[7thsea] Bert says, "Log on."
Talbert says, "Booty is in the rear of the behind-er"
Talbert says, "... I should have probably timed that for *before* Bert started recording, hah"
Penelope actually changed it right before you said that :D
GM says (to Penelope), "Ha"
[Crows-Nest] Taleslinger says, "Can someone give me a title for the last session's transcript? I've neglected to upload it"
Penelope says, "I swapped out my aliases to remove Shaborys (aw) and replace with Penelope"
[7thsea] GM asks (of Bert), "Oh, that reminds me--would you be willing to run the Penelope interlude through the html-ifier?"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert asks (of Taleslinger), "'Beach episode'?"
[Crows-Nest] GM asks, "A Date At The Beach?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Actually, before we start, I want to make sure the current transcript is working..."
[7thsea] GM says, "Sure."
[7thsea] Bert says, "Test."
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "OK, that's better. Someone remind me to stitch up the hiccup afterward?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says (to GM), "And sure, I can give that a shot."
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says (to DonMiguel), "Only one, though; reloading takes 20 actions"
GM exclaims, "So! When last we left our intrepid adventurers, they were scattered all over the map: Penelope was at the end of her date with Tristand in an outbuilding on the cliffs south of the lighthouse, Talbert and Don Miguel had just caused the dispatch of two brute squads on the beach north of the lighthouse, and Johann had, unseen to us, been lurking around Lord Forte himself with his brutes near the lighthouse itself. The lighthouse is about to go dark, courtesy of last week's cliffhanger, but at first we see a bit of what Johann's been up to!"
Johann arrives, looking for booty.
GM says (to Johann), "As mentioned on-Discord: You've been tracking Forte himself and his group of soldiers/thugs. To your surprise, they didn't go down to the beach, but instead headed to the top of the cliff just north of the lighthouse. There, they hung out and complained about the rain for a while, while one scanned the sea with a spyglass. Eventually, he put the glass down and nodded at Forte, who rallied the group together, and marched off to the lighthouse."
GM says (to Johann), "You can have done three things before the cliffhanger from the previous session, either before or after they marched on the lighthouse: a few ideas might include trying to get close enough to the cliff overhear something, get close enough to the house to see something inside, mark out the positions of the squad, leave to try to get reinforcements, or anything else you might think of."
inky arrives, looking for booty.
[Crows-Nest] Johann exclaims, "It helps immensly to be in the right room!"
[Crows-Nest] GM exclaims, "I suppose so!"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "(I think you can @recapc #theah)"
[Crows-Nest] Johann says, "yeah"
Johann will check out the lighthouse.
[Crows-Nest] Johann says, "I *am* the reinforcements! A sentence I'm sure will not come back to bite me at all."
GM says, "OK! Stealth, TN 15. If you decare or otherwise obtain a raise, you'll get more information."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "(Or you can take a different approach if you want; let me know.)"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "(stealth+finesse, k finesse)"
[Crows-Nest] DonMiguel says, "I wonder if we're going to get a comedy of errors where Ricco and Johann end up stalking each other suspiciously around the lighthouse."
[Crows-Nest] Johann says, "Hm, since I don't have stealth, I'm trying to come up with a different way"
[Crows-Nest] GM exclaims, "Sure!"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "(It'd be straight finesse if you go with stealth after all.)"
[Crows-Nest] Johann says, "Unfortunately, Johann's skillset is not really made for any kind of subterfuge."
[7thsea] GM says, "Oh, and everyone gets another 2 XP from last time, and everyone (incuding Johann) starts with one extra drama die than they normally would have, from roleplaying last session."
[Crows-Nest] Johann asks, "Is there something around I could climb to get a better view? Or climb around the cliffs so Forte's people don't see me?"
[Crows-Nest] GM exclaims, "Sure!"
[Crows-Nest] DonMiguel exclaims, "I have pizza!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Yay."
[Crows-Nest] Johann asks, "So Brawn+climbing?"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says (to DonMiguel), "This isn't Vodacce"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "but yay :)"
[7thsea] GM says, "Yeah, brawn+climbing seems good."
[7thsea] Johann rolls 4k3: 9 6 1 1 | 16
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Whoops, forgot to give you a TN, but TN 15 is reasonable. You succeed! RP climbing arund under the lighthouse!"
Johann, knowing sneaking is not his strong suit, carefully gets a foothold on the cliffs around the lighthouse. He tries to neither look down nor get mud on his moustache as he ever so slowly but surely climbs his way underneath the lighthouse.
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "I imagine the ends of his moustache can hook onto outcroppings if he loses his grip"
[7thsea] GM asks, "Hmm, you're not great at Perception either, are you?"
[7thsea] Johann asks, "I assume/fear that's Wits?"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "Maybe his moustache is like a cat whisker, allowing for enhanced sensitivity"
[7thsea] GM says, "You can try a Perception check from here, or you can try to climb up again to be right next to the lighthouse wall on a small patch of land right next to the cliff. TN 20 for that."
[7thsea] GM says, "(it is!)"
[7thsea] Johann exclaims, "Climbing up it is!"
[7thsea] Johann rolls 4k3: 7 6 7 5 | 20
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Oho!"
[7thsea] Johann exclaims, "Cutting it close today!"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "Close, like his daily shaving routine"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "rp!"
Johann, with nerves of steel, reaches up one hand and feels around until he finds a good patch of land near the lighthouse wall. With gritted teeth he slowly pulls himself up, arms trembling, until he gets a leg under himself and manages to push himself up. Only once he's standing on the small patch of land he allows himself to wipe the sweat from his brow.
GM says (to Johann), "From here, you're right at the corner of the cicular tower of the light itself and where it extends out to a smallish one-story house. There's a window just above you, and you hear sounds of a family eating dinner through it--it's Felipe's family, the Bracas. In fact, it sounds like Felipe is home? You hear his voice, at any rate."
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "...I'd forgotten that's where they lived"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "*audible gasp*"
[7thsea] Johann says, "And Forte's coming for the lighthouse? So that's probably not good."
Johann tries to tap the window as gently as possible.
GM says (to Johann), "Then there's some sort of banging, and the father says, "I'll get it." You hear him move away, then there's lots of shouting and clashing of metal! You desperately look around for a way you can make it inside the window, but before you can formulate a plan, the clattering is over and from the gasps and yelling, you think that Lord Forte and his squad has already subdued the family."
Johann exclaims, "Verfluchte Schweinehunde!"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Eek"
Johann says, "(but like, in a whisper)"
Forte exclaims, "Tie them up! [inaudible from someone else] Yes, even the kid! Jeez!"
Forte says, "Now listen up! You'll all be fine if you don't resist. It's simply time for your lighthouse to go dark for a while."
Anton exclaims, "You can't! The ships rely on us to make it past the rocks!"
Forte exclaims, "And tomorrow, they can do so again! But not tonight!"
Johann . o O ( But if the lighthouse goes dark, that will be a good time to attack )
[7thsea] Johann says, "How many men were with Forte"
[7thsea] Johann asks, "?"
