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

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "There, that's better."

[7thsea] GM says, "w00t"

GM asks, "Welcome! Anyone have any questions before the recap?"

[7thsea] Talbert says, "he's t00ting his own horn now"

DonMiguel exclaims, "Apparently not!"

GM exclaims, "Heh. Two xp for everyone for the last session!"

GM says, "Which, when we last left our intrepid adventurers..."

GM says, "They had broken a young boy out of jail, who was blamed for doing something the heroes actually did. On the way, they also freed a couple other political prisoners."

GM says, "However, this was complicated by the fact that before the heroes' jailbreak could happen, a completely different jailbreak happened instead, gravely wounding Tristand (who was apparently on prison guard duty that night) and freeing Fulgencio de la Mora, a terrible man that Penelope had complained about to the army. You don't know who was trying to free him, but you did manage to catch Ercilia Falla who was standing guard outside."

[7thsea] Talbert asks, "Hmm, that brings me up to 7xp, did I overcount somehow?"

[7thsea] GM asks, "That seems plausible?"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says (to Talbert), "My notes say that we've earned 23 total, but I don't know how much you've spent."

[7thsea] GM says, "I should probably keep track on the spreadsheet; maybe I'll work on that afterwards."

[7thsea] GM exclaims, "At any rate!"

GM says, "Our first scene is in two parts. Don Miguel and Penelope are chatting, masked, in one of their safehouses with Ercilia. Talbert (who had been knocked out as cover to help the other prisoners escape) is in the infirmary with the other injured soldiers (including Tristand), where he's been under strict orders to stay in bed. With no actual wounds, this is somewhat galling, but he has to make it look good. I'll use #interludes for the infirmary scene, and the main room for the safehouse scene."

[7thsea] Talbert says, "It looks like I spent 14"

[7thsea] Talbert says, "So I should have 9, not 7? Hmmm"

[7thsea] Talbert exclaims, "Anyway, plot!"

DonMiguel says (to Falla), "So what were you doing in the Montaigne camp last night? Aside from trying to slit the throat of one of my people, that is."

[Crows-Nest] Penelope glaaaaaaaares at Ercilia. "Which of you stabbed my boyfriend?"

[Crows-Nest] Penelope :D

Ericilia shakes her head. "Do your worst, Montaignian swine. I'll never talk."

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Does Talbert really have no actual wounds? I thought he got a bit cut up by Ercilia."

[7thsea] Talbert says, "yeah"

DonMiguel asks, "*Montaigne*? Do you not recognize this mask?"

[7thsea] GM says, "Oh, right. No wounds from being 'captured' ;-)"

[interludes] Tristand waits for the nurse to leave the room, leaving just the two of you. He lowers his voice and whispers, urgently, "Penelope--she's OK? I remember so little."

[7thsea] GM asks (of DonM), "So you're wearing the El Vago mask?"

[7thsea] Penelope says, "You said we were "masked"!"

[7thsea] Penelope says, "Oh, in particular his"

[7thsea] Penelope says, "Ok"

[7thsea] GM says, "I did, but... right, the other option is 'generic black'."

[7thsea] Penelope says, "I'm with the program."

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "I assume one of us is, and I don't think it's Talbert or Penelope, considering their respective circumstances."

[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Works for me!"

[interludes] Talbert says (to Tristand), "Fortunately, you and I were the only ones to be hurt"

Ericilia <sharp intake of breath> "El Vago? But... what? I thought you were helping against the Montaignians?"

[interludes] Tristand relaxes a bit, and winces. "I remember seeing blood on her, but I guess it was mine."

DonMiguel says, "Si. In this case, rescuing prisoners from their camp. But that ended up being rather messier than we'd anticipated, thanks to your efforts."

Ericilia says, "So you were *also* there to free someone? Ha. All this subterfuge. You guys clearly need to coordinate."

[interludes] Tristand asks (of Talbert), "And you? How are your injuries?"

Penelope looks a little pained, but says nothing.

[interludes] Talbert says (to Tristand), "Nasty, but I'll live. It was a calculated risk that paid off"

DonMiguel says, "So, let us coordinate. Explain to us what you were doing."

Ericilia says, "My orders were to show up and keep a lookout; to call out if the Montaignians noticed anything. When you guys showed up in my spot, I didn't know what was going on, but figured you were there to thwart us, somehow."

DonMiguel says, "A rash assumption."

DonMiguel asks, "Who gave you these orders?"

Ericilia says, "Oh, so it's all my fault? I'm doing my best to *do* something to boot these Montaignians out of La Reina. Better than sitting around complaining all day like Conchita."

DonMiguel asks, "Conchita?"

Ericilia says, "My neighbor. Just complains *constantly* but ask her to do anything and she's all "Oh, I can't, I have to watch out for my babies.""

Ericilia grumbles and glares at the memory.

DonMiguel asks, "I see. Let us go back to the start. Who gave you your orders?"

Ericilia says, "I don't know who gives me orders; they show up in random places in my house or in my pockets."

Ericilia asks, "leave this window open; leave a cobblestone here; watch the harbor there. This was the biggest job I'd gotten so far; I don't even know who they were trying to free. Did that part work, at least?"

[interludes] Tristand says, "Oh, good."

[interludes] Tristand sighs.

Penelope sighs. "Yes."

[interludes] Tristand says, "You know, *some* day I'll find a way to actually be helpful to you all. I feel like all I do is sit around or get stabbed. I think Penelope likes me, but if all I am is dead weight, she's going to drop me some day."

