[ussura] schep asks, "wait, which rabbit?"
[ussura] Jota says, "Sivka."
[ussura] Jota says, "From season 1."
[ussura] Jota says, "A rabbit we met during our first trip through the Thrice Tenth."
[ussura] schep says, "that's what I thought."
[ussura] schep says, "Our other rabbit friend would probably be much less help."
[ussura] Jota asks, "Other rabbit friend? Was Borin a bunny?"
[ussura] Jota says, "(No, he was a mouse, I think...)"
[ussura] inky says, "we met that rabbit briefly running from Aleksi's men"
[ussura] Gunther says, "shortly before being hit by a jet engine"
[ussura] Jota says, "Hmm. I don't remember that."
[ussura] schep says, "from episode 14."
[ussura] inky says, "it is conceivable you weren't here for that one"
[ussura] inky says, "yeah, I guess not"
[ussura] Jota says, "Aha."
[ussura] schep says, "oo, reputation"
[ussura] Jota says, "Oh yeah, I gotta check if rep gives glamour dice."
[ussura] Jota says, "s/gives/counts as/, I mean."
[ussura] inky says, "hey, that is a lot of reputation"
[ussura] Jota says, "Back in an hour."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "geez"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "my reputation doubles"
[ussura] Pyotr exclaims, "at this rate no one will be scared of me at all!"
[ussura] GM asks, "Jota?"
[ussura] GM asks (of Pyotr), "And is Raelynn coming at 4:30ish?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "he said he'd be back by four"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "so I expect that means he went out for a bit"
[ussura] GM nods.
[ussura] Pyotr says (to gm), "yeah, she'll be here shortly"
[ussura] GM asks, "Any questions/updates for me?"
[ussura] GM says, "(I see in recap you all found the reputation and stuff)"
[ussura] GM says, "Oh, and let's reset drama dice, etc., with the exception that any you got last session you still have in addition."
[ussura] GM says, "Hmm, maybe I'll turn on Perry myself."
[ussura] PerrySimm says, "Log on."
[ussura] GM says, "(oh, and if you want to use +rep to counter -rep, that's fine, or you can keep both.)"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "I'm keeping both"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "he can use -rep to counter +rep"
[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "I'm at only -5 on that side, so I'll jst keep it for when I want to scare montaignian peasants"
[ussura] GM says, "Sounds good to me."
Charles has connected.
[ussura] Charles says, "Sorry, here now."
[ussura] GM says, "Woo"
[ussura] GM says, "I grabbed Perry, or you can steal him."
[ussura] Charles says, "Nah, feel free to keep him."
[ussura] GM says, "Sounds good."
GM says, "So! Sebastien has finally recovered, and you have had plenty of time to plan your next move."
[ussura] Charles asks, "BTW, I remembered that rep dice can power Glamour. Mind if I retcon that DD I spent last time to a reputation die?"
[ussura] GM says, "Not at all."
[ussura] GM says, "But DD just reset anyway ;-)"
Sebastien does some stretching and then fencing exercises, and winces slightly.
Sebastien says, "well, more or less back in shape"
Pyotr exclaims, "A long march is just what you need!"
Pyotr says, "Toughen you up after sitting around in bed."
[ussura] GM says, "(also, everyone else's wounds have also gone away, natch)"
Sebastien says, "I'm ready to see the last of the this town for a while, I have to say"
Sebastien says, "or at least the last of this room"
[ussura] Charles asks, "Hrm. I've actually got gobs of DD right now -- a reset wouldn't take me over 9, would it?"
[ussura] Charles says, "(Also, do rep dice round up or down?)"
Charles says, "So one of you was just mentioning the Thrice Tenth kingdom..."
[ussura] GM says (to Charles), "Hmm. Down."
Charles says, "Last time, it seemed to 'work' only because Matushka led us through with her egg."
Sebastien says, "Era said she'd heard stories of an animal guide being able to lead the way"
Charles asks, "Ah -- like the rabbit we met before?"
Pyotr says, "Exactly."
[ussura] GM says, "(you actually found the egg after you were already in the 3x10, but feel free to misremember ;-)"
Sebastien scratches his head. "He told us some way to contact him again, didn't he?"
[ussura] Charles says, "I meant getting back out."
[ussura] GM says, "Ah, OK."
Sebastien says, "perhaps we should go into the forest and try it"
[ussura] Charles says, "Which we might have also done without the egg, but if so, *that's* the part I'm misremembering :)"
[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee"
[ussura] GM says, "Nah, the egg did indeed take you back out at the end."
Raelynn arrives, looking for booty.
Charles says, "Aye. Best not to do it right here in town, I suspect."
Pyotr says, "I doubt we could, anyway."
[ussura] Raelynn says, "waves"
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien | Sebastien says (to Charles), "this seems like a somewhat elaborate prank" [Crows-Nest] Sebastien | Charles says, "Oh. Hallo." [Crows-Nest] Sebastien | rabbit nods gravely.
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien | Sebastien says, "but I applaud your foresight in bringing a rabbit hand-puppet along"
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "Heh."
[ussura] GM says, "Woo"
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "also, it looks like the procedure is"
[ussura] GM says (to R), "Just getting started."
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien | rabbit says, "My name is Sivka, and I have ever been as you see me now." [Crows-Nest] Sebastien | [Crows-Nest] Sebastien | Charles says, "It's nice to meet you. I'm Charles." [Crows-Nest] Sebastien |
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien | rabbit says, "If you ever have need of me, stomp the ground three times, calling my name each time, and I shall do what I can."
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "Yes indeed."
Pyotr asks, "Everyone ready, then?"
Pyotr heads out to the forest.
Sebastien looks mournfully at the large pile of handkerchiefs he was unable to fit in his pack.
[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee"
Sebastien says, "I hope this traveling-light business leads to some beneficial effect to make up for the sacrifices it demands"
Sebastien follows Pyotr.
Charles looks about for a suitably fantastical-seeming glen or clearing.
GM says (to Charles), "Well, I don't know about fantastical-seeming, but after a bit of walking into the forest, you do find a small clearing by a spring."
Charles says, "This seems to be as good a place as any."
Pyotr says (to Charles), "Give it a go."
Charles stomps his foot. "Sivka! Sivka! Sivka!"
GM says, "At first, nothing happens, and you feel a little foolish."
Charles asks, "Erm. Was I supposed to stomp a fourth time?"
Sebastien glances around at the quiet clearing.
Sivka suddenly darts across the clearing and dives behind a rock.
Sebastien says, "that was how I recall the name, but --"
Charles exclaims, "Ah!"
Sivka pokes his head out carefully.
Pyotr exclaims, "Hello!"
Charles asks, "My friend! Do you remember us?"
Sivka says, "Sir Charles. I apologize for my tardiness."
Raelynn digs a carrot out of the supply pack and offers it to the rabbit
Sebastien eyes Sivka through his monocle.
Sivka accepts the carrot gravely.
Charles asks, "That's quite alright. Was there any trouble?"
Raelynn says, "it's a little old, i am afraid, but i hope you like it"
Sivka says, "The thrice-tenth kingdom is not what it was. There is a war on, and many of the old paths are watched."
Sebastien asks, "really? so things here extend to there as well?"
Sivka says (to Raelynn), "It is delicious, fair lady."
Pyotr says, "I was afraid of that, with what happened to Matushka."
Sivka says, "Wolf fought Matushka, and we have not seen her since. Some claim to feel her presence, but others have given up hope."
Charles says, "Oh dear. We were just hoping that you might be able to guide us through there, to St. Andresgorod. But we don't want to place you in danger."
