[vodacce] PerrySimm says, "Log on."

Amber says, "Sorry about the lateness. Apologies, all."

Giancarlo says, "I accept-a your apologies. But my boss, I dunno."

[vodacce] Wilson says, "Hey, I can add to that suspect list in terms of information. Ludovica was told that I was the scientific type."

[vodacce] Wilson says, "And there were servants in the room, too."

[vodacce] Giancarlo asks, "Ooh, was she?"

[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "the woman is looking more and more suspicious."

[vodacce] Wilson says, "Of course, I also have 10 points of rep. from that, so that's not a huge deal."

Amber has disconnected.

Amber has connected.

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "I guess it was just too much for her."

[vodacce] Wilson says, "(her computer froze)"

[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "heh. It IS a rather cramped closet...."

[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Are we all still in that closet right now?"

[vodacce] Wilson says, "I'm not ;-)"

[vodacce] GM says, "Okay, time to fire up the cast & crew."

npc1 has connected.

npc2 has connected.

[vodacce] GM says, "When we last saw #vodacce, Wilson was imprisoned, and the rest of you were talking to Ridolfo"

[vodacce] GM asks, "Is there any bidness which must be taken care of before we begin?"

[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "What time of day was it, again?"

[vodacce] GM says, "It is nearly noon."

[Crows-Nest] RogerCarbol watches again.

Giancarlo says, "hm."

Giancarlo says, "Perhaps it is time we came out of this closet."

Niccolo, being closest to the door, opens it.

Ridolfo says, "I do have things I must be, er, doing."

Ghogg materializes.

Giancarlo says, "Si..."

Venzi says, "right"

Venzi says, "I wish to investigate the cottage window as soon as possible"

Ridolfo asks, "Is there anything else you need from me right now?"

Venzi asks (of Giancarlo), "did you plan on trying to investigate the will?"

Giancarlo asks, "Presumably there will be another attempt at the ball tonight. What can you tell us about the ball?"

Venzi says (to Ridolfo), "if you could try and find out the name of the guard who escorted Wilson to his cell, I would appreciate it"

Niccolo says (to Ridolfo), "I'm curious about this bowl of yours, but I see you haven't the time."

[vodacce] Gobbi exclaims, "Go? But he just got here!"

[vodacce] Alex says (to Gobbi), "Awwwk! Word on the street is that Go is like chess, only Japanese and cooler."

Giancarlo says (to Venzi), "perhaps."

Ridolfo says (to Giancarlo), "It will be a masked ball, with much dancing and witty banter by my betters."

Giancarlo says, "In other words, anyone might be there and we wouldn't know. Right."

Ridolfo says, "There is that problem."

Ridolfo says (to Venzi), "I will do what I can."

Ridolfo says (to Venzi), "and will send word if I cannot come in person."

Venzi says, "thank you"

Venzi says, "um, and do be careful -- I'm sure you'd hate to get another knock"

Ridolfo rubs his head. "I'll be more careful this time."

Giancarlo asks, "Oh, I don't suppose you could spare one of those badges marking you as the Contessa's servant?"

Ridolfo asks, "What did you have in mind?"

Niccolo asks, "Will the servants at the ball be masked as well?"

Giancarlo says, "It occurred to me that certain people might be more forthcoming to an agent of the House than to a stranger."

Ridolfo says (to Niccolo), "No, we won't."

Ridolfo says (to Giancarlo), "I dunno. I could get in a lot of trouble if I was caught giving those badges out."

Ridolfo says, "But I'll see if I can come up with something."

Giancarlo says (to Ridolfo), "I could rob you of one at knifepoint if you want."

Ridolfo says, "Yes, that is just what I want."

Chiara conceals a snicker.

Ridolfo says, "But duty first. I'm going to see what I can find out about that guard."

Ridolfo says, "And do try not to get in too much trouble," on his way out.

Giancarlo says, "Us? Never."

Amber says, "Trouble? Us? Never."

[vodacce] Wilson exclaims, "Timing!"

Niccolo snorts.

[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "hee"

Niccolo says, "This whole mess is trouble enough, if you ask me."

Venzi says, "right"

Venzi asks, "what are you others doing?"

Chiara says, "I thought I might take a stroll and see if I could find Sir Dixon. Perhaps he knows something that could help his countryman."

Giancarlo says, "Well ... I'm still wondering what could possibly block the Contessa's sorte. I wondered if the Bishop might know anything."

[vodacce] Giancarlo says (to Chiara), "Yay"

Amber says, "And Danel might be with him."

Amber grins.

[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Hey, since I'm from Avalon, would I know aobut the Thomas knack?"

Chiara says (to Amber), "It is a pleasure to see you so dutiful."

[Crows-Nest] RogerCarbol says, "The Thomas Knack was on tv last night."

[vodacce] GM exclaims, "Sir *Guy*!"

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

[vodacce] GM says, "Dixon's his last name."

Amber says, "Or I could find some personal business to attend to, I'm sure."

[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "Oh! I thought it was the other way around."

Amber says, "With Danel, of course."

Chiara says (to Amber), "that might be wise"

[vodacce] GM says (to WIlson), "Possibly, though you've been much more interested in science than in the magical arts."

[vodacce] Chiara says, "feh, these Avalonian titles"

Giancarlo asks (of Niccolo), "And what about you? Where have you been?"

[vodacce] GM says, "Man, you'd think none of you have read Pride and Predjudice."

[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"

[vodacce] GM says, "Or the even more famous Pride and Prejudice."

[vodacce] Chiara says, "(seriously, I've been getting mixed up about which of his names comes first)"

[vodacce] Venzi says, "I wasn't sure if he's the younger son of a duke or if he's a titled knight in his own right"

[vodacce] Chiara says, "heeheehee"

[Crows-Nest] RogerCarbol says, "Listen if people call him mylord or your excellency"

Chiara says (to Amber), "shall we? I do not think additional chaperones will do us much good."

Niccolo says (to Gian), "I believe I've found where they're keeping Wilson."

[vodacce] GM says, "Heh. Also, sons of dukes are Lord."

Amber says (to Chiara), "The sooner the better."

[vodacce] Venzi says, "whoops, good point"

Giancarlo asks (of Niccolo), "Oh, have you? Do you know how to get inside?"

Amber says (to Chiara), "Though I suggest you redo your lipstick first. Giancarlo smeared it."

[Crows-Nest] RogerCarbol says, "Whoops. Don't mind me, just a kibbutzer here."

[vodacce] (from Chiara) GM pulls out pocket copy of Debrett's

[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"

Chiara grimaces

Niccolo says (to Gian), "Yes, but I'd rather not speak of it openly in the corridors."

Chiara says, "We'll visit Sir Guy by way of stopping at our room, then."

[Crows-Nest] Niccolo says, "That's the channel for it, alright."

[Crows-Nest] RogerCarbol says, "Yay."

Giancarlo . o O ( Bishop first or the prisons first? such a dilemma.... )

[Crows-Nest] Venzi says, "if he's a kibbutzer, I think #israel's more appropriate"

Venzi says, "alright then"

Giancarlo says (to Niccolo), "alright. Show me."

Venzi heads for Livio's cottage.

Niccolo leads Giancarlo out of the building.

Giancarlo shadows Nico.

[vodacce] GM says, "So Chiara + Amber to Sir Guy, Venzi to the cottage, Niccolo and Giancarlo to outside"

[vodacce] GM asks, "?"

Chiara drops by her room and amends her makeup.

[vodacce] Chiara says, "yes"

[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "si"

[vodacce] Amber says, "oui."

Wilson exclaims (at Chiara), "Hey there!"

Chiara blinks

[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"

Niccolo waits until they're someplace where he can see if there's anyone around before starting to talk again.

Chiara looks around

Amber exclaims (at Wilson), "Well, then! Fancy meeting you here!"

Amber asks (of Wilson), "Fortunato found you convincing, I take it?"

Wilson says, "I had a *very* interesting interview with Fortunado. I expect you'll want to hear all about it."

GM says (to Niccolo), "Not many people out and about at the back of the house...skulking about."

Chiara . o O ( IS THERE NEVER ANY PRIVACY??? )

Chiara says (to Wilson), "oh, yes, ALL about it."

Niccolo says (to Gian), "I've heard Jago of Linzia keeps a sparrow in a cage, as a pet."

Amber says (to Chiara), "I'll catch Wilson up on what we've been doing and meet up with you later, if you like."

Chiara says (to Amber), "That would be an excellent idea."

Wilson asks (of Chiara), "You don't want to hear about the interview?"

Amber takes Wilson aside. "Wait 'till you hear about this . . .

Chiara says (to Wilson), "Attend to Amber."

Chiara turns away quickly and with an air of relief.

Giancarlo says (to Nico), "Really? What an odd bird."

Amber says (to Wilson), "Let's go outside, and I'll tell you all about it."

Wilson says, "Uh, OK."

Niccolo says, "Indeed. Several other birds, as well -- he has a whole room set aside, just for the cages."

Chiara vanishes into the hallways.

Giancarlo . o O ( what the...? )

Wilson, who had just changed and was exiting his room again, goes with Amber outside.

Wilson asks (of Amber), "So what's up?"

Giancarlo says (to Nico), "Indeed. It must be an interesting sight."

Niccolo says, "I'm told he finds they're more likely to stay calm when they're in the darkness, so he had a special room built, deep *underneath his office*."

Giancarlo says (to Nico), "Ah, but surely light might get in when he opens the door. Unless there's something more one should know about the entrance."

Amber & Wilson stroll about aimlessly.

Giancarlo asks (of Nico), "Tell me ... do any of these birds get agitated enough to fly the coop?"

Niccolo says, "Well, I am told the stairs are very narrow, and very steep. They go down quite a ways; someone who wanted to listen to the birds could take a nasty fall if they weren't careful."

Amber says (to Wilson), "Ridolfo used a magic bowl to eavesdrop on your and Fortunato's conversation, so we heard the whole thing."

Niccolo says (to Gian), "A good question, but one I don't have the answer to."

Giancarlo . o O ( Renzino's not getting away alive, is he? )

Wilson (disappointed) "Oh."

Wilson (excited) "Oh!"

Wilson exclaims, "Wow!"

Amber says, "It was quite a fascinating affect. It was almost like we were there, except we couldn't see you."

Wilson exclaims, "Neat!"

Wilson says (to Amber), "So where are you off to now? I'd like to go see Livio."

Amber says, "I have no plans at the moment, though I need to meet up with Chiara later. She apparently feels safe enough here to leave me behind for the moment. I'm not sure I agree with her, though."

Giancarlo says (to Nico), "Well ... come to think of it, I should perhaps do some bird-watching ... perhaps a fledgling cardinal...."

Niccolo asks, "Oh, yes?"

Giancarlo says, "a bishop, if you will."

