[Numenera] Bert says, "Log on."

[Numenera] GM says, "Right! Everyone gets one skill point, and you can also shuffle your skills around."

[Numenera] GM says, "(Normally, shuffling would be very constrained, but since we're just starting, I'm fine with more drastic shuffling if need be.)"

[Numenera] josh_g says, "you'll never guess what I'm about to ask"

[Numenera] josh_g asks, "could someone reset Kay's password?"

[Numenera] Aledonne asks, "I've done the shuffle -- for my skill point, does anyone have any opinions on whether we'd be better off with me adding Burglary or Ride/Pilot at Average?"

[Numenera] josh_g says, "and this time I'll write it down immediately instead of thinking I'll remember to do so four hours later"

[Numenera] Aledonne asks, "You know that you can change it yourself to something that you'll remember?"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "I don't have strong feelings about either of those skills"

[Numenera] josh_g says, "I was just going to ask, how do I even change my password"

[Numenera] GM says, "'@password'."

[Numenera] josh_g says, "thanks"

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "Specifically, '@password me=newpass'"

Grav has arrived.

Molly sets their current fate point total to 3.

[Numenera] Molly says, "Oh, darn it, I forgot about the skill point and shuffle"

[Crows-Nest] Molly says, "The point and shuffle is my new favourite dance"

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "If no preferences, I guess RIde/Pilot is more in-character."

Kay has arrived.

[Numenera] GM asks (of Kay), "Are you in and out today, or just here after all?"

[Numenera] Kay says, "I'm here for an hour or so"

[Numenera] Kay says, "and then it's Maybe after that"

[Numenera] GM says, "OK, cool."

[Numenera] Catrina says, "Think I'll go with +1 Rapport; I've been chattier than usual later"

[Numenera] GM says, "So, feel free to shuffle your skills or add a new one when you actually have to roll something and think 'I should have that' ;-)"

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "After some cyphercraft on the walk back to where Glissandra was supposed to be, we wound up with one leftover cypher: the Panoramic Capture Ball."

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "It throw it up into the air, and it'll take a panoramic picture of an aerial view of the area and print it on itself."

[Crows-Nest] Molly says, "(Saving skill point for when I need it)"

[Numenera] Aledonne asks, "Would anyone like to swap any of their current cyphers for it, or to have me try to combine it with something else to make a new cypher?"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "good deal"

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "If not, I'll probably recombine it with one of my own."

[Numenera] GM asks (of Aledonne), "Is it fair to say that it's been sitting in your pack during the trip, as you've been recombining other things?"

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "That seems fair."

[Numenera] GM says, "OK, until you do something with it, I'm adding 'Too Many Cyphers' to https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1h88N6VTO6dtQ2RVzk1tqx4NdA5PNyShAjpXcoVjhU8M/edit#gid=908588252"

GM exclaims, "So!"

Hunter arrives at home.

GM says, "As you've been traveling, you keep expecting to see Glissandra, as this was the route she was supposed to take: the same route she's taken for the last umpteen years."

GM says, "But you never saw her. And you eventually reach the spot you're *sure* you departed from... but there's no Glissandra. Just the smashed trees she wintered on."

Aledonne trusts that Molly knows where she's going and isn't too concerned.

[Numenera] GM says, "(so I guess there's not really a question about whether this is actually the place or not.)"

Catrina says, "There does seem to be a clear path, at least."

Molly says, "Old Glitchy's gane a-missing? Ah don't buh-lieve it"

[Numenera] Kay asks, "I forget, does Glissandra normally leave a visible path where she travels?"

[Numenera] Kay asks, "or does she float above high enough that we would be unable to track her?"

[Numenera] GM says, "Normally she just floats."

Aledonne says, "Gliassandra seems a bit large to just go 'missing'."

[Numenera] Catrina says, "oh"

[Crows-Nest] Catrina asks, "did all the logging stuff happen?"

[Numenera] GM says, "Not 'above the clouds' high, but above the trees."

[Crows-Nest] Aledonne says, "Bert is logging."

[Numenera] Kay says, "ok"

Aledonne asks, "Perhaps we should get a view from a higher vantage point?"

Aledonne pulls a ball out of his pack.

Catrina says, "That could be helpful."

Kay says, "Good idea."

Aledonne throws the ball high into the air.

[Numenera] GM exclaims (at Aledonne), "Roll, uh, Physique or Shoot or something!"

[Numenera] GM says, "(to see how high up it gets.)"

[Numenera] Aledonne asks, "Oh. Um. Athletics?"

[Numenera] GM asks, "You could use Athletics to get to a better vantage point, perhaps?"

[Numenera] GM asks, "Like, climb a tree and throw from there?"

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "OK."

Aledonne climbs up to the highest point he can find.

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

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "Oh dear. I really should not have suggested throwing this myself."

GM says (to Aledonne), "All the trees around here seem to only have branches that start about 100' up, but you do find a small hill."

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "(I assume that was a failed Create Advantage.)"

Aledonne throws it the best he can anyway.

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "Doesn't matter if it's Physique or Shoot."

Aledonne rolls Mediocre (0) + 4dF: -1 +1 -1 -1 | Terrible (-2)

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "I apologize, everyone."

[Numenera] GM says, "Ha."

[Numenera] Catrina says, "hey it's not your fault"

[Numenera] Kay says, "ow"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "maybe it could just fail to activate and we could try again"

[Numenera] GM asks, "You could spend a fate point to have that happen, if you want?"

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "Alright."

[Numenera] Kay says, "in the meantime, I'm wondering how far Gliss could have traveled, roughly, given how long we've been gone"

[Numenera] GM says, "(oh, and if your fp are lower than your refresh, you can reset to that. But some people are above that right now, IIRC)"

[Numenera] Aledonne asks, "Tagging Wandering Nano Who Recombines Magics, because I at least made sure it had a failsafe in it?"

Aledonne sets his current fate point total to 3.

Aledonne spends a fate point, leaving him with 2.

Catrina gives a fate point to Catrina.

Aledonne says, "Uh. Can someone else try this? I've never been one for this kind of sport, to be honest."

[Numenera] GM says (to Kay), "Molly might know; you've not seen her move while you've been here."

Catrina says, "I could give it a go."

GM updates everyone's fate points for the end of the scene.

Kay asks (of Molly), "hey, how far do you think Gliss could've traveled while we've been gone?"

Catrina says, "Perhaps you could craft one of those... things... an atl-atl, I think they are called."

[Numenera] Molly asks, "Lore (Bio)?"

[Numenera] GM says, "Sure. TN 1, since you've lived here your whole life."

Molly rolls Good (3) + 4dF: +1 -1 -1 -1 | Average (1)

Aledonne, at Catrina's advice, tries to fashion some kind of slinging aid.

[Numenera] Kay says, "getting all those -1's out of the way early"

[Numenera] Molly says, "indeed"

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "(Create Advantage with Crafts for whoever will be throwing the ball. TN?)"

Catrina says, "If the village elders are fleeing, they may be taking pains to flee from, well, us. Okay, *me*. Sorry about that."

[Crows-Nest] Molly says, "we realized that our original tactic of getting the +1's out of the way first was detrimental to our success"

[Numenera] npc2 says (to Aledonne), "Sure; just a sec."

