[ussura] PerrySimm says, "Log on."

[ussura] GM says, "I got a mudmail from katre that they're heading back from PA this afternoon and should be here, but if they're not here right on time to start without 'em."

[ussura] GM says, "Which means I can start with Seb & Alix, which I was planning on doing anyway."

[ussura] GM says, "While we're getting set up: http://strackenz.spod-central.org/~lpsmith/rpg/transcripts/ussura/season2/march31.html"

Vasili has connected.

[ussura] Vasili says, "Pretty pictures."

Alixandre has connected.

[ussura] Charles says, "ussura :downloads slowly over dialup in preparation."

GM exclaims, "Alix!"

Alixandre says, "Good day"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "this is awesome"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "agreed"

[ussura] GM says, "Yay"

[ussura] Sebastien asks, "so were we going to do different channels or what?"

[ussura] GM says, "No, I think we'll just switch focus from one group to the next."

[ussura] GM says, "That way I don't go insane and everyone else doesn't get too bored."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "okey doke"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "I am having #vodacce flashbacks"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "which is odd, as I have never been to that country"

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

[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"

[ussura] GM says, "Well, hey, since the two of you are here, and we know the others are probably going to be late, let's go ahead and start with you two."

[ussura] Sebastien exclaims, "alrighty!"

[ussura] Era says, "yay! this'll be fun. :-)"

[ussura] Vasili says, "I'd like to up Footwork (4), Knife Attack (3) and Parry (2). I'm fairly certain I have more than enough XP for all that."

[ussura] GM says (to V), "OK, sure."

[ussura] Era says, "those pictures really add depth to the setting. way to go GM."

GM says, "So, the next morning after the ballet, preparations for the negotiations begin in earnest."

Sebastien lays out his outfit for the nth time.

Alixandre says, "The bathing alone takes hours."

GM says, "A suitable place is found, and all the parties are assembled. One of the first things to be negotiated is that no Porte sorcerors are allowed into the building--no blooded items, even."

Sebastien says, "or maybe I should go with the blue"

Gaspard says (to Montegue), "It's alright, sir. I'll wait for you with the group outside the city."

[ussura] Vasili says, "for a moment I thought Gaspard meant he was going to hang out with us."

Sebastien says, "never fear, we'll take care of him"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "heh"

Montegue and Gaspard exchange a knowing look. "You know what to do if anything happens," Montegue tells him.

Sebastien says, "at least, assuming what he needs is a handkerchief"

Alixandre says, "We also have sympathetic ears available as needed."

Gaspard exclaims (at Sebastien), "You are too kind, sir. Most of my handkerchiefs have been soiled long ago!"

Sebastien says, "the costs of these long campaigns are high for us all"

Alixandre says (to Gaspard), "Alas, that is nearly unavoidable here."

Sebastien glances around as the people arrive, keeping an eye out for those he recognizes.

[ussura] Pyotr says, "hi! we're not fully here yet, but we're working on it"

GM exclaims (at Alixandre&Sebastien), "As the two of you enter, you are announced by the porter. "Alixandre Leuridan and Sebastien Delecambre, diplomats of Montaigne!"

Gunther arrives, looking for booty.

Pyotr arrives, looking for booty.

Sebastien regards the porter approvingly through his monocle.

Alixandre watches for others' reactions to their entry.

GM says (to Alixandre), "As you cross the threshold, you get an uneasy sensation for a moment, though it's probably just nerves."

GM says (to Alix), "A reasonable one. The Kniases who are there sort of nod, but some of the soldiers are obviously impressed with your finery."

[ussura] Alixandre says, "the transition from rustic to sophisticated can unsettle the unprepared stomach"

GM says, "In fact, the two of you are probably the most fashionably dressed ones here, what with a) you being Montaignian, and b) the other Montaignians there having been fighting for months."

K-Y arrives, looking for booty.

Sebastien asks, "what about Jean Lande? did he weasel his way in?"

GM says, "The various parties are announced and file in to take their places around a large table in the center of a long oval room. Montegue and two of his aides are seated at one end of the table, and the Gaius Ilya sits at the other, with the Kniases Staver and Alexsi to his sides."

GM exclaims (at Sebastien), "No Lande!"

Alixandre says, "Oho."

Sebastien asks, "is Tamara here?"

GM says, "Borin is also here, looking blustery. Knowing, as you do, that he's not the real Borin, you see the bluster is a veneer that covers utter terror."

GM says, "Conspicuously absent are Tamara and Koshchei, the remaining two members of the Douma. Although there's only one empty seat."

[ussura] Alixandre says, "Pyotr can have that affect on people"

[ussura] GM says, "Heh."

Sebastien says, "well, surely they won't make a lady stand"

Alixandre works through the math, hopes they will not be playing chaise d'musique.

[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"

GM says, "Surrounding the room are guards, some Ussuran and some Montaignian. They all wear their finery, and stand firmly at attention at their stations, as if daring each other to be the first to shuffle his feet."

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

[ussura] Era says, "hehehe"

[ussura] Ilya_ says, "Whoops, there's already an 'Ilya'."

Ilya_ says, "Welcome, everyone! It gives me great pleasure to meet with you all here today. Montegue, you have been a fine opponent. But today we meet to see how best you might leave us."

Ilya_ grins.

[ussura] Pyotr says, "(I am here now, duchess is still busy for a bit)"

Sebastien . o O ( surely with this many guards nothing will go wrong at the negotiations )

[ussura] Alixandre says, "hee hee"

Montegue stands and bows. "The resolve of the Ussuran people has impressed me. And were it not for these two gentlemen, we would still be at odds. [he gestures to the two of you] But they have revealed to me that I must take my army and return to Montaigne.

[ussura] GM says (to Seb), "Heh."

Ilya_ exclaims, "Well, then! To Sebastien and Alixandre!"

Alixandre nods in a way that connotes acceptance of a fact without overweening pride but a soupcon of satisfaction at a job well done.

Sebastien polishes his monocle modestly.

[ussura] Alixandre says, "and *that* is what diplomatic training is for."

[ussura] GM says, "Hee"

Ilya_ asks (of you_two), "Do you have anything to say before we begin?"

Alixandre says, "Not at all."

[ussura] GM says, "Heh."

Sebastien says, "merely that I commend the willingness of all to come to the negotiating table, and my best wishes are that things will be accomplished smoothly and swiftly"

Ilya_ exclaims, "Well, then. To business!"

[Crows-Nest] Vasili raises his glass. "To business!"

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "yay"

GM says, "And with that, negotiations begin. The two of you are called upon a time or two to for your expertise in certain matters, but in the main, it's Ilya and Montegue. Ilya is clearly at ease and supremely confident, and Montegue is outranked, but he maintains his end of things with a calm resolve and never gives up much ground."

GM says, "The first real argument concerns Porte."

[ussura] Vasili says, "uh-oh"

Ilya_ exclaims, "No! You *must* agree to not use Porte while inside the borders of Ussura! It is expressly forbidden by Matushka!"

Montegue exclaims, "Then how would you have me feed my men, Gaius? We *rely* on Porte for supplies!"

[Crows-Nest] Alixandre says, "I now have 'to life, to life, l'chaim' running through my head"

GM says, "[more arguments]"

Sebastien says, "if you will excuse the interference, surely it is in the power of the Gaius to arrange for food shipments to be delivered to the army as it retreats"

Sebastien says, "this still leaves the question of messengers open, but perhaps enough fast horses may be found among the army to suffice"

Ilya_ says, "Hmm, that might work..."

Alexsi leaps out of his chair, his eyes blazing. "What? Feed our enemy from the backs of my people? You must be joking!"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "awright"

[ussura] GM says, "(Alexsi, you will remember, is the Knias of Rurik, the province you are in now, and has been leading the war effort against Montegue. It's clear he doesn't like Ilya.)"

Sebastien glances at Alixandre.

Alixandre spreads his hands. "The Montaigne army can feed itself, but only through Porte. Would Matushka truly want that?"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "you guys have related names so I figure he will understand you"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "yay"

Ilya_ stands as well. "Sit down! Indeed! Matushka has forbidden Porte!"

[Crows-Nest] Gunther says (to Sebastien), "believe it or not, the book I am reading right now features a joke about that"

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien asks, "?!?"

Alexsi asks, "And where is Matushka here? Shall we offend her oh-so-precious sensibilities by making her people slaves to our enemy?"

[Crows-Nest] Gunther says (to Sebastien), "a guy's called such-and-such, and someone asks "with how many s's do you write that""

[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "That guy's begging to get eaten by an egg."

[Crows-Nest] Alixandre says, "yay"

[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "because the only homonym with fewer s's, in Russian, means "spy""

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "wow, excellent"

[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "(or traitor)"

Sebastien says, "armies that are unfed will take their food from the people they pass -- surely no one would want that"

Sebastien says, "though I admit it seems unfair to me for Rurik to bear the entire burden of providing food"

Alixandre says, "In addition, I believe it would not be slavery to your enemy, but a gift -- a limited one, in fact -- to Matushka."

Alexsi shouts, "Let them try! We will burn the fields before allowing Ussuran food to be eaten by Montaignian swine!"

[Crows-Nest] (from Gunther) Rain falls suddenly

Ilya_ roars, "Silence! Montegue! Will you agree to your countrymen's plan, and rely on our food in exchange for refraining from using Porte?"