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "So, my current thoughts:"

Ericilia asks, "oh, good. Who was it?"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "It feels like she might be a patsy for some manipulator who might not be entirely on our side."

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Someone who's tricked her into thinking she's helping Castille against the occupation, but is in fact using her for their own nefarious ends."

[7thsea] Talbert asks, "Inquisition, maybe?"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Mmm, could be, yeah."

[interludes] Tristand asks (of Talbert), "What about you? You have the, uh, fire girl? What's she like?"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(Is Penelope answering Ericilia's question, or should I?)"

[7thsea] GM says, "(it was Fulgencio)"

[7thsea] Penelope says, "She doesn't want to, no."

[7thsea] Penelope says, "Because she doesn't like that dude!"

[7thsea] GM says, "Or, on your part, Adrien."

DonMiguel says, "We don't know for certain. But by the time all was done, all the cells in that block were empty."

Ericilia asks, "You don't *know*? You didn't see them leave?"

DonMiguel says, "I personally do not know who your group's target was, no."

[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Would I have even recognized Fulgencio?"

[7thsea] GM says, "You did, yeah. He's somewhat notorious in town, and was a problem well before the occupation."

[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "How many empty cells were there when we arrived in the jail?"

[7thsea] GM says, "Hmm, three? Two closed, one open."

[7thsea] GM says, "(retconning it to that if I'm remembering incorrectly ;-)"

DonMiguel says, "Do you have a means of contacting your patron? It would be nice if we could prevent this sort of conflicted effort in the future."

[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "I've been trying to type a response to Tristand and it got eaten thrive, haha"

[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "*thrice"

[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "fourth time's the charm"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "whoops, heh."

Ericilia says, "Maybe. I've... look. I don't know if I can trust you. Maybe you just found that mask. What's going on? You won't even tell me who we freed, or who you freed."

[interludes] Talbert says (to Tristand), "Let's just say that thanks to her I have seen the light, so to speak. And we work towards making things better, whether together or apart, each with our own particular set of skills. Love can be expressed in many different ways."

[interludes] Talbert says (to Tristand), "As for you... well, look at me, lying in a bed, patiently waiting instead of dashing to action. I think she told me once - she's the better schemer - that a plan is more than the sum of its parts."

Penelope sighs, "Ok, look. The man was [insert name here]. He's not a good person. But he's free now."

[Crows-Nest] DonMiguel says, "I think I finally just put two and two together."

Ericilia blinks. "Fulgencio? We freed *Fulgencio*! What the hell!"

[Crows-Nest] DonMiguel says, "In that I think Los Vagos are in part a reference to The Court Jester."

Penelope looks relieved. "Right?!?"

[Crows-Nest] DonMiguel says, "(A movie which I had never seen back when we played before, but watched at some point in the interim.)"

[interludes] Tristand smiles. "True. Maybe there's hope for me after all." He stretches back then winces again. "Merde! Geez, of all the luck to be there on that night. It was a last-minute transfer; someone got sick or something."

[Crows-Nest] DonMiguel says, "In which a significant plot point is a figure known as the 'Black Fox', who is the leader of a band of heroic rebels, and who maintains his secret identity by having different members of the group masquerade as him."

Ericilia says, "That's ridiculous. Why even... do they want to... argh."

DonMiguel asks, "How well do you trust whoever sent you on that mission?"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Oh, interesting."

[Crows-Nest] DonMiguel says, "(This is the movie that has the famous 'the pellet with the poison's in the flagon with the dragon; the vessel with the pestle has the brew that is true' thing.)"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(AFK a moment.)"

Ericilia says, "I mean... I don't know them at all, and I feel like half the things I'm asked to do are literally pointless, or at the most a distraction. But I was *doing* something, you know? And sometimes I'd hear of a Montaignian shipment getting lost, or something, and feel like I had a part in that."

Penelope asks, "How did you become involved?"

Ericilia says, "It was the day after I had ranted to a friend about the occupation. The next day, I found a note in my pocket quoting me, and saying if I truly felt that way and wanted to help, I was to leave my window open halfway that night. I did, and I've been getting random requests ever since. Normally that's it, but one of the notes said that if anyone asked me when the tide was turning, I was to reply, "Not soon enough," and to talk with them about the occupation. If I felt they also were up for what I was doing, I was to write their name on my next assignment and put it back where I found it.""

Ericilia says, "I doubt I'll get more requests now that I was captured, though."

Penelope hmms.

Ericilia says, "Fulgencio. What on earth. He assaulted my sister once. Fought him off, and he left her alone after that. Pfaugh."

Penelope nods in commiseration. "He's terrible."

DonMiguel says, "Why would they know that you've been captured? You're not a prisoner of the Montaignes. And in truth, now that we know your story, you're not our prisoner, either."

Ericilia says, "Oh, hmm. Well, maybe."

DonMiguel asks, "Could we have a moment?"

DonMiguel draws Penelope aside to speak confidentially.

Ericilia says, "I'd say be my guest, but I'm more your guest."

Penelope raises her eyebrows. "What do you think?" (once we're apart from her)

DonMiguel says (to Penelope), "I'd like to find out more about whoever it is who's giving these orders. I'm skeptical about them truly being on our side."

[interludes] Tristand says (to In), "fact, weren't you supposed to be there, too? I thought I saw your name on the transfer list."

Penelope nods.

[interludes] GM says, "(If so, this is the first you've heard of it. But you weren't around that day, so wouldn't have heard.)"

DonMiguel says (to Penelope), "And it sounds like our only means of potentially contacting them is by giving them a name. But I don't want to expose any of our allies' true identities to them, given that we don't know their true motives."

