| [ussura] PerrySimm says, "Log on." | |
| GM exclaims, "I'm writing up a 'story so far' and it's turning out to be pretty long!" | |
| GM says, "But I'm just about done." | |
| Pyotr says, "heh" | |
| GM | http://strackenz.spod-central.org/~lpsmith/The_story_so_far.htm | |
| [ussura] Vasili says, "darn Wolves loyal to Wolf" | |
| [ussura] Era asks, "what are they thinking?" | |
| [ussura] Pyotr says, "okay, finally digested that" | |
| [ussura] GM asks, "Any questions?" | |
| [ussura] Pyotr says, "I guess we need to finish helping Montegue, then head for Anrevgorod" | |
| [ussura] Era says, "I hear I missed a brawl last week. <sigh>" | |
| [ussura] GM says, "Heh" | |
| [ussura] Pyotr says, "I'm only interested in the second part, so afk reading Alim a bedtime story :)" | |
| [ussura] GM says, "hee" | |
| [ussura] Vasili says, "I forget what happened last time other than hearing that story. Oh yeah, the rabbit noble." | |
| [ussura] GM says, "So, right! Hopefully Charles won't be booted off again, because I'm hoping to wrap up a bit with his character today." | |
| [ussura] Era says, "nice." | |
| GM says, "You all make it back to Montegue's camp without further incident. Everyone there is already on the move westward, though the movement speed of an army is pretty slow." | |
| [ussura] GM says, "Only two hexes/day." | |
| [ussura] GM says, "(though don't ask me how wide a hex is)" | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee" | |
| Sebastien asks around for Montegue or the supply guys. | |
| [ussura] Pyotr says, "(back)" | |
| Montegue exclaims (at Sebastien), "Ah, there you are!" | |
| Sebastien says, "I see the army's moving steadily" | |
| Sebastien says, "but Gaspard tells us there is trouble with the supplies" | |
| Montegue says, "Indeed. I'm proud of them, given all that has happened so far." | |
| Montegue nods gravely. | |
| [ussura] GM says (to Sebastien), "If you like, you can make a diplomacy roll to see how well the villages receive you (or we can play it out more deliberately)" | |
| Montegue says, "Your help negotiating for supplies for us is even more critical at this point, I'm afraid." | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "I'm happy to make it short once Charles is back" | |
| Montegue says, "I'd rather not straggle into port, and have my men die of scurvy." | |
| [ussura] GM says, "Oh, heh, sure." | |
| Pyotr says, "Hmm, if your men turn into scurvy wretches, you'd probably be shot on sight by half the navies around." | |
| Sebastien says, "right, well, we'll go see what we can arrange" | |
| Sebastien says, "hopefully the Gaius's word will still be worth something" | |
| Montegue says, "Indeed. I'd rather not be raided by the Vestenmannaj... whatever-they-are." | |
| [ussura] Charles says, "(I am here, but still finishing catching up.)" | |
| [ussura] Vasili asks, "hello sir or madam, would you like to contribute to the Montaignians' Gowing Away Party?" | |
| [ussura] GM says, "Ah, excellent." | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee" | |
| [ussura] Vasili says, "s/w//" | |
| [ussura] GM says, "Yay" | |
| [ussura] GM says, "I figure you're just saying it with an affected Montaignian accent." | |
| [ussura] Sebastien asks, "ok, in that case I will just roll something -- what should I roll it with? wits?" | |
| Era says, "I wonder how far north we would need to travel to encounter a herd of bison, reindeer, or antelope. A large herd carefully culled could sustain your men for over a week of hard marching." | |
| [ussura] Sebastien asks, "and can Pyotr or Vasili or somebody assist as a loyal native son of Ussura?" | |
| [ussura] Pyotr says, "I'll be happy to walk around with you and keep people from shooting on sight" | |
| Montegue says (to Era), "An excellent idea. I do have hunters among my men, but they are unfamiliar with the local fauna and terrain." | |
| [ussura] Pyotr says, "they'll wait to shoot after they recognize me" | |
| [ussura] GM says, "Ha" | |
| Era says, "Bison would probably be the most useful, if we could find them, but also the most dangerous." | |
| [ussura] Sebastien exclaims, "an important first step in diplomatic negotiations!" | |
| [ussura] Pyotr says, "(if I need to roll something to assist, I will. maybe Socialization?)" | |
| [ussura] GM says, "Sure, go for it." | |
| [ussura] Pyotr asks, "and wits?" | |
| [ussura] GM says, "And I'll let you use Panache ;-)" | |
| [ussura] Pyotr says, "yay" | |
| [7thsea] Pyotr rolls 5k3: 1 4 10+7 8 10+10+6 | 51 | |
| [ussura] Vasili says, "I was thinking of chatting with anybody at a distance about what happens if they *don't* get supplies, if that counts as an assist." | |
| [ussura] GM says, "Holy." | |
| [ussura] Vasili says, "well, never mind, then." | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "man" | |
| [ussura] Vasili says, "listening at a distance, that is" | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "well, uh, I guess I'm not really needed, but" | |
| Pyotr accompanies Sebastien to a few villages. As soon as the villagers see Pyotr, they run and cower in the woods. Pyotr grabs a few bundles and says, "Well, it works." | |
| [7thsea] Sebastien rolls 4k3: 10+4 9 4 4 | 27 | |
| Sebastien says, "I wasn't expecting to be the good one of the two of us" | |
| Pyotr says, "I usually just leave the money on a barrel or something." | |
| Pyotr says, "They'll find it tomorrow when they come back." | |
| Sebastien says, "good point" | |
| GM says, "Thus supplied, you make it back to the camp, replete with enough supplies for another day or so." | |
| GM says, "Era leads some men on a hunting expedition, too." | |
| [ussura] Era exclaims, "very nice!" | |
| Pyotr says, "This actually happens to me a lot, sadly." | |
| [ussura] GM exclaims (at Era), "Roll something!" | |
| Pyotr says, "Some day I'd like to not be known far and wide as an outlaw." | |
| Sebastien says, "well, the only cure for that is to become better-known for something else" | |
| Vasili asks (of Pyotr), "Who says they recognized you?" | |
| Pyotr says (to Vasili), "Well....um...maybe not." | |
| Sebastien says, "dealing with this dragon might be a good start" | |
| Pyotr exclaims (at Sebastien), "Excellent point!" | |
| Era scouts out the land as a goshawk to locate a nearby herd, then leads out the hunting expedition as a human. | |
| [7thsea] Era rolls 7k3: 5 4 5 8 2 10+2 9 | 29 | |
| [ussura] Charles says, "THere we go. Sorry about that. I didn't budget enough time for reading last session's log." | |
| [ussura] GM says, "Heh" | |
| Era /goshawk flies due north for a while, until she spies a healthy heard of saiga antelope. | |
| [ussura] Charles asks, "Where are we located at the moment? Is Montegue still en route to the coast?" | |
| [ussura] GM says, "Right." | |
| [ussura] Charles asks, "So in theory, if we took the 3/10, we might be able to visit the drachen and still catch up to where La Vache is supposed to be stationed before Montegue got there?" | |
| [ussura] GM says, "Ha ha 'take the 3/10'" | |
| [ussura] Charles says, "(Under the principle of 'Matushka helps those who help Matushka'.)" | |
| [ussura] Pyotr says, "given Matushka's current state I guess there's no guarantee she can help us" | |
| Era's flight home is not long, and she informs Montegue's men of the general direction the hunting party needs to take. The group heads out, and late that evening return to camp bearing several pack-mules worth of field-dressed antelope, ready for stewing. | |
| Montegue exclaims (at Era), "Thank you! This should last us a while. I can't forsee any more problems before we get to the coast!" | |
| Messenger runs up to Montegue. "Sir! There's trouble with the fleet! LaVache declared that you were disloyal to l'Empereur, and imprisoned the captains that disagreed with him! I managed to sneak away, but only in the dead of night!" | |
| [ussura] Era exclaims, "timing!" | |
| Montegue says, "Why do I say things like that? Sigh." | |
| Sebastien says, "good lord" | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee" | |
