Scene One-B
Scene Two
Scene Three
Scene Four
Scene Five
Scene Six
Scene Seven
Scene Eight
Scene Nine
Chapter Five: the Price of Inspiration
Scene One-A: Inside Ingrid's Car
mgrasso> Wow, we're all here.
Julia> Imagine that! :)
Gemma> Yes, allow us to imagine for a moment...
mgrasso> All righty then.
mgrasso> So, shall I remind you that the boys were putting Tara the satyr in their car, and the girls were driving in Ingrid's car?
mgrasso> So's here how I'd like to do this.
mgrasso> James, Jack... join channel #Jamescar
*** Mandy is now known as James
*** James is now known as James
*** Sam is now known as Jack
*** Jack is now known as Jack
mgrasso> Ingrid, Gemma, join #Ingridcar
*** Julia is now known as Ingrid
*** Ingrid is now known as Ingrid
*** Now talking in #Ingridcar
*** Ingrid (jsober@1Cust58.tnt2.belvidere.il.da.uu.net) has joined #Ingridcar
*** Gemma (postillionage@pool-207-205-182-23.phnx.grid.net) has joined #Ingridcar
*** DiceWell sets mode: +oo Ingrid mgrasso
*** DiceWell sets mode: +o Gemma
mgrasso> This is the RPG equivalent of that Semisonic video. :)
Ingrid> I sure am glad I'm not in *that* car.
Gemma> And why is that, Ingrid-dear?
Ingrid> That satyr's enchantment's about to wear off and man, is she gonna be pissed.
mgrasso> You girls see James and Jack usher Tara into their car.
Ingrid> Ah well, they asked for it.
* Ingrid smiles serenely
mgrasso> James is driving, and Jack gets into the back seat with Tara.
Ingrid> Well, at least Jack should be able to keep her from doing too much damage.
mgrasso> (I want you guys to keep talking as your characters during the ride to Oro Valley.
Ingrid> How far?
mgrasso> I'll tell you when to stop. :)
Gemma> (far! -- imo)
Gemma> Your car has a lot of buttons.
* Gemma pushes a few
* Ingrid looks sidelong at Gemma
Ingrid> Set the thermostat wherever you like.
Gemma> Thermostat. Aren't you posh?
* Gemma sets it at its highest level, then its lowest, then at a comfortable medium
mgrasso> Ingrid follows James' driving as best she can.
Gemma> So...
* Gemma looks out her window
* Ingrid turns on the classical radio station softly.
Ingrid> So. Here we are. I never thought you and I would end up in a car alone together.
Gemma> Yeeeah... neither did I.
Ingrid> So tell me something about yourself, Gemma. What do you do when you're not being catty?
Ingrid> I mean, cat-like, sorry.
Gemma> Mm...hmm.
Gemma> What do you think a former nun would do? I table dance.
* Ingrid smiles.
Ingrid> I'll bet you're very successful as a table dancer.
* Gemma unconsciously toys with her purse
Gemma> Eh. Only on the short tables. I'm always falling off of the taller ones.
Gemma> Coffee tables are great. End tables are okay. Kitchen tables are definitely out.
Gemma> I tried a counter once, but I danced into the sink and ruined a heel in the disposal.
* Ingrid laughs
Ingrid> Thanks for that mental picture.
* Gemma smiles a little
Gemma> You're quite welcome.
Ingrid> So have you always lived in Tucson?
Gemma> Pretty much.
Gemma> You? Or are you just here for your job?
Ingrid> I came here for the job. But I like it here.
Ingrid> I lived in New York before I came here.
Gemma> The city, I assume?
Ingrid> Yes. I went to college there.
Gemma> And now you're here... That must have been a big adjustment.
Ingrid> It was, yeah. But I hate the cold weather in the East, so this is great.
mgrasso> All of a sudden, you see Tara tumble out of the left rear door of James' car!
Gemma> Oh! Run her over! It'll make a nice story.
* Ingrid swerves to avoid hitting her
mgrasso> You were both going about 30 mph.
Ingrid> Don't I wish!
mgrasso> She tumbles expertly on the pavement and starts running at incredible speeds down a sidestreet. Cars on the other side of the street swerve to avoid her and their drivers seem to lose consciousness when they see her.
mgrasso> James squeals to a halt in the middle of the street.
* Ingrid pulls up and stops beside James.
mgrasso> Ingrid, Wits + Driving, diff. 78
mgrasso> 7.
Ingrid> dice 4 7
mgrasso> James' skid is unfriendly, and leaves his car facing the other way on the street. He did a 180.
Ingrid> !dice 4 7
* DiceWell Ingrid rolls 4d10 at difficulty 7. S/He fails the roll!
* DiceWell 10 4 2 1
Ingrid> oh hell.
mgrasso> Ingrid rams head-on into James' car!
Ingrid> Gah!
mgrasso> Gemma, Ingrid, Stamina diff. 8
* Gemma squeaks
Ingrid> !dice 2 8
* DiceWell Ingrid rolls 2d10 at difficulty 8. S/He fails the roll!
* DiceWell 5 3
Ingrid> geez!
* DiceWell Gemma rolls 2d10 at difficulty 8. S/He gets 1 success.
Gemma> !dice 2 8
* DiceWell 10 4
mgrasso> Anyone wanna use WP?
Ingrid> yes, please.
mgrasso> Gemma?
Gemma> Eh.. yes.
mgrasso> Ingrid: one level of damage.
mgrasso> Gemma: none. You braced yourself.
mgrasso> Everyone back to #C-Tucson
Scene One-B: Inside James' Car
*** Now talking in #jamescar
*** DiceWell (mg@h000094b622e2.ne.mediaone.net) has joined #jamescar
*** Sam (sewood@ava45.drizzle.com) has joined #jamescar
*** Mandy (ioianthe@98A84CDA.ipt.aol.com) has joined #jamescar
Sam> Uh-huh...
*** Mandy is now known as James
*** James is now known as James
*** Sam is now known as Jack
*** Jack is now known as Jack
Jack> It's schizo-fun for Mike again tonight, folks!
mgrasso> Heh.
Jack> brb
mgrasso> OK, cool.
James> =)
mgrasso> OK, when Sam gets back, we start.
James> mmmm... I'm all dbly here.
mgrasso> Hmm, try rejoining the channel.
James> k
*** James (ioianthe@98A84CDA.ipt.aol.com) has left #jamescar
*** James (ioianthe@98A84CDA.ipt.aol.com) has joined #jamescar
James> lets see...
mgrasso> Any better?
James> much better
mgrasso> James is driving?
Jack> (back)
mgrasso> Where is Jack sitting?
James> welll- now you're double
James> ha
*** mgrasso sets mode: +o DiceWell
mgrasso> Front or back for Jack?
James> one sec- I'm gonna try again
*** James (ioianthe@98A84CDA.ipt.aol.com) has left #jamescar
* Jack will take the back seat to keep an eye on our guest.
*** James (ioianthe@98A84CDA.ipt.aol.com) has joined #jamescar
James> ?
mgrasso> James, you start your old rustbucket.
mgrasso> Jack is in back with Tara. Tara is still a little wacked out.
James> alright- while she's wacked out, I'll talk to Jack.
mgrasso> James pulls onto the street heading north for Oro Valley.
James> Jack- I just don't understand women, man.
Jack> Well...I think I can see them being a little suspicious in this case...
mgrasso> (How does James drive?)
Jack> They're probably just trying to get under your skin, man.
James> I don't know- I think gemma gets more of a kick making me envious than she does out of being with me.
Jack> I think that just means she likes you, James.
mgrasso> James can hear Tara's voice in the back seat, just sort of murmuring to herself.
Jack> (to Tara) Sure, honey, whatever you say.
* James taps the seat alittle-and says loudly "you alright Tara?"
mgrasso> She speaks up for the first time. "Mmm. Just fiiiine, thank you."
* Jack shrugs her off, not too roughly.
mgrasso> "Oh, come on. You're trying to tell me you can resist this?" You (both) see that Tara seems to be undoing one of the straps of her leather halter top.
Jack> C'mon, keep that thing on.
