[ussura] GM says, "OK, I'm writing up a recap here; give me a minute."

[ussura] Vasili says, "Our noses are frozes."

[ussura] Vasili asks, "Is Charles coming?"

[ussura] GM says, "He should be."

[ussura] GM asks (of Jota), "Where are you?"

[ussura] GM says, "Oh, and we need to move Perry here."

[ussura] GM says, "OK, this is a ton of text."

[ussura] GM asks, "Should I paste it, or put it up on the web site?"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "web site"

[ussura] GM says, "Alrighty, give me a sec."

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

[ussura] GM says, "(Where *is* Charles? Does he re-name his character? I could teleport him.)"

[ussura] GM says, "Nope, looks like he's not logged on."

[ussura] Sebastien comes back.

[ussura] Sebastien says, "man, complicated"

Vasili sniffles over another hot bowl of soup.

[ussura] Sebastien asks, "I forget what we decided last time -- were we just going to move on from the village?"

Era hands Vasili a spotless hanky for his sniffles.

[ussura] GM says, "I figured you'd mostly want to get healed a bit, and then move on."

npc1 has connected.

npc2 has connected.

[ussura] Pyotr says, "healing up sounds good"

Sebastien says, "perhaps there's someone at the inn here who knows how to treat frostbite"

Pyotr sips some warm brandy.

Sebastien says, "it can't be that uncommon"

Sebastien says, "although this must be a severe case"

Samona bustles into the inn, having heard that her services were neded.

[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "we will have to amputate the member"

Samona says, "Oh, gracious! This looks nasty."

Vasili says, "I'm sure I'd be fine. Except we want to get to travelling again."

Sebastien says, "are you a doctor? I'm afraid these three were out dancing in the snow a little too enthusiastically"

[ussura] GM says, "So: Samona has 2 Diagnose, 2 Surgery, and 2 Wits, so she'll be rolling 4k2 for both. Charles' TN for Diagnose is 20, the other two is 15."

[ussura] GM says, "If she's successful, the TN to fully heal you will be 15/10; if she's unsuccessful in the Diagnose, it'll be 30/20."

[ussura] GM says, "(on an individual basis)"

[ussura] GM says, "You can feel free to contribute drama dice as you see fit ;-)"

[ussura] GM says, "We can do Vasili/Pyotr first, in the hopes that Charles will show up soon."

[ussura] Vasili says, "yeah, I think I'll spend one for my Diagnose."

Samona says, "Yes, I've treated many cases here."

Samona says (to Vasili), "Let's take a look at you."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "I'll trust to luck"

Vasili says, "It's worst right at my left shoulder."

[ussura] GM asks (of V), "Beforehand, so it's a 5k3?"

[ussura] Vasili says, "yes"

Samona unceremonially pulls off Vasili's shirt. And arm-shaped red mark goes right across his chest.

[ussura] Samona says, "er, s/And/An"

Samona's eyebrows raise, but she doesn't say anything.

[ussura] GM asks (of V), "You want to roll it yourself?"

[ussura] Vasili says, "nah, go ahead"

[7thsea] Samona rolls 5k3: 9 6 3 9 1 | 24

Era fetches more mulled wine for the afflicted.

Samona says, "Aha, OK, if we just apply a cold compress here, and a warm compress here..."

dfan arrives, looking for booty.

Vasili says, "cold what? ow..."

[ussura] Samona rolls Surgery, 4k2, TN 10.

[7thsea] Samona rolls 4k2: 8 1 3 2 | 11

GM says (to Vasili), "Soon, you're feeling much better."

Samona moves on to Pyotr.

Pyotr asks, "I'm having trouble wiggling these fingers, see?"

Samona says, "Oh, my, yes."

[ussura] Samona rolls Diagnose.

[7thsea] Samona rolls 4k2: 1 8 1 4 | 12

[ussura] Samona says, "3 short..."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "drama"

Samona frowns

[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 1 die: 3

[ussura] Pyotr says, "whew"

[ussura] Era says, "yay"

[ussura] Samona says, "Whew ;-)"

Samona asks, "Hmm, any problems with your feet, perhaps?"

Pyotr says, "Now that you mention, yes, the ankle is very sore."

Samona's frown clears. "Aha! I bet you were *dancing*!"

Vasili says, "That's what we said."

Pyotr asks, "Some. I tried not to, but, you know?"

Samona says, "Well, never mind that. All that we need to do now is..."

Samona fusses for a while.

[ussura] Samona says, "Surgery, TN10, 4k2."

[7thsea] Samona rolls 4k2: 10+7 9 7 9 | 26

[ussura] Jota says, "Grah, *finally*. I've been disconnected for the last half hour or so. I'll be there in just a minute."

Pyotr says, "Ooh, that feels better"

Samona whips up a set of compresses that feel absolutely wonderful on Pyotr's now-bare feet.

[ussura] GM says (to Jota), "Whoops, sorry about that."

Era asks (of Samona), "Does this mean he shouldn't be walking much for the next day or two?"

[ussura] GM asks, "I @teleported Perry to this room--is he still logging?"

Vasili says (to Era), "I'm not gonna carry him."

Q arrives at home.

Samona says, "It will take a day or so of these compresses before they're fully healed."

[ussura] Jota says, "Yeah, he should be."

Pyotr says, "Thank you."

Charles has connected.

Pyotr asks, "so, I can't walk. Will someone hand me some ale? And a leg of that chicken I smell roasting?"

Pyotr exclaims (at Vasili), "We have to keep our strength up!"

[ussura] Charles asks, "Is it too late for me to apply a pre-roll DD to my diagnosis?"

[ussura] Vasili says (to Charles), "brief summary: the local doctor has 4k2 rolls, your TNs are Diagnose 15 and Surgery 15 or 30, and you can contribute drama dice."

[ussura] GM says (to Charles), "Nope, haven't rolled yours yet."

[ussura] Charles asks, "Oh, only 15, not 20?"

[ussura] GM says, "(Charles' Diagnose TN is 20)"

[ussura] Vasili says, "whoops, you're right"

[ussura] GM asks (of Charles), "So, one pre-rolled drama for diagnose -> 5k3?"

Samona exclaims (at Charles), "Oh, my, you're just blue all over!"

Era gives Pyotr food & drink, since clearly he will not last much longer without them. Era's nose wrinkles at the smell of the compresses.

Sebastien says, "and normally he's such a cheerful fellow"

[Crows-Nest] Vasili says, "sounds like an accurate Diagnose to me."

[7thsea] Samona rolls 5k3: 6 7 9 2 3 | 22

Charles says (to Samona), "Nothing that a bottle of rum shouldn't fix, I hope."

[ussura] GM says, "Hey, if that hadn't been pre-rolled, it would have been a 19. Good call ;-)"

Samona says, "Fortunately, I have just the thing. I have some herbs at home that should work for this."

Samona says (to Charles), "What? Rum thins the blood; won't do at all."

Samona exclaims (at Charles), "No rum for you for three days!"

Vasili asks, "Won't that spoil the taste of the rum?"

Charles frowns.

Samona says (to Charles), "Stay there, I'll be right back."

Charles says, "I am nearly tempted to take my risks with the frostbite."

Samona bustles out and returns a few minutes later, surrounded by a tangy aroma, and carrying a small cloth bundle.

Vasili says, "Well, vodka isn't so b..."

Samona glares at Vasili. "No alcohol at all for this man. Wouldn't do you and your other friend here any harm to avoid the stuff either."

