[ussura] PerrySimm says, "Log on."
[ussura] GM says, "There are 'Wanted!' posters for Pyotr 'and his gang'."
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "so the recap is that Daniele is captured and we have the potion and we know about a secret passage into the castle?"
[ussura] GM says, "Right."
Sebastien dusts himself off.
Sebastien says, "I certainly hope no one mistakes me for a member of his 'gang'"
[ussura] GM says, "Nobody in town (or, well, the one guy you talked to) has seen Daniele, but they might simply have not paraded her through."
[ussura] Vasili says, "plus I just recruited a Louis-ette"
[ussura] GM says, "Oh, right."
[ussura] GM looks up another Russian name.
[Crows-Nest] (from Charles) GM . o ( Crap, what was I thinking? )
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "wait, who is the louis-ette?"
[ussura] Charles says, "The jeweller."
Ianka closes up the Jewelry shop and emerges from the back, wearing a thick fur cloak and carying a cudgel. "So, when do we start?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "aha, there it is"
[ussura] Charles says, "The wolves apparently used a collar to kidnap Daniele, and its spell can be broken if we can smash the gems in it."
[ussura] GM says, "I forget what time it was--evening? That seems like a standard time."
Charles asks, "I'm ready. Anyone know any reason to wait?"
Sebastien asks, "well, is there any point in trying to find, er, our objective before we locate Daniele?"
[ussura] Charles says, "UST."
[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee"
Sebastien . o O ( not sure exactly how Ianka's going to react when she finds out )
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
Vasili says, "They're probably taking her there too."
Charles says (to Sebastien), "I believe the plan is to head for 'our objective', and hope that whoever has Daniele is going the same way."
Ianka quirks an eyebrow. "Your 'objective'?"
Charles says (to Ianka), "It's all a bit mythic."
Vasili says, "So, west side of the mountain, looks like that way!"
Sebastien says (to Charles), "right then, lead on"
Charles leads the party to the passage he was told about.
GM says, "You hike up the mountain partway, but leave the road halfway up to circle around to the back."
GM says, "It's somewhat slow going, since there's no real path to speak of, and there's lots of steep rocks."
Pyotr arrives, looking for booty.
[ussura] GM exclaims, "Yay!"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "hi sorry I'm late"
[ussura] GM says, "no problem."
[ussura] GM says, "You're all on your way to the back of the castle."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "with any luck Z will actually stay asleep and not need me to go back in and rock him again"
[ussura] GM says, "Heh."
[ussura] GM asks, "No Duchess?"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "she is out tonight"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "(and is apologetic)"
Sebastien says (to Ianka), "so, er, do you know any good stories about the castle? I heard there are a lot of legends there"
[ussura] Vasili asks, "to us, or to Z?"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "both, actually"
GM says, "Partway around, you finally get to a big open field on snow, in the shadow of a rocky crag. It's deep, but easier going than the rocks."
[ussura] GM says, "Heh."
Ianka says, "Well, the most famous is 'The Drachen and the Snow Maiden'."
Sebastien says, "ah good"
Ianka asks, "Have you heard that one?"
Sebastien says, "yes, you could say that"
Vasili asks, "Have you heard the sequel?"
Ianka blinks and laughs. "The sequel? Do tell!"
Vasili says, "Ask me in a few days."
Ianka says, "Oooh, mysterious stories and a mysterious girl. This just gets better and better."
Ianka shrugs her cloak around her with satisfaction.
Charles looks ahead for foot- or paw-prints in the snow.
Charles asks (of Vasili), "Think you should tell her the stories of the First Dance and the Last Dance?"
GM says (to Charles), "Mostly, it's pristine. You do see a place off to the side where the snow's been disturbed, but probably from a deer or something."
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "Ianka is the jewler?"
[ussura] Charles says, "Right."
[ussura] Ianka says, "Whoops--yes."
GM says, "Partway across, Pyotr gets a frown on his face. "You know, my grandad used to tell stories about creatures that lived in fields like this. I think he called 'em...""
GM exclaims, "Suddenly, Raelynn sinks into the snow with a yelp!"
Sebastien exclaims, "yelp? that's not a na -- whoah!"
(From GM) Pyotr exclaims, "Ice voles!"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha ha"
Sebastien grabs for Raelynn's arm
Charles grabs Raelynn's arm!
[ussura] Sebastien says, "VOUS? I don't think there are any such things"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "argh and now it's time for more rocking. back soon :("
[ussura] Charles exclaims (at Sebastien), "Make a wish!"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "and if there were, they'd be in Montaigne"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha ha"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "that'll teach her not to show up"
GM exclaims, "The two of you plunge your hands into the snow to grab Raelynn, and sink into the snow up to your waists yourselves! And you feel a stinging on your arms!"
Charles asks, "Sorcery?"
Sebastien exclaims, "goodness gracious!"
[ussura] GM exclaims, "And, roll initiative!"
[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 3 dice: 7 10 6
[7thsea] Vasili rolls 3 dice: 1 7 3
[7thsea] Charles rolls 3 dice: 5 5 9
(From GM) Pyotr exclaims (while slicing at the snow with his axe) "No, they tunnel under the snow to make it weak, and then when something breaks through, they attack it!"
[7thsea] Ice_Voles rolls 3 dice: 9 2 7
[ussura] GM says, "(and pyotr can roll when he gets back)"
[ussura] GM exclaims, "Phase 1! Vasili!"
[ussura] GM says, "Also: http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/resources/Grzimek_mammals/Bathyergidae/Heterocephalus_glaber.jpg/medium.jpg"
Vasili grabs a coil of rope from his pack, tosses one end to the others, and carefully heads for the nearest tree.
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] GM exclaims, "Phase 2! The voles!"
GM rolls an uncertain (but small) number of dice.
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "I am forced to wonder if the GM is only allowed to use the letters E, L, O, S, V, and W in monster names now."
GM exclaims, "Partway to the edge, the snow collapses under Vasili, too! He founders!"
[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 3 dice: 6 7 3
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "(And our next opponent will be a band of vicious vowels.)"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "reroll 7"
[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 1 die: 2
[Crows-Nest] Vasili says, "Ooaiee! You are suddenly attacked by ... BAH"
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "Hee."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Hee hee"
GM says, "Also, the voles attack Raelynn, doing an unknown amount of damage, and get partial attacks on Sebastien and Charles."
[7thsea] Ice_Voles rolls 4k1: 6 4 7 8 | 8
[7thsea] Ice_Voles rolls 4k1: 8 1 9 6 | 9
[ussura] GM says, "Doing 8 and 9 flesh wounds, respectively."
[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 2k2: 2 4 | 6
[ussura] Sebastien says, "stupid voles"
[ussura] GM exclaims, "Rest of phase 2! Pyotr!"
[7thsea] Charles rolls 3k3: 8 7 10+5 | 30
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "is it day or night?"
[ussura] GM says, "There are two pits, one with Vasili in it, and one with Raelynn, Sebastien and Charles in it."
[ussura] GM says, "It's eveningish."
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "so we didn't have torches, huh?"
[Crows-Nest] Vasili says, ">GET ALL FROM LARGE PIT"
Pyotr concentrates very hard to remember what his grandad always said about dealing with ice voles.
[ussura] Pyotr says, "(adding a drama)"
[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 3k3: 1 10+7 3 | 21
[ussura] GM says, "Straight wits? Ha ha"
[ussura] Pyotr exclaims, "yup!"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I think he said to hit them real hard with your axe"
Pyotr says, "It was something about....something about the ice..."
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "did I remember anything?"
[ussura] Charles says, "If only you'd put those extra points into Vole Lore."
[ussura] GM says, "He said that if you could get on top of a slab of ice, they couldn't tunnel through it, only snow. Or rock, of course."
Pyotr exclaims, "Right! Everyone, over to the base of the cliff!"