James> Tara- Leave the poor Seelie troll alone- If your feeling better- I have some questions for you- what we were talking about in the club...
mgrasso> Tara giggles. "Oh, you're such a bad *li*ar, Jackie."
mgrasso> She stops undoing the halter and puts on a serious face. "It's obvious you react better to damsels in distress, then," she says to Jack. "What if I told you I was seduced and charmed into Rhapsody by this man you call 'Merlin.'"
Jack> Keep talking...
mgrasso> She scoots over on the seat and puts her back against the door.
mgrasso> She tries to put her hairy goat legs on Jack's lap.
James> (that sounds so attractive)
* Jack politely moves her legs off his lap.
mgrasso> As Jack attempts to take her legs off his lap, she unleashes a mighty kick at Jack.
Jack> Crap!
mgrasso> She hits Jack in the arm with her might legs.
mgrasso> Soak roll, Jack. No armor.
James> furking satyrs- James pulls over and stops
Jack> Stamina diff 6?
mgrasso> Stamina, diff. 6.
Jack> !dice 4 6
Jack> Um...
* DiceWell Jack rolls 4d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 5 1 6 10 -> [DiceWell] PING
Jack> Ouch!
James> and locks the doors
mgrasso> Before James can pull over, Tara's kick at Jack propels her out of the left door of the car, which she jiggled open. You were going about 30 mph.
Jack> Shit!
James> shit-I thought so, when she backed up
James> furking satyrs
mgrasso> Jack, take one level of *physical* damage.
mgrasso> She apparently called upon the Wyrd.
James> Jack- go chuck noris for me man- get her.
mgrasso> She tumbles expertly on the pavement and starts running at incredible speeds down a sidestreet. Cars on the other side of the street swerve to avoid her and their drivers seem to lose consciousness when they see her.
* Jack barrels out of the car after Tara.
mgrasso> James, Wits + Driving, diff. 7
James> !dice 7 7
* DiceWell James rolls 7d10 at difficulty 7. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 6 3 9 3 4 10 1
mgrasso> James' skid is unfriendly, and leaves his car facing the other way on the street. He did a 180.
mgrasso> Ingrid rams head-on into James' car!
James> furk! my baby!
mgrasso> Jack, James, Stamina, diff. 8
Jack> !dice 4 8
* DiceWell Jack rolls 4d10 at difficulty 8. S/He botches the roll.
* DiceWell 1 2 9 1
James> =( wp.
James> !dice 1 8
* DiceWell James rolls 1d10 at difficulty 8. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 8
Jack> Ah, crap.
mgrasso> Jack, WP?
Jack> Yeah.
mgrasso> OK. Jack, two more levels of Damage.
mgrasso> James, none.
James> phew.
mgrasso> OK, wait for a moment.
mgrasso> Everyone back to #C-Tucson
Scene Two: On North Sixth Avenue
Jack> Gahh...
* Gemma glares at the cars
James> how's the damage?
* Ingrid is sitting still behind the wheel, seemingly in shock
mgrasso> The two cars are crashed head-on together. Ingrid's front end is totaled.
* Jack pulls himself achingly out of the car.
mgrasso> James is facing the wrong way on North 6th Street.
James> and my old sturdy car?
mgrasso> His front end is in slightly... only slightly better shape.
James> Furk.
Ingrid> Jesus.
* Jack heads over to check on Ingrid and Gemma.
James> (can I make a wits roll for some extra nasty swears?)
mgrasso> Tara dashed down a side street, fully visible to all the drivers as a satyr. They are all now crashing into various buildings and guard rails, as the Mists overtake them.
mgrasso> Tara was dashing at inhuman speeds on her goat legs.
mgrasso> James: Wits + Empathy, diff. 6
James> !dice 9 6
* DiceWell James rolls 9d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 4 successes.
* DiceWell 8 8 8 5 2 10 7 3 1
James> !dice 1 6
* DiceWell James rolls 1d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 8
James> =)
Gemma> Well, there'll be more people at church this week.
mgrasso> Everyone in the vicinity feels James' anger as his curses seem to take on a palpable form, hitting you all like last week's potato salad covered in maggots and rot.
mgrasso> (heh)
* James hops out of my car to check on the ladies
James> my=his
mgrasso> (damn, what a stunt budget we have in this game)
Jack> (heh)
mgrasso> I liked the 180 and subsequent head-on collision. Killer. :)
Jack> (Yeah. Ow. Whatever, Mike. :))
mgrasso> So, as everyone collects themselves, Tara is long gone. On her feet she was running at about 25 mph, maybe faster.
* Ingrid comes to a little and starts moving around, intending to get out of the car.
James> yikes!
Jack> How bad is Ingrid?
mgrasso> She's holding her chest. Apparently she bruised herself badly on the steering column.
mgrasso> Jack is holding his left arm gingerly.
* Ingrid gets slowly out of the car, holding her chest.
Ingrid> You guys okay?
James> Are you ?
Jack> Fine...I think. How about you?
Ingrid> Yeah, I'm okay. Hurts to breathe. What happened?
Jack> Tara kicked her way out of James' moving car.
James> She went Wyrd, kicked Jack, Jumped out- I tried to stop and we skidded
mgrasso> (satyrs are tough, big time. :) )
James> then she scared the shit out of everyone on the whole furking street
* Ingrid laughs like it really hurts to do so. "I hate to say it, but I tried to tell you guys."
* Jack just shakes his head and ponders his feet for a moment.
James> what? that she's obviously dangerouse and shouldn't be out in public....
mgrasso> It's a mess out there. Drivers are wandering around in the street, other cars racing down North 6th Ave. are barely missing these Mist-affected mundanes.
Ingrid> And what are we going to do now? We can't just leave our cars smashed in the street like this.
James> I'd like to look at my car- will it go, can I figure out whats wrong with it? can I "fix it" right here?
mgrasso> James: ah, excellent. :)
Jack> Okay, enough screwing around. I'm going to play cop.
mgrasso> Let us look up the rules.
* Ingrid pulls out a cell phone to call for a tow.
mgrasso> As Jack plays cop. :)
* Jack starts trying to herd people out of the street without getting pasted himself.
Jack> brb, food's here.
mgrasso> OK, Jack's on the other side of North Sixth, helping people get out of the street and directing traffic.
* Ingrid pictures big troll Jack directing traffic with a chicken leg.
mgrasso> James, your car won't work unless you make a successful Intelligence + Crafts or Intimidation roll, diff. 8.
mgrasso> You've already used one point of WP.
James> !dice 4 8
mgrasso> In fact, everyone did. :)
* DiceWell James rolls 4d10 at difficulty 8. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 8 2 9 5
mgrasso> James starts growling at his car, slowly fitting in some choice curses.
mgrasso> (rolepay it, Mandy :) )
* James walks around to the front and kicks the tire
James> you furking piece of crap
mgrasso> (You used Intim, I'm guessing)
James> then he opens the hood and looks disgustedly at it
mgrasso> Ingrid, Gemma? Whatcha doing? The traffic is delicately trickling around the accident scene.
James> what the furk is the matter with you- what- can't you handle it?
James> he slams down the hood
mgrasso> (Another roll, James, same parameters)
James> (yup =)
James> !dice 4 8
* Gemma is keeping out of everyone's way
* DiceWell James rolls 4d10 at difficulty 8. S/He fails the roll!
* DiceWell 4 3 7 6
*** Ingrid has quit IRC (Read error: 54 (Connection reset by peer))
*** Ingrid (jsober@1Cust58.tnt2.belvidere.il.da.uu.net) has joined #Changeling-Tucson
mgrasso> James seems to run into an impasse with his car. The engine is sputtering, but is barely alive. It could use another try.
*** mgrasso sets mode: +o Ingrid
Jack> (back. Pagliacci's pizza-food of the gods.)
James> (dif nine?)
mgrasso> Diff. 8 still.
mgrasso> You didn't botch.
James> cool
James> !dice 4 8
* DiceWell James rolls 4d10 at difficulty 8. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 9 6 7 10
mgrasso> Jack: Charisma + Police Proc, diff. 5.
mgrasso> James, more RP please. :)
Jack> !dice 5 5
* DiceWell Jack rolls 5d10 at difficulty 5. S/He gets 3 successes.
* DiceWell 3 5 5 4 10
* Gemma watches James
* Ingrid is dialing the tow service, keeping an eye on traffic.