Charles says, "Hmm. I don't know what that is, but I bet it would taste good rubbed into a roasting hen before basting..."

Samona says (to Charles), "Ha! That's exactly what I use it for during mild winters when I don't need it for this."

Samona prepares a poultice and applies it to Charles, leaving him smelling nice if somewhat tasty.

[ussura] Samona asks, "Another 4k2, TN 15 for Surgery. No pre-drama?"

Vasili asks, "There's less dancing during mild winters?"

[ussura] Charles says, "I'll trust her this time."

Era says, "Or maybe dancing in less snow is less hazardous."

Samona says, "Most people don't dance in the snow during the winter at all! I just meant the trappers and those folks."

[7thsea] Samona rolls 4k2: 6 4 1 1 | 10

[ussura] Samona says, "That's enough for 2 dramatics, but not all 3."

[7thsea] Charles rolls 1k1: 10+8 | 18

[ussura] Samona says, "Hey, that works ;-)"

[Crows-Nest] Vasili says, "bah, you could've cured yourself at that rate"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "wow"

Charles, when Samona turns to prepare more herbs, takes a quick swig of invigorating alcohol anyway.

[ussura] Samona says, "Hee hee"

[ussura] GM says, "OK, you're all welcome to talk to Palech/other villagers more for the day you're resting up, or we can fast-forward."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "I'm in favor of fast-forwarding, if everyone else is fine"

[ussura] Charles asks, "I forget, did we have any loose ends from last time?"

[ussura] Charles says, "If not, fast-forwarding is fine."

[ussura] Era says, "ff"

[ussura] Vasili says, "we'll take relating some about the Snow Youths to the storytelling innkeeper as given."

Gunther has disconnected.

Gunther has connected.

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

[ussura] GM says, "If you have questions later that could have been answered here, we can have a flashback scene ;-)"

[ussura] Charles says, "Of course."

[ussura] Charles says (to GM), "Sounds good."

Gunther arrives, looking for booty.

[ussura] GM says, "Alrighty! Onward and forward."

[ussura] Charles says (to Vasili), "I wonder if that gets us negative reputation for being that foolish."

[ussura] GM exclaims, "Hey, good point!"

[ussura] Vasili says, "if so, Raelynn should get a few positive"

GM says, "A day of rest later, you all press forward on the road to Pavtlow. The journey itself is relatively uneventful, though you do meet a steady (though small) stream of refugees heading east away from Montegue's army from the west."

Charles asks (of Refugees), "Any good word from the front?"

Era keeps an eye out for any refugees that look particularly hunter/trapperish or farmish.

Orefka shakes his head at Charles' question. "Montegue is getting too close for me. Matushka keeps him in almost constant blizzards and hail, but still he manages to press forward.

GM says, "Somewhat surprisingly, none of them seem put out by the fops, though you suspect if they looked more like Montaignian deserters, they'd be a lot more wary."

Sebastien exclaims, "I daresay all bundled up in furs like this I am scarcely recognizable as a Montaignese gentleman at all!"

Sebastien polishes his monocle

Era gives directions for some refugees to find her brothers' town, and re-settle there, since the family still has a great deal of wilderness available for those hardy enough to live there.

Pyotr says (to Sebastien), "You should probably eat with only two forks tonight if you want to fit in."

GM says, "A few days later, you reach the bridge over the Ekaterina River (aka the Reka Ekaterina) that leads into Pavtlow itself. A pair of guards hail you as you approach."

Guard asks, "Greetings. Your business in Pavtlow?"

Sebastien says, "what, you mean re-use the oyster fork for the cheese course? surely you jest"

Pyotr exclaims (at Guard), "Hello!"

Pyotr says, "We're here to see..."

Sebastien says, "we are for the negotiations"

Vasili says, "Visiting old friends."

Pyotr asks (of Charles), "Who are we officially here to see?"

Sebastien presents papers.

Sebastien says, "as you no doubt recall"

Guard says, "Oho, you must be Tamara's people, then."

Charles asks (of Pyotr), "Borin v'Pscov?"

Pyotr says (to Charles), "I think we're supposed to see everyone"

Charles says (to Pyotr), "At least, I thought that's whom you were seeking."

Guard chuckles. "Keeping you busy, is she?"

[ussura] Charles says, "Wait a minute. Charles doesn't say 'whom'."

Sebastien says, "I'll say"

Sebastien asks, "has she arrived yet?"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "I don't remember what you guys wanted to do with the magic eyedrops"

Guard says, "Well, they say she arrived herself last night. She usually stays in the south wing of the palace; you can probably meet up with her there."

[ussura] Sebastien asks, "were you delivering them to somebody for her? or giving them to Tamara?"

[ussura] Charles says, "After the long break, I am having trouble remember our specific plans at all."

[ussura] Vasili says, "yeah, they need to meet somebody who needs 'em. Also, it's hush-hush."

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

[ussura] GM says, "(so, yes, the vials are for the queen)"

Vasili says, "Thanks."

Guard waves you on.

Sebastien says, "well, perhaps we should meet Tamara and then decide what to do next"

Charles says, "Good idea."

Era says (to Sebastien), "Excellent suggestion. I believe the palace's secondary entrance is that way <points>."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "I guess Pyotr could check if this Borin v'Pscov guy is around"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "I'm waiting a bit"

Pyotr says, "Okay, let's see if she can find us a place to sleep tonight"

Era says, "The main entrance is a bit crowded, usually."

Pyotr says, "It looks like the streets are a bit crowded for our tents"

Era says (to Pyotr), "The constablry frown on camping in public areas in any case. We'll find lodging. Hopefully at the palace, but that might be expecting too much."

GM says, "The palace, when you wend your way through the city to it, is both impressive and beautiful. A host of multicolored onion-domed turrets, many with pennants flapping smartly in the cold wind."

Pyotr asks, "Mmm, onions. Who wants dinner?"

Sebastien says, "goodness, I never thought I'd see the like in Ussura"

Charles says, "Wow. If I were guarding here, I don't think I'd let us in."

[Crows-Nest] Vasili scowls at a nearby pennant flapping stupidly.

Sebastien says (to Charles), "that's what the paperwork is for"

Vasili says (to Charles), "I was a bit worried for a moment."

Vasili says, "And when the paperwork fails, that's what the weapons are for!"

Era exclaims, "My oldest brother insisted I be allowed to come when he was presented as my father's heir in court. I was about 12, and it was quite overwhelming!"

GM says, "It's not quite as tall as the cliff-based castle in Gallenia, but many wings sprawl in all directions, making it cover at least twice the area."

GM says (to Era), "In fact, there's construction on a new wing that wasn't there the last time you saw it, though construction seems to have halted partway through, due, you suspect, to the war."

Gunther has disconnected.

Gunther was told to go with God, and that God was currently heading out of the roomd at high velocity.

GM says, "At Era's direction, you make your way to the secondary entrance, where Sebastien again presents his papers, which open various doors for you. You hang out in a waiting area for a while, but finally are admitted to see Tamara herself. She receives you in a simply-furnished but elegant room, with open windows to the city below."

Charles bows.

GM says, "Brightly-lit lanterns sit in all corners of the room, with several more in various nooks and crannies."

Pyotr looks around appreciatively

Tamara scratches a cat's ears who was sitting on a windowledge, and turns to acknowledge you.

Tamara says, "My friends! You made it."

Pyotr says, "It took some doing."

Tamara says, "No doubt. A journey across Ussura is never easy, and best accomplished with Matushka's blessing."