DonMiguel suddenly has an idea.

[interludes] Talbert says, "(hmmm)"

DonMiguel says, "I wonder... I wonder if I could add a false name to the roster of people in my employ at the estate without raising too much suspicion."

Penelope makes a "that could work" expression.

[7thsea] GM says, "(hee)"

[Setting the zoned flag.]

DonMiguel says, "I suppose to make it plausible, I'd have to make it so that the other workers know them and think they're real... but then, with a good enough disguise, either I or Floriana could play the role for a short time..."

DonMiguel asks, "Are we agreed that this seems like a worthwhile scheme?"

Penelope nods. "Yes." She pauses and half-whispers, scornfully. "I'd like to know who would free that scumbag."

DonMiguel nods. "As would I."

DonMiguel returns to Ericilia.

DonMiguel says (to Ericilia), "Let me congratulate you on completing your mission and escaping from the Montaignes *without* being captured."

Ericilia grins ruefully.

DonMiguel says, "I expect that some time soon you can expect to be asked about the turning of the tide. And I assume you'll know what to do."

[interludes] GM asks (of Talbert), "Do you want to follow up on that at all?"

[interludes] GM says, "Still thinking? ;-)"

[interludes] Talbert says (to GM), "Yeah, I'm not sure what in-character I would react"

[interludes] Talbert says, "and even OOC I have no idea what it implies"

DonMiguel says, "In the meantime, if you know of anything that you feel would aid Los Vagos, I would suggest <leaving it in some Los Vagos message drop-off point that we're willing to give away the location of to her>."

Ericilia says, "Sure. You may want to ask others, too. I don't know when or if I'll get another message."

[interludes] GM exclaims, "Give me a wits roll, then, TN 10!"

DonMiguel asks, "Do you know of any others to ask?"

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

[interludes] Talbert says, "Oho"

Ericilia says, "The only name I put down was Eutimio, but I don't know if he was actually recruited or not."

Ericilia says, "But I've overheard discussion about the tides in town, and not *all* of it was about the actual tide, I think."

DonMiguel nods.

DonMiguel says, "If you learn anything more, please let us know. Thank you."

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "I figure that my next plans are probably to let my Los Vagos supervisor know what went down and what we plan to to. Including making arrangements to help Adrien get smuggled out of the country. But I don't know if we need to RP that or not."

[interludes] GM says (to Talbert), "The only connection that you can think of between you and Ttristand is that you're two of the soldiers that have a sort of reputation for being 'softer', though not to the point of negligence. You're just more likely to diffuse situations with the townspeople than aggravate them. It's not super uncommon in the ranks, but you're in the minority, at least. Basically, the exact opposite of the types of soliders that got moved into the Forte squad."

[7thsea] GM says, "Yup, that seems great."

[7thsea] GM says, "(uh, to not actually rp that; hang on.)"

GM says, "So! Moving the clock forwards a bit, you all move forward with your lives and plans. Talbert, the doctor seems insistant that you stay at the infirmary, even though you feel fine. Do you stay there anyway, or do you insist on returning to active duty? El Vago would like you to investigate a bit more about the last-minute transfer; that seems suspicious."

[7thsea] Talbert says, "No way to Ferris Bueller this situation so as to investigate the transfer"

[7thsea] Talbert asks, "?"

GM says, "You establish the fiction of a new person in town, but Ericilia reports no new missions. Between El Vago and you, you come up with a list of names of people in town you think could be involved, or who you've seen been involved in other things. The list is slightly longer than this; these are the names that we'll actually see you talk to (if you choose to do so)."

[7thsea] GM says, "You can absolutely Ferris Bueller all you like ;-)"

[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "In your zeal to do your duty to Montaigne, perhaps you can ask that while you're stuck in bed, you can at least help with clerical work and filing, if they'll just bring you the recent duty roster data that needs to be recorded?"

[7thsea] Talbert says, "That is a great idea actually"

[7thsea] GM says, "In alphabetical order:"

[7thsea] GM | Amadis Paramo, baker. Two sons lost to the war.

[7thsea] GM | Father Penlaver, town's sole priest.

[7thsea] GM | Elias, merchant, set up smuggling

[7thsea] GM | Eutimio Maradiaga, teen, works the docks, name put in by Ericilia

[7thsea] GM | Flaminia, Elias's mistress, saw in caves.

[7thsea] GM | Guillermo, cordwainer (aka shoemaker), held at knifepoint in caves

[7thsea] GM | Gianetta, Penelope's courtesan frenemy

[7thsea] GM | Raquel, Elias's wife

[7thsea] GM | Sofia Delgado, writer/printer

[7thsea] Talbert asks, "Would making that request work be a Panache roll?"

[7thsea] GM says, "Sure! TN 10."

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Thinking OOC, the fact that the people surrounding Elias have come up before makes them seem more likely to be significant to the plot than the people we've never heard of :)"

[7thsea] Talbert rolls 3k3: 10+1 2 8 | 21

[7thsea] Talbert says, "boom"

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

[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Do we know the priest's position on the Inquisition?"

[7thsea] GM asks, "How about a cold read/wits from you and Penelope?"

[7thsea] Penelope rolls 3k3: 7 8 1 | 16

[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 3k3: 5 10+7 9 | 31

[7thsea] GM exclaims, "woo!"

[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims (at Dice), "Thanks!"

Talbert massages his bandaged throat gingerly. 'My body fails me, yet my mind is still keen and my fingers made dexterous from artistic pursuits. Healing sleep will come more readily once I have answered the call of duty. Give me pen and let me do my part in going over some paperwork! For Montaigne!'

