[ussura] PerrySimm exclaims, "Log on!"
[ussura] GM says, "To make sure this gets in the transcript: the gem on the ring you took from the woman's hand looks like: http://strackenz.spod-central.org/~lpsmith/rpg/transcripts/ussura/gem.png"
[ussura] Charles asks, "Was Duchess or katre planning to be here?"
[ussura] GM says, "Also, someone mentioned if it sounded like two people talking through the Porte hole and I forgot to answer: the answer is that you only heard one voice, but it sounded vaguely male."
[ussura] GM says, "Katre was probably going to show up, I think."
[ussura] GM says, "And Duchess was not."
[ussura] Vasili asks, "Do the Sophia's Daughters girls recognize anything about the ring?"
[ussura] GM exclaims, "They do not!"
[ussura] GM says, "(Or at least, nothing SD-like)"
[ussura] Vasili says, "didn't think so, but it seemed worth checking"
[ussura] GM says, "Yeah, good call."
[ussura] GM asks, "Any other questions?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I don't think so"
Sebastien asks, "so, do we wait here until the army arrives? or head to St Tremult?"
[ussura] GM says, "Or need recap? The basic idea is that you managed to save 2/3 the remaining fleet, though with some singing. Singeing? Light carbon scars."
Sebastien looks down sadly at his scorched and ripped outfit.
Sebastien says, "I wonder if Raymonde left any clothes in his house in his haste to depart"
[ussura] Vasili says, "I'm sure Pyotr was singing while being singed."
Pansemne says (to Sebasiten), "Sir? Would you like a fresh shirt? One of the soldiers left this behind."
[ussura] Charles asks (of GM), "The voice sounded male, but the hand looked female, right?"
Sebastien exclaims, "oh thank goodness!"
[ussura] GM says, "Right."
Sebastien regards it carefully.
Charles says, "We should probably start moving."
[ussura] GM says, "(It's a nice shirt, if a bit plain)"
Charles says, "I'm not sure how long it will take us to get there."
Sebastien exclaims, "let me see, if I just cut a slit here, and -- I know I had some ribbons around here somewhere -- sew this on -- there we are!"
Sebastien says, "if you'll excuse me, gentlemen"
Charles says, "And I think we've apprised Montegue of most of the important information."
Sebastien finds some water to wash up in and changes his clothes as best he can.
Vasili says, "Sounds like the captains are set up well here."
Captain exclaims (at Charles), "I can't thank you enough for all that you've done. Saved me my job!"
Pansemne exclaims (at Sebastien), "You're welcome to use the mansion, if you like!"
Vasili says, "And the next time <name> visits, we can tell him we headed on already."
[ussura] GM asks, "Gaspard?"
[ussura] Vasili says, "yes, thanks"
Charles says (to Captain), "No need for thanks -- this sort of thing is getting to be a bit of a habit for us."
Pansemne asks, "Oh, you're leaving already?"
Pansemne sighs.
Sebastien says (to Pansemne), "I am afraid duty calls us onwards"
Captain grins. "Well, I hope you're around the next time there's trouble!"
Charles asks (of Captain), "WHat do you plan to do from here?"
Captain says, "Montegue is on his way, you say? I figure I'll wait here and follow him."
Captain says, "Not sure if the entire army will fit on the ships, but many will."
Pansemne asks (of Sebastien), "Will you be back some day?"
Charles nods. "He seems to be a sensible fellow."
Captain nods. "Thought my loyalty was going to get the best of me for a bit there, but I'm glad I stuck by him in the end."
Sebastien says (to Pansemne), "naturally I hope to return to such charming company"
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "Pansemne is ussuran, right?"
Pansemne beams.
Charles asks, "Aye. How was it, if I might ask, that you realized you're place should be by his side rather than LaVache and l'Empereur?"
[ussura] GM says, "Yeah."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "so she's presumably not going back with the army"
[ussura] GM says, "Yeah, she's local."
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "(Which I don't *have* to spell right, because I am free to have as bad a Montaigne accent as I wish.)"
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
Sebastien says, "but for now our path leads us south to Somojez"
Captain says, "I've been in the navy some time, sir. LaVache is great captain, but not a great man. Montegue is a great general *and* a great man."
Charles nods thoughtfully.
[ussura] Vasili asks, "I forget, do we have horses at this point?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I was just wondering that -- I think we rode to the city"
Pansemne says (to Sebastien), "Somojez! Oh, my. Have a safe journey, then."
[ussura] Charles says, "If not, I'm sure there are plenty in town."
Pansemne says, "And..."
Pansemne stands up on her tip-toes and kisses Sebastien on the cheek.
Pansemne says, "For luck."
[ussura] Charles says, "And plenty of people who'd be happy to do us a favor."
Sebastien says, "oh! goodness"
Sebastien is hastily forced to busy himself saddling his horse.
Pansemne waves, flees back into the mansion.
[ussura] GM says, "Yeah, you have your horses."
Charles says, "Well. I have a rendezvous to make."
[Crows-Nest] Vasili says, "and so the 'Secret: Not Gay' background is revealed"
Sebastien says, "right then"
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
GM says, "And with that, <gallop gallop gallop>"
[Crows-Nest] GM exclaims, "Ha!"
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "Yay"
GM says, "You get about an hour out of town before you realize you're all falling off your horses with exhaustion (not having slept for about 30 hours) so you break off and take a quick nap before pressing on."
[ussura] Vasili says, "ha, today's session didn't start after our naps? whatever"
Sebastien says, "it's been a busy few days"
Charles mutters. "Someday we must take the Ride skill so we can sleep in the saddle..."
GM says, "By the late evening, you make it to St. Tremult."
Charles shakes his head. "Sorry. I seem to be speaking gibberish. Must sleep."
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "cross-class skills are the secret to a happy and successful life"
Vasili says, "don't have nuff ranks .. huh? yeah, sleep"
Sebastien asks (of Charles), "well, I think this part is your show -- do you want us to come into the city with you?"
Charles says (to Sebastien), "Hmm. A spare wit might not be amiss, especially if I'm called upon to recognize certain aspects of Montaigne culture to justify my cover."
Sebastien says, "right then"
Sebastien says, "and surely Vasili won't be too conspicuous"
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "And to prevent the GM from having to make up *another* spare plot thread to entertain everyone else."
[ussura] GM says, "We'll say that Pyotr is with you all, but that the others stayed to meet up with Montegue, and figure out the best way to make it into the thrice-tenth kingdom."
Charles says, "My native manservant, Vasili."
Vasili says, "What, again? Yessir."
Charles says, "And of course Pyotr, who carries our horses."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha ha"
[ussura] GM says, "P can hang out outside the city unless he's needed, aka if he arrives."
[ussura] GM says (to Charles), "Hee"
[ussura] Charles asks, "I forget, were we officially supposed to meet them now or tomorrow or the next day?"
[ussura] Vasili says, "(hm, maybe I should take the Servant Skill.)"
[ussura] GM says, "I believe tomorrow."
Charles says, "The first course, I think, will be to figure out what 'the usual place' is."
[ussura] Vasili says, "after taking care of Montegue, the way the letter sounded"
[ussura] GM says, "http://www.henchmonkey.org/forum/discussion/11/"
Charles says, "Presumably, it's someplace I should be expected to guess, as a loyal agent of the Emperor."
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "is St Tremult controlled by Montaigne also?"
Charles asks (of Sebastien), "If you were a Montaigne in an Ussuran city, who was planning to meet up with other Montaignes you had never met -- a difficult stretch of the imagination, I am sure -- where would you expect them to be waiting for you?"
[ussura] GM says, "No--you find out by asking around that there was a garrison here, but that it was picked up by the fleet the other day."
Sebastien muses.
Sebastien asks, "a salon, perhaps? someplace for wine and light conversation?"
[Crows-Nest] (from GM) Sebasiten says, "The Eiffel Tower at noon."
Sebastien says, "I suppose that might be hard to find in a ussuran city"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "This is a larger city than Kem, but still fairly agricultural."
[ussura] GM says, "This is a larger city than Kem, but still fairly agricultural."
Charles says, "Like finding a needle in a sandbox."
Sebastien says, "a needle? perhaps a tailor shop might be a good idea"
Vasili says, "Or if it's a secret location, we may need to listen for gossip about remaining Montaignians."
Charles says, "Ah, good thought."
Sebastien says, "it is only habit to drop in and look for the latest fashions, even if they are ussuran"
Charles says, "Let us begin there."
[ussura] GM says, "But it does see some trade through its port, primarily from Vendel."
[ussura] GM asks (of Charles), "You're dressed again in your agent guise? Or something else?"
[ussura] Charles asks, "Sure. What's my agent guise?"
[ussura] GM says (to Vasili), "If you wanted to do your street rat thing, we could steal a channel for it."
[ussura] GM says, "Uh, what you were wearing when you met Touissant (and what you changed out of to dress as a Ussuran revolutionary)"
[ussura] GM asks, "I suppose my main question is: are you dressed as a Montaignian, or an Avalonian, or a Ussuran?"
[ussura] Vasili says, "I'll tag along to the tailor's, which could be more interesting than Socializing at the tavern."
Charles asks (of Passerby), "Pardon me, my friend here has just recently lost one of his favorite shirts. Do you know where a Montaigne would go in this city to find something he'd feel at home in?"
[ussura] Charles says, "I am dressed non-descriptly, I think. As generically as is reasonable."
dude says (to Charles), "Oh, sure, there's a tailor just down the street."
Tailor says, "Ah, come in, come in."
Sebastien makes a beeline for a display of some imported ruffles.
Tailor asks, "And what can I do for you two [/three] gentlemen today?"
[ussura] Charles says, "(Which is how I think I would usually dress, since I've been travelling all around Theah the last couple years. My wardrobe is probably made up of generic commoner/sailor/worker garb from a variety of countries.)"
[ussura] GM says, "Heh, good enough."
Tailor says, "Aha! I see you found the ruffles."
Sebastien says, "absolutely! I must congratulate you on your discerning tastes in stocking these"
Charles says, "I have found, as I am sure you can confirm, that a visitor from Montaigne never has difficulty spotting the finest ruffles."
Tailor says, "Yes! We've done some brisk business in them this last month."
Tailor says, "Almost enough to make up for them comandeering my stock when they first arrived."
Charles asks, "Marching through like an army of hungry moths, I imagine. Are there still many of them around?"
Tailor glances at the three of you, then asks, "Might I interest you in some of our Crimson stock?"
Tailor says (to Charles), "I do believe the last of the garrison left with the fleet a day ago."
