[CCrusaders] Bert says, "Log on."

[CCrusaders] Eben asks (of GM), "So I don't confuse myself again, what's the scoop with my mild consequence that I explicitly healed last session?"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "I was just about to ask everyone a similar question! Did the recovery start at the very end of the session?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Yes"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Then it's still there now, but A) you should rename it to something that indicate's it's in recovery, and B) it'll be gone at the end of the first full scene this session."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I had a mild consequence (Scarred by Shrapnel) which started healing last session also"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "But he's an old white guy! he's not supposed to suffer consequences!"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Also, it looks like it was tagged already; does that mean it can't be tagged for free again?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "haha"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "I think Wanda is in the same situation, right? Hers looks like it still has its free invoke unused; was yours already invoked? And is there anyone else who still has any lingering consequences?"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "Right, if it's already been tagged for free, then it's just a normal aspect (that uses up a consequence slot) until it goes away."

[peregaming] Wanda says (to Felix), "indeed"

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims (at GM), "And... OK, that was my other question. Thanks!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I think everyone is here, so..."

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Crownfords, crusade!"

GM exclaims, "Welcome back to the lasted thrilling issue in the current adventures of... the CROWNSFORD CRUSADERS!"

GM exclaims, "A group of supervillains have escaped and come to Crownsford, and four of them are still on the loose!"

GM says, "This has left a our heroes with a variety of matters to consider, include a deal they made with Hydrolyx to provide him with one of the Tomes or Champions he's looking for, a secret about Jacob's past that he may or may not tell the rest of the Crusaders, a recent incident at a classy east-side bakery, an increasing collection of skeleton keys they've found, the Ball-n-Chayn devices worn by each criminal they've caught so far, Supremo's poisoning and a possible antidote, and a plot for revenge against PayneTech."

GM says, "But for now, everyone is piled into Red's pickup truck (or on Singularity). They're heading across town to investigate a false alarm that occurred this morning at Sarducci's casino..."

GM asks, "Does anyone have anything they want to do or talk about along the way, or shall we start as you arrive?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I'm good."

[Crows-Nest] Eben says, "Lasted Thrilling is my favorite English name a Slovakian Heavy Metal lead singer took when he moved to the US."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws catnaps!

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I'm good as well."

GM says, "It's afternoon as Red's truck pulls into the parking lot in front of the casino's main entrance. There aren't as many cars here as there would be in the evening, but there are still plenty of day gamblers, matinee watchers and late lunchers around."

GM says, "Red, white and blue signs posted on the grass exhort you to 'Vote SARDUCCI For Mayor'."

[Crows-Nest] Eben asks, "So Red says that, as do the white-and-blue signs?"

Red says, "Well, good luck with all this. If you need anything from me, you know where to find me."

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

Eben says (to Red), "Thanks again! And good work keeping everyone safe in the mall."

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Perhaps Red is a Rex supporter. They have a lot in common. Like, 2/3 of their names."

Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Bye Uncle Red!"

Wanda exclaims, "Stay safe!"

GM says, "And after everyone gets out, Red waves one last time and drives away."

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws asks, "Is Sarducci a Republican?"

[Crows-Nest] GM asks, "A what? I'm sorry, is that some sort of alternate universe political party?"

[Crows-Nest] Eben says, "I think Mayor is a non-partisan position in Crownsford."

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

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "Is he a Whig or a ... wahtever the old name for Democrats was"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda asks, "Tory?"

Eben asks, "Hmm. Front door, or back?"

Cuddlepaws says, "Let's be sneaky. It may be nothing after all"

Wanda says, "I remember the last time we were sneaky at the casino. Poor guy."

Eben says (to Wanda), "Twice! Glad he got better in the end."

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Ah, good old Bob."

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws asks, "Did we bob him on the head?"

Cuddlepaws exclaims, "To the back door!"

GM asks, "If you're being sneaky, are you going to have one of you approach quietly first, or are you all going as a group?"

Cuddlepaws asks, "Le me sneak up and maybe find a good place for you to portal in?"

Eben suggests we send CP up first, and finds a good out-of-sight place to watch.

GM exclaims (at CP), "That'll be a +4 Stealth Overcome!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "one sec"

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

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Ooh. Is that a failure?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "I'll tag inconspicious!"

Cuddlepaws spends a fate point, leaving her with 2.

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Success!"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda exclaims, "I forgot to refresh fp!"

Eben sets their current fate point total to 2.

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Off to a good start, aren't we"

Wanda sets his current fate point total to 1.

Jacob sets her current fate point total to 3.

Cuddlepaws sets her current fate point total to 2.

GM says, "You slip around the corner of the building an peek your head around. You remember that the security wasn't too tough the last time you were here, but it looks like someone has gotten paranoid since then for some reason and significantly ramped it up."

Deka sets their current fate point total to 2.

Cuddlepaws spends a fate point, leaving her with 1.

GM says, "Instead of one rotating camera, there are now multiple cameras in fixed locations covering nearly the entire field of view, along with what looks like a motion sensor."

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Am I remembering correctly that the casino is near the beach?"

GM says, "That's in addition to the new electronic locks and intercom."

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws asks (of gm), "Any windows?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I remember someone mentioned a fishing hut being nearby, so apparently so! Probably near a beach-y part of the riverbank."

[Crows-Nest] GM exclaims, "There are some windows along the back of the building!"

Cuddlepaws sneaks up to one of the windows, to maybe find a good place for a portal inside.

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I forget wether the portal guns works through windows."

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Fortunately, I can melt glass!"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Oh, which makes me wonder if this place got flooded at all, given the dam. Not if it was sufficiently upstream, I guess, but perhaps if it was downstream, briefly when the dam broke."

GM says (to CP), "OK! It's not too close to the back door, so (being an Inconspicuous feline), you can get to it without another roll."

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims (at CP), "It does not!"

GM says, "It looks like the kind of office window that's not designed to be opened. But inside, you see what looks like an empty conference room."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "This will complicate getting inside."

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "So CP locates a good window, Wanda melts a small hole, and Eben fires a portal?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks (of wanda), "Won't the melting be caught on camera?"

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Eben), "Fortunately, it was sufficiently upstream. Unless you'd like to declare a story detail?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Or CP TK's a knife."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to CP), "Whoops"

[CCrusaders] Eben says (to GM), "Nah, that's fine."

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Maybe Deka can make the window smaller, and CP can catch it when it falls? Does Deka have to touch it?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I *think* she does, IIRC."

Deka says, "I do have to touch it, but we could just shoot a portal up there that I could get to it through."

Eben says (to Deka), "Oh, good idea."

Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Neat!"

Eben asks (of CP), "(over the radio) Can you find a good spot on the wall that's out of view of the camearas but in range of the window?"

Cuddlepaws asks (of eben), "That sounds like an Investigate Overcome! I mean ... Yes, probably?"

GM says, "Hee. I agree! Versus +1 opposition."

Eben says, "You kids and your slang."

Cuddlepaws rolls Good (3) + 4dF: +1 0 +1 +1 | Fantastic (6)

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Style! Boost or special effect?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Our boost is called "Perfect spot!""

Eben aims the portal gun and fires!

GM says (to Eben), "How far/close do you want to be when shooting this portal? If you're close to the building, it'll be a Stealth Overcome to avoid the cameras yourself. If you want to be far enough from the cameras that they can't spot you, then it'll require a Shoot Overcome to aim it from that distance."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Shoot overcome."

GM says, "OK! Shooting past any trees, fishing huts, other structures, etc. in the way will be a +4 Overcome."

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

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Also with style!"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Wow, nice. 'Perfect placement!'"

GM sets his current fate point total to 8.

[CCrusaders] Deka says, "I shrink the window."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(I'm including the three from One Man Army's concession.)"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "The GM means business today"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Uh oh"

GM says, "OK! Reaching through the portal makes it a little bit awkward, but the window isn't that huge or tricky, so that'll be a +3 Physique Overcome! (Not brute strength.)"

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

GM says, "Another success! The pane of glass shrinks down so it's too small to fit in the frame, and starts to tip inward..."

[CCrusaders] Deka says, "I grab it"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "CP was going to TK it, I think (perhaps as well)"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I'll be backup in case Deka fails"

GM says, "OK! The angle is difficult, especially since the position of the portal means you can't really see it unless you stick your head out where it might be in view..."