James> You piece of shit car, you're never good enough, can't even get me down the furking street
mgrasso> Jack is expertly directing traffic, a holdover from his days working as a traffic cop on construction sites. :)
James> James pounds it
Jack> Good times, those were.
James> He spits
mgrasso> As soon as the k'nocker knocks and spits on the hood, the machine roars back to life.
* James smiles
James> that's my baby.
mgrasso> The lights blink on and off, and finally on strong.
Ingrid> Geez, James, can you do that to mine?
mgrasso> Jack sees some cruisers coming from the north on his side of the street.
mgrasso> Two police cruisers with lights and sirens going.
Jack> James, I suggest you clear your car out of the accident scene.
James> Geeze- you're the cop man.
Jack> You wanna get out of here this week?
Ingrid> Jack, I hope you can tell them what happened.
James> James gets in... anyone coming?
Jack> That's the plan.
Ingrid> Excellent. I knew you would have everything in hand.
Gemma> I'll join you.
* Jack smiles modestly.
mgrasso> James, your apartment isn't too far from here. Perhaps we should all reconnoiter there when things slow down a bit?
James> sure
* Ingrid smiles her thanks at Jack.
mgrasso> Jack motions to the cruisers to pull over.
James> Come on kitty... lets go.
* Gemma slides into James' car
mgrasso> James and Gemma get into #jamescar :)
mgrasso> Sam, leave #Jamescar :)
Scene Three: Gemma and James
*** Now talking in #jamescar
*** Gemma (postillionage@pool-207-205-182-23.phnx.grid.net) has joined #jamescar
mgrasso> Leave, Sam. :)
*** James (ioianthe@98A84CDA.ipt.aol.com) has joined #jamescar
James> somebody boot the other me.
*** DiceWell sets mode: +o mgrasso
*** Jack (sewood@ava45.drizzle.com) has left #jamescar
*** Mandy was kicked by mgrasso
*** Sam was kicked by mgrasso
James> thanks.
Gemma> I take it they're staying behind?
mgrasso> Yup. Jack and Ingrid are cleaning up. :)
mgrasso> James gets behind the wheel of his shitbox, proud of its resilience. :)
James> good car...
Gemma> Do you fight with it often?
mgrasso> (converse, please! :) )
James> only about as much as I bicker with you...
James> \me smiles
James> (oh no, not again!)
Gemma> (wrong slash :) )
mgrasso> (Mandy, do you remember if we said James lived on 1st Street or 1st Ave?)
James> ge- I can't recall...
mgrasso> (Mellie, you remember? I think you gave me the idea of James' little apartment's address.)P
Gemma> (er... no idea. but if it's near oro valley, it's not going to be either one of those)
mgrasso> No, it's not. It *is* near Velvet Tea Garden though.
Gemma> (and if we're still supposed to be close to the university, it's more likely to be 1st st)
mgrasso> (Thank you, Area Knowledge girl :) )
James> (not very creative with the names in tucson are they?)
Gemma> (not by a long shot, Mandy)
mgrasso> (continue conversing IC, I'm sorry :) )
James> only about as much as I bicker with you...
* Gemma smiles a bit
* James smiles
Gemma> Hmm.
mgrasso> (uncomfortable silence) :)
* Gemma drums her fingers on her thighs
mgrasso> ...as you pull into James' apartment complex. You've been here before. -> [James] PING
Gemma> How long have you lived here?
* Gemma vaguely gestures to the building
James> practically since I came down south
* James looks relieved at the conversation
Gemma> Where was north?
Gemma> I mean, where'd you live before?
James> oh, I knew what you meant. boston
mgrasso> You walk up to James' apartment.
Gemma> Why'd you come here? Are you another snow fugitive?
James> I went to MIT there and stuff, fresh out of school I got picked up by company x.
James> (substitute name here)
mgrasso> (Mandy: I like that name so much, I think that'll be its real name :) )
James> =)
mgrasso> Gemma, Intelligence + Computer, diff. 9
Gemma> !dice 4 9
* DiceWell Gemma rolls 4d10 at difficulty 9. S/He fails the roll!
* DiceWell 7 10 1 3
mgrasso> Gemma just kinda looks at James while he unlocks his apartment door.
mgrasso> OK, we're inside.
James> sorry about the mess.
Gemma> It's okay.
mgrasso> James, checking your email/messages?
James> sure- meanwhile- I'll keep talking to gem
James> so, I told you mine- now you tell me yours...
mgrasso> You have one voice message. Does James have voice mail or an old-fasioned answering machine?
James> voice mail
mgrasso> OK. Cool.
* Gemma bends down to rub her calf
Gemma> Mind if I take off my boots? I don't think they're quite broken in.
James> sure.
mgrasso> James listens to his voice mail intently.
James> FURK!
* Gemma sits on the couch, struggles with her boots a bit, then wiggles her toes in her black socks in obvious relief
Gemma> What's wrong?
James> this "merlin" bastard has my number... and- oh you listen
* James shoves the phone towards Gem
mgrasso> Repeat message?
James> yup
mgrasso> Second message starts off with a distant crying, like that of a child. It comes from way far away, it seems, and is horrified. Then, a breathy, old-man voice says, "What's taking you all so long? Where are you? I'm not above doing what I want with the boy. And I will. First the father... then the son. Poetic, one might say." BEEP
* James sinks down on the couch next to Gemma
mgrasso> There's a knock at the door.
mgrasso> (back to #C-Tucson!!!)
Gemma> Not only is he an ass, he has a cliched sense of poetry.
Gemma> Jerk.
mgrasso> Open the door on channel. :)
Scene Four: On North Sixth Avenue
mgrasso> OK, Jack, time to do your stuff.
Jack> Sorry, thought I was out.
mgrasso> Four officers pile out.
mgrasso> James peels rubber as he speeds off. Two of the officers make for their car.
mgrasso> As if to follow.
Jack> Hang on!
mgrasso> The officers stop. Officers Vasquez and Morrison.
mgrasso> The other two are officers Carter and Renfrew.
Jack> I'll introduce myself and flash the ol' badge.
mgrasso> Officer Carter says, "What happened here, Duran?" He looks at Ingrid. Ingrid, Manipulation + Fame, diff. 6.
Ingrid> !dice 5 6
* DiceWell Ingrid rolls 5d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 5 successes.
* DiceWell 8 7 8 8 8
Ingrid> geez. :)
mgrasso> Officer Carter looks at Ingrid with obvious recognition in his eyes.
mgrasso> It's like a momentary goggling thing. :)
mgrasso> As he still awaits Jack's explanation. :)
Jack> Everything's under control.
mgrasso> Charisma + Police Proc, diff. 7
Jack> Those were friends of Ms. Kane's. They were traveling in two cars.
Jack> !dice 5 7
* DiceWell Jack rolls 5d10 at difficulty 7. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 7 3 5 6 9
mgrasso> "Ms. Kane?" Officer Carter, an older gent, has his notebook out.
Ingrid> Yes, sir?
mgrasso> "Is this true?"
mgrasso> He makes like he's going to scribble.
* Ingrid still has her hand lightly over her chest.
Ingrid> Yes, they were friends of mine.
mgrasso> "Are you injured, ma'am?"
Ingrid> Just a little bruised. Thank you for your concern.
mgrasso> "Shall we call an ambulance?" his younger partner Renfrew says to you.
Ingrid> Oh no, I'll be fine. It's just a little bruise.
Jack> (Is there anyone else hurt on the scene?)
mgrasso> "Your friends really shouldn't have left the scene of the accident," Carter says. "Duran, do you have their names?"
mgrasso> (Jack: the cars who skidded due to the mists are all in disarray down the street. Their drivers are spacey, but unharmed.) -> [Jack] PING
Jack> Of course, Officer Carter. They asked Ms. Kane to speak to the police for them. They were in quite a hurry... (look at Ingrid) ... were they taking someone to the emergency room?
mgrasso> I need both of you to roll Manipulation + Subterfuge, diff. 7.
Jack> !dice 1 7
* DiceWell Jack rolls 1d10 at difficulty 7. S/He fails the roll!
* DiceWell 2
Ingrid> !dice 3 7
* DiceWell Ingrid rolls 3d10 at difficulty 7. S/He gets 3 successes.