[7thsea] Talbert says, "I had trouble writing that without laughing"

[7thsea] GM says, "OK, you both know that he was publically pro-Inquisition, and Penelope wrote him off as a typical religious prude. But Don Miguel got to know him better over the years, and believes that his stance is genuinie--he sincerely believes that sorcery is dangerous and corrupting, and fears for people who succumb. He's a help to the people in the town, and works super hard, now that he's literally the only person left in the church, so he has to do everything."

[7thsea] GM says (to Talbert), "Ha! That was great."

GM tosses Talbert a drama die.

[7thsea] Talbert says, "yay :)"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "So if our mysterious manipulator *is* with the Inquisition, this guy is definitely a clear candidate to be involved."

[interludes] GM exclaims, "So! You are given the rosters, and indeed, your name and Tristand's are there in a last-minute transfer to prison guard duty that night. Nobody tracked you down, so you were replaced by someone else. And give me a research/wits to cross-reference other things and find out more!"

[7thsea] GM says, "I would say that you also know that political maniulation being what it is, the inquisition probably pulled some strings to keep this guy around."

[7thsea] Penelope says, "To the church! Where I will not be seducing anyone. :P"

[7thsea] Penelope says, "Or will I..."

[7thsea] GM says, "Ha"

[7thsea] Talbert says, "I'm going to spend that drama die I just got :)"

[7thsea] Talbert rolls 3k3: 10+10+3 3 7 | 33

[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims, "Nice!"

[7thsea] Talbert says, "I think Floriana's brain is connected to mine now"

[7thsea] Talbert says, "more processing power... of LOVE"

FatherPenlaver is in his office when you get there, and stands up to greet you.

[7thsea] GM says, "Ha"

[7thsea] GM says, "(who is there, and are you disguised?)"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "I'll let Penelope take the lead on this one."

[7thsea] Penelope says, "Seems like maybe a solo thing for DM, if they're already acquaintances"

[7thsea] Penelope says, "Oh!"

[7thsea] Penelope says, "Ha, ok"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Ha."

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "When you said 'To the church!', I figured that meant you had a plan :0"

[7thsea] Penelope says, "I do not :)"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "s/0/)/"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "On the one hand, it feels like it might be weird for Penelope and Miguel to be hanging out together unmasked."

[7thsea] Penelope says, "Just seemed like we thought it was the best place to start, and you've got a connection iwth him."

[7thsea] FatherPenlaver asks, "You could also show up after a service, or something?"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "On the other hand, it also seems weird to show up to talk to him masked, especially since Los Vagos and the Inquisition presumably don't have the smoothest relationship."

[7thsea] DonMiguel asks (of GM), "Yeah, that seems plausible. The two of us just happen to both be there on the same Sunday?"

[7thsea] Penelope says, "Sure."

[interludes] GM says (to Talbert), "Cross-referencing the duty rosters, you find that just in the last two days, there's been a lot of reassignments. In general, you see a lot of your more reasonable colleagues being assigned more dangerous duties. Several of them died in the attack on the prison. Oddly, there's no one person in charge of the transfers; they seem to be being made by a variety of different commanding officers. The one name that shows up the most is Raimond Faucheux, but you're not sure if that's just coincidence or not."

[Crows-Nest] DonMiguel says, "(Spoiler: it's not a coincidence.)"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Heh."

DonMiguel says (to Penlaver), "Padre, that was a great sermon you just gave. Very moving, especially the parts about the corrupting nature of sin."

DonMiguel says, "And courageous as well, those allusions you made to Porte sorcery. A dangerous thing to address, these days, but very timely."

FatherPenlaver nods. "I fear our occupiers do not know the full danger of the powers they weild."

FatherPenlaver says, "But we must be careful to not merely blame our enemies. Sorcery was known to all nations, and we must remain vigilant against its return."

FatherPenlaver asks, "Do our guests at least refrain from using it on your estate?"

DonMiguel asks, "Yes, so far. But I fear that they grow bolder by the day. I can only pray that they will eventually be pushed back, but who can say when or if that tide will ever turn?"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(I assume that 'our guests' was said in an ironic tone of voice.)"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Ha; yes."

[7thsea] GM says, "Ha; yes."

FatherPenlaver sighs and shakes his head. "Who knows; who knows. Theus teaches us to remain faithful, but it is difficult at times."

FatherPenlaver says, "Ah, Penelope! So good to see you here again. It's been some number of weeks."

FatherPenlaver grins.

Penelope smiles warmly. "Hello, Father."

FatherPenlaver looks around, and sees that most people have trickled out by now. He lowers his voice a bit.

FatherPenlaver says (to Penelope), "I'm glad you're here; I wanted to thank you. I recently heard from a colleague in Donostia, and he reports widespread... assaults, by the occupying Montaignians. You and your coworkers have worked hard to ensure that doesn't happen here; that the soldiers are taken care of. I wanted you to know it's appreciated."

Penelope looks surprised, but pleased. "Thank you."

[7thsea] FatherPenlaver says, "pats Penelope's hands."

[7thsea] FatherPenlaver says, "whoops, ha."

FatherPenlaver pats Penelope's hands.

FatherPenlaver appraises the two of you. "I suppose between the two of you, you see most of the people in town. I do worry about our old sorcery--if either of you have seen evidence of it resurfacing, do let me know. My instruments have recorded some troubling results."

DonMiguel asks, "Instruments?"

