[7thsea] Bert says, "Log on."
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Greetings!"
[7thsea] Penelope waves
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Ahoy."
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "So, when we last left our intrepid adventurers!"
GM says, "Don Miguel asked followup questions about the key and about why Floriana has fire magic. The key which turned out to be very similar in design/age to the key used to unlock the lighthouse mechanism. Getting the backstory, it turns out that the Brasa family were originally a family of nobles that escaped back in the day when the nobles were overthrown a few hundred (I think) years ago, settled down at the lighthouse, adopted it as their own and took the new last name 'Brasa' (coal)."
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Talbert?"
GM says, "Underneath the lighthouse in the caves, accessible through the door in the cellar, were more mechanisms and rooms left behind by the Syrneth. Some of the Brasas seem to have heard whispering in their dreams, which seems to have culminated a few generations ago in a tragedy: a fire broke out in the forest behind the Aldana estate, and the forest and the poor that lived there were destroyed. The son was thought to have been behind it, but was never found again, and the father blocked off the door to the cellar, and took the key (Don Miguel eventually found out) to Don Miguel's grandfather for safekeeping, though was vague about why; he just wanted to make sure the Don didn't start dreaming as well."
GM exclaims, "In the meantime, Talbert returned to the garrison, where he saw Arras (the soldier who survived from the central beach group and threatened the townspeople in the caves) trying to get an appointment to talk to the Vicompte. Through shenanigans, and with Tristand's help, he managed to throw suspicion *on* Arras, who was chased away by the guards, but managed to escape into the Aldana forest. Talbert then learned that Adrien, the boy who you dressed up as to misdeliver messages on the beach, had been arrested and was being executed the next day. Oh no!"
GM says, "So, you now have a plan to rescue Adrien from prison tonight, which is where our scene opens."
[7thsea] GM says, "And meta-game wise, it was discussed on-Discord that it might be fun to have the jailbreak fail, necessitating a different rescue plan the next day during the execution itself. So that's what I'm generally aiming for, through the introduction of new unknown variables, though it's certainly possible that you'll succeed anyway, which would also be fine."
Talbert arrives, looking for booty.
[7thsea] GM says, "(recap #theah #7th for the recap)"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "thanks"
[7thsea] GM says, "Also, you all (even Penelope) have 3 xp from last session, since the Aldana Artifact featured heavily again."
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Woo"
[7thsea] GM says, "Any other questions? Drama dice refreshed, (each person gets their min trait, plus one to give away, plus a Plan Die)."
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Do we know where the prison cell is relative to the rest of the military base?"
[7thsea] GM says, "Yes! I'll describe."
Roger arrives, looking for booty.
GM says, "As you know, when the Montaignians moved in, they took over this complex of buildings as their base, which had most recently been used as an inn, but had various uses before that. Most of your interactions have been at the main building, where the Vicompte's office is, and various other things. The outbuilding to its east used to be a stables, and some of it still has horses in it, but half was cleared out, and what was once a cellar of sorts underneath the north half is now being used as the military prison. Some construction has been done down there, but none of you have actually been in there before, so you don't know how it's been changed since it was a cellar."
DonMiguel says, "Our best chance will be to try to sneak in during the night, under cover of darkness."
DonMiguel says, "I don't know of any underground tunnels that run past that basement, and it's too late to start digging one now."
DonMiguel asks, "So we'll probably have to go in through the old stables. Talbert, do you know what kind of guards they'll have stationed there?"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Alas, the divide between player and character knowledge is a gulf we can barely comprehend"
[7thsea] GM says, "(He does. There's usually two guards stationed upstairs, and another couple downstairs.)"
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims, "Fortunately, we have the GM here to bridge that gulf!"
[7thsea] GM says, "Hee."
[7thsea] GM says, "Also, just describe where you are at the beginning of the breakout! We can fill in the details as we go; you have a great plan that is guaranteed to succeed (ahem)."
DonMiguel says, "We want to do this quietly, so they don't sound an alarm. So we probably don't want to start a melee, at least while we're above ground."
DonMiguel asks, "But I might be able to craft some sort of sleeping draft -- maybe something we can put in their food or drink?"
[7thsea] GM says, "Don't say you're going to; say you've done it ;-)"
DonMiguel says, "Or, alternately, something we could apply to a dart? Or maybe something gaseous that could be incorporated into a smoke bomb."
[7thsea] Talbert exclaims, "Drafts usually impede sleep!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims, "I'm trying to decide which of these things we're going to have done!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(Since I figure the whole party should have input into what tactic we're taking.)"
[7thsea] GM says, "No! No actual planning! Just implied planning ;-)"
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims, "Hee. OK!"
[7thsea] GM says, "So, you've started off with some sort of Natural Philosophy thing, TBD."
DonMiguel ripples and fades away as the flashback ends and we return to the present, where the team is sneaking into the base in dark clothes and masks.
[7thsea] GM asks, "Talbert, what's your role? And Penelope?"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Hm..."
[Crows-Nest] Penelope says, "I seduce the darkness."
[Crows-Nest] DonMiguel says, "Yay."
[7thsea] GM says (to DonM), "Give me a Natural Philosophy/Wits roll, TN 15 (or higher if you want a raise, ofc.)"
[Crows-Nest] GM exclaims, "Hee!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 4k3: 5 3 3 9 | 17
[Crows-Nest] GM exclaims, "Your thing is ready!"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "er."
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Your thing is ready!"
[7thsea] Talbert asks, "My role?"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Hm"
[7thsea] Talbert asks, "I spy? To be able to warn the others if needed?"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "wait"
[7thsea] GM says, "No waiting! Just doing! ;-)"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "this plan is so good that not even Talbert himself could foil it if he turned"
[7thsea] GM says, "(by which I actually mean that if you want to change your mind that's fine, but improv thrives on committing to the first thing that pops into your head.)"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "I feel like a member of VFD :D"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "...what's the VFD? And if you tell me it's a speakeasy from the 20's..."
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says (to GM), "Nah, I read all of A Series of Unfortunate Event a few weeks back"
[7thsea] GM says, ".."
[7thsea] GM says, "er"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "I'm blanking on ideas. Ugh."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Same"
[7thsea] Penelope asks, "Which of those things did we prep in advance?"
[7thsea] Talbert asks, "Ricco can pick locks?"
[7thsea] GM says (to Talbert), "If you're spying, give me some sort of spy/wits roll to find a good spot."
[7thsea] Talbert says (to GM), "alright oh"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "+y"
[7thsea] GM says (to Penelope), "If you want to seduce/distract a guard, that seems on brand."
[7thsea] GM asks, "Or take Don's tampered food to a guard?"
[7thsea] Talbert rolls 3k2: 8 6 4 | 14
[7thsea] GM says, "Whcops, didn't tell you your TN, but it was 15."
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Yeah, that's what I was thinking, but hence the question about what we actually decided we were doing in terms of drugging/etc."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Yeah, I probably need someone to help me get the sleeping poison to them."
