Session Log 10/15/2000 Log
-- Start log: Sunday, October 15, 2000 9:26:21 am LunaSoft MOO time --
GM says, "*** START SESSION ***"
Renard [to GM]: really, it'll be ok to call him. I know he went out last night, but his family's out of town
GM says, "ok, we left off last time in the middle of a crisis"
GM says, "darius and his guards are on the other side of a door from Portia, Johan, renard and Corin"
GM says, "Joseph, Bodoni and Caralchis are behind the guards, still in the courtyard"
GM says, "architectural note: the side of the courtyard is a series of rooms, all opening into the courtyard and all, presumably, with doors leading into the hallway in which Portia et al. currently are"
Joseph has arrived.
GM says, "also, the doors are merely interior doors, and have no knobs (this is the 5th century AD)"
Corin whispers to the others. "Quick, run with Portia to safety, I'll try ot stall Darius."
Renard was opening the other doors from the hallway.
GM says, "one sec"
GM says, "ok. renard, are you trying to open doors leading to rooms on the same side of the hall (that is, opening back onto the courtyard, or on the other side towards the outside of the house?"
Renard -- I figured the hallway led perp to the courtyard -- does it run parallel? I can't picture it. However, I want to open doors that will lead to the outside wall, looking for a window to get out of.
GM [to Renard]: yes, the hallway is parallel to the courtyard, and presumably circumnavigates it with a strip of rooms on either side
Renard - good.
GM [to Renard]: there's a door directly across from the door you came in from, and it opens easily. the room inside is dark and only a bit of light shines in from the hallways lamps
GM [to Renard]: in the gloom you can see white sheets covering furniture
Renard - any exits from that room (esp windows/doors to the outside?)
GM [to Renard]: there's a window opening in the wall about four feet above the floor. it looks big enough to squeeze through.
GM says, "ok, that group hold on"
GM says, "switching to caralchis, bodoni and joseph"
Renard says, " let's go. Johan, guard our rear, push the furniture in their way after we're through"
GM says, "the three of you notice a man from one of the other tables watching this scene with amusement. however, as darius' guards start to approach the door, he rises and starts to hurry towards them."
GM says, "so: what are you doing? (caralchis, bodoni and joseph only)"
Bodoni Was crossing the distance towards the peacock and his guards
Corin says, "lol"
Bodoni (what?)
Caralchis says, "Darius is moving pretty determinedly towards the door?"
GM says, "(well, not from one of the other tables, but rather from one of the other rings of couches... you know what i mean.)"
GM says, "darius is AT the door, and seems indecisive. his guards are there as well, awaiting his orders."
Bodoni (I know, Cor. What were you laughing about? :D)
Corin says, "peacock term"
Bodoni (grins..well he reminds me of one. :D)
Caralchis shouts, "Darius my boy, you'd better think about what you're doing, it's a lovely day outside.. all the birds are singing," in the strangest voice he can manage, and then looks like nothing happened and looks at some interesting tapestry
GM [to bodoni&corin]: let's stay focused, please
Joseph follows Bodoni
Bodoni booms "The young woman has had enough of your company, ~good~ Darius..you will leave her be."
GM says, "bodoni, joseph and caralchis: i'm assuming you are standing just inside the room now"
Bodoni (Right. I wanted to get as near to Darius as possible.)
Caralchis (i guess so)
GM says, "the strange man you noticed walks up, largely ignoring B, J, and C, and calmly says, "Darius, what is this?""
Bodoni glances at the newcomer
GM says, "he is dressed well, as per usual at this banquet. obviously upper crust. he has a luxuriant red beard, but thinning hair, and looks to be about 30 years old."
GM says, "switching back to corin, johan and renard now"
Corin listens at the door to try and determine Darius's reaction to his voice.
GM says, "Portia is looking confused. you heard the newcomer's voice through the thin door."
Corin motions to the others to take Portia through that door.
GM says, "renard?"
Renard says, " lady, let's just pop out this window, and we can either head to the inn or re-enter through the front. But it's best to escape this compromising situation"
GM says, "[Portia] out the WINDOW? how undignified!"
GM says, "[Darius] (through the door) hello, Euric! how have this evening's festivities sat with you?"
Renard says, " Lady, this whole situation is undignified, but you may do what you wish."