* DiceWell 8 10 9
Jack> (I suck at this.)
mgrasso> But Ingrid's much more convincing. :)
Ingrid> :)
Jack> (And more aesthetically pleasing than Jack too)
mgrasso> And that, in fact, finally gets the boys to leave you both alone... and Gemma and James, for that matter.
Jack> Phew.
mgrasso> The tow truck arrives and tows Ingrid's car to a body shop.
* Ingrid smiles.
mgrasso> You guys need a way to get to James'. You *could* walk. :)
Jack> Sounds better than commandeering a cruiser at this point. :)
mgrasso> And much more plausible, yes.
Jack> I think we could both stand to steady our nerves with a bit of walking.
Ingrid> All right. Is it okay to go now?
mgrasso> Yep.
Jack> Vamanos.
Ingrid> Then let's.
mgrasso> OK, give me a little bit. You guys can do some IC talking.
* Ingrid is glad she didn't wear heels.
Jack> That was a bit tense.
Ingrid> Tell me about. What exactly happened in that car?
Jack> Hmm. Tell you the truth, you weren't that far off about Tara.
Jack> She came on all sexy at first, of course...
Ingrid> Well, I wish I could say that made me feel better.
Ingrid> Well, she *is* a satyr.
Jack> ...got us to think she was just an annoying flirt. :)
Jack> Then--whammo!
Ingrid> Well yeah! She was enchanted!
Ingrid> And it wore off!
Jack> She wanted out of the car, really badly.
Jack> But she did say something before that...
Ingrid> No kidding. I knew she was going to be pissed. I told you guys!
Ingrid> Okay, sorry.
Ingrid> What did she say?
Jack> Something about being enchanted and forced into Rhapsody by our friend "Merlin."
Ingrid> Did she say where he was?
Jack> Nope, we just got the Cliffs Notes version before she punched out.
Ingrid> Are you okay? I saw you holding your arm back there.
Jack> Yeah, I'm not sure whether it was the car wreck or the satyr that did that.
mgrasso> You guys are coming upon James' apartment complex.
* Ingrid sighs.
Ingrid> My poor car.
Jack> Are you all right, Lady?
mgrasso> You walk up to James' door.
mgrasso> It's closed.
Ingrid> Oh, yeah. I'll just miss my car. I bought that when I got out here.
* Jack knocks.
Jack> Hmm. I think I know what you mean.
James> COME IN James calls
mgrasso> Door's unlocked.
* Jack sticks his head inside.
Scene Five: James' Apartment
mgrasso> James, I'm going to paste your apartment's description for all & sundry.
James> k
mgrasso> http://www.homegame.org/mgrasso/diversion/chapter2.html#scene4
mgrasso> That's better than my trying to edit it.
mgrasso> OK, Gemma is on the couch with her boots off.
mgrasso> The phone is in her lap.
* mgrasso steps back and lets the RP fly.
* Gemma props the phone on the arm rest and bends down to put her boots back on
* James picks up the phones and thrust it in their general direction-
James> Listen
mgrasso> James accesses his voice mail.
mgrasso> Ingrid, Jack, you huddle around the receiver.
mgrasso> Second message starts off with a distant crying, like that of a child. It comes from way far away, it seems, and is horrified. Then, a breathy, old-man voice says, "What's taking you all so long? Where are you? I'm not above doing what I want with the boy. And I will. First the father... then the son. Poetic, one might say." BEEP
* Jack emits a low grating noise.
* Ingrid frowns
James> what time of day is it?
Jack> James, will your car get us to Oro Valley?
mgrasso> Ingrid's cell phone rings.
mgrasso> James: around midnight.
* Ingrid pulls it out of her bag and answers. "This is Ingrid."
mgrasso> Ingrid: "Oh, Douglass. James and Jack insisted on bringing the satyr along, and her enchantment wore off in James's car."
* James looks really, really tired. He leans back on the couch and rubs his temples
* Jack just scowls terribly.
James> tell DOUGGIE to go fuck himself
Ingrid> She went Wyrd, and ran off down the street. She's gone. We're at James's.
Jack> God damn it, James, we don't need that shit right now.
Gemma> Shut up, Jack.
Ingrid> Don't even think about fighting, you two!
* Ingrid glares at James and Jack.
James> furk you too. why's it so bright in here?
mgrasso> (I love our lovey-dovey party :) )
mgrasso> Ingrid: "She told Jack that Merlin forced her into it."
James> she was full of shit- she loved it.
Ingrid> He has the boy, too.
James> dirty bitch
Ingrid> He's somewhere in Oro Valley.
Ingrid> Yes.
Ingrid> Well what did you think we were about to do, Douglass?
* Ingrid is clearly exasperated with him.
* Gemma nudges James
* James looks sluggishly back at her
James> yeah babe?
Ingrid> Well you manage what you have to, and we'll do the same. Good-bye, Douglass.
* Ingrid hangs up.
mgrasso> (wow. :) )
Gemma> Nothing. Just felt like bothering you.
James> Ingrid? what'd the royal bastard have to say?
James> oh...
* James pokes gemma in the tummy
Ingrid> Nothing much productive, He's sending a team after Tara.
Ingrid> Let's just go gt the kid.
James> a "team"
Gemma> Eee... careful. I'm ticklish there.
Ingrid> Yeah, whatever.
Gemma> Why doesn't he send his "team" after the kid?
* James wiggles his fingers menacingly, and then lets his hand fall to rest on her leg.
Gemma> Oh, riiight. I remember now. Because there is no team. He's just full of it.
Ingrid> Look, I don't want to hear any mopre about it, okay? Clearly WE are the ones who have to get the kid, so let's do it.
Jack> Right.
James> no- they're probably another group ha made an oath with, and then some how roped into his service
Jack> Oh for Chrissake can we discuss this on the way?
James> the...? oh yeah, the kid.
* James looks dead on his ass-
Ingrid> Will your car make it there?
James> lets go.
Ingrid> I seem to be without one.
James> she's the best damn car on the whole furking road
mgrasso> (I picture it as an AMC Gremlin, like in Wayne's World, Mandy... what kind of car is it? :) )
* Gemma stands up, grabs James hands, and tugs a bit
Gemma> Come on, well. Let's get this over with.
Gemma> I call shot gun.
James> (hmmm... that works, I was thinking about a car that was nice when it was nice, but isn't anymore, like my dads 84 lincoln towncar)
mgrasso> Hah, ok. :)
* James gets up dutifully
mgrasso> I like that better. :)
James> lessgo.
mgrasso> OK, James drives, Gemma in shotgun, Jack and Ingrid in back.
mgrasso> Gemma, you need to navigate. Perception + Area Knowledge, diff. 6.
Gemma> !dice 6 6
* DiceWell Gemma rolls 6d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 3 8 1 10 1 6
Scene Six: A House in Oro Valley
mgrasso> The streets of Oro Valley are desolate at night. It's all rich-bitch haciendas and Mediterranean homes on secluded tree-lined avenues.
mgrasso> Gemma gets us wandering around a couple of dead end streets with cul-de-sacs.
mgrasso> Gemma, another roll, same parameters.
Gemma> !dice 6 6
* DiceWell Gemma rolls 6d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 3 1 5 7 6 10
mgrasso> Ah, much better.
mgrasso> You pull up to the address supplied by Ms. Tara.
Gemma> (good... no *good* native tucsonan would know more about oro valley than it has asshole cops and cranky residents :D )
mgrasso> (I gleaned that much from the internet and the "golf communities" that are popular there. :) )
mgrasso> http://www.homegame.org/mgrasso/diversion/2008402.JPG
mgrasso> That's the house, in the daytime, in its mortal seeming.
mgrasso> In the fae realm, the house is a huge Roman villa.
mgrasso> Those fake "columns" spring to life and support a huge eave which forms the front stoa, or porch.
mgrasso> There seems to be more to the house in the Dreaming than in its mortal seeming.
mgrasso> Walking up to the front door?
Ingrid> Yes.
Jack> You bet.
mgrasso> Hanging over the front door, in both the mortal realm and the fae mien, is a plaque depicting a shield.
* James doesn't move
mgrasso> The shield displays a harp wrapped in three thorn-covered rose vines.
mgrasso> A black rose sits in the center of the green field.
mgrasso> Ingrid: Int + Heraldry, diff. 8
Ingrid> !dice 3 8
* DiceWell Ingrid rolls 3d10 at difficulty 8. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 4 8 5
mgrasso> WP?
