GM says, "Okay! Logging"

Cat asks, "today: heroic rescues?"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "What's this game about again?"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Is it the one where I play a princess?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hee hee"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "yeah, we're going to need a recap here"

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

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

GM says, "When last we left our intrepid heroes, they were about to set out to Mont St-Gabryon to rescue Lady Agathe Meunier (nee Shreiber) from the guillotine."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "(was just pulling it up)"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "and we're doing this because..."

[Helvetica] Hans asks (of Jeff), "Did you say at one point that for plot purposes, you'd prefer that the students not get involved?"

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims (at Cat), "We're heroes!"

[D&D] GM says, "And possibly Nicolette Dupin as well. Her 'invitation' to join the council representative, Armand Chevalier, smells like week-old salmon."

GM says, "And possibly Nicolette Dupin as well. Her 'invitation' to join the council representative, Armand Chevalier, smells like week-old salmon."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "she's the sister of Erich and Franziska"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Ylac."

Gert says, "Erich and Franzisca's older sister."

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

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Wait, what about Nicolette?"

GM says, "You're supposed to set off in the morning with Sir Galahad, meeting Joseph du Paix outside of town."

GM says, "Only Sir Galahad suffers an accident in the boathouse and cannot join you all."

Hans asks, "And accident? What sort of accident?"

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "A suspicious accident or a that-would-be-too-many-NPCs accident?"

[Crows-Nest] Cat says, "RTA 'accident in the bath-house'"

[Helvetica] GM says, "both."

Gunther arrives, looking for booty.

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Ha"

[Crows-Nest] Cat says, "which would be very much in-character"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "there are suspiciously too many NPCs here"

GM says (to Hans), "a yardarm falls on him. He's lucky to get away with a broken leg -- he could have been killed."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "That sounds dangerous but I forget what a yardarm is."

[Helvetica] GM says, "It's ... uh ... a part of a boat."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "you hang people from it"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Is it one of the horizontal beams attached to the mast?"

[Helvetica] Gert exclaims, "Suspicious!"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Wait, it's the boathouse. Nevermind."

[Helvetica] GM says (to Hans), "I think so."

Cat sends a note to the Baron regretting deeply, etc., that due to unforseen and unavoidable, etc., she will be unable to discuss the dispensation of school endowments this afternoon, and craves the indulgence of a future appointment at such a time, etc. etc., yours sincerely

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Then what's it doing falling off the mast, huh? Huh?"

GM says (to Cat), "fortunately, Sir Galahad has already greased the way with the Baron for your temporary absence."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Ah, the old waterslide out of town ploy."

[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "whoa what the slippery augh *bang*"

GM says, "Andre-Nicolas is still working on his ... whatever-it-is, looks like a giant music-box."

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "And Antoinette's invention? Or is she working with Andre?"

GM says, "Antoinette Guillot has finished her thing, which appears to be some sort of frame full of pulleys and gears."

Arvid . o O ( perhaps it's a device for putting heads back on )

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Hee hee"

GM says, "That she ... uh ... sort of wears."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "As an entire suit, or as a hat, or...?"

Gert asks (of Antoinette), "Wow, that looks like it was a lot of work. What does it do?"

GM says, "She claims it enables even Brawn 1 characters to lift heavy objects."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

Hans says, "Bah."

Arvid says, "hmm, sort of like a skeleton you wear on the outside"

GM says, "She attempts to show Gert by picking Gert up. And it works ... until Gert's weight overbalances the whole contraption and they all go down in a heap."

Cat asks, "how fascinating! could a version be designed that was a little less, um, hideous?"

Gert exclaims, "Whoa!"

(From GM) Antoinette says, "...er, still needs work, I think."

Gert exclaims (at Antoinette), "Hmm, looks like it might need a counterbalance. Good work, though!"

Arvid says, "once Andre gets his thinking-machine going you should connect your two inventions"

(From GM) Antoinette says to Arvid, "Don't be silly, the boy has no idea what he's doing."

Hans says (to Antoinette), "I don't know: he did manage to outfight Pierre just the other day."

Hans says, "So he must have *some* idea what he's doing."

(From GM) Antoinette says to Hans, "I suppose you're right." pause. "well, don't let me keep you! I'm going back to the drawing board." She drops a kiss on Hans's forehead and bustles off.

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

Hans blinks.

Gert blinks at Hans

Hans says, "I shall never understand Montaigne customs."

Cat says (to Hans), "usually they're on the cheek. Maybe she, er, missed."

Gert exclaims, "That doesn't bode well, but off we go!"

Cat exclaims, "Then again, maybe not!"

GM exclaims, "Off you go indeed!"

Arvid says (to Cat), "well, he is a little s-h-o-r-t"

Hans asks (of Arvid), "What did you say?!?"

Cat says (to Hans), "diminutive"

Hans glares.

Cat says, "an archaic term meaning 'one so endowed with warrior-like passions that women are unable to help falling for his charms'"

Gert says, "That's my Hans."

Hans says, "Surely."

Cat says, "I think it's Church Thean"

Arvid says, "hee hee"

Hans says, "Regardless, I believe we are here for a purpose."

GM says, "You have a wagon to take you to Bois-Franc. Joseph du Paix hops aboard at the crossroads near the border."

Arvid says, "ah, good, a wagon"

Arvid says, "much nicer for my old bones"

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Hopefully we're going *around* Boid-Franc?"

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Or is there something in town we need?"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "oh, the people aren't in bois-franc?"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Where is it Agathe's being held?"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "are they in the main city?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Only thing you need there is to drop Joseph off."

Cat is wearing her best disreputable-Montaigne-bourgeois outfit, with all the clothes slightly the wrong size

[Helvetica] Gert exclaims, "Sorry Mario! The noble is being held in a different castle!"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Agathe is in Mont-St-Gabryon, a little further on."

Hans is wearing a large sword and a panzerhand and a pistolbelt. And, y'know, clothes.

Cat says, "does anyone need a Phrygian cap? I swear the things are breeding in my trousseau."

Hans asks, "Is that some sort of vermin?"

[Crows-Nest] Hans says, "If Hans had a dirtier mind, he'd be trying hard not to wonder what a 'trousseau' was."

Cat says, "it's the silly-looking red hat that all the most classically schooled revolutionaries are wearing"

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

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "oh, Mont-St-Gabryon is the capitol"

npc1 says, "Joseph has a few aas well, if you want."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "The capitol of what?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "the province."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "This province?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Aha."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "so presumably a bigger city than bois-franc, which I guess is good"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Yeah, more gates."

[Helvetica] GM says, "The ride is relatively uneventful. You do hear wolves prowling about -- they seem to be out a little earlier than normal this year."

GM says, "The ride is relatively uneventful. You do hear wolves prowling about -- they seem to be out a little earlier than normal this year."

[Helvetica] GM says, "(", not ;)"

Arvid says, "hmm, and no grappling gun with us"

Hans says, "We didn't need one last time."

Arvid says, "good point"

GM says (to Arvid/Cat), "glancing back, you catch sight of an enormous wolf, just sitting among the trees. It seems to have something attached under its chin."

GM says, "Meanwhile, the driver is hurrying up the horses to get them and you out of this area as quickly as possible."

Arvid says, "I thought the monks were attaching barrels to their dogs, not to wolves"

Arvid says, "perhaps the barrels breed true"

Cat grabs for her musket

Hans asks, "What is a dog but a baby wolf?"

GM says, "(Shall we fast-forward to Mont-St-Gabryon?)"

Cat says, "sure"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Yeah, it can attack us when we're making our escape."

Arvid says, "sure"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "And we'll be all 'o no we should have seen that coming'"

GM says, "Mont-St-Gabryon is larger than Bois-Franc, of course, situated on a bit of a hill above the surrounding woods. There's a newly-completed highway that continues out of town and off to the rest of Montaigne."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "presumably there's a city wall that we'll have to get past"

Arvid says, "I wonder if the revolutionaries built that"

Gert says, "Seems a bit structured for revolutionaries."

Arvid says, "I suppose this city may have become more important since the revolution"

You are carrying nothing.

Arvid says, "they've managed structure just fine when it comes to executions"

Arvid says, "except when somebody comes and kicks over the guillotines, I guess"

Gert says, "I suppose that's true."

