GM says, "And log."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "That's certainly fine with me."

GM exclaims, "Dramatic theme music!"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "of course, if I'm at a dinner party there's a limit to how much rabble can be roused"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "What time was the dinner party?"

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Does someone actually want to run the diversion, then, or should we scrap that?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I suppose I could stir up unrest among the kitchen staff"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "And how long do those sorts of things take?"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "which diversion?"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "A diversion to take place at the time of the jailbreak."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "most likely involving civil unrest"

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Gert), "I think your plan might be the only one that involves actually making a real diversion then."

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Enh?"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "That's what I read your plan as, but that's fine if I read it wrong."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "because, as Heroes, we are always morally justified in destroying unspecified numbers of random bystanders in order to save a handful of characters specifically emphasized by the plot"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Hee hee"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Mine involved planting a fake letter on Arvid claiming that there would be something going on across town (without actually doing anything -- just hoping that the cops would be expecting that rather than this), and then maga's additional proposal was to try to get the mobs to help us storm the jail."

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "I was thinking about that during batman yesterday"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "As I understood it, anyway."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "At any rate, I am fine dropping the diversion and just going with a straightforward jailbreak."

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "his no killing policy obviously doesn't extend to no traffic accidents"

GM says, "We are at the Sices manor house. Chevalier, Nicolette, and the Herefords have left / are leaving (depending on whether you want to do anything with/to them). It is late afternoon/early evening. You are Plotting."

Cat says, "Ugh. I suppose I'm going to have to attend this travesty of a dinner."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "So I am all for distracting the police by having them go someplace else during the jailbreak, but I am not in favor of us actually drumming up real violence somewhere else."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Alrighty."

[Helvetica] Cat asks, "what about the shooting-the-mirror aspect?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(I guess when I said 'a note describing a counter-revolutionary plot' it wasn't clear I meant 'a completely made-up counter-revolutionary plot'.)"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I am not in favor of being arrested with a note saying I am the head of a counter-revolutionary conspiracy"

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Cat), "That I am all for as well, if there's any chance that we can get some Porters on our side."

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Cat), "If not, then I am fine with shooting it or not shooting it."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "even if I am old and they are not likely to break too many of my bones"

[Helvetica] Hans asks (of Arvid), "Aw, where's your sense of adventure?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "it seems as if we should deal with the dinner-party first, then"

[Helvetica] Gert asks (of Cat), "Do you want to kidnap Chevalier and make him drive the getaway vehicle?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "particularly if I want to co-opt Arvid"

[Helvetica] Cat says (to Gert), "I would be all in favour"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Do we need to do any prep work during the morning/afternoon, before the dinner party?"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Like buying horses and/or weapons?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "horses, certainly"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "when is the dinner party? tonight?"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Do we want to try to smuggle weapons into the prison or no?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I'm not sure how easy it's going to be to acquire weapons without arousing suspicion"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "and is the breakout also tonight?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Tomorrow night. As in, right before Execution Morning."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "the dinner party can be whenever, I think"

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

[Helvetica] Cat says, "since I've already missed the date I was invited for, and am just showing up randomly"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Jailbreak the night of the dinner party, then."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Yeah, I think we arrived early Day 1, the dinner is on Day 2, and the execution is in the morning of Day 3."

[Helvetica] GM says, "Also, not specifically a dinner *party*, more of a dinner-with-friends kind of thing."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "I assume the dinner party is the time that Chev will accuse Nicolette."

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Oh, more than just the 5 of them or whoever?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "also, if I'm kidnapping someone, I'd like some muscle in reserve"

[Helvetica] Gert exclaims, "Hey, I know!"

[Helvetica] GM says, "So if Cat wants to push things and just show up on Chevalier's doorstep tonight, that's fine. The only person who knows to expect her is Nicolette."

[Helvetica] Gert exclaims, "*I'll* go as your fiancee!"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "OK, so we do horses, Cat's dinner with Arvid, Arvid arrested without a note (spoilsport)...?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "...sneak him some lockpicks, shoot the mirror, and then barge in and do the jailbreak?"

[Helvetica] Cat says (to Gert), "you know, gender disguise is easier than you'd think..."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Oh, I guess I could dress up as a guy, too."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha more"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Ha ha."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "but I really need someone who can at least masquerade as a noble"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Oh, someone *plausible*, pfft."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "Hans is an actual noble, and Arvid can act"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hmm"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "So should we both be her fiance?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "you know, Hans and I had checked out the jailhouse"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I wonder if that would make it problematic for me to then be arrested"

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

[Helvetica] Cat says, "if we could spend the next day on a montage where we train Gert how to behave like a proper nobleman, that'd be one thing"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Is there a good tourist crime you can be arrested for?"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Enh, disguise."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Like getting into a bar brawl or something?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "well, possibly they have a separate jail for political prisoners"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Also, if Gert goes to the party, then that lets Arvid get arrested earlier."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "in fact I'd judge that to be highly likely"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "yeah, I guess they might still lock me up, intending to release me with a warning and fine the next morning"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Which could be handy if the nobles in jail have any interesting info."

[Helvetica] GM says, "Given that Agathe IS technically a political prisoner, 'near her' is probably where political prisoners are kept."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "If necessary, I will spend a drama die to declare that the tour of the jail also revealed a drunk holding tank ;-)"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "(not that this is in the rules, but hey)"

[Helvetica] Hans asks (of GM), "Are you referring back to the 'note' idea?"

Cat breaks open her trousseau and starts arranging herself in the peak of Militia Chic

[Helvetica] GM asks (of Hans), "which 'note' idea?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Heh, guess not."

Gunther arrives, looking for booty.

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(The one were we fake a counter-revolutionary communique on Arvid when he's arrested.)"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Ah, no, I just saw a comment about political prisoners."

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "are we still planning on kidnapping chevalier?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "because I assume that would take care of transportation"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Sure, why not."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Ha. I think I missed that part."

GM says (to Cat), "Hm, Phrygian caps. They look funny and smurf-like."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Sounds like fun."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Maybe have some horses ready outside the gates, to switch to."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Can you do that without Cat's father finding out?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I don't see how"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "unless you don't release him"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I guess I'd suggested the other day faking a holdup"

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "That sounds like fun!"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I'd be happy to be the fake holder-upper."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hmm"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "So what's the current plan? Buy horses, get Arvid arrested, sneak him lockpicks, Cat + Gert have dinner, maybe get help from Nicolette, kidnap Chevalier, shoot mirror, storm prison?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I think we need like three or four more people to make this plan work"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "What for?"

[Helvetica] Gert says (to Arvid), "I should never have let you watch that movie."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hee hee"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "Arvid's Eight"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks (of Hans), "well, for one, can the same person really kidnap chevalier and storm the prison? don't they have to go on at the same time?"

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Arvid), "I assumed the kidnapping would happen first."

[Helvetica] Cat says (to Arvid), "I intend to have him kidnapped before the fish course"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "won't your parents raise the alarm pretty quickly?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "that leaves us hours and hours before dawn"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I guess they could be arrested too"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Isn't the jailbreak at midnight?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "er"

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "We want to kidnap first and then jailbreak, or do it all simultaneously?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "locked up"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I was thinking we'd ride straight from the kidnapping to the jailbreak"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Is it impractical to kidnap him first and then leave him in Cat's care while Hans and Gert break the jail?"

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Cat), "That sounds reasonable."

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "Heck, there's your diversion!"

[Helvetica] Cat exclaims, "oh, I have an idea!"

[Helvetica] Cat exclaims, "truss Chevalier up like a prisoner, imitate a militia squad, bring him in as if under arrest!"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Ha ha."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "That's great."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Gagged, of course."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "exactly"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "And put blood on his hands."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "OK, that is my favorite plan."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "we don't even have to conceal his identity - just say he was caught spying for Eisen or something"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I don't understand any of these plans, but sure, whatever you guys want"

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Cat), "Well, that might be tricky if I am one of the ones bringing him in."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Ha ha"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "okay. step one: horses"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Should we do horses tonight or wait until tomorrow morning?"

[Helvetica] Cat says (to Hans), "you don't have to *talk*"

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims (at Cat), "But I have to shout!"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "by the shouting phase of the plan, I think they'll have figured out we're lying"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Phew."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Oh, do we know how we get through the gates this time?"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Are we using Chev for that?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "we can try, certainly"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "but I suspect by that point our plan will have encountered the enemy and fallen apart"

Cat asks, "So, we need to buy some fast horses. Does, um, does anybody have any money?"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "are we going to try to take Nicolette with us?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "if she's willing to a) come and b) help, sure"

Hans says, "Ja, of course. I have four or five hundred marks."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "but let's see what develops"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I wonder if it would have been a good idea to get some montaigne currency"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Or c) discovered."

GM says, "The value of the Eisen mark is ... er ... kinda pathetic at this point."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "I imagine foreign currency is the only stuff not devalued right now."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Oh, or not."

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims (at GM), "Yeah, but that's enough for two horses!"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "If you're in EIsen."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Or in someplace where they'll accept Eisen currency."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "anyway, I thought we were going to steal Chevalier's horses"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "or his carriage or whatever"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Which probably includes Geneva."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "But not Mont Saint-Gabriyon."

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Arvid), "That works too."

Hans says, "But borrowing horses may be easier than finding a Montaigne merchant who knows the value of real money."

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Hmm, meta-gamewise, would it be reasonable to run the kidnapping and the jailbreak at the same time, so those not involved in the other will have something to play?"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Weren't we going to use Chevalier *in* the jailbreaking?"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Oh, yeah, I guess."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I've been trying to work out a way to get everybody involved in the kidnapping, because I think we'll need everybody in the jailbreak"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Also, doesn't the kidnapping involve everyone but Arvid, who would be busy interacting with the prisoners then anyway?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "So I think that should work out fine."

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "It involves me?"

