[CCrusaders] Bert says, "Log on."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "I think we're just waiting for Deka?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Yeah, he's logging on."

[Department] Cuddlepaws says, "Dang teens, always late."

[Department] Cuddlepaws says, "uh, ilac somethingf fierce"

Wanda has left.

Wanda has arrived.

Deka has arrived.

Wanda says, "Hey Deka"

Cuddlepaws exclaims (at deka), "Hello!"

[CCrusaders] Deka says, "Hello."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "w00t"

[CCrusaders] (from Wanda) Director says, 'More teenage angst! Take 2.'

GM exclaims, "Welcome, everybody, to a new episode of... CROWNSFORD CRUSADERS!"

GM says, "In earlier parts of this Act, most of you visited a tech expo, almost lost Cuddlepaws to a woman with shadow magic powers, met some alien cavepeople who wanted to steal a fancy rock that belonged to PayneTech, discovered that Dr. Nichols' new medical technology company is accidentally responsible for a nanotech goo that turns people into metallic monsters (and which has Infected Eben's arm), and flew to Ganymede for a couple weeks to infiltrate the evil spider empire to steal back a different but similar fancy rock."

GM exclaims, "Eben opened a portal for the team to travel back home to Earth, but when you emerged into his basement, something didn't seem quite right. It's apparently daytime, but everything is darker and more shadowy than it should be. Jacob notices that these are no normal shadows: he can see through ordinary darkness, but these shadows have substance to them. And when Eben runs up the stairs to the door, he finds that the knob won't turn!"

GM says, "MEANWHILE"

GM exclaims (at Deka), "You've been out of town for a while (between college and driving around the country during summer break). You just barely got back to Crownsford, and you decided to stop by to visit your grandparents Eben and Frances first. But as you were driving by the house, a black portal suddenly opened up in the middle of the road, and you didn't have time to swerve out of the way before it sucks you in!"

GM exclaims (at Cuddlepaws, Jacob, Eben and Wanda), "A few moments after you arrive, you hear a rumbling sound, and suddenly a motorcycle comes barreling out of the portal behind you, just before it closes!"

Wanda says, "What the f--"

Jacob opens his mouth to say that, and then closes it wordlessly.

Eben dives out of the way.

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Also, FYI, Wanda is currently visibly a spider"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "(Which may add to Deka's confusion)"

Cuddlepaws has disconnected.

Cuddlepaws has connected.

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "Grr"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "This is probably a good time for the old players to describe themselvess to Ellric, since OOC he probably doesn't have a good mental image of everyone yet."

Deka you see obnoxiously loud bike swerve into frame, with a purple and leather clad biker riding it. She looks to all of you through her helment "gramps?" she asks.

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(As for how well Deka knows you IC, you can probably work that out now as well.)"

Eben exclaims, "Deka! You're back!"

Cuddlepaws says (to deka), "Cuddlepaws is an adorable, sleek white cat wearing some sort of headband."

[CCrusaders] Jacob is tall and goth.

[CCrusaders] (from Jacob) GM says, "I meant IC."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Hee."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "How much do we know about each others' powers is an interesting question."

Wanda appears to be a giant spider with long bendy legs, reddish fur, blue eyes, with a few idle flames here and there. Size-wise, about the same scale as a human.

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Indeed."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Wanda's the one with the most secretive identity"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Deka may know her skin-suit form, but otherwise... Wanda's in uni already, so older than Deka?"

[CCrusaders] Deka says, "I would say she does not know your powers."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "sounds good"

Cuddlepaws hisses at the sudden motorcycle and jumps into a corner.

Eben asks, "How did you get here? Did one of my portals misfire again?"

Wanda stands her ground.

[CCrusaders] GM says, "This is also a good time to refresh your fate points -- since everyone here got the compel of Eben's 'Unpredictable Basement Technology' to get them into this situation, everyone starts with one extra FP today."

Jacob sets her current fate point total to 4.

Cuddlepaws sets her current fate point total to 3.

Eben sets their current fate point total to 3.

GM sets his current fate point total to 5.

Wanda sets his current fate point total to 3.

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Deka), "You can refresh your fate points by type 'fp refresh X', where X is the number you have."

Deka sets their current fate point total to 3.

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks (of eben), "So she does know your powers, or were you just casual about them?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "You can see all the commands for manipulating those by typing 'x fate points'."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I think I'm pretty casual about them, and they've been in the news, I think.;"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "'Old Man Yells at Cloud, Then Builds Anti-Cloud Ray'"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "It depends how often she reads the Crownsford Times."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says (to gm), "ha ha"

[CCrusaders] Jacob is here, but one-handed for a bit and probably going to be semi-quiet unless needed.

[CCrusaders] Deka says, "I think so, where are this time? Please tell me it's not like last time. I would like to be able to look at cheese again without the flashbacks."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Cool kids don't rad the newspaper!"

Cuddlepaws comes out of the corner. "Um, meow?"

GM says, "You're all now together in what looks like Eben's basement, aside from the mysterious dimness and the shadows pooling in the corners of the room."

Eben says, "Cheese? ... oh, right. No! It's nothing like that. Well, I think it's nothing like that. We just got back from Io through one of my portals. I have a portal gun! I've been using it to fight crime! But something went weird; everything is shadowy."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "We need to talk about the spider in the room."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I suppose I'd like to investigate (the normal way, not the stunt) the shadows to create an advantage (i.e. figure out something useful about what's going on.)"

Eben says, "I think you met Jacob at the community picnic that one year? And you know Cuddlepaws, of course. And this is, uh, the Spider Princess of Io."

Jacob is a little distracted by those shadows, now that we sort of know what's up with the biker.

Jacob asks, "Yeah, hi, hi. Do you see those?"

GM says (to Jacob), "Sounds good. +2 Opposition."

Jacob rolls Fantastic (6) + 4dF: 0 +1 +1 -1 | Epic (7)

Cuddlepaws rubs against Deka's leg. "Hey Deka"

Eben says, "The shadows? Yeah, they're weird."

Jacob says, "They're.. not normal shadows. I can't see through them."

Wanda asks (of Jacob), "What about that cult you investigated?"

GM says (to Jacob), "The shadows remind you of that woman you encountered a while ago who tried to abduct CP. They move and swirl like heavy smoke, and when you touch them, they feel like cobwebs. These are Shadows With Substance."

Cuddlepaws says: "Like that lady at the fair weird." Hunkers down and folds back her ears.

Deka asks, " Oh hey cat, can I pet you or is that demeaning or something?"

Eben says, "And everyone, this is Deka, Wanda's cousin. Um, who I like to mention now and then. Because you all know Wanda, and she knows Deka. Right."

Cuddlepaws says, "It's funny. But NOT the belly."

Jacob says, "Yeah, they really are like that woman who tried to take CP... "Hey. Is someone here? I see you.""

[CCrusaders] GM says, "And that was a success with style, so you get two free invokes on that aspect."

[Crows-Nest] Jacob says (to Cassie), "Hands off my keyboard, please."

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "awww"

[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, "Somebaby is not napping."

[Crows-Nest] Eben remembers playing 7th Sea here with Ellric on his lap.

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "I'm afraid of Cassandra-like typing. "Troy is doomed!""

[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, "Aww"

[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, "Nobody would believe her, CP."

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "hee"

Cuddlepaws says, "Don't like this, no, no, don't like this at all"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "he he"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Hmm, we'll need to reset https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1h88N6VTO6dtQ2RVzk1tqx4NdA5PNyShAjpXcoVjhU8M/edit#gid=1689105620"

GM says (to Jacob), "The shadows don't respond to your speaking to them."

Eben knocks on the door.

Eben says (to Cuddlepaws), "It'll be OK; we got you."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Oh, yeah, a lot of those are no longer really applicable."

Wanda says (to Cuddlepaws), "Cuddles, don't be scared of the shadows, I'll always be there to provide light."

Jacob slowly creeps up to a shadowy corner and tries to kick at it with his combat boot.

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "(Not attacking, just curious.)"

Cuddlepaws sneaks under Wanda and sits there, shivering.

GM says (to Jacob), "A film of shadow sticks to the surface of your boot."

Deka joins in on the kicking

Jacob ewws.

Eben asks (of door), "Hello? Can someone open this?"

Eben asks, "Frances, are you there?"

