Scene Two
Scene Three
Scene Four
Chapter Four: The Bishop
Scene One: Senor Rudy's
mgrasso> Ravaged by Banality, the five of you limp back to Tucson in time for the 6 pm dinner rush at Senor Rudy's.
mgrasso> (Jess, if you want a description of Rudy's, check some of the older logs)
John> (gotcha)
mgrasso> You guys manage to find a table, but it's tight for all five of you.
mgrasso> So... what's everyone having? :)
* Chet tries to order a hot tea.
Ingrid> I vote for a big pile of nachos.
mgrasso> (tea, Gemma? do they have it?)
Gemma> I'll have the fish tacos. Extra lemon.
Gemma> (sure)
* John grunts his assent at Ingrid's words. "And two cervezas."
James> beef and bean burrito w/ xtra hot... and I'll have some of those nachos
mgrasso> (girly RPG... thrill as they... ORDER FROM THE MENU!) :D :D :D
Gemma> (Quiet, you :) )
mgrasso> (Hey, I *want* it!)
John> (consult Dicey to see who....HAS TO SPLIT THE CHECK!) :-)
* Gemma stands up
Gemma> I'll be back.
* Chet folds his arms on the table and puts his head down.
* Gemma disappears to the restroom for a moment. When she returns a minute later, she hands James something.
* Chet looks up.
* James looks @ what she hands him
Chet> Whatcha got?
Gemma> !dice 5 7
* DiceWell Gemma rolls 5d10 at difficulty 7. S/He fails the roll!
* DiceWell 6 1 6 6 8
James> (damned if I know :)
Ingrid> !dice 5 7
* DiceWell Ingrid rolls 5d10 at difficulty 7. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 3 6 2 7 2
Chet> !dice 4 7
* DiceWell Chet rolls 4d10 at difficulty 7. S/He gets 3 successes.
* DiceWell 3 10 8 9
* Gemma whispers to James
* James grinns broadly and puts the item in his pocket
Chet> Hmmm...nice...
* Gemma laughs a bit to herself
mgrasso> A big huge plate of nachos arrives. John, what kind of beer did you order?
Chet> You're not going to share with the rest of us?
* Ingrid coughs lightly and looks away.
John> (Mellie, what's the cheap beer in Tucson?)
Gemma> (Um.. Bud, I guess.)
John> (Actually, I think it's Coors)
John> (Coors)
James> (corona in mexico)
mgrasso> Fair enough. Two gold bottles of Coors come with the nachos.
mgrasso> You also have medium, medium-hot, and frightening salsa.
* Chet looks around for his tea,
mgrasso> Tea's here too.
Chet> Ahhh...thanks...
* John drains the first bottle of Coors in one swig.
* Chet pours a cup of hot tea.
* Ingrid hopes the waitress brought her a margarita.
mgrasso> Now that I've set the scene, let's talk plans.
* James dives into the "frightening" and absently stacks chets unused creamers
mgrasso> (heh)
* John begins helping himself to the "frightening" salsa, too.
Chet> What's the deal, James? What was so important that I couldn't go home and eat a sensible dinner?
James> well
* James starts with his mout full
Gemma> What are you on slim-fast, Chet?
mgrasso> Ingrid somewhat icily orders a margarita, as if she expected the waitress to automatically bring one.
Gemma> Eat here.
Chet> Hmmmm...no thanks.
* Gemma orders a sprite from the waitress while she's there
mgrasso> Gotcha.
Chet> I just hope you washed your hands, Gemma...
* James asks for another water, "frightening" is hot
* Gemma holds her hands out to Chet
Gemma> CAre to check?
* Chet looks closely at her hands.
* Gemma wiggles her fingers
Chet> I don't see anything, but then I'm not *eating* at this table...
Gemma> Well? Do they pass inspection?
* James laughs
mgrasso> The waitress (not your usual) is getting a little frazzled, and drops the pitcher of water on your table abruptly after bringing the Sprite and margarita.
*** Retrieving #Changeling-Tucson info...
* Gemma cheerfully tells the waitress, "Thanks!" and gives her her cheesiest grin
* Chet takes out his gum and sticks it to the underside of the table before taking a sip of his tea.
*** mgrasso changes topic to 'Last time: http://www.homegame.org/mgrasso/diversion/chapter22.html and here's the real-life inspiration for Rudy's: http://www.tanias33.com'
mgrasso> (Okay, I'm stepping back now, you guys talk. :) )
James> any way ladies and gentlemen, (then his tone drops) I was chatting with the po box
mgrasso> The ambient noise in here is loud enough to cloak your conversation, guys.
James> and managed to learn three things, one trivial, one interesting,a nd one important.