Ingrid> no, I don't think so.
mgrasso> OK. This is a fae coat of arms, that's all you know.
Ingrid> okay.
mgrasso> OK, we're at the door.
James> cept James
mgrasso> In the Dreaming, the front door is a heavy oaken affair, bound with steel.
mgrasso> Right, except James.
mgrasso> Looks pretty strong. And it's locked with a big door lock.
Jack> Hmm... so do we knock?
Gemma> Yeah, Jack. Go ahead and knock.
Gemma> I'm sure he'd love to see us.
* Jack shoots Gemma a look.
Ingrid> Maybe we should just go in. Is James coming?
* Gemma ignores the look
Gemma> I think I better go check on him.
* Gemma looks back at James
* James is asleep in his seat.
Jack> I suppose I could hack the chimerical lock with my battle-axe.
mgrasso> Yes, Jack, you most certainly could. :)
mgrasso> Do your normal battle-axe damage, with troll bonus.
* Gemma goes back to the car and gently shakes James
James> huh!?
* James startles awake
Jack> !dice 5 6
* DiceWell Jack rolls 5d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 7 4 3 6 3
James> w-w-w-what?
mgrasso> Is that it for the battleaxe?
mgrasso> It's strength + 6, sorry. 11 dice. :)
Jack> !dice 11 6
* DiceWell Jack rolls 11d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 8 successes.
* DiceWell 6 7 9 10 7 2 9 2 10 6 2
Jack> That's a bit bloody more like it. :)
mgrasso> Much better. The whole door splinters from your assault. The mortal door swings open gently.
mgrasso> :)
Gemma> !dice 4 10
* DiceWell Gemma rolls 4d10 at difficulty 10. S/He fails the roll!
* DiceWell 5 3 4 9
Jack> (towards the car) Who's coming in?
Gemma> Are you okay, James?
* James rubs his eyes with the palm of his hands
James> I'll be okay- (then louder:) Just a sec Jack
mgrasso> Ingrid, are you near the door?
* Gemma lightly rubs the back of his neck
Ingrid> yes.
Gemma> Are you sure?
James> Gem- I... promise you'll keep me awake?
Gemma> Yes, of course.
Jack> (to Ingrid) Sounds like a phone.
Ingrid> I heard it too.
Jack> Shall we?
Ingrid> Yes, let's.
James> yeah-
* James streaches himself out of the car.
* Jack kicks the door wide and heads in with drawn sword.
Gemma> !dice 4 9
* DiceWell Gemma rolls 4d10 at difficulty 9. S/He fails the roll!
* DiceWell 2 6 3 5
Jack> (brb)
* Ingrid follows silently.
mgrasso> You enter the foyer. It's done in a tasteful Mediterranean motif in the real world, with art hanging on every available surface. In the Dreaming, the walls are covered in ancient Roman mosaics and frescoes. The foyer leads to a master stairway, a dining room, and a living room.
Jack> (back)
* Gemma looks worriedly at James
Ingrid> Wow, nice place.
mgrasso> The phone coninues to ring.
Jack> (are James and Gem coming in?)
Jack> Do you want to answer that or shall I/
* James shuffles in behind everyone
Ingrid> Oh, please you answer it, Jack.
mgrasso> Jack, Ingrid: Perception + Scan, diff. 8
Ingrid> !dice 5 8
* DiceWell Ingrid rolls 5d10 at difficulty 8. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 3 2 10 10 6
Jack> !dice 5 8
* DiceWell Jack rolls 5d10 at difficulty 8. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 5 7 8 5 8
Gemma> !dice 5 2
* DiceWell Gemma rolls 5d10 at difficulty 2. S/He gets 5 successes.
* DiceWell 2 7 2 9 6
mgrasso> It's coming from upstairs.
Jack> Right. (Head upstairs.)
mgrasso> Jack heads upstairs first.
mgrasso> Who's next?
* Ingrid follows, looking back to see if Gemma and James are coming.
* James looks to Gemma for guidance
Gemma> Are you feeling up to this? Really?
Ingrid> James, are you okay?
mgrasso> *ring* *ring* *ring*
* Gemma puts her hand on James' arm
mgrasso> Jack, shall I do your stuff now in msg?
* James shakes his head
Jack> Sure.
James> really- I'll be okay. He smiles groggily
Ingrid> What's the matter, James?
Gemma> Doesn't Jack need help, Ingrid?
Gemma> Maybe you should go see what he's up to.
James> nothing- I-I'm just really tired all of a sudden, it happens sometimes.
Jack> !dice 5 6
* DiceWell Jack rolls 5d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 7 4 5 10 4
Ingrid> All right, I get the hint. Just be careful, okay?
* Ingrid follows Jack.
* James mutturs something about narcolepsy as Ingrid walks up the stairs
mgrasso> Ingrid, Jack, into #bedroom
mgrasso> james, gemma, into #downstairs
Scene Seven: Master Bedroom
mgrasso> You can hear a phone ringing inside the house.
mgrasso> Jack, you're upstairs. The ringing is coming from the master bedroom.
Jack> I'll head towards it.
mgrasso> Inside the master bedroom is a huge king-size bed with white silk sheets, recently slept in.
Jack> Case the room.
mgrasso> The side table (Per + Scan, diff. 6) has a ringing phone on it, as well as a notepad with a pencil.
mgrasso> There's the smell of perfume in the room.
mgrasso> In the sheets.
Jack> Pick up the phone.
*** Ingrid (jsober@1Cust58.tnt2.belvidere.il.da.uu.net) has joined #bedroom
*** DiceWell (mg@h000094b622e2.ne.mediaone.net) has joined #bedroom
mgrasso> OK. Jack. Phone's still ringing.
* Jack picks up the phone.
mgrasso> A dry chuckle escapes from the receiver.
Jack> Merlin?
mgrasso> "Ah, yes. The boy's nickname for me. How quaint and E.B. White of him."
Jack> Where the Hell are you?
mgrasso> "Did you know that Merlin was half-devil... or half-fae?"
mgrasso> "Where am I? Oh, safe and sound, I assure you. So is the boy. He's in the house with you. Along with Emil."
Ingrid> That's the Eshu.
mgrasso> Ingrid puts her little pointed ear up to the receiver. :)
Jack> We're going to find you, you bastard.
* Jack hangs up the phone.
Jack> Let's search the house.
Ingrid> Okay.
mgrasso> Wow. Very Jack Lord of you, Jack. :)
Ingrid> hee hee :)
mgrasso> Jack, Ingrid, PEr + Intuition, diff. 7
Jack> Book 'em, Dano. :)
mgrasso> And hold on a sec.
mgrasso> I need to give Ing the desc.
Ingrid> !dice 5 7
* DiceWell Ingrid rolls 5d10 at difficulty 7. S/He gets 3 successes.
* DiceWell 4 7 10 2 10
mgrasso> Ingrid... that notepad?
* Ingrid goes over to pick up the notepad.
mgrasso> It's blank. It's about 40 sheets thick, about 3 x5 inches.
mgrasso> The front page is blank, all the pages are blank.
mgrasso> Jack, Int + Police Proc, diff. 6
* Ingrid tilts it to the light ot see if there's an impression of writing on it.
mgrasso> Aha! Indeed there is.
Ingrid> oops, sorry. :)
mgrasso> It's ok, Jack would've got it eventually. Old police trick. :)
Ingrid> Anyone who's ever watched Hawaii Five-O knows to do that. :)
mgrasso> Hah!
mgrasso> Jack takes the pad and the pencil and starts scribbling.
mgrasso> The first word emerges.... C..... E......
mgrasso> Keep scribbling?
Jack> Oh yes.
mgrasso> More letters... Y...... D...... A......
* Ingrid blinks
Ingrid> Ceyda?
mgrasso> D..... U......E...... N...... D..... E
mgrasso> That's the first words on the top line.
Ingrid> what else is there, Jack? She's my best friend!
mgrasso> The second line. ANDREW TRISCEAU.
Ingrid> Who is that?
Jack> Don't know.
Jack> Let's show this to James and Gemma.
mgrasso> The third line: ANTONIO NUNEZ. That's the kid you big brother for, Jack.
