[CCrusaders] Bert says, "Log on."

Wanda has left.

Wanda has arrived.

Jacob arrives from the east.

Eben has arrived.

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "The last bb message is a bit messed up."

Cuddlepaws has disconnected.

Cuddlepaws has connected.

Wanda exclaims, "Grandpa!"

Eben waves!

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to Eben), "ah yes, it should be fo instead of go"

Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Old Guy!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Yeah! In my case, I kind of had to prove myself intellectually to avoid the shadow of institutionalization, so there was that pressure"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "kind of messed up in hindsight"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "The intellectual pressure on giant spiders is something to behold."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "I *think* ylac?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "But honestly, I'm not 100% sure."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "But in any case, I think everybody's here! Should we begin?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(I trust everyone saw the notes on Discord about fate points and injured bystanders.)"

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "ilac!"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(I logged Ellric on, but he's still groggily making his way to the computer)"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Hee."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Kids these days! Always not playing games on their computers"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks (of GM), "I did! I wasn't quite sure what the scoop was with the injuries--do they get worse on their own without outside intervention?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to GM), "My emotions started leaking into the RP! Whoops"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "Exactly."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "I was wondering - to heal them, do we need Lore? Who has that?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I have it at +1"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "also still have a fate point unused"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Jacob! Which means he's going to send rats out to heal people."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "<-- Master of Lore :D"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Timing"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "That's Dr. Jacob to you!"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Oh my god. My own little rat-run hospital."

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "People have open wounds, are losing blood, etc. Each full round that passes without them being stabilized, they get one step worse."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "St. Nibbles Hospital of the holy Whiskers"

GM exclaims, "Welcome back to the latest peril *already in progress* surrounding the CROWNSFORD CRUSADERS!"

GM says, ""In the wake of a recent supervillain prison escape, the Crownsford Crusaders have a variety of issues facing them: 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."

[CCrusaders] Eben asks (of GM), "Is there going to be a separate track for each room of injured people, assuming another bomb goes off?"

GM asks, "But for now, someone disguised as Antonio Sarducci has hidden bombs all throughout Sarducci's Casino! How many of them can our heroes find and deal with before they go off? And what about all the innocent bystanders? And what has happened to the evildoer responsible?"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Correct!"

GM says, "The last time we saw our team, they were in the middle of a conflict. A bomb that was strapped to the real Antonio Sarducci has been safely disabled, but a second one went off on the main casino floor, injuring a number of people. Eben just crossed through a portal from Larry Addamson's office to the nearby river bank, carrying an ugly brown coat that's buzzing loudly. Wanda was standing in the Crowne Room holding a bomb of her own. Deka had a third bomb, shrunken down and held tightly in her hand. And Cuddlepaws and Jacob were in the main casino, where they'd just noticed a mysterious buzzing noise coming from the bar."

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

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Aspects: https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1h88N6VTO6dtQ2RVzk1tqx4NdA5PNyShAjpXcoVjhU8M/edit#gid=1689105620"

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

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

GM exclaims, "Jacob is next!"

GM asks (of Jacob), "You're standing in the main gambling area of the casino. At the northwest end of the room, people are lying on the floor bleeding out from their injuries. At the southeast end, there's a buzzing sound coming from the bar. What do you do?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Was i not able to take Wanda's? I thought I grabbed Wanda's."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "One sec. wall of text :D"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says (to jacob), "Hey, we still call him GM"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "I believe you considered it, but because you would need an Overcome to safely juggle a second bomb without setting one of them off, you decided not to."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Snrk."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(But I could be mistaken! If the transcript says otherwise, then please correct me and the map!)"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Jacob), "No worries."

Jacob creeps over to the bar, a little anxiously, but with the intention of finding out what the buzzing is. (Investigate overcome or something?)

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Oh, can you link to the map again?"

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

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

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "We usually abbreviate 'wall of text' to 'wot?!'"

GM says (to Jacob), "You can tell even without investigation that the buzzing is coming from a large purse that someone has left unattended on the bar."

[CCrusaders] Eben says (to GM), "Aha, yes--it would have taking an entire other action, was the main thing."

[Crows-Nest] GM asks, "you wot, mate?"

Jacob peeks inside, careful to not jostle it.

GM exclaims, "Inside the purse, you find... a bomb!"

GM says, "It looks similar to the others -- although each one is slightly different in a genuine artisanal homemade kind of way."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Bespoke Bombs"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Were there people in the lobby? Because I'm thinking i'll take it over there and use Lore to try to deactivate it myself."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "And now I'm holding a baby... sorry, one second"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Worst timing :)"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "When the doors opened (to retrieve the coat), you didn't see anyone in there."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Juggling babies and bombs: all in a day's work for a roleplayer."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Defuse the baby, calm down the bomb -- er wait"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Jacob), "And sure! Ordinarily, disabling it is Crafts or Burglary, but of course you've got your Lore stunt."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Maybe baby dropped a bomb she needs to deal with"

Jacob carries the entire purse out to the lobby, gingerly removes the bomb and places it on the coat check table, and thinks about how to diffuse it.

Jacob spends a fate point, leaving her with 3.

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

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Jacob), "The opposition for disabling it is +4. But... you know, this Ticking Time Bomb has been going for a while. It could go off at *any* second... by which I mean:"

GM spends a fate point, leaving him with 7.

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Tagging an aspect to make it +6! Which you passed anyway before I could type it."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "But as a tie -- are you willing to accept a minor cost?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Yeah, let's live dangerously"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Comically soot-covered face"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "I could imagine the injured people might trust her less?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "How about... you now have traces of the explosive all of your hands? Not enough to explode or anything, but enough that you don't want to be near any open flames."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Which would also be on-brand."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Ok"

[CCrusaders] GM adds an aspect.

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "That also would have been good."

Jacob makes a note to avoid Wanda for a bit

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

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

GM exclaims, "Anyone who's near a non-exploded bomb sees the number on its display go down to 3!"

GM exclaims, "Wanda!"

Wanda exclaims, "Shit!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "I could go through the portal like Eben did, right?"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Yes!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "That will put you next to Eben."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "We still haven't found one bomb (at least), right?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "You know about three bombs."

Wanda, still carrying the bomb in her fangs, leaps through the portal.

GM says (to Wanda), "You're now by the riverbank. Eben is here. He's carrying an ugly brown coat."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "D'oh, it's the number of disabled bombs. I'm very attentive."

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Wanda), "That counts as your move; you can also take an action."

Wanda exclaims, "What now, Grandpa? I can't defuse a bomb!"

Eben says, "I think we can just throw them in the river? Hmm..."

[CCrusaders] Eben asks (of GM), "Based on my interaction with the bombs so far, can I tell what 'throwing it in the river' would do?"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "But the rare Crownsriver salmon!"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Killi-- yeah, that, probably."

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "We can deal with supervillians, but let's not get PETA mad"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "It's hard to say if the water will set it off or not. If you want to throw it a safe enough distance away to be sure, that'll be a Physique Overcome."

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Can she get them both?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(both hers and mine)"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Sorry, just one with this action."

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Wanda), "Are you going for that?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Seems like the only way"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK, +4 opposition -- but I'm tagging Muddy Riverbank, because it's hard to throw when your footing is slippery! So it's +6!"

GM spends a fate point, leaving him with 6.

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

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "yikes"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Oof. Are you going to do anything to try to succeed?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Hm"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I have 8 legs, so tagging my high concept to argue that I have greater stability than a biped"

Wanda spends a fate point, leaving him with 1.

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "for a reroll"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Good luck!"

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

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "uh wait"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "that's a 2 actually"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "That should be a 2, but it's still a bit low."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I could also propose a cost, but you might not like what I have in mind..."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oC3JglijGhQ"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Go ahead, what's the cost?"

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Wanda), "What if the bomb gets triggered, *but* it's far enough from Eben or anyone else... except you?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "That works"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Goes to throw it into the water, gets tripped up on her own legs, rolls down the bank into the river with the bomb, which then explodes."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Exactly!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "What he said"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "ha ha, but also aww"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "So the bomb performs an area ranged attack, but you're effectively in the next zone by then, so you're the only one in range! If it hits you, it'll add Weapon:4 to the damage."

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

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(And it counts as a ranged attack, for your defensive purposes.)"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "yay"

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

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "just barely!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Tagging the Supervillain Prison Escape that caused all of this!"

GM spends a fate point, leaving him with 5.

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "And, because I have way too many fate points, Ticking Time Bomb itself!"

GM spends a fate point, leaving him with 4.

