[ussura] PerrySimm says, "Log on."

GM asks, "Any questions before everyone else arrives?"

GM says, "(we still have a few minutes before 4)"

Sebastien says, "I don't think so -- I guess we haven't actually explicitly said "let's talk pullout" to Montegue"

Sebastien says, "so I think my intention will be to do that"

GM says, "Right."

GM says, "And followup on the egg/past/amulet bit."

Charles says, "I am wondering if we should be telling Montegue about the Heirophant/Empereur thing. But I imagine that's probably a bit too weird for this point in his life."

Charles says, "Perhaps if we locate a future Montegue who has already fought the bugs, it might be a useful line to pursue."

Sebastien says, "well, I think I (at least in-character) am leaning towards l'Empereur being a bug"

Sebastien says, "and if Montegue's pendant thing is really an obscure religious thing, then that suggests he's probably religious himself"

Sebastien says, "despite that not being fashionable in montaigne these days"

Charles says, "Mmm, yes. I think this goes to support my 'recruit him after he comes back from the past' strategy, though."

[ussura] schep says, "I'll be there in about 10 minutes"

GM says, "(And indeed, Montegue was known back in Montaigne for being religously, well, religious. Notable because being religious is falling out of favor among the nobility nowadays.)"

[ussura] GM says, "Excellent."

[ussura] katre says, "logging in, duchess will be a bit late"

[ussura] GM nods.

Pyotr arrives, looking for booty.

[ussura] GM asks, "Hmm, should we go ahead and wait a few more minutes?"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "Raelynn wanted to look at the Porte hole and try to heal it, I believe"

[ussura] GM says, "Yeah."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "so anything that doesn't conflict with that is fine"

Raelynn arrives, looking for booty.

Charles looks down at what's left of 'Devoe'.

[ussura] GM says, "Well, hey."

[ussura] Raelynn says, "(Pyotr logging Rae in for recap purposes)"

GM says (to Charles), "He (now) looks similar to, but not exactly the same as, the bug you all fought earlier."

Vasili has connected.

Pyotr has disconnected.

Pyotr goes home.

GM says, "The main difference is that this one has massive folded legs, like a grasshoper."

Rob_2 arrives, looking for booty.

[ussura] Charles asks, "The secondary difference being the lack of a head?"

Pyotr arrives, looking for booty.

GM says, "He's also, right, lost his head."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "arr, don't push that button"

Sebastien stands up and dusts himself off.

Sebastien says, "goodness"

[ussura] GM says, "A sign will light up saying, "Please do not push this button again.""

Sebastien says, "that was quite a .. very much so"

Gunther arrives, looking for booty.

Montegue (who has ridden up) pulls out his amulet. As you watch, the glowing pulses, and slowly fades.

Pyotr asks, "That was fun. can we do it again?"

Pyotr sits down heavily.

K-Y arrives, looking for booty.

Sebastien says, "I imagine we have not, in fact, seen the last of these"

Sebastien says, "though this particular one seems to be done for"

[Crows-Nest] Rob_2 says, "hmm"

Sebastien examines it through his monocle.

Montegue says (to Charles), "You said you had one of these, too? I had thought this was unique."

[ussura] GM says (to Seb), "Hee"

Charles says (to Montegue), "I suspect it is."

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "you recall that last time we went to talk to this army general guy to negotiate a peace settlement, and then unmasked one of his advisors as a shapechanging giant bug thing, and then chased it across the landscape and finally killed it as it was trying to escape through a porte hole"

[Crows-Nest] Rob_2 says, "I do recall that!"

Charles says (to Montegue), "You might find this difficult to believe --" He glances down at the bug. "-- but after what you've just seen, perhaps not..."

Montegue looks at the bug and chuckles.

Charles says, "But at some point in the future, you will be called on to help in the battle against these creatures."

Montegue frowns. "Called by who? And how soon in the future?"

Sebastien says, "or how long in the past, you should perhaps be asking"

Montegue looks at you all.

Montegue says, "OK, I can see this is not going to be a simple story."

Era says, "Perhaps we should go somewhere a bit more private for this discussion."

Montegue says, "Exactly."

Sebastien says, "and, in fact, it is not unconnected with the matters we had originally started to discuss with you"

Charles says (to Era), "A good idea."

Montegue says, "Aha."

Sebastien looks around for a pavilion tent we can requisition.

Montegue looks down at the dead Porte mage, still lying by the still-roiling Porte hole.

Era says, "And I could really use some willowbark tea for my arm, when we return to camp. Maybe a sling too. Ow."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "Rae on her way"

Montegue says, "Tea, we may have, though willowbark is, as you may imagine, in short supply."

[ussura] GM says, "Woo"

[ussura] Raelynn asks, "is the hole still open?"

[ussura] GM exclaims (at Rae), "It is! Especially for you!"

Charles says, "How are your rum and beer rations? I think those might be needed before this story will make sense."

[ussura] GM says, "Though it constricted about halfway partway through the battle."

Raelynn edges close to the porte hole

[ussura] Vasili says, "unidle"

GM says (to Raelynn), "It feels... odd. Like it's pulling you and repelling you at the same time."

GM says, "And it's slowly getting smaller."

[ussura] Raelynn asks, "is there any information i can glean from it?"

Montegue says (to men), "Gather this man, and arrange for a funeral tonight. I will write a letter to his family tonight."

[ussura] Raelynn says, "i forget how i am supposed to close it using glamor, also :)"

[ussura] GM says, "You just use one of your knacks."

[ussura] GM asks, "What sort of information are you after?"

[Crows-Nest] Gunther snickers at "Gather this man"

Montegue says (to men), "Also, none of you are to speak of what you saw here. It would spook any who believed you, and everyone else would just laugh. You don't want a spooked man or someone who thinks you a fool watching your back in a battle."

[ussura] Raelynn says, "i was thinking it would be nice to find out if he is still in the hole"

[ussura] GM says, "Well, his head is missing, but his body is on the ground."