[7thsea] GM says, "Hang on let me check."
[7thsea] GM says, "13 men! You've been watching them for a while now, and you've seen four of them be more familiar with Forte, and, hmm. Give me a Brawn check! TN 15."
[Crows-Nest] Johann says, "Does anyone know how many XP we've gotten, all in all? I don't believe I've spend any of them"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "2 each session."
[Crows-Nest] Talbert asks, "So 10?"
[7thsea] Johann rolls 3k3: 2 3 3 | 8
[Crows-Nest] Johann says, "Aw"
[7thsea] GM says, "Wait, no--everyone got an extra one from Jota's background, so 11."
[7thsea] Johann says, "Not sure if I want to use my drama die here. Probably not"
GM says (to Johann), "They looked strong! But you can't say exactly *how* strong they are. (Unless you want to spend a drama die or something)"
[7thsea] Johann says, "no that's fine :-)"
GM says (to Johann), "As you've been looking around, you've spotted a drainpipe that you might be able to use to crawl to the roof, and some rocks you could pull under the window if you wanted to take a peek inside."
GM says, "Or you can stay here and listen more first."
Johann pulls some rocks.
[7thsea] GM says, "OK, uh, finesse plus some relevant engineering skill (if anything) to see how stable they are! TN 10."
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "GM! You know this isn't his... Forte"
[7thsea] Johann says, "See, as a dentist, I'm intimately familiar with the hardness of all kinds of rocks that can be used as dentures ..."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "(FWIW, it costs 10 XP to increase a trait to 2.)"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Ha!"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert asks, "I thought it was 8?"
[7thsea] Johann asks, "And for skills?"
[Crows-Nest] GM asks, "5x new level, I thought?"
[7thsea] Johann rolls 3k3: 4 6 5 | 15
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "ah right"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "skills are 2x new level."
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "good to know"
[7thsea] Johann asks, "Can we use our XP now, or between sessions?"
GM says (to Talbert), "The curtains are mostly drawn, which is good, because otherwise they'd see your face peering in at them. But it's loose, so through the cracks you see the family (parents, Felipe, a younger sister) being tied up and pushed against the wall, while Forte heads up the stairs with the smaller group of four."
Talbert says, "(ITYM Johann)"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Any time, unless you're leaning a new skill group or something special. (it's knacks that are 2x new level; I always get the terminology wrong.)"
GM exclaims (at Talbert), "I do!"
GM says, "^Talbert^Johann"
[Crows-Nest] Johann says, "I meant knacks, I think"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Yeah."
GM exclaims, "OK, one more thing to try, and we'll catch up to the other groups!"
Johann exclaims, "I'll try to reach the roof before them!"
[interludes] * GM has added the synonym #games/roleplaying/int to the channel.
[interludes] GM says, "Whoops, meant that to be a private alias."
GM exclaims (at Johann), "Climbing, TN 20!"
[interludes] DonMiguel asks, "If this is for Johann, shouldn't it have been #str?"
[interludes] GM says, "Ha"
[7thsea] Johann rolls 4k3: 5 8 9 9 | 26
[7thsea] Johann exclaims, "Yes! Johann!"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "*sound of bodices/coats/etc being flung from off-screen at the sight of Johann's brawny brawn*"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Oh, hey. How does one heal socially-inflicted dramatic wounds? I'm guessing surgery doesn't make sense there."
[Crows-Nest] Johann says, "I mean, of course one would remove one's shirt for this kind of climb"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Is there a therapist in town? :D"
[7thsea] inky says, "alcohol"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "Yes, especially in the pouring rain"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "(Or did that stop?)"
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims (at Penelope), "That might be you!"
GM says (to Johann), "You climb up the drainpipe (which was easy) and then up the outside of the tower itself, which is much harder! It must be at least three stories up. You stop at the metal walkway grating that goes around the outside of the top nearly-all-glass top room where the light itself is shining from. You're peering up through the grating and glass, and see that the light isn't actually a flame, as you assumed, but seems to be some sort of weird glowing device that's incredibly bright. You see Forte gesture angrily at his men, who try to pry the thing off of whatever it's affixed to, until he gets annoyed, and opens a Porte hole just above it, and pulls it down over the light! There's some sort of *poof* and then it's completely dark. You pause. The rain increases."
[7thsea] Johann says, "The kind of therapist who charges by the hour he he he wait they all do"
GM exclaims, "And now, the beach!"
[Crows-Nest] Johann asks, "What's Forte's Porte's hole?"
GM says (to Don&Talbert), ""When the lighthouse goes out, you hear a remarkably high-pitched shriek from up the beach. A second later, Felipe comes running at you through the rain and darkness, clothes splattered with sand."
Felipe says, ""Sirs! The lighthouse! We must get it back on! The rocks here are so treacherous, the ship may already be lost, but it must be on to have any hope of rescue! And my family--my sister--must be in some sort of danger; they would never allow this to happen!""
DonMiguel exclaims, "Let's go!"
GM asks, "Talbert notices that Felipe looked meaningfully at him when mentioning the 'sister'. "The rain and darkness make it difficult to see anything, but a flash of lightning briefly illuminates the sea, and you catch a glimpse of a white sail--possibly beyond the rocks? For now?"
DonMiguel rushes to the lighthouse!
[7thsea] Talbert says (to GM), "I think I'm a little confused now"
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "IC or OOC?"
Felipe says, "There's a way through the caves to partway up the cliff, with a path the rest of the way from there. It's probably the fastest."
[7thsea] Talbert asks, "Is the sister her brother? Or is this Felipe without the quote/unquote?"
[7thsea] GM says, "This is your 'Felipe', who has been dressing up as her brother."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Oh, okay"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "That's what I thought, it was just the meaningful look that confused me"
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Do I know that Felipe *has* a sister?"
[7thsea] GM exclaims (at Talbert), "Roll wits, TN 10!"
[7thsea] Talbert rolls 2k2: 2 7 | 9
[7thsea] GM says (to DonMiguel), "You do! You've probably had the family over a time or two, but it's been a long time."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Should I spend a drama die on this, or is it more fun being clueless"
[7thsea] GM says (to Talbert), "It depends on whether you want to raise DonM's suspicions or not ;-)"
[7thsea] GM says, "(it's certainly fine with me if you fail.)"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Then I do! It's not out of character anyway"
Felipe sees Talbert's confused expression, and says, "My *sister*. Who is *home today*. My *twin*.
Talbert says, "Ah oui! Right, there is no time to lose"
GM says, "Talbert is still confused, and then gasps, "Oh!" as he finally realizes that if DonMiguel sees her sibling, he'll see two guys, and some sort of jig will be up."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "hahaha"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "I like the timing of that 'Oh!'"
[Crows-Nest] DonMiguel asks, "All this time, Felipe's sister has secretly been a *man*?"