GM exclaims, "So that'll be a +4 Athletics Overcome to grab it in time!"

[CCrusaders] Deka says, "I grow my arm so I can reach it."

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

[CCrusaders] Deka says, "I will tag perfect placement"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Ooh. Success!"

GM exclaims, "The glass almost hits the floor, but Deka's arm somehow miraculously reaches underneath it and catches it at the last second!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Nice work, kiddo"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "And given Eben's previous success, I won't require a second roll if you're just shooting a normal portal through the window."

Deka will bring the glass back to us

Eben then moves the portal to inside the room!

Eben steps through and looks around.

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Where's the other side of the portal, BTW?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "On an old fence by the river."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "(casino is flooded by the ocean)"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(facing the river)"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to CP), "Hee."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I think it's the same place we went from before."

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Eben), "So, a fair ways away from the building?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Yeah."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Cool."

GM says, "The conference room looks fairly normal. There's a large table, several chairs, a project. There's no glass in the window, though. A closed door leads... well, probably to a corridor, but it's closed."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Projector"

Cuddlepaws whispers, "Okay, guys, let's look at the quarterlies"

Cuddlepaws slinks through the portal.

Eben whispers back, "We did that last time!"

Eben listens at the door, realizes his hearing is not what it was, and suggests someone else try it.

Cuddlepaws whispers, "Are you saying this could've been an email?"

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

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Notice, right?"

Cuddlepaws says (to jacob), "You're up"

Jacob shakes his head. He's the eyes, not the ears, of the operation.

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I have it at +3"

[Crows-Nest] GM asks, "CP has been bingeing The Office, hasn't she?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "oh"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Also a +3"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I mean, I could"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Notice seems reasonable, sure."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "We can both listen"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "Asleep on Francis' lap while she watched"

GM exclaims, "Overcome, vs. +2!"

Jacob towers over Wanda to listen at the door.

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Teamwork means one of you rolls and gets +1 from the other"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Who rolls? I can do it if Jacob wants"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "You can"

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

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "success!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "and thanks to Jacob's +1, too"

GM says, "You hear several people in the corridor outside talking."

GM says, "Apparently Larry From Accounting said something really funny in yesterday's afternoon meeting. It's not clear if it was intentionally funny or not."

GM exclaims, "After a minute, you eventually hear them moving away. The coast is clear!"

Wanda says, "Let's do this. Remember the secret word, in case one of us gets replaced..."

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Pineapple pancakes, was it?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Everyone should have their own word, so we don't give it away when the real person says it first."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Ooh, clever"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "just like a recently replacement copy would suggest!!!!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "eeep"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "BTW, what does Wanda normally look like most of the time these days? Actually literally on fire?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "She's got it (mostly) under control."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "So you look like a 'normal' giant jumping spider, and the flames turn on and off as needed?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Yep"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Cool."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(So, is anyone opening the door, or are you waiting for more people to walk by...?)"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "ha"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Send CP again?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Sure, I'll go"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Whoever has Stealth."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I've got a +2"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "+4"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks (of gm), "Is this another overcome?"

GM says (to CP), "The hallway is empty. There are doors to other rooms, mostly closed, a few open. You've never been in this exact part of the building before, but you have a general recollection of where Sarducci's office was."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Depends on what you do next!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I shall sneak towards his office"

GM exclaims, "OK! Then that's a +4 Overcome!"

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

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Ooh."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Mothertrucker"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Are you tagging anything (or succeeding at a cost), or...?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "Hm... what would be an interesting serious cost?"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "You get spotted by someone who doesn't realize you shouldn't be there?"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Like, someone picks you up and walks into Sarducci's office while petting you?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "ha ha ha"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I am good with a compromise between those two."

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of CP), "What do you think?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "Some picks me up and puts me somewhere and calls the vet?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I'm thinking someone picks you up and is still petting you, but carries you to right next to Sarducci's door."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Works for me!"

Cuddlepaws says, "hehe, I'll hide between those those khaki colored plants in the sneaker pots, wait, oh no"

GM exclaims, "You made it past the copy room and even the security room, with its big bank of monitors, but you're no match for Larry From Accounting!"

GM says, "A short, bespectacled balding man bends down and scoops you up."

Larry says, "Hello there, kitty! How did you get in here?"

Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Um, meow? Murr!"

GM says, "He walks down the hall, petting you, bringing you to the corridor just outside Sarducci's office door, which is closed."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "Are there other people around?"

GM says, "You can see the place on the wall opposite it where builders have patched up a huge whole in the wall, made by someone knocking a security guard through it. THe door opposite Sarducci's, into that other office, is open and says 'Larry Addamson, Chief Accountant' on it."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Do you want there to be?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Also, 'hole', not 'whole'."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I wonder if CP could make the door open a crack and exploit Larry's curiosity"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Quite the opposite, in fact, but I guess I'll just wait until we are in his office."

GM says, "Larry appears to be headed for *that* open door, as he absently scritches you behind the ear."

Hunter arrives at home.

[CCrusaders] GM says, "No one else has noticed you or Larry yet."

Cuddlepaws asks, "*purr* *purr*?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I wanna wait until we are in his office and then the door *magically* closes behind him."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "For reference, he's about to bring you into the room that had 'Unconscious Guard' in it on https://i0.wp.com/genericgeekgirl.files.wordpress.com/2018/05/map-8.png"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "He's still there?"

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of CP), "OK! Are you trying to achieve something specific that you should roll for, or just closing the door?"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "(Hee. No, Bob Hadley is not still there.)"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Well, afterwards I want to try and knock him out with something heavy in the room."

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks (of CP), "Have you not learnt anything from the Bob debacle?"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK! Then no roll needed for just closing the door. Narrate what you're doing, then roll your attack!"

Cuddlepaws closes the door behind them. She looks up at Larry apologetically and jumps from his arms, landing on his desk. A heavy trophy claiming "Employee of the year" flies towards him and knocks him into the head!

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

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

[Setting the zoned flag.]

GM says, "Kindly Larry slumps to the ground, unconscious."

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "(Into the barely visible chalk outline of Bob)"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "He will have a bruise saying raey eht fo eeyolpmE now"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "'This is the break room, and the rest rooms are over there, and this is the room where we knock out innocent casino employees...'"

Cuddlepaws calls the others on the phone. "Okay, the coast is clear. I'm in the office opposite Sarducci's."

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

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says (to wanda), "ha ha"

Eben says (to CP), "There"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "er"

Eben asks (of CP), "There's nobody else in the hallways?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I peak out again real quick."

GM says (to CP), "So far, so good."

Cuddlepaws says (to eben), "Yes, go, go, go."

Eben goes!

Wanda follows!

Wanda will use the ceiling just in case.

Jacob goes, too.

GM asks, "Are you all going into Larry's office, or stopping in the hall in front of Sarducci's door?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Office, I think."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I assumed office, so we're ont standing int he office ready to be caught"

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "Weren't there cameras?"

GM says, "You all pile into Larry's office and shut the door behind you."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Probably, but CP told us to go ;-)"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Haha"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I'm assuming CP chose a camera-free path."

Deka makes herself lighter to be lighter on her feet and goes with them

[CCrusaders] Eben moves the blue portal to the office wall once we get there.

Cuddlepaws says, "I had to knock out this super dangerous guard"

GM says, "Larry drools slightly on the carpet."

Eben looks at CP askance.

Wanda asks, "What did you do, Cuddles?"

Cuddlepaws says, "He saw me and I had to act."

Eben asks, "OK, TK the door open a little? Listen first?"

Wanda says, "If only Jacob had X-ray vision..."

Eben says, "I mean, you could have asked him if he had seen anything weird with Sarducci today. Anyway."

[Crows-Nest] GM throws away the 'conversing with Larry From Accounting' section of his notes.

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

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "We could wake him!"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "(And you'll never know whether or not that was a joke.)"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "And sure, you could."

[Crows-Nest] Wanda asks, "Could he be persuaded that it was an accident?"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "So what are you doing now?"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "The office is a wild lawless place, anything can happen"

Eben cracks the door open a little so that we can see S's office door.

GM says (to Eben), "It's still closed."

Eben asks (of CP), "You want to open it, or should we listen first?"

Cuddlepaws says, "Listen first, I think."

Eben gestures to the door.

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Is Jacob here with us? Otherwise I'm rolling Notice +3"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "roll away, great spider"

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

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Jacob is indeed here."