[ussura] GM says, "His head, as you may recall, was where your arrowhead was."

[ussura] Raelynn says, "enh. just close it. i was wondering if it was possible to tell if other bugs were in that netherworld that's the porte hole"

[ussura] GM asks, "Actually, hmm. You probably don't have to concentrate to sense blooded items, do you?"

Fang arrives, looking for booty.

[ussura] Raelynn says, "no. it's supposed to just let me know if it's in range"

GM says (to Raelynn), "You notice that the arrowhead seems to be a few paces beyond the hole, as if it were lying on the ground."

Charles asks (of the others), "I do wonder. Is this *the* Devoe? Or is this just a changeling who took his place when Devoe was lost in..." He gestures to the porte hole. "...that *place*?"

Montegue arranges to have the bug wrapped in canvas and heavily guarded.

Raelynn asks, "is it worth just reaching in and grabbing the head out?"

Vasili asks, "What, you think they can change people into more bugs?"

Raelynn says, "just my arm. not me."

[ussura] Vasili says, "that would be a crazy plotline!"

Pyotr says, "I've always heard those things are evil."

Pyotr asks, "maybe this is why?"

Sebastien says (to Raelynn), "leave it there -- perhaps we can track it down later"

Raelynn says, "okay"

Charles says (to Vasili), "I was wondering if maybe there never was a human Devoe."

[ussura] GM asks (of R), "You helping close it?"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "yeah"

Era asks, "How far can you sense items? If it is several miles, would you still be able to tell where it is?"

[ussura] Raelynn asks, "i will use my jack knack, so i should transform something? do i need to roll?"

Raelynn says (to era), "just a mile or so"

[Crows-Nest] Fang says, "Devoe is clearly a Devil sound-a-like, you know"

Era says, "Ah."

Vasili says (to Pyotr), "I hadn't ever heard anything about those things before I met all these folks."

GM says, "As Raelynn gestures, the hole finally snaps shut. She can still feel something like an echo of the rift where the visible hole was, so she continues to transform [x] a few more times, until it seems fully healed."

[Crows-Nest] Rob_2 says, "bel biv"

Pyotr asks (of Vasili), "Come on, you remember Old Ilya's tales about the evil foreigners and their evil blood magic?"

Vasili says (to Pyotr), "Oh! I thought you meant the bugs."

GM says (to Raelynn), "And at that, the erstwhile arrowhead seems to actually lift off the ground, and rises into the sky."

GM says, "Not that you can see anything."

Pyotr exclaims, "No, I meant the terrible magics these people use. Good thing none of them speak ussuran!"

Pyotr glances around.

Raelynn holds the button that she made out of the twigs as she looks around

Raelynn says, "the arrowhead is moving up"

Sebastien asks, "up?"

Sebastien says, "I suppose one of these bugs could be the flying sort"

GM says, "Those of you who succeed a perception check notice Montegue shake his head slightly and roll his eyes."

[7thsea] Vasili rolls 5k4: 4 4 5 1 5 | 18

[Crows-Nest] Fang says, "Maybe the bug is going to heaven"

crow alights on a nearby branch, and cocks its head at Raelynn. (in animal-speak) "Awwk! Easy! Don't make holes. Stop those that do."

Raelynn says, "A crow!"

Raelynn asks, "what's it saying?"

Raelynn looks at Era and Alix for help

[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 3k2: 1 1 7 | 8

[ussura] Montegue says, "(you don't have to actually roll that perception check)"

Era says (to Raelyn), "The crow doesn't like holes. She wants us to stop the people that make them."

[ussura] * Rob_2 has joined the channel.

Raelynn says (to crow), "I will try! I can use help learning more about the holes, though!"

Era translates into Crow.

Charles says, "Thus begins the great war between the crows and the woodpeckers."

crow cocks his head again. "What would you do?"

crow asks, "And what are you capable of?"

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says (to Charles), "hee hee"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Ha"

Raelynn waits for Era's translation, and then replies.

[ussura] GM says, "(You can assume Era is translating here)"

Raelynn says, "I can't do much now. But if I can open my own holes, I may be able to find those that do, and take away their power"

Era squawks some more.

Vasili says, "Tell the crow about the hole you just closed."

Charles says (to the other men), "So if that bug just donned Devoe's shape recently, then the real Devoe is probably still out there somewhere."

Sebastien says, "if Devoe made it out of the porte hole alive, anyway"

Charles says, "If not... then that bug was probably on LaVache's ship."

Raelynn says (to crow), "i just closed the hole made by one of them. one of my objects is in there, and i can sense it floating away"

Charles asks (of Sebastien), "What happens to someone who doesn't make it out of a porte hole?"

[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "LaVache... Fechez LaVache."

Sebastien shrugs. "Devoe was the first I'd heard of to ever reappear -- and it appears he didn't."

crow asks, "Closed?"

Raelynn says (to crow), "i can heal the holes"

crow says, "Awwk! I shall tell my master."

crow spreads his wings and flies off.

Era tries to see if the crow has green eyes.

GM says, "With that, everything here winds down again, and a half-hour later or so, you all find yourself back in Montegue's tent."

GM says, "Though with fewer other people than before."

[ussura] GM says (to Era), "No, it didn't."

Montegue says, "These are some of my most trusted advisors. You may tell them what you would tell me."

Era gratefully wraps her hands around some tea, even though it isn't willowbark.

Sebastien says, "well, then"

Sebastien says, "To be blunt, this invasion has been unwise from the beginning"

Montegue snorts. "You don't have to tell *me* that."

Charles says, "There is a greater war than the one being waged here."

Sebastien says, "and I fear very much that Devoe is not the only imposter we have been dealing with"

Montegue says, "Hmm."

Sebastien says, "in short, we must consider that l'Empereur himself may not be all he appears"

Era says, "And in fact, somewhat less than he appears."

[Crows-Nest] Rob_2 says, "that would be bad"

Montegue says, "Really! Hmm."

Montegue asks, "Do you have any evidence of this?"