Corin again motions in an exasperated manner for them to go quickly.
GM says, "Portia stands, but then says, "Euric is out there? isn't that Darius' patron?""
GM says, "[Euric] (through the door) better with me than with you, it would appear, Darius. what task have you set my guards to?"
Corin quietly says, "Miss Portia, I think it is best we do not confront them at this time. We have no weapons to defend you."
GM says, "[Darius] (through the door) oh, a mere nothing, Euric, a mere whim. nothing to concern you, i'm sure."
GM says, "[Euric] (through the door) yes, i know of your whims. stand aside, Darius, and return to your couch before you embarrass yourself any further."
Renard says, "Lady, care to make a decision?"
Corin moves away from the door and stands near Lady Portia.
GM says, "[Portia] what do you think is happening out there?"
Corin says, "Euric is scolding Darius.""
GM says, "[Portia] i think our decision has been made for us, renard"
GM says, "back to bodoni, caralchis and joseph"
Bodoni watches the situation between Euric and Darius
GM says, "as Euric speaks to Darius, the latter deflates more and more. after Euric's last statement, he laughs gaily, says "yes, Euric, of course you're right, as always" and starts to walk back to the courtyard... towards B, C and J"
Caralchis watches as well
GM says, "the gay laugh sounded a little false to all of you"
GM says, "the guards have relaxed"
Bodoni grateful, and crosses toward Euric "Your help is greatly appreciated good Euric. I would not see any further humiliation befall the lady Portia."
GM says, "as Darius passes Joseph, he spits on the ground and then hurries past"
GM says, "[Euric] Portia, you say her name is? let us make sure she is all right. (to his guards) open the door, please."
Bodoni nods
Corin says, "Lady Portia, I think it is best you keep away from Darius.""
Renard sighs in disgust...
Corin offers Portia a kerchief to wipe away her tears.
GM says, "the door opens and Euric steps into the hallway"
Bodoni Calls down the hallway "Lady Portia?"
Bodoni Follows
Corin looks over to the door as it opens.
GM says, "i'll try to skip ahead a bit here"
GM says, "Portia is grateful to Euric for ending the situation, and Euric apologizes for Darius' behavior"
GM says, "Euric offers to do anything necessary to make up for it, and Portia mentions that she doesn't feel like staying but has no way to get home."
GM says, "so Euric grandly offers to her the use of his carruca, saying that he will send for it tomorrow"
Corin makes sure they get their weapons before leaving. He examines his dagger carefully upon receipt.
GM says, "Portia also requests a ride for her guards (that's you, PCs!). Euric comes up with an idea for this that involves riding with a friend who was just leaving."
Bodoni (Cool beans!)
GM says, "ooc: wow, the details of party planning don't appear to have changed much in 1500 years, have they!"
Corin says, "ooc heh"
Bodoni thanks Euric for his hospitality
Corin smiles gratefully at Portia when he hears of their ride.
GM says, "while talking with Euric, he happens to mention that he is Pedronius' son."
Caralchis (AHA! who is pedronius again?)
Bodoni (Um...that's the...hrm.. ;D Who's he again...?)
GM says, "(Pedronius, you may not recall, was the Lugdunum city father who was foully murdered by the Langobards the previous week.)"
GM says, "(the head on the pike, in other words :)"
Bodoni (::slaps forhead:: Right, right!)
GM says, "(it's ok - you never actually met him :)"
Corin says, "((does he know of his father's fate?))"
Bodoni (I'm thinking he doesn't know about that?)
GM says, "(sure he knows! the whole city has been in mourning ever since.)"
Bodoni (I think he means the head on a picke thing..)
GM says, "(well, you don't know about that part...)"
Corin says, "I heard your father was a good man, and loved by the people. It seems he bestowed some of hsi wsisdom on his son.""
GM says, "[Euric] he was, he was. i will seek vengeance on those who did him in until my dying day, and many in this city are of a like mind."
Corin nods slowly.
Bodoni says, "Aye. This world is lessened by the passing of such a man."
GM says, "[Euric] allow me to introduce you to my friend Modag."
Bodoni (Is that a name we've heard before?)
Corin remembers the name Modag and looks interested.
