[7thsea] Bert says, "Log on."
Talbert exclaims, "Don Miguel and Umberto!"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Welcome!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims, "Woo!"
[7thsea] GM says, "Any questions before we start? If I didn't give you XP yet, you get another 2 XP from last session."
inky arrives, looking for booty.
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Ooh, yay."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Yay."
[7thsea] GM says, "Which I think means 8 total for everyone."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "That matches my notes."
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Sounds good!"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Woo, exciting"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "I think my only questions are the ones you're about to answer when you set the scene."
GM says, "So: when we last left our intrepid adventurers, they had managed to read and memorize some instructions for the 'Forte Squad', a rough and boisterous subgroup of the Montagnians who always get, and love, the dirty jobs. Talbert and some of the other Montaignians have always been leary of them, Talbert now more than ever. But everyone who objects seems to get shuffled to positions of insignificance, and nothing ever comes of it."
GM says, "The instructions are clear: there are to be three groups waiting in secret on the beach. When the smugglers and/or the townsfolk meet them, they're to be arrested, with instructions to use lethal force if necessary."
[7thsea] GM says, "https://jamboard.google.com/d/1yvOd7eoms7thqVez72NqsT6vl7QTE7XArn39csc91fE/viewer?f=0"
[7thsea] GM says, "There's three groups: instructions for the north and south groups are to hide and let them pass if they go by, then close in behind them. If anyone runs into trouble, they can call for the other groups, who are to come help."
GM says, "There's three groups: instructions for the north and south groups are to hide and let them pass if they go by, then close in behind them. If anyone runs into trouble, they can call for the other groups, who are to come help."
[7thsea] GM says, "No need to channel that ;-)"
GM says, "The group to the north is probably the weakest or at least the least disciplined of the bunch--nobody really expects the townsfolk to arrive from the north. The south group is next, and the middle group, as the main confrontation group, is the strongest."
GM says, "But if they join up with each other, they'll obviously be stronger."
DonMiguel says, "I wonder if we can silence the middle group before they have a chance to alert the others."
GM says, "YOU ALSO KNOW: the actual route to the beach for the townsfolk was going to be the caes--they connect to a larger network than the Montaignians realize. You've told them not to come until everything is clear."
GM says, "(er, 'caves')"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "The south group will get killed by the fire breathing Pac-Man anyway, so no need to worry about them -- wait, that's a lighthouse"
DonMiguel says, "Since they're the only ones who are ordered to immediately confront anyone, it might be useful to remove them first."
GM says (to DonM), "El Vago is leaving the planning to you, but did note that the danger of that approach is that if they *do* manage to alert anyone, you'll be fighting all three groups at once. (But is still totally valid.)"
GM says, "There were seven names listed for each group. Which didn't include Forte himself, so you're not sure where he's going to be. Happily, Johann volunteered to follow him from their meeting spot at the forest, so signal you about which group he joined, if any."
[Crows-Nest] Penelope gets ready to stab somebody.
[Crows-Nest] Penelope isn't *just* a pretty face
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says (to Penelope), "Your shaborys is showing :P"
DonMiguel says, "I suppose we could try to trick them. Say, if we could convince them that the smugglers are disguised as Montaigne soldiers, and pit them against one of the other groups..."
[Crows-Nest] GM asks, "Oh, uh, I actually had something else for you to do simultaneously, but we can skip that if you want to join the fighting group. Opinions?"
[Crows-Nest] Penelope says, "Oh, that sounds good, too."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "OK, I'll go with that, then ;-)"
[Crows-Nest] Penelope says, "I just wasn't sure how useful seduction would be here."
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says (to Penelope), "Dress as a mermaid, lure them into the sea, drown them"
[Crows-Nest] Penelope checks her singing knack.
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "It's going to be dark, right? So it's plausible that they might not recognize each other?"
GM says, "IN THE MEANTIME, Tristand (Penelope's distractant at the gate) surprised everyone by making an *all-night* appointment with Penelope at The House (er, whatever it's called.) This is kind of unprecedented, and also terribly inconvenient, as the night he chose was the 18th. But based on your description of him, El Vago thinks he might be recruitable, and if he's as taken with you as it seems, he might just listen. You'd like to try to be in range of the rest of the group if anything happens, but aren't sure what his plans are, despite trying to find them out several times."
[Crows-Nest] Penelope says, "Ghoul RP, clearly."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "So I split the party on my own, just to try to thwart myself as much as possible. But the idea of switching back and forth between a fight on the beach and a romantic getaway would be funny."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "(also, ha)"
GM says, "THE WEATHER is light rain as we start the evening, with predicted high winds and heavier rain as the night goes on. Which will make things difficult for a ship to approach the rocky shore, so you wish them the best."
DonMiguel says, "What do you think of this idea? We use Talbert's knowledge of Montaigne millitary communications to craft several notes that look like they're official intel. One to the group by the lighthouse, suggesting that they move further south..."
DonMiguel says, "...one for the middle group, suggesting that Los Vagos are to the north, disguised as Montaigne soldiers, to ambush them. And that they should head north to catch them."
[7thsea] GM says, "So, plan away! And since we skipped ahead to this scene, I'm giving you all three Plan Dice to help with things you 'anticipated'."
DonMiguel says, "And a similar one for the north group, telling them the same thing, but sending them south."
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Does 'Felipe' speak Montaigne?"
[7thsea] GM says, "Looks like 'no'."
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "The 'unknown-to-players' advantage is quite the tease"
[7thsea] GM says, "He's been living among them for a while so he could probably pick up a few words here and there."
DonMiguel says, "We would need to disguise one of us as an errand boy to drop off the messages."
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "I have Disguise"
[7thsea] GM says, "As does Felipe."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Felipe's disguise skills probably exceed mine"
[Crows-Nest] DonMiguel asks, "And I! So if we assisted, would that be two free raises?"
DonMiguel asks, "What do you think?"
[7thsea] GM says, "I guess (s)he has it at 5k4, since she has 4 wits."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Mine would be 5k3."
[7thsea] GM asks, "That sounds reasonable; is that what I've been ruling thus far?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says (to GM), "I think this is the first time the question of two people assisting at once has come up, but the free raise is what you originally OK'ed for one person assisting."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(If they had the same skill.)"
[7thsea] GM says, "Sure, that works. Especially since there's plenty of time."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "There's also the question of whether Don Miguel might accidentally learn Felipe's secret if he helps"
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims, "If Talbert is happy with that plan, then let's disguise Talbert!"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Oh, right! Sure, I'm happy with Miguel and Felipe handling my makeup/etc"
[7thsea] GM says, "So, let's say that whatever you roll on your disguise is the TN needed to see through it later when someone looks."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Nice."