Sebastien asks, "how long do we have before the meetings begin officially?"

Era says (to Tamara), "It is good to see you, my lady."

Tamara says, "The first official meeting of the entire douma[1] takes place in two days, though of course much negotiation goes on beforehand." [1]Douma: the counsel of province leaders + the Gaius."

[ussura] Charles asks, "Is this counsel held publically where people like us would attend and listen, or privately?"

Tamara asks (of Sebastien), "Do you think it best for you two to meet with Montegue before the Douma, or visa versa?"

[ussura] GM says, "It's mostly private, like a cabinet meeting."

Sebastien says, "I would prefer to meet with him before if possible"

Sebastien says, "but I admit I have not been in communication with him in some time"

Vasili asks, "He's not that close already?"

Era says, "We also ought to speak with Ketheryna."

[ussura] Raelynn asks, "if it's not in session yet, then can i find the porte guy?"

Tamara nods.

Tamara says, "The douma will meet for at least a week, once official meetings have begun."

Pyotr asks (of Sebastien), "You going to want company for that, or go alone?"

Era says, "I'll send a message to her to see if we can meet tomorrow. I'd like to take today to freshen up from our long travel."

Tamara says, "Though it would of course be best to arrive back soon, as much is likely to be war counsel."

Vasili says (to Pyotr), "It should be at least the three of them."

Tamara says (to Era), "Indeed."

Sebastien says, "I think Alixandre and I had better speak to him privately at first"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "although I have vague memories of one of us having something Montegue said to give back to him when we saw him next"

Tamara says, "The front is to the west, and, I'm afraid, not very far, though Montegue must find a way to cross a tributary of the Ekaterina before he reaches Pavtlow itself."

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "hmm. maybe Charles, then?"

[ussura] Charles says, "That would be I."

[ussura] Vasili says, "Charles"

[ussura] Charles says, "Although I wasn't planning to go directly to Montegue just yet."

[ussura] GM says, "Right, a pendant that Sebastien recognized as being a Vatican symbol/something like that."

[ussura] Charles says, "I was thinking I'd like to sound out some of the Ussuran (and possibly Montaigne) navymen first."

[ussura] GM says, "Er, afk a minute; talk amongst yourselves."

Vasili takes a long glance at the city view from the nearest window.

[ussura] Charles says, "Which would naturally start out in drinking establishments, so Pyotr or Vasili might find it intesting."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "heh"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "probably not many montaignian sailors in the city now"

Sebastien asks (of Charles), "(privately) did you want to give me that pendant to give back to Montegue when we see him? or hand it to him yourself?"

[ussura] Vasili says, "that was already my plan for tonight."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "if there are, they're probably staying on their ships"

[ussura] GM says, "(OK, back)"

Charles says (to Sebastien), "I think I'd best handle that myself."

[ussura] Charles says (to Pyotr), "Right, I'd start with the Ussurans."

Pyotr asks (of Tamara), "Is Borin v'Pscov here yet?"

Raelynn asks (of tamara), "do you know if koschei the undying is in the city yet?"

[ussura] GM says, "I vaguely recall saying at one point that Pavtlow was close to the coast; upon looking at the actual map again, that's not actually true. However, there will be various members of the army that Montegue conscripted from the navy."

[ussura] Charles says (to GM), "Aha."

[ussura] Charles says, "I suppose that changes my tactics a bit."

Tamara says, "Borin arrives tonight; as for Koshchei..."

Tamara shrugs.

Pyotr says, "Thank you, my lady."

Tamara says, "Koshchei does what he does, and few know what that might be."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "hmm"

Tamara says, "He will show up at the Douma without fail."

Vasili asks (of Tamara), "On the way here, I learned I'm wanted in Somojez in connection with the same thing as Pyotr. Would you have any final advice for when we meet with him?"

Tamara says, "He is probably close by now."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "ok, if the idea would be that Alixandre and I would have to venture into the woods to find Montegue, then it would make more sense for people to come along if they want"

Raelynn says, "Do you know where he usually stays when he is here in Pvaltow? I might as well as send a message to him requesting an audience, preferably before the douma meets"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "but if folks would rather go and find sailors that is ok by me"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "I'd rather go see the army"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "and, y'know, fight them by myself and make them go away"

Tamara thinks.

[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"

[ussura] Charles says, "Yeah, if we're not in a navy town, I might tag along for the walk and then separate from you when we reach the edges of their encampment."

Tamara says (to Raelynn), "Those who wish to talk to him, talk to the crows. If he finds the message suitably... interesting, I suppose, he has been known to respond."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "oh, right, and you'd just go talk to people there"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "that would make sense"

[ussura] Charles says, "Right."

Tamara says (to Vasili), "I'm not sure what to think of Borin."

Vasili says, "That's okay, lots of people aren't sure what to think about me."

Tamara says, "He is a very rich man, and believes that his wealth will solve his problems. When it doesn't, he gets very blustery."

Vasili says, "Hm. Sounds like it's best not to be one of his problems."

Tamara says, "I think the fact that Montegue marched right through Somojez without any resistance at all embarrasses him, as well. He tried to hire mercenaries at outrageous prices, but Montegue bypassed the few he managed to hire."

Tamara says, "Borin is not the man I remember from his younger days. In his youth, he would have been out in front of the Tyomny, leading the charge himself."

Tamara says, "He had a hunting accident a number of years ago, and has never been the same since."

Charles says, "For a sufficiently ridiculous price, he could have hired us."

Tamara chuckles.

Tamara says, "He doesn't even seem to shift into his drachen form any more, either. The injury damaged his leg, and he claims it hurts now to do so."

Tamara sighs.

[ussura] GM says, "(The Somojez rulers pass down the traditional Drachen spirit-skin, much like the v'Rissanova Firebird spirit-skin)"

Charles raises an eyebrow.

Charles says, "That seems worrisome."

[ussura] Charles asks, "Is anyone else thinking what I am?"

[ussura] GM asks, "? What are you thinking?"

[ussura] Vasili says, "bug would be too obvious"

[ussura] Charles says (to Vasili), "That is what I was thinking."

Vasili says, "Thank you again, milady."

Vasili says, "And now, I'm anxious to go enjoy Pavtlow for a while."

Tamara nods.

[ussura] Charles says, "I'm thinking I'd like a chance to see him in person and try out my new bug lore skill."

[ussura] Vasili says, "And they didn't want those stories spread around because they might make people paranoid. Ha."

[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee"

[ussura] Charles says, "C'mon, we were just inches away from suspecting the whole inner circle of the Vaticine last time."

[ussura] GM asks, "Anything else for Tamara?"

[ussura] Charles says, "I don't think so."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "I'm good"

[ussura] Charles says, "(AFK a minute.)"

Tamara gives you all keys to a pair of rooms in a modest area of the south wing, along with tokens you can show the guards (along with your names) that let you pass freely in the south wing (though not the other areas).

[ussura] Raelynn says, "i guess i am staying behind to talk to kathy and to koschei"

Pyotr looks at his token.

Pyotr asks, "Why do I suddenly want to roll a wooden ball up a ramp?"

GM says (to Pyotr), "A stylized firebird on a coin."

