[7thsea] Bert says, "Log on."

GM says, "Excellent; thanks."

Roger arrives, looking for booty.

Talbert arrives, looking for booty.

GM exclaims, "OK, no Penelope this week, it looks like, so that's everyone!"

GM says, "When we last left our intrepid adventurers..."

GM says, "They had rescued the crew from the smuggling ship before it broke apart completely. They also had made a few discoveries about who people actually were, and smooches were had by many."

[7thsea] Talbert says, "Yay"

GM says, "In the aftermath, the doctor was summoned, and treated people for all and sundry, working late into the night to help the sailors (all in various stages of hypothermia/injury), and paying particular attention to Don Miguel, Floriana, and Ricco, all of whom he claims will make a full recovery."

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Woo."

[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Does that mean my dramatic wounds are cleared?"

[7thsea] GM exclaims, "It does!"

[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "The doctor played tonight by Roger"

[Crows-Nest] Roger says, "what's all this then eh what"

[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "perfection"

GM says, "The townspeople who had been in the caves return to their homes empty-handed, as the cargo was lost to the bottom of the sea."

[Crows-Nest] Roger says, "drink a gallon of grog and call me in the morning"

GM says, "The sailors need a place to hide, which is organized by you all at the behest of El Vago, and you get the safely ensconced somewhere (perhaps a place on the coast where some might be able to flag down a passing ship and get a new job). The captain and first mate stay nearby, for now."

inky arrives, looking for booty.

GM exclaims (at DonMiguel), "You have questions for Floriana!"

GM says (to Talbert), "Do you have questions for anyone, or wish to follow up on anything? I can give you something if no."

[Crows-Nest] (from Talbert) Don says, 'Time to take out the thumbscrews... wait, that's what the Inquisition would do'

Talbert says (to GM), "Talbert would not press Floriana further than she is willing to speak, so I won't be asking questions"

Talbert says, "and there's no one else that comes to mind"

DonMiguel says (to Floriana), "So, it seems that there has been a, shall we say, 'misconception' about your identity."

DonMiguel asks, "Would you care to explain?"

Floriana has the grace to look embarassed.

Floriana says, "I'm... sorry, sir. We figured the fewer people that knew, the safer everyone was."

DonMiguel says, "I'm not referring to your remarkable talents."

Floriana says, "Well, that too."

Floriana shivers slightly.

DonMiguel asks, "But why did you feel the need to masquerade as your brother all this time?"

Floriana says, "Felipe was your servant for many years, and admired you greatly. Then the Montaignians moved in, and instituted a curfew for all men in the city."

Floriana says, "He came to me with a proposal: if I could take his place, only one of us had to sign in every night, and he'd be free to do more for the people in town."

Floriana says, "He taught me what he knew about you and about the job, and we started switching out. Only a few times at first, but then more frequently. In the end, it's been just me for the last several months."

Floriana says, "He doesn't know about El Vago. It was I who was there when you were recruited, and I thought it best if he didn't know."

Floriana says, "And after that, I didn't want him to accidentally learn about it."

DonMiguel says, "This seems an overcomplicated strategem, but I suppose it *has* worked well enough for you all this time."

DonMiguel says, "And I admit you are quite right about the latter."

DonMiguel asks, "I suppose Talbert has known about this?"

Floriana blushes furiously.

[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Did we know that Talbert was courting Floriana?"

[7thsea] GM says, "You did not! I assume Talbert did."

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Hee."

DonMiguel glances at Talbert, in case he has any comment on the matter.

[7thsea] Talbert says, "IRL, I'm the sort of person who might court someone and not know it out of pure lack of self-awareness :P"

[7thsea] GM asks (of Talbert), "Sure; you want to tell the story of how you found out?"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says (to GM), "I like the ambiguity there."

[7thsea] Talbert says, "haha"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(I.e., 'how you found out... about Floriana's disguise' or 'how you found out... that you were courting Floriana'?)"

[7thsea] GM says, "Hee hee"

[7thsea] Talbert says, "I hadn't thought about that story point at all, oops"

[7thsea] Talbert says, "I'm still working on my reaction to Don M"

[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Do you want time to think, or would you prefer that Talbert just blushes and we move on for now?"

[7thsea] Talbert says, "He blushes away and nearly drops the sketch he was doodling in his notebook"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(I'll assume you're thinking and typing if you don't respond :) )"

Talbert blushes, and almost drops his pencil. He was leaning against a wall sketching Floriana while this was happening.

Floriana says, "Talbert has a... discerning eye. He confronted me and I, uh, wept on his shoulder begging him not to tell, hoping his gallantry would save me. It saved me from being discovered, but it didn't save my heart from his."

DonMiguel says, "I suppose that, at least until this maledicted occupation is ended, you will want to maintain this facade. If you choose to do so, you can trust that I will keep your confidence."

Floriana bows her head. "Thank you, sir. Like Felipe, I too have come to respect you greatly, and hope you won't think worse of me from this."

