[CCrusaders] GM asks, "We're pushing the time a bit, but I'm hoping everyone is up for doing at least a little bit of gameplay today too?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Or if it's too late, we can officially start our first *real* session next week.)"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I'm up for gameplay."

[CCrusaders] Zircon says, "I'm in"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Looks like we're a little low on Rapport and Drive."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I'm game"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Sure, I'm in."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Sure"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "When I don't need to DM, I can stay up late :D"

GM exclaims, "Our story begins at the grand opening ceremony for the brand new Catherine Crowne Park!"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Jacob has some great niche protection in Investigate and Lore ;-)"

GM says, "The ceremony is in the park, which is the size of a city block, and full of greenery -- trees, grass, bushes -- as well as benches, a fountain, and of course the large statue of Catherine Crowne herself, with her rifle."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "And the cat is indeed our best driver."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "He's an *average* driver. Still better than nothing"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "She"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "oops"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "all this gender-reversed roleplaying has me confused"

GM says, "It's open to the public, and all of you happen to be there -- either attending in the crowds of people in the park, or passing by and noticing all the commotion and poking your nose in to see what's going on."

Wanda asks, "I'm there with my adoptive family, I guess?"

Jacob lingers near a tree, away from crowds.

GM says, "There are also several noted dignitaries present, including Mayor Fine, Mina Payne, and Comissioner Webb."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "aha"

Cuddlepaws is lying on a sunny rock near a bench.

Wanda is with her adoptive mother, in the crowd.

GM says, "At one end of the park -- the end further from the gates in the big wrought-iron fence -- a stage has been set up, and there's a brass band playing. The event has also been catered, and there are several tables full of food and drinks free to the public."

Eben is there with his wife and the Ngos, picnicking.

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Ngos?"

[Crows-Nest] Jacob asks, "Free food?!?"

[Crows-Nest] GM exclaims, "Free food!"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "The Red Menace and his kid ;-)"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "aha"

[Crows-Nest] Eben says, "I keep giggling about 'Mina Payne'."

Wanda and her mom say 'Hi!' to the picnic-ing grandparents.

GM says (to Eben), "Chinh seems to be pre-occupied with something. When Red is distracted listened to the music, she whispers to you, asking if she can talk to you about something in private."

Eben says, "Wanda! Nice to see you here! Sorry I didn't get a chance to stay after your ballet recital last Friday, but you were great."

Cuddlepaws also slinks over to the picnic, because food.

Eben exclaims (at Chinh), "(whispering) Sure thing!"

Eben asks (of group), "Hey, I'm going back for refills. Anyone want to come with?"

Cuddlepaws says, "Bring Fish"

Eben exclaims (at Cuddlepaws), "Got it!"

Eben heads to the food table with Chinh.

GM says, "As soon as you're out of earshot of Red, she starts to break down."

GM says, "'Oh, it's terrible. I don't know how I'm going to tell him.'"

[Crows-Nest] Zircon says, "Reckon I could build some sort of Telling Machine"

Eben says, "Aww, it's OK. I can be there when you do, if you want. What's the problem."

GM says, "'I... if there were some way I could get it back... but how? But maybe you... you've known him longer than anyone else here... but...'"

[Crows-Nest] Eben edits in a question mark to his last statement.

GM says, "'You... you remember the golden figurine? The one father gave me? The one that his father gave him?'"

GM says, "'It meant so much to him... but now...'"

Eben says, "Oh, sure! That thing's gorgeous. Never could quite figure out what exact alloy they used to make it, though at a guess, I'd say it was... sorry, sorry."

Wanda sits down next to Cuddlepaws and starts stroking her.

Eben asks, "It's... lost? Oy, yeah, he'll get after you for that, no doubt. If you said you... no, maybe if... Hmm. Maybe the best bet is to get it back before he notices?"

Eben asks, "Where'd you see it last?"

GM says, "'Yes! But it wasn't lost! It was stolen!'"

Cuddlepaws purrs.

GM says, "'It was in my car. I was bringing it to the jeweller to be polished. But I stopped for coffee, and when I came back, the window was broken, and...'"

GM says, "She breaks down in tears."

Eben says, "Aww, geez, there, there."

Eben asks, "Did you file a police report?"

