[Helvetica] GM says, "npc1 is now logging."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "okey doke"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Where's Hans? Jota was active a moment ago."

Hans has connected.

Cat says, "hooray"

[Helvetica] GM exclaims, "There he is!"

Hans exclaims, "Aha!"

GM says, "aha indeed"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "excellent"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "so, anyway, did we decide if we were going to montaigne first or going to break the occupation first?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "Montaigne, I think"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "but we may need to check things out with Galahad"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "and reading through transcripts, I remembered that we never quizzed him about his spooky aunt"

GM says, "When last we saw you guys, you were just discussing What To Do with Baron Walter Schriftsteller, when a tell-tale Porte squelch alerted you to the departure of (presumably) Azelma, off to inform the invading Montaignais of the Walter/Rodolphe deception."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Well, now that we've determined that Rupert is *completely* trustworthy, we may as well go to Montaigne so we can return just in time to hold a war/wedding."

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "he has a spooky aunt?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "the one who wrote the Monstrous Manual"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Although I think someone was also considering checking if Galahad Pimpernel could put us in touch with du Sices herself."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "oh, hunh"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "and I think may be buried in the Spooky Cemetery also"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "We were going to not trade out the Baron, but she heard our plans, so we should now indeed trade out the Baron."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "heh"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "so we should smuggle in the baron but not break the siege?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "She is indeed. She's in tomb #8 of the mausoleum."

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Arvid), "I suppose that works."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "And then he can show up and when the bad guys say 'you're not the Baron; you're an imposter!' he can pull Rudolphe out of his sleeve and say, 'no, this is the imposter; he's been in the back room. I, the real Baron, have been the one you were talking to ALL ALONG!'"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I think at this point we just need to keep the Baron out of the way until the crucial moment"

[Helvetica] Hans asks (of Cat), "We do?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "he can go and levy troops or what-not"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "That is the very opposite of what I thought Arvid just suggested."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Yeah, that was the plan that was overheard."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I am just confused because I thought the dramatically appropriate thing was to go to montaigne first, but her spying on us seems to force us to go to the town first"

[Helvetica] Cat asks, "well, given what they know now they're just going to throw the fake Baron into a prison cell whether they think he's the real one or not, surely?"

GM says, "Erich wants to go to the school to check on his sister, Franziska. Also to check on Andre-Nicolas, who is probably in even more trouble now than before."

GM says, "And Nicolette thinks she can talk Chevalier out of his plans."

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Why would they do that?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "sure, we need to free up some follower slots"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "well, Nicolette is obviously deluded, so we can ignore her"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "But Nicolette's an idiot, of course."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "but we might as well leave her in town anyway"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Timing."

[Helvetica] GM says, "She's kind of naive."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Hey, since Gert's got her ring, can Nicky spy for us?"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "She goes into Helvetica, sees what's going on, and passes Gert notes while we're out at du Sices' place?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "She can track your positions. That's about all."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hmm"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "I forget, do we know about the letter that the school instructor gave to Hans?"

[Helvetica] GM says (to Hans), "She's not good enough to Bring objects to her. And even if she were, she has no way of getting objects to you."

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "I mean, we know he wrote it, but do we know what it said?"

[Helvetica] Hans asks (of Arvid), "Didn't you read it?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I thought that was the letter about the letters."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "there were a lot of notes, I kind of lost track"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "yes, we read it"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ok, so maybe we should go and beat that guy up"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "The one that sent us after du Sices in the first place."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Ha ha."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I am good with that."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "it said that one letter is destroyed, presumably by Albert himself"

[Helvetica] GM says (to Arvid), "you do. Well, you think you do ... you only have Hans's word (though it's an Eisen word) that it's the same letter ... and your own recognition of Albert des Amis's handwriting."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "or Elena"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "that's good enough for me"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "if it turns out we beat up the wrong guy we can apologize later"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Yeah, if a PC can't take rash action based on a possible misconception that later leads to a dramatic revelation, then what's the point of *being* a PC?"

Arvid says, "well, it seems as though a survey trip into town is indicated"

GM asks, "What about Stefan Kramer and the Baron?"

Cat says, "indeed"

Cat says, "presumably in disguise"

Arvid asks, "should we stop by the monastery first?"

Cat says, "the monastery no longer counts as a safe haven, I think"

Hans asks (of Baron), "Do you think you could organize your resistance movement better from within the town or from the monastery?"

Cat says, "that was one of the last things we mentioned before the Squelch of Evil"

(From GM) The Baron says, "From the monastery, I think."

Gert exclaims, "To the monastery, then!"

Hans says, "I'm sure Cujo can help keep an eye on Kramer there as well."

Hans says, "And maybe Stefan can help them tend their pea plants or somesuch."

Cat says, "if we're going to pay a visit to Galahad we should probably do so after nightfall, I think"

(From GM) Stefan says, "whatwhat? I don't need an eye on me! Can we go somewhere else?"

Cat says, "too many people around town to recognise us"

Hans asks (of Stefan), "What do you have against the monastery?"

Gert says, "I hope that monk dude is doing better."

Hans exclaims (at Cat), "I could disguise myself!"

(From GM) Stefan says, "It's full of MONKS."

Hans says (to Stefan), "They may be Vaticine, but I have met several of them, and they seem to be reasonably nice fellows despite that."

(From GM) Stefan says, "They're probably hand-in-glove with the Inquisition!"

Arvid says, "well, we can disguise you too"

Cat says, "ooh, we could all wear monk robes"

Hans asks, "Is Etienne hand-in-glove with the Inquisition?"

Cat says, "that is a disguise with which absolutely nothing could possibly go wrong"

GM says, "There's rustling in the undergrowth, coming closer."

Hans says, "Oh, not again."

Gert charges into the undergrowth and pounces.

Cat reaches for her musket

GM says (to Gert), "You come face-to-face with an enormous wolf, all slavering fangs and claws."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Oh, by the way, at what point am I allowed to take Exploit Weakness: Montaigne Fop-Fighting?"

Arvid says, "perhaps we should hold our discussions in the bushes and let our observers stand out here where we can see them"

Hans says, "Phew."

GM says (to Gert), "though curiously it's wearing a collar with a little keg attached to it."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "everybody gets that knack for free"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "oh ho ho"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Cujo?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I guess that is Etienne's project"

Hans asks, "Woof?"

Gert exclaims (at wolf), "Down! Sit!"

Gert also pulls out her axe.

(From GM) Wolf growls. There's louder blundering coming your way through the bushes.

GM says, "And this time it's Guy Heimlich."

Gert growls back at the wolf.

Gert asks, "Guy! Is this your wolf?"

Hans says, "Ah, you're late."

(From GM) Guy shouts, "Cujo! Slow down, ye mangy -- oh, you lot."

Hans asks, "What are you doing with Cujo?"

Cat says, "Looking for love, no doubt."

(From GM) Guy thwacks the wolf on the head with a stick. "Mind yer own business."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Oops. AFK a few."

Gert asks, "Cujo! That's... where did you get him?"

[Helvetica] Cat asks, "wait, is Cujo actually a wolf?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I thought it was an Alasation that was actually a St. Bernard or the other way around"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "No."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "He's a german shepherd, I think."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Probably a rather big one."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Er, I mean, you are right."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Guy seems to be misinformed."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Also, if there's an opportunity to dunk him in another body of water, consider Hans helping."

[Helvetica] GM says, "In real world, a St-Bernard."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "perhaps Guy is Etienne in disguise"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "and this is Cujo in disguise"

(From GM) Guy says, "What? The Schaedelbrecher is *covered* with wolves. Why can't I have one?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "they are both werejerks"

Gert asks, "Well, sure, but why call him Cujo?"

Gert says, "I thought that name was taken."

(From GM) Guy says, "Yeah? Should I care?"

Gert says, "It's just weird."

Cat asks (of Arvid), "you're a linguist. What does Cujo mean?"

Arvid says, "canine with a barrel around its next, I guess"

Arvid says, "er, neck"

Arvid asks, "where'd you get the collar, then?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "'Cujo' was the nom-de-guerre of some famous bandit named Wolfe."

Gert asks, "What's the barrel for, anyway?"

(From GM) Guy says, "Eh? The collar? Picked it up from the rubbish behind the monastery. Why, you want it?"

Gert says, "No, I'm involved in too many stories already."

Arvid says, "interesting"

Cat tries to get a closer look at the collar

(From GM) Guy says, "Then maybe you want to skip town. With the ponces from down west marching in, I thought you'd have stayed well clear. Guess you're not that smart."

GM says (to Cat), "It looks a little tight, but in pretty good condition."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I assume it looks like the collar we saw Cujo wearing with Etienne"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Back."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "So this is an actual wolf, and does not particularly resemble the Cujo we met earlier with Etienne?"

[Helvetica] GM says (to Hans), "right."

[Helvetica] GM says (to Arvid), "and yes."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "he says he found the collar in the trash pile behind the monastery"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "which seems like it doesn't bode well for Etienne"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "And does Cat's inspection suggest that it is Cujo's collar?"

[Helvetica] Arvid exclaims, "but I guess we can go to the monastery and find out!"