Sebastien looks around to try to get an idea of which Knias support Alexsi.

Montegue eyes you, and Ilya and Alexsi. You can almost see the calculations churning behind his eyes. Slowly, he says, "Yes, I believe that will be acceptable."

GM says (to Sebastien), "Borin is pretty much staying out of things, and Staver seems to be deliberately refraining from taking sides."

Alexsi exclaims, "Why am I even here! Between the two of you, you would destroy my people!"

Alixandre says, "Better an arrangement that makes no one completely happy than a protracted war that harms everyone."

Alexsi says (to Alixandre), "And what do you know of war, *diplomat* [he makes it sound like a curse] Your boots aren't even dirty."

Alexsi exclaims, "Fine! Make your negotiations without me!"

Alixandre exclaims, "A good horsehair brush can remove even the most stubborn mud!"

Alexsi storms away from the table. As he passes Alixandre, Alix catches a flash in Alexsi's eyes that almost looks like--triumph?

Ilya_ laughs. "Leave, then! Fortunately, I am Gaius, and the people will obey *me*!"

[ussura] GM says, "And! <scene change>"

GM tosses a drama die to Alix and Sebastien.

[ussura] GM asks, "Is Raelynn ready yet?"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "ooo"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "Alim is getting ready for bed"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "it'll be another 10-15 minutes"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "stupid kids"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "or, I can log her in and relay her typing"

[ussura] GM says, "Alrighty. Nah, let's go for the other group, then."

[ussura] GM exclaims, "Charles, Pyotr, Vasili!"

Pyotr looks at his axe sadly. "I can't believe the size of this knick!"

Pyotr asks (of Vasili), "Do you know any blacksmiths in this town?"

[ussura] GM says, "Oh, right--I'm going to declare that enough time has passed for the two of you that you are both now 'familiar' with Pavtlow."

Vasili says, "Not really, but the west market might be a good place to look."

[ussura] GM says, "As far as your Streetwise knacks go."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "okay"

Pyotr asks, "Right! Want to come with me?"

Vasili says, "Sure thing."

Pyotr heads out, looking for anyone else who wants to go.

Pyotr asks, "Hmm, Alix and Sebastien had that meeting thing, where are the girls?"

Blacksmith says, "Sure, I can fix that for you! Slow day today, too. Give me an hour."

Vasili asks, "Didn't they have that other meeting thing?"

Pyotr asks (of Blacksmith), "All right. Oh, and I need a dagger. Do you have any?"

Pyotr says (to vasili), "Oh, right."

[ussura] Alixandre says (to Sebastien), "when we have our first IC break, I wanted to chat. If you want, we can do that on #backstage"

[ussura] GM says, "Yeah, that'd be fine. We'll say the group breaks up a bit to stretch."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "I am glad we just sort of gloss over money in this game"

Blacksmith asks, "Sure! Long, short, straight, curved, what's your pleasure?"

[ussura] Blacksmith says, "Heh, yeah."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "since I can't think a backwoods barbarian has much"

Pyotr says, "Oh, a bit longish...that one will do."

Pyotr says, "I'll be back for the axe in an hour, now."

Pyotr straps the new dagger onto his belt.

Blacksmith exclaims, "See you then!"

[backstage] Sebastien says, "yeah"

Pyotr says, "I was watching Charles do some knife fighting, maybe he can teach me a few moves sometime."

[backstage] Sebastien sips some wine during a break in the negotiations

Vasili surveys the nearby shops and the booths up where the alley opens up.

[backstage] Alixandre draws Sebastien aside at the first break. "Did you notice Alexsi's demeanor when he made his exit? The entire event felt like a staged drama with a foregone conclusion."

Vasili says, "Moves? You just swing and stab."

[backstage] Sebastien says, "I didn't have the change to observe him as closely as you did, but it did seem a trifle overdramatic"

Pyotr says, "I'm okay on the swinging, I bet, but you can't really stab with an axe, so."

[backstage] Sebastien asks, "but what purpose do you think it served? mere political posturing?"

Pyotr says, "Anyway, a little practice, and I bet I'm fine."

[ussura] GM says, "(I'm assuming Charles is awake here?)"

Vasili pulls out a knife. "Now there's an idea."

[backstage] Alixandre says, "It felt as if he was establishing cause for something he had already decided to do. Continue the war, perhaps, or vie for Gaius."

Pyotr exclaims, "Okay!"

GM says, "So the three of you wander around the shops, practice knife fighting, and stop in at a tavern or two."

[Crows-Nest] Alixandre says, "it's a pity we won't invent the term 'casus belli' for another 150 years or so."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "let me know when I've spent 10 XP"

GM asks, "As you leave one tavern and head back to the blacksmith, Vasili notices that a young man gets up and leaves just behind you all. This wouldn't be too weird in and of itself but... didn't you see him in the *last* tavern you were in, too?"

[backstage] Sebastien says, "hrm"

[ussura] GM says, "Sure, that's fine; we can say you were practicing on the road to and from Montegue, too."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "yay"

Vasili says, "Hmm. Think we're being followed."

[backstage] Sebastien says, "I know there are stories that the current Gaius disappeared, perhaps abducted, and was only freed relatively recently to take the throne"

Pyotr asks, "Lose him, or catch him?"

[ussura] Vasili says, "Wits+Shadowing to figure out if he's really shadowing and fairly good or bad at it."

[backstage] Alixandre says, "Interesting how many people in this country vanish, only to re-appear later."

[backstage] Sebastien says, "perhaps Alexsi was one of those who had attempted to keep him captive, and this is a new try for power"

[7thsea] Vasili rolls 7k4: 2 8 8 7 8 7 2 | 31

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

GM says, "The young man is slightly Montaignian in appearance, with a mop of brown hair, and looks kind of scrawny."

[ussura] GM says (to He), "is actually following you, and isn't very good at it."

[backstage] Sebastien says, "hrm"

Pyotr says (to Vasili), "I'll slip away and hide, you keep going, I'll appraoch from behind."

[backstage] Sebastien says, "I wonder if there is any risk of the negotiations themselves being attacked"

Pyotr ducks behind some barrels while the hunter isn't looking.

[Crows-Nest] Alixandre says, "having just read 'Kushiel's Dart', which is 7th-sea-alternate-europe plus S&M, I am having trouble keeping my fake country names in line"

Vasili asks, "You can hide?"

Vasili says, "Guess that'll work."

[backstage] Sebastien says, "it seems unlikely within the capitol city itself, but if so, it would be convenient for him to be absent"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "wits+stealth, adding a drama"

[backstage] GM says, "The timing of that is that it was Alexsi's father who was in power at the time, and when Ilya was freed by Tamara, he had him (Nicolai) killed."

[backstage] Alixandre says, "It would indeed."

[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 5k3: 10+3 3 8 3 9 | 30

[backstage] Sebastien asks, "Alexsi's father was the previous Gaius? or was the previous Knias in Alexsi's realm?"

Vasili strolls on to a toy tinker

GM says (to Pyotr), "You see him look around confusedly for a bit, then shrug and follow Vasili."

[backstage] GM says, "No, Alexsi's father was the previous Knias of Rurik."

[backstage] GM says, "The latter, right."

[backstage] Alixandre says, "I can also imagine situations that would make the negotiations useless, such as an atrocity from one side or the other -- whether true or faked."

[backstage] GM says, "(and Charles, we hope)"

[backstage] GM says, "whoops, ilac"

[ussura] GM says, "(and Charles, we hope)"

[ussura] Vasili says, "he seems idle, so I guess he's just tagging along, yeah."

[ussura] GM says, "Sometimes he has net problems, too."

[ussura] Vasili says, "yeah"

Raelynn arrives, looking for booty.

[ussura] GM exclaims, "Yay raelynn!"

[backstage] Sebastien says, "hmm, yes -- and if he could be first on the scene to something like that he had arranged, he could likely cause a riot before word of it reached the negitators"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "a few moreminutes, but yay"

[ussura] GM says (to Rae), "http://strackenz.spod-central.org/~lpsmith/rpg/transcripts/ussura/season2/firstbit.html"

[backstage] Sebastien says, "I suppose we'll have to hope that our comrades in the city are able to locate any such atrocity before it spirals out of control"

Vasili says, "Hey, Pyotr, check out this-- uh, Pyotr? Huh."

[backstage] Alixandre says, "If the point comes when we are no longer needed in the negotiations, we should consider exercising our other skills."

[backstage] Sebastien says, "an excellent point"

[backstage] Sebastien says, "it is also slightly concerning that two of the Knias have yet to make an appearance"

young_man idly examines fruit at a nearby stand.

[backstage] Alixandre says, "Hrm, another excellent point."

Pyotr sneaks up after the young guy.

[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "backstab w/ballista!"

Pyotr grabs young_man's arm, and asks, "So, who are you, anyway?"

young_man exclaims, "Yipe!"

Vasili joins Pyotr and the poor kid.

[Crows-Nest] (from Alixandre) Pyotr says, "I would like to give you a copy of our magazine"

[backstage] Sebastien says, "I understand Koshchei is somewhat erratic, but we know for sure that Tamara is in the city"

Pyotr asks, "That's right, I'm pyotr the Murderer. heard of me?"

young_man's eyes widen. "No!"

young_man exclaims, "I mean, yes!"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "mm, tasty negative reputation points"

[backstage] Alixandre says, "Hm, saving her life once may be noteworthy, but saving her life twice would be embarassing."