GM says, "'I don't even know where to start looking! If I tell the police, then father will find out, and he would be heartbroken!'"

GM says, "'Do you think the police could even help? There's so much crime every day, and this is just one little trinket...'"

GM says, "Meanwhile, up on the stage, the Mayor Howard Fine steps up to the microphone."

Wanda wonders what's taking Grandpa Eben so long to get the food.

[Crows-Nest] Eben asks, "What's my sense of the crime level in the city? Could the police actually help here, or would I have to pull strings to get that, or?"

GM says, "'Ahem. Good afternoon! Thank you all for coming here on this fine spring afternoon!'"

[Crows-Nest] Zircon exclaims, "There's a setting aspect for that!"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "Crime Running Rampant"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "If you went through proper channels, it would probably get filed and then prioritized to the bottom of the stack."

[Crows-Nest] Eben says, "Or colloquially, 'Crime is everywhere, crime crime!'"

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

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "They might get around to investigating eventually, but they just wouldn't have the manpower to give it the attention it needs."

GM says, "'I'm proud to declare the Catherine Crowne Memorial Park officially open! Why, I remember back when I was a little child, my grandmother, Eloise Crowne, used to tell me stories about the great pioneering spirit of Crownsford...'"

GM says, "(He continues on in a similar vein for a while. It's clearly an election year.)"

Eben sighs. "Yeah, you're right. I have some pull with the commish [grin] but let's let him worry about bigger things, at least at first. I'll help, OK? You want to go to the car now so we can look around, or should we wait for the festivities to die down?"

GM says, "Chinh looks around. 'He'll notice if I leave now. Let's wait until after. But thank you so much.'"

GM says, "She dries her tears and returns to stand with her father and listen to the mayor's speech."

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "I have a faint feeling of impending disaster."

Eben says (to Chinh), "Sure thing. You'll be OK, sweetie. Here, take this back for the cat; tell them I stopped to talk to someone."

GM exclaims, "In the meantime, I'm going to suggest that there's something here for everyone to Notice!"

Jacob circumvents the crowd as much as possible and raids the food table while people are listening to the speech. He loads up a plate with tasty things, including a bunch of bread.

Eben wanders through the crowd to find Jacob.

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

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

GM says, "This will be an 'overcome an obstacle' check, with Fair (+2) passive opposition."

Zircon rolls Mediocre (0) + 4dF: -1 -1 -1 0 | Terrible-1 (-3)

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(GM's notice, not 'find Jacob' notice)"

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

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

Cuddlepaws is probably distracted by impending fish.

[Crows-Nest] Gunther says, "MEDIOCRE!!"

Wanda is distracted because she's stroking the cat.

[Crows-Nest] Zircon says, "heh"

GM says (to Eben, Jacob), "Both of you happen to see an odd shimmering sort of haze in the air, moving around in between the people in the crowd."

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says (to Gunther), "nice reference"

Jacob huh.

GM asks, "The rest of you... well, you don't see that, but you do see that one of the caterers over at the back of the crowd seems kind of... nervous?"

Eben gets to Jacob just as he sees the shimmering. "Hey, kid, I have a job for... wait, hmm. You see that, too?"

Jacob telepathically asks his bird friends over in the tree if they saw that? "Wha? Oh, yeah. What was it?"

Eben walks to the shimmering trying to be casual, and trips into it.

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Deceive?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "That seems fair, sure."

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "I do indeed have Deceive at Fair, but should I use it in this situation?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Opposed by +1 passive Athletics."

Zircon thinks about that TV he pawned once.

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks (of GM), "Can I use Empathy to figure out what's wrong with the nervous caterer?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(ba-dum tish)"

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

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks (of GM), "Can I use Empathy to figure out what's wrong with the nervous caterer?"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Wanda), "Sure! Mediocre +0 opposition."

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

Wanda frowns and looks in the caterer's direction.

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Hmm, can I succeed at a cost? Like, maybe I actually trip and fall?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "I succeeded with Style!"

Jacob jams a sticky bun in his mouth, watching Eben.

[CCrusaders] Eben asks (of Jacob), "Maybe an Investigate?"