[ussura] GM says, "Ha"

[ussura] Raelynn says (to era), "if you want to go with them in hopes of a fight, i will take care of the sophia's daughters business"

[ussura] Vasili DGI

[ussura] Era says (to raelynn), "you know me too well"

[ussura] GM says, "tokens/carnivals"

[ussura] GM says, "Hee"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000GF7KSO"

[ussura] Vasili says, "ah, skeeball. Had the wrong size ball/ramps in mind"

[ussura] Raelynn says (to vasili), "me too"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "i was thinking sisyphus"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"

[ussura] GM laughs.

Sebastien says, "well, it seems as though Alixandre and I will be heading to Montegue's camp tomorrow. if any of you would like to come along to ensure we make the journey safely it would not be ill-advised, though I should hope our diplomatic papers will handle any soldiers we come across"

Pyotr says, "I'll come."

Vasili asks (of Charles), "You want to come look for info in a seedy tavern or three tonight?"

Vasili says, "Everyone's welcome, of course."

Raelynn says, "i am going to soak in a tub for two hours tonight"

Raelynn says, "anyone who disturbs me is going to get a dagger in some painful parts"

Pyotr asks, "In the back of an unsprung wagon?"

[ussura] GM says, "Ha"

[ussura] Era exclaims, "ow!"

Vasili says (to Raelynn), "Well, I guess you do know how to keep off frostbite."

[ussura] GM asks, "So, let's see. Borin's group is coming into town tonight--do you want to try to meet it/see it?"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "no"

[ussura] Vasili says, "when appropriate, I'd like to try that custom Street Knacks rule."

[ussura] GM asks (of Raelynn), "And if you want to send a message to the crows, you can get Era or Alixandre to talk to one for you--what do you want to say?"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "I want to earn some local rep so he's heard of me (in a good way) before I approach him"

[ussura] GM nods.

[ussura] Pyotr says, "to this end I'll be urging people I meet to start a revolution and tell me all their plans"

[ussura] Raelynn asks, "dang. you literally meant i had to talk to the crows?"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "i thought you were just being cryptic"

[ussura] Vasili says (to Pyotr), "No, no, stay good, Pyotr."

[ussura] GM exclaims, "Hey, this is Ussura!"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "i can't see alix going into taverns, so i guess i will ask him for help"

[ussura] Pyotr says (to vas), "it's just so I can crush the revolution, it's okay"

[ussura] Vasili says, "Yeah, talking to animals is quite ordinary here."

Raelynn asks (of Alix), "fancy talking to some crows?"

[ussura] Era says, "I do it all the time. Some of them even walk upright."

[ussura] Charles says, "Back."

[ussura] GM says, "(Alix is not logged on tonight, of course, but will agree to do what you ask)"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "oh doh"

[ussura] Charles says, "I'd like to get a peek at Borin, if I could."

[ussura] Charles says, "Not so interested in actually *meeting* him."

[ussura] GM asks (of Charles), "By yourself?"

[ussura] GM nods.

Sebastien says, "I expect Koshchei will be just as likely to hear you whether you speak Ussuran or crow-ese"

[ussura] Charles says, "If sneaking is necessary, it might be easier without Pyotr's help."

[ussura] Pyotr exclaims, "hey!"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "I have a Stealth of 2, buddy"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "well my message is this: The bugs are tearing through the fabric of reality. I require assistance in learning about the tears."

[ussura] Raelynn says, "it's cryptic enough without saying "teach me porte!""

Vasili says, "But the ordinary crows might have more trouble repeating the Ussuran."

[ussura] GM says (to Raelynn), "Oho. Alright, cool."

[ussura] Vasili says, "good one"

crow exclaims, "Awwk awwk!"

crow flies away.

[ussura] Charles says (to Pyotr), "But you only seem to use it on woodland creatures that you cannot get into proper brawls with."

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "well, sure, have _you_ ever tried wrestling a bear?"

Sebastien says, "well, I guess we'll find out"

Charles says (to Others, in private), "I am going to try to watch Borin's arrival this evening."

GM says, "As you wander around town that night, you learn that Borin has planned a processional parade, and the guards have cleared a path through the city to the castle, so that everyone gets to see him."

Charles says, "If any of you are interested in joining me, feel free -- but it may be boring, as I'm hoping to *avoid* getting into any good fights."

Sebastien says, "now there's a confident man"

Sebastien says, "I may as well come along and see the lay of the land"

Pyotr asks (of Sebastien), "When are we heading out? Tomorrow?"

[ussura] GM says (to Vasili), "You can make that streetwise or what have you roll now, if you like."

[ussura] Vasili asks, "so, right. do I pick a desired TN first, or just see how well things go?"

[ussura] GM says, "Just see how things go, I'll say."

Sebastien says (to Pyotr), "after we've had a chance to rest from the day's travelling, yeah"

Pyotr says, "Okay, then I'll go see the parade."

[ussura] Vasili says, "Socializing skill 2, new city penalty -2."

[7thsea] Vasili rolls 4k4: 9 4 3 3 | 19

Sebastien says, "everybody loves a parade"

Pyotr says, "And if we're lucky the Tyomny won't recognize me and Vasili in the middle of a crowded street."

[ussura] Vasili says, "aw, a week."

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "what's this skill?"

Charles says (to Sebastien), "Especially if there are jugglers."

[ussura] Vasili says, "to become familiar with the city and eliminate the new city penalty on Streetwise knacks."

GM says, "So, roll something to try to find a place where you can see the folks passing and they can't see you."

[ussura] Charles says, "Sounds Stealthy."

[7thsea] Charles rolls 5k3: 1 6 4 5 1 | 15

[ussura] Pyotr says, "neat"

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "everyone roll, or just Charles?"

[ussura] GM says, "Whoever wants to not be seen ;-)"

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "what trait? wits?"

[ussura] GM says, "Yeah, that probably makes the most sense."

[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 4k2: 4 3 4 1 | 8

[ussura] GM says, "Hee hee hee"

Pyotr carefully takes of his normal fur vest, and puts on a bright orange shirt.

[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, ""This is a bad idea. I shouldn't be here""

[ussura] Charles asks (of Pyotr), "You *see* why I wasn't going to bring you?"

Sebastien is happy to be seen, so he wears his usual natty attire

Vasili says (to Pyotr), "Enh, we'll see him later. Let's just grab a drink instead."

[ussura] GM says, "(can I fast-forward to the parade itself?)"

Pyotr says (to Vasili), "Hmm, a drink sounds good."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "yeah"

Pyotr says (to Charles), "Let us know how it goes."

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "sure"

[Crows-Nest] Pyotr says, "lac"

[ussura] GM says, "Aww, you can't roll and then not *use* it."

[ussura] GM says, "That's just cheating ;-)"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "sorry"

[ussura] GM says, "(but I will OK it if you really don't want to be seen)("

[ussura] Pyotr exclaims, "I'm wearing the orange shirt to the bar!"

Charles stares intently when Borin passes, watching his gait, the turn of his head -- comparing his movements to the limbs and joints of the dissected bug.

[ussura] Pyotr says, "if you want to say I go I'm game with that"

[ussura] GM says, "Nah, that's OK>"

[ussura] GM says (to Charles), "go ahead and roll."

[ussura] Charles asks, "My whole stealth strategy was 'stand just close enough to Pyotr that anyone nearby will be staring at him instead of me'! If you leave, then where will I go?"

[7thsea] Charles rolls 5k3: 6 6 10+4 7 6 | 27

GM says, "So, some of you stop by the parade to see what this Borin fellow looks like."

[ussura] GM says, "Hee"

[ussura] GM says, "The parade turns out to be a bit less than promised, but you do see a group of brightly-dressed Tyomny leading a smartly-decked horse pulling an open carriage."