Vasili says, "No flashy colors for me, thanks."
Tailor says, "Indeed, indeed."
Sebastien says, "that sounds like exactly what I'm looking for"
Tailor asks (of Sebastien), "Is there anything... in particular you're after?"
Sebastien glances at Charles.
Sebastien asks, "something to match this, perhaps?"
Sebastien pulls out the ring.
Tailor blinks.
Tailor says, "Oh, my. Um, yes. Let me go back and see what I can find."
[ussura] Charles says, "It just occurred to me that I've been assuming the name 'Vienne' was female."
[ussura] Charles asks, "Is it?"
Tailor glances at the other customers in the shop, then disappears into the back.
[ussura] (from GM) Sebastien says, "It is a female name, yes."
Sebastien says (to Vasili), "(quietly) perhaps you might want to make sure of his destination .."
[ussura] GM asks (of V), "Do you want to follow?"
Vasili takes a half a step and a peek into the back.
[ussura] GM says (to V), "Roll Stealth! Or some sneaky equivalent."
Charles amuses himself by trying on a poofy hat while they're waiting.
[ussura] GM says, "With, hmm, wits."
[7thsea] Vasili rolls 8k4: 6 6 3 5 6 5 1 8 | 26
GM says, "Vasili manages to slip into the back behind the tailor without being noticed, and ducks behind a rack of pantaloons."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"
Charles says, "I don't think it's me."
Tailor says (to someone), "...'t know the counter-sign, but did have a nom ring."
someone says, "<muffled>"
Sebastien says, "oh, I dunno, it just takes practice to carry it off"
Sebastien says, "perhaps raise the chin a trifle, and dip the brim lower over one eye"
Tailor says, "There seem to be three of them, one Montaignian."
someone says, "<muffled>"
Tailor says, "<muffled> as I can, ma'am."
Vasili tries to peek at where the Tailor is standing.
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hunh, interesting"
Tailor bustles around, and Vasili can see him gathering some red clothes, then turning around to head back to the main room.
Sebastien moves on to picking out a new cloak for himself.
Charles quickly returns it to the dummy's head.
Vasili gets out once the Tailor switches from talking to grabbing clothes.
Tailor returns, bearing red.
Vasili nods to the others. "Somebody's back there. Let's see what he says."
Tailor exclaims (at Sebastien), "Ah, I see you've found the cloaks!"
Sebastien says, "exactly! I'm afraid my previous cloak was lost in an unfortunate accident"
Sebastien says, "leaving me thoroughly uncloaked"
Tailor laughs.
Vasili chortles.
Tailor says, "Here, I believe you may find some of these shirts to be suitable matches to the green in that ring."
Charles asks, "Red and green?"
Tailor exclaims, "Like Festal Day!"
Sebastien eyes the shirts thoughtfully. "I'm afraid this isn't exactly what I had in mind."
Charles says, "I didn't realize that was celebrated here."
Tailor holds up a shirt, and you have to admit that it would indeed look fine with the green in the ring.
Charles says (to Sebastien), "Perhaps if he let us in the back with him, you could see if there was something more suiting."
Tailor asks, "Well, if our Crimson line isn't to your liking, perhaps another color?"
Sebastien says, "I think just this cloak, and a few of these ruffles."
Tailor says (smoothly) "Oh, we have examples of all of our stock here in the main room; I'm afraid the back is somewhat of a mess. But if you see something here you like, I can find other colors or sizes in the back."
Vasili says, "You should look at some Navy."
[ussura] Sebastien says (to Vasili), "ha ha"
[ussura] Charles says, "Nice."
Tailor shoots Vasili a glance. "Blue! Indeed, it would go with his eyes!"
Tailor says (to Sebastien), "This one, sir? I do have a matching vest I could find for you as well. Here, let me see..."
Tailor rummages around on another rack.
Vasili stage-whispers, "Guess that wasn't it. We could force our way back, but if she can Walk through walls... Or I dunno, wait and watch."
Sebastien murmurs "possibly we should leave, and see who follows."
Tailor says, "a-HA! Here we go.""
Tailor spins around with a vest.
Tailor holds it up against Sebastien.
Tailor says, "Oh, hmm, wrong size. Let me see..."
Tailor rummages around again.
Charles mutters, under his breath, "...don't see why we need to keep it *that* secret... aren't we here to help *them*?..."
[ussura] GM asks, "So he can purposely hear you?"
[ussura] Charles says, "Yeah."
Tailor blinks, turns to Charles, "Uh... pardon?"
Charles coughs. "I'm sorry? I was just clearing my throat."
Charles gives the tailor a beady little look.
Tailor exclaims, "Oh! Er. OK, then!"
Tailor is clearly somewhat flustered.
Tailor says, "Aha! Here we go."
Tailor pulls out a vest.
Tailor says, "There you go, the right size and everything."
[ussura] Charles says, "I mean, if my cover is 'I am a spy here to pick up Vienne and Nicolette', then that cover is useless if I successfully conceal that I am a spy from Vienne and Nicolette."
Sebastien nods thoughtfully.
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"
Tailor says, "So, you'll take it? Good, good."
Sebastien says, "absolutely"
Sebastien hands the tailor some coins for his purchases.
[ussura] Charles says, "And either A) the people in the back room are on LaVache's side (and might *be* V&M), so I *want* them to know, B) they're against LaVache, so they're effectively on our side *anyway*, or C) they're completely unrelated, so it doesn't really matter."
Tailor says, "And the ruffles, you say? Let me see. Ah, excellent choices! That one in particular goes well with a variety of ribbons! Let me just find them."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "well, in that case it seems like you should get a little more blatant"
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "do you want to give him a message to pass on or something?"
[ussura] Charles says, "Good idea."
Vasili says, "(quietly) I don't suppose Crimson and some other color are important to Montaigne or some group? Though it's probably too late for that now."
[ussura] Vasili says, "or make a point of mentioning we'll be in a nearby inn, even though a tailor shouldn't really care about that."
Charles asks (of Sebastien), "Do you think we should pick up a present for Nicolette?"
Charles picks up a rather ugly scarf. "We could give it to her when we meet at <fancy restaurant we passed> for lunch tomorrow."
Sebastien says, "I'm sure she'll be pleased to see us regardless, but it couldn't hurt"
[ussura] Charles says (to Vasili), "TIming."
Sebastien says, "an excellent idea"
Charles pays for the ugly scarf.
Tailor very clearly did a double-take when he heard you mention Nicolette, and then tried to conceal the fact.
Vasili asks, "What, nothing for Vienne?"
Vasili says, "Oh, I forgot, you already got something."
Tailor says (to Charles), "Yes... right... uh. That will go nicely, I'm sure."
Tailor takes a deep breath.
Tailor asks, "So! What else can I interest you in?"
Tailor says, "Oh, right! Ribbon."
Charles shrugs. "Why not."
Tailor makes a great show of rummaging through the drawers behind the counter.
Vasili says, "..."
Tailor exclaims, "Ah, here we are!"
Tailor pulls out a handful of ribbons in various widths, styles, and colors.
[ussura] Charles asks, "Did we *ask* for ribbon at some point?"
Tailor says (to Sebastien), "You simply must examine these to see which you like."
[ussura] Charles says, "Oh dear."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "he suggested them"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "to go with the ruffles."
Sebastien says, "how kind, I'd be delighted"
Sebastien takes the handful and begins to sort through them casually.
[ussura] Charles asks, "Anyone have Cold Read?"
[ussura] Sebastien exclaims, "I thought you did!"
[ussura] Vasili says, "this is the contemporaneous equivalent of 'Are you sure you don't want to ask me about a certain color?'"
[ussura] GM says, "We decided last time that Cold Read could be substituted for something in the Spy skill list."
[ussura] Charles asks, "Do you remember what?"
[ussura] GM asks, "Um. Treachery?"
[ussura] GM searches.
[ussura] Charles says, "Hmm. It's sort of Sincerity in reverse."
[ussura] GM says, "Aha, Sincerity."
[ussura] GM exclaims, "Timing!"
[ussura] Charles asks, "OK. What Trait?"
[ussura] GM says, "Wits."
Charles watches the tailor's eyes as Sebastien fingers the each color in turn, waiting for the telltale flicker.
[7thsea] Charles rolls 4k3: 8 2 3 8 | 19
GM rolls an uncertain number of dice.
[ussura] Charles says, "Given that the tailor's already nervous, and probably *wanting* us to get it right, I'm hoping that won't need a DD."
[ussura] GM says, "It turns out that he is not at all trying to notice Sebastien choosing a particular color. He's trying to delay you all as much as he can."
[ussura] Charles says, "Huh."
Sebastien keeps sorting, then turns to Charles. "I really can't decide between these three -- what do you think?"
Vasili says, "Couldn't you narrow it down sir? This is a little embarrasing, but ... we're all three colorblind."
[ussura] Charles says, "Uh, I think I was about to try to sneak into the back room while his attention was focussed on Sebastien."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ok, in that case"
[ussura] Charles says, "But, enh. I don't know what I'd do back there anyway."
[ussura] Charles says, "So nevermind."
Tailor says (to Vasili), "Oh? Uh. Really! I certainly wouldn't have been able to tell from your choices of clothes."
Sebastien says, "oh, he's such a kidder"
Sebastien says, "he's just a bit impatient with my sartorial arrangements, I'm afraid"
Vasili says, "Well, normally we just ask other friend, you know."
Sebastien says, "so perhaps we should be moving along"
Sebastien hands the ribbons back.
Sebastien asks, "gentlemen?"
Vasili says, "That's right, I don't wanna hear about your sartorials."
Tailor exclaims, "Oh, gracious. No, I insist, you must choose a ribbon. It's on the house!"
Tailor says, "I couldn't bear to see such a fine ruffle leave this shop unadorned."
Sebastien says, "ah, very well"
[ussura] Vasili says, "I like how Charles hasn't pointed out to the two of us we're wasting our time."
Sebastien selects a canary yellow ribbon. "There we are!"
[ussura] Charles says, "Charles is over there rubbing his chin, pondering thoughtfully."
Tailor asks, "Ah, perfect. Anything else I can interest you in? A hat, perhaps?"
Charles is over there rubbing his chin, pondering thoughtfully.
[ussura] Charles says, "(In fact.)"
Charles asks, "Also on the house?"
Tailor blinks. "I, uh, think you'll find my prices are very reasonable."
Tailor stuffs the ribbon back into the drawer.
[ussura] Tailor says, "(the other ribbons, that is.)"