Cat says, "Um, we might want to start driving the wagon on the *right* side of the road."

GM says, "Before Joseph leaves you, he gives you a few details. The prison where Agathe is held is behind the town hall. And Armand Chevalier has taken up residence at 5 rue Plumet."

[Helvetica] GM says, "I seem to be lagging a bit."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I'm a little confused about Nicolette"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I don't remember any previous discussion that she was in trouble"

GM says, "There's also the manor house where the du Sices family used to live. It's currently empty."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "just that this guy was hitting on her, but that's life for pretty girls"

Cat asks, "Ooh! Abandoned house of mystery! Do we have time to explore?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "She's not technically in trouble. Joseph is sure she's going to be."

Arvid says, "I wouldn't mind"

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Who are the du Sices?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I see this is the Sices province"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "wardrobe-buying lady"

GM says, "There appears to have been some rioting once upon a time. The post office has been burned down."

Arvid says, "rain, sleet, snow, but not fire, I guess"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "probably a witch, former big shot noble intriguer"

Cat says, "Urkh."

Gert says, "Well, if we wanted to keep a very low profile, we could hide out in the du Sices mansion."

Gert says, "Of course, I'm guessing there are already squatters."

Cat says, "I really need to check something. 'Scuse me."

Cat leaps out of the cart and makes direct for the post office ruins.

Gert blinks.

Arvid says, "gosh"

Arvid asks, "was she expecting a letter?"

GM says (to Cat), "Someone's gone and painted 'death to the sorcerors' across the facade."

GM says, "And pinned a rotting, cut-off hand to the wall."

Cat marches straight inside

GM says (to Cat), "nobody bothers to stop you. Inside, it's a bit of a mess. Bloodstains. Ruined countertops and cabinetry."

Gert asks (of everyone_else), "Well, set up shop in an inn? Or keep a low profile and hide somewhere, possibly the abandoned mansion?"

Cat sizes the place up, trying to work out where any surviving mail might be

[Helvetica] Gert says, "I thought the post office was burned down"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "not to the ground, I assume"

GM says (to Cat), "probably under the debris. There are a few torn bits of paper floating around."

Hans says, "Or we could fight our way in now."

Hans says, "Rescue her, fight our way out, and then hurry her back to the school."

Gert asks, "Well, let's scope out the prison, then. Though, uh, probably not all of us at once. Maybe Arvid?"

Hans says, "If you wish to do it the slow way."

Cat tries ineffectually to lug some debris away, cursing through her teeth

[Crows-Nest] Hans says, "If you want the GM to have to blow something up to get us to finish..."

Gert sighs. "You men."

Gert sees Cat struggling in the post office and goes over to lend a hand.

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

Arvid says, "I could certainly attempt to case out the prison"

Gert lifts the beam Cat's been struggling with with one hand. "Looking for something?"

Arvid says, "as I believe the term is"

Arvid says, "but I am not sure how much success I would have getting inside as such"

Cat says, "Yes. Mail. Mail from Avalon."

Gert says, "Alrighty. I'll lift, you sort."

GM says (to Cat), "Here's a scattering of mail that seems to have been from Avalon ..."

GM says (to Cat), "...some discussion about badgers...."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Hee hee hee"

GM says (to Cat), "you finally find something addressed to you."

Cat says, "ah-HA"

Cat bearhugs Gert

Gert says, "Aww."

GM says (to Cat), "'Here's your mont ... n condition tha ... ood man, the new "nobility", even if he den ...'"

Arvid says, "don't tell me your parents were sending your allowance here"

GM says (to Cat), "'isiting in two we ... ue Plum ... ecting you to at lea ...'"

Arvid says, "that seems a trifle unwise given the political conditions"

Cat says, "Oh Daddy, you bastard."

Cat says (to Gert), "We're through. Come along."

GM says (to Cat), "(no money, of course.)"

Cat says (to Arvid), "well, apparently it couldn't be directly routed to so insignificant a town as Geneva"

Arvid says, "true enough"

Arvid says, "I suppose the mail service is one of the downsides of living in the middle of nowhere"

Hans exclaims, "It should have been sent through the Eisen post!"

Hans exclaims, "It is the motto of an Eisen postman: not sleet nor hail nor rain of arrows shall!"

Hans says, "It is sometimes slow, if he must stop to fight a war or two on the way there, but it *always* arrives."

[Crows-Nest] GM asks, "...what about rain of frogs?"

Cat says, "I would rather I *knew* what awful man they have lined up for me now, though"

Arvid says, "no doubt he will be turning up in geneva with a bouquet any day now"

Cat says, "good. as I recall there are some arrow-slits with an excellent view of the main road in one of the towers"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Why do I get the feeling that Gert is the type that, once she is married, will cause Cat just as much trouble on that front as her father does?"

Cat asks, "So, um, what were we doing again?"

Arvid says, "I believe we had concluded the best thing to do was to find a safehouse of some kind"

Hans asks, "Storming the prison?"

Hans says, "Oh."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Hee hee"

Arvid says, "and perhaps then the next step would be to ascertain when this execution is likely to take place"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "'But you must at least *meet* him! I have it all planned...'"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

Arvid says, "and I suppose try to get a look at Nicolette"

Hans asks, "Will we be here long enough to stay at the inn?"

Arvid says, "well, ok, so let's do the second step first"

Hans asks, "And if we are, what names do we give them?"

Gert says, "I think the inns will already have names."

Arvid finds a passing citizen and explains he has come to the city to see the execution and is wondering just when it is to be.

Hans says (to Gert), "Yes, but they will all be in Foreign."

GM says (to Arvid), "Day after tomorrow."

Cat asks, "Is an inn really a safehouse?"

Arvid says, "it's perfectly safe as long as we don't get caught"

Hans says, "Well, while you sort that out, I shall go see the prison."

Hans says, "Even if I cannot storm it now, I wish to at least look at it."

Cat says, "They're always full of informers, and they're the building that the local militia will be most intimately familiar with."

Arvid says (to Gert), "you'd better go with him and make sure he doesn't try to storm it in advance"

Arvid asks (of Cat), "very well, then, what would you propose?"

Cat exclaims, "The mysteeeeerious mansion!"

Arvid says, "right, let us take a look at that"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Have we now officially split the party?"

Arvid says, "I understand the lady had a very fine library -- perhaps there are still some remnants"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I think so"

Cat says, "I bet it has all kinds of secret passages and oubliettes where du Sices imprisons her spurned lovers and a dark chamber where she hides her heart"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Seems so."

[Helvetica] GM says, "Seems so."

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "Off we go, then!"

Arvid says, "and vats where she stores the poison for her pen"

Cat says, "thus making herself invulnerable"

Gert sticks with Cat.

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I guess I'm alone, then."

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "Ha ha -- time to enact a daring single-handed rescue!"

Cat grumbles to herself. "New nobility" indeed. Since when did Father have progressive sympathies?

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Arvid isn't with you?"

Arvid says, "ok, I will go with Hans then"

Arvid says, "*someone* has to keep him out of trouble"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Arvid was trying to talk you into going with Cat."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I mean, with me."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Since clearly neither of you actually *wants* to be with me."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "<sniff>"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "aww"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "we will have fun together, you will see"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "all sorts of exciting non-storming activities"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Can we at least beat up a few guards?"

Arvid asks (of Hans), "so, er, do you know where the prison is?"

Hans frowns.

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "DIdn't Joseph tell us where it was?"

GM says, "According to Joseph, it's behind the town hall."

Hans says, "Behind the town hall, I think."

Arvid says, "ah yes, so he did"

Gert whispers to Hans as she goes "Sorry, sweetie--I had to make sure someone could defend Cat if she got herself in trouble--you keep an eye on Arvid, will you?"

Hans says, "And that building there must be either a magistrate's house, the town hall, or a post office."

GM says, "City square. Fountain. Church. Courthouse. Town hall."

Hans nods and waves to Gert.

Hans says, "We have already seen the post office, and there are no fancy bushes shaped like foreign animals out front, so it must be the town hall."

Gert and Cat head to the mansion, and look for a back way in.

Arvid says, "I cannot argue with this deduction"

Hans exclaims, "So now we must simply go behind it!"