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Since I saw a bunch of ideas floated"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "But yes. I can do that :)"
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims (at Penelope), "I think that it is something you can decide right now!"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Right!"
[7thsea] GM says, "You can be in disguise, too."
[7thsea] Talbert asks (of GM), "Should I embrace failure?"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Sure!"
[7thsea] Penelope asks, "I guess I can disguise myself to be slightly less memorable, but still smoking hot, and pretend to be whoever would normally be bringing food to the guards?"
[7thsea] GM says, "That sounds perfect."
[7thsea] GM asks, "So, our opening scene is that Talbert scouted out a spot to watch from, Penelope's entering to give the food, and Don is...with Talbert? Somewhere else?"
[Crows-Nest] Roger says, ""Can you describe her?" "Can I! Yes!!" "I mean, her *face*." "Oh. ...No.""
[Crows-Nest] Penelope says, "haha"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Ha ha"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "With Talbert seems reasonable."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "This heatwave is making me feel like a chewing gum on tarmac"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Heh."
[7thsea] GM says, "Heh."
[7thsea] GM says, "(bah, never remember to switch channels back)"
[Crows-Nest] DonMiguel says, "Today is the first nice cool day we've had here in the last week or two. It's nice having the windows open instead of the air conditioner running."
[Crows-Nest] Penelope says, "We were supposed to take the kiddo to the beach this morning, but it was too chilly. Which I'm happy about ;) (love this weather and also hate the beach.)"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says (to Don&Pen), "Please email me some of that weather if you can :D"
GM says, "So! Talbert thinks the best place to watch from is behind a small building that itself is entirely in the shadow of a larger building, on this otherwise moonlit night. Don Miguel is in front, watching around the corner, and Talbert is right behind him. Don watches as Penelope sashays up to the building (eliciting a 'hunh!' from a passing Montaignian on an errand somewhere), pushes it open with her hips, and goes inside."
GM says, "Penelope, give me a Perception (keen senses/wits) roll, TN 15."
[7thsea] Penelope rolls 4k3: 6 10+2 10+3 4 | 31
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "woo!"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert exclaims, "fireworks!"
GM says (to Penelope), "Something's wrong. One lantern hangs on a wall, lighting the room, but a second is fallen over, snuffed, on a desk. And you smell blood."
GM says (to Talbert), "And in the meantime, a hand clamps over your mouth, and a dagger is pressed to your throat."
GM exclaims (at DonMiguel), "Everything seems to be going great!"
DonMiguel . o O ( Phew. )
Penelope wrinkles her super cute nose at the scent of blood.
GM says (to Penelope), "There's a fair amound of Stuff in the room--a few desks, other furniture. With only one lantern, the room is very shadowy."
Penelope looks around, mainly checking to see if anyone is here... alive or otherwise.
[7thsea] Penelope asks, "Does it look like a struggle happened in this room?"
GM says (to Penelope), "Behind a desk you see the corner of a Montaignain uniform next to a spreading pool of blood, and a fallen sword, also with blood on it."
Penelope says, "Welp."
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "It does!"
GM says, "The uniform stirs a bit."
GM says, "And outside:"
[Crows-Nest] DonMiguel exclaims, "Success! Adrien has rescued himself!"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "Or the Montaignians feel so terrible that they fell on their own swords in repentance"
FigureInBlack hisses (to Talbert) "Back away with me, away from your friend. Or you die."
[7thsea] Talbert asks, "Hm. Eye gouge him with my thumb? Or comply?"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Nah, bad idea"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Hmmm"
[7thsea] GM says, "Both are bad ideas? ;-)"
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Which option seems more Reckless?"
[7thsea] GM asks, "Ha, sure: drama die for Reckless, making whichever option you choose the wrong one?"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Yeah"
[7thsea] GM asks, "Great! Which are you going with?"
[7thsea] Talbert exclaims, "Eye gouge!"
GM tosses Talbert a drama die.
[7thsea] GM says, "OK! Roll an attack, TN 15, and you also take a dramatic wound from the dagger at your throat! TN 20 to be quiet about it."
[7thsea] Talbert asks, "We got one from planning already in addition to the usual 'lowest stat' number?"
[7thsea] GM says, "Correct."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "nice"
GM asks (of Penelope), "Do you look at the body more closely?"
Penelope does!
[7thsea] Talbert rolls 5k4: 4 5 8 9 5 | 27
[7thsea] Talbert says, "I'm quiet about it, wow"
Tristand says (to Penelope), "Get... help..."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "maybe because I DIED FROM A SLIT -- nah"
Tristand clutches Penelope's arm weakly.
[7thsea] Talbert says, "I have the Resolve needed to not scream despite the cut"
[7thsea] GM asks, "Bah, I always forget how this works. Roll for damage, I think?"
[Setting the zoned flag.]
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Yup."
[7thsea] Talbert asks, "Which is what?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Which is based on the weapon (and usually unkept Brawn)."
[7thsea] Talbert asks, "So it's (weapon + Brawn) keep (Brawn)?"
Penelope's eyes go wide. She strokes Tristand's head, smiles weakly with a nod, and turns to leave the room/building. (I meant for her to put down whatever she was carrying food-wise before looking around too much.)
[7thsea] GM says, "Argh, I searched all the PDFs and couldn't find what eye gouge weapon damage is."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Looks like a handheld-sized improvised weapon is either 0k1 or 0k2, depending on whether it's blunt or sharp."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "And so you'd add your Brawn to the 0 part."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(I'm not finding Unarmed Strike.)"
[7thsea] Talbert asks, "Let's say BrawnK1 to be safe?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Yeah, unless the DM decides that a thumb to the eye counts as being sharp."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "thumbs are theoretically blunt (mine IRL are not but I'm weird)"
[7thsea] GM says, "Yeah, I'm going to say it's 0k2."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "oh, generous"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(This is pages 188-189.)"
[7thsea] Talbert rolls 2k2: 8 6 | 14
[7thsea] Talbert says, "14 points of damaaaaaage"
[7thsea] FigureInBlack rolls 2k2: 1 5 | 6
FigureInBlack takes a dramatic wound, stumbling back and slicing your throat on the way!
GM says (to DonMiguel), "In the meantime, Penelope exits the building, sans food. Everyting is going great."
Penelope looks rather panicked and is hurrying a little too much.
GM asks (of Penelope), "Where are you headed?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Does she know where we're hiding?"
GM says, "There are various Montaignians around in the area, and you know where Don and Talbert are supposed to be."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Timing."
[7thsea] Penelope asks, "A couple of questions first :P Is Tristand there just as his regular duty?"
[7thsea] GM says (to Penelope), "That's certainly possible; you hadn't discussed his duty roster but it seems within the scope of the sort of thing he's been assigned to."
[7thsea] GM asks (of Talbert), "What's your next move? Attack, retreat, talk, something else?"