[Helvetica] Hans asks (of Gert), "Arent' you the fiance?"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Cat said she needed someone who could be a noble."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "And then I show up and kidnap Cat and he two boyfriends (you and Chevalier)?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Oh."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "That's too bad. I liked that idea."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "see, we should have brought Andre & co along"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(On the other hand, if we do the kidnapping, then you don't need to keep up the disguise for the whole dinner.)"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "I could be a Ussuran noble. Nobody knows what they're like."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "They are like bears."

[Helvetica] Gert exclaims, "I'm like a bear!"

[Helvetica] Cat says (to Gert), "oh, I'm sure we could make you a convincing enough man to get us through the soup course..."

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "There we go!"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "man, Gert in a huge beard"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I say we try it just for amusement value"

[Helvetica] Gert exclaims, "OK then!"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Excellent."

Cat starts rummaging through her trousseau for 'enormous Ussuran noble' clothes. There aren't many.

[Helvetica] Hans says, "So, is this the current plan:"

GM says (to Cat), "apparently you did not pack for a three-hour tour."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "So: dinner party while Arvid gets himself arrested, with his lockpicks hidden on him. Then we kidnap him, and go to the jail, where we come in with him tied up."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Then the unlocked doors spring open; chaos; mirror ghost; escape."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Can we trust him not to get too thoroughly searched?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "if he's just getting drunk-tanked, probably"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "particularly if he doesn't look too rich"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Sounds good."

[Helvetica] GM says, "The drunk tank is not in the same area as the political prisoners. It's on the main floor -- ie, a somewhat less secure area."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Do we need to shoot the mirror from outside, or can Arvid do that from within?"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "We untie Chevalier and have Cat hold a gun on him as we make it through the gates of the city."

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "could I sneak from one to the other?"

[Helvetica] GM says (to Arvid), "If/once you get out, sure."

(From Hans) Hushed and hurried plans are made for the next day.

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Then we ditch Chev and probably the carriage, ride the freed horses over the mountains to Switzerland, leaving the authorities waiting for us to come out and sing "So long; farewell""

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "So are we playing that Gert and Cat are both unwitting victims of the kidnapping?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "no"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "OK."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "mostly because that would deny me the pleasure of seeing my parents splutter"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Hee hee"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "you, uh, don't think they'll cut off your allowance permanently for this?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "perhaps it is just girlish high spirits"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "oh no; they'll have quite forgotten in a month or so"

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "You've done worse?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I guess they don't necessarily care about montaigne politics that much"

[Helvetica] Hans wonders if we should get a small keg full of sand, with a wick...

Cat says (to Gert), "Very well. You are Rodion Vassily Rurikovich, marquis of a fur-trapping province in the frozen north. You don't speak much, but you laugh heartily a lot, and you smoulder with raw masculine potency."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha ha"

Arvid wanders around the house and comes up with a false moustache from somewhere, which he affixes to his upper lip.

Cat says, "Your annual income amounts to twelve thousand beaver pelts and a bushel of walrus ivory."

Hans asks, "Is that from a cleaning brush?"

Arvid says, "I felt that would provide the correctly dissipated appearance"

Arvid says, "the slight hint of being rubbed on the floor or left in the corner"

[Helvetica] GM throws drama dice all around for the planning, by the way.

Gunther was awarded the Hemingway Prize for his report of the Holy Hand over the Holy Land.

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Woot."

Cat says, "And you don't speak either Avalonian or Montaigne. Nod and grunt a lot."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "is Cat going to pretend to speak Ussuran?"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Is this session eight?"

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

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "yeah, apparently"

Gunther arrives, looking for booty.

Arvid recalls what the locks were like in the jail and chooses a few of his lockpicks.

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Perhaps they speak the language of love."

[Helvetica] Gert looks at her sheet, and whoops, doesn't speak Ussuran.

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Which I gather is mainly grunts and moans."

[Helvetica] Arvid asks (of Gert), "as long as nobody else does, does that matter?"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "At that point we spring the kidnapping plan ;-)"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Hmm."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "we can pretend that you have a quaint regional dialect"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "(wiki page updated; feel free to make modifications if I wrote something wrong)"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Which is actually pig-Eisen."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "It occurs to me that if everyone's going to reveal that they are in on the kidnapping, then I might want to start out inside as well."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Rather than having to talk my way in somehow."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Sure."

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "My manservant?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Sure."

Hans asks, "How difficult is it to get inside this house?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "it is great this plan involves disguising Gert as a man and a noble, while having an actual male noble as her servant"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Indeed."

Hans says, "I think that I had best enter with the two of you."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Manservant and bodyguard."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I am slightly confused as to why we ended up doing this, again"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "except that it was amusing"

[Helvetica] Hans asks (of Cat), "Because it is awesome?"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Mostly because it's funny, I think."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Also, because you thought that Hans couldn't keep up the facade."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "(suggesting that I go as your fiancee was *supposed* to be a joke, but it's an even better joke if we actually do it)"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Because it's easier to bring Hans in as the 'fiance's manservant' than Gert in as the 'fiance's maid'."

[Helvetica] Gert says (to GM), "There we go."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "true"

[Helvetica] Gert tosses a drama die to the GM.

[Helvetica] GM says, "yay"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "it would be a bad sign to have him have a kept woman before they're even married"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hee hee"

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

Arvid asks, "are you sure you'll be able to get to the prison by midnight?"

Gert exclaims, "Of course!"

Arvid says, "though I suppose if you don't arrive I can always lock myself back in"

[Helvetica] Cat asks (of GM), "okay. so, um, how many horses can we lay our hands on at short notice with what funds we have?"

Hans asks, "Certainly. How long can it take to eat dinner?"

Cat says, "as I said, we shall make our move at the fish course"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "We brought at least a couple horses with us, I presume."

Cat says, "assuming they *have* a fish course in this dreadful country"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I think we came by carriage."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Which already left."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "wagon"

[Helvetica] GM says (to Cat), "One. *Maybe* two."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "And are expecting to steal Chevalier's carriage."

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Carriages are drawn by horses, no?"

[Helvetica] Cat asks (of Hans), "do we know if he *has* a carriage?"

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

[Helvetica] Gert exclaims, "Of course he does!"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "he's the governor of the province"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "it seems pretty safe to think he has a carriage"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "It has curtains so you can't see inside and everything."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Will he have it with him?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I dunno"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "is this at his house?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "You do have plenty of time to check out his current house before shopping for horses."

[Helvetica] Hans says (to GM), "OK. Let's do that now."

[Helvetica] Hans asks (of GM), "Also, we were told his address before we came here, right? Is his address the same as the one Cat was given for the dinner?"

[Helvetica] Gert and Cat go shopping for the two sets of disguises as well as manacles for Chevalier.

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

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

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I thought I'd asked that last time and was told it wasn't."

[Helvetica] GM says, "5 rue Plumet."

Hans case Chevalier's house while Gert and Cat are shopping. (Typical women...)

GM says, "Most of the shops in the garment district, the rue du Temple, are closed up. You can't get adequate disguises until the morning after. Manacles are available at one of the still-open clothing shops, however."

Cat picks out enormous, tatty-looking fur coats for Gert

Arvid explores the city and works out the best way to get from the jail to the gates without hitting too many guardposts

[Helvetica] Cat says, "(timing, sorry)"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Also, I suppose that someone from SW Ussura wouldn't be unlikely to have an Eisen servant, come to think of it..."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I'm still confused about the timing here"

GM says, "You can see the tatty-looking fur coats inside one of the closed shops. It opens at 8 in the morning."

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "what time of day is it? and what day is the party?"

[Helvetica] Cat says (to Hans), "yeah, but we're saying that she's from the frozen North to account for any strangeness"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(Especially if I'm also a bodyguard, since there are plenty of Eisen swords-for-hire.)"

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

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Arvid), "I think it's evening of Day 1 right now."

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Arvid), "And the party is the evening of Day 2."

[Helvetica] GM says (to Arvid), "it is evening of Day 1. The dinner is evening/night of Day 2. Execution is morning of Day 3."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "oh, ok, so we have lots of time"

Cat heads back to the du Sices mansion to get some rest

Arvid finds some kind of meat pie thing for dinner and then does likewise

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I am still casing the mansion while it is evening and getting dark."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Rather than trying to do it tomorrow in broad daylight."

GM says (to Hans), "Chevalier's house is a large, residential place with a deep garden and a gravel driveway. There are stables in the back. You guess there should be at least three horses in there: two for a carriage, one for riding. Possibly more, if Chevalier is the sort who believes in changing his carriage horses every day."

GM says, "Also, if Nicolette *might* have her own horse."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "How easy is it to get from there to the jail quickly?"

GM says, "Actually, scratch that. There should be at least five horses. The Herefords have their own carriage."

Hans notes which exit leads most directly to the carriage house.

[Helvetica] Cat exclaims, "horses for everyone!"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Pretty easy."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Sounds good."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Do I notice anything that would be particularly important for us to know?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Perception:"

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

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Ha ha ha"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "no."

[Helvetica] GM says, "Very high walls and locked gates. Chevalier employs a watchman to patrol his grounds."

[Helvetica] GM says, "(That stuff you don't need a perception check to see.)"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Hmm."

Hans returns to tell the others about the watchman and locked gates.

Arvid says, "well, the watchman probably won't care about Chevalier's own carriage going out"

Arvid says, "but he might see a struggle getting him into the carriage"

Hans asks, "A kidnapping is likely to raise some alarm, no?"

Arvid asks, "which is good as a distraction, you mean?"

Cat says, "well, maybe we should set fire to the house as we leave"

Cat says, "just so that they're too busy to bother with pursuit"

Hans says, "I meant that the watchman will have already heard that we are kidnapping Chevalier before we get into the carriage."

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "wait, he will?"

Hans says, "But if so, I suppose he will do what the man with a gun to Chevalier's head says."