[ussura] Charles says, "I will be amused if it turns out that he is actually working *against* LaVache, who is trying to keep us here until backup arrives to capture us evil spies."
Sebastien tucks the ribbon into his pocket and starts moving towards the door.
[ussura] Vasili says, "I'm so confused"
Charles asks, "I forget; do we have any pressing appointments this evening?"
Charles asks, "Or do you think it would be in our best interests to spend our time here selecting ribbons and hats?"
Tailor exclaims (at Vasili), "(a little desperately) And you, sir! You have not chosen anything yet!"
Sebastien says, "personally, I intend to find some dinner"
Sebastien says, "one must keep one's strength up after a long session trying on vests"
[ussura] Charles says, "OOC, I'm curious what he's trying to stall us for."
Vasili says, "Uh, I'm just here with the boss, sir."
[ussura] Charles says, "And it seems that the best way to find out might be to wait until it happens."
Tailor says, "Oh! If it's Montaignian food you're after, I know of a place--the Boar's Head Tavern two blocks over. It's a little... dank, but they serve excellent food."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hmm, I was thinking it would be better to force his hand by leaving"
[ussura] Charles asks (of Sebastien), "Hmm. You think it'd work?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ah, this seems like a good compromise"
Sebastien says, "really? that sounds like just the sort of thing I'm looking for"
[ussura] Vasili says, "I can see trying to stall us from charging into the back, but panicking when we're about to go away is a bit odd."
Sebastien says, "Montaignian food and a charming local atmosphere"
Charles says, "Indeed, that sounds very nice."
Charles says, "If you discover any more... hats... that we absolutely *must* see, then you can find us there."
Tailor says, "Right! Excellent."
Charles departs in that direction.
Tailor sees you all to the door, and thanks you once more as you leave.
Vasili checks for anybody following them.
[7thsea] Vasili rolls 7k4: 2 8 6 3 8 6 7 | 29
Sebastien catches up on things with Vasili and Charles as they leave.
[ussura] Vasili says, "(Shadowing + Wits)"
Sebastien says, "that was very peculiar"
GM rolls an uncertain number of dice.
Sebastien says, "I hope showing the ring was the right thing to do"
Vasili says, "I don't think we have much to lose."
Vasili says, "Not sure exactly what we have to gain, either, but that's why we're messing with them."
Charles says, "Worst case, we have to leave the ladies behind and move on."
Sebastien says, "you're probably right -- if we can encourage them to leave cover, it will no doubt be better for us"
GM says (to Vasili), "Yup, there he is. On the roof across the street, keeping an eye on you."
[ussura] Charles asks, "The tailor's on the roof?"
[ussura] GM says, "(afk a sec)"
[ussura] GM says, "No, some other guy."
[ussura] Charles says (to Vsaili), "You should really freak him out by waving to him."
[ussura] Charles says, "Oh, OK."
Vasili says, "pfft. Watching from the roof, that won't draw attention."
Charles says, "I almost wonder if he's *not* with them."
[ussura] Vasili says, "I so would, if it were the tailor."
Charles says, "He may be with the local resistance."
Vasili asks, "Hiding a woman in the back of his shop why?"
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "Oh no. We might have just walked into an episode of 'Allo, Allo'."
Sebastien says, "well, he seemed to recognize the ring and their names"
Sebastien says, "so either he's with them, or with some organization who's spying on them fairly closely"
Charles says (to Vasili), "There are many, many reasons for hiding a woman in the back of a shop."
Vasili says, "and if you knew the answer to Crimson, you would have been in."
Vasili says (to Charles), "well, okay"
[ussura] GM says, "(back)"
[ussura] GM asks, "You're heading to the tavern in question?"
[ussura] Vasili says, "I guess we pretend not to see the watcher and head to the tavern."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "unless you want to grab the guy and interrogate him"
[ussura] Charles says, "Yeah, I don't see a good reason why not."
[ussura] Charles says, "I assume that they must plan to do something."
[ussura] Charles says, "If we're lucky, a brawl will break out."
[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee"
[ussura] Charles exclaims, "And then we can have a Montaigne food fight -- white sauce everywhere!"
[ussura] Vasili asks, "you mean there are taverns where that doesn't happen?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
GM says, "You make your way to the Boar's Head, which is a total dive--dirty, dark, unsavory-looking people all over the place."
Sebastien clucks his tongue. "I said I wanted local color, but this is almost black."
Charles says, "Huh. This is not quite what I expected."
Sebastien orders some kind of unindentified meat on bread.
Charles was going to order something with fish in it, but this now seems like a bad idea.
Waitress takes one look at you and says, "Come on. Back's the best place for people like you."
Waitress turns and walks back through the tables.
Charles says, "Can't argue with that kind of authority."
Charles follows.
Sebastien does too, hoping for something marginally better.
Charles feels compelled by the local atmosphere to leer at her retreat.
[ussura] GM says, "Ack, wasp; just a sec."
Vasili says, "I hope they have food in the back too."
[ussura] GM says, "Whoops, disappeared into the closet."
[ussura] GM says, "So:"
[ussura] Charles asks, "WHich is now closed?"
[ussura] GM says, "Except for the bit closest to the window."
Waitress leads you to a back area to a wooden booth, with a table at least dark enough that you don't see any stains.
GM says, "A dimly-burning lantern is mounted on the wall behind you."
Waitress takes your orders and disappears back into the main room.
[ussura] Vasili asks, "a smaller room? Anybody else nearby?"
[ussura] GM says, "The whole area is mostly open, but this area is sort of cordoned off by booths."
[ussura] GM asks, "Want me to sketch out a layout?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "sure"
[ussura] Charles says, "The fact that you thought to suggest that makes me think that would be a good idea."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "exactly"
[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee"
[ussura] Vasili asks, "also, does the menu match more with Tailor's description or the front's appearance?"
[ussura] Vasili tried to look classy and asked the Waitress what she'd recommend to eat.
[ussura] GM | ------------------------ [ussura] GM | | | | [ussura] GM | | | | [ussura] GM | | | | [ussura] GM | | ---+-- [ussura] GM | | XX | [ussura] GM | | XX | [ussura] GM | |------- XX | [ussura] GM | | XX | [ussura] GM | | | [ussura] GM | | | [ussura] GM | |------- | [ussura] GM | | | [ussura] GM | | | [ussura] GM | | | [ussura] GM | | | [ussura] GM | | | [ussura] GM | ----------------------++-------
[ussura] GM says, "The X's are the bar; you guys are in the NW corner."
[Crows-Nest] Vasili says, "oh no all 8 of us are dead"
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "Don't worry: we've all got two eyes each, so only four of us are dead."
[ussura] GM says, "There's a few booths in that area; tables in most of the other areas; a gaming area (darts and stuff) in the middle W area.)"
Charles says, "I wonder if I'm still as bad at darts as I was the last time I tried."
[ussura] GM says, "The menu is that the waitress tells you what they have. They do indeed have som Montaignian dishes."
[ussura] Vasili orders the thick Ussuran stew anyway.
Waitress says (to Vasili), "Good choice."
Charles orders the most Montaigne thing that he can actually recognize what it is.
Sebastien says, "you might enjoy the cassoulet"
[ussura] Charles says, "This is going by the assumption that 'more Montaigne' == 'less recognizable'."
[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee"
Charles says (to Sebastien), "...alright."
Waitress asks (of Sebastien), "The what now?"
Waitress exclaims, "Oh! The cass-o-let!"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"
Waitress says, "Two cass-o-lets, one stew. Back in a jif."
GM says, "After a bit, your food arrives. Despite the tailor's claims, the cassoulets are not good at all, though the stew is passable."
Sebastien glares at his.
Charles says, "I once had to spend three days on a river in a tuck-hulled rowing jif."
Vasili says, "If nothing else happens here, we found a fun little tavern."
Sebastien mutters "Clearly sinister business is afoot here."
Charles pokes at one bit with his fork. "Is this supposed to be elasticated?"
Woman sweeps in, accompannied by a very very large Innish man, grabs a chair, pulls it next to your booth, and sits down. The Innish man remains standing.
Charles says, "Good evening."
[ussura] Charles asks, "Does she look Ussura, Montaigne, or otherwise?"
Woman is clearly Montaignian, and dressed elegantly in an ivy-patterned dress; the sort of thing you would wear to the opera.
Sebastien says, "I admire your daring fashion choice in an establishment such as this one"
Woman says (to Sebastien), "Thank you."
[ussura] Charles asks, "Did the male voice we heard through the porte hole have an accent?"
Woman asks, "Which of you has my ring?"
[ussura] GM says, "It was too faint to tell, but it could have been Innish."
Sebastien asks, "your ring?"
Sebastien says, "perhaps you could describe it and we could see if we recognize it"
Woman peers at Sebastien regally. "Let me see your hand. The right one."
Sebastien nudges Charles under the table as he extends his hand.
Sebastien says, "I'm glad you have an eye for a fine manicure"
Charles chuckles. "We may as well give it back. I think it's safe to say that you were right."
Woman holds Sebastien's hand and peers at it. It's still healing from where it was stabbed, and has a few heat blisters as well.
Charles says, "She *is* the one those little brats took it from, even if they wouldn't admit it."
[ussura] Charles says, "Oh, drat."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "yeah, I'm afraid the jig's up"
[ussura] Charles asks (of Sebastien), "What'd you give her your hand for?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "well, we had this map of the room and it seemed like a pity for it to go unused"
[ussura] Charles says, "(I had completely forgotten it was stabbed, myself.)"
Sebastien says, "I think the only real question here is if we're dealing with Vienne or Nicolette"
Sebastien asks (of lady), "what do *you* think?"
Woman says, "I can describe the ring quite easily. It was the one you took from me."
Sebastien says, "if you lost it, perhaps you had your hand someplace it shouldn't have gone"
Charles narrows his eyes at Sebastien. "You *said* you got it from a pair of Ussura youths who were working for Montegue."
Vienne grins. "Ah, so you're not quite so ignorant as I thought you might be. Vienne. This is Breck. Nicolette isn't with us right now.
Charles says (to Sebastien), "Maybe you should tell me the truth."
Vienne says (to Sebastien), "Perhaps. But I would like the ring back, and so would Breck."
Vienne looks questioningly at Charles, appraising him.
Sebastien says (to Charles), "I apologize for misleading you, but perhaps we can renegotiate terms later on"
[ussura] Charles asks, "What trait would you like for Sincerity here?"
[ussura] Charles says, "(Assuming I should be rolling it.)"
[ussura] Vienne says, "Hmm. We'll say Panache."