Sebastien says, "I would be happy to do so as soon as I can remove myself from this pit"
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "er, we are near a cliff or rock face or something, right?"
[ussura] GM exclaims, "Of course!"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "whew"
[ussura] GM says, "Vasili is partway there, but in a pit of his own."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "okay, I guess that was my action"
[ussura] GM exclaims, "Phase 3! Vasili and Pyotr!"
Pyotr runs over to the pit with Raelynn, etc, lies down on the edge, and tries to haul people out.
[ussura] Charles says, "I am trying to imagine what expression must be on Pyotr's face if he just spent his entire action thinking."
[ussura] GM says, "Vasili, you can either try to fight them off, or you can try to get out; if the latter, they'll get in some bites."
[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 4k4: 6 3 3 8 | 20
GM says, "Pyotr manages to grab Raelynn's hand, who pulls herself up and clambers up Pyotr's back."
Vasili starts swinging arms and knives at the loose snow. Maybe it'll help him see them coming. Maybe one of their tunnels will collapse and slow them down. Or maybe Vasili's just lost it.
[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee"
[ussura] Charles asks, "I trust Inaka is spending the time staying very still so she doesn't fall in?"
[ussura] Vasili says, "she's doing whatever it is tagalong NPCs always do during battles."
[ussura] GM says, "Yeah, we'll say Era and she were off to the side and they're helping each other out of the snow field."
[ussura] GM says (to V), "Roll attack, TN 20; raise to get more of 'em if you want."
[7thsea] Vasili rolls 6k3: 5 4 3 7 9 3 | 21
GM says, "Vasili slices through several vole snouts, turning the pit somewhat red."
[ussura] GM exclaims, "Phase 5! Charles and Charles!"
Charles pulls himself up out of the ice.
[ussura] Charles asks, "Do I need to roll for that?"
[ussura] Vasili says, "huh? I was aiming more for the snow. But if it gets me less bitten, it works."
[ussura] GM says, "Oh, er, OK. But yeah, if you're OK with that, I'm OK with that ;-)"
[ussura] GM says, "Your slashing revealed some tunnels and some of 'em coming at you."
[ussura] GM asks (of Charles), "We'll say that's one action to get out of the pit; second action?"
[ussura] GM says, "(since Pyotr's there to provide a handy ladder)"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "you could go help Vasili, I guess -- hopefully I can pull myself out with Pyotr's help here"
Charles turns and, steadying himself with one arm against the immobile Pyotr, reaches down with the other to pull Sebastien out as well.
Vasili keeps back the closest ones, and finds out just how many are heading for him. "Eep!"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hooray"
[ussura] Charles says (to Sebastien), "I'll save you your action."
Sebastien kicks a vole in the snout as Charles pulls him up and out.
Sebastien says, "I appreciate that -- the snow was getting a little biting"
[ussura] GM exclaims, "Phase 6! Pyotr and Sebastien!"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "okay, screaming baby again. sorry. next phase I either help pull or help run"
Charles says (to Sebastien), "Next time, we should strap some kind of sledges to our feet instead."
[Crows-Nest] Vasili says, "Sebastien needs to find a way to take Elan's prestige class."
Sebastien asks, "that's a good idea -- why didn't Pyotr's grandfather think of that?"
Sebastien moves cautiously over the snow to give Vasili a hand up.
[ussura] GM says, "OK, when moving across the snow, roll Finesse vs:"
[7thsea] Ice_Voles rolls 3k3: 1 9 10+10+6 | 36
[ussura] Sebastien says, "man, this place is honeycombed"
[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 4k4: 4 2 1 3 | 10
Sebastien WUMPF
[ussura] GM says, "Wow, that's the worst 4k4 ever."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I demand a refund on this dice bag"
[ussura] GM exclaims, "Sebastien makes it over to the edge of Vasili's pit, but then collapses the side, falling in again!"
GM exclaims, "Sebastien makes it over to the edge of Vasili's pit, but then collapses the side, falling in again!"
[ussura] Charles says, "Your hours will be returned to you with your next invoice."
Vasili says, "Well, how nice of you to drop in."
Sebastien picks himself painfully up off another vole
Sebastien says, "it's a nice place to visit but I didn't mean to live here"
GM says, "Pyotr, meanwhile, gets into an argument with Raelynn. He wants to carry her to the side, and Raelynn says that this is dumb, since that'll just make them all more heavy."
GM says, "Raelynn finally settles the argument by hitching up her cloak and tripping lightly across the snow."
[ussura] GM says, "(we'll have Pyotr roll when he gets back)"
[ussura] GM exclaims, "Phase 7! Vasili, Sebastien, Voles!"
[ussura] GM says, "With Sebastien first, the voles, then V."
Sebastien says, "good thing this pit has gotten rather wider"
Sebastien draws his sword and endeavours to hold the voles off.
Sebastien says, "(and hopefully that'll keep them away from Vasili too)"
[ussura] GM asks, "Attacking or holding action for your swordman thingummy?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I really just want to hold them off, I don't care about attacking back"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "since I figure there are too many to deal with"
[ussura] GM says, "OK, let's see."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "(and ideally I'd like to keep them off Vasili too, so he can do something clever to get us out)"
[ussura] GM asks, "How about rolling your special defense knack; anything you roll over 20 increases your and Vasili's TN to be hit when they attack next?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ok, sounds good"
[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 8k4: 3 10+2 5 3 7 8 2 2 | 32
[ussura] GM exclaims, "Nice!"
Sebastien's blade tip carves away bits of snow from the sides of the pit, keeping the voles from getting too close
[ussura] GM asks, "Your normal TN is 25; Vasili's is also 25?"
[ussura] Vasili says, "yup."
Ice_Voles try to break through the perimeter!
[7thsea] Ice_Voles rolls 5k3: 9 1 4 2 4 | 17
Ice_Voles, avoiding Sebastien's sword, retreat back into their tunnels!
Sebastien exclaims (at Voles), "and stay there!"
[ussura] GM says, "Vasili! You're upl."
[ussura] GM says, "er, up."
Vasili finds a spot behind Sebastien where there doesn't seem to be a tunnel, climbs up, and sprawls flat near the edge offering a hand up.
[ussura] GM says, "You can also see that they're starting to congregate again; Vasili killed of a few of them, but they're starting to replenish."
Sebastien exclaims (at Charles), "I think that idea of yours about sledges might be needed after all!"
Charles asks (of Sebastien), "Did you bring one?"
[ussura] Vasili asks, "need a Climbing roll?"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "back"
Sebastien asks, "well, no, but there're those trees over there .. can we improvise something?"
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "I owe a finesse roll?"
[ussura] GM says, "Vasili is safe up on top again; Sebastien in the pit; Charles and Pyotr (and the PC/NPCs) are up top."
[ussura] GM exclaims (at Pyotr), "Right!"
Sebastien says, "I guess making things out of trees is really Pyotr's department"
Charles asks, "I think we could. A few branches lashed together, like a raft?"
[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 3k3: 10+8 9 4 | 31
[7thsea] Ice_Voles rolls 3k3: 3 10+7 10+1 | 31
[ussura] GM says, "Oh, man."
[7thsea] Ice_Voles rolls 1k1: 7 | 7
[ussura] Charles asks, "Was that a running-on-ice roll?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ok, new plan: just stay in the pit, and tunnel through the snow to the edge of the field"
GM says, "Pyotr, running after Raelynn, suddenly falls through the snow with a whumpf."
Pyotr says, "Ow."
[ussura] Charles asks, "Getting munched on all the way?"
[ussura] GM says, "Not yet."
Charles exclaims (at Pyotr), "Cut that out!"
Pyotr exclaims, "Good idea!"
[ussura] Charles says (to GM), "That was to Sebastien."
Pyotr draws his axe.