Pyotr asks (of Sivka), "We are doing what we can to fight off Wolf. Can you help us?"
Raelynn asks, "who is leading Wolf's forces in the thrice-tenth?"
Sivka asks, "It will be dangerous, but it can be done. What business do you have in St. Andresgorod?"
Sivka says (to Raelynn), "Wolf himself. Though he delegates some tasks to other wolves, I gather."
Pyotr says, "We have to awaken the Drachen, so he may choose a new Knias."
Sivka exclaims, "Oh!"
Pyotr says, "Of course, we also need to find a potion to awaken him..."
Sivka says, "Ah. Hmmm."
Sebastien says, "perhaps if we awaken the Drachen he can fight against Wolf"
Pyotr says (to Sebastien), "That is my hope."
Sebastien says, "I admit I am not as clear on the politics of the spirit world"
Raelynn asks (of sivka), "who do you think in thrice-tenth would know about potions to help us?"
Sivka says, "So, you have spoken with old Gorynytch? Ah, his spirit skin, of course."
Sebastien says, "possibly we could find someone who knows the ones who put him to sleep in the first place"
Pyotr asks, "Um, Gorynytch?"
Sivka says, "The Drachen himself."
Charles glances at Pyotr.
Pyotr says, "I've spoken with the skin, yes."
Pyotr says, "It was the spirit skin that told me to waken him."
Sivka says, "If he is willing to bargain for his life, he may be willing to join our side."
Pyotr says, "I believe he would, yes."
Pyotr says, "He was strong at first, but the last time he spoke to me, he seemed much weaker."
Charles asks, "Bargain?"
Sivka shakes his head. "There is much I do not know about the history--many generations of us rabbits separate myself from the tale.
Charles frowns.
Charles says, "That's a word with some connotations."
Sivka says, "But I do know one who might know, and might be willing to give you a potion to reverse the spell of sleep placed on him so long ago."
Sebastien asks, "oh?"
Pyotr says, "If you can help us, that would be great,"
Sivka says (to Charles), "There are many bargains in Theah, it is true. And in some, you humans have not come out ahead."
[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "if not, mmm rabbit stew"
Gunther disappears through an invisible gap in the MUD. You think you may have heard the sounds of chatting before the gap closed again.
Sivka says, "But Matushka's bargain with the First Prophet still holds."
Charles says, "I don't think I know of that one."
Sivka says, "It was the beginning of Pyeryem in Ussura."
Sivka says, "On a large scale, at least."
Charles asks, "Interesting. Does history record was was given in return?"
Sivka says, "Come. We can speak of it on the way."
[Crows-Nest] Raelynn asks, "well, it's always the first born that gets traded, right?"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Hee"
[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "so the First Prophet let Matushka keep Pyeryem in exchange for her daughter"
[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "makes perfect sense to me"
Charles says, "Lead on, then."
[Crows-Nest] GM exclaims, "That is not a bad theory!"
[Crows-Nest] GM writes that down.
[Crows-Nest] Raelynn asks, "although what does a prophet want with a shapeshifter's daughter?"
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "Hee."
[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says (to gm), "this is not the channel where you take things seriously"
Sivka leads you between some trees away from the clearing, and turns behind a tree. When you come to the tree, you see his tracks disappear mid-stride.
Sebastien says, "er .."
Charles reaches his hand into the space over where the tracks vanish before following with the rest of him.
Pyotr says, "Hmm."
Pyotr asks, "Maybe if we follow in his steps exactly?"
GM says, "As Charles reaches forward, the rest of you see him fade away."
Pyotr says, "Or, that."
Pyotr walks through
Sebastien says, "gosh"
Raelynn looks apprehensive
Raelynn says, "this melting into thin air is not very encouraging"
Sebastien says, "it is true I have no idea where they've gone"
Sebastien says, "but I would not like to be left behind, either"
[Crows-Nest] Charles says (to Raelynn), "Far be it from a Porte sorceress to step through a strange passageway in space into another place."
[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "there's a difference!"
[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "porte means you hug the world and it absorbs you"
Raelynn says (to Sebastien), "after you"
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "Would it be easier if it bled a bit? ;)"
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "s/hug/slice/"
Sebastien bows to Raelynn and steps onwards.
Raelynn looks around carefully for a hint of what's going on. Checks the ground, that sort of thing, as she steps forward
(From GM) Sebastien *FADE* *fade* ** .
[ussura] GM says (to Raelynn), "Hmm. Using just observation, or sorcery in some way."
[interludes2] Charles says (to Sivka), "I can't imagine where she's got to. I'm certain she was right behind us just a moment ago."
[ussura] Raelynn says, "well, i figured my magic-dar (Thomas) was pointless at this point because everything is magical, so i was focusing on observation, yeah"
[interludes2] GM says (to Charles), "She has Porte blood, does she not? It does not mix well with Pyeryem, or other forms of Matushka's magic."
[interludes2] GM says, "(says Sivka)"
GM says (to Raelynn), "You peer carefully at the place in the air where the footsteps disappear, and can just barely make out the faintest shimmering."
Raelynn says, "whoa. what are we stepping into"
GM says, "Your Thomas knack tells you that there are no other sorcerors in the area; not even your magic-enabled friends."
Raelynn reaches out and tries to touch the area where it's shimmering
Raelynn mutters to herself, "how dangerous can it be? i've been to thrice-tenth before"
GM says, "As your hand touches it, you feel a faint tingle. The terrain remains the same, but your friends and Sivka fade into view once more. It's a very little like stepping into the Dark Paths, come to think of it."
Sivka waits for you a little ways on. When all of you make it through he whispers, "Keep your voices down. Most of the animals are on our side, but some work for him, especially the carrion-eaters. It would not do to let him know where we are going.
Raelynn follows the rest of the group
Pyotr turns to look at Sebastien and Raelynn.
Pyotr says (to Charles), "We'd better be ready to fight."
GM says, "(and your Thomas knack again tells you about Era)"
[ussura] Raelynn asks, "oh good, so we are keeping era on autopilot?"
Sebastien shrugs and gestures.
[ussura] GM says, "Yeah, I figure she's be here."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "the whole group except Alixandre is nominally together still, I think"
Pyotr says (to Sivka), "We're ready. Lead on, please."
Sivka hops on, keeping to the thicker parts of the forest.
[ussura] Raelynn says, "i wonder what would happen if i try to porte here"
[ussura] Charles says, "And even he might magically appear out of nowhere given the right circumstances."
GM says, "As you walk on, the sky grows dark, and you can hear thunder in the towering black clouds."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "montaigne's guys could use porte to get him here, I guess"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "I dunno"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "this is matushka's place, and she doesn't like porte"
Sebastien pulls his yet-another-new cloak around himself and eyes the skies warily.
Charles wonders if these are anything like ordinary clouds.
[7thsea] Charles rolls 4k3: 5 5 3 1 | 13
GM says, "The wind is not strong, but bitterly cold, and some flakes of snow sting your cheeks."
[ussura] Charles says, "(Weather check.)"
[ussura] GM says (to Charles), "You're not terribly familiar with Ussuran weather, but storms in the springtime are certainly reported to be common."
[ussura] Charles says, "I wouldn't be surprised if this is on the other side, so to speak, from Porte."
[ussura] Charles says, "Like, if moving in one direction takes you to the barrier that Porte rips through, then moving in the other direction takes you here."
[ussura] Raelynn says, "ooh"
Sivka stops at one point, and his ears perk up and twitch back and forth.
Pyotr waves everyone to be quiet.
Sivka says, "You should see this. But keep low, and try not to be seen."