Gert says, "Or the woman."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Won't Catherine's parents raise a fuss? Not to mention the servants nearby?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "yeah, but I figured you'd tell them to shut up and then run out to the carriage house and be out before they've sorted out the confusion"

Hans says (to Cat), "I do not know if Chevalier is evil enough to justify burning down his home."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Fair enough."

Cat exclaims (at Hans), "this isn't punishing evil! this is Tactics!"

Hans asks, "Are we now at war with Mont St-Gabriyon?"

Arvid says, "after we kidnap Chevalier? it's possible"

Hans says (to Arivd), "You make a good point."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "What the (&*^ do we plan to do with him once we escape?"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "let him go?"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Strip him and leave him behind."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "shave off his moustache"

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Gert), "Hey! Don't you get any ideas..."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "But I mean, leave him where? In the prison?"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "No, outside the city."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I guess that'd be easiest."

[Crows-Nest] Gunther sings, "je suis le petit chevalier"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "We need his name to get through the gate."

[Helvetica] Hans asks (of Gert), "So we have to get him *back* into his carriage during the jailbreak?"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "http://inky.org/wiki/index.php?title=Mont_Saint-Gabriyon_Prison_Break"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "leave him as a warning to future fiances"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "We'll have his carriage. Why would we need his face?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(And surely they wouldn't let us through the gates with him sitting right there in plain view bound and gagged.)"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Partly because we don't want him following us, either."

[Helvetica] Cat asks, "okay. Are we set?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(And I can't imagine us convincing him to order them to let us out.)"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "No, we untie him and hold the gun behind him secretly."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I vote leave him tied up in the jail. Maybe in a locked cell."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Leave that to Cat."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "if you want to hold the gun to him secretly you're going to have to not raise the alarm at his house"

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Gert), "And then he nobly gives his life to warn the guards who we are."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "(I would think)"

[Helvetica] Arvid exclaims (at Hans), "bad guys never do that!"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "I guess we have to act quickly."

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Arvid), "As for not raising the alarm, here's an idea:"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Enh, we're overthinking again."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Get a keg of sand. Tell them it's gunpowder, and we've got a friend nearby who'll porte a flame into it at the first sign of alarm."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Something is bound to go wrong of course."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Sure."

[Helvetica] Arvid says (to Hans), "that seems good"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "s/some/every/"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "or just say there's another guy in the next room"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "But sure, that sounds like an idea."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "surely we wouldn't be so dumb as to try to pull this off with just three people"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Hee hee"

Arvid goes to sleep for the night. ZZZZZ

[Helvetica] Hans says, "It's a good thing Gert's fur coat has deep pockets."

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims (at Arvid), "We've got four counting the guy who's locked up in prison!"

Arvid says, "(in the master bedroom, since hey)"

[Helvetica] Arvid exclaims, "they won't know about him!"

GM says, "By the end of Day 1, you have a) an idea of the prison layout, b) a set of manacles bought from a rather disreputable lady who snickered awfully when you paid, c) an overall understanding of the outside layout of Chevalier's home and the horses therein."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "at least Chevalier won't be hurt since they'll be fur-lined"

Hans buys a small keg of rum, pours everyone a drink, and fills the empty keg with sand.

Arvid says, "I might as well get into persona early"

Gert practices her Ussuran-accented Eisen.

Hans asks, "So what do we do until dinnertime?"

Gert looks up at Hans and winks.

Hans exclaims, "Not with that moustache on!"

Hans shivers.

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "are we onto day 2 then?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Sure."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Morning of Day 2, I think."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Unless we decide to fast-forward to evening of Day 2."

[Helvetica] GM says, "I assume that first thing you do on Day 2 is go pick up the fur coats."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Oh yeah."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Oh, and I want a fuzzy hat."

Arvid buys some slightly tatty Vendel finery.

[Helvetica] Cat asks, "are we still trying to get weapons?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I don't think so."

Arvid . o O ( does this say serious drinker, or mere dilettante? )

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I'll scope out the prison armory and see if I can get some stuff"

Cat says (to Arvid), "judging by that stain there, I'd say serious in the medical sense"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I think it was deemed too dangerous and suspicious-looking to go around trying to buy enough weapons to arm the prisoners."

Arvid says, "ah good"

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Arvid), "That sounds good."

Arvid says, "unexplainable stains are a guaranteed trip to the holding cells"

Cat says (to Arvid), "really? at Geneva I got the impression they were a condition of tenure"

Arvid says, "tenure bears many resemblances to a lifetime sentence"

Arvid says, "publish or get shivved"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "ok, skip ahead to party and getting arrested?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "(now that's a good party)"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Hee"

[Helvetica] GM asks, "If you want. How are you getting Arvid arrested?"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "is there any point to cleaning up or not cleaning up the bloodstain here?"

[Helvetica] Cat asks, "drunken brawl, antagonise militia squad?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "The porte bloodstain fades and disappears after an hour or two."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ah ok"

[Helvetica] GM says (to Cat), "sounds good enough."

Cat says (to Arvid), "I advise concealing your lockpicks right next to *that* stain"

Cat says, "nobody's going to search *there*"

Arvid says, "an excellent suggestion"

[Helvetica] Cat exclaims (at Arvid), "do your stuff, maestro!"

Arvid tucks the lockpicks into the inner lining of his clothing.

Arvid waits til dinner time and then switches into his bedraggled outfit and moustache, then goes to a street near the prison and starts knocking on doors with his wine bottle.

Arvid exclaims, "hey! open up! open up I say!"

GM says, "And Arvid gets arrested."

Arvid says, "what sort of lousy no-good inn is this, moving around on me"

Arvid shouts for a few minutes in his cell, then curls up snoring in the corner

(From GM) Guard says, "bit early for the drunks to be coming out, but they seem to get drunker and earlier in the day every week...."

GM says, "The 'Drunk Tank' is on the main floor, between the guards' offices and the passage to the more secure areas."

GM asks, "And meanwhile....?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Hmm. Tricky."

Cat sighs deeply. "All right. Time to face the music."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I figure it's a little early for me to break out, so I'll just hang out for a bit"

[Helvetica] Hans asks (of Arvid), "Any way you can get moved to the other end of the passage?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "molest the other drunks"

[Helvetica] Arvid says (to Hans), "I don't have to pass by the guards' offices to get to the passage, if I'm reading that right"

[Helvetica] Hans asks (of Arvid), "So you're thinking you can just sneak down there at some point without being noticed?"

GM says (to Cat), "You are standing outside the gates of Chez Chevalier."

[Helvetica] Arvid exclaims, "apparently that's the plan!"

Gert grips Cat's arm.

Cat scuffs the final touch of mud onto her republican-chic outfit

Hans stands at attention.

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Bunch some blankets up."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "oh yeah, classic"

Cat motions to Hans to open the gates for her.

[Helvetica] Cat says, "christ, you can't get the staff nowadays"

Hans says, "Oh! Da."

Hans tries the gate.

GM says, "The gates are locked."

Hans knocks on the gate.

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Repeat after me: i have confidence in me."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I guess we didn't actually send them a note or anything"

Hans exclaims, "<Unintelligible gibberish that includes Catherines name someplace>!"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Aren't they expecting Cat?"

GM says, "The watchman comes around and asks after your business."

[Helvetica] Gert exclaims, "I have confidence in sunshine!"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I guess I'm forgetting how that part of stuff went."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I thought we decided they weren't"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "or maybe they sent her a note which she never replied to saying to be there"

Hans shouts more unintelligible gibberish with Cat's name and Gert's made-up Ussuran name in it at the watchman.

Cat says (to watchman), "I am Lady Catherine Matravers, daughter of Lord Hereford. I am expected. Somewhat."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Oh yeah."

[Helvetica] GM says, "They sent a letter which never got delivered because the post office got mobbed."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "yeah but they don't know that"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "And Nicky just happened to mention that the H's and C were having dinner tonight, and that Cat showing up would be handy?"

(From GM) Watchman says, "oh yes. Please come in." He unlocks the gate and lets you in, shutting and locking it behind you.

Cat's tone suggests that someone is on the very brink of being dismissed without references.

Hans grunts.

[Helvetica] GM says, "They have dinner every night. Eating is something of a habit with them."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Are they staying at Chevalier's house?"

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

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Aha."

Cat pats Gert's arm. "Fygorshny svet gerblank, sveetheart."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hmm, wonder if he's expecting trouble"

Cat marches up to the front door.

Gert makes a note of where the watchman stashed the key.

GM says (to Cat), "there is a butler."

GM says (to Gert), "Keyring, on his belt."

Cat says (to butler), "Announce Lady Catherine and Lord Rurikovich of Skraelitov."

Cat says, "Hurry now."

(From GM) Butler bows and announces you.

Cat leads the way in, abandoning neither coat (pistols) nor hat (sass).

(From GM) Lord Andrew says, "Kitty, how ... er ... well you are looking. (who is this ... man?)

Gert rumbles, sticks out a hand.

Cat says, "Daddy, this is Lord Rodion of Skraelitov. He traps more beavers than just *anybody*."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha snigger"

Gert beams.

(From GM) Lord Andrew says, "I'm sure he does. (ahem) Monsieur Chevalier, my daughter Catherine. (Kitty, *why* is he here?)"

Gert beams, rumbles again, and clasps Chevalier's hand, shaking a bit too vigorously.

Hans glares at everyone in the room equally and judgmentally.

(From GM) Chevalier says, "Ah, enchante, mademoiselle. And a good evening to you, Mr Skraelitov."

Cat says, "Once this dreadful uncle of his passes away he'll own the biggest estate in northern Ussura. I'm *so* eager to see it."

Cat says, "Oh, didn't you get my letters? We're engaged."

GM says, "(stunned silence)"

(From GM) Lord Andrew says, "M. Chevalier, I assure you I had no idea of this."