[ussura] GM says, "(only not on the channel)"

GM says, "Charles, for his part, examines the man closely, but can see no sign of him not being a normal human."

GM says, "Borin is a solidly-built large man with a thick moustache."

Sebastien says, "he seems normal enough"

Sebastien says, "although that moustache could be dangerous if roused"

Charles smiles, then joins the cheering.

GM says, "The moustache passes, and the group of you head to the bar where Pyotr and Valeri have been hanging out."

Pyotr exclaims (at Ivan), "No, really, I swear, the thing was eight feet tall!"

Charles asks (of Pyotr), "Still telling the story about that housewife who chased you and Jack out of town?"

Vasili says, "Sure, Valerie goes right for the big guy."

[ussura] GM says, "Oops, Vasili, sorry."

[ussura] GM says, "Hee"

Pyotr says (to Charles), "Nah, she wasn't that tall. Heavier, sure, but not that tall."

Dak enters the bar, followed by an old man wearing a Tyomny uniform. "There they are!"

Usor exclaims (at Pyotr), "You!"

[ussura] GM exclaims, "It's the old man from scene 24!"

Pyotr asks, "Um, who?"

Pyotr glares at Dak.

Vasili says (to Pyotr), "There goes his recommendation."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "actually, forget that"

[ussura] GM says, "Scene 24 being "In which the guards burst into the tavern where Pyotr just killed a guy, and their leader tries to have everyone arrested. This is that leader.""

Pyotr grabs a barstool and flings it at Dak.

[ussura] Pyotr says, "awesome"

Dak exclaims, "Ack!"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "too bad I never took Throw(Improvised Weapon)"

Dak dives to the floor.

Charles asks, "Why can we never walk into a bar with Pyotr without it ending in a fight?"

[Crows-Nest] Raelynn says, "Dak Acks"

Vasili says, "Let's deal with him later."

Usor says (to Pyotr), "Give up now! We have the place surrounded."

Vasili yanks at a window.

Pyotr exclaims (at Charles), "We didn't get in a bar fight in Kuniew!"

Usor exclaims (at Vasili), "You too!"

Usor draws a sword.

Pyotr slaps his waist where his axe would be, if he hadn't left it at the castle.

Usor smirks.

Pyotr says, "Aww, man."

GM throws Pyotr a drama die.

Pyotr draws his dagger.

Vasili asks, "You're threatening the guests of the Lady v'Rissanova?"

Vasili shows his token.

Pyotr exclaims, "That's right! We're here on a diplomatic mission!"

Usor's eyes narrow. "You killed a very important man in Somojez. I intend to see that you pay your debt."

Pyotr says, "He attacked me first."

Vasili says, "Did not."

[Crows-Nest] Sebastien says, "man, it's like you guys don't want to get into a brawl"

Usor walks further into the bar, and three guards enter behind him.

Charles says, "Pyotr has a lot of debts. You'll have to get in line."

Charles says, "Unless you intend to cut in front of Tamar v'Rissanova."

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "who is with us? me, vasili, Charles. Sebastien?"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "yeah"

[ussura] (from Charles) Charles says, "Me? I'm with *him*."

Vasili tries to see through the window whether the 'surrounded' thing could be a bluff.

Sebastien whistles and moves closer to the bar.

Usor says, "The debt of blood calls before the debt of diplomats."

GM says (to Vasili), "It's a dirty window, but there may well be uniformed men outside."

GM says, "How many, it's hard to say."

Pyotr exclaims, "And people were wondering why Montegue waltzed through Somojez? It's because you guys were too busy worrying about fighting your own!"

Usor asks, "Will you come with my peacefully, then?"

[ussura] Vasili says, "but the guys outside are unnamed brutes, so..."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "yeah, but"

Vasili says, "To pay this debt of blood you made up... hmm..."

Pyotr says, "I will, if you will deliver me to my hostess, the Lady v'Rissanova. I will accept imprisonment from her, not you."

Vasili swings a chair at the window, since it seemed to be a bit stuck.

[ussura] Pyotr says, "or, we can go"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "I dunno"

[ussura] GM says, "Hee"

[ussura] GM says, "Either's OK with me, of course."

[ussura] GM asks, "What's the consensus?"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "I wasn't asking _you_"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "well, if we're going to get into a brawl, Pyotr's the guy to start it"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "I'm tempted to dramatically give myself up"

[ussura] Vasili says, "we can still do that later."

[ussura] Vasili says, "but I don't like this Usor guy."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "at which point people need to work the dramatic angles, or I can break out of prison, whichever"

[ussura] Sebastien asks, "what, give up? or get into a brawl?"

[ussura] Charles says, "I'm tempted to just watch Pyotr lose a brawl."

[ussura] Vasili says, "both!"

[ussura] Charles says, "And get dragged off to prison. Best of both worlds."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "okay, sounds good"

[ussura] Vasili says, "don't think we'd have to do the same thing, either."

Pyotr exclaims, "If you refuse to release me to v'Rissanova, you'll have to come in here and take me!"

Usor looks conflicted.

[ussura] Sebastien says (to Pyotr), "ha ha wtf"

[ussura] GM says, "Hmm hmmm. Roll, I dunno, something with Panache."

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "something?"

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "or just panache directly?"

[ussura] GM says, "For your challenge. Or, right, just panache directly."

[ussura] GM says, "(pick a skill that seems apropos)"

Charles says (to Random Bar Patron), "If we're lucky, this is about to get interesting. If you don't plan to join in, I'd recommend picking a table to duck behind now, before all the good ones are taken."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "we're not really socializing. maybe I'm exploiting his weakness"

[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 4k3: 1 10+6 6 7 | 29

Raelynn enjoys her bath, oblivious to anything outside

[ussura] Charles asks, "There is theoretically a system for this kind of thing, isn't there?"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "oh, probably"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "I bet I have more reputation than he does"

[7thsea] Usor rolls 5k2: 2 1 1 8 5 | 13

[ussura] Charles says, "With bonuses for rep? TIming."

Usor growls.

Usor says, "Fine, I will take you to the v'Rissanova."

Pyotr sheathes his dagger.

Charles sighs.

Pyotr walks out the door without waiting for Usor to follow.

[ussura] Era says, "Hey guys, I'm bowing out this evening. Have fun w/o me. :-)"

Era has disconnected.

[ussura] Pyotr says (to era), "just cause I avoided a fight..."

Vasili says, "(sotto voce) Huh."

Usor says (to Vasili), "You too. You were his accomplice."

Vasili says, "Uh, sure, I'll come."

Charles says (to Sebastien), "I think we'd better tag along as well."

Sebastien says, "probably for the best"

Vasili says (to Barkeep), "Sorry about the window."

Sebastien says, "just in case"

Sebastien says, "I'm sure he's used to that kind of thing"

Sebastien says, "gives a little more fresh air in here"

Sebastien goes out after Charles

GM says, "Usor and a group of Tyomny soldiers lead the two of you back to the palace, where he demands that Tamara take Pyotr under house arrest."

Charles mutters (under his breath), "House arrest? You call that a blood debt?"

Usor argues with a bureaucrat for a while, when Tamara appears in the hallway.

Vasili . o O ( Ha! I knew there weren't all that many. )

Tamara asks, "What seems to be the trouble? What are you doing with my group of diplomats?"

Usor exclaims, "The v'Rissanova!"

Usor suddenly becomes very nervous.