[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 5k3: 6 4 5 4 9 | 20
[ussura] Pyotr says, "(stealth)"
GM says, "Pyotr follows stealthily, and makes sure the rest of you do the same."
[ussura] Raelynn asks, "do we roll too?"
Pyotr waves at Raelynn, and points at the branch she was about to step on.
[ussura] GM says, "Nah."
Sebastien crouches down and follows Pyotr a little awkwardly.
[Crows-Nest] (from Charles) GM says, "It was DC 25, so if one of you fails, then you're all spotted anyway."
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "ha ha"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Ha ha"
Sivka turns and leads you up a hill. As you approach the crest, you hear sounds of stamping, and when you cross it, you see down into a valley on the other side. There beneath you marches an army, flanked by wolves.
Pyotr stares to see what the army is made up of.
GM says (to Pyotr), "Men, mostly, wearing the same uniform of the ones following the rabbit-mage you saved as you were leaving Pavtlow."
Sebastien says, "so Aleksi is making use of the thrice-tenth kingdom to transport his men? clever"
GM says, "You watch for a little more, and the battalion disappears back into the forest."
Pyotr says, "That is just wrong."
Sivka says (to Sebastien), "Indeed."
Pyotr says, "We have to stop Wolf."
Sivka says, "I do not know where they are going, but they will get there much faster this way."
Pyotr says, "Yes"
Sivka takes you back over the hill and you continue further. Finally, he stops and tells you "This is as far as I can take you. Mariav will lead you from here. Good luck, and call me again if you need me.
Pyotr says, "Thank you."
Sivka bows to Charles. "I thank you once more for saving me from the hawk."
Raelynn looks around. "who is mariav?"
Sivka dashes off between the trees.
Charles says (to Sivka), "You are--"
Charles says, "...welcome."
Sebastien says, "I hope we are about to find out"
Sebastien says, "...not to mention hasty"
Pyotr looks around.
GM says, "For a minute you worry that you've been abandoned, and then you see a flash of red from one of the trees. It's a cardinal, peering at you."
Pyotr asks, "Mariav?"
Sebastien whistles.
cardinal flutters away to a further tree, then stops and looks back at you again.
Charles says, "We're friends of Sivka."
Pyotr says, "We're to follow you? Okay."
cardinal regards you gravely.
Pyotr follows Mariav from tree to tree.
Sebastien . o O ( this thrice-tenth kingdom stuff is for the birds )
GM says, "In this way, you travel again, until you come to a clearing."
Boar steps forward. "Halt! Who goes there!"
Pyotr asks, "Um, hello?"
Pyotr says, "We're just passing through."
Charles says, "We do."
Pyotr says, "Sivka sent us."
Boar frowns. "The little rabbit?"
Pyotr says, "Yes, him."
Boar asks, "A flighty fellow. Why should he send you to see the king?"
Raelynn says, "because like you, we are here to help defeat Wolf"
Charles says, "We're on a mission for..."
Pyotr says, "We need to awaken the Drachen. Gorynytch sent us."
Charles whispers. "Erm. What was his name?"
Boar exclaims, "Gorynytch!"
Charles says, "Right, him."
[ussura] Raelynn says, "watch the boar turn out to be on the other side"
[ussura] (from Charles) <Era> Era has logged on.
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "our horses have half a sack of oats, it's dark, and we're wearing sunglasses. we're on a mission from matushka."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] GM says, "Ha ha. Also, ha #crows"
[Crows-Nest] Charles says (to Sebastien), "I initially thought that was going to be a 'half a sack of oats, one cardinal, and a boar need to get across the river' comment."
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
Boar says, "Follow me. I shall see if Narimont will see you."
Pyotr says, "Thank you."
Pyotr says (to Mariav), "And thank you, as well."
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "solution: the cardinal flies over, and then you go over in the boat with the boar but the weight of the boar makes it sink and then the oats get wet"
Raelynn asks, "we've seen a rabbit, a cardinal, and a boar. what's next?"
Pyotr says (to Raelynn), "He's the king, so obviously a lion."
Sebastien breaks off a piece of croissant (taken from the remaining montaigne presence in the city) and leaves it for Mariav.
Boar leads you through the clearing, where you see more animals than you've seen the whole trip. Some have clearly been injured, and are recovering. Others watch you warily, though some smile and whisper.
Pyotr asks (of Boar), "What's been happening here?"
[Crows-Nest] Charles asks, "Are there lions in Thea?"
[Crows-Nest] Charles asks, "Where would they live?"
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "in the Crescent"
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "Ah, right."
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "in the wizard of the oz the lion was in the forest"
[Crows-Nest] Raelynn asks, "that's not very geographically correct is it?"
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "So, a nigh-mythical beast."
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "but it is true that may be an anomaly"
Boar says, "Here we coordinate the war against Wolf. The initial attack caught us unprepared, but we are rallying."
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says (to Raelynn), "I don't think I've seen an africa analogue"
Pyotr says, "My hat off to you all, then."
Pyotr says, "We, too, have been fighting him."
Boar says, gruffly, "Good."
GM says, "You wait outside a cave for a bit, and then an enormous Snow Leopard emerges."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "aha, of course"
Charles bows.
Sebastien says, "goodness"
[ussura] Pyotr exclaims, "I was close!"
Sebastien takes an involuntary step back.
Raelynn says, "pretty!"
Pyotr bows.
[ussura] Charles says, "Indeed."
Pyotr asks, "Your highness?"
Narimont says, "My friends. I must thank you, belatedly, for rescuing my spirit skin."
Sebastien recovers his manners eventually and bows also.
Narimont asks, "What is it I can do for you?"
[ussura] GM says, "(This is already too Narnia for the king to be a lion)"
[ussura] Charles says, "Strangely, the connection hadn't even occurred to me."
[ussura] Raelynn asks, "is the rescue when seb/alix rescued the skins from that funnel-vortex thing?"
Pyotr says, "I have been approached by Gorynytch."
Pyotr says, "He wants us to wake up the drachen, so that a new knias may be chosen for Somojez."
Narimont exclaims, "Oho!"
Pyotr says, "We know, however, that the drachen sleeps an enchanted sleep."
Pyotr says, "So we are hoping for help and guidance."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "okay, nicest speech Pyotr has ever given"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "yay"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "he officially falls over gasping now"
GM tosses Pyotr a drama die.
Raelynn says (to Narimont), "Sivka indicated there was a tale behind the drachen's sleep that we need to know, as well as information about the potion."
Narimont asks, "Indeed. It was not easy putting him in his current slumber the first time. What makes you think he will not resume his old ways?"
Pyotr says, "He might."
Sebastien says, "we were hoping for some guidance there as well"
Pyotr says, "But, we have some leverage over the spirit skin, at least."
Charles . o O ( Old ways? )
Pyotr says, "I am hoping a suitable bargain can be struck."
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "in the story he was eating villagers, remember?"
[ussura] Charles says, "Oh, forgot about the story."
[ussura] Charles read read.
Narimont says, "Ah, yes. He doesn't wish to die, after all."
GM says, "He asks you for what you know, and you give him a synopsis of http://strackenz.spod-central.org/~lpsmith/rpg/transcripts/ussura/drachen_snow_maiden.html"
[Crows-Nest] (from Sebastien) Narimont says "Hang on, waiting for iceweasel to load"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Ha ha"
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "yay"
Pyotr says, "And so, we hope we can find an antidote for the sleeping potion."
Narimont says, "There is some truth to that tale. The snow folk, the humans, and the animals did indeed join forces to subdue him in the past. A new alliance could be forged to wake him again--if an agreement can be reached."