James> first of all, po boxes can't read, so i couldn't find out who the mail was from
Chet> That's good. Start with your thesis. Tell us what you're going to tell us, tell us, then tell us what you just told us. Speeh 101.
* Ingrid gives Chet an odd look.
James> second of all, the man empties the box "every now and again" so not to frequently and not to infrequently, if we get desperate, we wouldn't have to wait long to catch him
James> third of all, he wore rings, and either cufflinks with crosses, or robes, the box thinks he's a priest.
* Gemma sits up from her slouch
Gemma> A priest?
James> so all in all, he's a priest with a po box and a dumb po box at that.
James> he thinks so
Chet> A priest who's really into S&M....
James> yeah, exactly...
James> or maybe a bishop...
* John mutters, "Like most of them."
Chet> That would only make sense...
Ingrid> Hmmm. That might make an interesting news piece...
Chet> Yes. Priests and their mail - film at 11.
Gemma> I guess.
Gemma> What were his hands like?
Gemma> Dark skinned? Light skinned?
mgrasso> The entrees arrive. Extra heinously-piled nachos for Ingrid, fish tacos for Gemma, and the beef and bean burrito for James.
Gemma> Hairy? Smooth? Did the box say?
Chet> !dice 8 5
* DiceWell Chet rolls 8d10 at difficulty 5. S/He gets 7 successes.
* DiceWell 7 10 10 4 7 9 5 6
Ingrid> Help yourselves to nachos, anyone.
James> soft, he said, with two gold rings with stones
* Ingrid takes one laden with chili, jalapeno, and sour cream.
James> what? no guacamole?
* Ingrid manages to say "next one" around a mouthful of nacho.
Chet> Excuse me...I need to use the restroom.
* Gemma squeezes large amounts of lemon juice all over her tacos and digs in, eating them with a gusto that makes James' appetiete look dainty.
Gemma> Bring us back a surprise, Chet.
* Chet squeezes out under the table, like a little kid.
* John tries to catch the waitress' eye to bring more chips and salsa.
Gemma> !dice 6 5
* DiceWell Gemma rolls 6d10 at difficulty 5. S/He gets 4 successes.
* DiceWell 3 9 3 9 10 7
James> no chet! no surprises!!!
mgrasso> James, Wits + Crafts, diff. 4
* Chet walks straight towards the kitchen door and through.
James> !dice 7 4
* DiceWell James rolls 7d10 at difficulty 4. S/He gets 6 successes.
* DiceWell 10 5 10 3 8 7 10
James> (well, those were my tens for the night)
* Gemma licks some lemon juice off her finger
Gemma> That boy has issues.
* James takes the lemon and squirts some juice on gemmas finger
* Gemma chews silently for a moment, then swallows and says, "You know, those rings kind of sound like the kind a bishop wears..."
James> I thought we talked about this
* James smiles
Ingrid> Bishop?
Ingrid> Didn't you say something about a bishop in your vision?
Chet> !dice 4 7
* DiceWell Chet rolls 4d10 at difficulty 7. S/He fails the roll!
* DiceWell 2 6 3 3
James> I thought it might be...
Gemma> Oh, shut it.
* Gemma absently wipes her mouth
Gemma> I saw a white bishop.
Gemma> Know any white bishops?
mgrasso> John gets more chips and salsa.
Gemma> Or muskets who are bishops?
* John nods his thanks at the waitress.
Ingrid> Gemma, would you mind repeating what you saw? I forgot some of it.
* Gemma gives a bit of a disgruntled nod and makes a vague gesture towards her mouth to show that it's full
mgrasso> Chet comes back through the swinging door to the kitchen, sits at the table.
* Chet re-emerges from the kitchen and wanders back to the table.
Chet> Do you guys wanna scoot, or do I have to go under the table again?
Gemma> Ahem. Um... Let me think.. A white bishop was overtaken or captured by the black rook.
mgrasso> "Another beer?" the waitress says.
mgrasso> John's finished his two.
Gemma> And... there was a scream and some laughter. Livia was in a birdcage made of iron.
Chet> Can I get a bean burrito when you get a chance, miss?
James> vertically or horizontally?
Ingrid> Have some nachos if you'd like, Chet.
mgrasso> The waitress takes Chet's order, exasperated that he didn't order with the rest of the crew.
Gemma> There was a hearth with a musket, and someone babbling about being a judge... Or a judging seeing everything.
Gemma> What do you mean, James?
* Chet crawls back under the table and into his original spot.
mgrasso> (Everyone can take a point of temp. Glamour, which they can immediately use to eliminate Banality or add to your Glamour pool.)
* John nods at the waitress and holds up two fingers, for two beers.
James> the bishop, was he captured by the rook vertically, like q1 to q4 or horizontally, like q4 to r4?
Gemma> Um...
* Gemma looks blank for a moment
* James traces on the table
* Chet demonstrates with the salt and pepper shaker. "Like this way, or this way?"