Sebastien says, "this would have seemed madness to me also when I first arrived at the embassy"

[Crows-Nest] Rob_2 asks, "how will our heroes foil this dastardly plot ?"

Sebastien says, "but that was before we found out that l'Empereur himself was the one who slew the Hierophant"

Montegue starts.

Charles says, "There is a man in <place we left Louis at> who was a witness to -- as Sebastien says."

[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "agent orange"

Pyotr looks around the tent, searching for a fast exit.

Montegue asks, "What?!?"

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says (to Pyotr), "axe throught the tent wall"

Montegue says, "That's... that's impossible."

Charles says, "He heard everything from a nearby room."

Sebastien says, "through an interesting intercession we were able to access these memories ourselves"

Charles says, "And it would seem that the l'Empereur has even sent his own lackeys to commit crimes of war in an attempt to ensure his silence."

Sebastien says, "there is no need for us to convince you of that now, though"

[ussura] GM says, "OK, at this point let's have a roll to see how well you can convince him. Something diplomatic would be ideal; Charles, if you want to do a supplemental roll to Seb's, that would probably work."

[ussura] Sebastien asks, "ok, diplomacy + what?"

[ussura] GM says, "Wits is probably apropos."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "alrighty"

[ussura] Charles asks, "Can I use Oratory to support?"

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "diplomacy should use panache, not wits :)"

[ussura] GM says, "(also, as a friendly GM reminder, you do have a signed testimony from Louis with you)"

[ussura] Charles says, "Oho, thanks."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "hey, good thinking on our part"

[Crows-Nest] Rob_2 says, "heh"

[7thsea] Charles rolls 5k3: 6 8 4 9 2 | 23

[ussura] GM says (to Charles), "Yeah. And as per Pyotr, you use Panache ;-)"

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr exclaims, "it was a joke!"

[Crows-Nest] Rob_2 says, "roll for Je Ne Sais Quoi"

[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 4k3: 5 6 10+9 6 | 31

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Charles has three in everything, so it doesn't matter as much ;-)"

[Crows-Nest] Charles exclaims, "Oh no, I must use my Panache 3 instead of my Wits 3 for this roll!"

[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "Timing."

Sebastien dramatically gestures to Charles, who whips out Louis's testimony at a critical moment.

[Crows-Nest] Charles says (to GM), "Not quite everything anymore, now."

Montegue sits down heavily. "Well."

Montegue says, "It seems I am caught between my duty to Theus and my duty to my country. And my duty to who-knows-who else who wants me to fight bugs."

Pyotr exclaims, "Matushka!"

Sebastien says, "I can sympathize myself with the mixed loyalties we are led to"

Pyotr says, "The mother of Ussura, she has plans for you."

Montegue asks (of Pyotr), "She wants my *help*?"

Raelynn says, "think of it as theus and matushka joining forcec for the time being"

Sebastien says, "but surely in this case duty to country is not necessarily the same as duty ot a man who may not even be l'Empereur"

Raelynn says, "it might make you feel better"

Pyotr says (to Mntegue), "She told us this."

Montegue says, "You... met her."

Era says, "Matushka has been watching you, and sees that you are a good man. Even though your heart is not in this war, you run it well, and keep your men first in your thoughts. She approves of you and your style, but not the battle you have been assigned."

Vasili says, "[with translator] It's good that you're here in Ussura, sir."

GM throws Era a drama die.

Pyotr says (to Vasili), "[in Ussuran] Although maybe next time he can leave the army at home."

Montegue says, "So, in the future, or maybe the past, I get to fight bugs for a God I would not believe existed had I not fought her for every inch of the territory I have crossed."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "someone else can convince him, I'm no talker."

Vasili peeks out the tent flap.

[Crows-Nest] GM asks (of V), "Looking for something?"

Charles nods. "Aye. Perhaps it is time to make at least a personal peace with her."

[Crows-Nest] Vasili says, "just wondering if that egg has come nearby."

GM says (to Vasili), "Hmm, there might be something in that shadow..."

Charles says, "If you take the first steps, maybe Montaigne will follow you."

Era asks, "We might be able to help with that. Would you care to join us for a brief ride to the woods?"

[ussura] Era says, "assuming translators are around."

Charles says, "And leave l'Empereur behind."

[ussura] GM says, "(Yeah)"

Montegue's advisors are obviously agitated at the thought of Montegue riding off with a bunch of crazy-tale-telling strangers.

[ussura] Charles says, "I don't know how it happens in the sourcebooks, but this seems like a good opportunity for Montegue to start the Montaigne Revolution."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"

Raelynn asks (of montegue), "would your advisors feel better if one of us stayed behind to ensure your safety?"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "skip the revolution, jump right to the Montegueonic Empire"

Montegue says (to Charles), "So, explain to me how you got that pendant."

Montegue says (to Raelynn), "Hmm, perhaps."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "should that be Alixandre? or else it might make sense for me to do it"

[ussura] GM asks, "Have I skipped responding to someone?"

Charles says (to Montegue), "At some point in the future, Matushka will call you to help her in the greater war against these bugs."

[ussura] Era says, "I think Alixandre should stay behind, since he's not here."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "sounds good"

Sebastien says, "perhaps it might be helpful if you were to tell Montegue more about what we saw there and the tactics we saw him use so that he could prepare himself"

Charles says, "She will call me as well -- and indeed, already has. You will be summoned to lead a great battle."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "we also have our retinue of I Can't Believe They're Not Spies"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "i was setting up this to give a logical place for alix to split off"

[ussura] GM says, "Hee"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "or i can stay behind, don't mind"

Charles says, "That is where I met you. And that is where you gave me this."

Charles says (to Sebastien), "Mmm. True."

Montegue holds out his hand for the pendant so he can examine it more closely.

[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"

Charles passes it over. Then he takes out his notebook and starts sketching terrain and battle formations.

Montegue pulls out his own pendant and holds them next to each other.

Montegue exclaims, "!"