Wilson says, "Well, feel free to catch up with her, or you can go with me to Livio's place."

Niccolo draws his finger to his lips as they pass this point, and moves closer to the window.

Amber says, "Hmmm. I was rather hoping to run into Danel . . ."

Giancarlo asks, "or, alternatively ... hm...?"

Wilson asks, "That nice man you were fencing with the other night?"

Giancarlo examines window

Amber says, "Indeed. And he was quite good, too. I had a hard time beating him."

[7thsea] Niccolo rolls 4k3: 7 7 4 5 | 19

Wilson grins.

[7thsea] Chiara rolls 4k4: 2 6 10+9 1 | 28

Wilson exclaims, "Well, I'll see you before the ball, then. Good luck!"

Amber says, "But sure, I'll go with you to see Livio, since your bodyguard has absented himself, if you wish."

Niccolo continues walking. "I'm sorry, I thought I might hear a chickadee, but apparently not. You were saying?"

Giancarlo says, "There was a, uh, turtle-dove that I noticed earlier. Male, I think."

Wilson exclaims, "Great!"

[7thsea] Venzi rolls 4k3: 10+5 1 2 7 | 24

Giancarlo says, "Winging on in the direction of the vintner's guild. And I was wondering what business it had there."

Wilson heads to Livio's lab.

Niccolo asks, "Excellent question. Did you pursue your quarrey?"

Giancarlo says, "It was too fleet for me, though I suppose it might be there still if one hurried."

[7thsea] Chiara rolls 5k4: 7 7 2 2 5 | 21

[7thsea] Dixon rolls 4k4: 4 2 7 10+6 | 29

Giancarlo says, "For me, I think I will investigate my fledgling cardinal."

Niccolo nods. "Mmm. Let me know what you find -- I'd like to return to that chickadee's nest. If it's on the wing, I may check for eggs."

Giancarlo says, "Until later, then."

Niccolo touches his brow.

Giancarlo . o O ( this double-talk is for the birds. )

Giancarlo nods, turns and strides back towards the front house.

[vodacce] Giancarlo asks, "Uh, is there a chapel on the grounds I might check into?"

[vodacce] GM says, "But of course. I'll take care of you and Niccolo in a moment."

[7thsea] Niccolo rolls 4k3: 5 9 5 8 | 22

[7thsea] Chiara rolls 5k4: 10+2 6 1 8 5 | 31

[7thsea] Wilson rolls 3k2: 3 2 10+3 | 16

[7thsea] Wilson rolls 4k3: 4 9 9 6 | 24

[vodacce] Amber says, "interlude"

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "I bet."

[vodacce] Amber says, "Sorry. ilac."

Giancarlo makes a beeline for the chapel.

[7thsea] Chiara rolls 4k4: 6 9 8 10+5 | 38

[7thsea] Dixon rolls 4k4: 1 4 1 2 | 8

[7thsea] Chiara rolls 4k4: 7 6 1 9 | 23

[7thsea] Dixon rolls 4k4: 7 1 7 7 | 22

[vodacce] GM says, "Giancarlo, Niccolo, get ready. You're about to be on deck."

[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "ar"

[vodacce] Giancarlo (worries that he's somehow not on an appropriate channel...)

[vodacce] GM says, "No, things are taking longer than I expected. :)"

[vodacce] GM says, "Actually, if you want, you can go on to the chapel. I'll pick up with Niccolo next."

[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Wasn't he going there already?"

[vodacce] GM says, "Yes. I'm starting up that thread."

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Oh, I see."

[vodacce] GM says, "Not that he's paying attention."

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Is he on the appropriate channel? ;)"

[vodacce] GM says, "I was going to have him not be on channel."

[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "Oh, I thought you were dealing with Niccolo"

[vodacce] GM says, "Sorry, no. You."

[vodacce] GM says, "Niccolo is next up."

[vodacce] Chiara asks, "who's on first?"

[vodacce] Alex says (to Chiara), "Awwwk! Word on the street is that on first is 'Who'. On second's 'What', and on third's 'I don't know'. Furthermore, who is on first."

[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "right"

Giancarlo makes a beeline for the chapel

[vodacce] Niccolo waits in line for an interlude.

GM says, "The chapel is next door to the house, down the street."

Giancarlo looks in to see if the Bishop Is In.

Giancarlo . o O ( or, at any rate, his aide. )

[vodacce] Wilson says (to Amber), "I have a suspicion about the hedge maze. Livio was the son of the gardner who built it--there may be a connection."

Teodor asks (of Giancarlo), "May I help you, my son?"

Giancarlo says, "Si, signor. I was, ah, somewhat concerned about the events of the past two days...."

Amber asks (of Wilson), "Why don't we check it out?"

Teodor says (to Giancarlo), "Come inside, please."

Giancarlo steps inside.

Wilson says (to Amber), "Just my thought."

Giancarlo looks around the chapel, then at Teodor.

Teodor asks, "I admit that the recent events have disturbed me. But was there something particular you wanted to ask me about?"

Giancarlo asks, "Are we private?"

Teodor asks, "We are, though if you need the services of the confessional...?"

Giancarlo shrugs.

Giancarlo says, "It would do, si."

Teodor leads Giancarlo to an empty confessional.

Giancarlo crosses, kneels.

Giancarlo asks, "Signor ... loyalty is a virtue, yes?"

Teodor exclaims, "Of course!"

Teodor says, "Though, like any virtue, it can be turned to vice."

Giancarlo asks, "And if one owed loyalty to someone, one should do what one can for him, yes?"

Giancarlo nods.

Teodor says, "Certainly, as long as you stay within the bounds of the church's teachings."

Giancarlo asks, "Signor, if a friend has been accused of something, and the world thought he were guilty, yet you had no proof otherwise ... what would be the advisable course of action?"

Teodor says, "Ah."

Teodor says, "If one did not have reason to believe he was guilty, then yes, I would seek to prove his innocence."

Giancarlo keeps his eyes on Teodor throughout the interview....

Giancarlo says, "One has, of course, the option of consulting the strega...."

Teodor says, "I am wary of magics, personally."

Giancarlo asks, "But sorte is so far-reaching ... what could stop it? How could it fail to show me whom to look for?"

Teodor says, "Understand, I do not speak from a position of great knowledge"

Teodor says, "but there is much interpretation even in magic"

Giancarlo asks, "All I know of magic is what I have been told about the strega. Are there others?"

[7thsea] Chiara rolls 4k4: 4 6 3 7 | 20

[7thsea] Dixon rolls 4k4: 6 1 9 8 | 24

Teodor says, "There are."

Giancarlo looks doubtful.

Teodor says, "The magics vary widely by country. But those with power over others, like the strega, seem bound up in interpretation and guesswork, and the power can lash those who use it."

Teodor says, "If you must, deal with the strega. But do not look to them for absolute answers."

Giancarlo says, "(doubtfully) I don't quite understand. If they see something ..."

Teodor says, "Imagine that you are allowed to look through a window smeared with soot."

Teodor says, "You can make out shapes and colors, and have an idea of what you are seeing."

Giancarlo . o O ( like a garden shed window.... )

Teodor says, "But it is possible that what you think you are seeing is not what you are seeing at all."

Teodor says, "That, as I understand it, is the problem with magics."

Giancarlo says, "I heard a strega describe something of the sort once. She seemed frustrated, that this was not what she usually saw. She thought something might be blocking her vision."

[vodacce] (from Wilson) Teodor says, "Well, that and the fact that they are Tools of Legion.

Teodor shrugs.

[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"

Giancarlo says, "Well ... other than that, one supposes one should pray for one's host."

Giancarlo asks, "You're not from around here, are you?"

Teodor says, "My accent gives me away, I take it."

[vodacce] Venzi says, "(heh)"

Giancarlo says, "I thought I saw you last night. Or the night before. And I wondered."

Giancarlo says, "After all, the heart of the church currently appears to be in your homeland."

Teodor says, "True, but I found I was called to come to Vodacce."

Giancarlo asks, "Why?"

Teodor says, "The Church is fragmenting. I wanted to see if I could help bring the factions together."

Teodor shrugs. "Too much pride, perhaps."

Giancarlo says, "Well, Bishop Mancari must be some help. And then, the patronage of his lordship."

Teodor says, "Mancari is a very fervent man, and I hope has helped Meander in these difficult times."

Giancarlo tries to formulate questions in a subtle, non-interrogatory way. Wish he had his brass knuckles on him....

Giancarlo asks, "You agree completely with them, then?"

Teodor says, "Completely? No. I know of no one who agrees totally with another"

Teodor says, "But he is wise, and I have learned much while being his assistant."

Giancarlo . o O ( diplomatic, huh? )

Giancarlo says, "I suppose if I wanted to clear my friend of the charges against him, the Bishop might know who else might have motive for this...."

Giancarlo says, "Unless you do? It would be helpful."

Giancarlo says, "....as well as saving me a visit to a witch...."

Teodor says, "Bishop Mancari might know, but he is not fond of scientists. I imagine he's convinced of Wilson's guilt merely for that."

Teodor says, "And I am wary of talking overmuch -- I hear many things in the confessional which I may not divulge."

Giancarlo says, "I was under the impression that most people imagined Wilson to be an art collector."

Giancarlo asks, "Where did you hear he was a scientist?"

Teodor says, "It became common knowledge after last night. Ludovica herself had apparently heard he was a scientist."

Giancarlo says, "I ... see."

Giancarlo says, "I wonder if anyone else had heard."

Teodor says, "In this town? By now everyone has."

Giancarlo looks up. (presumably this chapel has candles?)

[vodacce] Venzi says, "hmm, I think I mentioned that martinez had known he was a scientist beforehand"

Giancarlo says, "Before last night, I mean."

[vodacce] Venzi says, "but I don't know if Giancarlo would have picked that up"

[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "I missed that."

[vodacce] Dando says, "And certainly Martinez wouldn't volunteer that information without knowing if Giancarlo would report him to the bishop."

GM says (to Giancarlo), "It does have candles."

Teodor asks, "Before last night? You suspect someone of framing him based on that information?"

[vodacce] Wilson . o O ( Dando? )

Giancarlo asks, "Who else would plant science-based evidence on a man unless he knew that man to be a scientist?"

[vodacce] Dando says, "I used to sing for the Lemonheads."

Teodor says, "True."

Giancarlo says, "And something else ... this person must have much experience with candles, and the time they take to burn."

Giancarlo asks, "(mock-playfully) I suppose you can vouch for you sacristan?"

Teodor exclaims, "Theu, yes!"

[vodacce] GM says, "So what have the three of you (Venzi &c.) going to do next."

Giancarlo says, "Thank you signor. You have been of much help."

Giancarlo . o O ( Theus forgive me for lying to a priest. )

[vodacce] Venzi says, "hmm"

Teodor asks, "Anything to confess before you go?"