GM says, "Opposition: +3"

Wanda listens with all the hairs on her legs and abdomen.

[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, "I said I followed, so yes."

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "whoops missed that"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "so it's a 6"

[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, "Also, oops. Wrong channel. Despite being more characters than #cc"

GM asks, "You listen closely, and at first, you don't hear anything... but then, is that a chair creaking?"

GM says, "It seems like there *is* someone in there. But whatever they're doing, they're not making much noise."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "That makes that a success with style!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I had muted #ccr by accident"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Eep."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "All good now"

Deka makes the door thinner

[CCrusaders] Deka says, "so we can listen better."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Ooh. That seems like the sort of thing someone inside might notice. Are you trying to be careful so that they don't?"

[CCrusaders] Deka asks, "Well, whoever they are, we know that they can perceive the denseness of the objects around them. Do you all think I should go for it?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I mean, e.g., the door might wobble, etc."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I'm not sure we gonna learn much more by more listening"

Eben asks (of Deka), "(whispering) Can you shrink the door *up* so that CP can slip underneath it?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Or shrink CP?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "That would be so cute!"

Deka will give it a shot.

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK! Stealth vs. active opposition!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(To avoid them noticing the door moving.)"

Deka Is shrinking CP

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "OK! In that case, let me think... you want her small enough to fit under the door?"

[CCrusaders] Deka says, "yep"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "uWu"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "She's already small, and there isn't a very big gap... so that's going to be tricky. +5 opposition!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "aww"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Physique, not brute strength.)"

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

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "yess!"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Success with a minor cost?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Everyone wastes five minutes gushing over mini CP."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "ha ha ha"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Hee."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK!"

Wanda exclaims, "I didn't think you could be cuter than you already were, Cuddles, but this... awww!"

GM exclaims, "As you're all marvelling over the new Cuddlepaws and congratulating Deka for her handiwork, with the hallway door wide open, you hear footsteps approaching!"

Cuddlepaws says, "(squeaky voice) Oh no"

GM asks, "What do you do?"

Cuddlepaws hides inside Jacob's shirt pocket.

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "You really think Jacob wears shirts wit hpockets?"

Eben retreats back to the office.

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Hm, jacket pocket then, with only her ears peeking out"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Aw"

Eben whispers to CP Go now!

Deka shrinks herself and hides in a potted plant.

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Deka is hiding in Larry's office, CP is in Jacob's pocket... where are Jacob, Wanda and Eben?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Oh, Eben's in Larry's office."

Wanda leaps onto the ceiling and flattens herself in a corner.

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "And Jacob?"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks (of Wanda), "In the office?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Probably the same, in the office"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Also, are you leaving Larry's door open?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Oh wait, we have the portal?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I never said I moved :D"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to Eben), "It's either hiding in the office, or hopping back out through the portal"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "It's amazing how slowly this person must be walking..."

GM asks, "Since no one said otherwise when I asked, I assume Larry's door remains open...?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I was about to say that I close the door, actually."

[Crows-Nest] GM exclaims, "OK!"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "But was waiting for everyone to say where they were ;-)"

GM says, "As you close the door, you hear a voice along with the footsteps."

Voice says, "Hey, Mr. Addamson? I've got some questions about the security budget."

GM says, "The voice sounds kinda familiar, in fact."

GM says, "And it's followed by a knocking at the door."

Eben tries to place the voice.

GM exclaims (at Eben), "Hmm. You heard it... at NEMATEx? Oh, wait. It's Bob Hadley!"

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

Bob says, "Mr. Addamson? Are you in there? I just saw your door shut, so you must be, right?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "See, this is why you shouldn't have knocked out Larry, Cuddles!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Bob's going to be certain it was me!"

GM asks, "Does anyone respond?"

Eben opens the door, puts a finger to his lips, and gestures for Bob to come in.

Jacob's eyes go wide for a moment.

Bob flinches at the sight of you. He may have some... unpleasant memories. But he tentatively follows.

Bob whispers, "What's going on? What are you doing here?"

Eben closes the door, sighs, and says quietly, "I'm so glad it's you. There are supervillains in town, including someone who can body-swap with someone else, and we're worried he swapped with Sarducci.

Bob says, "Huh. What makes you think that?"

[Crows-Nest] Roger says, "well look some shapechanger just assaulted Larry here"

Eben asks, "There was a call to the police earlier. Were you involved with that?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Dun dun dun. It's Bob she swapped with :D"

Eben asks, "Also, so you know it's actually me, the last time I saw you, you were silver. So I know it's actually you, can you tell me what the silver was?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Was the body swapper female? I forget the name."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Any Body, and I think their whole deal was ambiguity."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Ah"

Bob says, "Yeah, I let them in to see Mr. Sarducci. But it turns out it was just a false alarm."

Bob says, "And the silver was that new Quicksilver thing. I think it's off the market for good now, though."

Bob looks around the room. His eyes fall on Larry.

Bob says, "Oh my gosh! Did the supervillain do that?"

Eben asks, "What made you think it was a false alarm?"

Cuddlepaws says, "(from jacob's pocket) Sure, let's go with that"

Bob says, "Mr. Sarducci said so himself. He hit the alarm button by accident."

Eben asks, "Did Sarducci say anything to make you know it was actually him?"

Eben says, "That's what we're worried about--the swap might have already happened."

Bob says, "What do you mean? Like what?"

Eben thinks.

Eben says, "So, if he already swapped, the new Sarducci won't know what the real Sarducci did, say, yesterday. Or even this morning."

Eben asks, "Is there something you can talk to him about that you haven't talked about post-police?"

Cuddlepaws asks, "Or maybe stuff like his safe combination?"

Bob says, "I guess not. Unless the real one told him for some reason..."

Bob says, "Uh. I... oh, I told him that he had on a nice tie, yesterday, when I saw him at the coffee machine. Is that the kind of thing you mean?"

Eben asks (of Jacob), "Is there anything in the reports about Any that makes us think they might also absorb memories?"

Eben says (to Bob), "Right! Exactly that."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "No Bob, your crush on him does not help"

Eben asks, "What kind of tie was it?"

Eben says, "Or color."

GM says, "It was red with black stripes and little white... I think they were diamond shaped things on the black stripes."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(From Bob)"

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "Reports?"

Eben asks, "And it's not what he's wearing today?"

Bob says, "No, he's got a blue one on today."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "From when we first were looking up these guys."

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "Ah. Were we? I thought we just got the info over the phone?"

[CCrusaders] GM | GM exclaims (at CP), "You hunt around, and you're able to find a few news stories about the prison break!"

[CCrusaders] GM | GM says, "And finally, Any Body (real name unknown): The mugshot is of a face that looks like it belongs to an adrogynous mannequin. Any Body is a master -- or mistress -- of disguise."

Cuddlepaws says, "So do we just barge in and confront him="

Eben asks, "OK. Can you go into his office with uh, tiny cat here, say you're just checking the alarm for faulty wiring, and say that you liked his tie even better than the purple one from yesterday?"

Eben asks, "And see if he doesn't contradict you on the purple thing?"

Bob says, "I dunno. Mr. Sarducci said he didn't want to be disturbed this afternoon."

Eben says, "Tell him it'll just take a second."

Bob says, "And, I mean, *maybe* he's a fake, but... he's probably not..."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Are you trying to overcome Bob's sense of duty?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(I.e., to convince him to disobey his boss?)"

Eben puts a hand on Bob. "Bob, I know you're a good employee. Don't you think the possibility of him being in danger is more important than 30 seconds of his time? If it turns out to be nothing, we'll take the blame; I'm *sure* the real Sarducci will believe us."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(and yes ;-)"

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "Rapport!"

Eben rolls Good (3) + 4dF: +1 +1 0 +1 | Fantastic (6)

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "That's Rapport! His sense of duty is a +3 obstacle!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Dang."

Bob sighs. "Alright... but if he's not a fake, you're all going to leave and look somewhere else, OK?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "The boost is 'Boss might be in danger!'"

Bob says, "Somewhere not in my casino?"

Eben says, "Absolutely."

Cuddlepaws says, "(tiny voice from Jacob's pocket) Ok"

Bob resignedly goes out to the hall and knocks on Antonio Sarducci's door.

Eben says (to Cuddlepaws), "You go with him, so you can help if need be."

Mr. Sarducci's Voice says, "What is it?"