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "Good point!"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "But should we throw Guy in the pond first?"

GM says (to Cat), "There's no indication as to why anyone would throw it out, in case you're wondering."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "well, I guess he could have been lying about finding it there and actually stolen it"

Hans says, "I believe I missed the point here where you explained why you wanted a wolf."

[Crows-Nest] Cat asks, "dammit, man, out with it! Are you a significant plot thread or just local flavour?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "in which case maybe you should throw him in the pond just in case"

(From GM) Guy says to Hans, "because I felt like it."

Hans says, "You are a man of strange and unhealthy moods."

[Setting the zoned flag.]

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Theory: it's a magic collar that turns people into canines."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(Called Cujo.)"

GM says, "Meanwhile, the wolf has been sniffing around the edge of the puddle of Porte blood from when Azelma (assuming it was her) Ported out."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "worth a shot! let's get it off"

[Helvetica] Cat asks, "Gert's the Animal Handler here, right?"

Arvid says, "oh yeah, there's some more blood for your collection"

Arvid says, "I don't suppose you can tell if it's the same as the last one"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I believe so."

Cat says, "Gert, see if you can get him to come to you while I get the collar off."

(From GM) Guy elbows people out of his way as he goes up to the puddle with a glass jar. "'course it's the same. Same universe, innit?"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Uh, sure."

Hans asks, "Is it?"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "I don't think it's a magic collar, though."

Hans says, "I have never been so certain about Montaignes."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I didn't say it was a *likely* theory."

Arvid says, "...I guess that's hard to argue with"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "You really want me to take a collar off a slavering wolf? I suppose you *are* my finacee."

(From GM) Guy begins filling his jar.

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Cat wants you to take it off! I am just interested in watching."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(Double entendre: fully intended.)"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Ha ha ha"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Actually, I think we should leave well enough alone, but I will try if everyone wants."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I am fine either way."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Trying to remove its collar has the potential ancillary beneft of getting us into a fight with a wolf."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I am all for meddling"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "And I have not been in a fight since last session."

[Helvetica] Gert exclaims, "True enough!"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "and getting to throw Guy in the pond"

Gert. o O (That poor wolf does not need that collar on it.)

Hans says (to Gert), "If it gives you any trouble, I'll slap it about for you."

Hans pats his sword.

[Helvetica] Cat says, "yeah, we've met Guy three times now and only thrown him in the lake once"

[Helvetica] GM says, "If you're trying to take off the collar, I'd say it's Finesse+Animal Handling."

Gert tries to take off the collar.

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Wits?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "this is not a good ratio"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Ah, finesse."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "er, hang on a sec while I look this up..."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "New game show: Are You Smarter Than A Feral Canine?"

[7thsea] Gert rolls 4k3: 3 1 9 1 | 13

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

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Is 18 enough or do I need a drama die?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(I hope there's a nice consolation prize lined up...)"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "mmm, scronchy fingers"

[Helvetica] GM says, "18 will get it off, but the wolf's going to snap at you as you do. You'll need a 20 to get away without being bitten."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "the consolation prize is gettign to keep many of your fingers"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Can I interject to deflect the snapping?"

[Helvetica] GM says (to Hans), "sure."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "How would I roll that?"

[Helvetica] GM asks, "What are you doing?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Slapping it away with my gauntlet."

[Helvetica] GM asks, "Ah. Attack (Panzerhand) maybe?"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Should I use the actual Attack knack or the Parry knack?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "oh dear. Gert loves all the creatures of the forest; Hans punches them in the face"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(Since I'm not trying to hurt it.)"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Ooh, Parry, definitely."

[7thsea] Hans rolls 6k3: 1 9 2 3 6 9 | 24

Hans swats the wolf's jaws away when it tries to lunge. "Bad dog! No!"

(From GM) The wolf, "Cujo" snaps at Gert as she removes its collar, but gets deflected by a well-timed gauntlet from Hans.

Gert exclaims, "Aiee!"

(From GM) Guy barely looks up, just snarls at the wolf to "shaddap".

Hans says (to Guy), "Your wolf is very poorly trained, sir."

GM says (to Gert), "You now have the collar with the attached keg. There's some sloshing inside ... you'd judge it to be about two-thirds full."

(From GM) Guy says, "whaddaya expect? He's a *wolf*."

Cat leans in, pops open the keg, and sniffs

Gert shrugs, and heads off towards the monastery before looking inside the keg.

Gert exclaims (at Cat), "Hang on!"

Cat says, "I'm bewildered at what could possibly be so nasty that Guy wouldn't drink it."

GM says, "The NPCs all seem rather glad to get away from Guy and his pet wolf."

GM says, "You get to the monastery without further incident (unless you want one)"

Hans says, "That is a surprisingly popular stretch of road there."

Gert does indeed examine the keg along the way.

Hans says, "Perhaps there should be a signpost."

Cat says, "Bastard's Corner."

GM says, "The contents of the keg smell ... well, rather strongly medicinal. Not quite the warm, spicy brew that the monastery is known for."

Arvid says, "perhaps it spoiled, and that's why they threw it out"

Cat asks, "Urgh. Kramer, what do you make of this?"

[Crows-Nest] (from Hans) Kramer says, "I could make an ointment, or perhaps a salad dressing, or maybe some kind of paint base..."

(From GM) Stefan peers into the keg, sniffs, frowns, shrugs. "I think it smells like patchouli drowned in rubbing alcohol."

(From GM) Stefan passes to keg to Arvid.

Hans says, "I had a second cousin who used to drink that."

Arvid says, "...tastes like it, too"

Hans says, "Died at twenty-six."

Arvid says, "...oh"

Arvid exclaims, "well, I'm ahead of the game already!"

[Helvetica] GM says, "whoa, is Arvid actually *tasting* it?""

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "yes"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Apparently so."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "we must be bold and daring when alcohol is involved"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "oh dear"

[Helvetica] GM asks, "How much is Arvid swallowing?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I dunno, a sip? Stefan said it was gross, so probably not too much"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "this is going to turn out to be this campaign's equivalent of the Girdle of Masculinity/Femininity"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "a magic item put in there by the GM solely to see if the PCs are dumb enough to use it without identifying it first"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Oooookay........"

[Helvetica] Hans | [Helvetica] Hans asks, "Yeah, if a PC can't take rash action based on a possible misconception that later leads to a dramatic revelation, then what's the point of *being* a PC?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "...seems to be relevant here."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "It is possible that our trip to the monastery will involve asking if anyone there is a Doctor, and if they know how to Cure Poison."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hee hee"

GM says (to Arvid), "that little bit you swallowed burns as its goes down, then turns oddly warm and comfortable round about your chest region."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "oh my god, it's.... BOOZE"

GM says (to Arvid), "then your bones all start to ache."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "Andre might have invented a stomach pump but I'm not sure I'd trust it"

Arvid winces

[Helvetica] Cat says, "yeah, it pumps out your stomach, liver, kidneys, intestines..."

GM says (to Arvid), "It feels like you're sprouting beard. (Actually, you are)"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Not to worry. Worst case scenario, he's been working on a new printing press that he could transplant you into."

Arvid says, "I think this is an acquired taste I'd rather not -- hey, wait a minute"

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "'sprouting beard'?"

Hans frowns.

Arvid scratches his chin

GM sets Arvid's inhibitions to zero.

GM sets Arvid's conscience to Non-existant.

Hans says, "I must say, I am glad it wasn't Cat or Gert who tried that."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha ha"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "oh man"

[Helvetica] Gert says (to Hans), "I thought you said you liked to watch."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "hello there Mr. Hyde"

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "I was referring to the facial hair!"

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Cat), "Ha ha."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "and of *course* it's the real Cujo"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Ha ha ha."

GM sets Arvid's Hero status to Villain.

[Helvetica] Hans says, "And now we've taken away his one identifying feature."

Arvid falls dizzily to his knees

GM says, "Arvid no longer looks at all like Arvid, by the way."

Hans asks (of Arvid), "Are you alright?"

Arvid asks, "rr?"

Hans waves his hand in front of Arvid's face. "Hello?"

[Helvetica] GM throws Arvid a consolatary drama die and hopes he doesn't need to use it just yet.

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

Arvid thrashes around on the ground

Gert asks (of Arvid), "Woah, are you OK?"

Hans says, "We had better get him to the monastery, quickly."

Hans says, "And hope that someone there knows what is in this keg."

[Helvetica] Arvid revises his theory about Etienne's project

Gert picks up Arvid and carries him the rest of the way to the monastery.

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Oh, is this the one that was in your backstory?"

Cat asks, "Uh, what do you do when someone's having fits? Tie them down? Uh, something about swallowing tongues?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "no, just the thing he was disappearing into the woods to do"

Hans says (to Cat), "Slapping them sometimes helps."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "it's a good thing the character with a low Brawn score drank this, is all I can say"

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "Quite so!"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Otherwise we'd finally get to see whether Gert or Hans is better in a fight."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha more"

[Helvetica] GM says (to Arvid), "Also, your Arcana is now 'Overconfident'."