GM says, "So, that doesn't succeed, which means the aspect wasn't created. But Wanda realizes that the woman dressed as a pastry chef is clearly planning something -- she's just waiting for the right moment to strike."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Ok, and I'm using my eyes? so I get an extra +2 because of my super senses, so:"

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

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Investigate"

GM says, "Meanwhile, the shimmering blur has started moving quickly away, as though it had noticed Eben's attention."

Jacob oh no.

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "Oh, I missed your question -- I assumed this was a Create an Advantage (since there wasn't an obstacle to overcome)."

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "ANd I believe the succeed at a cost only applies to overcoming an obstacle, alas."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Sure, that's fine."

Jacob takes his plate and hustles after the shimmer.

Jacob does not give up free food.

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Jacob), "And which thing are you doing with your Investigate check?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I don't know! Eben suggested it."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Ha ha."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I was watching Eben and the shimmer."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Figure Out What's Going On ;-)"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "It'd probably generally be good to say which type of action you're doing generally. (Overcome, Create Advantage, Attack, Defend.)"

[CCrusaders] Zircon says, "You could set up a Hey Look His Footprints or something"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Jacob), "OK, if you're chasing, let's call it Athletics."

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "I would guess Overcome the obstacle of the shimmer not wanting to be seen?"

Wanda whispers to Cuddlepaws, 'Hey, Kitty, I think that lady over there is up to no good. See her? Look at that face.'

Jacob rolls ??? (+ 1) + 4dF: 0 0 0 +1 | Average (1)

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(How much time is everyone willing to spend tonight? I can cliffhanger this nowish, or we can go for a significantly longer scene.)"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I'm willing to play for longer."

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

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Me too"

Jacob oops

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

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I want to run over to that lady, maybe under a table, and keep an eye on her"

[Crows-Nest] Jacob says, "I typed fudge + 1 and it didn't like that"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says, "it's the space! you need a space between fudge and the + sign"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Aw. So assuming Jacob is overcoming an obstacle, he can choose to either fail, or succeed at a significant cost."

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "I think your estimate was either in 6 minutes or an hour and 6? Could we aim for a half an hour?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Let's live on the edge. Significant cost."

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Cuddlepaws), "Sounds good. She's right next to a table filled with cookies. You want to be underneath it right next to her?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Sure"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Did Jacob not learn anything from his Investigate? Like, see the true nature of the shimmer?"

GM says (to Jacob), "OK! You tackle... something! It feels like a person! And there's a struggle..."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims (at Eben), "I asked what he was trying to do with it, and he didn't know!"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "I thought we were going with his suggestion of overcoming the not wanting to be seen"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(But I will tell you that if that's what he was trying to do, he detected it was a person.)"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "A ha"

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Jacob), "Oh, for Investigate?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "yeah"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Oh, also, *because you succeeded with style, you have a free boost."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Did you want to use it on that chasing attempt?"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "And succeed without a cost?"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Yeah!"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda asks, "I succeeded with style too, I get a free boost as well?"

GM exclaims, "...and you've got a hold of them! Something invisible but human-shaped!"

[Crows-Nest] GM exclaims, "Yees indeed!"

GM says, "Meanwhile, the mayor's speech is continuing: '...and now, at long last, I'd like to finally tell you about the LEAD Initiative...'"

GM exclaims, "But he's suddenly interrupted by the woman dressed as a pastry chef, at the back of hte crowd, behind the table of cookies!"

Eben runs over and tries to help Jacob.

Zircon says, "Oooh, pastries."

Jacob straddles the invisible body, pinning it to the ground.

Cuddlepaws asks, "Is she doing anything or just talking?"

GM says, "'Not so fast, mayor!'"

GM says, "'You won't be revealing anything today! Not until you've dealt with... THE HALF BAKER!'"

Cuddlepaws says, "I erect a shield between the mayor and the Half Baker"

GM exclaims, "And with that, she waves her hand over a tray of gingerbread men... who immediately start to grow and... come to life!"

[Crows-Nest] Wanda exclaims, "What a half-baked plan!"

Jacob asks, "Eben, what should we do with him?"

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Cuddlepaws), "Excellent! So, separating the stage from the rest of the park?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Yeah, actually, let me try that again"

Eben says, "Let's see if I can turn off that invisibility shield or whatever it was."

Cuddlepaws jumps onto the table. "Not so fast villian!" *SHIELDS GO UP*

Gunther has been more than patient up to this point, but thousands of strangers eating his newborn son is just a bridge too far.