Cat asks, "Why did you say you were here again, father dear?"

Gert laughs loudly and claps Cat on the back.

Cat winces.

(From GM) Chevalier says, "Do not worry about it, Hereford my friend. (to Gert) I beg your pardon, monsieur, I fear there has been something of a misunderstanding. Shall we discuss this after dinner?"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Who is present?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "duel duel duel duel"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Us, Cat's parents, C, random unimportant servants, anyone else?"

(From GM) Lord Andrew whispers to Catherine, "your proposed engagement to M. Chevalier, you wilful child."

[Helvetica] GM says, "Nicolette."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "oh yeah"

Cat asks (of Lord_Andrew), "Oh, Daddy. After you were *so* worried about me marrying down?"

(From GM) Lord Andrew whispers to Catherine, "M. Chevalier is very likely to become to Montaigne what the Vendel Guild chairs are to Vendel. It's a chance to be as good as a princess, whatever he chooses to call himself."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "I think Cat's folks will be so relieved she's not engaged to me they'll be relatively pleased at the kidnapping."

Cat asks (of Lord_Andrew), "well, let's see how he acquits himself, hmm?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Hee."

(From GM) Chevalier says, (still speaking to Gert) "I am afraid I don't speak Ussuran, but this is Mlle Nicolette Dupin, daughter of a family friend. She's quite handy with languages."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[Helvetica] Hans asks (of Cat), "What languages do your parents speak?"

(From GM) Nicolette says, (in Ussuran) "I'm afraid I've only studied out of books and never practiced with an actual person. I hope you will forgive me my accent."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Can we trust you'd have warned us if they knew Eisen?"

[Helvetica] Cat says (to GM), "none of us speak Ussuran"

Gert says (to Nicolette), "(in Eisen, with a thick accent) "Mlle Dupin! Good to meet you. I'm not so handy with languages myself; I'm trying to speak Eisen as much as I can to try to learn the language. And more people here seen to know it, anyway.""

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hee hee"

[Helvetica] GM throws drama die to Gert. "Nice save."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Yay ;-)"

[Helvetica] GM says (to Cat), "also, I know."

[Helvetica] Cat asks (of Hans), "also, as far as I know just Avalonian, but what do I know of their misspent youths?"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "but does nicolette know??"

(From GM) Chevalier says, (atrociously accented Eisen) "Ah, I hope I have not been going on at you in a language you do not speak. I confess I make the assumption that everyone I meet speaks Montaigne."

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "does Cat speak Eisen?"

(From GM) Chevalier says, (atrociously accented Eisen) "We have much to discuss, after dinner."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "yes"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ah good"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Wasn't the main reason for Gert to be Ussuran so that Chevalier wouldn't be able to converse with her?"

(From GM) Lord Andrew hisses to Cat, "....as do we."

[Helvetica] Cat says (to Hans), "so she would have easier acting, yeah"

Gert waves her hand at Chevalier as if to indicate it's of no matter.

Cat says (to Andrew), "excellent! Now we can all speak together and Rodion can tell us the story of when he fought the great ice bear with only his hands and a silver toothpick"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Easier to be a noble from Ussura, mostly."

Cat says (to Gert), "The first unarmed ice-bear fight, darling, not the dirty one."

Gert laughs heartily.

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hee hee"

GM says, "Dinner is served."

Gert flails her arms about as she tells the story about the bear, being sure to use the wrong Eisen word at several junctures for maximum confusion.

Cat scronches down on aperetifs while trying to bait Chevalier onto political topics that Lord Andrew will fiercely disagree with

Hans tries to figure out whether or not servants are allowed to grab food off of the table. *His* servants always were, but that might not be standard here...

Gert exclaims, "...so there I was, in the middle of the lake, trying not to slip on the bread-warmers, when I saw the fishing-hole!"

GM says, "Chevalier sits at the head of the table. Maura Matravers on his right, Cat on his left. Then Nicolette on Cat's left, Gert on Maura Matravers' right, and Lord Andrew at the other end. Hans is expected to wait nearby until everyone's done before eating."

Gert grabs a biscuit off the table and tosses it to Hans as she tells the story.

Cat asks (of Chevalier), "so do you think legitimate power is ultimately vested in the citizen-body or the elected representative?"

Hans catches it and bows graciously.

Cat swigs wine

(From GM) Nicolette says, (in Ussuran) "That is a wonderful story. I hope you don't mind, I'm trying to practice my Ussuran as well. My father keeps me so sheltered from everything, I'm afraid the only things I know about the world are what I read in books or what people tell me."

[7thsea] Gert rolls 2k2: 1 3 | 4

(From GM) Chevalier says, "[long-winded republican cant here]"

Cat gives Nicolette a Significant Look. "Excuse me one moment; I must freshen up."

Gert says (to Nicolette), "(in Eisen) Well, the really dangerous creatures are the snow-leopards."

(From GM) Nicolette gives Gert an odd look, then says to Cat, "Here, let me help."

Cat heads for the ladies' room

GM says, "Nicolette follows."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "lord only knows what I'll find when I get back, but I don't have much choice"

GM says, "Lord Andrew is nodding an smiling with a very frozen expression."

Cat says (to Nicolette), "My dear, I am so worried for you. I fear you are discovered."

(From GM) Nicolette says, "discovered?"

Hans gives Lord Andrew a good hard stare.

Cat says, "Chevalier knows of your, ah, special talents."

(From GM) Nicolette says, "oh! Oh dear, Daddy said to be especially discreet around him."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "man, just how dumb is she"

GM says, "(She doesn't sound as worried and horrified as she should.)"

Cat says, "It is only a matter of time until he either exposes you, or works some diabolical blackmail."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Dumb enough that she can speak both Eisen and Ussuran but still not guess that Gert is faking anything."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "or she is up to some complicated scheme of her own"

(From GM) Nicolette says, "I'm afraid I don't know what that would mean."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I wonder if she realizes being able to do porte means she's a noble"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Also, I could have sworn that Cat was about to let Nic know that Gert wasn't really an Ussuran noble, and that she's just there so her parents won't force her to marry Chevalier."

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

[Helvetica] Cat says (to Hans), "I'd like to make sure she's on-side first"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Remember, she's never actually heard Ussuran spoken. Imagine a non-English speaker pronouncing perfectly-constructed English sentences."

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Cat), "I thought that you had told her that you didn't want to marry C and were hiding from your father yesterday."

Cat says (to Nicolette), "your powers are, traditionally, an attribute of Montaigne nobles alone."

Cat says, "They could be enough to condemn you to imprisonment or death."

(From GM) Nicolette says, "What! You think this is Porte? Don't be silly, this is just a special talent I have. To get Porte, you have to make all sorts of horrible pacts with the devil."

Cat says (to Nicolette), "Unfortunately, my dear, that is not how it works. And whether it is Porte or not, nobody will be able to tell the difference."

(From GM) Nicolette says, "But ... I mean ... (worried) do you think M. Chevalier thinks it's Porte? I'm not a noble."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "OK, that makes a tiny bit more sense."

Cat says (to Nicolette), "He might. Even if he does not, it makes little difference; it could still be used against you and your father."

(From GM) Nicolette says, "I actually remember a little bit about my life before Daddy adopted me. I remember we were very very poor.... Oh dear, no wonder Daddy didn't want me to come!"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "she was adopted? oh dear me"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "yeah, we knew that, although I dunno if it's been mentioned recently"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Aha, the plot thickens."

(From GM) Nicolette says, "But I'd never been away from him for more than a day, and it was so exciting to go and see a real execution!"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "the execution of .. YOUR REAL MOTHER"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ok probably not"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Ha ha"

Cat says (to Nicolette), "I do not know M. Chevalier's intentions. He may intend to use this for political gain, or (voice darkens) his private entertainment. But I do not think, in any case, you will be safe here for much longer."

Cat says, "Joseph was worried something like this might happen."

(From GM) Nicolette says, "I should have listened to Joseph ... oh! you've met him!"

Cat says, "Nicolette, I have an offer to make. I'm sorry for the haste, but you must decide tonight. We can smuggle you out of the country, and put you up in Geneva with Joseph's sister. You will, in all likelihood, be safe there."

Cat says, "Or you can stay here, and take your chances with the honour and discretion of M. Chevalier."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "at some point I'm going to have to learn to keep some cards to my chest"

(From GM) Nicolette says, "what! but -- daddy -- joseph -- I ... (pause, considers a moment, grins manicly) Geneva? I'm coming!"

[Crows-Nest] Hans says, "It occurs to me that if we knew what story there was about a young orphaned noble whose parents had been forced to live as peasants for some reason, and whose name started with N, then we could probably guess at more of her backstory."

[Crows-Nest] Arvid asks, "oh, you mean, what book he's reffing?"

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

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "try 'C'."

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

Cat says (to Nicolette), "All right. Bide your time, and please don't try to use any more Ussuran - this is all a rather complicated ruse. When the time comes, follow me."

Cat says, "And thank you for trusting me."

(From GM) Nicolette says, "What shall I pack? Oh, I'm sure I can't pack anything ... oh, I know, I'll put some of the more important things in my Pocket...."

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "what has she got in her pocketssss"

Cat hugs Nicolette (somewhat impeded by knobbly pistols under coat), and returns to the table

Gert, who was running out of fake Ussuran stories, sighs with relief at Cat's return.

Cat asks, "So Father dear, how are things back in the shires?"

GM says, "Lord Andrew smiles and nods and suddenly realises that he's being directly addressed with a question."

Cat asks, "Oiks still whining about the grain tax?"

[Crows-Nest] Hans says, "...and she still has no idea that Gert's not an Ussuran nobleman."

Cat exclaims, "Ooh, fish!"

(From GM) Lord Andrew says, "It's always the grain tax ... and now it's all about the badgers. Some damn fool started a rumour that the queen has a fondness for badgers...."