Arvid says, "nor that one"

Hans walks around the block to whatever is on the other side.

Arvid eyes the prison to see how serious business it is

GM says (to Hans), "there is a grim, imposing building on the other side. It looks like it's been stormed at some point, too, and been patched up again afterwards."

Arvid says, "pre-stormed for your convenience"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "How tall is it?"

Hans says, "Not bad. Not bad."

[Helvetica] GM says, "two storeys."

Arvid says, "hmm"

Arvid says, "I suppose the actual execution will be in the town square"

Hans says, "That bit there looks a bit weak though. Where the two different kinds of bricks join up."

Arvid says, "so the distance they'll have to take her won't be that far"

Hans says, "And the stonework around those bars probably wouldn't hold up against any serious bashing."

Cat says, "I bet she has to drink a potion of virgins' blood every day to stay inhumanly beautiful. Do you suppose it should be so very difficult to find virgins' blood? I think one would have to set up a convent or a school nearby for convenience. Do you think I'm one of those people who gets prettier when they're middle-aged, or shall I become a dreadful hag? I think we could probably jimmy up that sash window if you gave me a leg-up."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hee hee"

[Helvetica] GM throws Cat a drama die

Hans says, "A shame we didn't bring Steinflanken."

Hans exclaims, "We could chain him to that window, pull it out, and finish this all right now!"

GM says (to Hans), "& Arvid a gendarme comes strolling along, making his rounds."

Hans asks (of Arvid), "Do you think if we asked nicely they might show us the inside?"

Gert says, "They never say it has to be human virgins, so you could probably use puppies. A school might work, maybe with a school doctor that was in on the scheme? They're always bleeding people. I think you'll always be pretty. Here, stand on my shoulders."

Hans waves down the gendarme. "Ah, officer!"

Hans exclaims, "I was just admiring your fine prison!"

Hans asks, "But this patchwork here -- did something happen at some point in the past?"

(From GM) Gendarme says, "Fine? What's so fine about it?"

Hans exclaims, "The construction! So strong, so sturdy, so solid!"

Hans pounds the wall with his fist to make his point.

(From GM) Gendarme says, "We stormed the place two months ago, to release those held unjustly by the aristos. Now we're putting it back to the purpose it was built for."

GM says (to Hans), "it's very solid."

Hans asks, "Ah! That must have been quite a feat! How could you manage to break through those walls?"

Arvid looks thoughtfully at the building.

Arvid asks, "were any of the prison workers friends of the revolution? or were you forced to get rid of them and install new guards?"

(From GM) Gendarme says, "We had a few people in the guard on our side. They helped. Got me this job afterwards, too.

(From GM) Gendarme says, "You mustn'y think there was much breaking down of walls. That was a failed endeavour. In the end, it was the guards loyal to the nation who overpowered the others and let the rest of the people in.

Hans says, "Ah, so she stood true to the end! That does my heart good to hear."

(From GM) Gendarme nods and continues on his way.

Hans asks, "Is there any chance that you could show us where that fight took place?"

Hans says, "I have friends at home who would love to hear the details of how such a stalwart fortress was taken."

(From GM) Gendarme stops. "Hmm? I'm on duty. But just go inside and speak to the warden. He'll tell you more."

Hans exclaims, "Thank you!"

Hans asks (of Arvid), "Shall we?"

Arvid says, "absolutely"

Hans enters.

Arvid says, "I wonder about the prospect of locating any former employees, or if they all ended up on the scaffold"

Arvid says, "those that weren't loyal, that is"

Hans says, "We could ask."

(From GM) Warden looks up as Hans enters. "Eh? Visiting hour's not for another hour. Go away."

Hans exclaims, "We are not here to see the prisoners. We wanted to talk to you!"

(From GM) Warden says, "ah. well, what do you want?"

Hans asks, "Is it true that this is where the battle took place to free the wrongful prisoners from the oppressive forces of the aristocracy?"

Hans says, "I am a student of battles, and I am told that this was a glorious one."

Gunther disappears through an invisible gap in the MUD. You think you may have heard the sounds of chatting before the gap closed again.

(From GM) Warden says, "...tourists ... "

Hans exclaims, "Ja!"

Hans exclaims, "Thank you, we would love a tour!"

(From GM) Warden says, "(sigh) very well... more interesting than paperwork, anyway...."

GM says (to Cat&Gert), "meanwhile, you two find your way into the manor. It's been looted, but not burned."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "And it was so kind of him to offer as well."

[Helvetica] GM says, "he didn't actually, but if you interpreted it that way, he's just looking for a way to kill the boredom."

[Setting the zoned flag.]

Cat exclaims (at Gert), "okay, let's search for secret passages!"

[Helvetica] Hans says (to GM), "Oh, I know."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I interpreted it that way by choice."

Cat says, "I bet there's at least twenty. Our stupid old mansion doesn't have any at all. I'll have to change that when I'm the Duchess."

Cat says, "I shall have one put in so that I can get into the pantry without Cook knowing and... oh. And a tunnel from the conservatory to the stables so that I can sneak out and go riding whenever I want - oh."

Gert helps Cat search, paying particular attention to the more normal exits, and in looking for signs of anyone squatting here.

Cat says, "I suppose there's not really much point when you can tell everybody what to do."

Gert exclaims, "You can tell everyone you're feeling faint, and then sneak out and go riding!"

GM says (to Hans&Arvid), "the Warden was apparently one of the guards who let the mob into the prison. He gives you a blow-by-blow account of who did what and where. He even takes you down to to the dungeons, where the prisoners are. Strangely enough, there is a pair of mirrors set up in the dungeon, facing each other. Inside them, you can see a sort of ghostly apparition (bloody, empty sockets, bleeding stumps where hands were cut off) beating its non-existant hands on the glass."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Oho."

Hans exclaims, "What ist *that*!"

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Also, the revolution was only a couple months ago?"

GM says (to Cat&Gert), "you two also find one of these mirror-ghost setups ... that room seems strangely untouched."

Arvid says, "gracious"

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Or was that just the point in the revolution when they stormed the prison?"

Gert shudders.

[Helvetica] GM says, "Started about four months ago now, in game time, and that was just when the storming happened."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "If they're still beheading nobles, then presumably the revolution is still in progress."

(From GM) Warden says, "ah, that. Ingenious, no? Formerly a plaything of the nobility. Porte sorcery does not work in the presence of these spirits, so that keeps our sorcerous inmates from spiriting themselves out."

(From GM) Warden says, "We had a difficult time moving it in here ... you have to keep the mirrors constantly facing each other, or the ghost escapes."

Arvid says, "a cunning device"

Hans asks, "Is the ghost dangerous if it gets out?"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "We're underground, right? So there's no 'other side of the wall' that these mirrors are on?"

(From GM) Warden says, "It can't touch you and you can't touch it. But it can throw things at you. Like knives, for example."

Hans says, "Huh."

[Helvetica] GM says, "Partially underground. There are a couple of windows, high up on the walls, letting in light."

Hans asks, "What happened to the pawns of the aristocrats who were guarding here before? Were they all killed in battle, or did you spare some to make an example of later?"

GM says (to Cat&Gert), "the mirror-ghost room happens to be the library. So most of the books that Arvid seemed so interested in are, in fact, still there."

[Helvetica] Cat asks, "wait, this place has a mirror-ghost room too?"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "We don't have any friends with porte that we know of around here, right?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hmm"

(From GM) Warden says, "Most were let go, only the warden was executed. We were softer and more foolish then -- we even let the sorcerous mailmen keep operating."

[Helvetica] Hans (to Gert) | GM says (to Cat&Gert), "you two also find one of these mirror-ghost setups ... that room seems strangely untouched."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "presumably wossherface doesn't have it, since she married into the nobility"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha sorcerous mailmen"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "ah, okay, somehow I missed that"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Agathe Schreiber?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "No, I would not expect Ms. Schreiber to have Montaigne sorcery."

Cat pulls every book to see if the bookcase revolves

(From GM) Warden says, "What fools we were, leaving our communications in the hands of those with clear links to the aristos! We know better now, of course."

Hans exclaims, "Indeed!"

GM says (to Cat), "You find a book of (ugh) Sir Galahad Locksley's poetry. It's a bit bland."