Vasili says, "I seem to be under arrest again."

Pyotr says, "I am sorry to have caused you trouble, my lady."

Usor says, "Um, well..."

Pyotr says, "This man wants to arrest me."

Tamara asks (of Usor), "What did they do?"

Usor's arm jerks up and he points at Pyotr. "This man killed the Knias!"

Usor claps his hand over his mouth.

Sebastien asks, "he what?"

Pyotr asks, "What?"

Tamara asks, "What?"

[ussura] Raelynn asks, "the clockwork man has a name?"

Vasili says, "Hey, that's even funnier when you're not the one talking."

Tamara says, "In my office. Now."

Tamara turns around and sweeps into her room.

[ussura] Raelynn says, "never mind. i've been informed what that word means"

[Crows-Nest] Charles says, "Uh-oh, it's the principal."

Pyotr follows.

Usor says, "Er, um..."

Vasili says (to Usor), "After you, sir."

Usor exclaims (at his_guards), "Get them!"

Usor turns and runs.

Pyotr exclaims, "Come back here!"

Pyotr turns and chases Usor!

Tyomny_guards look a bit confused, but move to block Pyotr.

Charles whips out a knife and flings it at Usor's feet, intending to pin his boot to the floor.

[ussura] Charles says, "Just for the fun of it. I'll add a drama die, too."

Pyotr lowers his head and charges through.

[7thsea] Charles rolls 6k4: 2 4 3 1 4 6 | 17

[ussura] GM says (to Charles), "Sadly, that'd be a miss."

[ussura] Charles says, "Ah well. I was hoping he'd have a poor Running TN."

Vasili sets off running as well.

Charles curses under his breath.

Sebastien says (to Guards), "under the circumstances it really seems inadvisable to block him"

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "sprinting? or sidestep to avoid the guards?"

[ussura] GM says, "OK, let's see. Roll running + brawn to break through the guards, I guess."

[ussura] GM says, "Or, sure, something to go around them."

[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 4k3: 9 10+5 8 2 | 32

[ussura] Pyotr says, "it's the same roll, we'll call that sprinting"

[ussura] GM asks (of Sebastien), "Do you want to try to convince them to not block you?"

[ussura] GM says (to Pyotr), "You break through! go ahead and rp ;-)"

[ussura] Vasili says, "I don't suppose Footwork would do"

Pyotr swings his arms and slams the guards out of the way, as he keeps racing after Usor.

[ussura] Sebastien says (to GM), "hmm, sure"

[ussura] Vasili says, "Sprinting+Finesse here"

[7thsea] Vasili rolls 5k3: 3 1 10+2 5 3 | 20

[ussura] GM asks, "Would you all like to roll initiative, or just go through each person in turn?"

Sebastien says (to Guards), "furthermore, given that he is fleeing from Tamara's presence it strongly suggests that he is nefarious or otherwise underhanded and hence providing a delay to my movements would be unhelpful for your future careers as well"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "if he's going to try and fight when I grab him, we can just do init now :)"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "maybe we should just give each person one turn until someone actually starts fighting"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "since it seems like higher panache shouldn't give multiple actions while just chasing"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "hmm, true"

[ussura] Charles says, "That seems reasonable."

[ussura] GM nods.

[ussura] Charles says, "Unless everyone automatically just spent their first action on 'running'."

[ussura] GM says, "Alrighty--we'll roll something for the guards vs. Vasili and then vs. Sebastien."

[ussura] Vasili says, "I rolled 20."

[ussura] Charles says, "And higher panache people had the presence of mind to handle doing several other things at the same time."

[7thsea] Tyomny_guards rolls 3k3: 8 5 10+10+3 | 36

[ussura] Vasili says, "ooh, he's quick, is he"

Tyomny_guards move to block Vasili easily.

Tyomny_guards listen to Sebastien's reasoning and look even more confused.

[7thsea] Tyomny_guards rolls 3k3: 9 3 4 | 16

Vasili draws a knife. "Idiots!"

[ussura] GM says (to Seb), "Now roll your Oratory or some such."

[ussura] Sebastien asks, "what should I roll it with? panache? or wits?"

[ussura] GM says, "Let's go for Panache."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "alrighty"

[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 5k3: 2 6 10+6 6 9 | 31

Sebastien says, "right then -- do let me know if you need any more explanation"

Tyomny_guards says, "Oh, er, right, then."

Sebastien dodges past the guards while they're looking confused and starts running

Tyomny_guards stop blocking Vasili and let him through, too.

[ussura] GM reads up on the 'chase' rules in the GM guide.

[ussura] GM says, "OK, so these are contested rolls of finesse+(appropriate skill)"

[ussura] Pyotr tries to figure how to make Usor start climbing something, then

[ussura] GM says, "Usor is currently 3 ahead of Pyotr and Sebastien, and 4 ahead of everyone else."

[ussura] GM says, "For every contested roll, if Usor wins, you fall one more behind, and if you win, you catch up by one."

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "do we function each individually, or as a group?"

[ussura] GM says, "You may call a raise beforehand to catch up by 2, but of course, are more likely to fail if you do so (and fall behind)"

[ussura] GM says, "Hmm, probably simpler as a group."

[ussura] GM asks, "Unless everyone wants to go?"

[ussura] Charles says, "Our chances are better individually."

[ussura] Charles says, "Also, I wasn't planning to chase."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "I'll be rolling 4k3, so if Sebastien does better, he can roll for our group :)"

[ussura] GM says, "OK, I'll roll once for Usor, and then everyone else can roll vs. that."

[ussura] Charles says, "Individually, you're more likely to have at least *one* of us catch up with him."

[ussura] Vasili says, "sounds good"

[ussura] GM says, "(declare beforehand if you want to raise)"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "true"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "sounds good"

Usor turns and dodges as he tries to get out of the castle.

[7thsea] Usor rolls 5k3: 4 1 10+10+6 9 2 | 39

[ussura] Pyotr says, "oof"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "wow, good work"

[ussura] Usor says, "Wow, esplosion."

[ussura] Vasili asks, "Sprinting?"

[ussura] GM exclaims, "Everyone else!"

[ussura] GM says, "Yeah, sprinting."

[7thsea] Vasili rolls 5k3: 3 4 10+10+6 6 8 | 40

[ussura] GM says, "+Finesse."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"

[ussura] GM exclaims, "!"

[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 4k3: 10+3 10+7 7 8 | 38

[ussura] Sebastien says, "got the same die"

[ussura] Charles says, "Man."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "oof"

[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 5k4: 10+8 1 3 10+2 10+5 | 48

[ussura] Charles asks, "Whuh?"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "not worth a drama"

Charles ducks into the v'Rissanova's office, since no one else seems to be bothering to follow her order.

Charles says (to Tamara v'R), "I apologize for all of this. Drama seems to follow us around like an over-excited younger brother."

[ussura] GM says, "Ha! We now have U - * - S - V/P"

[ussura] GM asks, "That make sense?"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "yeah"

[ussura] Raelynn asks (of pyotr), "a little bit out of shape, aren't we?"

Usor bursts out the back door, Sebastien hot on his trail.

[ussura] Raelynn says, "clearly you need to cut back on the drinkin and the wenchin"

Sebastien says, "for a relaxing evening after arrival this is certainly turning out to be energetic"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "if I hadn't had five ales back in that bar...."

Pyotr pound pound pant pound

Usor turns and darts down a side-street.