[backstage] GM says, "Hee hee"

young_man looks around at the three of you.

Pyotr asks, "Why don't you and I and my friends here go step into this nice out of the way alley for a little talk, hmm?"

Vasili says, "aw, go easy on 'im. He's probably just doing an errand for somebody."

Pyotr drags young_man with him.

young_man says, "I don't know what you mean, ack blrf"

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

Pyotr says, "So, you've been following us."

Pyotr asks, "Why, hmm?"

young_man says, "Er, I, um"

young_man says, "I'm Pierre"

[ussura] Pierre_ says, "Whose name is *also* already taken"

[ussura] Gunther says, "you're a wizard, you got @toad, use it"

[backstage] Alixandre says, "Hopefully Pyotr, Vasili and Charles are alert and not already in trouble."

Pierre_ asks, "I was hoping... didn't I see you come into the city yesterday with a Raelynn?"

[ussura] Pierre_ says, "Hee"

Pyotr asks (of Vasili), "Do we know a Raelynn?"

Vasili says, "rings a bell... I could use a reminder, maybe."

[backstage] Alixandre says, "If I could be sure of where they were, I would hire a boy to take a message to them."

Pyotr asks (of Pierre), "Yeah, what's she look like?"

Pierre_ asks, "Young woman, short, beautiful violet eyes?"

Pyotr exclaims, "Beautiful? Bah!"

Pierre_ says, "Montaignian."

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

Pyotr says, "She'd never be able to hide in the forest."

Pyotr asks, "Why do you want to know if we know her?"

Pierre_ draws himself up shakily. "Sir, I'll have you take that back."

Vasili says, "This is a nice story."

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "ha ha yay"

Vasili says, "Tell you what, we'll take her a message."

Pierre_ asks, "So it *was* her? You know her?"

Pyotr casually makes a fist in front of Pierre's face. "You really want to fight me?"

Pierre_ says (to Pyotr), "S-s-sir, if you are not Raelynn's friend, I will leave you be."

Pyotr says, "I am her friend, I'll tell you that."

Vasili says, "Then we're all good here. She can't stand him."

Pyotr asks, "And you've got spunk. So I'll take it back, okay?"

[Crows-Nest] (from Alixandre) Pyotr says, "In fact, here are five of her other friends," and shows the boy his fist again.

Pierre_ says, "Oh, good. Er, I mean..."

Vasili says, "So how is it you know her? Or know of her, at least."

Pierre_ says, "I knew her back in Montaigne! We were kids together."

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

Pyotr asks, "Ahh, so you stole your first pig together, then?"

Pyotr exclaims (at Vasili), "Those were the days!"

Pierre_ looks at you in confusion. "Pigs?"

Vasili asks, "le porque?"

Pierre_ exclaims, "I know what a pig is!"

Pierre_ says, "My da was their coachman. We used to..."

Pierre_ shakes his head.

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "I will never stop being amused by pyotr talking to a montaigne"

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "nor will I"

Pierre_ exclaims, "But that's not important now--she must leave the city at once!"

Pyotr asks, "At once? Why?"

Pyotr exclaims, "Wait!"

Pyotr asks, "When was the last time you saw Raelynn?"

Pyotr says, "Besides when we entered the city."

[ussura] Charles exclaims, "Oops. I am here now!"

Vasili says, "No, no, you better pick a nice tavern here in the city to invite her to meet up."

Pierre_ says, "When she came in... oh."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "good, come help us terrify a kid"

Vasili says, "You don't just go and sweep a girl away that fast."

Pierre_ says, "Um, maybe half a year ago? She disappeared."

Charles catches up to where he thought he saw Pyotr and Vasili wander off to a few minutes ago.

Pyotr says (to Vasili), "You can if you have a good rope and a bit of sack."

Pyotr asks (of Pierre), "You haven't seen another woman who looks like Raelynn, have you?"

Charles asks (of Pyotr and Vasili), "Who's your new friend?"

Vasili says (to Pyotr), "But Pierre here can't even find her."

Pierre_ says (to Pyotr), "(confused) No."

Pierre_ exclaims, "In fact, as you are her friends, I will tell you all, too--you must leave the city at once! You are in danger if you stay!"

Charles says, "Ah, *danger*. I should have known."

Charles asks, "When was the last time we weren't in danger?"

Pyotr asks (of Charles), "Um, at least six months ago, maybe?"

Vasili asks, "Nah, we just got out of danger. The talking types are at the palace wrapping things up right now. What could go wrong?"

Pyotr asks (of Pierre), "What _kind_ of danger?"

[ussura] Vasili says, "I have so been waiting to say 'what could go wrong?'"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "yay"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "hee hee"

Pierre_ exclaims, "Montegue has entered the city at the invitation of the Gaius! The Gaius has abandoned his people, and will give the city to him!"

Pierre_ says, "But..."

Pyotr asks, "But what?"

Pierre_ looks around carefully.

[ussura] Alixandre says, "I would also like to say that Pyotr is all kinds of awesome"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "here for real now"

Charles says (to Pierre), "So, you bring up several questions."

Charles says, "The first is, how does this put Raelynn or her friends in danger."

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "wait, I thought Pierre was Montaigne, not Ussuran"

Pyotr exclaims (at Charles), "let him finish!"

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien asks, "or is he repeating the scuttlebutt?"

Charles says, "The second is, what leads you to conclude that the Gaius has abandoned his people."

Pyotr says (to Pierre), "Come on, spill it."

Charles asks, "And the third is, what *have* you been drinking?"

Vasili says, "Same stuff we did, at least at that last tavern."

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "GM is running out of names"

Pierre_ whispers, "If Montegue thinks he will own Pavtlow, he is sorely mistaken! He may rule, but he will rule *nothing*! I thought my friends back in Montaigne were brave, to stand up for themselves in the face of the noble oppressors. But here! I have found a people who will never give up!"

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn asks, "doesn't Pyotr mean Peter in Russian, and Pierre mean Peter in French?"

Pyotr says, "Um."

Pyotr exclaims, "Okay!"

Pyotr exclaims, "New choices!"

Pyotr exclaims, "You can make some sense RIGHT NOW!"

Pyotr says, "Or I am dragging you to the palace to talk to Tamara."

Charles asks, "Ah -- you are one of those rag-tag bands of peasants hoping to rise up against the wigs and the silk and the fancy dress parties and all that?"

Pyotr says (to Charles), "Hmm, I might help him fight, then."

Pierre_ exclaims (at Charles), "You scoff, but the peasant's heart beats true!"

Vasili says (to Charles), "Why would he do that? He looks Montaignian."

[Crows-Nest] Alixandre exclaims (at Charles), "ha!"

Pyotr says, "Okay, palace time."

Charles says, "Who scoffs? I've no love for the Montaigne aristocracy myself."

[Crows-Nest] Alixandre exclaims (at Vasili), "also ha!"

Pierre_ exclaims, "The old divisions of nation and state are no more! All people will rise up and throw off the shackles of their oppressors!"

Pyotr grabs Pierre again, and starts dragging towards the palace.

Pyotr says, "You can come peacablishly, or I can knock you out and carry you, your choice."

Pierre_ exclaims, "The city will be destroyed!"

Pyotr asks (of Vasili), "Got any rope?"

(From GM) <BOOOM>

Vasili says, "Pyotr..."

[ussura] GM exclaims, "And, scene change!"

GM says, "We back up in time an hour or two to see Era and Raelynn, preparing for the initiation ceremony for Ketheryn."

[ussura] GM says, "Er, Ketheryna."

[ussura] Alixandre says, "I'm about to get Eli to bed, and will be gone for about 20 minutes"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "ooh. ominous"

[ussura] GM says (to Alix), "No problem."

Raelynn knocks on Era's door.

Raelynn asks, "What are you going to wear?"

Era looks up. "I can't decide!" she wails.

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "girls after my own heart"

Raelynn says, "Tamara gave us closetsful of clothes and we still don't know what we are going to wear"

Era holds up two lovely gowns. "What do you think? Green for Matushka? Purple? I rarely wear purple.

Raelynn says, "I like that purple"

Era says, "But I like it."

Raelynn says, "It brings out the highlights in your hair"

Raelynn says (to era), "Purple for you"

Era says, "My shoes don't quite go."

Raelynn says, "I will see if i I can find something reddish in my closet"

GM tosses a drama die to Pyotr.

[ussura] GM says, "(before I forget)"

[ussura] GM says, "(for amusing everyone)"

Raelynn dashes to own room and finds a red gown with rosebud embroidery at the neckline and bodice

Era digs around on the vanity for appropriate matching jewelry.

Era sighs. "Its harder to hide my dagger with this dress. Formal wear! Fagh!

Raelynn dressed, puts her hair down and twines some flowers into her hair

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

[ussura] Pyotr exclaims, "But Sophia's Daughters have a bonus for hiding daggers!"

Raelynn says (to Era), "(coming in, hears the comment) Just wear the dagger outside the dress. I am"

Raelynn asks, "See?"

Leonora knocks on your door with a particular pattern. "Era? Raelynn?"