GM exclaims, "A few of the people in the park had been watching Jacob chasing thin air, but now all eyes are on the HALF BAKER and the living gingerbread men, who are running around, making havoc!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "And now, either we start a conflict, or we cliffhanger."

[Crows-Nest] Wanda says (to GM), "I want to use my free boost to find a temporary hiding place, where I can take off my skin suit"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Can I use Craft with Gadgeteer to find/deactivate a cloaking thing, if there is one?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I'm fine with continuing"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Me too."

[CCrusaders] Zircon says, "sure"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Wanda), "I would say that you can do that even without using your boost -- everyone is staring at the goings-on and not looking at you, so you can slip behind a bush unnoticed."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Yeah, I'm good for a half hour ish, if that works. Maybe more in the event of certain doom."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "OK!"

GM clears the initiative.

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

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Oh, should we all roll Notice for initiative?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "By default, Fate has every go in the order of their Notice scores, without a roll, so let's add everyone using those."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "My Notice is a 2."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Same."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "And we'll learn together if that works well, or if we want to roll for it in the future"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "You can add yourself using 'init add 2'."

Wanda registers Wanda at init 2.

Eben registers Eben at init 2.

GM registers GM at init 4.

Cuddlepaws registers Cuddlepaws at init 2.

Zircon registers Zircon at init 0.

[CCrusaders] Zircon says, "the Curse of Horst lives on"

Wanda displays the initiative: GM(4) Wanda/Eben/Cuddlepaws(2) Zircon(0)

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "And Jacob?"

Jacob registers Jacob at init 2.

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Init ties!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Epic init tie."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "For ties, since you're all players, you can decide how to resolve it on your own."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "We're all 2 except Zircon. Or 'Slowey Joey', as we call him."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Let's go in the order it's in the list"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Okay"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "So, here's our map! https://webwhiteboard.com/board/vweaunmm"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Gosh!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "Where's the picnic?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I've divided the park into zones, and I've added several Aspects on little post-it notes."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Awesome."

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "But. Where's. The. Picnic?"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "There are catering tables both in the Front and the Middle of the park, but the Half Baker and the gingerbread men are in the Front. I'll add them on postits too!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Now, I'd like you to each add yourselves to the map as well."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks (of gm), "Sorry, here's our what?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "So we can see what zone everyone is in."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(I assume that by 'picnic', you meant the caterering tables?)"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Cuddlepaws), "Yeah, it's a novel new idea in roleplaying, but I *think* it might take off."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Aha, okay"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks (of gm), "Should I add my shield?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says (to Jacob), "I went ahead and added you and Invisible Guy to the same place."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(with me)"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims (at Cuddlepaws), "Good idea!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "OK! The gingerbread go first. The scatter between the people in the crowd, and re-emerge behind the drinks table."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "So I'm in Front of Park."

GM exclaims, "Which they immediate try to push over, spilling the punch bowl everywhere!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "They'll do that as Create an Advantage with an Athletics check against Average opposition."

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

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "And I guess if someone is there, they can try to Defend?"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Or is that only for an Overcome?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "That's not the table I'm on, I assume?"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Oh, yes indeed!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "If there's someone near the punch table in the front of park."

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "I'm next to Cuddlepaws, so I'm there too?"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Cuddlepaws), "Right, you're on the cookie table."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "But you can declare that you're close enough to it to defend."

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "And a Defend in your zone is a free action?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Yup."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Provided it makes narrative sense for you to interpose yourself."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "So who is defending, and how are they doing it?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "Can I say e.g. I use Telekinesis to move the punch bowl to safety?"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Excellent idea!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "That would be Will?"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Does your telekinesis use Will for stuff?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Timing."

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

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

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Fantastic!"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "No, Superb."

GM exclaims, "The knock over the table and send empty cups scattering across the ground, but the punchbowl is safely suspended in mid-air, and their attempts to splash it on the ground are frustrated!"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(I was going to say that never gets old, but it actually does, we're just still early on enough that it's not old yet ;-)"

GM says, "Meanwhile, the Half Baker scurries over toward the middle of the park."