[Crows-Nest] Johann says, "This would be easier if the family didn't care about labels"
GM says (to DonMiguel), "You take all this in and get a free raise on any subsequent attempts to figure out the truth ;-)"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert exclaims, "The Inquisition is surprisingly open about gender. Men can be witches!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims, "Woo!"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "uh, I could have phrased that better but oh well"
GM exclaims, "And the group of you dash off to the caves! Running, TN 15!"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert asks, "Is that brawn or finesse?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "So in the meantime, as we're talking, we're also taking the route through the cliffs to the path to the lighthouse."
[7thsea] GM says, "(With finesse or brawn)"
[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 6k4: 6 9 9 10+6 10+9 9 | 53
[7thsea] GM says, "(heck, Resolve is arguable in this situation too)"
[7thsea] Talbert rolls 5k4: 9 5 6 8 8 | 31
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "wait"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "I assumed it was Sprinting 1/Finesse 4"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "But that's not... hmm"
[7thsea] GM says, "Yup! Sorry, forgot the name of the knack."
[7thsea] GM says, "That is indeed 5k4."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Good, good"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Whoops, I meant to roll 5k4, not 6k4."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "But fortunately my last die didn't affect the outcome."
[7thsea] GM says (to DonM), "Well, drop the last 9,and you get the same value."
[7thsea] Talbert exclaims (at DonMiguel), "You are my brother-in-legs!"
GM exclaims, "You all run incredibly fast!"
Talbert's hair is swept back
[7thsea] Penelope says, "I am fighting a toddler for control of my keyboard, so forgive me if you call on me suddenly and I'm not responsive."
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "This is a Lacoste ad"
DonMiguel is leaping from crag to rocky crag like a mountain goat. A mountain goat with pretty good night vision inside of caves.
[7thsea] GM says (to Penelope), "Want me to switch to you now or later? I was about to do your scene, but can stave it off if you like."
[Crows-Nest] Johann exclaims, "Give her hell, Cassie!"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Never mind fighting the Riddler, the Toddler's no laughing matter"
Felipe explains on the way that there are lines to the rocks both from the clifftop and from a spot halfway down the cliff that are used for rescue attempts. The lighthouse itself has a distinctive mechanism for producing light, and they're frankly surprised that anyone managed to turn it off.
GM says, "Illustration of the lines: https://ichef.bbci.co.uk/news/976/mcs/media/images/78935000/jpg/_78935463_78935462.jpg"
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Lines, like ropes?"
[7thsea] GM says, "Yeah. That's a more modern picture, but the idea's the same."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Poor chap, lost his cap"
[7thsea] GM says (to Penelope), "Let me know when you're ready and we'll switch to you. In the meantime:"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "(Greenwich)"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Ok, I'm back"
[Setting the zoned flag.]
GM says, "You dash into the caves, make your way across the level bits for a bit. You're about to turn off from the route that leads through the caves to the town on the other side, when suddenly:"
Arras exclaims, "Stop! That's close enough!"
Arras, the remaining 7th person from the central squad that never showed up at the north end of the beach, steps forward into the light of your lanterns, holding a knife to the neck of Guillermo, one of the townspeople who was going to pick up the contraband tonight!
GM says, "And we'll switch to Penelope ;-)"
[Crows-Nest] Johann says, "Not Guillermo! He was my favorite"
Tristand leaps out from under the covers and runs to the window. "It's out! It's really out! Merde! The ship! They'll never survive; we have to-" He's suddenly interrupted by a knock at the door--a pattern you know as Ricco's. Tristand, who has no such insight, starts, realizes his (wet) clothes are on one side of the room and his sword is on the other, and dives for his sword, drawing it in one fluid motion and moving between you and the door.
[Crows-Nest] Talbert exclaims, "He made some fairly cool movies!"
[Crows-Nest] DonMiguel asks, "So he did eventually make it back from his three hour tour?"
Penelope shouts, "No! It's ok, stop."
Penelope says, "It's my.. guard."
Tristand says, "Oh! OK."
Penelope eyes Tristand... "Do you wanna get dressed first, or?"
Tristand says, "Uh, um."
[7thsea] Penelope presumes Ricco has seen her in the buff already, so whatever
Ricco opens the door, tips the water off his hat, and produces two bundles, one of which he [hands/tosses] to you. He then eyes Tristand and solemnly proffers a fist.
Tristand, confused, hesitantly holds out his hand to either shake Ricco's hand or take the bundle; you think he doesn't know which.
[7thsea] Penelope says, "(please be dry clothing)"
Ricco shakes his head, and holds out his fist again.
Tristand questioningly holds out his fist.
Ricco fist-bump
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Haha, yay"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "hahaha"
[Crows-Nest] Johann says, "ha ha"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "I did not expect that"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "awesome"
Ricco then offers the second bundle to Tristand. The bundles turn out to be dark wool cloaks, wrapped around basic, but dry, clothing.
[Crows-Nest] DonMiguel says, "I considered saying that here as a joke but did not expect it to actually be the case."
Tristand visibly relaxes, thanks Ricco, and shakes his head as he quickly puts on the clothes. He's muttering to himself, and you can just make out, "Why do I feel like now I've met the family?"
Penelope says, "Thanks!" while quickly getting dressed. "What's going on, Ricco? Why did the light go out?"
Ricco shrugs. "Forte, I presume. Your new companion was following them. I thought you might want to join.
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Can I also presume Ricco had my knife, if I wasn't already carrying it? (I could see her not bringing it on her date/appointment with a known friendly person.)"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Yup!"
[7thsea] GM says, "You are now completely accoutremented."
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "The full Kiwi"
Penelope nods. She looks at Tristand. "Shall we?" She raises an eyebrow, almost daring him to try to tell her she should stay where it's safer.
Tristand bows. "After you, my lady. I will assist however you need. I never did like Forte, and he's clearly gone too far."
Penelope pauses just a second to better lay out her discarded corset to dry. It's one of her favorites.
Penelope says, "Let's go!"
GM says, "And the three of you head out into the storm, happily now much drier under the cloaks. Ricco also brought lanterns, which is good because otherwise it'd just be pitch black."
GM says, "You make your way to the lighthouse--you're now just at the edge of the woods with a clearing in front of you between you and the tower."
Tristand says, "Do we douse our lanterns? I'm not sure if we want to be seen."
Penelope frowns a little, but nods. From under her cloak, she produces a jar of tiny spiders.
[7thsea] GM asks, "OK, at this point, would you all rather we switch between the groups in turn, or have everyone go at once on the #interludes channels?"
[7thsea] GM says (to Penelope), "Oh, right! Nice."
[7thsea] Penelope says, "I'm imagining that they're less obvious from a distance, while providing some glow for us (10' x 10')"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "I think switching has been working OK so far, but I'm fine either way."
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Like a little glow stick, hehe"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Either seems fine to me"
[7thsea] GM says (to Penelope), "Could you have them walk in a path in front of you? That could be cool."
[7thsea] Penelope asks, "I think they have to stay in the jar?"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Or globe, rather"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Wouldn't want them to get lost or stepped on!"