DonMiguel says, "No, I understand how in these difficult circumstances, we must all sometimes wear a mask."

Floriana relaxes slightly and smiles. She shoots a grateful nod to Talbert.

DonMiguel says, "But now that that's cleared up... there is something that I have a more personal curiosity about, if you would be willing to talk about it:"

DonMiguel says, "The 'key'."

Floriana asks, "Oh, yes?"

DonMiguel says, "I believe you've heard me discuss a certain artifact, an heirloom that was stolen from my family by those invaders. It was officially listed in our collection as 'Figure with hands on face'."

Floriana nods.

DonMiguel says, "But it bears a remarkable resemblence to the object that your family possesses, the 'key' with which you were able to relight the lamp in the lighthouse."

DonMiguel asks, "Could you tell me about the key, or would that be betraying a family secret?"

Floriana says, "Oh, interesting. I can at least tell you the story of the lamp and key, then, so far as I know it. I think we owe you at least that."

DonMiguel says, "Thank you. I would appreciate it."

Floriana says, "When my family fled the persecution, [XXX] years ago, Estevan, our patriarch, then in his mid-30s, found this place. The central structure is ancient, and believed to have been constructed by the Syrneth. A primitive lighthouse had been built around it, but had been abandoned. He took the last name 'Brasa', and decided that we would be lighthouse keepers. In the course of repairing the place, he found the key and discovered its use in lighting the beacon."

[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "My 7th Sea history is not as strong as it used to be. Can you remind me what 'the perscuition' was?"

[7thsea] GM says, "It's when the original Castillian nobles were driven out and forced underground. They were the ones with El Fuego Adento. (sp?)"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Aha, thanks."

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "('Adentro', IIRC.)"

[7thsea] GM says, "I forget how long ago that was, but I think a few hundred years."

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Around [xxx], I believe."

Floriana says, "There are conflicting stories our family has told about the caves under the lighthouse, where Estevan is said to have found the key. Some say it holds the promise of revenge for our family, and others say it holds nothing but evil. 75 years ago, after a tragedy in the town, my grandfather borded up the door in our cellar to the caves, and noone has opened it since."

[7thsea] GM says, "Hee"

DonMiguel asks, "What tragedy was this?"

[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Is Floriana's grandfather still alive?"

Floriana says, "I... don't know. I guess I didn't really want to know? There was a fire, and many people died."

DonMiguel nods.

[Crows-Nest] Roger says, "Players: we don't really want to interrogate this NPC so whatever they want to say is fine. GM: HOLD MY ALE"

Floriana says, "He died many years before I was born, but my mother said he never said anything about it again."

DonMiguel says, "I wonder, if the cave *does* hold some sort of power, if it may be something that we could wield against the Montaigne forces to help free the town."

Floriana startles. "No! That's... aaah, please don't say that!"

DonMiguel looks at Floriana with a mixture of curiosity and concern.

Floriana grabs your hand. "Some say it can be used for revenge, and others for evil! And they're probably both right! That's not... that's not what we do. We save people. Whoever's lost in the storm sees our beacon and knows their way. We are the shelter, not the storm."

DonMiguel says, "Ah. I see."

Talbert says, "If it's that destructive, whatever it is, it must be awful to live so close to it all this time."

Talbert asks, "Has it ever extended its influence or... during all that time?"

[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "Family with an unexploded bomb in the cellar"

Floriana says, "I... perhaps. My mother asks me about my dreams now and then, and there's something in her eyes when she does so."

DonMiguel asks, "Are there any dreams in particular that she's seemed concerned about?"

Floriana says, "If so, she hasn't told me. Nothing I've told her has worried her, though."

DonMiguel asks, "You mentioned that the key was found in the caves as well? Is there any reason to think that *it* might be evil?"

Floriana says, "The beacon seems to have always been just a beacon. The Syrneth, whoever they were, may have used it much as we use it today."

[Setting the zoned flag.]

DonMiguel says, "So then there may also be other things in those caves that can be used for good, like the key."

Talbert says, "Or there's something that can be used to get rid of the evil? I do not know"

Floriana says, "All I know is that my grandfather boarded it up."

DonMiguel says, "If your family is willing, I would very much like to take a look at the caves some day. And if allowed to do so, I promise not to do anything that would go against your or your family's wishes."

Floriana says, "Well, I suppose you could talk to my mother."

DonMiguel says, "Thank you."

DonMiguel asks, "And in the meantime, could I look at the key more closely? Do you know anything about it that -- assuming they are similar -- might help me to track down my own lost artifact?"

[Crows-Nest] DonMiguel asks, "Does it turn your hands blood red when you touch it or sing in a ghostly voice on moonless nights?"

Floriana says, "Sure! And I don't. As far as I know, it's just the odd metal."

[7thsea] GM says, "Let's say for convenience you were chatting in the beacon room atop the lighthouse."

[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Would it be reasonable (e.g., non-destructive) to try to do an alchemical analysis of it?"