Sebastien says, "we negotiated passage for an army through the country -- negotiating to feed a drachen can't be that much harder"
Narimont grins.
Charles says, "An agreement with the snow folk? Hmm."
Pyotr says, "We've dealt with them before."
Raelynn crosses arms. "I am not dancing again"
Vasili has connected.
[ussura] Raelynn says, "YAY"
[ussura] Charles says, "Yayt"
[ussura] GM says, "Ha ha timing."
[ussura] Vasili asks, "oh?"
[ussura] Raelynn asks (of vasili), "aren't you supposed to be saying good bye to someone?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] Vasili says, "aw, you're kidding."
[ussura] Charles says (to Vasili), "We were just talking to the king snow leopard in the 3/10 about the snow people."
[ussura] GM | Narimont says, "There is some truth to that tale. The snow folk, the humans, [ussura] GM | and the animals did indeed join forces to subdue him in the past. A new [ussura] GM | alliance could be forged to wake him again--if an agreement can be reached." [ussura] GM | Sebastien says, "we negotiated passage for an army through the country -- [ussura] GM | negotiating to feed a drachen can't be that much harder" [ussura] GM | Narimont grins. [ussura] GM | Charles says, "An agreement with the snow folk? Hmm." [ussura] GM | Pyotr says, "We've dealt with them before." [ussura] GM | Raelynn crosses arms. "I am not dancing again" [ussura] GM | Vasili has connected.
[ussura] GM says, "(Narimont is the Snow Leopard, and king of the beasts in Ussura)"
Vasili mumbles, "Well, that figures."
Pyotr asks, "So, we need to head back to...where did we meet them again?"
Charles asks, "Is that really the only place they can be found?"
Sebastien says, "Mount Ostrog"
Vasili says, "Ostrog. But I'm sure that's not the only place they're at."
Charles says, "I thought there were legends of the snow people all over Ussura."
Raelynn asks, "aren't there representatives of snow maidens in 3/10?"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "we could also check out the Matushka's Daughter legend, I guess"
Raelynn says, "it clearly snows here,"
Vasili says, "But we're in the Thrice Tenth. We'll probably end up just where we need to be."
Narimont says, "Indeed. I can send for a delegation, and they may respond. They are a... fickle people."
Charles says (to Vasili), "Maybe, although without Matushka here to guide us, it's difficult to say."
Charles says (to Narimont), "If you mention the name 'Raelynn', it might get some attention."
Narimont asks, "Oh?"
Sebastien asks, "she has an unresolved challenge with .. Nemka?"
Charles says, "That sounds right."
Narimont asks (of Raelynn), "And you are willing to resolve this challenge now?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I can't tell from a quick re-scan of this if he owes her a favor from last time or if he's just promised a rematch"
Raelynn says, "So I have to dance to get the antidote now? Talk about pressure"
[ussura] Raelynn says (to sebastien), "rematch"
[ussura] Raelynn says, "my prize (the favor he owed me) was to leave the reckless boys alone and let us go"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "aha"
[ussura] Charles exclaims, "That hardly seems worth it!"
[ussura] Raelynn says (to charles), "I agree!"
[ussura] Raelynn asks, "how much to increase a knack?"
Sebastien says, "well, we might be able to bribe them with something else"
[ussura] Raelynn says, "if i am dancing, i want to up my Dance knack to 3"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "6xp to increase from 2->3"
[ussura] Charles says, "Two times what you're raising it to."
Narimont says (to Raelynn), "More traditional methods of negotiation may be open to us, but an unresolved challenge, successfully finished, might indeed tip the balance in your favor."
Raelynn says (to Narimont), "I will try my best. I think it's important enough that we should get this resolved"
Vasili says, "I didn't really like the sound of his terms for this rematch. Not that I understood them."
Raelynn says, "Especially since I don't want him showing up in Montaigne for a rematch. My gentle mother really wouldn't understand."
Sebastien says, "it's true they sounded more .. permanent"
[ussura] GM says, "Ha ha ha"
[ussura] Raelynn says (to GM), "I have 11 XP. I am spending 6 now to up my knack to 3. Thank you"
Charles says, "Worst case scenario, we're stuck with him forevere..."
[ussura] GM says, "Woo ;-)"
Sebastien says, "I imagine most areas of Montaigne would be a trifle warm for him"
[Crows-Nest] Charles waits for Raelynn to hit him.
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien exclaims, "dance-off! dance-off! dance-off!"
[ussura] Raelynn asks (of vasili/seb), "please refresh my memory. what's the terms you are referring to?"
[ussura] Charles | Nemka says, "I shall practice my dances, and when we meet again, we shall see who wins the other forever."
[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says (to charles), "for some reason i (physically) am feeling nervous"
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "Fortunately, we've all got drama dice at the ready."
Narimont says, "So that accounts for the Snow Folk, though they may have other demands when they get here. I assume you all can speak for the humans. And I speak for the animals."
Pyotr says, "Sure we speak for the humans."
Pyotr asks, "Which humans?"
Sebastien says, "I think we speak for *enough* humans"
Vasili says, "Just roll with it."
Narimont says, "It is true you tend to divide yourselves obsessively."
Pyotr says, "Sounds good to me."
Narimont says, "But you spoke of binding the skin to a new Knias, one presumably of your choosing."
Charles says, "We can speak for Avalon, Montaigne, Castille, and Ussura, at least."
Pyotr asks, "(quick huddle) We're all agreed on Ketheryna, right?"
[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says (to katre), "what's that book you told me that's a ripoff of the LoTR? this meeting sounds familiar"
Raelynn asks (of Pyotr), "i thought we are lobbying Keth for the Gaius?"
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "ha ha"
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "Sword of Shanarra"
Pyotr says (to Raelynn), "Her eyes went green, but her hair didn't change, so."
[ussura] GM says, "The Gaius is chosen by binding with the Snow Leopard skin, which is what Matushka was trying to work out when she was attacked."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I was wondering about the eyes -- I thought Era and Raelynn had delivered something to hide the eye color"
[ussura] GM exclaims (at Sebastien), "Oh, right!"
Charles says, "Hmm. I'm sure that if Bjorg, Eolo, Giovanna, Maxwell, or Rudiger were here, they would agree on behalf of Vestenmannavnjar, Vodacce and Eisen..."
Charles counts on his fingers.
[ussura] GM says, "She decided to stop taking those, and let you all have the extras."
Charles looks up. "Oh? Knias?"
[ussura] GM says, "(She decided she'd gain more support if she let it be known now she had Pyeryem)"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "sensible enough"
[ussura] Raelynn says, "i guess we are agreed then"
[ussura] Raelynn asks, "wait. so keth can still be the gaius, then?"
[ussura] Charles asks, "What was preventing her originally?"
[ussura] Vasili says, "I thought somebody else was Gaius, just that we haven't met him."
[ussura] GM says, "(You can ask N about the Gaius position if you want. It's his skin, so presumably he has some connection there)"
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "don't you want to ask him about his beasts?"
Pyotr asks (of Narimont), "Has a new Gaius been selected yet?"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "ha ha ha"
[ussura] Raelynn says, "ha ha ha"
[ussura] Charles says, "In any case, I thought Narimont was asking us for a drachen knias, not a gaius."
[ussura] Vasili says, "yes"
Narimont says, "It was Matushka's last act, made possible by freeing my skin in Pavtlow."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "right, and people seem not to like my choice"
[ussura] Charles asks, "Oh, it was Keth for drachen, not Keth for Gaius?"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "that's my idea"
[ussura] Vasili asks, "has he gone over what he knows about what happened with Matushka?"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "Raelynn disagrees with me"
[ussura] Charles is slightly confused. But that's politics.