GM says, "Modag is the friend who was just leaving... you recognize him as the very unusual guy in Portia's and Darius' circle during the banquet"
Renard says, "Why is it that this guy is wandering around like he owns the Known World? He stooped so far as to steal Christian figurines from me in the town square of __. Nobody looked twice!"
GM says, "(ooc: Cavillonum)"
Bodoni (Oh...the thinker, yes?)
Corin says, "((the guy with mussed up hair))"
GM says, "[Euric] you have met Perfu and lived to tell of it? (he is obviously impressed)"
Corin says, "((are we all planning to ride with MOdag or just the guards?))"
GM says, "Modag mumbles some disinterested greetings to most of you, smiles shyly at Portia, and turns to Corin"
Corin looks squarely at Modag, eyebrows raised.
Renard says, "Perfu? Ah yes, if that's his name. Everyone seemed in awe of him, acting as if the Law didn't exist and he could do as he wished!"
Bodoni watches the scenes playing out with interest
GM says, "[Modag] are you of Hunnish extraction, my boy? did you know the Huns are most powerful when Betelgeuse and Mars are near one another? most people don't know that."
Renard says, "Does he have friends, or does he get everyone to bow before him out of simple fear of his dirty beard and ugly grimace?"
Bodoni grins slightly as Modag
Corin looks somewhat embarrassed, but stiffens proudly. "Yes, my father was a skilled Hun mercenary."
GM says, "[Euric] Perfu and his Langobards are playing a pivotal political role just now, and this gives them extraordinary leverage"
Corin says, "I dont know what the other things are. Mars? Betelgeuse?""
GM says, "[Euric] certainly we Burgunds could handle that puny Langobard army with ease if we chose to!"
GM says, "[Modag] yes, and the number 11 is lucky for you. this is because the Huns are from the east and 11 is related to eastern influences"
Corin says, "the number 11 eh? I'll try to remember that!""
Renard says, "I don't understand, Euric -- whomever is allying with him is courting chaos. Who are these traitors of civilization?"
GM says, "[Modag] on the other hand, you should avoid the number 7, which is lucky for those of us in the west but conversely unlucky for Huns. it's all a matter of universal balance, you see."
Corin nods, but doesn't know quite what to make of Modag.
GM says, "[Euric] Perfu is the key figure in the struggle among the Franks, Burgunds and Visigoths. no one kingdom is ascendant, but he could turn the tide... depending on who he throws his weight behind"
Corin [to Modag]: "How do you know these things?"
GM says, "[Modag] you don't know of Mars and Betelgeuse? they are stars, my eastern friend. Betelgeuse is a fixed star, which rotates about the earth with regularity - even you could learn to predict its motions."
Renard says, "What is there to struggle over that makes it worth tolerating barbarians in our midst, who assassination the good and great among us?"
GM says, "[Modag] Mars, though, is a wanderer, and harder to predict. it is of prime importance to understand its motions, as Mars is the bringer of war and its position can tell us when conflict is imminent"
GM says, "[Euric] from the Roman perspective, we are all barbarians, although the Langobards are worse than most."
Bodoni listens to Modag's speech with growing interest
Renard says, "ach! I'm speaking of those Christians who respect law and civilized living and those who worship chaos and death."
Bodoni (afk, brb :/)
Renard says, "it's bad enough that witches and devil worshippers are growing every day in their numbers!""
GM says, "[Euric] we Burgunds, of course, merely seek to protect our own interests, but we cannot allow Perfu to side with the Franks or Visigoths and overrun us. still, i agree with you that an alliance with him is a heavy price to pay for our independence."
GM says, "[Modag] i have studied these subjects for years, all the texts of the ancients."
Renard says, "This Perfu will destroy any allies from the inside. I say its best to defend against honest enemies from without"
Renard says, "Plus, I know he is awaiting a chance to betray the Burgunds. Heathens cannot be trusted - they do not respect God or care for their own souls."
Bodoni (bak :))
GM says, "[Euric] er, yes, well in any case he is dangerous. you should stay out of his way in the future and hope that he does not remember you."
GM says, "[Euric] now i must return to the banquet."
Renard says, "If I see him again, I will strike him down."
Corin says, "Thank you Euric for you kindness.""
GM says, "[Euric] please accept the services of my carruca and Modag will take the rest of you."