GM advances the initiative: GM(4) Wanda/Eben/Cuddlepaws/Jacob(2) Zircon(0)

GM advances the initiative: GM(4) WANDA/EBEN/CUDDLEPAWS/JACOB(2) Zircon(0)

Wanda backflips into the shrubbery. There's a sound of scuffling, and then... The Scarlet Spider leaps out!

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Woo!"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "And what does she do?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "gimme a sec"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Sure."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I know, it's a lot of legs to keep track of."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "hee"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I want to set fire to the Baker's clothes."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Ha. Awesome. That sounds like Create an Advantage."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Yep."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "What skill does your pyrokinesis use?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I use Provoke for making flames spread the way I want"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Sounds good! And she'll defend with Athletics."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "that is to say, I can make them appear at her feet, but I need to succeed at Provoke to actually get them to spread"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I'm fine with that being one action."

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks, "hold on, this says I only need to overcome a Fair obstacle?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "ah okay, but she can dodge the flames with Athletics."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "If there's no active opposition. But another character can -- right."

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

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

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "I succeed with style!"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "So, you roll Provoke, Baker rolls Athletics, then you decide if you want to add a fate point."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Give em hell elf bo- I mean spider boy"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "You succeed! Narrate at will!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I mean girl"

(From Wanda) The Half-Baker, expecting the spider to pounce on her, suddenly realizes that flames have arrived out of nowhere and have lit up her clothes!

Wanda says, "She gains the Aspect 'On Fire'"

Wanda says, "(the Half Baker, I mean)"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "And you (or your friends) get one free invoke on that Aspect."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "yep"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Also, if you want to use your boost that you got earlier, you can make your +3 result into a +5, to succeed with style, and get a second free invoke on On Fire."

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "I'll use that boost!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Excellent!"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "And now it's Eben's turn?"

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "I try to turn off the invisibility aspect! Hopefully it is mechanical!"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Which I suppose is 'overcome'"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Yup -- with Crafts, I think."

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "And I'm rolling Craft, with my +2 from Gadgeteering?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Sounds good."

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

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

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Opposing with Athletics -- you succeed with style!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Style runs in the family."

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Can I declare what the device was?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "You're adopted"

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "So are you!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I know, I'm just goofing"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "And it totally runs in the family through adoption; that's just logic."

GM exclaims, "You quickly and easily locate a device attached to the arm of the invisible person -- it's some kind of an armband, and you easily press the elease catch that detaches it from him! Alas, he doesn't turn visible, but the device does when you take it off!"

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Eben), "Ordinarily, yes, but in this case, I already had a plan for it, so I hope you don't mind this result?"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Nope, not at all; that's why I asked."

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "OK, that's me!"

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "Cuddlepaws!"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(And I'll take that as a boost for next time, which is +1, I think?)"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "I assume the Gingerbread men are still running around?"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Eben), "It's a full +2, on anything appropriately related."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Sweet; thanks."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims (at Cuddlepaw), "They are! You are beset by baked goods!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "hahahahah"

[Crows-Nest] (from Eben) Jacob . o O (Why couldn't *I* be the one beset by baked goods?)

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "I set down the punch bowl somewhere safe (near a crying child?) then I use telekinesis to lift all the plastic knives off the tables and stick the Gingerbread men with them!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Woo!"

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

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "They defend with Athletics!"

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

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Badly!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "So, when you succeed with style on an attack..."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "So, I can invoke a Special Effect?"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Yes!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "That is one of your options!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "You can also inflict a consequence on those baked goods."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "How about "running around headless" ?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "neat"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Excellent. Does that give you a free invoke on that, too?"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Yeah"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "Do I need to use that now?"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "The gingerbread men take a Mild Consequence, as well as checking off one of their checkboxes, to absorb all the stress!"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Cuddlepaws), "Not yet -- but it's available for your next action, or any other PC that you want to share it with."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "COol! So if anyone has an idea, go ahead! (he he, ahead)"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Also, the Mild Consequence will be 'A Few Cookies Short of a Dozen'."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I'm tracking Aspects in the corner of the map."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "And you guys will *also* get a free invoke of that!"

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

GM displays the initiative: GM(4) WANDA/EBEN/CUDDLEPAWS/JACOB(2) Zircon(0)

[CCrusaders] GM asks (of Cuddlepaws), "Jacob's turn?"

Jacob goes ahead and slugs (Attacking with Fight) the invisible guy, in hopes of knocking him out so we can focus on something else.