[Helvetica] Cat exclaims (at Arvid), "join the club!"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "I assume I am pretty hairy at this point -- can I still talk coherently?"

[Helvetica] GM says (to Arvid), "Yes. You should be feeling perfectly normal by about now."

[Helvetica] Hans asks (of GM), "'Better than ever'?"

Arvid exclaims (at Gert), "I'm fine, I'm fine! Put me down!"

Arvid kicks Gert's shins

Gert exclaims (at Arvid), "You don't *look* fine!"

[Helvetica] GM says (to Hans), "in the sense that guilt no longer affects him? Yeah."

Hans exclaims (at Arvid), "You don't *look* fine!"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[Helvetica] (from Arvid) Gert says (to Hans) "let's go out"

Gert exclaims (at Hans), "Jinx! Buy me an ale!"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Well, I meant that he felt different in some way."

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Arvid), "Ha ha."

Hans exclaims (at Gert), "I always buy you an ale!"

Cat asks, "Why is a wolf running around with hair tonic around its neck?"

Gert says, "Hmm, true. Buy me something pretty, then."

Hans asks, "Like two ales?"

Gert says (to Arvid), "We're going to see Etienne."

Arvid says, "it's true I may have suffered a small amount of additional facial hair here and there but this is no reason to deny me the ability to walk around"

GM says, "It's not just the hair. Facial features are different. So is build."

Hans asks (of Arvid), "Have you seen your nose lately?"

Cat exclaims, "You look like a woodwose!"

GM says, "He looks a little more classically Vestenmannavnjar. Only really ugly."

Arvid asks (of Hans), "how am I supposed to have done that??"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Ha ha, I forgot he was Vesten."

Hans says, "And I do not believe you had most of those warts before."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Vendel. At least, at the start of the session..."

[Helvetica] GM says (to Arvid), "and whatever life you've led until just before drinking that stuff, it's sort of hazy. Like it all happened while you were drunk."

Cat says, "Let's just get him to the monastery as fast as we can. He doesn't look well."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "So again, not much change."

Arvid thrashes around some more and then grumpily gives up

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hee hee"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "ba-doom-tish"

GM says, "You're now at the monastery."

Hans knocks at Etienne's door.

GM says, "The monks are all going about their business as best they can."

GM says (to Hans), "there is no answer."

Hans asks (of Random Monk), "Is Brother Etienne near?"

(From GM) Brother Random says, "I haven't seen him since Matins last night.

Gert says, "Man, what, *again*"

Cat says, "Our friend has been poisoned! I'm no doctor, but I think what's required is purging"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "noooo"

Hans asks, "Is that another Vaticine practice?"

(From GM) Brother Random says, "I blame the dogs, personally. Brother Etienne was fine until we got to the end of the breeding experiment and declared it finished and successful."

Cat says (to Hans), "well, doubtless *some* people do it for fun"

Hans asks, "And then?"

(From GM) Brother Random says, "Some of the older brothers say he used to go into these moods where he would insist on locking himself away in a laboratory brewing Theus-knows-what...."

Cat looks for a medicine-chest to ransack

Gert asks, "Where's the laboratory?"

Hans says, "Maybe we need to look in his laboratory."

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "When did Guy first appear?"

Hans says, "This poison may have been a result of one of those failed experiments."

(From GM) Brother Random says, "Be my guest. I don't think anyone's been in there since he was convinced to apply his expertise to breeding dogs.

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Oog."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "when we returned from our second rescue"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "in a tavern brawl when we got back from montaigne"

[Helvetica] Hans says (to lps), "By the way, Act 15 isn't linked from /helvetica/"

(From GM) Brother Random points out the laboratory door.

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I wonder if Porte blood is an ingredient"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "of the antidote or of the original potion"

Cat tries the door

GM says (to Cat), "locked."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "It appears that Act 9 was both when Etienne was missing and Guy first appeared."

Cat says, "Hans? Be my guest."

Hans nods.

Hans picks the lock with his sword.

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "oho"

[7thsea] Hans rolls 6k2: 1 1 2 7 9 5 | 16

[Helvetica] GM gives Hans a drama die

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Yay."

[7thsea] GM rolls 4k4: 5 2 10+4 2 | 23

GM says, "The door splinters a bit, but remains standing."

Cat asks, "Maybe we can climb in through the window?"

Cat says, "Or you could put him down and let him pick the lock."

Hans says, "Or I could just try again."

Arvid exclaims, "good idea! lemme at it!"

[7thsea] Hans rolls 7k2: 8 3 4 4 9 3 2 | 17

[7thsea] GM rolls 4k4: 8 5 3 6 | 22

Gert, still holding Arvid, sighs, and kicks the door.

GM says, "This time the door cracks dramatically."

[7thsea] Gert rolls 4k4: 8 8 6 9 | 31

[7thsea] Hans asks, "Was that a damage roll?"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "That was straight Brawn for me."

[7thsea] Hans says, "I think kicking would be Unarmed."

[Helvetica] GM says, "damage from a blunt object like a boot would be k1"

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Oh, we're doing Attacks?"

Arvid exclaims, "lemme at it! lemme at it!"

Hans says (to Gert), "Your hands are full. Allow me."

[7thsea] Hans rolls 7k2: 7 2 1 3 10+2 5 6 | 19

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I think you're just rolling straight damage, as if you auto-hit"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "I thought he was trying to be sneaky."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Can you take raises against inanimate objects?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "But the one dramatic wou- crack is enough to reveal the inside of the laboratory."

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Gert), "Oh, not at all."

[7thsea] GM rolls 4k4: 4 7 1 4 | 16

GM says, "And now the door caves in."

Hans says, "Third time is the charm."

Hans says, "We can bill the damages against the wedding."

Hans asks, "Right! So what do we do now?"

GM says, "The laboratory is quite dusty in places, but there is one workbench that has clearly been used fairly recently."

[Crows-Nest] Cat says, "c'mon, where's the confession journal"

GM says, "Things are laid out neatly on it. A notebook --"

Cat says, "yoink"

Hans asks, "Is that a Cymry word?"

GM says, "There's a jar full of woodchips. Clearly blackwood, to anyone who knows it."

Cat pulls up a stool and starts reading aloud

Hans says, "Brother Etienne was experimenting with dangerous things."

GM says (to Cat), "The first few pages are full of theological discussions about the duality of the soul and about good and evil natures existing within a person."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Hmm. Did we ever find out *why* someone had made an entire wardrobe out of blackwood and then shipped it to du Sices?"

Cat says, "hair tonic, hair tonic... why doesn't this thing have an index"

Cat says, "I mean, I can see why he'd want some, what with the tonsure"

GM says, "(er, before I forget, there is a back entry that can be locked and barred from this side. It is locked, but not barred.)"

Hans says, "Is it safe to put Arvid down? If he begins to have a fit, he could easily hurt himself in here."

Arvid aims at kick at a dust-cover alembic

Gert asks (of Arvid), "Man, what's gotten into you?"

Arvid exclaims, "put me down, curse you!"

Gert says, "Besides that vile concoction, I guess."

GM says (to Cat), "There's a brief account of Lucille and the blackwood wardrobe, and some rambling about the transformation of this 'sweet angel' into a 'horrific vampyre'."

GM says (to Cat), "and then he gets down to the business of brewing a potion out of blackwood."

Cat says, "aha, here we go"

[Crows-Nest] Cat says, "(it is at this point that we here a heavy footfall outside)"

[Crows-Nest] GM exclaims, "If you want!"

GM says, "At this moment, you hear a heavy footfall outside."

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

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "uh oh, it's a fat monk"

Hans exclaims, "Ah! Perhaps Etienne has returned!"

Cat says, "my, the handwriting deteriorates just here"

Cat says, "and his vocabulary expands rather"

GM says (to Cat), "yep. Then a few pages later it gets better again."

Hans asks (of Cat), "Does it say anything about an antidote?"

GM says (to Cat), "yep. Then a few pages later it gets worse again."

Gert says, "Hmm."

Gert asks, "Hans, you don't remember any sort of forest thing that's the opposite of blackwood, do you?"

GM says, "The journal does mention a supply of antidote kept in a safe place just beside the back exit."

[Crows-Nest] Cat says, "Translated from the Church Thean, it says "Argh! Drink! Arse! Feck!""

Gert says, "Oh, well, there we go."

Gert goes to unlock the back door.

GM says, "Meanwhile, Pedro is peeking in at the door to the hall."

Cat says, "Um, Gert, you might want to get a tighter grip on Arvid -"

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

Gert says, "Wait, maybe it meant on this side of the exit."

Arvid exclaims (at Pedro), "hey! ugly! what are you doing looking at me!"

Gert exclaims, "Hi, Pegro!"

Gert says, "Er, Pedro."

Gert says (to Arvid), "Hush, you."

Gert says, "Cat! Find that antidote."

[Crows-Nest] Hans asks, "Hey, if we give this potion to a villain, will he turn good?"

GM says, "Pedro lumbers in, looks curiously at 'Arvid'."

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

Gert says (to Pedro), "He's not feeling well."