[ussura] Era says, "heehee - at least they aren't spring loaded. :-)"

Raelynn shows her leader knife scabbard hanging on her waist over her dress

(From Raelynn) She looks slightly violent

Era says, "Ah, nice."

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "Also, violet"

Era twists her hair up in a simple bun, with a few tendrils for softness.

Leonora calls in "Almost ready? Need any help?"

Raelynn says (to Leonora), "we are set!"

Era exclaims (at Raelynn), "Be a dear and open the door, please. I can't find my amethyst earings!"

Raelynn opens the door and lets Leonora in

[ussura] Era says, "this is fun - I never play like this. hehehe"

Raelynn says, "Leonora, you look divine! That amber color is perfect for you"

Leonora exclaims, "Oh, you two look lovely!"

Raelynn twirls in a circle

Leonora says, "Oh, this old thing? Aww."

Raelynn says, "It's been so long since I got to dress like this, I've forgotten how much fine dresses are"

Raelynn says, "I am so tired of travel clothes"

[ussura] Vasili says, "I'd say make them all roll Panache+Fashion, but the fops didn't have to, so never mind"

Era finally finds her earings, pokes them in her ears, and grabs a small bag to attach at the waist.

[ussura] Leonora says, "Heh."

[ussura] Raelynn says (to vasili), "it's not like I am saying I am wearing Versace or anything"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "so it's *obviously* not fashion"

Era spreads her fan and practices a deep curtsey.

Raelynn skips along excitedly behind Leonora

Raelynn asks, "Where are we all going to go? Are we doing it here? A different place?"

Leonora leads you all to the room where they've set things up for the ceremony.

[ussura] Vasili says (to Pyotr), "You ever hunted Versace? I've never heard of such a creature."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "ha ha"

Leonora says, "Just up these stairs. It's behind the clock tower room--appropriate, given the theme of time in the ceremony."

Leonora says, "Oh, good, the others have things set up."

Era says, "Aah, quite so. I haven't done an induction in years, but it all comes back."

Leonora says, "Have you two done this before? I'm afraid this is my first time. I'm only the Handmaiden-in-training, you know. But Tamara said this would be good for me, and I'm sure she knows best."

Raelynn says, "i just remember my induction, and even that was hazy, but I've been to a few"

Raelynn says, "this is prettily done"

Era exclaims, "The symbolism and oath-taking always move me. I should have borrowed one of Sebastien's handkerchiefs!"

Raelynn laughs

Raelynn asks, "okay, I guess Leonora you are standing there (points) and Era and I will be on either side of you?"

[ussura] Era says, "gm afk - she-ra required some additional setup on the telly."

Raelynn asks, "Who is bringing Kath?"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "Ellric watches She-Ra? I approve"

[ussura] Era says, "he loves it."

Leonora says, "She should be here about..."

Ketheryna knocks on the door.

Leonora says, "...now."

Leonora exclaims, "Places, everyone!"

[ussura] Raelynn asks (of era), "you are future?"

[ussura] Era says, "sure"

Leonora sweeps open the door. "Welcome!"

Raelynn moves to Leonora's left

Era steps to her right.

Ketheryna exclaims, "Leonora!"

Raelynn faces the door and tries to look suitably solemn

Leonora smiles. "Did you never suspect?"

Raelynn bites lips to stifle the giggles

Ketheryna exclaims, "No!"

Era grins hugely.

Leonora explains. "I have been Ketheryna's handmaiden for, oh, how long would you say?"

Ketheryna exclaims, "12 years!"

Ketheryna shakes her head.

Raelynn says, "wow"

Era says, "And so will no one suspect you, either. Secrecy is our first lesson."

Ketheryna nods solemly.

Leonora says, "Tamara would be here, but she needed to be at the negotiations today."

Era asks, "I don't believe we're expecting anyone else?"

Ketheryna says, "Really? I heard her and Ilya arguing earlier, and he told her not to come. Said he didn't want her truth-spell over the negotiation table, that it would interfere with normal diplomacy."

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "oho"

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "hmm"

Raelynn says (to Ketheryna), "well, if she comes, that would be great. But the sun is moving across the heavens. We need to get the ritual completed before the time passes"

Era says, "Hmm. I wonder if she went in secret."

Era says (to Raelynn), "Yes, let us begin."

Ketheryna asks, "Unless... Well, right. What am I... what am I to do?"

[Crows-Nest] Alixandre says, "very interesting"

Raelynn asks (of Keth), "did anyone explain how the induction works to you?"

Ketheryna says, "The basics, I think."

Era says (to Ketheryna), "For now, stand there (points), and repeat after Leonora."

Ketheryna asks, "I brought my... am I supposed to say what it is yet?"

Era says (to Keth), "Not just yet, that comes after you and Leonora go through the vows."

Ketheryna nods.

GM says, "And so, the ceremony begins. Leonora says her lines in Vodacce, and Ketheryna repeats them, or says, "I will.""

[ussura] Era says, "I'm kind of thinking its like a wedding - Leonora says something, then Kethy repeats it, and so on."

[ussura] Era says, "oh, you got that part."

[ussura] Raelynn says, "she's marrying us!"

GM says, "You're impressed by her fluency in Vodacce--she doesn't stumble over the words at all."

[ussura] Era says, "not quite as impressive your wedding, Rae. :-)"

[ussura] GM says, "Heh."

[ussura] Era says, "which was quite lovely."

[ussura] GM asks, "Do you guys want to make up your part of the vow repeating, or go on to the next bit?"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "i have my vow bit"

[ussura] GM exclaims, "Go for it!"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "okay, i will tell you the bit Keth has to say to me in Vodacce"

[ussura] GM says, "Sure."

Raelynn nods to her and beckons her to stand in front of her

Raelynn reaches out and clasps both hands and says the first half in Vodacce

Raelynn says, "When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I reckoned as a child....""

Ketheryna stands in front of Raelynn and takes her hands.

[ussura] Raelynn says, "Keth says "When I became an adult, I abolished the things of the child" and hands over her token"

Raelynn waits

Ketheryna says, "When I became an adult, I abolished the things of the child."

Ketheryna pulls out a small hand-carved wooden doll.

[ussura] Raelynn says, "awwwwwww"

Raelynn carefully wraps a silk cloth around the doll and says, "But now remains, faith, hope, and love."

Ketheryna says, "My brother, Faulk Fischler, carved this for me when we were both children of a fisherman on the banks of the Rhine."

(From Raelynn) while holding the offering, she hands Keth's hands over to Era

Raelynn sighs, "Awwww."

Ketheryna turns to face Era.

Era takes Ketheryna's hands.

Era says, "When we devote ourselves to the Sisterhood, we devote our loyalty, our secrecy, and our empowerment of all women in our paths, till the Bright Heavens welcome us."

Era says, "Take this book and coin, with the knowledge and independance they represent, and spread them throughout your life."

Era reaches in her bag and pulls out a small book and a gold coin, and passes them to Ketheryna.

Ketheryna takes the book and opens it carefully.

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "nice"

Era says, "It is a book of wisdom I was given upon my graduation. I found its sayings helpful."

Era says, "May they help you also, in your newfound life."

Ketheryna reads aloud, "Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Do what you will today, and live fully in the moment."

Era hugs Ketheryna. "Welcome to the Sisterhood. "

[ussura] Raelynn wipes away a tear

Raelynn hugs. Welcome

GM tosses Raelynn and Era a drama die.

Leonora says, "And now..."

Leonora turns and takes out a vial of scented oil and opens it. The sweet perfume fills the air.

Ketheryna turns green.

Ketheryna says, "Ulk, excuse me..."

Ketheryna rushes from the room, and you hear the sounds of heaving from outside.

Leonora looks surprised.

Leonora exclaims, "Whoops!"

Leonora stoppers the vial.

Era exclaims (at Leonora), "What is that?!"

Leonora exclaims, "It's the normal scented oils!"

Raelynn blinks

Raelynn says, "That shouldn't have happened"

Era asks (of Leonora), "And it made her vomit . . . Why?"

Leonora says, "I guess we won't be using them."

Raelynn asks (of Era), "smell it. See if you smell something wrong?"

Ketheryna calls from outside, "Sorry!"

Era very carefully wafts the scent in her direction.

[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "goddamn fake BPAL"

GM says (to Era), "It smells pretty normal to you."

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

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

[Crows-Nest] Era exclaims, "Ha!"

Era steps out to make sure Ketheryna is okay.

Leonora says (to Era), "I was holding it--I don't want her to set her off again. I'll be here."

Raelynn asks (of Leonora), "is she allergic to anything?"

Raelynn says, "you've known her for a dozen years"

Ketheryna says (to Era), "I'm sorry I messed up the ceremony, I'm such a klutz."

Leonora says, "Not that I know of, no."

Era asks (of Kethyrna), "We always use that fragrance - have you smelled it before?"

Ketheryna says, "I've been feeling so nauseous lately--the least thing will set me off."

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "oooh"

Era gets a rather stunned expression.

Raelynn says, "are you. you know. um."

Raelynn says, "you know"

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr exclaims, "she's in a fambly way!"

Era asks, "How long have you been extra sensitive?"

Ketheryna raises her hands to her mouth. "Do you... do you think?"

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "it would be awesome if vomiting in movies was used to signal a character was pregnant in the same way sneezing is used to signal they are about to die of consumption"

Era asks, "Do you tire more quickly than you used to? Are there foods you want at odd hours that you didn't particularly care about before?"