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Yeah"

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

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Sounds like an Attack with Fight!"

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

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "And you have succeeded with style, *and* he's knocked out cold!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "There's so much style flying about"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Yiss."

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws asks, "I assume there are birds flying around his head?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "So when you succed with style on an attack, one option is to reduce the shifts by one and get a free boost for next time."

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

[CCrusaders] Jacob asks, "Would he still be knocked out if I reduced it? or no?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Yup, he would."

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Then let's do that."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Excellent!"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Now Zircon?"

Wanda advances the initiative: GM(4) Wanda/Eben/Cuddlepaws/Jacob(2) ZIRCON(0)

Zircon uses the ancient fighting art of kick-kicking to kick a bunch of headless gingerbreadmen into the fountain.

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Sounds good! Fight?"

[CCrusaders] Zircon says, "quite so"

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

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Oh, is the Fountain an Aspect?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(Is that an Attack, or a Create an Advantage?)"

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

[CCrusaders] Zircon says, "Hmmm lemme use the Headless there too, for +5"

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

[CCrusaders] Eben says (to Zircon), "Tag Cookies and Fountain, and you might be able to take them out entirely."

[CCrusaders] Zircon says, "grrrr no"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Good thing you're using that! Are you Attacking to deal physical stress, or are you doing Create an Advantage?"

[CCrusaders] Zircon says, "I'll deal some stress so I'll spend Fate"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(you get 2 for Cookies and 2 for Fountain, if you want.)"

[CCrusaders] Zircon says, "yeah I guess I'm essentially tagging the Fountain in this case"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "OK."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "In that case, you're up to +7."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Do you want to use any of the free invokes as well?"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws asks, "Sorry, but tagging?"

[CCrusaders] Zircon says, "well I used the free one for them being headless"

[Crows-Nest] GM says, "Old-fashioned speak for invoking."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "That might be old terminology. Invoke, I think."

[CCrusaders] Zircon says, "I think that was free"

[Crows-Nest] Cuddlepaws says, "ah"

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Zircon), "Yup, and there's also 'A Few Cookies SHort of a Dozen'."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "There was a free invoke of +2 for Headless, another possible +2 for Cookies, and another possible +2 for Fountain, plus any fate points you want to spend."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "The Mild Consequence they took when they were attacked earlier."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "So if you use the other free one, in addition to your fate point, that gets you up to 9."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Those biscuits are baked."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Deader than donuts."

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Do you want to do that?"

[CCrusaders] Zircon says, "sure o"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Alright! That means you succeeded by five shifts!"

[CCrusaders] Zircon says, "Louis will kick those cookies right in the icing"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "They now have to take a Moderate Consequence -- which I will call 'Soggy' to absorb four, and will use their last stress box to absorb the other one, putting them one hit away from total cookie destruction!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "And there's also a free invoke available on Soggy, as well."

GM advances the initiative: END OF ROUND

GM advances the initiative: GM(4) Wanda/Eben/Cuddlepaws/Jacob(2) Zircon(0)

GM says, "The commissioner barges through the crowd toward the Half Baker. 'Hold it right there! You're under arrest for disrupting the peace!'"

GM exclaims, "But she doesn't hold it! Instead, she makes a gesture, and the gingerbread men -- dripping water and crumbs everywhere -- descend on the Commissioner Webb!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "nooo"

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

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Fortunately, the commissioner is more competent than a band of soggy gingerbread men and easily fends them off."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Phew."

[CCrusaders] (from Eben) GingerbredMen: "WE WILL SOGGILY DISSOLVE ON YOU! TAKE THAT!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "hahahaahah"

GM advances the initiative: GM(4) WANDA/EBEN/CUDDLEPAWS/JACOB(2) Zircon(0)

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Wanda!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I want to jump on the statue, and then jump off to give the Half Baker a kick in the stomach."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Excellent!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "(using my Wall Kick)"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "So +2 to Fight"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Sounds good. She'll defend with Athletics."

Wanda leaps through the air and onto the side of the Catherine Crowne statue. Then she pounces onto the mad Half Baker!

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

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws asks, "Why not invoke "on Fire"?"

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

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "She can invoke it!"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Wow."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "But it makes sense to see the roll first to decide."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "You don't have to invoke anything until after you roll, to see if it helps."