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "awesome"

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "good 'n hairy"

Arvid crosses his eyes and sticks out his tongue at Pedro

Hans asks (of Pedro), "Have you seen a bottle labelled 'antidote' around here?"

GM says, "There are several cabinets lining the wall by the back exit. In one of them is a collection of stoppered vials."

Cat goes over to try and match labels to notes

GM says, "Pedro shakes his head."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I notice that none of us are asking him, 'hey, what are *you* doing around here?', possibly because that question would apply equally well to us."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

Hans says, "We could give him all of them."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha more"

Cat says, "*One* of these has to be a purgative."

GM says, "The vials are all identical."

Cat exclaims, "Well, let's assume they're all the same thing, then!"

Cat asks, "Who wants to hold his mouth open?"

Hans exclaims, "Why not!"

Hans uses both hands.

Gert gets a better grip.

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I am surprised Arvid has not, in the whole time Gert has been holding him, gone for a good grope or two."

Gert exclaims, "Don't forget to plug his nose!"

Arvid says, "hey -- ahh! -- leggo me! -- GLUMPF"

Cat pours.

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I decided to make this a G-rated fit"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Hee"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "In other words, he groped but did not tell."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "probably I know dirtier language than I was using, too"

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

Arvid's eyes roll back in his head

[Crows-Nest] Hans says, "He probably stopped the third time Gert thumped him for it."

GM says (to Divra), "This stuff feels warm and fuzzy going down, then starts to make you feel nauseous."

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

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "Ah, it *is* a purgative!"

GM says (to Divra), "There's that bone-achey feeling again."

Arvid's face goes lightly green, but it's hard to tell under the hair

GM sets Divra's inhibitions to Normal.

GM restores Divra's conscience.

GM sets Divra's Arcana to Victorious.

Gert says, "Ack, you're shedding."

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "(what did I miss?)"

[Crows-Nest] Gert asks, "the hair?"

[Crows-Nest] Cat says, "also, Hero/Villain"

Hans exclaims, "It's happening again! He's getting ugly!"

GM sets Divra's Villain status to Hero.

Arvid says, "urp .. I think I'm going to .."

Cat dodges

GM says (to Arvid), "the sprouting thing happens in reverse."

Arvid vomits (mostly) into a convenient nearby basin

Gert gently sets Arvid down again.

[Helvetica] GM says, "One wonders why that basin was placed in such a convenient location."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Ha ha."

Cat roots around for medicinal brandy

Arvid looks around. "What are we doing here? Wasn't I just?"

Arvid topples over to the floor and begins snoring

[Crows-Nest] Hans says (to Cat), "Here's some. Well, it smells medicinal, anyway. A bit like patchouli..."

GM says (to Arvid), "the events of the past half-hour or so now seem like a dream."

Cat says, "Here, have some medicinal... two-day old stale red wine."

Cat says, "Think of it as well-breathed."

Gert says, "OK, I think we should get rid of this blackwood potion."

Gert says, "but I'm not sure how, exactly."

[Crows-Nest] Hans says, "I wonder what pocket dimension the Baron, Erich, Nicolette, et al. have been in all this time."

Cat exclaims, "but the dabbling!"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "there must be something interesting to do with it"

Gert asks (of Pedro), "By the way, what are you here for?"

Cat exclaims, "With the powers we don't understand!"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "you can slip it into Chevalier's brandy"

[Helvetica] GM says, "the NPC followers have remained upstairs in the cloister."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "then he would be the same except hairy"

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says (to Hans), "maybe you dropped them off at the monastery entrance"

Hans says (to Gert), "If we pour it out on the ground, it'll probably just make blackwood berry bushes grow there."

[Crows-Nest] Gert says, "They went off to install Stefan somewhere."

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

[Helvetica] GM also tosses Arvid a drama die

Gert says, "Yeah, hmm."

Gert asks, "Burn it? Boil it off?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "yay"

Hans says, "That seems promising. Unless the steam..."

Cat says, "Yes, the vapours would probably..."

(From GM) Pedro grunts a little then says (his voice is very thin and high and whistly, like someone once slit his throat and didn't bother stitching it back together again) "sanctuary."

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "He talks!"

Hans blinks.

Cat asks (of Pedro), "Where is Trujillo?"

Gert says, "The sanctuary? I think it's down the hall, second left."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

(From GM) Pedro frowns and points back in the direction of the school.

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Um. So if he's Quasimodo as well, does that mean he'll be falling in love with Elena/Azelma?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "maybe Trujillo sent Pedro here to get help"

Cat asks, "Here - can you write?"

Cat hands him the notebook

Hans asks, "You're trying to get away from the Montaigne soldiers?"

Cat says, "...er, actually, I'd better have that back"

GM says, "Pedro has a surprisingly elegant copperplate script."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "hello Mr. Frankenstein, have Dr. Jekyll's notes"

GM says, "(er, which you won't see much of if you take the notebook back immediately.)"

Cat says, "(I'll let him write replies in it for now)"

Cat asks, "Why do you need to seek sanctuary?"

Gert says, "Oh, *seek* sanctuary! Yeah, that makes more sense."

(From GM) Pedro writes, "Well, my dear 'master' has seen fit to accuse me of the murder of Professor Bergen, and I thought it prudent to seek sanctuary with the monks."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "whoah"

Cat asks, "Have you any idea who *did* kill Bergen?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "he's all coherent and stuff"

Cat asks, "Was it Trujillo?"

Hans says, "Mmm. This does seem like a good place for the accused murderers of Professor Bergen to be for the time being. Keep them all in one spot."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

(From GM) Pedro writes, "Sanctuary being a tradition that one hopes is still kept up in spite of recent events. Yes, of course 'Trujillo' killed Bergen. Pardon my use of the inverted commas -- that is not his name."

Hans asks (of Pedro), "What is his name?"

(From GM) Pedro writes, "I doubt he has a proper name. I suppose it should be Pedro, that being the name I took when I started on this foolish business."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha ha"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "oh, man, I really hope Trujillo is a construct of Pedro's"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "That would be awesome."

[Helvetica] GM says (to Arvid), "bingo"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha awesome"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "yay"

Hans asks, "This business?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "now he has a whole school full of girls to throw in the river"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I am wondering why he let Trujillo treat him as a servant."

(From GM) Pedro writes, "I created him to take my place in the lecture halls. In case you have not noticed, I do not look much like one's idea of a credible man of science, and my experiences with the Castille-Montaigne war have not helped."

(From GM) Pedro writes, "Also, injuries sustained to my throat during one battle have made it somewhat impractical to lecture for more than, oh, two seconds at a time."

Gert asks, "You created him and didn't give him a name?"

Hans asks, "He is a machine? Like Morgana, or like Antoinette's fighting armor?"

(From GM) Pedro writes, "I let the world call him 'Agustin Trujillo'. That's my name."

Cat points at Arvid. "That's what a credible man of science looks like. You're honestly not that much worse off."

Cat says, "True, normally he doesn't have quite so much sick down his chin."

Arvid is sitting up holding his head in his hands now.

Arvid mumbles "the trick is to get tenure first"

(From GM) Pedro writes, "He is a meat puppet. Stitched together from various cadavers -- I was lucky to find a good head for him -- and reanimated ... I would show you my notes, but *he* has them."

Cat asks, "Could he be repeating the experiment?"

Hans says, "If you are able to perform such miracles of surgery, I am surprised you could not repair your own injuries."

(From GM) Pedro writes, "I believe he certainly is."

Cat asks, "Oh, and how did you come to be by the waterfall?"

Hans asks, "Is he the one who stole the corpse from the crypt?"

(From GM) Pedro writes, "Senor Kleinberg, when was the last time you tried to be your own barber and cut the hair at the back of your head?"

Hans asks, "Is that a philosophical question?"

Cat says, "Last week. With a sword."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hmm yeah"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "I guess maybe he's trying to make himself a bride, right?"

Hans asks, "Like the one about the barber who doesn't shave anyone who shaves anyone who isn't a barber?"

Hans says, "I was never very good at those."

(From GM) Pedro writes, "He or Professor Bergen, one of the two, stole the body of Frau Schlegel."

Gert says, "Good grief."

Gert asks, "Does he have an 'off' switch?"

Cat says (to Gert), "most people do if you press hard enough"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "was Bergen the one who got thrown out the window?"

(From GM) Pedro writes, "An 'off' switch? I should remember to install something like that if I ever try this again."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "yes"

[Helvetica] GM says, "yes"

Hans asks, "But is he a person?"

Hans asks, "Like Morgana? Or is he just a thing, like Lucy became?"

Cat says, "Well, he's capable of teaching classes"

Cat says, "so that's maybe an even chance"

(From GM) Pedro writes, "As Bergen is now dead, I can only assume that the body of Frau Schlegel must be very close to reanimation, and that HE no longer needs Bergen's medical expertise. Following the next lightning storm, you should expect to find him gone, along with whatever he's chosen to call his wife."

Cat says, "oh boy"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Did he ever answer the question of how he came to be right where Elena said he would, at just that time?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "No he didn't."

Hans says, "Hmm."

Cat asks, "Arvid, you're a natural philosopher. Can you predict the weather by how swallows fly and so forth?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "there were a lot of questions coming at him."