James> this way (veritcal) or this way (horizontal
mgrasso> Gemma thinks back, and the rook come from vertically, the way she was looking at it in the vision.
mgrasso> Two more beers come for John. Ingrid's margarita is refreshed.
* Gemma sits back and eyes Chet. "So. Did you bring me a surprise?"
James> probably made his own damn burrito back there
Gemma> Chet does seem to like making his own snacks.
* Ingrid chuckles.
Chet> Sorry Gemma, I met an RN at Tucson Med. that told me all about the benefits of "going commando". As such, I have no gift to offer...
* Gemma laughs
Gemma> Oh *really*?
Chet> I much prefer eating my own snacks to those others prepare. Sorry.
mgrasso> Chet's burrito arrives.
* Chet unfolds the burrito and inspects it before picking at it with his fork.
James> mind if i try?
mgrasso> (hah! commercial for Tao of Steve... it's Chet!)
* Chet takes a few tentative bites before settling in to eat.
Gemma> (Steve Burns? ::perk::)
* Gemma jabs James in the side
mgrasso> (no, it's a movie about a overweight slacker dude with a way with the ladies)
Gemma> Hey, let me out.
Chet> So what's the deal? Are we going somewhere.
John> (Getting not half-bad reviews, from what I've read)
Gemma> I hope so.
Ingrid> Anyone know where we can find a bishop?
* James slides out and rubs gemmas thigh on her way out
mgrasso> (There are so many Chets in the world :D)
* Gemma saunters outside, giving her hips an extra wiggle for James' benefit
James> at a church?
mgrasso> (leave room, Gemma.
*** Gemma (deliciouslyhideous@pool-207-205-177-55.phnx.grid.net) has left #Changeling-Tucson
mgrasso> Gemma walks outside.
Scene One: Gemma at the Phone Booth
Gemma> Okay, let's slap a quarter into this pay phone dealie...
mgrasso> You call the bishopric.
* Gemma bangs the hanging phone book around as she waits for someone to answer
mgrasso> "The office of Bishop Esquer."
Gemma> Hi, this is Gemma Esquer, Guillermo's niece... Will he be in tomorrow morning? I have a matter of some urgency to discuss with him...
mgrasso> "His Excellency's schedule is quite full, young lady..." there's a coldness in her voice.
mgrasso> Chet emerges from Rudy's.
Gemma> I understand, ma'am, but it's very important that I see him as soon as possible.
Gemma> (new room?)
mgrasso> nope. Manipulation + Empathy, diff. 8.
mgrasso> I'll roll it. How many dice?
Gemma> !dice 5 8
Gemma> oh, yeah
Gemma> Heh... 5
mgrasso> Chet sidles over to you.
* Gemma waves vaguely at him
mgrasso> "I believe his Excellency is available for a half-hour tomorrow morning at 9 am."
mgrasso> * Chet waves back and does a vague "Is everything OK?" shrug and expression.
Gemma> Oh, bless you. Thank you. I'll see him then, then.
mgrasso> She hangs up abruptly.
* Gemma shrugs at Chet
mgrasso> back ot channel
Scene Three: Senor Rudy's
* Chet takes his last few bites and slides back out from the table.
James> well- is there a plan or not?
Ingrid> Anyone have any ideas?
* Chet saunters outside, giving his hips an exaggerated wiggle towards James as well.
John> Isn't there a whattyacallit, diocese around here?
*** Chet (spudboy@216-40-2-171.novia.net) has left #Changeling-Tucson
James> i need to atleast make a guest appearance at work this evening, and I assume you are all wiped
* James "wahoo's" @ chet
Ingrid> I'd like to go home and feed my fish, yeah.
* John slowly nods.
James> sould we reconvieen somewhere tommorow, either afternoon or evening?
James> (early evening)
Ingrid> We should wait till Gemma and Chet come back to decide that.
John> Yeah, good idea.
Ingrid> But afternoon works for me.
mgrasso> !dice 5 8
* DiceWell mgrasso rolls 5d10 at difficulty 8. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 8 5 10 9 1
James> (what time is it?)
mgrasso> It's about 7 pm by now.
*** Gemma (deliciouslyhideous@pool-207-205-177-55.phnx.grid.net) has joined #Changeling-Tucson
*** Chet (spudboy@216-40-2-171.novia.net) has joined #Changeling-Tucson
* Gemma heads back to the group
Gemma> Guys, I found a bishop to bother.
Ingrid> Oh really?
James> great! can we bother him tommorow?
Ingrid> What, on the street?
Gemma> No, in Chet's pants.
James> or is this a "now" thing?
* Gemma turns to Chet.
mgrasso> (*snort*)
Gemma> Thanks for th epresnent, Chet.