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

[Crows-Nest] Vasili says, "I'm impressed katre got that as quick as the ladies. I was still all 'huh?'"

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says (to vas), "you read the wrong books"

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "alternately, _I_ read the wrong books"

[Crows-Nest] Era says, "he's been there rather recently. :-)"

Ketheryna exclaims, "Yes! Tomatoes! They turn my stomach!"

[Crows-Nest] Vasili says, "also you're a dad, I guess, where my closest experience is being an uncle-to-be quite far away"

[Crows-Nest] Era exclaims, "wow, how completely UN-random!"

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr asks, "ha ha. he's pulling this from experience, huh?"

Ketheryna looks shocked and more than a little woozy, so you help her to a stool by the window.

[Crows-Nest] Era says, "the tomatoes thing, that is. I tossed several in the trash thinking they were bad, when it was just me."

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "heh"

Ketheryna says, "Oh, thank you. I just don't... that is, he mustn't... if... but... oh!" she says, and bursts into tears."

[Crows-Nest] Era says, "next she'll be wanting hot dogs, anachronistic though they are."

GM says, "And with that, we go to http://strackenz.spod-central.org/~lpsmith/rpg/transcripts/ussura/season2/ketherynas_story.html"

GM exclaims, "And: Scene change!"

GM says, "Back to Sebastien and Alix."

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "she is from eisen, so perhaps a nice sausage would be apropos"

[Crows-Nest] Era exclaims, "aww, what a sweet story!"

[Crows-Nest] Ketheryna throws up in Pyotr's lap.

[Crows-Nest] Era says, "hehehehe hehehehehe"

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

[Crows-Nest] Vasili asks, "oh, Vodacce is the language of the Sisterhood, not of the inductee?"

Sebastien says (to Alixandre), "well, we shall just have to be careful and wary, though what could go wrong I can't imagine"

GM says, "After Alexsi left, you had a break for a bit, and then returned to the table where negotiations proceeded relatively smoothly."

[Crows-Nest] Era says, "yep - they form the largest section of the sisterhood."

[ussura] GM says, "Wait, is Alix back? I don't want to skip him."

[ussura] Alixandre says, "I am"

[Crows-Nest] Vasili says, "ah, of course"

[ussura] GM says, "Oh good."

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Sara: "Now I want a sausage.""

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "yay"

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

[Crows-Nest] Era exclaims, "hey! no quoting me!"

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

Alixandre . o O ( It is a good thing these negotiations are proceeding so smoothly. )

GM asks, "Suddenly, there's a popping sound followed by a rushing wind that seems to come out of the floor. It carries with it the scent of... a swamp?"

Sebastien blinks.

Alixandre looks as if swamp-smelling winds are common at negotiating meetings.

Sebastien says, "what a peculiar odor"

GM says (to Alixandre), "Immediately, you feel as if your gut is being twisted. From the looks of it, the other Kniases and the Gaius in the room look the same."

Sebastien asks, "Alixandre! Are you all right?"

Alixandre doubles over.

Alixandre murmurs, "I believe something terrible is happening."

Sebastien . o O ( all the Ussurans! )

Sebastien spares a glance for the Ussuran soldiers.

GM says (to Sebastien), "Many look startled, and look around, blinking. The Montaignian soldiers look surprised too, and look to Montegue for direction."

Montegue springs up. "Sir! What's wrong?"

Sebastien gives Alixandre an arm and helps him stand as best he can.

Ilya_ gasps, "The skins... they're..."

Alixandre says, "Someone is playing the devil's own game with spirit skins."

Alixandre says, "Sebastien, get them away from here."

Sebastien asks, "spirit skins? is this to do with your, er, sorcery?"

GM says (to Sebastien), "As you pull Alix to his feet, you see a peculiar grey shadow coming from him, as if it has wings."

Sebastien exclaims, "clear the room! get everyone out of the room!"

Sebastien exclaims, "take the Gaius to safety!"

Sebastien asks, "Alixandre, there's something -- leaving you?"

GM says (to Alix), "And indeed, your kite skin is being ripped from you! Oddly, your wolf skin is not."

[ussura] Alixandre asks (of GM), "is it being pulled in a certain direction, or just away from me?"

Sebastien starts dragging Alixandre towards the exit.

[ussura] GM says, "It's being pulled towards the center of the room"

[ussura] Alixandre asks, "is the pull any weaker as Sebastien pulls me away?"

Montegue exclaims, "Men! Assist the Gaius and the Knias!"

Sebastien says, "(and, ideally, away from the odor, if that can be located)"

[ussura] GM says, "Actually, it's as if he's pulling you away from the kite."

[ussura] GM says, "(er, you have just the two?)"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "oops"

Alixandre says, "Wait"

[ussura] Alixandre says (to GM), "right"

Ilya_ says, "No! The tiger! It must not..."

Sebastien stops. "Am I hurting you?"

Alixandre says, "The wind -- it is pulling our spirit skins to it. Or some of them. I am not entirely sure."

Alixandre . o O ( better me than the Gaius )

Sebastien says, "perhaps we should go after it, then"

Alixandre staggers towards the center of the room.

Sebastien follows behind.

[ussura] Alixandre says, "I want to see what happens to the pull as I get near the center."

GM says (to Alix), "As you go towards the center of the room, you manage to keep the last few tendrils of the kite attached to you. The exact center is in the middle of the table."

Alixandre climbs onto the table.

Sebastien ducks down to look beneath the table.

[ussura] Alixandre says, "I'll take the high road"

GM says (to Sebastien), "You see nothing but dust."

[ussura] Sebastien asks, "you'll get to eire before me?"

Ilya_ sees Sebastien climb on the table. "Aha! yes!"

Ilya_ leaps up on the table as well.

Sebastien looks up nervously as additional footsteps clonk onto the table.

GM says, "Borin seems to have nothing but a small mouse's skin pulled from him. His eyes turn blue, and he flees from the room."

Ilya_ says, "... no Drachen? [stumble]"

[Crows-Nest] Alixandre says, "if this were a vendel table from ikea you'd be in trouble"

Montegue asks, "Sir! What can I do?"

Sebastien stands up to catch Ilya.

[ussura] Alixandre asks, "any change in what's happening on the table?"

Montegue leaps on the table as well.

Sebastien exclaims, "Alexsi must be behind this! we must find him!"

Alixandre says, "I believe Alexsi, or whomever is behind it, seeks the Gaius's spirit skin"

Alixandre says, "They wish to become Gaius in turn"

GM says, "At the center of the table, the skin is no longer being pulled away from you, but neither is it returning."

Ilya_ roars, "Aleksi! That rat!"

Alixandre says, "I note Borin has run as well."

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "no, Borin had the rat skin"

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

Ilya_ exclaims (at Montegue), "Go! Take your men back to Montaigne!"

Montegue exclaims, "But sir!"

(From GM) <BOOOOOOM>

Alixandre says (to Montegue), "We may be about to become embroiled in a civil war."

[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "s/a /another /"

Alixandre asks, "If we do not defend Ilya, we will have to fight our way out of Ussura. Either way we will fight -- what?"

Sebastien's monocle pops out.

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

Sebastien asks, "good lord, what was that?"

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "yay"

GM exclaims, "A tremendous explosion rocks the room! The pillars are shattered, and the roof starts crashing down!"

[ussura] Raelynn asks, "just this room?"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "or is the entire building collapsing"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "you guys are in a different building, I thought"

[ussura] GM says, "Well, that's all they can see."

[ussura] Raelynn says, "i ask, because ya know, there are a bunch of women in the lcock tower"

[ussura] GM says, "Hee"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "oh okay. different building. that's fine"

Alixandre grabs at Ilya and pulls him under the table. "Sebastien!"

[ussura] GM says, "But yeah, you're across town."

Alixandre exclaims, "Montegue!"

Sebastien exclaims (at Montegue), "sir! get to safety!"

Sebastien rushes to Montegue, since Alixandre seems to be taking care of Ilya.

[ussura] Vasili says, "yeah, there was a map of our 3 locations at the start of the page of ambience pictures"

[ussura] GM says, "OK, hang on a sec."

[ussura] Alixandre says, "he's got to upload the new picture with the smoke rising from our location"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"

[ussura] GM says, "The four of you are standing on top of the very large table at the center of the room."

[ussura] GM says, "Hee"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "actually, I'm next to the table, not on it"

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

[ussura] GM says, "The three of them, then."

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "I guess it's a nice political point whether the guy with the skin is the Gaius, or the Gaius is the guy with the skin"

[ussura] GM says, "Borin has fled, and Staver is out of sight."

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "you're the diplomat. decide who is paying you and start arguing"

[ussura] GM asks, "Sebastien, you're trying to get Montegue to safety?"

[ussura] GM asks, "And Alix, you're trying to pull away the Gaius?"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "I'm trying to pull the Gaius under the table, with the theory that I shouldn't move him from the middle of the room but that he (and I) need protection"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "yeah, although "to safety" probably means "under the table""

[ussura] Sebastien says, "unless the exit from the room is pretty close"

[ussura] GM says, "The table is large enough that you'll need to first leave the center of the room to do so."

[ussura] Alixandre says, "oh, hrm. given what I've experienced, what do I think is the chance that I could get the Gaius and me to an edge and back under without losing the skins entirely"

[ussura] GM says, "Dicey."