[7thsea] GM says, "(Also, your NPCs can join any group, or you can decide later what group they've been in when you need them.)"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Sounds good."
[7thsea] GM says, "(Including Penelope)"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Ah, that's what the P in NPC stands for"
[7thsea] GM says, "Oh, so, this scene is you all prepping earlier in the evening."
[7thsea] Talbert exclaims, "Makeover madness!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Do we need to roll anything for how convincing the notes are, or is that subsumed into the Disguise check?"
Felipe says (to Penelope), "(as she works on Talbert's collar) "Would you like any assistance getting dolled up youself? Big night for you!""
[7thsea] GM says, "Oh, yeah, the notes are going to be Forgery."
[7thsea] GM says, "Since there's a knack for that and everything."
Penelope says, "I could use some help tightening my laces."
[7thsea] Penelope says, "(corset, not boot)"
Felipe exclaims, "Of course!"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "Don't want to be walking around with a whaleboner"
[7thsea] Felipe says, "(Wow, Felipe has Fashion 3.)"
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Is it 2 XP to raise a knack from 0 to 1?"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "It is!"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Wow, that is cheaper than I thought"
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims, "Since I have Spy, I'd like to take the advanced knack Forgery!"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Sold!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says (to Talbert), "The expensive part is getting the skill that the knack's part of."
[7thsea] GM says, "(And yeah, upping advanced knacks to 1 is a very very common early XP sink.)"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "I see"
DonMiguel crafts three notes based on Talbert's familiarity with Montaigne millitary communication style.
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Wits + Forgery? I'm also throwing in a plan die."
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Yup!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 5k4: 8 1 2 4 1 | 15
[7thsea] GM says, "That's the lowest 5k4 I've seen in my life."
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Hmm. That's not very high. You said we got three plan dice each?"
[7thsea] GM says, "Yup! Though this too is a contested roll, so you can choose to spend it when you see what they roll."
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims, "OK!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims, "So if we have the notes and the disguise, the next step is to deliver them!"
[7thsea] GM says, "OK, Felipe with her Disguise roll:"
[7thsea] Felipe rolls 5k4: 2 3 1 6 10+1 | 22
[7thsea] Felipe says, "Which rolls up to a 32, with the assists."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "*That's* more like what a 5k4 ought to look like."
Felipe, with several applications of makeup and seeminly random bits of cloth, turns you into the spitting image of Adrien, an errand boy who assists the army.
Felipe asks (of Penelope), "And, if I may?"
Penelope turns around, "Yes, please."
[7thsea] Felipe rolls 7k4: 4 3 2 6 1 8 7 | 25
[Crows-Nest] (from DonMiguel) Felipe turns Penelope into the spitting image of Adrien, an errand boy who assists the army.
[Crows-Nest] Penelope asks, "Maybe Tristand is into that?"
Felipe, with a skill you're certain you've never seen in a guy before, takes in the corset the *exact* amount, and adjusts the (dress?) with some judicious tugs here and there. He stands back, looks at you speculatively, then pulls a blue flower from the table vase, and tucks it behind your ear.
[7thsea] Felipe says, "(also, since you also have Fashion, that rolled up to a 30, with your own assistance.)"
Penelope smooches Felipe on the cheek. "Thanks!"
Felipe blushes ferociously.
Felipe says, "You... you look lovely."
Felipe steals a glance at Talbert before busying themselves with some papers.
[7thsea] GM says, "'them'! I found the right pronoun ;-)"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Woo"
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Time to deliver the messages?"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "If that's it, let's skip forward to 9:00 that night!"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Timeskip away"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "The goal being: trick the two northern groups into fighting each other somewhere north of the caves, and the southern group into wandering off south out of the way."
[7thsea] GM asks, "Are you delivering the messages north to south; south to north, or some other order?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "I would think south to north; that way, we'll be closer to where the confrontation is likely to happen and can join in as needed."
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Sounds good!"
[7thsea] GM says (to Talbert), "RP arriving at the first group! They are hidden."
[7thsea] GM says, "And in the meantime:"
[interludes] Tristand enters the establishment where Penelope works on occasion, looking full of confidence. He blanches slightly when he sees Penelope, shakes his head a bit, then walks up to her, confidence restored, takes her hand, and kisses it. "You look amazing, my dear."
Talbert almost whistles to himself as he makes his way ('Makin my way!') to the first group. He has full confidence in his loved one's ability to render anyone unrecognizable.
[7thsea] GM says, "Hee"
[interludes] Penelope smiles, genuinely happy to see him, and says, "Why thank you. You clean up pretty well yourself."
[7thsea] GM says (to Talbert), "Roll Perception! TN 15."
[7thsea] Talbert asks, "Is that just Wits?"
[7thsea] Talbert rolls 2k2: 9 7 | 16
[interludes] Tristand grins. "Ah, the benefits of the military dress uniform. I need make no decisions of my own, and still look dashing."
GM exclaims (at Talbert), "You see slight movement behind a rock!"
Talbert halts!
Talbert...sneaks up to the rock?
GM says (to Talbert), "You hear a hiss, "Adrien, what are you doing?""
[interludes] GM says, "And, let's see. Let's try the social combat thing. Just one 'attack' each; he's using self-deprecation to make himself look more charming, so a sort of generic Etiquette roll vs. your own Etiquette*5+5."
[interludes] GM says, "Looks like you actually got Etiquette from two different skills, putting it at 2! So, TN 15."
[7thsea] Tristand rolls 5k3: 7 1 1 7 6 | 20
[interludes] GM asks, "That's a success, unless you want to try an 'active defense'?"
[interludes] Penelope says, "Hm.."
[interludes] Penelope says, "I mean. He *is* charming, lol."
[Setting the zoned flag.]
[interludes] GM says, "Perfectly fine to fall for it ;-) You're not actually sure what he's after yet, so it might be something you don't mind him obtaining."
Talbert says (to Rock), "Ah! Don't scare me like that! I've got an errand to run"
[interludes] Penelope says, "Hmmmmm. Can I use Jenny to sort of remind myself that as charming as he is, he's still a client? If not, I'll just let him succeed."
[interludes] GM exclaims, "Sure!"
[interludes] Penelope asks, "What skill did we say we were using?"
[interludes] GM says, "Looks like Wits, plus Jenny in this case."