[Crows-Nest] Catrina says, "our clever strategy of all talking to the GM at once will surely pay off"

[Numenera] Grav says, "I could have my drones carry it up for us"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "that sounds pretty good"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "look at us trying to use our biological limbs like chumps"

[Numenera] Kay says, "hee hee"

GM says (to Molly), "You've never really paid too much attention; it's just been part of the background of your life. But normally, she travels more slowly than you guys were travelling, like maybe an hour's walk in a day. That's varied a bit in your experience; you recall once when you were a kid Glissandra's tentacles were attacked by a wild creature, and she puller herself after it."

[Numenera] Aledonne says (to Grav), "I like that idea."

Molly relays that to the others.

[Numenera] Kay asks, "how many days were we gone?"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "In that mixed-up cave, who knows how time passed"

[Numenera] Kay says, "dang topsy-turvy world"

[Numenera] Kay says, "dang it, are we in Narnia now"

GM says (to Aledonne), "Looking at Grav's drones, you figure that you could devise a thing that would make them 'pop' enough to throw the ball up after it had carried them."

[Numenera] GM says, "(unless you have a different idea)"

Aledonne nods thoughtfully while rubbing his chin.

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "No, that seems good."

[Numenera] GM says, "Which would be an Overcome TN 3, to let him use the drones to throw it, which they otherwise wouldn't be able to do."

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

[Numenera] GM exclaims, "Success!"

[Numenera] GM exclaims (at Grav), "OK! Your drones have been modified, and you can use Lore:Tech to throw the Panorama Ball!"

Aledonne assembles a mechanical throwing frame and rigs it onto one of Grav's drones, then hands over the panorama ball.

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

GM exclaims, "The ball is carried above the trees, and then popped up in the air!"

[Crows-Nest] Molly asks, "Still miserly with those +1's, are we, Mr Dice?"

GM spends a fate point, leaving him with 3.

GM tags "Too many cyphers"

[Crows-Nest] Catrina says, "woah what"

GM exclaims, "...where it hovers in mid-air, sparking small bolts of red lightning!"

Kay asks, "Is it, um, supposed to do that?"

GM says, "You think it took its picture, though."

Kay asks, "It looks nice?"

[Numenera] Aledonne exclaims, "That's one of the problems we were just trying to solve!"

[Numenera] GM says, "And it's now solved! ;-)"

Aledonne retrieves it when -- if? -- it comes back down.

Catrina asks, "Will it come down?"

Aledonne says, "I... thought it would..."

GM says, "It's just hovering there."

Aledonne says, "This is definitely not how I had expected this to go."

Catrina asks, "Do you mind if I throw a rock at it?"

Kay picks up a rock. "Do I just hit it with something to knock it down?

Aledonne says, "Go right ahead."

[Numenera] Kay says, "timing"

[Numenera] Kay says, "rock throw game! woo"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "now it's a competition"

Grav grabs it with his shield

[Crows-Nest] Catrina says, "awww what"

Kay throws the rock. It arcs up, bounces off Grav's shield. "Awwwww..."

[Numenera] GM says (to Grav), "Your drones were already at about their max range; that's why it was up there in the first place. But you can try to extend that, or do something to get *you* up there."

[Numenera] Catrina says, "dwarf-tossing it is"

Grav jumps

GM says, "For throwing rocks, it's two zones away, so 'shoot', TN 4."

GM says (to Grav), "You jump on the spot, fruitlessly."

[Numenera] Kay asks, "can I use Physique instead?"

[Numenera] Kay says, "feel free to say no and I'll just throw a rock and miss, because why not"

[Numenera] Catrina asks (of Grav), "how do you feel about climbing a tree?"

[Numenera] GM says, "Physique would be OK, but TN 6, I think."

Aledonne looks for branches that he could use to build a crude ladder.

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

Grav stands on one of his shields and uses that to raise him up

rock wheeeeeee

rock thunk

[Numenera] Kay says, "hee hee"

[Crows-Nest] Molly says, "Wow, Kay must be super strong to be tossing about the Rock"

GM exclaims (at Grav), "Lore:Tech, TN 2!"

[Crows-Nest] Molly says, "(Speaking of which, it's his birthday)"

[Crows-Nest] Kay exclaims, "birthday bumps!"

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

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "We're never going to get out of the first location today."

[Crows-Nest] Catrina says, "how the ancients build their so-called "ladders", we'll never know"

[Numenera] Molly asks, "I'll try using my Physique, since I have an actual non-zero chance of meeting TN 6?"

ball hover hover hover

[Crows-Nest] Aledonne says (to Catrina), "Hey, I suggested building a ladder! I'm just waiting for the GM to be finished with all the other actions in his queue to resolve."

[Numenera] GM says, "Sure."

Molly picks up a rock and throws it

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

[Numenera] GM asks (of Aledonne), "Oh, did you want a TN for that?"

[Numenera] Catrina asks, "don't we have at least 2 different cyphers that shut down tech?"

[Numenera] Aledonne says (to GM), "I would like a TN for that."

rock wheeeeeeeeeeeee

Grav throws a rock as well

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "(Is building a ladder an Overcome or a Create Advantage here?)"

Molly takes out her Countermeasure.

Grav rolls Average (1) + 4dF: +1 +1 +1 +1 | Superb (5)

Catrina gasps!

Molly also gaspes, nearly dropping the Countermeasure she was about to use.

[Crows-Nest] Molly says, "(Is everyone in shock and awe over that amazing roll?)"

Grav spends a fate point, leaving them with 2.

[Numenera] GM exclaims (at Grav), "You knock it out of the sky! RP!"

[Crows-Nest] Catrina says, "nothing but net"

[Numenera] GM says, "(he's typing)"

Grav grav throws a rock on the off chance it works which then, bounces off a tree, hits one of the branches hard enough to catapult itself in the air, bouncing off a passing bird, and then gently knocks the drone out of the sky and into gravs hand.

[Crows-Nest] Catrina says, "haha have fan mail"

Aledonne drops the branches he was collecting. "Splendid!"

[Numenera] GM says, "Ha"

Molly exclaims, "By gum thar lad's done it!"

Aledonne asks, "Was the image recorded properly?"

GM says (to Grav), "The sphere stops sparking, and you see that it contains a paroramic view of the surrounding countryside! Investigate, TN 2, to figure something out."

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

GM says (to Grav), "You see a series of ripped-out trees, leading away from where you are, going south-southeast."

[Numenera] GM says, "(whoops, south-southwest. Not that it hugely matters.)"

[Numenera] Grav exclaims, "onward, to south southwest!"

[Numenera] Kay says, "south-southwegothatway"

GM says, "But while you're looking at it, the sphere sparks again, and falls apart."

[Numenera] GM says, "(as the minor cost)"

Aledonne asks, "Oh no -- did you spot anything helpful before it broke?"

ball spark fzz clunk

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "(also, ha fan mail)"

[Numenera] Grav says, "a series of trees were ripped out in this direction"

Grav says, "A series of trees were ripped out in this direction."

Aledonne says, "Hmm. I suppose that would be a trail to follow, then."

Aledonne asks, "Shall we?"

Molly exclaims, "Aye, let's get our arses into gear!"

[Numenera] GM asks, "OK, are you doing anything in particular to try to travel quickly?"

Aledonne says, "I do have a device that can act as a kind of mount, but it wouldn't be able to hold all of us."

Aledonne says, "It could carry two of us on top and one inside."

Catrina says, "Well... perhaps it would be acceptable to bury our friend here, and we could come back from him later, if possible."

Aledonne nods.

[Numenera] GM asks (of Molly), "What do you think about that plan?"