[7thsea] Charles rolls 5k4: 5 8 1 8 2 | 23
[ussura] Charles says, "One DD added."
Vienne rolls an uncertain number of dice.
Vienne says, "Hmm."
Vienne asks, "Well, regardless. The ring?"
Sebastien retracts his hand to reach into his pocket.
Sebastien grabs the edge of his cassoulet and flips it into Brock's face!
Vasili tries to swipe Sebastien's sword!
[ussura] GM asks, "Sebastien's?"
[ussura] Vasili says, "Yup!"
[ussura] Vasili says, "Confusion all around!"
[ussura] Sebastien exclaims, "this is so complicated!"
[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee"
[ussura] Charles says (to GM), "Who else's? Vasili's obviously on *our* side."
Breck stumbles back, cassoulet in his face!
Vienne leaps to her feet.
Charles tries to grab Sebastien's wrist.
Sebastien starts to stand, but gets tangled up with Vasili's arm
Sebastien says, "(and Charles's, apparently)"
Vasili asks, "Leaving so soon?"
Sebastien says, "why -- you -- but I paid --"
Charles says (to Sebastien), "That's enough out of you. We're going to have a long talk later, you and I."
Vienne leans forward and searches Sebastien's pockets while Vasili and Charles hold him down.
Breck wipes cassoulet out of his eyes and growls.
[ussura] GM says, "(assuming you don't try to stop her?)"
Vasili says, "Hmph."
Sebastien's pockets contain six handkerchiefs, a canary-yellow ribbon, some buttons, a small sewing it, a deck of cards, and the ring.
[ussura] Charles says, "Nah, I don't remember anything incriminating in his pockets."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "well, I struggle ineffectually"
[ussura] Charles exclaims, "And anything I don't remember will make for a surprising reveal!"
Vienne puts the various things from S's pockets on the table until the ring is revealed, and makes a triumphant exclamation.
Vienne slips the ring back on her (now-recognizable, of course) hand.
[ussura] GM says, "(which is stained reddish in places, as is typical of Porte mages)"
Sebastien glares at the others.
Sebastien asks, "well? and what now?"
Charles stuffs the deck of cards in Sebastien's mouth with his free hand.
Vasili says, "If I were you, I wouldn't be worried about right now."
Sebastien . o O ( they're enjoying this a little too much, if you ask me )
Charles . o O ( I've been wanting to do this since he first stood there pretendign to be Devoe! )
[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee"
GM throws a drama die to the three of you.
Charles binds Sebastien's wrists behind his back with a knot that looks impressive, but which he could slip out of easily.
Vienne says (to Charles), "This man is guilty of crimes against L'Empereur. If you will release him to my care, I will see he comes to justice."
Charles asks (of Vienne), "I believe that you and I were scheduled to be travelling together, no?"
Vasili finally manages to remove Sebastien's sword, and holds it in his lap.
Sebastien manages to emote surprise at Charles's comment despite the deck of cards and the hands tied behind his back
Vienne asks, "Oh? So Montegue is dead, then?"
[Crows-Nest] Vasili says, "say I killed him myself say it say it"
Sebastien says, "mmfMMFFMmfm"
Charles says, "It was a close thing. He was aboard the ship that was tampered with, the one that didn't explode."
Charles says, "But my team was on the scene and stepped in to make sure he didn't escape. I finished the job myself."
[Crows-Nest] Charles says (to Vasili), "For you."
Vasili says, "I blew a cannonball through the hull!"
Vasili says, "ahem. Sorry, a bit new to this."
Vienne grins.
Sebastien looks back and forth between Vasili and Charles.
Vienne says, "It's kind of Pierre to think of me, but I am not so incompetent as all that. I have made my own arrangements, and should be home within the week."
Vienne thinks.
Charles says, "Oh? A shame. I paid good guilders to arrange passage for us."
Vienne asks, "Hmm. I had thought Montegue was not due to arrive in Kem until this evening?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I guess you could check on Nicolette while you're at it"
Charles says (to Vienne), "He had advance warning somehow. We are still looking into *how*."
Charles gives a sidelong glance to Sebastien. "But I may have some ideas."
Sebastien says, "mmfm mfm mff."
Charles asks, "SO your situation is already taken care of; how is Nicolette's?"
Vienne says, "She travels, as always, with me."
Vienne says (to Charles), "I apologize for you financial loss; I'm sure you will be compensated back at home."
Vienne asks (of Breck), "If you will carry this man for me?"
Charles nods. "Do you have any messages you'd like me to pass on for you?"
Vienne thinks.
Vasili looks between Breck and Charles. "Boss, we handing him over?"
Charles, sitting so close to the fire, is getting a bit toasty. He unfastens his cloak, letting the pin (loaded with the sleeping draught) that was holding it fall to the bench next to Sebastien's hand.
[ussura] Vasili says, "NICE!"
Charles says (to Vasili), "May as well. One fewer thing for us to worry about."
[ussura] GM says, "(just a sec; thinking up response to C's question)"
Sebastien struggles again briefly, and manages to pick up and pocket the pin before he's subdued.
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "AFK a sec."
Vasili nods again (notes the spy device) and gets out of Breck's way.
Vienne says, "If you meet Pierre before I do, you can let him know that Aleksi's agents say things are proceeding as planned, and that we may conduct our experiments in peace."
Breck picks up Sebastien as if he were a rag doll and throws him over his shoulder.
Charles says, "Very good."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "oHO"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I believe that's the first confirmation of that we've had"
[ussura] Vasili says, "I hate it when all the bad guys really are working together"
[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "arguably it makes it more convenient"
[ussura] Charles asks, "Aleksi's Wolf, right?"
[ussura] Vasili says, "yeah"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "yeah"
Vienne nods to Breck, and the two/three of them head back out of the tavern.
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "man, I knew this was an unclassy tavern, but I didn't know how bad"
[ussura] GM says, "*sniff* My poor map."
Vasili says, "Whew. Interesting. I'd better follow."
Charles says, "Agreed."
[7thsea] Vasili rolls 7k4: 10+10+7 9 2 5 1 6 1 | 47
[ussura] Sebastien says, "that's the sort of rolling I like to see in somebody trying to rescue me"
[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee yay"
Sebastien struggles a bit more but eventually decides it's more dignified not to bother.
[ussura] Charles says, "So I am now surprised that SD don't know anything about the ring."
GM says, "Vasili slips out and even Charles can't see where he's gotten off to. Vienne and Breck head to the docks, where they enter a smallish but nicely apportioned yacht. Or what passes for this century's equivalent of a yacht."
[ussura] Charles says, "Since I am half expecting that Nicolette is going to turn out to be a trained spider."
[ussura] GM says, "Ha ha ha."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] Vasili says, "I was thinking little girl."
[interludes] Vienne says (to Sebastien), "So, you managed to save some of Montegue's precious ships. Nicely done."
Charles lets Pyotr et al. know what's going on, and that we might need to perform a rescue/kidnapping in the immediate future.
[interludes] Sebastien spits out the last of the cards.
Vasili trades jokes with some shady sailors nearby on the docks.
[interludes] Sebastien exclaims, "you'll never get away with this!"
[interludes] Sebastien says, "most of the army's still holding together, and they'll come looking for me before long"
[interludes] Vienne laughs cruelly. "With what? The ships are burned, or not. And Montegue is dead. Your diversion did nothing."
[interludes] Vienne says, "Leaderless, they will be claimed by Ussura, or return to the fold. There is no other option."
[interludes] Sebastien asks, "and meanwhile you and your friend -- Nicolette, was it? -- sail back to Montaigne and collect your reward?"
[interludes] Vienne smiles. "That's about it. And then off to our next mission, I shouldn't wonder."
[interludes] Vienne puts her hand to her forehead in mock drama. "The country is in such sad shape, and L'Empereur needs our services now more than ever."
[interludes] Sebastien says, "until La Vache decides you've gotten too far above yourselves and has you eliminated"
[interludes] Vienne grins. "Oh, don't you worry about *me*."
[interludes] Sebastien says, "clearly my empathetic nature has gotten the best of me"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "man, I hope you guys are plotting a rescue here"
Vienne says, "Now! You're the perfect subject for our next experiment."
[interludes] GM says, "Except here"
[interludes] Sebastien asks, "experiment? what do you mean?"
Vasili . o O ( This is taking a while. Come to think of it, how will I know when it's gone off? )
[interludes] Vienne exclaims, "In Porte, of course!"
Charles, after notifying the others, realizes he has no idea where Vasili went.
[interludes] Sebastien says, "...ah. I should have expected as much."
Charles . o O ( Hmm. Wait -- what's this stray playing card doing here on the ground? )
[ussura] Sebastien exclaims (at Charles), "yay!"
[interludes] GM says, "Ha ha yay."
[ussura] GM says, "Sure, go for it."
[interludes] Sebastien eyes Vienne suddenly.
Charles follows the trail until he catches up with Vasili.
Charles asks (of Vasili), "What have you seen?"
[interludes] Vienne says, "Nicolette should be here soon, but we'll have to prep you first. Hmm. Probably direct skin exposure would be best."
Vasili says, "... so the dog says to the old lady-- hey Charles."
[interludes] Sebastien asks, "I don't suppose you've heard anything about -- insects who walk like men?"
[interludes] Vienne looks at you sharply.
[interludes] Vienne was about to rip your shirt open, but pauses. "Why? What do you know?"
Vasili says (to Charles), "We're working for that little boat there this time. Just waiting for the signal to unload."
[interludes] Sebastien says, "I might talk a bit easier with my wrists untied"
Vasili says, "anyway, the dog says, 'That's not a rabbit!'"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[interludes] Vienne laughs. "Tell you what. We'll pause the experiment when you're ready to talk about that."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "wait, wait, I can talk now"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "er"
[interludes] Sebastien says, "wait, wait, I can talk now"
[interludes] Vienne rips Sebastien's shirt open, and pulls it down off his shoulders, pinning his arms by his sides (again).
[interludes] Vienne says, "Oh? Go ahead and talk, then."
[interludes] Sebastien says, "in Montaigne's camp, there was a rumor going around, about someone who'd had an audience with him .."
[interludes] Sebastien starts inching towards Charles's dart-thrower as he talks.
GM says (to C&V), "The two of you notice another figure slip down the docks and enter the yacht."
[interludes] Sebastien says, "he looked like an old advisor -- someone I'd met myself, in fact"
[interludes] Sebastien exclaims, "but then there was a tussle in the room, somebody grabbed him, and pop!"
[ussura] GM says, "(at this point there's a knock on the door)"
[interludes] Vienne exclaims, "Aha! Come in, dear!"