Chet> You're *so* welcome...
*** mgrasso sets mode: +o Chet
*** mgrasso sets mode: +o Gemma
Gemma> No no... tomorrow morning. At nine.
* Ingrid rolls her eyes.
Chet> Good. I need to get home...
Gemma> I'll take you, Chet.
James> okay...
Chet> Cool...
Ingrid> Good I need to feed my fish.
Ingrid> !dice 6 6
* DiceWell Ingrid rolls 6d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 3 successes.
* DiceWell 10 3 5 6 6 5
* Gemma bites her lip and looks as Ingrid as though she's dying to say s omething
* Gemma clears her throat
James> you can sure feed your fish
James> to Gemma
Gemma> Okay... Ingrid. Go and feed, um, your "fish."
* Chet chuckles...
Ingrid> Whatever, Gemma.
Gemma> I'm going. I want to get my lectures over with. Chet? Shall we?
Chet> OK
* Gemma tosses money on the table that she pulls from her pocket. She digs her keys out from the other pocket.
James> wait! someone needs to take me back to my car.
Ingrid> If we meet in the morning, I'll have to make it a story I'm working on. Does anyone have a problem with that?
Chet> What does that mean?
Gemma> Ingrid?
Gemma> A story?
Gemma> What do you mean a story?
Ingrid> I mean, I'd like to look into this as a possible news story.
Chet> Do I have to do anything?
James> sure ingrid- the dying religion of the west- what it's like to preach to deaf ears
Ingrid> No, none of you guys have to do anything.
James> missing madamn of internet pornsight linked to bisho[
Gemma> A news story? With Livia involved...?
* Gemma gives Ingrid an uncertain look
Chet> OH. Then what the heck? Go right ahead...
Ingrid> Or the Catholic church and terrorism. Remember those machine guns?
James> no! we can't alienate this guy!
Chet> Don't worry Gemma, with the way local TV news goes, it'll wind up being a story about a kitten stuck in a tree..
Ingrid> I won't mention Livia if you don't want me to, Gemma.
Gemma> Ingrid, this is my *uncle*.
James> come up with a happy lovey dovey subject- a sympathetic subject
Ingrid> Your uncle is a bishop?
Ingrid> Well geez, why didn't you say so.
Gemma> Isn't everyone's? Just meet me at 192 Stone Ave tomorrow at least 10 minutes before 9.
John> (brb)
Gemma> I'm going. Chet?
Ingrid> All right, tomorrow then. Bye.
* Gemma walks off
Chet> OK. I'm ready...
James> Gemma my car is at yourhouse
* Chet walks off with Gemma.
mgrasso> Let's take the car divvying up as read, shall we?
* Gemma doesn't seem to hear James as she goes
Ingrid> I'll see you guys tomorrow.
mgrasso> While I prepare for the next scene, please check out http://www.azstarnet.com/~rccdot/staug.html
* Ingrid drops a twenty on the table and walks away.
* James chases after her
* Chet gets in the passenger side of Gemma's car.
James> Gemma my car!
mgrasso> Gemma and Chet are in the car when James gets out there.
James> i need to get to my car
* Gemma drives away
James> BITCH
* James screams
* Ingrid sees this and sighs loudly.
Chet> Didn't you forget someone?
John> (back now)
Ingrid> Get in, James, I'll take you.
mgrasso> Ingrid and John, standing behind James, watch this.
James> thank you ingrid
* James looks dejected
mgrasso> (Everyone hold please?)
* Ingrid bleeps the locks on the Lexus and motions James in.
Chet> I think he was trying to tell you something...
Ingrid> okay.
Gemma> !dice 3 6
* DiceWell Gemma rolls 3d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 10 6 3
Ingrid> (oooh, nice cathedral, Mike. :)
mgrasso> Heh, I didn't build it. :)
Ingrid> You found it though. Neato. :)
mgrasso> So, shall we?
mgrasso> Zip forward to next morning.
mgrasso> Where are we meeting?
mgrasso> At the cathedral, I guess?
Ingrid> Apparently!
mgrasso> All right then!
Scene Four: St. Augustine's Cathedral
Chet> I'm going with whoever drove me...Gemma I guess...
mgrasso> You guys see the pictures. It's a glorious building. Really beautiful.
mgrasso> In the early morning sun, its shining white walls dazzle your eyes.
mgrasso> Gemma and Chet arrive almost the same time as Ingrid.
mgrasso> Then, John rides up on the hawg and finally, James in the Lincoln.
* Chet pushes my sunglasses up the bridge of my nose and checks out the cathedral.
* Ingrid stands staring at the shining cathedral for a fewe moments, dazzled.
Chet> Pretty amazing. Eh, Ingrid?