FatherPenlaver says, "A gift from a colleague. They're very rough, but they seem to respond when sorcery is being used in the area. I've had it for years, and before the occupation, they never twitched. And since then, I've assumed it's Porte. But lately I've not been so sure."

[interludes] GM says, "What next? I'm happy to answer questions if you want more info about something."

DonMiguel says, "I've a personal interest in both natural philosophy and the spiritual -- these instruments sound like a remarkable intersection of those two fields. I'd love to be able to see them some day and learn about how they function, if I could."

FatherPenlaver exclaims, "By all means!"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(And I'm also curious if they might themselves be Syrneth in origin, and potentially related to the other artifacts we've been looking into.)"

FatherPenlaver says, "I'm actually free for the rest of the day. You'd be welcome too, young lady. Just let me say goodbye to the other parishoners."

DonMiguel says, "Splendid."

[interludes] GM says, "zzzzip and you're in his study, assuming there's nothing else you want to do."

[interludes] GM exclaims, "ilac!"

[7thsea] GM says, "zzzzip and you're in his study, assuming there's nothing else you want to do."

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(Is there anything Talbert wants to do in the meantime?)"

[7thsea] Penelope says, "If I suddenly disappear it's because the little one doesn't want me using the laptop anymore (she keeps closing it or telling me to)"

[7thsea] Talbert says, "Well, I'll give Los Vagos the name of Raimond etc, not sure I can do much more"

[7thsea] Talbert says, "on that front at least"

GM says, "His office is a simple affair, with a writing desk on one side of the room, a large shelf full of books, and an odd device in the corner, which he leads you to."

DonMiguel inspects it closely while he talks.

GM says, "As players, you would recognize it as a primitive seismograph. As PCs, you've never seen anything like it."

DonMiguel asks, "How does it work?"

FatherPenlaver says, "The key bit, according to my colleague, is this right here, that responds to sorcery. Everything else was built around it to amplify and record its movement."

[interludes] GM asks, "You could talk to them or one of the other names on the list, or ask the other people in the infirmary about them?"

[interludes] GM says, "They'd probably let you out to deliver paperwork, at least ;-)"

[interludes] Talbert says, "OHo"

[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "What does the 'key bit' look like?"

GM says, "It's a small bit of metal housed in a mesh of wires."

[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "So it looks 'modern'?"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(I.e., roughly contemporary with the time period we're in.)"

[interludes] Talbert exclaims, "I want to check Raimond first. Start with general rumor first: gossip!"

GM says, "The metal bit could well be Syrneth, actually, but everything else around it is definitely modern."

[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Are there any markings on the metal bit?"

GM says, "There's a single piece of paper wrapped around a wind-up drum."

[7thsea] GM asks, "They'd be small, if so? What were you hoping to discover?"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Anything that I could look up or correlate with other Syrneth items I've seen."

[interludes] GM asks, "Gossip/Panache?"

[7thsea] GM says, "Sure, give me a natural philosophy/Wits, TN 15."

[7thsea] Talbert rolls 3k3: 8 6 1 | 15

[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 4k3: 10+6 8 7 1 | 31

[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Success for both of you!"

[7thsea] GM says, "Talbert, rp1 DonM, you think this looks like a repurposed bit of something that used to be housed in a different Syrneth artifact."

[7thsea] GM says, "s/rp1/rp!/"

DonMiguel asks, "This is fascinating. I see how these parts connect, to drive this arm here, and I assume these wires are reacting to something inside there... but wherever did that small piece come from?"

Talbert hmms. 'Raimond, who's Raimond... does he do anything beside signing all of these documents? Ah well, duty is duty, but I almost wonder if he's real or whether he's a pseudonym, honhonhonh...

FatherPenlaver says, "This page has been recording for the last two weeks. Remember the night of the big storm? These huge spikes are from that day. I assume that the Montaignians were Porte-ing something in or out that day. But see these quivers? Much smaller, but consistent. If Porte gives us large spikes, what's giving us these quivers? I fear it might be El Fuego Adentro."

[Crows-Nest] Penelope says, "Not the fire-benders!"

FatherPenlaver says (to DonMiguel), "I know not! Very useful, though."

[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Can I match up the markings to what I know actually happened during the storm?"

[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Since it seems like there should be an actual fuego spike, from Floriana. Can I distinguish it from the porte ones?"

[7thsea] GM says (to DonM), "It's plausible, but you'd need to examine the actual paper to do so; on the rotating drum it's just too awkward. You'd also need some time and access to some of your instruments to do a full analysis."

DonMiguel says, "Do you think I could borrow that page? I'd like to analyze it in my own laboratory, if I could. I might be able to learn something from it."

FatherPenlaver looks a bit uncomfortable. "Oh, ah. Well, it is official church material. I'm not sure if... I mean..."

[7thsea] GM says (to Penelope), "Your social instincts tell you that you could intervene here on Don's behalf ;-)"

[7thsea] Penelope asks, "I was thinking that :) Do we "know" each other, as far as the Father is concerned?"

[7thsea] GM says, "I mean, not in the biblical sense."

[7thsea] Penelope asks, "Or just random people from the congregation?"

[7thsea] Penelope says, "Ha, didn'[t mean that"

[7thsea] GM says, "(hee hee)"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "I imagine that most people in town know me at least in passing."

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "As to whether or not the converse is true, I'm not as sure."

[7thsea] GM says, "Yeah, you all know each other and know that you know each other, at least some."

Penelope asks, "Oh, father. I would trust this man with my life. Surely you can trust him with a piece of paper?"