[interludes] Sebastien fires the dart at Vienne when she's distracted!
[ussura] Nicolette says, ", or so you assume, enters the room in the hold."
Charles raises an eyebrow at Vasili.
[ussura] Sebastien says, "(ylac, also)"
[interludes] Nicolette says, "Right."
[ussura] GM asks, "OK! So, what does the dart do?"
[ussura] Vasili says, "I thought it was set to spray mode, not dart mode"
[ussura] GM says, "It was set so it could do darts or gas, I think."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I guess I don't actually know what the heck it does"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "IC or OOC"
[ussura] GM says, "We can have it have been darts; that's fine."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "but I figure Charles knows what he was doing"
[ussura] Charles says, "Yeah. I put in some of the sleeping potion that we'd had made up way back in season one."
[ussura] GM asks (of Seb), "So, you want the dart with sleeping potion on it, or you want general-dispersal sleeping potion?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "dart's fine -- I don't think I could really catch them both with a spray"
[ussura] GM says, "Gotcha."
[ussura] Charles says, "Now we're going to make him have to sketch out the yacht instead."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "luckily it has a restaurant on the lower deck"
[ussura] GM says, "So! We'll just say the dart hits because bah on it missing."
[ussura] Charles says, "Ha."
[interludes] Nicolette exclaims, "Vienne!"
[interludes] Sebastien leaps forward, arms still pinned, and body-slams Vienne into Nicolette.
[ussura] Charles wonders, OOC, if Brock's still there.
[ussura] GM says, "Oh, of course."
Charles asks (of Vasili), "Did you just hear something?"
Vasili says, "Sounds like trouble!"
[interludes] Sebastien . o O ( these shirts of mine are lasting shorter and shorter )
[ussura] GM asks, "Should I just rename him?"
[ussura] GM says, "He was supposed to be 'Breck' ;-)"
[ussura] Charles says, "Oh, whoops."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "(do we know a Breck?)"
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "or is that just what he was at first?"
[ussura] GM says, "That's just what I grabbed from a list of Irish names."
Vasili runs onboard and towards the commotion.
GM says, "OK, we'll move back to the main room here."
[ussura] Charles says, "I think I am subconsciously imagining him as http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Brock_Samson"
Charles follows Vasili's lead.
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] Charles says, "This is probably not at all what he looks like, especially if he only contributed two dice to Vienne's Brawn check."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "well, he also flipped me over his shoulder"
[ussura] Charles exclaims, "Good point!"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "so possibly he just couldn't get leverage before"
GM says, "So: Vienne has been hit by a dart, and is collapsing into Nicolette's arms. They both are falling to the ground. Breck steps out from around the corner and growls at you."
GM exclaims, "Roll initiative!"
[7thsea] Charles rolls 3d10 dice: 5 5 7
[7thsea] Vasili rolls 3 dice: 7 3 1
[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 3 dice: 9 2 6
[7thsea] Breck rolls 3 dice: 3 5 1
Sebastien exclaims, "just the guy I didn't want to see!"
[7thsea] Nicolette rolls 2 dice: 6 8
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "what kind of room was I in? office sort of thing? or a lab?"
[ussura] Charles asks, "Vienne's boudoir?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "woo woo"
[ussura] Vasili asks, "Breck's boudoir?"
[ussura] Charles says, "Ha ha."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "no wonder she was ripping my shirt off"
[ussura] Charles says, "Now we've got some idea what kind of 'experiment' this was going to be."
[ussura] GM says, "So: In one phase, you can make it on the boat; another phase to reach where the action is."
[ussura] GM says, "(unless, like Sebastien, you're already there.)"
[ussura] Charles says, "(And wishes he weren't.)"
[ussura] GM says, "So! Phase 1! Vasili and Breck."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "man, the downside of taking a swordsman school is it isn't much help when you don't have a sword and your arms are pinned to your sides"
[ussura] GM says, "Ha ha"
[ussura] Charles says, "Well, unpinning your arms shouldn't be that hard."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "true"
[ussura] Charles says, "I mean, I didn't take that extra night course in trick knots for nothing."
Breck steps forward and swings at Sebastien!
[ussura] Sebastien says (to Charles), "next time I'm taking savate lessons from you"
[7thsea] Breck rolls 8k3: 4 1 10+4 8 2 4 6 9 | 31
Sebastien has a footwork of 3!
[ussura] Charles says (to Sebastient), "Ha ha."
[ussura] GM exclaims, "that's a hit!"
Sebastien exclaims, "oof!"
Vasili barrels onto deck and scrambles for the ladder.
[ussura] Charles says, "Fortunately, I seem to recall tha Vasili still has your sword."
[7thsea] Breck rolls 5k2: 10+5 1 5 2 5 | 20
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hey, good point"
[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 2k2: 8 1 | 9
[ussura] GM says, "You take a dramatic wound! And, since that was corps-a-corps, you also fall to the ground."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha ha"
[ussura] Vasili says, "now just teach me a few things and ... okay fine, you can have it"
[ussura] GM exclaims, "rp!"
Sebastien tries to dodge, but Breck leaps over, slams into him, and knocks him off his feet!
[ussura] GM exclaims, "Phase 2! Sebastien!"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hmm"
[ussura] GM says, "(standing up from being prone is an action)"
[ussura] Charles says, "Do we get to know what Nicolette looks like now? Vienne fell into her arms, but if she *is* a trained spider, then she probably still has several to spare."
[ussura] GM says, "Ha ha"
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "let's see -- can I spend an action to get my arms free?"
[ussura] Charles asks (of Sebastien), "Or can you combine it with getting up?"
[ussura] GM says, "Let's see. Roll Finesse, and if you hit TN 20, you can both stand up and get your arms free; if not, you can do one or the other."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "does Vienne or Nicolette have a knife showing, by chance? I might prefer to grab that instead"
[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 4k4: 6 4 8 10+5 | 33
[ussura] Charles says (to Sebastien), "If you're prone with your hands tied, then grabbing the knife would require you to use Footwork."
[ussura] GM says, "Er, hmm. No, not showing, but you figure they were probably carrying one when you got stabbed."
[ussura] Sebastien says (to Charles), "hee hee"
[ussura] GM says, "You make it up and manage to discard your shirt! We call this the 'Captain Kirk maneuver'."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha ha"
Sebastien says, "right then"
GM exclaims, "Phase 3! Breck and Vasili again!"
Sebastien rolls to his feet.
Vasili finds his way through the hold. "Vienne! You need help?"
Breck exclaims (at Sebastien), "You stay down!"
[7thsea] Breck rolls 8k3: 4 5 5 8 1 1 5 8 | 21
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha ha ha ha"
[ussura] Vasili says, "that's attempting to distract things in any way possible before I get there"
Nicolette asks (of Vasili), "Who are you?"
Sebastien says, "aw, geez, not again"
[ussura] GM says, "I forget if that was enough."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "actually, I'm going to spend my next to do an active defense"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "er, next two"
[ussura] Vasili says, "I guess I arrive this phase but can't do any real action yet."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "(with my fists)"
[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 5k4: 10+1 1 5 3 9 | 28
Sebastien ducks barely in time under Breck's follow-up slam.
Vasili says, "Followed everyone here. Boss said this one might be slippery."
GM exclaims, "Phase 5! Charles twice, and Breck again!"
Charles leaps onto the deck, then bounds past Vasili into the room. "What kind of mess is this turning into, now?"
[ussura] Charles says, "Which I think is two actions, so there we go."
Sebastien exclaims, "a hell of a one!"
Breck spins around like he's drunk, and lashes out at Sebastien once more!
[7thsea] Breck rolls 8k3: 3 7 1 7 7 7 1 8 | 22
Sebastien exclaims, "if you'll pardon my -- oof!"
Sebastien promptly falls over again.
[7thsea] Breck rolls 5k2: 5 6 10+3 3 7 | 20
[ussura] Sebastien says, "man, this guy's rolling"
[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 2k2: 6 4 | 10
[ussura] Breck exclaims, "Hey, I remember that roll!"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "oops, and that actually takes me to whaddyacall"
Breck's fist knocks Sebastien to the ground again, dealing another dramatic wound.
[ussura] Charles asks, "Crippled?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "there we go"
[ussura] GM asks, "I guess you couldn't use your special active defense thing without a sword?"
[ussura] Vasili says, "we thought you'd be concerned about not taking much damage this adventure."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "yeah"
[ussura] Sebastien exclaims, "I've taken enough to suit me fine!"
Vasili says, "I think we've got him. Again."
Sebastien says, "I think a wagon got me -- or a troop of soldiers"
Nicolette, sitting on the ground with Vienne sprawled in her lap, takes out a small red vial. She chants "Ma so ri to shalamis to ri!" and flings it at Sebastien's prone form!
[7thsea] Nicolette rolls 4k2: 2 7 10+4 9 | 23
[ussura] Charles says (to Sebastien), "It was nice knowing you."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I dunno, there are all sorts of advantages to being a shape-changing bug"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "you can, uh, shape-change"
[ussura] Charles asks, "And bug people?"
[ussura] Sebastien exclaims, "right!"
[ussura] Vasili says, "I guess none of us have dodging or intercepting left at this phase"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "yeah, she's got the last action of the round"
[ussura] Charles says, "Vasili each get one more action, but not this phase."
[ussura] Charles says, "Vasili and I, I mean."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "oh, whoops"
GM says, "When the vial hits, it shatters, spraying a red liquid everywhere, and covering Sebastien's torso with red streaks. Then, the streaks morph into something all too familiar--Porte holes. Many cover Sebastien, and some hang in the air, dripping blood."
[ussura] Charles says, "(She does get to go again after us though.)"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I thought this was 8, but I guess it's 7"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "er, 6"
[ussura] Charles says, "Right."
Sebastien exclaims, "gah!"
GM says, "Phase 7! Charles and Vasili! Also, let me sketch out the layout."
Vasili gapes for a split second.
Charles grabs at Breck's belt.
[ussura] Charles asks, "What's the roll to grab his belt just long enough to turn it into more playing cards?"
[ussura] Charles says, ";(Trusting that the proper thing will happen to his trousers as a result.)"
[ussura] Vasili says, "before this 'fight' is over none of us will have clothes on"
GM @unpaste
GM @paste :| GM | ------------------------ GM | | | | GM | | | | GM | | | | GM | | ---+-- GM | | XX | GM | | XX | GM | |------- XX | GM | | XX | GM | | | GM | | | GM | |------- | GM | | | GM | | | GM | | | GM | | | GM | | | GM | ----------------------++-------
[ussura] Sebastien says, "yay"
GM | Whoops GM | / \
[ussura] Vasili says, "aww"
GM | / \ GM | | V | GM | | C | GM | | | GM | | | GM | | B | GM | | * | GM | | *S* | GM | | * | GM | | VN | GM | |--+++--------| GM | | |
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "what are the +s?"