[interludes] Penelope says, "Trait, rather"
[7thsea] Penelope rolls 6k3: 10+4 3 1 2 10+1 9 | 34
Soldier hisses, "Well, go do it!"
[Crows-Nest] Penelope says, ""Conceal, don't feel, just let it gooooooooo.""
[interludes] GM says, "Success! Neither of you score anything off the other yet; he tried being charming and you used your action to defend, for now."
Talbert says, "Oui m'sieur! *scampers onward*"
[interludes] Penelope asks, "So, handsome. What did you have in mind for us tonight?"
Talbert says, "(actually, ignore the scampering part, am I supposed to deliver to the first soldier I meet?)"
[interludes] Tristand says (to Penelope), "If you don't mind, I thought we'd start with reservations at La Impresi�n! They do wonderful things with fish."
[7thsea] GM exclaims (at Talbert), "Right!"
[interludes] Penelope says, "Oh, that sounds delightful."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "... what am I right about again :D"
[7thsea] GM says (to Talbert), "Your goal is to give this person a piece of paper."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Wow, can't believe I almost messed that up"
[7thsea] GM says, "Well, you did get vaxxed yesterday... wait that was me."
Talbert pulls out the message. 'Here's the message what I was told to deliver, m'sieur.'
[interludes] Tristand asks, "It is not far, but it is raining--would you like my coat?"
Soldier says, "Oh, hmm."
Soldier looks at the note. (this is his roll vs. forgery, which was 15)
[7thsea] Soldier rolls 3k3: 3 5 2 | 10
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Ha."
Soldier sighs.
[7thsea] Talbert says, "That is low for a 3k3"
Soldier grouses, "I had even found a place sheltered from the rair. Ah, well..."
[7thsea] Soldier asks, "This was 'go south a bit', right?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Right."
[interludes] Penelope says, "Oh, but I don't want you to get soaked either. I'll just run upstairs and grab my cloak. (Which does, in fact, exist on my character sheet :D)"
Soldier gathers up his men and tromps away down the beach.
[7thsea] Penelope says, "I spent my hard-earned coin on regular and fancy outfits :D"
[interludes] Tristand bows. "I'm sure it will only add to your beauty, my dear. I will wait here."
Talbert scampers lovably away, like a lovable scamp.
[interludes] Penelope smiles at Tristand, "I'll only be a second." She goes upstairs, and also checks herself in a hallway mirror. She does look great ;)
GM says, "And we move to the next pair of scenes! Talbert approaches the caves amidst the spray of the rising ocean waves against the rocks, and Penelope and Tristand are sitting down to eat a delicious meal, slightly damp coats and cloaks hanging behind them."
GM says (to Talbert), "Again, you see nobody; the group is supposed to be just inside the caves."
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "*Tristand and Penelope eat lobster* CUT TO *Talbert, being eaten by a lobster*"
GM exclaims (at Talbert), "Perception, again!"
[7thsea] Talbert rolls 2k2: 2 6 | 8
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "Well, poop on a pogo stick"
GM exclaims (at Talbert), "You don't see them!"
[7thsea] GM says, "But again, you're here to deliver a thing."
Talbert exclaims, "... is anyone there? I've got a message!"
[7thsea] Soldier exclaims, "rolling vs. your disguise!"
[7thsea] Soldier rolls 3k3: 2 4 6 | 12
Soldier asks, "Adrien? What are *you* doing here?"
Soldier steps out from behind a rock and frowns at the sea spray. "This is no place for you."
[interludes] GM exclaims, "And for here, let's try Initiative: roll finesse d10's!"
[7thsea] Tristand rolls 3d10 dice: 6 10 7
[7thsea] Penelope rolls 4d10 dice: 1 5 10 7
[interludes] GM says, "So, the opening gambit is yours! Tristand is regaling you with a funny story from his childhood."
[7thsea] GM asks (of Talbert), "I assume you hand them the message?"
Talbert hands over the message. 'I go where I'm told to, m'sieur! Just doing my part. I'd better hurry though'
[7thsea] Soldier rolls 3k3: 4 3 3 | 10
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Sorry, was typing"
[7thsea] GM says, "np"
[7thsea] Penelope asks, "So I guess I'm trying to feel him out and see whether he'd be intersted in... joining up in general, or just helping out tonight?"
[7thsea] GM asks, "Trying to figure that out, yeah--would he be a reasonable recruit to LV in general? Or a sometimes ally?"
Soldier exclaims, "Oh! Hunh. I guess that's reasonable. Oh, crap, that means they *will* be passing the north group. OK, men! Let's fall out!"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "Narratively, I expect the north group to see through the forgery :D"
[7thsea] GM says (to Talbert), "You're also heading north; if you want to beat them by a reasonable distance, you'll need a better Sprinting/Finesse roll than their straight finesse."
[interludes] Penelope laughs at little Tristand's antics. When he's done, she points to a detail in the story, and says "It's always been important to you to do what's right, hasn't it? Even when that isn't necessarily what's.. *pauses as if looking for the right word* popular?"
[7thsea] Talbert rolls 5k4: 5 9 4 8 5 | 27
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "Sprinty sprint sprint"
[7thsea] Soldier rolls 3k3: 5 1 7 | 13
[7thsea] Soldier exclaims, "You sprint away!"
Talbert, once out of view, parallel parkours.
[interludes] GM exclaims (at Penelope), "OK, roll a Wits attack plus whatever skill you're using!"
GM says (to Talbert), "You approach the north group and need no Perception roll at all: they're totally disorganized; one person throwing rocks into the water; another huddled behind a rock playing cards; two more arguing loudly on the beach."
[interludes] GM says, "('another two huddled behind a rock')"
[interludes] GM says, "(ilac)"
Talbert waves at the group
[interludes] Penelope says, "Maybe sincerity? I'm not really lying, but I've got ulterior motives in asking. (I took it at a 1 with last session's XP)"
[7thsea] Penelope rolls 4k3: 9 4 7 9 | 25
[interludes] GM says, "OK, that beats his Diplomacy defense of 15! He's not going to try an active defense, so since this is does involve something personal to him, roll a 1+Panache k2."
[7thsea] Soldier rolls 3k3: 7 5 4 | 16
[7thsea] Penelope rolls 4k2: 3 9 8 6 | 17
Soldier exclaims, "Hey, Adrien's here to tell us to go home! Yay!"
Soldier2 exclaims, "I *knew* they weren't coming this way!"
[interludes] GM says, "OK, Tristand defending with Resolve:"
[7thsea] Tristand rolls 2k2: 4 10+2 | 16
Talbert hands the message over to the first soldier.
Tristand spends a drama die.