Raelynn_ exclaims, "See! What if you had been carrying me!"
Pyotr exclaims, "You'd have cushioned my fall!"
Raelynn_ says, "Hmph."
[ussura] Sebastien says (to Charles), "ok, I guess that's a small downside"
Raelynn_ says, "I'd stomp my foot at you, but then I'd fall through the snow, and you already have that covered."
[ussura] Sebastien asks (of Charles), "you don't have some clever way of making ice or fire with glamour, do you?"
[ussura] GM says, "So! The situation right now is that Charles needs three actions to get to the cliff, and Sebastien, Vasili, and Pyotr need two."
[ussura] Charles says, "Alas, I don't believe so."
[ussura] Charles asks (of GM), "Is this counting or not counting the actions to climb out of the pits?"
[ussura] Vasili says, "he can make cheese. I bet these guys would love cheese."
[ussura] GM says, "Not counting."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] Charles says (to Vasili), "Something tells me they're probably carnivores."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hmm"
[ussura] GM says, "So! Phase 9: Charles and the Voles."
[ussura] Charles says, "I would like to take a raise and a silly plan to move at double speed."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hooray"
[ussura] GM says, "Silly plans are always welcome here."
Charles slips off his pack and holds it in front of him. He takes a moment to judge the strength and slickness of the snow ahead, then...
[ussura] GM says, "Ha ha yay"
Charles kicks off and jumps into the snow, pack first, skidding out of control across the snow like a stone skipping on smooth water!
[7thsea] Charles rolls 4k4: 7 5 5 5 | 22
[7thsea] Ice_Voles rolls 3k3: 8 9 1 | 18
[7thsea] Charles rolls 1k1: 7 | 7
[ussura] Charles says, "(Since I needed to make that raise.)"
[ussura] GM exclaims, "You make it! You're now only one (normal) move away from the cliff!"
Charles exclaims, "Weeeoooohahaha!"
Sebastien exclaims, "nice!"
[ussura] GM says, "Meanwhile, the Voles try to attack Pyotr and Sebastien. There's more congregating around Sebastien than there is around Pyotr, since he only just fell through."
Charles spins to a stop somewhere past the others' pit. "The sledge idea works!"
[7thsea] Ice_Voles rolls 7k3: 10+4 8 1 1 3 9 8 | 31
[7thsea] Ice_Voles rolls 5k3: 7 4 2 8 8 | 23
[ussura] GM exclaims, "With Sebastien's special defensive thing, that's a miss for him, but they manage to get through pyotr's defenses!"
[7thsea] Ice_Voles rolls 4k2: 1 6 10+1 8 | 19
Pyotr exclaims, "Yah!"
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "brawn check for this? is this what my toughness affects?"
[ussura] GM says, "Yeah."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "yeah"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "sorry, my brane is totally shot tonight"
[ussura] GM says, "Toughness gives you +1k0 on the brawn roll, I believe."
[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 5k4: 6 3 8 3 10+9 | 36
[ussura] GM exclaims, "Phase 10! Sebastien!"
Pyotr exclaims, "Ooh, it tickles!"
[ussura] GM says, "If you stay in the pit, you can keep your increased defense, but you'd need to reset it if you climb out."
Charles exclaims, "The key is to be on *top* of the snow instead of under it!"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "yeah, I'm scrambling out"
Sebastien scrambles out.
[ussura] GM says, "With Vasili helping, this is no problem."
[ussura] GM exclaims, "Next round!"
[7thsea] Charles rolls 3 dice: 9 3 10
[7thsea] Ice_Voles rolls 3 dice: 9 1 8
[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 3 dice: 1 6 1
[7thsea] Vasili rolls 3 dice: 4 6 8
[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 3k3: 6 9 7 | 22
[ussura] Pyotr says, "reroll 9"
[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 1 die: 5
Vasili says, "It almost makes more sense not to go anywhere."
Sebastien asks, "it seems like Charles had the right idea -- do you see any branches around?"
[ussura] GM says, "Phase 1! The voles and Sebastienx2."
[ussura] GM exclaims, "A few more voles have showed up, and they attack Pyotr!"
[7thsea] Ice_Voles rolls 7k3: 4 8 6 6 8 8 8 | 24
[7thsea] Ice_Voles rolls 4k2: 5 7 7 9 | 16
[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 5k4: 10+10+3 9 3 10+6 3 | 51
[ussura] Charles says, "Nice."
GM says, "Once again, the voles bite Pyotr's shins, but he once again shrugs them off."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "man, I am really racking up the wounds here"
[ussura] Vasili says, "now just don't totally flub your next wound check."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "yeah well"
[ussura] GM exclaims, "Sebastien!"
Sebastien picks up some branches and ties them to his shoes with handkerchiefs
Sebastien says, "here, I'll take the other end of your rope, and give you a hand if I can get free"
[ussura] GM says, "We'll say that'll give you a +1k0 on your next movement/finesse check."
Vasili says, "handkerchiefs on the shoes? You really are getting to be quite the adventurer."
Sebastien starts snowshoeing across the snow
Sebastien exclaims, "a trifle devil-may-care, you think? well, here goes!"
[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 5k4: 10+8 4 4 4 6 | 32
[7thsea] Ice_Voles rolls 3k3: 6 2 1 | 9
[ussura] GM says, "Ha ha"
[ussura] GM says, "Clearly, they have avoided that particular track of snow."
[ussura] GM exclaims, "Phase 3! Charles!"
Charles, still aboard the HMS Duffel, paddles gently toward the shore with his hands and feet.
[7thsea] Charles rolls 4k4: 8 3 1 3 | 15
[7thsea] Ice_Voles rolls 3k3: 5 5 4 | 14
[ussura] Charles says, "Phew."
GM exclaims, "Charles makes it to the cliff!"
[ussura] GM exclaims, "Phase 4! Vasili!"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "this is the classic scene where you are paddling your backpack across the snow as the snow collapses behind you"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ok, usually it is guys running across a bridge, but you get the idea"
Charles feels the toe of one boot slip through, but he quickly yanks it out before a set of tiny jaws can clamp down on it.
[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee"
Vasili studies where the others have gone, and takes his time.
[ussura] GM asks (of Vasili), "Following Sebastien?"
[ussura] Vasili asks, "how about half speed for a free raise or unkept or something?"
[ussura] (from Charles) GM asks, "Where he's weakened the ice?"
[ussura] Vasili says, "yeah, and holding onto the rope so I can take him down with me"
[ussura] GM says, "We'll say the Voles have the same roll they did for Sebastien, since you're following the same place."
[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee"
[7thsea] Vasili rolls 3k3: 10+2 6 9 | 27
[ussura] GM says, "Phase 5! Pyotr."
Raelynn_ asks (of Pyotr), "So, do you need help or what?"
Pyotr exclaims, "I'm good!"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "man, I totally forgot Pyotr is still in the pit"
Pyotr lays into the voles to back them up a bit.
Vasili tiptoes through the no-lip monstrosities.
[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 7k3: 5 9 5 5 9 2 8 | 26
GM says, "Pyotr slices through several snouts, and they back off."
[ussura] GM says, "Phase 6! Vasili finishes catching up to Sebastien; Sebastien and Pyotr."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "okay, now that voles have backed off I'm scrambling up"
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "what do I need to roll?"
[ussura] GM says, "Since you backed them off, we'll just say you make it."
Pyotr scrambles up to the top, and waves at everyone by the cliff.
Raelynn_ rolls her eyes.
Sebastien throws off his snowshoes and makes a run for it.
[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 4k4: 5 5 7 1 | 18
[7thsea] Ice_Voles rolls 3k3: 3 10+4 7 | 24
[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 1k1: 5 | 5
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hmm, ok fine"
[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 1k1: 9 | 9
[ussura] GM says (to seb), "(ylac)"
Sebastien's foot sinks down through the snow and the voles almost close on his ankle, but he pulls free and jumps for the base of the cliff.
