Still lurking :)
AWWE dropped off my campaign page again... did I get marked as inactive?
Oh, and could I get an invite to the wiki as "loimprevisto"?
Search Posts
Marking me as an active player seems to have done it. That's an interesting feature; I didn't know the boards worked like that. @Ysillith: I still don't have the the time to jump back into an active role in the game. Maybe some day the lovers will return...
Hmm... It looks like marking me as a 'previous character' caused the campaign to fall off my campaigns tab so I don't see updates any more. I still enjoy catching up on the story from time to time... would you mind moving me back over to the active category?
Unfortunately, it looks like I'm going to have to bow out. Between work and family I just don't have the time to consistently update this story... I'll try to come up with a good turnover/going away post to spell out where I saw things going with Alessandra and Jin and let you guys keep them as NPCs or drop them from the story gracefully. It's been great, I'll miss this game.
Did someone mention a fashion design round??? On a more serious note, if you feel that the sides have become completely unbalanced then you could add one or more of the eliminated roles to the 'vanilla' criminals...
Emerging too late, several minutes behind the group they'd tried to pursue, the floodlights of the docks reveal a chaotic scene. A ship taking to air enveloped in steam, Cassie laying on the ground drenched in oil with a knife wound in her abdomen... and Cassie next to Taraz‽ An immense dragon twin to one she'd met earlier but a hundred times the size, playing with the rotting mechanical carcass of the giant. "Taraz, what... how... what's going on?"
Taraz gestures to the door. "The ballrrom is probably stacked with not-quite-so fresh food, but I imagine it should still be fairly edible and delicious. I am famished, so I look forward to the repast."Taraz gestures to the door. "The ballrrom is probably stacked with not-quite-so fresh food, but I imagine it should still be fairly edible and delicious. I am famished, so I look forward to the repast." They walk with lengthening strides walking down to the hanger, coming out into the pale emergency lights. Voices were coming from the ballroom, then it was rapid footsteps. Soldiers? Nobles? She pressed herself deeper into the shadows and did her best not to even breathe. She could still hear the sounds of fighting coming from the docks and hangers, and now three of the aristocrats from the ball were charging toward it. Madness! Cassie, Rashida, and Taraz were past her before she could think to say anything. With their passage the servbot stirred back to life and started to zip toward the sounds of conflict. It stopped for a moment and made a beckoning gesture with one of its arms, clearly expecting her and Jin to follow. Were they going to take on those blasphemous giant things with Cassie's little pistol? What were they thinking? "Merde! We have to catch them before one of those giants crush them to paste!" She helped Jin to his feet and noticed with relief that whatever concoction he'd taken to slow his metabolism after the collapse of the deck seemed to be wearing off. She still had to help him to his feet but he was only leaning on her a little as they ran down the hall.
Two earth-shattering booms come from the docks. Terrible sounds of gunfire and screams can be heard from every direction, breaking the night's silence. There's so much she should be doing! Trying to find some sort of communications equipment to notify the Masons or the League of the Baron's treachery... searching for an armory and hiding out in a defensible spot like the wine cellars... looking for a way off the island... but all she can do is hide and pray. She makes a dozen excuses for herself- she has to look after Jin, better to stay hidden and sneak out after they assume her dead, any encounter with an enemy would risk her losing control and putting Jin at risk... she passed the time with a litany of fears running through her head. As she hid in the alcove in the corridor between the ballroom and the docks she occasionally heard a voice draw near from one side or another and tucked herself deeper into the shadows, but every time the figures took another path- until she heard movement coming directly down the hall from the ballroom. She armed herself with a jade vase that was in all likelihood quite priceless and with the quietest of whispers into his ear warned Jin to be quiet. The sound grew closer. It was a mechanical sound, a faint buzzing and the rustling drone of a wheel rolling over deep-pile Persian carpets. She readied the vase for a desperate strike, only to stop herself when she saw the servbot. Its distinctive patched and dented frame still clearly showed the scars of the abuse she had put it through when it had scurried under her dress, and it was hard to say which of them was more surprised to see the other. They both froze for a moment, until the servbot began to wheel a wide berth around her alcove and continue toward the docks. "No! Wait!" She whispered urgently, "They're still fighting out there! I just heard gunfire from that direction a few minutes ago. Please, wait here with us and we'll find the others when its safe!" The little bot seemed unsure, a light on its side blinking furiously, but after a few seconds it wheels itself into the alcove in front of Jin and does its best to blend in with the hall, slightly improving the pair's dubious cover.