Cuddlepaws follows.

Bob says, "Hi, Mr. Sarducci. It's me, Bob Hadley. Can I come in?"

Mr. Sarducci's Voice says, "I said I didn't want to be disturbed. I'm very busy. Come back tomrrow."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "sus ducci"

Bob says, "It's, uh... it's important. I need to... check the... alarm? For faulty wiring?"

Eben gestures for Bob to go ahead and open the door.

Mr. Sarducci's Voice says, "Ugh. Fine. But make it quick."

Bob tries the doorknob, which is locked. A moment later, Sarducci himself opens it from the inside.

GM says, "Bob goes in and kneels down in front of the desk, half-heartedly pretending to inspect the wiring on the alarm button underneath it."

Cuddlepaws looks around a bit and tries to stay out of sight.

Eben listens from the office across the hall.

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

Hunter arrives at home.

Bob says, "Hey, uh, that blue tie you're wearing. It's even nice than the purple one you had on yesterday."

Sarducci says, "Yes, fine, thank you. I'll get you one for Christmas. Are you finished?"

Bob says, "Uh... yeah, I think that's it. I'll see you later... Mr. Sarducci."

Cuddlepaws quickly sneaks back into Larry's office.

GM says, "And so Bob leaves Sarducci's office, and Sarducci closes the door behind him."

Eben asks (of Cuddlepaws), "Wait, what? Why didn't you stay in S's office?"

Cuddlepaws says, "(tiny voice from the floor) ... .... .... ...."

Bob , back in Larry's office, gasps. "I *hate* lying!"

Eben says (to Bob), "I know. It was for a good cause. Looks like our suspicions might be true, though."

Wanda exclaims, "Well, on the bright side, that's what makes you trustworthy!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "How long am I staying tiny?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "There's no time limite"

GM says (to CP), "While you were in there, his office looked mostly like it did the last time. Desk, filing cabinet, closet, chairs. The computer might have been upgraded. There were lots of papers spread out on the desk."

Eben asks (of Cuddlepaws), "So... sneak back in under the door? And see what they're up to?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says (to eben), "I'm just trying to not have the whole session being people watch me sneaking around"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Deka), "Remind me, does your shrinking/growing powers use Overcome or Create Advantage? (I.e., is CP's reduced size an aspect?)"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I mean, if we had a different plan, then OK, but I can't think of anything without more evidence."

[CCrusaders] Deka says, "it is an overcome."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(But I am open to suggestions)"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Now I'm absently wondering if a shrunken Eben would make dime-sized portals."

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Hah. I was imagining a spider-sized Wanda."

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

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Jacob riding a war eagle!"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "So what's the plan? Or does everyone want a few minute's break to think about it?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I'm okay with me sneaking back in if nobody can think of anything else"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "(Because I sure can't)"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "I can't really think of anything else that wouldn't involve losing the element of surprise"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "exxcept"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "wait"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda asks, "maybe Telepathy?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "ooh"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "My telepathy apparently works from an adjacent zone"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "It would be a passive overcome in that case"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Are you going to try it out?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Yes!"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "OK! What are you going to use it to do?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Probe surface thoughts in 'Sarducci's mind"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "To see if there are un-Sarducci thoughts in there"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "That'll be a passive +1 Notice overcome!"

Wanda opens her mind. The person in Sarducci's office is like a flame in her mind's eye, flickering with thoughts...

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

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Woo, probe that dude!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Also I guess she is positioned on the ceiling in the corridor"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "since it's 'adjacent zone'"

Sarducci thinks . o O ( Tax policy, tax policy... what was my tax policy supposed to be? Mrm. That was so strange. What was that security doofus rambling about ties for? Does he have some kind of a crush on me? Ugh. Oh, here it is. Increase on the rich, reduce on the poor... pfft. So typical... )

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Also, is that a boost, or a special effect?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Hmm, my special effects are Area Attack or Forced Movement."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Ha. Probably not applicable."

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Oh! Maybe Area Attack could translate to hearing the thoughts of anyone else in the adjacent zone as well? Like, perhaps the real Sarducci?"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "That's very creative. But, uh. I think that's a bit of a stretch."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I mean, she *does* have other related abilities that could attempt something like that."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Heh."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "But they'd just be separate actions."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says (to wanda), "Oh, but it might be worth a try"

Eben asks (of Wanda), "Can you reach out to see if you can hear the thoughts of the real Sarducci, too?"

Wanda says, "I could try, but he'd have to be close."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "So, given that you don't know yet where any other hypothetical Sarduccis might be, how would you initially approach that?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Also, I'm willing to consider the whole back office area to be an 'adjacent zone' for this purpose, since I'm finding this interesting.)"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Hmmm"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I'm supposed to be able to detect unfamiliar minds according to the description"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Mmhmm."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I assume 'unfamiliar' means 'ones that you're not aware are there', and doesn't literally have to mean 'only people you've never met'."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "yeah"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "otherwise that'd be silly"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Agreed."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "So it looks like I could do a second telepathy roll, using the boost as needed"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Or... there's a slightly harder way"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "And what do you want to do, exactly?"

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "Do it!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Hm, I wonder if I could create advantage to make it easier"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Probably!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "I can project thoughts into people's minds easily. Can I attempt to use Influence to make fake Sarducci think about the location of the real one and make it feel like it was *their* own thought?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Like, pushing a vase off a dresser in the hallway so she can focus on everyone thinking "Huh, what was that?""

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "This would probably be a challenge using both Rapport and Deceive"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "and then a Notice to catch the thought"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Wanda), "Hmm. Trying to make him think it's his own thoughts would be difficult. I think that would turn it into a multi-part Challenge, involving your telepathy (Notice), your influence (Rapport), and your attempt to disguise yourself as his own thought (Deceive)."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Timing!)"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Yeah! If everyone else thinks it's a plan, then I'm going to try"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK!"

Wanda says, "I can't probe beyond surface thoughts... but if I can make him think about where the real Sarducci is..."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Is anyone creating any advantages before we start?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Grandpa can provide moral support"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Anyone else?"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Sure, you want a Rapport bolster?"

[CCrusaders] Alex says (to Wanda), "Awwwk! Word on the street is that anyone else is ME TOO."

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims (at Eben), "sure!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Once you're ready with any aspects, then you can do both the Deceive and Influence together (in that order). Both will be actively opposed!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Woo!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "(This is basically Inception with spiders)"

Eben says, "OK, you can do this. Remember, people's thoughts wander all the time; the trick will be to just nudge them a bit--like you used to do to get Frances to offer you ice cream.""

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Not sure I can help in any meaningful way."

GM exclaims (at Eben), "Rapport vs. +2!"

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

GM exclaims, "Success with two free invokes!"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "w00t"

GM asks, "What's your aspect for this?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "In addition to the boost I already have, this is going to really help :)"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "'Mmmm, ice cream'"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "hee"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Hee."

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Wanda), "Are you ready to roll your first two overcomes?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "I am!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Then, uh... go ahead and do so..."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "First, Deceive in order to make my psychic voice sound like fake Sarducci's thoughts:"

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

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

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Uh oh! If only you had something you could tag!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Tagging my 'great at telepathy' boost from the first probe, since by listening to fake Sarducci's thoughts, I understand what they sound like!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Which is a success... unless the GM tags something"

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

Wanda's psychic voice is a perfect mimicry of Fake Sarducci's inner monologue.

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "And now your Influence?"

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

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

Wanda hahaha

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Woo, Good Work!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "And because he doesn't even realize that you're commanding him, he doesn't try to resist by ticking stress or consequences!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Keikaku doori"

GM asks, "You're fully focused on imitating Sarducci's mind and sending him secret commands... but with all that going on, can you listen at the same time and catch his response?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Notice!"

GM exclaims, "+4 Notice Overcome!"

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

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "I didn't even need Grandpa's pep talk!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I'm sure that'll be useful later, though."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Pep talks have no expiry dat"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "+e"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "You could spend one to translate it into a new boost?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Spend a free invoke to gain a boost?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Right, if it's more specific to finding Sarducci."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Instead of generic pep talk."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Ah, true"

Sarducci thinks . o O ( Maybe I should go talk to Sarducci again. Find out what color tie he had on yesterday. No, no. Stop that. I'm sure it was nothing. And people are going to get suspicious if someone spots me going into the Crowne Room again. )

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Yaaay! Nice."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Ha"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "w00t"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "I'll spend a free invoke to get a Sarducci-specific boost, if it's not too late?"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "It's not too late!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Also we need to add 1) play matchmaker for Bon/Sarducci to our agendsa"

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "I do so then!"