Narimont says, "The new Gaius is very young, but safe, for the moment. Wolf is searching for him, but not, I think, in the right areas."
[ussura] Vasili says, "I thought it was always Keth for drachen."
Pyotr says, "Ah, I see"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "and yay, I am right about the new Gaius"
[ussura] Charles asks, "Keth's kid?"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "(duchess and I were just arguing about it)"
[ussura] Pyotr says (to charles), "yeah"
[ussura] Vasili says, "nah. Maybe the Fhideli kid."
[ussura] Charles says, "Seems a bit weird for a Knias's son to be Gaius."
[ussura] Pyotr says (to charles), "the old gaius was also the gaius' son"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "yeah, but that caused a whole mess"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "admittedly, that was because his father tricked Matushka"
[ussura] Raelynn says, "okay, let's move on. keth for knias"
[ussura] Charles says (to Pyotr), "I'm confused again, I think."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "I wasn't trying to confuse people"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "anyway, we only seem to get a vote on the knias of somojez"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "normally succession of the gaius isn't hereditary, it's just something matushka picks"
[ussura] Charles asks, "WOuldn't Keth becoming the drachen knias, and her child becoming Gaius, mean that we'd now have two major rulers of Ussura in the same family?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "well yeah"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "we don't know her child's becoming gaius, though"
Narimont says, "I will summon the Snow Folk, and if Gorynytch will agree to join in the fight against Wolf, I will lend the support of the animals to wake him once again."
[ussura] Charles says, "(That is what I'd originally meant would be weird.)"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I don't think"
[ussura] Pyotr says (to Charles), "hey, as long as they're not Aleksi, that's good in my book"
[ussura] Charles says (to Pyotr), "Good point."
Pyotr exclaims, "Great!"
[ussura] Charles says, "Alternately..."
Sebastien says, "that seems fair"
Sebastien asks, "what are we to do, then?"
Raelynn asks, "does that cover all the stakeholders?"
Raelynn says, "i don't want to not be able to wake the drachen because we forgot someone"
Vasili says, "First, talk with the Snow Folk. Next, go and evacuate the castle, I think."
[ussura] Charles says, "I do know someone who is trained in politics, half-Ussuran, and apparently no longer interested in a life of adventure for the time being."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "that would be good"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "heh"
[ussura] Raelynn says, "sigh"
[ussura] Raelynn asks, "how come no one is thinking what i am?"
[ussura] Raelynn says, "Pyotr would be PERFECT"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "no"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "no no no"
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "no?"
[ussura] Raelynn says (to pyotr), "you can't vote here"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I guess Pyotr the Terrible would be a good followup to Ivan the Terrible"
[ussura] Charles says (to Raelynn), "That thought has crossed my mind a half dozen times."
[ussura] Raelynn says (to Charles), "YAY"
[ussura] Charles says, "And every time it makes me laugh inside, and then I forcibly make myself stop thinking it."
[ussura] Charles exclaims, "Because Pyotr is an Adventurer, and cannot be tied down by politics!"
[ussura] Raelynn asks, "okay. so keth?"
[ussura] Charles says, "I dunno, I still think Alix wouldn't be a bad choice."
[ussura] Raelynn says, "i don't think sarge would thanks us if we make his character out of commission"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "I'd also support Alix"
[ussura] (from Charles) Raelynn says, "while katre would be extremely grateful"
[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee"
Narimont asks, "But I also have a favor to ask of you. With Matushka gone, Ussura is not as protected as it once was. Forces beyond my ability and beyond the ability of you humans are at work. You know 'Matushka' is 'Grandmother'--it is because she has a granddaughter, Vnushka, who she hid from the world a long time ago. She gave the four parts of the key to wake her to the four beasts, who are currently (but for the Wolf) all missing. Will you find them, once this matter is finished, to wake Vnushka?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ah"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I was wondering why this wouldn't be the climax"
Charles says, "I think we could give that a try."
Vasili says, "It would seem we're heading for one of them anyway."
Sebastien says, "it sounds as though Wolf will need to be subdued to get his part of the key"
[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says (to narimont), "Sure, add it to the list. We got a million other things to do first, though"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Hee"
Narimont says, "Indeed. And Gorynytch may be able to help with that, as well."
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "who are the four beasts? wolf, firebird, cat, bear?"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "sounds right"
[Crows-Nest] GM exclaims, "Yup!"
[ussura] GM exclaims, "Yup!"
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "#1 Wake drachen. #2 Stop wolf. #3 Wreak vengeance against LaVache. #4 Save Theah from bugs (poss. requires overthrowing monarch of Montaigne)..."
[ussura] Vasili says, "oh, not drachen"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "so I guess tamara can help with the firebird"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "it seems like a weird design choice to have this set of spirit skins for the knias and then a separate set of four beasts which overlaps partly but not completely"
[ussura] Charles says, "Huh, the beasts are missing, but their skins are still active. Interesting."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I see off the reference sheet that that crazy clockwork guy has the cat skin, and the crow guy who taught Raelynn has the bear"
[ussura] Raelynn asks, "huh. shouldn't the crow guy have crow?"
[ussura] Raelynn asks, "you know, logic?"
[ussura] Charles asks, "Who's to say he hasn't?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "well, you can have a couple skins"
[ussura] Charles says, "Also, re: weird design, it looks like Koshechei *was* a knias once, but abdicated."
[ussura] GM says, "Yeah, you saw him transform into a crow already."
[ussura] Raelynn says, "oh i see"
[ussura] GM says, "(but, right, everyone has multiple skins. Some just mean more than others)"
[ussura] Charles says, "So I guess a knias can give up the kniation without giving up the associated skin."
[ussura] Charles asks (of GM), "Everyone? Even Borin?"
[ussura] Alex says (to Charles), "Awwwk! Word on the street is that everyone is laughing it up on #adam-sux again."
[ussura] GM says, "Well, he's sort of half-knias. He sits on the Douma, but just doesn't run the province directly any more."
[ussura] GM says, "Probably too much hassle."
[ussura] GM says, "Maybe not Borin ;-)"
[ussura] Charles says, "(Borin the mouse, that is, not Borin the... uh, bear?)"
[ussura] GM says, "But Era."
[ussura] Charles says, "Yeah, I think we've watched Era do three different shapes."
Narimont says, "Good. I will send for the Snow Folk. We will meet at, hmm. The Tambov river should do."
Narimont asks (of Raelynn), "Will one day be enough for you to prepare?"
Pyotr asks, "How do we get there?"
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "where is the Tambov river on this map?"
Raelynn says (to Narimont), "I will try my best to prepare"
Narimont says, "(it's not there, it's in the 3x10)"
[ussura] Narimont says, "ilac"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "oh, okay"
[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says (to pyotr/charles), "i need to conserve my energy. Make a litter and carry me on it!"
Sebastien says, "we'll have to begin some intensive dancing practice immediately"
Narimont says, "You say this is for dancing? There are one or two forest spirits with us who may be able to teach you a move or two."
Sebastien says, "perhaps I can adapt some moves from my swordfighting style"
[Crows-Nest] Charles exclaims, "You should dance all the way there!"
Charles asks, "Does anyone here play an instrument?"
[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "i will lose by the time i get to the river"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I have no idea what skill that is"
[ussura] GM asks, "Oh, hmm. Performer?"
[ussura] Charles says, "I think so. If not, I can sing."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "there doesn't seem to be an instrument knack there"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "nor in courtier"
[ussura] Vasili says, "yeah, nothing specific"
[ussura] Charles asks, "Huh. Artist?"