Penelope heads towards a cluster of Montaignian, since she knows her crew won't be useful and doesn't want to out them, looking clearly distressed, but also beautiful. A damsel in distress, if you will. "Help! Please help! Someone's been hurt."
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Maybe something to prevent him from yelling for backup?"
Montaignian asks (of Penelope), "What? Where?"
Penelope says, "Inside! I came to deliver the food. Oh, please help. He's bleeding out."
DonMiguel . o O ( What's Penelope doing? )
GM exclaims (at Don), "You turn to ask Talbert that very question, and he's fighting someone!"
DonMiguel will join the fight!
[7thsea] Talbert asks, "initiative?"
[7thsea] GM says, "Hmm, that tends to slow things down a bit; let's just take turns for now? But let me know if you want to switch to initiative if that feels better."
Montaignian exclaims, "Right. Captain! The prison!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Whose turn is it now?"
Montaignian takes your arm and says, "Snow me
[7thsea] Montaignian says, "er."
Penelope practically drags him back inside and to where Tristand is.
Montaignian takes your arm and says, "Show me."
[7thsea] GM says, "Outside, it's Talbert's turn, then Don's."
FigureInBlack hisses at the commotion.
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Throat strike! A neck for a neck"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "TN 15 again!"
[7thsea] Talbert asks, "Isn't it at a penalty but automatic dramatic wound?"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Oh, it may be!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Is this a Swordsman School thing?"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Add 15 to TN, get automatic dramatic wound"
[7thsea] GM says, "Aha, yes: TN increased by 15, but auto crit."
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "So, TN 30, or 35 to be quiet!"
[7thsea] Talbert asks, "Can I use drama die before rolling or is it not worth it?"
[7thsea] GM says, "You can! It's worth it if you're rolling mkn where m>n."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "If you're keeping fewer dice than you're rolling, it can be worth it."
[7thsea] GM says, "Or what Don said in non-math speak."
Talbert That's make my 5k4 a 6k5. Going to go for the TN 35 with drama die!
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(Example: if you roll 3k1 and get 8 7 2, then add a DD that rolls a 3, then your total is 11 (8 from the first roll, plus 3). But if you'd just rolled 4k2 from the start, getting 8 7 2 3, then you'd have 15 total.)"
[7thsea] Talbert rolls 6k5: 7 1 7 7 6 8 | 35
[7thsea] Talbert says, "wow"
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims, "Perfect!"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Woo!"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "that was a good decision"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Nice! rp taking them out!"
Talbert holds one hand to his neck, staunching the blood. With the other, he goes straight for the Adam's apple! His is not a school of honorable duels.
[7thsea] GM says, "Then Don, tell me what you're doing, then I'll say what's going on inside, and then maybe initiative."
FigureInBlack exclaims a quiet, "Urk!" and falls over backwards.
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Did you say he was taken out? So there's no one else around who appears to be hostile towards us at the moment?"
[7thsea] GM says, "I did! There's increasing activity in the yard, and Penelope's inside again."
DonMiguel's contribution to the fight is to bind and gag the unconscious assailant so he can't cause us more trouble when he wakes up.
GM says (to DonMiguel), "As you bind up the figure in black, you discover your assumptions were incorrect--it's a woman."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(I probably *should* be bandaging Talbert's neck, but I'm not sure if Miguel would have even noticed that yet.)"
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Do I recognize her?"
Montaignian immediately drops to Tristand's side and applies pressure to the wound. The other guard who was with him draws his sword warily.
GM says, "This turns out to be a good idea, as the back door suddenly flies open to reveal four armed ruffians and a fifth person you recognize:"
[7thsea] GM | Penelope will, when/if prompted, give a detailed description of a particularly terrible client who made things difficult for the girls.
[7thsea] GM says, "It's that guy, Fulgencio de la Mora. And ugly man in several senses of the word."
Penelope quietly eeps.
OtherMontaignian takes a defensive position in front of the three of you, sword arm slightly trembling.
[7thsea] GM says, "(s/And/An)"
[7thsea] GM asks, "So! Do we want initiative here, or let things naturally play out a bit more?"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "I'm okay with either"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Likewise."
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Do I recognize the woman I just tied up?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Or anything about her? (Distinctive jewelry, scars, etc.)"
[7thsea] GM asks, "Let's not do it quite yet, then. Don/Talbert, you keep watch. Penelope, do you want to let this play out on its own inside, or take a more active roll? And if the latter, what do you want to accomplish?"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "I think let it play out, though I'm not going to let Tristand die under any circumstances."
GM asks (of DonM), "The woman is wearing a mask, not unlike the masks you use when you're not taking the El Vago role; a general Man-in-Black sort of thing. Do you take it off?"
Montaignian exclaims (at Penelope), "Press and hold here!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(Perhaps it would be safer if the 'defenseless' woman and the injured man were taken someplace more secure. Say, the cellar...)"
Penelope does so!
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims (at GM), "I feel I must!"
Montaignian leaps up to deal with the new intruders and a battle ensues, which you mostly ignore as you try to keep Tristand alive.
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(You had better not be 'Felipe'...)"
OtherMontaignian turns out to be Ercilia Falla, a woman you know only vaguely, but whose husband was killed when the Montaignains took over the town.
FigureInBlack turns out to be Ercilia Falla, a woman you know only vaguely, but whose husband was killed when the Montaignains took over the town.
[7thsea] FigureInBlack says, "(too many characters ;-)"
GM exclaims (at Don/Talbert), "About this time, the prison door flies open and several men emerge, three with swords and one without. The chaos in the yard increases by an order of magnitude!"
DonMiguel whispers (to Talbert), "We have to decide: either we take advantage of the chaos and make our move *now*, or this operation is over, and we retreat."
DonMiguel asks, "I vote for the former. Do you agree?"
Ruffian bellows "E! Get out of here!"
Talbert says (to DonMiguel), "My resolve is yours"
DonMiguel runs for the stable building!
Talbert follows!
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Ideally, I'd like to blend in with the rest of the ruffians who are brawling."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "But while actually making my way into the cellar."
[7thsea] GM asks, "Give me a sprinting/Finesse, TN 15, both of you! Also, what do you do with Ercilia?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "I was thinking of dealing with her on our way back out."
[7thsea] Talbert rolls 5k4: 9 2 8 7 7 | 31
[7thsea] GM asks, "So, tucked into the shadows for now?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Yeah."
[7thsea] GM says, "Got it."
[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 5k4: 1 1 1 7 6 | 15
[Crows-Nest] DonMiguel says, "I wonder if there are two different rescue attempts for Adrien going on simultaneously and conflicting with each other."
GM says, "You both make it inside before any of the other Montaignians particularly notice. Inside is chaos and bad lighting, but you see Penelope on the floor by Tristand, red hands stopping his bleeding. Nobody's there to staunch the bleeding of a few other figures, and one injured Montaignian, on one knee, coughs and says, "Back so soon? Didn't get enough of my blade the first time?" He weakly but determindely raises his sword, and coughs again."