[7thsea] Usor rolls 5k3: 3 10+8 4 1 7 | 29

[ussura] Vasili says (to Pyotr), "Ah, so at least you cut back after the doctor's advice."

[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 4k3: 9 7 8 2 | 24

[ussura] Pyotr says, "aww, geez"

[7thsea] Vasili rolls 5k3: 6 7 3 5 4 | 18

[ussura] Vasili says, "go Seb"

[7thsea] Sebastien rolls 5k4: 9 8 8 2 2 | 27

[ussura] Sebastien says, "curses, he's just too quick"

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "when does he escape? when he's five away?"

[ussura] GM says, "Oho."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "this calls for a zany improvised maneuver next round"

[ussura] GM says, "U * * S V/P"

[ussura] GM says, "Hee"

Charles says (to Tamara), "I imagine all of this will die down before too long. Probably after a short brawl in the outer courtyard."

GM rolls on the Street Random Event Chart!

GM rolls 1 10-sided die: 7| 7

Sebastien sends up a big plume of snow as he corners

Pyotr bounces off a scribe.

Pyotr exclaims, "Someone stop that man!"

Pyotr exclaims, "Guards! catch him!"

Usor bumps into a bystander and nearly falls down, but he picks himself up again.

[ussura] Sebastien says, "I guess he'd do the same for us"

Usor exclaims, "To arms! Murder! Tis Pyotr the Murderer!"

[ussura] GM says, "U * S V/P again from the Random Event Chart."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "whew"

Usor dodges down side-streets and tries to throw you off his trail.

[7thsea] Usor rolls 4k3: 9 10+1 3 7 | 27

[ussura] Pyotr says, "man, the esplosions"

[ussura] Usor says, "And this time, you have to roll Street Navigation to pursue."

[ussura] Pyotr exclaims, "I have street navigation!"

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "+finesse, still?"

[ussura] Vasili asks, "with full penalty, I guess?"

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "and does this have that new city penalty?"

[ussura] GM says, "There's a penalty for this being an unfamiliar city, I believe, but... right."

[7thsea] Vasili rolls 3k3: 8 3 2 | 13

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "okay, so 4k3-what is what?"

[ussura] Vasili says, "-2 unkept"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "so I'm down to 2k2? ow"

[ussura] GM says, "I guess that'd be 2k2."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "adding drama"

[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 3k3: 8 7 5 | 20

[ussura] Vasili says, "2k3, if it makes you feel better."

[ussura] GM says, "Actually, wait--you can also do Vasili's thing."

[ussura] Sebastien asks, "hmm, can I circle around and try to guess where he'll show up in a round or two? or would that still be street navigation?"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "still don't make it, argh"

[ussura] GM says, "Since you spent some time here earlier."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "(like, giving up my place now for a shot later)"

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "wait, what thing?"

[ussura] GM says (to Sebastien), "Hmm, sure."

[ussura] GM says, "You have Creativity ;-)"

[ussura] GM says, "I made a house rule about familiarizing oneself with a new city."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "ah"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "how virtuous of me"

[ussura] GM says, "Er, Vasili can tell you what it is, since I forget ;-)"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "sure, if I can do it now and add the dice back into this roll maybe"

[ussura] Sebastien asks, "should I roll something? or just roll something next round starting from further back?"

[ussura] GM says (to Seb), "If you want to use your Virtue, just spend a drama die as a story die, I think is the simplest way to do it. Then you can burst out on him after next round."

[ussura] Vasili says, "well, I rolled Socializing. And you made up some TN->time frame rules."

[ussura] Sebastien says (to GM), "sounds good"

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "Soc+wits?"

Sebastien sees Usor running into a maze of alleys, curses, and does a right turn to head elsewhere

[ussura] GM says (to Pyotr), "Right."

[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 4k2: 2 10+8 4 4 | 22

[ussura] Vasili says, "wow, beat me."

[ussura] Pyotr asks, "where's that esplosion when I needed it?"

[ussura] Vasili says, ""a few days (TN 20)""

[ussura] Pyotr says, "still not enough. okay, next round"

Usor puts some more distance between you, but you can still hear him crashing on ahead.

Usor climbs up a wall at the end of an alley.

[ussura] Usor says, "(climbing)"

[7thsea] Usor rolls 4k3: 10+3 10+3 9 2 | 35

[ussura] Pyotr says, "yay"

[ussura] Usor says, "What the heck."

[ussura] Vasili says, "Yay climbing."

[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 5k3: 7 5 8 6 8 | 23

[ussura] Pyotr says, "man"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "I hope Seb has a great plan"

[ussura] Usor says, "Can't stop rolling esplosions"

Vasili says, "Now which way... that thud sounded promising."

[7thsea] Vasili rolls 6k3: 6 7 2 7 9 7 | 23

Pyotr slams into the wall, falls down, and then tries climbing.

Usor scrambles up onto a rooftop and runs to leap to the next roof!

[ussura] GM says, "U * * * V/P (S)"

Charles says (to Tamara), "Everyone needs a hobby. Ours seems to be running into people who want to cause us trouble."

[ussura] Usor says, "(Leaping)"

[7thsea] Usor rolls 4k3: 1 5 7 10+4 | 26

[ussura] Pyotr says, "hmm, I don't have Leaping. pure Fin, I guess"

[7thsea] Pyotr rolls 3k3: 1 2 1 | 4

[ussura] Pyotr says, "ha ha oof"

[7thsea] Vasili rolls 3k3: 8 6 6 | 20

Pyotr leaps off the roof after Usor, and falls to the alleyway between buildings.

Pyotr exclaims, "My....foot!"

Vasili says, "This can't be the right way."

GM exclaims, "And when Vasili leaps, he manages to grab onto the roof on the other side, but has to scramble and roll to get up. When he stands, Usor is gone!"

Pyotr gets up and hobbles on.

Pyotr asks, "Where'd we lose Sebastien?"

Usor shimmies down a drainpipe into another alley, and dusts off his hands, smiling.

Sebastien finds himself on top of a small hill, looking around to see where the others are.

Usor starts sauntering down the alley.

Vasili says, "I thought he was ahead of us. And then, uh, he wasn't."

Sebastien says, "gadzooks, there he is"

Sebastien grabs a nearby board, throws it to the ground, leaps on top, and shoots down the hill at Usor!!

[ussura] Pyotr says, "ha ha ha awesome"

[ussura] GM laughs and laughs.

Usor looks up in astonishment as a fop flies down the hill at him.

Sebastien kerWUMPF

[ussura] Raelynn says, "Legolas!"

GM asks (of V&P), "Hey, what was that sound?"

Pyotr races after the noise.

Charles says (to Tamara), "It can be inconvenient at times, of course. But it's good exercise, and it keeps us busy."

Vasili asks, "And what was that blur?"

[ussura] Charles says, "I'm going to have to vanish around 10:30, I think."

Vasili starts off again, obviously.

Pyotr limp run limp run

Tyomny_guards says (to Charles), "Indeed. Fortunately, I've found it to be very helpful, as well."

[ussura] Tyomny_guards says, "er"

Tamara says (to Charles), "Indeed. Fortunately, I've found it to be very helpful, as well."

Sebastien's foot is the only thing sticking out of a very large pile of snow

Pyotr grabs the foot and pulls.

Vasili says, "There he is!"

[ussura] GM says, "Ha ha more."

Pyotr sees more feet, and grabs those, too.

Sebastien says, "I believe .."

Usor growls, sputters.

Pyotr says, "Okay, no way a guard wore boots this shiny. Those must be usor's."