GM says, "You all find that the shadows are tangible but don't provide much resistance."

GM says (to Eben), "There's no response."

Deka knocks louder

Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Someone break down that f[sounds of kicking] door! Do it now!"

Eben frowns, peers back through the portal. "If Deka came through here, maybe we can get back..."

GM says (to Deka), "Oddly, the knocking seems muffled, as if the door is barely even vibrating when you strike it."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Aren't we in a room full of tools? :D"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says (to jacob), "Hey now, everyone's doing their best"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to Jacob), "Hey! Rude."

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims (at Jacob), "True!"

Cuddlepaws runs through the portal quickly.

GM says (to Eben), "The portal closed after Deka drove through, but you can certainly try to activate your Fallback Plan again."

Cuddlepaws realizes it's gone.

Eben tries activating Fallback Plan.

Deka says, "are we gonna resort to breaking the door down? If so, I can do it."

GM exclaims, "You open a new portal in the wall, and the Fallback Plan portal sprints open. You now have a portal linking one side of the room to the other!"

Cuddlepaws says (to deka), "Break down the door! DO IT NOW"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "ha ha ha"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Oh, I was going to try just the orange fallback, in case the blue one was still open somewhere."

Jacob makes an anguished sort of snrrrk laughter sound.

Deka reduces the mass of the door, then kicks it down.

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Oh, ah. In that case, no, both sides of the portal closed."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Got it."

GM says (to Deka), "Excellent -- let's do the first part first."

GM says, "Reducing its mass is a Create Advantage using Physique. And normally, I'd consider reducing the mass of the door to make it easier to break down to be a +3 opposition."

GM says, "But under these Special Circumstances that you're in, the difficulty of interacting with the door is increased: it'll be +8."

[CCrusaders] Jacob oof

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "These are hardcore villains"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "with their sick shadow powers"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Sorry, I mean +7.)"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Oh, hmm, that's impossible."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I see a red door and it has a difficulty of +8"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(without some other Create Advantages first)"

[CCrusaders] Deka says, "Even if I roll a 4 I can't do that. I can still kick it down though."

[CCrusaders] Eben asks (of GM), "Unless her increased strength helps with her power?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "You can use a free invoke from Jacob."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I don't think channelling mass really counts as an act of pure strength."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Right."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "But yeah, fate points are the way to go"

Deka just kicks it.

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK! Just trying to smash it down without modifying its mass is also +7, but this *is* pure strength!"

Deka rolls Epic (7) + 4dF: 0 +1 -1 0 | Epic (7)

[CCrusaders] GM says, "That's a tie! That means it's a success with a minor cost."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Stubbed Toe"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "chipped a nail"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "A toenail? Does Deka have painted toenails?"

GM says, "You kick the door as hard as you can -- and it feels more like you're kicking a solid rock than a piece of wood! But you're mighty: the hinges give way, and the door falls over onto the kitchen floor with a clatter."

[CCrusaders] Deka says, "she does not."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Girl can modify mass, but always loses her nail clippers"

GM says, "But it hurts your foot, even through your boots, and you take two physical stress."

Cuddlepaws jumps into the kitchen!

Wanda leaps after Cuddles.

Jacob follows and looks around.

[CCrusaders] GM says, "You can absorb stress by checking off a stress box that's at least as high as the amount of stress you took. In this case, by checking off your #2 physical stress box at the bottom of the first page of your sheet."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "And your physical stress boxes all recover at the end of the scene."

[CCrusaders] Deka says, "got it"

GM says, "You all see Frances in the kitchen. She was apparently in the middle of making a sandwich when she spins around."

Frances says, "What in the world!"

Eben exclaims, "Frances!"

Wanda exclaims, "We're back!"

Cuddlepaws exclaims, "My favorite human!"

[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, ""And we're hungry!"

Deka exclaims, "I am also here!"

Frances walks past all of you, apparently ignoring you completely. "Eben must have left one of his experiments running downstairs..."

Jacob oh shit.

Cuddlepaws exclaims, "She's ignoring me! Must be feeding time!"

Jacob tries to block her.

Wanda asks, "She can't see us? Is this dragon blood all over again?"

GM exclaims (at Jacob), "Opposed Physique!"

Jacob rolls Mediocre (0) + 4dF: +1 -1 +1 0 | Average (1)

GM rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 +1 -1 0 | Superb (5)

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "Does she go through me?"

Eben walks next to Frances and yells. "It *is* me! I'm back! But we're stuck in some sort of shadow realm!"

GM says (to Jacob), "She knocks you to the ground as if you were nothing. She doesn't even seem to notice thtat you were there."

Cuddlepaws says, "If she could see the door but not us, maybe we can communicate by manipulating things"

GM asks (of Eben), "Are you yelling as loud as you can?"

Deka asks, " I am gonna guess that there is some weird fluid dimensional stuff happening. Gramps, so your portals have the ability to move through dimensions?"

Eben exclaims (at GM), "I am!"

Eben asks (of Deka), "They... didn't use to?"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "Do you think that should be Physique or Rapport? Either way, it's an overcome, vs +4."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Hmm, normally Physique, but since I'm *married* to this woman, I'm going to claim that Rapport works in this case."

Eben rolls Good (3) + 4dF: 0 0 +1 +1 | Superb (5)

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "We just know each other that well."

Frances says, "What? Eben! Oh dear -- are you alright? Is everyone else there with you?"

GM says (to Eben), "That's good enough to carry on a brief conversation before you get too hoarse to continue."

Eben exclaims, "Yes! We're all here! We're OK, though kind of stuck!"

Frances says, "Is there anything I can do to help?"

Eben exclaims, "And Deka's here, too!"

Deka exclaims, "HELLO!"

Frances waves (in the wrong direction). "Oh, hi Deka! It's good to almost see you again!"

Cuddlepaws exclaims, "HELLO FRANCIS!"

Deka exclaims, "GOOD TO SEE YOU AS WELL!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I'm going to say that you can manage to say, oh, about two more things before it's too hard to keep shouting that loud."

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "IT'S ALL EBEN'S FAULT!"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I like that she just takes this in stride."

Wanda says, "I'M GLAD YOU'RE OKAY"

Jacob opens the fridge door and takes a look. The others seem to have this in hand.

GM says, "Also, I should note that the shadowy-ness and all is the same here as it wa in the basement."

GM exclaims (at Jacob), "Physique Overcome, vs +4!"

Jacob rolls Mediocre (0) + 4dF: 0 +1 +1 +1 | Good (3)

Eben exclaims (at Frances), "If you turn on the Helmutz Modulator and the Plotkin Waveform Amp downstairs, I think I can use them to talk to you over my phone!"

GM exclaims (at Jacob), "You can barely even jiggle the door handle, much less open the fridge door!"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Almost tempted to figure out a way to spend a fate point because that would be amusing, but I'll save them."

Frances says, "Oh... alright, I'll try..."

Eben exclaims, "Thanks, dear! You're the best!"

GM says, "Frances goes downstairs -- this is going to be a Challenge -- that is, a multi-part Overcome."

GM says, "Part of it will be a Rapport or Physique test, to communicate to Frances what needs to be done."

[CCrusaders] Deka says, "I can help the physique part."

GM says, "Part of it will be a Lore test, to figure out how to breach the dimensional barrier."

GM says, "And part of it will be a Crafts test, for the actual manipulations that need to be done."

GM says, "All of them will be +4 opposition."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "I can help with Crafts!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "I can help with Lore!"

[CCrusaders] Deka says, "I can also help with lore."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I'll take point on Crafts."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I can't help with Lore."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I can try the Rapport/Physique thing."

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Jacob's our Lore guy, right?"

GM says, "Let's do the Lore first! Whoever has the highest Lore score should roll, and the get a +1 from anyone else who has a non-zero Lore score who's helping them."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I have a +4 in lore. Should-- yes."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "I also can't help with Lore!"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Timing"

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "So two helpers?"

Jacob rolls Fantastic (6) + 4dF: +1 0 0 +1 | Legendary (8)

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "that wasn't a brainstorming, that was a brainquake"

GM exclaims, "Success with style! Tell us your theory on what we need to do, and get a boost that'll carry over to help with the other parts!"

Jacob asks, "Well, you see, you have to [drones on for a bit] and then you need to [etc] because of the [...] and the [...]. Does that make sense?"