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Where's the cellar entrance? Is he blocking our way to it?"
[Crows-Nest] GM says (to DonMiguel), "Adrien is Montaignain; you doubt whether Ercilia would care about him."
[Crows-Nest] DonMiguel says, "IC, sure."
GM says, "The door to the cellar is open, and the guy is next to it."
[Crows-Nest] DonMiguel asks, "But who knows what secrets the GM is hiding?"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Muha muha"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "(However, you would have seen Adrien if he had left with the group.)"
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "If he's this weak, he's probably not a major threat. Is he wearing some kind of floppy Montaigne hat?"
[7thsea] GM says, "Of course! It's standard uniform regulation."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "I'd like to pull it down over his eyes and run past him."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "yay"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Something/Finesse, TN 15 to do so while avoiding being slashed!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "This feels like one of the few places where Dancing might actually apply in a combat-y situation."
[7thsea] GM asks (of Penelope), "In the meantime, how about a medicine/Wits roll, to try to stabilize Tristand?"
[7thsea] GM says, "Ha! Sure."
[7thsea] Penelope asks, "Sure. What's the TN?"
[7thsea] GM says, "Let's say 15 for the most basic treatment."
[7thsea] Penelope rolls 3k3: 8 5 5 | 18
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Can I take a raise on this to be kind of extra ready when we get down the stairs?"
[7thsea] GM exclaims (at DonM), "Absolutely!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 6k4: 10+2 10+7 10+3 2 10+8 5 | 60
[7thsea] GM says, "holy"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Wow"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "boom"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "You've never seen me dancing before? You should have been at that ball I threw last spring."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "it's hooked under his chin now, that hat of his"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "You, uh, succeed! RP!"
[7thsea] GM says (to Talbet), "Anything in particular you want to do? You expect more company from outside any moment, Don's running downstairs, Penelope's trying to save the life of her love."
[7thsea] GM says (to Don), "(If you want to knock out the guard, you can aslo accomplish that, if you like.)"
DonMiguel holds his arms open as he approaches the Montaign soldier, The soldier is confused at first, and then even moreso when Miguel takes both of his hands and performs a twirl with him, right in the middle of the room! He finishes it with a dip, then lets go, dropping him on his back. His hat flutters down through the air to land on his face.
[7thsea] Talbert asks, "Am I in disguise?"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "You are!"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "I was not expecting that"
[7thsea] GM says, "I mean, unless you don't want to be."
[7thsea] GM says, "This is all part of the Plan, after all."
DonMiguel then rushes down the stairs, of course, invigorated by the improvised footwork.
[7thsea] GM says, "Every nuance."
GM tosses DonMiguel a drama die.
[7thsea] Talbert asks, "Maybe I have my uniform under my disguise, so I can slip around a corner, discard, and then come in as a loyal Montaignian?"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Since at this point I don't want to be caught"
[7thsea] GM says, "Sure! The only concious person in this room any more is Penelope."
[7thsea] Talbert asks, "I don't need Floriana level of Wits to know that the plan is probably not going to work now?"
[7thsea] Talbert asks (of GM), "So no need to roll for that?"
[7thsea] GM says, "Give me some sort of Finesse roll to change quickly. Disguise would work."
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "TN 15!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims, "We've made it to the cellar! That's Part 1 of the plan successful so far!"
[7thsea] Talbert says (to DonMigue), "It might be easier for me to help Penelope stall while you're downstairs, to be fair"
GM says (to Penelope), "In the meantime, you think you've stabilized Tristand. His breathing is weak, but steady, and the clothes you've been using to staunch the bleeding don't seem to be getting any *more* red, for now."
[7thsea] Talbert rolls 5k4: 8 10+5 9 1 10+9 | 51
[7thsea] Talbert says, "what is this roll"
[7thsea] GM says, "Ha ha wow."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "I Supergirl-spin"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "these rolls would have been great when fighting Rodents of Unusual Size or other suchlike things"
[7thsea] Penelope asks, "If I were to look around and find medical supplies somewhere in the prison, is there something more I can do do help him, without having training?"
GM exclaims (at DonMiguel), "Downstairs is poorly lit, but you see two fallen guards and a fallen ruffian. There are somewhat makeshift cells that line the walls. One is broken open, the latch closed but the hinges missing. Two others are empty, two more contain wide-eyed Castillian prisoners, and the final one contains Adrien!"
[7thsea] Penelope asks, "Or is this a "run to the surgeon" situation?"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "Arrr, there'll be blundering tonight"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "is what we should have said at the start"
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "By 'Castillian prisoners', we probably mean 'innocent patriots'?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(I feel kind of guilty for not helping with the injured, but... mission.)"
[7thsea] GM says (to Penelope), "Good question; thinking..."
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Do I recognize any of the prisoners? Is there anyone there I think would be good at lockpicking?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Well, heck."
DonMiguel asks, "Does anyone here know how to pick a lock?"
GM says (to DonMiguel), "You don't know what their story is, but in general, 'normal' prisoners are arrested and brought to the city jail just like in the past, while people here are brought in for crimes against Montaigne like sedition or the like."
Mireia asks, "I can, but they took my tools. They might be with my stuff? If they kept any of it?"
DonMiguel points. "OK, you're first, then."
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Incidentally, Ricco is probably around somewhere. I could send him for help."
DonMiguel takes out his own tools and starts workign on Mireia's cell.
GM exclaims (at Don), "TN 20!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "The plan being: if I get Mireia out, then hopefully she can unlock the third cell, while I get Adrien free."
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Also, maybe we've got that one doctor from before on retainer, because we weren't sure what condition Adrian might be in."
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Finesse?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 5k4: 9 3 4 5 5 | 23
Talbert asks, "Who's Mireia?"
GM says (to Penelope), "Actually, give me a wits/general knowledge check, TN 15."
[7thsea] GM says, "(yes)"
[7thsea] GM says (to Talbert), "One of the prisoners."
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "Ooops, I spoke IC isntead of OOC"
[7thsea] Penelope rolls 3k3: 10+9 3 2 | 24
[7thsea] GM says (to Penelope), "You realize the food you brought in might actually help keep him calm and slow his blood flow."
DonMiguel mutters to himself, "Nothing on one... a click on two, three is falling into a false set..."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Ooh."
Penelope whispers to Tristand, while nudging him very gently, "Honey, you need to wake up. I need you to eat this. It'll help you."
[7thsea] GM asks (of Talbert), "You hear voices approaching the door, and have a second to prepare your response. You're now dressed in uniform; what do you do?"
Penelope says, "Then you can rest."
Tristand weakly blinks.
DonMiguel says (to Mireia), "Your job is to find your tools and get that door," gesturing at the other Castillian prisoner's cell, "open."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Hmmmm how do I stalllll"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "without appearing to be deceptive"
Mireia nods smartly and takes off down a side hallway.
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(After freeing Mireia, I want to pick Adrien's cell."