Sebastien says, "ow oof"
GM says, "Sebastien makes it to the cliff! Vasili notices that he almost broke through at several places, and that it might not be the safest to follow there."
[ussura] GM says, "Phase 7! Pyotr."
Sebastien pulls another handkerchief out of his pocket and starts binding up the bite-marks on his leg from earlier.
Pyotr looks left, looks right, and runs straight towards the cliff.
[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 3k3: 2 6 9 | 17
[7thsea] Ice_Voles rolls 3k3: 8 4 1 | 13
Pyotr jumps over a vole hole!
[ussura] GM exclaims, "Phase 8! Vasili!"
[ussura] GM says, "(Pyotr and Vasili are now both one move away from the cliff; everyone else has made it, I think.)"
Vasili picks a solid-looking patch and goes for it.
[7thsea] Vasili rolls 3k3: 2 1 7 | 10
[7thsea] Ice_Voles rolls 3k3: 2 7 5 | 14
Vasili *fkrumph* "Aw, man."
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "drama die?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "or I guess I've got this rope"
[ussura] GM asks (of Sebastien), "You want to help?"
Sebastien exclaims (at Charles), "help me pull him!"
Sebastien yanks on the rope as he sees Vasili slip into the snow.
Charles pulls!
[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 2k2: 5 2 | 7
[7thsea] Charles rolls 3k3: 7 2 3 | 12
[ussura] Sebastien says, "(brawn)"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "man, we need pyotr here"
Vasili scrambles for a moment at the edge of the new pit.
[ussura] Charles says, "I am not sure that I actually have an action, but I've got one coming up next phase..."
[ussura] GM says, "Hmm, OK, Vasili, roll brawn as a stand-in for your weight to see what they have to beat."
[7thsea] Vasili rolls 3k3 (no explosions): 1 7 1 | 9
[ussura] GM says, "Ha ha no explosions."
[ussura] GM exclaims, "But they manage to pull you in!"
Ice_Voles gnash their teeth in frustration as none of you are now in a pit!
Vasili blows a raspberry over his shoulder.
[ussura] GM says, "One more roll for Pyotr; you guys can help somehow if you need to."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "in retrospect, I should have thrown something heavy onto the snow to distract them"
[ussura] GM says, "You did, only it was Pyotr."
[ussura] Vasili says, "well, here comes Pytor."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha (twice)"
Pyotr continues dashing.
[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 3k3: 3 4 8 | 15
[7thsea] Ice_Voles rolls 3k3: 10+6 2 4 | 22
GM exclaims, "Pyotr looks like he'll need help if he's going to make it! What do you do!"
[ussura] Sebastien exclaims, "sell tickets!"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "ha ha"
[ussura] GM says, "Ha ha ha."
Sebastien picks up a good-sized rock from the base of the cliff.
Vasili says, "No, not the thin spot!"
Sebastien exclaims, "help me toss this out there -- maybe it'll distract them!"
Charles, having watched everything happening so far, picks the one place most likely to collapse the ice and snow onto the vole tunnels and STOMPs!
[ussura] Charles says, "Natural philosophy:"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "oho, clever"
[7thsea] Charles rolls 4k3: 2 8 1 4 | 14
[7thsea] Ice_Voles rolls 2k2: 8 4 | 12
[ussura] GM exclaims, "It works!"
[ussura] Charles exclaims, "Yay!"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "because the voles never went to school"
Pyotr slips past the voles and jumps to the cliff.
[ussura] Charles exclaims, "Yay, there's a morale!"
[ussura] Charles exclaims, "Or a moral!"
[ussura] Charles exclaims, "Or morale because we're all still alive!"
[ussura] (from Sebastien) Voles say "Remember, knowing is half the battle!"
[ussura] Vasili says, "and the voles seem demoralized."
GM says, "Panting, you all watch the snow roil a bit as the chittering voles tunnel through the pits some more, but eventually disappear back into their tunnels."
Charles says, "I don't remember seeing anything like this in Gallenia."
Charles says (to Pyotr), "Youcertainly chose a homeland with strange fauna."
Sebastien looks around to make sure Ianka made it ok
[ussura] GM says, "GM true confessions: I've wanted to do that scene since 1995, when I read an article in Nature (for the April Fool's issue) about creatues that tunnel under penguins and eat them like that."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "wow"
Pyotr says, "Well, you know, they're not that common"
[ussura] GM says, "So thank you all for making my dream come true ;-)"
Sebastien says, "I suppose being so close to, er, the thing might make other strange creatures more likely"
Vasili says (to Ianka), "See, there you have it. Excitement, danger, ... and just wait till we get *into* the castle."
Charles says, "...or *under* the castle..."
Ianka says, "I can't wait."
Sebastien . o O ( Daniele's only been gone 24 hours and he's already hitting on someone else )
[ussura] GM says, "Ha ha ha"
GM says, "Skirting the cliff edge, you make it past the snow field and back to the rocky area. It's still slow going, but you don't mind so much."
[ussura] GM says, "(and Pyotr's flesh wounds go away)"
[ussura] Charles asks, "Any anyone else's?"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "yay"
[ussura] GM says, "If there were any; Sebastien got a dramatic, and I think that's it."
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "Charles too?"
[ussura] GM says, "Raelynn also gets patched up."
[ussura] GM says, "Oh, right, the first few."
[ussura] Charles says, "I got a few flesh wounds when Sebastien and I fell in after Rae."
[ussura] GM says, "Yes, they go away."
Charles says, "In our favor, it looks like we'll probably be arriving before the others."
Charles says, "On the other hand, we still have no guarantee that the others will be following us."
GM says, "Eventually, you make it to where you can see the back of the castle. From here, you can see an older, ruined section, with the newer bit around the hill to the north."
GM says, "http://www.antiquemapsandprints.com/SCANSF/F-3024.JPG"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "nice"
[Crows-Nest] Charles asks, "So is that a picnic basket, or just someone's laundry?"
GM says, "(only with more snow)"
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "(Maybe I shouldn't say that to the guy who can give me flesh wounds.)"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Heh."
Sebastien asks, "where's the entrance? in this older section?"
GM says, "From there, you make it to the passage that Charles heard about that should lead to a back entrance to the modern part of the castle."
Charles says, "Yes, he said it used to be the old hunting entrance, where the knias and his men would come in to take off their muddy boots and unload the carcase of anything they killed before entering the main part of the castle."
Vasili says, "oh, we forgot to bring the carcasses."
Sebastien asks, "so where does it lead? to the kitchens?"
Sebastien says, "that should make it easy to get to the cellars"
Vasili asks, "Do we need to find Borin's chamber to figure out how to get to the passage down?"
Charles says, "Aye, the main passage from there to the rest of the castle has collapsed, but the servants' corridor into the kitchens and larders is still in good shape."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "(Borin told you how he got down to the treasury undetected starting from his room, but you might be able to pick up his path partway down.)"
[ussura] GM says, "#crows"
Sebastien says, "ah, makes sense"
GM tosses a drama die to Charles for the worldbuilding ;-)
Vasili says, "Well, okay. So get in, scope it out, sneak around."
GM tosses another drama die to Charles for the backpack sled, while he's at it.
[Crows-Nest] Charles exclaims (at GM), "Thank ye!"
Charles says (to Vasili), "Good plan."
GM says, "And sure enough after walking up to the castle on paths and through short tunnels that look sort of like http://i.pbase.com/u42/andronikkie/upload/39641408.img_6437.jpg , you make it into the old part of the castle, and from there to an old oaken door with iron banding that should lead to the kitchen."
Vasili listens at the door.
[ussura] Charles says, "Nice use of multimedia."