Wanda sighs with relief. 'I did it. It really worked.'

Wanda will relay this to the others

Cuddlepaws exclaims (at wanda), "Good work!"

Bob says, "So... you just did something with your mind? You can... do stuff to people's minds?"

Eben says, "And it's a good thing, too! Now we know where your boss really is."

Eben asks, "Do you want to come help us, or stay here and keep an eye on the fake on?"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "And by 'we'... is Wanda telling everyone what she just heard?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "'relay this to the others'"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Oho, thanks."

Eben asks (of bob), "So, where's the crowne room?"

Bob says, "I'll come along with you, if you don't mind."

Eben says, "Not at all."

Cuddlepaws asks (of deka), "Hey, can you make me normal-size again?"

Bob leads the way. He shows you a side corridor with an unmarked door a little ways down it.

Deka blows up the cat

Wanda says (to Bob), "It's a skill I learnt recently under crazy circumstances. Long story."

Cuddlepaws shakes out her fur. "Ahh, much better. Back to apex predator

Bob says, "This is the Crowne Room. It's kind of a secret place for really rich people to gamble. There's a special entrance, but this is the back way in."

Bob unlocks the door and steps aside.

Eben follows!

Jacob steps into the room and looks around.

Cuddlepaws does likewise.

GM says, "You flip on the light as you go in. The furnishings are pretty fancy: mahogany wood panelling, brass fittings, leather furniture. On the floor in the middle of the room is Antonio Sarducci, bound and gagged. Strapped to his chest is a strange device with a little green light on it. <continued>"

Eben . o O ( Oh crap )

Jacob oh.

GM says, "The device looks like a block of putty with wires and electronics attached. As the lights hit it, the device beeps! A little display lights up and quickly flickers through several numbers before landing on '6'. And the green light turns red and starts flashing."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "And this seems like a good time for initiative!"

Jacob clears the initiative.

Jacob rolls Good (3) + 4dF: 0 +1 +1 +1 | Fantastic (6)

Jacob registers Jacob at init 6.

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

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

Wanda registers Wanda at init 5.

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Does anyone have a good name for what we should call this device?"

[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, "Somebody set us up the bomb."

[Crows-Nest] GM exclaims, "'Bomb'? That works!"

GM registers Bomb at init 1.

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

Cuddlepaws registers Cuddlepaws at init 4.

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "not to be confused with Bob"

[CCrusaders] GM adds the Aspect 'Ticking Time Bomb'.

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Eben and Deka?"

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

Eben registers Eben at init 1.

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

Deka registers Deka at init 1.

GM advances the initiative: JACOB(6) Wanda(5) Cuddlepaws(4) Bomb/Eben/Deka(1)

GM exclaims, "Jacob!"

Jacob walks over to Sarducci and investigates the bomb as much as possible without touching it.

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Trying to create an advantage for Eben's eventual crafts roll, I guess."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I would also ungag him if that's a free action, but leave him bound for now."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "OK! That's Investigate, vs. +2. And sure, you can do that too."

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

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Oh, also: https://jamboard.google.com/d/1AmIn0ZyPVkSZcaQjmt62Z62xLoFZXXuLcoSlwuVpvwc/viewer?f=0"

Jacob removes the gag from Sarducci's mouth and talks to him without looking at him, since he's focused on the device. "Hey, are you ok?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Whoa. That's really nice."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "The Crowne Room is in the Back Offices zone, just at the edge of the Main Casino Floor."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims (at Jacob), "Thanks!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "And from this side, you can see what looks like a kind of door leading 'south' from here, although you don't remember seeing any normal door there from the other side."

GM asks (of Jacob), "That's a success with style -- what aspect did you create?"

Sarducci says, "Thank you! I'm OK for now, but that's a bomb!"

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "I... don't know. Something not too specific, but also useful for disarming the thing :) An Advanced Understanding of it, perhaps?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Sure."

Jacob tries not to roll his eyes, "I know, i Know. We're going to disarm it, I promise."

Jacob advances the initiative: Jacob(6) WANDA(5) Cuddlepaws(4) Bomb/Eben/Deka(1)

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Maybe some brand name parts?"

GM exclaims, "Wanda!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I'm still making sense of the map"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Sure."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "You can all put yourselves in the Back Offices zone."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Eben if you add it to the list, you can call it anything you like :D"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Ha."

Deka says, "Don't worry everyone. I have a way to deal with the bomb. I can just throw it away."

Wanda asks, "That's too dangerous! What if it lands on someone?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Hm, I'm not sure the 6 is a countdown, but I'm not sure what makes me think that"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I was thinking it was in mode 6 or something. I dunno."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to CP), "oh nooo"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Gotta beep the boops in a different way than mode 11."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "there are six bombs"

Eben says, "We can throw it through my portal in the river if need be. I think I can get it off him..."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "one for each area on the map"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "6 people in the room?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "(that's pure conjecture of course and is OOC)"

Eben asks (of Wanda), "When Sir Any thought about visiting Sarducci, did they think about how they'd disable the bomb to talk to him?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Hmm, can I spend that boost to answer that question?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "My guess is that they were just gonna talk to him in the dark."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "possible"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Wanda), "Hmm."

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Wanda), "OK."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Normally not a think a boost can be used for, but I'm happy with it here."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Er, wait, I misunderstood.)"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I'll still say yes, though."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Okay! I'll do that then if it can provide useful info"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "That is: yes, you can tag the boost if you (Wanda) are trying to disable the bomb, or are talking someone through doing so."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Also, have you decided on your action?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to GM), "okay! noted"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I don't have any bomb disabling skills."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "You can hold your action until later if you want."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Holding my action, will help whoever is doing the disabling"

GM advances the initiative: Jacob(6) Wanda(5) CUDDLEPAWS(4) Bomb/Eben/Deka(1)

GM exclaims, "CP!"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I have the Crafts for it, though of course I go after the Bomb."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "So, if that thing is light sensitive, maybe covering the light sensor will buy us time? I'll leviate a chair or something so it blocks light hitting the bomb, without touching the bomb"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Also, I will declare now that Crafts *or* Burglary can be used if you're attempting to disable a bomb."

[CCrusaders] GM says (to CP), "Interesting."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "soo...maybe create advantage using will?"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "That seems like a Create Advantage -- how about we call it something general like 'Cover'?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Works for me"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "+2 opposition!"

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

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Cover with two free invokes!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "s/chair/entire living room set/"

GM advances the initiative: Jacob(6) Wanda(5) Cuddlepaws(4) BOMB/EBEN/DEKA(1)

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "if it explodes, some of us might survive!"

GM exclaims, "You hear a familiar voice behind you!"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "I like that initiative counter"

GM says, "Just outside the door that you just came through, you see Antonio Sarducci! The one who's not tied up."

Sarducci says, "Huh, so the tie *wasn't* purple, I guess. It looks like you're already on level two of the game!"

GM says, "The flashing red light on the device turns solid."

GM says, "You hear an explosion from the main casino floor. Followed by screams."

Wanda exclaims, "Nooooo!"

Sarducci says, "That's one backup plan down. Only five to go!"

GM says, "And with that, 'Sarducci' turns and disappears into the complex of corridors, as panicked office workers run in all directions."

GM says, "The 6 on the device changes to a 5. And the light starts flashing again."

Eben dives at the bomb, pulling out his tools from his back pockets!

Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Fiddlesticks!"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Oh no."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "And from the sound of things, all the yellow post-its for people on the map can now be considered to be panicked."

GM exclaims (at Eben), "Disabling the bomb is +4 Crafts or Burglary!"

[CCrusaders] Jacob can help with crafts

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

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "I can't believe I was right OOC"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "And tagging like eight things."

[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, "Seriously, yeah."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "It's a +4 overcome -- are you tagging everything?"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Wanda is going to feel guilty about not probing deeper into Any Body's mind"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Hmm, I think I should tag two things."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Don't you have a +5 in Craft? (looking at your sheet)"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Unless that got swapped and not updated"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Oops, that's right; just went up in that."

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws hands Eben his glasses.