[ussura] Charles says, "I thought it would turn out that the xxx are a desk, and the --- are shelves, and..."
[ussura] GM says, "That didn't quite work--one line thought it was a command."
[ussura] Charles says, "WHoops."
[ussura] GM says, "The +'s are doors."
GM | / \ GM | / \ GM | /---+++------\ GM | | V | GM | | C | GM | | | GM | | | GM | | B | GM | | * | GM | | *S* | GM | | * | GM | | VN | GM | |--+++--------| GM | | |
[ussura] GM says, "There we go."
[ussura] Charles says, "+'s are, as any proper Nethack player should know, books."
[ussura] GM says, "the south bit is where Sebastien used to be; this is the main cabin area."
[ussura] Vasili asks (of Charles), "Hey, why'd you close those doors behind us?"
[ussura] GM exclaims, "+'s are also doors in nethack!"
[ussura] Charles exclaims (at GM), "That was the joke!"
[ussura] GM exclaims, "Oh!"
[ussura] GM says, "Hopefully you can figure out which V is which ;-)"
[ussura] GM says, "So! There you go."
Vasili had a cool line for this part, but is now too weirded out and just tries to avoid the magic holes and hand the sword to Sebastien.
[ussura] Charles asks, "So! What do I roll to grab Breck's belt just long enough to turn it into more playing cards, with his trousers following the proper logical result?"
Vasili asks, "Wha- What did you do?"
[ussura] GM says, "Hmm. A regular attack(fists) would work, if you have that, esp. if you didn't want to do any damage."
Sebastien exclaims, "don't look at me!"
[7thsea] Charles rolls 6k4: 3 3 9 10+10+2 10+8 2 | 52
[ussura] Sebastien says, "wow"
[ussura] GM exclaims, "That will work!"
Vasili ^- (of Nicolette)
[ussura] GM says, "That will even do damage."
[ussura] Vasili says, "technically you're not hitting below the belt"
Charles yanks Breck's leather belt off, and it explodes in a burst of sharp little pasteboard papercuts!
[ussura] Charles asks, "Roll ordinary punching damage?"
[ussura] GM says, "Yeah, sure."
Breck exclaims, "Hey!"
[ussura] Charles says, "(I *think* that's Brawn + 0k1)"
[7thsea] Charles rolls 3k1: 1 3 4 | 4
[7thsea] Breck rolls 5k5: 10+5 10+1 5 1 7 | 39
Breck doesn't even notice getting cut.
[ussura] Charles asks, "So, *more* imporantly: what happens when I do Glamour in front of the Porte juice?"
[ussura] Charles grins.
[ussura] GM exclaims, "Woo!"
GM says, "The holes closest to you disappear! (the * your side of Sebastien)"
Vasili says, "Cool!"
Vasili says, "More cards!"
Charles exclaims, "Uh... right!"
[ussura] Charles asks, "If I run out of sorcery dice, I assume I can use drama dice in their place?"
[ussura] Charles says, "(This could get costly.)"
Sebastien breathes a quiet sigh of relief.
Nicolette exclaims, "You won't be taking this trick, I'm afraid!"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "in theory you could get enough for me to get free, and then Raelynn could help clean up later"
Nicolette rips open another hole behind her!
Sebastien . o O ( I think she's got an ace up her sleeve )
[ussura] GM says, "Next round! Roll initiative."
[7thsea] Vasili rolls 3 dice: 5 10 10
[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 3 dice: 2 6 1
[ussura] Charles asks, "Are the four *'s the holes on you, or the holes next to you?"
[7thsea] Breck rolls 3 dice: 7 6 6
[7thsea] Charles rolls 3 dice: 1 6 5
[7thsea] Nicolette rolls 2 dice: 10 3
[ussura] Sebastien says, "uh, I'm not actually sure"
[ussura] GM says, "The holes next to--he also has some directly on him, basically plastered on his skin."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "yeep"
[ussura] Charles says, "Ah, so there is an implicit fifth * not pictured."
GM exclaims, "Phase 1! Sebastien and Charles!"
[ussura] GM says, "Yeah."
[ussura] Vasili says, "if you have a different Glamour knack that would be useful directly on him, that sounds good."
[ussura] GM says, "(which has probably 2x the holes in the *'s around him)"
Sebastien exclaims, "don't worry about me! stop her!"
[ussura] Charles says, "I've got one that improves Brawn checks, one that improves my initiative total, one that helps me hide, and one that lets me phone a friend."
[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee"
[ussura] GM asks, "Initiative total for the purpose of ties?"
[ussura] Charles says, "Yeah, something along those lines."
[ussura] Vasili says, "Interrupt with the two 10s."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "oho"
[ussura] GM says, "If anyone is planning on getting hit by Breck any time soon, improved brawn checks would be nice."
[ussura] Sebastien exclaims, "I'm planning on not getting hit!"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "you could also ask Raelynn to come here"
[ussura] Charles says (to GM), "Oh, no. It's not so overpowered as that. It can't help me with wound checks."
[ussura] Charles says, "Or with contested brawn checks."
[ussura] GM says, "(Breck has turned menacingly towards Charles. Or at least as menacingly as one can with one's pants around one's ankles.)"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"
[ussura] Charles says, "But if I have to, like, pick up a big rock without help... I've got it covered."
Vasili runs across and grabs Nicolette. Propriety is not a big concern when one man's shirt is off, another man's pants are down, and stray magic is everywhere.
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"
[ussura] Vasili says, "Grapple, +1 drama"
[7thsea] Vasili rolls 7k4: 10+6 1 5 6 8 6 1 | 36
[ussura] GM asks, "That's a contested brawn?"
[ussura] Vasili says, "uh, hmm. Hang on."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "wrestling, p157"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "(if that's what he's doing)"
[ussura] GM says, "Ah, cool, got it."
[ussura] GM says, "OK, that's a successful grapple."
[ussura] Vasili says, "for now just the Finesse attack, and her options for movement are now limited."
[ussura] GM exclaims, "rp!"
[ussura] Charles says, "Hmm. I think I have a thought, but I will hold my action until just before Nicolette in phase three for it."
[ussura] GM asks, "OK. Sebastien? Anything?"
Vasili traps Nicolette against the wall kitty-corner from the escape hole.
[ussura] Sebastien says, "uh, I think I'd better stay real still here"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "and try not to get sliced in two"
[ussura] Charles exclaims, "Or in seventeen!"
GM says, "Phase 3! Nicolette."
Nicolette exclaims, "Breck! Get this guy off me! Now!"
Charles charges toward Sebastien, playing card still in hand!
Breck says, "But this guy turn belt into..."
Nicolette exclaims, "Now!"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"
Breck grumble grumble.
[ussura] GM asks (of Charles), "Yes?"
Charles flings it at the porte hole, in the path of anyone who might be trying to reach it -- and it turns in mid-air into a throwing dagger!
[ussura] GM asks, "The big one?"
[ussura] Charles says, "Right."
[ussura] Charles says, "I am hoping to disrupt anyone who might be attempting to use the port hole."
[ussura] Charles says, "+e"
[ussura] Vasili says, "that might even shrink the hole, too."
GM exclaims, "The dagger flies straight into the hole, which suddenly shrinks to half its original size!"
Nicolette curses. "Breck!"
[ussura] Charles asks, "Did it help Seb's at all too, or is it one hole per trick?"
[ussura] Nicolette was *going* to try something, but will now hold action.
GM says, "So! Phase 5! Vasili and Charles, again."
[ussura] Charles asks, "Also, is the big hole too small for a human to fit through in one round now?"
[ussura] GM says, "It's not too small for one person, but it's too small for one person carrying another person."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] Charles says, "Good, good."
[ussura] Charles says, "Y'know, this is harder without Pyotr, Era, and Raelynn here."
[ussura] Charles says, "Era was especially good at beating up girls."
[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee"
[ussura] Vasili asks, "yeah, how can I say 'improve hold' without sounding dirty?"
[ussura] GM says, "Ha ha"
[ussura] GM says, "(N is still sitting, with V in her lap, but being grappled from behind by Vasili)"
[ussura] GM says, "Who has wrestled her away so that Vienne is no longer as much in her lap as she was."
[ussura] Charles says, "I should probably do something about Breck."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "otherwise he will attempt to do something about Vasili"
[ussura] Charles asks, "Is his TN reduced with his trousers down?"
[ussura] GM says, "We'll say it's your choice--TN reduced, or attack reduced."
[ussura] GM says, "(by 5 either way)"
[ussura] Charles says, "Let's go with TN, so I can try out some of these pugilism knacks."
[ussura] GM says, "Heh."
Vasili says, "You monster!" and pulls Nicolette's arms behind her back.
Charles exclaims (at Breck), "Hey, look here!"
Breck turns.
Charles swings both hands up toward Breck's head.
[ussura] Charles says, "Throwing in a drama die for the Ear Clap:"
[7thsea] Charles rolls 6k5: 10+9 7 1 4 7 5 | 42
[ussura] GM exclaims, "That'd be a hit!"
[ussura] Charles says, "Woo. TN was +15, and success is an automatic dramatic wound without rolling for damage."
Charles claps his hands against Breck's ears, ringing his head like a gong.
Charles exclaims (to Breck), " , . -- , !"
[ussura] GM exclaims, "Nice!"
Breck exclaims, "Ow!"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"
Breck holds his hands to his ringing ears.
Breck asks (of Nicolette), "*Please* I can hit him?"
Nicolette says, "Oh, fine."
Breck exclaims, "Yay!"
Breck swings with glee at Charles!
[7thsea] Breck rolls 8k3: 10+10+2 9 7 3 2 4 7 8 | 39
[ussura] Charles says, "That could be a hit, yes."
[7thsea] Breck rolls 5k2: 9 5 2 7 5 | 16
[7thsea] Charles rolls 3k3: 7 7 10+2 | 26
[ussura] GM exclaims, "rp!"
Charles takes a solid punch to the jaw. He straightens it out, then grins at Breck. "Bracing!"
[ussura] GM says, "(you still fall down, since that was corps-a-corps)"
[ussura] GM says, "(but no dramatic wound)"
Nicolette asks, "*Now* will you get over here?"
Breck exclaims, "OK!"