[Numenera] GM says, "(for rp purposes)"

[Numenera] Molly says, "hmm"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "don't make me stick his dead head onto your body because I totally will"

[Numenera] Molly says, "eek"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "okay I won't"

Molly seems reluctant, but concedes: 'Ah guess we can do that. Nowt difference, anyhoo.'

[Setting the zoned flag.]

[Numenera] Aledonne asks, "If I were to try to craft a sort of 'potion of speed' as a Create Advantage, would it be able to affect more than one person?"

Catrina builds a nice little cairn at the top of the hill.

[Numenera] GM says, "Hmm, good question."

[Numenera] GM says, "OK, how about this: normal travel will get you to Glissandra with four Aspects against you. Each of you can attempt to perform some action to clear one of those aspects. Creating a potion of speed would be one of those overcomes."

[Numenera] Aledonne asks, "OK! What's the TN for the potion?"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "that sounds feasible"

[Numenera] GM says, "I think just a TN 2."

Grav will ride on a force field

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

Catrina says, "Rest well, my friend.""

[Numenera] GM says (to Grav), "TN 2 for that, too."

[Numenera] Kay says, "I will try some kind of Slightly Disturbing self-modification to make myself faster"

[Numenera] Aledonne exclaims, "Success with style!"

[Numenera] Molly exclaims, "Sorry, AFK for two minutes!"

Catrina says, "If it is acceptable, I'd like to run on ahead, scout out various trails, and report back periodically to suggest approaches to take and which to avoid."

[Numenera] GM exclaims (at Aledonne), "That gives you Boost you can spend helping others Overcome one of the slowdown Aspects!"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "(with my Athletics)"

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

Aledonne, after a bit of mixing, burning, distilling, tasting, scowling and diluting, produces a bowl containing a purple slime.

[Numenera] GM says (to Catrina), "OK, that sound a little bit difficult; let's say TN 4."

Aledonne says, "Anyone whose feet grow tired during this journey, rub some of this on them. It will give you an extra bit of spring in your step."

[Crows-Nest] Kay says, "did you just invent flubber"

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

[Crows-Nest] Aledonne says, "Just call me Fred MacMurray."

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

[Numenera] Molly says, "back"

[Numenera] GM asks (of Catrina), "Fail? FP? Spend Aledonne's or Grav's boost?"

Grav uses a force to carry everyone's stuff

[Numenera] Catrina says, "if I can mooch a boost that'd be great"

[Numenera] Aledonne exclaims, "Please do!"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "probably Aledonne's speed potion, so yeah, okay I'll do that."

[Numenera] Catrina says, "that preworkout is kicking in"

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "Take an extra dose of the potion to compensate for how much extra running you're doing."

[Numenera] GM says, "Grav also gives the group the boost 'Unencumbered'."

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "(Also, now I'm AFK a moment too.)"

Catrina zips off, light as a feather.

[Numenera] Kay says, "ok rolling my weird magickal body mod"

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

[Numenera] GM says (to Catrina), "The foot balm makes you faster, and you significantly increase the group's speed, though it also seems to have numbed your foot so that you don't notice when you step on something prickly, and take a single point of physical stress."

[Numenera] GM says, "(as the minor cost)"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "sure"

[Numenera] GM exclaims (at Kay), "That's a success! rp!"

[Numenera] Molly asks, "I'd try to persuade some random creature to allow me to ride it... Rapport Overcome, I assume?"

[Numenera] npc1 says (to Molly), "Sure, TN 3."

[Numenera] npc1 says, "(have typing queued up in other window ;-)"

Kay focuses intently, willing their healing forces to alter their body beyond the usual repair-work they prefer. Kay's legs elongate slightly, joints seeming to be strained ... and then in a strange muddle of moving muscle and skin, they settle into what seems to be almost a deer-like shape.

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

Kay takes a short sprint around the clearing, getting used to the new configuration.

Molly blinks.

[Numenera] npc1 asks (of Molly), "You can tag Grav's 'Unencumbered' boost?"

[Numenera] Molly exclaims, "Oh, sure!"

[Numenera] Molly says, "That'll help convince it."

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "Back."

[Numenera] Molly exclaims, "So, a success!"

[Numenera] npc1 exclaims, "Indeed! rp!"

Molly exclaims (at Kay), "Yer gave mah thar best idea!"

Molly proceeds to seek out and persuade a deer to let her ride on its back.

[Numenera] npc1 asks, "So, in Numenera, there's no 'deer', per se, but you can invent something similar, or we can go with an aneen?"

[Numenera] npc1 says, "(the guys that stampeded you in the first encounter)"

[Numenera] Molly says, "Let's say it's a de'er."

[Numenera] npc1 says, "Ha."

[Numenera] npc1 exclaims, "Sure!"

[Numenera] Molly says, "(Molly isn't too good at spelling)"

GM says, "And with that, the group of you manages to make your way quickly through the forest, with your stuff in Grav's force fields, a spring in your step from Aledonne's salve, Catrina's scouting advice, Kay's interestingly-adapted legs, and Molly riding alongside on a de'er."

[Numenera] GM says, "And you actually not only overcome all the aspects arrayed against you, but manage to create a new one, which I'll call 'Arrived with plenty of time.'"

[Numenera] Kay says, "woo yay"

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "Now we have to sit around waiting for Glissandra to catch up."

GM says, "After two days of travel, you see Glissandra in the distance, moving faster than Molly's ever seen her move. She's reaching forward with her tentacles wrapping them around trees, and pulling herself through the air. Sometimes the trees get uprooted, which is what you've been following."

Villager spots you, and flies down on a Lift Wasp.

Villager exclaims (at Molly), "You made it back! It's so good to see you!"

Molly asks (of Villager), "Aye, it's grand! What's ther news back 'ome?"

Colrin exclaims, "Nobody knows what's going on! Glissandra got inflated, then suddenly turned around and headed back this way!"

Molly says (to Colrin), "Summat must 'ave spooker her, then..."

[Numenera] Molly says, "*spooked"

Colrin says, "The priests have been in seclusion; the evensong's been cancelled; the Mayor's been trying to keep everyone from panicking."

Colrin asks, "You want a ride back up? And your friends?"

Molly says, "Aye, that'd be awful kind of yer, we've come a lang way as 'tis"

[Crows-Nest] Catrina says, "afk 5"

Colrin, assuming you all want to go up to Glissandra, makes space for Molly on the back of the Lift Wasp, and sends a few more down for the rest of you.

Aledonne says, "Thank you."

GM says, "Home Upon is in disarray when you arrive. The streets widen and shrink as Glissandra pulls herself along, and a couple of the new buildings that weren't built the way they used to build them have collapsed. The older ones remain upright, if shaken."

[Crows-Nest] Catrina says, "okay back"

Aledonne asks, "So there's no sign of what's done this to her? Is there any way to communicate with Glissandra?"

[Crows-Nest] Aledonne says, "Huh, the link to Molly's sheet doesn't work anymore."

Colrin exclaims (at Aledonne), "That's what the priests are supposed to do, but they've locked themselves in the temple!"

Colrin says, "They said they were working on it, but there's been no change."

[Crows-Nest] Molly says, "Does this work? https://fatecharactersheet.com/character/fate-core-custom/3TFYIntNnwP2/molly-burr-ket"

Catrina says, "I know some people who might know more. Unfortunately... they don't exactly have Glissandra's best interests at heart."

[Crows-Nest] GM says (to Molly), "Yup."