[ussura] Charles says, "Yup, there it is."
[ussura] Vasili says, "aha, yeah, Artist: Musician."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hmm, that's a slightly unusual omission"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "aha"
Charles says, "I guess not."
[ussura] GM says, "Ah, OK. And yeah, I'd be fine with sticking that under Performer as well, assuming anyone had either."
Sebastien says, "perhaps we could improvise something"
[ussura] GM says, "(I think you don't)"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "Charles and I have Performer"
[ussura] GM exclaims, "Well, then!"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I believe"
Charles hums a jaunty little shanty with a good rowing beat.
[ussura] Charles says, "Actually, I've got Bard, not Performer."
[ussura] GM says, "Singing would also work."
[ussura] Raelynn asks, "it's 9 - are we continuing on and playing the dance this session or are we cutting it short before the competition?"
Sebastien says, "if we can work out a routine with her, that will probably help her dancing"
[ussura] GM says, "If Bard doesn't have perform (instrument) it does now."
[ussura] Charles says, "Hee hee."
[ussura] Vasili says, "(Bard?)"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "Bard is from the avalon handbook, I think"
[ussura] Charles says (to Vasili), "Avalon book."
[ussura] Sebastien asks (of Raelynn), "how much time do you guys have?"
[ussura] Raelynn says, "i am fine"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "also good"
[ussura] GM asks, "Hmm. Yeah, playing things out may well take us late, but since we're then 2+ weeks off, it might be nice to do it now. How are people?"
[ussura] Charles says, "I am OK for up to another hour."
[ussura] GM says, "Hrm hrm hrm."
[ussura] GM says, "Enh, let's go for it."
GM exclaims, "So! Fast-forwarding!"
GM exclaims, "Training Montage!"
GM exclaims, "Night in the forest, with the animals!"
GM exclaims, "Rumors of war!"
[Crows-Nest] (from Sebastien) GM exclaims "Dancing squirrels!"
Pyotr uses an upended bucket as a drum.
Pyotr *bomp* *bomp* *bomp*
Pyotr says, "I know, Ussuran guys have no rythm."
Sebastien does some thrust-parry-riposte steps, then gestures for Raelynn to repeat them.
Raelynn thrust parry riposte *twirl*
GM says, "And the next day, a contingent of animals and you all head out to the river (which is frozen, but starting to thin), and meet Nemka and his contingent."
Sebastien exclaims, "nice!"
Sebastien makes notes for his own use.
[ussura] GM says, "(yay)"
[ussura] Raelynn asks, "do they look happy?"
[ussura] Raelynn asks, "grim?"
[ussura] GM says, "They look like they always look happy. Perhaps a bit more manic than last time, if that is even possible."
Nemka exclaims, "My lady Raelynn! We meet again!"
Nemka says, "I (and here he twirls) have been practicing."
Pyotr kind of edges away from the snow girls.
Vasili can't help but scan the crowd for a certain face.
Raelynn smiles weakly. "I hope you've enjoyed your practices, my lord"
Daniele waves cheerily at Vasili.
Vasili half-grins and half-grimaces back.
[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "i am imagining the GM frantically searching through the transcript to find that girl's name"
Sebastien eyes the skies. "Hmm, weather's going to favor them."
Charles says (to Sebastien), "It would probably be bad form to start a bonfire."
Raelynn says (to Sebastien), "we are on their turf, since this magical kingdom is in no way our home turf. There's many things that's going to favor them today."
GM says, "The group of you work out the agreement beforehand, should Raelynn prevail."
Sebastien says (to Charles), "maybe a small one -- any bit would help"
[ussura] GM says, "(which we can work out in detail later, though if Sebastien wants to do a diplomacy roll, now'd be the time)"
[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "sheesh."
Vasili says, "I dunno. It's all very new, but somehow this does feel like home."
[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "afk"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "I did! ;-)"
[ussura] Charles asks, "And if she should fail?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "(throwing in a drama die)"
[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 6k5: 9 9 7 4 10+1 8 | 44
[ussura] Pyotr exclaims, "nice!"
[ussura] GM exclaims, "They won't help wake the drachen, and you all go home with them to the Snow Queen's castle!"
[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "back."
[ussura] GM says, "But with that roll, only for one year."
Sebastien talks to Nemka's ambassadors as the others prepare our dancing-area.
[ussura] Charles says, "Ha ha."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "heh"
Vasili says, "Snow Queen? Wha, hm."
[ussura] GM says, "And they also agree to help in the fight against Wolf, which you didn't really expect them to agree to."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "yay"
[ussura] Vasili asks, "did we hear about the Snow Queen last time we met them, or in one of those other stories?"
[ussura] Raelynn asks, "what if sebastien negotiates that only i have to go to the snow queen's castle? and lets the others keep going?"
[ussura] Sebastien exclaims (at Raelynn), "don't be so defeatist! we're going to win!"
Nemka exclaims (at Raelynn), "You would give up your freedom forever to save your companions for a year? Done!"
Vasili says, "What!"
[ussura] Charles says, "Yeah, we've probably got almost as many drama dice between us as the GM has."
Sebastien flinches.
[ussura] Raelynn says, "er."
Sebastien . o O ( this is what comes of letting amateurs getting involved in diplomacy .. )
[ussura] Raelynn says (to gm), "that's not *quite* what i had in mind"
[ussura] Raelynn says, "but okay"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "that's only if you lose, anyway"
[ussura] Raelynn says (to sebastien), "actually, this is good"
[ussura] Pyotr says (to charles), "and if we use them all at once, he can't use them against us until the next roll. So Nemka goes first"
[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee"
Sebastien eventually finishes talking for a bit and goes to see how the dancing area is shaping up.
[ussura] Raelynn says, "i've been feeling ill and queasy and butterflies-in-the-stomach (hence the afk bit)"
[ussura] Raelynn says, "but that agreement has eased a lot of my nerves"
[ussura] Raelynn says, "the preposterousness, mainly"
[ussura] Vasili says, "uh. well then."
[ussura] GM says, "Ha, yay."
Sebastien makes sure the snow is packed down and there's an area for Charles to stand and do music.
Sebastien says, "(and Pyotr on drums)"
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "(I am totally imagining Pyotr like Animal)"
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr exclaims, "yay!"
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "Ha ha."
Raelynn asks (of Charles), "(whisper) do you know the old Avalon tunes?"
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr exclaims, "wo-man! wo-man!"
[Crows-Nest] Charles asks, "Does that make Raelynn Janice?"
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr asks, "seriously, now, who has a story die left?"
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "cause, really"
[Crows-Nest] Charles asks, "Don't we all?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I wonder if Sidhe-tinged music would help or hurt with these guys"
Raelynn says, "that might confuse the snow maidens and i know the old songs"
[Crows-Nest] Raelynn asks (of charles), "do story die refresh?"
GM says, "And with that, a cold fire springs up in the center of the dancing area, and the snow folk erupt in a wild dance."
[ussura] Charles says, "I don't know any relevant Glamour, alas."
Charles says, "That's unfair. We should have made our own fire after all."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Yeah, you should all have one each, I think."
Charles turns back to Relynn and whispers, "Aye, my mother taught me a few of them..."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "OK, the rules (again) are that you both dance, and whoever gets higher gets a point. Whoever reaches the other's Resolve first wins, which is 3 for Nemka and 2 for Raelynn (I believe)."
[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "i am a three now"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Last time he was rolling 8k3s; if he's practiced since, he's now at 9k3."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Oho! Well, then."
[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "i apparently upped to 3 session 15"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Perfect."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "(He has not upped his resolve)"
[ussura] Sebastien exclaims, "good planning!"