| Charles says, "That seems somehow unsurprising to me." | |
| Sebastien asks (of Messenger), "what is he doing with the fleet, then?" | |
| Charles says (to Montegue), "I, for one, would be happy to offer my assistance in eliminating this muntineer for you." | |
| Messenger says, "I... I don't know! But many men are loyal to him and to l'Empereur. He can do with it as he likes." | |
| Era says (to Montegue), "Have you and your men considered mass defection? Now seems like as good a time as any." | |
| Montegue says, "Hmm, guile. That could work--I presume he will be waiting for the army to show up, but would not expect natives. Or, uh, Avalonians." | |
| Montegue says (to Era), "I fear the choice has already been made for me." | |
| Montegue says, "Though I shouldn't make excuses--I knew this was the most likely way things would turn out when I first stepped into that egg." | |
| Charles says, "If we take out the leader of this little insurrection, it should create a power vacuumt hat you can step into and restore order." | |
| Era asks (of Charles), "Excellent idea. Were you thinking assasination, or kidnapping?" | |
| Charles says (to Era), "Perhaps both. But not in that order." | |
| Montegue says (to Charles), "If you think you could do some good with the fleet, you have my blessing. The ships are still the army's best vector out of this country. Begging your pardons, of course." | |
| Charles says, "If we can find some unpleasant means of extracting information about whom he's working with and what their particular goals are, all the better." | |
| Sebastien says, "well, I suppose we should head over there and see what the situation is like" | |
| Sebastien says, "I wonder if anyone loyal to Montegue has been left unimprisoned" | |
| Vasili asks, "I'll go. How can we find the captains who disagreed, and keys to let them out?" | |
| Charles says (to Sebastien), "Before we get too close, we should consider how and if we plan to present ourselves." | |
| Messenger says (to Vasili), "I know the place, at least." | |
| Vasili asks, "In port or on a ship?" | |
| Era says (to Montegue), "What kind of hand weapons are stored onboard? If we could smuggle immediately-accessible arms to the imprisoned loyalists, we could double or triple our troops once on board." | |
| [Crows-Nest] Messenger says, "And actually, let's give me a real name." | |
| [Crows-Nest] Gervais says, "There we go." | |
| Charles says, "Concealing or disguising ourselves somehow, walking straight in with a bluff and a lie..." | |
| Era says, "I like it. I could scout around a bit as a cat perhaps." | |
| Sebastien eyes Pyotr. | |
| Sebastien says, "I am not sure we could all pass as Montaignese" | |
| Pyotr says, "Hmm." | |
| Pyotr says, "Give me your suitcase, now I'm a native porter" | |
| Charles says, "Or a prisoner." | |
| Pyotr exclaims, "Me carry heavy bag. Me carry strong!" | |
| Era says, "Or a dockhand." | |
| Montegue says, "The city where the fleet resides is under Montaigne control, but relies on the natives to keep things running." | |
| Vasili says (to Pyotr), "You're getting better at that role." | |
| Vasili says, "I think this time I might see what I can find without being seen. Can't hurt to have a few plans." | |
| Raelynn asks, "how do i slip in?" | |
| Raelynn says, "i am going to stick out like a sore thumb" | |
| Sebastien says, "we'll eventually have to make it onto the ships, I would think" | |
| [ussura] Vasili asks, "are there women in the army/navy?" | |
| Raelynn asks (of Era), "you think we can disguise me as a boy?" | |
| [ussura] GM says, "Yeah, I think so, given the 7th Sea worldview." | |
| Charles says, "I wonder if I could pass for a Montaigne." | |
| Sebastien says, "well, it's conceivable" | |
| Era asks, "You would make an astonishingly good looking boy. I wonder if any of the captains have secret vices?" | |
| Sebastien says, "we could say your dress sense was stunted from birth" | |
| Raelynn says, "i will have to keep my knife handy" | |
| [ussura] GM says (to Era), "Snrk" | |
| Raelynn says, "if era is going to be a cat, i think i will disguise myself as a boy" | |
| Raelynn says, "it might be fun" | |
| Charles says, "On second thought, I don't think I'd want to. If I succeeded, I'd never live it down." | |
| [ussura] GM says, "Ha" | |
| Era says, "Sure. That could be fun." | |
| Sebastien says, "well, in that case it'll have to be as an ussuran" | |
| [ussura] Charles asks, "Actually, did I ever get given any cool spy toys by v'R's folks?" | |
| [ussura] GM says (to Charles), "Oh, right--we never finalized your idea of being a Gallenian spy, but assuming you did indeed do that, we can have a spy depot around here somewhere you can raid." | |
| [ussura] GM says, "timing!\" | |
| Era asks (of Sebastien), "The diplomats might not need disguises, but perhaps some diplomatic pretext?" | |
| [ussura] Charles says, "I wonder if I can arrange papers representing me as a double-agent." | |
| Sebastien rubs his chin thoughtfully. | |
| [ussura] GM says, "Sure, that sounds perfectly reasonable." | |
| [ussura] Vasili says, "(improv rule #1)" | |
| [ussura] GM says, "Hee" | |
| Sebastien says, "I suppose the easiest thing would be for me to say that having heard of the political disruption in the country I have travelled back for new orders" | |
| [ussura] GM says, "It's either 'yes' or 'maybe; roll the dice' ;)" | |
| [ussura] Charles goes to check which Skill 'Bluff' is under so that he can quickly buy some ranks on the way there. | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha" | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "there's a spy skill, of course" | |
| Sebastien says, "I guess it would be easiest for us to enter the city separately so that if some are discovered the others won't be caught" | |
| [ussura] GM exclaims, "Which he has!" | |
| [ussura] Charles says, "That appears to have 'Sincerity'. The other alternative appears to be Acting, which would require Performer, which I haven't." | |
| Pyotr says (to Vasili), "I guess we get to play Weary Hunters Returning To Town Looking For Booze And Food again" | |
| Pyotr exclaims, "Yay!" | |
| Era asks, "Play?" | |
| [ussura] GM says, "Anything you want to do that is spy-related you can assume that one of the spy skills will cover it." | |
| Era says, "After the antelope yesterday, its fact! <grin>" | |
| Pyotr says (to Era), "I haven't had to hunt seriously for a while now" | |
| Vasili says (to Pyotr), "aw, come on, you can carry that heavy suitcase for the nice gentlemen." | |
| [ussura] Raelynn says, "good i have disguise." | |
| [ussura] Charles says, "OK. I'll spend 2XP on Sincerity then, unless you think it'd fall better under a different Spy knack." | |
| [ussura] GM says, "Sincerity sounds great." | |
| Era exclaims (at Pyotr), "You would have had fun chasing antelope. We had to arrange a blind-alley set up, using nothing but local flora. Quite a challenge near the tundra, let me tell you. And those creatures are fast!" | |
| Pyotr says (to Era), "I don't chase as well as you, I haven't your gifts there." | |
| [ussura] GM asks, "So, you all have a basic plan? Anything else you want to hash out?" | |
| (From Raelynn) With Era's help, Raelynn changes in to boy-ish clothing, binds her chest, gets big hat to cover her hair. | |
| Pyotr asks, "So where do we meet in the city?" | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says, "i am ready" | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha" | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "Ralphe indeed" | |
| [ussura] GM says, "Excellent." | |
| [ussura] Era says, "nice" | |
| Era says, ""A boy and his cat" just doesn't have quite the same ring, but a wolf or goshawk would not be believable." | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "well, it seems like that I should go in relatively openly and try to figure out what LaVache is doing, somebody else should do the same secretly, somebody should try to locate the prisoners and check out the jail, and somebody should try to get in touch with any other loyalists who are free" | |