Jack> Hey!
Ingrid> Ceyda's a musician. Certainly he wouldn't go after her...
Ingrid> oh god, I hope not.
Jack> Damn.
Jack> We've got to see if Peter's in this house, and then we've got to find this Merlin.
mgrasso> The fourth line: SHAWN ADAMS
Ingrid> Okay. Let's start looking.
Jack> Mean anything to you?
Ingrid> Nope.
Jack> Right.
Ingrid> Merlin said he was with the Eshu.
mgrasso> JAck and Ingrid going downstairs?
Jack> Yeah.
mgrasso> Okay.
Jack> !dice 3 7
* DiceWell Jack rolls 3d10 at difficulty 7. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 10 8 6
Jack> !dice 4 6
* DiceWell Jack rolls 4d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 5 6 4 8
Jack> ("Eventually." Hmmph. :) )
mgrasso> heh!
* Ingrid comes down the stairs looking for James and Gemma.
* Gemma glances at Ingrid
mgrasso> James is sitting on a chair in the main hallway.
* Jack too.
mgrasso> Gemma is standing before him.
Ingrid> You guys okay?
Jack> The phone was Merlin. He says Peter's in this house somewhere. With the Eshu.
Ingrid> We found something upstairs you might be interested in.
James> what?
* Jack shows them the pad.
James> (this reminds me of a bobbsie twins installment)
mgrasso> There's a pad that's been scribbled, so the impressions can be seen, you guys know what I mean?
Jack> (smack, James. :) )
Ingrid> Do either of you know Shawn Adams or Andrew Trisceau?
Gemma> What? Who?
mgrasso> There's four names there: CEYDA DUENDE, ANDREW TRISCEAU, ANTONIO NUNEZ, and SHAWN ADAMS
Gemma> What about them?
Ingrid> This list was by the phone.
Gemma> Just his -- their names?
Ingrid> Ceyda Duende is my best friend, the musician. You all met her at my birthday party.
Jack> And Antonio's the kid I Big Brother for.,
James> shawn- I have a dreamer named shawn
mgrasso> (James, always with the technical terms :) )
Jack> He's going after people close to us.
mgrasso> All of you realize: not just those close to you... your Dreamers.
* James shakes his head violently, like he's trying to clear out the cobwebs
Jack> Ingrid, shall we start searching the house?
Ingrid> This looks like targeting for Rhapsody. And it's personal.
mgrasso> You hear a child's scream coming from the basement all of a sudden.
Ingrid> Yes, let's find Peter and go get this guy.
Jack> Where's the basement?
James> I'll ravage him so bad...
Ingrid> (I sound like a bad movie)
mgrasso> In the Dreaming? It's down a long, dark, rickety wooden staircase that winds and winds like an Escher painting.
James> (James gains a point of rage- oh, sorry, wrong game!)
Jack> Let's do this.
Gemma> (are we all going?)
Scene Eight: A Basement From Nightmares
mgrasso> Down, down, down... into the darkness.
mgrasso> Into your nightmares.
mgrasso> There's a palpable sense of fear that hits you all when you start off on this stairwell.
James> James seems okay for the momentt
mgrasso> The child's screaming continues.
* Ingrid shivers
* Gemma crosses herself
James> probably not even furking this way-
* James shudders
* Jack tightens his grip on his sword hilt.
mgrasso> You continue to wind down this chimerical stairwell, winding down, the darkness inpenetrable.
mgrasso> You eventually come to the archetype for scary basements everywhere. Blood-red brick walls hold black mortar in between the bricks. A bare lightbulb gives off a sickly yellow light onto the horrors seen in this room.
mgrasso> Hanging by clothespins on a clothesline is the eshu Emil. His chimerical body is eviscerated, his chest opened up before you. Glistening organs in his chest cavity beat and throb redly in the grisly light. Thing is... he's STILL ALIVE.
Jack> God.
* Ingrid gasps and look away.
mgrasso> Standing with its back to you is a hulking black-leathery thing, crouching, standing over young Peter. We shall come to the black hulking thing in a moment.
* Gemma starts moving her lips, obviously in silent prayer
mgrasso> You can't tell whether Peter is screaming at the black hulking thing or Emil. Emil's voice is a whisper softer than any sluagh. He says only two words... "kill.... me...."
mgrasso> The black hulking thing, of course, turns to you.
mgrasso> Its face is squat and surprisingly equine.
* Jack attacks without warning or preamble.
mgrasso> It has a mane of lanky black hair. It has six arms, all of which are tipped with fingers that are actually old-fashioned straight razors.
*** Jack is now known as Rolando
*** James is now known as aranth
mgrasso> They still drip with the eshu's chimerical blood.
*** Ingrid is now known as Artemisia
*** Gemma is now known as Solangia
mgrasso> OK, Wits + Alertness, diff. 4, 5 for Aranth.
Artemisia> !dice 5 4
* DiceWell Artemisia rolls 5d10 at difficulty 4. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 3 3 4 3 6
aranth> !dice 5 5
* DiceWell aranth rolls 5d10 at difficulty 5. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 2 3 4 6 6
Rolando> !dice 3 4
* DiceWell Rolando rolls 3d10 at difficulty 4. S/He fails the roll!
* DiceWell 2 2 2
Solangia> !dice 3 4
* DiceWell Solangia rolls 3d10 at difficulty 4. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 4 4 1
Rolando> (Shit)
mgrasso> Rolando, your action?
Rolando> Like I say, I'm attacking this SOB. :)
mgrasso> One attack, no split of die pool?
Rolando> Right.
mgrasso> Solangia?
Solangia> Evading
mgrasso> A dodge for the cat. Artemisia and Aranth?
Artemisia> I'll look for something to use as a weapon.
mgrasso> All right. Aranth?
aranth> I'm going to spin my arms in furrious circles- wind my way over to Emil, and cast the cantrip that will do what I want it to (is it toughen?)
mgrasso> Yes. Is that the bunk?
aranth> and then I'll scratch my head like a monkey
mgrasso> All right. The horse-demon attacks Rolando, his razors glinting in the half-light.
mgrasso> I need two soak rolls, Rolando.
mgrasso> These razors are cutting through armor.
Rolando> !dice 5 6
* DiceWell Rolando rolls 5d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 2 4 10 8 5
Rolando> !dice 5 6
* DiceWell Rolando rolls 5d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 3 successes.
* DiceWell 2 2 10 8 10
mgrasso> You take two levels of chimerical aggravated damage, as the razors slice into your stony bronze flesh and draw chimerical blood.
mgrasso> Artemisia... PErception + kenning, diff. 7
Artemisia> !dice 5 7
* DiceWell Artemisia rolls 5d10 at difficulty 7. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 1 5 8 2 7
mgrasso> Aranth, roll the Infusion. Will you use Glamour to reduce the diff?
mgrasso> Artemisia scans the floor of the basement, and finds a chimerical broomstick.
aranth> yeah
mgrasso> Wanna whack him with it?
Artemisia> Yes.
Artemisia> Really hard!
aranth> (what's my diff?)
mgrasso> Aranth: Intelligence + Fae, diff. 8
mgrasso> Artemisia: Dex + Melee, diff. 6
Artemisia> !dice 2 6
* DiceWell Artemisia rolls 2d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 4 9
mgrasso> OK! Str + 2, diff. 6
Artemisia> me?
mgrasso> Yep. :)
Artemisia> !dice 4 6
* DiceWell Artemisia rolls 4d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 4 successes.
* DiceWell 7 8 10 8
Artemisia> wow!
mgrasso> holy crap.
Rolando> (go Art!)
Artemisia> really hard, all right!
aranth> !dice 3 8
* DiceWell aranth rolls 3d10 at difficulty 8. S/He fails the roll!
* DiceWell 4 6 3
mgrasso> You snap the chimerical broomstick over the creatures muscle-bound back. Its razors snicker-snack as it turns towards her.
mgrasso> Aranth cannot aid Emil.
mgrasso> Try as he might.
mgrasso> Solangia stays out of the way of the fighting.
aranth> furk
mgrasso> Rolando.
mgrasso> Diff one less.
mgrasso> Hit from behind. :)
Rolando> !dice 11 5
* DiceWell Rolando rolls 11d10 at difficulty 5. S/He gets 8 successes.