Rising to the elevation of the giants face: the bird gracefully stops ascending, Cassandra can see the beings dead eyes peering over the prow as it's mouth opens to swallow the vehicle whole. Then, the pull of the earth takes hold and the Ornithopter plummets away from the snapping jaws. Cassies stomach jumps into her throat and she pulls the wings into a roll. As they plummet to the earth the bird completes a roll so it's facing away from the monstrosity. Performing an Immelmann manoeuvre. You pulled an Immelmann in an ornithopter. I think that's the coolest thing I've read all day!
Cassie/Jeraclya:
"She's not as big as she looks." says Cassie putting out her hand to stroke the dragons sparkling scales. "She likes shiny things." Alessandra offers the curious blue creature a smile, "Ah, don't we all! I just... I don't... are you really a dragon?!" Meowselsworth:
"Alessandra, I think your lover is, and will be, alright... As will you. For this, I am glad. I must say, though... I put much trust in you tonight, perhaps trust undeserved. I am unsure how far you might have gone for the sake of such passion, how much your hands may have been bloodied. You did not come forward at my urging, I know this, but remained silent up until his life was threatened, as he threatened ours. I know others, they admire your love... but me... I put much trust in you, and it was spent. I have my eyes on both of you... I yet care for you both, and do not want you to come to harm, whether death or even pain. But if there is so much of a whisper of his taking the bounty on any of us, so much as a thought on the verge of becoming substance, anything that extinguishes the tiny flicker of trust that remains... well..." The feline looks off and starts to the exit of the ship, "I won't care so much anymore." Alessandra is comforted at first as the diminutive duchess pads over and says her piece, but quickly put on the defensive as it turns into a threat, be it ever so kindly worded. "Your trust was spent on keeping a dozen fractious aristocrats from each other's throats until we could figure out who was truly to blame. I was walking on eggshells the whole time, afraid that one wrong word would doom me or leave someone dead! In her agitation at having to defend herself again she draws too deep a breath and doubles over in a shudder of pain. It's a moment before she continues, and she sounds hurt and tired. "Do you really think Jin came here for the bounty? We've no more interest in the bounty than we do in the oil fields. Please, just leave us be." Cats. She'd never gotten along well with them, and she was sure there was more to it than the hair that got on everything and the way they were always demanding attention when all you wanted to do was finish another dress... no, they always seemed to know. For a little while after Meowselsworth leaves, the dock is quiet. The faint sounds of the ocean, of occasional gusting winds, and the creaking and groaning of the ruined ships are the only noise- it's almost restful. Then gunfire erupts from elsewhere on the estate. Jin's eyelids flutter open at the sound and he looks around and groans. "What... where... ah, you're safe..." With a faint smile on his lips he closes his eyes again but then they flicker open again "Damn, it's taking a long time for this stuff to wear off, I'm going to have to be more careful with the next batch." "W-what? What do you mean?" Alessandra runs a hand across his forehead, clearly concerned that he's caught in some sort of fever delusion. "An activated turpene extract from Chlorodesmis fastigiata... I was bleeding... couldn't breathe... needed something to put me under for a while. Had to guess, couldn't see my hands, couldn't feel my fingers... guess I used a bit too much. His mind is still foggy and he forgets what he was originally going to say until another exchange of gunfire is heard. Pulse rifles... this is shaping up to be a hell of a night. What happened to the others? Are they... are we the only ones left?" Alessandra's answer is interrupted by a familiar booming voice- "RANDOM CHANCE DID NOT BRING YOU TO MY ISLAND, AND YOU DARE TO THINK THAT YOU CAN STOP MY PLANS? YOU PALTRY FEW? YOU THINK DESTROYING MY REPLICAS WILL SOMEHOW HALT THE STORM? YOU THINK YOU CAN ESCAPE YOUR PASTS BY ESCAPING ME?" Jin looks around for the source of the Baron's voice, but isn't strong enough yet to rise. Alessandra goes pale as she sees the things rise from the sea. It takes a moment for the import of the Baron's message to reach her. Replicas. More than one. It must be worse than the masons had thought when they'd sent her... "Yap, yap, yap, like squeaky squirrels. Squirrels are for meat."And the annoyed dragon grinned, showing all of her teeth and swelled. Blue mist crackling outward with energy as she shimmered and broke form. Swirling like a thousand blue will-o-wisps in the fog before the massive dragon coalesced at full size. Flames brewing behind grinning teeth as her tail lashed through the air now quite a distance above the ground. This night was so full of wonders and terrors that it was making her head spin. And was that... was that an ornithopter zipping into the fray? Wherever they went, they couldn't stay here. The dock was bare and exposed, with glaring lights illuminating every nook and cranny of the wide open space. Alessandra wraps the blanket around her like a toga and, grunting from the effort and wincing in pain, lifts Jin into a fireman's carry as she staggers toward the estate's interior. She passes Vorian running the other way, dashing past her in a desperate sprint for his ship. She's not sure if he's running to the ship or away from something else... but in the end it doesn't matter. The dock is doomed if any of those giants approach and there would be nowhere to hide. Slim as it was, there was hope inside the manor. He grinned, and leapt down, a great, tawny cat, shaking his mane as he roared a challenge, then growled the question he must, by law, ask She slows as an oddly familiar feeling pricks at the back of her neck, then staggers and stops as the great roar echoes down the hall from the ballroom. That feeling... impossible. Especially here. She suddenly found it very prudent not to enter the ballroom. She pulled Jin into an alcove and held him close, and tried to maker herself very small as the sounds of gunfire and explosions and angry dragons and other terrible noises of combat poured in from every direction.