[ussura] Charles says, "(AFK again.)"
[ussura] GM says, "(we're phase 6; sebastien and vasili have held actions)"
Breck lumbers over, raises both fists, and comes down on Vasili's head.
[7thsea] Breck rolls 8k3: 4 8 2 5 1 1 5 7 | 20
[ussura] Vasili asks, "may I passive defend while releasing N?"
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "while? or without?"
[ussura] Vasili says, "I doubt I can use that much Footwork and keep her trapped"
[ussura] Charles says, "Meat shield."
[ussura] GM says, "Oh, hmm."
[ussura] GM asks, "So, your normal TN is 25, but that's with footwork, and you're grappling, so. Maybe use your held action to active defend, and if you succeed, you keep her held?"
[ussura] Vasili asks, "er, with Knife?"
[ussura] GM says, "Oh, sigh, right."
[ussura] GM asks, "Since you don't have your knife out, right?"
[ussura] Vasili asks, "how about I just jump to my feet when I see he's really coming over this time?"
[ussura] Vasili says, "if that uses the action, that works for me"
[ussura] GM says, "OK: Grapple+Wits will work as an active defense here."
[ussura] GM asks, "Letting her go and defending?"
[ussura] GM says, "That would be a free action."
[ussura] Vasili says, "hmm. Actually, that sounds worth trying."
[ussura] GM says, "(and would mean he misses)"
Vasili pulls Nicolette around to block Breck's advance.
[7thsea] Vasili rolls 7k4: 5 2 2 6 2 2 6 | 19
[ussura] Vasili says, "well, uh."
[7thsea] Vasili rolls 1k1: 10+3 | 13
Breck exclaims, "Hey!"
Breck exclaims, "Hold still! I don't want to hit Nicolette!"
Vasili says, "You sure? It would save us a lot of trouble."
GM asks, "For the rest of phase 6: Charles?"
Charles bounds across Sebastien -- carefully avoiding the holes in spacetime that surround him -- and makes a good attempt to pummel Breck about the abdomen.
[ussura] GM exclaims, "You have to get up first!"
[ussura] Charles says, "Oh, whoops, I forgot."
Charles stops daydreaming, then, and gets up.
GM exclaims, "Phase 7! Breck!"
Breck throws another punch at Vasili!
[7thsea] Breck rolls 8k3: 2 1 7 8 10+10+8 3 5 7 | 43
[7thsea] Breck rolls 5k2: 3 1 4 9 7 | 16
[ussura] Charles asks (of Sebastien), "Given that these are liquid porte holes, have you tried seeing if you can, say, wipe them off?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hunh"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "or maybe can just wriggle out"
[ussura] Charles says, "Yeah."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ok, yeah, I should probably do something other than lie here"
Vasili sprawls onto the floor, but it doesn't look too comfy for Nicolette either.
[ussura] Sebastien says, "while Breck punches everyone"
[7thsea] Vasili rolls 3k3: 4 4 10+5 | 23
[ussura] Charles says, "The ones that splashed on your trousers might even just be on your trousers."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "dammit"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I am so going back to that tailor and requisitioning all he's got"
[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee"
[ussura] Charles says, "Hee hee,"
[ussura] GM asks, "OK: Sebastien's three actions?"
Sebastien does his best to wriggle free of the holes and/or his pants.
[ussura] Sebastien says, "(I am not sure what you think I should roll for that, or how long it should take)"
[ussura] GM says, "For your first action, you test whether breathing in moves you away from the portals or not, and it turns out that while they were lying on you, you can indeed pull away, but that if you move into them, they cut into you."
[ussura] Charles asks, "How experienced is Sebastien at removing his pants in difficult places?"
[ussura] GM says, "Ha ha snrk."
[ussura] Sebastien exclaims, "diplomatic affairs require a wide range of skills!"
Sebastien . o O ( ok, so perhaps if I suck my chest in and wriggle towards the opening that Charles created .. )
GM exclaims, "So: Two phases to get completely free, second phase 5 easier than the first. First TN without injury: 30. With 2k2 wounds: 25 With a dramatic wound: 20. If you fail the roll, you can elect to not make progress in exchange for not being injured. Straight Finesse!"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ok, with a drama die"
[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 5k5: 1 4 7 6 10+7 | 35
[ussura] Charles says, "Woo."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "...unfortunately, that's only a 28 without explosions"
[ussura] Charles says, "-W"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "but hey"
[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 2k2: 4 8 | 12
[ussura] Sebastien says, "(then brawn check)"
[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 2k2: 5 6 | 11
[ussura] Vasili says, "d'oh"
[ussura] GM says, "Oh, man."
[ussura] Charles says, "Oh dear."
[ussura] Charles asks, "Is that a fourth dramatic?"
Sebastien's thigh sends out a spray of blood as he wriggles loose.
[ussura] GM says, "Just a third."
[ussura] Charles asks, "Eep. He's only got Resolve 2?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "fourth, counting the smoke inhalation"
[ussura] Charles says, "Oh, phew."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "but I have resolve 3, so I'm ok for a while longer"
[ussura] GM says, "Oh, right."
[ussura] Vasili says, "'ok'"
[ussura] Sebastien exclaims, "well, pants missing, shirt ripped, trapped weaponless on the floor while people try to kill me -- but it could be worse!"
[ussura] GM asks, "So, that's two actions so far (first testing stuff; second moving partway out and getting wounded) Third action?"
[ussura] Vasili says, "I gave your sword back! You just haven't dared to move your arm far!"
[ussura] Charles exclaims, "You forgot 'seriously injured'!"
[ussura] Sebastien exclaims, "keep going!"
[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 4k4: 2 3 9 2 | 16
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha sigh"
[Crows-Nest] Ghogg says, "After all, no pants is better than pants."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "actually, I could be out with a dramatic wound, what the hell"
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "Yeah, I bet Breck wishes he had no pants just about now."
Sebastien staggers out, dripping blood.
[ussura] Charles asks (of Seb), "Don't you need a 20 for that?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "5 easier on the second phase, he said"
[ussura] Charles says, "Oh, right."
[ussura] Vasili says, "and at the end of the round (see Bear Hug rules):"
Charles says (to Sebastien), "I hate to have to say this, but you look like you've been through a cheese grater."
Sebastien's fingers twitch spasmodically as he grabs the hilt of his sword.
Vasili gives Nicolette's arm a nasty twist as he gasps at Sebastien's condition.
[7thsea] Vasili rolls 1k1: 1 | 1
[ussura] Vasili says, "she takes one flesh wound!"
Nicolette exclaims, "Ah! Interesting. Pity I couldn't experiment any further on you--ow!"
Sebastien winces. "I've never had such sympathy for the cheese."
[ussura] GM asks, "Also, aren't you out of actions?"
[ussura] Vasili says, "this happens when I have a hold and the Round ends."
[ussura] GM says, "Oh, OK."
[ussura] Vasili says, "or if she tries to struggle free and fails"
[ussura] Charles asks, "Does Nicky get two actions now?"
[ussura] GM says, "OK, hmm. My original thought was that Breck's punch would break the grapple, since it knocks you to the ground."
[ussura] Vasili says, "well, okay. So not one flesh wound, then."
[ussura] GM asks, "But you want to try to hold on anyway?"
[ussura] Vasili says, "another Grappling roll as I fall down? Might as well try."
[ussura] GM says, "Sure, let's do it that way."
[7thsea] Vasili rolls 6k3: 10+7 1 2 7 9 6 | 33
[ussura] GM asks, "Can she do an active defense here?"
[ussura] GM says, "Yeah, seems like it."
[ussura] Vasili says, "uh, depends whether she's considered grappled at the time"
[ussura] GM says, "Oh, hmm."
[ussura] Vasili says, "but I'm not real big on still having a grip."
[ussura] GM says, "This is the problem when you play the opposition as well as the arbiter."
[ussura] Vasili says, "cutting short her gloating was nice though."
[ussura] GM says, "Heh."
[ussura] GM says, "OK, I'll go ahead and give her an active defense, then."
[7thsea] Nicolette rolls 6k4: 3 9 7 2 6 7 | 29
[7thsea] Nicolette rolls 1k1: 1 | 1
[7thsea] Nicolette rolls 1k1: 3 | 3
[ussura] GM says, "Sheesh."
[ussura] Charles exclaims, "Yay, we're using up his drama dice!"
[ussura] GM asks, "Ties go to the defender?"
Nicolette manages to break free of Vasili's grasp as he falls to the floor!
[ussura] Charles says, "Soon he'll only have several dozen left."
[ussura] GM says (to Charles), "It's only fair, considering how many you all have spent."
[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee"
Nicolette stands up and re-widens her portal!
[ussura] GM exclaims, "And! Next round!"
[7thsea] Charles rolls 3 dice: 10 2 3
[7thsea] Vasili rolls 3 dice: 8 4 4
[7thsea] Breck rolls 3 dice: 3 4 3
[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 3 dice: 7 7 7
[7thsea] Nicolette rolls 2 dice: 4 5
[Crows-Nest] Vasili says (to Seb), "Jackpot!"
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "cha-ching"
GM exclaims, "Phase 2! Charles!"
Charles bounds past Sebastien -- carefully avoiding the holes in spacetime that once surrounded him -- and makes a good attempt to pummel Breck about the abdomen.
[ussura] GM says, "(If you want to get over to the rest of them, you'll have to do a finesse check to avoid the portals, which I forgot to have V do earlier)"
[ussura] Charles says, "This is Jab, hoping that he'll still be at a reduced TN due to trousers preventing Footwork."
[ussura] GM says, "TN 20 or 2k2 damage)"
[ussura] Charles says, "Which is two attacks, at +10 TN each."
[ussura] Charles says, "Oh, Finesse? OK."
[ussura] GM says, "Sure--net TN is 25."
[ussura] Charles asks, "I assume Leaping applies?"
[ussura] GM says, "Yeah."
[ussura] GM asks, "Sure, why not?"
[ussura] Charles says, "Erm, never mind, I don't have leaping."
[7thsea] Charles rolls 4k4: 5 2 9 5 | 21
[ussura] GM says, "Ha ha"
[ussura] Charles says, "(I assume Footwork doesn't.)"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] GM exclaims, "You barely make it past! Now the jabs!"
[ussura] GM says, "(and rp if you like)"
[7thsea] Charles rolls 5k4: 6 4 6 8 6 | 26
[7thsea] Charles rolls 5k4: 9 8 10+8 5 2 | 40
[ussura] GM exclaims, "Two hits!"
Charles whiff-sock! To the kidney! Whoosh Pow! To the onions!