Penelope handfeeds Tristand, holding his head up in his lap.
[7thsea] Penelope says, "*her* lap"
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims (at Tristrand), "Assume crash position!"
Tristand coughs. "When I imagined this... the circustances... were different."
Penelope asks, "Who did this?"
[7thsea] Penelope asks, "I'm guessing the woman in black?"
[7thsea] Talbert asks, "I can go and meet the forces approaching?"
[7thsea] Talbert asks, "That way I buy Don a few precious seconds but seem cooperative at the same time?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Trick them into going the wrong way, to chase after (fake) escapees?"
[7thsea] GM says (to Talbert), "Tristand and others need medical attention in here, but you think you could keep them from going into the cellar."
[7thsea] Talbert asks (of GM), "That would be the idea. How to do so convincingly? Panache?"
Tristand says, "They came in wearing uniforms and had two who seemed to be tied up. I turned my back like a fool, and they were on us in an instant."
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Sure!"
[7thsea] GM says, "And fast talking or anything else appropriate."
[7thsea] Talbert asks, "OK! What's the TN?"
[7thsea] GM says, "Let's say just 10. It's super chaotic everwhere; they're likely to listen to anyone at the moment."
[7thsea] Talbert rolls 3k3: 2 1 8 | 11
[7thsea] Talbert says, "phew"
[7thsea] GM says, "Wow, OK."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(AFK a moment.)"
Montaignian enters the room and looks around. "No fighting--any injured? Why are you here? And who's the woman?"
[7thsea] GM says (to Talbert), "(rp a successful response!)"
Tristand says, "Should have asked for their papers... didn't recognize them... said they were new transfers..."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(Back.)"
Tristand seems to be getting himself worked up, though the food is somewhat countering that.
Penelope shushes Tristand, stroking his head.
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Do I need to roll lockpicking again to free Adrien, or did my first roll cover both cells?"
Mireia returns from the hall with her tools and sets to work on the other cell door. (TN 20 for Adrien's).
[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 5k4: 5 7 8 5 6 | 26
[7thsea] Mireia says, "Actually, just 15 now that you've done it once."
Talbert says (to Montaignian), "The ruffians left quickly once we saw through their disguise, they were no doubt relying on covert treachery rather than on martial skill"
DonMiguel opens Adrien's door. Then he addresses Adrien.
DonMiguel asks, "The Montaigne soldiers are going to execute you tomorrow for a crime you didn't commit. They've already decided that you're their enemy. Will you switch sides and join us against them, or would you rather flee and be on your own, with no one on your side?"
Montaignian nods, sends word for a doctor, and starts helping the wounded, and closing the eyes of the dead. Others enter behind him and also help.
Adrien exclaims, "I, uh, what? Execute me? But I didn't do anything!"
DonMiguel asks, "They didn't even tell you why they locked you up down here?"
Adrien exclaims, "They kept asking me who gave me 'new orders' for the squads. But nobody gave me anything! I dont' even know what squad they meant!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "This is about 24 hours after the shipwreck, right? (I.e., that happened during one night, and this is the next night?)"
GM says (to Talbert), "Nobody has entered the cellar yet, but you hear bits of dialogue floating up from downstairs."
[7thsea] GM says, "I was acutally thinking it had been a couple days."
[7thsea] GM says, "er, actually."
DonMiguel says, "You deserve the truth. Someone disgused as you met with the squads -- a Castillian. But they believe it was actually *you* who was working for Castille."
[7thsea] DonMiguel nods.
Adrien says, "Oh. Jerks."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "I'm just glad this isn't one of those RPG time things where everything seems to happen in the course of one continuous stream where no one ever gets to sleep."
Adrien's eyes start to well up. "I just want to see my mom again. It was exciting for a while, but now..."
DonMiguel asks, "Your mother is in Montaigne?"
Doctor asks (of Penelope), "Miss? Looks like you've done a good job here. I can take it from here. What's your name?"
Adrien sniffles, nods.
Penelope says, "Maria, Sir."
[7thsea] GM asks (of Talbert), "Do you do something about the sounds from downstairs?"
[Crows-Nest] Penelope says, "Maria sounds like a good Vaticinian name ;)"
Doctor says, "Well, Maria, he's very lucky to have you. That's a serious wound."
[7thsea] Talbert asks (of GM), "Maybe volunteer to check them out by myself? Or talk over them?"
Penelope asks, "He'll be ok?"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Those both sound workable!"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Be like 'Probably a stray cur, I'll go take a look, will let you know if I need help'"
Doctor says, "There's never any guarantees, but I believe so."
[Crows-Nest] * Hunter has left the channel.
Penelope says, "Thank you, Doctor."
DonMiguel says, "If you make it back to Montaigne, they probably won't follow you there. I think we can smuggle you out of Castille safely, if you cooperate."
[7thsea] Talbert asks, "Is that ^plain Panache again?"
DonMiguel asks, "Do you want our help?"
Adrien says, "OK. I guess. Thank you."
DonMiguel pulls out a forged Montaigne uniform from under his cloak and gives it to Adrien. "Good. Put this on."
DonMiguel says (to Mireia), "We weren't planning on having extra company, but those two guards on the floor might be able to help you out as well."
[7thsea] GM says (to Talbert), "Sure, with a fast talking-ish thing if you have one."
[7thsea] Talbert asks, "OK, TN?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "I'm assuming that putting Adrien in a fake Montaigne uniform to sneak him out was part of the plan, and that we intentionally made one up in his size."
Mireia says, "They're pretty bloody."
Mireia shudders.
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(Miguel does have the Fasion knack.)"
DonMiguel shrugs. "Unless you have a better idea?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Can I use Disguise to try to conceal the blood?"
Mireia says, "Do we just walk upstairs? The place has got to be crawling with guards. There's a door at the end of that hallway, but there's probably guards there, too. I dunno; I'll do whatever you suggest."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(What color are the uniforms normally?)"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "waiting for a TN..."
[7thsea] GM says, "Blue, probably."
[7thsea] GM says (to Talbert), "Oh! 15."
[7thsea] GM says, "(sorry)"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "no worries"
[7thsea] Talbert rolls 3k3: 10+5 8 6 | 29
[7thsea] Talbert exclaims, "such good rolls!"
DonMiguel quickly searches the guards' station and finds a stationery drawer with a vial of blue ink. He does his best to use it to cover up the bloodstains.
[7thsea] GM exclaims (at Talbert), "Success! rp!"
Talbert glances towards the stairs. 'I think I hear something? Probably just a wandering cur or one of those sewer rodents. Keep watch here and take care of this brave man, I will go take a look and let you know if there's a problem down there, although I suspect the ruffians are long gone.'
Talbert goes downstairs.
[7thsea] GM says (to Penelope), "As you stand up, one of the guards asks, "Maria, was it? We'll need a statement from you back at the main barracks.""
[7thsea] GM asks (of Talbert), "Do you close the door behind you or leave it open?"