[CCrusaders] Eben says (to GM), "You still have a free tag on Ticking Timb Bomb, don't forget."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "That brings it to a +9 attack!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims (at Eben), "I do!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Which would be... 3+4=7 stress if I don't do anything"

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

[CCrusaders] GM says, "If you're taking the stress, then go ahead and narrate everything out and tell us how you're absorbing it."

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "I should spend my last fp to bring that to 5 stress, invoking... wait, don't I have a pep talk boost from earlier?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "Not sure what I should do on my turn, maybe check out the restaurant?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "You had one related to your psychic powers."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Well, an aspect: Mmmm, Ice Cream.)"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "'Mmmm, Ice Cream'"

[CCrusaders] Eben says (to CP), "Either heal people or Create Advantage for soemone else healing people."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(also, after this we need to track down Any Body.)"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "True, so I can't use Mmmm Ice Cream"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks (of eben), "Are we sure we found all bomb?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "We've found six--two exploded, two defused, I'm holding one, Deka holding one."

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Can I tag glass-covered tarsi?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "If that one just exploded, should the bomb display say 2?"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Wanda), "Spending a fate point on it? Sure."

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "OK!"

Wanda spends a fate point, leaving him with 0.

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Assuming you can explain how it helps.)"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Jacob), "Wanda hasn't narrated the explosion yet."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "The glass deflects some of the blast"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Wanda), "Unless you want me to narrate it."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to GM), "I'd like you to narrate that so I don't get details wrong, yeah (and I tick a 3 stress box and take a Mild Consequence!)"

GM exclaims, "Wanda hurls the bomb into the river! But in the process, she slips on the muddy riverbank and falls into the water herself!"

GM exclaims, "There's sparkling and fizzling as the water short circuits the bomb's electronics, and then... BOOM!"

GM exclaims, "There's a mighty splash, and Wanda tries to leap free, but she's caught in the blast!"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "And what's your consequence?"

Eben exclaims, "Wanda!"

GM exclaims, "Anyone who's near an unexploded bomb sees its display tick down from 3 to 2!"

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

[CCrusaders] GM says, "And we'll say that Wanda is now in a different zone. In The River as opposed to being by the Riverbank."

GM exclaims, "CP!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says (to gm), "I'd like to use my TK to get debris / roulettte tables etc. off people and generally move stuff out of the way so a) there is easy access to injured people b) those who can move on their own have a clear exit path"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "(Create Advantage, as Eben suggested)"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK! That's a Create Advantage with TK, vs. +3!"

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

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "That would be a boost -- are you good with that?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Wanda's consequence is 'Shell Shocked' I think unless someone come up with a better name"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says (to gm), "Yeah, why not."

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

GM exclaims, "Bombs!"

GM says, "Deka has a bomb in her hands... Eben has a buzzing ugly brown coat in his..."

GM exclaims, "And suddenly... THE COAT EXPLODES!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Tagging the free invoke on Ticking Time Bombs and spending a fate point on the bomb's attack!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "noooo"

Eben exclaims, "Wanda, are you O-- ack!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Rolling with that already included in the roll:"

GM spends a fate point, leaving him with 3.

GM rolls Legendary (8) + 4dF: 0 0 0 -1 | Epic (7)

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Eek"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Oops"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims (at Eben), "It's up to you to defend!"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Will Portal Dodge help here? I'm kind of thinking not, since it's an area effect thing, and I'm holding my attacker, so it'd just fall through the portal with me."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I'd say yes, in theory."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Because I'm way too nice."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Heh."

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Maybe an Athletics overcome to allow it? Because I'm way too realistic?"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Then we'll set the opposition for that overcome at +2."

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

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Are you going to tag anything to succeed at dropping the coat before trying to portal dodge?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I'll tag 'advanced understanding, off-the-shelf parts' to say that it gave me a bit more warning before it blew up."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Then you still need to actually defend against the attack."

Eben realizes his bomb is about to go off, and tosses it one way, while diving the other, right into the suddenly-moved orange portal!

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

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "That would be a hit!"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "8 stress total?"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "I think I'm just gonna call this issue THE COAT EXPLODES"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Yes! Do you accept that?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Sure--4-stress box and a Moderate Wound, 'button shrapnel in all the wrong places'"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "yikes"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "And while we're here, how about a compel?"

Eben is peppered with flying bits of coat and bomb as he's blown into the building!

[CCrusaders] GM says, "With that much energy being released right at the same time as you're firing off portals, that could really do a number on your Unpredictable Basement Tech."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "The GM tagged his "out for blood" today"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Do you think it might trigger off some random portals that transported you someplace inconvenient?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to CP), "We had a non-stop winning streak, it makes sense that at some point we'd have our darkest hous"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "*hour"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Hmm, I think I'd rather have the portals just fizzle out for the rest of the scene (and I can't get them started again?)"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "The GM's idea is better from a narrative standpoint"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Mmm. Does that mean you're rejecting the version that I proposed?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Unless you had a particular place you thought would be interesting to be, as opposed to just 'you're not there and bored until you get back'."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I did."

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "In that case, sure!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "woo!"

GM gives a fate point to Eben.

GM exclaims, "All over the casino and the surrounding area, blue and orange portals suddenly appear and disappear at random!"

Cuddlepaws says, "That's probably not good"

Jacob....

GM exclaims, "A plate of spaghetti with marinara sauce splatters all over the audience in the casino! A magician's assistant pops out of nowhere on the main casino floor and lands on the roulette wheel, spinning around like a merry go round!"

Eben . o O ( Oh! A portal storm! I always thought those were purely theoretical! Neat! )

GM exclaims, "And Eben drops through a portal, disappearing out of sight!"

GM exclaims (at Eben), "The portal you fell through closes as soon as you pass through, dropping you onto a hard floor someplace very Cold and Dark!"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Meanwhile ... in Bastafore ... a portal opens!"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda exclaims (at Cuddlepaws), "Maybe Norin is secretly a mutant Eben!"

[CCrusaders] GM adds a new zone to the map: ?

GM says, "Anyone near a disarmed bomb sees its display count down to 1. And meanwhile, the people in the casino with injuries continue to bleed, gasp for breath, and otherwise have a very bad time of it."

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

GM exclaims, "Next: Eben!"

Eben asks (of phone), "Hey, can anyone hear me?"

Eben tries opening an orange portal to see what happens.

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Eben), "Are you trying to make a call, or just trying to talk to the Siri equivalent?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Making a call."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Or a group chat or a group video chat or whatever it is we usually use."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "WhatsApp."

GM says (to Eben), "The reception is bad in here -- one bar keeps flickering in and out. You could probably manage to boost it enough to get through, if you want to take the time to do so."

Eben looks around with the light of the orange portal, and looks through it in case a blue one is still open somewhere.

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Also, are you using your actions to open the orange portal, or did you just want to check the status of them, to see if there was a blue one to connect to?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Er, action, singular."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "If I can check status first, I'll do that."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(also, check to see if I'm in the shadow realm.)"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I think it's reasonable to suggest that the portal gun has a display to tell you if it's active."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "And it would indicate that no, all the portals closed at the end of the portal storm."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(and yeah, that does seem like a feature I'd have added at some point.)"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "But if you still want to use your action to open an orange portal as a light source, that's perfectly fine!"

Eben attempts to open both a blue and orange portal here, to see what's around and to tell where a wall or floor is.

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(as my action)"

GM says, "By the glow of the portals, you're able to see racks and racks of packages of frozen foods! You also see a vault-like door in one wall, but with no latch or handle on this side."

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

GM exclaims, "Deka!"

Deka goes outside and uses her mass jump to get far away from everyone, and throw the bomb so far in the sky, it goes off before it lands.

GM exclaims (at Deka), "Excellent! That'll be a +4 Physique Overcome!"

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

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Do you want to tag anything?"

Deka tags tiny tiny bomb

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Success!"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Do you want to narrate it, or should I?"

[CCrusaders] Deka says, "go for it."

GM exclaims, "The tiny bomb grows tinier and tinier in your view, until it nearly disappears into the pale blue of the sky... and then suddenly bursts into view again, like a beautiful firework far overhead!"

GM exclaims, "And the display on the disabled bombs ticks town to zero -- and the flashing red light changes to a solid green one!"

GM advances the initiative: END OF ROUND

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

GM exclaims, "Jacob!"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "A solid green one or a solid green zero?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Hee."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Ok, I guess I should go back inside and attend to folk."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "he he"

Jacob heads back into the main casino floor and attempts to stabilize someone or other.