Penelope says, "I think it could be very helpful to you."

[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Roll some sort of convincing thing/Panache, TN 15!"

[7thsea] Penelope rolls 4k3: 4 2 3 6 | 13

[7thsea] Penelope says, "Gah"

[7thsea] Penelope says, "Drama die, I suppose. We wants that paper, my precious."

[7thsea] Penelope says, "Well, DM does."

[7thsea] Penelope rolls 1k1: 2 | 2

[7thsea] GM says, "Heh."

[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Just enough!"

[7thsea] Penelope says, "Well."

[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "In which case, do you want to say that was my sharing DD?"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Seeing as it was for my benefit, after all."

[7thsea] Penelope says, "Sure"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(AFK again.)"

[interludes] GM says, "Whoops, dropped this. Talbert, you deliver some papers, and find Raimond's office. You enter to see a very haggard-looking man."

[interludes] Talbert asks (of GM), "Didn't I get some gossip beforehand?"

[interludes] GM says, "What sort of thing did you want to know? Sorry; must have read your rp wrong."

FatherPenlaver looks a bit embarassed to be convinced of something by a pretty lady, but relents. "If you think you can discover something new, then yes, take it. But do bring it back; if there's a gap in the record, they'll have my head."

Penelope asks, "They?"

Penelope asks, "Your colleague, or...?"

FatherPenlaver says, "Yes, him. Right."

[interludes] Talbert says (to GM), "I was getting an initial sense of how other people in the infirmary (if any) perceived Raimond by openly conjecturing about him (see RP)"

[interludes] Talbert says, "before then deciding on an approach based on that"

[interludes] GM says, "Oh! OK, got it."

[interludes] GM says, "Sorry, was confused."

DonMiguel says, "Of course."

[interludes] Talbert says, "I would have still gone to see him afterwards, but this would inform how I talk to him"

DonMiguel says, "If I do learn anything, perhaps I can share it with your colleague as well."

[interludes] GM says (to Talbert), "Word on the street is that he works hard and keeps his head down. He's dreadfully prejudiced against the Castillians, but doesn't let that interfere with his work. He reported to Lord Forte before he disappeared; now he reports to the Vicomte directly."

FatherPenlaver asks, "That would be great. Will you have it back in... a couple days?"

[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Should that be enough time to analyze it?"

[interludes] GM says, "(yeah)"

[interludes] GM says, "ilac"

DonMiguel says, "I should indeed."

[7thsea] GM says (to Don), "Yes."

[interludes] Talbert says (to GM), "Good to know! The mystery deepens"

DonMiguel smiles.

[interludes] Talbert asks, "Could someone be tricking him into signing papers?"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(That should have been 'I will indeed.'; my channel question bled into my IC remark.)"

[interludes] Talbert says, "since he's so busy"

[7thsea] GM asks, "Do you want to try spying on him? Or generally assessing his distraction level when talking to him? Or...?"

[7thsea] GM says, "omg ilac yet again."

[7thsea] GM asks, "Do you want to try spying on him? Or generally assessing his distraction level when talking to him? Or...?"

[interludes] GM asks, "Do you want to try spying on him? Or generally assessing his distraction level when talking to him? Or...?"

[interludes] GM says, "There; sheesh."

[interludes] Talbert asks, "I was actually thinking that his prejudice against Castillians could be used to my advantage by being 'upfront' and telling him I think someone has been giving him falsified documents to sign somehow?"

FatherPenlaver says, "Well, then! Sunday afternoons I usually indulge in a meal at El Paraiso Urbano; you would be welcome to join me if you have no other plans."

[7thsea] GM says, "(Which we don't need to rp; just for color.)"

[interludes] Talbert says, "And seeing if there's anyone he thinks of who could have done it"

[interludes] Talbert says, "It's a little risky though"

[interludes] Talbert says, "Maybe I should just spy on him."

[interludes] GM exclaims, "Either way!"

DonMiguel says, "Gladly! Thank you."

Penelope says, "I'd be delighted."

[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "I'm happy to spend the off-screen time being friendly with him. Do you want us to roll for any summarized schmoozing?"

[7thsea] GM asks, "Not unless you have particular goals?"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Nah."

GM says, "Coming as you do from three very different walks of life, you turn a few heads at the cafe, but have a lovely time, and the heads that turn usually end up with a smile."

[interludes] GM asks (of Talbert), "Do you want to roll for insght into the choice?"

GM says, "If there's some good that's come out of the occupation, it's the sense that all of you Castillians are in this together, and some (though not all) of the former predudices have gone away."

[interludes] Talbert exclaims, "Sure!"

[interludes] GM exclaims, "Something/wits, TN 10!"

[7thsea] Talbert rolls 2k2: 10+4 1 | 15

[interludes] Talbert says, "I've been rolling straight stats all night and thankfully exploding dice have come to aid me"

[interludes] Talbert says, "(I should remember to spend xp :D )"

[interludes] GM says, "You figure that if you ask if they were faked, you'll probably figure out what actually happened, but have a good chance of getting into trouble for meddling, too. If you spy on him, there's less chance of being found out, but it's going to be harder to figure stuff out."

[interludes] GM says, "(also, feel free to find an even vaguely-related skill and tie it in when I ask for a 'something' roll; it actually helps me with coloring a response.)"

[interludes] Talbert exclaims, "good to know!"

[interludes] Talbert says, "for some reason, I felt like the trouble I'd get into from option A is less severe than the trouble I'd get into for spying"

GM says (to Don_and_Penelope), "As you finish your meal, you see Guillermo and his husband also having lunch a few tables over."