* Gemma gets out of her car, yawning. Today she's wearing a long black skirt with a dove grey button-up blouse with short sleeves. Her hair is pulled back in a thick braid and she's not wearing any jewelry at all.
Ingrid> It's beautiful.
* James seems crabby and a little tired he wears what he wore yesterday, and the day before that if i recal
* John is still in his leather jacket and jeans, which are looking increasingly stiff and unwashed.
Chet> Aren't you a little hot in that get-up John?
* Gemma smooths the front of her shirt, smoothing out imaginary wrinkles
* Ingrid is dressed in conservative repoter-wear, slacks and a white blouse, jacket draped over her arm.
Chet> !dice 5 6
* DiceWell Chet rolls 5d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 10 1 3 6 9
Gemma> Okay, guys. Best behaviour today -- ah, damn it, Ingrid. Pants?
* Gemma frowns at Ingrid's outfit
Ingrid> Do you like my legs that much, Gemma?
* Chet is dressed in khaki slacks, a pink dress shirt and a tie.
* John frowns at Chet. "I don't feel the heat."
mgrasso> (I'm laughing so hard at that image of Chet)
Gemma> Something like that, Ingrid.
Ingrid> Chet, you're so... preppy.
Gemma> Okay. Okay...
James> maybe I shouldn't go, christians don't like jewish atheists, do they?
* Gemma eyes the door a bit aprehensively
Chet> Well. I try and dress appropriately when entering a "house of worship".
Gemma> Christians love everyone, James.
mgrasso> The office is in a small modern building next to the cathedral.
Gemma> I don't know where the hell you get this idea that they don't.
* John mutters something about "the Crusades."
Chet> And some of them love everyone a little more than others...
* Chet nudges Gemma.
* Gemma smiles a little
Gemma> Sometimes for hours in one night.
Gemma> Okay, let's go in, guys.
Chet> Well, shall we?
James> and those who do not follow the word of the Lor-D he will smite thee with his ven-gance and cast ye DOWN into a p- it of fireand Brimstone!
Chet> Let's just not try and make fun of the Christians in their own Cathedral. OK?
Gemma> Yeah, James, if you please?
Ingrid> Besides, James... that's Baptist.
Chet> Gemma? Woudl you lead the way?
* Gemma suddenly shudders
Gemma> I sound like INgrid.
mgrasso> You walk into the office, up a flight of stairs, and into a small waiting room. Sitting at a desk, replete with computer and yes, an old electric typewriter, is an older Hispanic woman, perhaps in her 50s, primly dressed but not in nun's habit.
James> baptists are christian, just not catholic
* Gemma walks up to the woman at the desk
Gemma> Hello, I'm Gemma. I'm here to see His Excellency.
* Chet stands near the back. Arms crossed, head down.
* James whispers to everyone
mgrasso> The nameplate on her desk says, "Lourdes Garcia Administrative Assistant."
James> we're here to see the pope?
* Gemma turns and sharply says, "James!"
* Gemma turns back to the secretary with a stiff smile
* James ignores her pointedly
Gemma> You'll have to excuse my friend. He's bitter.
mgrasso> Lourdes looks askance at Gemma and her company, and says, "Yes, Miss Esquer, your *uncle* awaits you in his office." Her voice's politeness is *very* obviously forced.
* Ingrid raises an eyebrow at the woman.
Gemma> !dice 4 9
* DiceWell Gemma rolls 4d10 at difficulty 9. S/He botches the roll.
* DiceWell 1 8 8 4
Gemma> May I go in, or...?
mgrasso> "Go ahead, of course." The door to Bishop Esquer's is beautiful inlaid wood, with a tiny little coat of arms on it.
Ingrid> Are we following?
* Chet whispers, "Thank you," to Lourdes, before entering the room.
* James walks by the secrateries desk, and on the way winks at her "what's shaking doll face?"
* Gemma knocks on the door as she opens it and walks in
Chet> !dice 7 7
* DiceWell Chet rolls 7d10 at difficulty 7. S/He gets 7 successes.
* DiceWell 9 9 7 10 10 7 9
* Ingrid walks by, nodding to the woman shortly.
mgrasso> Everyone hold on please.
mgrasso> Too much stuff.
Ingrid> !dice 3 6
* DiceWell Ingrid rolls 3d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 3 10 6
* John ignores the woman as he follows Ingrid.
mgrasso> The coat of arms is here: http://www.azstarnet.com/~rccdot/shlex.gif. Ignore the arrows.
mgrasso> James' comment is met with a glare the likes of which he's never seen. In fact, the secretary seems utterly nonplussed by all these shabby looking people who are accompanying Gemma.
mgrasso> And now, I'm back, and we can talk about Bishop Esquer's office.