Floriana retrieves the key and lets you examine it.

[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Sure!"

[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims, "Then I'd like to do so!"

[7thsea] GM says, "Let's say TN 15 for a basic analysis, with raises for more information."

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(Along with a normal examination, for anything notable that might be apparent to the naked eye.)"

[7thsea] GM says, "Normal examination I can give you for free:"

[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Wits + Natural Philosophy?"

[7thsea] GM says, "Sure."

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "I'm feeling Overconfident, so let's take a raise."

[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 4k3: 3 4 2 1 | 9

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "My Overconfidence may not have been justified."

DonMiguel does not have the advantage of his full laboratory here. Working with only the few tools he happened to have with him leaves him at rather a disadvantage in his investigation.

GM says, "A cursory examination of the key shows that the 'figure with hands' bit is pretty similar to what you remember, and is used on this key as the bit you hold. The complicated pattern at the bottom is the bit the fits into the keyhole and unlocks it. That bit is different enough that you're confident they don't open/unlock the same things."

DonMiguel says, "Hmm. I couldn't say, offhand, what this material is. But comparing the shapes, I would suspect that my 'figure' may also be a key -- but for a different lock."

DonMiguel looks at the 'keyhole'. Has he ever seen a mechanism similar to this elsewhere?

[7thsea] GM asks, "How big a collector of Syrneth artifacts was your family?"

[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "I would estimate that they were a medium-sized collector of interesting items in general, and that Syrneth artifacts would have been maybe a quarter of that?"

[7thsea] GM says, "Seems reasonable."

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(They probably had lots of other mundane artifacts as well as art, etc. in the collection.)"

GM says (to Don), "You've seen a handful of other Syrneth artifacts, so you at least believe that they could indeed be the same era, but you've not seen a key mechanism like this before."

DonMiguel says, "I suppose some research may be in order after this."

GM says, "(The key wasn't recognized/listed as Syrneth in your collection, just as 'art', so it's not obvious unless in retrospect.)"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "My current thoughts are: A) talk to Floriana's family about getting permission to explore the caves and B) do some research on the Figure and on Syrneth artifacts."

[7thsea] DonMiguel asks (of Talbert), "What are your thoughts?"

[7thsea] GM asks, "Sounds good! Talbert, would you like a parallel mission, or would you prefer to tag along?"

[7thsea] Talbert exclaims, "I'll tag along!"

[7thsea] GM says, "OK! That certainly makes things a little easier on me ;-)"

DonMiguel says (to Floriana), "Let's go down and see how the rest of your family is doing."

Marie is washing off harnesses, soaking them in fresh water to get rid of the salt, and hanging them outside to dry when you come across her.

Marie says, "Here, make yourselves useful."

Marie hands you both a couple harnesses each.

Talbert is happy to be of service.

[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "It occurs to me that I didn't explicitly ask, but can I assume from how Floriana described the situation that the rest of her family knew about her and Felipe's ruse?"

Marie says, "Thanks again."

[7thsea] GM says, "Oh, I'm not sure I thought about that. Hmm."

DonMiguel says, "Sra. Brasa." He bows slightly. "I'd be happy to help."

[7thsea] GM says, "I think they suspected, but everyone's been in a sort of 'don't ask, don't tell' mode."

DonMiguel says (to Marie), "We've been talking with Floriana about the caves below where the lighthouse key was originally found."

Floriana seems happy to be outside in the sun again (it's one of those beautiful days that happen after raging storms, so everything is crisp and clean) and also rinses some harnesses.

DonMiguel, as he helps with the harnesses, explains his interest in visiting the caves himself, as he earlier described to Floriana.

Marie looks sharply at Floriana, who looks guilty. "I guess you have the right to know what's on your lands. But don't go spreading it around."

DonMiguel says, "Of course! I wouldn't dream of it. And please don't blame your daughter; I was the one who broached the subject, not she."

[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Would a Panache + Oratory roll be appropriate to try to convince her to let us go into the caves?"

Marie asks, "Look, those caves are nothing but trouble. She told you about the fire?"

DonMiguel asks, "Scant little -- do you know more about it?"

Marie looks at you in a judgy way.

[7thsea] Marie exclaims, "Panache/Oratory, TN 20!"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "I'm going to use a drama die."

[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 6k4: 7 4 3 5 7 3 | 23

[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims, "Woo!"

Marie says, "Floriana, these ones are dry; go put them back in the cellar."

Floriana nods, and collects them and trots off with them.

[Crows-Nest] DonMiguel says, "And this is where we discover Floriana's other secret: all this time she's also been a centaur."

[7thsea] GM says, "OK, I'm always terrible with these things, and I see that the timeline isn't quite what I wanted, so I'm saying that Floriana used 'grandfather' in a generic sense, and the guy that borded things up was actually a great- or great-great grandfather."

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "That's fair. 75 years ago did seem like a long time for her grandfather to be boarding things up."