[ussura] Charles says, "(I just hope we don't get a reason to hear 1.wav)"
servant says, "...like 'em here, whatever they say."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "and on the other side of the door, you hear something that sounds like 1.wav"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "dammit"
[ussura] Charles says (to Seb), "HA ha."
[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee"
servant2 says, "I know, but he *was* there, and those were his dying words."
servant says, "So he *says*."
servant says, "<mutter mutter>"
Sebastien asks (of Vasili), "do you hear anything?"
Vasili asks, "hm. a couple people in there. Any good bluffs?"
servant2 says, "<mutter>"
Sebastien asks, "handkerchief salesmen?"
Charles says, "I don't suppose they'd believe we're returning vole-hunters."
Vasili says, "actually, they don't sound too sympathetic to Alexei's folks."
Vasili says, "... I think."
Sebastien says, "the real question is whether they'll recognize Pyotr or not"
Sebastien says, "I suppose we could claim we captured him, but I don't know why we'd be taking this entrance"
[ussura] Charles says, "He's in disguise, I believe."
[ussura] Charles says, "Unless he's shucked off his hump."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "true, I am"
[ussura] Vasili says, "shoulda used the hump as a shield!"
[ussura] GM says, "Hee"
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "why do you think I got such good brawn checks?"
[ussura] Charles asks, "And kept falling in?"
[ussura] Charles says, "(Heavy hump.)"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hmm"
[ussura] Vasili says, "he's heavy enough to start with"
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "we don't have any token from fake-Borin, do we?"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "we have a ring, I thought"
[ussura] GM says, "You do, actually--the signet ring."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "oho"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "well, there we go then"
[ussura] Charles says, "I guess having Raelynn over one shoulder actually helped balance him out."
[ussura] GM says, "And some papers, too."
[ussura] Charles asks, "Papers?"
[ussura] GM says, "His Last Will and Testament, I think."
Sebastien says, "if we still have that ring of Borin's somewhere, I think we can just open the door and let them know who's in charge"
Vasili says, "Oh yeah, Borin's ring. We're on secret business to straighten things out, of course."
Charles asks (of Sebastien), "You're good at that sort of thing, right?"
[ussura] GM exclaims (at Vasili), "You are!"
[ussura] Vasili says (to GM), "don't confuse our bluff!"
[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee"
Charles opens the door without waiting for an answer and motions Sebastien through.
Sebastien says (to Charles), "I flatter myself I am not un-diplomatic, but I think in this case a native Ussuran should perhaps do the honors"
Sebastien says, "well, if you insist"
Sebastien exclaims (at servants), "stand and salute! Borin's representative has arrived!"
[ussura] Charles says, "I am perfeclty happy if Pyotr or Vasili step in, of course. I just felt the door needed to open :)"
servant blinks, and the tray he was holding clatters to the floor.
[ussura] GM says, "Heh."
Vasili asks (of Sebastien), "Where?"
Sebastien says, "...and pick up that tray, it's very untidy"
Sebastien says (to Vasili), "oh, you will have your little games, sir"
Sebastien says, "now then, snap to it -- you, start drawing him a bath -- we've been on the road for days"
Cook (aka servant2) pauses with a cleaver poised over a hunk of meat.
Sebastien looks around. "Wait, this isn't Borin's private chambers!"
Vasili says, "No, no, no. I must insist we go directly to the Knias's vault."
servant says, "Er, begging your pardon, sir, but Borin is dead."
Pyotr (in a terrible fake accent) says, "Aye, an' is that beef? 'E'd like a nice bit of beef stew fer 'is supper, 'e would."
Charles says (to Sebastien), "I apologise, sir. I seem to have misread the map."
Vasili says, "And quick, before those men of Alexei's find us and make things more complicated."
servant looks bewilderdly at the cook.
Sebastien says (to servant), "as well we know -- but before he died, he did my master the honor of entrusting him with his seal and papers to execute"
Sebastien turns out to have been carrying the signet ring all along, and pulls it out.
Sebastien says, "I hope this is satisfactory"
servant says, "Well, um, that's, uh. That's just it, sirs. And ma'ams. Alexei's men are here already. And, uh, they claim to be Borin's representatives."
servant looks at the ring and blinks.
Sebastien says, "damnation -- they waylaid us on the road, but I thought we'd managed to make up for time"
servant exclaims, "That's his ring!"
Sebastien says, "of course it is -- those others are imposters, out to seize the throne"
Charles speaks to the other servant, in a tone of equal-to-equal. "We need to get to Borin's chambers to find the rest of this paperwork, or else I'm going to be in even more trouble. Which way is it from here?"
servant says, "They told us... er, that is."
Cook says, "Said the folks what killed him stole his ring, is what. Begging your pardons, of course."
Sebastien frowns.
Vasili says, "They did, did they."
Sebastien asks, "so you're saying you let them in here with no proof whatsoever?"
servant and the cook exchange glances.
Pyotr says (to Cook), "Any of 'em ektually _from_ Somojez? Course not."
Sebastien says, "...of course, if they were armed, I suppose you couldn't be blamed for pretending to believe them"
Pyotr says, "But me marster here, he's native! Stands to reason Borin'd trust us more'n them."
[ussura] Charles asks, "Wait, what accent is Pyotr faking?"
Sebastien says, "all the while biding your time for the rightful representatives to arrive"
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "you think he knows?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I have no idea, but it's hilarious"
[ussura] Charles says, "Ha ha."
josh_g arrives, looking for booty.
[ussura] Pyotr says, "pyotr has an effectively negative disguise skill"
servant says, "I can, um."
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "have we actually looked at his last will?"
[ussura] josh_g says, "yay, session to watch while I'm half-idle"
Sebastien says, "perhaps you should tell us how many of them there are"
[ussura] Charles says, "It is strangely excellent that one of the two people here actually *from here* is trying to get the servants' goodwill be pretending to be an ambiguous foreignor."
Vasili says, "I suppose it's up to whom you'll believe, now."
servant says, "I can get Jarohna, maybe? This is a bit much for me."
Pyotr asks, "Jarwhona?"
servant says, "She's the head cook."
Charles pokes his head through doors and into hallways, looking for a well-used back passage leading somewhere important-but-not-public.
Sebastien says, "well, I guess we're moving up in the hierarchy a bit"
Pyotr says, "Arr, a cook elways knews the lay of the land, loik."
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "(And with a pinch of rosemary.)"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
servant peers at Pyotr confusedly.
Pyotr asks, "Um, mate?"
servant says, "I'll be, uh, right back. Sirs."
Sebastien says (to servant), "you'll have to excuse him -- we hired him for his brawn, not his aphorisms"
Charles asks, "Have we time for this?"
Pyotr begins inspecting the pots and pans. "What's this? Rust! I don't believe it!"
Cook shrugs and goes back to chopping meat.
servant turns and flees.
[ussura] GM asks, "Waiting for him to return, or sneaking off before he gets back?"
Vasili says, "Not sure what help we're going to get here."
[ussura] Pyotr, as always, votes for the sneak
Sebastien says, "well, no sense in waiting around -- I'm sure he'll take forever"
Charles says, "If we don't act to ensure the proper and formal succession of duties quickly, I fear what intereference Alexei may be able to interject."
Charles says (to Sebastien), "Right."
Sebastien asks (of Charles), "lead on?"
Charles heads purposefully down the most likely looking exit.
[ussura] GM asks, "Are you trying to avoid people, or trying to look like you belong here?"
Sebastien says (to cook), "we'll be back to sample the cooking, no doubt -- feel free to put on extra stew"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "choices choices"
[ussura] Charles says, "I'm doing #2."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ok then"
Charles mutters, "If we run into anyone who was with Alexei, we should ask if Daniele was with them."
Cook says, "Alrighty. Er, good luck and all that."
Sebastien says, "an excellent idea"
Ianka waves to the cook and samples some fried yams before she follows you.