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "So that's a 4, plus my +1"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks (of GM), "Are there multiple things that have to be accomplished here or just one?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "And probably some tags because GM has a fuckton of fate points :P"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "For disabling this bomb, just one."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Like, I would like this thing to not explode, but also not trigger anything else to explode, and also stop anything from setting off the other bombs."

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Jacob), "+1? Didn't you Create Advantage, which would give +2?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I meant the help with crafts that I said I was giving."

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Jacob), "Hmm, wouldn't that require you using your action for that?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "The create advantage would give +2 twice, because it was SWS."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Since we're in initiative, I don't think that works the same way."

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "Oh, would it?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I think so."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Ah"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "So, for making sure this bomb in front of you doesn't do anything bad, it's a +4 overcome."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "At any rate, understanding the bombs seems useful for disabling the other bombs, but 'cover' seems only useful for disabling this one, so I'll tag that twice."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Bumping my actual-4 to an 8."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Anything beyond that could give you boosts for success with style, which might help later in the encounter."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Also, when we started initiative, it's a new scene, for consequences.)"

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Eben), "OK! How does Cover apply for disabling it?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Narrate at will, and then it's Deka's turn.)"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Also, the green circle on the map is Eben's disabled bomb.)"

Eben, as he works, notices a diode turning on and off as the shadow from the chair interacts with reflective surfaces in the room <more>

Eben uses this to his advantage, timing clipping wires and pulling out diodes at just the right moments that the system is completely spoofed. He nods, satisfied that he now understands better how these were put together.

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "<end>"

Deka will try to find one of the bombs, and shrink it down so it will fir in her hand. And then make it less dense and her hand more dense so that when it goes off she can take the blast.

[Crows-Nest] Wanda exclaims, "Also!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to GM), "Since I chose to hold my action..."

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "could I try to chase after fake-Sarducci?"

GM exclaims, "The number on the display ticks down again, to 4!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "In theory, but let me offer an alternative suggestion..."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Oho"

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Wanda), "There are a lot of people in the casino, and they're in danger. So you need to divide up your priorities. What's more important to you, catching a criminal, or stopping the Ticking Time Bombs?"

[CCrusaders] GM sets a fate point in front of Wanda.

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Heh"

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "I accept the fate point!"

GM gives a fate point to Wanda.

Eben exclaims "There are four more bombs, probably in the four corners of the casino! Spread out and try to find them!

Eben says, "Of the building, that is. I think the one in the casino already went off."

Cuddlepaws exclaims (at eben), "I'll look in the main room and help people who may be in danger!"

GM asks, "Is Wanda taking her held turn, or is it Deka's turn?"

Wanda exclaims, "I'm on it, Grandpa! Stay safe!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "So I can go to the kitchen or backstage"

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Oh Deka is going backstage!"

Wanda heads to the kitchens!

[CCrusaders] GM says, "You can! Kitchen, Backstage, and Main Casino Floor are all adjacent to your zone."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims (at Deka), "Oh, I missed your statement earlier! Sorry!"

GM asks (of Deka), "Which location are you searching?"

Wanda says, "(I think they said backstage)"

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "Backstage!"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(That's where his sticky note is ;-)"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Ah, Backstage -- as you enter, you see lots of performers and crew members looking crazily scared and confused."

GM says, "And before you take your action, you can have a free Notice overcome vs. +3"

Deka asks, "Does anyone hear a ticking or beeping sound?"

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

GM exclaims, "OK! You don't notice anything else immediately. If you're searching the area, that's a +2 Investigate Overcome!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "(I'm going right after Deka, right?)"

[CCrusaders] Deka asks, "do the civilians notice anything?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "(init wise)"

[CCrusaders] Eben says (to Wanda), "Yup."

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Deka), "They're too Panicked to cooperate! You would need to calm them down somehow to get any help from them."

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Wanda), "Sounds good."

[CCrusaders] Deka asks, "Can I succeed at a cost to find the bomb?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(on the initial Notice check)"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Succeding at a great cost --> bomb explodes as Deka walks on it"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Oh, you can succeed the initial Notice check at a great cost -- which may or may not have anything to do with bombs! -- if you like. Would you like to?"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "Narrator voice: It will totally have to do with bombs"

[CCrusaders] Deka says, "will it be like that scene in batman vs. superman with the bomb. If so then no."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "And the cost will be: something that you *almost* didn't notice will fall on you and might even injure you."

[Crows-Nest] Wanda exclaims, "still better than peach tea!"

[CCrusaders] Deka says, "sure. I'm sure I will be fine."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK!"

GM says, "As you're trying to get people to listen to you, you hear a kind of banging or knocking sound from just above and behind you."

GM says, "When you look, you see the disappearing cabinet from a magician's act! It's on a raised platform, and it's rocking back and forth, as though someone were trapped inside, trying to get out."

GM exclaims, "And it's rocking so much, that the entire thing tips over and falls toward you! Overcome +4 with Athletics to avoid taking a consequence!"

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

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "What the heck is even going on here"

Deka catches it

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Speaking of which: the initial scene ended when you found the bound Sarducci, so those of you waiting for that are all set now."

GM exclaims, "Nice!"

GM exclaims, "And now you still have your action!"

Deka sees the bomb and grabs it. Reducing it's size and mass to hold it in her hand to take the blast.

[Crows-Nest] GM asks, "What bomb?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Except here."

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "I was under the impression she succeeded on the Notice roll?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "If you want to search the room, maybe finding a bomb if there is one, you can still do an Investigate vs. +2."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "(at a cost)"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Wanda), "To notice the person trapped in the magician's cabinet."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Ah"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Er, I apologize if I was unclear.)"

Deka opens it

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "<conversation in room to explain ;->"

GM asks (of Deka), "Are you looking for the special latches/mechanisms/etc. to open it properly, just ripping the door off, or something else?"

[CCrusaders] Deka says, "ripping the door off."

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "Phew. I'm glad at least one person understood what I explained poorly."

GM exclaims, "+4 Physique with brute strength!"

Deka rolls Legendary+2 (+10) + 4dF: -1 +1 +1 -1 | Legendary+2 (10)

GM exclaims, "You tear open the box, and inside you find a magician's assistant!"

Assistant says, "Oh, thank you! I thought I was going to die in there! Was that an explosion I heard? What's going on?"

[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, "They've been in there since Zircon had their last show :D"

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

Deka says, "you wouldn't happen to know where a bomb is, would you? There are a few of them around apparently."

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "(also: shipping intensifies)"

GM exclaims, "And in fact, this feat of heroism has caught the attention of everyone else in the room -- at least briefly, they're all listening to you!"

[Crows-Nest] Eben exclaims, "Now the package is going all the way to Belize!"

Assistant says, "No! But... do you think..."

Roadie says, "You mean that guy?"

Assistant says, "Yes! There was a new crew member here earlier. He was doing something on stage in the auditorium."

Roadie says, "Where did he go? I haven't seen him since..."

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says (to eben), "C'mon, "You wouldn't happen to know where a bomb is, would you?" is a hell of an opener"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Clue: Something suspicious on stage in the Auditorium?"

GM exclaims, "And after that heroic saving and valuable clue, it's Wanda's turn!"

[Crows-Nest] Eben asks, "Is that a taggable aspect or just information?"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Just information."

[Crows-Nest] Eben says, "Got it."

Wanda bursts into the kitchens. She looks around for clues to where the bomb might be! (Notice)

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

GM exclaims (at Wanda), "+2 Inve-- success with style!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "That was the free notice roll, I haven't done Investigate"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "The Notice thing was apparently just for the assistant box."

GM exclaims, "The cooks and bus boys and dishwashers are all yelling backand forth and getting in your way. But you notice that the stove is pulled out slightly from the wall -- and behind it, you find another bomb!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "There wasn't a free Notice roll here!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Oh okay"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "But Notice was a valid skill to use?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Investigate was."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Sigh.)"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Heh."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I can try rolling Investigate:"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "However, you rolled a +2, so that's a success regardless of your investigate skill."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Oh, ho"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Phew!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Investigate at 0, so it's a success at a minor cost."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "The minor cost is that everyone is freaked out because I didn't take the time to introduce myself as the Meteor."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I was going to say 'but the oven is on and hot!' but then I remembered who we're talking about."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "hah"

GM exclaims, "...but it's wedged in right next to the gas line for the stove!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "She accidentally steps on a can of insecticide"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "And I think that's both an action and movement for Wanda?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Yep"

GM advances the initiative: END OF ROUND

GM advances the initiative: JACOB(6) Wanda(5) Cuddlepaws(4) Bomb/Eben/Deka(1)

GM exclaims, "Jacob!"