Montegue exclaims, "They are the same!"

Montegue says, "And look, here is the notch it received from the battle just last week."

Charles says, "Careful you do not confuse the two. It might make things messy in the fu-- the p.. when we meet again."

Montegue asks (of Charles), "What was I wearing when I saw you last?"

[Crows-Nest] Rob_2 asks, "wait, what's all this about matching pendants? did you guys time travel or somethign?"

[Crows-Nest] Vasili says, "they sure did"

[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "they mean pedants"

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "yeah"

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "and montegue gave us his pendant in the past"

Charles tries to recall.

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "so of course it's the same as the one he has now"

[ussura] GM says, "(what he's wearing now)"

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "there is lots of confusing time travel here, yes"

Vasili says, "Excuse me a moment," and slips outside.

[Crows-Nest] Rob_2 asks, "your past, his future?"

[Crows-Nest] Rob_2 asks, "what is the means of the time travel?"

[ussura] GM asks (of Vasili), "What are you after?"

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "GM handwaving"

[Crows-Nest] Rob_2 says, "so many questions, so little time!"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Heh"

[Crows-Nest] Rob_2 says, "I guess I can read the logs"

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "the local deity sent us back"

Charles says, "It was basically a Montaigne field uniform. Like that one, more or less. THere was a tear on the left sleeve, I remember noticing when you handed me the pendant."

Vasili approaches the spot where he thought he saw something. "He's almost ready!"

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "basically the deal is that in our timeline, we went along and then Matushka sent us back into the past where we met Montegue, and then we came back to the present and met Montegue again"

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "whereas in Montegue's timeline it's going to be that he went along and eventually met us, and then later was sent into the past and met us again"

Egg says, "<querelous noise?>"

[Crows-Nest] Rob_2 says, "oh ok"

[Crows-Nest] Rob_2 says, "bwllwbbrbblblbb"

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

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "(the egg with legs was the thing that snapped us up and sent us to the past)"

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "(this is a mini egg that started following us recently)"

[Crows-Nest] Rob_2 says, "ahh, ok."

Vasili says (to Egg), "You're here for Montegue? I think he'll be cooperative."

[Crows-Nest] (from Gunther) Rob_2 carefully dials 9... 1... 1...

Montegue holds up his arm. You can now see that there's a tear on his left sleeve.

Charles asks, "In fact, it was almost exactly like what you're wearing now, aside from the gloves. Could I see them for a moment?"

Egg says, "<asserting noise>"

Era asks (of Egg), "You're not taking him with you right now, are you?"

[ussura] GM says (to Era), "The egg is outside)"

[ussura] Era says, ""oh"

Montegue says, "So, this future... may not be that far away."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "but you can step outside and talk to him"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "er, it"

[ussura] GM says, "Yeah."

[ussura] Charles says (to GM), "Note question posted to Montegue, if you missed it :)"

Vasili says (to Egg), "Come on, then."

[ussura] GM says, "Whoops, I did."

Montegue hands Charles his gloves.

Charles looks at the gloves, then at Montegue. "Yes, that's precisely how I remember you!"

Montegue says, "Well, then."

Fang has left.

Egg trots out of the shadow and follows Vasili.

Charles says, "So, er. I imagine you intend to keep the second pendant at this point? It is still yours, I suppose."

Charles . o O ( Drat. )

Vasili heads back to the tent. "And here we are. I believe the future is now."

Montegue asks (of Charles), "I suppose I had two of them at the time?"

Montegue says (to Egg), "Oh, my."

Charles tears out the notebook pages and hands them to Montegue.

[ussura] Charles says, "Did he have two? I can't recall."

[ussura] GM says, "(yeah)"

Egg enters the tent.

Charles sighs. "Aye. I suppose you did, come to think of it."

Sebastien asks (of Montegue), "er, if you're leaving now, do you have any things for us to do while you're gone?"

Sebastien asks, "however long that is?"

GM says, "The circular rings on the egg begin to spin, randomizing the pattern etched onto its side. Then its legs retract into the sides, and it falls over."

Montegue asks (of Sebastien), "Well, hmm. You say you were in the past, and then returned to the present?"

Charles says, "Several pasts, as I recall."

Sebastien says, "exactly"

Sebastien says, "I am not sure quite how much time had passed for us, however"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "(did we ever work that out? I don't remember)"

Montegue says (to advisor), "You are in charge. The army camps here until I return."

[ussura] GM says, "You were going somewhere else at the time, and you got there faster than you would have otherwise."

Montegue says, "This egg. It, uh, seems to not be doing much."

Sebastien eyes it.

Charles says, "You may need to solve a puzzle of some sort first."

Montegue crouches down and examines it.

Montegue asks, "Oh?"

Montegue says, "Hmm."

Sebastien says, "perhaps you need to accompany it with some toast"

Montegue chuckles.

Sebastien asks, "touch the pendant to it?"

Montegue says, "Worth a shot."

[ussura] Vasili says, "I suspect it's a sort of 'you arrive where you need to be, in time to do what needs to be done' thing"

Charles looks for any sort of message on it.

Montegue toches the pendant to it.

GM says, "(but nothing happens)"

Vasili asks, "What were the puzzles you mentioned with the big egg?"

Charles says, "There are rings -- I believe we needed to turn them to set the pattern."

Montegue says, "Aha."

Charles says, "Which in our case was the text and subsequent response to a riddle."

Montegue turns some of the rings.

Montegue says, "Aha, they do slide."

Vasili looks at the letters. Ussuran or Montaigne?

Raelynn says, "i still have the sketches from when we had to solve the puzzle"

GM says (to Vasili), "There are many crinkled edges, but none of them seem to resolve into letters this time."

Raelynn flips her sketchpad to those pages. Wow, that was a long time ago

[ussura] Vasili says, "(assuming there are letters again... timing)"

GM says, "Though they can be slid around so they match each other."

Charles says, "Well. In the meantime..."

Vasili says, "Ah. I think this pair of ripples would line up with those on the case."