[Crows-Nest] Aledonne says, "Aha, much better."

[Crows-Nest] Aledonne says, "(I was trying to figure out if Molly's Mistress of Beasts ability would help here.)"

GM exclaims (at Catrina), "Notice, TN 1!"

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

Catrina seems a bit lost in thought.

[Crows-Nest] Molly says, "Well, it's likely that Glissandra has +8 Will"

[Crows-Nest] Molly says, "Or something like that"

[Crows-Nest] Aledonne says, "And it looks like it doesn't really have a 'get information from them' aspect to it."

[Numenera] GM asks (of Molly), "Do you think you've tried to chat with G in the past?"

[Numenera] Molly says, "I think I just never thought about it because she's so titanic in scale."

[Numenera] Molly says, "...until now."

[Numenera] Molly says, "(and yeah, my stunt is more about ordering animals about, not listening to them :P )"

[Numenera] Molly says, "(Doesn't mean I can't calm them down, technically. Just means I won't know what's up with her.)"

[Numenera] Grav asks, "can you order her to talk to you?"

[Numenera] Molly says, "assuming she can talk to people... yes."

[Numenera] Molly says, "(how very film noirish)"

[Numenera] GM says, "If you would like to try talking to her, that seems like a fate point sort of thing (or just a stunt you could take at the cost of a refresh, if you wanted it all the time?)"

[Crows-Nest] Aledonne asks, "Hmm. If the priests are trying to communicate with her, and she's not cooperating, can you convince her to cooperate with them?"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "ve haf vays of makink you talk"

[Crows-Nest] Aledonne says, "Ilac."

[Numenera] GM says, "Or you can try the 'order to talk' thing, which would probably be a Rapport vs. her Will thing."

[Numenera] Molly says, "I'll try that first (the 'order her to talk' idea) and if it doesn't pan out, then I might spend refresh"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "I've got a good feeling about that"

Molly hah

Molly lac

[Numenera] GM asks, "Hmm. Is the order thing normally an overcome or a Create Advantage?"

[Numenera] Molly says, "It's usually an opposed thing or an Overcome"

[Numenera] Molly says, "(Create Advantage with Rapport is already pretty much a thing that exists already without the need for a stunt)"

[Numenera] GM says, "(Also, to be clear: you can spend a fate point to temporarily gain a stunt you don't normally have, if it makes sense to be able to get it on the spur of the moment. Later, you can either get the fate point back normally, or decide you like the stunt well enough to make it permanent.)"

[Numenera] Molly says, "(understood)"

[Numenera] GM exclaims, "OK! If you want to try, roll Rapport!"

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

Glissandra rolls Legendary+1 (+9) + 4dF: +1 -1 +1 0 | Legendary+2 (10)

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "Glissandra Wills Not."

GM says (to Molly), "You reach out with your mind and try to order Glissandra to talk to you, and are overwhelmed by the sheer scale and power of her mind."

[Numenera] GM says (to Molly), "Also, Notice, TN 2."

Molly rolls Average (1) + 4dF: -1 -1 -1 -1 | Terrible-1 (-3)

[Numenera] GM says, "Ha ha wow."

[Numenera] Molly says, "Clearly my head is spinning"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "you can't force us to notice things, GM"

[Numenera] GM says (to Molly), "You can succeed at a cost, spend a fp, or not notice the thing."

[Numenera] Molly exclaims, "Succeed at a cost!"

[Numenera] Molly says, "(probably my sanity is about to go down the bog)"

[Numenera] GM says, "OK! Let's say you now have the Mild Consequence 'Mind Reeling'."

[Numenera] GM says, "But you also realize that while Glissandra herself is as leviathan-esque as you always imagined she'd be, you sense the presense of other, smaller minds that seem tied to hers."

[Numenera] Catrina says, "oh yeah there's something symbiotic in the tendrils maybe"

[Numenera] Molly asks, "...human minds? or not?"

[Numenera] GM says, "No, not human."

[Numenera] Molly says, "Now that's intriguing."

[Numenera] Catrina says, "or is she gonna have a bazillion glisslettes"

Aledonne asks, "Should we try to take a glider down, to see if we can see anything?"

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "Surely nothing could possibly go wrong if we tried to go flying between her tentacles given the way we've been rolling today."

Molly takes a drink from her self-chilling mug to steady her nerves.

Molly takes another drink. Then a third one. 'Ahhh. Better.'

[Numenera] GM asks (of Aledonne), "What sort of thing are you after?"

[Numenera] Aledonne exclaims (at GM), "I have no idea!"

[Numenera] GM says, "Ha."

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "I mean, aside from 'more information to help us figure out what we should be doing here'."

[Numenera] Molly says, "We want to find out who those lifeforms are"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "I think we should bust in on them priests"

[Numenera] Molly exclaims, "They may be exerting an undue influence on Glitchy's thought patterns!"

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "True."

[Numenera] Molly says, "(the non human minds, not the priests. Although perhaps the priests too!)"

[Numenera] GM says, "The ideas that seem open to me are: where are you going (most of you guys have travelled the area), what are the priests doing, what is the Mayor doing, maybe what Catrina's employers are doing."

Grav will hang off the edge to investigate the tendrils for parasites

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

[Numenera] Aledonne asks, "Do we have any standing to go in and demand that the priests explain things?"

[Numenera] Aledonne asks, "Can Molly use her familial connections?"

[Numenera] Molly asks, "Possibly...?"

[Numenera] Molly says, "I mean, I'm not the favourite daughter or anything"

GM says, "Grav grabs a cable and lowers himself over the edge of Glissandra, away from the trailing tentacles behind and the grasping tentacles in front. He looks for anything that might be external and influencing them, but all the plod hooks were cleared away last Spring. Instead, he gets the sense that each tentacle is sort of executing its own plan, but those plans are all coordinated from a central source, like they're a bunch of workers, all working in concert."

[Crows-Nest] Catrina says, "sounds like communism"

[Numenera] Aledonne asks, "Do you have some cousin or aunt who would know something that you're on good enough terms to chat with?"

[Numenera] GM says (to Molly), "You do have family you can talk to. I guess the canonical roll for this would be Contacts, but you can always succeed at a cost/owe someone a favor or the like."

Catrina says (to Grav), "Quite interesting; thank you."

[Numenera] Molly says, "Oooh, now I have something to spend my skill point on."

[Numenera] GM says, "Heh. Sure! TN 2."

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

[Numenera] GM says (to Molly), "Wait, wasn't Colrin also related to the priests? You think his mom is still involved with them."

[Crows-Nest] Aledonne says, "Ah, the law of Conservation of NPC's."

[Crows-Nest] Catrina says, "you can't let little things like gender get in the way"

[Numenera] Catrina asks, "is someone doing something?"

Colrin asks (of Molly), "Yes?"

[Numenera] Molly says, "oops"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "It's okay, no foul"

Molly asks (of Colrin), "Yer ken, mebbe Ah and meh friends could help. Yer mum still works with the priests, reight?"

Molly says, "Nawt like Ah'd be awt of place, anyhoo, if yer get the gist."

Colrin asks, "Yeah, she's still a formal memeber, so she can vote on things. Usually she doesn't. Why?"

[Crows-Nest] Catrina says, "the whole thing is a misunderstanding of someone on the city council 'making a motion'"

[Crows-Nest] Molly says, "haha"

Molly says (to Colrin), "Mebbe we could talk to the priests. Least, Ah could. In times like these, we gotta all stick togither, yer know? Teamwork an' every'in."