[7thsea] Johann says, "switching is fine by me"
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Does it have a little trapdoor that you can open to drop in bits of meat for them?"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "It does now"
[7thsea] GM says, "Hee"
[7thsea] Johann says, "they only eat fireflies, that's how they glow"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Switching is good, prevents confusion"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "And those awesome glowworms they have in New Zealand"
[7thsea] GM says, "Switching it is! So: Penelope roll Perception TN 15 to make your way across the clearing with the aid of your spiders without tripping on something."
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Sorry, one sec."
[7thsea] GM says, "np"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Ok, that's wits? + keen senses, so 4k3, I believe"
[7thsea] Penelope rolls 4k3: 1 4 5 1 | 10
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Ugh."
[7thsea] Penelope says, "I am drama die-ing this."
[7thsea] Penelope rolls 1k1: 2 | 2
[7thsea] Penelope says, "FUCK."
[7thsea] GM says, "Argh, that's the worst."
GM says, "Well, you do have one more (plus the ones that can be traded)"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "I'll give you my gifting DD if you want."
[7thsea] Penelope says, "I still have an extra from several sessions ago."
[7thsea] Penelope says, "(This was one of those)"
[7thsea] Penelope rolls 1k1: 10+10+4 | 24
[7thsea] Talbert says, "wow"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "HAHAHAHA"
[7thsea] GM collapses in laughter.
[Crows-Nest] Penelope skips along, no cares in the world
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "That's a success! That's actually even a free raise. RP getting to the lighthouse in the dark!"
Penelope holds her globe of spiders close to her chest, ready to cover it with her cloak if need be. She keeps close-enough to Ricco to allow him to see, and even closer to Tristand. She crosses the distance carefully, but quickly.
[7thsea] Talbert says, "AFK a sec"
GM says, "You sneak right up to the corner where the tower meets the house--just opposite of where Johann was, though you couldn't know that."
GM says, "As you're there at the south wall, you hear the door in the east wall open, and see some light from a couple lanterns."
[7thsea] GM says, "(So, tower to the west, you're in the middle of the south wall, Johann was in the middle of the north wall, and the main door was to the east.)"
[Crows-Nest] Johann says, "You can smell the beard oil"
Guard says, "Geez, nobody's coming in this rain."
Penelope puts the globe away and then freezes, listening intently.
Guard2 says, "They'll see the light's out; they might come. We just yell if we see anyone."
Guard says, "And Amand'll take 'em out. Fine. I just wish it wasn't raining."
Guard and Guard2 walk out a bit from the house, shining their lights into the trees.
Tristand growls softly.
Tristand whispers to Penelope, "Amand's a sharpshooter. They must have him in the tower."
Penelope nods, frowning.
[7thsea] GM asks (of Penelope), "Want some time to think, or do you have something you want to do before we switch?"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "(back)"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Other than making sure I don't get seen, I don't have any plan right now."
GM says, "So, speaking of Amand..."
Forte says, "OK, it's out! Amand, you're with me, let's keep this area clear and see if we can take out any sailors."
Forte emerges onto the small catwalk just above where Johann is clinging to the wall.
[7thsea] Johann asks, "Is there a triangle prompt above him saying "PULL DOWN" ?"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Ha!"
[7thsea] Johann asks, "Do I have any idea what that magic thing was he used to put out the light? Might we need him to return the light?"
[7thsea] GM says, "Man, that would be great. Hmm. It would be difficult! Do you want to try? There's a railing and stuff."
[7thsea] Johann exclaims, "Do I ever!"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "'What time is it?' 'Time for murder!'"
[Crows-Nest] Johann exclaims, "I can let him snipe you first if you like!"
[7thsea] GM says, "OK! Let's give this a TN of 35. And of course if you fail, they're going to see you, but hey."
[7thsea] GM says, "I feel like we should have a climbing/brawn roll, too."
[7thsea] Johann says, "Would you allow it as a pugilism attack?`"
[7thsea] GM asks, "So, climbing/brawn TN 15 to get into position, and then a pugilism attack?"
[7thsea] Johann exclaims, "That works!"
[7thsea] Johann says, "Lucky I've *just* incread my climbing knack"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "You've been practicing!"
[7thsea] Johann rolls 5k3: 7 9 9 8 7 | 26
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Success!"
[7thsea] Johann exclaims, "Woo!"
[7thsea] Johann asks, "and the pugilism attack has a TN of 35?"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Right!"
[7thsea] Johann asks, "is there any way to lower that TN?"
[7thsea] GM asks, "Hmm. Any ideas?"
[7thsea] Johann asks, "What if I'm okay with Amand seeing this?"
[7thsea] GM says, "You can add a drama die to the roll itself instead of afterwards, which helps on average."
[7thsea] GM says, "I kind of assumed he would see."
[7thsea] Johann says, "ah, okay, that's fair. I'll just roll"
[7thsea] GM says, "We could say it'd be a 30 to get Amand instead as he follows Forte out the door."
[7thsea] Johann asks, "na, if I'm trying this, I want to get the big boss. Oh! Of course this would be with my Panzerhand, not Pugilism surely?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "I still have a DD I can only use for giving; I'm willing to share it if you want."
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Everyone has a DD to donate again!"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "And I'd give one too"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Likewise."
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "*voice-over voice* The grace of Castille... the wiles of Vodacce... the strength of Eisen... the fire of Montaigne... together, they are... LOS VAGOS"
[Crows-Nest] DonMiguel asks, "...and my axe?"
[7thsea] GM says, "Doesn't panzerhand use pugilism? Either way, yes, use whichever is better."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "...and your brother."
[7thsea] Johann rolls 6k3: 5 7 9 2 1 9 | 25
[Crows-Nest] GM exclaims, "10 away!"
[7thsea] Johann exclaims, "Rolling my own drama die first!"
[7thsea] Johann rolls 1k1: 1 | 1
[7thsea] Johann says, "grr"
[7thsea] Johann says, "Don's"
[7thsea] Johann rolls 1k1: 10+4 | 14
[7thsea] Johann exclaims, "Woohoo!"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Yay"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "Don's dice always explode"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "woo!"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "hip hip hourah"
[7thsea] Johann exclaims, "Typing!"
[Crows-Nest] DonMiguel says, "It's all about adding gunpowder to the mix when molding them."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "snrk"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "#crows except here"
Johann uses his free hand to pull himself up on the railing. Forte spots him from the corner of his eyes, but it is too late! A merciless panzerhand closes round the villian's collar as a voice says "Ven in Los Vagos territory... alvays look down!" There is a dramatic crack of lightning and an ear piercing scream as Forte falls off the lighthouse into the cliffs below!
Amand exclaims, "Merde!"
Amand aims his rifle at you!
[7thsea] Johann exclaims, "Stupid, but worth it!"
GM tosses Johann a drama die.
GM exclaims, "And switching to the caves!"
Johann exclaims, "Oh weh! I did not think this through!"
Arras barks at you, "Put down your weapons, or he dies!"
[7thsea] GM says, "(afk 30 secs)"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Hmm, some dirty fighting and recklessness may be in order here"
[Crows-Nest] Johann says, "I was torn between that line and "Villiany is not your forte""
[7thsea] GM says, "(back)"
[7thsea] Talbert asks, "'Stab the hostage'?"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "nah, I don't think that's a good idea"
[7thsea] GM says, "Ha. No, probably not."