[interludes] Tristand says, "That was too close to not ;-)"
[7thsea] Tristand rolls 1k1: 6 | 6
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Aw."
[interludes] Tristand winces slightly at the challenge, being able to tell that you're sincere, but diplomatically says, "Well, of course! I think any Montaignian would tell you the same."
[7thsea] Soldier2 rolls 2k2: 3 5 | 8
[interludes] Penelope makes a sort of "mmmmmm, would they, though?" smile.
[7thsea] Soldier2 says, "Just for fun, I think the soldier is going to roll an extra drama die, too."
[7thsea] Soldier2 rolls 1k1: 5 | 5
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "That was for detecting the forgery?"
[7thsea] Soldier2 says, "Right."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Man, that 15 was better than I thought it was."
[7thsea] Soldier2 exclaims, "But that's not enough!"
Soldier2 says, "Oh, for..."
Soldier2 exclaims, "Hey, you two! Get over here!"
GM says (to Talbert), "At the rate they're getting together, there's no way they'll be organized before the south group gets here."
[interludes] Tristand shrugs nonchalantly, but you can tell he still feels bad for skiving off an honest question. (Still has 17 'flesh wounds')
[interludes] GM says (to Penelope), "You're next, on 5! He goes on 6."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "I was almost going to go 'okay, how can I help them get their shit together' :D"
[7thsea] GM says, "If DonM wants to do something here, you can, too, though you're obviously not disguised. This is where you were planning to meet."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Perhaps I can make some mild commotion to the south of them."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Something to make them think they need to hurry."
[7thsea] GM says, "Sure! No obvious knack comes to mind, so pick something relevant."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Shaking bushes, breaking branches, etc. To sound like a group of people moving."
[7thsea] GM says, "And Talbert, you can also try something. Oratory to just inspire them, perhaps."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Natural Philosophy (specifgically botany) seems a stretch..."
GM says, "WEATHER UPDATE: slightly harder rain, thunder in the distance."
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Climbing, maybe, since I'm messing around with trees and stuff?"
[interludes] Penelope spins a not entirely untrue story about her slightly younger days, when she'd first arrived in Castille and about, uh.. something something something, but basically trying to make a point about how the Montaignes treat Castilleans and trying to get him to show some awareness and/or empathy, I guess?
[7thsea] GM says, "Ha, that it does. Botanically, most branches don't shake like someone's approaching."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "I have no oratory at all"
[Crows-Nest] DonMiguel says (to GM), "Coincidentally, a weather alert just went off on my phone just before you said that."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Ha."
[7thsea] GM exclaims (at Talbert), "Whatever else you'd like to try!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Acting seems like the only other thing that could apply that I have. If none of those work, I'll just roll a straight Trait, I guess."
[7thsea] Talbert says (to GM), "Alas, I am bereft of ideas"
[7thsea] GM asks (of DonM), "There is a cliff here, if you want to try to climb and push something down, perhaps?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims, "OK!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Finesse + Climbing?"
[7thsea] GM says (to Talbert), "If you have Oratory as an advanced knack of a skill you have, try that; otherwise acting, or just rp being ineffective and we'll play it for laughs ;-)"
[interludes] Penelope says, "And maybe oratory myself? Since I'm trying to persuade him to see things our way."
[7thsea] GM says (to DonM), "Sure! Active opposition, let's say."
[7thsea] Soldier2 rolls 2k2: 5 4 | 9
[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 6k4: 2 2 6 7 5 4 | 22
[7thsea] Talbert says (to GM), "Ineffective pep talk it is"
[interludes] GM exclaims (at Penelope), "Sounds perfect!"
[7thsea] Penelope rolls 5k3: 5 10+8 5 5 2 | 28
[interludes] GM says (to Penelope), "Success! This is somewhat more of a generic approach, so Panackek1 for wounds. Happily, he already has a bunch."
[interludes] GM says, "er, panache k 1."
DonMiguel climbs up to the top of the cliff, where he has a good view of the beach in either direction. Seeing that the soldiers in the north camp aren't moving quickly enough, he sends them some motivation in the form of a few large rocks tumbling down the cliffside, just far enough away that they won't know what exactly the sound is coming from, but they'll definitely know there's *something* out there that they need to be ready for.
[7thsea] Penelope rolls 3k1: 5 5 10+3 | 13
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Er, quick bio break for me--rp what you're doing while I'm gone!"
[Crows-Nest] (from DonMiguel) GM nods off for a post-vax nap.
Talbert says, "...Once more onto the, ahem, beach! Kick them in the shins! Oh, they're not here yet. Hope you've got good boots, m'sieur! Maybe grab some nails and put them through your soles? That'll teach them who's boss"
Talbert stands on a rock, slips, tumbles. '*from behind rock, feet in the air* 'Never give up!'
Talbert says, "Never shore end her"
Talbert exclaims, "Or something!"
Talbert says, "Now I've got a sore end..."
[interludes] Tristand says, "OK, TN 13+17=30:"
[7thsea] Tristand rolls 2k2: 4 8 | 12
[interludes] Tristand says, "That's a hit! As it were. wounds go away, and he reveals something:"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "Imagine Gavroche if Les Mis were directed by Frank Capra"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "also brb"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "having a coughing fit"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "oh no"
Soldier2 exclaims, "Oh, crap, someone's coming. I bet it's those nerds at the middle ambush. Together, everyone! Or we'll get KP again!"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "(back)"
[interludes] Tristand kind of crumples, and sighs. "Indeed, madamoiselle, our people have not always been... kind. If we weren't driving back the Inquisition, I feel I would falter in my duties, but... I mean, you've seen what happens when they decide someone's on their bad side, have you not? He shakes his head."
Soldier2, meanwhile gets the group together and manages to start marching down the beach!
[7thsea] GM asks, "Where are the two of you for this? Letting them do their thing without you, or watching from somewhere, or participating somehow?"
[interludes] GM says (to Penelope), "So, you've learned that he feels the army is doing more good than bad, because they route the inquisition from the lands they take over."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "I like my vantage point up on the cliff, where I can see what they're doing and maybe interfere if needed."
[interludes] Penelope reaches out and pats Tristand's hand in a sympathetic manner.
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "E.g., by throwing rocks at them or whatever."
Talbert will sneak away to join with the Don
[interludes] Tristand takes your hand and looks at you intently. "I must say. I... thought you would not accept the invitation, tonight. I had guessed you would be.. busy." He looks at you intently, with a Cold Read 'attack', trying to see if you knew that today's date was significant.