| GM tosses a drama die to everyone. Nice quick thinking, good unique pro-active ideas from each of you. | |
| [ussura] Vasili says, "one plan per player, executed simultaneously. Go!" | |
| [ussura] Charles asks, "Oh, what was our rule for how much our dice refreshed to a couple sessions ago?" | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "2xlow stat or high stat again, I assume" | |
| [ussura] GM says, "Everyone's dice refreshed a couple of sessions ago." | |
| [ussura] GM says, "Right." | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says (to era), "it's all i have left from me da'. when he died, he gave me brother the plow, me other brother the harness, but no horse, and as the littlest, i got me the cat" | |
| [ussura] Sebastien exclaims, "yay!" | |
| Era says (to Rae), "You still want the two of us to scout the ships? We could at least get nearby, and possible on the boats if we're lucky." | |
| [ussura] GM says, "Oh, and any d.d. you got in the assault on Pavtlow you still have (in addition)" | |
| [ussura] (from Sebastien) Ralphe says (to Era) "Now just put on these boots" | |
| [ussura] Rae_as_Ralphe says (to Seb), "YAY" | |
| [ussura] Era exclaims, "hahaha!!" | |
| [ussura] GM laughs | |
| [ussura] Pyotr asks, "we have plans for entering the city, but then what?" | |
| [ussura] GM says, "that's good for now, I think--you can figure out more of what's going on." | |
| Charles meanders the alleyways until he spots the secret markings of v'R's special services scratched next to a basement entryway and ducks inside. | |
| [ussura] Vasili says, "I might need a 'distraction' after scoping out the situation with the Good Captains." | |
| [ussura] Pyotr exclaims, "Pyotr does good distractions!" | |
| [ussura] GM says, "Boy howdy." | |
| [ussura] Charles asks (of Seb), "Was that 'whichever's higher' or 'whichever's lower'?" | |
| [ussura] Vasili says, "higher" | |
| [ussura] Pyotr says (to Vas), "so you'll go scout with Pyotr as backup? sounds good" | |
| [ussura] Charles says, "Pyotr's a good distraction when he is not actually *with* you." | |
| Bochin nods solemly to Charles. "Ah, good, I was beginning to worry I was the only one left. What news?" | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee" | |
| Bochin asks, "And what can I do to help?" | |
| Charles says (to Bochin), "Ill. There was nearly a treaty, but then things turned ugly." | |
| Charles gives the quick version of the tale of revolution and wolves and fire and drachens. | |
| Bochin says, "Well, you certainly have your work cut out for you. Papers, you say? I can have them for you by this evening." | |
| Bochin says, "I am glad to hear that Tamara survives." | |
| Charles says, "Indeed. And we do have the good fortune that Montegue himself seems willing to cooperate." | |
| Bochin nods. "He was a noble opponent. I pray he remains a noble ally." | |
| [ussura] Bochin can also supply you with other spy stuff and disguises, etc. that you can decide what they are later when you need them ;-) | |
| Charles asks, "Thank you for your help. I'll be back at sundown. Is there anything I can do to help you, while I'm here?" | |
| [ussura] Charles says, "Excellent." | |
| Bochin says, "I do have a message that needs to be delivered to Somojez, where I believe you said you were heading eventually." | |
| [ussura] Vasili says, "nooo don't get into delivering spy messages" | |
| Bochin rummages around and emerges with a envelope. | |
| [ussura] Charles says, "But that's what spies *do*! Especially when they're secret formulas." | |
| [ussura] Pyotr says, "they always explode" | |
| [ussura] Vasili says, "yeah, just remember Maxwell." | |
| Charles nods. "Where does it need to be delivered?" | |
| [ussura] Charles exclaims, "How should *I* know what happened to Maxwell? The last time I saw him, I was heading off on a slow boat to Vestenmannavnjar by way of Avalon!" | |
| Bochin says, "The depot in St. Andresgorod." | |
| Charles says, "Ah, how convenient. That's precisely where I was planning to visit." | |
| Bochin hands you the sealed envelope, which seems to have something heavy and irregular in one corner. | |
| Charles asks, "Is it safe to ask what the message contains?" | |
| [ussura] Charles says, "(And if I just spelled that right, I deserve a bonus DD for it ;) )" | |
| [ussura] Rae_as_Ralphe asks, "stupid question, where is keth now? what did we do with the huge entourage we had?" | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "hmm, good question" | |
| Bochin says, "Hmm. Probably best if you don't. Do destroy it if you get captured, though the message is perhaps less important than the item." | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "also with all those ussuran soldier guys" | |
| [ussura] Charles asks, "Did they go NE to Molhyna?" | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "and Era's friends and relations" | |
| Charles nods. "Very well." | |
| [ussura] Bochin says, "Yeah, Keth & Era's brother and the other folks presumably stayed with the army." | |
| Charles tucks it away in an inner pocket. | |
| [ussura] Bochin says (to Charles), "i.e. don't ask what it is because I don't know yet." | |
| [ussura] (from Charles) As soon as Charles is out of sight, he rips it open and pulls out the item. | |
| [ussura] Bochin says, "Nooooooo" | |
| Charles starts to leave, but something catches his eye on the way out. | |
| Bochin asks, "Yes?" | |
| Charles asks, "What is this thing here? It looks like some kind of brooch, but with the back of it opened up like that, it looks almost like... clockwork inside?" | |
| Bochin grins. | |
| Bochin asks, "Indeed! Can you guess what it does?" | |
| Bochin picks it up and closes it with a twist. | |
| Charles says, "Well... this jewel looks like it might move... so if you depress it..." | |
| Bochin exclaims, "Good eye!" | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha" | |
| Bochin pushes in the jewel, and gives it a half turn. | |
| [ussura] Vasili says, "(psst, I think this is 'what would you like it to do?')" | |
| Charles ducks! But of course, Bochin wouldn't be so careless as to fire the tiny dart *at* Charles. | |
| Bochin says, "That a half turn is about 15 mintues." | |
| [ussura] Charles says, "Whoops." | |
| [ussura] Bochin says, "Heh" | |
| [ussura] (from Vasili) Bochin says, "Hmm, but I forget how to disarm it." | |
| [ussura] Charles says, "Now I am baffled as to what 15 minutes is." | |
| Bochin turns it almost all the way back, then sets it down on the table. | |
| [ussura] Rae_as_Ralphe says, "i figured how big the turn is. like not totally half, since that would be 30 minutes" | |
| [ussura] Pyotr says, "in 15 minutes it shoots the _second_ dart" | |
| [ussura] Rae_as_Ralphe says (to pyotr), "ooh i like that" | |
| [ussura] Pyotr says, "(perfect for when you get captured and people look through your gear)" | |
| (From Bochin) Suddenly, the jewel flies out and you hear a puff of air escaping. | |
| Bochin catches the jewel in his hand. | |
| [ussura] Rae_as_Ralphe asks, "self-destruct?" | |
| Bochin says, "It wasn't loaded with anything, but you can put up to one ounce of whatever liquid you want in the reservoir in the back." | |
| Bochin says, "You can turn it up to three full rotations, giving you about an hour and a half." | |
| [ussura] Charles says, "I am certain Bochin could not have just shown me the 7th Sea version of the old squirting-flower trick." | |
| [ussura] Bochin says, "Hee" | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee" | |
| Charles asks, "I am not quite entirely clear what happens to the liquid when the jewel is released... does it spray out, or...?" | |
| Bochin says, "Yes, it sprays out as a mist. Or, if you wish, you can use the jewel with the dart in it." | |
| Bochin says, "Though that reduces the size of the potential reservoir." | |
| Charles asks, "Ah, most useful. Do you think that I could borrow that?" | |
| [ussura] Era says, "that's as good as spring-loaded boot-knives." | |