Hans says, "Normally, I would say 'so long as they are happy and out of our way'."

Hans says, "But if he did kill Professor Bergen, then it is not so simple."

Arvid stands up, leaning on a cabinet for support.

Cat says (to Pedro), "What is the proof that he is a construct? He could spin us the same story."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Do we know any sailors? They've got a Weather knack..."

Hans asks, "Wait -- how did Elena know where you would appear, and when?"

Arvid says, "weather prediction is not a very well-understood science at this point, but if we are intending to go into the city soon anyway, then presumably we would deal with 'Pedro' before then"

Cat says, "it feels as if we need a grocery list"

(From GM) Pedro writes, "Watch him when he sleeps. He shuts down and does not require breath."

Hans says, "That is disturbing."

Gert says, "Hey, an off switch."

[Helvetica] GM says, "technically, a 'sleep' switch."

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

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "you just wiggle the mouse and he wakes up again"

Cat asks, "confront the animate monstrosity, ascertain the status of Morgana, notify the staff of the Baron's return, ferret out any collaborators, tuck the children into bed... am I missing anything?"

Hans asks, "The letter?"

Arvid says, "deal with Elena, if we can find her"

Cat says, "the letter in *this* town has been destroyed by des Amis"

(From GM) Pedro writes, "Morgana is easy enough to find. She is here in the monastery."

Cat asks, "Indeed?"

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "He's still avoiding the question!"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

Arvid asks, "how did she get here?"

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Who's Morgana, again?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Or he didn't hear me re-ask it."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "the talking head"

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Gert), "The Fate Witch Brain Inna Checkerboard."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Oh, right, the game-playing witch."

Cat locks eyes. "Pedro. This is very important. What deal did you have with Elena?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "don't make me bust out Resolve on yo' ass"

(From GM) Pedro writes "I am not the only person to have sought sanctuary here. Young Senor Valois came as well, though he has gone away again; Senor Locksley is here too."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "just because he's hard-done-by doesn't make him not a dirty spy"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "(oh yeah, Galahad)"

Hans asks, "Why does Andrew need sanctuary?"

Arvid asks, "Andre was here? did he bring any .. inventions?"

[Helvetica] Cat exclaims, "double-assist on the Pedro's Weasel Out Of Question check!"

[Crows-Nest] Hans asks (of Erich), "You were supposed to be watching him! What were you doing traipsing off to watch a wedding that never happened?!?"

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

(From GM) Pedro writes "As for Elena, I have no deals with her. I understand there was some prediction or other about people showing up where I did, at the waterfall. I assure you that was a mere coincidence. I believe there was another man who left very shortly before I got there; perhaps you should question him."

Hans asks, "Who was that?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hunh"

Arvid says, "probably Elena's brother again"

Gert says, "Raoul, I'd bet you."

Hans asks, "Hmm. And it was Camilla who was meant to meet him?"

Hans asks, "So what *was* Andre here for?"

(From GM) Pedro writes "Senor Valois brought Morgana and whatever he could cart along in the compartment under her table. I don't know anything about what was or was not intended with regards to the assignation at the waterfall."

Arvid says, "perhaps we should ask Morgana"

Cat says, "and I would like to speak to Galahad"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "and she'll say "he was here for three of spaces, six of cups, duh""

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "er, spades"

Cat asks, "first, though, what to do about this potion of evil?"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Curses, who gave her that pinochle deck?"

Cat says, "I would say that the Abbot would be the person to deal with it, except, um."

Gert says, "Pour it out in a blackwood forest, perhaps."

Cat asks, "Morally speaking, how much trouble does Etienne deserve to get into?"

Cat says (to Gert), "there's an idea"

(From GM) Pedro writes "I rather think Valois's presence here might be my fault. I had a little assistance coming here from one of the students, Franziska Schreiber, and he followed her."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(Oh, whoops, no threes in pinochle.)"

Cat says, "Guy is a rat, but... a venal rat, it seems."

[Crows-Nest] Gert says, "Too... many... people... brain... full..."

Hans says, "I hope that no one else has drunk any of it. The keg *was* only partway full."

Arvid says, "I thought she was supposed to keep *him* out of trouble"

[Crows-Nest] Hans says (to Gert), "http://inky.org/wiki/index.php?title=Helvetica_NPCs"

Gert says (to Cat), "Guy may be Etienne."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "well, it was around the neck of a wolf, so .."

(From GM) Pedro has run out of notepaper.

Hans asks (of Gert), "What?"

Gert says, "Well, maybe Cujo was really the same Cujo."

Gert says, "And, likewise, Guy was Etienne."

Cat says, "Guy is a nasty piece of work, but hardly pure evil. When Arvid drank the potion he became surly, but he didn't try to knife anyone..."

Cat says, "I think that Etienne hasn't finished refining the potion."

Gert says, "Well, anyway, I think the Abbott should indeed know."

Gert says, "He may be able to bless the remaining blackwood or something."

Hans says, "Right."

Cat says, "Yes. There's no other real way to prevent this happening again - blackwood is easily procured, I think"

Hans says, "You and I could go see him, while Cat looks for Sir Galahad."

Cat says, "Sounds like a plan."

Cat says, "And give the Abbot Guy's description."

Cat trots off to look for Galahad

Hans asks, "Should we give him the notebook as well?"

GM says (to Cat), "Sir Galahad Locksley is in one of the guest rooms."

Hans says, "Perhaps without this current conversation."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "dammit, someone grab that notebook back"

Cat asks, "Gally! Holding up in exile?"

Hans collects and disassembles it into 'evil notes on turning people evil. evilly' and 'Pedro's IM logs'.

Gert takes the blackwood chips and the potion and heads off to find the Abbott.

(From GM) Sir Galahad says, "My dear Cat! I'm holding up quite well, all things considered."

Gert pockets a couple vials of antidote, too.

Cat asks, "Don't suppose there's anything to drink in this place? Don't monks make mead or some such?"

(From GM) Sir Galahad waves to leg-in-cast. "The say I should be able to take this demmed thing off very soon now."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "It occurs to me that we've got a fair number of people in this story who are people other than the people they appear to be."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Which makes me think that there are probably more of them."

Arvid collects himself and goes along to Sir Galahad

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "well sure"

[Helvetica] Cat grabs Hans' ears and tugs

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "like Nicolette? really the arch-villain"

(From GM) Sir Galahad says, "Oh, I make sure to keep a bottle of good wine near at hand. Help yourself."

Cat says, "Don't mind if I do. Now, I'm told you had an aunt."

[Helvetica] Hans asks (of GM), "Are there any students at the school whose parents aren't actually known?"

(From GM) Sir Galahad says, "By the past-tense, I'm assuming you mean my dear sainted Aunt Annette."

Hans collects anything potion-related and heads off with Gert.

Cat asks, "Sainted, indeed?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Well, I never bothered talking about Andre-Nicolas's parents, but it's safe to assume they're among the exiled nobility in Wische."

Cat says, "She has an easy prose style, but her subject-matter..."

(From GM) Sir Galahad chuckles. "Well, hardly. She had stories that could make your hair curl. Or straighten, as the case may be."

[Helvetica] GM says, "I'd say the parents and/or guardians of all the students are pretty much known."

Cat asks, "And kept company with similarly esoteric interests, I think?"

(From GM) Sir Galahad says, "oh yes. She was a monster hunter, you know. Did quite a bit of tracking and observing and staking and all the rest of it until she caught pneumonia, poor thing."

Cat asks, "Who were these women, Galahad?"

[Helvetica] GM asks, "Wait, 'these women'?"

[Helvetica] GM asks, "which women?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I'm assuming that she's one of the Nine Mysterious Ladies"

[Helvetica] GM says, "er, you mean as in 'kept company with those of...' .... right."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "yeah, oops"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hmm, interesting, I hadn't thought of that"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I reread all the transcripts; it's amazing how much stuff jumps out in hindsight"

(From GM) Sir Galahad says, "I don't know a lot about the people she might have called 'friends'. I know she and old Brother Etienne used to be lovers, at least until she died and he decided to join the monastery. And she mentioned some of the other expatriate women in her letters, too...."

[Helvetica] GM asks, "such as...?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(Are we doing the encounter with the Abbot after this conversation is finished?)"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ok, surely that refs something"

[Helvetica] Hans asks (of Arvid), "You mean her and Etienne being loves?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "yeah"

Cat says, "Speaking of expats, Gally. Now would be a really good time for you to tell me the rest of what you know about du Sices."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Hmm."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "What's the aunt's name?"

Arvid says, "specifically, where she would have kept the letter renouncing claim to Helvetica"

(From GM) Sir Galahad says, "du Sices? She's in Vodacce, living it up with Prince Falisci."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "awesome"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "rule #1 of Helvetica: no character, no matter how incidental, has only one narrative role"

(From GM) Sir Galahad says, "I tell you this knowing that even if you were a spy for the Montaigne (which I seriously doubt, despite all rumours of your engagement to Chevalier) there's nothing the Montaigne could do about it."