[interludes] Tristand asks, "vs. your diplomacy, perhaps?"
[7thsea] Tristand rolls 5k3: 10+9 5 8 3 8 | 35
[interludes] Tristand says, "wow, OK."
[interludes] Penelope says, "I don't have diplomacy"
[interludes] Penelope says, "But yeah"
GM exclaims, "In the meantime, on the dark and stormy beach, the two groups meet! The one coming from the north is incredibly disorganized, but moving, and the south group set up an ambush!"
[interludes] GM asks (of Penelope), "Something else?"
[interludes] Penelope says, "Hm.."
[interludes] GM says, "Or an active defense, if you like. Right now that's a success with a free raise (giving him an extra 1k0 on his 'damage' roll)"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Hmm. I think it might be even more effective if the north group discovered the ambush, so they wouldn't be overwhelmed quite so quickly. Let them have a chance to beat up on the south group for a bit."
[7thsea] GM asks (of Don), "What would you like to do?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "So I'm thinking of throwing a couple rocks down the cliffside near where the ambush is, to put the north group on alert, so they realize there's something ahead of them."
[interludes] Penelope says, "As an active defense, maybe sincerity that, "Oh! It *is* [what was my frenemie's name?]'s birthday. But I'd much rather be here with you.""
[interludes] Penelope says, "I don't know really"
[interludes] GM says, "There's no wrong answer; anything would be fine."
[7thsea] GM asks (of DonM), "OK, maybe climbing again?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims, "OK!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 6k4: 1 9 1 2 8 9 | 28
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "OK, the south group resisting!"
[7thsea] Soldier2 rolls 3k3: 8 1 7 | 16
DonMiguel clambers over the rocks to a spot nearly right above the ambush site and tosses down a couple of stones, to hopefully give away their positions.
[interludes] Penelope says, "Ok, actually. I sort of like where this is going. So I want to say something more like "Yes.. I had.. other plans tonight. But it was more important to be here with you." And use, uh... still sincerity, I think. Not lying necessarily, but I'm hoping he'll see things my way in a bit."
[interludes] Penelope says, "Since I'm guessing he knows what's going on tonight."
[7thsea] Penelope rolls 4k3: 5 8 4 6 | 19
[7thsea] Penelope says, "And... I planned for this"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Maybe it'll explode..."
[7thsea] Penelope rolls 1k1: 9 | 9
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Nope."
[interludes] Penelope knows Tristand isn't stupid.
[7thsea] GM says, "OK, figuring out what to roll for the beach group, but in the meantime, let's see mechanically what happens in the restaurant. Normal success, no free raise, but I think this is a personal thing."
[7thsea] Tristand rolls 3k2: 4 4 3 | 8
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Ha. Resist with Resolve!"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "2k2? (resolve is 2.. I just haven't resisted before)"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Yup!"
[7thsea] Penelope rolls 2k2: 3 8 | 11
[7thsea] GM says, "You are successful! You have 8 'flesh wounds', but no dramatic wound."
[7thsea] GM says, "And switching to the beach group:"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert asks, "Is this technically a beach episode?"
[7thsea] GM says, "Let's say that because of Don's interference, they both get an initial clash roll, so 2k2 for the north group vs. 15, and 3k3 for the south group vs. 10."
[7thsea] Soldier2 rolls 2k2: 2 6 | 8
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "'Clash roll'?"
Soldier2 and the rest of the north group manage to get things together to mount an attack, but the south group avoids them!
[7thsea] Soldier rolls 3k3: 6 9 7 | 22
[7thsea] Soldier says, "Wait, wait, I'm wrong."
[7thsea] Soldier says, "I roll unkept total number of participants."
[7thsea] Soldier says, "so, rerolling both, 7k2 north, 6k3 south, TN 15 for north, TN 10 for south:"
[7thsea] Soldier rolls 7k2: 1 2 2 1 9 8 2 | 17
[7thsea] Soldier exclaims, "A hit! They take one out!"
[7thsea] Soldier rolls 6k3: 7 5 7 6 2 1 | 20
[7thsea] Soldier exclaims, "A response hit! They also take out one of the north group!"
DonMiguel whispers (to Talbert), "It's working!"
[7thsea] Soldier says, "Next, the south group has a chance of recognizing the north group! And you can do something to intervene in this, if you like/if you can think of something ;-)"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "hmm"
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "If I talk, am I high enough up that it'll be obvious to them that it's coming from above? Or is it plausible that, in the confusion of battle, they might mistake it as coming from the other side?"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Maybe we could yell in Castillian, yeah"
[interludes] GM asks, "OK, for this, we have Penelope with a 7 left (having spent the 10 on her active defense), and a Tristand with a 7, 10. I think that means Tristand goes first?"
[interludes] Penelope says, "Ok"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Something like, 'they're onto us!' or 'they've seen through our disguises!'."
[7thsea] Soldier asks, "Sort of a ventriloquism thing?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Yeah."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "If we aim it right, it could echo off the cliff, confusing which direction it's coming from."
[7thsea] Soldier says, "Sadly, 'ventriloquism' is not a knack ;-)"
[7thsea] Soldier says, "So I have to come up with something else."
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Oratory?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Sincerity?"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Natural Philosophy to know where to aim, maybe"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "followed by something else"
[7thsea] Soldier asks, "Oh, sure: how about Don does Natural Philosophy to tell Talbert whick direction to yell?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Wits?"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "That *sounds* good"
[7thsea] Soldier says, "Yeah, Wits for NP; Wits or Panache for Talbert."
[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 4k3: 10+7 7 10+10+10+3 5 | 57
[7thsea] Soldier says, "(with Acting or Oratory or whatever.)"
[7thsea] Soldier says, "holy"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "I am speechless"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "I'm not sure what the TN was, but I think Talbert gets a free raise or two."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "I'll go for plain Panache"
[7thsea] Soldier exclaims, "Yeah, I feel like that's just a success; maybe two if Talbert rolls high enough. So, TN 20 for Talbert! Extra success if you make it!"
DonMiguel says (to Talbert), "Do you see that natural cleft in the rock there? The angles to either side are a natural reflector. if you shout into it, your voice will echo down and out, and it'll be impossible for them to tell where it came from."
Talbert says, "Your mind is as sharp as your sword, mon ami"
[7thsea] Talbert rolls 3k3: 1 2 3 | 6
[7thsea] Talbert says, "..."