[vodacce] Venzi says, "there's one lead down"

[vodacce] Venzi asks, "what's left?"

[vodacce] Wilson says, "Amber and I were going to check on the hedge maze."

[vodacce] Wilson says, "There's also the matter of the Contessa being wrong in 'the past' that might be interesting to follow up on."

[vodacce] GM asks, "You leaving poor Venzi to his own devices?"

Giancarlo says, "Yes. In the time since my last confession, I have told untruths and deceived people."

[vodacce] Venzi says, "possibly I will check out the market again"

[vodacce] Wilson says, "We already did, unless he met us again."

[Crows-Nest] Chiara says (to Giancarlo), "THERE'S A BIG SURPRISE"

[Crows-Nest] Giancarlo says, "hee"

[Crows-Nest] Chiara . o O ( and he acts all sad when we seem not to trust him )

[vodacce] GM says, "I didn't know if you were going to meet up with Venzi again, or if he was going to go do Venzi things on his own."

[vodacce] Wilson says, "That's up to Venzi ;-)"

Teodor asks, "Have your untruths hurt others?"

[vodacce] Venzi says, "right, I'm going to the market"

[vodacce] Venzi says, "check back on that weaponseller guy, for one"

Giancarlo thinks. "Not that I know of."

[vodacce] GM says (to Giancarlo), "Pretend Teodor has given you penance appropriate for the crime, since I don't know what penance the church of 7th Sea goes in for."

[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "okay"

[vodacce] Chiara says, "(going three days without cheeses)"

[vodacce] Wilson laughs.

[vodacce] Amber exclaims, "hee!"

Giancarlo nods, crosses, pays his respects, lights a candle on his way out, and moves on.

[vodacce] Chiara says, "(brief afk)"

Giancarlo . o O ( well, that was helpful. Not. I wonder if Venzi is still at the laboratory. )

Giancarlo turns his footsteps towards Livio's lab.

[vodacce] (from Wilson) Giancarlo asks (to guards) "Hey, is Venzi still here?"

[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"

Giancarlo looks around for Venzi.

GM says, "There are a bunch of guards around Livio's place."

[vodacce] Amber says, "if guard 2 is around, amber waves."

Giancarlo . o O ( ? )

Giancarlo asks (of guard), "excuse me, did you happen to see <describes Venzi> come this way?"

Guard_1 says, "No, haven't seen anyone like that. Just that fellow Fortunato had locked up."

Guard_1 says, "And some short woman with chopped-off hair."

Giancarlo asks, "Had? You mean he's not locked up anymore?"

Guard_1 says, "Fortunato let him go."

Guard_1 shrugs. "Don't ask me why."

Giancarlo asks, "Well, where did they go, then?"

Guard_1 shrugs again. "Dunno."

Giancarlo asks, "Oh, and why are you all standing around this garden shed?"

Guard_1 says, "Someone killed Livio."

Giancarlo . o O ( ! )

Guard_1 squints at Giancarlo. "Come to think of it, why are *you* standing around the shed?"

[vodacce] Chiara says, "heeheehee"

[vodacce] Niccolo laughs.

Giancarlo says, "I'm standing around the shed because I'm talking to you and that's where you are."

Guard_1 says, "Oh."

Guard_1 says, "Well, that works out well."

[vodacce] Chiara asks, "Fortunato really does hire the best and brightest, doesn't he?"

Giancarlo asks, "Might I ask ... how and why was Livio killed, and by who?"

[vodacce] Amber says, "you know those guard types. too many muscles between the ears."

[vodacce] Amber says, "except guard_2, of course."

[vodacce] (from Chiara) Danel cries!

Guard_1 says, "You may."

Giancarlo asks, "Alright. How and why was Livio killed, and by who?"

[vodacce] Amber asks, "heehee! I can look, can't I?"

[vodacce] (from Chiara) Guard_1 says, "That's *BY WHOM*, dammit."

Guard_1 says, "By a sword, and we don't know who did it."

[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "We won't mention what Amber's and Venzi's essential roles are, right?"

Guard_1 eyes Giancarlo's sword.

[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "sorry. For some odd reason I thought it was in the nominative."

[vodacce] Chiara is too busy scoping out... er, certain parties... to answer Amber.

[vodacce] Wilson says, "Guard_2 also has muscles between the ears, but they're nicely toned."

[vodacce] Chiara says (to Giancarlo), "Livio's nominative because it's a passive construction"

[vodacce] Wilson says, "But he's dead, so that makes it dative."

[vodacce] Giancarlo says (to Wilson), "you mean 'dated'."

Giancarlo looks innocent as usual.

[vodacce] Chiara says, "wait, in all this joking around I failed to actually grasp the "livio is dead" part"

[vodacce] Chiara says, "poor bastard"

Guard_1 says, "I think you should move along."

[vodacce] Wilson says, "Good, 'cause you're not supposed to know yet anyway."

[vodacce] Chiara says, "well yeah"

[vodacce] Chiara says, "I know that"

Giancarlo says, "Well, thank you very much. Good day."

[vodacce] Wilson says, "You *don't* know that, you mean."

[vodacce] Chiara asks, "don't know what?"

Giancarlo goes back to the house. Trotting quickly once he's out of sight of the guards.

[vodacce] GM laughs.

[vodacce] Wilson says, "That Livio is dead. Oops! I told you again."

[vodacce] GM asks, "So Amber & Wilson are headed for the maze?"

[vodacce] Wilson says, "Ayup."

[vodacce] Amber says, "Yes. To admire the pretty scenery."

[vodacce] Amber says, "And look for clues."

[vodacce] Chiara says (to Wilson), "I am seeing a Hercule Poirot episode guest starring Britney Spears"

[vodacce] Wilson laughs.

[vodacce] Giancarlo asks, "If I'm so sneaky, how come most of my activities happen in the main room?"

[vodacce] Chiara says, "hey, ok, wait. If Amber's guarding Wilson, then that means Venzi should oughta hafta guard me"

[vodacce] Chiara says (to Giancarlo), "they don't; you're just cleverer about keeping your interludes sekrit"

[vodacce] GM asks, "Giancarlo, are you going to happen to catch up to them or go off in other directions?"

[vodacce] Amber says, "You didn't want guarding for your assignation of Sir Guy."

[Crows-Nest] RogerCarbol says, "Assassination! Oh, wait."

[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "Oh, I can do that? I do that, then."

[vodacce] Chiara says (to Amber), "no, that would've been distinctly in the way"

[vodacce] Amber says, "Remember all that privacy you wanted? So there. :-b::"

[vodacce] Chiara laughs

[vodacce] Chiara says, "I am just trying to have my cake and eat it too"

[vodacce] Chiara says, "and also have it be a cheesecake"

[vodacce] Amber asks, "Oh, you're eating *cake* are you?"

[vodacce] GM says, "Danel was there -- Amber and he could have been sent off together."

[vodacce] Wilson says, "That Venzi is quite the cheesecake."

[vodacce] Chiara stops chewing guiltily and looks from side to side.

[vodacce] Wilson says, "*There's* timing for you."

Giancarlo notices movement off to the direction of the hedge maze.

[vodacce] Chiara clears her throat

Giancarlo says, "aha"

[vodacce] Amber exclaims, ";laughs and laughs!"

[vodacce] Chiara says, "I'm, uh, going to go do some nice knitting now"

[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"

[vodacce] Amber says, "Danel's quite a cheesecake himself."

[vodacce] (from Chiara) Amber says, "A very muscular, adept, sword-wielding cheesecake"

[vodacce] GM says, "If Amber and Wilson are done making Chiara blush, they can be in the hedge maze with Giancarlo."

[vodacce] Wilson says, "'Cheesecake' must be the Vodacce equivalent of 'stud muffin'."

[vodacce] Amber is about to laugh herself off her chair.

[vodacce] Chiara asks (of GM), "Doing WHAT exactly???"

[vodacce] GM says, "Look, I'm running some eight interludes. I don't have time to keep up with these little pastry interludes of yours, too."

[vodacce] Wilson exclaims, "You don't want to know. Or, rather, you do, but you don't. I mean, say, did you hear Livio's dead? Oops!"

Giancarlo hustles over to the hedge maze.

[vodacce] Amber says, "Nothing! We're doing absolutely nothing. Really."

[vodacce] Wilson says, "'pastry break' == 'idle time'."

[vodacce] GM says, "yie"

Wilson exclaims (at Gian), "Hey there!"

[vodacce] Amber asks, "Yeah, but I haven't laughed like that in a long time. See these tears?"

Amber heads over to examine some maze.

Giancarlo says (to Wilson), "I see you're out and not so much the worse for wear."

Wilson asks, "Yup! Nothing to worry about. I think Fortunato's on the level. Say, did you know Livio's dead?"

Giancarlo says, "I just found out."

Amber says, "Stabbed to death. Poor man. Horrible way to go."

Giancarlo says, "hmph"

Wilson says, "He died pretty much right after I got out of prison. Fortunato went to talk to him."

Amber says, "Looks like he didn't put up much of a fight, either."

Wilson asks (of Amber), "Stabbed to death is horrible? How many people have you stabbed in your carreer?"

Amber says, "Quite a few. That's how I know."

Giancarlo says, "Well, I've just been speaking with Padre Teodor."

Giancarlo says, "And gotten nowhere."

Giancarlo asks, "What about you?"

Wilson says, "I was *going* to talk to Livio."

Wilson says, "I'm not sure what the motivation was to kill him."

[vodacce] GM says, "There would have been a fun conversation. Wilson: Have you seen these spiders I found? Livio: ....."

Wilson says, "He had just talked to Fortunato and had convinced him to set me free. So, it could be spite for whoever set me up. But not much use, in the end."

Amber says, "Maybe he convinced Fortunato to let you go because he knew who was actually guilty."

Giancarlo asks (of Wilson), "Oh, Livio spoke to Fortunato?"

Wilson says, "But another possibility is that he knew something. Since his dad was the creator of this maze, I thought it might be that he knew something about the maze that someone didn't want known."

Wilson says (to Gian), "Yes--apparantly just before he died."

Giancarlo says, "hm."

Giancarlo looks over to the maze.

Giancarlo says, "Well, it's a maze. I don't really know what it could be hiding."

[vodacce] Chiara says, "HA HA HA"

Amber asks, "Is anyone good at maps?"

Giancarlo shakes his head.

Giancarlo looks up to see if any windows overlook the maze from high up.

Wilson says, "Well, I'm good at drawing, at least--I have an eye for detail."

Wilson says (to Gian), "Oh, good idea."

GM says, "The maze is set a ways from the house."

[vodacce] Wilson says (to Gian&Amber), "Of course, since we're not on an #interlude channel, this is probably a wild goose chase."

Wilson says (to Gian), "Here, let me stand on your shoulders."