[Crows-Nest] Vasili says, "but if the onion was on his belt..."
[7thsea] Charles rolls ;(i have no idea where the onions are located. charles never studied human anatomy.) dice:
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "when his belt went away, it went slightly lower"
[7thsea] Charles rolls 3k1: 2 6 5 | 6
[7thsea] Charles rolls 3k1: 4 10+6 3 | 16
[ussura] Charles asks, "Has he rolled a wound check since he took those 4 before?"
[ussura] GM asks, "Crap, I can't see how many flesh wounds he took earlier. 6?"
[ussura] GM says, "4 that was it."
[7thsea] Breck rolls 5k5: 1 10+7 5 10+5 1 | 39
[7thsea] Breck rolls 5k5: 2 10+1 10+6 2 3 | 34
Breck shrugs off the jabs, but says, "Ow! You stay down!"
GM exclaims, "Phase 3! Breck/Breck/Charles!"
Charles exclaims, "Oh, not *this* again!"
Charles holds until Breck attacks.
[ussura] GM says, "Hmm, and you go first, since you have that 10."
[ussura] GM says, "Oh, OK."
Nicolette exclaims, "No! Get Vienne!"
Breck exclaims, "But I want to punch him!"
Nicolette asks, "You want me to leave you alone again? Leave you like I found you? Unemployed? In Vesten?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha ha ha"
[ussura] Vasili says, "YAY"
Breck exclaims, "No!"
Breck scoops up Vienne and tosses her over his shoulder.
Nicolette interrupt action!
Charles, now that Breck's distracted--
Nicolette grabs Breck's hand and leaps into the portal!
[ussura] Charles asks, "Is my unhold simultaneous with her interrupt, or is hers first?"
[ussura] GM says, "Sure you can do yours."
[ussura] Charles says, "(Not that it will probably matter, but:)"
Charles slaps both palms together again!
[7thsea] Charles rolls 5k4: 6 6 5 5 2 | 22
[ussura] Charles says, "(Ear clap, of course.)"
[ussura] Charles asks, "Does that meet a +15 TN?"
[ussura] GM exclaims, "At a +15 TN, that's a miss!"
Breck exclaims, "Hey!"
Charles claps just behind his head, as Nicolette yanks him away!
Charles exclaims, "Hey! Hold still, you!"
Breck punches at Charles just as he disappears!
[ussura] Breck says, "(taking -2k0 for the awkwardness)"
[7thsea] Breck rolls 6k3: 9 1 5 5 10+4 8 | 31
[7thsea] Breck rolls 5k2: 5 3 4 10+9 7 | 26
[7thsea] Charles rolls 3k3: 9 6 9 | 24
[ussura] Charles says, "One dramatic, I think."
Charles asks, "Ha, you call that a punch?"
Charles topples backwards and crashes heavily into the floor, narrowly missing the splatter of porte.
Nicolette (fading) "I told you..."
Sebastien picks himself up very, very carefully.
Breck says, "Ha! Got 'im."
GM says, "And with that, the portal *schlurps* over the three of them, hangs for a minute..."
[ussura] Vasili is tempted, but nah.
GM says, "And then disappears."
Charles says, "Well. *That* didn't go the way I'd hoped."
Sebastien says, "next time we meet them, I am going to have my sword, and not be tied up, and then we are going to see"
Charles says, "Where in the seventh sea was Pyotr all this time? I *told* him we were going to be rescuing Sebastien."
Pyotr_ bursts in the door. "What did I miss?"
Sebastien glances back at the weird porte holes hanging in mid-air.
Charles says (to Sebastien), "Sorry about that. I had expected it to work out a bit differently."
Sebastien tries to wave his hand airily, stumbles and almost falls over again. "It happens."
GM says, "And in another minute or two, the porte holes (including the ones in the shape of Sebastien's chest) fade away, leaving bloodstains on the deck."
Sebastien says, "but I did find out something interesting when they were interrogating me -- they're almost certainly the ones behind those shapechanging insect-creatures"
Charles picks himself up off the ground.
Sebastien says, "and we heard earlier they're working with Aleksi"
Charles asks (of Sebastien), "Oh really?"
Sebastien says, "well, you see the two of them are into .. Porte experiments"
Charles pulls over a chair for Sebastien.
Sebastien sinks gratefully into it.
Sebastien says, "and she definitely knew something about them when I brought it up"
Sebastien says, "I would have asked more questions, but then she decided to start the experiments on me"
Sebastien says, "and then --"
Charles hands him his flask, as well. "Here, some medicine."
Sebastien gestures around.
Sebastien says, "you're too kind"
Sebastien hands the flask back, then looks around the room. "I hope she didn't go off wiht my handkerchiefs."
Charles says, "Least I could do. Seeing as it's mostly my fault you ended up in this spot."
Sebastien says, "on the other hand, we found their boat"
Sebastien says, "there must be something useful here, or they would have just used Porte to get back"
[ussura] GM says (to Sebastien), "(BTW, that was Finnegan, if you're inclined to pick up an Exploit Weakness)"
Charles says, "Good point."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "oHO"
[ussura] Charles says, "I wonder if Breck just picked up a Background of his own."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I believe the phrase I am looking for here is 'hell yeah'"
[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee"
Charles says, "But first, we should get you to a doctor."
Charles says, "Well. One of us should probably watch the ship in case they come back. Porte and all."
Charles says, "If there's anything really important here, they might try to retrieve it."
Sebastien says, "good point"
Sebastien says, "well, Pyotr can stay"
Vasili says, "Or maybe two, given how things went when we were even."
Sebastien says, "and Raelynn could probably do the same sort of magic you did to close their portals"
Charles says, "There is this thing -- it's like the playing cards and cheese -- I can call people to help me, even when they're not nearby."
[ussura] GM says, "Also: you all did fun (and unexpected) things during the fight, so here's another drama die for each of you."
[ussura] Charles says, "Cool."
[ussura] Charles exclaims, "That pays for that extra Glamour use!"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "that was hilariously off-the-rails"
Charles says, "So it might make more sense for me to stay, if there is a chance of them showing up."
[ussura] GM asks (of Sebastien), "Heh. Which part, if not all of it?"
Charles says, "On the other hand, if they do, there might not be time for anyone to answer the call anyway."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "well, mostly thinking of the bit in the restaurant where it didn't turn into a bar fight"
[ussura] Charles says (to Sebastien), "BTW, I hope the playing cards didn't bother you too much. It wasn't until afterward that I realized how they'd kinda infringe on your RP for the scene."
[ussura] GM says, "Ha, right."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "but the tailor shop scene felt like it took kind of a right turn also"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "oh, no, that was fine"
[ussura] Charles says, "Yeah, that tailor shop scene was *weird*."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I have no problems making mouth-noises"
[ussura] GM says, "The tailor shop scene was definitely a case of 'if the characters walk into a building, something interesting happens in that building'."
[ussura] Vasili says, "The setup at the tavern was awesome, but the rescue/fight was the kind of gaming frustration I really don't like. Maybe once we know more what we gained or how we foiled their primary plans."
[ussura] Charles says, "I am still not sure exactly what the tailor was trying for there."
[ussura] Charles asks (of Vasili), "You mean the fact that they got away?"
[ussura] Charles asks, "Depsite us doing lots of cool stuff, etc.?"
[ussura] Charles says, "(Or something else?)"
Charles says, "Do you still have that pin? We should refill it."
[ussura] Vasili says, "yeah, IC I very much don't want these women free."
[ussura] GM says, "To peek behind the curtain a bit: he was indeed the LaV contact, but you didn't know the counter-sign, so he asked what he should do, and was told to try to delay you. So everything past the beginning was just him trying to keep you there."
Sebastien says, "oh, yes, that was an excellent move"
[ussura] Charles asks (of GM), "Delay us for what purpose, though?"
Sebastien says, "let's see"
Sebastien goes back into Vienne's boudoir/lab and retrieves it from the floor.
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I figured they were arranging an ambush or some guards or something"
Charles says, "I wonder how it would be loaded with Porte juice."
Vasili says, "!! NO."
[ussura] GM says, "To get someone in place to watch you when you left; possibly an attack outside, yeah. Then when they knew where you were going, they just met you there."
Charles shrugs.
Sebastien says, "I'm not sure how she managed to hold it -- perhaps it was those words she used to activate it"
[ussura] GM says, "I don't guarantee it all made perfect sense, of course ;-)"
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "are we going to save searching the yacht for next time to give the GM some time to think what's on it?"
[ussura] GM says, "Heh, I was frantically trying to come up with stuff ;-)"
[ussura] Charles says, "In that case, I'm fine with holding off on it."
[ussura] GM says, "I will say that in a dark corner of the yacht, you manage to find a discarded cork."
[ussura] Charles says, "Heh."
[ussura] Charles asks, "Should we get Sebastien to a doctor now, or wait?"
[ussura] GM says, "(with a spot of blood on one side)"
[ussura] Vasili says, "writing the description on the transcript page for this one should be fun."
[ussura] Charles says, "(I.e. do we want him to suffer for a week or more with all these wounds?)"
[ussura] GM says, "We can say that in general: you search the ship, remove some stuff, then get Sebastien to a doctor, leaving a guard to watch."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "also, if they do experimental porte stuff, this explains how they could watch people around their blooded object"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "(back on the boobytrapped ships)"
[ussura] Charles asks (of Sebastien), "Did they watch, or could she just tell that the object was moved?"
[ussura] Charles says, "She only recognized you from your hand, as I recall."
[ussura] Vasili says, "An Avalon, a Montaignian, and an Ussuran walk into a tailor's shop. Zany antics ensue."
[ussura] Vasili says, "yeah, I think that was just Attunement"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hmm, true"
[ussura] Vasili says, "(detect position of blooded object)"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "walk in, dripping blood"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "oh, I assumed that wasn't super-exact"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I guess we did move it 30 or 40 feet, though"
[ussura] Charles says, "Yeah."
[ussura] GM says, "I've basically figured it's like triangulation."
[ussura] GM says, "So if you're close, you can tell smaller movement than if it's far away."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "makes sense"
[ussura] GM says, "Alrighty, gotta go have dinner."
[ussura] GM exclaims, "Thanks everyone!"
[ussura] Sebastien exclaims, "thanks!"
[ussura] Vasili says, "I'd imagine sensing it relative to other corks might make detection easier too"
[ussura] Charles exclaims, "You're welcome!"
npc1 has disconnected.
[ussura] Charles says, "(And, of course, thanks :) )"
npc2 has disconnected.