[Crows-Nest] Cat exclaims, "I told her as much as she needed to know!"

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

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Is Arvid going to pick the locks before we do the kidnapping or after?"

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "It's just the, hmm, 7 of us at dinner? Plus servants entering and exiting with food?"

(From GM) Lord Andrew says, "I sent my man to pick up a new shaving brush, and found the price has tripled because badger hair has become a Valuable Commodity now...."

Cat exclaims, "ooh, soup!"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "uh, I can do it either way"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I'm not sure if it's more dramatic to have a break after the kidnapping and before the jailbreak, or if it's better to run that straight through"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I just figured you'd be trying to set things up with the other prisoners, but perhaps that was only in my head."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "yeah probably"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "well, we want Arvid to have organised the prisoners relatively well before the jailbreak, which is the whole point of him being there"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Yeah."

GM says, "Lord Andrew goes on at length about trivialities surrounding the sudden change in the status of badgers. Chevalier nods and smiles with pretty much the same fixed expression Lord Andrew wore earlier."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "so probably that should happen well in advance"

GM asks, "So what's happening with Arvid meanwhile?"

Arvid says, "meanwhile Arvid waits for guards to stop paying attention to him, then pops out the lockpick and goes at the lock of his cell."

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "I'm not going to bother asking for a roll for this cell, since Arvid has hours to accomplish it."

Arvid eventually gets it open, and then mocks up a dummy of himself with some scraps of blanket and drapes his cloak over it.

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "and it's not like they have that good a lock on the drunk tank anyway"

Arvid steps out cautiously into the corridor and has a look around, swinging the cell door shut behind him.

GM says, "The offices are back that way, and in the other direction is the door to the dungeons."

Arvid says, "well, first I will creep down towards the dungeon door"

GM says, "Nobody so far."

Arvid says, "I will peer through the keyhole to look for guards on the other side, and check if it's locked"

Arvid says, "(assuming the door is closed, anyway)"

GM says, "You have a bit of time before someone comes by on patrol. The door is closed and locked, and it's mostly dark on the other side. Finesse + lockpicking, TN 20."

Gunther was awarded the Hemingway Prize for his report of the Holy Hand over the Holy Land.

Arvid says, "I guess I will add a drama die"

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "Take 20!"

[7thsea] Arvid rolls 5k4: 10+9 5 10+1 7 10+10+4 | 61

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "golly"

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "Or that!"

Arvid tap .. tap .. click

[Crows-Nest] Cat says, "wtf"

Arvid opens the door and slips through.

GM says, "Not only can you get the door open in about ten seconds flat, you can probably lock it again behind you. And unlock it again with your lockpicks, without needing to roll."

Arvid says, "excellent"

Arvid takes a look around on the other side

Arvid asks, "high-up windows, cells, prisoners, mirrors, ghost?"

GM says, "There are maybe five prisoners scheduled for the auto-executioner tomorrow. One of them is there for poisoning a rich uncle."

GM says, "The high-up windows are on one side of the corridor, which is quite wide. They look out into the prison yard. The ghost is above the middle of the corridor."

GM says, "Agathe's cell is the second from the door."

Arvid says, "well, well, what have we here"

GM says, "The prisoners stir. They see that you're not a guard and get interested."

(From GM) Agathe says, "I remember you! You were here yesterday ... did Raoul send you?"

Arvid says, "'fraid not -- I'm more of what you might call an independent operator"

Arvid glances back. "Though not as independent as all that, I'm hoping."

(From GM) Other prisoners whisper, "here, lemme out ... my uncle's a rich man in Kirk, he'll reward you...."

Arvid says, "ladies first, I think"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Hey, we could turn a profit."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hee hee"

Arvid starts trying to pick more locks.

[Helvetica] GM says, "Assuming they're not lying."

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "do we know anything about them?"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "We could start a jailbreaker's guild."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "The guard told us all about them earlier."

GM says, "These locks are harder. TN 25."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I assume that if I say "sorry, suckers, not releasing you" then they will make a fuss"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "So you could just release the ones you know aren't here for real crimes."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "but I can at least leave the poisoner until last and maybe I'll run out of time"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Mmm."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "guess I need another drama die"

[7thsea] Arvid rolls 5k4: 9 2 1 8 1 | 20

[Helvetica] Arvid exclaims, "oops!"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "You can add 'em after the fact, of course."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "yeah, I'm not tracking too closely, but I suppose I can spare one more"

[7thsea] Arvid rolls 1 die: 5

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Are you allowed to share your dice with someone else in this game?"

[Helvetica] Gert exclaims, "Poifect!"

Arvid sweat sweat struggle curse mumble click

Arvid says, "shoulda studied these better before"

[Helvetica] GM says, "you know Agathe is here because she's supposedly her husband's accomplice, and he's supposedly selling state secrets to Eisen. Two others are here accused of selling state secrets as well."

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims (at GM), "That hardly seems like a crime at all!"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "In fact, one could argue that she was acting for the greater good."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(Note that 'greater' == 'Eisen'.)"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hee hee"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Hee hee"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hmm"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I think once I get Agathe out, I set to work on the locks of whoever looks like the best fighter"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I'd explain the jailbreak plan first"

[Helvetica] GM says, "There's the poisoner. And the last one is charged with fixing a duel that led to the death of a representative from the Revolutionary Council."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "'The plan is to let you and you and you out, and to pretend to run out of time before I reach you.'"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "or else people are going to try to start escaping right away"

Arvid says, "ok, fellows, listen up -- the plan is, there's going to be a loud noise from the entrance and then we're going to run out of here"

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "These are all the nobles in the jail altogether?"

Arvid says, "she's coming with me -- everyone else will have to fend for yourself, but it's a better chance than you'll get from the warden"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "In separate cells along the same corridor, I believe."

[Helvetica] GM says, "Agathe and the two 'traitors' are noble. So is the poisoner. The duel-fixer is not."

Arvid says, "I'll get the locks off any of you I can, and if I get the chance I'll toss the keys or these picks to anyone still locked up"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "the duel-fixer sounds like a jerk but possibly the kind of jerk we want right now"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "so here's his lock, no drama"

[7thsea] Arvid rolls 4k3: 2 9 2 10+5 | 26

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hey hey"

Arvid says, "gettin' a little better at this"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Maybe. Or it could be a drummed up charge from someone who didn't like the idea of the rep from the Council getting killed."

Arvid says, "like I always say, practice, practice, practice"

(From GM) Duel-fixer says, "Haha, Luck really IS a lady tonight!"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Are we going to try to do this without actually killing the guards?"

Arvid says, "and what a lady needs at a time like this is a helpin' hand"

GM says, "Meanwhile, Agathe's gone to stand in a corner as far away from the mirror ghost as possible."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(Since presumably the guards themselves aren't necessarily villains here.)"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I guess I have time for one more lock"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "who will be one of the state secrets folks"

[7thsea] Arvid rolls 4k3: 4 6 5 1 | 15

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "...sorry dude"

(From GM) "Traitor" 1 says, "Try it again, come on."

Arvid says, "losing my touch -- should have had another drink before coming in"

[7thsea] Arvid rolls 4k3: 2 10+3 5 8 | 26

Arvid says, "-- ah, there we go"

[Helvetica] GM says, "I'm going to say that you have time, assuming you always succeed, to get everyone out. Each failure is one more person still behind bars when the others arrive."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Oh good, so that first failure was for the poisoner."

(From GM) "Traitor" 1 says, "Much obliged."

GM says, "And speaking of the others....."

GM asks, "What are they doing?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "just what I was wondering"

Cat finishes up the soup course

GM says, "Out comes the fish."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "man, I was planning on our thinly-veiled act being unmasked by now"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "it's more of a thick beard than a thin veil"

Cat starts paying less attention to Gert and flirting more and more with Chevalier

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Oh, that's our cue, isn't it?"

GM says (to Arvid), "(I think there are two more cells: the poisoner and the other 'traitor'. I assume you're picking the lock on the other 'traitor's' cell.)"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "May I?"

[7thsea] Arvid rolls 4k3: 3 1 8 1 | 12

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I was wondering if I could somehow get him at a disadvantage"

[7thsea] Arvid rolls 4k3: 6 8 6 6 | 20

[Helvetica] Cat says, "but we may as well just go for it"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "whoops -- well, maybe I can get him the keys later"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "OK. I'll wait for a signal from you."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(Although if you take them by surprise, there's a chance that someone will scream.)"

Cat says (to Chevalier), "so what is the greatest priority for your province? I do so admire men with keen political vision."

GM says, "(thump) Lord Andrew suddenly jumps a little, in midsentence. Lady Maura smiles sweetly at him."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "keen political vision and/or beaver-trapping revenues"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "good news: she picks an eligible man her parents approve of; bad news: the shock gives her dad a heart attack"

(From GM) Chevalier says, "what? Oh! Well, Sices, of course, has always depended on the industry of our loggers and carpenters, so I intend that these workers receive the recognition they deserve."

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Wait, 'thump'? What kind of thump?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "under-the-table shin-kicking thump."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Ha ha"

(From GM) Chevalier says, "Montaigne's carpentry and logging industry needs to be organised into a guild, much as it is in Vendel, although I have no intentions of knuckling under to the Vendel Guild."

(From GM) Chevalier says, "Though much of our economic ideals may look to Vendel for inspiration, I think Avalon's parliamentary system is perhaps a better government model."

Cat stifles a yawn. "Fascinating."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "So are you going to secretly pull a gun on him when Andrew and Maura are falling asleep?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I really need to work on this whole 'extracting delicate secrets' thing"

Cat asks, "And what of counter-revolutionary elements?"

Gert pushes her chair back. "Well, in *my* country, between the soup and the fish is the walkabout outside. Increases the appetite, you know. Nicolette, I'm afraid our Eisen conversation is too difficult to follow for the rest here; I'm sure they'd wish to switch back to Montaigne. Will you accompany me for a brief walk? My manservant will be our chaperone, of course.