Jacob says, "Tada. It's easy."

Eben says, "Oh, uh..."

Eben looks at Deka for the summarized version.

Jacob rolls his eyes.

GM asks, "The next part will be Crafts -- how can we put that theory into practice?"

Deka says, "We need to move across the 7nth dimension like we do the 3 dimensions we are used to."

Eben says, "Oh! Right. OK, then."

Jacob says, "Exactly!"

Jacob says, "That's what I said."

Cuddlepaws says (to jacob), "But Deka explained it way better"

Eben says, "OK, that means that on my end, I can use these bits here and here..."

Cuddlepaws says (to eben), "Don't forget to rejiggle the transdimensional eradicator"

Eben starts putting together a small wired box around his phone from the bits and pieces he carries with him.

Deka says, " you know, I think it was Einstein who said "if you can't explain it simply than you don' understand it"."

Jacob sulks.

GM says (to Eben), "Any parts that you didn't bring with you in your pockets will be difficult for you to physically interact with -- but of course, that's why Frances is here."

GM asks (of Eben), "Crafts vs. +4?"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Anyone else have Crafts to help?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "I do!"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(also, I assume my Gadgeteering applies?)"

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "What's the physique opposition to just steal Frances's sandwich?"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Yup!"

[Setting the zoned flag.]

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Jacob), "Also +4."

Eben rolls Epic (7) + 4dF: +1 0 0 +1 | Legendary+1 (9)

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Another success with style!"

[CCrusaders] Jacob will wait while others do their rolls :)

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Eben successfully steals a sandwich from his wife"

GM exclaims, "And finally, someone just needs to explain to Frances what she needs to do!"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks (of GM), "Does Deka's super strength extend to super yelling?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Yeah, that seems reasonable. The diaphragm is a muscle, after all."

Deka rolls Epic (7) + 4dF: -1 0 -1 0 | Superb (5)

GM exclaims, "Another success!"

Jacob's feelings are still slightly hurt, so he walks over to the counter and tries to take the sandwich. She probably won't miss it.

Jacob rolls Mediocre (0) + 4dF: +1 +1 +1 -1 | Fair (2)

Jacob sulks some more.

[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, "I bet you wouldn't let me eat it anyway :D"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "And with that bout of superpowered yelling, Deka just became more anime-ish"

Eben says (to Jacob), "Hey, don't feel bad; Deka couldn't have explained it on my level without you explaining it on hers."

GM says (to Jacob), "It's OK, it probably would have been hard to bite into anyway. And those grapes she was having with it look sour, too."

Jacob perks up a little and smiles at Eben.

Cuddlepaws puts a sad paw on her feeding bowl, which is empty anyway.

Deka condenses the air in her lounges to shout louder.

[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, ""empty""

Frances follows your instructions step by step -- she's clearly helped Eben out before and she's got a pretty good handle on where everything is -- and eventually there's a crackling sound from the Helmutz Modulator... it seems to be live!

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "ha ha"

Eben calls the house phone on his modified cellphone!

GM exclaims, "And you all hear his voice coming from the modulator!"

Frances says, "Oh, it's working!"

Eben exclaims, "HELLO! Oh, whoops, sorry. Uh, hello!"

Cuddlepaws jumps on Eben's shoulder. "hello Francis! It's me! Why is my bowl empty? Hello? Hello ???"

Frances says, "Hello, everyone! Hello, Cuddlepaws!"

Eben catches Frances up on what happened in space.

Eben asks, "It's so good to hear your voice again. What's been going on while we've been away?"

Frances says, "Oh, that's great. Well done, everyone! Things haven't been going quite so well here, though."

Jacob asks, "What's wrong?"

Frances says, "Do you remember that poor man who was turned into a monster by that shiny metal goo?"

Eben exclaims, "Yes!"

Cuddlepaws exclaims, "That was also Eben's fault!"

Jacob shushes CP.

Eben glares at Cuddlepaws.

Frances says, "Apparently he's not the only one. It's been spreading to more and more people. They think it got into the sewers somehow."

Jacob says, "Oh..."

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws asks, "Metallic sewer gators?"

Eben asks, "And... people are going into the sewers?"

Deka asks, "Are we gonna have teenage metal ninja turtles?"

Frances says, "No, no. It was the rats. And then the rats who got infected by it bit people. And then those people attacked other people..."

Eben says, "Sheesh."

Wanda says (to Deka), "This is serious."

Frances says, "Didn't you get attacked by one of them too? How is your arm?"

Cuddlepaws says, "That's probably not good."

Eben says, "My arm's OK, but it's still infected. Haven't figured out how to get it off, yet."

GM says (to Eben), "You do notice that it's been spreading -- most of your arm is covered by the Quicksilver now."

GM says, "But it doesn't seem to be intefering with your use of the limb."

[Crows-Nest] Eben says (to Frances), "It's OK, though--the free invoke was already spent, so from here on out it's only fate points."

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Ha ha."

Eben asks (of Frances), "Any word from the lab that created it in the first place?"

Frances says, "Not yet. You should probably pay them a visit once you get back out of that other dimension you're in!"

Frances says, "You are planning to come back, right?"

Eben exclaims, "I am! I need to eat your wonderful cooking again!"

Eben says, "And, you know, food in general."

Cuddlepaws exclaims, "You are the only one who knows to prepare tuna just right!"

Eben So, let's see. Now that I can talk you through things...

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "s/:/"/"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks (of GM), "Do I think I have the ability/materials to create a portal that will pull us back out of the shadow realm using the stuff in the basement and Frances's help?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "No, I think that would probably be beyond the scope of what can be done in-session."

Eben says, "No, I just don't think I have the materials here I'd need. Or the knowledge."

Eben asks, "Which brings us to the other issue: have there been any problems with, uh, shadows recently?"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "You know, if that cult taps into this dimension, maybe we can sneak to their lair and when they tap into that dimension, we come pouring in"

[Crows-Nest] Jacob asks, "Isn't this like.. the cult dimension?"

Frances says, "I haven't noticed any..."

Eben says, "Nothing in the news, then. That's good."

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "I was imagining the cultists siphoning out shadows through small portals to power their spells"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "I'm forgetting where we left things wrt Nichols when we left. ISTR us helping him with his research, which might be done by the time we got back?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Correct."

Cuddlepaws says, "I don't think if this is the cult dimension they put us here on purpose, or at least don't know we're here. Otherwise they'd be here."

Eben says (to Cuddlepaws), "That seems logical, yeah."

Wanda says, "So maybe we can take advantage of that..."

Cuddlepaws says, "I mean, Deka arrived as soon as we did."

Cuddlepaws cat side-eye.

Eben says, "Let's try calling Nichols, at least. Maybe he's learned enough to start helping, or could help get this off my arm again. Or at least more under control."

Cuddlepaws says (to eben), "Sounds good"

Eben calls Nichols using the basement relay.

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(and/or Felix the assistant)"

GM says, "It rings, and then you hear Felix pick up the phone. His voice is a bit crackly going through the relay."

Felix says, "Quicksilver, Inc. How can I help you?"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "Finally someone competent"

Eben asks, "Felix! It's Eben. We're back! How are things going?"

Felix says, "Oh, hi! It's going pretty well. The Doc says he's now 'very, very *very* close' to figuring out the key to cracking this Quicksilver problem. Last week, he was only 'very, very close', so he's making good progress!"

Eben sighs.

Eben asks, "Does he need anything?"

Felix says, "I think just a *little* bit more time -- I've seen what he's been doing, and it does look pretty promising."

Felix says, "Although, come to think of it, there is one thing..."

Deka says, "That sounds like a Xenos paradox to me."

Felix says, "If you could come down to the lab in person, so he could take a look at your arm? Maybe run a couple quick tests on it?"

Eben says (to Deka), "Man, let's hope not."

Cuddlepaws says, "I wonder if we can drive a car here ... in the Twilight Zone"

Wanda asks, "Can we fit on Deka's bike?"

Cuddlepaws exclaims, "...wanda Only in a utterly ridiculous, comical fashion. Let's do it!"

Eben says (to Felix), "OK, I'll see if I can do that."

Wanda says (to Cuddlepaws), "I can jump follow you guys by hopping from building to building"

Deka says, "I could it make me and it bigger while I make all of you smaller. I think that would work."