Charles says, "There is good reason to suspect that Captain LaVache of the navy may be an agent of the untrue Emperor."

[ussura] GM says, "(I can have him figure it out on his own and we can skip ahead, or you guys can try to puzzle it out with him)"

Montegue says (to Vasili), "Aha, and then these others will match..."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "I'd be happy to skip it, but whatever folks want"

Montegue asks (of Charles), "LaVache, you say?"

Charles says, "If we could capture him, or at least infiltrate his ship, we might be able to learn more about this conspiracy that is afoot, aiding us in the larger fight against those forces from outside."

Charles says (to Montegue), "I do say."

Charles asks, "Do you have anything we might be able to use toward that end?"

GM says (to Vasili), "Hey, those lines look familiar. Like the outline of something."

[ussura] Charles says, "It is difficult to attempt to solve a crinkled edge puzzle when you can't see the edges."

[ussura] GM says, "Hee"

[ussura] Vasili says, "if it's a wedding bouquet, good thing this is Montegue's puzzle."

GM says, "And in fact, with a bit more working on stuff, you figure out it's a map of Ussura."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"

Era points out her hometown on the map.

[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "I was wondering if perhaps the egg was going to ultimately resemble an icon for a Spring Festival later co-opted into a feast of the Prophets."

GM says, "And as the last piece slides into place, there is a great grinding from inside the egg, and it... unfolds, somehow, into an egg about half the size that it was when you first saw it."

[Crows-Nest] Vasili says, "hee. A bit early for that."

Sebastien steps back hastily.

Vasili says, "Neat."

[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "True. I believe today is actually celebrated as the anniversary of when the snakes were driven out of Innismore."

[Crows-Nest] Vasili says, "ha, precisely"

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

GM says, "More lines appear, which Montegue realizes are representative of Ussuran and Montaignian forces. Once they are slid into place, it expands once more so that it's full-sized once again. Only now it shows a map of a mountain range, with an enormous mountain in its center."

Montegue says, "Hmm, I'm not familiar with these mountains."

Pyotr says, "Oh, that place."

Vasili says, "Oh, we were just there."

Pyotr says, "Brrrr."

Charles says, "Ah, Ostrog."

Montegue says, "But apparantly you are."

Charles says, "You will be."

Vasili says, "It was the battleground."

Sebastien says, "look out for snow maidens"

Charles points to features of the mountain, noting which of his sketches represent which areas.

GM says, "And finally, with"

[ussura] GM says, "whoops,return key."

GM says, "And finally, with Charles's help, the human forces are slid into place, and the location of the bug forces are worked out by a process of deduction. And with that, the legs re-emerge, and the side opens out, revealing stairs as it did before."

Charles says, "Oh, you never did say about LaVache..."

Montegue says (to Charles), "Hmm, yes, well."

Montegue says, "Frankly, LaVache is my best captain, and even if he is a traitor, I will never make it back to Montaigne without his skill."

Montegue says, "If you wish to investigate him, I must insist you not interfere with his work."

Vasili says, "Grandmother, I want to help!"

Charles frowns, but says nothing.

Vasili heads up the stairs to see if the egg will let him in.

Gaspard says (to Montegue), "Sir, if you will not allow me to persuade you to give up this fanciful scheme, I will insist on accompanying you."

[ussura] GM says (to Vasili), "Sure."

[ussura] Charles exclaims (at Vasili), "Drag Alix along!"

[ussura] Vasili says, "I don't care so much about playing out the battle, but there's no way I'd pass it up IC."

Montegue says (to Gaspard), "Are you sure? The odds will clearly be against us."

[ussura] Charles says, "I seem to recall that he missed it the first time."

[ussura] GM says, "Heh."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "good point"

[ussura] GM says, "OK, at this point I'm pushing a fast-forward button since the main points have happened, unless anyone objects."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "go for it"

[ussura] Charles asks, "We don't get to watch them pile in like clowns into a VW Bug and then vanish?"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee he"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "honk honk"

[Crows-Nest] Rob_2 asks, "say, how big is this magic egg?"

[ussura] Vasili says, "oh no, I was first in, I have to be on the bottom."

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "I think *now* it's person-sized"

[Crows-Nest] Vasili says, "as big as it needs to be"

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "as big as it needs to be"

[Crows-Nest] Charles asks, "The inside or the outside?"

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "damn, too slow"

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "before it was big enough for six of us to sit around inside"

[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "inside of a magic egg, it's too time-travelly to read"

[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "It's like a TARDIS."

GM says, "And in brief: Gaspard, Montegue and Vasili all enter the egg, which closes and runs off. Then, three seconds later, it shows up again, running from a different direction, and the stairs open up again. The three of them emerge, all clearly exhausted, and Gaspard and Vasili both with new scars. The egg closes, waves a leg, folds in on itself three times, and darts off into the shadows again."

[Crows-Nest] Rob_2 asks, "how big is the outside?"

Sebastien blinks.

[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "I totally read that as 'with new scarfs'."

Sebastien says (to advisor), "well, I see your tenure was a short one"

Era boggles a bit.

Sebastien says, "we had better have someone see to their injuries"

Charles asks, "I trust all went as expected?"

[Crows-Nest] Rob_2 says, "they went in jon pertwee and came out tom baker"

Montegue says, "No. But the part with you in it was as you described, at least."

GM says, "Montegue has... changed. He looks grimmer, but determined."

Montegue says, "I spoke with Matushka. She explained... much."

[Crows-Nest] Charles (to Rob) | It's an enormous egg, about six feet high, covered with paintings and designs.

Montegue shakes his head.

[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "From the first time we encountered it."

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says (to Rob), "ha ha"

Vasili asks, "So, what, you mean it's just the time we left?"

Pyotr says, "If you call that leaving."

Montegue says, "She said to tell you her time grows short, and that I was the last sign. After this, she reaches the end of her foreknowledge."

Sebastien polishes his monocle thoughtfully,.

Vasili says, "!!"