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Probably whomever looks obviously the worst"

GM says (to Jacob), "OK! Stabilizing the worst cases, so they make it long enough for the paramedics to arrive, will be a +6 Lore Overcome at this point. But since your hands are covered with toxic Traces of Explosives, I'm tagging that to make it +8."

GM spends a fate point, leaving him with 2.

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

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "And... I will tag..."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "You have a boost just for this!"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "The rats? :o"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Freed the Way was for this purpose, but I really want to see you tag 'so many rats'"

[CCrusaders] Alex says (to Jacob), "Awwwk! Word on the street is that rats are good pets."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Oh. I'd gone AFK so I'm not sure what freed the way is"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I made sure injured people are easy to get to etc."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "It was CP clearing the debris so the patients were easier to get to."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Ah! Well, I need to hit 9, so I'll tag that, and.. let's figure out how to use the rats :)"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "yaaaay"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "And while you figure that out, I'm also tagging the Ticking Time Bomb itself, since that's what was responsible for all of this, and Look! A Distraction -- an aspect on the character who set all of this up in the first place, to keep you busy while they escaped."

GM spends a fate point, leaving him with 1.

GM spends a fate point, leaving him with 0.

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "The carry bandages in their teeth and run around injured arms etc."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Because I have them, and so I might as well spend them!"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Assuming they're amenable, they can still help me --- yeah, that's what I was gonna say. And then got distracted the GM."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "So I tag both of tohse, and then use a FP for protective."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "11"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I guess our own fate points are about to refresh, too."

Jacob spends a fate point, leaving her with 2.

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "Since GM is at a 10?"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Jacob), "And with my last two tags, the opposition is up to 12."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Oh, twice"

Jacob spends a fate point, leaving her with 1.

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I've read about this."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Woo!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Narrate your heroic success against terrible odds, and then you'll be out of initiative!"

Jacob, with the help of his tiny rat army, patches up the worst cases, doing a damn good job because he's read all sorts of medical manuals for fun.

[CCrusaders] GM says, "And the next scene will start (with fate points refreshing) as soon as you can meet back up with Eben."

(From GM) Rat says, "Right-o, doc! Whatever you say!"

GM says, "Some of the casino patrons are -- shall we say -- mildly concerned at the hygienic questions this poses, but the ones who are most badly injured are in no condition to complain."

Jacob prepares to launch into a lecture about how clean rats are.

GM asks, "You hear sirens approaching in the distance -- help is finally on its way. But where's Eben?"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Rats are very clean animals! Just don't let them bite you!"

Eben builds a little gizmo to increase his reception (the same one he usually makes whenever he and Francis eat out at the 'Blimey! Bistro'--that place has terrible reception).

GM exclaims (at Eben), "+3 Crafts overcome!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "And who doesn't check their phone on date night"

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

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I imagine I can go wash my hands at some point? :)"

GM exclaims, "Success! Everyone gets a group call from Eben!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Yes! Now that we're out of initiative, you can do that at will."

Eben asks (of Deka), "Hey, Deka? I think I'm in the freezer room. It's... probabl off the kitchen?"

Cuddlepaws asks, "Is everyone okay? I heard explosions?"

Wanda crawls out of the river, exhausted. She gets the call: "Grandpa... you're alive..."

Deka says, "How did you end up in th- neverminded. I'm on my way."

Eben says (to Wanda), "And you're ok, too! Good job getting that into the water; you saved a lot of people."

GM says, "While you were busy with the bombs, Bob has been untying Sarducci. The two of them come out across the main casino floor, heading toward the lobby."

Deka goes to the kitchen to help Eben

Cuddlepaws says, "I guess Any Body escaped justice for now."

GM says (to Deka), "In the kitchen, you find that the freezer has a large, vault-like door with a big latch-style handle."

GM exclaims, "And when you open it, inside you find Eben!"

Deka says, "sup gramps. That was awful."

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "I always knew he was a ... cool grandpa"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "yay"

GM says, "Now that the immediate crisis has passed, casino security is able to escort the rest of the staff and patrons outside, clearing space for the arriving paramedics to start carrying people out to the nearly-arrived ambulances."

Eben asks (of Deka), "Deka! Thank you. I guess we all made it?"

Wanda is there too, wobbly on her eight legs. "This is my fault. I should have probed Any Body's mind deeper..."

Eben immediately tries to track Any Body from their last known position.

Cuddlepaws says, "Don't worry, 7 legs, we'll get her next time."

Wanda says, "I could have worked out his whole plan before anyone got hurt."

Wanda says, "Or her plan. Their plan."

Wanda says, "Whatever that was."

Cuddlepaws says, "Yes, them, oops."

Cuddlepaws asks, "But what was that plan? This was some kind of distraction? But from what?"

GM asks (of Eben), "The last you saw, the duplicate Sarducci was somewhere in the building, but by now, they'd have had time to easily blend in with the crowd -- how are you trying to track them down?"

GM says, "One old woman runs frantically up to two paramedics pushing a wheeled stretcher. 'Barney! Barney!' she shouts. 'Is my husband alright? Is he still alive?'"

Eben can't find much in the chaos, so enters Sarducci's office to collect traces of their DNA to create some sort of sniffer device.

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "I could try to pick up the trail psychically, but I'm betting it'd be like +8 TN or something"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(I'm imagining some sort of short-range tricorderish thingy, maybe like in the Batman games?)"

GM says, "The old man on the stretch turns to her, lifting his head. 'I'll be fine, Naomi. Don't worry. All thanks to that nice, young rat.'"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Hmm. Interesting."

Cuddlepaws says (to gm), "I'd like to investigate the crowd for anything suspicious"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "On the one hand, I would expect their DNA might shift along with them. So a device like this wouldn't necessarily be a magic detector. But maybe a tool like that could be narrative permission to later use Crafts to try to figure out if someone is them, in lieu of Investigate."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Does that seems fair?"

GM exclaims (at CP), "OK! +3 Overcome!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Also, fp refresh time!"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Oh, it's *that* kind of shifting? Interesting. Yeah, maybe I just detect Sarducci's actual DNA, but manage to find something unstable about it?"

GM sets his current fate point total to 5.

Cuddlepaws sets her current fate point total to 2.

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

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK! Then a +4 Overcome to build the device you're using for that!"

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

GM says (to CP), "You notice one guy in the parking lot acting a bit weirdly."

Deka will try to remove any rubble that's trapping people.

GM says, "He's wandering around, muttering to himself like he's looking for something."

Cuddlepaws jumps off the bar and moves to investigate.

Cuddlepaws asks, "Sir? Are you okay?"

GM exclaims (at Deka), "The paramedics who were trying to do that appreciate your help! With you doing that, they're able to set the leg of someone who was trapped!"

(From GM) Parking Lot Guy says, "Yeah, I mean, kinda, but no. I'm not hurt or anything, but I can't find my car!"

(From GM) Parking Lot Guy says, "I know I parked it right here. Do you think it got blown up?"

Cuddlepaws asks, "Hm, what kind of make was it? Do you remember your license plate?"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "(Also: you succeeded, of course.)"

Eben, satisfied, puts the device in his pocket and joins the others.

GM says (to CP), "The guy describes a pretty snazzy royal blue convertible sportscar, along with its plate number."

Cuddlepaws says, "Hey folks, it might be nothing, but someone stole a car out here."

Wanda says, "It's our only lead."

Eben calls the police and asks for an APB on a royal blue convertible, driver potentially responsible for destruction at casino.

GM says (to Eben), "They oblige -- but they also point out that they're stretched pretty thin today, what with everything that's been going on."

GM asks, "Do you have anything you might want to do to help them with that?"

Eben says (to police), "If you can just tell us if you see it, that'd be great."

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Dammit, if Any Body shifts at the genetic level, they could potentially replicate special abilities as well"

(From GM) Officer says, "Ten four that."

Eben asks (of police), "And, uh, what's the current biggest crisis you're having?"

(From GM) Officer says, "We're dealing with a terrorist attack at the casino right now. And we're still cleaning up after a situation at the mall, and..."

GM says, "The officer essentially recaps what you've been doing today, from the perspective of the city servants who have to clean up the messes after you're gone."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Aw"

Eben says, "I understand. Thank you so much."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "So Anybody replaced Sarducci, to some nefarious end. But they also placed the bombs. Where the bombs just a safety measure in case they were found out?"

Eben goes to talk to Sarducci to see if we can figure out what AB might have been after.

Cuddlepaws is used to humans cleaning up her messes.