Felix says, "Great! Yeah, if he could draw some samples and run them through his machinery, that would probably fill in the last few pieces of the puzzle."

Felix says, "It'll be interesting to see how they interact with the other samples he has, from the initial version and the latest strains."

Eben says, "Perfect."

GM says, "Assuming you bid your farewells, Felix hangs up."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Yeah."

Eben says, "OK, so, exiting shadows first."

Eben asks, "Do we just drive over to the cult and see what we can find?"

Cuddlepaws asks, "Do we know where the cult's base is?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "You did some research and know at least the general area where their headquarters is."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Do we have a vague idea, at least? ISTR that we started triangulating on them."

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "timing!"

Eben says, "We know the general area, and I feel like it'll be more obvious in this realm."

Cuddlepaws says, "Yeah"

Eben asks (of Deka), "Also, did you say you could change our size? That's incredible! How can you do that?"

Cuddlepaws says, "Let ... let's go if ... like, if ... we have to and stuff."

Eben says (to Cuddlepaws), "You can stay here with Frances if you want."

GM says (to CP), "By the way, you notice that, while the shadows shift around and tend to lightly cling to things, they seem to be slightly *more* attracted to you -- as if you had Unfinished Business with them..."

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of CP), "Compel to give you an Aspect with a free invoke against you?"

Cuddlepaws says (to eben), "I'd like to, but I can't leave you dummies alone."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Sure!"

Wanda says (to Cuddlepaws), "You'll be safe, I'll be there."

Eben skritches Cuddlepaws' ears. "What *would* we do without you?"

Cuddlepaws purrs softly.

Deka says, "Well one day I stuck my head in a particle accelerator, and now I just can."

Eben sputters, "That's... that's not how... sigh, OK, there's clearly more to that story, and I'd love to hear it some day, but let's go. I'm getting hungy."

Wanda says (to Deka), "There are so many things wrong with that statement but I'll let it slide"

GM asks (of CP), "They swirl around you, sometimes making it hard to see, and you can't seem to shake them off. In fact, do you remember earlier, at the Expo, when you saw that projected other version of yourself?"

Cuddlepaws says, "I do."

GM says (to CP), "That version of you that had the weird runic symbol on its side? The shadows that stick to you are tracing out that same symbol. You are Marked By Shadows."

Cuddlepaws yowls.

Wanda exclaims, "Cuddles!"

Deka says, "your right. Maybe those two things are unrelated."

Cuddlepaws swt

Eben asks Frances to open the doors between the basement and the outside so we can wheel Singularity outside.

Cuddlepaws swats powerlessly at the symbol on her side.

GM says (to Eben), "She does gladly."

GM says (to CP), "The shadows disperse, then reform seconds later."

Eben says, "OK! Let's see what we can do."

GM says, "Outside, things are much like they were inside, with respect to the dimness and shadow. It's as though there's a haze over the sun."

Eben says (to Frances), "We'll be back! Just have to break up a shadow cult."

GM says, "Cars and other people pass by on their daily business, apparently completely unaware of you."

[CCrusaders] Eben asks (of GM), "Do we look different to each other than the people?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Hmm. I think probably, yeah."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Like that haze is in between you and other people, but not between the party members."

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Nice"

Eben says (to others), "OK, keep on the lookout for anyone who looks like us, to us. They're probably cultists."

Wanda says, "Got it."

Eben asks (of Deka), "OK, you have a plan to get us all on your bicycle?"

Jacob looks a little concerned about the whole shrinking plan. He reaches out to see if there are any birds around, wondering if he can even speak to--or touch--them in this state.

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

Deka asks, "Do all of you have MOTERCYCLE helmets on hand? If not can anyone replicate matter?"

GM says (to Jacob), "A telepathic analog of that 'haze' seems to be between you and most of the birds that you can feel with your mind -- but there are a few that seem clear and distinct."

Deka says, "Also I do have a plan. It's called hang on."

Wanda says (to Deka), "I don't need a helmet, I'm tough enough"

Cuddlepaws says, "I don't need a helmet, I always lond on my feet."

[Crows-Nest] (from GM) Cuddlepaws says, "I need boots."

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "A cat wearing boots? Don't be ridiculous"

Deka says (to Cuddlepaws), "But it would look so cute"

Jacob looks surprised, actually. Shadow dimension birds? He tries to call one down to him to ask if he can, uh, "borrow" its body. (rapport +2)

Jacob rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 -1 +1 -1 | Good (3)

Cuddlepaws says (to deka), "Fair point."

[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, "Because it would be rude not to ask first."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Is that roll simply to contact them to talk, or is it for the borrowing, or...?"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Or is that for asking them for the favor?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "The rapport roll is to ask them to do something for me. I can telepathically talk to birds whenever."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Then that's a success!"

GM says (to Jacob), "A spot of blackness in the sky quickly resolves, to your eyesight, into a raven."

GM says, "It perches on a nearby branch."

Raven says, "Good afternoon, Jacob! I hadn't expected to see you here."

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Deka), "Note that it's speaking in bird-speak, which Jacob has the power to understand."

Jacob says, "Hi there! I'm.. not really sure what I'm doing here, myself. I have a big ask for you. Can I possess your body to fly to [OOC: the lab?] for a little bit? It won't hurt you. I'm just not.. into the alternative," He motions at the bike.

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Well, I'm probably speaking in my mind, and it may be chattering outloud or ont."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Birds are telepathic, other animals are out loud."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Not the lab, the area where we suspect the cult"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I wasn't sure, yeah. Let's say I said the cultist house."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "area, whatever."

Raven says, "Oh, well, I suppose I don't see why not. I've never done this before -- does it hurt?"

Jacob says, "No, not at all. It's kind of like you're sleeping for a bit. It can be a little disorienting to wake up in another place, though."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Collateral damage: Deka may be like "WTF?""

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Since other people can't see us."

[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, "Kind of like being a baby. Waking up in different places!"

Deka Will make herself and her bike bigger, and offer to shrink everyone else.

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "If the Raven doesn't like it the first time, he will do it ... nevermore."

[Crows-Nest] Jacob groans.

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "How about in this case, an aspect on you, for possessing it while in this shadow place?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "In addition to the raven aspect I automatically get? Sure."

GM says (to Jacob), "The raven closes its eyes in preparation for what's about to happen to it. When you open them again, it's like you're looking into two worlds at once."

Wanda says (to Deka), "I'm not sure how I feel about being shrunken..."

Jacob seemingly disappears into a cloud of smoke that is absorbed by the raven.

Eben blinks.

GM says, "On the one hand, you can see into the place that you're been in, with the shadows and the hazy people. But on the other hand, you can also see into the normal world, where everything is clear and the sun is shining brightly."

Eben asks (of Jacob), "Uh, are you OK?"

GM says, "You are, to say the least, Dimensionally Disorientated."

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "Eben has seen me do this before, no?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Oh, hmm."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I've done it once or twice before."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Though it's probably startling each time."

Jacob caws.

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Probably that, yeah. And I don't remember the smoke, so I think Eben's worried about the shadows."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Oh yeah. That's just what the description says."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Yeah."

Jacob . o O ( This is trippy )

Eben says (to Deka), "Sure, make me smaller. Assuming it's temporary."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "So Deka is riding a bike, Jacob is riding a raven. I think Wanda said she would just run and jump with her super agility."

Cuddlepaws jumps around in a circle, trying to get the shadows to leave her alone.

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "That just leaves Eben and CP?"

Cuddlepaws sits in Deka's lap.

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Who could probably fit on the bike even *without* shrinking/growing.)"

Jacob tap tap taps at the shadows with his beak.

Deka says (to Eben), "it is temporary."

Eben says (to Deka), "Though if it's only the two of us human-sized people, it might not even be necessary."

Cuddlepaws says, "Man, this sounds like someone gently rapping, as if someone's gently tapping, tapping at my chamber door"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Jacob), "I should also note that the in the 'normal' part of your vision, the rest of the party is invisible."

GM asks, "Alright -- are you all taking off in the direction of where you believe the cult should be?"

Eben hops on, lets Cuddlepaws ride on his shoulder.

[CCrusaders] Eben says (to GM), "That sounds right to me."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says (to eben), "I'm in Deka's lap."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Ah, got it."