Colrin says, "But you'd have to get *in*! Only the priests have the keys, and they're all inside. I mean, mom isn't inside, because she said she needed to help fix the buildings, and that was more important than yapping right now."

Colrin says, "But... oooh. She probably has a key. Or had one."

Colrin exclaims, "But no! Molly, we can't burst in there! They're in there for a reason!"

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "Of course, there are ways into places without keys."

[Numenera] Catrina says, "mostly involving grenades"

[Numenera] Molly says (to Catrina), "oi oi oi"

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "I was thinking of something *slightly* less destructive."

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "(But, admittedly, only slightly.)"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "pop that Antipathy Field and everyone's just SIGH FINE GO IN, I DON'T CARE"

[Numenera] Molly says, "haha"

[Numenera] GM says, "Ha."

[Numenera] Catrina says, "but yeah let's chase down Stiffler's Mom"

[Numenera] GM says (to Molly), "Also, if you want to convince him to help, Rapport vs. 2."

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

[Numenera] GM says, "(or you can talk to the mom directly)"

[Numenera] GM exclaims, "Success! RP!"

[Numenera] GM says, "In the meantime, if anyone else wants to investigate anything or talk to someone, feel free. Or you can do this as a group? Either's OK by me."

[Numenera] GM says, "(just want to make sure everyone feels like they can contribute)"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "I feel good with spectating at this point"

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "I'd be happy to assist anyone else, but I don't have any ideas of my own to follow up on at the moment."

[Numenera] GM says, "Alrighty."

Molly says (to Colrin), "Ah, don't get all in a tizzy 'bout it, it'll be all reight. Them priests might be a wee bit miffed at furst, but once they jist figger out why we're thar, they'll see we jist want tae 'elp 'em."

Molly pats Colrin on the shoulder. 'Nae worries.'

Colrin sighs.

[Numenera] Catrina says, "my only metagaming suggestion is to recall we still have that Plenty of Time boost in our pocket so we can probably catch up with someone before they're quite ready or already started, if we need to"

Colrin says, "I don't know how you always talk me into your crazy escapades."

Molly grins broadly.

[Crows-Nest] Catrina says, "it's like you're really Good at Rapport or something"

[Crows-Nest] Molly says, "The trick is to think of people as monkeys."

[Crows-Nest] Molly says, "And then use the Mistress of Beasts stunt"

[Crows-Nest] Molly says, "(Unethical? Perhaps.)"

Colrin says, "But come on; Mom's out fixing houses and Dad's helping at the town square and Jess is out with friends and Emilea's with her newest boyfriend and Ton's small."

Catrina says, "Yes let us go to where the houses are being fixed."

Colrin leads you back to his house. It's a tidy affair; well built, which you would expect of someone of his mom's profession.

[Crows-Nest] Molly says, "Oh, man."

Colrin says, "Her room's upstairs; the key's probably buried in some box somewhere."

[Numenera] GM says, "Investigate, TN 5! Feel free to assist."

Aledonne says, "I think I might be able to help here."

[Numenera] Molly says, "I've got it at +1. I can help."

Aledonne scatters sparkling dust throughout the area.

[Crows-Nest] Catrina says, "that makes the pixels really light up"

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "Scan! To let me see things not visible to the naked eye."

[Numenera] GM says, "Let's say that's Create Advantage, TN 2."

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "Perfect."

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

[Crows-Nest] Molly says, "Naked eye? CENSORED"

[Numenera] Aledonne exclaims, "Two free invokes for whoever's investigating!"

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

[Numenera] GM says, "Nice! OK, let's see..."

[Crows-Nest] Molly says, "Detective Grav Investigates"

Aledonne stands still and studies the room while other people are searching. Every few seconds he points out another cubby hole or a pile of metal objects where the key might be hidden.

Catrina jots down a quick note: "Dear Mrs. Colrin's Mom -- sorry we took your key. We really needed it! For good reasons. Come see us if we forget to give it back. Sincerely, your friend in jelliness, Catrina Calavera."

inky has arrived.

[Crows-Nest] Aledonne exclaims, "And playing the role of the key, it's inky!"

[Crows-Nest] Molly exclaims, "Gender bending continues!"

[Crows-Nest] Aledonne asks, "?"

[Crows-Nest] Molly says, "*Mrs* Colrin"

[Crows-Nest] Catrina says, "Mrs. (Colrin's Mom)"

[Crows-Nest] Molly exclaims, "ah!"

GM says, "Grav has done this sort of thing before, so even before Aledonne sprinkles his dust, he knows where he would look first...and that's exactly where it is. But with the extra viewability, you also can tell that both the key and the small book it sits next to at the bottom of a box were probably placed there at the same time."

GM says, "Pulling it out, you see that it has the symbol of the priesthood on the cover. Inside, there are more symbols, and writing in a language you're unfamiliar with."

Colrin says, "Wow, that was fast. I thought we'd be here for hours."

Colrin says, "Mom's not a major priestess, so it probably opens the back door or something."

[Numenera] Catrina asks, "would The Madness of Dead Aliens help in understanding the language?"

[Numenera] Aledonne asks, "Do we need to be stealthy to pocket the notebook on our way?"

[Numenera] Aledonne asks, "Or alternately: should we just ask Colrin if he recognizes the language?"

[Numenera] GM asks (of Catrina), "I don't know what that is, but why not?"

[Numenera] GM says (to Aledonne), "Feel free to go for either ;-)"

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "Or alternately alternately: the GM might let me tag Student of the Children of Lost Words to suggest that *I* know the language."

[Numenera] Catrina says, "me either! It's just an Aspect on my sheet."

[Numenera] GM asks, "Maybe Empathy to figure out how Colrin might feel about it?"

[Numenera] Aledonne asks, "I have +1 Empathy. Anyone better at this than me?"

[Numenera] GM says, "Sure! If either of you want to spend a fate point, you can recognize the language."

[Numenera] Catrina says, "I'm at +2 Empathy but I'm not sure why"

[Numenera] GM says, "Ha."

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "If Empathy is a thing we can assist with, then I'll assist Catrina."

[Numenera] Catrina says, "I think Aledonne is down an FP already so I'll take this hit"

Catrina spends a fate point, leaving him with 2.

Catrina ponders the language, while stealing a glance at young Colrin.

[Numenera] GM says, "The two of you look at Colrin, then eye each other. How much would he care? TN 1."

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

Colrin says, "Oh, you found the handbook. Mom didn't know why they gave that to her; she doesn't know how to read it. I guess it's a formality they stick to."

GM says (to Catrina), "Y"

[Numenera] GM says, "ila<return>"

Catrina says, "Perhaps I can give her a few pointers, out of gratitude."

Colrin asks, "Wow, you can read it?"

Catrina adds to her note, "P.S. --ask me about the book."

Catrina says, "Well... 'read' is perhaps a bit strong, but I've seen this sort of thing before."

[Numenera] Catrina says, "okay I'm out of improv, need help"

GM says (to Catrina), "Flipping through it, it seems to be a sort of handbook. Not all the words are familiar, but you can work out 'evensong' from context, and the details of other rituals."

[Numenera] Aledonne asks, "Is there a 'Troubleshooting' section in the back?"

GM says, "There doesn't seem to be anything obviously labeled 'what do do when Glissandra gallops across the countryside'."