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to Jacob), "The police haven't had a tank fall on them, followed shortly by a bomb to the face"

Cuddlepaws jumps on Wanda's back and give her a few encouraging licks.

Wanda says, "Thanks, Cuddles. It's been a hard day."

Wanda says, "First a tank, and then a bomb. I'm amazed I'm still standing."

(From GM) Sarducci says (to Eben), "Thank you for all your help. And I can't say I know all their plans, but I think they wanted me so they could take my place in the election."

Eben says, "Hmm, that seems like a surprisingly long-term goal, considering the short-term plans of everyone else."

Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Oh no! Imagine we would have elected an immoral liar!"

(From GM) Sarducci says, "They kept coming back and interrogating me. About the casino. About the city's superheroes. And especially about my campaign."

Eben asks, "So you told them about us?"

(From GM) Sarducci says, "They were using the bombs as a threat -- I couldn't refuse to cooperate once I realized what the stakes were."

Eben says, "Absolutely."

(From GM) Sarducci says, "And yes, I told them everything I know about you. I'm sorry."

Eben says, "I'm glad we got here when we did. And I'm sorry about the casino floor."

Eben thinks.

Cuddlepaws says, "At least nobody died."

(From GM) Bob says, "There's still one thing I don't quite understand, though."

(From GM) Bob says, "Why did the fake Mr. Sarducci knock out Mr. Addamson?"

Eben asks (of Sarducci), "So, hmm. Based on what you told them, what do you think sounded like our biggest weakness or leverage point?"

Cuddlepaws licks her front paw and looks at nobody in particular.

(From GM) Sarducci says, "Eben:Well, you know that there was a time when we weren't exactly on the same side. And a lot of people in the city didn't entirely trust you at first."

Eben says, "Right. I mean, makes sense and all."

(From GM) Sarducci says (to Eben), "The imposter knows about that. I don't know if they might find a way to use it against you somehow."

Eben asks (of Sarducci), "What would you do, if you were them, based on what you know?"

Cuddlepaws says, "They'll try to ruin our reputation."

Wanda asks, "By impersonating us?"

Cuddlepaws says, "Maybe they hoped we wouldn't find the bombs in time. Or get people hurt."

Cuddlepaws says, "Whereas we hurt nobody and didn't knock anybody out or anything."

Eben says, "Oh, like be us? I'm guessing me or Deka; can't quite imagining disguising themselves as a cat or spider."

(From GM) Sarducci says, "I'd probably look for someplace nearby with a lot of people. Go there, hide in the crowd, and then take the opportunity to start spreading rumors about you? Get the crowd on their side instead of yours?"

Cuddlepaws asks, "Maybe the bombs WERE a distraction. Is anything big going down right now in the city?"

Eben says, "Hmm, OK."

Eben writes a search algorithm to trawl social media for any mentions of himself or other Crusaders.

(From GM) Sarducci says, "But that's just me. If they wanted to be flashier, then you're right. Imitating you would be an even better way to make you look bad."

Deka says, "desquising as us was a bad idea anyway. I mean we are comic book protagonists, we all look pretty distinctive."

Eben says, "Me? I'm just a grandpa."

Eben grins.

Wanda says, "Supergrandpa."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Social media sounds like Contacts to me! How well do you know, or can find out, who's talking in Crownsford? That's a +3 Overcome!"

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

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "#crusaderscancelled"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I'm imagining that when Eben says this, it's a full-length panel, so we can see both the portal gun *and* the long-fall boots."

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Eben), "Do you want to tag anything?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Enh, I'll spend a fate point on 'Adopted or not, you're all my kids' because I have actually kept up with Tweeter and The Faces enough to keep tabs on my various grandkids ;-)"

Eben spends a fate point, leaving them with 2.

[CCrusaders] GM says, "That's a tie! So there'll be a minor cost."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Ironically, CP's feed is all catpics AND selfies at once."

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "Ha!"

GM says (to Eben), "@dogmom2000 says, 'word at the cmart says one of the crusaders is a fake wdyt i bet its the bird guy'"

Jacob hmpfs quietly.

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "CMart being a physical place?"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "A large department store, not far from here!"

Eben says, "Well, hey, it's a lead."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Also, these rumors are an Aspect! Someone has been Creating an Advantage using Deceive!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "'Suspicion Against the Crusaders'!"

Eben asks, "Shall we go?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "brb, afk for a drink"

Cuddlepaws rubs her head against Jacob's leg. "Aw, you're a real goofball at least."

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "Do you have a suggestion for a minor cost? One option is an extra free invoke on that aspect."

Cuddlepaws says, "It's not much to go on, but I don't have any better ideas."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Sure, that works. My only other thought was that I got Hurt Feelings from finding other non-planted rumors that were just people mouthing off like they always do."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Aw. I'll leave it up to you."

Eben looks down at his torso. "Uh, while the paramedics are here, I should probably have this looked at.

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims (at GM), "Let's go with yours!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK!"

Eben picks a button out of his side. It starts bleeding again.

Cuddlepaws says (to eben), "Ew, gross."

Eben says, "Ow."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "back"

GM says (to Eben), "They want to take you away to the hospital, but it turns out all the ambulances are full."

Cuddlepaws says, "Let the rats handle it."

GM says, "But one of them is able to get you some stitches here in the parking lot."

Cuddlepaws asks, "Doctor Tails, what's the diagnosis?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I think I also need some basic first aid? (less than Eben does though)"

Eben pats the nice young man on the shoulder. "Thanks, kid. That's some fine work."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(Also, I assume my old Bullet Wound (recovering) is now recovered?)"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "It is!"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "w00t"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Did you want to rename your new one, now that it's been stitched?"

GM says, "So you send some time in the parking lot getting your wounds tended to, and your phyiscal consequences are now in recovery (but still taggable with one free invoke for anyone who wants to use them against you)."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Sure: s/shrapnel/stiches"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "I assume Jacob can help with Wanda's mild consequence?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "The paramedics can! Since they're here, and they're professionals, I'm fine with doing it without needing a roll."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Presumably."

Eben calls the police again. "Hey, we think the car might be at the CMart. Can you swing by and bring us and the car's owner over there?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Or that"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "But if you trust Jacob more, that's fine too."

[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, "Eben. We are not your personal chauffers."

[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, "Say the cops, I mean"

[Crows-Nest] Eben looks innocent

[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, "Also I cannot spell."

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "we could just steal a car"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "I've heard it works for ... anybody"

(From GM) Officer says, "I'm sorry. As grateful as we are, we're awfully busy today. I can't really take the time to chaffeur anyone right now."

Eben says (to Officer), "OK, I understand."

Eben asks, "So, uh, portal jumps and Singularity?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "Can I try rapport to find someone who's going to cmart?"

(From GM) Officer says, "If you get a positive ID on the suspect, though, call it in. I'm sure we'll be able to spare someone if you can confirm they're definitely there."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to GM), "I'm happy with the paramedics! Just thought they might be too scared"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims (at CP), "That sounds good! +2 Overcome!"

Eben says (to Officer), "This is for someone who... uh, OK. Will do."

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

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Minor cost: CP has to ride in a cat carrier"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Deal!"

[Crows-Nest] Eben exclaims, "Safety first!"

Wanda will have accepted first aid from whichever paramedic was brave enough to approach her.

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks (of Cuddlepaws), "Shall I narrate or will you?"

GM exclaims, "You find a nice couple who were headed in that direction. They'll be happy to give you a ride as long as you can guarantee no cat hair on their new upholstery. Cat carrier it is!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "ha ha"

Cuddlepaws says, "I swear if this is just a trick to get me to the vet"

GM says (to Wanda), "One of them tends to your injuries while a second one stands by with a fire extinguisher, just in case you go off accidentally."

GM says (to Wanda), "They only need to use it twice."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Shall we skip ahead to your arrival?"

Eben also invites stolen-car guy so he can retrieve his car.

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "Sounds good to me!"

Jacob sets her current fate point total to 3.

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Incidentally ^^"

Wanda exclaims (at Paramedics), "Thanks!"

GM says, "The driver pulls into the parking lot, and stolen car guy yells excitedly, 'Hey! There it is!'"

Cuddlepaws says, "LET ME OUT! LET ME OUT! PLEEEEASE"

GM says, "He points to a classic blue convertible in beautiful condition."

Eben exclaims (at Cuddlepaws), "You have telekinesis!"

Cuddlepaws exclaims, "I don't want to go to the horrible man who cuts my claws! Nooo!"

Eben sighs, thanks the couple, gets out of the car, and releases Cuddlepaws.