Sebastien says, "that has unusual theological implications"

Charles says, "Indeed."

Era says, "Disturbing."

Montegue says, "I am taking the army and leaving Ussura, but I would rather do so without the Ussuran army taking pot-shots at me. If you would be amenable, I would go with you to Pavtlow to arrange a treaty with the Gaius."

Era says, "We would be honored to provide you escort."

Sebastien says, "I think we would be extremely pleased to assist in that"

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "and thus the motley band averts a war"

Sebastien says, "if nothing else, there will be some unhappy to hear about the change in circumstances"

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "this must be worth at least an order of the British Empire or something"

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn asks, "a purple heart?"

Montegue says (to Alix), "You are at least part Ussuran, are you not? And yet you also identify with Montaigne. I would have you with me at the negotiations, as a symbol of our potential unity."

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr asks, "have _you_ been injured in this?"

[ussura] Era says, "Maybe green, here."

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "the L?gion d'Honneur, apparently"

[Crows-Nest] Alex says (to Sebastien), "Awwwk! Word on the street is that L is ( C / X ) * V."

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says (to pyotr), "i didn't say me. but vasili was"

[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "a pink heart"

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "(whoops, charset)"

[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "I think the Ussuras will grant you an extra-large haunch of meat for an achievement like this."

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

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "He"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Er, hee"

Montegue says, "Oh, and there is something you should know."

Montegue speaks to you all quietly.

[ussura] Charles wonders if Montegue was waiting for Alixandre to respond.

[Crows-Nest] (from Gunther) Montegue says, "You got punk'd"

Charles listens closely.

Montegue says, "I did not get this far without help. But it was help I never did understand."

Sebastien frowns.

Montegue says, "The army set against me was not set up to stop me. At first I thought it was incompetence. And then I thought it was a trap. But now, I think it was treachery."

Charles asks, "What sort of help?"

Montegue says, "I could not prove this, mind you, but, well, I know tactics."

Sebastien asks, "sabotage from within their own ranks?"

Montegue says, "Sending small squadrons of men to the most heavily guarded flanks? In my line of work, this is naught else but murder."

Pyotr says, "I think I know someone we can mention this to."

Era says, "This bodes poorly."

Charles says, "I can't say it is entirely unexpected."

Sebastien says, "well, if someone is acting to support the invasion, they will have to act again at the conference"

Sebastien says, "and I have no doubt they will be there"

Charles says (to Montegue), "If that pendant reacts to others the same as it did near Devoe, maybe it will be an aid in discovering them."

Montegue says (to Charles), "Mmm, that's a good idea."

GM And! The group of you, along with Efrem & co, Montegue, and a small band of his advisors and assistants, get a good night's sleep, and head back towards Pavtlow the next day.

[ussura] GM says, "Except as a quote not an emote."

Vasili says, "a set of bandages, a good round of drinks, and a bit of sleep, in my case of course"

Charles sighs. "Missing the feast of Patrick Serpentsbane without so much as a cabbage leaf of green to show for it."

[ussura] GM says, "Yay"

Sebastien looks thoughtful, then rummages through his bag.

Sebastien exclaims, "aha!"

Sebastien presents Charles with a green silk cummerbund.

Pyotr checks his bag.

Pyotr exclaims, "Oh, hey!"

Sebastien says, "I would hate for you to be unable to wear your traditional dress on this holiday"

Pyotr hands Charles a moldy apple.

Pyotr exclaims, "It's green!"

Charles says, "Ah... thank you both. I think."

Era eyes the offerings doubtfully, plucks a few strands of grass, and weaves a passable ring.

Era hands the ring to Charles in exchange for the moldy apple.

Charles bows to her and accepts the trade. "Thank you, m'lady."

Charles says, "If only my old friend Jack were here to join in."

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "That Bastard."

[Crows-Nest] Charles exclaims, "That's the one!"

Charles asks, "Say, did I ever tell you the story of Charles and the Innish channel?"

Sebastien asks, "Charles? is it a story about an ancestor of yours?"

[ussura] GM says, "OK, hmm, we don't have a ton more time; if you like, I can set things up in Pavtlow a bit before we break."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "sounds good"

[ussura] Charles says, "Sure."

Charles says (to Sebastien), "Even better: a story of my own childhood."

Sebastien says, "goodness"

Sebastien says, "let us hear it, then"

Charles entertains and/or tries the patience of his companions with the tale on the trip back to Pavtlow.

Vasili asks, "not the one where your uncle turned your belt into a snake?"

[ussura] Charles says, "(In the interests of time, I am eliding the actual storytelling in favor of actually getting to Pavtlow, unless there is objection.)"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "wait, I wanted to hear it"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "the GM can cut it short when he's ready"

[ussura] Charles says, "Oh, in that case..."

[ussura] Montegue says, "(sure, I'm typing up something. Also, I was confused and thought we were ending at 6 and not 6:30, so we have more time than I thought.)"

Charles says, "It was one of an endless string of days of summer..."

Charles says, "Three young boys had done all the cat-chasing, all the stickball-playing, and all the cloud-watching they could possibly muster up the interest for."

Charles says, "It would be another month at least before the harvest, and a month more before the ships would return from trading. A way to spend the long weeks needed to be found."

Charles says, "'Let's run away!' shouted one. James, I think it was. 'Where?' asked Matthew."

Rob_2 has left.

Charles says, "'Greenvale!' "No, that's too close. I was there just last spring. There's nothing to see in Greenvale anyway. It's no better than here.'"

Charles says, "'Carleon!' 'No, I know! Innismore!'"

Era has disconnected.

[ussura] Montegue says (to Charles), "(OK, ready whenever you are)"

Charles says, "'We can't run to Innismore. There's water in the way.' That was Matthew -- he was wise for his age, but fortunately, I was not. 'When we can't run, we'll swim!'"

Vasili asks, "Ah, but whose idea might that have been?"

Charles grins. "That was Charles, of course. The one with more adventure in him than sense.