| Bochin says, "Do you like it? I made it myself, but have never had a chance to use it." | |
| Bochin says, "I'd love to hear if it works. Er, *how* it works." | |
| Charles says, "I do! I can easily see how it could come in quite handy." | |
| [ussura] Vasili says, "especially if one happens to have some potent sleeping potion already prepared." | |
| Charles reassembles the device and pins it to his cloak (the one with all the re-stitching). | |
| [ussura] Bochin says, "Yay cloak" | |
| [ussura] Era asks, "hmm, I wonder if he can use it on the good captain?" | |
| [ussura] Charles asks, "Indeed. Do we still have some left over?" | |
| [ussura] Bochin says, "Yeah, you never used any of it, actually." | |
| [ussura] Vasili says, "I'd rather he used it on the naughty captain" | |
| [ussura] Era says, "'good' was sarcastic." | |
| [ussura] Charles asks, "Is it Rae or Era who had it?" | |
| [ussura] Era asks, "Rae?" | |
| Bochin hands you a couple tiny cut-glass vials. "The acid in these should work fairly well; I'm afraid I don | |
| Charles slips out to rejoin his friends and borrow a nice sleeping draft. | |
| Bochin says, "..'t have any other liquid currently available." | |
| Bochin waves! | |
| GM says, "And thus prepared, you travel on horseback ahead of the army until one afternoon, you catch a distinct whiff of salt air--you must be close to Kem, the small port city where the fleet is staying." | |
| Charles exclaims (at Bochin), "Thank you again!" | |
| [ussura] GM says, "(the place Charles was at was between Pavtlow and the coast)" | |
| Sebastien says, "hmm, guess we'd better split up here" | |
| Sebastien asks, "where should we meet up?" | |
| [Crows-Nest] (from GM) GM says, "Nooooooooo" | |
| Vasili says, "yup. Good luck, everyone." | |
| Charles says (to Sebastien), "Taverns are traditional." | |
| Pyotr asks (of Sebastien), "Well, how many taverns near the docks could there be?" | |
| [Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "hee hee" | |
| Gervais says, "There's the Crown and Trumpet." | |
| Charles says (to Sebastien), "But then, we generally seem to follow the *other* tradition: 'wherever everything goes terribly wrong'." | |
| Sebastien exclaims (at Charles), "at least it stays interesting!" | |
| Sebastien says, "right, the crown and trumpet it is" | |
| Pyotr exclaims, "Okay!" | |
| Vasili says, "we'll try to give you at least a few hours." | |
| Gervais says, "When I left, the captains were being held in the warehouse a block north of the docks." | |
| Gervais says, "If you don't mind, I'll stay here. I don't want to be recognized in town." | |
| Sebastien says, "I expect I'll be in LaVache's waiting room at least that long, if he's like other governors" | |
| [ussura] Rae_as_Ralphe says (to era), "it's in my pack" | |
| [ussura] Rae_as_Ralphe says (to charles), "i will give you some" | |
| [ussura] Vasili asks, "erk, lagged Raelynn?" | |
| [ussura] Rae_as_Ralphe says (to vasili), "cooking, sorry :)" | |
| [ussura] Vasili says, "ah" | |
| [ussura] Vasili asks, "If there's a north of the docks, which way is the shore here?" | |
| [Crows-Nest] GM says, "The shore runs north/south--the warehouse is on the beach, just not directly next to the docks." | |
| Sebastien heads to the gates and shows his Montaigne diplomatic papers to the guards, then asks for directions to the garrison commander. | |
| [Crows-Nest] GM says, "ilac, but anyway." | |
| GM says (to Sebastien), "You're directed to a nice-looking house on a hill." | |
| GM says, "Well, nice by Ussuran standards, anyway." | |
| [ussura] Charles asks, "Did Gervais say where LaVache was headquartering himself?" | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "well no, but I figured this guy would be able to put me in touch" | |
| [ussura] Rae_as_Ralphe says, "what kind of a mutiny is this? a good villain captain stays on the ship" | |
| [ussura] GM says, "He didn't--he said he was sometimes staying in the house you assume Sebastien's been directed to, and sometimes on his ship." | |
| [ussura] Sebastien exclaims, "but the ships are all docked!" | |
| Vasili heads around a different way to the north part of town. | |
| Pyotr heads with Vasili. | |
| [ussura] GM asks, "OK, are any of you together?" | |
| [ussura] GM says, "He asked, desperately." | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha" | |
| [ussura] Pyotr says, "I'm following Vasili, unless he really wants to lose me." | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "Raelynn could actually be with me as my assistant or lackey or something" | |
| [ussura] Vasili says, "I think she planned to stick with Era." | |
| [ussura] GM says, "Right, and Era was going to be a cat with Raelynn." | |
| [ussura] Rae_as_Ralphe says, "we will go with sebastien" | |
| [ussura] GM says, "Sounds good." | |
| [ussura] GM asks, "Charles?" | |
| [ussura] Charles says, "In theory, I *could* start out with Sebastien, but it seems that would just complicate things." | |
| [ussura] GM says, "3 groups are OK, I think." | |
| [ussura] GM says, "More than that gets a bit swamped." | |
| [ussura] GM says, "And looks like you're all still on both #interludes, too." | |
| [ussura] Sebastien asks, "ok, so who should be where?" | [interludes] GM says, "OK, we'll use this for Pyotr and Vasili." |
| [interludes] GM says, "And the main room for Seb/Rae/Era" | |
| [interludes] GM says, "And Charles wherever he likes." | |
| Raymonde sniffs haughtily at Sebastien | |
| [ussura] Era says, "back - was afk sandwich-fixing for a bit" | [interludes2] Charles says, "locates the tavern that's been adopted as the unofficial Officer's Club." |
| Sebastien says, "right, here we go" | |
| Sebastien knocks on the door, and executes a sweeping bow when it's opened. | |
| Era shimmers into a cat. | [interludes] Pyotr asks (of Vasili), "So, you gonna check out that warehouse, while I stand around over here looking unconcerned?" |
| Raymonde asks (of Sebastien), "And who might *you* be?" | [interludes2] GM says (to Charles), "Ah, there it is." |
| [interludes] Vasili says, "Um, sure. Though it might help to do something else rather than standing around like that." | |
| Era meows at Rae. | [interludes] GM says, "And, right, there's the warehouse. It looks dark." |
| Sebastien says, "Sebastien Delecambre, here to present my papers to the commander" | [interludes] Pyotr asks, "Oh, hmm, is that a window in the alley?" |
| Sebastien whips them out with a flourish. | [interludes] Pyotr says, "I'll check it out." |
| [interludes] Vasili starts with a look at the building - doors, windows. | |
| Raymonde says, "That's me, for the time being." | |
| Raymonde looks over the papers. | |
| Sebastien says, "for the time being? I hope there has been no upheavel in the city here as well" | |
| Raymonde exclaims, "Ha ha! You were the one with the... the kidnapping! Ha ha!" | |
| Raymonde says, "No, no--LaVache is on his ship again." | [interludes2] Charles saunters in, attracting some odd looks and a few smirks from the gentlemen drinking there. |
| Sebastien says, "ah, I see my fame precedes me" | [interludes2] GM says, "There are a few tables with officers--some boisterous, and some more reserved." |
| Sebastien asks, "LaVache? he is the reigning commander here, until Montegue returns?" | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe scritches Era behind the ears | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe tries to look helpful | |
| Raymonde says, "Ha ha! Once again, you arrive uninformed. Montegue has deserted l'Empereur, and LaVache means to stop him." | |
| Era purrs. | |
| Sebastien exclaims, "Deserted l'Empereur? Shocking! Why, this is practically treason!" | [interludes] GM says (to Vasili), "There are a number of windows that are fairly high up, and large double doors in the front. Nothing seems to be guarded, but it does seem to be locked up." |
| Sebastien says, "my assistant Ralphe will be scandalized" | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe schools expression into shock | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says, "oh my!" | [interludes2] Charles takes his time ordering a drink, while sizing up who's the highest ranking officer present. Perhaps that sullen gentleman, over at the corner table drinking with two of his lackeys? |