Cuddlepaws jumps out and inspects the car.

Eben checks to see if his device is working by calibrating it on the traces of skin left in the convertible.

GM says (to CP), "Stolen Car guy is right behind you! Inside, you see that someone has ripped out some of the wiring under the dashboard and connected to the ignition."

Cuddlepaws says (to jacob), "Do your thing, bird guy"

GM exclaims (at Eben), "It's a 78% confident match!"

Jacob tries to create some sort of advantage perhaps by investigating the car (not doing The Thing).

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "If that's a thing one can do."

Eben says (to guy), "Well, here's your car! You should definitely file a report, and if you mention it was due to supervillain activity, you might get your case expedited."

GM asks (of Jacob), "Hmm. Do you have any thoughts on what kind of helpful stuff you might find?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Hmmmmmm."

(From GM) Guy says, "Thanks! I'm glad I got supervillain insurance -- that'll probably cover fixing the hotwiring they did."

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

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Maybe some sort of trace that suggests what they look like now. Stray hair or a lipstick blotch or I dunno. (Assuming we're not just looking for a dupe of Car Owner Guy)"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I dunno"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Maybe the dashcam took a pic"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK! We'll leave it vague for now what exactly it is, but A Clue To Their Appearance works!"

[CCrusaders] Jacob eyes car owner, is he douchey enough to have a dashcam? :D

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

[CCrusaders] GM says, "This'll be a tricky one, though, given -- uh, OK, that's definitely a success."

[CCrusaders] Jacob :D

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Y'know, with style, since I wasn't going to set the Create Advantage higher than 4."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "So we do have a pic?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "*puppy eyes* no wait ..."

GM says, "You find some bits and scraps that might be related to their latest appearance. You're not sure which parts are from them and which were in the car already, but you've got a good feeling that something here will be helpful."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I think that a photo is asking for slightly much :)"

Cuddlepaws exclaims, "To cmart!"

(From GM) Guy says, "Can I go now? You're not gonna take my car as evidence, are you?"

Eben looks for the user photo of @dogmom2000

Eben exclaims, "Nope! I think we're good! Thank you!"

Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Nope. Thanks for your help. Remember we are the good guys! Even the fiery spider!"

GM exclaims (at Eben), "It's a woman holding three dogs!"

(From GM) Guy hops in, pumps up the radio and drives off.

Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Ewww! I don't like her!"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "So are you going inside?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Sure"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Yup."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Definitely"

Eben keeps an eye out for the woman, and also keeps his search running in case there are more hits.

GM says, "OK! It looks like a big sale is going on today, judging by the number of customers. As you enter, you notice several of them looking at you askance. Someone whispers something to their neighbor. People seem to be giving you extra room."

Cuddlepaws jumps into Jacob's arms and snuggles up,

Wanda is already getting used to being given a wide berth.

GM says, "C-Mart is a decent sized department store, selling a variety of products at competitive prices."

GM asks (of Eben), "Are you going to wander around the store looking for @dogmom2000?"

Eben walks up to the group of chatters. "Hi! We're looking for someone who can change their appearance, who just set off a bunch of bombs at Sarducci's, and who we think has been spreading rumors about us. Anyone sound like that?"

GM says, "They look at each other, then back at you, with some skepticism."

Jacob hisses to Eben, "That's your plan?!?"

Eben smiles broadly.

Cuddlepaws asks (of gm), "I sthere a pet shop?"

(From GM) Chatter says, "How do we know you're not the one who just set off those bombs you're talking about?"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Rapport overcome?"

GM exclaims (at CP), "Sure!"

Cuddlepaws says (to eben), "While you do that weird thing, I'll check out the pet store."

Eben asks, "Because we're not the ones spreading the rumors? And because Sarducci thanked us?"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK! And the opposition is +4!"

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

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Because someone is very good at rumors."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Are you doing anything to help that?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "spending a fate point on Engineering Geek Grandfather, because I look pretty harmless, all things considered."

Eben spends a fate point, leaving them with 1.

GM says (to CP), "You find a variety of pet supplies, plus some aquaria terraria with fish and small rodents."

Cuddlepaws asks (of shopkeeper), "Hello! Was there a lady in here, with 3 ..*shudders* dogs?"

(From GM) Other Chatter says, "You're friends with Sarducci? The one who's going to be mayor?"

(From GM) Shopkeeper says (to Cuddlepaws), "You must mean that lady buying the industrial sized bags of dog food! She's right over there."

Eben says, "Yup! We actually helped him with his campaign a few months back. I mean, I'm sure you've heard about how we had to take down the *last* mayor."

GM says, "The shopkeeper points out @dogmom2000."

Cuddlepaws asks (of dogmom), "Hey, are you @dogmom2000 on Chitter?"

(From GM) Chatter says, "Oh, well, in that case... I don't know anything about someone changing their appearance, but I know some of the people spreading those rumors..."

(From GM) Dogmom2000 says, "CP:You! You're one of those fake heroes!"

Eben exclaims, "Oh? That'd be great!"

Cuddlepaws asks, "Listen, you strike me as someone interested in reasonable debate. Could you point me towards who told you that?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Given that Eben already made a Rapport Overcome, I won't make CP make a second one."

GM says, "The chatters and Dogmom2000 lead you around the store, pointing out several individuals to you that they heard sharing the rumors."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "It strikes me that we won't find the source of a rumor in this way easily."

GM says, "They point out a young woman in a footie onesie and bunny slippers, a man wearing tall boots, jeans, a cowboy hat and a bolo tie, an older woman with curly white hair wearing a long frumpy dress several decades out of style, and a shifty-looking teenage boy in a dark hoodie."

Eben tries checking the Rumor Spreaders with his DNA Anomaly scanner.

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "That one guy is Elliot Anderson."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "*Alderson"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "That'll be a Crafts Overcome vs. +4! (Since you're just using the device you created, Gadgeteering doesn't apply.)"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "who wears bunny slippers outdoors?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "so unrealistic"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "I'll assist!"

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

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "OK, with one assist from CP:"

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

GM exclaims (at Eben), "As you go around the store trying to get a clear reading, they seem to be trying to avoid you for some reason... it's not clear *why* they wouldn't want to have an old man following them around pointing weird devices at them, but there's clearly some Suspicion Against the Crusaders!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Tagging both free invokes!"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Hmm, last fate point, or succeed at a cost? Or CP spends a fp?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Or get Jacob to help with his clues."

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "Oh!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Can I try some telepathy? (Notice?)"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Right, tagging that ;-)"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Didn't look in the right column."

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Wanda), "In theory, but I think Eben has this one."

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "You narrow it down to the old woman! Narrate that however you'd like."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "OK, typing:"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Eben is the E-best"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "We should've known. She's the evilest thing a woman can be in our society: old!"

Eben wanders through the crowds, device dangling from a USB cord from his phone, not looking entirely sane, but usually at least comfortably eccentric. The old lady seems particularly intent on avoiding him, but there's only so much she can do without drawing attention to herself anyway, and in the end, the device swings over close enough to get a reading. Eben keeps moving, and a couple seconds later, the program finishes calculating and '83% match!' shows up on his screen! He turns around to see the woman, trying to edge her way through the crowd.

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "And what do you, the heroes, do now?"

Eben exclaims (at group_text), "It's the old woman in the olive green dress!"

Cuddlepaws says, "I trail her"

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "Most of us are still carrying trackers right?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "That we agreed to each take one and stick it on someone when we could"

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "Yup!"

GM says, "She's weaving through the store in between customers, in a seemingly random pattern..."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I presume they're super discreet? Like, if someone (not the old guy trailing her) were to knock into her accidentally..."

GM exclaims (at Wanda), "She seems like she might be moving in your direction... and is attempting an Overcome with Deceive! You can actively defend with Empathy!"

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

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Ah, Empathy. You used to be my +4 skill."

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

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Are you going to tag anything?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "I'm out of fp; but I have 'Mmmm Ice cream' - I'm familiar with this mind!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "so I could get a tie this way"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK! That makes it a tie!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "But then she tags her High Concept: Many-Faced Manipulator!"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Do ties go to PCs or to the attempter?"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "For an Overcome, a tie is a success with a minor cost for the person attempting the overcome."

GM spends a fate point, leaving him with 4.

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "So, regarding FP... I refreshed once we were out of the last scene, because I thought GM said it was a new session. Did no one else?"

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Wanda), "Do you have anything left to tag?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "whoops!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I didn't refresh after the scene"

Wanda sets his current fate point total to 1.