[7thsea] Johann says, "On general principle, never stab the hostage"
[7thsea] Talbert asks (of GM), "Would sand in the face make sense here?"
[7thsea] GM says, "It could, but it would probably also result in Guierrmo getting stabbed."
[7thsea] GM says, "(bah, I need to pick easier-to-spell names)"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Ie put down my weapon, Guillermo is released, then I toss the sand I sneakily grabbed when kneeling"
[7thsea] Johann says, "Elric probably agrees"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Snrk"
[7thsea] GM says, "Guillermo"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Elrmo"
Felipe whispers to Talbert, "Keep him talking," and fades back a bit.
DonMiguel gently carefully and showily sets down his weapon and puts up his hands.
[7thsea] Talbert says, "but yeah, I meant that I would put down my weapon, allowing Guillermo to be freed, then take advantage of my improvised weapon ability"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Ah, got it!"
[7thsea] Talbert asks, "Do I roll for surrepticiously grabbing sand?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Is there any reason to think he intends to free Guillermo?"
[7thsea] GM says, "Yes: roll stealth or something to scoop up a handful of sand unnoticed."
[7thsea] Talbert exclaims, "OK!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Can I distract him while Talbert does so?"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "You can!"
[7thsea] Talbert rolls 5k4: 6 6 7 6 6 | 25
[7thsea] Talbert asks, "whoops I should have waited before rolling?"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Nice! No, that's fine; it'll be contested vs. his perception. DonM, roll something to distract!"
DonMiguel asks (of Arras), "No one needs to get hurt here!" He slowsly walks toward Arras. "Let's just talk this through. What is it you want?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Wits + Oratory?"
[7thsea] GM says, "perfect."
[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 5k3: 1 9 2 2 1 | 13
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Oof."
[7thsea] Johann exclaims (at dm), "Have my drama die!"
[7thsea] GM says, "OK, rolling Arras's wits vs. Don first:"
[7thsea] Arras rolls 3k3: 4 1 2 | 7
[7thsea] Talbert says, "hee"
[7thsea] Johann says, "hee hee"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Well OK then."
[7thsea] Johann says, "in the land of the blind ..."
Arras exclaims, "Hey! Stay back!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says (to Johann), "(But thank you for the offer.)"
Arras watches you intently, as Talbert tries to scoop up some sand...
[7thsea] GM says, "Which gives you an advantage on his perception roll! And I'm adding a drama die because why not."
DonMiguel keeps his arms outstretched and his hands visibly empty. "It's alright; I'm unarmed."
[7thsea] Arras rolls 5k4: 3 8 5 7 5 | 25
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "That's just enough with the distraction!"
GM says, "As you move forward, you see the rest of the group of townspeople behind the two of them; the rest of the group that was going to pick up the contraband."
Talbert drops his weapon and deftly scoops sand and grit into a sleeve, taking advantage of Don Miguel's oratory.
Arras says, "I want you all under arrest! You're illegally aiding and abeting the enemy! Which is you, also. Frankly, I don't know why we didn't just burn the city down like we did in San Juan."
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "One more oratory to keep him distracted from something else going on!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 5k3: 9 2 6 1 9 | 24
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims, "Much better!"
[7thsea] Arras rolls 3k3: 7 5 7 | 19
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "rp!"
DonMiguel says (to Arras), "There, there. There's nothing amiss here; we're merely investigating the lighthouse, which has mysteriously gone dark."
DonMiguel asks, "Surely the safety of seafaring travellers -- no doubt at times including your own navy -- is a priority to all of us?"
Arras exclaims, "Ha! A likely story. Out masked, at night? Tonight, of all nights? No, it's more likely that... ow!"
GM exclaims, "He yipes and drops the knife! It's your moment!"
[7thsea] Talbert exclaims, "Improvised attack with sand and broken sea shells!"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "TN 15!"
[7thsea] Johann asks, "Did you buy them earlier by the sea shore?"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "hehe"
[7thsea] Talbert rolls 5k4: 6 2 5 6 5 | 22
[7thsea] Talbert exclaims, "right in the eyes!"
[7thsea] GM says, "(for those playing the home game, Arras was the guard by the southwest gate the night you were out, that Penelope avoided interacting with due to his reputation.)"
[7thsea] GM exclaims (at Talbert), "A hit! Roll damage!"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Let me check real quick what the damage is for an improvised weapon like this"
[7thsea] GM asks, "Yeah, I was just trying to look that up. Let's say sand is a 1k1 weapon, I guess?"
[7thsea] Talbert exclaims, "OK!"
[7thsea] Talbert rolls 1k1: 9 | 9
[7thsea] GM says, "(roll brawn+1k1)"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "ah so 2k1"
[7thsea] Talbert asks, "do I reroll?"
[7thsea] GM asks, "Or maybe finesse because it's thrown?"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "it's technically a thrown thing yeah"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Roll finesse d10 and see if any are better than a 9!"
[7thsea] Talbert rolls 4k: Arr.
[7thsea] GM says, "ha."
[7thsea] GM says, "4k1"
[7thsea] Talbert rolls 4k1: 3 8 5 4 | 8
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "9 it is!"
[7thsea] Arras rolls 2k2: 8 6 | 14
Arras stumbles backwards, sand in his eyes, and growls, "You'll pay for this! You'll all pay!"
Talbert exclaims (at Arras), "My loose change is in your eye already!"
[Crows-Nest] Johann says, "he'll see to it"
[7thsea] GM says (to Don), "You have a chance to do something before he starts running away if you like, or you can go help Guillermo."
DonMiguel takes advantage of Arras's temporary blindness to throw the other smoke bomb he had left over after the beach!
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "Actually I guess I could have dealt more damage with a coin purse? Talk about throwing money at problems"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "I'm guessing that the townspeople who are sneaking out here know the caves pretty well, and that Arras doesn't, so if no one can see, that should be in their favor."
[Crows-Nest] Johann says, "i guess you didn't look at the big picture"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "'This is Arras-ment!'"
[Crows-Nest] DonMiguel says, "When throwing stuff around, he's more of a big pitcher."
GM exclaims, "Great! Uh, let's see. OK, there's a huge amount of smoke, lots of shouting, a cry from Flaminia in the background as she gets punched, and the townspeople generally flock in your direction!"
[Crows-Nest] Johann says (to DonMiguel), "He really needs to take a good look at himself"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert asks, "Flaminia was the one that Johann dentistrified, right?"
[7thsea] GM says, "No, she was the mistress that Penelope talked to."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Ah okay"
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "As far as we know, Guillermo wasn't injured, right? So in theory he should be fine now that Arras is unarmed and blinded?"
GM says, "<general consternation, the townsfolk all ask you what's going on and if the smugglers are here yet. Felipe winds her fingers into Talbert's hand and gives him a squeeze.>"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "He is!"
Talbert squeezes back quickly
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Squee all around"
DonMiguel exclaims (at Townsfolk), "The beach should be clear; no one has landed yet, but the lighthouse has gone dark!"