Wanda braces her legs for jump-off

GM says, "Your destination is on the other side of town, so you spend some time swerving in between cars that don't stop for you, and riding up onto the sidewalks when necessary to stay out of traffic."

Deka does a wheelie.

GM says, "But with Deka's great driving skills, that barely poses any challenge at all."

GM says, "You were all keeping your eyes out for someone who looked different from everony else, and as you're driving along, you do spot someone..."

Eben says (to Cuddlepaws), "See, this is how to drive."

GM says, "There's an old woman sitting on a bench at the side of the road. She's not obscured by the haze, and she even seems to be watching you as you go past."

GM says (to Jacob), "And she's not visible in the 'reality' part of your vision."

Cuddlepaws exclaims (at eben), "She has hands!"

[Crows-Nest] GM says (to CP), "Yay."

GM says, "(Do you do anything about her, or just continue on?)"

Eben says (to Deka), "Circle around the block; let's see if we can sneak up on her."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Sorry, brb."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Do we want to take a 5min break right now?"

[Crows-Nest] Eben says, "brb, burp."

Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Let's pounce on that cult grandma!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "works for me"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Sorry, birb."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "OK! Everyone check in when you're back."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "5min break"

[CCrusaders] Jacob catches up.

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "then we break that cult grandma's arms"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "haha"

[Crows-Nest] Jacob pecks her eyes out.

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Can't spell grandparent without pain. Apart from the i."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "That's deep."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "There is no i in Crownsford Crusaders!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "There's a 'we', but they've gone and split the party again."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Everyone back?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob caw.

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "We're here."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I'm here"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Back already?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "That was short"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I fixed myself a sandwich, I guess Peregrine fixing himself a baguette, and that takes longer."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Hee."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "honh honh"

GM says (to Deka), "If you want to go around the block and sneak up on her, that would be an Overcome, that she can oppose with Notice. If you're doing it on your bike, then either Drive or Stealth would work."

Cuddlepaws says, "I'd like to sneak up on, er, foot."

[Crows-Nest] Jacob envisions himself calling in all his shadow bird friends and dive bombing her. Muhahaha. Ha.

GM says, "OK. That would be Stealth, then."

Cuddlepaws says, "(I'll wait to roll until we decided that's actually the plan"

Deka will hang back a bit

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "So, CP sneaks by herself?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Are you putting it to a vote, or...?)"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I'm waiting for Eben to weigh in"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I don't have a strong opinion."

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Maybe a combined thing? A drive create advantage you can tag with stealth?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "You go on the bike, I'll sneak up behind her. Yeah, like that."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK!"

Deka rolls Good (3) + 4dF: -1 -1 +1 0 | Fair (2)

Cuddlepaws rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 -1 0 0 | Great (4)

GM says, "I was going to give +2 as a target, so that's a tie, which means that instead of a full Aspect you get a boost -- that's a floating +2 that you can apply to a related action."

GM rolls Average (1) + 4dF: -1 +1 +1 0 | Fair (2)

Jacob stands by.

[Crows-Nest] Jacob asks, "flaps by?"

GM says, "CP succeeds at sneaking -- and if she tags the boost, she can succeed with style to roll it into a new boost."

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "One of the houses has a pallid bust of Pallas as a gargoyle. ... I HAD A COURSE ON THE RAVEN OKAY"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "Is there any benefit to doing that instead of just keeping the boost?"

GM says (to CP), "You get close enough to get a closer look at her. She looks to be in her eighties at least, and she's wearing a wrinkled nightgown. Her eyes aer puffy, as if she's been crying. She hasn't noticed you approach."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Yeah, the advantage is that the boost would go away if you didn't use it."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Well, it would be harder to justify applying the driving boost to anything else but the sneak."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Oh no. Sad shadow lady."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "I tag the boost!"

[Crows-Nest] Deka says, "get her"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Whereas the sneak boost would logically apply to anything you do that benefits from you having just snuck up on her."

[Crows-Nest] Eben asks, "That's your plan?"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Sad-ow lady"

Cuddlepaws o O (She doesn't look evil. Nice cover, cultist lady!)

Cuddlepaws waits for the motorcycle to come around to make her move.

[Crows-Nest] Jacob caws disapprovingly at Wanda :D

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "hehe"

[Crows-Nest] Jacob is right at home on this channel.

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "yay"

[Crows-Nest] Eben says, "Ha"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "Maybe she's from the Lowlands"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says (to jacob), "hooray"

GM says (to CP), "As you wait, she shifts her position slightly, and you could swear that for a moment she almost seemed slightly translucent."

[Crows-Nest] GM says (to Jacob), "Excellent."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Maybe she's a ghost."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Spooky"

[CCrusaders] Eben says (to Cuddlepaws), "I'm not sure what you want us to do, but let's assume you told us and that we do it."

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws asks, "I have no idea! Drive by distractingly?"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "For Deka, this is basically a Angsty Teen Daydream"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "You want another create advantage?"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Ravens, motorcycling recklessly, feeling invisible"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "No, I was just assuming there would be some narrating from your end. But let me then. (typing)"

Cuddlepaws jumps on the bench as Deka revs Singularity driving by. She TPs a nearby trashcan over the old lady and rotates it fast and very threateningly. "The jig is up cult lady! What is going on here?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "TPing a trashcan might be difficult ;-)"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "can she even use her powers across dimensions"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "'Over' in the sense of bringing it down to engulf her in it, or just floating above her head?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Above her head."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "OK. What would be the usual opposition for that?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "+2 is human sized, +4 is car so ... +2?"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Looks like +2... so in this case, it's +6!"

Cuddlepaws rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 +1 +1 -1 | Superb (5)

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Ooh -- are you tagging anything?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "I have a boost!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Woo! Success!"

Woman looks terrified! She puts both of her hands in the air! "Oh no, please don't hurt me!"

Cuddlepaws asks, "Talk! What are you and your monstrous cult buddies up to?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "(Please you two come in and talk to her reasonably :-) )"

Woman says, "What are you talking about? What cult? I live here!"

[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, "I bet she's just an innocent witch or something."

Cuddlepaws asks, "Your tricks don't work on! I'll turn your face into catfood! The good kind, with lots of chunks! If you are not in the cult, why are you in the Shadow Dimension (tm)?"

Woman says, "What's a Shadow Dimension?!? This is Juniper Street!"

GM says, "She tries to shuffle off the bench and back away from Cuddlepaws, toward the house."

Wanda hops ahead to block her path. "We're looking for answer!"

Cuddlepaws asks, "...don't ... move ... Don't you see how everything looks weird?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Also, maybe in hindsight that was a poor move"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "given that I am Scary :D"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Well, you're not going to scare her to death."

Woman stumbles and falls to her knees. Her hands are still in the air. She starts sobbing aloud, and moaning incoherently.

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "ha ha! Let the talking bird try next."

Wanda says (to Woman), "Wait, I'm sorry..."

Eben hops off the motorcycle and heads over.

Cuddlepaws says, "AAAAH! *crashes trashcan into the ground in frustration*"

Wanda says, "Was that too intense? That was too intense."

Jacob caws and hops over to the lady.

Eben asks, "Hey, hey, it's OK. My, uh, animal friends are a little worked up. I'm Eben. What's your name?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "Incidentally, did the scene change?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "When we moved locations"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Yes."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Wait."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Do you mean when you left the house, or when you got here?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Sometime since turning into a bird."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Because it ends when I choose to end it or the scene ends."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I'd say that was basically the cusp of the scene change, so you could consider it either way."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(The end of the previous scene or the start of the next one.)"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Ok. I'll consider it part of this scene for now."

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Wanda), "Would you like a compel of Scary, to make this poor woman deeply distraught?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob pecks politely at the lady trying (and most likely failing) to make her feel better.

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to GM), "That would be awful! And also make a lot of sense"

Jacob (only here, for real)

GM exclaims (at Eben), "She is deeply distraught! It would require a +5 Rapport overcome, perhaps with the help of Advantages, to calm her down enough to talk to her!"

GM gives a fate point to Wanda.

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of CP), "Did I give you one earlier for your Unfinished Business?"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Can anyone else assist a Rapport roll?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "So. Maybe."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Assist with soothing pecking."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "If I change back into my suit while she's not looking..."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I was genuinely trying to make her feel better, so I could assist. Normally my rapport isn't good with humans (in my fiction anyway), but.. I'm a bird, and that's cute."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Hee."