I got very busy over the past week and hadn't found time to keep up with everything happening. I'll break up my post into spoilered sections where I respond to things as they happen and bring me current...
"You will be fine, more than that... your passion lights up the world." Alessandra looks up with a small, somewhat forced smile. "You are kind to say so. I can only imagine what a trial it was to find I was party to the killers amongst us. It must have been so... what is ?" Her eyes gaze turns down past Cassie's knees to the curious creature standing behind her. For the first time since regaining consciousness, Alessandra becomes aware of the bluish-white dragon-thing lurking nearby. Her heart skips a beat.
No worries, I was just curious. I always take too long to write my posts because I end up researching something random related to the post, then read up on something related, then get distracted in reading up on something else...
Yeah, sticking with the Lovers theme Alessandra probably wouldn't want to go on living if she couldn't do it with Jin. I'd write a suitably tragic suicide note of course, but I'm not ready to go that route yet... BTW, field medicine is an interest of mine and I was wondering if you had more info on the treatment you mentioned. I did some research on crushing injuries and couldn't find anything specifically about lactic acid... do you have a reference on lactic acidosis/lactate buildup and relieving it via bloodletting? I was able to find information on Rhabdomyolysis in crushing victims as well as compartment syndrome in crushed tissue and faciotomies performed to alleviate them... inquiring minds want to know!
Pulling Alessandra's body away from the rubble, placing her upon a clear section of the deck. Tearing her dress reluctantly, she exposes the wound and starts to get on with some medical treatment. Though Cassie was never formally trained her tutors taught her a-lot and she has fixed many of her own injuries after 'accidents'.
As the beam is lifted off Alessandra draws a large breath then winces and coughs several more times as she is being pulled from the rubble. Once she can breathe freely she seems much calmer and more alert. "Cassie! Thank God you came! The thought of surviving the Baron's games just to die in my own ship... it was- Jin!" At the sight of her lover she turns away from Cassie and has eyes only for him. At least superficially, Jin is much worse off than her with his clothing all bloodied and his arm set in an improvised cast. She crawls over to him with a sharp gasp of pain but the discomfort of movement doesn't deter her from joining his side. She cradles his head and murmurs "Oh Ju-long, wake up! I need you..." trailing off into private whispers as she moves her head closer to his. She shows no regard for her own modesty, having not realized the state of her undress after the medical intervention or not caring.
She roused slightly. There was something happening but it was far away and going back to sleep seemed much more important. "Professor! Lady Devries! Er... Alessandra! Can you hear me?" God, I *hate* being called 'Lady' The thought drifts across her mind lazily and it is a minute before the import strikes her- That was Rashida! They found us! She can't really turn her head, but she hears activity in the rubble around her. She coughs a few times then finally manages "I'm over here... *cough* I can't breath... *cough* help..."
Dimly she realizes that Jin his here beside her and that makes it all alright. I wanted to clarify, this is a physical presence rather than a spiritual presence. Jin is still alive...
Consciousness returns slowly, and with it come pain and dizziness and nausea and a host of other unpleasant sensations. Better to close her eyes and rest for a while. Dimly she realizes that Jin his here beside her and that makes it all alright.