GM says, "<suprise, alarm>"
Flaminia asks, "And the squads on the beach you warned us about?"
DonMiguel says, "Misdirected and routed."
Flaminia says, "yisss"
Guillermo asks, "So you're heading to the lighthouse? Where do you want us?"
DonMiguel says, "If you can light a signal fire on the beach, that may at least provide some guidance for the ship, if we can't get the light relit in time."
[7thsea] Penelope says, "brb, coughing fit"
Guillermo says, "Good idea. There may be some driftwood in the caves that's not soaked. Good luck."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "good luck"
Felipe exclaims, "This way!"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Ugh. Back."
DonMiguel follows!
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Just got some water."
Talbert also follows!!
GM exclaims, "And we'll switch to the Penelope bunch!"
[Crows-Nest] Penelope says, "Not to be confused with the Penelope brunch."
GM exclaims, "There's a scream from the tower and a dark figure plunges over the cliff!"
Penelope uh. She hopes that's good.
[7thsea] Penelope asks, "Did Johann shout anything when he took the person down, that I might have heard?"
Guards asks, "What was that?"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Vaguely remembering, but not scrolling."
[7thsea] GM says, "He did say something! Roll perception tn 20."
[7thsea] Penelope rolls 4k3: 1 6 3 10+3 | 22
[7thsea] Johann says, "that woman has ears like a fox. And good hearing."
GM says, "Even though the wind and rain is everywhere, you recognize Johann's voice! A flash of lightning illuminates the tower for a second, and you see what must be him, clinging to the edge of the tower."
[7thsea] Guards rolls 2k2: 3 2 | 5
Penelope hisses quietly to the others, "We have to save him!"
Guards don't see anything at all.
Tristand asks, "Through the guards inside, or up the wall?"
Penelope says, "I'm scared of heights..."
[7thsea] Penelope can't climb, so it's as good as any claim
Tristand blinks. "I... had not thought you scared of anything. I guess you're human after all." He grins.
Penelope glares cutely.
Penelope asks, "Are you armed?"
Tristand's eyes twinkle.
Tristand says, "You saw me with naught but my sword earlier."
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Crap, that's right, haha."
[7thsea] Penelope says, "retract that question and replace it with "Are you feeling up to this?""
[interludes] Tristand says, "Sure."
[7thsea] Tristand says, "er, sure."
Tristand says, "Absolutely. As I see it, we can try to fight everyone going in the front door; try to find another more subtle entrance; or just climb up."
Tristand asks, "Or I'll climb and you can sneak?"
Penelope says, "Let's try that second one..."
Penelope!!
Penelope says, "That works, too."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "AFK."
[7thsea] Penelope asks, "Does unobtrusive work for stealth sorts of things?"
[7thsea] GM asks, "Oh, is that the servant-y thing?"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Because I don't have stealth :)"
[7thsea] Penelope says, ""blending in with the background""
[7thsea] GM says, "I think it's meant for social situations where people ignore the help."
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Dang."
[7thsea] GM says, "But Ricco has stealth; that's what you've used in the past."
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Ok"
[7thsea] GM asks, "So: send Tristand up the tower; Ricco and you look for a back door?"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Yeah"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "Tristand is going to get murdered"
Tristand says, "OK, I'm off."
Tristand kisses you quickly, then scampers up the drainpipe on this side of the house to the roof.
Penelope edges left along the Southern wall towards the tower, feeling and looking for a way in.
Ricco leads you around the tower to the back, where there is indeed a back door. Locked, of course.
Penelope would have found it eventually...
[7thsea] Ricco says, "I guess neither of you have Lockpicking, but you both have it as a level-0 advanced knack. So, straight Finesse, TN only 15 because Ricco is helping."
[7thsea] GM says, "(probably should have said that myself, but hey.)"
[7thsea] Penelope rolls 4k4: 4 1 1 7 | 13
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "That'll open with a loud creak, or you can spend a drama die!"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "I shall!"
[7thsea] Penelope rolls 1k1: 2 | 2
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Perfect!"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "rp!"
Penelope fiddles with the locking mechanism while Ricco listens carefully for the sounds of the needle and the pins and tumblers, and whatever, I'm just making shit up here. Finally the lock opens, and she lets out the breath she didn't realize she was holding.
Penelope pulls the door open slowly.
Penelope peers in, before opening it all the way
GM says (to Penelope), "You're at the base of the tower, with circular stairs rising above you. A door on the other side of the room stands open, and you can see through to the guards and family inside."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "afk a moment"
GM exclaims, "And let's switch to the outside of the tower!"
Amand fires his rifle at Johann!
[7thsea] GM says (to Johann), "The TN to hit you is probably your Climbing ability x5 + 5."
[7thsea] GM asks, "What's your climbing at?"
[7thsea] Johann says, "That's 15"
[7thsea] GM says, "Great."
[7thsea] Johann says, "(for x = 2)"
[7thsea] Amand rolls 5k3: 9 1 4 6 6 | 21
[7thsea] Johann says, "ouch"
[7thsea] GM says, "That's a hit, unless you want to try an active defense, which is based on Wits, so probably not."
[7thsea] Johann exclaims, "I have 3 armor points!"
[7thsea] GM asks, "That reduces damage, I think?"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Damage roll!"
[7thsea] Amand rolls 6k3: 3 7 8 9 5 6 | 24
[7thsea] Johann says, "it's -1 kept die"
[7thsea] Johann says, "Armor, I mean"
[7thsea] GM asks, "3 armor points == -1k1 on the damage roll?"
[7thsea] Johann says, "Yeah"
[7thsea] GM says, "Got it--so, didn't roll the 6, and kept the 9 and 8 only, so 17 flesh wounds."
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Roll Resolve to resist!"
[7thsea] Johann says, "I dimly recall that ... aha"
[7thsea] Johann says, "Just straight resolve, right?="
[7thsea] GM says, "Correct."
[7thsea] Johann rolls 2k2: 2 2 | 4
[7thsea] Johann asks, "So that's 13 flesh wounds?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "That's a dramatic wound."
[7thsea] GM says, "That means you missed the the 17 by 13, which normally would be a single flesh wound, but since it's a firearm, it's two flesh wounds (since you missed by 10)"
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks (of GM), "Dramatic, you mean?"
[7thsea] GM says, "Bah, yes."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(This would be a good time for a drama die.)"
[7thsea] Johann says, "Hm, don't I get to make a wound check with Brawn? At least that's what the rules say here"
[7thsea] GM says, "Oh, bah, you're right."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Er, yeah, that should have been Brawn, not Resolve."
[7thsea] GM says, "Resolve is the number of dramatic wounds you can take before being crippled."
[7thsea] Johann says, "oh! Let me reroll then"
[7thsea] GM says, "I'll figure out the rules eventually."
[7thsea] Johann rolls 3k3: 10+3 3 6 | 22
[7thsea] Johann exclaims, "haha!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says (to GM), "Don't worry; we know you've only been doing this for a couple of decades."