* Chet begins rummaging around in his bag...
mgrasso> The walls are totally covered in warm, rich, chocolate-colored wood. Hanging on the walls are a couple of paintings (desert landscapes). Leaning in the corner is the bishop's mitre and a huge desk, sans computer, dominates the far wall. Behind the desk is a huge window. The office is frosty and air-conditioned.
mgrasso> Sitting at the desk is an older man, perhaps in his mid-50s. He wears the traditional dress of a priest, with a Roman collar and, as he stands to greet you, robes.
mgrasso> He says something quickly in Spanish to Gemma. Anyone with Spanish, Wits + Ling, diff. 7.
Chet> !dice 3 7
* DiceWell Chet rolls 3d10 at difficulty 7. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 2 10 10
* Gemma meets his eyes and answers back in Spanish
Ingrid> !dice 4 7
* DiceWell Ingrid rolls 4d10 at difficulty 7. S/He botches the roll.
* DiceWell 1 3 5 6
mgrasso> Did everyone with Spanish roll?
mgrasso> Hello?
mgrasso> (Roll call please)
Gemma> (hi)
James> hi
Ingrid> yes?
Chet> !dice 5 9
* DiceWell Chet rolls 5d10 at difficulty 9. S/He fails the roll!
* DiceWell 10 4 1 10 1
John> (I don't have Spanish)
mgrasso> Spanish people, again, Wits + ling, diff. 6 to understand Gemma's response.
Ingrid> !dice 4 6
* DiceWell Ingrid rolls 4d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 3 successes.
* DiceWell 6 3 7 9
Chet> !dice 3 6
* DiceWell Chet rolls 3d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 5 8 5
* Chet stands back, demurely.
mgrasso> Bishop Esquer stands, and calls to Lourdes for chairs. There are three wooden chairs already in here. He invites the ladies to sit.
Ingrid> !dice 5 4
* DiceWell Ingrid rolls 5d10 at difficulty 4. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 3 3 9 3 2
mgrasso> "Perhaps you can introduce me, Gemma?"
* Gemma takes a seat closest to his desk. She smooths her skirt and demurely crosses her ankles together.
James> !dice 4 5
* DiceWell James rolls 4d10 at difficulty 5. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 7 1 6 5
Gemma> Yes, Tio. This is Ingrid, Chet, John, and James.
* Gemma points to each one as she says their names
* Chet bows his head deeply. "Your Excellency".
Gemma> Everyone, this is His Excellency, Guillermo Esquer. My uncle.
James> !dice 4 8
* DiceWell James rolls 4d10 at difficulty 8. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 10 5 4 3
mgrasso> "Ah, you're Ingrid Kane. I believe I've seen you on television." Bishop Esquer adjusts his glasses. "Lourdes told me you called late last night. I hope everything is all right, Gemma."
* Gemma hesitates, as if unsure
* Ingrid does a little curtsey and says, "A pleasure, your Excellency."
Gemma> !dice 5 4
* DiceWell Gemma rolls 5d10 at difficulty 4. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 6 7 8 2 1
* John nods his head.
mgrasso> Bishop Esquer looks at Gemma expectantly.
mgrasso> (roll call again?)
James> (present)
Gemma> Tio, I'm not sure how to quite ... I'm concerned about a friend of mine.
Ingrid> here
mgrasso> Bishop Esquer purses his lips, and says, "This friend, what is the concern?"
Gemma> She was kidnapped, Tio, and we have a vague idea...
Gemma> A guess, really, that...
* Gemma shifts uncomfortably
mgrasso> "Kidnapped? Dear. Isn't this a matter for the police?"
Gemma> Not really.
mgrasso> "What do you mean, 'not really,' Gemma? This is serious!" The bishop seems agitated.
* Gemma blurts out, "Does the name Norman Cruz sound familiar, Tio?"
Chet> !dice 7 10
* DiceWell Chet rolls 7d10 at difficulty 10. S/He botches the roll.
* DiceWell 5 3 1 9 8 8 6
Ingrid> !dice 5 10
* DiceWell Ingrid rolls 5d10 at difficulty 10. S/He botches the roll.
* DiceWell 1 4 7 3 9
Gemma> !dice 5 10
* DiceWell Gemma rolls 5d10 at difficulty 10. S/He botches the roll.
* DiceWell 8 4 4 1 4
James> !dice 6 10
* DiceWell James rolls 6d10 at difficulty 10. S/He fails the roll!
* DiceWell 8 2 9 4 3 3
mgrasso> He offers no reaction to the name. "No, Gemma. Is this the man who is missing?"
John> !dice 2 10
* DiceWell John rolls 2d10 at difficulty 10. S/He fails the roll!
* DiceWell 5 6
Gemma> No, he's the man who may know why my friend is missing, though.
mgrasso> "Well, I don't know anyone by that name. Gemma, why have you come to me about this?"