Hans says, "Of course, by the time you realize, I imagine they had all fled or gone into hiding, alas."

Cat says, "come now! no sensible person would willingly keep this trash in their library, unless it was a SECRET MESSAGE"

(From GM) Warden says, "C'est la vie. They will come to a bad end, eventually."

Hans says, "Undoubtedly. But then, there are so few good ends in war."

Cat scrutinises the book for carefully-placed dog-ears, dots over particular words, secret compartments in the binding, etc., while adding choice annotations of her own

[Helvetica] Hans says, "For instance, I completely missed out on the one I wanted to be in. That was a totally sucky way for it to end."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hee hee"

[Helvetica] Hans asks (of Arvid), "Do you have any clever questions for him?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "It sounds like we have a couple possible leads to consider at this point."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "no, I think I'm out of ideas"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "yeah"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "E.g. finding a window from the outside that you can see the mirrors from and applying a crossbow."

GM says (to Cat), "it's as pristine as a book in an abandoned house is likely to be. The later half of the book has clearly never been read."

Hans exclaims (at Warden), "Well, thank you!"

Hans asks, "By the by -- who are these prisoners, any way?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I guess, uh, we don't actually know which one *is* Agathe yet..."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(Did we get a description of her?)"

(From GM) Warden says, "Ah, you want the rogues' gallery! Let me show you...."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "we could just free them all"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "What if there are real criminals here?"

Gert searches for convenient and semi-concealed entrances and exits from the mansion, as well as places inside to hide people (cellars, etc.)

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I dunno, we don't know what things Agathe might have done"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "But we may have to do as you say, yes."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "and are cheerfully freeing her because her siblings are nice"

Cat exclaims, "This is the worst mysterious mansion ever, Gert! There's no secret passages and a stupid ugly ghost and the owner was so bored she read *half* of one of Locksley's books!"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Also, I am half expecting to see Cat's face appear under one of the drains in the corner, with an 'oh, so *that's* where this passage leads!' expression on it."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

GM says (to Cat), "Gert's apparently gone looking elsewhere."

Cat throws Locksley's book at the mirror-chost and moves on to the next room

[Helvetica] Cat says, "s/chost/ghost"

[Helvetica] GM asks (of Cat), "you ... what??"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "you realize if you shatter the mirror the ghost will come out and poltergeist around?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "no"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Hee."

[Helvetica] GM says, "You don't have to shatter it, just move it from its position."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "it's only a very thin book"

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "You should have been eavesdropping on our conversation with the Warden!"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Also, what's your Finesse score?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "2"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "See? She probably has terrible aim. No danger at all."

[Helvetica] GM says, "Hm .... nah."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Alternate plan:"

[Helvetica] GM says, "I have plenty of drama dice which I never use but I should. To help Cat's throwing roll."

[Helvetica] GM says, "(Aren't I nice GM?)"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Hee hee"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Sneak this mirror ghost to one of the dungeon windows and let it in, making them think their ghost has escaped and causing general confusion."

GM says (to Cat), "so, you're halfway out the library when you hear something ooooohhing behind you."

Cat whips around

GM says (to Cat), "And that ugly old ghost in now in the middle of the room. Books are levitating out of their shelves and flying around it."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I wonder if we could sneak in two parallel mirrors around it and trap it again"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "or if it doesn't work like that"

Cat says (to ghost), "NOW SEE HERE"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "That's how I would have expected it to work."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I guess I have this occult skil"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "l"

Cat says, ".. ghost put those books back in alphabetical order THIS MINUTE or I shall get very cross"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "but I don't know about this Cat incident yet, so"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hee hee"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Yeah."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "We're still listening to the Warden explain who the prisoners are."

GM says (to Arvid&Hans), "The Warden points out the interesting cases, including 'a petite-noblesse whose husband was found to be transporting sensitive information from Montaigne to Eisen. Sadly we never caught the husband, but Mme Meunier will be facing the auto-executor the day after tomorrow....'"

GM says (to Cat), "It throws a book at you. Volume A-AL of the Encyclopaedia Avalonica."

Arvid says, "goodness"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Have any of the prisoners sounded like genuinely bad people, or just generic 'they're a noble, so here's our excuse for assuming they're evil' folks?"

[7thsea] Cat rolls 3k2: 7 8 10+4 | 22

[7thsea] GM rolls 6k2: 4 4 6 4 9 1 | 15

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Cat), "Turnabout and all that."

Gert hears thumping upstairs and comes running.

GM says (to Cat), "which you swat aside"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I suppose I am not allowed to shout down a poltergeist"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Perhaps if you had enough drama dice..."

[Helvetica] GM says (to Hans), "the Warden makes them all sound very gruesome ... plotting the Downfall of Civilisation, conspiring to Undermine The Economy and so on."

Gert dodges a book as she comes in the room.

Gert exclaims, "Did you dislike that volume so badly that... oh!"

Gert asks (of Cat), "What did you *do*?"

Cat draws herself up as tall as she can

[Helvetica] Cat asks, "what skill would that be?"

GM says (to Cat&Gert), "now it's picked up a nasty-looking letter opener."

Hans says, "And to think, these people were once allowed to run the country."

[Helvetica] GM says (to Cat), "Oratory, I guess, though somehow I'm not sure the ghost would be sane enough to understand."

GM says (to Arvid&Hans), "The Warden says, 'And a terrible mess they made of it, too.'"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "okay, 6k4, and I'll throw in a drama die"

[7thsea] Cat rolls 7k5: 10+4 5 7 7 3 1 6 | 39

[Helvetica] GM asks (of Hans), "are you still wearing your dracheneisen, by the way?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Yes. Although I presumably have a cloak over it and stuff."

[7thsea] GM rolls 4k4: 3 1 7 5 | 16

Cat asks (of ghost), "WHAT SORT OF A GENTLEMAN DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?"

GM says, "The books and the letter-opener all clatter to the floor."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Do those numbers imply that I should be rolling Stealth or somesuch?"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "I think that was in reponse to Cat."

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

Cat says, "for pity's sake BEHAVE yourself, sir"

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "Also, woah, nice Oratory!"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Man. Maybe she might even recruit him to help out."

[Helvetica] GM says, "If that doesn't deserve a drama die for sheer chutzpah, I don't know what does."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Yeah."

[Helvetica] Cat says (to GM), "well, it was entirely stupid, but I figured Overconfident, so"

[Helvetica] GM says, "So Cat gets the die."

Gert goes a bit slack-jawed.

GM says, "And the ghost pauses for a long moment."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "So, while we're looking from cell to cell, how do the doors look?"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Wood? Iron bars? Particularly strong?"

[Helvetica] Alex says (to Hans), "Awwwk! Word on the street is that wood is wooden."

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "if we had a horse, could we get them open?"

GM says, "Then an astronomy book begins lifting off the floor."

Gert asks (of Ghost), "Can you... can you move on to the next world?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Strong iron bars."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "presumably neither of us know about the facing-mirrors thing being what keeps the ghost trapped"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "I suppose we could roll occult or something."

GM says (to Gert), "a book on 'Monsters of Theah' launches itself out of a nearby shelf at you."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "So we might need either keys or sorcery to get her out."

Gert catches the book. "It's in here?"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Have we seen the keys yet?"

Gert looks up 'ghosts'.

[Helvetica] GM says, "haha, I was about to roll to see if it hit you."

[Helvetica] GM says, "but this is cooler."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Hee hee"

[Helvetica] GM throw drama die at Gert./

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "the warden must have the keys"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "in theory I could try to pick the locks, but that would take a while"

GM says, "Of course, more books (most of them much less relevant) are coming up now, gathering together in a big book-boulder."

Cat says, "honestly, I know the critics reacted poorly to Locksley's poems, but this is just ridiculous"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Initiative, ladies."

Gert exclaims (at Cat), "Keep talking to it!"

[7thsea] GM rolls 5 dice: 9 9 9 9 2

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Arvid), "I was curious if we'd seen him carrying a keyring, or if we'd passed a big keyboard (er, not this kind of keyboard) or whatever."

[Helvetica] GM says, "er wait, that's wrong"

[7thsea] Gert rolls 3 dice: 9 2 10

[Helvetica] Cat asks, "which is... Finesse?"

[7thsea] GM rolls 3 dice: 3 9 1

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Panache."