* DiceWell 10 5 7 8 5 8 6 2 4 4 9
mgrasso> He will not be Dodging that.
mgrasso> Damage roll!
mgrasso> Wait, hold on.
mgrasso> You need to hit first. I'll let you keep that roll for damage, 6 successes at Diff. 6.
mgrasso> Dex + Melee.
mgrasso> Diff 5.
Rolando> !dice 5 5
* DiceWell Rolando rolls 5d10 at difficulty 5. S/He gets 4 successes.
* DiceWell 7 4 8 5 7
aranth> just a sec guys.
mgrasso> Fine. Six levels of damage as a mighty greatsword cuts the demon's back in two.
Artemisia> wow.
mgrasso> NExt round! Wits + Alert, diff. 4.
Solangia> !dice 3 4
* DiceWell Solangia rolls 3d10 at difficulty 4. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 8 10 1
Rolando> !dice 4 4
* DiceWell Rolando rolls 4d10 at difficulty 4. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 3 5 2 5
Artemisia> !dice 5 4
* DiceWell Artemisia rolls 5d10 at difficulty 4. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 4 10 4 2 1
mgrasso> Aranth? -> [aranth] PING
aranth> brb
mgrasso> Ok.
Artemisia> (this is awesome, btw. :)
mgrasso> (thanks :) )
Rolando> (I've put in some Pixies to provide a combat soundtrack)
mgrasso> Shit, man, I have them in my CD player too!
Rolando> Whoa! Surfer Rosa?
Artemisia> Wow. you guys are freaking me out.
mgrasso> Yes!
mgrasso> Jesus.
* Artemisia runs away.
Rolando> Okay, major chills.
mgrasso> That is SO weird.
mgrasso> My mind to your mind.
Rolando> "You're a bone machine"
mgrasso> Incredible.
mgrasso> Mellie, still with us?
Rolando> I agree...
mgrasso> We're not far from being done.
Solangia> (yeah, sorry)
mgrasso> God, that is so weird.
* mgrasso looks for Mandy
aranth> sorry about that guys- I'm back.
Rolando> Yay!
mgrasso> Cool. Init, Mandy
mgrasso> And don't worry, we're almost done. 10, 15 more mins, tops. :)
aranth> !dice 5 5
* DiceWell aranth rolls 5d10 at difficulty 5. S/He gets 3 successes.
* DiceWell 9 3 3 10 9
mgrasso> OK, Solangia, declare first.
Solangia> I'll stick with dodging
mgrasso> Then Artemisia, Rolando.
Rolando> We're gonna find out what color Horse Demon is on the inside.
Artemisia> I'll try to poke it in the eye with the broken end of the broomstick.
mgrasso> Cool. Aranth, you can see the demon's going solidly after Artemisia.
aranth> I'll draw my Xbow on him- and fire
mgrasso> Excellent. Aranth, you first.
mgrasso> Diff one higher, remember.
mgrasso> Dex + firearms, diff.
mgrasso> 6
aranth> !dice 8 6
* DiceWell aranth rolls 8d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 3 successes.
* DiceWell 5 1 10 7 6 2 8 4
mgrasso> Ok, that's a hit. Damage 5.
mgrasso> Diff. 6.
aranth> !dice 5 6
* DiceWell aranth rolls 5d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 2 6 4 4 7
mgrasso> The crossbow quarrel sticks out of his leathery hide.
mgrasso> Artemisia, here it comes.
mgrasso> Soak roll, please.
mgrasso> Stamina, diff. 6.
Artemisia> me?
mgrasso> Yes.
*** Solangia has quit IRC (Read error: 54 (Connection reset by peer))
Artemisia> !dice 2 6
* DiceWell Artemisia rolls 2d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 3 7
*** Gemma (postillionage@pool-209-138-182-186-phnx.grid.net) has joined #Changeling-Tucson
mgrasso> Artemisia takes six levels of aggravated chimerical damage.
Rolando> No!
*** Gemma is now known as Solangia
mgrasso> She is down on one knee, crippled by the razors cutting into her delicate soft flesh.
Artemisia> not again! Can I use WP?
mgrasso> Blood pours to the ground in a torrent.
mgrasso> Yes, you may.
Artemisia> please!
mgrasso> Gemma, Aranth, PEr + Kenning, diff. 8.
mgrasso> Instead, it is five levels.
Solangia> !dice 6 8
* DiceWell Solangia rolls 6d10 at difficulty 8. S/He botches the roll.
* DiceWell 3 6 4 1 3 3
aranth> !dice 6 9
* DiceWell aranth rolls 6d10 at difficulty 9. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 8 10 5 1 9 6
mgrasso> All right.
mgrasso> Rolando, go.
mgrasso> Dex + Melee, diff. 6
Rolando> !dice 5 6
* DiceWell Rolando rolls 5d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 1 7 6 1 9
mgrasso> Artemisia, you may attack, but it's two less dice because you're hurt.
aranth> (I'm going to try to disbelieve)
mgrasso> Dex + melee, minus 2 dice.
mgrasso> (heh)
mgrasso> Rolando, damage.
Artemisia> That leaves zero, I think.
mgrasso> Then you are too hurt to attack.
Rolando> !dice 11 6
* DiceWell Rolando rolls 11d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 6 successes.
* DiceWell 8 4 10 5 10 7 6 9 5 1 6
mgrasso> You prop yourself up with the broomstick.
Solangia> Can I help Ingrid in any way?
* Artemisia is not having a good night.
mgrasso> Another solid hit riles the demon. He leaves Artemisia behind and sharpens all six hands for the kill on Rolando.
Rolando> Bring it on, ugly.
mgrasso> Solangia: you can try a Int + Medicine roll to staunch the blood flow.
mgrasso> This round, in fact.
Solangia> dif?
mgrasso> And then we do init. all over again.
mgrasso> Diff. 8
Solangia> !dice 4 8
* DiceWell Solangia rolls 4d10 at difficulty 8. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 7 6 2 10
mgrasso> You manage to rip off some of your chimerical clothing and bandage the huge gashes in her arms and torso.
mgrasso> There is a glow of mercy around you, Solangia. Get a point of WP back.
mgrasso> next round, wits + alerness, diff 4
aranth> !dice 5 5
* DiceWell aranth rolls 5d10 at difficulty 5. S/He gets 4 successes.
* DiceWell 8 3 6 9 9
Rolando> !dice 4 4
* DiceWell Rolando rolls 4d10 at difficulty 4. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 8 4 8 1
Solangia> !dice 3 4
* DiceWell Solangia rolls 3d10 at difficulty 4. S/He gets 3 successes.
* DiceWell 8 8 4
Artemisia> !dice 5 4
* DiceWell Artemisia rolls 5d10 at difficulty 4. S/He gets 4 successes.
* DiceWell 6 2 4 9 6
mgrasso> Art! two less dice, roll again please.
Artemisia> oh
mgrasso> Sorry, my bad.
Artemisia> !dice 3 4
* DiceWell Artemisia rolls 3d10 at difficulty 4. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 8 2 10
mgrasso> Still not bad.
mgrasso> Artemisia, Rolando, declare.
Artemisia> I'm just gonna lie here injured.
mgrasso> The creature, as I said, is attacking Rol.
Rolando> I'm going to keep this thing busy...
mgrasso> Rol? Any dodging this round?
mgrasso> Or all-out attack?
Rolando> Nope, I'm too mad to dodge.
mgrasso> Solangia?
mgrasso> Aranth?
Solangia> I'll guard/help Ingrid.. whichever she needs more at this point
mgrasso> Guarding is better.
aranth> how does emil look?
mgrasso> Emil looks vivisected. :)
Artemisia> (bleh)
mgrasso> Still alive, but barely.
aranth> does he look "beyond all hope"?
mgrasso> Quickly, Aranth.
mgrasso> No, not beyond all hope.
aranth> In which case, I will shoot the thing.
mgrasso> Shoot away.
mgrasso> Dex + firearms diff. 7.
Artemisia> don't kill it, James
* Artemisia manages to get out
mgrasso> Go ahead, Aranth.
aranth> !dice 8 7
* DiceWell aranth rolls 8d10 at difficulty 7. S/He fails the roll!