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "...would that make it *slightly* easier?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I can assist"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims (at GM), "No!"

GM gives a fate point to Cuddlepaws.

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "So I'll leave it up to GM if I can assist."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "That's so much worse than skipping over someone's initiative twice."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I am good with that."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "OK! Two assists make it a +5."

Eben rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: 0 +1 0 +1 | Epic (7)

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Largely because I like the mental image of this raven sitting there trying to figure out how to be soothing."

Cuddlepaws purrs at the poor woman to make her feel better.

[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, "Because being pecked at by a big black bird is not scary at all."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Hee"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "ha ha"

GM says, "She eventually calms down a bit, and her breathing becomes more even, and she's able to talk."

Jacob strokes her with a wing.

Eben says (to Woman), "Sorry, sorry. Let's sit back down on the bench. Do you come here often? I'm Eben."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "probably still more competent than Jacob in human form would be :-)"

Woman says, "...Mildred. I'm Mildred."

Mildred says, "I live here." She points behind herself. "That's my house.""

Cuddlepaws says (to Mildred), "Sorry I yelled at you. I realise now that you're just a harmless old hag."

Jacob tut tuts at CP.

Eben asks (of Mildred), "How long have you been living here?"

Eben asks, "Do you remember what year you moved here?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(also, what year is it now?)"

Mildred says, "Oh, it must be at least... thirty years, now. Just me and Harold."

Mildred says, "I think it was around... <a year about thirty years ago>. After the kids moved away, and we sold the old house."

Cuddlepaws asks, "And how long have you been sitting on this bench?"

Eben nods.

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(I refuse to fix this game to an exact real-world year.)"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Got it."

Mildred says, "Oh, for... I... I'm not really sure."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I imagine it as a sort of retro-futuristic 50s but with modern technology and sensibilites somehow."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Mostly I was wondering if she gave us a year, if it was actually 30 years ago, or more like 50 or something."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "It actually was 30 years ago."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Got it."

Mildred says, "Harold and I had a fight, you see. It was my fault."

Mildred says, "And now he's ignoring me."

Eben asks (of Mildred), "Oh?"

[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, "And then he ran into my knife. He ran into my knife ten times."

Eben asks, "Is... is everyone ignoring you?"

Cuddlepaws has disconnected.

Cuddlepaws has connected.

Mildred says, "I don't suppose I've talked to anyone else lately."

Eben asks, "How long ago was this fight?"

Jacob hops up and down, excitedly. (In the "we figured something out" manner, not attention seeking)

Mildred says, "It... it couldn't have been *that* long ago, could it? Maybe a few days? Or weeks? It's hard to really remember..."

Eben pats Mildred on the knee. "It's OK, things like that don't quite matter as much as they did."

Mildred sighs.

Eben asks, "If you could talk to Harold again, is there something you want to say?"

Mildred says, "I just wish... I wish I could tell him I'm sorry. And that I love him."

[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, "And the Mildred slaps Eben."

Mildred says, "I need him to know that."

Cuddlepaws says (to mildred), "Maybe it's time for you to ... go somewhere else."

Mildred says, "I couldn't leave Harold like this."

Eben says, "Well, hmm."

Eben says, "I think I can call him."

Eben asks (of Mildred), "What's Harold's phone number?"

GM says (to Eben), "She tells you the number."

Cuddlepaws whispers to Eben, "Do we really want him to get a call from his dead wife?"

Eben says (to Cuddlepaws), "Oh? Oh. Hmm."

Cuddlepaws whispers to Eben, "I mean, he might've killed her in that fight, accidentally, or maybe she died of a heart attack or something."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(Eben is a 'everything can be solved with technology' sort of person ;-)"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Aww"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "If he killed her, he deserves a spooky call from his dead wife."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "True, but we don't know what happened."

Eben exclaims (at Cuddlepaws), "Well, let's see!"

Eben says (to Mildred), "Hang on, I'm going to see if I can get in touch with him."

Jacob looks around for something shiny in the meantime.

Eben stands up and moves slightly out of hearing range, and does another relay call to Harold's number.

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Jacob), "Say, what are the chances that you might wander a little ways away while looking for something shiny, and run into some trouble?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Yes."

GM gives a fate point to Jacob.

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "The chances are yes. Yes percent."

Jacob hops down off the bench and quietly walks off.

Cuddlepaws follows Eben.

Jacob thinks he spies something *over there* and goes to investigate.

GM says (to Jacob), "You're flying a little ways away from the rest of the group -- say, a couple zones away -- when you realize that the shadows around you in the air feel almost bird-like."

Jacob looks from side to side to see if he notices anything in particular. Huh?

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "As if they... maybe *used* to be birds? Or had a memory of birds?"

GM asks (of Jacob), "As if they... maybe *used* to be birds? Or had a memory of birds?"

GM says, "But they seem confused. And... angry about being confused."

GM exclaims, "The shadows start to form into an amorphous shape, reminiscent of a flock of birds -- with talons and sharp beaks in your direction!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Initiative for Jacob!"

Jacob caws inquisitively? "Hey---"

Jacob rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: -1 0 0 -1 | Mediocre (0)

GM rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: 0 -1 +1 0 | Fair (2)

GM clears the initiative.

Jacob registers Jacob at init 0.

GM registers GM at init 2.

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims (at jacob), "Nice work, Hitchcock!"

GM says (to Eben), "The phone rings, and a man's voice answers."

Harold says, "Hello?"

[CCrusaders] Deka asks, "does anyone else see this happen?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "It's a ways away, but if you'd like to try a +4 Notice overcome, you might spot it."

Eben says (to Harold), "Hello! My name is Mr. Morris, and I'm calling about Mildred."

Harold says, "I'm sorry, I can't help you. She's passed away."

GM advances the initiative: GM(2) Jacob(0)

GM exclaims (at Jacob), "The shadowy claws and talons strike at you! Despite being made of shadow-stuff, they seem as sharp as if they were real!"

GM rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: -1 0 0 +1 | Fair (2)

Deka rolls Mediocre (0) + 4dF: 0 0 +1 -1 | Mediocre (0)

Jacob tries to dodge through the air.

Jacob rolls Good (3) + 4dF: +1 +1 -1 +1 | Superb (5)

GM asks (of Deka), "Would you like to invoke anything to add to that roll?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "(Athletics)"

GM exclaims (at Jacob), "Success with style! You get a boost!"

GM advances the initiative: GM(2) JACOB(0)

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "(Did you see Harold's response?)"

Eben asks (of Harold), "Oh, I'm sorry to hear that. And that's sort of why I'm calling. This is really weird, but I seem to be trapped in some sort of shadow realm, and there's an echo of your wife here. She said you guys had a fight?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I want to try to create an advantage with rapport, I guess. El-birdo to birdo."

Cuddlepaws facepaws.

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "The real twist would have been if he'd said 'Mr Morris? I thought he'd passed away.'"

Harold says, "Is this some kind of joke? This isn't funny, whoever you are."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK!"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I think if I'm trying to get them to trust me, I can use my +2? :D"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Yes!"

Jacob rolls Great (4) + 4dF: +1 -1 -1 0 | Good (3)

GM rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: +1 0 -1 +1 | Good (3)

Jacob will use that boost, because he's impressive, to get a bit of an edge.

Eben says (to Harold), "No, no, I'm sorry. She just wanted you to know she was sorry. And that she loves you. You know that bench in front of your house? I think it meant a lot to her."

Jacob says, in bird, "Hey, calm down. I know you're confused and that makes you angry. But I'm not going to hurt you. I'm here to help."

GM exclaims (at Jacob), "They seem to be calming down... they're not completely mollified, but you seem to be having a definite effect on them. You think that you could be on the right track!"

Harold says, "Why should I believe you? Are you another one of those psychics? Well you're not getting any money from me."

GM advances the initiative: END OF ROUND

GM advances the initiative: GM(2) Jacob(0)

Jacob flies while he's talking, moving back towards the others.

[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, "Because that's a great idea.."

[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, "In retrospect."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "You're now only one zone away."

GM says, "If anyone wanted another Notice attempt, the opposition is only +2 now."