[7thsea] Cat rolls 3 dice: 3 8 3

[Helvetica] Gert says, "(and not 3k3, just 'roll 3')"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "That means you go twice on phase 3, and once on phase 8."

[Helvetica] GM says (to Hans), "He has a keyring."

GM says, "The book-boulder comes flying at Gert."

[7thsea] GM rolls 6k2: 3 6 2 5 8 3 | 14

[Helvetica] GM asks, "(cough. I assume Gert has a better-than-2 Footwork...?"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Yeah."

Gert rolls out of the way, furiously flipping through pages.

[Unsetting the zoned flag.]

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npc1 says (to Gert), "you'll need to roll Wits+Research to find anything while under fire."

GM says, "...what npc1 said."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Hmm, looks like I don't have that."

Cat exclaims (at Gert), "Throw me the book! I read faster than you do!"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "would that mean 1k1? If so, I'll give the book... timing."

Gert says, "H..ou..nds, Basker... oh, OK."

Hans asks (of Arvid), "Well, I certainly have a good story to tell back home now. Are you ready to go?"

GM says, "TWO"

Gert tosses the book to Cat.

GM says, "THREE"

Gert positions herself in front of Cat so she can defend the girl from flying books.

Cat searches furiously for the index

[7thsea] Cat rolls 4k3: 3 6 8 1 | 17

GM says, "This time it's the letter-opener that comes flying at you."

[7thsea] GM rolls 6k2: 9 1 9 5 2 8 | 18

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "At me?"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "(if so, that's a miss, I believe--footwork 3)"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Yeah. Footwork to dodge will let it right past you at Cat."

[Helvetica] Gert exclaims, "Well, we can't have that!"

Gert tries to swat the opener away!

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Was my phase 2 action spent on giving the book to cat, or can I have held it to use now?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Yeah."

[Helvetica] Cat asks, "well, I have footwork 3, so it doesn't really matter, does it?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Also, Wits+ ... uh, parry."

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Wits + parry?"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Alrighty."

[7thsea] Gert rolls 3k2: 9 3 3 | 12

[Helvetica] GM says (to Cat), "you're going to have to not be hopping out of the way of things if you plan on finding anything."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Enh, I'll let it hit me."

[7thsea] GM rolls 4k2: 1 2 5 6 | 11

[Helvetica] GM says, "11 flesh wounds"

[7thsea] Gert rolls 4k4: 7 5 5 6 | 23

Gert exclaims, "Ow!"

GM says, "Letter opener leaves a bit of a scratch, but otherwise gets deflected."

GM says (to Cat), "meanwhile, you've found the chapter on ghosts."

GM says (to Cat), "There's a lovely illustration of people luring a ghost in between a pair of mirrors."

[Helvetica] Cat asks, "is the mirror shattered, or just askew?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Askew"

Cat exclaims (at Gert), "We need to trap it between the mirrors!"

Gert says, "Oh, right."

Gert asks, "No way to dismiss the thing?"

[Helvetica] GM says (to Cat), "You have another action on 3"

Gert says, "I guess we can figure that out after we trap it again."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "with my second turn-3 action I jump to grab one of the mirrors"

[Helvetica] GM says, "In fact, the next phase where anyone has any actions is 8 -- yours as well."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "I'll interrupt-action to grab the other mirror if we can do it in one phase."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Actually, I guess I don't need to, since my phase-9 goes before its phase-9."

[Helvetica] GM says, "Might be better to leave the other mirror immobile on the wall."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Oh? OK."

[Helvetica] GM asks, "Okay, you two each have a move before the ghost does. What do you do?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I was thinking we could hold them parallel on opposite walls and then sweep the whole room"

Gert helps Cat move the mirror on the other side of the ghost from the on-the-wall mirror.

[Helvetica] Gert says, "One's fixed, apparantly."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "then we sort of have to hope the ghost is stupid enough to stand directly in front of the fixed one, I guess"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Maybe one of you can distract it while the other moves the mirror."

[Helvetica] GM says, "No, I just thought it would be better to leave it where it's hanging ... save you the agony of trying to put both mirrors down without letting the ghost go again. If you want to pick it up, by all means."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(I am thinking I can guess which of you is better at (wo)manhandling large panes of glass, and which is better at distracting incoherent gentlement.)"

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Well: Is the ghost vaguely in front of one of the mirrors?"

Cat says (to Gert), "Hold it here and make sure it stays lined up - I'll see if I can lure it through"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Hee."

[Helvetica] GM says, "vaguely, perhaps too much so."

Cat exclaims, "Oh Mr. Poltergeist! I seem to have fallen helplessly to the floor! Do be good enough not to attack me in any way!"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Ha."

[Helvetica] GM says (to Cat), "you want Wits + Traps"

[7thsea] Cat rolls 4k3: 3 9 9 1 | 21

[7thsea] GM rolls 2k2: 9 1 | 10

Gert moves the mirror to the other side of the ghost!

GM says, "The ghost raises its ghostly arms and ghostily goes after Cat, ghosting in between the two mirrors."

GM says, "And suddenly it's not in the room any more, but in the mirrors."

[Helvetica] Hans wonders what happens if you just tie the two mirrors together, face-to-face.

Cat brushes herself down and helps Gert with the mirror

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "perhaps that is how they moved it"

Gert says, "Whew."

Cat says, "I am sorry about that, Gertie. I'm rather afraid that was all my fault."

[Helvetica] GM asks, "what's happening with the gentlemen, by the way?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I am AFK a moment."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hmm"

Gert says, "Well, at least we know how to trap it again."

Cat says, "But you have to admit it's the least boring thing in this whole dreary house."

Gert asks, "I don't suppose there's anything in that book about banishing them permanently?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I believe we were completing a roster of the prisoners, and sort of sizing up the layout of the prison, and then excusing ourselves politely"

GM says (to Cat), "(incidentally, that book on monsters? Written by Annette Locksley. Sir Galahad's black-sheep aunt, who's buried up in the expatriate tomb with Lucille.)"

Cat says, "I think I'll hang onto this. It has a very convenient quick-reference index."

Cat tries to work out something about banishment

[Helvetica] GM says (to Arvid), "Okay. And now you've also seen Agathe."

GM says (to Cat), "there isn't any known way to banish them."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Yeah, what he said."

Gert says, "Hmm, well."

Arvid asks (of Hans), "hmm, and now what?"

Arvid asks, "look for disaffected former employees?"

Hans asks, "Should we go find that restaurant we heard about?"

Cat asks, "can we stick together to search the rest of the house, dear?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Oh, I guess Arvid is asking after we left, not before."

Gert says, "Sure."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "yeah, sorry, I thought we'd already excused ourselves"

Hans says, "Perhaps we should meet with Cat and Gert to let them know what we've seen."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Yeah."

Arvid says, "that might make the most sense"

Arvid says, "no doubt they have had an uneventful time"

[Helvetica] GM says, "haha"

Hans says, "Unless they found any squatters, like Gert was expecting."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Just one."

Hans exclaims, "But I am sure they will be excited to hear about this 'mirror ghost' we saw!"

Arvid says, "I can only imagine the damage would do if it got out"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Can you tell if a mirror ghost is male or female?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "less of a squatter, more of a floater"

Hans exclaims (at Arvid), "Perhaps quite *useful* damage!"

[Helvetica] GM says (to Hans), "yes, it's usually dressed in tattered finery."

Hans says, "I saw some windows high up on the opposite wall. It might be possible to see one of the mirrors through them if you look from the right place."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Which was ours?"

Gert, on her way through the house, looks for two hand-sized mirrors, just in case.

[Helvetica] GM says (to Hans), "flip a coin ... female, I guess. just for variety's sake."

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Anything else of note in the house?"

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "Aha! So we've got one of each!"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "(I guess we could roll)"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Perhaps we can play matchmaker..."

GM says (to Gert), "you find a couple of handmirrors in the boudoir."

[Helvetica] Gert exclaims, "We could reenact that scene from The Curse of Monkey Island!"

Cat says, "Look Gert, it says here that these things stop Porte magic working. I wonder why a Porte witch would keep a thing like that about."

Cat asks, "Even if she wanted a room safe from rival Porte adepts, why the library?"