Sebastien says (to Ianka), "I knew you'd fit in"
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "We've gotta make her an honorary PC."
Sebastien says (to Ianka), "I don't suppose you know anything about the layout of the castle, or know someone we could talk to"
Ianka says, "Hmm. I've been here a few times for a viewing for the king. Came in a different door, of course."
[ussura] Ianka says, "er, 'knias'."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ok, so we're going to wander around until we see a servant or see one of Aleksi's guys or see Borin's room, I think"
[ussura] Charles says, "Right."
GM says, "A few doors later, you find yourself in a large hall with a long table, with the remains of dinner on it. At the far end of the hall, you see two tabards hanging on the wall. One has the crest of the Tyomny, and the second is a black banner with a red wolf's paw on it."
Sebastien says, "didn't lose any time, I see"
[ussura] Vasili says, "or the Head Cook stomping at us demanding to know what's going on. That could be fun."
[ussura] Charles asks, "Hey, will History tell me anything about the layout of castles, or are castles still Current Events?"
Vasili says, "Ugh."
Vasili says, "Wrong door."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "we were in the old part of the castle"
[ussura] Vasili says, "and we're looking for the really really old part"
[ussura] Charles exclaims, "Good enough for me!"
[7thsea] Charles rolls 4k3: 9 9 3 5 | 23
[ussura] GM says, "Ha ha."
[ussura] GM says, "Hmm."
Sebastien says, "possibly we should tear that down"
[ussura] GM says, "Well, typically royalty gets the high rooms because they have better views."
Sebastien says, "given that we are making an argument for the rightful rulership of the castle"
Vasili says (to Sebastien), "Unless it turns out we were never here."
Charles says, "Good idea."
Charles says, "Meanwhile, I'm going up these stairs."
Vasili asks, "Up? Wha?"
GM says, "And indeed, off the NW corner of the hall you find a staircase."
Vasili asks, "hm, could it be the staircase Borin went down to get there?"
[ussura] GM says (to Vasili), "His route was supposed to be unseen, so that seems unlikely."
Charles says (to Vasili), "There are always stairs. Castles like this one are like mazes. Partly to cut down on drafts caused by open straight paths, and partly to make it difficult for assassins or intruders -- like us -- to find where they're going."
Charles says (to Inaka), "Not that we're assassins. Quite the contrary. Just intruders."
Ianka says, "Naturally."
Charles . o O ( Well, except for Pyotr. )
Charles . o O ( It's a good thing Inaka hasn't seen through his disguise. )
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr exclaims, "hey!"
GM says, "You head up a circular staircase past several floors. There are windows from the staircase that overlook the countryside down the mountain, and the view is quite spectacular, even from this vantage point."
[Crows-Nest] Charles asks, "Who's the one who's gotten himself plastered all over the wanted posters?"
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "(Ans: all of us, darnit.)"
GM says, "You hear sounds of people walking around, some laughing and talking, but stride purposely past those floors, and nobody seems to notice you."
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
GM says, "At the sixth floor, the stairs continue up into what seems to be a tower of some sort, or you can get off here. There's a longer open room up here, nicely apportioned with furniture and a long ornate rug."
Vasili glances around to see if the nice room is occupied.
GM says, "(it's not, though someone has left some bread on a side table)"
Sebastien says, "he's probably not up in the tower -- that's reserved for an astronomer or something"
Charles lifts the rug.
Sebastien says, "right, well, let's try those directions"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Ha ha"
Sebastien steps in and peeks through the door into adjoining rooms.
GM says (to Charles), "No, no trap door. It'd only lead back to floor 5, anyway."
[ussura] Charles asks (of GM), "Who's to say there isn't a secret staircase between the walls down there?"
GM says (to Sebastien), "One of the doors opens up on to a balcony that overlooks a very ornate room--probably the throne room. You can hear voices from down below."
[ussura] Charles asks, "What did Borin tell us about getting from point A to point B?"
Sebastien stands there with ears flapping.
[Crows-Nest] Vasili says, "Don't forget your magic feather."
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "Hee."
[ussura] GM says, "He said you go onto the balcony room, then out one of the windows, where there's a staircase that leads down to a separate entrance behind the Singer's hall, and from there a trap door to a long ladder down to an alcove off the treasury."
Vasili says, "Hey, 'balcony room'. That looks likely."
harsh_voice asks, "Any word yet?"
Charles asks (of Sebastien), "Is there a window out there?"
Vasili joins Sebastien.
[ussura] GM says, "Whoops, sorry, a small balcony room off his bedroom."
Sebastien puts his finger to his lips and gestures downwards.
firm_voice says, "No, my... my lord. But if I may say so, I feel the whole endeavor is foolish."
Vasili starts sneaking around to adjacent rooms looking for balcony windows.
Charles checks the adjoining rooms for A) bed-like fixtures and B) balconies.
[ussura] Charles says, "TIming."
harsh_voice asks, "Ha. No doubt. But soldiers like you and me never get a say in these things, do we?"
Sebastien leans over to try to see who these people are.
firm_voice says, "As you say, sir."
GM says (to Sebastien), "The harsh voice is from a man with a shock of black hair lounging on the throne eating an apple. The firm voice is a seemingly high-ranking soldire in full gear, standing at attention at the base. Both are looking over the room, where other soldiers are milling about."
GM says, "(the soldiers are mostly in Tyomny gear.)"
Sebastien asks, "roughly how many are there?"
GM says, "20-25 that you can see from where you are."
harsh_voice asks, "Well, let's have some entertainment to pass the time. Have your best two spar each other again, eh?"
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "hmm, I've forgotten the Tyomny-Aleksi connection -- do we know what it is?"
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "Tyomny are Borin's secret service, and they're apparently working with Aleksi?"
firm_voice says, "Batyl is still recovering from his last sparring match, sir, but if you like, I can have Ivan and Lachun spar."
harsh_voice waves his hand expansively, and takes another bite of apple.
[ussura] Charles asks, "Are they so much working with Aleksi, or are they just trusting him when he says he's here on Borin's official business?"
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "well, they were the ones who put up fake Borin, right?"
[ussura] GM says, "The fake Borin was set up by three high-ranking members of the Y"
[ussura] GM says, "er"
[ussura] GM says, "The Tyomny, without anyone else in the know."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "oh, ok"
[ussura] GM says, "(One of whom you interrogated with Tamara)"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "so maybe these guys don't actually know that"
[ussura] GM says, "But right, the Tyomny is the Somojez knias's personal guard, vaguely like the musketeers for l'Empereur."
[ussura] GM says, "(guard/army, really)"
[ussura] GM says, "There's also some religious connection that I'm not altogether sure about."
[ussura] Charles says, "Yeah, 'soldiers like you and me' probably don't know many details."
Sebastien ducks back inside. "There are a good two dozen soldiers down there chatting -- find anything?"
GM says, "In the mean time, Charles and Vasili have scouted the rooms in the area. From a window, Charles could see the tower you were at the base of, which goes up two more stories and ends in a normal-looking top. Vasili, looking out a window on the other side, sees a different tower (atop a different staircase on the other side of the castle) with a small secondary turret affixed to the side, that seems to be basically all windows."
GM says, "(sounds of swords clashing come up from the throne room below you, and you hear the soldiers cheering and taking sides)"
Charles asks (of Vasili), "Could that turret be a balcony?"
GM says, "Raelynn also found a long room with lots of chairs in it, facing a stage at the far end. A dusty pianoforte sits next to the stage off to one side."
Vasili says (to Charles), "Maybe."
Vasili asks (of Raelynn), "Singer's Room?"
Sebastien says (to Vasili), "oh, good idea"
Charles says, "Ah, right."
Vasili heads off to investigate the performance room.
Charles says, "So if there's a trap door in there, we've found our place."