Marie says, "The fire she referred to I'm sure you know about--it's the same one that turned the back acres of your estates from forest to the pasture it is today."

Marie asks, "Did you know that the families living in those woods, because the Aldana's allowed it, all died in that fire?"

[7thsea] GM says, "You can decide how much of the story you know--it was a long time ago, and made people sad, so they may not have shared the story."

DonMiguel says, "I did not know the scale of the tragedy. It is not something my family speaks much of."

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "I might as well err on the side that justifies getting more exposition :)"

[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "When she said 'because the Aldanas allowed it', was there an accusatory tone there?"

Marie says, "Everyone too poor to live in town lived out there. The hunting was reasonable, and the Aldanas found ways to keep everyone from starving. Hired a bunch of them when they could."

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(Ah, good, that answers that.)"

Marie looks at your with piercing eyes. "The fire was so hot and so piercing, and started so quickly, only a handful escaped. They all died." She takes a breath. "And we think it was my great-grandfather's son, corrupted by the whispers in those damned caves."

Talbert thinks of the whispers inside the Porte portal and shivers.

DonMiguel says, "Ah. I see."

Marie says, "The townsfolk suspected it was him, but they never found him. And my great-grandfather borded up the door that week, and never spoke of it again."

[7thsea] GM says, "Argh, I should give people names, hang on."

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "This is one of those moments of conflict where on the one hand, if this were *real*, it would obviously be a terrible idea to pursue any further. But on the other hand, as a *player in a game*, I am all the more interested in pulling this plot thread."

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "This plot rope, even. Because if I pull hard enough, there may be plenty of it there to hang myself."

[7thsea] GM says, "Let's say it was Conrado that was the father at the time, who borded up the door, and Pepito who was suspected and never seen again."

[7thsea] Talbert says, "I mean. You're Overconfident and I'm Reckless."

[7thsea] GM says, "Hee."

DonMiguel says (to Marie), "And your family has lived for all this time with this danger right beneath you? That must be a terrible burden. Such evil as that should not be allowed to abide."

Marie says, "So, no, I'm not letting you down there without a better reason than idle curiosity. There's nothing there but death and destruction. And our family's shame."

Marie asks, "Oh, what, you think you can just walk down there and hit a few things with your sword and everything stops?"

DonMiguel asks, "I do not know. Perhaps a priest may be the best choice, with our swords beside him to keep him safe?"

Marie says, "Right, because the inquisition has been so helpful recently."

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Y'know, in case anyone wanted to join the party during Taleslinger's absence..."

[7thsea] Marie says, "Heh ;-)"

DonMiguel frowns. "I do not consider those men to be agents of Theus."

[Crows-Nest] DonMiguel says, "Whatever happened to that fellow I once met. Called 'Cadiz', I believe."

Marie says, "Neither do I. And you know as well as I that Father Penlaver was seen with a number of Inquisition agents before the Montaignians rolled into town."

[7thsea] GM says, "(and kicked everyone else from the church out)"

DonMiguel says, "Well, then. I myself am not unacquainted with religious tomes and the methods of fighting the forces of Legion."

[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "We're Call of Cthulhu PCs now, I guess"

[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "At least Penelope and Johann will survive"

DonMiguel says, "Just a few hours ago, I put that to work as Talbert was seeking in the darkness."

DonMiguel asks (of Talbert), "Is that not so?"

Talbert says (to DonMiguel), "When I was on the other side of the Porte portal? Now I remember..."

Marie says, "Oh, sure, I'm going to risk the only person holding this town together in some cockamamie quest to maybe get rid of some nebulous, ancient, *contained* evil, so that he's gone when the *actual Montaignians who are running amock* oppress people even more than they already have."

[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "dammit she's 100% right"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says (to Marie), "Look, if you're going to make *logical* and *rational* arguments here, then I don't know what kind of chance I stand."

[7thsea] GM says, "Hee hee"

DonMiguel says, "I understand. And I would not go against your family's wishes."

DonMiguel says, "If perhaps circumstances change, then perhaps we may revisit this conversation. But until then, I will trust in your judgment on this matter."

Marie sighs. "Thank you." She takes the harnesses from you and hangs them on the side of the lighthouse. "You know about the caves. If anything goes wrong, I'll ask for your help. But if there's no immediate danger from them, I'm not loosing more pandemonium on this already-beleagured town."

Marie says, "And thank you again for your help on the rocks. You're a steady sort, and I'm glad you're still here with us, and didn't run off like the nobles in some other towns I could mention."

DonMiguel says, "You are very welcome. It is my duty to serve the people as I can."

Marie says, "You remember that. It's what our family forgot, long ago, and has been struggling to regain."

DonMiguel says, "For what your family does here, we all owe you a debt. Not just the sailors who are saved by your light, but everyone who is benefited by what they bring us."