Gert asks, "Maybe the revolutionaries put it there to keep Madame du Sices from coming back?"

Cat asks, "Ooh. I wonder if it affects the whole house?"

[Helvetica] GM asks (of Hans&Arvid), "where are you two going?"

Gert asks (of Cat), "Does the book say what the range is?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "To the du Sices house."

Cat says, "Not really. It's probably one of those symbolic things."

GM says, "(Range is maybe about a 25' radius. Not as big as the dungeon's holding cell area, but perhaps the warden isn't aware of that.)"

Hans says (to Arvid), "So here are some ideas..."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "(is there a Search-type skill?)"

Hans says (to Arvid), "If we can find a porte sorcerer, then we can take out one of the mirrors like I just said with a crossbow bolt, and then we can sneak in with porte."

[Helvetica] GM says, "Usually just plain Wits."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "+1k0 if you have Keen Senses."

Hans says, "Alternately, we saw that the warden keeps the keys on his person. So we could just come in the front entrance, knock him out, take his keys, and then go down to the cells."

[7thsea] Cat rolls 3k3: 4 8 2 | 14

Arvid says, "he wasn't the only guard we saw, of course"

Hans says, "The first plan requires finding a helpful sorcerer, although I suspect that if we can find *any*, they'll be on our side."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "laaame"

[Helvetica] GM says, "And the men arrive at the manor."

Hans says, "Yes, the second one has that... issue."

Arvid says, "I suppose it may be the case that some of the nobles in there are sorcerers"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "tactful of you not to say "benefit", as in getting to punch more guys"

Arvid says, "though I imagine most of the most powerful sorcerers have already escaped or already been executed"

Hans knocks. "Anybody home?"

Hans says (to Arvid), "Yes, but we would need to somehow arrange for them to help us."

Cat finds the thoroughly looted wine cellar! And the front door!

Arvid says, "I hear faint thumpings and bangings, so I imagine the ladies have accomodated themselves to their situation"

Hans says (to Arvid), "I imagine they would likely want to simply escape."

Arvid frowns

Cat opens the front door. "Lady Werden is not at home to visitors."

Gert runs up to the side door, opens it, and shoos everyone inside.

Arvid says, "I believe it is rather more difficult for a porte sorcerer to take others with them"

Hans exclaims, "On the other hand, if there are convenient windows, perhaps we could sneak a message in that way... ah, Cat!"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hee hee"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "whoops, timing."

Hans asks (of Arvid), "So we might be better off simply forcing our way through?"

Gert exclaims (at Hans), "You'll never believe what we found in this house!"

Hans asks (of Gert), "A porte sorcerer?"

Gert exclaims, "Nope!"

Cat says, "Hmpf. Proper fairies stay shouted-at when you shout at them."

Hans asks, "A roast ham?"

Cat says, "These continental bugaboos are all uppity."

Hans asks, "An antique seige weapon?"

Hans asks, "I fear you are correct -- I can't guess. What is it?"

Cat flips open the book and shows them

Arvid exclaims, "amazing!"

Hans asks, "A gremlin?"

Hans asks, "Or do you mean the other page?"

GM asks (of Hans), "can't read it, can you?"

[Helvetica] Gert exclaims, "There was a picture!"

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims (at GM), "It's got pictures!"

Cat exclaims, "I let it out of the mirror by mistake and it tried to do us mischief but we stuck it back in the mirror!"

[Helvetica] GM says, "oh yeah, there was."

Arvid says, "funny, and I thought Hans was the one who needed supervision to stay out of trouble"

Hans says, "Ah! A mirror ghost. Of course, I know *all* about those."

Hans exclaims, "They are trapped between mirrors and prevent porte sorcery and they throw things when they escape!"

Hans looks terribly smug.

Cat looks suspicious

Hans suddenly stops.

Hans asks, "Wait. You saw one too?"

Cat asks (of Hans), "is this another of your interminable family stories?"

Arvid says, "interestingly they had a similar arrangement at the prison"

Arvid says, "no doubt to prevent the prisoners from escaping or being aided"

Cat asks, "Are the revolutionaries mass-producing poltergeists or something?"

Cat says, "If every prison in every provincial seat needs a mirror-ghost..."

Hans says, "So I am thinking that we should arrange to free it so that the prisoners can escape and be aided."

Arvid says, "I imagine they had been originally collected by the nobiity to ensure their privacy at home"

Cat says, "that would seem very stupid"

Cat says, "it would make them vulnerable in their own homes"

Cat says, "but I suppose there is no plumbing the mysteries of the Montaigne mind"

Hans thinks of Antoinette. "How true."

[Helvetica] GM exclaims, "There is always plumbing in the games I run!"

Cat asks, "do we even know if Aggie uses Porte?"

Hans asks, "Agathe Schreiber, Erich's sister?"

Hans says, "It seems unlikely."

Gert says, "Well, it seems sort of rude (if not dangerous) to let them out permanently, but we can perhaps let them free a bit, or transport them elsewhere."

Gert says, "Or just let them roam until re-captured."

Gert says, "I guess."

Gert says, "But this doesn't help Agatha."

Cat asks, "can we really rely on there being Porte-using nobles in the prison altruistic enough to rescue everyone else?"

Hans asks, "Rude to whom?"

Hans asks, "Is it not rude to capture someone and trap them in a mirror?"

Hans says (to Cat), "Nein."

Gert says (to Hans), "The populace. And the prisoners who can't get free, at that."

Gert exclaims (at Hans), "They're monsters!"

Hans says (to Gert), "Come now! I am certain that some porte sorcerers must be perfectly nice people."

Hans says (to Gert), "They are just under difficult circumstances at the moment."

Gert says (to Hans), "Don't tell me you're opposed to hunting monsters. I've seen your dad's Hall of Trophies."

Gert says, "The ghosts, silly."

Cat asks, "So how well-guarded is this prison? Could we break in by main force, do you think?"

Hans says (to Gert), "An honorable death is one thing. Being trapped in a tiny mirror for all eternity is quite another."

Gert says (to Hans), "No, there's no way to banish them permanently."

Arvid says, "well, Hans thinks we can"

Gert says, "Or at least, no way somebody knows about."

Hans says (to Cat), "We could, but we would have quite a fight on our hands."

Hans says (to Cat), "On the toher hand, if we could arm the prisoners, many of them could probably help us on the way back out."

Cat says, "Maybe one of us could contrive to be arrested and organise a simultaneous effort from inside."

Gert asks, "How about that's the plan if the first plan goes awry?"

Hans explains what the layout of the prison is like and where the keys seemed to be and what the Warden said about the old staff and the porte mail service (both not killed, probably fled and hiding) and the names of the prisoners he could think of (some of whom are probably sorcerers) and anything else potentially useful he can think of.

Hans asks (of Gert), "Fight?"

Gert says, "No, organize an effort from the inside."

Cat says, "Gosh. When they imprisoned Cousin Timmy he had his own study and drawing-room. Standards really have gone down since the revolution."

Gert says, "if someone's going to be arrested, 'for trying to break people out of prison' seems as good an excuse as any."

Hans says (to Gert), "That may alert them to improve security."

Cat says, "Mf. I wish I had some proper lockpicks and things."

Hans exclaims, "Perhaps one of us could be arrested for something that would make them send their guards *away* from the prison!"

Arvid says (to Cat), "oh, well, *those* I have right here"

Hans exclaims, "Maybe someone could have secret papers describing a terrible plot that must be foiled at a certain time hidden on them for the guards to find!"

Arvid says, "but it's not much help without being inside, and even then, how do you get the people out again"

Hans exclaims, "And then while they are busy trying to stop the plot we break the jail!"

Cat exclaims, "We could set the jail on fire!"

Hans says (to Cat), "A good idea, but much of it is stone."

Cat exclaims, "Surely that should be no obstacle to modern arson technology!"

Hans says, "On the other hand, the roof is not, and could surely provide a good distraction..."

Arvid says, "we could set another building on fire, I suppose"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "How are the windows relative to the cells?"