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I did! Except I had 3 instead of my normal 2 so I didn't do anything ;-)"

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Wanda), "Are you spending it to tag anything?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I'm thinking"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "you do have a lot of fp of your own"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "You'd have to spend 2--a tie means they succeed anyway."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I do."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "AFK for a moment"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Also, if you're looking for aspects, let's say A Wide Variety Of Products At Competitive Prices is a scene aspect. No free tags, but it's there if anyone wants to use it.)"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I guess it's okay to lose this if we think of it as Wanda not wanting to mistake an innocent person for Any Body... but on the other hand we do want to stop them soon"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Is failure interesting enough here?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(I had some success at using scene aspects with a free tag for both the PCs and the GM, if you want to use that at some point.)"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Wanda), "I think so."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to GM), "Then I fail! (and keep my fp)"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "(please note that I came close to success :D )"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Spending down the GMs FP is never a bad idea ;-)"

GM exclaims (at Wanda), "You're looking left and right, as she fakes to one direction, then the other, trying to cover all the possible paths she might take to escape... but you neglect to pay attention right in front of you, as she runs up and grabs you!"

GM exclaims, "For a moment there's a struggle between the two of them, until eventually Wanda successfully manages to wrest herself away from Wanda!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims (at gm), "Hooray!"

[interludes] * GM has added Wanda to the channel.

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "But I also hate you"

[interludes] Wanda says, "Amazing idea"

[interludes] Wanda says, "This will be fun"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(A quick private conference with Wanda...)"

[interludes] GM asks (of Wanda), "A couple questions. First, is there anything you expect Any Body to do that you want to actively oppose?"

[interludes] Wanda says, "I'm expecting them to try and hurt people to make me look bad; also probably deceive my friends"

[interludes] GM asks, "Second, is Wanda probably currently thinking about identifying herself with the keyphrase 'pineapple pancakes'?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Spending a fate point to activate a stunt to improve a role I'm about to make..."

GM spends a fate point, leaving him with 3.

[interludes] Wanda says, "...oh no"

[interludes] GM exclaims, "Because this is a Telepathy Overcome! And apparently, it's passively opposed!"

[interludes] Wanda asks, "I mean, she's probably thinking about it -- what do you mean, passively opposed?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Telepathy Overcoem, versus, +2 opposition! (Wanda's passive Will.)"

[interludes] Wanda says, "aha"

[interludes] Wanda says, "got it"

[interludes] GM says (to Wanda), "Because you didn't mention that you're actively opposing having your mind read."

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

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Back"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "And tagging a Life is a Game And You're All Just Pieces to reroll, because Wanda is just an NPC to Any Body..."

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

Deka steps in to help if she can.

(From GM) Wanda and Wanda both simultaneously shout, "Pineapple pancakes!"

[interludes] GM asks (of Wanda), "Also, would you like a compel?"

[interludes] Wanda says (to GM), "Compels are tasty"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Welp."

Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Fiddlesticks!"

Eben exclaims, "Great idea! Let's all *step outside* and we'll go get some!"

[interludes] GM says (to Wanda), "This is the first time you've really seen yourself from this perspective, and you really are pretty intimidating to look at. Plus, having someone else stealing your identity and your thoughts can be pretty Scary."

Eben says, "Together."

Cuddlepaws exclaims, "My foolproof plan wasn't foolproof at all!"

[interludes] GM asks, "Do you think that it's enough that Wanda might run out of the store to find someplace to collect herself, not unlike a villain fleeing the scene?"

[interludes] Wanda says, "I think it's entirely plausible. She's had a traumatic day already."

GM gives a fate point to Wanda.

[interludes] GM exclaims, "Then go ahead and RP it!"

[interludes] Wanda says, "typing"

Cuddlepaws says, "Yeah, let's get out of here. There are animals that could get hurt in here, not just humans."

(From Wanda) One of the Wandas looks at the other one. There's a deeply uncomfortable silence, and then *that* Wanda flees right out of the store as fast as possible, without a word.

GM asks (of Deka), "You said you were stepping in to help -- are you going to try to stop that 'Wanda' from getting away?"

[CCrusaders] Deka says, "yep."

GM exclaims, "OK! I'll assume you're using your body to try to block her, so that would be your Physique (strength) vs. her Athletics!"

Deka rolls Legendary+2 (+10) + 4dF: -1 +1 +1 +1 | Legendary+4 (12)

GM asks (of Wanda), "Can you roll for that Wanda, with whatever powers you'd normally use here?"

[interludes] Wanda says, "Who's going to do the roll-- oh"

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

[interludes] Wanda says, "Nope"

GM asks (of Deka), "You succeed! Do you want to narrate?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "[typing intensifies]"

[CCrusaders] Deka says, "It's like that scene in a cartoon where a character tries to run off the edge of the screen, but suddenly falls over and the camera pans to reveal what they ran into, and it's a character who did move at all on the impact."

(From GM) Wanda (the other one) says, "She read my mind. I mean they did. It was awful. Is that what's it feels like when I do that to someone?"

Cuddlepaws exclaims (at wanda), "That's just what the impostor would say!"

GM says, "Meanwhile, the rest of the customers in the store are all staring. You overhear one of them whisper, 'I knew the spider was the fake one!'"

(From GM) Wanda cries.

Wanda says, "I'm not the fake one! Please..."

(From GM) Wanda says, "Don't say that, Cuddlepaws!"

GM exclaims, "Both Wandas are shouting back and forth!"

Cuddlepaws yowls and hunkers down. "but the impostor would also try to..."

Eben says, "Sorry, folks! Another supervillain here who's trying to impersonate us. We got 'em now, though! come on, let's go."

Eben says, "Both of you! Come with me."

Eben says, "Deka, make sure neither tries to bolt."

Eben walks towards the front door.

(From GM) Wanda asks, "Are we both going to have to go to jail, grandpa?"

Cuddlepaws tks a fire extinguisher from a nearby wall, just to be safe.

Eben says, "No! Sheesh."

Wanda says, "Don't you. dare. call him. Grandpa."

GM says, "So you lead the two Wandas out into the parking lot."

Eben says, "OK, let's see if this thing works with superhero DNA."

Eben waves the device at each Wanda in turn.

Deka carries both of them under arm.

GM exclaims (at Eben), "That'll be an overcome with active opposition this time!"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws asks, "Our Wanda was injured by the bomb, but I assume Fake-Wanda has the same injuries?"

Eben says (to CP), "If you can help here..."

Cuddlepaws says, "Sure"

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

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I can, too. (crafts?)"

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "Yup!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "CP helping is mostly asking stupid questions that help Eben think clearly"

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

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

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "I'm going to tag Many-Faced Manipulator and Anyone in the Crowd to help!"

GM spends a fate point, leaving him with 2.

GM spends a fate point, leaving him with 1.

[CCrusaders] GM says, "And, since I've got one left, let's spend it on Lost Princess -- because Wanda's DNA is pretty different from a human's, making it harder to read."

GM spends a fate point, leaving him with 0.

GM gives a fate point to Wanda (queued up for the next scene).

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Which makes the opposition +10!"

Eben spends his last fate point on 'Adopted or not' because he was already 99% sure it was the one who said 'Don't call him grandpa'.

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Can I still tag the 'Clue'?"

Eben spends a fate point, leaving them with 0.

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Hmm. It was traces of things that related to Any Body's identity as they were getting out of the car. Can you give a good justification for how that might apply here?"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Now that we've seen several different versions of AB, I think the clues might start pointing to things that are about their behavior more than their appearance. Is that reasonable?"

Cuddlepaws exclaims, "This might be risky, but are we sure Any Body can duplicate powers? Let them both light up!"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "That seems reasonable."

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "OK, tagging that, then!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Narrate, and let us know what those clues told you and how they helped!"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "OK, typing:"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Also, I'm declaring that Aspect fully used up now.)"

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "Semi-relatedish and looks like it's not necessary right now, but does Wanda speak something I'd recognize as "spider"?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Raxiss"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "sort of semi-consciously"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "JAcob mastered their alphabet last campaign"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Raxissian"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Ah ha. Not the dirction I was going in, but that's useful."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "But I think Eben's got this handled."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks (of deka), "Is there intense tpying from the other end of the room?"

Eben swings the device from one Wanda to the next. Unfortunately, it beeps '57% match' for one, and '48% match' for the other--was there some cross-contamiation that just happened that's throwing off the sensor? He frowns, and remembers that Jacob said they were looking for a right-handed person, when the original driver was left-handed, so did that mean that the duplication was a mirror effect? Wanda tended to be right-footed, and one of them might have been favoring her left feet. He gazes up at them, looking both in the eyes. From one, a basic innocent puppy-dog look. From the other, tiredness, a twinge of sadness, and... deep recognition. He winks at her, and whispers, "I'll always know if it's you." Then, louder. "Deka, you can put down the one on the left."