Catrina says, "Ah yes this is actually an old musical notation, along with some dance notations, related to your beloved evensong, etc. Remarkable similarities to the integrity crosschecks on a Mk IV vaccsuit, but I digress."

Catrina says, "In any case, young Coltrin, thanks again for your assistance as it is much appreciated."

GM says, "But there is a section on communing with her, which is a special ritual, and can only be accomplished by 'The Bridge'."

Catrina omits mention of that bit.

Molly says, "Aye, the lad's got a good 'eart *patpat*"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "The Troubleshooting section is just 'try turning her off and on again'"

[Crows-Nest] Molly says, "Oh no."

[Crows-Nest] Molly says, "I get it now."

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "For that, we'll need to find her online dating profile to see her likes and dislikes."

[Crows-Nest] Molly exclaims, "We're running on an obsolete version of Glissandra, and need to update!"

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "Ilac, again."

Colrin says, "Please, I hope you can help. I know you're outsiders, but you have to know what our home means to us."

Aledonne says, "We'll do whatever we can."

Molly says (to Colrin), "Ah vouch for 'em."

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "This 'Bridge' thing is interesting, but I assume we don't know it yet IC."

Molly says, "They mebbe weird and wacky but don't let that deceive yer, they're great in a pinch"

Catrina looks a bit shifty for a moment.

Colrin asks, "Oh, right! Did you find Thill?"

Catrina says, "Yes. I'm sorry, but they did not survive."

Colrin is not that great at deception, and you catch him stealing a glance at Catrina.

Colrin looks to Molly for confirmation.

Molly sighs a little, and nods reassuringly.

Catrina says, "Not by my hand, I should add."

Molly says, "Some nasty Aorixes. They got some just deserts after eating their unjust dessert."

[Crows-Nest] Catrina says, "booooo haha"

Colrin says, "Oh. That's too bad. She was nice."

Molly says, "Aye, tis a shame."

Colrin asks (of Catrina), "So... you know? Did you always know?"

Aledonne takes the folded sheet out of his notebook where he wrote down what Thill had wanted passed on to her friends back home.

Catrina says, "I know now more than I did. Her friends did right by her."

Aledonne says, "She was able to leave a message, though. For the village."

Colrin says, "Oh, thank you. I'll get this to the right people."

Colrin reads the letter and nods.

[Crows-Nest] Catrina says, "I'm up for a hard smash cut to us bursting into council chambers, if that works for the group, but we can play through it more explicitly."

Colrin says, "OK, go on, see what you can do."

[Numenera] GM exclaims (at Catrina), "Sure!"

Molly exclaims, "Fer the village! Fer Old Glitchy's sake!"

[Numenera] GM asks, "Do you want to burst in or listen at the door?"

[Numenera] GM asks, "Or burst in an then listen at the door?"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "heh"

[Numenera] Molly says, "haha"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "I guess we could be prudent..."

[Numenera] Catrina says, "us and our excellent Notice rolls"

[Numenera] GM says, "Hee"

[Numenera] Grav says, "we should listen in at the door"

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "That does seem wise."

[Numenera] Catrina says, "how is the youngest player the voice of reason"

GM exclaims, "SMASH CUT!"

Voice1 asks, "...ot working. Isn't it time now?"

Voice2 says, "...no need for that! It's too extreme! I'm sure Glissan..."

Voice1 says, "...everything in our power? Isn't that our job? Or have you..."

[Numenera] Catrina says, "ps on the way over here I told everyone about The Bridge, to the extent I know about it, which is not much"

Voice2 says, "...my Rane. Ever! I don't care what..."

GM says, "Molly whispers to you, "Rane is the daughter of the chief priest. She's only four.""

[Numenera] Aledonne asks, "Has Catrina told us about the bridge?"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "YES"

[Numenera] GM says (to Aledonne), "Recap 1? ;-)"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "I mean, yes, of course"

Aledonne whispers back, "You don't suppose she's supposed to be the Bridge, do you?"

[Numenera] Aledonne says (to GM), "Ha, whoops."

Voice1 says, "...other options? We're running out of..."

Catrina shrugs; her bones still haven't quite finished setting.

Aledonne says, "Let's go in."

Catrina says, "Yes let's"

Molly says, "Fer Glitchy."

GM says, "You open the door, and see a circle of tired-looking faces. The chief priest, Arhun, is clearly quite agitaed, and the rest of the room is looking at him, with one person (Sarina, aka voice1), seemingly the spokesperson for the others."

Sarina asks, "What? What are *you* doing here? Molly?"

[Numenera] Catrina asks, "is Rane there?"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "(say yes)"

[Numenera] GM exclaims, "She is not!"

Aledonne says, "We want to help."

[Numenera] GM says, "Oh."

[Numenera] GM says, "Sure, why not."

[Numenera] Catrina says, "damnit but no that's good too"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "well if you have a plan, that's fine"

[Numenera] GM exclaims, "Ha ha whichever!"

[Numenera] GM exclaims, "I have no plan!"

Molly says (to Sarina), "Jist 'ere to 'elp. Nae need to panic"

[Numenera] GM says, "Let's say she's there."

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "I'm wondering A) if Rane is supposed to be the Bridge, B) what makes her so special, and C) if there's any way we can substitute someone else in her place."

Sarina asks, "I'd ask how you got in, but you didn't answer the other eight times, so why would you start now?"

[Numenera] Molly says, "hahaha"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "well sure those are all reasonable questions immediately upon learning of a four-year-old"

Sarina says, "Just leave, please. We're all exhausted."

Catrina says, "We are here because we know what must be done."

Aledonne sits down in an empty seat.

Molly says, "If yer exhausted, then that's exactly why we should stay, with all due respick."

Aledonne asks, "What is a 'Bridge'?"

GM says, "Rane is playing in the corner with another couple kids; the children of some of the other priests and priestesses."

Arhun looks at you sharply. "What? Since when does an outsider know about the Bridge? Sarina, if you..."

Sarina exclaims, "Oh, please! I've been here the whole time!"

Molly says, "Nah, she had noffink ta do wi'it"

Arhun throws his hands in the air. "Oh, fine! Tell them!"

Sarina says, "The Bridge is the person who acts as a conduit between us and Glissandra. But it wears on them, and they die early. Seven generations ago, Arhun's great-great-whatever-grandmother stopped the practice, as she couldn't bear to have her daughter go through what she had. She acted as the Bridge herself for as long as she could, but the practice ended with her."

[Numenera] Catrina says, "awww I thought 'the bridge' was an elusive missing variant in the evensong that goes into a minor key"

Sarina says, "It seemed fine, since Glissandra was happy. But now..."

Aledonne asks, "Are there any limits on who can be a Bridge?"

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "Ha."

Arhun says, "I'd do it myself, of *course*, but I'm too old."

[Numenera] Aledonne asks, "How old is Arhun?"

[Crows-Nest] Molly says, "Arhundred years old"

[Numenera] GM says, "Early 40's, I think."

Aledonne asks, "How young do you need to be to be a Bridge?"

[Numenera] GM says, "Had a child late in life, after thinking it wouldn't happen."

[Crows-Nest] Molly says, "I guess it's also about stamina. Someone tough... who has a particular set of skills... nah, we don't have that in the party, do we"

Sarina says, "Traditionally, it's part of a ritual that begins when the child is one years old, but there's debate about what's necessary. Rane is the obvious candidate: old enough to talk and tell us what's going on, but still young. More importantly, she, like Ahrun, can speak with animals, which we know is a requirement."