[ussura] GM says, "Hey, that'd be a pun ;-)"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "hmm"

[Crows-Nest] Charles exclaims, "I know the solution to this puzzle!"

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien exclaims, "feel free to chime in!"

[ussura] Alixandre asks, "how wide's the table in both dimensions?"

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "no axes? cleary you need to chop a hole to fall through the table!"

[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "Although possibly the table is too heavy with three Ussurans on it."

[ussura] GM says, "But it's probably better than being hit by masonry."

[Crows-Nest] Alixandre says, "I'm wondering if we can flip the table"

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

[Crows-Nest] Charles says (to Sebastien), "Move the table until the edge is in the center of the room, of course."

[Crows-Nest] Alixandre says, "also, first fill the five-gallon container"

[ussura] GM asks, "It's circular, maybe, hmm, 12 feet across?"

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr exclaims, "hey, wait! my axe is still in the shop!"

[Crows-Nest] Vasili says, "or slide. But I get the feeling it would be hard to move without people standing on it"

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "it's a room full of burly ussurans"

[Crows-Nest] Vasili says, "not any more"

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "good point"

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "put all the big guys to work. well get them back!"

[Crows-Nest] Alixandre says, "I bet the Gaius's guards haven't gone anywhere"

[ussura] GM says, "OK, so, using the GM Hand here a bit:"

[Crows-Nest] Vasili says, "I guess a bunch of guards would still be standing around confused. Yeah, just have stuff happen."

[Crows-Nest] (from Charles) GM says, "Suddenly a giant hand appears out of the sky and slides the table over a few yards."

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

[ussura] Alixandre says (to Sebastien), "time to put the guards to work and win *another* commendation"

Ilya_ sees a huge piece of masonry falling right at Montegue! "No! You must lead your men away!"

Ilya_ shoves Montegue out of the way, and gets hit himself, and is pinned to the table!

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn asks, "SPLAT! Ilya is dead! Who's the new Gaius?"

Montegue goes sprawling and lands in a heap off the edge of the table.

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "nine months later, Keth gives birth to a white haired baby!"

Sebastien exclaims (at Montegue), "sir, we must get you to safety!"

Montegue is caught by Sebastien, so he doesn't end up *too* undignified.

GM exclaims, "Scene change!"

GM exclaims, "Charles/Pyotr/Vasili!"

Charles grabs Pierre and shoves him towards the BOOM. "Let's go!"

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn asks, "isn't Seb too wimp...er foppy to catch a full grown man?"

(From GM) ...OOOOM!>

Charles says (to Pierre), "You can tell us what that was along the way."

Pyotr exclaims, "Wait...my axe!"

Pyotr exclaims, "Noooo!"

Pyotr follows Charles.

Ilya_ exclaims, "That's the signal!"

[ussura] Ilya_ says, "Whoops."

Ilya_ exclaims, "That's the signal!"

Pierre_ says, "That's the signal!\"

Charles says (to Pyotr), "Maybe you can put your new knife skills to the test."

[ussura] Pierre_ says, "Bah"

Charles asks (of Pierre), "What signal?"

Charles force-march force-march force-march

[ussura] Pyotr says, "if we detour past the smith I'm grabbing my axe"

Pierre_ exclaims, "To light the fires! Pavtlow will burn before the nobility gives it away!"

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "I just supported him"

[ussura] GM asks, "Do you want to?"

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "that's mostly a question of leverage"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "if it's on the way, I mean"

Vasili says, "So people are waiting everywhere? Fun!"

(From GM) (from a different direction, and somewhat smaller) <boooom>

Vasili says, "Okay, that's enough. Knock him out."

Pyotr says (to Charles), "So, we grab our people and head out of town? I hear Avalon is nice this time of year."

Charles asks (of Pierre), "Who's behind this, and where is he?"

Pierre_ exclaims, "No! don't leave me here to die!"

Pyotr hits Pierre on the back of the head.

Charles asks (of Pyotr), "How about we knock the heads of whoever's responsible first?"

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "what's fists? 1k0?"

Pyotr says (to Charles), "That sounds fun, too."

[ussura] GM says, "Hmm, probably. But if you want to knock him out, you can just do that."

Pyotr grabs Pierre's unconscious body and throw it over his shoulder.

[ussura] Charles says, "He's probably a brute."

Pyotr says, "You guys owe me for a new axe someday."

[ussura] GM says, "Though if the city really is about to burn, that'd be perilously close to killing him."

Pyotr runs for the palace.

Charles says, "That'll make it hard for him to tell us who's responsible."

[ussura] GM says, "Oh, you're taking him along. Gotcha."

Charles runs for the church.

Charles exclaims, "I'll get Rae and Era!"

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "wait, church?"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "oh, okay"

Vasili says, "no time!"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "I guess I missed the map earlier"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "i was about to say, this is not a good time for charles to sudddnely become religious"

[ussura] GM says, "Hee."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"

[ussura] GM says, "http://strackenz.spod-central.org/~lpsmith/rpg/transcripts/ussura/season2/march31.html"

[ussura] GM says, "And from there, http://strackenz.spod-central.org/~lpsmith/rpg/transcripts/ussura/season2/pavtlow.jpg"

Vasili heads with Pyotr toward the negotiations.

[ussura] Charles asks, "The church *is* where or around where they are, right?"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "oh, hey"

[ussura] GM says, "They're behind the church in the clock tower, but they're close to one another."

[ussura] GM says, "The first boom came from S&A's direction; the second from across town to the NW (pretending N is at the top of the map)"

[ussura] GM asks, "So you're splitting up?"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "apparently so"

[ussura] Vasili says, "seems so"

[ussura] GM says, "Gotcha."

GM exclaims, "Scene change!"

GM says, "Era and Raelynn."

[ussura] Sebastien asks, "where is Vasili going?"

GM says, "(backing up in time a bit again)"

[ussura] Vasili says, "to the palace with Pyotr"

Raelynn is reeling from the surprise of meeting someone who is, um, you know

Era pats Katheryna sympathetically. You'll be fine dear. My mother had eight, you know!

[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha ha"

[Crows-Nest] Charles starts counting.

Raelynn asks, "Shouldn't she be in bed?"

Era asks, "why?"

Raelynn says, "I was always told that you are supposed to lie in bed and rest or the baby might fall out"

[ussura] GM says, "Hee"

Era says, "That would get rather dull, I think. At any rate, my mother didn't."

Raelynn says, "My friend's mother spent the entire time in bed and complained how hard it was, and asked for plums and pickles and jellies all the time"

[ussura] GM falls over.

[ussura] Era says, "hehehehehehehehehehehe"

[ussura] Charles says, "And *this* is how a Montaigne fop is born."

Raelynn says, "and she was always unhappy every single time she got in that way."

[ussura] Era asks, "is there such a thing as a fop-ess?"

Raelynn says, "being in that way doesn't seem like something i ever want to be"

Raelynn says (to Keth), "(Belatedly) not that it's not a wonderful thing! i mean, um"

Raelynn says, "it's a miracle of life!"

GM says, "After Ketheryna recovers, you all finish up the ceremony, leaving out the scented oils. Afterwards, you dismiss the attendants, and the four of you chat with each other about her child and about her history as you look out the window over Pavtlow."

Era says, "My mother managed pretty well. Though to think of it, she spent rather a lot of time in her spirit skins. Less sickness, I believe."

Ketheryna says, "You were right, you know. I did leave my past behind, and it is good that I did so."

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "so Era was a puppy occasionally? this explains so much"

Raelynn says (to Era), "maybe montaignes would be better off if we could be a wolf once in a while, too"

[Crows-Nest] Era exclaims, "heheheh - ha!!"

Leonora giggles.

Era exclaims, "So you are beginning a new life in many ways - that is delightful!"

Ketheryna says, "This is my land, now, and these are my people. I will serve them until I die. My child may never be Gaius, but will still have the opportunity to serve."

Raelynn asks (of Keth), "um. you have the spirit skin, right? so does that give insights in your body?"

Raelynn asks, "would your skin tell you if you are carrying a boy or a girl?"

Ketheryna says, "Oh, hmm, I do."

Ketheryna says, "I don't know. I've never... talked to it, I guess."

[ussura] Raelynn says, "although the way she's been talking, it sounds like she is expecting a boy"

[ussura] Raelynn says (to gm), "you do a pretty nice pregnant woman"

Era says, "Our animal brethren don't know the gender of their offspring in the womb."

Era says, "Neither do we."

[Crows-Nest] Ketheryna says, "Hee, thanks."

(From GM) <BOOOOM>

Ketheryna asks, "What was that?"

Raelynn asks (of Era), "i sort of assumed ...what the?"

Era thinks for a moment. "They are often carrying several, too, which might make a difference.

Raelynn looks out the window

[ussura] Raelynn asks, "do we see any fires?"

[ussura] Raelynn asks, "cannons?"

[ussura] Raelynn asks, "mushroom cloud?"

Era says, "What? Not thunder, . . . ."

[Crows-Nest] Era asks, "they sky rolled back like a scroll?"

GM says (to Raelynn), "As you look, you see a *new* explosion, to the south of the map across the river. A plume of black smoke rises up."