Charles says, "So that night we three gathered filled our packs and snuck out under cover of night. We run across the fields and through the forests, from village to village."

Charles says, "Terrifying our parents, surely. But finally we came to the shore of the Innish Channel, and the emerald isle was just visible in the distant mist -- but look, we seem to be here."

Charles says, "I suppose the rest of the story will have to wait for another day."

[ussura] Montegue says, "Heh."

GM says, "So, back in Pavtlow, the runners you sent forward with messages have arranged to have you met by the Gaius and his retinue himself. He declines to have negotiations the first day, and instead invites everyone to the opening production of 'The Sun, Moon, and Talia', performed by "Her Imperial Majesty's Dancing School" (The synopsis of 'The Sun, Moon, and Talia' can be found at http://www.pitt.edu/~dash/type0410.html#basile and is basically what you are handed as program notes. The dance master turns out to be Jean Baptiste Lande, a man who Sebastien and Alixandre recognize from back before they were ostracized (and with whom they share some sort of rivalry, though it's hard for the rest of you to tell what it is). Some of you are in your element at such a fine event. Others feel a bit more out of place, but take some comfort in the fact that some of the others in the audience seem to also be looking a bit out of place."

Sebastien says, "I will count the moments"

Era has connected.

[ussura] Era says, "sorry, computer issues. :-("

[ussura] GM says, "(whispered to Era)"

Sebastien polishes his monocle thoughtfully, then puts it back on again to eye Jean Baptiste more clearly.

Era enjoys the performance thoroughly.

Vasili nods off in his seat a while after intermission.

Tamara, partway through the performance, comes and sits next to you, and talks quietly. "So, you seem to have succeeded! I am pleased."

Pyotr snores loudly.

Sebastien says, "not without help"

Vasili says, "erk - wha?..."

Sebastien stretches out his arm casually and drops a handkerchief onto Pyotr's face, muffling the snores.

Vasili pokes Pyotr.

Vasili says, "psst, wake up! you were snoring."

Pyotr jumps up, looks around, and then sheepishly sits back down.

Era chuckles up her sleeve.

[ussura] Sebastien says, "the euphemisms in this story are awesome"

[ussura] Sebastien | Talia, hearing these words, began to excuse herself, saying that it was not her fault, because the king her husband had taken possession of her territory when she was drowned in sleep

[ussura] GM says, "Yes ;-)"

[ussura] Gunther says, "possess my territory... please"

GM says, "The performance is quite well-done, especially considering most of the dancers are in their mid-teens. The two leads stand out in particular, but the village dance numbers (which always seem to be thrown into these sorts of things) are extremely well-synchronized."

Sebastien claps appreciatively, having an eye for dance himself.

Tamara says (to Era & Raelynn, privately) "The Handmaiden wishes Ketheryna to be inducted soon. I fear I am needed at the negotiations--will you be able to assist in the ceremony?"

Sebastien . o O ( this country is not without a certain culture after all )

Charles says, "It can't be easy to stage such a convincing feasting scene when all the participants are constantly in motion."

Raelynn says (to tamara), "(quietly) I would be honored to help"

Sebastien says, "they are quite skilled at juggling the dumplings"

Era says (to Tamara), "It would be my pleasure, your grace."

Tamara nods. "I thank you both."

Tamara says, "Tomorrow at noon, in the tower above our chambers."

GM says, "the Gaius sits in the front, and when the dancers are finished, leaps to his feet and applauds wildly."

GM says, "Everyone around him hurries to stand up themselves."

Era also stands and applauds wildly, of course.

Vasili applauds likewise.

Gaius leaps to the stage. "Ketheryna! You must come up!"

Ketheryna, embarrassed, walks forward.

[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "Ketheryna, sister of Malchutero"

Gaius exclaims, "And Lande! You too! The two of you convinced me to allow this ridiculous enterprise, but look what it has produced! Absolutely amazing. When Montegue returns to Charouse, he will be able to tell his fellow Montaignians not of a conquered country, but of a proud one! With a culture to match the best in all Montaigne!"

GM says, "At the mention of Montegue, you hear muttering, but everyone claps appreciatively at the end of his speech."

Sebastien . o O ( curious that Lande would have ended up here )

Sebastien leans forward.

Era pats Montegue's sleeve.

[Crows-Nest] Gunther waits for the inevitable assassination

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

GM says, "Afterwards, you are invited to a reception where you can mingle with the Ussuran nobility and hangers-on. The dancers all look a bit wide-eyed, but have enough stage presence to not actually bolt out of the room."

[ussura] GM says, "And here you are all free to pick someone and talk to them if you want."

Charles'mingles'. That is to say, eyes every Ussuran noble for signs of insectoidal tendencies.

Pyotr heads for the bar and grabs a flagon of ale.

Sebastien says (to Lande), "such a surprise to find you here"

Raelynn finds someone (who isn't Sebastien) to discuss the latest Montaignian fashions with.

[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"

Lande says, "Sebastien! My word."

Lande says, "Last I heard you had disgraced yourself! Ah, such bad luck."

Era looks around for bright green eyes, and heads over to chat.

Sebastien says, "rumors of my demise were greatly overstated"

GM says (to Charles), "Montegue sees what you're up to, and manages to palm you the pendant. Fortunately (though perhaps a bit disappointingly) it never glows in the presence of any of those you meet."

Sebastien says, "I regret that I was not as fortunate as yourself, and had no scapegoat at hand"

Lande glares at Sebastien. "I had nothing to do with Philippe, as you well know."

Sebastien asks, "I know that's what you said, yes -- still, an uncanny coincidence for him to be found like that, don't you think?"

GM says, "Raelynn find a kindred soul in a young Ussuran noblewoman, and the two of them chat happily about the latest trends. In Ussura, it seems that it is becoming fashionable to mimic the bright colors of peasant dress, though of course modified by current sensibilities."

Charles finds someone from the northwest coast and engages them in small talk about the naval side of the war.