[Crows-Nest] Molly says, "hehe"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "nice"

Aledonne asks, "Who else in Home Upon can speak with animals? And is younger than forty?"

Rane toddles over to Molly. "Up! Up!"

[Numenera] Molly says, "I feel an itch to spend that fate point."

[Numenera] Catrina says, "do it"

Molly says (to Rane), "Awww, aren't yer the cutest wittle crittur"

Molly spends a fate point, leaving them with 3.

Molly spends a fate point, leaving them with 2.

[Numenera] Molly says, "(So this is for a Speak With Animals stunt which I leave to the GM to define.)"

Rane finds Molly's glowy petrified wood, and waves it around.

[Numenera] GM exclaims, "Great!"

Sarina says, "Anyway. I don't think we have a choice, Ahrun. I'm so sorry. We're all sorry. But it's been seven generations, and a great break, but it's time to return to the old ways. For all of our sakes."

GM says, "<general murmuring from room>"

Molly says (to Rane), "So they says yer can talk ter animals, and understand them too? Well, Ah sometimes talk ter animals too! Only I never bothered ter listen... never saw any use in 't... until..."

Molly suddenly looks thoughtful.

Molly says, "...mebbe... if I listen hard en'uff...."

Catrina says, "Esteemed elders. You know me, though perhaps only by reputation. The rumours are true. I was sent here to kill Glissandra."

Catrina says, "I have had... a change of heart."

GM says, "<general gasps!>"

Catrina says, "But the people who sent me will not stop until they can be reassured that the Bridge is once more in place."

Rane exclaims (at Molly), "(in your mind) Hi!"

Molly is startled for a moment, then tries to say 'Hi' back the same way.

Rane says (to Molly), "<giggle>"

Ahrun says (to Molly), ""<What? You can...??>"

Molly exclaims (at Ahrun), "Well, Ah could allus boss about beasts, but I hadn't realized I could listen in too!"

Sarina asks (of Catrina), "What do they know of the Bridge? How do any of you?"

Molly says, "<I talk like this when bossing animals about>"

Catrina asks, "We all live upon the Great Beast. How could we not know?"

Catrina asks, "Are you so arrogant as to think you are the only ones?"

[Numenera] GM says (to Catrina), "I'm happy to go with what your idea is here, but I'm not quite sure what you mean."

Molly says, "<Ah always just did it without really thinking. Thought it was jist me coaxing those critturs into being friendlier.>"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "well yeah me too. I think I mean that I was sent by another village on another giant jellyfish, and they've got a better clue about just how badly this could go."

[Numenera] Catrina says, "if that works for you"

Ahrun says (to Molly), ""<I guess the trait started to spread after grand^7ma stopped the process? Not that it matters; you're too old, as well.>"

[Numenera] Ahrun says (to Molly), "(to be clear, that is Ahrun's opinion, not GM fiat)"

[Numenera] GM says, "Hmm, think think. OK, we'll go with that for now, though everything you were told might not be 100% true."

[Numenera] Catrina says, "I like it. Anyway, that can wait."

[Numenera] Aledonne asks (of GM), "How plausible is a potion of (temporary) youth?"

[Numenera] GM says, "I mean, this is Numenera."

[Numenera] Aledonne asks, "Something that might not make someoen *actually* younger, but at least could give them the stamina and resilience of youth?"

Molly says (to Ahrun), "<Me, too old? Ah'm not going to let a child's life be destroyed jist because I might be a wee bit too old!>"

[Numenera] Molly says, "Oooh."

[Crows-Nest] Catrina says, "it'll be like that one Star Trek episode when everyone started aging in reverse"

Aledonne says, "What is it about youth that is necessary here? Actual time can't be turned back, but the rosy health of youth might... perhaps temporarily... be regained, with the correct restorative."

Ahrun says (to Molly), "(out loud) "You... you don't mean..."

Molly says (to Ahrun), "Whativver it takes tae make things reight"

[Crows-Nest] Catrina says, "theory: molly doesn't have an accent, but is dyslexic"

Sarina shrugs. "It's not just physical age, it's mental age, too. Ahrun's mind would die if he tried to undergo the process.

[Crows-Nest] Aledonne says, "Oh, well, that's no problem at all."

[Crows-Nest] Aledonne asks, "'I Take Unnecessary Risks'? 'Animal Instincts'? You think Molly might be too *mature* for this?"

Sarina asks (of Molly), "Wait, what?"

[Crows-Nest] Molly says (to Catrina), "It's actually canon that she speaks weirldy because she got eaten by a few animals and spat out before eventually mastering her Mistress of Beasts ability"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Hee! Sarina is just thinking about Ahrun right now. Nobody has actually *volunteered*."

[Crows-Nest] Molly says (to Aledonne), "hahaha"

[Crows-Nest] Catrina says, "oh I see"

Catrina asks, "You are the experts. How long do we have, if trends continue?"

Sarina exclaims, "Nobody knows! We have no idea how to even find out what's going on!"

[Numenera] Aledonne asks, "So, is Molly going to officially volunteer?"

[Numenera] GM says, "So if anyone wants to volunteer to try the ritual themselves, rp that, and then I'll set up a contest."

[Numenera] Catrina says, "we believe in you Molly"

Molly says, "Ah volunteer."

GM says, "<general consternation/hubub>"

Molly says, "Ah know thar risk, and Ah won't budge."

Molly says, "Aint' nobbody goin' tae put kids at risk today."

Ahrun says, "Molly! I mean... no, I can't let you risk your own life! I'll do it myself! Maybe we can figure out..."

Molly says (to Ahrun), "Yer a father, Ahrun."

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "(BRB.)"

[Crows-Nest] Molly says, "If only he were called Ahrry, this would be an even better line"

Sarina says, "Ahrun, Molly has as much right as you to volunteer, but she *is* a lot younger than you, and less, um, er, mature."

Ahrun shakes his head. "I can't ever repay you for this, Molly. If you ever need anything..."

Ahrun crosses the room and gives you and Rane (who's still waving around the wood) a huge embrace.

Molly says (to Rane), "Yer can keep that if yer like"

Rane says, "<Yay! Thakns Molly!>"

[Numenera] Molly removes the block of wood from her inventory

[Numenera] Rane says, "(I decided to keep the typo ;-)"

Molly says, "<Nae problem, sweetie.>"

GM says, "And with that, the discussion turns to the practical matter of figuring out *how* to make this work."

GM says, "It turns out that only a few people can actually read the script themselves (since they haven't had to refer to it in years), so Catrina's a big help on that front."

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "Back."

Catrina says, "Well yes the typography is quite eccentric..."

GM says, "In the meantime, Aledonne works on mixing up a concoction that will make Molly more susceptible to the ritual."

[Crows-Nest] Catrina says, "softens up her skull to toddler levels"

Aledonne lays out his alchemy materials on the table in front of him and starts working on crafting soemthing to fortify Molly against the procedure.

[Numenera] GM says, "I think this'll be a three-part contest, with Investigate, Lore: Bio, and Crafts."

[Numenera] Molly says, "I can assist with Lore:Bio"

Grav will investigate

[Numenera] Molly says, "(I have it at +3)"

[Numenera] GM says, "If you're the one rolling one, you can't assist on the others, but if you're not, you can both assist and do some sort of Create Advantage."

[Numenera] Catrina says, "I've Lore:Bio at +2 if you want to primary it; you are kind of at the center of things"

[Numenera] Molly asks, "Does anyone have Lore:Bio higher than 3?"