[Crows-Nest] Era says, "ussura"

[Crows-Nest] Era says, "oops"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Hee"

Raelynn says, "gah"

(From GM) <booom>

Era says, "That can't be good."

Raelynn asks, "explosions, fire. where is the safest place to be? up here out of the way? or down there in case they decide to blow this up?"

Raelynn wrings hand

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien asks, "is that a third explosion? or the second seen again?"

[ussura] GM says, "That's a third, right."

[ussura] Era asks, "did we see anything land in that area before the explosion, or did it just go <boom>?"

GM exclaims, "As you talk, you hear a horrible howling and growling coming from Era's room!"

[ussura] Era asks, "is it a bombardment, or was it set on the ground?"

[ussura] Charles says, "I'm not going to be able to stay too terribly much longer, unfortunately."

[ussura] GM says, "No, right, from the ground."

Raelynn asks (of Era), "you have some friends you've been hiding in your room?"

Raelynn asks, "i am the only one with no animal shape, aren't i? the three of you can turn into birds and fly, i will run out in to the street?"

[ussura] Era says, "do I recognize any of the sounds? <growling, howling>"

GM says (to Era), "It sounds sort of wolf-like, but it's a bit hard to say from here."

Era says (to Rae), "Not sure there is any safe place if we're being bombarded. We need to know if those are coming from elsewhere, were set previously, or are being set right now."

Ketheryna says, "I can turn into a cat..."

Leonora says, "I was not granted Pyeryem, myself."

Era races for her room, dagger drawn.

GM says (to Era), "You burst into your room to see... nothing. The room is precisely as you left it. However, there horrible howling seems to be coming from your pack."

[ussura] GM says, "(s/there/the/)"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "her pack? hmm"

[Crows-Nest] Alixandre says, "STAND BACK. VIPER ARMED. STAND BACK. VIPER ARMED."

Era asks, "Rae! Do you sense anything?"

[ussura] Era asks, "Do *I* sense anything, gm?"

[ussura] Raelynn asks, "what's my magicdar saying?"

[ussura] GM says, "Other than hearing? No."

Raelynn stands still

[ussura] GM says (to Raelynn), "Nope, just the known Pyeryem users here."

[ussura] Raelynn asks, "do i sense the blooded arrowhead?"

Raelynn says (to Era), "nothing"

Raelynn asks (of era), "what's in your pack?"

[ussura] Raelynn asks, "the wooden bowl from season 1 is not coming back to haunt us, is it?"

Era exclaims, "Not a violet dress - other than that, I don't recall! Stuff!"

GM says (to Era), "You can definitely tell it's some dialect of wolf-speak, but it's hard to make out what it's saying."

[ussura] GM says, "That works within a mile? Nope, that's out of range."

Raelynn says (to Era), "well, don't stand there! open your pack!"

[ussura] Era says, "ah, so not-a-demon, not-a-port-hole, its animal. animal I can cope with - I don't cope so well with demons, porte, and a few other nasties. :-)"

Raelynn says, "just you know, don't get eaten up by whatever is in your pack"

[ussura] GM says, "Hee"

[ussura] Era says, "right."

Era cautiously opens her pack with the tip of her dagger.

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "if era now loses her skin, i apologize"

GM says (to Era), "Nothing leaps out at you. You can hear it just clearly enough to try a Speak to understand it (with Wits)"

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "pyotr just pointed out why the pack is going crazy"

[7thsea] Era rolls 4k3: 4 7 9 4 | 20

GM says, "This is not 'the language of the beasts' that Matushka taught the animals. This is Wolf. It is primal, guttural, and, as it's being spoken, a voice of pure rage."

[Crows-Nest] Vasili says, "enh, this GM isn't going to do anything that nasty to Heroes without something awesome enough to make up for it."

GM says, "...for you near <river-caribou-city?>, our hour has come! The city is ours. Enter and slay who you will, and take their <breath/skin/life?>. For the one that slays the <south-mountain?> imposter, smells-of-<summers/juniper/tamarisk/stag/???>, unlimited hunting for you and your offspring! We will take the land back from Matushka, and those that would supplant us!""

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "whoah"

[ussura] Era says, "dude"

[Crows-Nest] Alixandre says, "awesome"

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn wants a dictionary

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "wow"

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

Raelynn looks curiously at calm-Era

GM says, "(the <> words are words you can't quite figure out)"

[Crows-Nest] Era says, "so wolf is rebelling against matushka. fab."

[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "At some point, lps posted something about what he was planning to do with this session with some extra info in it... but now I can't figure out where the URL was."

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "but alix's wolf isn't rebelling"

[Crows-Nest] Vasili asks, "the email?"

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "this doesn't make sense"

GM says, "Also, it's coming from the Bowl you found in the wolf-cave back in Season 1. The one where the voice came from it and told them to attack the monastery."

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien asks, "which of the knias had the wolf skin? alexsi?"

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "had/has"

[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "Email! That's why I couldn't find it. THanks."

Era looks stunned.

GM exclaims, "And! Scene-change!"

[Crows-Nest] Era says, "largely because she *is* stunned."

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "arrr"

GM exclaims, "Sebastien-Alix!"

[ussura] Raelynn says (to gm), "you are making that bowl haunt us again! no no no!"

Alixandre exclaims (at Guards), "Help us get this off the Gaius!"

[ussura] Era says, "it is 7:00 PST, near time to wrap I think. Sadly, since this is pretty exciting."

Sebastien exclaims (at Montegue), "we have to get you out of the building -- you must not let the army collapse into chaos!"

GM says, "Several guards rush up, and try to pull the masonry off the Gaius."

Sebastien says, "damn their regulations about Porte now"

GM says (to Alix), "Suddenly, you feel compelled to change into a Wolf! Around you, several of the guards suddenly shudder, and turn into wolves as well."

[ussura] Vasili asks, "aw, do you need to go?"

[ussura] Alixandre asks, "can I fight it?"

[ussura] GM says (to Alix), "Sure--roll wolf+Resolve, TN 25."

[ussura] Charles says, "Yeah, I'm coming to a point where I should be going too."

[ussura] Era says, "not really - just want to make sure no one else is getting held up."

[7thsea] Alixandre rolls 7k4: 2 5 4 2 3 10+3 2 | 25

[ussura] GM exclaims, "Woo!"

[ussura] Era exclaims, "whoohoo!"

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "nice job"

Alixandre grr rrr rrgh.

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn asks, "teen wolf?"

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

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "awesome"

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn asks, "Michael Jackson's Thriller?"

Alixandre says (to Sebastien), "Something is very wrong. Only those with wolf skins are keeping theirs, and they are being forced to change."

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

Ilya_ says, "The tiger skin... must not leave it behind..."

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "my brain is coming up with very odd images to that sound track"

GM exclaims, "Suddenly, a Porte hole rips open right by Montegue!"

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "a hand rips open, with a HOOK!"

Gaspard's hand reaches through and grabs Montegue's arm, and then emerges himself.

Sebastien says, "your timing is superb"

Sebastien asks, "I hear explosions all around the city -- what's happening?"

[ussura] Vasili says, "tsk, no blooded items inside, hm? oh well."

Gaspard shakes his head. "Not sure. I heard the explosions, then felt Montegue's distress, so I came.

[ussura] GM exclaims (at Vasili), "Good catch!"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "he must have done something sneaky"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "like bit his tongue ahead of time"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "yeah"

[ussura] GM says, "(Gaspard wasn't in the room)"

Sebastien says, "you must get him to safety"

[ussura] GM says, "(beforehand, I mean.)"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "yeah"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "maybe he put blood inside Montegue's clothes"

Alixandre says, "And we must get this off of the Gaius. Whatever wants his spirit skin is up to no good."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "I dunno how closely they could have scrutinized him"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "anwyay"

Sebastien says (to Gaspard), "you must get Montegue to safety -- I fear the city is in great danger"

Montegue asks, "But... can we help?"

[ussura] Vasili says, "I'm just saying I'm not entirely surprised, and it hardly matters now"

Sebastien exclaims, "bring the army to the city!"

Sebastien says, "someone must be plotting revolution"

Sebastien says, "stop them"

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "way to go seb. the foreign army invades"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "but yeah, Montegue couldn't have been dumb enough to walk into a rule like that with no tricks"

GM says (to Alix), "You're still having problems with your kite skin--any time you move away from the exact center of the room, you lose hold of a bit more of it."

Sebastien says, "damnation, there must be some source for this magic"

GM says, "In the smoke and dust in the center of the room, you can see several *twists* as several sundered spirit skins writhe in a spiral."

[ussura] Raelynn asks, "what would happen if people just got down and said Matushka! help us? Would he respond?"

Sebastien says, "those Avalonian sorcerers have some way of tracking it down, I think -- if only Charles were here"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "(she)"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "but I dunno, maybe"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "oh right. typo"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "she seemed like the freindly sort"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "she's showed up before but never at our request, I don't think"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "not like the stuffy fuddy-duddy that's the thean god"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "I'm going to take a closer look at the apparent source of the wind"

[ussura] Era says, "yeah, she's all warm and maternal, untill she gets pissed. I'm suspecting now is a good time to be pissed."

Montegue asks, "Wait--will the skins survive a trip through a Porte hole? Could we release them that way?"

[ussura] Vasili says, "she might come. She's probably already terribly busy. And the things that seem most important to us might not actually be."