Charles follows after.
Vasili asks (of Charles), "Wouldn't there normally be one anyway?"
Charles says (to Vasili), "Well... alright, yes."
Charles says, "A trapdoor leading to a very long ladder, then."
Sebastien says, "I can't tell if the trapdoor is supposed to be behind the room here or in it"
Vasili heads backstage and pokes around at the walls, furniture, and floor.
Charles asks (of Pyotr), "Help me move this big musicbox?"
Pyotr takes the other end and heaves.
GM says, "The long stage room has many windows overlooking the fields to the west, but no windows at all on the east--which is weird, because peering out other windows you see dark windows on what should be the east side of the room."
Sebastien says, "right"
Sebastien asks, "could there be some kind of secret passage here? or do we have to go up to his room and down the staircase?"
Sebastien inspects the east wall.
GM says, "The pianoforte makes a groaning noise when you move it, and reveals much dust, but you see nothing obvious behind it."
[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 4k4: 5 8 4 8 | 25
[ussura] Vasili says, "I know we don't really like the concept of Perception rolls any more, but I feel like rolling one."
[7thsea] Vasili rolls 5k4: 2 5 10+5 9 10+2 | 41
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
GM says, "(fortunately, there's enough noise from the balcony/throne room to the north that nobody seems to have noticed you.)"
Charles says, "I guess the space with those windows might be 'behind' the Singer's Room."
Sebastien says, "exactly"
Charles asks, "But is there a way there from here, or do we have to up upstairs?"
GM says, "Just as Vasili notices something and turns to tell you all what it was:"
Jarohna throws open the door to the hall. "*There* you are!"
Charles exclaims (at Finally!), "We've been looking everywhere for you!"
Vasili says, "Wha? Oh, yes. Please pardon our impatience."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
Jarohna exclaims, "A fine state you left my servant in! I thought he was going to shake himself apart from nerves!"
Jarohna exclaims, "And what would a head cook be doing in the Singer's Room, I ask you!"
Sebastien asks, "And a fine state we found the castle in when we arrived! am I to understand you really allowed Aleksi's men to force their way into the castle without protest?"
Vasili says, "Leading the true executors of Knias Borin's last will to his secret passage, of course."
Vasili says, "Come on, you can't blame a cook for politics."
Jarohna peers at Sebastien. "No protest! Ha, shows what you know."
Vasili says, "We're outnumbered here, so we'll need to be subtle, right or not."
Sebastien says, "oh? it's true I may have been a little hasty, if some valiant resistance was put up .."
Jarohna says, "Well, there was much debate, but they decided it'd be best to put up a solid front, for or against. It was close, but they decided to let 'em in."
Jarohna shrugs. "I don't blame 'em, what with Borin dead and all, and no heir. Alexei's plan would at least give us a knias again."
Sebastien frowns.
Sebastien says, "a knias without the blessing of the Drachen, I think"
[ussura] GM says, "whoops, fone."
Sebastien asks, "but that reminds me -- did they have a young woman with them, very pale?"
Jarohna says, "Hrm. There *was* a group, arrived this morning. Boris said they had a woman with 'em, but nobody else saw her."
Charles asks, "Boris?"
Jarohna says, "Second cook's assistant. Bright lad."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "Borin's wacky twin brother"
Charles asks, "Where did they go?"
[ussura] GM says, "I'm reverting to more common Russian names as I have to make up more and more of 'em."
Vasili asks, "The one bright enough not to get involved a short while ago?"
Charles asks, "And did they have any animals?"
[ussura] Charles says, "Soon, we're going to run into Pyotr (no relation) and Vasili (no relation)."
Jarohna asks, "Animals? No, don't think so. Now look here, what's this all about?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
Vasili says, "We're getting ahead of ourselves; we should explain."
Vasili takes the Will from Sebastien and lets Jarohna take a look.
Jarohna exclaims, "My! Now where'd ye get this, then!"
Jarohna says, "Hunh, this is more like it. Traditional decision by the drachen skin."
Sebastien says, "Borin gave it to us, as he was dying from Aleksi's attack"
Vasili says, "We have a plan of our own for getting a new Knias, Matushka's usual way. Exactly."
Jarohna exclaims, "Aleksi's attack!"
Sebastien says, "perhaps we've travelled ahead of the news"
Sebastien says, "Aleksi has gone into open rebellion and slain the Gaius"
Jarohna says, "Well, the news is here, but it's Aleksi's news."
Charles . o O ( Dying? Dying? )
[ussura] GM says, "Also, thanks for fixing Aleksi's spelling ;-)"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "more dramatic that way"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "also, I'd forgotten"
Vasili says, "only ahead of the truthful news, it seems."
Sebastien says, "I expect he plans to seize Somojez, then try to take the rulership of the entire country"
Sebastien says, "we intend to halt him here"
Jarohna exclaims, "Hunh!"
Charles says, "We did not personally witness his death, I should note. But he was already prepared to pass the title on to his successor when we parted."
[ussura] Charles says, "Just because, when we're levelling with people, we should probably avoid telling actual lies..."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "yeah, good idea"
[ussura] Vasili says, "well, Borin didn't exactly write this Will, either."
[ussura] Vasili says, "plus hey, two of us DID see him die."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "The man you knew as Borin stepped down to become a merchant. At that moment, you knias died, and another man took his place. So what I told you was true... from a certain point of view."
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "I am certain that must be a reference to something, but I have no idea what to."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "and we saw some other Borin die"
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "(And if it isn't, it *ought* to be!)"
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "star wars -- you told me my father was dead, now he's darth vader"
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr exclaims (at charles), "!"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Star Wars; Obi-wan's ret-con explanation."
[Crows-Nest] Charles says (to Sebastien, Pyotr), "Oh, man, I am shamed."
[Crows-Nest] Vasili says, "FWIW I also knew I knew it but couldn't place what it was"
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "Ah, good; schep is shamed too."
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[Crows-Nest] Vasili says, "indeed"
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "mutual shaming is diluted"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "If we were doing this in person, you would have heard the accent."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "shared mocking is increased."
Jarohna asks, "Well, hunh. All right; you need anything, then?"
[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "I am also shamed to recognize that one."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Yay"
Vasili asks, "So can we get a moment of your help, if only that we all forget we ever crossed paths?"
Charles asks, "The secret passage into the secret chamber of secrets?"
Vasili says, "Well, if this wall panel is like I think..."
Vasili tries sliding it around.
Sebastien says, "well"
GM says, "And here, Vasili turns a knob and a trap door in the stage opens."
Sebastien says, "you could pass the word among the more trustworthy servants that we're here, and Aleksi has no right to be"
Vasili says, "Oops... Ah, that works too."
Sebastien says, "and pretty soon he'll be gone."
Jarohna nods.
Charles asks (of Jarohna), "And that woman -- did Boris say anything about what she looked like? Any unusual jewellery?"
Charles asks, "Or where the men might have taken her?"
Jarohna snaps her fingers. "Now that you mention it, yeah--said she was wearing some sort of stone necklace, or something.
Vasili says, "Thanksforthehelpnomoretimetochatbye!"
Vasili darts down the trap door.
Charles says, "It is rather important that we rescue her."
Charles says, "As she is a part of the the drachenskin's plan."
Jarohna says, "I can try to get word to Ranek, if you like. He's head of the Tyomny, and no friend to Aleksi; tried to argue his men against it, but went with them in the end."
Charles says, "A rather important part, really."
Sebastien says, "head of the Tyomny, hunh"
Pyotr says, "That would be useful."
Jarohna says, "Well, of the group here at the castle, at least."
Charles says, "Aye, we could use all the help we can get."
Pyotr says, "Just, er, don't describe any of us in any detail."