[7thsea] DonMiguel asks (of Talbert), "Do you have anything you want to add before we leave?"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "I'm interested in doing some research on artifact-related stuff, but if you have anything that you'd like to do at this point, do please feel free to take the lead for a bit."

[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "I'm blanking a little, sorry"

[7thsea] GM says (to Talbert), "You're a bit worried about the Montaignian response to the events of that night. You know Arras made it out, and he might report something."

[7thsea] Talbert says, "Who's Arras again? I know he's not the leader (that was Forte who's dead now)"

[7thsea] Talbert says, "Johann yeeted him"

[7thsea] GM says, "He's the guy who you met in the caves, whose knife Floriana made hot when he was holding a hostage."

[7thsea] Talbert says, "Ah, that guy"

[7thsea] Talbert says, "Bad news indeed"

[7thsea] GM says, "(he was part of the center crew of Montaignians, but he didn't go north with the rest to fight the north crew."

[7thsea] GM says, ")"

[7thsea] GM says, "If you want to play some of that out, we can, or I can summarize later."

[7thsea] GM says, "But if you want to have some spotlight time in today's session, that's probably a reasonable thing to do."

[7thsea] GM says, "(I'm happy to run that in parallel with DonM's research, too, since there's just the two of you.)"

[7thsea] Talbert exclaims (at GM), "Sounds good!"

[7thsea] Talbert says, "Especially since there's always the possibility of a brutal duel to the death"

[7thsea] GM exclaims, "OK!"

[7thsea] GM asks (of DonM), "Do you want to do research in parallel, or play Tristand a bit?"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Parallel seems good. I'm not sure I'm up for playing Tristand."

[7thsea] GM says, "Got it."

[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "Tristand = Tryst + (one night) stand"

GM says, "So, after making sure everything is fine at the lighthouse, Talbert returns to the Montaignian outpost to see what's going on, and Don Miguel returns to his estate to do some research."

[7thsea] GM says, "Let's do Talbert here, and Don on #interludes."

GM says (to Talbert), "There's a lot more chaos around then there normally is, but you finally see Arras talking to one of the army secretaries."

Arras exclaims (at secretary), "I tell you, I need to see the Vicompte! I have actual information about the events of the storm!"

[interludes] DonMiguel says, "For my side, I'll initially be poring over the records of how we first got the Figure, where it originally came from, etc. (Which will probably take some time, so feel free to focus on Talbert for a bit while Miguel is busy with that.)"

[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "Les bons vicomtes font les bons amis"

secretary says, "The Vicompte is very busy today, but I have booked you an appointment for tomorrow."

[Crows-Nest] Roger says, "pssst he's asking for a bribe"

[interludes] GM exclaims, "Give me a Research/Wits, TN 15!"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Oh, ha, you're right ;-)"

[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 4k3: 4 1 6 3 | 13

[interludes] DonMiguel exclaims, "Drama die!"

[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 1k1: 8 | 8

[interludes] DonMiguel says, "(It's *dramatic* research.)"

Arras growls. "Oh, fine! Look, what if I..."

Arras <whisper whisper>

[interludes] GM says (to DonMiguel), "You page through the records book again and again, looking for the entry for the figure, and are very frustrated that you can find nothing. You set down the book and glare at it for a while. Then you get an idea, and open the book again. You find the part of the book that tracked aquisitions from 75 years ago. That part seems in order... but the next page skips a year. Looking very carefully at the bindings, you see that the next page was sliced out."

[7thsea] GM asks (of Talbert), "Do you want to try to intervene yet, or just follow?"

[interludes] DonMiguel exclaims, "This bears comparing with the family records for the date of that fire!"

[7thsea] Talbert says, "I feel like I should stage a distraction to disrupt Arras' bribe or blackmail attempt"

[7thsea] Talbert says, "since I want to have enough time to waylay him before he can speak to the Vicomte"

[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Go for it!"

[Crows-Nest] DonMiguel says, "And possibly I should also check for any nearby deep dark crevices that it the lost page might have been dropped down."

[interludes] GM says, "The family records of the fire are pretty much as relayed by Marie. It was a tragedy; the Aldanas took what care they could of the survivors; they forbid people to live on their lands going forward so that it wouldn't happen again; they suspected Pepito, but he was never seen again."

[7thsea] Talbert says, "Simplest approach: bumping 'accidentally' or tripping into Arras. More sophisticated: let spill some gunpowder behind me and let a spark land on it."

[interludes] DonMiguel asks, "And how do the dates of those events compare with the dates that are missing from the acquisitions ledger?"

[interludes] GM says, "The missing dates are for the subsequent year."

[interludes] DonMiguel asks, "So there's no reason to suspect that the Figure was acquired during the tragedy?"

[7thsea] GM says, "Sure, which do you want? TN for the first would be 15 and he'd know it was you; TN for the second is 20 and he wouldn't."

[7thsea] Talbert asks, "I'll go for the latter. What's that, Finesse and stealth?"

[7thsea] GM says, "Sure."