Sebastien says, "I don't know -- I was worried that if they're anchored here, going through Porte may lose them entirely"

GM says (to Alix), "The wind is coming up from under the floor, and is swirling in a vortex up towards the ceiling."

[ussura] Charles says, "On the other hand, she might have a better ideea of what's important than we do."

Alixandre says, "If we move away from the center here we lose the skin."

Alixandre asks, "The vortex starts somewhere under this floor and rises heavenwards. Is there anything under here?"

[ussura] GM says, "Oh, whoops, almost forgot."

[ussura] Charles says, "And a bit of divine inspiration could help save us from wasting time."

wolves leap at you and attack!

[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "yeah, I was wondering about that"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "ha"

[ussura] Charles says, "A shame that Era is so far away."

[ussura] Alixandre asks, "can I talk in, er, wolvish while human?"

Montegue exclaims, "Is there another choice? <clang clang fight wolves> Gaspard, open a hole as close to the center of the table as you can! Take whoever wants to come!"

[ussura] GM says (to Alix), "Yeah, sure."

Sebastien says, "it's true the situation seems to be forcing our hand"

Alixandre says (in, er, wolvish), "YOU ARE NOT WOLVES, YOU ARE MEN! AND THIS IS YOUR GAIUS!"

[ussura] GM says, "Diplomacy +, um, I dunno. Panache or Resolve."

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "ALSO, DEVO"

[ussura] Alixandre asks, "oratory work?"

Gaspard rips open another hole with a gesture, then screams as a wolf clomps on to his arm!

[ussura] Raelynn says (to Seb), "matushka seemed to like you. try praying!"

[ussura] GM exclaims, "Sure!"

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

Sebastien draws his sword and strikes at the wolf.

[ussura] Alixandre says, "I should get bonuses for all upper-case"

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says (to Gaspard), "Hey, extra blood"

GM exclaims, "Three of the wolves stop attacking!"

[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 8k4: 9 3 4 2 5 1 6 9 | 29

GM says, "The shudder, then turn back into very conflicted-looking guards."

GM exclaims (at Sebastien), "The wolf goes flying!"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "I guess stabbing a guard isn't very nice"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "but hopefully he'll understand if he wakes up"

Sebastien exclaims, "through the hole!"

Gaspard exclaims (at Montegue), "Hurry, sir!"

Montegue leaps into the hole.

Alixandre exclaims, "Bring the army!"

[ussura] GM asks (of Alix), "You want to try following him? Or stay here?"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "I'll stay here and fend off wolves"

[ussura] GM asks, "Do you want to try to direct the free spirit skins to follow him?"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "if Alixandre is staying here, then I should go try to find the thing that is making the magic"

[ussura] Alixandre asks, "the skins are sundered at this point?"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "in the vortex"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "hmm, all these montaignese ending up with pyryem maybe"

[ussura] GM says, "Many are, yeah. And, actually:"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "let me amend what I said: if it seems like the best chance for the separated skins to make it through the porte hole is with me guiding them, then I'll go"

Ilya_ says (to tiger), "Go. Find Matushka, and she will tell you who will be Gaius next."

[ussura] Charles asks, "Is this like herding cats?"

[ussura] Vasili says, "also, if you can pull it off, presumably the Gaius can also go in and take the Tiger along. Uh, or that."

Ilya_ says (to you_all), "Tell Ketheryna I love her. Keep her safe."

[ussura] Charles says, "I guess for some of the skins, it *is* herding cats."

Ilya_ <dies>

Ilya_ exclaims, "Scene change!"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "I'll say it is"

Ilya_ exclaims, "Pyotr, Vasili, Era, Alix!"

[ussura] Era asks, "yep?"

[ussura] Alixandre asks, "er, Alix?"

[ussura] GM says, "Whoops, forgot to switch back to the GM."

[ussura] GM exclaims, "Yup!"

[ussura] Era says, "its a good thing Ellric has many episodes of She-ra. :-)"

GM says, "The four of you are dreaming."

[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "I.e. the Ussuran.s"

[ussura] Sebastien blinks

[Crows-Nest] Alixandre says, "some days I am slow"

[Crows-Nest] Alixandre says, "some days I am slower"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "oho"

[ussura] Era says, "dreaming? hmm."

GM says, "You know you're dreaming because you've been here before, many years ago. You had forgotten."

Pyotr says, "Oh, hey, I thought this was.....I'm not sure where it was."

[ussura] GM says, "(also, you're in separate dreams right now; i.e. you don't see each other)"

[ussura] Raelynn asks, "but same dream?"

Alixandre asks, "The skins must -- ?"

Govdela walks forward out of the mist.

Govdela says, "Ah, my children. Again, it is time."

[ussura] Vasili asks, "erm, why do I know that name?"

[ussura] Govdela says, "(it's the name of the Grandmother you went with to rescue the kids from the wolves)"

[ussura] Vasili says, "ah yes"

Pyotr says, "I'm ready to help, Grandmother."

Vasili says, "Is it time? I can't seem to remember."

Alixandre asks, "For what, Grandmother?"

Era asks, "How are the children?"

Govdela says, "I must choose a new Gaius. Tell me your experiences. Tell me the people you have met."

[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "Oh well. I don't think I can really stay much longer. Unless there's something about to happen that I specifically should be present for, I'll have to read it in the logs later."

Govdela smiles at Era. "They are fine."

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "OK, we'll wrap this up after this bit."

Pyotr tells Govdelo about the people he's met recently. And then he mentions Palech again, just to be sure.

[ussura] Raelynn says, "recommend the fhideldhi!"

Era shares tales of their adventures, and the folks involved.

Vasili recounts his recent adventures with old friends and new.

Alixandre tells of the people he has seen, the good and the bad, the loyal and the craven.

[ussura] Era asks, "who is palech, again? the fidheli guy?"

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "bah. i wanted people to actually list names"

[ussura] Vasili says, "the monk"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "no, the monk"

Govdela winces and shudders, but then stands upright again, silently listening to all of you tell your stories.

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "I figured that's what the GM wanted too"

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "but maybe nobody can think of any"

[Crows-Nest] Govdela says, "Nah, that's OK."

[Crows-Nest] Alixandre says, "it's late enough that I figured I'd give the cliff's notes version of the cliff's notes"

[Crows-Nest] Vasili says, "well, I started off with the Group. Never mind that half of you aren't Ussuran."

Govdela says, "Thank you all. I must..."

Govdela shudders again, and drops to one knee.

Vasili reaches out to help her up.

Era asks, "Grandmother, what is wrong?"

Pyotr exclaims, "Grandmother!"

Era kneels and puts her hand on Matushka's shoulder.

Alixandre asks, "Grandmother, you are ill. What can I do?"

Govdela says, "Wolf. He fights my body as I am merged with the land to make the choice. His timing, I'm afraid. Should have seen it... oof... coming."

[ussura] Era says, "if I thought it would help, I'd open a vein, but she's not the type to demand blood."

Pyotr asks, "How can we stop him?"

[Crows-Nest] Govdela says, "Aww."

Vasili starts crying. "And what now?"

Govdela says, "I've prepared you all for this moment. You must stand strong."

Govdela looks like she's listening to a million conversations at once.

[ussura] Charles says, "(Wolf being Aleksi, right?)"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "I haven't heard that confirmed"

Govdela says, "Ah, he will do nicely. There is one more thing I can do..."

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Aleksi has Wolf's spirit skin (inherited)"

[ussura] GM says, "(channel, but hey)"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "wolf's spirit skin (providing growls)"

Govdela gestures, and the four of you find yourself standing in the same field next to each other.

Alixandre blinks.

Govdela says, "You can coordinate your efforts better this way, I think."

Vasili pays attention.

Pyotr exclaims (at Era,Alix), "The peasants are revolting!"

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "</old-joke>"

Govdela says, "Keep Ketheryna safe, she is a strong one."

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

Alixandre says (to Pyotr), "I have often thought that, yes."

Govdela says, "And maybe after me, my granddaughter may be ready. Talk to the four beasts."

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "hmm oh yeah"

Govdela says, "And free that tiger's spirit skin! The Gaius has need of it."

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "well, this is a nice confusing mess of hints"

Govdela says, "Fare well, my children. I'm so proud of you all."

GM says, "Blink! You're back where you were. But you find you can still communicate with the others."

[ussura] GM asks, "And whew, we're pretty late. Wrap?"

Vasili says, "Uh ... Huh."

[ussura] Alixandre says, "sure"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "sounds good"

[ussura] Vasili says, "aw, I guess."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "bunch to think about for next time"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "yeah"

[ussura] Era says, "wow, that was confusing. I'm sure it will all make sense down the road."

[ussura] GM says, "How's next Friday for folks? We're busy in two weeks."

[ussura] GM says, "Whoops, Saturday."

[ussura] Vasili says, "nope, that's Good Friday. And Easter Vigil."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "I'll be paintballing next saturday"

[ussura] Alixandre says, "Friday I can't do; Saturday I can"

[ussura] Charles says, "I could probably do next Saturday, but not the two after."

[ussura] GM asks, "Easter Vigil on Saturday?"

[ussura] Vasili says, "yes"

[ussura] GM says, "OK."

[ussura] Raelynn says, "every saturday looks good except the 21st"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "and i would think the 7th wouldn't be a good idea"