[interludes] Talbert says, "ie it's a choice between 'I get the info, I'm likely in trouble but it's not the end of the world' vs 'I might not get the info AND there's a small chance of getting into BIG trouble'"

[interludes] Talbert says, "but now I'm questioning that line of thought"

[Crows-Nest] Penelope says, "We intrude,and have second lunch!"

[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Trying to remember the details... is this the one that... I think Talbert somehow saved, with help (as we only later learned) from Floriana?"

[7thsea] GM exclaims, "He is!"

[7thsea] GM says, "Arras held him at knifepoint in the caves; he was there to help move the contraband."

[interludes] Talbert says, "I put some dirt in the bad guy's eye (who was holding Guillermo hostage), that same bad guy is currently on the run thanks to my schemes"

[interludes] Talbert says, "what the GM said"

[interludes] Talbert says, "also this is the wrong channel oops"

[interludes] GM says, "Don't overthink it; I'll try to make either one interesting ;-)"

[interludes] GM says, "(i.e. there's no wrong choice)"

[interludes] Talbert says, "I'll go with the first option because it fits the whole 'overzealous but loyal' act that Talbert has been pulling this whole time"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "So it's plausible that, like Ericilia, he might be receiving secret orders under the impression that they're to the benefit of Castille."

[interludes] GM exclaims, "Great! RP!"

[7thsea] GM says, "Right, so you and El Vago surmised."

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "But with my social skills not being as good as Miguel's, I'm not sure of a good way to interrupt his dinner and feel him out on this without it being awkward and suspicious."

Raimond looks up distractedly as you come in. "Ah, um, Talbert, is it? Thank you for doing the reports; saved me some time there."

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(Perhaps *this* would be a good chance for Penelope to take the lead?)"

[interludes] Raimond says, "(except on channel but hey.)"

[interludes] Raimond looks haggard and somewhat distracted.

[7thsea] Penelope says, "Do *I* know who Guillermo is? I wasn't in the cave that evening.r"

[7thsea] Penelope says, "Presumably we can make something up"

[7thsea] GM says, "Yeah, you know him. Feel free to make up a backstory... ha, timing, yes."

[7thsea] GM says, "(and you heard the story from the othes)"

[7thsea] Penelope asks, "Right, but I need one of them to know who I am so I can have an excuse to say hi. Maybe I know the husband from somewhere. Friend or sibling of someone I work with?"

[7thsea] Penelope says, "Anyway"

Penelope leads the way out of the restaurant, making sure that we pass by their table. She just happens to "notice" them as we approach. "Oh, [give me a good name here for the husband!] and Guille! What a surprise!"

Talbert asks (of Raimond), "Always happy to serve, sir! Speaking of which, I was wondering if you'd noticed anything strange lately with the paperwork that's been going through your office lately? What with the treacherous Castillian prison break--' he makes a point of touching the bandage on his neck, and winces, continuing: '--what with that and that Arras business and all, I've been worried that maybe some Castillian agent might be swapping out papers right before they come your way? I won't waste any more of your time, of course, but I thought it was only right to voice such a concern, especially since you handle the most work out of anyone here and thus would be a target?"

Talbert says all this as he puts the papers down and gets ready to leave.

[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Benito!"

Benito says (to Penelope), "Oh, Penelope! You haven't eaten already, have you? Please join us."

[interludes] Raimond asks (of Talbert), "What? Has someone said I did something wrong? What's going on?"

Penelope looks at Don Miguel, and raises her eyebrows with a subtle smirk? (I think we lingered or something and the Father is already out of earshot, so Penelope would be down for second lunch to get some info if you are)

[7thsea] GM says, "I continue to be amused by Penelope conveying sentences with her eyebrows. It's great."

DonMiguel nods to Penelope and smiles to the others. "It's a pleasure to see you both again."

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "I'm trying to figure out whether or not I need an excuse to be with Penelope."

[7thsea] Penelope says, "Hm"

[7thsea] GM asks, "Hmm. I'm happy either way; what would be more interesting? To say that nowadays people just comingle more, or to say that they're going to Make Assumptions?"

[7thsea] Penelope says, "I am a social butterfly!"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "I'm alright with them Making Assumptions as long as those are social assumptions that don't involve, uh, masks."

Talbert says (to Raimond), "Maybe I'm paranoid, but there was a pattern in the nature of the roster shifts signed by you which made us vulnerable to Castillian schemes, and since I don't for one moment believe you to be friendly towards them, I think that maybe an agent of theirs has been giving you the wrongs papers? It could be a coincidence, but I would be careful..."

[7thsea] GM says, "Works for me! People see Penelope with everyone, then."

[7thsea] Penelope says, "I also took the courtier skill, and have ranks in all sorts of performing arts and speak several languages. Of course I know pretty much everyone, and it's not just for the assumed purposes."

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Excellent."

Talbert will if prompted show Raimond the patterns he spotted.

Penelope says, "We'd love to join you, thank you!"

Benito and Guillermo chat with you happily about town gossip, etc.

[interludes] GM says, "Hmm, let's see."

[interludes] Talbert says, "I should have emoted here, oops"

[interludes] Raimond watches you stone-faced as you explain what you found, then looks up at you with stern eyes.

[interludes] Raimond says (to Talbert), "And I see that you were supposed to be there that night as well, and were not. How *convenient*."

[interludes] Talbert says, "(OOC: how would he know? I was there, technically)"

[interludes] Talbert says, "(Do they have a clock you punch)"

[interludes] GM says, "The orders include finding a replacement for you in the end."