Giancarlo looks up to see if there's *anything* up high from which the maze may be examined.

Giancarlo says, "Eh? Sure...."

[vodacce] Amber asks, "How tall are the shrubs?"

[vodacce] GM says, "Shrubs are at eye height for you."

Giancarlo says, "remember, you owe me."

Amber asks, "How about getting a ladder?"

Giancarlo says, "Or there's that."

Wilson says, "Well, I'd volunteer to have you stand on my shoulders, but I doubt I'd last very long. I'm more agile than strong."

Wilson says, "Eh, we're here."

Wilson scrambles up Gian's back.

Giancarlo steadies himself on some nearby convenient object.

[vodacce] Wilson says, "(like Amber)"

Amber becomes a nearby convenient object.

[vodacce] (from GM) Giancarlo . o O ( too bad it wasn't Chiara )

[vodacce] Chiara says, "RRR"

Wilson stands carefully, surveys the maze.

GM says, "There are a few people wandering the maze that you can see. Some couples."

[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Anyone I recognize?"

[vodacce] GM says, "No."

[vodacce] Giancarlo asks, "Any closed-off parts of the maze?"

Wilson surveys the maze looking for blocked-off sections.

[vodacce] Wilson says, "(timing!)"

[vodacce] GM says, "Now that you mention it...there is one area that seems inaccessible and self-contained."

Wilson says, "Hey, that's interesting..."

Wilson maps out mentally how to get there.

[vodacce] Chiara says, "CURIOSER AND CURIOSER"

[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Wilson, mentally mapping?"

[vodacce] Chiara laughs

[vodacce] Wilson says, "This is Research, man."

Amber asks (of Wilson), "See anything interesting?"

Giancarlo asks (of Wilson), "And might I recommend a different shoemaker?"

Niccolo waves, "Hey there."

Giancarlo . o O ( don't wave don't wave don't wave )

Wilson says (quietly) "There's a self-contained section of the maze. Let's see, two lefts, a right, a left, straight on to the end, then through.

Wilson exclaims, "Niccolo!"

Wilson waves cheerily.

Giancarlo tries to compensate for Wilson's waving, wavers.

Amber moves to brace Giancarlo better.

[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Is Wilson still atop Giancarlo?"

[vodacce] Wilson says, "Yup."

Wilson says, "Oops! Sorry."

Niccolo looks up. "Looking for something?"

Wilson hops off.

Giancarlo brushes off shoulders.

Giancarlo says (to Nico), "I dunno. Ask the scientist."

Wilson says, "There's a self-contained area of the maze. Let's go check it out--but careful, there's others wandering around."

[7thsea] Chiara rolls 4k4: 2 4 1 9 | 16

Niccolo says, "Oh? Hmm. Wonder how we missed that before..."

Wilson says, "Well, no path leads to it."

Giancarlo shrugs. "Why should they care? Come on. You lead the way.

Wilson strides in to the maze.

Amber troops off after Wilson.

Niccolo follows.

Giancarlo troops off after

Wilson says, "OK, it should be through this hedge."

Wilson searches around for a good way through.

[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Everyone but Chiara and Venzi are here, right?"

[vodacce] Wilson says, "Perception:"

[vodacce] GM says, "Yes."

[7thsea] Wilson rolls 3k2: 6 8 2 | 14

[7thsea] Chiara rolls 5k4: 9 9 5 6 5 | 29

[vodacce] Wilson says (to Chiara), "Hey, there you go."

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "And whatever Chiara's doing, she's doing it well."

Wilson seems to be having problems finding an easy way through the hedge.

Giancarlo says, "Here, let me."

Giancarlo draws his sword.

[7thsea] Niccolo rolls 5k3: 8 1 2 3 9 | 20

Wilson exclaims, "Ack!"

Giancarlo says (to Amber), "Lend me a hand here."

Wilson says, "No, wait, stop."

Giancarlo asks, "why?"

Niccolo says, "You might try it from the other side..."

Amber says (to Giancarlo), "I hate to destroy the bushes. I'm sure we can find a way through, it may just take a bit longer."

Niccolo goes around a different corner, beckoning.

Giancarlo shrugs. "Sure. We could always toss someone over the other side.

Wilson shrugs, follows.

Giancarlo follows Nico, puzzled.

Wilson asks (of Niccolo), "You've been in here already?"

Amber asks (of Niccolo), "You've been here before?"

Giancarlo . o O ( Echoing each other ... they could be husband and wife. )

Niccolo asks (of Wilson), "Yes -- you remember, when you followed Carinna into the house, the other day? And Venzi and I went into the maze?"

Wilson says, "Yes."

Niccolo takes a path that leads them away from where they're aiming at first, but then doubles back to approach it from the other side.

Wilson says, "But you didn't say you found a secret area."

Niccolo says, "Oh, well, no. But once you mentioned it, it was just a matter of figuring out which bit of the maze we *didn't* see before."

[7thsea] Chiara rolls 5k4: 5 2 10+2 3 7 | 27

Wilson says, "Ah, OK."

Niccolo leads up to a 'dead end' which, hopefully, will provide access.

GM says, "You can push your way through the bushes if you want."

Niccolo says (to Wilson), "You did the hard part, of course, in finding out about the missing area."

Niccolo pushes the bushes aside.

[vodacce] Wilson says, "Sure, *now* he tells us."

Giancarlo says, "huh"

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Perhaps he means that *here* the bushes are thin enough to push through."

[vodacce] GM says, "Yes."

[vodacce] Amber says, "Awe, no merciless slaughter of shrubbery."

Giancarlo pushes in

Wilson follows.

[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "Awww."

Niccolo holds the bush aside for Amber.

Wilson looks around excitedly.

Amber says (to Niccolo), "Thank you."

Amber pushes through the small hole.

Niccolo nods and follows.

GM says, "Inside is an opening roughly fifteen feet by thirty."

Giancarlo looks around.

[vodacce] Amber claps excitedly.

Amber examines the opening.

[vodacce] Wilson says, "(was that it, or is there more to the description?)"

[vodacce] (from Niccolo) GM says, "Inside are about eight of Fortunato's guards. They look like they've been waiting for someone."

[vodacce] Chiara says, "doh"

[vodacce] Wilson says, "Heh."

GM says, "There is a small bench, and the grass around it is well-trampled."

Niccolo says, "We're not the only ones who know about this place."

Amber looks to see if there are holes in the shrubbery from others shoving their way through, or perhaps a trap door in the ground somewhere.

Niccolo looks at and around the bench.

Wilson examines the grass to see if there are footprints, and if he can tell vaguely how many people have been here before.

Giancarlo looks under the bench.

[vodacce] Wilson says, "(examiner)"

[7thsea] Wilson rolls 3k2: 6 9 6 | 15

GM says, "There are lots of footprints, some old, some new. One of the shrubs to the north is a slightly wrong color."

Giancarlo says, "Hm. Looks like a convenient spot for a pair of secret lovers."

Giancarlo strides over to the discoloured shrub and pushes at it.

[vodacce] Wilson says, "(not the one we came through, I take it.)"

GM says, "It wobbles."

Giancarlo pulls at it. harder.

[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Does it go wibble-wibble-wobble or wobble-wobble-wibble?"

Niccolo asks (of Gian), "What's that?"

GM says, "It comes away in your hands."

Amber says, "Well, they'd still have to be fairly quiet, whomever they were. You may not be able to see this place, but someone wandering around outside could hear them."

Niccolo looks at what Gian's doing.

Giancarlo says, "Well, looks as though I got to slaughter a bush today after all."

Giancarlo sets the bush aside and looks at the spot where it was.

GM says, "The bottom of the bush is a stand."

[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Is there a space behind it, or just more bushes?"

[vodacce] GM says, "Behind where it stands is a passageway in the maze."

Wilson thinks.

[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "One we've seen before, or more of the blocked off part?"

[vodacce] GM says, "You're pretty sure you've seen the passage before."

Niccolo says, "I'm surprised we didn't notice anything odd about the bush from the other side."

Wilson says, "No, I think I first came at this area from there."

Wilson points at a thick part of the hedge.

GM says (to Niccolo), "It blends well when you're just walking past walls of shrubbery."

Amber says, "We weren't looking for anything odd, then. The color is very similar."

Giancarlo examines the stand.

Wilson searches the stand.

[vodacce] Wilson says, "We must be married."

Niccolo says, "Mmm. I guess it would blend in better when your just walking past walls of shrubbery."

GM says, "The stand is merely four pieces of wood forming an X."

Wilson says, "Hmm."

Giancarlo searches around to see if the bush might have been hiding something.

[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Used to be attached to the bush, so it can be moved around, sort of thing?"

Amber asks, "I wonder what this was used for. Privacy? And for what purpose?"

Wilson examines the bench again, then looks for trap doors.

[vodacce] GM says, "Think of a cheap Christmas tree stand. There's a slight depression in the ground that it fits into."

[vodacce] Giancarlo says, ">look in depression"

[vodacce] Venzi says, "it's for smoochies, d00ds"

[vodacce] (from Chiara) Venzi says, "I should know.

[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"

[vodacce] (from Niccolo) You see a bottomless pit of despair. A prozac sails past your from above, but it's quickly lost in the darkness and gloom below.

[vodacce] Wilson says (to Gian), "Depression is caused by a variety of forces, often involving stress of some sort."

[vodacce] GM says, "The pit is empty now that you've removed the shrub stand."

[vodacce] Wilson says, "And I take it nothing unusual about the bench or the ground, either."

[vodacce] Niccolo leaves Gian to the depression, and instead joins Wilson by the bench. Looking for traces of the people who've come here.

Amber asks, "You think Livio and that woman he mentioned may have come here for private assignations?"

[vodacce] GM says (to Wilson), "No."

Niccolo leaves Gian to the depression, and instead joins Wilson by the bench. Looking for traces of the people who've come here.

Wilson asks, "Woman?"

Niccolo says (to Amber), "Probably not... I didn't get the impression he knew her especially well."

Giancarlo blinks.

Amber says, "He mentioned a woman had or was going to help him leave the country, but she was stalling."

Giancarlo says, "she's probably in danger now."

Wilson says, "Or she's the killer."

Giancarlo says (to Wilson), "That puts her very much in danger."

Wilson says, "Fortunato said he told Livio to take a vacation."

Wilson says, "So he may have arranged to see this woman immediately."

Wilson says, "And, seeing as he was no more use to him, she killed him."

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "(Was that a night Amber had to sleep early?)"

Wilson says, "One theory, any way."

Giancarlo asks, "Were you there when Fortunato spoke to him?"

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "(No, I guess not, never mind)"

Wilson says, "No, this was the conversation that led him to release me."

Wilson says, "But he told us that bit."

Niccolo says (to Wilson), "That seems frighteningly feasible."

Niccolo says, "Particularly if she thought he might become trouble for her."