[7thsea] GM says (to Penelope), "(except in-room)"
Penelope says, "Oh. Certainly, Sir."
[7thsea] Talbert says (to GM), "If my amazing roll allows, I'll use the free raise to allow my clothes to catch on the handle and give it the momentum to start closing behind me, as if via a draft"
[7thsea] GM says, "Ha, sure."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Because that feels Panachy"
[7thsea] Talbert exclaims, "it is done!"
DonMiguel startles when he hears the door close, but relaxes when he sees it's just Talbert.
DonMiguel asks (of Talbert), "Good to see you -- how are things up above?"
GM says (to Talbert), "You see DonMiguel, three dead bodies, two stripped of their uniforms, and Castillians putting them on."
[7thsea] GM says, "(also, at this point, the guards upstairs know who you are, since you're no longer in disguise, don't forget.)"
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "And he also sees Adrien, wearing the forged uniform we brought with us?"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Indeed!"
Talbert whispers 'We don't have much time, I've stalled the guards for as long as I could, but since I'm not in disguise as you see I won't be able to do much more to help
GM says (to Penelope), "Here, come with me, I'll need to make my own statement, too. He opens the outside door and gestures in a 'ladies first' sort of way."
[7thsea] GM says, "(and pretend there was a close-quote in there.)"
DonMiguel asks (of Talbert), "You may be able to do much better, dressed as you are -- do you think you could 'escort' these three Montaigne prison 'guards' to the 'viscount's office' to 'give their report' on how all the prisoners escaped well before we got here?"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "I too messed up my own close quote :D"
Talbert exclaims (at DonMiguel), "That I can do!"
DonMiguel exclaims, "Perfect!"
[7thsea] Talbert exclaims, "Are we going to succeed at the failed rescue? Inconceivable!"
Penelope blinks. "Oh! Right now. Ok..."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "I do not think that word..."
[Crows-Nest] Penelope says, "Correction. "Penelope blinks her long fluttering lashes.""
GM says (to Penelope), "Once outside, from the shadows behind the building you know Don and Talbert were supposed to be lurking, you hear a quiet hoot of an owl, which you recognize as Ricco."
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "Poor butterflies, being glued to Vodantean ladies' lashes"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert asks, "all for fashion, or awful fashion?"
[7thsea] GM asks, "So! The plan is to have Talbert go upstairs with the two Castillians-as-soldiers, while Don and Adrien wait downstairs?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "My thought was for Adrien to also be disguised as a soldier with Talbert."
Penelope pats the pockets of her cloak, and utters a very mild oath. "Excuse me, Sir. But I, oh this is embarrassing. I think I dropped something earlier, over there. I'll only be a moment."
[7thsea] GM asks, "And hope that the increased number of guards won't be noticed?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Right."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Unless Talbert objects to that idea."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Hmmm"
Montiagnian exclaims, "I'll help you look!"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "There's something that doesn't feel right about that plan..."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "If you want to disagree IC, I'm happy to go along with you."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "namely, that it'll be hard for Adrien to slip away between here and the viscount's office"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "without compromising Talbert"
Penelope says, "Oh, please do," and leads the guard right to Ricco, speaking loudly enough to ensure he knows we're coming.
[7thsea] Penelope asks, "What's another dead/injured guard, right?"
[7thsea] GM says, "Ha! Nice."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "I was imagining that none of you would *actually* be going to the viscount's office."
Montiagnian says, "Hey, there's a---"
Ricco *thunk*
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "But perhaps that's something that might come back to haunt Talbert if anyone followed up on it."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "But not going to the office would be hard for Talbert to explain away, yeah"
[Crows-Nest] Penelope high-fives Ricco.
Ricco says (to Penelope), "And now there's *two* unconcious bodies here. The first seems to have been left by your compatriots."
Penelope asks, "Hey, who's that?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(Unless he played dumb and said that whoops, the 'soldiers' he was escorting ran away from him, guess they were prisoners who had just tricked him.)"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(But that might be pushing it.)"
Penelope kneels down to look.
GM says (to Penelope), "You also recognize the woman as Ercilia Falla, a woman whose husband died in the fighting back when the city was taken over by the Montiagnians."
DonMiguel asks (of Talbert), "I see your concerns. Do you have any better ideas?"
GM says, "She's been tied up with knots that look very Don Miguel-ish."
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims, "Don't forget the black eye and the brused throat!"
GM says, "And has a throat bruise that looks very Talbert-esque."
DonMiguel says, "Hmm, here's another idea:"
Penelope mutters, "Huh. She'd better not have been the one who tried to kill Tristand..."
Mireia says, "I... would be happier if we went upstairs just Talbert and us. If they can count, we'll just end up back down here."
DonMiguel asks, "What if the escaped prisoners captured *you*, tied you up down here, and stole your uniform?"
Ricco asks, "Do we take her with us?"
Mireia says, "That would get our numbers back to three, if one of us go as him. But there's four of us total."
Talbert asks, "It seems like that's as much as luck will allow... who will be left behind?"
Talbert says, "We must act quickly before it all falls apart"
DonMiguel says, "I'll stay behind -- if you three can get out safely, I'll find my own exit."
Talbert says, "Let's do it. I'll let you handle the knotwork."
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "OK, a Disguise roll to teach the other Castillian how to do a Talbert voice!"
[7thsea] GM says, "Wits or Panache."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Thus I play the trope of the guard who goes to check out the noise, all the way to its logical conclusion"
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "From me or Talbert?"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Either!"
[7thsea] GM says, "Let's say one helps the other for a free +5; TN 20."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "I have Disguise/Panache at 4k3"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says (to Talbert), "It would be 5k3 from me."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Then I'll assist only"
[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 5k3: 2 4 6 1 10+9 | 29
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Success! rp!"
Talbert will say a few simple phrases at Don's prompting, if needed as a reference
DonMiguel listens as Talbert and neo-Talbert each speak in turn, the one trying to parrot the other. "No, not like that. Don't trill the R so much. And use the back of the throat -- yes, *much* better..."
Ricco says (to Penelope), "If you want me to carry her away, I'll need some sort of distraction as I go through the lighted area over there. From there, I should be able to make it to the woods."
Ricco says, "Or I'm open to some other plan."
[7thsea] Penelope asks, "Do we want him to carry her away?"
DonMiguel, meanwhile, puts on the fourth uniform. He keeps on his mask, but he pulls the brim of his standard issue floppy hat low over his face so that it's not so noticeable.
GM says, "Thus coached, Adrien, Mireia, and (roll) Bernardo/Talbert head upstairs. You hold your breath and wait to hear any ruckus, but hear none."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "I think so. She might not be a bad guy, in which case we wouldn't want the Motaignes to have another prisoner."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "It's possible we may need to rescue, not Adrien, but whatshername from execution"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "timing"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(I mean, she *did* slit Talbert's throat, but it could just be a misunderstanding.)"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Hm.... Well, we can deal with her later if need be. Ok. One sec, scrolling up."