Eben says, "Uh, *my* left. That one."

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

Deka says, "Just point."

Eben points.

Eben exclaims, "That one's ours!"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "After hearing 'puppy-dog look' followed by Eben telling Deka to 'put' her 'down', there was a split second where I almost misinterpreted what he meant."

[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, "Me, too!"

(From GM) Other Wanda sighs. "Alright, fair enough. You got me."

Wanda asks (of Eben), "How did you know?"

Cuddlepaws wacks that one with the fire extinguisher.

Jacob says, "CP!"

Jacob says, "They're not useful to us if you knock them out."

Cuddlepaws says, "Stop impersonating Wanda you fu[thud thud] assh[thud]""

(From GM) Other Wanda says, "Ow! Hey, I said you won."

Eben exclaims, "You have a key for us!"

(From GM) Other Wanda says, "Oh, yeah."

(From GM) Other Wanda reaches into a kind of pocket in a place where the real Wanda most definitely doesn't have a pocket. "Oh, hey, since you did so well at this..."

(From GM) Other Wanda pulls a large worm out of the 'pocket'. It has no eyes, but its mouth is lined with tiny, sharp teeth.

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "!"

Eben exclaims, "Yikes!"

Jacob looks at it curiously.

(From GM) Other Wanda's eyes -- all eight of them -- focus on you far too deeply. Her voice suddenly seems reverberant, like several voices together.

(From GM) Other Wanda says, "MAYBE YOU'D LIKE TO JOIN US?"

Jacob raises an eyebrow, but keeps an eye on the worm thing.

(From GM) Other Wanda's mouth opens, and more worms emerge! They start to eat her flesh, canibalizing her. Several of them drop to the ground and start squirming toward you.

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH"

Cuddlepaws starts slamming them with the fire extinguisher.

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims (at Jacob), "Speaking of which! Everyone should make a Will Overcome versus +4!"

Eben exclaims, "Uh, yeah! More smashing!"

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

Eben rolls Fair (2) + 4dF: +1 +1 +1 0 | Superb (5)

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

Deka asks, "does anyone have a flamethrower?"

GM says, "A passing customer who was in the parking lot watching this spectacle screams and runs away."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Steel mind in a fluffy buddy !"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Wow! My first +3 of the day, when I really really needed it."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "... body"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Welp. I tied..."

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

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "This is a CDE! Failure means taking a consequence!"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Nice knowing y'all."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I'll spend a fp to reroll"

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

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

Wanda spends a fate point, leaving him with 1.

Deka spends a fate point, leaving them with 1.

[CCrusaders] GM says, "The mental consequence is the Visions of Horror burned into your brain."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Those who are spending fate points, which aspects are you tagging?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "AHHHHHHHHHHHH. No. I will tag, uh, tough on bullies?"

Jacob spends a fate point, leaving her with 2.

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims (at Jacob), "That's fair!"

Jacob also stomps as many as he can with his combat boots.

Deka tags bad attitude.

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to GM), "Tagging... my own drawback, 'Scary', if I'm scary then I have some resistance to body horror? I don't know"

Cuddlepaws throws up shielding between us and the worms.

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I mean, I fail either way so"

GM says, "The worms have left Other Wanda looking like a half-eaten corpse, and one by one they drop from her and keep crawling toward you... as Jacob and CP crush some of them, they squish, leaving a sticky clay-like goo on the ground."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I might as well not spend the fp"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I guess I can't unspend it"

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Wanda), "OK! And your Mild consequence slot was already filled, right?"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "So your moderate consequence slot is filled as well!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks (of GM), "It was filled from the previous scene, so I'm guessing it would have only healed at the end of this one?"

GM asks, "What is everyone else doing about the ravenous, carnivorous worms?"

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

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Are we doing init?"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "Not yet. First I want to hear everyone's reaction."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says (to gm), "note: Friendlies can attack through the shielding at +2"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Jacob is stomping; CP is putting up a shield. What about Wanda, Eben and Deka?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "This seems like a good time for Hello Ocean, especially if they're on the ground. Hit one with the hose, flood the rest."

Wanda, already tired and upset, is completely horrified by the spectacle of a copy of herself decaying into worms! She cowers, hiding behind her own legs.

Deka is going to her bike, and making it bigger.

(From GM) Other Wanda says (to Cuddlepaws, Jacob), "YOUR FRIENDS HAVE THE RIGHT IDEA... GO RUN AWAY IF YOU VALUE YOUR MINDS..."

GM says, "The worms snap at the forcefield, ineffectively -- for now."

Eben says, "Trouble is, we value everyone *else's* minds, too. It ends here, um, whatever you are."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I'd consider bringing in birds to eat them, but I don't want them getting eaten alive in the process."

Cuddlepaws exclaims (at other_Wanda), "You don't even have your own face. We are the crusaders! WE DONT RUN!"

(From GM) Other Wanda says, "UGH. *HEROES*."

(From GM) Other Wanda says, "FINE! YOU WIN."

[Crows-Nest] Jacob definitely doesn't run. Maybe a light jog.

(From GM) Other Wanda coughs.

(From GM) Other Wanda says, "I mean, you win. This time."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "Is the voice coming from the half-eaten corpse or the worms?"

Jacob mrr?

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "The half-eaten corpse!"

GM says, "The snapping worms that haven't been squished yet collapse on themselves, dissolving into goo."

(From GM) Corpse Wanda says, "You guys are pretty good. You're definitely more fun to play with than that tight-butt Supremo was."

(From GM) Corpse Wanda says, "Oh, right, I guess I owe you this..."

[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, "If we weren't probably surrounded by cars, I'd be like SET IT ON FIRE NOW NOW NOW NOW"

(From GM) Corpse Wanda reaches back into her 'pocket' and produces a black and gold skeleton key!

Jacob says, "Thank you."

(From GM) Corpse Wanda says, "No problem. This is the part where you bring me back to jail until I escape again, right?"

Cuddlepaws tks the key over her shield back to us (assuming she lets it go)

Jacob adds it to the collection. (I don't know who has them, actually.)

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "We could bring her to Saturn I mean Jupiter"

(From GM) Corpse Wanda sticks out her two front-most legs. "OK, go ahead and cuff me if you want."

[Crows-Nest] Deka says, "Deka says "No. It's not." And snaps her neck."

Eben crouches down next to it. "What... what *are* you?"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "(Was that OOC?)"

[Crows-Nest] Deka says, "no. that was a joke."

(From GM) Corpse Wanda says, "Ooh, going right to the un-personing, huh? I thought you might have been better than that."

(From GM) Corpse Wanda says, "But if you want a real answer, I haven't got one. I'm just me."

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Thank goodness, we haven't been Snyderfied"

Eben says, "You unpersoned yourself! And now I'm wondering what's real."

Eben asks, "Where are you from, then? Did you have human parents? Are you from some other planet or dimension or something?"

(From GM) Corpse Wanda sits down on the ground, leaning back against a car, in a position that would be perfectly normal for a human bit is very awkward-looking for a spider.

(From GM) Corpse Wanda says, "In order: Burbank. Probably? I dunno, I've never met them. And like I said, yes. Burbank."

Eben says, "Hunh."

Eben asks, "When did you discover you could change form?"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "ITYM Barbunk"

(From GM) Corpse Wanda says, "I don't remember any time when I *couldn't*."

[Crows-Nest] Wanda adds 'chatting with decaying corpse replica of self outside a supermarket' to the list of today's craziness, along with 'crushed by a tank' and 'falling into a river and being blown up'.

Eben asks, "So do you have a form that you consider 'yourself'? Or are you just comfortable being other people?"

(From GM) Corpse Wanda says, "Nah, I'm pretty flexible."

Cuddlepaws cuddles up to the real Wanda.

Eben asks, "Have you ever.. asked? If you could take someone's form?"

(From GM) Corpse Wanda flexes her eight limbs. "You know, this is the first time I've had this many legs. It're pretty weird."

(From GM) Corpse Wanda says (to Eben), "No. Why would I?"

Wanda says (to Cuddlepaws), "Did I say this has been a hard day? I'm scared that if I say it again, it'll just get harder. But thanks, Cuddles."

Wanda pats CP on the head.