[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "once again Charles is naval-gazing"

[Crows-Nest] Gunther ducks eggs, tomatoes

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Boo hiss"

Lande asks, "And an equally odd coincidence that you were the one to find him, don't you think?"

[Crows-Nest] Charles asks, "So has anyone else noticing that this is the #1 Google hit for 'ussura'?"

[Crows-Nest] Vasili says, "really? nea5t"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Yeah, that's been true for a while, oddly enough."

Sebastien says, "it's true I'd often wondered about that -- the note I'd received had suggested something quite otherwise"

Sebastien says, "but, of course, I'm pleased to see that all has turned out for the best"

[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "I wonder if it's been getting linked to from outside."

[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "google can tell you"

Lande smiles broadly. "Ah, where would Charouse be without notes?"

Sebastien says, "I expect this diplomatic coup I've pulled off will return me to Montaigne crowned in glory"

[Crows-Nest] Charles says (to Gunther), "Yeah, doesn't seem to be."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "(because hey, Overconfident hubris)"

[ussura] GM says, "Ha, yay."

Lande asks, "Oh, you would count your work as finished, then?"

Lande says, "Before this supposed treaty is even signed. Very interesting..."

[Crows-Nest] Gunther says (to Sebastien), "yeah, wait until Montegue shoots the Gaius then himself"

Sebastien raises an eyebrow. "You are quite on top of the latest news, I see."

Lande says, airly, "Well, when you have the ear of the queen, you do hear things."

Sebastien shakes his head. "And to think she looks as though she has excellent judgement."

GM says (to Charles), "The person you talk with has followed the war with interest, as he used to be a sailor on the coast. He retired from that several years ago, and is now a riverboat pilot on the Reka Ekaterina."

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

Lande chuckles. "She surprises even me, sometimes. It was her idea to train orphans as well as the servants from the castle for this troupe, and Yelizaveta really danced well, don't you think?

Charles makes mental notes of the major incidents and the ships and captains that took part, while occasionally trading anecdotes about the war between Montaigne and Castille.

Sebastien asks, "it's true I've never been able to fault your skill as a dance-master -- Yelizaveta is an orphan, then?"

Lande seems pleased with the compliment. "Yes, indeed. One of the five in the troupe, all together."

[ussura] GM says, "Oh, hey--I copied that name from somewhere, but now that I try to actually pronounce it, it's clearly 'Elizabeth'."

Sebastien asks, "where was she found? is she an orphan of war?"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "oh, heh, sure enough"

Lande sneers. "Very concerned with the orphans, aren't you? Appropriate, given your parentage. I'm sure I have no idea where she came from. I went to the orphanage Ketheryna sponsors, and picked out those that I could teach dance." He shakes his head, "It wasn't easy, let me tell you, but after tonight, nobody will be able to say I can't train even the lowliest of creatures.

Sebastien says, "your sympathetic nature is a byword here, I'm sure"

Lande says, "Sympathy! I suppose you would train dancers by letting them cry on your shoulder."

Sebastien says, "I certainly wouldn't train them on the couch"

[ussura] GM says, "(I'm willing to do other conversations too, if anyone wants. But Sebastien and I can banter a while before we close up shop)"

Lande glares, and speaks through clenched teeth. "That was Philippe, you Castillian bastard."

[ussura] Charles says, "I don't think I have any specific leads to be chasing right now."

Sebastien's hand slides casually to his sword hilt. "If you'd like to show off your dancing here, I'd be happy to accomodate you."

Lande glares at you a moment, the lets out a barking laugh. "Ha! I'd like to see you on the stage. I bet I could whip even you into shape, if you weren't too proud to take instructions from your superior."

[ussura] GM says, "whoops, 'then'."

[ussura] Charles says, "Ooh, ooh! Raelynn should call her boyfriend."

[ussura] GM says, "Ha"

Sebastien says, "that wasn't quite the sort of footwork I imagined you were asking for -- but I'd be happy to see you on stage if you'll see me outside afterwards"

Lande says, "Heh. I am not such a fool as that."

Lande says, "You respect my abilities as a dance master, and I respect your blade."

Lande says, "Don't forget I know the man that trained you."

Sebastien says, "much to my regret."

Lande says, "Well. As stimulating as this conversation has been, I must speak with the Gaius who, no doubt, will want to compliment me again in front of his *very* charming wife."

Sebastien says, "don't let me detain you -- I see this night, at least, is all yours"

Sebastien waits until Lande has moved safely away before taking out a handkerchief and gingerly mopping his brow.

Sebastien mutters "I fear I am quite out of practice -- this time away has taken the fine edge off."

Lande moves over to the Gaius, where, as predicted, he loudly compliments Lande. He shoots you a glance, triumphantly.

[ussura] GM says, "Heh, that was kind of fun."

[ussura] GM asks, "Anything else?"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "I'll get you, Lande, if it's the last thing I do"

[ussura] GM says, "Hee."

GM tosses Sebastien a drama die.

GM also tosses one to Charles and Vasili for their help during the scene with Montegue.

[ussura] Sebastien says, "woo"

[ussura] Charles says, "What he said :)"

[ussura] Vasili says, "always happy to help fulfil fate."

[ussura] Vasili says, "fate of the good kind, that is"

[ussura] Charles asks, "Oh, BTW, speaking of rewards: I don't suppose catching a Devoe counted as the involvement of a background, right?"

[ussura] GM says, "OK! See everybody in two weeks! When, I believe, everyone will be able to be here."

[ussura] GM says, "Oh, heh."

[ussura] Charles says, "(I don't imagine it does, but thought I'd check.)"

Era has disconnected.

[ussura] Pyotr says, "yay everyone next time"

Pyotr has disconnected.

Pyotr goes home.

[ussura] GM says (to Sebastien), "So, did you want to be at the negotiations with Alix? I had first imagined that as him by himself, but I think it would work."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "yeah, I'd dig that"

Eolo has disconnected.

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

Vasili has disconnected.

Raelynn goes home.