Giancarlo says, "Perhaps we should speak to her."

Giancarlo says, "Or ... hmmm...."

Wilson asks (of Gian), "You know who she is?"

Giancarlo says (to Wilson), "Niccolo apparently knows."

Wilson looks at Niccolo questioningly.

Niccolo says, "Yes. The chickadee was in her nest earlier, I believe. She may still be."

Giancarlo rolls his eyes

Niccolo says, "Er, I mean, she's probably in her room preparing for the ball."

Wilson says, "The chickadee isn't native to this area of the country, though."

Niccolo raises an eyebrow.

Wilson says, "Oh, you mean a person."

Wilson asks, "But who?"

Amber asks, "Who is the chickadee?"

[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"

Niccolo mutters, "Does everyone here have a memory like a sieve..."

[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Whoza little chickadee? Who? Who?"

Giancarlo steps into the area vacated by the bush.

Amber exclaims, "Yes, and if you don't spill, I'm going to hit you over the head so you'll be like the rest of us!"

Wilson says (to Niccolo), "I've been in jail. I'm certain you didn't mention it to me."

Niccolo speaks particularly quietly, "Her name is Abrielle. She is a courtesan who was seated at the same table as Giancarlo and myself, the first night."

Amber (suprised) "But she seemed so nice!

Niccolo says, "I happened to overhear Livio begging her to help him get out of the country yesterday afternoon. She has connections of some kind, but she told him they couldn't help him."

Wilson says, "It is a theory that she killed him, still. But the evidence does point to her."

Niccolo says, "I believe she is also connected with Carinna, although they might only be friends. The young <countessina?> seems to freely mingle with all classes."

Amber says, "Hmph. I'll be she fights Ambrogia style, too. Those sword thrusts wounds *did* look familiar . . .."

Giancarlo says, "I noticed that too"

Giancarlo asks (of Amber), "Were they left-handed or right-handed?"

Wilson asks, "The wounds were Ambrogia?"

Amber says, "I'm just conjecturing aloud. But it does make sense."

Wilson thinks back.

[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Can I remember from my investigation at the time if the wound was caused left- or right-handed?"

[vodacce] GM says, "You're not sure."

[vodacce] Wilson says, "Or if it could have been from a dagger and not a sword."

Wilson asks, "Is Abrielle right- or left-handed?"

Amber says, "Ambrogia-style fighting was invented by a courtesan, and Abrielle is a courtesan. That's how I learned the style."

Niccolo says, "I should add, Carinna's not the only one she's been acquainted with."

Niccolo says, "I believe she's also had dealings with the Avalon -- Guy, I believe he's called."

Amber says, "I could ask Fortunato if we could re-examine the body."

Giancarlo asks (of Niccolo), "Are you trying to tell us that there's some secret society of women ... oh, Sir Guy?"

Wilson asks, "What kind of dealings?"

[vodacce] GM says, "You've not had enough battlefield experience to tell."

[vodacce] Wilson says, "Boy, there's an understatement."

Niccolo says, "Information, perhaps more. Unfortunately, I don't know *what* information."

Wilson asks, "Like, you saw them trade information?"

Giancarlo asks, "Wasn't Chiara planning on speaking to Sir Guy?"

Niccolo says, "I heard her ask, and him... consider it, at least."

[vodacce] Giancarlo asks, "Dammit, it really IS Sir Guy, isn't it??"

Wilson exclaims (at Gian), "Really? And here her bodyguard is with us!"

[vodacce] GM says, "Yes, and he's killed Chiara."

[vodacce] Venzi exclaims, "!!"

Amber exclaims, "Damn! I've got to go to her. I knew it was a bad idea to let her go alone!"

Giancarlo asks (of Amber), "Yes, what happened after you and Chiara left earlier?"

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "If that's not a joke, the rest of the game might be a bit boring for Emily..."

Wilson says, "Gian, you go with her."

Amber says, "We ran into Wilson, and she wanted to go speak with Sir Guy privately. I respected her wishes."

Wilson asks, "Niccolo, should we visit Abrielle now?"

[vodacce] (from Chiara) Chiara's ghost says, "woooOOOOOOooooo"

Giancarlo says, "Aye."

Niccolo asks, "Do you even know where Guy *is*?"

Wilson says, "Well, he has a room, presumably."

Niccolo says (to Wilson), "I think so."

Giancarlo says, "To his room, then."

Niccolo says (to Wilson), "I know where her room is."

Giancarlo turns and begins marching.

[vodacce] GM asks, "So where are people going?"

Amber starts jogging off in Sir Guy's direction.

Wilson exits, replaces the bush, and goes with Niccolo to Abrielle's.

[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "to the house, to find Sir Guy."

Niccolo asks (of Wilson), "Door or window?"

Amber breaks into a sprint.

[vodacce] GM asks, "So everyone's headed out of the maze toot sweet?"

Giancarlo runs after Amber.

[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "So it seems. Will Gian put the bush back at least?"

[vodacce] Amber asks, "is sprinting brawn or finesse?"

[vodacce] GM says, "Brawn"

[vodacce] Giancarlo says (to Nic), "Wilson's done so already"

[7thsea] Amber rolls 3k2: 7 9 9 | 18

GM says, "Amber and Giancarlo run past five men loitering around the maze."

[7thsea] Giancarlo rolls 4k2: 4 8 5 5 | 13

Amber passess Giancarlo.

Niccolo asks (of Wilson), "Are we going to her door or her window?"

[vodacce] GM asks, "Wilson and Niccolo are going to the house as well?"

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Yes."

Wilson says (to Niccolo), "I can be quiet when I need to be."

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Except I'm not sprinting yet."

Niccolo says, "Or, we could split up. One of us going to each way in."

GM says, "As Wilson and Niccolo come out of the maze, the five men wander over to them."

Giancarlo says (to Amber), "You seem suddenly very much convinced that Sir Guy's a great danger."

Niccolo shuts up at this point.

[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Do they look familiar?"

Man says, "'scuse me."

Man says (to Niccolo), "You're free to go. We just need him."

[vodacce] Venzi says, "whuh-oh"

Wilson runs.

[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Are they guards?"

Amber says (to Giancarlo), "I feel badly for leaving Chiara before, and I would hate to have something bad happen to her. I'm not convinced Sir Guy is evil, but there's no point in loitering."

[vodacce] GM says, "Sprinting. And they are so not guards."

Niccolo says (to Guard), "OK -- thanks."

Niccolo runs too.

[vodacce] Wilson says, "Adding drama die:"

[7thsea] Wilson rolls 4k3: 4 1 10+1 5 | 20

[vodacce] Chiara says, "The uniforms are anti-guard uniforms"

Wilson exclaims (at Amber), "Help!"

Niccolo makes a point to run more Gian and Amber -ward than Wilson-ward, though.

[7thsea] GM rolls 3k3: 2 3 10+8 | 23

[7thsea] GM rolls 2k2: 8 7 | 15

[7thsea] GM rolls 2k2: 3 1 | 4

[7thsea] GM rolls 2k2: 7 7 | 14

[7thsea] GM rolls 2k2: 2 6 | 8

Giancarlo thinks about what Teodor said about foreign sorceries.

[7thsea] Amber rolls 4k4: 10+9 6 10+3 5 | 43

GM says, "Wilson manages to outrun everyone but the man in the lead."

GM says, "who lunges at him, sword outstretched."

Amber stops on a dime, turns around, and whips out her pistols.

[7thsea] GM rolls 7k4: 8 2 3 6 10+9 10+9 6 | 52

Giancarlo asks, "did you hear something?"

[7thsea] Niccolo rolls 3k2: 5 5 3 | 10

[vodacce] (from Chiara) Amber, meanwhile, takes the gold in speed-skating

Giancarlo skids to a halt.

[vodacce] Chiara says, "also, eeyow"

Amber exclaims, "Halt!"

[vodacce] GM asks (of Wilson), "You going to try to actively defend, or take it like a scientist?"

Wilson says, "I keep running."

Amber starts sighting on the brutes.

[7thsea] GM rolls 5k2: 6 6 9 1 4 | 15

[vodacce] Wilson says, "I was trying to run towards the house, but if they were in the way, I ran the other direction."

Giancarlo whips out throwing knives

[vodacce] GM says, "Roll your brawn."

[7thsea] Wilson rolls 2k2: 9 1 | 10

[vodacce] GM says, "The critical wound will slow you down. You can keep limping."

[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Did Amber and Gian actually hear me yelling?"

[vodacce] GM says, "At this point we're into rounds and such."

[vodacce] Wilson says, "I do have a 4 resolve."

[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "Yeah, we stopped and produced ranged weaponry."

[vodacce] Amber asks, "initiative?"

[7thsea] Giancarlo rolls 3 dice: 7 1 4

[7thsea] Wilson rolls 3 dice: 7 6 5

[vodacce] GM says, "Yeah. Hang on and let me set up where everyone is."

[vodacce] GM says, "Or everyone can just roll."

[vodacce] Wilson says, "Heh."

[7thsea] Amber rolls 3 dice: 10 2 8

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "We're into the, 'whoever's not for us is against us' bit of the story, right? Is the converse true, I wonder."

[7thsea] Niccolo rolls 3 dice: 2 5 7

[vodacce] Giancarlo says (to Niccolo), "The converse is the actual quote."

[vodacce] Niccolo says (to Gian), "Doesn't say anything about whether or not it's true, though."

[vodacce] Giancarlo says (to Niccolo), "I think it's in one of Paul's epistles. 'whoever is not against us is for us'."

[vodacce] GM says, "Wilson and the lead man are next to each other. Four men are staggering behind them."

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "(Er, applicable, I should say)"

[vodacce] GM says, "Giancarlo is a ways ahead, Amber even further."

[vodacce] GM says, "And Venzi just happens to be skulking around the outside of the house."

[vodacce] Giancarlo asks, "Within knife-throwing distance?"

[vodacce] GM says, "and can be here in a full round if he wishes"

[vodacce] Amber exclaims, "yay Venzi!"

[vodacce] Venzi exclaims, "yay me!"

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Ah, I'll head Venzi-ward."

[vodacce] Wilson asks, "You want to peg Venzi with a knife?"

Venzi, wandering along casually, has his attention attracted by the noise.

[vodacce] GM says (to Giancarlo), "Out of range of any ranged weapons, but he can run and meet up with Niccolo by the end of this round."

[vodacce] GM asks (of Niccolo), "You running for Venzi, then?"

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Yeah."

[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "I mean, the lead man and/or the other stragglers."

Wilson exclaims, "Ow! Help! Murder!"

[7thsea] GM rolls 3k3: 9 10+5 1 | 25

Venzi looks over at Niccolo running towards him, and starts to run towards *him*

[vodacce] GM says, "oops, let me try that again."