Corin mumbles to himself as he walks to Modag's carruca, "11 is lucky, 7 is unlucky.."
GM says, "[Euric] Portia, again i apologize for Darius' behavior. it is unforgivable."
GM says, "[Portia] yes, Lord Euric, but thank you for your kindness and please consider the matter forgotten."
GM says, "you bid Euric farewell and the two carrucae are brought up. each one holds four, which will just fit everyone since you are six plus Portia and Modag."
Bodoni nods "A rather agreeable fellow. A good man by my estimation."
Corin stops at the guard to get his knife.
Joseph gets his knife too
Corin [to guard]: "My weapon please. I am leaving."
Renard says, "Lady, may I ride with you -- I cannot sit with this conjurer Modag."
GM says, "the armory servants bring your weapons back to you"
Caralchis says, "(to Bodoni) yes, a thoroughly decent fellow, it's nice to see amidst all the rabble"
Corin looks closely at his knife, ensuring it is undamaged and the same one.
GM says, "Portia will ride in Euric's carruca, and Modag, of course, in his own. so you'll have to split up 3 and 3. Renard is riding with Portia, and Johan joins him. hmm, who else?"
GM [to Corin]: it's unmistakably the right one
Bodoni sighs at Renard "Ye'd do well not to insult...eh...nevermind Renard.."
Corin is torn, he wants to sit with Modag and also Portia.
Corin decides he can talk to Portia later and sits with Modag.
Bodoni will sit with whomever, he has no immediate preference
Caralchis waits for there to be one spot left
Renard says quietly to Joseph, "I am concerned about the presence of this conjurer Modag. Could you keep an eye on him?
GM says, "very well, we'll put Caralchis with Portia and Bodoni & Joseph with Modag"
GM says, "Euric carruca takes the lead as the drivers get the horses moving at a walk"
Caralchis is picked up by the hand of god and placed beside Portia
GM says, "let's start with Modag's carruca"
Corin [to Modag]: "What else do you know of the Huns?"
Bodoni looks out the carruca's window (do they have windows?)
GM says, "you didn't see much of the interior of the one Darius picked Portia up in, so you have nothing to compare it to, but his carruca is more functional than opulent"
GM [to Bodoni]: they have curtained openings, sure
Joseph is interested in Corin's conversation
GM says, "[Modag] they brought much knowledge with them"
Bodoni only half listens to the conversation
Joseph decides, in the interests of politics, this isn't the best time to mention the broken statuary
GM says, "[Modag] in addition to the sword. we do not give them anough credit. but Corin, i must show you this!"
Corin nods excitedly. "My father showed me how they shoot bow from horseback!"
Corin wonders what it is.
GM says, "[Modag] i do not speak of knowledge of war, although they were puissant in those skills. (he reaches under his seat and picks up a wooden box with a leather strap tying it together)"
Corin mutters a few word in Hun (Chinese?), to see if Modag speaks it.
GM says, "[Modag] it was a Hun, for example, who showed the great Roman philosopher Milonius how to make a far-looking device"
Corin says, "a far-looking device?""
Joseph leans closer
GM says, "(ooc: Hunnish is not Chinese, although for most purposes in this game its functionally equivalent since almost no one really speaks either of them)"
Bodoni inclines his head toward the conversation a bit
GM says, "[Modag] (in Hunnish) yes, i speak a little (in Gothic) but i am more fluent in Gothic"
Corin smiles at Modag.
Corin looks at the box.
GM says, "[Modag] that is, i *think* it was Milonius. the texts are unclear and the device is described only circuitously. it was apparently considered holy by the Huns, and the knowledge has been lost. (he is untying the leather strap, and opens the box)"
Corin peers within the box.
Bodoni looks in the opened box
GM says, "inside is a length of some kind of very smooth wood, perfectly cylindrical and about 18 inches long by 2 inches in diameter"
GM says, "[Modag] this is the far-looking device. (he removes it and you see a reflection glint off the end) you look through this end (pointing) and everything looks much closer."
Corin says, "Can I try?""
GM says, "each end has a bit of glass attached, the bit on one end smaller than on the other."
GM says, "[Modag] yes, but be careful with it. look out the window at the passing houses. (he hands the device to Corin)"
Corin holds it to his eye, looking out the carruca, and gasps with astonishment.