* DiceWell 8 5 4 1 10 3 1 3
mgrasso> Thonk! The quarrel misses its mark!
mgrasso> Solangia stands guard over the injured sidhe.
mgrasso> Rolando and the creature go simultaneously.
Rolando> !dice 5 6
* DiceWell Rolando rolls 5d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 1 5 5 9 7
mgrasso> Its razor-blades slash out blindly at the troll.
mgrasso> It hits you, even though it is injured severely.
mgrasso> Soak roll again, Rolando.
mgrasso> And do your damage as well.
Rolando> !dice 5 6
* DiceWell Rolando rolls 5d10 at difficulty 6. S/He fails the roll!
* DiceWell 1 2 3 3 7
Rolando> !dice 11 6
* DiceWell Rolando rolls 11d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 9 successes.
* DiceWell 8 9 9 6 9 3 9 10 9 2 7
mgrasso> Take three levels of chimerical damage.
mgrasso> Rolando takes two arms' worth of razors in the gut. Again, more redder-than-red in the real world blood falls to the dirt floor.
Rolando> Aaarrrgh!
mgrasso> But Rolando's calculated rage takes its toll on the horse-demon. His greatsword swings in a mighty arc from ceiling to floor, intercepting about 6 feet worth of black demon flesh in the meantime.
mgrasso> The demon looks at Rolando blankly for a moment, then crashes to the ground dead.
mgrasso> His flesh soon melts, leaving only a black leathery pelt.
* Rolando crashes to the ground, not quite dead.
mgrasso> You all stand in the chimerical basement of horrors.
mgrasso> Peter's crying has stopped. He runs into Solangia's arms, of all people.
aranth> James dashes to art, and grabs her cell phone
* Solangia soothes him as best she can
aranth> and *69's it
mgrasso> "The number you have dialed... is not in service."
aranth> Furk!
aranth> (do I have the # at the free hold?)
* Rolando hauls himself to his knees and just sort of sways and bleeds a bit.
mgrasso> There is no number at the freehold.
mgrasso> Peter settles into Solangia's arms.
Artemisia> Do I have Douglass's cell phone number?
Rolando> (snapping out of it) Milady Ar-Ingrid? Are you all right?
mgrasso> Artemisia: yes, you do.
Solangia> !dice 5 5
* DiceWell Solangia rolls 5d10 at difficulty 5. S/He gets 2 successes.
Artemisia> I think so. Am I?
* DiceWell 1 7 2 7 8
Artemisia> Are *you*all right, Rolando?
* Rolando goes for a standing position, with mixed success.
Rolando> I've sprung a couple of leaks. How's the eshu? How's Peter?
mgrasso> You're both in desperate need of attention and a night in the freehold.
aranth> the eshu is vivisected
Solangia> James...
mgrasso> Emil is still alive.
aranth> art- what is dougs #?
* Artemisia gives James the number.
mgrasso> OK, Aranth.
* aranth dials
Artemisia> er, Aranth.
mgrasso> James- doug, we've got big trouble
mgrasso> Ingrid- Jack- both hurt bad- and the eshu emil
mgrasso> aranth> we're at "adress y"
mgrasso> aranth> how soon can you send people?
mgrasso> aranth> don't sigh at me
mgrasso> Aranth: "Go."
aranth> he says he's sending help
mgrasso> Upstairs, then? Shall we detach Emil from the clothesline.
mgrasso> And Gemma, do you have soemthing to ask James?
Solangia> Yes, actually..
aranth> Gem?
Scene Nine: Reality, 3:30 a.m.
*** aranth is now known as James
mgrasso> You tread up the infinite staircase.
*** Solangia is now known as Gemma
*** Rolando is now known as Jack
mgrasso> Jack and Ingrid clutching imaginary wounds.
*** Artemisia is now known as Ingrid
James> Emil too.
mgrasso> Yes, I figured James and Gemma were supporting him.
James> yup
mgrasso> They're the only two strong enough right now.
James> Gem?
Ingrid> Peter? Is he with us?
Gemma> Do you know anything about that chimera?
mgrasso> Yes, of course.
Gemma> Like, do you have any clue about where it came from?
mgrasso> You're upstairs in the house now.
* Jack sinks onto the nearest couch, getting chimerical blood all over it.
mgrasso> James, you can do Intelligence + Kenning (chimera), diff. 6+1.
James> !dice 7 7
* DiceWell James rolls 7d10 at difficulty 7. S/He gets 5 successes.
* DiceWell 6 4 8 9 10 9 8
James> !dice 1 7
* DiceWell James rolls 1d10 at difficulty 7. S/He fails the roll!
* DiceWell 6
mgrasso> Wow. Definitely Dreamed chimera.
mgrasso> Which means someone gave rise to it. But it was also altered a bit from its original form, you believe.
James> some furker with terrible nightmares involving mr ed, the hunchback of noterdam and edward scisorhands.
mgrasso> Someone... someone at least partly IMAGINED that thing and what it could do.
mgrasso> And then someone imagined some even more horrible parts to it.
* Jack chuckles ruefully at James' comment then wishes he hadn't.
mgrasso> There are two ambulances outside and a white hearse, oddly.
James> hmmm.... James reacalls the mummy-
James> do you think, maybe the kid...?
mgrasso> A redcap in chain mail drives the hearse, and some enchanted humans are manning the ambulance.
Gemma> I do... His mom killed herself in a stable.
mgrasso> The redcap says, "Sir Douglass sent me," in typical saliva-ey redcap style.
mgrasso> He bows deeply to Ingrid and Jack.
mgrasso> He looks at Emil and almost faints dead away.
Gemma> I guess the memory, or the nightmare of it.. I don't know.
Gemma> He said the demon's knives were like the one his mother used.
James> Poor pisher- he's... powerful, and scared.
mgrasso> "My... my..." the redcap sees Ingrid and Jack's wounds, and ushers them into one of the ambulances
mgrasso> James: Wits + Kenning, diff. 5
James> !dice 9 5
* DiceWell James rolls 9d10 at difficulty 5. S/He gets 5 successes.
* DiceWell 7 7 10 3 6 8 7 2 1
mgrasso> "We're going to the mission, men!"
mgrasso> It's a fast ride to the mission (almost 3:30 am now) and you reach there utterly exhausted.
James> (thank god mike!)
mgrasso> It's going to take some time for Jack and Ingrid to heal.
Ingrid> Ouch.
* James frowns
mgrasso> Also, Emil and Tara are going to be tried and, if convicted, exiled to the Far Dreaming.
James> and we still don't have "Merlin"
Ingrid> And he's after Ceyda.
Jack> We'll get him.
mgrasso> This will all happen in email. And, I'd like to say... insofar as Merlin goes... welcome to a first arch-enemy!
mgrasso> And keep a VERY close eye on your Dreamers.
Jack> Arr, and a fine arch-enemy he be, Michael.
mgrasso> That's "The Price of Inspiration," kids.
*** Jack is now known as Sam
mgrasso> Hope you enjoyed it. EXperience before you go!
Sam> That kicked some.
*** Ingrid is now known as Julia
Joe> Bravo!
*** Gemma is now known as Erica
*** James is now known as Mandy
Julia> It was awesome!
Mandy> hurah!
Sam> Truly, truly twisted ending.
Erica> :D
DiceWell> : is not a valid number Erica.
* Julia glares at Dicey.
mgrasso> Thanks. It was time to expose the dark side of Dreaming.
* Erica sticks her tongue out at Dicey >:p
Sam> The bit about the mother's suicide in the stable... oog.
Sam> Excellent image.
Julia> And the eviscerated Eshu? Bleh!
mgrasso> Thanks. All that was extemporaneous.
Julia> Excellent job, as always. :)
mgrasso> And welcome next week to the newest member of our oathcircle... Chet!
mgrasso> And I will say no more than his name. :)
Julia> Chet, hee hee
Erica> Chet!
Mandy> Chet...
Joe> Yay, CHet!
Sam> "There are those who call me... Chet?"
Mandy> tim...
mgrasso> "Again, my name is Chet." [/buscemi in Barton Fink]
Sam> LOL, Mike
Joe> He's the host of his own daytime talk show, "Chet Chat"
Sam> Really?
Julia> :D
DiceWell> : is not a valid number Julia.
Erica> Chet, kick Dicey for Julia.