Jacob heads to the main casino floor.

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Also, this gas line thing means no fire powers (or at least, no accidental flames in the wrong places)"

GM says (to Jacob), "It's a mess out here! One of the blackjack tables has been blown to pieces, and there are injured people lying all around it."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Hm.."

GM says, "They don't look like they're in any condition to even walk without some medical attention first. And meanwhile, the rest of the gamblers and casino workers and screaming and yelling for help, but making more of a nuisance of themselves than actually helping."

Jacob futilely shouts, "Hey, hey, everyone calm down. Oh, nevermind."

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Jacob), "In fact, Rapport *could* help calm down the panicked Gamblers and Dealers... you might try it, if you think you can get over being Bad With People."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Yeah, I wasn't gonna :P"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "He'd be like "hey, it's ok, come on, don't scream, please?""

GM gives a fate point to Jacob.

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Yiss"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "So what *are* you going to do then?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I'm thinking!"

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "I guess I'd like to assess the situation (normal investigate roll, not the special one) to see who needs help the most and call 911?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I don't think there's much else to do in here, since I was just gonna pass through to another room later."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Unless there are dun dun dun two bombs in here."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "OK. Hmm. So if you're trying to assess people's injuries, that would be an Investigate Create Advantage vs. +2. But if you're trying to pass to another room, then you could use your action to just do that."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I'm nervous about being stuck in a room without an action :P"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Or if there's other stuff you might want to investigate, that's also an option.)"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "The next one, I mean. Haha."

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Jacob), "Ha."

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "Group: do we think any advantage created here would be useful to us later?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "Maybe if we want to help them once the bombs are disarmed?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(You could even try to give them first aid, if you wanted to.)"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "I think minimizing injuries/consequences (to others) seems reasonable. Or you could amass your mice friends to spread out and find bombs or something?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Oh my god. I want to do that."

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "First: they're called sky rats, not sky mice. And second, that's offensive."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "The room is suddenly crawling with rats that I'm talking to out loud and ignoring the hurt people."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I can talk to rats, just not telepathically."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(I'm kidding.)"

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "Do we think this upstanding casino has rats?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "You could even try to summon birds, if you wanted. You could try to Create Advantage to see if there are enough nearby that you could convince to come here."

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Jacob), "Undoubtedly."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Maybe they have pretty birds in cages as ambience"

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "Quick, what's that moulding called at the bottom of walls?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "This is relevant, I promise"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Base moulding?"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Wainscotting?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "baseboard"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Yeah, baseboard."

[Crows-Nest] Roger says, "That magician's assistant probably has a lot of pigeons around"

Jacob walks around the room kicking at the baseboards and muttering quietly in rat, asking if there are any around who can help us out in exchange for a pocketful of bread.

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "I can roll to get them out, or ask something more specific, or?"

GM exclaims (at Jacob), "Rapport vs. +2!"

Jacob rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: +1 0 +1 +1 | Legendary (8)

GM says, "A white rat pops his head out."

Rat says, "You got bread, we're on board! Say hi to the family."

GM says, "And he's immediately followed by another dozen rats in varying shades of white and grey."

Jacob says, (in rat) "Hi there! Would you know anything about these.. do you know what a bomb is? It blinks and maybe beeps? We're looking for a few more."

Jacob ignores the gasps behind him.

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "awwwww"

Jacob describes the one he's seen already.

Jacob also shares some some cubes of bread, promising more later.

Rat says, "Oh, huh, yeah. I saw one of those once. It smelled awful."

Jacob asks, "Oh! Where?"

Rat says, "It was in one o' those, what do you call 'em, people wear 'em... like the one you got on..."

Jacob asks, "My coat?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "Do I wear a watch?"

Rat says, "Yeah, a coat! In the room with all those other coats. It was the brown ugly one, up front."

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Or a hat?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "There we go."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "Monocle? walking stick?"

Jacob says, "Thank you!" and empties out a pocket of bread cubes.

Rat says, "Score!"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says (to jacob), "I think the word is croutons :P"

GM says, "And the rat family piles on, toasting and singing little rat party tunes."

[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, "Hehe, probably."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "awwww more"

GM advances the initiative: Jacob(6) WANDA(5) Cuddlepaws(4) Bomb/Eben/Deka(1)

GM exclaims, "Wanda!"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I put 'So many rats...' as your boost ;-)"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Hehe"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Call that another Clue.)"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "So that's three of them: stage, stove, coat."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Right. So I have a puzzle here: how to retrieve the bomb without blowing the gas."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Not to mention the one you disabled, plus the one that exploded."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Right."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Only one we have no clue about."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I'll check the restaurant on my turn"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "So basically I need to grab the bomb and then bring it to Eben?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I think the current blue portal is in the office area; you could take it there and throw it into the river."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Assuming it was portable."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(It's in larry's office still)"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Or just throw it out a kitchen window."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Right. Just trying to figure out what the complication is here so I know what to roll"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Wanda), "Aha -- the complication is that you don't want to damage the gas line. If you want to retrieve the bomb without hitting it, it'll be a +3 Athletics Overcome."

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "OK!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(One which, alas, does *not* involve leaping all over the room.)"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "Do we know the bombs are movable?"

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

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "so only +3"

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

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Success! You're now holding a bomb!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "And neither the bomb nor the gas line has exploded!"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Throwing it takes another action?"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "But she still has her Move?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Also, this bomb has a similar display to the one that Eben disabled: the number '4' and a flashing red light."

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "If she wants to just drop it out a window, she can do that without an action, but the bomb will be sitting there right outside."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Trying to throw it a safe distance is a Physique Overcome."

Wanda is holding a bomb between her fangs! 'GET OUT OF HERE, ALL IS UNDER CONTROL' she psychically broadcasts to the panicked people in the kitchens, before hurrying to the office.

[CCrusaders] GM says, "And she still has her move"

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Move done!"

GM says, "The panicked people, upon having their psyches assaulted by a giant spider, seem slightly less calm than before."

GM advances the initiative: Jacob(6) Wanda(5) CUDDLEPAWS(4) Bomb/Eben/Deka(1)

GM exclaims, "CP!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "So getting to the restaurant would be moving through two zones, right?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Right."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Which could be done with your movement and your action."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "Is there anything you can do about that with Atlethics, so I can move and still have my action?"

Eben, hearing the reports from the others, asks Bob, "Hey, where's the coat closet? In the restaurant?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Alas, no, not unless your power has a special effect related to that."

Bob says, "Uh, it's, uh, it's... in the lobby!"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I can move extra with portals, but I have to be able to see my destination."

Eben exclaims, "That makes sense!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "I have long distance telekinses, up to three zones - I could move myself?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Hey, look, coat check."

[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, ""But there are rats, apparently." "Are they running a restaurant?""

[CCrusaders] GM says (to CP), "I think that would be tantamount to Flight."

[CCrusaders] Eben asks (of Cuddlepaws), "You could move to the casino floor and maybe move the brown coat from there? If you could see it?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "That's an option, yeah."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says (to gm), "Which of the two? :-)"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Moving one zone as your movement, then using your TK to move an object that's not in your zone."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Ok! I'll do that then - run into the main lobby, grab the coat and TK it back into the Crowne Room."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK!"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Just TK it out the front, I think."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Into the parking lot."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Which do you want?"

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "People keep bringing me bombs that are about to explode, and I can only disable one a turn!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Into the Crowne Room, because that we can control. Who knows how many people / cars (very explodable!) are out front."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims (at eben), "Portal them away!"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I could probably use my lore to disable one, incidentally."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "But we don't know which one is about to go off"

GM exclaims (at CP), "+4 Overcome with TK!"

Cuddlepaws rolls Superb (5) + 4dF: 0 +1 -1 +1 | Fantastic (6)

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Success! Narrate and init next!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "(typing)"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Like, the one in the lobby? Maybe had less people to affect... just saying."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Ugh. *fewer*"

Cuddlepaws sprints through the door and stares into the chaos below. Her eyes follow Jacob's outstretched hand towards the lobbdy coat check. She grabs the brown coat, rolls it into a ball and fires it back into the Crowne Room.