Corin says, "wow!...what , how...?" he looks at it puzzled."
GM says, "it works as advertised"
Corin says, "It is magic!""
Corin hands it to Joseph.
Joseph takes a look
GM says, "[Modag] it is a branch of natural philosophy that we do not understand yet, Corin."
Corin says, "Do you know how to make one of these?""
Joseph quickly turns the "far seeing thing" around and trys look from the other direction... a wonderment!
GM says, "[Modag] yes, i made this one based on the text that i attribute to Milonius."
Bodoni peers at the object with interest and speaks up "I should like to see it work."
Corin says, "Can you teach me to make one?""
Joseph hands the thing to Bodoni
Bodoni holds it a brief moment, and tests the device "Wha...astonishing..!"
GM says, "[Modag] it is very difficult. while the tube itself can be crafted by any skilled woodcarver, the bits of glass are finely ground and polished, and must be very clear. only someone of Darius' skill could attempt it."
Corin scowls at the sound of Darius' name.
Bodoni is amazed "Truly, I've seen nothing like this in my life."
Corin says, "Darius will do us no favors."
GM says, "[Modag] he is unpleasant, but also a great glassworker. i could not have made this without his help."
Bodoni hands the object to whomever asks to see it, or barring that returns it to Modag with thanks
GM says, "[Modag] it is with this device that i have foreseen the end of the world."
Corin says, "what?"
GM says, "[Modag] (sighing) i do not know how much time we have left, but surely it can be only a matter of months"
Bodoni agrees "Aye..what the young Darius lacks in social graces he seems to make up for in his glasswork skill."
Corin says, "what will make the world end?""
GM says, "[Modag] my interests in the stars led me to use the far-seeing device to examine them in more detail. the device shows stars that we cannot see with our eyes alone! the sky is even more wondrous when viewed through it!"
GM says, "[Modag] since midwinter i have seen, every night, a new star in the sky. it has grown much larger and brighter since then, although still not bright enough to see without my device."
GM says, "[Modag] surely when it arrives, it will herald the end of the world. all the world's lore seems to agree on this point."
GM says, "let's switch to Portia's carruca while you digest this info :)"
GM says, "i'm afraid Portia doesn't have any startling revelations to disclose"
Renard doesn't either.
Bodoni (Bodoni: ::slowly digests info::... ::urp!:: "Oh...excuse me..." ;D)
GM says, "but i will mention that Euric's carruca is quite opulent and well-appointed, with silk cushions and fine linen curtains covering beautifully carved wooden seats"
Caralchis relaxes on the soft cushions
GM says, "after you've been riding for twenty minutes or so, trading small talk but having no extended conversations, johan happens to put his hand between two of the cushions while shifting to a new position. "Ow!" he exclaims."
Caralchis looks at johan, "what?"
Renard raises his eyebrows at his brother
GM says, "he picks his hand up and puts in his mouth, while looking down at what hurt him. then he picks up a small metal clasp which was wedged under the cushion."
GM says, "it is the sort of clasp used to attach clothing together"
GM says, "pretty common, really, although strange to find it in such a neat and well-groomed carruca. perhaps it came off of Euric's clothing while riding to the banquet."
GM says, "brb"
Corin says, "((clasp must be of some significance.))"
Caralchis (obviously, if it wasn't would it be there?:))
Bodoni (No doubt some evil mind controlling clothing clasp! I...er..no wait..that's not right.. :D)
Caralchis (maybe it's just poisoned...)
Renard [to Corin]: : one imagines it's Perfu's clasp, left during secret discussions...
GM says, "back"
GM says, "(cool, i've got them properly paranoid :)"
GM says, "[Johan] maybe i should give this to the driver to give back to Euric. Eh, Renard?"
Renard says, "Eh -- just throw it out the window... No -- you're right, brother -- hand it to the driver."
Caralchis says, "you're hands not badly maimed is it? just a scratch, i trust... mind you don't bloody the upholstry"
GM says, "he's not really hurt at all, not even a scratch"
Caralchis says, "ah good"
GM says, "after twenty more minutes, the carrucae pull up to a halt in front of Faustulus' inn, which is entirely dark"
GM says, "(unless, of course, you do something otherwise to interrupt the journey)"
GM says, "when you arrive, Johan mentions the clasp and hands it to the driver. the driver takes it, looks at it, and hands it back. "that's not Euric's, i don't think. not his style.""