Sebastien stops to brush snow off his face and out of his ears

Sebastien says, "I believe I'm getting the hang of this country"

Pyotr wrestles Usor down and yells, "Vasili! A rope!"

Vasili says, "Rope!"

Usor exclaims, "I'll have you all arrested for assaulting a Tyomny! The Knias's personal guard!"

Pyotr exclaims, "I've been wanting to do this for YEARS!"

Vasili says, "Gag!"

Sebastien sits down heavily again in the snow

Pyotr says (to Usor), "You already arrested me once tonight, and look where it got you."

Usor glowers.

Pyotr says, "Stop while you're only a little behind, man."

Usor says, "I should never have let you talk me into taking you to Tamara."

Usor says, "Stupid prophecy."

Pyotr says, "Funny, that's where I'm taking you."

Pyotr ties Usor's hands behind his back, and forms the rest of the rope into a leash.

Pyotr says, "Let's go."

Pyotr asks (of Vasili), "(sotto voce) Um, do you remember the way back?"

Usor's eyes go wide. "No, please, if everyone knew! It'd be... It'd be chaos!"

[ussura] Sebastien says (to Pyotr), "ha ha"

Sebastien asks, "wait, what prophecy?"

Usor says, "The one about Tamara."

Vasili says, "Maybe we can work something out. Once we know what you know."

Sebastien has recovered enough to locate a handkerchief and put it to use

Vasili says (to Pyotr), "You forgot the gag."

Sebastien asks, "what, another prophecy?"

Usor says, "Is there more than one? I just know that people say what they shouldn't say in her presence."

Pyotr says (to Vasili), "We should probably gag him before we get in, right."

Sebastien says, "..oh"

Sebastien says, "right, that prophecy"

[ussura] Sebastien asks, "wait, I'm confused -- is she *also* the die-in-the-dark one?"

Pyotr waits for Vasili to tie on the gag, and then they head back to the palace.

Vasili says, "I disagree. I think people ought to tell the truth once in a while."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "yeah, it's one big prophecy"

[ussura] Vasili says, "Yes. Different line of the same verse."

[ussura] Usor says, "'She shall perish in darkness, but shall know the light of truth' or some such."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "she'll die in darkness, and she knows the truth"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "oh ok"

Usor says, "But please, make it a private audience, at least."

Pyotr says, "To start with."

Pyotr says (to Tamara), "We've brought back the strayed lamb for you."

GM says, "With that, you all haul Usor back to Tamara's, where the Tyomny guard is still milling around, but Usor doesn't seem to be too badly handled, so they let you all past."

Vasili asks (of Charles), "Hey, where have you been?"

Charles says (to Vasili), "Oh, you know -- here and, uh, here."

Raelynn is wandering the halls after her bath, and hears from the guards everyone is in Tamara's office. She slips in to watch

Charles asks, "Did he give you much trouble?"

Vasili says (to Charles), "I thought you'd enjoy a good chase."

Pyotr says, "Yeah, but Sebastien proved why he took gold at last year's Winterfest."

Vasili says, "He did have the advantage of knowing the streets."

Usor finally tells his story.

Pyotr listens.

Usor says, "Borin was always an impetuous man. He was constantly slipping away from us to go carousing. Mostly, we managed to quickly find him again and bring him back to the palace."

Vasili says, "(*pff*)"

Usor says, "But one day he slipped away again, and when we finally found where he had gone, it was too late--he had gotten into a fight with these two, and was killed."

Pyotr asks, "What?"

Usor says (to Pyotr), "Your clumsiness killed the Knias of Somojez."

Pyotr asks, "I did wonder why I had never seen him before, but what's one carousing boyar to me?"

Pyotr says, "My clumsiness? He was drunk as a...well, as a lord, and when I gave him a shove he fell harder than I thought."

Sebastien says, "er, but --"

[ussura] Charles says, "Good night, folks. I'll leave Perry running."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "night J"

Pyotr asks, "But he started fighting me first. Am I not to defend myself, even from a boyar?"

[ussura] Charles says, "(Not unlike the rest of you, a few minutes ago.)"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"

Usor exclaims (at Pyotr), "You should show courtesy to your superiors!"

Tamara asks (of Usor), "But why have we not heard of this?"

[ussura] Sebastien asks, "is the current guy also named Borin? or is something weird going on?"

Tamara exclaims, "And... well, I've *seen* Borin, many times!"

[ussura] Raelynn asks, "didn't charles just see Borin at the parade?"

Pyotr asks, "I offered to drink with him, and he refused. How much more courtesy can I show?"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "it's a fake"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "this is why he can't change to drachen form"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "oh good"

Usor says, "We ran into a man that night who was the spitting image of Borin we convince-I MEAN THREATENED HIS FAMILY--gack, curses."

[ussura] Pyotr says, "I love Tamara"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "ha ha"

Usor says, "We made him the Knias."

Usor says, "He's been OK, and much better than *no* Knias."

Pyotr says, "And to think I thought you were only a traitor to ussura, not to Matushka."

Usor asks, "What?"

Usor asks, "What were we to do?"

Pyotr exclaims, "No wonder your imposter cannot assume the form of the drachen. He is not blessed by matushka!"

Vasili asks, "and what were the plans for when this man died?"

Usor shakes his head. "I know not what happened to the drachen spirit skin. Usually it is passed down from ruler to heir in a special ceremony.

Usor says, "I'm afraid it is lost forever."

Sebastien says, "perhaps that's why Matushka's been taking a special interest in Pyotr"

Usor says, "Our Borin is indeed blessed with Pyeryem. He can turn into a mouse. But, um, that's about it."

[ussura] GM says, "And I gotta run--you can discuss and ask questions if you like, and I'll try to answer them later."

Sebastien says, "well, that's useful"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "well, I guess Borin isn't going to pardon me"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "drat"

[ussura] GM says, "Amusingly, this is straight out of the Ussura book. I looked at Pyotr's background and thought, "Aha!""

[ussura] Sebastien says (to Pytor), "well, Borin isn't, but it seems like you're in a good position to get "Borin" to"

[ussura] Vasili says, "Blackmail could be an option. But more likely we go on more quests to figure out what happened to the Drachen and whom Matushka deems worthy as a ruler."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "also, how can I turn this to Montaigne's advantage somehow"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "yeah, that's the way I'm leaning. my home needs a Knias, not an impostor"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "maybe Era ends up with the drachen skin. and then fights Montegue. and then we all go home happy"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "if matushka's interested in pyotr maybe he is going to get the drachen skin and become the new borin"

[ussura] Raelynn says, "now that's one way of getting pardoned"

[ussura] Pyotr says, "I'd need pyeryem first, but that'd be cool"

[ussura] Vasili says, "hasn't Pyotr seen unusual *twists* a few times lately? Hmmmm."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "maybe the skin was split up between you guys"

[ussura] Vasili says, "By our powers combined...."

[ussura] Sebastien says, "if neither of you have Pyeryem"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "exactly"

[ussura] Sebastien asks, "which of you wants to be Heart?"

[ussura] Vasili asks, "I'd probably be Earth. Think I stand a chance with that Wind chyk?"

[ussura] Sebastien says, "hee hee"

Sebastien says, "ok off"

Eolo has disconnected.

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

Pyotr has disconnected.

Pyotr goes home.

Vasili has disconnected.

Raelynn goes home.

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

npc1 has disconnected.

npc2 has disconnected.

GM has disconnected.