Gemma> Because I think he may be a man of the cloth, Tio.
mgrasso> "Wait, wait. What are you saying?" He looks at Gemma with a powerful gaze.
James> brb
James> ok
James> hello?
mgrasso> (sorry, guys, we're msging)
Gemma> !dice 7 8
* DiceWell Gemma rolls 7d10 at difficulty 8. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 3 8 7 8 5 6 7
Chet> !dice 8 5
* DiceWell Chet rolls 8d10 at difficulty 5. S/He gets 6 successes.
* DiceWell 10 6 3 9 9 2 8 9
* Gemma reaches over and straightens the name plate on her uncle's desk
James> (just left and suddenly nobody's talking)
mgrasso> "Gemma?" Bishop Esquer is waiting for her response.
Gemma> I'm saying, Tio, that I want to know how well you know your colleagues.
Gemma> !dice 4 5
* DiceWell Gemma rolls 4d10 at difficulty 5. S/He botches the roll.
* DiceWell 8 1 1 1
mgrasso> "My colleagues? You believe this kidnapping was perpetrated by one of my priests? I am shocked and appalled, Gemma. I think, perhaps, you'd better leave now."
* Chet flicks James in the ear.
Gemma> No, Gemma. I think this was performed by one of your fellow bishops.
Chet> Say something....
mgrasso> "This is what... what leaving the sisters would produce. Hanging around with..." he glances at John and James, "weird people. Who are these people, Gemma? What are they trying to tell you?"
Ingrid> Excuse me, Your Excellency, but do you sincerely believe Gemma would bring this matter before you without being absolutely sure about it first?
James> sir
James> I believe you are supposed to alevieate her fears
Gemma> *They* are not trying to tell me anything but they are trying to help me.
James> and calm her blood, help, guid and teach her
mgrasso> "A fellow bishop," he says, after Ingrid and James have their say.
James> not aggitate her and kick her out flat on her ass
* Gemma gives her uncle an imploring look
Ingrid> James, enough.
Gemma> Tio, please?
Ingrid> Please, sir, do hear us out.
Gemma> !dice 5 7
* DiceWell Gemma rolls 5d10 at difficulty 7. S/He fails the roll!
* DiceWell 1 1 8 8 4
* Chet puts a hand on Ingrid's shoulder. "Wait..."
* Chet surveys the room carefully.
James> you seem to lack the genteler practices of your office, sit
Ingrid> !dice 4 8
* DiceWell Ingrid rolls 4d10 at difficulty 8. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 3 5 4 8
James> and your own neice to boot
mgrasso> "All right." Bishop Esquer calms down. "Just one of you, now tell me, what is the problem here."
* Chet sidles over toward the exit.
Ingrid> Gemma, please go ahead.
* Chet takes the knob in his hand and turns it, but doesn't open it.
Chet> !dice 4 7
* DiceWell Chet rolls 4d10 at difficulty 7. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 4 7 8 6
Gemma> After I left the Sisters, I went to stay with a friend for a while. Now she's missing and I'm convinced that this bishop, who calls himself Norman Cruz, is if not behind it, then knows something about it.
Gemma> It surely can't be *you*, Tio, so I'm wondering if it is Bishop Javier. She did live in Sonora, after all...
mgrasso> Bishop Esquer looks visibly disturbed. "Gemma, why would you suspect such a thing?" There is new tenderness in his voice. "Do you think I'd... send someone to kidnap a friend who took you in after you left the sisters?"
Gemma> !dice 6 7
* DiceWell Gemma rolls 6d10 at difficulty 7. S/He botches the roll.
* DiceWell 2 1 10 5 5 1
John> !dice 2 5
* DiceWell John rolls 2d10 at difficulty 5. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 5 10
mgrasso> The bishop sighs. "I know Salvador. I don't think there'd be any reason for him to consort with kidnappers."
Chet> !dice 7 8
* DiceWell Chet rolls 7d10 at difficulty 8. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 1 7 5 7 8 6 8
* Gemma quietly asks, "Would there be any reason for you to, Tio Memo?"
John> !dice 2 6
* DiceWell John rolls 2d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 10 10
* John rumbles "I notice you have some nice cufflinks there...uh...your Bishopness."
* Ingrid 's eyes go to the bishop's cuffs.
mgrasso> As Bishop Esquer is about to answer, you see him roll up his robes' sleeves and show his silver cross cufflinks. "Ah yes, I bought them in Rome when I visited the Vatican."
John> How long ago was that?
Ingrid> !dice 3 5
* DiceWell Ingrid rolls 3d10 at difficulty 5. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 6 1 8
mgrasso> He looks to the ceiling, lost in thought, "Oh, about three years ago. I was reporting to his Holiness on the status of our diocese."