GM says (to Vasili), "Under the stage is a lot of stored junk, mostly quite dusty. It's not much more than a crawl space. Shafts of light filter in through the boards in the stage above you."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "hmm, I wonder what the odds are that he knows that Borin was replaced"
Jarohna asks, "You want this back, or want me to take it to him?"
Jarohna holds up the will.
[ussura] Charles asks, "If he does, will he believe our story any more than Aleksi's?"
Sebastien scribbles a quick note and hands it to Jarohna. "Give this to him, if you would be so kind."
Jarohna nods, takes the note, and hands you back the will.
Sebastien says, "(the note reads: YOU HAVE A CHANCE TO REPAIR THE SUCCESSION OF THE KNIAS)"
[ussura] Charles asks, "And why has Jarohna avoided saying if she knew where they took Daniele?"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "er, if you wanted to take back the will"
[ussura] GM says, "(#crows)"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I don't think she knows -- I thought only Boris saw them"
[ussura] Charles nods.
Jarohna says (to Charles), "Oh, right--no, nobody's seen that group since this morning. Someone said they must be out hunting, but they didn't take the dogs with 'em, so that seems unlikely."
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "so anyone want to give him the will? or should we just hang onto it?"
[ussura] Vasili says (to Sebastien), "Good thinking. And it's only slightly confusing if he wasn't in on it after all."
Charles asks, "They *did* have dogs with them?"
Jarohna says, "The hunting dogs."
Charles asks, "Didn't you just say they had no animals?"
Jarohna says, "People go hunting from the castle, they usually take the dogs."
Pyotr says (to Charles), "The dogs come with the castle."
Roger arrives, looking for booty.
Charles says, "Oh, those dogs."
Sebastien asks (of Pyotr), "hunh -- what about the voles?"
[ussura] GM asks (of V), "Looking around under there?"
Pyotr says (to Sebastien), "They also come with the castle, I guess."
Charles climbs down after Vasili.
Jarohna says, "That's why you take the dogs! They know how to avoid 'em."
Sebastien says, "*now* you tell us"
Charles says, "...I thought she meant the ones they brought with them..."
[Crows-Nest] Roger says, "Don't mind me"
Vasili says, "They're trying to wake him today!"
Vasili says, "Ah, here we *crash thud* hmm, guess not."
Charles asks (of Vasili), "Did you find the ladder?"
[ussura] Vasili says, "(that's a 'yes, but also waiting for conversation to finish')"
[ussura] GM nods.
[ussura] Sebastien says, "yeah, I'm basically done with Jarohna"
Pyotr follows Charles.
GM says, "Vasili crawls through old stage props and costumes, and, on a hunch, tries the east wall. tap tap tap thunk. Aha--a loose panel."
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr . o O ( M-m-m-m-my Jahrona )
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Ha ha"
Sebastien goes after the others, and tries to shut the trapdoor once we're all in
Jarohna says, "Oh, I can get that for ye, if ye want."
Jarohna mutters "Whatever you're doing down there..."
Sebastien says, "looking for the drachen, actually"
Pyotr shouts up, "It's bettern fer ye if'n ye dunno!"
Sebastien says, "I don't suppose you've seen one"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha oops"
[Crows-Nest] Vasili says, "we're on a mission from Matushka."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "sheesh"
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "yay"
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "yay"
Jarohna says, "Oh! Hunh. Dangerous, that. But, dangerous times, I guess."
[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "it's dark, and I'm wearing snowshoes"
firm_voice exclaims (at Jarohna), "Thanks! That was more of an explanation than *I* got out of these folks. See you soon!"
[ussura] firm_voice says, "Whoops."
firm_voice closes up the Jewelry shop and emerges from the back, wearing a thick fur cloak and carying a cudgel. "So, when do we start?"
[ussura] Ianka says, "cripes"
Ianka exclaims (at Jarohna), "Thanks! That was more of an explanation than *I* got out of these folks. See you soon!"
[ussura] Charles asks, "WHat the?"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "that was worrying for a moment"
[ussura] Vasili says, "Whew."
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "man, what a conspiracy. HWo knew the jewler was a spy for the Tyomny?"
Charles says (to Inaka), "Sorry, we should probably fill you in a bit here."
Charles asks (of Inaka), "You already know the drachen is asleep?"
Charles asks, "And how it happened?"
Sebastien says (to Ianka), "you remember how Vasili mentioned the sequel to the drachen and the snow maiden? we're the sequel."
GM says, "Vasili pushes aside the panel and reveals a very thin hallway with windows on the east and a thin wall to the west."
[Crows-Nest] Vasili says, "and of course: 'Let me explain. No, there's too much. Let me sum up.'"
Charles says, "Well, if there's to be a new knias -- a *proper* knias -- the drachen needs to be woken."
[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "yay again"
GM says, "And, the east wall, a thin doorway."
Sebastien follows folks down the hallway.
Ianka says, "Hunh. I thought the skin could do that on its own."
Vasili says, "Okay, looks like we're on track now."
Charles says (to Inaka), "If it can, it's been hiding this fact terribly well from us."
Sebastien says, "we made a bargain with it"
Ianka says, "Oh, bargains. I get it."
Sebastien says, "... but to finish the bargain, we need to find the woman Aleksi's men have kidnapped, and get the collar off her"
Sebastien says, "which is possibly where you come in"
Charles says, "And the bargain only holds if we're the ones who wake him."
GM says, "And when Vasili opens the door, it reveals a loooong shaft, with a ladder affixed the far wall."
Charles asks, "So if he's woken before we get there... well, who knows what other deals Goryntych's skin may have made?"
Ianka exclaims, "Gotcha. Lead on, Pyotr's Band!"
Sebastien looks dubiously down.
Ianka winks at you.
Sebastien says, "I guess this is right"
GM says, "And </scene>"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "hee"
Vasili says, "You mean 'Gang'"
[ussura] Charles exclaims, "Wait a minute, I thought she was a good guy, but she's on the side of the notorious murderer!"
[ussura] GM says, "Ha ha"
Charles says (to Vasili), "I don't know; I thought we played pretty well at the dance contest."
[ussura] GM says, "Thanks everyone! This was a fun session."
[ussura] Charles says, "Yeah."
[ussura] Pyotr looks at the transcript page
[ussura] Vasili says, "a little bit of everything"
[ussura] Sebastien says, "yeah, good stuff"
Roger disappears through an invisible gap in the MUD. You think you may have heard the sounds of chatting before the gap closed again.
[ussura] Pyotr asks, "hey, wait, have we really been doing this for almost a year now?"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "sheesh, time flies"
[ussura] GM says, "Wow, heh."
[ussura] Sebastien says, "I was startled to see it said october"
[ussura] Charles asks, "Is there a start date on there?"
[ussura] Charles asks, "When do we N meet again?"
[ussura] Pyotr says (to charls), "on the main page, it says 'October 2006', and the first session has a modified date of 10/14/2006"
[ussura] Charles says, "Wow."
[ussura] GM says, "We are coming up on Ramadan, so scheduling will be tricky this month."
[ussura] Charles says, "So when we finish, it'll be right about a year, give or take a couple weeks."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "yeah"
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "does it still feel like two more sessions?"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "we could maybe do a sunday in october"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "but honestly I'd need to check my calendar, named duchess"
[ussura] Sebastien asks, "ramadan runs through mid-october?"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "yeah"
[ussura] Charles asks (of Pyotr), "Is September completely out for you?"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "not completely"
[ussura] Pyotr says, "but we're busy most weekends with family stuff"
[ussura] GM says, "Hmm. Possibly one long one or two normal ones, yeah."
[ussura] GM asks (of Pyotr), "Can you post your schedule to the forums and we'll see if we can work stuff out?"
[ussura] Charles says, "Yeah, that sounds like a good idea."
[ussura] Pyotr says, "sure, once we figure out what it is"
[ussura] GM says, "Right ;-)"