Cat says, "Oh, did I tell you about how I kidnapped Chevalier? It was quite glorious."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

(From GM) Sir Galahad says, "Ah, now that is worth any number of broken legs."

Cat spins an only-slightly-exaggerated version

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "Annette Locksley"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "is the aunt, I find belatedly"

Cat says, "It would make quite a good folk-ballad, I believe."

(From GM) Sir Galahad says, "Oh pish, 'folk' ballads are meant to be old and tawdry. You want 'epic'."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "It occurs to me that we ought to start wondering what other roles *we* all secretly possess."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Without even realizing it."

GM asks, "Meanwhile, people are tell stuff to the Abbott?"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Will Gert and I end up stumbling across a house made of sausages in the woods?"

Cat says, "What? Folk-ballads are all about murder and broken promises and wicked elves and illicit rumpy-pumpy."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

Gert explains that Etienne, in a misguided attempt to purge his evil impulses, brewed a potion of blackwood that seems to do bad things to people, and asks how best to be rid of it.

Cat says, "And can you beat a beer-mug on the table in time to epic poetry? I dare you to try it."

[Helvetica] GM says, "Cat's banter amuses me too much to not award a drama die for it."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "hooray"

Hans says, "And we fear that he may even now be under the sway of those selfsame evil impulses."

Gert asks (of Abbott), "So, can you, like, bless it or something? Or can it be safely burned, or boiled off?"

(From GM) Sir Galahad says, "Is that a wager? I'll have an epic beer-mug-basher done by the morning."

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Gert), "So, do you still think it wasn't worth bothering to sneak the collar off of the wolf? :)"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

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

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "*I* thought it was worth it"

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Arvid), "Sure, it earned you two drama dice."

[Helvetica] Arvid exclaims, "exactly!"

Cat says, "Wish I could, Gal old pal, but I may have to give you a week. Duty calls, and all that."

(From GM) Abbott says, "Gah, that seems like nasty stuff. I don't think a blessing would do any good. If it did, we'd have blessed the whole Schwarzenwalder long ago."

Arvid asks (of Galahad), "so what about her letters?"

Gert says, "Good point."

Gert asks, "Well, does it need to be taken back to the Schwarzenwalder and buried there or something?"

(From GM) Sir Galahad says, "Oh, she talked a bit about a Miss Kelly who taught Astronomy and managed to freeze herself to death one night ... there was a Signora Scardanelli from Vodacce who was meant to teach strategy but who supposedly had 'an unfair advantage

Hans asks, "Or do you believe burning it would be safe?"

(From GM) Sir Galahad says, "of some sort. Fatewitchery, no doubt."

Cat pats Arvid on the back. "Holding up all right?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Ah. Scardanelli."

(From GM) Abbott says, "Personally, I'd burn it or boil it to nothing."

(From GM) Abbott says, "Presumably the fumes are harmless."

Gert asks, "Sounds good to me. Do you guys have a roof we can safely burn things?"

[Helvetica] Hans wonders if Miss Kelly's first name was Alice.

(From GM) Abbott says, "There is an incinerator behind the wine cellars."

Hans says, "Thank you."

Gert says, "Sounds good."

[Helvetica] GM asks (of Hans), "it's her middle name. Why?"

Gert and Hans head down to the incinerator.

Gert gives Hans one of the antidotes.

Cat says, "Good to catch up with you, Gal. Regards to your lady."

Gert says, "In case the fumes get to me, you'll have to give me this."

Hans says, "When Brother Etienne returns, I would suggest having someone watch him, and to sound the alarm if he has a relapse."

(From GM) Sir Galahad frowns. "Yes. Justine...."

Hans says (to Gert), "Certainly, my dear."

Cat asks, "Mm? Trouble in the bedroom?"

Gert says, "I can always count on you, darling."

Hans says (to Gert), "If you feel it is wise for you to do the burning yourself."

Arvid stumbles a bit when Cat slaps him on the back

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Is there a fire going already?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

Hans says, "If not, I would be happy to do it for you."

Gert says, "Well, safer than *both* of us going hairy at once."

Hans says, "That is true."

[Crows-Nest] Cat says, "HULK VS. SHE-HULK"

[Helvetica] Hans says (to GM), "#belated Because of http://www.astronomytoday.com/astronomy/interview1.html"

(From GM) Sir Galahad says, "well, I've long suspected that *someone* close to me has been leaking information to the Montaignais authorities, resulting in the fiasco when we tried to extract the Pervenches and Sainte-Seraphine from Montaigne. And lately I've thought that this leak might have been my own wife."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Sainte-Seraphine?"

[Helvetica] GM says (to Gert), "no fire right now, but you could light one up easily."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "Arielle's parents, apparently"

[Helvetica] GM says (to Hans), "Arielle's father. don't worry about it."

Cat says, "Ouch. That *would* be -"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Hmm. I don't actually remember Arielle particularly."

[Helvetica] Hans says (to GM), "OK."

Cat asks, "Through her brother, you think?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "it appears her parents are dead and she tried to commit suicide"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hanging, I think"

Hans exclaims, "Ah, I see there is already a fire going!"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Was this around the same time we were dealing with Lucy?"

(From GM) Sir Galahad says, "Joseph? He was arrested yesterday night, apparently. If she wasn't a spy before, she'll certainly be one now, if Chevalier is thinking of holding him hostage."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "quite a bit more recent"

Gert lights a fire, stands back, and tosses in the blackwood chips first.

[Helvetica] Cat says, "she was going to be Raoul's wife until it turned out she was poor"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Oh dear."

Gert, assuming no untoward effects, then pours in a bit of the potion, steps back, then pours in a bit more after the first is gone, etc.

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "I guess she lucked out!"

Hans says, "It may be faster to throw it all in one go."

Hans says, "It should be quite flammable, with all the alcohol in it."

GM says, "The blackwood potion burns, leaving an acrid smell in the air. There are no unusual effects.""

Hans says, "And good riddance to it."

(From GM) Sir Galahad says, "In any case, between worrying about Justine and Joseph and Aunt Annette and the situation in town, this has hardly been a good holiday in any sense of the word, let me tell you."

Hans asks, "Now that that's done with, is there anything else we should take care of here?"

Hans says, "I assume the Baron and the others can manage their own affairs well enough without our help."

Gert says (to Hans,), "Well, there's nobody else around right now..."

Hans asks (of Gert), "Mmm?"

Cat says, "Toodle-pip, Gal. Always willing to help if you need it."

Gert gives Hans a big kiss.

Cat rejoins Hans and Gert

Hans says, "Oh my. Oh dear. Oh my."

(From GM) Sir Galahad laughs. "To help? If you could swing on down to Mont-Saint-Gabriyon and spring Joseph du Paix out of prison, that would be an enormous help."

Gert says, "Oh! Hi, Cat."

Hans says (to Gert), "We have got to finish this whole 'Montaigne invasion' matter quickly, so that we can have that wedding..."

Arvid says, "we'll look in on the way to the du Sices library"

Arvid follows Cat

Cat exclaims, "Smooth moves, Gertie!"

Gert whispers to Hans, "Thanks for being willing to knock me out and pour an antidote down my throat."

Hans says (to Gert), "Anything, for you."

Gert exclaims (at Cat), "No more potion, and no more blackwood!"

Hans asks, "Should we stop to talk to Morgana or Fraulein Schreiber before we go?"

Cat restrains several double-entendres with heroic effort

Cat says (to Hans), "Well, there's little more we can do to help Morgana until things are stable"

Cat says, "but she may have some enigmatic advice for us that will be totally unhelpful until it's too late"

Hans says, "I thought more she might be able to help us, by way of advice."

Hans says, "Yes, that sort."

Cat says (to Hans), "(aside) and next time, salute before you start kissing"

[Helvetica] GM asks, "so, visiting Morgana?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "sure"

[Helvetica] Hans asks (of Cat), "That usually comes aft-- wait, is that not one of the double entendres?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

GM says, "Morgana is all alone in a darkened workshop. She is sitting perfectly still. There are nine cards spread across the table in front of her."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "not a double-entendre at all! she just - ah, I'm sure you'll work it out"

Hans peers at the cards before asking any questions.

GM says, "The cards are face down except for #7 (the High Priestess) and #2 (the Queen of Swords)."

Cat asks, "Is the Queen of Swords Annette?"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Was the High Priestess the only face-up one before?"

GM says, "Morgana whirs for a moment, then turns the Queen of Swords face-down, and turns #8 (Strength) face-up."

[Helvetica] GM says, "yes"

Hans says (to Cat), "Or perhaps Truj-- Pedr-- er. The bride."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I think the High Priestess is Morgana"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Yeah."

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "the queen of swords is rosanna, right?"

[Helvetica] Cat asks, "Rosanna?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hmm, though then I guess morgana would be her"

[Helvetica] GM says, "wait, not exactly the only one face-up ... but definitely treated differently from the others."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Was the QoS #2 back then, too?"

[Helvetica] GM says (to Cat), "Rosanna Scardanelli. Morgana's old life."