[Numenera] GM says, "And let's say that one 'point' person can also Create Advantage by spending the 'Arrived in Plenty of Time' aspect."

[Numenera] GM says, "I think 3 might be the max."

[Numenera] Molly says, "Then I'll roll for it."

[Numenera] Molly says, "(And Catrina can assist)"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "surely"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "when Ale gets back he can Craft us u["

[Numenera] Catrina says, "Investigate, I dunno"

[Numenera] GM asks, "So! Grav on Investigate, Molly on Lore: Bio, and Aledonne on Crafts. Catrina assisting on Lore:Bio, and maybe doing some sort of Create Advantage?"

[Numenera] GM says, "And if Kay is here, they can also assist and/or Advantage the situation."

[Numenera] GM says, "Also, everyone gets a +1 from assistance from the priests."

[Numenera] GM says, "And the TN is 5 for all three."

[Numenera] Catrina says, "for Advantage maybe I can be creepy and glare at people so they don't interrupt us with petty concerns"

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

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

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

[Numenera] GM exclaims, "Two successes! And a boost!"

[Numenera] Molly asks, "Can I use a boost to make my roll a success?"

[Numenera] GM exclaims, "You can!"

[Numenera] Molly exclaims, "I do!"

[Numenera] GM exclaims, "So, Grav and Aledonne, rp first!"

Aledonne puts a cork in a bottle of clear liquid and hands it to Molly. "Drink this just before it starts. All of it."

Molly takes hold of it, gingerly.

Aledonne says, "I'm not sure how it tastes, but until it wears off, it'll make you feel like you're a kid again."

Molly says, "That sounds jolly spiffin'."

[Crows-Nest] Aledonne says, "(It's just vodka.)"

[Crows-Nest] Catrina says, "mmm, vodka for kids"

Grav will as k the old people about it, to see what they remember and compile all the consistent information.

Grav will ask the old people about it, to see what they remember and compile all the consistent information.

[Numenera] GM exclaims, "OK: Molly!"

[Numenera] GM says, "(I can make up the ritual itself if you like, or you can rp the whole thing)"

[D&D] GDorn says, "tomorrow's session is likely to start with the mounts the PCs are riding being grappled by a kraken. Despite the fact that this is supposed to be a scary situation, the problem with giant grapplers is that they put themselves directly in the position of getting sneak attacked by the rogue"

[D&D] Catrina says, "there's so many times that it doesn't apply in 3.5 that they should be happy"

[Numenera] Molly exclaims (at GM), "Narrate at will!"

[Numenera] Molly says, "(I trust you)"

[Numenera] GM says, "OK! Typing:"

[D&D] GDorn says, "I've generally found it doesn't take a great deal of effort to make it apply, but I would generally prefer the PCs to have to make _some_ effort to get that level of advantage"

[D&D] GDorn says, "and that level of advantage is such that the rogue goes from doing ~15 points in a round to doing ~125 or even ~200 if it is an easy-to-hit target"

[D&D] Catrina says, "hmm yeah"

[D&D] GDorn says, "oh, there is a reasonable fix for this, now that I've worked out the math and read over the tactical options. She gets one successful hit with a sneak attack (~50 damage) and then the Kraken squirts out an ink cloud as a free action, gaining total concealment, which stops ranged sneak attacks"

[D&D] GDorn says, "this will lend itself to a certain bit of heroic swashbuckling (which the player is unlikely to take), wherein she could jump on the Kraken with her rapier and resume sneak attacking it."

[D&D] GDorn says, "(this is made extra metal by the fact that this is a space kraken and she'd have to hold her breath and jump out into the void...)"

[D&D] Catrina says, "nice"

GM says, "With Molly acting a certain amount on instinct, the group of priests and priestesses (and Rane, who won't stop clinging to Molly's back) lead you all to the base of the temple, where the only light is the soft bioluminescence of Glissandra's skin, glowing in circular patterns on her back, and casting strange shadows on the ancient walls. Grav's investigations revealed someone who remembered that the ring of metal stored in the rafters was actually used for this: it's hauled down and placed in the center of the room, where Glissandra's skin attaches it. It's filled with water, and Molly climbs in. The ritual garments are entirely too small for her, but she makes do with one of her simpler white hunting outfits. Blossoms from some of the lichen-like growth on Glissandra's side are sprinkled into the water, and when the time approaches, you can just hear the chords from the BridgeSong (another of Grav's revelations) from the people outside. She quaffs Aledonne's potion, and lies back in the water."

[Numenera] GM says, "(<cont>)"

[D&D] BrenBarn says, "if you're grappling a kraken and your party decides it's time to disengage, do you say. . ."

[D&D] BrenBarn says, "RELEASE THE KRAKEN!"

[D&D] GDorn says, "they've made themselves little magic bubbles of safety and are terrified of leaving them even for a couple rounds, despite having reasonably good odds of survival. they leapt across a section of void a while back and I over-described how quiet, cold, soul-sapping and time-distorting this particular kind of space is"

GM says, "The bioluminescence increases in intensity, as Molly had predicted, and just as it reaches its peak, Catrina reads a passage from the book. Glissandra stops lunging forward, seemingly as caught up in the ritual as the rest of you. Suddenly, Glissandra heaves, and Molly and the water are expelled from the ring of metal! Molly gasps, and catches her breath, as Ahrun steadies her."

(From GM) Molly says, "It's... it's her babies! In the Effulgent Hills!"

GM says, "END OF SCENE"

[Numenera] Aledonne exclaims, "Woo!"

[Numenera] GM exclaims, "Technically five minutes early, but there's no better place to stop! Thanks, everyone!"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "huzzah"

[Numenera] Molly says, "Wheeeee"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "thanks for jumping on that squishy grenade, Molly"

[Numenera] Molly says, "heee"

[Numenera] Aledonne asks, "So did Molly survive?"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "another good game all around, really"

[Numenera] Molly says, "really awesome"

[Numenera] Aledonne asks, "And we meet again in two weeks, to find out just what is happening to her babies?"

[Numenera] GM says, "Indeed."

[Numenera] Catrina says, "that's another long weekend for me but it probably won't matter"

[Numenera] Molly says (to GM), "Thank you :)"

[D&D] Jota asks, "A level 20 rogue only doing about fifteen points per round?"

[D&D] GDorn says, "in this situation, yeah"

[Numenera] Aledonne says, "Yes, indeed, thank you."

[D&D] GDorn says, "in normal situations it's more like 20-25 if she can't find an angle for a sneak attack"

[Numenera] GM says, "Sure thing! I had some general ideas, and you guys really ran with it."

[D&D] GDorn says, "in this particular case, though, much of their magic isn't working"

npc2 has disconnected.

npc1 has disconnected.

[D&D] GDorn says, "(and when her magic does work, her full-round-of-sneaks is more like ~240 damage)"

[Numenera] Molly says, "Goofnight everyone"

[Numenera] GM exclaims, "Sleep well!"

[Numenera] Molly says, "May you all be right as Rane"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "heh"

[Numenera] GM says, "snrk"

Molly goes home.

[Numenera] Catrina says, "it's toddler Raine Wilson"

[Numenera] GM says (to Catrina), "At some point in the next couple weeks, we can chat about what you want your more specific backstory to be. I have some ideas about what's going on, but of course nothing's true until it hits the table ;-)"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "yeah sure"

[Numenera] Catrina says, "I also have some vague ideas"