[7thsea] Soldier says, "Well, it's a good thing you knew where to shout ;-)"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Ha ha."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "To be fair, I'm not a Castillan"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "I will give you my drama die for sharing, if you like."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "It's a second language"
[7thsea] Talbert says (to DonMiguel), "Drama die it is"
[7thsea] Talbert rolls 1k1: 6 | 6
[7thsea] Talbert says, "That's still only a 12 vs 20"
[7thsea] Soldier says, "That's still 8 short of a 20."
[7thsea] Talbert asks, "I have a drama die of my own, right?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Yeah, it's up to you to decide if you think it's worth spending plan dice on."
[interludes] GM exclaims, "You do!"
[interludes] GM says, "ilac"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "I'll spend a plan die"
[7thsea] Talbert rolls 1k1: 1 | 1
[7thsea] Talbert says, "The dice are acting funny today"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "The dice really, really don't want you to succeed."
[7thsea] GM says, "Ha."
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "You're not rolling the little square ones with dots on them, are you?"
[7thsea] GM says, "Anything more, or let that stand? It's still a success, don't forget, just not an extra one."
[7thsea] Talbert asks (of GM), "I thought the TN was 20?"
[7thsea] GM says, "it was TN 20 to get a *second* success; the first one was guaranteed by the 57."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Aha! Okay"
[7thsea] GM says, "Sorry fot that not being clear."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Well, I'll let that stand, it makes sense that I yell in Castillan with a bit of a Montaignian accent"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "OK! rp!"
Talbert yells into the cleft: 'Ellos estan vinien doux! Ma tarle os a tout dos!'
Talbert has an unfortunate accent, but at least his voice seems to come from somewhere else
Talbert exclaims, "Est un vin doux! Est un vin doux!"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "That concludes my RP"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "thanks to Google Translate for allowing my multilingual gag"
Soldiers thought they might recognize the other group, but with the shouts, they clash again!
[7thsea] Soldiers says, "(same TNs, one die lower for each)"
[7thsea] Soldiers rolls 6k2: 2 8 8 2 9 4 | 17
[7thsea] Soldiers exclaims, "Sucess! The north group rallies and takes another one out!"
[7thsea] Soldiers rolls 5k3: 9 4 1 9 9 | 27
[7thsea] Soldiers exclaims, "And the south group makes short work of one of the card players who cries out and falls into the surf!"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert exclaims, "This episode sponsored by Games Workshop. Get your Montaignian soldier minis now!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "How many are in each group at this point?"
[7thsea] Soldiers says, "At this point, it's 5 and 4."
[interludes] GM says, "In the meantime, Penelope and Tristand have finished their meal, and Tristand stands up and holds Penelope's coat for her. "This place does have good desserts, but there is somewhere else I had in mind for that: do you know Miss Valeria? She makes the most divine pastries. Though they are served on the street, I'm afraid.""
[interludes] Penelope alows him to slip the cloak over her shoulders. "That sounds delightful.
[interludes] Penelope asks, "*Do* I know Miss Valeria?"
[interludes] GM says, "Unless you want it to be new-to-you ;-)"
[interludes] Penelope says, "Ok, then I do :)"
[interludes] Tristand takes you to the desert place and he orders for you, saying, "I... think you'll like this. Two colstradas, please, Miss Valeria!"
[interludes] Tristand says, "https://www.tasteatlas.com/most-popular-sweet-pastries-in-spain"
[interludes] Penelope says, "Oh my god. I did not have such a thing in Spain."
[interludes] Penelope says, "Says Adri, not Penelope."
[interludes] GM exclaims (at Penelope), "You've never had them before, but they are *exactly* the sort of thing you love. It's an attack with pastries!"
[7thsea] Tristand rolls 4k3: 7 10+8 10+6 10+2 | 46
[interludes] GM says, "Wow, those are good pastries."
[interludes] Penelope oohs and ahhs and experiences pleasures she has never experienced before.
[7thsea] Tristand rolls 3k2: 8 1 6 | 14
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(AFK)"
[interludes] GM exclaims, "OK, that's a total of 22 'flesh wounds'! Roll Resolve vs. 14+8=22!"
[7thsea] Penelope rolls 2k2: 2 5 | 7
[7thsea] Penelope says, "augh."
[interludes] GM says, "You are powerless in the face of such tastiness."
[interludes] Penelope has cream on her nose.
[interludes] Tristand leans forward and licks it off.
[interludes] Penelope maybe purrs without thinking about it.
[interludes] Penelope asks, "So that's a dramatic wound, too?"
[interludes] GM exclaims, "It is! He's been trying to figure out stuff about you like what you know about tonight and what you want from him; pick what you like to reveal!"
[interludes] Tristand says, "Ah, ma chaton diabolique."
[interludes] GM says, "And then it's your '7', and finally his '10'."
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "*chatonne"
[Crows-Nest] GM exclaims, "Thanks!"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Google translate is not always entirely accurate ;-)"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "But: 'my devil kitten'"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(Back.)"
[Crows-Nest] DonMiguel asks, "Was this a case of Google not knowing that Penelope was female?"
[interludes] GM says, "The wind whips your cloaks around each other, and he grins softly at you."
[interludes] Penelope says, "(Thinking/typing about the reveal)"
Soldiers says, "And the fight on the beach continues! The people have moved, so you don't think the same place will work for shouting, and you think that without intervention, they'll discover the ruse this round."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "It might be time to pull out the secret backup plan we worked out ahead of time:"
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims, "A smoke bomb!"
[interludes] Penelope says, ""For the sake of full... well, maybe partially... transparancy, my dear. I did have an ulterior motive tonight in accepting your invitation, beyond simply enjoying your wonderful company. I... think there are ways to ward off the Inquisition that do less... harm."
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says (to GM), "Technically 'minette' would be the affectionate term for a cute female cat"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "a bit cruder though"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Which we can toss down into the middle of the fight to confuse things and make it harder for them to figure out what's really going on."
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "It doesn't really matter since this is alt-fantasy pseudo French :D"
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Natural Philosophy + Finesse?"
[7thsea] Soldiers asks (of DonM), "That sounds to me like it'd make the fight continue, but also increase the TNs to hit each other. Fair?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims, "Fair!"
[interludes] Penelope says, "And, (and here is me trying to get him onto my side, though I'm not sure with which knack yet) I think you may be aware of that as well."
[interludes] GM says, "Sounds good! That sounds like your counter-attack on 7, then ;-)"
[7thsea] Soldiers says, "OK! With the wind, that makes it a TN 20 to place it somewhere that the wind won't immediately clear the battlefield of the smoke."
[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 5k4: 9 2 6 10+3 9 | 37
[7thsea] Soldiers exclaims, "Success! And the fight continues!"