DonMiguel says (to Talbert), "Good luck," before stuffing a clean handkerchief loosely in his mouth.
DonMiguel sneaks away down the mysterious hallway to look for another way out!
[7thsea] Penelope asks, "Who was in the room when guard-Ricco-knocked-out said we were gonna go give our statements?"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "That's ont really a useful question, actually."
[7thsea] GM says (to Penelope), "The doctor and a handful of other people."
[7thsea] GM says, "(unnamed Random Montaignians)"
[7thsea] Penelope asks, "Right. I guess I meant to ask would any of the people outside whom I need to distract (I'm guessing?) inside?"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Trying to think who might recognize me and how thta would affect my distraction"
[7thsea] GM asks, "If you want to wait to see someone exit and go somewhere, that would work?"
[7thsea] GM says, "Or you can wait until nobody's around who had seen you."
[7thsea] Penelope says, "I think the latter sounds better."
[7thsea] Penelope says, "I almost feel like I need a map, haha"
[7thsea] GM says, "Also, let's finish this with Penelope, and she can be done, and then finish up DonMiguel's thing. And I think we're done with stuff Talbert needs to do, too, other than perhaps a Panache roll to see how believable his eventual statement is.)"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Nifty"
[7thsea] Penelope asks, "There's a lighted spot between the prison building and the woods. There are guards there, and I should draw them away?"
[7thsea] Penelope asks, "Or just keep them elsewhere from looking over there?"
[7thsea] Penelope asks too many questions.
[7thsea] GM says, "There is activity; you can either pull people away for a bit, or have them look away for a bit. Nobody is standing around in one place at this point."
[7thsea] GM says, "(Also, you can feel free to just suggest what you would like to be true.)"
Penelope adjusts her clothing, hides any blood stains, and motions to Ricco to start heading away from behind the building as far as he can. (I'm imagining I can draw guards back here without them crossing paths with Ricco?)
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Around the other side"
[7thsea] GM says, "(like, last time, I told Don that he had stuff 'in the vault' which he hadn't opened since the Montaignians had been there, and he said 'you mean the one that <description>" and I said, "The very same!" So I'm happy to collaborate with you all on the world for this sort of thing.)"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Ok, neat"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert uses the Drawing knack to draw away the guards
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Perfect!"
[7thsea] GM says, "So, let's say TN 20, using Panache plus whatever knacks you want to use."
Penelope looks terrified as she comes around the building towards some guards. "There's a man back there! In a uniform! And I saw some [description of ugly man and his minions] people heading in that direction. I hope they didn't kill him!" (gonna use the drama die, since... end of session, and also sincerity)
[7thsea] Penelope rolls 5k4: 8 8 9 10+6 2 | 41
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Well then."
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Nice!"
Montaignian exclaims, "Oh, did they get someone else on their way out? Bah, OK, men!"
Penelope is so convincing that they all drop their posts and rush behind the building. She sees Ricco dash towards the woods with the woman's limp body, and also makes herself somewhat scarce before they come back.
[7thsea] GM says, "Congratulations! And you can be done if you like ;-)"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Gonna go start dinner :) The kiddo and her dad are at a *THIRD* playground."
[7thsea] GM says, "Ha, nice."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Playground crawl > pub crawl"
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims, "Gotta be ready for post-dinner playground #4!"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "This playground apparently visited by Queen Elisabeth I"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "how quaint"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "another one has testimonials from sport celebrities"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "'Monkey bars great for pullups! Would recommend'"
GM says (to DonMiguel), "So! You make your way to the end of the hallway, past a storage room where Mireia found her stuff, to a door that turns out to be unlocked. The door itself at at least some of the hallway seems to be newish construction, but behind it is definitely new--it's a stairway that makes its way upstairs, and there's only what looks like the back side of walls, with still-blond timbers supporting everything."
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Do you mean that *aside* from the stairway is just backs of walls, or that the stairway itself only leads up to a half-finished wall?"
GM asks, "I mean it's like a stairway leading up inside a column/room with unfinished walls. If that makes more sense?"
DonMiguel will climb the stairs.
GM says, "The stairs go up a ways--you think you've probably gone past the first floor by the time you reach the door at the top. This one when you try to turn the handle seems to be locked."
DonMiguel listens at the door.
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Notice, TN 15!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "And this door is the only apparent exit, aside from where I entered, right?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 3k3: 5 7 9 | 21
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Also, is there light shining through the keyhole?"
GM says (to DonM), "You hear nothing. The door doesn't seem to be set fully in its frame, so you can also peek through the cracks, to see a window with moonlight coming through it, and a bare wooden floor."
DonMiguel picks the lock!
GM says, "(and no artificial light)"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "TN 10!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 5k4: 6 7 10+2 5 10+4 | 39
DonMiguel . o O ( They call that a lock? )
DonMiguel goes in!
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "You unlock it, and can lock it behind you if you wish!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims, "I do!"
DonMiguel also looks at the window, assuming there's no one/nothing here to impede him.
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(*Out* the window, I should say. I'm not just inspecting the frame.)"
GM says, "The door *snicks* shut behind you, and disappears into the wall. If you hadn't come through it, you might not have noticed it at all. You look around, and see the window overlooks the rear of the building, and getting your bearings, you think this room is directly over the Vicompte's office that you ransacked the other week. The room itself is spare, but has a low table/bench on one side of the room, and several metal tool-like things hanging on the clean walls. In addition to the window, a closed door provides the other exit."
DonMiguel . o O ( I suppose that door might be a better choice of exit than the window. )
DonMiguel checks the closed door as well -- listening and peeping through the keyhole.
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Notice again?"
[7thsea] GM says, "Another Notice, another TN 15."
[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 3k3: 5 2 9 | 16
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Also, do I recognize any of the tool-like things?"
[7thsea] GM asks, "Wits, plus, I dunno, some knack you feel is appropriate? Maybe medicine?"
GM says, "You again hear nothing through the door, but as this door has no lock and is better made, there's nothing you can see on the other side."
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Examiner? (It's the Doctor skill for CSI-type stuff.) Or Surgery?"
[7thsea] GM says, "Examiner is perfect."
[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 5k3: 8 3 5 6 5 | 19
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "If the TN is 20, I'll use a DD."
[7thsea] GM says, "I should have you spend on just becaue we're at the end ;-)"
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims, "Hee. OK!"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Sure, you'll get extra information!"
DonMiguel pulls out his magniying lens that he made sure to bring as part of the plan.
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims, "Plan die!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 1k1: 3 | 3
[7thsea] GM says, "Good time for that 3 ;-)"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Quite."
[7thsea] GM says (to DonMiguel), "You recognize some of the tools as stuff that Johann also had as part of his Dentistry practice. And looking at the others, you get the sinking suspicion that they're used for torture. There's a whiff on antiseptic as if the whole place was cleaned thoroughly, and you can't tell if they were used recently or not."
DonMiguel frowns. Time to get out of here.