Arvid says, "or the guillotine"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Could things potentially be sneaked through to the prisoners?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "we could send them a cake"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Hm, possibly, yeah"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "or, more usefully, some weapons"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "And a note explaining the situation and asking for help from any porte mages when it all goes down."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "It'd be *really* nice if we could get the keys down there somehow. But the lockpicks might be good enough..."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "I'm inclined to try to sneak in, sap the warden, disrupt the mirror, and escape."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "we could also try just grabbing wossherface when they take her out to execute her, but that'd be cutting it pretty close"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Maybe we could duplicate the keys first."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "So how about:"

[Helvetica] Cat says (to Arvid), "there will be large, angry crowds"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Arvid gets arrested with a note describing a plot to take place tomorrow at midnight on the other end of town."

[Helvetica] Cat asks, "wait. weren't there visiting hours?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "yes"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "that sounds like an exploitable situation"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Then we sneak him some lockpicks and maybe small weapons that he can distribute to the prisoners."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "He passes the message around to the rest of the prisoners."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "At midnight tomorrow, we light the roof of the prison on fire and shoot one of the mirrors."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(Meanwhile, Arvid will have been working on his locks.)"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Then Cat and Gert and I go in the front way and disable the warden and take his keys."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "all these schemes seem to involve me staying up past my bedtime"

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "And then we all meet in the middle for an exciting and confusing mish-mash!"

[Setting the zoned flag.]

[Helvetica] Cat asks, "Can't I just hang around on a rooftop or something and provide covering fire?"

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "It seems complicated enough that *some* part of it must go right!"

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims (at Cat), "Sure!"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(I just assumed you'd want to help sap, since you suggested it.)"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(Possibly you'd be better off shooting the mirror...)"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "'Go in the front way and brawl with guards' is not really my style"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "shooting the mirror, now"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "ALso, I am wide open to other plans, but this one has the advantage of having lots of random elements, and therefor lots of opportunities for 'interesting' things to happen."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Hee"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "what we really need at this point is a source of lots of weapons"

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "And we have, what, a cart to carry people out of town? Horses?"

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

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "man"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "otherwise the prisoners will mostly be a liability rather than an asset"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Enh, we just let them disperse."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Do we still have our wagon?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I'm not sure any of the prisoners are going to be much help in a fight"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "'wagon' does not say 'rapid getaway vehicle' to me"

[Helvetica] GM says (to Hans), "no."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I mean, they've been prisoners"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Also, yeah, I was figuring that most of the prisoners would want to go their own ways."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "and before that they were layabout nobility"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Hopefully many different ways simultaneously."

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Arvid), "I thought most nobles were all about duelling and fencing and stuff."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Or do they all just wear those swords for show?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "well, *you* are"

[Helvetica] Cat says (to Arvid), "layabout nobility comprising the officer-class of the national military"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "but I assume the average nobile is lazy"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "er, noble"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "what good is it being rich if you can't lie around and get fanned and fed grapes?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "although, for that exact reason, I'm assuming we'll have a high proportion of children, women and the elderly"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Well, any nobles with Porte will be presumably better able to at least defend themselves, if not escape."

[Helvetica] GM says, "Most nobles are expected to at least know the basics of swordplay. Whether they continue afterwards is up to them."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Mmm, yeah. The ones who are in prison at this point have had two months of running around hiding from revolutionaries and trying to stay alive."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "could we misappropriate a cannon, I wonder"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "So I think we've got a chance of them at least keeping their opposite brutish or henchy numbers occupied while we deal with the important guards."

[Helvetica] GM asks, "Where in the manor are you discussing this, by the way?"

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Cat), "The revolutionaries apparently already tried to bust through the walls when they did their jailbreak, without success."

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

[Helvetica] Cat exclaims, "ooh! I have an idea! Spread a rumour that royalist counterrevolutionaries have seized the prison, and get the town militia to do our dirty work!"

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

[Helvetica] Cat says, "this is an even more random plan than Hans'"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "No reason we couldn't do both."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "revolutionary mobs love besieging public buildings, and they haven't got to do that for a while"

GM says, "So. You hear footsteps approaching."

[Helvetica] GM says, "(I'm assuming you ARE discussing this in the larder.)"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Sure."

Gert melts to the back wall.

Gert grips her axe.

GM says, "Voices. Conversation in Avalon."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Hey, I know that."

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "I don't!"

GM says, "'...and this is the Dining Room. Rather a mess, like everything else, but I imagine I could get it looking up to snuff in short order.'"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

Cat hunkers down behind a barrel of salt herrings

(From GM) MrMatravers says, "Of course, I don't doubt it. But these manor houses always need such a lot of work put into them."

[Helvetica] Cat asks, "*Mr.*?"

(From GM) OtherMan says, "In this case, the demolition work's mostly done....."

[Helvetica] GM says, "Ah, I wasn't sure."

Cat curses involuntarily

Hans hides under a table.

(From GM) OtherMan says, "(Montaigne) Mlle Dupin, what ARE you doing? Please hurry up."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Drat, I don't see 'Matravers' on the NPC list."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "my father, Matravers Earl of Hereford"

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "Oh! Right!"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(I *knew* that name was familiar.)"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "Lord Andrew to you"

Arvid says, "mlle dupin? now that is a coincidence worse than the mirror ghosts"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "'Daddy, you utter shit' to me"

Arvid ducks into the corner.

(From GM) MlleDupin says, "(Montaigne) I seem to have lost a button, M. Chevalier."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

Hans rolls his eyes.

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "bow chikka wow"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "'Unknown parentage'..."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Surely a sorcerer of some ilk."

Cat draws her courage up to the limit

Cat pokes her nose cautiously around the corner

(From GM) Chevalier says, "(Montaigne) Well, the number of buttons those dresses have, just one won't be missed!"

Hans whispers, "Hang on... are *they* supposed to be here either?"

Arvid says, "well, if that's Armand Chevalier, I imagine he can be wherever he wants"

Hans says, "Oh."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "It *could* be Cat's new beau."

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "There are three people?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "apparently"

GM says (to Cat), "Both Your father is surveying the room. Your mother is watching Chevalier very very carefully. Mlle Dupin is a pretty girl in her late teens in a very fussy dress full of bows and frou-frous."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Cat's father, Nicolette, and OtherMan."

Cat darts back into the pantry

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

Cat says, "Shit. Mother's here too. She *hates* to travel; this must be really important."

Hans asks, "Is there another way out of this room?"

Arvid asks, "do larders usually come with secret entrances?"

Cat says, "Well, I could just brazen it out."

Arvid asks, "did you check behind the potatoes?"

Gert says, "Or we could just lock it."

Hans says, "The one at home does."

Hans says, "But it isn't very secret."

Arvid says, "you Eisen are already prepared"

Arvid says, "er, always"

(From GM) Chevalier says, "(Avalon) shall we move on upstairs?"

Cat says (to Gert), "can I borrow Hans? I think he'd be highly useful in making a scene."

Gert holds up a hand to signal to wait to listen.

Hans says (to Arvid), "Yes, it is important to always be on guard against hunger at any time of night."

(From GM) There is a smattering of agreement, and Mlle Dupin says, "You go on ahead, that button's bound to be around here somewhere."

Arvid says, "well, if we want a private talk, now's our chance"

Cat says, "Excellent! A potential hostage."

Gert frowns as if to indicate that Mlle Dupin might not be as dumb as she appears.

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hmm"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "if nicolette is fond of joseph then we could say we have a message from him"

(From GM) Chevalier says, "(Montaigne) Don't take too long about it! (Avalon, receding as they move off) Now, tell me more about Catherine...."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "but if he is merely fond of her then that won't help"

Cat asks (of Hans), "if it comes down to it, I'm going to tell Daddy I'm affianced to you to buy time. So, um, when he's in the room could you not stand too close to Gert, please?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I suspect that she is probably not as fond of Chevalier as he is of her."

Hans says (to Cat), "I... well..."

Hans glances at Gert.

Gert shrugs.

Hans shrugs too, then.

Gert says, "Maybe Cat can get you to pick out the lace you want."

Hans says, "But I am not certain how we can make them believe that you have defeated me in fair combat."

Cat says, "A wandering Eisen nobleman should buy me at least, oh, a week."

Cat exclaims (at Hans), "maybe I shot you!"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hee hee"

Gert peeks around the corner to see what Dupin is up to.

Hans nods. "Pistols at twenty paces? Yes, that could work."

Hans says, "I'll have to limp, then."