[7thsea] Soldiers says, "5k2 vs. 20, and 4k3 vs. 15."
[7thsea] Soldiers rolls 5k2: 8 1 6 8 3 | 16
Soldiers to the north can't get things together enough to even *find* the soldiers from the south!
[7thsea] Soldiers rolls 4k3: 6 6 7 8 | 21
DonMiguel throws a flash down to the beach below. It breaks on the rocks, letting the chemicals inside mix together, and copious quantities of smoke billow out! The combatants below can barely tell who's friend or foe, not that they had any idea beforehand either.
[interludes] Penelope, without revealing that she's directly involved, sings the praises of the Vagabond. (oratory)
[7thsea] Penelope rolls 5k3: 2 7 6 5 7 | 20
[7thsea] Soldiers says, "But a soldier from the south emerges from the smoke behind a soldier from the north, and takes him out! That leaves the field even at 4 each."
DonMiguel says (to Talbert), "This might be a good time for us to join in, since they're not likely to be able to tell us apart from each other."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(I didn't want to join the fight earlier, lest we give up the ruse and give them a common enemy, but with all the smoke, I think that might no longer be a problem?)"
[interludes] GM asks, "That's a success! Since he revealed he was against the inquisition earlier, let's say that this is a 0k2 line of attack?"
[interludes] GM says, "So, panache k2."
[7thsea] Penelope rolls 3k2: 2 9 4 | 13
[7thsea] Tristand rolls 2k2: 2 5 | 7
Talbert exclaims (at DonMiguel), "Yes, let's strike!"
[7thsea] Soldiers says (to Talbert), "Since you didn't have an action yet, you can join in this round, and DonM can join next round. TN for north group is 15, 20 if you want to keep your identity secret; and 20/25 for the north group."
[7thsea] Soldiers says, "er, south group for the last."
[interludes] Tristand says, "Oh! Hmm. I had heard tales, but they must have been... filtered through the lens of Montaignian opinions, shall we say. I thought him a tool of the inquisition, not its enemy."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "I'll go for the south group, and stay in disguise"
[interludes] Tristand takes your arm and you stroll almost aimlessly, as he considers things anew.
[7thsea] Talbert rolls 5k4: 3 9 1 4 6 | 22
[7thsea] Talbert asks, "Well, well. Drama die?"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "I spent one earlier whoops"
[7thsea] Soldiers says, "Success! You take one out."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Oh, but the TN was 25"
[7thsea] Soldiers says, "(It's the *south* group with the higher TN; I misspoke.)"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says (to Talbert), "Don't forget that we had three plan dice. (Each?)"
[7thsea] Soldiers says, "Yeah, each."
[7thsea] Talbert rolls 1k1: 7 | 7
[7thsea] Talbert exclaims, "I succeed with a 29!"
[7thsea] Soldiers exclaims, "That's a hit on the south group!"
[7thsea] Soldiers exclaims, "You take one out; rp!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Are they all brutes?"
Talbert is concealed by the smoke: it billows as his blade lunges forth and strikes at a particularly brutish soldier!
[interludes] GM says, "Yeah."
[interludes] GM says, "(ilac)"
[Crows-Nest] (from Talbert) Johann gurgles, 'Neeeein'
[7thsea] GM says, "OK, I could have you beach people roll init, or just have everyone go; does that seem reasonable? I don't want to take out init rolls if you want them."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "I feel like init wouldn't be fun here, and we're getting late"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "That was my sense, too. So! Nat Philosophy roll, TN 20 to keep the smoke rolling, then everyone goes!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Agreed."
[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 5k4: 7 3 4 2 9 | 23
[interludes] GM says, "And in the meantime, Tristand takes his final action, too:"
[interludes] GM asks, ".DonM Which group were you attacking?"
[interludes] GM says, "7th"
[interludes] GM asks, ".DonM Which group were you attacking?"
[interludes] GM says, "sigh."
[interludes] Penelope says, "Hee"
[7thsea] GM asks, ".DonM Which group were you attacking?"
(From DonMiguel) The broken flask continues to hiss out black smoke, and the wind only serves to spread it out across a wider area.
DonMiguel slides down the scree, with his sword at the ready, to attack the north group!
[7thsea] GM says, "Sigh! Not an attack roll. I have maximized my own confusion."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Taking a raise to attack two at once."
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Not an attack roll?"
[7thsea] GM says, "Your 23."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Oh, right. 23 was the smoke vs. 20."
[7thsea] GM says, "That was vs. the 20 NP for the smoke."
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Right!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "This is the attack vs. 20+5:"
[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 7k4: 1 6 8 9 6 1 1 | 29
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(20 to attack the north group but stay secret, +5 as a raise to attack a second brute.)"
[7thsea] Soldiers says, "You take out two of them! But we'll say it happens *after* they continue to fight each other. 4k2 vs. 20 for the north, 4k2 vs 15 for the south:"
[7thsea] Soldiers rolls 4k2: 9 5 6 10+7 | 26
[7thsea] Soldiers rolls 4k2: 5 3 6 6 | 12
[7thsea] Soldiers says, "The north group manages to rally this time, and takes out one of the south group! But then, from the billowing smoke and sea spray:"
DonMiguel slides down the slope, and his momentum brings his sword straight into the shoulder of one of the soldiers. Startled at this attack from behind, he spins around and stabs at the first man he sees -- one of his own allies! They both go down.
[7thsea] Soldiers says, "That leaves north at 2, and south at 4."
[7thsea] Soldiers says, "Same TNs as before (15/20 north, 20/25 south)"
[7thsea] Soldiers says, "(lower tn if you want to give up the ruse)"
[7thsea] Soldiers says, "Another thing that will give up the ruse: taking out all of one of the groups ;-)"
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Weren't there 4 in the south group before Talbert attacked one and the north attacked another?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(Or I might just be mixing up the numbers.)"
[7thsea] Soldiers says, "You may well be correct. Hang on."
[7thsea] Soldiers exclaims, "Yeah, that means I rolled to many dice for them, but they missed anyway. 2 north, 2 south. Talbert's up!"
[7thsea] Talbert rolls 5k4: 4 2 9 10+7 6 | 36
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Hack'n'slash"
[7thsea] Soldiers asks, "Continued attack on the south group?"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Yep"
[7thsea] Soldiers exclaims, "You take another one out!"
[7thsea] Soldiers exclaims, "rp!"
Talbert finds himself fencing with another soldier. He pretends to fall under the brute's blade, and as the brute comes into for a finishing blow Talbert stabs him in the stomach.