(From GM) Chevalier says, "of course, we do have to be careful about these traitors to the nation, these ci-devant aristos ... Princess Anne has gotten her claws into Wische, one of the Eisen provinces, and I understand Princess Dominique's husband, General Montegue, is in Posen, probably drumming up support."

(From GM) Nicolette says, "of course." (stands up)

Gert exclaims, "I might go take a look at the stables I saw walking in here. I do pride myself on knowing horseflesh! [winks at Cat] Ha ha ha!"

Gert exclaims, "Hans!"

(From GM) Chevalier says, "sit down, Nicolette, not while milord Hereford is still seated."

Gert stands up.

[Helvetica] Hans asks (of Gert), "Wait, you want both of us to go outside with N? You don't think at least one of us should be here to deal with C?"

Cat says, "I was thinking of elements rather... closer to hand."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(Considering that Cat is not exactly a fighter.)"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "I'm imagining Cat excusing herself with Chev."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Oh, I see."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Not that I can *say* this, mind you."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I think we should keep together at this point"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Sure; say that."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Or just pull out the gun ;-)"

(From GM) Chevalier says to Cat, "Eisen is a terrible worry. We have three traitors scheduled for the auto-executioner tomorrow morning, all guilty of conspiring with the so-called government in Wische to destroy us."

Hans grunts.

Cat leans in to Chevalier. "Try a little closer."

Cat *click*

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(Man, I can't even remember which part of Eisen I'm from.)"

Hans, hearing the click, speaks up.

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Hee"

Hans says, "Excuse me. I have an important announcement to make. I ask that you remain calm and do not raise your voices."

Hans takes the keg from the pocket of Gert's coat and sets it in the middle of the table.

Hans says, "My friend Franc-Louis is watching this building very intently."

Hans says, "If he sees that there is any commotion or alarm, he has instructions to Porte a flame into this keg of gunpowder."

Cat says, "Father, Mother, I'm afraid that I shall have to dash out before the entree. No offense to your chef."

Hans says, "We will now depart with Monsieur Chevalier and Mademoiselle Dupin. It is likely that Franc-Louis will get bored and go home in an hour or two."

Hans says, "Until then, please enjoy the remainder of your meal."

Cat says, "M. Chevalier, be so good as to turn around and place your hands behind your back."

(From GM) Chevalier and the Herefords splutter, red in the face.

Hans draws his own sword (right hand) and pistol (left hand), in case anyone doesn't udnerstand the first warning.

(From GM) Chevalier stands slowly and does as he's told. "I'll have you on the auto-executioner for this!"

Gert asks, "Jails are so draughty nowadays, aren't they?"

Cat slaps the manacles on Chevalier. "Promises, promises."

(From GM) Lord Andrew says, "Catherine, how dare you! Put that pistol down this minute! And undo those manacles!"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "BRB."

Gert says (to Andrew), "Aww, now don't get all worked up. 'Taint her fault, now."

Cat says, "Sorry, Father. Someone in the family has to uphold a little class loyalty."

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

[Helvetica] GM throws drama die at Cat.

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha hah a"

Cat says, "If it's any comfort, this is nothing compared to the trouble Great-great-grandfather Reynard had with *his* children."

(From GM) Lord Andrew turns scarlet. "Class loy-- YOU lecture me about class loyalty?" (is reduced to futile sputtering)

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "it's true the scarlet pimpernel is all about the "will no one speak up for the poor oppressed nobles""

GM says, "Nicolette hovers at the door, anxious to get going."

Cat says, "Stay seated, please - Hans here is very highly trained, and he's got a lot of frustration to work off."

Hans grins.

Cat exclaims, "As an after-dinner entertainment, try and work out which of the servants was our accomplice!"

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "Ha!"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "If you hadn't just gotten a die a moment ago, that would definitely deserve oen."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Yay"

Cat hustles Chevalier towards the door

(From GM) Nicolette follows.

Hans follows at the rear, keeping an eye (and pistol) on the family on the way out.

Gert takes a position near Chev.

Cat starts skipping as soon as her parents are out of sight

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I guess that makes it Gert/Chev/Cat/Nic/Hans."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Which is quite clever, since it puts each of them between two of us."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(And apparently completely coincidental.)"

Hans says (to Cat), "The carriage house is that way."

Gert leads onward.

Cat says, "It seems our relationship is progressing apace, M. Chevalier. One dinner together and already we're going on moonlit carriage rides."

GM says, "Nicolette is very excited at the whole adventure. If Chevalier can't be made to order the horses hitched, she'll issue the order herself. Though she's a bit worried because she didn't think Chevalier was coming with you."

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "Hey, she can watch the carriage while we storm the prison with Chevalier!"

GM says, "Chevalier says something through gritted teeth that a lady shouldn't hear."

Gert says (to Nicolette), "Sure, that works."

Cat exclaims (at Chevalier), "ah, this is the fabled Montaigne charm about which I have so often been told!"

Gert says (to Nicolette), "Good thinking."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "(that she should order the carriage hitched)"

Gert wraps a coat around Chevalier so one can't tell by looking (in this light) that he's manacled.

Cat says (to Chevalier), "also, I should inform you that in short order you will have to be gagged. What the gag is made out of will depend largely on your good behaviour."

Hans asks (of Cat), "Do you need my socks?"

GM says, "As the last horse is hitched, Lord Andrew appears in the yard, shouting at the servants to Stop Them."

Gert says, "Well, that keg didn't last long."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "he's so suspicious"

Hans asks, "Harrumph. Should I shoot him?"

Gert quickly scans the yard for the watchman.

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "also, the good news is this means the watchman will show up with the keys to the gate"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Ha."

Cat says (to Hans), "just a warning shot, I think"

GM says, "The watchman comes around the corner, lantern in hand. He's a little confused at the guest shouting at him to stop his master."

Hans exclaims (at Watchman), "Quickly, open the gate!"

Hans exclaims, "There's an emergency!"

Gert exclaims (at watchman), "Lord Andrew has gone crazy! He's trying to force his daughter on your master!"

Hans elbows Nicollette.

GM says, "Watchman looks at Lord Andrew and back at Chevalier."

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

Cat digs Chevalier in the ribs with a pistol

(From GM) Nicolette says, "(oof) Yes, open the gate! We must get Dr Gachet!"

[Crows-Nest] Arvid says, "oh yeah, another good reason to have Nicolette along"

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Dr. Gachet?"

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims (at Lord Andrew), "*This* is democracy!"

(From GM) Nicolette says, "try to restrain M. Matravers, please."

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Gert), "Someone who can help the mad Lord Andrew out of his terribly spell."

[Helvetica] GM says, "random name. I've been reading a lot about French Impressionists lately."

(From GM) Chevalier snarls a bit and waves the watchman to the gate. The watchman turns and opens the gate.

[Helvetica] Arvid | http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Portrait_of_Dr._Gachet

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I guess"

GM says, "(er, or rather, he nods and jerks his chin towards the gate.)"

[Helvetica] GM says, "I seem to have lagged a bit."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Who's driving?"

[Helvetica] Cat asks, "who's steering this thing?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Ha."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "I figured I or Cat would."

Hans exclaims (at Gert), "Let's go!"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Cat probably wants to be free to torment Chevalier if needed."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "urgh, lag"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "And I have both hands full of weapons at the moment."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Cat if we want a diplomat on point, me if a thug ;-)"

Gert snaps the reigns and drives through!

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(Yeah, I'm getting the lag as well.)"

GM asks, "Into the carriage and off you go. Are you taking Chevalier's carriage, the Herefords' carriage, or both?"

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Gert), "Hopefully it won't matter; we just need to get out of sight, gag Chevalier, and drive to the prison."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "I assumed Chevalier's -- is there any advantage to having both?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "well, there's four of us, plus nicolette, plus chevalier for part of it, plus agathe, plus one or two other people in case of emergencies"

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Arvid), "So for entertainment value..."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hee hee"

Hans is on Chevalier's.

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "luckily we are all trained clowns"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "(I'm thinking if we take two carriages we can bring along the other nobles, if you want)"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "OK."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Might as well start a little Montaigne Nobility Preserve in Geneva."

GM says, "Meanwhile, Arvid is still struggling with the fourth lock when the carriage arrives."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Yeah."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Future generations can send their children to take tours through, to see what Montaigne nobility looked like in their natural habitat."

[Helvetica] GM says, "actually, according to Chevalier anyway, the Preserve is in Wische."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Back before they were hunted to near extinction."

Cat says (to Chevalier), "You've been very good, so the gag will be a handkerchief."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "oh yeah"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "Wische is in Eisen?"

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

[Helvetica] Hans says, "IC, I ought to know where it is, but OOC I don't really."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(Am I from there?)"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hee hee"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "I believe it's the Sieger province."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "And the technical owner of Geneva."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "oh, I see Chevalier said it was an Eisen one"

Hans says (to Nicolette), "We'll be back in a few moments, with more passengers."

[Helvetica] Arvid says (to Gert), "oh? hunh"

[Helvetica] GM says, "No, Wische is the second province north of Seiger."

Cat gags Chevalier, and disarranges his clothes somewhat to suggest a struggle

Cat says (to Gert), "You'd better get rid of the fur coat, but keep the beard if you've become fond of it"

Hans will stay in the back when they first bring him in, since he'd prefer the warden not recognize him untill it's too late.

Cat says (to Nicolette), "You'd, um, you'd better stay in the carriage."

(From GM) 'Traitor' 2 says, "Look, never mind the lock, if you can somehow get those mirrors out of this room, without letting the ghost out of them, I can get out on my own."

Cat says, "We will return momentarily."