[ussura] Raelynn asks, "finesse, right?"
Vasili says (to Raelynn), "Good luck. Don't think about it too much."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "We'll roll like we're rolling initiative to see who goes first, so roll 2 dice and he'll roll 2."
Sebastien says, "you will not falter, but if you should, we will be there"
[ussura] GM says, "(also, I should really be saying this here, but anyway)"
[7thsea] Raelynn rolls 2 dice: 1 3
Charles asks (of Pyotr), "Are you ready?"
[7thsea] Nemka rolls 2 dice: 6 8
Pyotr bang bang bang
[Crows-Nest] Charles asks, "Are they taking turns, or dacing together?"
[ussura] Raelynn says, "i am going to be rolling 7k3 by the way, 3+3+1drama"
[ussura] Raelynn says, "oh, 7k4"
[ussura] GM says, "That's 7k4, actua... right."
Charles sings the ancient melodic poem, 'The Lady in the River and the Lady in the Tree'.
[ussura] GM exclaims, "So! Go for it! And rp!"
[ussura] GM says, "You'll go first both rounds."
[ussura] Charles asks, "Will a Singing roll work as a standard assist?"
[ussura] GM says, "Yes."
Raelynn removes her cloak, and reveals her Fidelhi dancing costume. With Charles' beginning, she starts twirling gently
[7thsea] Raelynn rolls 7k4: 9 6 7 5 3 9 10+2 | 37
[ussura] Charles says, "(Whatever the rule for that was.)"
[7thsea] Charles rolls 4k3: 1 9 6 4 | 19
[ussura] GM says, "Beats me."
[ussura] Charles says, "Hee hee."
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "free raises for the amount Charles beats a DC by?"
Raelynn mimics a tall oak tree, swaying gently in the night, and then borrows movements from the graceful elk, stepping through the snow
[ussura] Charles says, "That sounds likely."
[ussura] GM says, "Sure. I already saw your roll, but I've tried not to let that influence my setting the TN at 20, since I've been doing that for most things recently."
Raelynn speeds up her movements and starts acting like a little rabbit, hopping through and twirling while gracefully drawing circles in the air
[ussura] Charles says, "That's fair."
GM exclaims, "The snow folk cheer you on! Rarely have they seen such graceful dancing from a mere human!"
Raelynn does a somersault to coincide with a high note, and tumbles to a finish, with her arms outstretched as Charles finishe
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "then she goes again because she got 1 3?"
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "or he responds anyway?"
GM says, "The watching animals also cheer, particularly the rabbits."
[ussura] GM says, "Yeah, I think we'll just have R go first both times this round."
Vasili says, "Amazing."
Raelynn pants pants panta
Raelynn says, "water"
Pyotr brings Raelynn a waterskin.
[Crows-Nest] Rob_2 terrible temptation to grab the dice and start rolling for no reason
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "heh"
Nemka leaps into the center of the clearing and does a handspring as the music changes to a haunting mountain melody.
Sebastien dabs at Raelynn's forehead with his handkerchief.
[ussura] Charles says, "That'll make it harder for us to toss in drama dice to beat them, though."
[7thsea] Nemka rolls 9k3: 3 10+9 2 5 4 9 8 5 4 | 36
[ussura] Pyotr says, "woo"
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "OK, I am 30% suspecting that the GM fixed that roll ;)"
Nemka spins around, as quickly as the wind, and his fellow dancers move away from him like snow flurries.
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] GM says, "They're also going to do an assist ;-)"
[7thsea] Daniele rolls 6k3: 9 5 9 2 6 5 | 24
[ussura] Pyotr says, "boo"
Daniele's grace perfectly counterpoints Nemka's prowess, and all who watch are amazed!
Raelynn whispers to Charles, "For my next one, pick a rousing war song"
GM exclaims, "A forest spirit (chosen to be the impartial judge) proclaims the first round goes to Nemka!"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "I'm throwing Rae a drama die for this one"
[ussura] GM says, "Go for it! rp the assist, too."
Pyotr starts out with a fast, agressive beat, to counterpoint Charles' song.
Charles says (to Raelynn), "Will do -- there's Prince Llew and the Four Hundred, which has a good marching bit, or I could do Against the Sword, but that one is awfully fast, and might be rather challenging."
Raelynn says (to Charles), "fast is good. like the beat Pyotr's got"
Vasili says, "I think fast is their strong point. But they'll sure be impressed if you can match."
[7thsea] Raelynn rolls 8k5: 3 9 5 9 9 5 9 2 | 41
[ussura] GM says, "Woo"
Charles sings of an ancient inherited Sword and the battle that reclaimed it.
[7thsea] Charles rolls 4k3: 9 7 9 10+7 | 35
[ussura] GM says, "Wow, nice."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "nice"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "awright"
Raelynn jumps into the middle of the cleared space with a thump and waves her arm in the imitation of how Pytor waves his axe, and twirls around quickly, interspersing various movements from the various swordsmen schools
[ussura] Charles says, "Take that, snowflakes."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] Daniele asks, "Who are you calling a flake?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I would say that is impugning their sexuality but, you know, they're already faeries"
Rob_2 arrives, looking for booty.
[ussura] Charles says, "You'd best not use that word where I come from."
(From Raelynn) when Charles picks up the pace of the song, she quickly slips in the thrust-parry-riposte routine from Sebastien, and adds two twirls
GM says, "Some of the animals nod sagely to each other, and shake their heads impressedly."
[Crows-Nest] Rob_2 says, "no wonder nothing seemed to be happening. I was in the wrong room"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Heh, whoops."
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "ha ha"
Raelynn reaches the end of the song flashing her arms as if she was holding her knife in a very intricate pattern, following an old Sophia's Daughters ritual
GM exclaims, "And with the finish, the glade erupts in cheers, claps, brays, and roars!"
Sebastien . o O ( stab, and then he tries corps-a-corps but you slip his rush and strike to the side ... )
Raelynn lungest forward, one arm outstretched in challenge in the fencer's position as the music ends
Charles fetches Raelynn her waterskin before she asks for it, this time.
Raelynn grins in thanks
Nemka, a bit cowed, steps forward. Then he regains his composure, his eyes twinkle, and the music starts up once more.
Raelynn starts making snowballs to use up some nervous energy
[Crows-Nest] Rob_2 says, "wow clearly I missed something impressive"
[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "another dance concert"
Charles stage-whispers, "Be careful -- with all the magic around, they might wake up and join the other team."
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "And contest."
GM says, "As the music starts, Nemka remains perfectly still in the middle of the dancers, who twirl and spin around him."
[Crows-Nest] Charles exclaims, "In this corner... wearing the purple and green ensemble with gold accents... it's Raelynn Teresa DuVille!"
GM says, "Eventually, you see that his fingers are twitching to the music. The other dance even faster, and his arms join in."
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says (to Rob), "this is a big match so we are busting out the high rolls and bonus dice"
[Crows-Nest] Charles exclaims, "And in the other corner, hailing all the way from the top of Mount Ostrog, wearing blue trousers and no shirt, it's Nemka, prince of the snow people!"
GM says, "Then you realize that with each twitch, snowflakes are falling from him, and the snowflakes themselves are spinning and twitching around him in time to the music."
[7thsea] Nemka rolls 9k3: 5 3 1 2 6 3 7 3 5 | 18
[7thsea] Daniele rolls 6k3: 10+8 8 9 1 4 8 | 35
[Crows-Nest] Rob_2 asks, "what is at stake?"