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Woo! You take no dramatic wounds, but retain all 17 flesh wounds!"
[7thsea] Johann says, "nice!""
[7thsea] GM asks, "So! You've been shot, you're clinging to the tower, what do you want to do?"
[7thsea] Johann asks, "Can I reach him with my broadsword from there? Otherwise, can I shimmy along the railing until I can?"
[7thsea] GM asks, "Do you want to climb up over the railing?"
GM says, "You could try to stab him through the grating otherwise."
GM says, "There's enough space, technically, but it'd be awkward."
[7thsea] Johann says, "stabbing through the grating sounds good"
[7thsea] Johann says, "or hmm wait"
[7thsea] Johann says, "I think I'd like to get over the railing after all"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "In that case, climbing, TN 20!"
[7thsea] Johann rolls 5k3: 2 8 2 9 7 | 24
[7thsea] Johann says, "yiss"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "You make it up! RP!"
[Crows-Nest] DonMiguel says, "Of course he does. We make it *all* up. That's what these kinds of games are all about."
Johann takes a bullet to arm right below his panzerhand, he winces for a second, but, mustering his strength, he pulls himself over the railing with the other hand, semi-akwardly swinging his legs over the railing until he is finally facing Amand.
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "And with that, holy moses but you're all actually in the same scene again, as Talbert and Don Miguel reach the top of the path!"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Everyone roll initiative! Which is panache d10's!"
[7thsea] Johann rolls 2k2: 2 7 | 9
[7thsea] Talbert rolls 3k3: 4 3 10+9 | 26
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Uh, no explode allowed, right"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "So that's me acting on turns 3, 4 and 10"
[7thsea] GM says, "Right."
[7thsea] DonMiguel rolls 3 dice: 9 7 8
[7thsea] GM says, "I mean, unless you want to go on turn 19 instead ;-)"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "haha"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "I shall opt for the sensible option"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "also, quick afk"
[7thsea] Johann says, "(there was some sort of way to say no exploding die, right?)"
[7thsea] GM says, "You can just 'roll 3d10'"
[7thsea] GM says, "But there is indeed 'noexplode 3k2' or whatever."
[7thsea] Amand rolls 4d10 dice: 4 10 1 7
[7thsea] GM says, "(that's for the whole roof group)"
[7thsea] Ricco rolls 3d10 dice: 6 10 7
[7thsea] Penelope says, "(One sec)"
[7thsea] Ricco says, "Whoops, that was supposed to be the guards."
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Ah, I figured"
[7thsea] Ricco rolls 1d10 dice: 10
[7thsea] Penelope asks, "Oh. Am I supposed to roll, too?"
[7thsea] GM says, "(actually, let's have our friendly NPCs not have their own actions; they can just be used as needed.)"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Being confused and semi-distracted."
[7thsea] GM says, "Yup! roll panache d10."
[7thsea] Penelope rolls 3d10 dice: 6 9 2
[7thsea] GM says, "OK! So, to recap:"
[Crows-Nest] (from DonMiguel) GM says, "In the beginning, Theus created the world. This has made a number of people unhappy. The continent of Theah was eventually divided into..."
[7thsea] GM says, "Talbert and Don Miguel just emerged from the trail up the cliff, where they see, in a flash of light, Ricco and Penelope peering into the back door of the lighthouse. Johann is on the catwalk at the top, along with Anand. Three other people are at the top, all focused on Johann. Tristand is climbing up the tower, just below Johann and hasn't been seen by the guards. The other squad is downstairs keeping the family hostage, but will probably hear stuff soon."
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "On 1, the upstairs group goes! Anand backs away, and the others pile out onto the catwalk to stab at Johann!"
[7thsea] GM says, "(Oh, and 'Felipe' wants to get to the light, and the real Felipe is being held hostage with the family.)"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "this bears a fortuitous similarity to a scene in a movie I saw yesterday, which I will not spoil"
[Crows-Nest] DonMiguel asks, "Was the movie based on one of lps' family vacations?"
[7thsea] GM says (to Johann), "What's your Parry and/or Footwork? Either would determine the TN to hit you."
Upstairs_squad emerges, swords in hand!
[7thsea] Upstairs_squad rolls 6k4: 4 7 9 9 9 3 | 34
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "Upstairs over-scored"
[7thsea] GM says, "I'm going to guess that either way, that's a hit."
[Crows-Nest] Talbert exclaims, "A palpable hit!"
[7thsea] Upstairs_squad rolls 6k2: 10+4 10+3 3 1 6 1 | 27
[7thsea] Upstairs_squad exclaims, "Wait, no, armor!"
[7thsea] Upstairs_squad says, "Only a 14."
[7thsea] Upstairs_squad says, "Plus the earlier 17 is 31."
[7thsea] Upstairs_squad exclaims, "Roll brawn vs. 31!"
[Crows-Nest] Johann says, "ack, sorry, I'm here now"
[7thsea] GM says, "np"
[Crows-Nest] Johann says, "My parry is 2"
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "OK, so TN to hit you is 15."
[Crows-Nest] GM says, "(when you're fighting with your sword.)"
[7thsea] Johann rolls 3k3: 9 9 5 | 23
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "That's a single dramatic wound, and your flesh wounds clear!"
Johann exclaims, "Mein Leben!"
Upstairs_squad move to surround you, managing to score a significant slash on your side!
[7thsea] GM says, "2! Penelope and Johann."
Penelope takes a deep breath, lets it out, and tries to sneak to the staircase, avoiding being seen by anyone inside the room.
[7thsea] GM says, "OK! Let's say TN 10 to avoid being seen by the downstairs crew for now, as they haven't reacted to anything yet."
[7thsea] GM says, "You think the outside guards are likely to report back that something is going on upstairs soon."
[7thsea] Penelope says, "What do I roll for that? (Am I borrowing Ricco's stealth?)"
[7thsea] GM says, "(say, on phase 6 ;-)"
[7thsea] GM says, "Sure, borrow Ricco; that works."
[7thsea] GM asks, "I guess TN 15 for him to get both of you?"
[7thsea] GM says, "7k4"
[7thsea] Penelope rolls 7k4: 9 8 2 10+4 7 8 4 | 39
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Thanks! I'd gotten as far as "he's got stealth 3...""
[7thsea] GM says, "That's a success with a free raise! rp, and let me know if you want some special effect from the raise now or if you want to save it for later."
[7thsea] GM says, "Hmm, actually, let me have Ricco do something:"
Ricco motions to the door, and makes a 'should I close this?' gesture at you.
Penelope nods!
Ricco silently closes the door.
Penelope gives Ricco a thumbs up and ascends the stairs.
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Johann!"
[7thsea] GM says, "TN 20 for this group."
[7thsea] GM says, "You can take raises as you wish."
[7thsea] Johann asks, "Does that mean I can attack them at all once?"
[7thsea] Johann says, "I'll take one raise, in any case"
[7thsea] GM says, "In general, when you attack a brute squad, a success means you take one out. These guys look a little tougher than other brute squads you've faced in the past, but you tried to figure out how that would work earlier, and couldn't."