* Chet crosses over to John and speaks to him softly...
mgrasso> It seems Bishop Esquer ignored Gemma's question.
* Gemma asks a him a question in Spanish.
mgrasso> Wits + ling, diff. 6 to all Spanish speakers.
Chet> !dice 3 6
* DiceWell Chet rolls 3d10 at difficulty 6. S/He botches the roll.
* DiceWell 4 1 1
Ingrid> !dice 4 6
* DiceWell Ingrid rolls 4d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 3 successes.
* DiceWell 7 10 9 2
mgrasso> You all hear the word "Livia" clearly in their exchanged.
James> (and chet hears: there are smelly fish in my shoes)
mgrasso> (Heh. :) )
James> (who says livia?)
mgrasso> Both of them.
James> (first?)
* Chet talks softly to James as well...
mgrasso> Gemma asks, Bishop answers. They both say "Livia" in their sentence.
* Gemma asks her uncle another question in Spanish
mgrasso> Another roll, Spanish people.
Ingrid> !dice 4 6
* DiceWell Ingrid rolls 4d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 3 successes.
* DiceWell 10 2 10 8
Chet> !dice 3 6
* DiceWell Chet rolls 3d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 1 10 6
mgrasso> And yet another. Damn, this campaign needs subtitles. :)
Chet> !dice 3 6
* DiceWell Chet rolls 3d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 10 3 8
Ingrid> !dice 4 6
* DiceWell Ingrid rolls 4d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 3 successes.
* DiceWell 6 7 6 3
* James grins
mgrasso> (But it does make their conversation more dramatic. Everything's more dramatic in Spanish. :) )
* Ingrid looks intently at the bishop.
Gemma> (And sexier... Rawwr)
John> (you'd be sexy speaking German, Erica)
Gemma> (lol! Yeah. Phlegmy growling *is* pretty hot, isn't it?)
mgrasso> Another set of Ling rolls?
John> (when you do it, it is)
Ingrid> !dice 4 6
* DiceWell Ingrid rolls 4d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 7 2 1 10
Chet> !dice 3 6
* DiceWell Chet rolls 3d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 3 6 8
mgrasso> And again. :)
Gemma> !dice 5 7
* DiceWell Gemma rolls 5d10 at difficulty 7. S/He botches the roll.
* DiceWell 6 3 7 1 1
Ingrid> !dice 4 6
* DiceWell Ingrid rolls 4d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 3 10 10 4
Gemma> (::kicks dicey in the nuts::)
Chet> !dice 3 6
* DiceWell Chet rolls 3d10 at difficulty 6. S/He gets 1 success.
* DiceWell 6 4 4
Gemma> !dice 5 8
* DiceWell Gemma rolls 5d10 at difficulty 8. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 10 9 1 3 8
mgrasso> (sory folks)
* Gemma sits back and sighs
Gemma> If you say so.
Gemma> !dice 5 8
* DiceWell Gemma rolls 5d10 at difficulty 8. S/He botches the roll.
* DiceWell 5 2 1 2 7
Gemma> (arrrgh! I hate dicey tonight)
* James picks up the bishops name tag and plays with it
mgrasso> "Now," Bishop Esquer says in English, "if you all will excuse me, I have an appointment at 9:30."
* Chet swipes the name tag from James.
Chet> That's not polite.
* Gemma glances at Chet and James
mgrasso> He stands up, and walks over to Gemma, embracing her and whispering in her ear.
Chet> !dice 7 10
* DiceWell Chet rolls 7d10 at difficulty 10. S/He fails the roll!
* DiceWell 8 10 6 1 8 2 2
* Gemma stiffly hugs Guillermo back
mgrasso> He lets Gemma go and says, "I thank you all for coming today."
mgrasso> He starts to walk around to his desk again.
Ingrid> Thank you for seeing us, Your Excellency.
James> !dice 4 7
* DiceWell James rolls 4d10 at difficulty 7. S/He gets 2 successes.
* DiceWell 6 10 2 7
* Gemma gives her uncle a cold look
Gemma> Just tell me where she is.
* Gemma goes over to him
mgrasso> All of a sudden, the bishop takes a step backwards.
Gemma> TELL me!
mgrasso> He moves backward again.
* Gemma matches him step for step
James> somebody gaurd the door?
* John moves to block the door.
mgrasso> He makes the sign of the cross as Gemma approaches him. He shouts one word: "DIABLA!" He's getting closer to the window. He trips, and the shattering of glass of his huge window is the last thing you hear... before next time!
* Chet slams the name plate back on the desk.
John> ooooh...good cliffhanger!
mgrasso> (cliffhanger!)
Ingrid> hah! wow!
mgrasso> Wow. What a night. Sorry there wasn't more action there in the last half.
Gemma> My dad is going to be *so* pissed that I killed his brother...