| Raymonde grins. "Indeed. Although..." | [interludes] Pyotr says, "We could try the old grappelling hook to the window routine." |
| [interludes] Pyotr says, "or we could try the front doors" | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe whispers in Era's ear, "Is it worth scouting around the house, or inside?" | |
| Raymonde leans in "They say that l'Empereur suspected Montegue might turn from the beginning, and is why LaVache was sent with him in the first place." | |
| Sebastien exclaims, "a cunning precaution!" | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says, "or better yet, go inside, and we will all come inside."" | |
| Toussaint exclaims (at lackeys), "And be quick about it!" | [interludes2] Toussaint says, "Or, you know, on this channel." |
| [interludes] Vasili says, "not the doors.. at least not yet." | |
| [interludes2] Toussaint's lackeys nod smartly and get up and leave. | |
| [interludes2] Toussaint relaxes at his table, drinking his ale. | |
| Sebastien says, "well, no doubt LaVache has some plan for dealing with this insurrection" | [interludes] Vasili says, "we may want to wait for night, if we're going to be messing with climbing to the second story." |
| [interludes2] Charles says (to Toussaint, quietly), "Good evening, sir. I've just come from Pavtlow with information to report." | |
| Era jumps out of Rae's arms, and starts poking around. Eventually, she nonchalontly wanders off, pretending to chase invisible dust bunnies. | |
| Raymonde grins. "Oh, yes. He... ahh... ahh..." | [interludes] Pyotr says, "good idea" |
| Raymonde exclaims, "Ah-choo!" | [interludes] Pyotr says, "let's go look for grappelling hooks" |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says, "pardon sir. me da's cat you know. independent, she is." | |
| Raymonde says, "Oh mercy. Must you bring that cat in here? I..." | |
| [Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "ha ha" | [interludes2] Charles lets his cloak slip open just enough to reveal a corner of his forged paperwork, showing part of the sigil at the top of the page. |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says, "i will go find her" | |
| Raymonde sneezes again. | [interludes] Vasili says, "or a ladder, maybe" |
| [interludes] Pyotr says, "harder to hide as we go, but okay" | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe slips past Raymonde and enters the house. In the foyer, in full view of Raymonde and Sebastien, says "Here kitty kitty" | [interludes] GM asks (of Charles), "Tell me again what the papers are supposed to say?" |
| [interludes] GM says, "ilac" | |
| [ussura] GM asks (of Charles), "Tell me again what the papers are supposed to say?" | [interludes] Vasili says, "depends. The toss may be easier than it looks." |
| [interludes] GM says, "You came equipped with grappling hooks as part of Charles' outfitting you all; you imagine there are probably ladders in a nearby barn." | |
| [interludes] Vasili says, "Let's find a place where we can relax and keep an eye on those doors at the same time." | |
| Raymonde exclaims, "Heavens!" | |
| Raymonde sneezes once more. "Get that cat out of here!" | [interludes] Pyotr exclaims, "okay. Look, a tavern!" |
| Era continues poking around the house, looking for locked doors and/or basement areas. | [interludes] Vasili says, "It's our lucky day!" |
| [ussura] GM asks (of Era), "Are you looking for anything in particular? A sort of thing?" | |
| [ussura] GM says (to Oh,), "whoops, right." | |
| Sebastien says, "oh dear, my apologies, I'll go retrieve it at once" | |
| Sebastien slips past Raymonde into the house. | |
| [ussura] Era says, "anything that says "here's a prisoner!" or along those lines." | |
| Sebastien says (to Ralphe), "perhaps you should go search upstairs while I search down here" | |
| GM says, "Era manages to slip through the house and into the kitchen, where various Ussuran folks are preparing a meal." | |
| [ussura] Vasili says, "most of the prisoners are presumably at the place Pyotr and I are casing across town, of course." | |
| Era slips a sardine w hen no one is looking. | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee" | |
| GM says, "Sebastien is followed by Raymonde, and goes through a room or two, one of which has a stack of important-looking papers in it, though he can't rifle through them with Raymonde right there." | |
| [ussura] Era says, "<poke, nose, explore>" | [interludes2] Charles says (to Toussaint), "I've been ordered to meet directly with whoever's acting as commander of the fleet here." |
| Sebastien says, "Ralphe! When you finish upstairs, you could perhaps re-examine these rooms for traces -- surely the cat must be somewhere nearby" | [interludes2] Toussaint grunts. "Should have gone to the house then and met that fop Raymonde." His fingers tap the hilt of his sword idly. |
| Sebastien meanwhile chats idly with Raymonde, catching up on the latest gossip of the town and back home. | |
| GM says, "Rae finds her way upstairs, where she finds a few bedrooms and lots and lots of handkerchiefs." | |
| GM says, "Era noses her way into the cellar, where it's dark, but smells of earth and food." | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe quickly rifles through handkerchiefs | |
| Era listens for voices. | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe pockets a handful for Seb and Alix's depleted supply | [interludes2] Charles frowns at Toussaint. "I do not think He would like to have this visit listed on the official register of appointments." |
| [interludes] GM says, "You two case the warehouse a bit, and see no activity. A seagull lands on the roof and caws a few times before settling down to roost." | |
| [interludes] Pyotr stares at the seagull. Is it natural, or does it have green eyes? | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe accidentally knocks a vase off one of the tables, in hopes the crash will bring Raymonde upstairs | [interludes2] Toussaint grins sharply. "You have an eye for where power truly resides, I see." |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says, "enh. let's knock down two while I am at it" | |
| (From Rae_as_Ralphe) SMASH! | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha ha" | |
| Raymonde exclaims, "Oh!" | |
| Raymonde rushes upstairs. | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "Raelynn has her priorities straight." | |
| Raymonde exclaims, "Mon theu!" | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says, "i am so sorry sorry sorry" | |
| Sebastien hurries back to examine the papers. | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe cringes, cowers | |
| [ussura] Era says, "hehehehe" | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says, "i thought I saw the cat and she jumped out" | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says, "and i am sorry" | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe cries for effect | |
| [ussura] Era says, "<poke, nose, explore>" | [interludes] GM says, "Heh. Normal brown eyes." |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says, "please sir, don't have me hanged" | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says, "i know what the military does" | |
| Raymonde says, "Oh er uh" | |
| Raymonde says, "Don't cry, m'boy." | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says, "me master pays me wages. i have a couple coins. i can pay them" | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe asks, "would 15 silver coins be enough?" | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "awww" | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe cringes and generally looks pathetic and grungy | |
| [ussura] Rae_as_Ralphe says (to seb), "it's okay, i stole them out of your pocket" | [interludes2] Charles says, "I assume that someone of your obvious position and significance in the organization would be able to arrange a more discreet meeting between him and myself." |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha more" | |