[7thsea] Talbert rolls 5k4: 3 2 5 1 6 | 16

[7thsea] Talbert says, "I'll spend a drama die"

[7thsea] Talbert rolls 1k1: 5 | 5

[7thsea] Talbert says, "yay"

[7thsea] Talbert asks, "Shall I narrate?"

[interludes] GM says (to DonMiguel), "The missing page might possibly be in the vault, but you've not opened it since the Montaignians have occupied your estate, to make sure they don't know where it is (or that it exists)."

[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Sure!"

Talbert walks down the hallway in which Arras and the secretary are talking, pretending to be on some other errand. As he passes them, with one hand he deftly tilts the gunpowder pouch in his belt, letting some trickle down, and with the other arm (which has been swinging to and forth as one does when walking briskly) he sneakily strikes a flint behind him, igniting the little bit of gunpowder behind him next to Arras' boots.

[7thsea] Talbert says, "Covert ops"

[interludes] DonMiguel asks, "Is that the one that's under the trap door in the basement below the old silo, where they keep all the old rusted farming equipment that no one has bothered to throw out?"

[interludes] GM says, "The very same! ;-)"

Arras yelps and stumbles into the table.

secretary says, "Sir, we are busy, and I have no time for this nonsense."

secretary gathers her things, looks at Arras with disdain, and strides out.

[7thsea] Talbert says, "First stage of plan: successful"

Arras puts out the fire on his boots and grumbles.

[7thsea] Talbert says, "Next stage: waylaying Arras in a way suited for assassination"

[7thsea] Talbert says, "I've got until tomorrow"

[7thsea] Talbert says, "so probably tonight will be the right time to strike"

Arras checks the time and walks off with purpose.

[Crows-Nest] Talbert says (to DonMiguel), "See, that's the difference between us, despite our equal skill at fencing: I'm a Dirty Fighter"

GM says (to Talbert), "Give me a Wits check, TN 10."

[interludes] DonMiguel says, "Then I should probably endeavor not to be noticed as I make my way out to said silo! It might seem odd (or even suspicious) for the Don of the estate to be walking across the muddy fields, but it would be completely unremarkable for a random farmhand to be doing so."

[7thsea] Talbert rolls 2k2: 4 6 | 10

[Crows-Nest] Talbert exclaims, "Just barely!"

GM says (to Talbert), "At this time of day, the Vicompte is supposed to be meeting with his lieutenants in his office, and that's the diretion Arras was going."

[interludes] GM asks, "Sounds good! Is Floriana helping with the disguise?"

[interludes] DonMiguel says, "Sure, good idea! My Disguise knack is 2."

Talbert asks (of GM), "Then I should waylay him now with some emergency?"

GM exclaims, "Perhaps!"

GM says, "(Tristand is also around if you want to add his assistance.)"

[Crows-Nest] (from DonMiguel) Talbert says, "Sir, stop! I fear there's a dreadful emergency! Somebody is planning to *kill* you!" *stab*

[interludes] GM says, "Let's give that a basic TN of 15, and a raise would make it even less suspicious. Floriana's assistance gives you a +5."

[interludes] DonMiguel asks, "Panache?"

[interludes] GM says, "Sure."

[interludes] DonMiguel exclaims, "Taking the raise!"

[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 5k3: 1 8 4 6 3 | 18

[interludes] DonMiguel says, "With Floriana's help, I think that's a success."

[interludes] GM exclaims, "Success! Narrate at will!"

Arras heads down a hallway, and you see him arguing (unsuccessfully) with the guards by the door.

[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "Phew"

Arras gives up and mutters something as he leaves.

[interludes] GM says, "Stealth/Finesse to overhear what he's muttering, TN 15."

[interludes] GM says, "ilac."

[7thsea] GM says, "Stealth/Finesse to overhear what he's muttering, TN 15."

[interludes] DonMiguel borrows some old trousers and a shirt from the charity box near the back entrance, along with a a floppy hat for keeping the sun out of one's eyes. That, plus a bit of mud to the face and a purposeful but bored lope seems like it should be enough to conceal his identity.

[7thsea] Talbert rolls 5k4: 8 6 7 4 3 | 25

[Crows-Nest] Talbert asks, "Is that a raise?"

Arras says (to himself), "...n't have guards by his *window*, I'll just tell him through that. once he hears he's bound to give me a ..."

[Crows-Nest] Talbert exclaims, "Oh. Oh!"

[interludes] GM says, "A couple wandering barracked soldiers walk by you on your way out the door, and one of them says, "Nice *hat* [Castillian slur]!" and pulls it down over your eyes. Laughing, they wander off."

[7thsea] Talbert says (to GM), "I wish I had better oratorial skill, because otherwise I could tell the guards that there's been a traitor spying on meetings via windows :D"

[7thsea] Talbert says, "and then Arras would be in trouble"

[7thsea] GM says, "You could try anyway! Panache, and a +5 from Tristand, TN 20."