Corin [to Modag]: "thank you for the ride. If we can get Darius to make us the glass parts, perhaps you could show us how to make the far-looking device?"
Bodoni bodoni dreams about a market for Modag's device as the carruca comes to a halt
GM says, "Modag has no particular advice on how to avoid the end of the world, unfortunately"
Bodoni says, "Aye, your hospitality was appreciated, good sir."
GM says, "[Modag] i can show you, if you can afford his services."
Corin says, "(in Hunnish) Good health Modag, and good fortune."
Renard says, "Lady, I know nothing of such trinkets, but can you recognize who's clasp this might be?"
GM says, "[Modag] good evening, all, and remember that Venus will be in conjunction with Mercury in four days!"
Bodoni nods graciously to Modag
GM says, "Modag's carruca creaks off, and Euric's does also, in a different direction."
Corin says, "Well that was different.""
GM says, "[Portia] that clasp doesn't look familiar to me. it's quite typical for a good-quality clasp. nicer than what any of you are wearing."
Renard grumbles, "Begone, sorceror"
Corin says, "Maybe it is Darius's?""
GM says, "[Portia] more like something my brothers might wear, or maybe that gentleman Garomach that you are journeying with"
Bodoni perks up "Ah. Our humble employer. I wonder were he...."
Renard says, "So what is the proper way to find its owner? The driver wouldn't take to back to Euric."
Bodoni Stops at the mention
GM says, "[Portia] who knows? it can't be that valuable. keep it for yourself, i suppose."
Corin says, "Why would Lord Garomach ride in Euric's carruca?"
Bodoni says, "Garomach ye say...hm..."
Bodoni shrugs
Renard says, "Johan, save it and give it Garomach. I don't know what else to do with it."
Corin says, "Lady Portia, a small drink before bed perhaps?"
GM says, "[Portia] no, Corin, it has been a long and tiring day and i must rest."
Bodoni says, "I should like to engage in the cities festivities. Who is with me?"
Corin looks at Portia, and then at Bodoni.
GM says, "(i can always count on bodoni to want to party)"
Joseph says, "it's getting late, I'm going to sleep"
Corin says, "Not even one, Portia? It will aid your rest.""
GM says, "[Portia] good night, everyone, and thank you for your services this evening. i am glad now that Faustulus insisted i have guards."
Renard says, "Won't you buy me one, instead, Corin?"
Bodoni laughs "Corin, come along lad. Join me in the city. I'm sure you'll be able to find some amusments.
Corin says, "G'nite Portia. OK Bodoni, lead on!""
Corin says, "But are we overdressed?""
GM [to Corin]: only you might be. you do stick out a bit :)
Bodoni considers "Yer right lad. Quickly, ye should change. We'll wait. Don't be too long, though!"
Bodoni laughs
GM says, "i'll assume johan is going out if renard is... caralchis, what about you?"
Caralchis contemplates whether he should go
Corin looks down at his clothes and runs inside to don his regular clothes. "Renard, join us and I'll buy you one!"
Caralchis eventually decides that it would make up for the disappointing party earlier
Renard says, "Well, I thought we would stay at the inn -- in fact, I don't think we should leave Portia here alone, so Johan and I will stay."
Corin returns dressed more appropriately.
Bodoni says, "Suit yerself Renard. We'll see ye in the morn. Onward!"
Bodoni goes off to find drink, gambling, and women in no particualr order
GM says, "bodoni, caralchis and corin head out to paint the town red"
Corin getting used to carousing.
GM [to Renard]: as you pass the door to garomach's room, you tap it gently and, getting no response, open it to look inside. garomach's not there.
GM says, "i think this is a good stopping point. BC&C go out and carouse, not trying to do anything in particular except amuse themselves, and get back to the inn late but safely."
GM says, "we'll continue next time with the following morning when you maybe try to figure out what to do about garomach"
Bodoni (WooT! :D)
Corin says, "And Lord Garomach is gone?"
GM says, "*** END SESSION ***"
-- End log: Sunday, October 15, 2000 11:51:08 am LunaSoft MOO time --