| [ussura] Era says, "hehehe, nice" | |
| Raymonde asks, "Oh, my. Now look, never mind, they were only Ussuran, you see?" | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe sniffles. "Thank ye kind sir" | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe asks, "ussuran?" | |
| Raymonde says, "Here, look, it looks like you haven't eaten in a week. Does that fool of a fop feed you? Let's go to the kitchen and get you something to eat." | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says, "no wonder they broke. the heathens don't know quality craftsmanshi" | |
| Raymonde exclaims, "Even so!" | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says, "golly gee sir. you are so considerate" | |
| [ussura] Era says, "funniest session, ever." | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe asks, "is the new master laveche as considerate and discerning as you?" | [interludes] Vasili says, "I'm inclined to keep waiting until dusk or ruckus is obviously starting." |
| [interludes] GM says, "We can fast-forward your group to dusk if you like." | |
| [interludes] GM says, "Not too far from now." | |
| [ussura] Rae_as_Ralphe says, "mental note: buy flattery" | [interludes] Pyotr says, "yeah, at dusk we'll go see how well locked those barns are" |
| Rae_as_Ralphe gobbles the meat pie from the cook, while talking randomly to keep Raymonde occupied and hopes Era is finding stuff | [interludes2] Toussaint says (to Charles), "Well, let's see. I'm heading out to his ship tonight, and can get orders for you then, if you want." |
| [interludes] Pyotr says, "ladders are quieter than ropes" | |
| [interludes2] Toussaint says, "He's rather particular about who gets on his ship, of course." | |
| [interludes] Vasili says, "It's fairly dark, let's get moving." | |
| [interludes] Pyotr says, "okay" | |
| GM says, "And in the meantime, Sebastien rifles through the papers. Generally they seem to be normal orders from l'Emp to the navy, but one has markings on it like someone was crossing off some of the letters." | |
| Sebastien reads closer. | |
| [ussura] Sebastien asks, "crossing off? like, scratching out words?" | |
| [ussura] Sebastien asks, "or crossing off items on a list?" | |
| [ussura] GM says, "Like crossing off a bunch of individual letters in the words." | [interludes2] Charles says, "We'll want to manage this without involving anyone below command rank, of course." |
| [interludes] Pyotr tries the door on the barn. | |
| [ussura] Rae_as_Ralphe says, "ooh code" | [interludes] Pyotr says, "Ooof, it's a bit stuck..." |
| [interludes] GM says (to Pyotr), "CREEE--" | |
| [interludes] Vasili says, "Looks like a beam placed on the other side of this door. If you can punch a hole below the middle, maybe we can lift it off." | |
| Sebastien says, "odd -- perhaps it's some sort of secret message." | [interludes] Vasili says, "Or just break the support from under it, sure." |
| Sebastien pockets the letter, since there's probably no time to copy it. | [interludes] GM says, "At which point it gets stopped by the beam, right." |
| [interludes] Pyotr tries to force the door. | |
| [7thsea] Pyotr rolls 4k4: 6 4 4 8 | 22 | |
| [ussura] Rae_as_Ralphe says (to seb), "pocket some of the normal looking ones too. they may be in code" | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "plus maybe he'll think a pile got lost rather than just this one" | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says, "here kitty kitty" | |
| [ussura] Rae_as_Ralphe says, "right" | |
| Sebastien pockets a few more for good measure, then goes back to calling for the cat. | [interludes] GM says, "CREEEEK! The door is jerked partway open to where there's a gap through which you can see the beam." |
| [interludes2] Charles says, "While mid-level functionaries and enlisted guards certainly have their place," he grins, "we both know that there are things they are better off not knowing about." | |
| [interludes2] Charles says, "But I am sure you're more than capable of managing that." | |
| [interludes] (from GM) voice says, "Hey, now, what was that?" (in Montaignian) | |
| [interludes] Pyotr says, "Lift....that....before....it...slams...back..." | |
| Sebastien says (to Ralphe), "(loudly) really, we should just get back to the city and have a drink -- I'm sure the cat will show up in due course" | [interludes] Vasili says, "Whoops, somebody's coming to open it for us." |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says, "yessir" | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says, "come on kitty, we are leaving" | [interludes] GM says, "(the voice came from the street; you have a bit of time before he might come into view)" |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says (to Raymonde), "she is gentle. won't scratch. Just keep the door ajar and hopefully she will be out in no time" | [interludes] Vasili says, "oh, the street" |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says, "again, thank ye for your kindness sir" | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe pats her full stomach | |
| GM says, "Era, having thoroughly inspected the cellar, reemerges." | [interludes] Pyotr exclaims, "Quick!" |
| [interludes] Vasili shoves the beam up. | |
| [interludes] GM exclaims, "Brawn!" | |
| [interludes] Pyotr slides the door far enough for them both to slip inside. | |
| [7thsea] Vasili rolls 3k3: 7 6 6 | 19 | [interludes] Pyotr says, "(or will, after Vasili does his part)" |
| Rae_as_Ralphe scoops up the kitty and runs to the foyer to meet up with Sebastien | [interludes] Vasili says, "uff" |
| Era seeks her party departing, and darts out the front with a piteous yowl at being deserted. | |
| Sebastien says (to Raymonde), "I will remain in the city for a few days awaiting new orders -- no doubt a messenger will be able to find me if there is any assistance I can render you" | |
| Sebastien exclaims, "ah, there!" | |
| Era resumes purring after Rae picks her up. For good measure, she licks her chin. | |
| Sebastien doffs his cap and heads out. | |
| Raymonde sneezes again, and calls after Ralphe, "If Sebastien mistreats you and, uh, you get rid of that cat..." | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha" | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says, "thank ye sir. i will remembers that" | |
| [ussura] Charles says, "(Gentle? Won't scratch? This cannot be the cat I thought it was.)" | [interludes] GM says (to Vasili), "Oh, man, *sooo* close! The beam is resting half-out of the supports now." |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says (to Sebastien), "(in a whisper) I can't do this peasant speech" | |
| [ussura] Era says, "awwwwww." | [interludes] Pyotr jiggles the door to try and make it fall. |
| [7thsea] Pyotr rolls 4k4: 10+4 5 6 2 | 27 | [interludes2] Toussaint says (to Charles), "Indeed. You will find your orders here tomorrow morning." |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says (to Seb), "(normal voice now that we are away) anything interesting" | [interludes] GM exclaims, "THUNK!" |
| Rae_as_Ralphe also puts Eracat down | [interludes] Vasili slips inside. |
| [interludes] Pyotr follows Vasili and shuts the door. | |
| [interludes] Pyotr says, "Quick, find that beam." | |
| Sebastien says, "there were a few papers which your timely distraction allowed me to obtain" | |
| Sebastien says, "I suspect one of them may be in code" | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says, "ooh" | |
| Era makes inquisitive cat-noises. | |
| Sebastien passes it over for Rae to take a look at. | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe hands the coins and handkerchiefs in exchange | [interludes] GM says, "And with seconds to spare, you replace the beam and wait in the darkness. You hear someone wandering around outside a bit, sigh, and then wander off again." |