Cuddlepaws advances the initiative: Jacob(6) Wanda(5) Cuddlepaws(4) BOMB/EBEN/DEKA(1)

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Jacob), "Depends on whether you mean before they go off or after."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Heh. I'm judging by the lack of a sticky note of NPCs inthe lobby :P"

GM asks, "Tension mounts. Which one is going to go off next? And will the heroes have time to stop them?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "And that tension is Creating an Advantage! (Vs. +2)"

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

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "There is now a free invoke on Ticking Time Bomb!"

GM exclaims, "Eben!"

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "Wow, nothing exploded? OK!"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "So there are two active bombs in the CR, one we haven't found yet in the auditorium, and one more who knows where, but probably the restaurant."

[Crows-Nest] Wanda exclaims, "It's not an ugly brown coat: it's a lovely pink one!"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "as per the sticky"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Should I try to find the last bomb, or try to disable these ones?"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "Cats are colorblind (I think? Or is that only dogs?)"

[Crows-Nest] GM | Their color detection is similar to that of humans, but rats are red-green colorblind, meaning they perceive most shades of red as a generic dark shade.

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I feel like if I disable any of them, the remaining ones are more likely to go off."

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "(Rats.)"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "Aw, they can't even see their lovely green climbing baskets. :/"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks (of CP&Wanda), "Do you think you can get the bombs you have into the river on your turns?"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda asks (of Eben), "I'm already in the same zone as the portal, right?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Right."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says (to eben), "I'd rather move on to the restaurant to search"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "Heh, looking at the rat cage made me realize I left one of the gates open and someone was about to escape. CRISIS AVERTED"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Can Wanda get both of them out, then?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Hypothetically?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Since she's in the zone with both of them."

[Crows-Nest] GM says (to CP), "According to this, they *can* see green. But not red."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I think no."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "OK, crafting it is."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Disabling Wanda's bomb?"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Or hoping there's one in the brown coat?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says (to GM), "Looking at this disabled bomb, I am imagining that if it can be set off remotely, that I might be able to block the 'set off remotely' singals? And if not (as I suspect) I would like instead to send a new signal to all the bombs that cause one of the resistor/chip combinations I recognize to emit a high-pitched buzzing noise to let us find all of them more easily."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "If that seems at all reasonable."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(I mean, it's one of my crazy schemes, but hey.)"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "As for the first, given your high level of attunement with gadgetry and your experience with the first bomb you disabled, you don't think that disabling bombs is making it more likely for other ones to go off. The relevant circuits looked like a one-off 'activate and set the timers' thing."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "And as for two, yes, that sounds reasonable!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Difficult, of course. For a normal person, difficult to do at all. But even harder with unfamiliar devices, under such strict time constraints, with whatever tools that happened to be in your pockets."

Eben builds a transmitter strong enough to cover the whole casino that should cause the bombs to start emitting a high-pitched buzzing noise!

GM exclaims, "That would be a +8 Overcome!"

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

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Are you tagging anything?"

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "Tagging Jacob's earlier bomb knowledge!"

GM That's a tie! Are you keeping the tie?

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Once to tie would be success at minor cost?"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Yup!"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "OK, I'll also tag the 'interesting shadow interactions' boost before that goes away."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "So a complete success?"

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "Indeed!"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Unless you want to start spending your own fate points ;-)"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "No, no, I might even save them for next session..."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Oho."

GM asks (of CP), "Hey, what's that sound coming from the bar, over in the corner?"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "The GM is stockpiling his fate points for the real big boss battle at PayneTech"

GM asks (of Eben), "And are you staying in place?"

Eben finishes building the thing and flips the switch! Instantly, the coat starts buzzing.

GM exclaims (at Eben), "It does! And so does the bomb Wanda brought you!"

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "Does it, though?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Oh, good."

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "OH, can I grab the coat and move?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Sure."

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "And Wanda's, too?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "You can grab one of them. If you want to juggle both at once, I'll need an Overcome to not accidentally set one off."

Cuddlepaws exclaims (at barkeeper), "Hey, shut that off! I can't hear the bomb!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(And you've used your action already.)"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Like Athletics?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Athletics sounds right."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I may need to bow out soon..."

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Oh, but not this turn?"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Bow out or blow up, such is the question"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "Right, juggling two bombs is sensitive enough to take your whole action."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "OK: I grab the coat only, run back to Larry's office, and through that to the riverbank."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Apparently Amdi takes "6pm" as a hard stop, so now I'm writing it as 6:30pm in the calendar..."

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Jacob), "Hmm."

Eben grabs the coat only, runs back to Larry's office, and through that to the riverbank.

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "So I'm holding up dinner."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "(it is past twelve here and I'm old ... )"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(How do people feel about pausing the conflict at the end of the round, for next week? I'm concerned we might have momentum issues with losing our place, but...)"

GM exclaims, "Deka!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I would appreciate the former, while acknowledging the problem pointed out in the latter"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "yeah"

Deka Goes to the stage area and grabs the bomb.

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I'm willing to let the majority decide."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I'm fine stopping; we did say we would."

GM exclaims (at Deka), "You hear a buzzing sound coming from one of the speakers on the stage, and indeed, it does contain a bomb!"

GM asks, "What are you going to do with it?"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Likewise, so long as we make a clear note of whose turn is next"

[CCrusaders] Deka asks, "how big is it?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "About the size of a thick book."

[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, "We're finishing out the round, so I guess it'd be me (and init would be in the logs)"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda exclaims, "OK!"

Deka makes it small enough to fit in her palm, and clasps her hands around it, all while making herself denser and the bomb less dense.

[CCrusaders] GM says, "OK! That's an Overcome using your power, and I think the opposition would be +4. (Physique, not brute strength.)"

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

GM says, "You're now clutching a tiny bomb, compressing it between your hands..."

GM advances the initiative: END OF ROUND

GM says, "<TO BE CONTINUED>"

Deka makes it small enough to fit a few more bombs in her hands.

[CCrusaders] Deka says, "Tiny bomb"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "bomblet"

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Tension rises!"

[Crows-Nest] Roger exclaims, "what a cliffhanger!"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "dun dun DUNNNN"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "all the dunnn's"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I'll remember that CP was about to hit the bar"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "--tender with TK"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "For the sake of the transcript: The team found the bomb strapped to Sarducci, and Eben disabled it. One bomb under a blackjack table exploded, injuring people. Wanda found one in the kitchen and brought it to the Crowne Room, and then Eben carried it through a portal to the river. Jacob found one in the Lobby, and CP moved it to the Crowne Room. Deka found a bomb in the Auditorium, and she's shrunken it down and is holding it in her hands. And something near the bar is buzzing."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Did I miss any?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "If so, why would we tell you?`"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Hah"

[CCrusaders] Eben says (to GM), "No, Wanda's still carrying hers."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I moved CP's to the river."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "This was cool! A bit slow in a few spots but otherwise exciting"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(I mean, there's still one in the Crowne room and one by the river.)"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Ah, OK. Also: Eben is outside by the river with the bomb from the lobby, Wanda is in the Crowne Room with her bomb, CP and Jacob are on the main casino floor, and Deka is on the stage in the Auditorium."

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "Right!"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to CP), "I mean, if you'd *prefer* that one of the bombs you found actually remains hidden so it explodes, sure, that's fine."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Noo! there might be cats in here!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks (of GM), "Small question: would it have been possible to avoid the first bomb explosion?"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Then our next session will be May 15! And also, don't forget to update the schedule for June!"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Also, I really expected one of the bombs to go off on the bomb's turn."

GM displays the initiative: Jacob(6) Wanda(5) Cuddlepaws(4) Bomb/Eben/Deka(1)

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to Eben), "so did I"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to GM), "And by 'avoid', I mean 'prevent'"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Maybe on that round, the one disabled one went off."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I'm still generally available due to COVID"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Wanda), "That's an interesting question. In theory, yes."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "In practice, Wanda will live with that guilt forever :D"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I wonder what Any Body meant by "second level of the game" -> well, they obviously meant the bombs, but what's the context"

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of CP), "Are you adding your general availability to the schedule?"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims (at Wanda), "On the plus side, the injured people aren't dead! Yet!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to GM), "Small solace"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "But yeah"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "I will!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "But now I shall sleep"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to CP), "Btw, according to the WHO you're still super young! Sleep well :)"

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

Cuddlepaws has disconnected.

Cuddlepaws has connected.