Deka rolls Mediocre (0) + 4dF: 0 0 0 -1 | Poor (-1)

Deka rolls Mediocre (0) + 4dF: +1 0 -1 +1 | Average (1)

GM says, "Alas, no one ever thinks to look *up*."

GM says (to Jacob), "The bird-like forms are still confused, albeit less angry now. They're still lashing out in their confusion."

GM rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: +1 0 0 -1 | Fair (2)

Cuddlepaws says (to wanda), "You can also try Notice"

Jacob rolls Good (3) + 4dF: +1 +1 -1 +1 | Superb (5)

Eben says (to Harold), "No, it's just... look, I'm getting old myself, and if my own wife died when we weren't speaking I'd feel terrible and lonely and if there was some crazy way for her to get a message to me, I'd probably not believe it either but it would mean a lot to me. Look, I'm just... if you go out to the bench, if there's anything you wanted to say to Mildred, I think she'll be able to hear you. I don't want your money, I'm just trying to help."

Jacob dodges again, but stays near them.

GM exclaims (at Jacob), "Another success with style, and another boost!"

GM advances the initiative: GM(2) JACOB(0)

GM says (to Eben), "There's silence over the phone."

GM says, "Then you see the front door open. And a man steps out."

GM says, "He's dishelved, as though he hasn't really been taking very good care of himself lately."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Is this a situation i can try to overcome, with a high enough roll? (rapport again, plus some extras if need be)"

Harold says, "I'm here," as he walks toward the bench. "There's nobody one there."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Since rapport isn't an attack."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Yes!"

Jacob rolls Great (4) + 4dF: 0 -1 0 +1 | Great (4)

GM rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: +1 -1 0 -1 | Average (1)

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "That's my straight roll. I've also-- ok."

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws asks, "Is Wanda still with us?"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws asks (of wanda), "Ping?"

GM says (to Jacob), "You succeed! And the shadows surrounding you seem to calm..."

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "I'm still there"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "albeit still feeling guilty ;)"

Jacob lands, kind of motioning to the others to follow if they like.

Eben motions to Mildred that Harold is listening.

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "Ah, okay. It was unusually punfree here."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Gonna wait and see how the phone call resolves, too."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Yeah, me too"

GM says, "The shadows settle around you. As they dissolve away, your bird-sense tells you that they seem to be at peace now."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Yay!"

Jacob feels this is a good time to de-bird, while still a zone away from where Mildred might be startled.

Raven says, "That was certainly unusual. I think I could use a bit of a nap."

Mildred says, "Hello, Harold? Are you listening?"

Jacob says, "Hey, thanks! You deserve it."

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks (of GM), "I had a question earlier. Would it be interesting if I went off to change into human-Wanda, feelng guilty, but Deka noticed, thus revealing my secret identity to her?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "(Not a compel)"

Harold says (into the phone), "Well? I don't hear or see anything."

Jacob shakes his head, as 'reality' disappears again.

Eben asks (of Harold), "OK, she's, uh, she's asking if you're listening. This is weird for me; I'm an engineer. Do you want me to just give her the phone directly? Or would that be too weird?"

Cuddlepaws whispers to Eben, "Hand it over"

Eben says (to Harold), "OK, my cat tells me I should give her the phone; hang on."

Eben hands the phone to Mildred.

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "ha ha ha"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "hee"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "how reassuring"

[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, "Aw"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "And now of course Mildred needs a +4 physique overcome to hold the phone..."

Mildred tries to take the phone, but it just slips through her fingers and falls to the ground.

Eben says, "Oh, uh, sorry."

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Just hold it for her"

Eben picks up the phone and holds it to where she can talk into it.

Mildred says, "Hello? Harold?"

Eben mutters "The physics of this place are so fascinating...

Harold says, "What-- what is that? I can almost hear a voice..."

Eben turns up the volume on the phone, too.

Eben asks (of Mildred), "Can you speak louder?"

Mildred says, "Harold! I needed to tell you that I'm sorry! It wasn't your fault! I never should have yelled at you, or made you sleep in the other room!"

[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, "I just noticed that Jacob's nickname is in fact, "Raven"."

GM says, "Harold's face, previous annoyed and skeptical softens."

Eben . o O ( Whew )

Harold says, "Mildred? Is that you? How... is it really possible?"

Mildred says, "It's me! I'm so sorry! Please forgive me!"

Harold says, "Of course! I never blamed you. I forgive you, Mildred!"

Mildred says, "I love you, Harold!" She suddenly looks away at something you can't see. "I-- I see a light... I think I need to go towards it..."

Jacob watches all this from behind a tree.

Harold says, "I love you, Mildred! I'm so lost without you..."

Wanda watches from the wall of a nearby building.

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "A spider-- uh, fly on the wall"

Mildred stands up and begins to walk past you. "You're strong, Harold. You can go on. Do it for me..."

GM says, "And Mildred grows translucent and starts to fade away..."

Mildred says, "Goodbye. I'll see you again... on the other side..."

GM says, "And she's gone."

Eben awkardly follows with the phone.

GM says, "Tears are rolling down Harold's face."

Harold says, "Goodbye..."

Cuddlepaws sniffs and wipes her eye with her paw.

Wanda blurts out: 'I'm so sorry for scaring you, Mildred.' But Mildred is already gone.

Harold says, "Whoever you are that called me... I don't understand what you did or how. But thank you."

Harold sits down on the bench. He looks like he might need some time to be alone with his thoughts.

Cuddlepaws asks (of eben), "So, um, you know we're gonna bring you back to Francis, right? And you can tell her, like, in person a few things you probably haven't told her in a while?"

Eben says (to Harold), "You're welcome. I don't understand it myself, yet. If I get out of here, I'll pay you a visit. Until then."

Eben hangs up.

Eben says (to Cuddlepaws), "Oh, geez."

Wanda hops down from the building.

Wanda says, "That was... I..."

Eben exclaims (at Cuddlepaws), "Actually, maybe if I *don't* tell her, I'll end up here again! And then maybe I can make some sort of portal back again!"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "That is such an Eben way to think about it."

Wanda hugs Eben with her big spider legs, slightly singeing his clothes.

Cuddlepaws says (to eben), "No, man, no. Just talk to her. Not everything can be solved with portals."

Jacob awkwardly strolls over to the group.

Eben says, "Or maybe just have a phone like this installed in my coffin? Except she wasn't in her coffin; she was outside in a place that meant something to her, so maybe a shadow phone in the basement would work..."

Eben says (to Cuddlepaws), "Oh, um, or maybe you're right."

Wanda squeezes Eben.

Cuddlepaws purrs. "When I said she was my favorite human, I implied you're my second favorite."

Eben says (to Wanda), "Thanks, Wanda."

Eben says, "Aww, I love you too."

Jacob asks, "I've gotta be at least in the top ten, right?"

Cuddlepaws makes an *enh* paw gesture.

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "From Deka's point of view, it might look like Wanda is about to devous Eben like a fly :D"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "*devour"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda exclaims, "Alien hugs!"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda asks, "Speaking of which, where is Deka?"

Eben calls up Frances. "Hey! It turns out the dimension where we are is some sort of purgatory-ish near-death realm! And we met a ghost! And Cuddlepaws reminded me that I'll be a ghost one day too, so I should tell you I love you, but I'm coming back and can tell you that in the real world, too. I love you, is what I'm trying to say."

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "aww"

Frances says, "Oh, Eben. You know that I know that! And I love you too."

Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Love you too, Frances!"

Deka is standing there awkwardly thinking that superhero work is supposed to have a lot more punching, and less coming to terms with your own morality.

Cuddlepaws strolls over to Wanda and rubs against her leg. "But I love you most of all, you weird monstrous alien spider."

Wanda says (to Cuddlepaws), "I love you too, Cuddles"

Wanda says (to Deka), "Oh, by the way, yes, I'm Wanda. Deal with it."

Wanda says, "Fuck secret identities."

Eben exclaims (at Deka), "Her mom's really good with skin suits!"

[Crows-Nest] GM asks, "Remba?"

Cuddlepaws says, "Enough pondering of life's frailities! Let's kick some butt."

Wanda exclaims, "Life's too short for lies... and yes! Butt-kicking!"

Eben says, "Right! So, we're in some sort of purgatory-ish psychic echo realm."

Eben says, "Man, solving crimes would be so much easier if you could just portal here like we did. I hope I can do it again..."