Cat says, "oh dear, though. Do all Eisen nobles need to do that? It seems as if after a while there wouldn't be many left."

GM says, "There is a soft, high-pitched, static-y sound...."

Hans says (to Cat), "There aren't, admittedly."

GM says (to Gert), "Mlle Dupin is rummaging through a bloody hole in the air."

Gert looks for the source of the sound.

Hans says, "But I think that's more to do with the war than anything else."

Gert blinks.

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I think we need to get her as an accomplice."

Gert. o O (Guess it doesn't work for the whole house...)

[Helvetica] Hans says, "If Chev's the head rev, and she's hiding this from him, then she's probably not on board with the revolution."

Cat steps out of the pantry, and says softly "It seems we have a mutual interest in keeping secrets."

GM says (to Gert), "She finally pulls out a pin ... lets go of the hole, which eases closed ... uses the pin to fasten the part of her dress where the button came off."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Not to mention that she's obviously of noble blood."

(From GM) Nicolette EEK!

Cat exclaims, "Sssh!"

Cat says, "We just need your help."

[Helvetica] GM says, "Oh dear."

(From GM) Nicolette backs away rapidly.

[Helvetica] Cat asks, "did I just put my foot in it for the *second* time this session?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Just weighing the likelihood of her screaming the house down with or without the warning."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "always the most exciting place to put your foot"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Is this a time when a heavily armed man hurrying into the room to re-assure her would be a good thing?"

[Helvetica] Cat asks, "should I roll Sincerity or something?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "That would be a very good idea, yes."

[Helvetica] Cat asks, "Wits, yes?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "yes"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(I am tempted to assume the GM's answering me...)"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I'll throw in a drama die"

[7thsea] Cat rolls 5k4: 6 2 9 8 9 | 32

[Helvetica] Arvid says (to Hans), "hee hee"

[Helvetica] Cat exclaims, "confidante'd!"

(From GM) Nicolette says, "who are you and what are you doing here don't touch me my daddy's a judge" but at least she's not screaming.

Cat says (to Nicolette), "oh, I'm the daughter of that awful Avalonian upstairs."

[Crows-Nest] Hans says, "Yeah, we've, erm, met your daddy..."

Cat asks, "Could you please tell me exactly what he's up to here?"

[Crows-Nest] Hans says, "He may know us better as 'that mob of lunatics who hurled a flaming wagon at him'."

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "yeah"

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "this is why I figured it was better to mention Joseph"

(From GM) Nicolette looks surprised. Then doubtful. Then says, "oh. I suppose you do look a bit like the portrait."

Cat says, "Yes, they wouldn't let me wear breeches for that."

(From GM) Nicolette says, "M. Chevalier's buying over this place. We're here looking it over. But I don't know why I should have to come when I could just stay home."

Cat asks, "I'm rather afraid that they're trying to set me up with some boy or other. You wouldn't happen to know who that might, would you?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "er might be"

(From GM) Nicolette looks surprised again. "You don't know? But I thought ... I mean, I heard that ... why, with M. Chevalier, of course. Why else would the Earl and Countess Hereford be visiting us here otherwise?"

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "Ha. Welcome to your new home!"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "This does raise the quesiton of what the heck Nicolette is doing here, though."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hmm"

Cat says, "Oh. Indeed. And what are your feelings on the subject? Be perfectly candid, my dear."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "perhaps she's going to be his mistress"

(From GM) Nicolette shrugs. "I really don't know M. Chevalier all that well. I've only met him a few times when Daddy had friends visiting -- which is quite rare."

Cat asks, "And how precisely is my father, the staunchest Tory in the West Country, being induced to marry into republican stock?"

(From GM) Nicolette says, "Daddy doesn't like political talk at home. I'm afraid I wouldn't know the answer to that."

Cat asks, "Hmm. You're working *very* hard at being an innocent, aren't you?"

(From GM) Nicolette says, "But why ARE you here? The Earl and Countess were expecting you at rue Plumet a week ago ... they said they sent a letter by special courier."

Cat says, "Well, the mail has been somewhat interrupted. Politics, you know."

(From GM) Nicolette says, "Oh."

Cat says, "And I am in no particular hurry to marry, you understand."

(From GM) Nicolette says, "Really?"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Will she notice that this doesn't actually answer her quesiton at all?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "not if I have anything to do with it"

(From GM) Nicolette says, "Why not?"

(From GM) Nicolette says, "Oh, well, I suppose if you don't really like M. Chevalier, that's all there is to it."

Cat says, "Oh, I don't even know the man."

(From GM) Nicolette says, "That's why you're supposed to visit!"

Cat says, "I just like deciding what I'm going to do on my own account, rather than what the Earl wants. Or a husband, for that matter."

Cat asks, "Are you so eager to tie the knot, then?"

GM says, "(Somewhere deeper in the house, Chevalier is calling, 'Nicolette Dupin, what's taking you so long?')"

(From GM) Nicolette blushes and says, "Well, with the right man, perhaps."

Cat says, "Hm. Though it seems you already have no shortage of men to order you about."

(From GM) Nicolette says, "Jo-- I don't know what you mean. (loudly) Coming, M. Chevalier!"

(From GM) Nicolette says, "You must come to dinner. You're already expected. 5 rue Plumet. I must run."

Cat asks, "We have an understanding about our respective secrets, yes?"

Cat air-kisses

(From GM) Nicolette halts in midstep. "secrets! Oh, that! Yes, please don't tell anyone, Daddy says I must keep it a secret."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "...maybe she *is* as dumb as she looks."

(From GM) Nicolette says, "Goodbye, then. I'll expect to see you tomorrow evening."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "well, now we have an assassination *and* a rescue to manage"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Your father?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "oh! That *is* a better idea."

(From GM) Nicolette hurries out of the room, meeting with the Chevalier and ther Herefords in the entry hall.

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Also, where is 5 rue Plumet?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "But I suspect that M. Chevalier would be easier to manage. I think my father is iron-plated."

[Helvetica] Arvid asks (of Hans), "in the city someplace?"

[Helvetica] GM says (to Hans), "just an address, somewhere in town."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "sigh. there's no way that Hans will be able to keep up a charade of being my fiance for an entire dinner-party"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Phew."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "How about Gert in a false moustache?"

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

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[Helvetica] Cat asks (of Arvid), "how would you feel about pretending to be a minor Vesten noble?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "compared to some of my father's picks, you're brimming with youth and vigour"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "it is true this would be amusing"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "actually, wait a sec"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "oh, no, I guess Chevalier hasn't met us yet"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "just Dupin, who (presumably) is not here"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Yeah, he's probably busy back in Boise."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "So do you think this is likely to affect our prison break plans?"

Cat waits until they're gone, then deflates into the nearest chair

[Helvetica] Hans says, "It doesn't seem to directly relate."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "well obviously it should"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I am not sure how, though"

GM says, "Returning footsteps"

GM says, "heavier -- not Nicolette"

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "Oh, I know!"

Cat makes for the pantry again

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "A way to fulfill part of our plan *and* help Cat avoid the dinner party at the same time!"

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "*She* can be the one to get arrested!"

GM says, "Chevalier pops in and looks around."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Can't get a better excuse than that, eh?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "no, I have to deal with this"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "to Father, me being in jail would be the perfect way to keep me in one room for long enough to get married"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Ha."

GM says, "He goes over to the bloodstained spot on the floor under Nicolette's magic pocket and takes a moment to inspect it."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hmmm"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "perhaps this is why he's swanking around with her"

GM says, "Then he stands up and leaves."

GM says, "looking a little smug."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Yeah, OK, he knows."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "This suggests that Nicky is in trouble after all."

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Is this a decent time to break? Plan the jailbreak over the week?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Yep. I was just thinking that."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "all right"

[Helvetica] GM asks, "So ... next week?"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Lemme check the calendar."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "sounds good to me"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Same time works for me."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Saturday AM still works."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "I think Sunday should be OK, too."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Yeah, I could probably do either day next weekend, so long as I know ahead of time which one I'm doing."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "yeah, me too, though I'd prefer the Sunday"

[Helvetica] GM asks, "inky?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I'm not sure about my schedule but I imagine either day will be OK for me too"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Well, I prefer the sunday too, so we'll say next sunday 4eastern."