[7thsea] GM rolls 3 dice: 9 5 1

[7thsea] GM rolls 2 dice: 4 1

[7thsea] GM rolls 2 dice: 4 7

[7thsea] GM rolls 2 dice: 6 4

[7thsea] GM rolls 2 dice: 5 9

[vodacce] GM says, "Niccolo, you'll spend this series of rounds meeting up with Venzi and dragging him Wilson-wards."

[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "He he within talking distance?"

[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "I have an action on 1. If the attackers are within range, I'm whipping a knife at the lead man."

[vodacce] GM says, "Without shouting distance. He can hear you say indistinct things very loudly."

[vodacce] GM says, "The lead man is in range, and has an action this turn as well. One of the other men also has an action, and will use it to run closer to Wilson and lead guy."

[vodacce] Niccolo waits a few phases to call to him, then.

[vodacce] GM says, "Lead guy acts first."

Lead_Guy takes another swipe at Wilson

[7thsea] Lead_Guy rolls 7k4: 6 5 4 7 7 6 1 | 26

[vodacce] Wilson says, "Wait, so I could have done an active defence on that attack for free? Durn."

[vodacce] Giancarlo asks, "I assume left-handed bonus doesn't count for ranged attacks?"

[vodacce] GM says (to Giancarlo), "Correct."

[vodacce] GM says (to Wilson), "Also, you're hit again unless you're doing something about it."

[7thsea] Giancarlo rolls 6k3: 9 1 7 6 8 2 | 24

[vodacce] Wilson says, "Dude, I get a k2. I'm staying pat."

[vodacce] GM says (to Giancarlo), "One second, please."

Lead_Guy lunges, burying his steel in Wilson.

[7thsea] Lead_Guy rolls 5k2: 9 10+2 7 7 1 | 21

[7thsea] Wilson rolls 2k2: 7 4 | 11

Lead_Guy exclaims, "Stop running!"

[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"

[vodacce] Venzi says, "(also ow)"

[vodacce] (from Niccolo) Lead_Guy exclaims, "I have your birthday present!"

[vodacce] GM says, "That's two dramatic for Wilson. Now, Giancarlo."

[vodacce] GM asks, "So you were throwing at lead guy?"

[vodacce] Chiara says, "ow"

[vodacce] Giancarlo asks, "yep. that was 24. enough, or should I dd it?"

[vodacce] Wilson says, "Eh, they got 6 more to go before I'm dead."

[vodacce] GM says, "It's a hit. He's TN 20."

[7thsea] Giancarlo rolls 3k2: 1 10+7 9 | 26

[vodacce] Wilson says, "I'll be fine. Go ahead and collect clues and stuff."

[7thsea] Lead_Guy rolls 3k3: 10+9 1 1 | 21

Lead_Guy pulls up short, a knife deep in his right leg.

Giancarlo whips a throwing knife at the attacker and begins running after it before checking to see if he hits.

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Y'know, there is the possibility that they didn't entirely want to hurt Wilson, but didn't know what else to do when someone starts running..."

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "...nah."

[vodacce] Venzi says, "heh"

[vodacce] GM says, "Round 2. Amber, you're up."

[vodacce] Wilson says, "'what else to do' == tackle, not 'hit with sword'."

[7thsea] Amber rolls 6k4: 10+7 3 8 9 5 9 | 43

[vodacce] GM says, "And Niccolo can get within shouting range of Venzi."

[vodacce] Amber exclaims, "forgot to mention my raises!"

[vodacce] GM asks, "Lead guy, pistols?"

[vodacce] Amber asks, "can I reroll with raises?"

[vodacce] GM asks, "If you want. How many raises?"

[vodacce] Niccolo exclaims (at Wilson), "tell them, not me!"

Niccolo exclaims (at Venzi), "Five men... attacking Wilson!"

Venzi asks, "really! where?"

[vodacce] Amber says, "just one."

[7thsea] Amber rolls 6k4: 2 2 4 8 5 6 | 23

Niccolo exclaims (at Venzi), "Chiara... maybe in danger!"

Venzi is shouting somewhat breathlessly as he runs towards Niccolo

[vodacce] Amber exclaims, "adding drama die!"

[7thsea] Amber rolls 1 die: 3

Venzi asks, "*really*? *where*?!?"

[vodacce] GM says, "You hit."

[vodacce] GM says, "Roll damage."

Niccolo waves an arm at Wilson et al, since he doesn't know really where Chiara is.

[7thsea] Amber rolls 5k3: 6 2 5 9 9 | 24

[7thsea] Lead_Guy rolls 3k3: 8 8 6 | 22

[vodacce] Chiara says, "(somewhere offscreen, Chiara and/or her ghost are deeply touched)"

Venzi shrugs and runs thataway, then

[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "Actually, Chiara is now a small ball of cheese. Darn that glamour."

[vodacce] Venzi says (to Chiara), "I would like to come save you but he's not telling me"

Lead_Guy shrieks in pain as he takes a lead ball in his previously-wounded right leg.

[vodacce] Chiara says (to Giancarlo), "Heh"

[vodacce] Chiara says, "a fitting end"

[vodacce] GM says, "No one has round 3, so on to round 4."

[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "I'm sprinting over."

[7thsea] Giancarlo rolls 4k2: 6 10+5 9 3 | 24

Giancarlo sprints over to Wilson's side.

[vodacce] GM says, "You'll be there in time for your next round."

[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "excellent"

GM says, "Two of the other guys catch up with Wilson and the lead guy; the third guy who had already reached Wilson decides it's his turn to take a swipe."

[vodacce] Wilson says, "(Running past the other 4, no doubt)"

[7thsea] Random_Guy rolls 6k3: 4 6 2 10+2 10+10+7 2 | 45

[vodacce] Wilson asks, "This is still round 4?"

[vodacce] GM says, "Yes, round 4."

[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Can I spend two future rounds and run away?"

[vodacce] GM says, "You can in round 5."

[vodacce] Wilson says, "No, spend my 6 and 7 to run."

[vodacce] Venzi says, "heh"

[vodacce] GM says, "You didn't let me know before Random_Guy stuck you."

[vodacce] GM says, "so you have to take the blow."

[vodacce] Wilson says, "Arr, didn't know. Hey, I still have plenty o'resolve."

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

[7thsea] Wilson rolls 2k2: 7 10+8 | 25

Wilson exclaims, "'Tis but a scratch!"

Random_Guy, huffing and puffing mightily, manages to nick Wilson.

[Crows-Nest] Giancarlo opens bible. First thing he sees is: "Death!" (Sirach 41:1)

[vodacce] GM says, "Round 5. Wilson, then lead guy."

Wilson runs.

[7thsea] Wilson rolls 3k2: 1 3 2 | 5

[vodacce] Wilson says, "Pfft."

Niccolo stops, and shouts.

Niccolo exclaims, "Keep them running that way! I'll go check on WILSON, over THIS WAY!"

Niccolo turns and runs the other way.

Wilson . o O ( Heh. Right. )

GM says, "As Wilson hobbles away very fast, the lead guy takes a two-handed swipe at him."

[7thsea] Lead_Guy rolls 7k4: 7 1 4 6 3 9 9 | 31

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "(That being my phase five action, whenever it comes up)"

[vodacce] GM says, "There's another for WIlson, who is collecting wounds faster than spiders."

[vodacce] Venzi says, "eew"

[7thsea] Lead_Guy rolls 5k2 (no explosions): 8 1 10 7 8 | 18

[7thsea] Wilson rolls 2k2: 3 1 | 4

[vodacce] Chiara says, "(sheesh)"

[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Geez, what happened to my 25?"

Lead_Guy shouts in excitement when his blade strikes home. "I hit bone!"

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Ow..."

[vodacce] Chiara says, "(yeuck, too)"

[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Do I need a a dd to avoid 2 dramatics?"

[vodacce] GM says, "You certainly do."

Venzi is running and muttering under his breath "man, all the other times I leave and there's no problem, and I let him out of my sight for one hour and ..."

[7thsea] Wilson rolls 1k1: 9 | 9

[vodacce] GM says, "Round six. wilson, then random guy."

[vodacce] Venzi says, "(when do I arrive?)"

Wilson's leg twists away at the last second, but there's still a nasty cut.

[vodacce] GM says, "Roll a sprint for me."

[7thsea] Wilson rolls 3k2: 4 3 4 | 8

[vodacce] Venzi asks, "brawn? resolve?"

[vodacce] GM says, "brawn"

[vodacce] Venzi says, "I guess they're both 2"

[7thsea] Venzi rolls 3k2: 7 7 10+7 | 24

[vodacce] Wilson says, "Brawn."

[vodacce] GM says (to Venzi), "You'll be there for round seven."

[vodacce] GM says, "(ranged weapons) and in blade distance by 8."

[vodacce] Venzi says, "alrighty"

GM says, "Wilson wobbles on, forcing random guy to really reach to try to hit him."

[7thsea] Random_Guy rolls 3k2: 3 5 10+4 | 19

Random_Guy exclaims, "Damn!"

[vodacce] GM says, "Round 7. Wilson -- again -- and Giancarlo, then Random Guy"

[7thsea] Wilson rolls 3k2: 4 7 9 | 16

[vodacce] Wilson says, "Finally! Something respectable."

Giancarlo raises a fist as he gets in close, not slowing down but cannoning bodily into lead guy.

[vodacce] (from Chiara) GM says, "Sir Random Guy, to be precise"

[vodacce] Giancarlo asks, "whassa roll and can i use pugilism/left-handed?"

[vodacce] Wilson says, "I'm assuming all this running is giving me some sort of bonus against these attacks, at least."

[vodacce] GM says (to Wilson), "minus one unkept from last guy, and now they have to run after you since you've gained on them."

[vodacce] Wilson says, "Cool."

[vodacce] GM says (to Giancarlo), "You can use pugilism, either attack or jab."

[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "Well, I'm mainly trying to bowl him over. Using my body as a battering ram, as it were. So not jab."

[7thsea] Giancarlo rolls 5k3: 8 7 10+9 7 9 | 36

[vodacce] Wilson says, "I could bowl him over with my stunningly accurate drawings, but probably only in a different setting."

[vodacce] GM says, "Use your attack, then. If you hit, instead of damage, roll brawn against his finesse to knock him over."

[vodacce] Venzi says (to Wilson), "hee hee"

[7thsea] Giancarlo rolls 2k2: 5 10+3 | 18

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "'E's a dangerous one, that Wilson. No wonder they're afraid of him."

[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "he should beat that 18 easily...."

[vodacce] GM asks, "Lead guy?"

[7thsea] Lead_Guy rolls 4k4: 4 3 2 9 | 18

[vodacce] GM says, "You take him down. RP."

Giancarlo sprints in, fist first, ramming into the lead guy like a speeding train, if trains were invented by 1668.