(From GM) Nicolette says, "please hurry!"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(Without letting the ghost out...?)"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "who left the ghosts out / boo boo boo boo"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "er, let"

Arvid says, "I'll see what I can do"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "presumably the ghost impedes Porte whether it's in the mirror or out of it"

Arvid says, "and, unless my old ears are hearing things, I do believe our ride has arrived"

(From GM) Poisoner says, "Oh, very easy for you to say, but *I* haven't got any blooded anchors to jump to!"

Arvid examines the mirror to see how it's mounted on the wall

GM says (to Arvid), "They're screwed into the wall."

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Cat), "Yeah, but it seems like a tall order."

Cat hustles Chevalier out of the carriage. "Gert? Take his other arm?"

[Helvetica] Cat says (to Hans), "this is true"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "I forget what the deal is -- if I just move one mirror, it'll let the ghosts out, right?"

Gert doffs the fur coat, dons the militia-looking coat we got earlier, and takes the other arm.

[Helvetica] Hans says, "If I were him, I'd just hope that the ghost wandered off when it was released."

[Helvetica] Cat says (to Arvid), "yes"

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

GM says, "One of the prison guards comes out to see what's going on."

Cat exclaims, "(Montaigne) Comrade! Ready a holding-cell! We have here a vile traitor to the people and to the Nation!"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Hey, we're done with the dinner party. You don't need to speak Ussuran anymore."

[Helvetica] Cat doffs her hat and pulls it down over Chevalier's face

Cat doffs her hat and pulls it down over Chevalier's face

Arvid says, "hmm"

(From GM) Guard says, "Right away! I'll tell the warden to get out an arrest form for you to fill."

Cat frog-marches Chevalier into the prison

Arvid says (to Agathe, Duel-Fixer), "right, you two each put your hands up against the mirror, holding it to the wall, and on the count of three, smash it"

Arvid says, "if we can keep two fragments parallel the ghost should stay inside"

Arvid says, "one .. two .. three .. KER-SMASH"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Did you unscrew it?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I have no idea if that'll work, but it's time to start a distraction anyway"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "no, I'm just smashing it in the frame"

[Helvetica] Hans nods.

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I figure if a big piece stays in there, then that'll maybe hold the ghost steady, and then we can walk off with the two big pieces"

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

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "And you are asking Agathe to press her hands against the glass as you smash it into sharp fragments?"

npc1 says, "The ghost flickers out into the prison corridor for a split second before finding itself between two irregularly-shaped mirrors, and blinks out to reappear trapped in them."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hee hee"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "uh, let's assume I did something sensible like interpose some cloth"

Arvid says, "ah, good"

[Helvetica] GM throws Arvid a drama die.

Arvid says, "now let's carefully bring those together until they're touching .. good, good -- now I'll wrap it in a cloth to hold it together"

Arvid says, "now I just pop the lock -- click -- and we're ready to head out"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Also, don't you have to get it about twenty feet away from them, too? (25?)"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "yeah"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Oh, I guess you will when you leave."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I'll carry it with me as I leave"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Right."

Arvid asks (of Agathe), "(quietly) can you vouch for any of these men, by the way?"

(From GM) 'Traitor' 2 laughs.

Cat marches up to the front desk. "Sir, I have secret orders from M. du Chevalier himself. The identity of this prisoner is to be revealed to no-one - it is of such grave importance to State security that any man who sees his face must have his tongue cut out."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha ha"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "man in the iron mask, hunh"

(From GM) Agathe says, "I have no idea who they are. He (indicates Traitor 2) is definitely in league with the Montaigne nobility in Wische, and he (indicates poisoner) insists that he was framed."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Did T2 get out?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "if the GM's going to steal good ideas, it's only fair that I try it too"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I haven't actually left the room yet, but I guess I'm about to"

[Helvetica] Hans says, ";s/out/unlocked/, I mean."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "no"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "he was the one who can porte out"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "maybe with his chains still on, but that's life"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Aha. So you'll have to leave the lockpicks with Poisoner."

(From GM) Desk Sergeant says, "Chevalier's orders? Well. Do you have it in writing?"

Arvid says (to Poisoner), "right, well, here's the lockpick -- if I can grab the keys, I'll get those to you"

Arvid says, "now, onwards, for death or glory"

Arvid says (to Duel Fixer), "I'm afraid you'll have to lead the way, but my associates will be charging in from the other direction any moment"

Arvid swings the door open.

Arvid says (to Agathe), "my lady, if you would .."

Arvid shouts "FIRE! FIRE IN THE CELLS! ESCAPE! FLOOD! TRAITORS!"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Who has the keys?"

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "we saw them on the warden, didn't we?"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "The sergeant, or is the warden here?"

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Arvid), "Yeah, but I wasn't sure if he was here."

(From GM) Desk Sergeant says, "Eh? Hang on, hold on to him here, there's a disturbance in the cells."

[Helvetica] Arvid asks, "somebody was fetching him, right?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "right."

Arvid retrieves a stool from the corner of the hall and hands it to the duel-fixer for some kind of club thingy

Hans grunts and gestures for Cat to follow the Sergeant.

Arvid and the others hurry down the hall towards the entrance

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "We don't need to follow his orders!"

Cat draws her pistols and follows. "Allow me to offer my assistance, brother."

GM says, "Traitor 2 portes himself out. Traitor 1 and Poisoner are busy smearing blood on pebbles."

Arvid says, "luckily there are plenty shards of glass around"

GM says, "The warden, the desk sergeant, and a squad of guards are hurrying towards the cells."

Hans is hurrying right behind the squad.

[Helvetica] GM says, "Initiative"

[7thsea] Hans rolls 2 dice: 8 1

[7thsea] Gert rolls 3 dice: 6 4 8

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

[7thsea] Arvid rolls 2 dice: 6 8

[7thsea] GM rolls 2 dice: 6 9

[7thsea] GM rolls 3 dice: 5 10 2

[7thsea] GM rolls 2 dice: 8 2

[7thsea] Hans says, "On 8, we all coordinate for the big song-and-dance number."

[7thsea] Arvid says, "yay"

[7thsea] Gert says, "Hee"

[Helvetica] GM says, "ONE"

[7thsea] Arvid says, "and then we waltz on out of there"

Hans hits the warden on the back of the head with the hilt of his sword.

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "If I take a raise or two, can I go for a single surprise knock-out hit?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Sure."

[Helvetica] GM says, "Two raises"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "OK. Two drama dice, then."

[7thsea] Hans rolls 9k5: 7 9 8 8 9 9 4 7 6 | 43

[Helvetica] GM throws Hans a drama die and cancels the warden entirely.

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "woot"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "also bonk"

[Helvetica] GM says, "TWO"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Yay."

GM says (to Hans), "knocking out the warden has alerted the others that you are Not What You Pretended To Be. The body of guards turns on you."

[7thsea] GM rolls 4k3: 3 10+3 9 6 | 28

[Helvetica] GM says, "(hang on, I keep forgetting how brute squard damage works.)"

[7thsea] Gert says, "How much over the TN they got."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Poor guards. About to be flanked by three heroes on one side and a hero with possible minions on the other."

[Helvetica] GM says (to Hans), "right. 12 flesh wounds."

[7thsea] Hans rolls 4k4: 9 4 7 5 | 25

Hans blocks most of the blows easily with his bare arm. Possibly the panzerhand might have been a better choice, but he seems little worse for wear.

[Helvetica] GM says, "assuming you've got your panzerhand on and are using it to parry. 18 otherwise."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Heh."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Mechanically, I am taking the bonus from the panzerhand."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "this "armor" thing could really catch on"

[Helvetica] GM is looking at Hans's sheet and assuming that he's still TN 15 without the panzerhand.

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I'm wearing the panzerhand, so my passive defense should be TN 20 with it on."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "(Odds are, if I don't say I'm not wearing it, I'm wearing it. If that's unwise in some given situation, well, that's Hans.)"

GM says, "The desk sergeant fires a pistol at Arvid."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Also, I'm assuming your 18/12 meant that you took into account the -1 damage die from dracheneisen?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "yeep"

[7thsea] GM rolls 5k2: 7 7 6 10+10+3 3 | 30

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Minions don't have damage dice."

[Helvetica] GM says (to Hans), "er no, I didn't."

[Helvetica] Hans asks (of Gert), "Hrm. How does that work, then?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "that'd be a hit"

[7thsea] GM rolls 4k3: 10+9 9 3 3 | 31

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Brute squads just do damage based on how much over the TN they got (6*(roll-TN)/5 + 6, IIRC)"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha cry"

[7thsea] Arvid rolls 1k1: 9 | 9

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Aiee"

[Helvetica] Hans asks (of Gert), "So how do you apply the dracheneisen damage reduction? Just reduce their attack roll?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ok, that's (I believe) two dramatic wounds, since it's a firearm"

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

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hey, I still have two more"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "but I am, uh, bloodied or whatever the 7th sea term is"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Crippled?"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "(dramatic wounds?)"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "there we go"

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Cat), "If you get wounded, you take flesh wounds and then roll a wound check, which is just a straight Brawn roll."

Arvid takes the bullet right to his chest and gasps, and goes pale

Arvid says, "that wasn't .. supposed .. to happen"

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Cat), "Depending on how the wound check goes, the flesh wounds may turn into one or more dramatic wounds. (Going away in the process.)"

[Helvetica] Gert says (to Arvid), "(you could have added a drama die there, but hey)"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "yeah, but c'mon, this is way more dramatic"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Flesh wounds don't actually hurt you; enough dramatic wounds will hurt you."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Hee"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "flesh wounds go away at the end of the fight; dramatic wounds are more long-term"

[Helvetica] GM asks, "FOUR. Gert?"

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "One of the guys hasn't gone yet, right?"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Oh, maybe not."

[Helvetica] GM says, "The Warden is out. The brutes and the sergeant are still active."