[Crows-Nest] Vasili says, "the world, as usual"
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "If we win, we get new allies in our quest to wake the sleeping drachen and fight the traitorous Wolf. If they win... Raelynn becomes their prisoner forever."
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "it's kind of a long story, but basically -- yeah"
GM exclaims, "But in the end, it's not very impressive, despite a great showing by Daniele and company. The forest spirit rules in favor of Raelynn, and everyone cheers again!"
[Crows-Nest] Rob_2 says, "gosh"
[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says (to rob), "yeah"
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "there is sort of a political-allegorical war going on"
Charles exclaims, "Huzzah!"
[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says (to rob), "i was aiming for the 1 year imprisonment but i forgot to mention that"
[Crows-Nest] Rob_2 says, "heh"
Charles asks (of Raelynn), "What would you like for the tiebreaker?"
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "and these guys are fairy-tale figures involved with one of the players historically"
GM exclaims, "Next round! roll initiative again!"
[7thsea] Nemka rolls 2 dice: 2 8
[ussura] Raelynn says, "wait, i am confused"
[ussura] Pyotr asks (of charles), "they're tied, but they're still going to three, right?"
[ussura] GM says, "So far, you both have won one, and you both need two more."
[ussura] Charles says, "Oh, three wins, not three dances? Aha."
[ussura] Raelynn asks, "i thought we just did rounds 1,3, and now it's nemka's turn to do 6, 8?"
[ussura] Raelynn asks, "or do we just start over again?"
[ussura] GM says, "Oh, you go first one 1 and 3, and he goes first on 6 and 8? That's fine."
[ussura] Raelynn says, "that's what i thought. make nemka do 6, i reply to it, he goes 8, i reply, and then we go to the next one"
Sebastien takes Vasili aside and starts consulting with him. "Distract them .. chop some .. juggle"
Vasili says, "Sebastien, maybe you could join Raelynn. As much as Daniele is helping him."
[ussura] GM says, "Actually, no--go ahead and roll initiative, and you'll see."
[7thsea] Raelynn rolls 2 dice: 6 1
[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says (to vasili), "gentelmen - there are a pile of snowballs here *cough*"
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "hee hee"
[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "you are talking about juggling"
Vasili says (to Sebastien), "Hrm. I'm usually better at *not* being seen."
Sebastien and Vasili re-emerge from the woods with an armful of torches.
Sebastien says, "nobody'll have to see you, we'll just catch these"
GM says, "The snow spirits call foul, but the forest spirit rules that since they have the cold fire, the humans are allowed some real fire."
[ussura] GM says, "(er, if you're obviously going to add those to the dance, that is)"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "yeah"
Vasili gives one of them a practice twirl.
Sebastien says, "I'll stand on the other side and throw them back to you"
Sebastien exclaims, "it's very impressive at night!"
Raelynn says (to Charles), "sing Hail Avalonia"
[ussura] Vasili says, "(you do realize I have Throwing 1)"
[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "well yeah"
Charles salutes. "Aye, my lady."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "but c'mon, it'll be awesome"
[ussura] Vasili asks, "what could possibly go wrong?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I am going to donate a drama die to Raelynn anyway, so I figure our assist will be secondary"
Charles takes a deep breath, then sings in a loud voice that melody known to every Avalonian schoolchild.
[Crows-Nest] Rob_2 says, "hail, hail avalonia, land of the braaave annnnd freeeee"
Raelynn snaps off a salute as Charles starts singing, marching. As Charles starts singing "Hail! Hail! Hail!" she starts somersaulting, and then incorporates jumps, imitating the ibexes she's seen roaming in the mountains
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien asks, "who knew Rob was avalonian?"
[7thsea] Charles rolls 4k3: 8 2 3 3 | 14
[ussura] GM says, "Hey, Ibexes."
[7thsea] Raelynn rolls 8k5: 8 4 7 8 8 8 7 2 | 39
[ussura] Charles says, "Good thing Vasili and Sebastien are helping."
Sebastien lights a torch off the one he has resting vertically in the snow, and tosses it across the dancefield to Vasili, swooping dramatically past Raelynn's head.
[7thsea] Vasili rolls 4k3: 8 2 10+10+9 10+9 | 56
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "(here's a throwing roll from me)"
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "holy crap"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "wow"
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "well, uh, mine will be secondary, but"
[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 5k4: 3 4 3 3 7 | 17
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "yeah, mr I-have-throwing-1"
[ussura] Daniele asks, "'Only have Throwing 1', eh?"
Vasili catches it with one hand, twirls it back up in the air, and sends his other one spinning back!
Sebastien half-ducks as it comes zooming back in a shower of sparks.
Raelynn twists herself into a pirouette as a defense against the flying torches and twists herself into a cartwheel
GM says, "Suddenly, there's a commotion from the edge of the crowd. "What hey!" "How did they--" "Betrayed!" "Defensive positions! Here they come!""
[ussura] Charles says, "I wonder if this presages a defection in Daniele's future."
GM exclaims, "And with that, an army of men and wolves leap into the clearing!"
[ussura] Charles says, "Whoops."
Raelynn slips in the mid-cartwheel at the commotion and tumbles to the ground
[ussura] Pyotr says, "oh geez"
Nemka exclaims, "No! Keep dancing! It is how we fight! Raelynn, help us!"
Pyotr drops his drum and grabs his axe.
[ussura] Sebastien says, "heh heh"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "awesome"
Raelynn looks around widly and slips in to the Avalonian jig as she tries to figure out what's going on
[ussura] GM asks, "And it's 7:00! The rest of the fight/dance next time?"
[ussura] Charles says, "That seems fair."
Vasili, confused, ends up twirling a torch in one hand and wielding a knife in the other.
Sebastien switches to a defensive position at the edge of the dance ring. His foot stomps rhythmically, keeping up the beat.
[ussura] Sebastien says, "yeah"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "yeeeeah cliffhanger"
[ussura] GM exclaims, "Yay everyone!"
[ussura] Raelynn says, "um"
GM throws a drama die to everyone for their awesome assists and roleplaying, except for Raelynn, to whom he throws two.
[ussura] Raelynn says, "when is the next session? just want to make sure we are there for that one"
[ussura] Charles says, "Yay."
[ussura] GM asks, "Not the next two weeks. How is August for people?"
[ussura] Charles says, "The first couple weeks are currently open for me."
[ussura] Charles says, "I think."
[ussura] Raelynn says, "no plans in the early weeks. katre and i are probably gone the last weekend of august (the 25th)"
[ussura] Vasili says, "busy Saturday 25th."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I couldn't go much later than 7 on the 4th, but otherwise I'm fre"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "e"
[ussura] Charles says, "I'm probably busy on either the 18th or 25th."
[ussura] GM says, "Looks like August 4th is open, and the 11th is probably busy for us (in-laws in town)"
[ussura] GM asks (of Seb), "7 our time, I assume?"
[ussura] Raelynn asks, "so tentatively 4th and 18th?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "yeah"
[ussura] Charles says, "I think the 18th is probably going to be the bad one for me, but I'll check this week."
[ussura] GM says, "August 4th it is! And then hopefully the 18th."
[ussura] Raelynn says, "okay"
Rob_2 has disconnected.
Rob_2 vooms himself somewhere else.
[ussura] Raelynn says, "thanks for the assists and drama die people"
[ussura] GM says, "Woo. Thanks, everyone."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "yeah, this was excellent"
Eolo has disconnected.
Vasili has disconnected.
[ussura] Charles says (to Rae), "Nicely danced, BTW."
npc1 has disconnected.
npc2 has disconnected.
Pyotr has disconnected.
Pyotr goes home.
Charles has disconnected.
Raelynn goes home.