[7thsea] Talbert says, "Tristand has been here the whole time? Hahah"

[7thsea] GM says, "He's back at the barracks with you, yeah."

[7thsea] Talbert says, "My Panache is good, I'll try it"

[7thsea] Talbert rolls 3k3: 7 9 7 | 23

[7thsea] GM exclaims, "woo!"

[7thsea] Talbert says, "I didn't even need the +5 but that's a free raise"

[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Success! Narrate!"

[interludes] GM says, "(Assuming you shrug off the insult, you can make your way to the vault unaccosted from there.)"

[interludes] DonMiguel meekly doesn't object to their treatment and just continues on with his 'duties'.

[interludes] GM says, "Go ahead and narrate getting into the vault if you like, then some sort of search/wits, TN 10."

[interludes] GM says, "History would be apropos, if you have that."

[interludes] DonMiguel, onces he's in the silo, can drop the pretense. He takes the stairs down to the basement, closing and locking the door behind him. It takes a bit of effort to move the old plow and tiller off of the the trapdoor -- where did Johann get to, anyway? -- but then he's through the wood-and-steel trapdoor and down the ladder into the vault!

[interludes] DonMiguel says, "Hmm. I'm guessing that Research and Examiner don't apply here..."

[interludes] GM asks, "What's Examiner?"

[interludes] DonMiguel says, "(Examiner being the Doctor knack that I think is CSI sorts of things.)"

[interludes] GM says, "Oh, right. Yeah, neither quite apply."

[interludes] DonMiguel says, "Straight Wits, then."

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

Talbert, along with Tristand, approaches the guards. 'We dare not presume to interrupt the Vicomte when he is busy, but we've been thinking about the way things have been going wrong lately, and have figured out the cause. Namely, some foul agent or traitor must be listening in on meetings by standing under windows! Tell the Vicomte to look, just to be safe, before the meeting progresses any further. Might be a false guess, but the risk is not worth taking, in my humble opinion.' He speaks with intense fervor that is indistinguishable from patriotism, and Tristand backs him up. 'If there is even the slightest chance --'

[interludes] DonMiguel says, "(AFK a moment.)"

[interludes] GM says, "You make your way straight to the bundle of papers you remember seeing here years ago, and undo the string."

secretary says (to Talbert), "I mean, I guess? I'll go check."

secretary goes to talk to the guards, who shrug, and one goes inside.

[7thsea] Talbert says, "I'm having so much fun messing with Arras. It's almost a shame I can't keep messing with him after he's dead"

GM exclaims, "A bit of time passes, and then you hear voices from inside and a shout! The guard bursts back out of the room!"

GM asks (of Talbert), "Do you follow, or let things play out on their own?"

Talbert follows, but will just witness the events unfolding unless something goes wrong.

Talbert is hanging back a little

[7thsea] Talbert says, "Don't want to make myself the focus, you know"

[7thsea] Talbert says, "might even use Tristand for cover"

[7thsea] Talbert says, "(I imagine him taller than me)"

GM says, "The guard runs out of the building and heads around the side. You casually follow, and see the guard dart around the back corner, where you spent some time doing some breaking and entering several days ago yourself ;-)"

GM says, "Stealth/Finesse, TN 15 to get close enough to hear what's going on."

[7thsea] Talbert rolls 5k4: 5 5 5 7 8 | 25

GM says, "(without being seen)"

[7thsea] Talbert says, "I keep rolling the same number"

[interludes] DonMiguel sets his lamp down on a nearby chest and leafs through the pages,

[interludes] GM says, "OK, back to you in a sec..."

Vicomte says, "It was Arras! Go after him, you fool! He ran off into the woods!""

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "It's a pretty good number."

Guard asks, "OK! Uh, which way?"

Vicomte shrieks "*That* way!"

Guard <running sounds>

[Crows-Nest] Roger says, "I can't see any woods! All these trees are in the way"

[Crows-Nest] DonMiguel says, "The woods have all taken a holiday to Dunsinane."

[interludes] GM says, "You find a note wrapped around the missing page! The outer note is a letter that reads, "After some consideration, I have decided to remove the entry from the log book, but have kept it here in case it is needed at some later date. The artifact itself is best 'hidden in plain sight', I think.""

[7thsea] GM asks (of Talbert), "Anything else?"

[interludes] DonMiguel. o O ( Uh oh. )

[interludes] DonMiguel reads on.

[7thsea] Talbert asks, "Hmm, I guess I'll let Arras be arrested and then figure out what to do once he's confined in a location I'm aware of? IS that sensible?"

[7thsea] Talbert says, "I really don't want to blow my cover"

[interludes] GM exclaims, "The log page itself reads, "Figure with hands over face" and then, crossed out, "possibly Syrneth in origin". Then not-crossed-out again: "Donated by Conrado Brasa, in memory of his son Pepita." After that there's more that's crossed out, and harder to read. Something something Wits, TN 15 to make it out!"