DonMiguel makes use of that door.
GM says, "Through the door is a well-appointed bedroom. There's a large bed that looks like someone exited it recently, and an open wardrobe with clothes you've seen the Vicompte wear. The window here is covered by a lush tapestry, making the room mostly dark. Light spills in from the moonlit room behind you, and through the open door on the opposite side of the room, through which you can see the lights of a wall lamp, and can start to hear the sounds of the others in the building."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "I'm starting to maybe think this Vicompte might not be a good guy."
[7thsea] GM says, "Ha"
DonMiguel . o O ( It's going to look strange if people see me coming out of this bedroom. So I probably don't want to go toward those voices... )
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Did I see anyone nearby when I looked out the moonlit window?"
[7thsea] GM says, "You did not! It's the rear of the building; the same side you snuck in from in the past. It's the north side; the yard/prison were to the east."
DonMiguel climbs out the window!
[7thsea] GM asks, "The bedroom window, or the other one?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "The other one."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "The rear of the building seems like a less obtrusive place to escape from. Plus, I don't want to draw attention by opening the tapestry."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(And I'll close the bedroom door behind me, of course.)"
GM says, "The window has a simple latch, which you open and climb out. You're directly over the somewhat larger window of the main office below you. There are lights from it that illuminate a small patch of the back yard below you."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "How rough/smooth is the wall? And how far is the drop? I'd like to get down quietly and without being seen, of course, so I don't want to land right in front of the main office window."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "If it seems reasonable, I might try to sidle over a couple yards, then drop down onto the grass, once I'm no longer right above the office window."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "If it *doesn't* seem reasonable, I have other plans I can try."
[7thsea] GM says, "Let's say the wall is mostly bereft of handholds, but not far above you is the roof, whose ledge you could perhaps grab on, and to the east is the bedroom window again. You're on the second story, but a fall into the grass from here wouldn't be fatal."
[7thsea] GM says, "I feel like there's probably a 'falling' knack you could use."
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Does 'wouldn't be fatal' mean 'you might take dramatic wounds, though'?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "I don't think I have any knacks like that."
[7thsea] GM asks, "I think a failed 'fall' roll would give you flesh wounds, which you might also be able to shake off?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(I have Climbing, though.)"
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims, "OK, let's go for it!"
[7thsea] GM says, "You could also try climbing to the corner of the building, which might be more visible, but you could climb down."
[7thsea] GM says, "(visible to others)"
[7thsea] GM asks, "Climb to one side, then jump down?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Yeah."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "That was my first idea, and I did say that if it seemed reasonable, I would do it."
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims, "So I'm doing it!"
[7thsea] GM says, "Perfect! Let's say a TN 20 for both."
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Yay!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Finesse + Climbing:"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Taking a raise to help with the falling roll, so TN 25."
[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 6k4: 8 8 6 9 8 5 | 33
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Woo! rp!"
[7thsea] GM says, "(hey, there is indeed a Break Fall knack)"
DonMiguel gets up on the windowsill, then reaches above him for the edge of the roof. He's able to get his forearms over it, and sidles over arm by arm util he finds a good spot: over a patch of soft grass, not too close to the window.
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Is the Break Fall also 20? And do I have a penalty for not having the knack? (noexplode?)"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "OK! Break Fall/Brawn, TN 20, with a free +5!"
[7thsea] GM says, "Nah, just straight Brawn."
[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 2k2: 1 5 | 6
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "11! Hmm."
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Ow!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims, "I have drama dice!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 1k1: 6 | 6
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "You do!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 1k1: 10+3 | 13
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "There you go! rp!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "lands badly! But between twisting his ankle and losing his balance, he ends up doing the latter... into a pile of soft mud."
DonMiguel lands badly! But between twisting his ankle and losing his balance, he ends up doing the latter... into a pile of soft mud.
DonMiguel doesn't even take the time to clean himself off; he just finds the quickest, least observed path out of here!
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(Penelope and Ricco got Sra Falla, right?)"
GM says, "Your sparkly uniform is no longer quite so sparkly! But you encounter no other obstacles and melt away into the forest."
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "They did!"
[7thsea] GM says, "Talbert, if you're still here, you can roll oratory/Panache for your testimony, TN 15."
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "And other than that, that's a wrap!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims, "Woo! We planned on failure, but instead managed a 300% success rate!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(In terms of number of prisoners rescued.)"
[7thsea] Talbert rolls 3k3: 3 7 10+5 | 25
[7thsea] Talbert says, "We've had exploding dice on 90% of rolls"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Heh. w00t!"
[7thsea] Talbert exclaims, "wooo!"
[7thsea] GM says (to Talbert), "Success! rp you putting your superiors at ease if you like."
Talbert says, "'... and upon investigating the sound, I was beset by further villains...'"
Talbert blames himself in a way that shows his loyal spirit.
Captain says, "And then they just waltzed past the people upstairs! Unbelievable. I guess they were busy with the wounded but still..."
Captain says, "Well, bad luck, soldier, but we appreciate you being lively in your response."
Talbert nods appropriately and soberly.
[7thsea] GM says, "And we're done! Thank you all; this was fun."
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims, "It was!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims, "Thank you!"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "It's been great"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "especially now that I have a good grasp on my character's way of handling problems"
[7thsea] GM says, "Oh, nice."
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "'With panache'?"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "In the first couple of sessions, I played him a little too much overlapping with Don M (dashing fencer trope)"
[7thsea] GM says, "It was fun to have the option of failure for the session, even if you made it work anyway. I figure this way was as interesting as a different rescue the next day anyway, since everything was improvised in-game."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "but once I embraced the dirty fighting and bold subterfuge it really came togerth for me"
[7thsea] Talbert says (to GM), "absolytely"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says (to Talbert), "Excellent."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "also the witching hour of night does nothing to hlp my spelling :D"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "anyhow, thanks again! I was slow to start because of the hot humid weather, not because of the game itself"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "And yeah, having all the other action going on made this more dramatic than just 'sneak in without being noticed; sneak back out without being noticed'."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "GMing was effective and you managed to make it work without rolling initiative"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Which is what I was concerned a straight prison break would be."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "I think our plan ended up being more interesting because we were expecting things to go wrong"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "and so weren't trying to force stealth it"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "we were expecting chaos, not dreading it"
[7thsea] GM says, "Good! It's a little like spinning plates, without init; I feel like I just have to return to each of you in turn to give you something to do, and then you can think about it while the others are doing their thing. Init bogs down a bit just because everything has to happen in order--tell you what the situation is, you decide what to do, then do it, then roll, then rp the aftermath. All while the others are waiting."
[7thsea] GM says (to Talbert), "Yeah, that ended up being nice."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "yay"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "It helps that there was only one combatant, and she was dismissed in just two attacks."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Throat Strike: such a great little trick to spend xp on"
[7thsea] GM says, "Yeah."
[7thsea] GM says, "Heh."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Yay."