[7thsea] GM says, "OK! TN 25."
[7thsea] Johann rolls 6k3: 3 4 7 5 5 4 | 17
[7thsea] GM asks, "Drama, or accept the fail?"
[7thsea] Johann says, "I only had the one drama die and I used it earlier, so I'll accept the fail"
Upstairs_squad grin at you as they deftly avoid your blade.
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "3: Talbert!"
[Crows-Nest] Talbert says, "Right"
[7thsea] Talbert asks, "I assume we're sneaking at this point?"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Or..."
[7thsea] GM says, "Penelope is sneaking up the stairs in front of you. Most of the action is just outside on the catwalk, but the top room is entirely glass; it's going to be difficult to hide anything there."
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims, "We just got here, so I guess you're taking the lead for our group!"
[7thsea] GM says, "There's also the group downstairs who now can't see into the tower room."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "I'm just having a bit of trouble visualizing the layout here"
[7thsea] Talbert asks, "a picture might help?"
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Does the catwalk circle the lighthouse like a ring?"
[7thsea] GM says (to Don), "Yes."
[7thsea] GM says, "Sure, let me see."
[7thsea] GM says, "https://jamboard.google.com/d/1PvGK7sybsGFKrvrTkNoGhBOqPjSdxcZHLJP-vNFsq5k/viewer?f=1 page 2."
[7thsea] DonMiguel asks, "Is this two separate top-down views?"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "It looks like it"
[7thsea] GM says, "Correct."
[7thsea] Talbert asks, "And we were approaching from which side?"
[7thsea] GM says, "The west."
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "(The lower of which appropriately resembles a flashlight.)"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "OK, good."
[7thsea] GM says (to Don), "Ha"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "So the options are: 1) climb up to the catwalk 2) go inside, ascend to the top of the lighthouse 3) go inside, deal with the downstairs thugs"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Yup!"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Option 2 comes with the risk of being pincered by both groups"
[7thsea] GM says, "Floriana is going to go inside to go up to the top of the lighthouse."
[7thsea] Talbert exclaims, "I see!"
[7thsea] GM says, "If you're stealthy, you could probably get a surprise attack against the top group; you could also just run in."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Should I fight by her side, or ensure that she doesn't get attacked from behind by going for option 3"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Trying to figure out which is more in character"
[7thsea] Talbert asks, "Also, did we get our weapons back?"
[7thsea] GM asks (of Talbert), "There's a dramatic reason that you don't know about to do the former ;-) Would you like a drama die?"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Oho"
[7thsea] Talbert exclaims, "I do!"
[7thsea] GM says, "I assumed you didn't leave them in the caves, no ;-)"
[7thsea] GM gives Talbert a drama die!
Talbert will rush after Floriana-- er, 'Felipe'!
[7thsea] Talbert asks, "Where does that take me?"
[7thsea] Johann says, "Ah crap, I forgot about the drama die I got earlier"
[7thsea] GM says, "Sprinting TN 25 to reach the top this phase! It's really tall ;-)"
[7thsea] Talbert rolls 5k4: 3 8 3 5 3 | 19
[7thsea] GM says, "Any physical trait will do."
[7thsea] Talbert exclaims, "Drama die!"
[7thsea] Talbert rolls 1k1: 9 | 9
[7thsea] Talbert says, "That'll do it"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Love gave me wings"
[7thsea] GM says, "Hey, the first drama die didn't roll a 1 or a 2 this time; crazy."
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "You succeed!"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "rp and go ahead and take your phase 4 action as well!"
[7thsea] GM says, "(also, afk a sec...)"
Talbert is light footed tonight, chasing after the one who has a claim to his heart. He'd follow her into any danger...
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Now, for a phase 4 action, hmmm"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Hard to do that when I don't know what I see upon reaching the top"
[7thsea] Johann exclaims, "me being skewered!"
[7thsea] Talbert says (to Johann), "Oh no, you're dead! Wait, you're just asleep because it's nearly midnight out of game"
[7thsea] GM says, "(back)"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Good point!"
[7thsea] Johann says (to Talbert), "Listen here, young man, I'm not that olzZZzzzzzZzZzZZZzzzZZ"
[7thsea] GM says, "At the top of the stairs is a smallish room with a large contraption in the center that must be the core workings of the lighthouse. Three lenses on a huge rotary metal frame lie dormant around a central device... or would have except that now, instead of a central device there's a roiling cloud of red and black smoke, inside of which you see the tell-tale edges of a Porte portal. Through the glass windows that surround the entire room, you see Johann fighting against three Montaignian ruffians, just outside the open door to the outside catwalk."
GM says, "At the top of the stairs is a smallish room with a large contraption in the center that must be the core workings of the lighthouse. Three lenses on a huge rotary metal frame lie dormant around a central device... or would have except that now, instead of a central device there's a roiling cloud of red and black smoke, inside of which you see the tell-tale edges of a Porte portal. Through the glass windows that surround the entire room, you see Johann fighting against three Montaignian ruffians, just outside the open door to the outside catwalk."
[7thsea] GM says, "(We're getting to time here; probably should stop after a phase or two and we'll pick up again next time.)"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "(cliffhanger!)"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "(timing)"
[7thsea] GM says, "Should we stop there? That works for me..."
[7thsea] Penelope says, "Sure"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "I'm happy to stop while the action is stll simple"
[7thsea] Johann says, "I think it's a good point"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "yeah"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Sounds good!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Then Talbert will have an extra week to decide what to do in phase 4."
[7thsea] Talbert exclaims, "yep!"
[7thsea] GM says, "Well, thanks, everyone! I'm just happy to finally be doing my lighthouse scene after all these years ;-)"
[7thsea] Johann says (to gm), "Thanks a lot! This was quite some fine"
[7thsea] DonMiguel exclaims (at GM), "Yay! And thank you!"
[7thsea] Talbert exclaims, "This was really cool!"
[7thsea] GM says, "(also, I was happy everyone thought the fist bump was hilarious.)"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "(yay)"
[7thsea] Johann says, "that was great"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Indeed."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Thanks again"
[7thsea] Talbert exclaims, "and now: towards the general vicinity of bed!"
[7thsea] GM asks, "So, looks like we meet again in three weeks? For Tale's schedule?"
[7thsea] Johann says, "19th ? Sure"
[7thsea] Talbert asks, "Schedule says 26th?"
[7thsea] GM | ] Taleslinger: The 19th might not work for me,but the 26th should
[7thsea] Talbert says, "we have time to sort out scheduling on Discord anyhow"
[7thsea] Talbert says, "goofnight, my fellow swashlers of buckles"
[7thsea] Penelope says, "G'night! Thanks!"
[7thsea] GM exclaims, "Either's fine with me. See you then!"
[7thsea] DonMiguel says, "Ditto."
[7thsea] Talbert says, "Looking forward to it :)"
Talbert hops into the DeLorean and heads off to the future.
Penelope is running away.
[7thsea] Johann asks, "Hm, what was past me thinking would happen on the 19th?"