[7thsea] Talbert says, "The spy thing to do is to fake a suicide (yes, I've watched the Americans)"

[7thsea] GM says, "Heh."

GM says, "There's some hubub in the barracks, which calms down after a bit. You see the guard return at some point, and talk to some people. After a bit, everyone is called in to hear an announcement."

[interludes] DonMiguel says, "Assuming no Scholarly knacks (History, Math, Philosophy, etc.) are likely to help with the subject matter of the text, that'll be straight Wits."

[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 3k3: 7 2 1 | 10

[interludes] DonMiguel says, "I was afraid of that. And I'm out of drama dice."

[interludes] GM says, "Talbert has one to share ;-)"

[7thsea] Roger says, "Good news: suicide looks extremely realistic. Bad news..."

[interludes] Talbert exclaims, "Have it!"

[interludes] DonMiguel exclaims, "Thanks!"

[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 1k1: 4 | 4

[interludes] DonMiguel exclaims, "Oh no!"

[interludes] DonMiguel says, "*But*, perhaps someone else might be able to read it."

[interludes] GM says, "Well, two options: one, you can stay here and try to decipher it but it'll be noticed that you're gone. Two, you could take it back to get floriana's help, but then she'd know."

[interludes] DonMiguel says, "Yeah, the latter is what I was thinking about."

[interludes] GM exclaims, "Sold!"

[interludes] GM says, "OK, let me write up some stuff, and we'll end here for both threads."

[interludes] DonMiguel carefully conceals the page under his disguise, puts everything else back the way he found it, and then returns to the house to show Floriana what he's found. She certainly has a right to know, and if anyone could help decipher the rest of the text, it's her.

Floriana says, "Oh! Let me see..."

Floriana says, "Conrado asked me to keep it for two weeks before adding it to the collection, and stressed to me that if I were to have any dreams about it during that time, I was to tell him. "I'll take the whispers myself again if I have to; no good just passing it off to someone else." Having no dreams of note during that period, I now add it to the collection. I worry about Conrado, though. He seemed haggard and weary, even moreso than I would suspect from losing one's son. Perhaps the recent tragedy weighs on him more than I thought.""

DonMiguel says, "I fear that my quest to retrieve this item from the wrong hands it's already fallen into may be more serious than I had originally presumed."

Vicompte exclaims, "OK! I know some of you have been asking about what happened during the night of the storm, and the truth is, you don't need to know. Everything's fine, and we're finding those responsible. One of them was Arras, who ran away like the coward he is this afternoon. If any of you find him, bring him in; he needs to face justice. The other one was Adrien, who gave someone else's orders to our squad on the beach that night. He won't tell us who he worked with, so he's being executed tomorrow. You're all invited. Everyone is dismissed!"

[7thsea] GM exclaims, "And that's a wrap!"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Aw, poor Adrien."

[7thsea] DonMiguel asks (of Talbert), "Are we going to rescue him next session?"

[7thsea] Talbert asks, "Who's Adrien?"

[7thsea] Talbert D

[7thsea] GM says, "Adrien is the errand boy who you dressed up as."

[7thsea] Talbert exclaims, "oh!"

[7thsea] Talbert says, "oh no"

[7thsea] Talbert says, "on the bright side, I can hunt down Arras with impunity"

[7thsea] Talbert says, "but yeah, I don't think I'll be rescuing Adrien by myself"

[7thsea] (from DonMiguel) Talbert says, "Impunity being the name of my sword."

[7thsea] Talbert says, "hehe"

[7thsea] GM says, "Hah."

[7thsea] Talbert exclaims, "but yeah, that was great!"

[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims, "It was!"

[7thsea] Talbert says, "The spy stuff is coming more naturally to me now"

[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Oh, good!"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "I am enjoying the thickening of the plot of the keys and whispers."

[7thsea] Talbert says, "So yeah, next session we carry out a classic Zorro plot, hunt a runaway Montaignian, and unravel dark secrets of eldritch horror"

[7thsea] GM says, "Good! This was an exposition-heavy session; I tried to keep it as natural as I could."

[7thsea] Talbert says (to GM), "I barely noticed that it was exposition, so you succeeded"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Yeah, the exposition felt pretty natural from my side."

[7thsea] GM says, "w00t ;-)"

[7thsea] GM says, "I felt a little bad that Marie wouldn't let you into the caves, but it really seemed like she'd be against the idea ;-)"

[7thsea] Talbert says, "I liked it, it made her more interesting than a simple questgiver"

[7thsea] GM says, "At any rate, goodnight, everyone! And we have the wiki back, so sign up for when you're free."

[7thsea] Talbert says, "Woooo"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Yeah, that's fair. And I'm sure that things will continue to go wrong until she eventually agrees that it's the only option."

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Uh, I mean, I'm sure that things will be fine and the evil will stay neatly locked up forever."

[7thsea] Talbert says, "snrk"

npc1 goes home.

npc1 has disconnected.

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

npc2 goes home.

npc2 has disconnected.