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "ah"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Add the +2 from Wall Kick, and I invoke the aspect On Fire for an extra +2."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(also, you can invoke something to get a re-roll instead of a +2, if you want)"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "I think you even have two free invokes for that aspect, right?"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "Because you succeeded with style?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "yeah"

[CCrusaders] GM asks, "So that's a total result of +6?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Yep."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Versus her -2."

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "Chew on that!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "She is OUT COLD. Except for the COLD part. Because, y'know, fire."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Hee hee"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Narrate it as you like!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "(She's also taken a consequence, but that's probably not really important at this point, all things considered :) )"

Wanda stamps out the flames from the unconscious criminal's clothing, then makes a tremendous leap out of sight and behind the park's greenery.

(From Wanda) Some time later, in the confusion, she reappears in her skin suit, trying hard to look innocent.

Eben tries to figure out what this armband device does.

[CCrusaders] Eben asks, "Does Gadgeteering help with figuring out what devices do? Or just with making my own?"

GM says, "The commissioner is surpised to see this, 'Wow, Wa-- I mean, mysterious spider! Thank you for your assistance. And the rest of you!'"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "It does help you figure it out, but I'm going to call the scene and scenario here."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "(hee!)"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "So it will help you figure it out next time!"

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "Sounds good!"

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "Yay! Thank you!"

Cuddlepaws says, "Yay, we wo - I mean Meow""

[CCrusaders] Wanda says (to GM), "also, I guess that the Commish said this stuff before I jumped away."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "As the police sirens of backup arriving draw near, we'll pull the curtain for this week, and plan to meet up again next week for another installment!"

Wanda rushes to make sure that the Commissioner is alright. Family first.

[CCrusaders] Wanda exclaims, "woo!"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Yay!"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims (at Wanda), "Yeah, or possibly as you disappeared, to the place where you used to be before you suddenly leapt out of sight!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "heh"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I guess we haven't really established if we are well known superheroes"

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "I think we are not!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Let's go with 'not yet'."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "But this is your opportunity!"

[CCrusaders] Eben asks (of GM), "Do you have a good transcript? Do you need one?"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I do have one."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Thanks."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Sweet."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Also, thanks everyone for playing!"

[CCrusaders] Jacob says, "Thanks!"

[CCrusaders] Zircon says, "Thanks GM; good job getting the ball rolling here"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "It was great"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Yup, this was nice."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "I know it was a bit choppy for this first session; I'm new to running Fate. So I appreciate your patience."

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims (at GM), "You ran FATE before!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws exclaims, "Aha, no excuses then!"

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Shh. That was a decade ago, using a different version, and I didn't actually know the rules then :)"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Your Bureau of Unusual Things game, or whatever it was called."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "Hee."

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "It was nice to have an easy, nonlethal first encounter, to get used to the game mechanics. My only cavil is that our Aspects didn't get compelled, but that'll come with time."

[CCrusaders] Zircon says, "You can and probably should compel your own Aspects when you want to, in my opinion"

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "I've found it really hard as a FATE GM to invoke player's aspects."

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Yeah. Part of that is because I didn't know what your Aspects would be yet when I planned my notes for this first scene."

[CCrusaders] Eben says, "If you want it to happen, I highly recommend watching for opportunities and hinting."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims (at Eben), "Good idea!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks (of Zircon), "You mean, deliberately inconvenience ourselves for the sake of fun?"

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Yes, please, do my job for me!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda asks (of Zircon), "You mean, deliberately inconvenience ourselves for the sake of fun?"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "Groovy."

[CCrusaders] GM says (to Wanda), "Or at the least, when you see opportunities, point them out to me."

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

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "I had fun."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "If anyone has any other feedback to make next week even better, let me know!"

[CCrusaders] Cuddlepaws says, "Unfortunately I won't be here next week, but please play without me."

[CCrusaders] GM exclaims, "Aw!"

[CCrusaders] Eben exclaims, "OK, see you all next week! Or most of you!"

[CCrusaders] Wanda says, "I'll be there"

[CCrusaders] Zircon says, "Map worked good"

Eben exits stage left.

Eben has disconnected.

[CCrusaders] GM says, "Good thing we have five players then."

Jacob goes east.