| Era playfully bats at the corner of the page, then tries to eat it. | [interludes2] Charles says, "Excellent. Oh, and what was your name? I'd like to mention it to my superiors when I give my report." |
| [interludes] Pyotr says, "Whew." | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says (to Era), "tsk tsk tsk" | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says, "i don't have the courage to bat your nose, so behave" | [interludes2] Toussaint snorts. "Toussaint will do." |
| Era goes back to harmless purring. | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says, "crossed out letters. hm" | |
| [ussura] Charles nods. "Toussaint. It has been a pleasure. | [interludes] Pyotr asks, "Well, see a ladder?" |
| [interludes] Vasili pushes the door a bit again to let in a bigger crack of torchlight. "I sure hope we got a ladder now." | |
| [interludes2] Charles nods. "Toussaint. It has been a pleasure." | |
| [interludes] Pyotr asks, "Or, maybe a light?" | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says, "it looks like every third and fifth letter are crossed out" | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says, "but some of the words have the first letters crossed out, too" | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says, "curious" | [interludes] Pyotr says, "Oh, good, there it is." |
| Rae_as_Ralphe asks (of Sebastien), "do they teach you cryptography at diplomat school?" | [interludes2] Charles quietly excuses himself and makes an exit somewhat more subtly than his entrance. |
| Sebastien says, "I never could understand those lessons" | |
| Sebastien says, "I did learn a little mathematics, perhaps that would help; or Charles might have had some more formal training" | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says, "i will check the bag o' tricks that Charles got from that spy-guy for a codebook" | [interludes] Vasili says, "Okay, this window back here in the alley looks good." |
| [ussura] Rae_as_Ralphe asks, "are all the papers from the l'emperor?" | |
| [ussura] Rae_as_Ralphe asks, "or are there some from other people?" | [interludes] Pyotr says, "Let's try it. I'll hold, you climb." |
| [interludes] Vasili gets easily to the top, and inspects the window. | |
| [ussura] Charles asks, "Are Seb/Rae/Era at the place we were going to re-meet?" | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "we are at least walking in that direction" | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "so if you want to meet us there now, go for it" | [interludes] GM says, "It's too dark inside the warehouse to see anything inside, but the window does seem to be openable. From the inside, natch." |
| [interludes] Vasili asks, "as in there's a lock-latch, or the only handle is on the inside?" | |
| [ussura] GM says, "The papers Seb grabbed were all l'Emp orders, though he saw a few that seemed to have come from lackeys." | |
| Charles makes his way toward the Crown and Trumpet, but comes across a man, his boy, and his cat along the way. | [interludes] GM says, "The latter." |
| [interludes] Vasili tries wedging a knife underneath the window. | |
| [interludes] GM exclaims, "Roll Finesse!" | |
| [interludes] Vasili says, "drama" | |
| [7thsea] Vasili rolls 4k4: 10+10+3 7 2 6 | 38 | [interludes] GM says, "*snick* It opens easily." |
| [interludes] Vasili says, "see, that would have been just a 34." | |
| [interludes] GM says, "Hee" | |
| Sebastien says, "why, there he is now" | |
| Sebastien takes a quick look around to make sure they're not being observed, then gestures to Charles. | [interludes] Vasili whispers down to Pyotr, "Hide the ladder, or coming in?" |
| Era leaps out of Rae's arms, and dashes off to find a little privacy. | [interludes] Pyotr waves Vasili inside. |
| [interludes] Pyotr waits for Vasili to be in, then climbs up the ladder, and starts trying to pull it in after him. | |
| Charles does a double take. He says quietly, "Ah! In the fading light, I hardly recognize the three of you." | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe quickly hands the papers back to Sebastien | |
| GM says, "The three of you hear some birds twittering. Era hears, "Cat? My lady cat?"" | |
| Sebastien says, "see, you're not the only one up on this spy business" | |
| Era ears perk up, and she looks around for the source of the voice. | |
| Sebastien says, "but in fact we came across some .. papers that we thought you might be able to take a look at" | |
| GM says (to Era), "A young Ussuran woman has emerged from the house on the hill, and is hesitantly calling into the woods." | |
| Charles says, "I would be happy to." | |
| Era trots over closer, but not too close, and sticks her nose out from under the bushes. | |
| Sebastien slips them over to Charles. "The markings seem a trifle unusual, you'll note, but I am afraid we could make neither head nor tails of them." | [interludes] GM says, "There's no ledge on the inside, and it's a ways down to the floor, but you can probably drop down. Assuming you don't hit anything down there." |
| [interludes] Vasili drops into the room. | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "(there actually is a cryptography knack, so I figured you might be interested in spending points on it -- otherwise I could have a go with mathematics or something)" | |
| Charles looks them over. "Hmm. I'm reminded of that letter... in Carleon, I think it was." | |
| Pansemna asks (of Era), "My lady cat? I thought it was someone like you. Can I... help?" | [interludes] Pyotr tries to pull the ladder in and use it to climb down. |
| [interludes] GM says, "OK, Brawn to pull it up, TN 20. Finesse, TN 20 to not fall inside while doing so." | |
| [7thsea] Pyotr rolls 4k4: 4 4 4 9 | 21 | |
| [7thsea] Pyotr rolls 3k3: 3 6 8 | 17 | |
| Charles says, "It was written in a code used by the Church." | [interludes] Pyotr pulls the ladder up, and then tries to move it....*THUNK* |
| [interludes] Pyotr says, "Ow." | |
| [interludes] GM says, "You and the ladder fall inside, unless you want to spend a drama die ;-)" | |
| Era says (to Pansemna), "I was simply looking for a quiet place to shift back. Thank you for your kindness." | [interludes] Vasili sighs. |
| [interludes] Vasili gets out and lights a short candle. | |
| [interludes] GM says, "THUNK CRASH THUD" | |
| [7thsea] GM rolls 2k2: 5 10+2 | 17 | [interludes] GM exclaims, "Pyotr takes 17 flesh wounds!" |
| [interludes] Vasili says, "owie" | |
| [ussura] Era says, "interludes" | |
| [ussura] Era says, "oops" | |
| [ussura] Charles asks, "I think I'd like to try Mathematics. Can I get any bonus for having dealt with encrypted data before?" | [interludes] GM says, "(and should roll a brawn check)" |
| [7thsea] Pyotr rolls 4k4: 6 7 4 4 | 21 | |
| [ussura] Rae_as_Ralphe says, "i already have spy, so i guess i can buy one, unless charles is going to give it a shot" | |
| [ussura] Era says, "I'll take Mathematics for 200, Alex." | |
| [ussura] GM says, "OK, let's see. The letter is half-decrypted anyway, so TN 15 with Cryptography; TN 20 with Mathematics (and general familiarity with codes)" | [interludes] GM says (to Pyotr), "You manage to shake it off, but *ow*" |
| Charles pulls out his pencil and starts making some notes in the margin. | |
| [7thsea] Charles rolls 4d3 dice: 9 8 7 8 | |
| [ussura] Vasili says, "those are some strange d3s" | |
| [7thsea] Charles says, "Whoops. I wonder how many sides those had." | [interludes] GM asks, "4d3?" |
| [7thsea] Charles rolls 4k3: 9 1 2 7 | 18 | |
| [7thsea] Charles says, "(Darn. Too bad I couldn't have used the first set.)" | |
| [ussura] Rae_as_Ralphe asks, "can i roll a drama die as an assist?" | |
| [ussura] Rae_as_Ralphe says, "i also have mathematics. so does sebastien." | [interludes] GM says, "In the meantime, you take a look around. It's very dark in here and hard to see anything, but it seems to be mostly empty. By scuffing around, you do manage to find some short ropes." |
| GM says, "Charles gets partway through decrypting it, and then gets stymied." | |