[Helvetica] GM says (to Hans), "yes. At that time, I didn't have all the othe 8 cards identified. Now I do."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I thought the High Priestess was Rosanna Scardinelli."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "yeah, I guess"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(And it is Trujillo's bride that I am wondering if the Queen of Swords is. The other body missing from the crypt.)"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(But I can't remember what its name was.)"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "the bride is just some random lady"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "the alternative is that the High Priestess is the generic symbol for any of the nine"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "er, or so I assumed"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Frau Shlegel was not a foreignor and was never in the crypt."

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "are these cards all corresponding to bodies?"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "OK. Was there a second body stolen from the crypt?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "there was a body and a head taken"

[Helvetica] GM says (to Hans), "not that you've heard of."

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Arvid), "I think they're corresponding to women who were in league with Scardinelli."

[Helvetica] GM says, "The body was stolen from elsewhere."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Oh."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "yeah, that would make more sense"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I assumed they were all in sophia's daughters, but that seems like the sort of thing that doesn't come up as something we find out, so whatever"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "so, hmm, I'm not sure what we're trying to find out here"

Arvid asks (of Morgana), "where is the existing copy of the letter Lady du Sices wrote renouncing claim to Helvetica?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "So the QoS card being turned over could mean that he's been disinterred and would be resurrected."

Arvid says, "or how can we find it before Elena does, or something like that"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "(is now an OK time for me to skip out? Are we basically done for the day except for Morgana?)"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "at least, that still seems to me to be the #1 priority"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Since I suspect that was what she wanted to happen to the other eight."

Hans asks (of Arvid), "Not even so much as a 'hello'?"

Hans says (to Morgana), "Hello."

Arvid says, "sorry, my headache is making me a little tactless"

[Helvetica] GM says, "I think Morgana will probably be the last scene for the day."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Alrighty; thanks. Dinner's being served in the Smith household ;-)"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I've got to say that I'm not enormously keen on resurrecting a circle of nine powerful women unless we have some idea of what it is that circle *does*"

[Helvetica] Gert idles.

[Helvetica] Hans says, "The GM forgot to set your Tact back to normal."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hee hee"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hmm, I'd figured she wanted us to complete their mission, not so much resurrect them"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "but the same argument more or less applies"

[Helvetica] Cat asks, "and what *is* their mission?"

GM says, "Morgana sweeps up the nine cards, shuffles, and lays the nine of coins on the table. (A woman in front of her mansion)"

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Cat), "I'm just trying to determine if that is what is in the process of happening already. And if so, which one just got undeaded."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "if it's 'conquer all Thea and lay it to waste', y'know, that's a problem"

Arvid says, "so it's still in her library? well, that's good to know"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "What if it's 'become a superhero team and defend the world from evil'?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "if it's sophia's daughters, their mission probably involves agitating for equal voting rights or something"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "or maybe they want the ability to wear trousers"

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Arvid), "That would be tricky, since I'm not sure how many countries in Theah have voting rights period."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Also, if Morgana wants to wear trousers, that is going to be tricky."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "(or, ok, maybe they're worried about hideous beasts breaking through the curtain of reality)"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "*nobody* has voting rights, and I wear breeches all the time"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "mission accomplished"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Is raising the undead a good way to prevent bad things from breaking through reality?"

Arvid asks (of Morgana), "and can you tell us anything about where Brother Etienne is? he's not that wolf, is he?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "It is hard to say."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "(that said I am all in favour of fighting the power should it be necessary)"

GM says, "Morgana lays down the Hierophant. Then covers it with The Devil."

Arvid says, "... yeah, I was afraid of that"

Cat says, "well, that clears *that* up"

Hans says, "That would support Gert's theory."

Cat says, "it occurs to me that perhaps we should chase him down before he hurts anyone"

Hans says, "That he is Guy Heimlich."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

Hans asks (of Cat), "Do we have any reason to believe he's hurt anyone yet?"

Cat says (to Hans), "no, but it's not for lack of trying"

Arvid says, "well, he might have .. wanted to .. I'm not sure"

Cat says, "but as I said, he's more of a weasel than a monster"

GM says, "This is the part where Erich and Franziska join y'all."

Hans says, "I am wondering if we have more pressing concerns at the moment."

Hans says, "Especially if this effect wears off eventually. And the fact that Brother Etienne tended to return suggests it does."

Cat hisses to Morgana, "are there any non-awful boys in my future?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

Hans asks (of Morgana), "Do you have any tips for us?"

GM says, "Morgana hands Cat the Seven of Cups (some guy faced with a choice of seven possibly good but probably awful things) then begins to shuffle the deck."

Cat does not grind her teeth, somehow

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

GM says, "First she puts down the the High Priestess and the Knight of Swords, side by side, and the Six of Cups (a boy and a girl exchanging a basket of flowers) underneath them."

GM says, "She places the Emperor and the Queen of Wands below those three."

GM says, "Then she sweeps everything up again."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Interesting."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "her tip is, marry Gert and have famous kids"

GM says, "She lays down the Hierophant, with The Devil covering him. Then the Ace of Cups."

GM says, "Then the Nine of Cups -- a man at a banquet table, nine cups in front of him."

GM says, "She sweeps everything up again."

Cat says, "Well, that's Etienne... beyond that I'm lost"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "If the High Priestess is Morgana... would that make us the Emperor and the Queen of Wands? But who's the Knight of Swords?"

[Helvetica] Cat asks, "Emperor is the Baron, maybe?"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "If that's true, who's the Queen of Wands?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "your guess is as good as mine"

Hans asks, "The antidotes? The potion?"

Hans asks, "How many vials of antidote were there?"

Cat asks, "hmm. You know what would be *really* evil?"

GM says, "She lays down the Magician and the High Priestess. Then those eight other cards from her nine-card spread. #2 (The Queen of Swords) and #8 (Strength) are face-up, the others face down."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I think there was another point where I was thinking I was the Knight of Swords, back during another reading..."

Cat says, "If Guy's main aim was not to cause mischief himself, but to distribute the potion to others."

Hans says (to Cat), "That would be. It's a good thing we took away his keg, then."

Cat says, "We don't know how much he made."

Cat asks, "We saw the Cujo-wolf earlier, remember?"

GM says, "She puts the *** of Coins (either the eight or the seven, I don't have my Tarot book near me). A craftsman at his bench."

Hans asks, "I don't. Was that when we met Guy the first time?"

Arvid says, "Andre, I suppose"

GM says, "She sweeps all the cards up again."

Hans asks, "Andre?"

Cat says, "It was when we were setting off to rescue Agathe."

Arvid says, "I imagine he can work on something useful for us"

Cat says, "we should possibly ask Andre what Morgana has told him thus far"

GM says, "Now it's the Nine of Coins -- woman and mansion -- and the Queen of Wands."

Hans asks, "Gert at du Sices'?"

Cat says, "I can't imagine that she *hasn't* tried to get him to start work on her sisters"

Arvid says, "or Elena there"

Cat asks, "Or is the Queen of Wands du Sices?"

GM says, "She places all the Page of Wands (the messenger) below them."

GM says, "Sweeps everything up again."

Cat says, "Messenger. Postman."

Cat says, "Raoul."

Hans says (to Arvid), "Elena..."

Arvid says, "Raoul is out of this, I would hope"

Arvid says, "unless Elena managed to rescue him"

Hans says, "Unless he is the Knight of Swords..."

Hans says, "But Azelma couldn't be a porte mage if her mother was..."

GM says, "Lays down The Lovers. A man standing at the gates of a maze, one woman pointing off in one direction, another woman pointing in the other. Unlike in other decks, the two women (potential lovers) in this card do not look like opposites of each other."

Hans shakes his head in confusion.

GM says, "She folds her arms and sits back."

[Crows-Nest] Cat says, "GEE THANKS IT ALL MAKES SENSE NOW"

[Crows-Nest] Hans says, "Ha ha."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I'm confused about the Elena->Raoul relationship"

[Helvetica] GM says, "I think that's all the potential solutions I've thought of. There could be a fifth, if you think of it."

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "are they brother and sister? or married?"

[Crows-Nest] Hans asks, "Siblings, aren't they?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "brother and sister, or at least posing as such"

[Crows-Nest] Hans says (to GM), "Oh, those are all alternative courses? Interesting."

[Helvetica] GM says (to Arvid), "siblings."

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "ok, so if they're siblings, then they're related to Nicolette? and got their porte through their mother?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "Nicolette is a half-sister, yes"

[Helvetica] GM says (to Arvid), "right."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "their mother was a prostitute so they probably have three different fathers"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "But none would be Scardinelli."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Seeing as she's not a man."

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "...what?"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "why would Scardinelli be related to them?"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "oh, still about the high priestess?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "So High Priestess + Knight of Swords -> Queen of Wands + Emperor probably does not mean Scardinelli is Raoul and Elena's mother."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I think the GM has said these are a couple possible solutions for the helvetica situation"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Which transcript has the original Knight of Swords reading?"

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Arvid), "Yeah."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "and I don't see how Scardinelli being their parent would help"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "so I am inclined to think the high priestess is someone else here"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Which suggests these are courses of action rather than statements of fact."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I think that most of these relationships are not family ones, yeah"

[Helvetica] GM says, "I think I used The Fool in the original Knight of Swords reading. But it occurs to me that the six of cups is probably more appropriate."