[interludes] GM says, "When you couldn't be found."

[interludes] Talbert says, "Oh right"

[interludes] Talbert says, "Sorry about that"

[interludes] Raimond asks, "Do you have some excuse for not being there as required, from *direct* orders from... [a slight hesitation] my direct superior?"

[interludes] GM says, "(You weren't assigned duty that day, and were in town, prepping for the jail raid.)"

[interludes] Talbert says, "(I was a hothead trying to hunt down Arras? Seems in-character)"

[interludes] Talbert says, "(I'm definitely going to be super regretful about not being there sooner)"

[interludes] GM says, "Are you asking me? I'm fine with that excuse ;-)"

[interludes] GM says, "Go for it."

Guillermo says, "..that poor Elias. He had staked so much on that... 'shipment'. I hear he's been employing all the local urchins to beachcomb for him, hoping to find some salvage.""

[interludes] Talbert looks humbled before Raimond. 'I was trying to track down Arras by myself, sir. I was so eager to pursue the hunt myself that I never got the orders, and only just learned about it now. I deeply regret my rash impatience which made me spend a day on a wild goose's chase, instead of being here.'

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(I apologize for being in and out today -- my digestive system is apparently not pleased with me this afternoon.)"

[7thsea] Penelope says, "No worries."

[7thsea] GM says, "Is anyone waiting for me? Ask me more questions if you like."

[7thsea] Penelope says, "I just can't think how to respond to that."

[interludes] Raimond says, "Hmm."

DonMiguel asks, "Have they had any luck?"

[7thsea] GM exclaims (at Talbert), "Something/Panache, TN 15!"

[7thsea] GM says (to Penelope), "Other conversation topics are also fine; it's ranged around a variety of things, and you can steer things as you like."

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

[interludes] Talbert exclaims, "Spending my second drama die!"

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

[interludes] Talbert exclaims, "22!"

[interludes] Raimond says, "I suppose that makes a certain amound of sense, but I'm giving you an official warning that will go on your record. Don't mess up again."

[interludes] Raimond says, "Just..."

[interludes] Raimond suddenly stops and twitches involuntarily like he was stung.

[interludes] Raimond recovers and you can barely hear him mutter "Fine, just don't... fine."

[interludes] Raimond says (to Talbert), "Clearly, you've not recovered from your injuries. You're confined to the infirmary for the rest of the week."

[interludes] Raimond scribbles out some new orders and hands a copy to you. "Give this to the attendant doctor."

[interludes] Talbert says (to Raimond), "Yes, sir"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "...huh."

Guillermo says, "Some? He's still in a bad mood, though."

DonMiguel says, "It's such a shame. If only there were more we could do without risking retaliation against the whole town."

Benito says, "Don't see how that's possible with Raquel *and* Flaminia easing his burdens."

Guillermo says (to Benito), "Oh, stop."

Guillermo says (to DonMiguel), "We do what we can, I suppose. Can't give up."

[interludes] GM asks (of Talbert), "Do you return and give the papers to the doctor?"

DonMiguel says, "True. Perhaps some day the tide will turn."

[interludes] Talbert says (to GM), "I need to, if I want to preserve my cover"

[interludes] Doctor says (to Talbert), "He put you in group four, too? But you... sigh, OK, great, thanks. Same bed, I guess."

[interludes] DonMiguel asks, "Is Tristand allowed to move freely?"

[interludes] DonMiguel says, "If so, perhaps he could send Penelope a message, at least."

Guillermo says, "Ha, yes. Some day."

Benito says, "Not... not soon enough."

Benito looks at DonMiguel with new interest.

DonMiguel nods. "Indeed."

[Crows-Nest] DonMiguel exclaims (at Benito), "You're not on the list!"

Benito hides raised eyebrows behind a drink.

Benito asks (of Penelope), "And what about you? What do you think we should do? Take risks, or keep our heads down?"

Penelope laughs, "Oh, you know me. I never play it safe."

Benito grins. "No, I suppose not."

[7thsea] GM asks, "And we are at time! Any final questions/actions?"

[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims, "I don't think so -- sorry about fading toward the end there, but thanks for the game!"

[7thsea] GM says, "No problem at all."

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "I am particularly curious what is going on with Raimond and the voice in his head, but alas, I don't even know about it IC yet."

[7thsea] GM says, "I think we can assume that Talbert can get a message out, through a maid or something."

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "I suppose we should probably let Floriana know what happened to Talbert, at the very least."

[7thsea] Talbert says, "I'm a spy, I have Cryptography"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Nice."

[7thsea] Talbert says, "Consider y'all informed"

[7thsea] GM says, "Perfect."

[7thsea] Talbert says, "My cypher is hidden inside seemingly harmless doodle of [oooh la la]"

[7thsea] Talbert says, "as befits a Montaignian with the Drawing skill"

[7thsea] GM says, "Thank you all! This was less of a set piece session, but I hope it was interesting. I felt like I needed you all to meet some of the people in the town, if only to make some connections to the people you're protecting."

[7thsea] Talbert says, "I'm very intrigued by the intrigue"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Quite."

[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Good!"

[7thsea] GM asks, "Is two weeks from now good for people?"

[7thsea] GM says, "Looks like it's between the weeks ggg's out."

[7thsea] Talbert says, "Sounds good"

[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "It is for me."

[7thsea] Talbert says, "Thanks again :) sorry I was a little sleepy"

[7thsea] Talbert says, "it's been fun nonetheless"

[7thsea] Talbert says, "and goofnight all, as per usual"