Cuddlepaws says (to corpse), "Wanda Double the normal number of legs must be weird, I give you that"

Eben asks, "Consent? Not having to worry you'll be discovered?"

(From GM) Corpse Wanda laughs. "Nah, I'm not too worried about that. Either of those."

Eben says, "Hunh."

(From GM) Corpse Wanda says, "Sometimes I win, sometimes I lose. But I always get to play again later, so it doesn't really matter much."

Cuddlepaws asks, "*whispers* (to Deka, Jacob, Wanda) Will he *ever* understand how bad guys work?"

Eben says, "So, in and out of jail is the life you want."

(From GM) Corpse Wanda says, "Well, I wasn't *planning* to go back to jail. I just got unlucky enough that you guys showed up this time."

Eben says, "But it clearly happens a lot."

(From GM) Corpse Wanda says, "Sure. I was in there for three whole weeks last time. It kinda sucked, but I got three guards to quit before I left, so that's a pretty good score."

[CCrusaders] Deka says, ""Well, I have been in jail before, but I still have no idea how they work."

Eben says, "And you... enjoy the risk. You like the idea of pulling the wool over people's eyes enough that it makes it worth the drawbacks."

(From GM) Corpse Wanda says, "Yeah! Have you ever seen the look on their face when a bank teller says they were just there five minutes ago and already took out their whole life savings?"

(From GM) Corpse Wanda says, "Or when the person they think is their husband tells them all about how they've been cheating on them for years and never really loved them? It's hilarious!"

Eben says, "Well, that got dark."

Wanda asks (of Corpse), "Wanda You... you... you read minds, don't you understand what you're doing to people? Don't you care? Have you ever cared about anyone?"

(From GM) Corpse Wanda says, "Well, I do right *now*. I've got you to thank for that."

(From GM) Corpse Wanda says, "But I don't really see the point in caring about people. Caring about things is what makes people act so dumb in the first place."

Cuddlepaws says, "I think we should just decide what to do with her"

Cuddlepaws says, "...them"

Eben says, "You know how I could tell which of you was the real Wanda? Because Wanda and I love each other. I could see it in her eyes. That connection is possible for you, and it's even possible with your changing form. I'm sorry you haven't had it in your life until now. It doesn't excuse what you've done, but I am sorry."

Eben stands up.

Eben says, "Back to jail, I think."

(From GM) Corpse Wanda says, "I half expected that if you caught me, you'd be trying to torture me for information. I never expected you'd try to psychoanalyze me! It's cute. It really is."

Cuddlepaws says, "I could pick that extinguisher back up"

Wanda says, "Well... redemption is always an option."

Eben says (to Corpse_wanda), "And if you decide you want to ask if you can take someone's form in the future, you know where to find us."

(From GM) Corpse Wanda says, "Sure. I know where to find you."

(From GM) Corpse Wanda grins.

Eben rolls his eyes.

Cuddlepaws says, "Enh, we've beaten you before, corpse bride."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "And if there's nothing else you wanted to ask or tell them, then this seems like a good place to wrap up the session..."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Is there?)"

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "Not from me!"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "I'm imagining Corpse Wanda as like the homonculus in a jar from FMA, but with legs"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Sounds good!"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "for some reason"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "I think it's the personality"

GM says, "</SCENARIO>"

Eben takes some samples, though, with the hope of finding some sort of way to stabilize their form in the future.

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "And that's a significant milestone!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Woo!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Wooo!"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Yay1"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Skillpoint skillpoint"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "We got a lot of stuff done in one day"

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "This was a truly dramatic session!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(That's the one with a skill point. It's the second one this arc; the first was right after Hydrolyx.)"

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

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "What a dastardly villian!"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Is this a skillpoint where we can't spend above a 3 or an unlimited skillpoint?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks (of GM), "Can I consider my mild consequence to have healed?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "A skillpoint where you can't spend above 5 at this point, IIRC."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "and remove it from the sheet"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims (at Wanda), "That was from the bomb? Yes!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "woo!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Now I merely have Intimations of Mortality (moderate)"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Hm, I could get a second +4 skill"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Eben's moderate is still recovering; it should last until mid-way through next session."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Am I still the group Rapport person? I might bump that to 4."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I can boost either Rapport, Notice or Athletics to +4: all useful skills (for influence, telepathy or jumping around)"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I guess that answers that ;-)"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to Eben), "looks like we have equal amounts of rapport ;) I've learnt it from you"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I could bump Investigation or Notice, but we have those covered, so maybe Athletics"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "It's Rapport or Physique for me. Deka is a high-Physique person, but Physique tends to be a thing you do for yourself, not the group."

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Wanda), "Also, I believe that with this milestone, your new moderate consequence can start recovering! So it should be recovered at the end of the next session."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to GM), "yay"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "So yeah. If I save my file, apparently it deletes the link. That's definitely new-ish."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "So frustrating."

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

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I wonder if it's some weird quirk of Acrobat (or whatever you're editing it with)."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to Jacob), "it's not a feature, it's a bug"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "wait I forget what joke I was trying to achieve here"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "So the next Crusaders episode will be on June 5!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says (to jacob), "I'm using Foxit Reader and it never gave me any trouble FWIW"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Evince"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says (to gm), "Thanks so much. Weird question: Is this the end of the in-game day? (I have this small coda I keep thinking about)"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to GM), "By the way, since the next game is June 5th..."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "And it looks like Peregrine is looking to run Cthulhu Dark next Saturday. I'm getting my second dose this Friday, so I may be slightly out of sorts on Saturday, but if I can play, I will!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Nice! lps and Tale, still in?"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Cuddlepaws), "This is evening of the same day."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I might be able to play, given that we're not playing the following week, but probably Amdi will fight with me about it"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Around dusk."

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "For Cthulhu Dark on Saturday? Is this a one-shot?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I'm happy with two players, there's a strong possibility you may need to create new characters on the fly. And yes, a one-shot"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Alas, I will be out. I missed that we set a date for this. Sorry."

[CCrusaders] GM says (to CP), "It's up to the party whether you want to call it a day and sleep or keep fighting crime into the night."

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks (of CP), "Would you be available the 29th instead?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "wait what am I saying"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "*head explodes with schedule shenanigans*"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says (to gm), "It's no big deal."

[CCrusaders] Eben says (to Wanda), "So, are you upping Rapport? If you don't, I will, and if you do, I'll up Physique instead."

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "So only lps would be available next Saturday?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says (to wanda), "Do you mean a week later (then yes), do you mean Sunday the 23rd? (then no)"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I haven't said I can either! I didn't know it was a scheduled thing at all, just a plan For The Future."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I didn't set it in stone either, don't worry"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I was waiting to hear from everyone"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks (of CP), "So, it's a no for the 22nd?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I just happened to see it on the calendar while trying to figure out the alternative for the 29th."

Jacob goes east.

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Yeah, I'd pencilled it in with a question mark"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Yes, out that weekend"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "There's no obligation to play between now and the next Crusaders game, but if we do opt to play, the options are the 22nd, 23rd and 29th or 30th"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "since our next Crusaders is on June 5th"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "29/30 would work for me"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Likewise"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Me too."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "So shall I schedule it for the 30th? It should be a shorter session anyway"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "since I don't intend to drag it out"

[CCrusaders] (from Cuddlepaws) Wanda says, "Because YOU ALL DIE"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Works for me."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Alright, it's a date"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "with DEATH"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(The date and a TPK of fresh characters that I will carefully try not to get attached to.)"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Anything we should know ahead of time about it? (Should we be thinking about characters?)"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to GM), "I'm kind of sleepy right now, but I'll put some stuff on the Discord for discussion"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Does that work?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Also, I'm hesitating between going full 1920s and going modern-day. Which would you like best?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Sure, sounds good."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I'm up for either."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "1920's, but with Twitter."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "hehe"

[CCrusaders] Bert says, "Log off."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I'm also fine with either"

Eben exits stage left.

Eben has disconnected.

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Good to know!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Thanks again for the game!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Yeah, this was the usual amount of fun!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "You're welcome!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims (at Cuddlepaws), "I found it compel-ling!"

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of CP), "And I *think* thank you?"

GM has disconnected.

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "I said it was a lot of fun! Was that unclear?"

[CCrusaders] Jota says (to Peregrine), "Don't forget to update the schedule after you're conscious again."

[CCrusaders] Jota says (to CP), "Yay."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I made a #cthulhudark channel on the discord"

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "woo!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to Jota), "hee"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I almost forgt to log out"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "or indeed tupe"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "*type"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "thanks again"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Goodnight!"