Cuddlepaws jumps on Jacob's shoulder and headbutts him (accidentally?) in the jaw. "C'mon, bird guy"

Deka looks wanda up and down. "So is one of us adopted or am I part spider?"

Wanda says (to Deka), "I'm adopted."

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws exclaims (at deka), "yay!"

[Crows-Nest] GM says (to Deka), "Ha ha. Awesome."

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "great line"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "*chef kiss*"

Jacob rubs CP behind the ears.

Eben exclaims, "OK! Cult time!"

Eben hops back on the motorcycle.

GM asks, "OK! How is Jacob travelling this time?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(Also, Ellric has a thing in half an hour, so he, at least, can't go late today.)"

Cuddlepaws jumps back as well.

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "You can say that he needs to be in bed"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Good to know."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I'd be happy to wrap it up here/soon."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Dunno what else GM has planned."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Yeah, I think soon will work."

Jacob looks at the motorcycle. Hm.

[CCrusaders] Eben says (to Cuddlepaws), "He's usually doing good if he gets *up* by this time. He sacrificed a lot to be here."

[Crows-Nest] GM wonders if Wanda is able to carry passengers.

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "In theory"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Ah, to have summer breaks again..."

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "I have enough super strength"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says (to Deka), "And we appreciate it."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(When all your classes are online, you can set your sleep schedule to whenever you like ;-)"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to Deka), "*thumbs up*"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Wanda is just happy to no longer be the baby."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Ah, to have a sleep schedule again..."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Ooh, oof."

GM asks, "So how is Jacob travelling?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I was eyeing the motorcycle, but I dunno. I could find a different bird, but I don't want to bother that one."

Eben asks (of Deka), "Do you think you can make Jacob and I lighter, so we could both be on the motorcycle?"

Eben asks, "Or smaller?"

Cuddlepaws says (to eben), "You could've laid off the scones, as I told you."

Deka says, "I can do both of those things."

Eben says, "Are you kidding? That's how Frances tells me she loves me."

Eben says (to Deka), "Let's do it! I'm already in purgatory; might as well be light."

[CCrusaders] Eben asks (of GM), "TN?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "OK! Normally, I'd have you roll an Overcome for that, but given that the only consequence to failure is 'we sit around trying to come up with a more boring way to travel', I'm going to forego the roll."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "You succeed! Roleplay it as you wish!"

Deka does a wheelie and drives off

Wanda keeps up with Deka's cool motorcycle driving by leaping untold heights.

[CCrusaders] Deka says, "for making people lighter I just touch them and they get lighter."

GM exclaims, "You dodge around traffic again, getting pretty close to the edge of town, near where you believe the cult should be. You're kinda near the limits of what you know and are wondering how to find a more exact location when suddenly you see something in the road!"

Eben hangs on for dear life, almost flying off the back.

GM says, "It's a massive, thick black chain -- each link is about the link of a human forearm -- lying across the middle of the road, and extending off in both directions, to the left and right."

Eben asks (of GM), "How do the cars interact with it?"

GM exclaims (at Eben), "They drive straight through it as if it weren't there!"

Deka pokes it

GM says (to Deka), "It's solid and hard as cast iron. While you're touching it, it feels sorta like it's drawing energy from you."

Deka stops poking it

Wanda tries to send out exploratory tendrils of fire.

Eben looks for a way around it.

Cuddlepaws tps a small stone or something and tries to move/throw it over the chain.

GM says (to Wanda), "It doesn't seem to react any differently from how you'd expect a normal iron chain to behave."

GM says (to Eben), "You can step over it, if you want. With some effort, it should be possible to lift the bike over it too."

GM says (to CP), "It passes over it normally."

GM says, "(I should perhaps clarify that the chain is lying on the ground, not stretched taut in the air.)"

Wanda leaps over the chain.

Cuddlepaws asks, "Maybe we should follow it?"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks (of GM), "Is it just blocking the road? Or does it extend past it?"

GM exclaims (at Wanda), "You're now on the other side of the chain!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "It extends past it. You can't see where the ends of the chain are."

Eben says (to CP), "Yeah, that's what I was thinking, too."

Wanda says, "I wonder what they're planning..."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "All agreed to follow it?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "left or right?"

Deka says, "This is clearly important, so lets fallow it."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Nudging along to try to finish in time.)"

GM says, "You chose a direction arbitrarily, since there's no clear reason to favor one or the other. The chain approaches the warehouse distrct and the river."

Eben mutters to himself, "The physics of this place are so weird! We get pushed around by people and blocked by doors, but the Mildred couldn't hold my phone, and cars pass through this chain..."

Eben heads towards the warehouses.

GM says, "In fact, it runs behind a line of warehouses, alongside the river -- and most of you realize that th is neighborhood is familiar."

Wanda says, "We've been here before..."

Deka says, " I think this chain is an outlier to the physics of this place"

Cuddlepaws says, "Oh no."

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "DRAGONS"

GM says, "In fact, the ground slopes down toward thte river, forming a rocky 'wall' -- with a massive hole broken through it."

Jacob oh.

Eben asks (of Deka), "Or it's 'native' to it, like the woman was. Is it a dead chain? A chain that died with someone?"

GM says, "The same hole that was smashed by Yulorias when you were here before. And the chain runs right throught it, inside."

Wanda says, "Dragons..."

Wanda is reminded of that one time she killed someone.

Eben catches Deka up to speed on Yulorias the invisible dragon, who a gang had captured and was using his blood to become invisible and Do Crimes.

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Are you going to follow the chain inside?"

Cuddlepaws says, "Now he's invisible and dead? Great."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Of course."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says (to gm), "yes but reluctantly"

Wanda will bravely go first.

Cuddlepaws slowly follows.

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I think Yulorias moved away after we freed him."

GM says, "You enter and see the large cave where you fought the leader of the 'Princelings' gang. There's still debris lying around from the fight; apparently no one's bothered to clean it up."

GM says, "The chain runs to a pile of charred crates. The end of it is tightly clamped around the leg of a young man who's sitting on the crates."

Wanda shivers. 'I'll never forget that fight...'

Tyler Prince says, "Oh. I recognize you. You're the people who killed me."

GM says, "</SESSION>"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Ahhhhhhhh"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "DUN DUN DUNNNNN"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks (of GM), "What did we say about torturing Wanda psychologically?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Oh bugger"

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Wanda), "That it's an excellent source of drama?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims (at GM), "True!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "You can't spell Wow, amazing Drama ! without Wanda"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "also true"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims (at gm), "That was an excellent session! Thank you so much!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "yes!"

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "Indeed!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Thanks! And you're welcome!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "and we didn't even have to spend fate points!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I didn't expect it to get this emotional"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "neither did I"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "but I'm glad"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "And neither did the GM, I'm guessing."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Especially for Wanda, meeting the guy she brutally murdered again"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "We helped! We're helpers!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Oh yeah. Anyone who still has more fate points left than their usual Refresh gets to keep the extra for next time!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Yay"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Yiss."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I guess we need them to brutally kill that guy again"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Where 'next time' is in two weeks, same time?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I believe so"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Yup, September 5!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Woo!"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks (of Tale), "Did you find out about the 12th yet?"

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Taleslinger), "Did you learn anything about September 12 yet? Should we just assume that we'll be skipping that week?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Timing."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Not yet, sorry. My parents have a lot on their minds right now."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "We understand"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "My guess is though that skipping might be best"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "That's fair."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I'll let you know as soon as I know"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "So I'll bid you all ... goodnight!"

[CCrusaders] genericgeekgirl says, "G'night!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says (to deka), "Thanks for joining us"

[CCrusaders] genericgeekgirl says, "and in before peregrine: Goof night, as well :D"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Goofnight"

[CCrusaders] genericgeekgirl says, "Ha"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to ggg), "you were faster"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says (to ggg), "yaaaay"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Peregrine done goofed"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "she beat me to the pun-chline"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "punch-line? I don't know which works better"

[CCrusaders] Alex says (to Wanda), "Awwwk! Word on the street is that punchline is something to do with a monkey."

Cuddlepaws has disconnected.

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to Alex), "have a corknut"

[CCrusaders] Alex awwwks. "Want cork nut!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to Deka), "Thank you for delivering the best line in the entire session"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "that was smooth"