Lead_Guy exclaims, "Gah! My leg!"

GM says, "His leg does indeed buckle under him"

GM says, "leaving him on the ground with Giancarlo on top."

[vodacce] Chiara says, "woo woo"

Giancarlo asks (of Lead_Guy), "Youse leave da scientist-guy alone, see?"

Niccolo exclaims (at Maze), "Help! Thugs, on the estate!"

GM says, "The random guy who had gotten close goes after Wilson, breathing hard."

Niccolo exclaims (at Maze), "Men of honor, bring your swords!"

GM says (to Niccolo), "With any luck, people will respond shortly."

[vodacce] GM says, "Round 8. Amber."

[vodacce] Amber says, "raise one to hit two"

[7thsea] Amber rolls 6k4: 8 5 8 9 8 4 | 33

[vodacce] GM says, "You hit."

Amber cunningly lines up two assisins in her sights, and shoots down two in one shot!

[vodacce] GM says, "Roll damage twice"

[7thsea] Amber rolls 4k3: 8 3 1 8 | 19

[7thsea] Amber rolls 4k3: 9 4 8 9 | 26

[7thsea] Random_Guy rolls 2k2: 3 6 | 9

[7thsea] Random_Guy rolls 2k2: 10+4 3 | 17

[vodacce] Amber exclaims, "whoohoo! I rock!"

[vodacce] Venzi says, "nice"

GM says, "One of the men hit by Amber clutches his throat, blood spurting, and falls. The other catches the riccocheting bullet in his left arm."

GM says, "Venzi is now in range of the big ball of lead guy and Giancarlo."

[Crows-Nest] Giancarlo says, "hee"

[vodacce] Venzi says, "er, how's giancarlo doing? I assume he has the guy under control, as it were"

[vodacce] Amber asks, "how far away are they from me now?"

[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "How many are still on their feet?"

Giancarlo is (presumably) sitting on the lead guy's chest.

[vodacce] GM says, "Giancarlo is sprawled across the lead guy, who has an action in round 9. The men are still as far as they were before, Amber, since you've been standing still and shooting, and Wilson's hobbling away on a line slightly away from you. There are still three on their feet."

Venzi continues running towards the men still on their feet, then.

[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Was the Random Guy near me hit by Amber, or is he still going?"

[vodacce] GM says, "The random guys are bunched near you, but not quite in sword range."

[vodacce] GM says, "One of them has an action in round nine and will catch you, but be unable to attack yet."

[vodacce] GM says, "Round nine. Venzi, then lead guy, then random guy."

Venzi keeps running until he reaches a guy who is chasing Wilson but not being sat on by Giancarlo.

GM says, "You're there."

[vodacce] Venzi says, "(I'm a picky guy, what can I say)"

[vodacce] Venzi says, "alrighty then"

GM says, "They're bunched around Giancarlo/lead guy."

[vodacce] Wilson says, "And you can raise to hit two."

[vodacce] (from GM) Wilson says, "*please*"

Venzi exclaims, "surrender now!"

Venzi draws his sword.

[vodacce] Wilson says, "Did that sound like a recommendation? It was information only, let me assur you."

[Crows-Nest] Giancarlo says, "surrender dorothy"

[vodacce] Venzi says, "and running after, if they're still running -- and if they don't do anything in a second, I'm hitting them"

GM says, "The men don't respond -- they seem committed right now."

[vodacce] Venzi says, "very well then, I'm hitting them."

[7thsea] Venzi rolls 7k3: 7 8 5 9 4 9 9 | 27

[7thsea] Venzi rolls 4k2: 9 3 7 5 | 16

[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Are these guys also TN 20?"

[7thsea] Random_Guy rolls 2k2: 1 7 | 8

[vodacce] GM says, "Yes."

Venzi yanks his sword back as the man stumbles. "Who's next?"

Wilson exclaims, "Hey, it's my bodyguard! Neat!"

GM says, "It turns out the man who was in the lead is next."

GM says (to Giancarlo), "Contested brawn to keep him down."

[vodacce] Venzi laughs and laughs

[7thsea] Giancarlo rolls 2k2: 9 1 | 10

[7thsea] Lead_Guy rolls 3k3 (no explosions): 8 7 3 | 18

Wilson says, "Boy, you guys are in trouble now."

Lead_Guy digs a thumb into one of Giancarlo's eyes and uses the resulting distraction to wriggle out from under him.

Wilson says, "(pant)"

Giancarlo says, "gahh"

GM asks, "Round 10. Amber?"

[vodacce] Amber says, "I'm running toward the fight while changing weapons."

[Crows-Nest] Giancarlo says, "Sooner or later I always get the eye-gouge...."

[vodacce] Amber says, "I assumed that would take an action."

[vodacce] GM says, "You'll be there for the next turn."

[vodacce] GM says, "Right."

[vodacce] GM exclaims, "Everybody rolls!"

[7thsea] Amber rolls 3 dice: 2 3 3

[7thsea] Wilson rolls 3 dice: 3 8 1

[7thsea] Giancarlo rolls 3 dice: 9 2 8

[7thsea] Niccolo rolls 3 dice: 9 4 2

[7thsea] Venzi rolls 3 dice: 5 8 3

[7thsea] Venzi says, "rerolling 8:"

[vodacce] Wilson says, "Yay! I needed that one."

[7thsea] Venzi rolls 1 die: 4

[7thsea] Lead_Guy rolls 3 dice: 4 10 10

[7thsea] Random_Guy rolls 2 dice: 6 4

[7thsea] Random_Guy rolls 2 dice: 10 6

[7thsea] Random_Guy rolls 2 dice: 8 10

[vodacce] Wilson exclaims, "Woo!"

GM says, "Round 1. Lead Guy will spend his two round tens to act."

Wilson runs away.

[7thsea] Wilson rolls 3k2: 6 1 6 | 12

[vodacce] Giancarlo asks, "are lead guy and I both on the ground or are we now more-or-less standing?"

[vodacce] Wilson says, "Lead guy is standing, at least."

[vodacce] GM says, "Lead guy is mostly standing. You are holding your eye and still on the ground."

Lead_Guy, seeing that Wilson is out of range, strikes at Giancarlo instead.

[7thsea] Lead_Guy rolls 7k4 (no explosions): 7 7 4 5 7 1 7 | 28

Giancarlo takes it

[7thsea] Lead_Guy rolls 5k2 (no explosions): 10 8 7 9 6 | 19

[7thsea] Giancarlo rolls 2k2: 6 2 | 8

[vodacce] GM says, "Two dramatics for Giancarlo"

Lead_Guy leans into it, driving his blade home.

[vodacce] Giancarlo asks, "two?"

[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Were you looking at the 28 instead of the 19?"

[vodacce] GM says, "Whoops, yes."

[vodacce] GM says, "Sorry. One dramatic."

Lead_Guy asks, "punch me, will you?"

GM says, "Round 2."

Giancarlo grunts. "Yeah."

GM says, "Giancarlo, then Niccolo, then Amber."

[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "me"

Giancarlo swings a knife around low at the lead guy.

[7thsea] Giancarlo rolls 6k3: 10+3 3 7 8 7 1 | 28

[vodacce] GM says, "Hit."

[7thsea] Giancarlo rolls 3k2: 6 5 9 | 15

[7thsea] Lead_Guy rolls 3k3: 2 8 10+4 | 24

[vodacce] GM says, "Whoops, no explode. But still a 20."

[vodacce] GM asks, "Niccolo?"

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Holding."

[vodacce] GM asks, "Amber?"

[vodacce] Amber says, "two raises."

[7thsea] Amber rolls 8k4: 2 3 10+8 7 1 3 3 6 | 34

[vodacce] GM says, "You got it."

[vodacce] Amber exclaims, "slice & dice!"

[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "is using his 8 and 9 to move on 3."

[vodacce] GM says, "You might could wait until Amber's done."

[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "(er, I am, I mean)"

Amber slashes at the man attacking Giancarlo, turns and slices the man behind him.

[vodacce] GM says, "Damage for 'em."

[7thsea] Amber rolls 4k2: 4 1 9 5 | 14

[7thsea] Amber rolls 5k2: 6 10+10+2 3 8 10+3 | 35

[7thsea] Lead_Guy rolls 3k3 (no explosions): 2 3 1 | 6

[7thsea] Random_Guy rolls 2k2: 1 7 | 8

GM says, "Both go down, the former lead man twitching and burbling."

[vodacce] Amber says, "not sure I'm rolling this right - I added a die to each damage roll, one for each raise."

[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "you're right. I guess I won't be using that 8 and 9 as an interrupt after all."

GM says, "Round 3. Wilson, Venzi, Amber, Amber."

[vodacce] GM says, "Mmm, I'll let it stand."

[vodacce] Venzi asks, "er, is anybody still alive?"

[vodacce] GM says, "But, yeah, your raise goes into hitting two."

[vodacce] GM says, "There are two very scared-looking people."

[vodacce] Venzi says, "I'm not quite sure how many hits these guys are taking"

Wilson, most of the carnage behind him and not turning to check, keeps running.

[7thsea] Wilson rolls 3k2: 5 7 3 | 12

[vodacce] Amber asks, "so how should I have rolled it for raise 2? just one aditional die for one damage roll, right?"

[vodacce] GM says, "Yeah"

[vodacce] GM says (to Wilson), "At this point you're well away from them."

[vodacce] GM asks, "Venzi, what are you going to do with the other two?"

Venzi says (to remaining guys), "if you surrender now, I won't slice your bellies open"

Random_Guys look at their comrades on the ground, then throw their swords as far away from them as they can.

Venzi asks, "now then -- let's have a little chat, shall we?"

Random_Guys nod briskly.

Giancarlo smiles. This is his favourite part.

[vodacce] Venzi says, "(not that they're scared of me -- they're scared of *Amber*)"

Amber approaches the Random_guys.

[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Phases and rounds done now, right?"

[vodacce] GM says, "Yes."

Venzi asks, "first of all, who are you working for? second of all, why were you attacking him?"

Amber exclaims (at Giancarlo), "Aw, you're not going to let me slice them up? That's the fun part!"

Niccolo jogs over to the mess of blood and swords and things.

Venzi asks, "and third of all, WHERE'S CHIARA?"

Random_Guy says, "Er, we worked for Battista there."

Random_Guy points at burbling former-lead man.

[vodacce] Chiara says, "(aww)"

[7thsea] Wilson rolls 3k2: 8 8 8 | 16

Random_Guy says, "And, uh, we were attacking that guy because that's who Battista told us we'd been hired to kill."

Amber exclaims (at Wilson), "You can stop running now!"

Random_Guy asks, "Er, and, uh, Chiara?"

Giancarlo turns Battista over so he doesn't drown in his own blood. Er, assuming he ain't dead.

Wilson makes it to the house, turns to run along it, realizes there's noone around.

