."

Gert says, "Who should be coming to the wedding anyway, and if they got to come to a fight, I'm sure they'd be all up for that."

[Helvetica] Arvid asks (of GM), "how many days' ride is the city with the letter?"

Cat asks, "Which means dropping the Baron off somewhere safe and outside Montaigne clutches. The monastery?"

Hans asks (of Gert), "When did you get so smart?"

GM says, "There's also the matter of Franz Bergen's death. Edgardo had said that Bergen was thrown from an upper window. Rupert thinks it was suicide."

Hans says, "We'll need someone to ride to the Kleinberg with the message."

Cat says (to Baron), "unless, of course, you'd rather stall the occupying force in person, at the risk of becoming a hostage yourself"

Arvid says, "yeah, but that's just your basic murder"

Gert says (to Hans), "If you will agree to decide on square or rounded edges for the lace, I will even consent to move up the wedding date to better coincide with a nice rousing fight."

Arvid says, "we've got other stuff to worry about"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

Hans asks (of Gert), "...square?"

Cat says (to Gert), "speaking of which, you might want to get someone to take a closer look at those wedding decorations"

Gert asks, "There, that wasn't so hard, was it?"

Gert kisses Hans on the cheek.

Hans asks, "Did I pick right?"

Cat says, "just in case they have something nasty woven into them"

Gert says, "You'll know after the wedding."

Gert smiles wickedly at Hans.

Cat asks (of Baron), "Sir? Refuge at the monastery, and the ability to prepare resistance if we fail; or putting you back in place, which may buy more time?"

GM says, "Incidentally, Trujillo has accused Pedro of Bergen's death, and Pedro has decided to make himself scarce."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Oh dear."

Cat says, "(And this means yet more time in the saddle. I'm going to be able to crack walnuts by the time this is over.)"

GM says, "The Baron chooses the monastery. Since Pervenche already seems to be doing an admirable job of buying time against Chevalier."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "This is all going to end with the two of them off the coast of some remote Vesten island, isn't it?"

Cat says, "which will doubtless give us a cell to throw Kramer into, while we're at it"

Hans asks (of Rupert), "Can you have a fast messenger take a letter into Eisen for me?"

GM says, "Rupert would have to go himself. The Montaigne are especially nervous about communications with Eisen. Since that's where the exiled Montaigne nobles are holed up."

Gert says, "You know, the other thing to do might be to find Lady du Sices herself."

GM says, "It is at this point that you hear a distinctive squelching sound from the bushes."

Hans asks, "Guy?"

Arvid asks, "is that what he squelches like?"

Gert charges into the bushes, ready to tackle Elena.

GM says, "In the distance, an animal howls."

GM says (to Gert), "If it's her, she's gone. There's just the puddle of blood there."

Gert asks, "Crap! How much did she hear?"

Cat says, "I think that makes the monastery unsafe."

Gert asks, "And do we need to change plans?"

Cat says, "We didn't mention *where* the letter was, praise be."

Hans asks, "Doesn't she already know?"

Cat says, "If it was her."

Hans asks, "As opposed to some other porte mage?"

Cat says, "If it was just a random Porte-using spy, perhaps not."

Cat says, "But I don't think we should count ourselves that lucky."

Arvid says, "I suppose she didn't know before that we knew about the other letter"

Arvid says, "but now she'll likely try to find and destroy ti"

Hans asks, "Which makes it all the more imperative we get there first?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Also, she can confirm that Rodolphe Pervenche is an impostor."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Oops."

Hans says, "Whatever our plan is, let's enact it quickly."

Cat says, "This doesn't change that we need the letter."

Arvid says, "well, there's no alternative, we'll have to retake the town"

GM says, "And Break."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "nice going, Mis"

[Helvetica] GM says, "which should give everyone time to figure what to do next and enact it quickly."

Hans writes up a letter to his parents explaining the situation in general terms, the expected timeframe of the wedding, and the potential need for military reinforcement.

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Mmm."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "presumably if they know Pervenche is an impostor they'll just cease negotiation"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I would like to say that I am very pleased that I got to make good use of a swordsman knack today, even if it was only to burn up a couple of Victor's actions."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "and, in fact, will probably still treat the real Baron as an impostor"

[Helvetica] Hans asks (of Cat), "And start formal occupation?"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Hey, we can send the real imposter to the monastery."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I guess it's more dramatic to get the letter first, then ride into Helvetica with it for a final showdown."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Which, if I know Jeff, means it's the right solution."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "yeah, I just don't get how the timing works on that"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "It works out dramatically."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "like, it's like two days there and two days back, isn't it? even putting aside the time to find it"

[Helvetica] GM says, "I'm actually thinking multiple solutions to this."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "well, let's just get the Baron to go underground and start organising resistance in our absence"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Someone DID mention finding the Duchess du Sices, though that of course opens up a new can of worms."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "call on the Hans Clan and maybe the Karnsteins and some assorted allies"

[Helvetica] Cat asks, "the Duchess seems to be inherently elusive. where would we even start looking?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "other than her house, which is where we're going first anyway"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I can't decide if it'll help to find the duchess or not"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "like, I dunno if she still has authority in modern montaigne"

[Helvetica] GM asks (of Cat), "ask someone who seems to have made it his business to engineer the escapes of various nobles?"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks (of GM), "...us?"

[Helvetica] Alex says (to Arvid), "Awwwk! Word on the street is that US is Um Seven."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "oh"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "Elena? oh"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "The Scarlet Pimpernel?"

[Helvetica] Cat asks, "Galahad, perhaps?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "he certainly has more going on than we've fully untangled"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "yeah, I think that is the intent"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I am not sure exactly what he's accomplished"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "but no doubt there is something"