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Cat), "Right, but the six of whatever with the boy and girl exchanging flowers did seem marriage-ish."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Ah, http://strackenz.spod-central.org/~lpsmith/rpg/transcripts/helvetica/helvetica11.html"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I am guessing one of these involves nicolette talking chevalier out of it"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "as step 3, right after "2. AND THEN A MIRACLE OCCURS""

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hmm"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Maybe the Knight of Swords is Raoul, and he married Scardinelli..."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "But she died quite a while back, didn't she?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "well, wait, in this reading it's edgardo and lucea"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Hmm, it is?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "that's what it looks like to me"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "Mis is sitting back and sipping his daiquiri so very hard right now"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "if it's in response to "I don't suppose you have any thoughts on Edgardo and Lucea""

[Helvetica] GM says, "Arvid might know this: The six of cups usually means a gift from an old friend, something from the past. The 'marriage' card is the Two of Cups."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "oho"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "solution: feed Chevalier to the plants"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "man, we need a Tarot page on the wiki"

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "Aha!"

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims (at Cat), "Yeah!"

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Cat), "Thanks."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "So, hmm. That solution could mean get Edgardo and Lucea and whatever's in their past, and it will somehow involve the Queen of Swords and the Emperor?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(Who might be the Baron?)"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I thought the Emperor but that is just a wild-ass association"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "well, wait"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "you remember that Edgardo and Lucea are agents for wosshisface"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "and have a background with Kramer"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "so surely any solution involving them involves those"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "Fascililili"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "(hopefully they'll pass on that message I gave, although I'm not sure it'll help)"

[Helvetica] GM says, "If anyone's curious, the cards in the nine-card spread are: Queen of Cups, Queen of Swords, Page of Coins, The World, Six of Cups, The Star, The High Priestess, Strength, and the Nine of Swords"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Wosshisface being some Vodacce who may or may not be the guy du Sices's hanging with, but I can't remember?"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "the nine cup spread the one that we think is for the ladies?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says (to Hans), "yeah"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "Cat said Fascili"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "(plus a whole lot more)"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "okay, so we can assume those correspond to the nine women in the tombs"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "and hopefully not to anyone else"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "Falisci"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "although that may be too much to wish for"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks (of Cat), "wait, *are* there nine women in the tomb?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "But whoever the Queen of Wands in the Egardo/Lucea reading was is probably the same Queen of Wands as in the one hanging out at the mansion, with the Page messenger beneath."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "well, not any more"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I say 'reading', except that the reading is the one part of this that we're actually missing."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "since one of them got hauled out and turned into a chess-monkey"

[Helvetica] Hans asks (of Cat), "Are they all in the tomb?"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "As opposed to just being dead, somewhere in Theah?"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "are they even dead?"

[Helvetica] GM says (to Arvid), "Lucille was #9 in the tomb."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I think there are nine tombs including Scardanelli, yes"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I seem to recall Cat and me visiting the tomb."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Was Scardinelli's slot the seventh position?"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks (of GM), "and did we see any guys in there?"

[Helvetica] GM says (to Hans), "yes."

[Helvetica] GM says (to Arvid), "no."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "What does a nine of swords look like?"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "And does this imply that Lucy *can* still be saved?"

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

[Helvetica] GM says, "It's a woman sitting up in bed, apparently having woken from a nightmare."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(Even if 'saved' means 'turned into a pocket calculator.)"

[Helvetica] Arvid says (to GM), "ha ha"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I wonder if they were all killed by vampires"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I wonder if we should actually check who the other seven names are and look them up."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "probably"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "that would seem like an excellent plan"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "does the monastery here keep records of that?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Ooh, good idea."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "If so, we could do it before going to du Sices."

[Helvetica] GM says (to Arvid), "They probably do have records of funerals held, yes."

[Helvetica] GM says, "In fact, sure, they're basically the local archdiocese anyway. Yes."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "I suppose that would have to wait for next week?"

Arvid goes to inquire with the Abbot.

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(Or is the session not over yet?)"

Cat asks, "Which card is Annette?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "monster hunter or strength or the world, I'd bet"

[Helvetica] GM says, "We'll end with a camera pan down the names in the funeral ledger, with images of the women appearing in sepia overlaid."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "er"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "queen of swords or strength or the world"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "a monster hunter card would probably be a giveaway"

GM says (to Arvid), "The Abbot does have the records. The expatriate records are kept separate from the others, since they're not always sure what to do with them possibly-heathen furriners."

GM says, "So it's easy enough."

GM says, "Tomb #1 is Wilhelmina Murray. She taught music."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "if I treat this as a one-guy-always-tells-the-truth logic puzzle..."

GM says, "Tomb #2 is Elisabeth Sommer. She taught fencing."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "oh, right, figures there'd be multiple fighters"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "So Elisabeth Sommer might be part of some of our solutions."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hopefully one of them taught weight-lifting"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "She is an important one to ask about next time."

GM says, "Tomb #3 is Serendipity Smith. She taught Theology. (The Abbot grimaces a bit when you get to her. Evidently he thought she was a bit of a heretic.)"

Arvid says, "she sounds like an Avalonian"

Arvid says, "what are you gonna do"

GM says, "Tomb #4 is Tineka Van Rijn. She taught dance."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "references: Tinka"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Yeah, I was just thinking that."

GM says, "Tomb #5 is Elise de L'Isle. Languages, elocution, rhetoric."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Isn't her surname, as well?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "van Rijn is the one who built the Muses, yes"

GM says, "Tomb #6 is Nora Alice Kelly. Astronomy."

GM says, "Tomb #6 is Rosanna Scardanelli. Strategy, tactics."

GM says, "Tomb #7 is Rosanna Scardanelli. Strategy, tactics. (sorry)"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Elise de L'Isle == Eliza Doo little?"

[Helvetica] Cat asks, "presumably all of these are before my or Gert's time?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "man, I hope so"

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "Hey, Miss Kelly!"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "why was she mentioned before?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "also, presumably she's the star"

GM says, "Tomb #8 is Annette Locksley. Apparently she also taught Theatre when she wasn't off chasing monsters."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Yeah, Sir Galahad mentioned that she was one of Aunt Annette's friends."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "or maybe I'm thinking of grace kelly"

GM says, "And Tomb #9 is Lucille, whom you know all about."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "oh, right"

[Helvetica] GM says, "and break."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "hooray"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "So something is going on with Elisabeth Sommer."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "She's flipped right-side-up, just like Morgana, and she figured into several of our potential solutions."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "if it's the same queen of swords"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "oh, ok"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "if she is in the original spread then yes"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "First order of business next time: ask about her."

[Helvetica] Cat asks, "how many tarot cards are there?"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "In an entire deck?"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "like, total in a deck?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "yeah"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Are you thinking every NPC's got one?"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "there's like 22 major and 10 * 4 minor?"

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "Oh!"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "oops, 14 * 4"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "yeah, I'm trying to work out whether it's possible that one card might mean different people in different contexts"

[Helvetica] GM says (to Arvid), "yes"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "(78, this says)"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "The six of what's-it. With the flowers."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Who was previously represented by the Fool."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "*Is* Kramer. The botanist."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Who has a history."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "nice"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "ah, of course"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I just want to know what *my* card is"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "if it's not one of the Queens I shall be very cross"

[Helvetica] GM says, "The Six of Cups does appear again in the nine-card spread, corresponding with Elise de L'Isle."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Even if you're an Ace?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I could live with that"

[Helvetica] Hans says (to GM), "That's the one with the flowers? Darn."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "you'd have to be the Queen of Coins"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "but there are less profitable roles"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Cat did suggest that it's possible for the same card to represent a different person depending on context."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I suppose that Arvid would be the King of Cups. Or bottles."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hee hee"

[Helvetica] Cat exclaims, "I can't be the Queen of Coins! I've been broke for the entire campaign!"

[Helvetica] Hans says (to GM), "Mm."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "yeah, I am pretty sure that you can't rely on them being the same across readings"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "that would be Too Easy"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "like, the whole point of cards is they're symbolic of multiple things"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "but probably the more central a character is the more likely they are to have the same card"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "(consistently)"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "yes, but that's going to be central relative to Morgana and her particular interests"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "to which it's possible that we're fairly peripheral"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "and/or to who she's doing the reading for"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "poiint"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "anyway, yeah, I guess we need a page just for tarot"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "are this session and session 11 the only ones with tarot?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I think Jota's working on one"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "yeah"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I have made the link but haven't actually stuck anything into it yet."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Because I was too busy here."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "probably only needs one person to compile from transcripts"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "(happy to volunteer)"

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "That would be great!"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Then we can all add commentary and contradictory intepretations afterward, once they're all in one place."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "okay, I'll get on that"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "awesome"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "ok, so are we at least in theory on for next week, same time?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "So, Srendipity Smith seems *very* familiar."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Works for me."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, ";Does anyone else recognize off the top of their head whom she represents?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I'm good for next week, yeah"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "she reminds me of Calamity Jane but that does not seem likely"

Eolo has disconnected.