Venzi sighs.

Venzi says, "great"

Niccolo eventually catches back up to Venzi, Amber, Giancarlo.

Venzi says, "well, I think you can consider your job over"

GM says, "He's going to be dead very soon. Amber didn't leave him with much of his side intact."

Wilson stops, pants, comes back.

Random_Guys nod vigorously.

Giancarlo asks (of Battista), "Confession time. Quick. Who sent you?"

Amber says, "I'll have to be more careful in the future."

Niccolo says, "If you've got things in hand here, I thinks some of us still ought to be heading to the house to check on Chiara."

Battista's laugh fades away. "...or what?"

Venzi says (to random guys), "don't let me catch you around here again."

Giancarlo says (to Battista), "Speak quickly and maybe we'll get a priest to you in time."

Niccolo asks (of Amber), "Do you know where she'll be?"

Wilson says (to Battista), "I can help."

Random_Guys take Venzi at his word and run like hell.

Wilson kneels down by him.

[vodacce] GM says (to Wilson), "If you want, it'll be a TN 30."

Amber says (to Niccolo), "She's with Sir Guy."

[vodacce] GM says, "to stop the worst of the bleeding."

Venzi asks, "now, why did you guys think she was in trouble?"

Amber says, "I'm concerned about her."

[vodacce] Wilson asks, "For first aid, or surgery?"

Niccolo says (to Venzi), "Because she's with Sir Guy."

[vodacce] Wilson says, "Not that they're different."

[vodacce] Wilson asks, "This is wits?"

[vodacce] GM says, "First aid. You don't have what you'd need to do real surgery at this point."

[vodacce] GM says, "And yes, wits."

Venzi says, "also (glancing around to see who's near) it was Rocca who bought the swords -- Fortunato's new quartermaster"

[7thsea] Wilson rolls 3k2: 1 7 6 | 13

Niccolo asks, "Oh? Handy. Who's friends with Rocca, then?"

[vodacce] GM says, "It looks like if you squeeze here on Battista -- no, that just makes the blood pour out faster."

Battista says, "...said it'd be easy. said he was a scientist, couldn't fight for..."

Venzi says, "and I don't know if Wilson and Amber had a chance to mention it, but Livio's dead"

Wilson says (to Battista), "Er, hold on, I think I got it."

Battista says, "...didn't mention *friends*..."

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "So how do I tell Venzi, 'we thought she was in trouble because the GM said she was dead. but OOC'"

Giancarlo asks (of Battista), "WHO sent you?"

[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"

[vodacce] Wilson says (to Niccolo), "It's because we suspect Sir Guy."

Giancarlo carefully reads Battista's lips as he speaks.

[vodacce] Wilson says, "Via Abrielle."

GM says, "Battista's lips form a 'D', but then go completely slack."

[vodacce] Venzi asks, "via abrielle?"

[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Who *isn't* associated with Abrielle in this place?"

[vodacce] Venzi says, "also, I bet Fortunato would be SO PLEASED if we come over and talk to him"

[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "D. As in Dixon."

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "She'd give any fate witch a migraine with all those strands."

[vodacce] GM says, "You people are the PARTY OF DEATH"

Wilson says, "Oh, drat."

[vodacce] Venzi says, "or as in D'Angelo, for instance"

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Or 'damn'"

[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"

Wilson fixes his own and Giancarlo's wounds, instead.

[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "Or diTomasso"

[vodacce] GM says, "Or, I will point out helpfully, diTommaso"

[vodacce] Venzi says, "there we go"

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Or DiTommaso, I -- bah you."

Giancarlo winces at the patching up.

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "(Wait. Don't bah the GM for giving hints)"

[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Hey, doesn't 'diTommaso' start with a D?"

[vodacce] Chiara says, "and then there's diArgento"

[vodacce] Venzi says, "they're all LIES anyway"

[vodacce] GM says, "Also, d'Fortunato"

[vodacce] Chiara laughs

[vodacce] Venzi says, "ok, right"

Venzi asks, "ok, so what now?"

[vodacce] Niccolo exclaims, "No, wait, it's Madame DeLasse!"

[vodacce] Chiara says, "YES"

Giancarlo says (to Venzi), "Now? We get a fresh set of clothes for dinner."

[vodacce] GM laughs.

Venzi asks, "it seems as though matters have been coming to a head -- what did you find out before the fighting started?"

[vodacce] Chiara says, "it's all actually a complex Montaigne porte scheme"

Niccolo says (to Venzi), "Abrielle the courtesan is up to her chin in connections with everyone here, and she may have had motive to kill Livio."

[vodacce] GM says, "This will be the end of this session. Wilson will be able to patch Giancarlo up well enough, but Wilson's going to be slowed for the next while."

[vodacce] Chiara says, "to replace the Vodacce cheeses with Montaignais ones, smuggling everything through a porte rip in the secret area of the maze..."

[vodacce] Wilson says, "I thought there wasn't any game effect until your dramatics reached your resolve."

[vodacce] GM says, "oh my."

[vodacce] Amber says, "Yay us for cool role-playing."

[vodacce] Amber says, "and Yay GM for cool GMing."

[vodacce] Venzi asks, "wait, you managed to make it through that with less than 4 dramatics?"

[vodacce] GM exclaims, "yay!"

[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "Yay Yay"

Niccolo says (to Venzi), "Among her associates are Carinna and Dixon -- the latter of which iswith Chiara."

[vodacce] Wilson says, "Ayup."

[vodacce] Wilson says, "Three."

[vodacce] Venzi says, "also yay gm for handling a half-dozen interludes at once"

[vodacce] (from Chiara) Chiara's ghost says, "wwwuhhhhoooOOOOOoooo"

Venzi asks, "'associates' in what sense?"

[vodacce] GM says (to Wilson), "You won't lose any rolls, but you're not getting rid of all three of those dramatics just by binding yourself up."

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Yeah, there was some fun stuff this session."

Niccolo says (to Venzi), "That's exactly what I'd like to know."

[vodacce] (from GM) Niccolo says (to Venzi), "*Sapphic* associates"

[vodacce] Wilson says, "Oh, right--I just meant the 'slowed down' bit."

[vodacce] Chiara says, "my my"

[vodacce] Giancarlo asks, "Sapphic? You mean they sit around and write poetry?"

[vodacce] Wilson says, "(I assume Gian will still have his dramatic, too.)"

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "And Abrielle just wanted Dixon to fetch her a book of Cymru rhymes."

[vodacce] Amber asks, "is the cool gm giving cool xp tonight?"

[vodacce] Chiara says (to Amber), "oh, YOU're subtle"

[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"

[vodacce] Amber asks, "you hadn't noticed?"

[vodacce] GM says, "Right. You can both get one taken care of if you find someone to help you out at the start of next session."

[vodacce] GM laughs.

[vodacce] GM says, "This was a good 2xp session."

[vodacce] GM says, "A drama die for Wilson the human pincushion"

[vodacce] Wilson exclaims, "Woo!"

[vodacce] Niccolo says (to Wilson), "Yay"

[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "Yay Wilson"

[vodacce] GM says, "And one for Niccolo for something I can't really talk about."

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Yayyay"

[vodacce] Chiara says, "good job getting THINGS poked in you Wilson"

[vodacce] Wilson says, "I do what I can."

[vodacce] Venzi says, "heh"

[vodacce] Amber exclaims (at Wilson), "And not dying!"

[vodacce] GM says, "If ou had stopped running you could have done more."

[vodacce] Niccolo asks (of Chiara), "It'd SD to ask what you've been doing, after that comment, right?"

[vodacce] Chiara coughs

[vodacce] Wilson says, "My legs were on auto-pilot."

[vodacce] Chiara says (to Niccolo), "you will note that I did NOT receive a drama die. You can take what meaning you like from this point."

[vodacce] GM asks, "I'd give Chiara a drama die, but what do ghosts need with them?"

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Hee."

[vodacce] Chiara says, "snk"

[vodacce] GM says, "Y'all have found out a lot of good stuff this time."

[vodacce] Niccolo asks (of GM), "Is spending XP mid-story kosher?"

[vodacce] GM says, "Sure."

[vodacce] Venzi says, "wilson's been doing it, so I assume so"

[vodacce] Wilson says, "Next week--Saturday still work for people? Sara and I are Going Out friday."

[vodacce] Chiara says, "um, yeah, should be ok"

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Saturday's taken."

[vodacce] Venzi says, "I believe I am busy saturday"

[vodacce] Chiara says, "or, er, not"

[vodacce] Venzi says, "yeah, saturday not good"

[vodacce] Amber asks, "Sunday afternoon?"

[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "How early?"

[vodacce] Amber says, "whenever."

[vodacce] Venzi says, "I'm free sundays"

[vodacce] Giancarlo says, "Sunday not good for me. I'm not home until 9."

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "I'm free Sunday, provided it's early enough."

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Never mind."

[vodacce] Wilson asks, "During the week?"

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "I could do Thursday evening maybe."

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "But that's my only weeknight."

[vodacce] Wilson asks (of GM), "How early would you be available?"

[vodacce] GM says, "So the moral is Niccolo is a big fat load of trouble."

[vodacce] Wilson says, "(in the week)"

[vodacce] Chiara says, "Thursday's be ok for me"

[vodacce] Venzi exclaims, "I'm trouble too!"

[vodacce] Wilson asks, "Why is Niccolo trouble?"

[vodacce] GM says, "I tutor from 5:30 to around 7 in the evening, so the earliest would be around 7:30 eastern."

[vodacce] GM says (to Wilson), "Niccolo's got something next Saturday."

[vodacce] Amber says, "Thursday's okay if we start early enough (the usual time, 7:00 here, is fine)"

[vodacce] Wilson says, "We don't get home until then anyway."

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "7:30 eastern Thursday is fine with me."

[vodacce] GM says (to Venzi), "What about you? You've got work and stuff, I know."

[vodacce] Venzi says, "oh, um, er"

[vodacce] Venzi says, "I guess I can leave early thursday"

[vodacce] Wilson says, "Or stay late ;-)"

[vodacce] GM says, "'What are you doing?' 'Oh, *coding*. See, it's all text!'"

[vodacce] Venzi says, "hee hee"

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "And the GM class is multithreaded."

[vodacce] Niccolo asks (of Chiara), "Thursday for you?"

[vodacce] Chiara says, "yeah, that'd work"

[vodacce] Niccolo says, "Then I'll close the log."

[vodacce] Wilson asks (of GM), "And you'll be ready by then?"

[vodacce] Niccolo asks, "Unless anyone has anything else?"

[vodacce] NewsBoy hollers, "Extra! Extra! GM has posted message 20, about 'Next game', to the bulletin board! This is something completely new, really just part of your randomness."

[vodacce] GM says, "Oh gosh, will I be ready."