[Helvetica] Hans asks (of GM), "So how *does* dracheneisen's damage reduction apply to brutes?"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Warden's out, sargent just went, I'll go for the squad."

Gert How many in the squad?

[Helvetica] Gert says, "er, asked here."

[Helvetica] GM says (to Hans), "handwavey. Ah, I'll say it adds 5 to your TN with Brutes."

[Helvetica] GM says (to Gert), "six."

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "And do I know their TN?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "20"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "I'll go for three of them, TN 30, and add a drama die."

[Helvetica] Hans asks (of GM), "Cool. So they only hit by 3, and only did 6 wounds?"

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

Gert wades into the squad of guards, the flat of her axe swinging!

[7thsea] Gert rolls 7k4: 1 10+5 6 7 10+7 6 1 | 45

GM says, "Half the squad goes down."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "aw yeah"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "kerpow"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Excellent."

GM says, "The rest throw themselves at Gert, swords swinging."

[7thsea] GM rolls 3k3: 8 5 5 | 18

Arvid . o O ( ok, *that's* more like it )

Gert laughs at them!

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Hmm, now that the warden's down, we can get the keys and throw them to Arvid."

[Helvetica] GM says, "SIX"

[Helvetica] Cat does the Yay Meat Shield dance

[Helvetica] GM says, "Gert and Arvid"

Arvid continues to stagger up the corridor, holding onto Agathe.

Gert continues to whittle down the brute squad!

[Helvetica] Gert says, "(two, TN 25, no drama dice yet)"

[7thsea] Gert rolls 6k3: 3 2 5 4 6 7 | 18

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Hmm, nah, I'll just take the miss."

(From GM) Brute Squad laughs at Gert!

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hee hee"

Gert, trying to be clever by knocking one guard's head into another's, instead misses them both!

[Helvetica] GM asks (of Arvid), "you're using your move to get closer to kerfuffle?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "yeah, on the theory that it'll be easier to get out later"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hopefully that duel fixer guy is out in front"

(From GM) Duel-fixer guy hesitates, then hides behind Arvid and Agathe.

[Helvetica] Hans says, "How many brutes are left? (And how many did Gert take out before?)"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Ha."

[Helvetica] GM says, "three"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "3."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

[Helvetica] GM says, "SEVEN"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Cat"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "see if he gets a ride in the carriage, then"

[Helvetica] Cat asks, "dammit, it's my turn and there are still people standing?"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Hee hee"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "also, explain the whole nonlethal attack with firearm approach"

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims, "You could throw the keys!"

[Helvetica] GM asks, "What's happening with Chevalier, by the way?"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "I think if you want a nonlethal attack, you just say 'this is a nonlethal attack'."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Or shoot down a picture so it hits a brute or two in the head."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "I guess you could shoot him in the leg"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "depending on how nonlethal you want to get"

[Helvetica] Hans says (to GM), "He is staggering around confused, with his hands manacled and a hat covering his eyes."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hee hee"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Unless Cat is doing something to him."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "or let off a gun by his ear and give him tinnitus"

[Helvetica] GM says, "All attacks are considered non-lethal, actually. But the characters don't know that."

[Helvetica] Hans says (to GM), "That is an interesting way of putting it."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "okay, I'll go with Dirty Fighting instead, and throw in a drama die"

[7thsea] Cat rolls 5k3: 7 10+10+6 5 6 2 | 39

[Helvetica] GM asks, "who are you hitting?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "If you're attacking Chevalier, I'm guessing he hasn't got much defense at the moment."

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Attacking the Desk Sargent?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Since he's unarmed and blinded and manacled."

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I was assuming brutes"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Aha."

[Helvetica] GM says, "Not declaring raises usually assumes you're going for 1 brute. There's a house rule pretty much everybody uses where if you don't declare, every 10 you beat by takes another brute out. So that's 2 brutes gone."

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "It probably would have been better (had you been attacking brutes) to say how many you were attacking--maybe the desk guy instead?"

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

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Yay, kind GM."

[Helvetica] Hans asks (of Gert), "Did you declare two raises when you took out three brutes earlier?"

Cat knees the nearest guard in the crotch, then grabs the next one by the ear and twists until he sobs like a little baby

[Helvetica] Gert says, "I did."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Aha."

[Helvetica] GM says, "EIGHT. That's everybody but the one remaining brute."

Hans asks (of Gert), "What, you couldn't leave a few for me?"

Gert says (to Hans), "Hey, I did, but you let Cat get 'em."

[Helvetica] Arvid sings and dances![Z

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Cat's technically first, if she wants to be."

Gert says (to Hans), "But hey, you can have the last guy."

[Helvetica] Hans exclaims (at Arvid), "Yay!"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Cat"

Cat aims a pistol at the remaining guard with her non-eartwisting hand. "Surrender!"

[Helvetica] Cat asks, "are you allowed to intimidate mid-battle?"

Hans says (to Gert), "Well, it hardly seems worth the bother at this point..."

[Helvetica] GM says, "Sure. Panache+Oratory TN 15"

[7thsea] Cat rolls 5k3: 5 8 10+1 4 8 | 27

GM says, "The last guard drops his sword and raises his hands."

Hans asks (of Gert), "See?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "Gert"

Gert swings her axe at the desk sergeant!

[7thsea] Gert rolls 6k3: 9 10+5 7 3 9 8 | 33

[Helvetica] GM says, "hit"

[7thsea] Gert rolls 8k2: 2 6 8 10+9 7 9 3 7 | 28

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "none of this intimidation nonsense for gert"

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

GM says, "The desk sergeant goes down like a sack of potatoes."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "You got it, man."

Arvid says, "ah, good, right on time"

[7thsea] Hans asks, "Hmm. Hey, how'd you get 8?"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "That's everyone?"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Large, partly."

Arvid starts to reach for the keys and winces.

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

[Helvetica] GM says, "Everyone in the corridor, yes."

Arvid asks, "I told one of the prisoners there I'd toss him the keys -- could somebody run them down the hall to him?"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "heh heh"

Hans says, "Sure."

Hans grabs the keys.

Gert says, "Hey, you're in a bad way."

Arvid asks, "then I guess we'd better go -- I assume you managed some kind of transportation?"

Hans says (to Chevalier), "C'mon, you're going this way too."

Gert picks up Arvid. "Let's go!"

Hans nudges him down the hall with his sword.

Arvid exclaims, "I'll be -- whoah!"

Arvid says, "I guess this'll be faster"

Cat backs out last, covering the guards with her pistols

[Helvetica] Gert says, "We could probably knock out the last guard, but either way."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I was going to stick him and Chevalier in a cell."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "ha ha"

GM says, "The two remaining prisoners are throwing pebbles at the windows across the corridor from them."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "One should be free to use Porte by now."

Hans shoves Chevalier and the last guard into a cell and locks it. "Here, you should be out of trouble in here."

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Gert), "Hence the pebble-tossing."

Hans throws the keys to a prisoner. "Good luck!"

[Helvetica] Cat asks, "so we're using Nicolette for the gate?"

Hans runs back to catch up with the others.

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Wait, I thought--right."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "But OK."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Is there any reason to think the gate will be locked?"

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "If there's been an alarm?"

[Helvetica] Cat asks, "it's night-time?"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "I mean, it's not like there's been a kidnapping or a jailbreak (that anyone got away from to warn them about)."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "But hey, I'm fine with storming it."

GM says, "Duel-fixer guy slips out ahead of you."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Also, if we have to, we can light the carriage on fire."

[Helvetica] Hans says, "It worked last time."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hee hee"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "We can take an unexpected direction if need be."

GM says, "And leaps onto the front of the waiting carriage."

Gert exclaims, "Hey!"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Is there any particular expected direction?"

Gert drops Arvid and sprints!

Hans hops up on the running board.

Arvid says, "...ow"

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Sprinting with brawn or finesse?"

[Helvetica] GM says, "brawn"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "I'm trying to get there before he does."

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Nicollette's got the reins, right?"

Arvid says, "I should have known he'd be no help"

[7thsea] Gert rolls 5k4: 1 4 4 1 6 | 15

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Also, I assume we're all running at top speed at this point anyway, so:"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "oh man"

[Helvetica] Cat says (to Hans), "I'm guessing she's inside the carriage"

[Helvetica] GM says, "I thought she was waiting inside the carriage."

[Helvetica] Gert asks, "Is that OK enough?"

[7thsea] Hans rolls 5k4: 6 10+7 7 3 7 | 37

[Helvetica] Gert says, "You're in the back with the prisoners."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "(sadly)"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I suppose I shouldn't fire at a carriage that has Nicolette inside it"

[Helvetica] Cat exclaims, "that is, not unless I spend a lot of drama dice!"

GM says, "Hans manages to catch hold of the back of the carriage as it rolls away and swing himself onto it."

[Helvetica] Hans says (to Gert), "Yeah, but with a roll like that, I could possibly slip past the larger, slower folks..."

[Helvetica] Gert says, "Heh."

Cat drops to one knee and swings up her musket

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Also, do we know he plans to steal it?"

Arvid says (to Agathe), "well, I guess we're taking the others"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "...gah, *two* friendly targets"

[Helvetica] Hans says, "Maybe he just wants to make sure he's on it when we leave."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "hee hee"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "he's leaving without waiting, so .."

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "if it weren't for nicolette we could just let him go"

[Helvetica] GM says (to Cat), "Finesse + attack(Firearms). Fortunately, Hans is Small."

[Helvetica] Gert exclaims, "Except we wouldn't have an escape vehicle!"

[Helvetica] Hans asks, "Also, doesn't it take longer for two horses to get up to speed than it does for a human?"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "(well, we have the other one)"

[Helvetica] GM says (to Hans), "dramatically appropriate"

[Helvetica] Gert says, "(I think)"

[Helvetica] Cat says, "I'll throw in 2 drama dice"

[Helvetica] Arvid says, "right, since we have two"