| Charles mutters, "...so if R stands for E here and S there, that's a rolling cipher based around a linear equation, and you just need to know the value of the coefficient..." | [interludes] Vasili asks, "The sort of length that would have been good for tying hands behind backs?" |
| [interludes] Pyotr starts exploring. | |
| [interludes] GM says, "But it's closer--someone else with mathematics could now try, also with a TN 20." | |
| [ussura] GM says, "But it's closer--someone else with mathematics could now try, also with a TN 20." | |
| [ussura] GM says, "(channel)" | [interludes] GM exclaims (at Vasili), "Indeed!" |
| [7thsea] Sebastien rolls 5k4: 4 8 5 4 10+7 | 34 | |
| [ussura] Rae_as_Ralphe says (to seb), "woo" | |
| [ussura] GM exclaims, "Wa-hey!" | |
| Sebastien looks at the paper. "If I understand what you're saying, since there's a 9 in this column and a 9 in this other column, doesn't there have to be a 9 here too?" | |
| Charles wrinkles his forehead. | [interludes] Vasili wanders around in case somebody's in here elsewhere. |
| Charles says, "Oh! Right, I see what you mean." | |
| Era suddenly realizes she saw Pansemna in the kitchens, giving orders to the cooks. | [interludes] Pyotr says, "Pretty empty for a prison." |
| [ussura] GM says, "(OK, a bit of a pause while I type something up for you to read ;-)" | |
| Charles says, "So with that pattern, this must be G, then L, then E, and -- thanks, that works out perfectly." | |
| Charles fills in the rest of it quickly. | |
| Era says (to Pansemna), "Ma'am, I saw you in the kitchens here." | [interludes] Vasili says, "They must have been moved." |
| [interludes] Vasili says, "I hope." | |
| Era says (to Pansemna), "I'm looking for some men, and saw no sign of them just now while I was in the house." | |
| Era remains suitably vague, as she's not entirely sure Pansemna is trustworthy yet. Pyrenium doesn't make one a saint, as Era well knows. | [interludes] Vasili unlocks the front doors. "Maybe the others learned more." |
| [interludes] Pyotr says, "yeah." | |
| [interludes] Pyotr looks to see if there are any useful tracks around the front doors. | |
| [7thsea] Pyotr rolls 4k2: 2 4 10+10+9 4 | 33 | [interludes] Pyotr says, "(tracking+wits)" |
| [ussura] GM says, "http://strackenz.spod-central.org/~lpsmith/rpg/transcripts/ussura/season2/LaVache.htm" | |
| [ussura] GM says, "OK, let's see." | |
| [ussura] Era says, "what a bastard." | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe listens to Charles and Sebastien muddle through the decoded message | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says, "yipe" | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "whoah" | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "well, that is exciting" | |
| [ussura] Vasili says, "that's a long and wordy encoded message" | |
| Sebastien polishes his monocle thoughtfully as he reads the message. "I am afraid things are more serious than I expected." | |
| [ussura] Era says, "on our next session, I'd like to tour the house and grounds with the helpful lady." | |
| [ussura] Era says, "afk - bathing Ellric." | |
| [interludes] GM says (to Pyotr), "You track what looks like about 20 men being marched down to the beach, where the tide has not yet washed away the marks of longboats." | |
| [interludes] Pyotr says, "Hoo boy." | |
| [interludes] Pyotr asks, "I can't swim. Can you?" | |
| [interludes] GM says, "You also see something inside the warehouse now that there's light, but give me a minute to finalize what it is." | |
| [interludes] Vasili says, "A bit. But I think it's time to find out a few things first." | |
| Charles says, "Were these any other circumstances, I would think that sounded like the ravings of a madman." | |
| Pansemna bows to Era. "I am at your disposal. Anything to get these accursed Montaigne out of my city!" | |
| Charles says, "In this case, though, I suspect much of it may be true." | |
| Sebastien says, "I am afraid so" | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe struggles with a sense of loyalty to the l'emperor and the urge to say unflattering things about the men | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says, "er man" | |
| Sebastien says, "I am not sure what LaVache's next move will likely be -- it is conceivable, I suppose, that he will just take the fleet back to Montaigne, stranding Montegue here" | |
| Sebastien asks, "can you say from your knowledge of the man if he is more likely to flee, or to attempt to strike at Montegue first?" | |
| Charles says, "He has no qualms about killing for convenience." | [interludes] GM asks (of Vasili), "Oh, hey! There, under a rock, you see the corner of what looks like a note. Pulling it out, it says... er, something in Montaignian. Do either of you read that?" |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says, "the emperor will probably want his army back" | [interludes] Pyotr says, "not I" |
| Sebastien frowns. "Well, I suppose he would receive a better reception from l'Empereur if he returned with Montegue's head." | [interludes] GM says, "You do recognize the name "Montegue:" on the top." |
| Charles says (to Rae), "And if LaVache could claim he reclaimed it from a traitor, then all the finer his reputation would be." | |
| Rae_as_Ralphe says, "right" | |
| Vasili and Pyotr arrive at the tavern. "Our friends weren't there. But somebody left this, which looks interesting." | |
| Sebastien asks, "oh?" | |
| [ussura] GM says, "(it should also be noted that Montegue's wife is one of l'Empereur's daughters)" | |
| Vasili asks, "Does that say Montegue there?" | |
| [ussura] Rae_as_Ralphe says, "ai yi yi" | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "man, he is a harsh dude" | |
| Sebastien says, "it does indeed" | [interludes] Pyotr says, "We should take this and meet up with the rest." |
| [interludes] Pyotr says, "(oh, late, sorry)" | |
| Sebastien reads off the rest of the note, and then tells about the decoded letter. | |
| GM says, "The note reads, "Montegue: I pray you get this note--do not enter the boats! They are rigged to explode!"" | |
| GM exclaims, "And with that, we'll call it an evening!" | |
| [ussura] Era says, "wowsa" | |
| [ussura] Charles says, "Nice." | |
| [ussura] Charles says, "That would certainly seem to confirm our conclusions." | |
| [ussura] Rae_as_Ralphe says, "i guess la veche doesn't care how much of the army gets back" | |
| [ussura] Era says, "helpful strangers, exploding boats, useful antelope, successful skulking, and lots of humor. that was a *packed* session. :-)" | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha awesome" | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "that is a hell of a cliffhanger" | |
| Era has disconnected. | |
| Era has connected. | |
| [ussura] Era exclaims, "sweet, y'all. see you next time!" | |
| [ussura] GM says, "Does the 27th at 4:00 work for you all? That's a couple Sundays from now." | |
| [ussura] Rae_as_Ralphe says (to seb), "and we take a hiatus for yet another month, and we will forget everything that happened!" | |
| [ussura] Rae_as_Ralphe asks (of gm), "like next sunday?" | |
| [ussura] GM says, "nooooooo" | |
| [ussura] GM says, "Right. Not tomorrow." | |
| [ussura] GM says, "The sunday before Memorial day." | |
| [ussura] Sebastien says, "that is ok for me" | |
| [ussura] Rae_as_Ralphe says, "pyotr would be fine." | |
| [ussura] Charles asks, "4:00 which time zone?" | |
| [ussura] Rae_as_Ralphe says, "if we get grandma-sitting, i will be there" | |
| [ussura] GM says, "Sweet." | |
| [ussura] GM says, "Oh, right--Pacific." | |
| [ussura] Raelynn asks, "4pm PST? so that's 7EST?" | |
| [ussura] GM says, "(so that Zameen is in bed for the session)" | |
| [ussura] Raelynn says, "oh, we are set" | |
| [ussura] Vasili says, "yeah, that's fine" | |
| [ussura] Raelynn says (to charles), "good question" | |
| [ussura] Charles says, "I could do that the day before Memorial Day, yeah." | |
| [ussura] GM exclaims, "Sweet. See you all then!" | |
| [ussura] inky says, "awright" | |
| Eolo has disconnected. | |
| [ussura] Era says, "cool" | |
| Era has disconnected. |