[7thsea] Talbert says, "The battle rages on"
[7thsea] Soldiers exclaims, "Though it's winding down significantly!"
[7thsea] GM says, "And switching back to the bepastried group:"
[interludes] Tristand says (to Penelope), "The rain is picking up, but I will admit I find it... invigorating." He winks at you. "Shall we walk along the cliff north of town? There's a place I would like to show you.""
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Uh oh."
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Yeah, uh oh"
[interludes] Penelope says, "(thinking)"
[7thsea] GM says, "We haven't seen Ricco yet; he could be watching somewhere if you like."
[interludes] GM says, "(channel)"
[interludes] Penelope says, "True that. I'm sure he's been trailing us. So I think I'm curious to see what Tristand is up to..."
[interludes] Penelope asks, ""With such company as you, that sounds like it would be all right. You promise to keep me safe, do you not?"
[interludes] Tristand says, "Oh, yes! Of course! Uh, if you don't feel safe, we can.. ack. Sorry! It's not... sigh."
Tristand:, to himself, adds, "She already said yes, you idiot."
[interludes] Tristand, to himself, adds, "She already said yes, you idiot."
[interludes] Penelope says, ""I just meant, it sounds dangerous to go walking along a cliff in the rain..."
[interludes] Tristand says, "Yes! Indeed. Very slippery. But we won't be *that* close, just enough for a view of, it seems, the lighting."
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Hmmmmmmmmmmmm."
[interludes] Tristand finally gathers himself, puts his arm around you, and leads you along the clifftop path, chatting about nonessential things along the way. The rain really is coming down hard by now, the wind is making conversation difficult, and depsite your cloaks, you're both getting wet.
[interludes] GM says, "Finally, you reach a small outbuilding that you had thought was long abandoned, but which has flickering light coming from the inside."
[interludes] Tristand says, "Come, inside! I hope it worth the damp."
[interludes] Penelope asks, "It's.. empty, right? Just you and me?"
[interludes] Tristand says, "Yes! That was, uh, kind of the point."
[interludes] Penelope giggles. "Oh!"
[Crows-Nest] (from Talbert) Talbert: 'Oi! You didn't take the Romance background!'
[interludes] GM says, "The building turns out to be naught but a single room, which has obviously been decked out with makeshift but lovely accoutrements. New curtains hang on the walls, scented candles burn on a makeshift table, and a makeshift bed lies in the middle of the room."
[interludes] Penelope steps inside and her heart kind of melts.
[interludes] Tristand says, "I do apologize for the confusion, but the idea of...finishing our evening where everyone else has finished their own evenings kind of grated on me. You deserve something special."
[interludes] Penelope says, ""Oh, you are so sweet!"
[interludes] Tristand finally seems to relax again, and steps closer to you. "Can I help you out of your wet things?"
[interludes] Penelope smiles seductively. "Only if I can return the favor."
[interludes] Tristand sweeps you up in a very passionate and wet kiss.
[interludes] GM says, "And we can hang a veil over the immediate proceedings thereafter, and say that a good time was had by all."
[interludes] Penelope says, "Hehe, yes."
[interludes] Penelope says, "(No watching, Ricco. Eyes on the perimeter.)"
[interludes] GM says, "And afterwards, Tristand is going to take his final action to both reveal something and ask something personal. If you like, you can just accede, or we can roll, but here's what he does:"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "(I have a relatively hard stop around now-ish.)"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Either the GM is typing something long, got disconnected, or finally had his immune system catch up with him."
[interludes] Tristand says, "Ma minette diabolique, it was my hope that this was what you were after that night at the gate. I will admit that I have been with many women, but it seemed, in that moment, that you wanted *me*, and nothing in my past had prepared me for that." He sighs. "But thinking back on it, it seemed to me that you likely had duties of your own, and that it might not have been... entirely, at least... about me after all. And if so, I understand. I will go out and try to find such a woman as you have made me realize must be out there. And given your stories of El Vago, I see that there are greater things than I afoot. So, if you want me, I am yours. And if you have other duties, I respect that, and will let you go. Perhaps, as an ally, at least? But... anyway."
[interludes] Tristand sighs, and leans his head on your shoulder. "But either way, tonight was amazing, and I would not have traded it for anything in the world.
[interludes] GM says, "The light from the lighthouse sweeps across the room through the small windows, as it has the entire evening."
[interludes] Penelope is thoughtful for a moment. "I care for you greatly, Tristand. I can be yours, but I cannot be only yours. And I don't just mean physically. I mean, that's the least of it. I do have my duties to the masked one. And I.. would appreciate if your... interests lay parallel to mine, from time to time? So, uh. That's not a no. But whether it's a yes is up to you.
[Crows-Nest] Penelope says, 'to hell with it',and runs away with Tristand.
[interludes] Tristand says, "I see." Tristand nods, and thinks for a while."
[interludes] Penelope says, "I promise to be honest with you, however."
[7thsea] GM says, "And on the beach, the final soldiers run away to the north, coughing in the smoke, and not wanting to report anything for fear of great reprisals. Talbert and Don Miguel also take a moment to breathe, as the light from the lighthouse sweeps over them, as well."
GM says, "And then: the lighouse light goes out."
Tristand exclaims, "Merde!"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "And, </scene>!"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Yikes!"
[7thsea] Talbert exclaims, "Cliff hanger!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims, "Woo!"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Now I must off to get ready for bed, but thanks again"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Likewise, dinner time here."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "It's interesting that, mechanically, since they're brutes, it probably would have been faster for us to attack each group of soldiers one by one."
[7thsea] GM says, "Also, extra drama dice for everyone next session! You all had great ideas and it was fun."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "But I think handling it this way was much cooler and much more appropriate for Los Vagos."
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims (at GM), "Yay!"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "yay"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Thank you thank you"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says (to GM), "Thanks for the game! It was fun."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "I could tell you were a bit groggy, but you handled it admirably"
[7thsea] GM says, "Good! I'm not sure if the split scenes quite worked as I had hoped, but it was fun."
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Oh, also, with the whole backgrounds mechanic, is there any XP effect from the dinner with the relic hunter last time, or is that just a cool plot thread?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "The split scenes did provide more downtime than usual, but I also happened to have laundry that needed folding, so it worked out OK for me."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "(I have to go now; if I have questions, there's always Discord :) )"
Talbert hops into the DeLorean and heads off to the future.
[7thsea] GM says, "Oh, good point! Let's say that everyone's backgrounds give XP to everyone when they come up, so an extra 1 for everyone due to that."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Nice."