Alessandra surveys the wreckage with dismay. Much of the medical equipment and supplies are still intact along with some of the supplies in the hold, but the Baron's cannons had completely ruined the helm and engines. She looks to Jin and ventures, "I don't see any sign of the crew. I wonder if the Baron has abducted them, or if they managed to escape with the servants from the manor. Well, the foredeck looks safe enough, lets see if we can move some of the supplies up there before we check your dock. Perhaps the Cold Star escaped destruction? It was a much smaller target after all..." She loses her train of thought while looking into Jin's eyes. It was so strange and wonderful to see him unmasked and wearing his tattoos proudly in the daylight; but now's not the time for woolgathering. She collects herself and carefully steps forward to look up through the enormous hole in the deck that's exposing the medical bay to daylight, when a terrifying groaning/squealing/splintering sound drowns out Jin's reply and darkness falls.
She stirs again at the sound of a faint clicking and beeping. Through the dust and rubble she could just make out the forms of a few medical servbots beginning to explore the wreckage- apparently not all of the vessel's interior sensors had been disabled by the Baron's fusillade. wheeze... *cough* *cough* *cough* She tries to talk but her mouth is too dry and something is pinned across her back preventing her from drawing a proper breath. The corset she was wearing to ensure the gown fit properly wasn't helping things either. Minutes passed and she tried again. *cough* get... taraz... A light began blinking on the small bot. She considers saying more but it's entirely too much effort to stay awake- with a slight groan she drifts back into unconsciousness.
My life has become rather busy at the moment, I'm traveling for the next week for my son's surgery. I'm not sure if this will leave me with more time for posting or less, but it's why I've been a bit slow to post lately...
::hides her sequins::
Everyone's favorite diva, checking in...
From the excel doc that DF linked to: Wowbagger changed his vote last second and would have killed Cassie had he not. It doesn't do any good having the head assassin on your side if he's sleeping on the job :P
@Wowbagger: Sorry you weren't having fun. Hopefully this will be a 'live and learn' experience for most of us rather than turning people off of this format of game.
The chat:
12:19:16 ‹Alessandra› Yes, I confess that I can understand Von Ryuko's motive in bringing together so many interesting people... I just wish he wasn't such a sadistic b------.
12:20:06 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "It's alright to say it here, even if it's unlady-like." Cassie winks 12:20:56 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "I know I have a good mind to... no I must keep decorum." 12:23:01 ‹Alessandra› Well, Ryuko's assassins may take our lives but our dignity... the only way they get that is if we give it to them. I'd rather stick to courtly language and veiled insults (where insults are necessary)... if it's all the same to you. She says with a wink 12:23:11 * Cassie DuSollier makes a pass with Duke Leto, softly holding his arm 12:23:40 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "Of course, that is why you are virtuous." 12:25:06 ‹Alessandra› "Ah... I try to assume the best of people. There are three tattooed assasins amongst us, but even one of them may be won over to our side by the power of love. 12:25:49 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "Exactly, and I have a clue whom that is." 12:27:32 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "They haven't quite admitted it yet, but I they do not deny my words." Cassie pauses 12:27:58 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "But I might need them to pull a ploy to keep my life." 12:29:42 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "Together we have found some startling results. Which we believe to be true." Cassie words are emphatic. "One piece I know to be true." 12:30:27 ‹Alessandra› "I certainly hope we can come to a consensus about the proper action to take. Taraz whispered some rather disturbing tidings to me during our dance..." 12:31:20 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "Yes, that I thought he did, but if I worked that out then so did our assassins. Though you are now low on their list of victims." 12:31:42 ‹Alessandra› I certainly have my own share of conjecture about the identity of our malefactors, but I'd like to start with claims that can be backed up by reasoned investigation. 12:32:51 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "There's reasoned argument and solid proof for a pair of them." 12:33:01 ‹Alessandra› "I think I've been low on that list from the start. The mere possibliity that I would be protected has deterred them thus far... 12:33:33 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "One thing first can you confirm that the General is a mason too?" 12:34:30 ‹Alessandra› Alessandra looks momentarily conflicted, but finally assents "Yes. Yes I can, General Gorski is a mason." 12:35:38 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "I have invited him to join us, but he seems momentarily over-worked." 12:37:12 ‹Alessandra› Ah, quite the loss. His tactical expertise could serve us well. 12:38:02 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "Such I suppose is the lot of a military man, he has not the time for excess frivolities." Cassie nods to her partner; "Although I will repeat this whence the Lady and the wastrel rejoin us. Do you believe I am the Baner?"[/b] 12:38:25 * Cassie DuSollier looks slightly forlorn about the possible answers 12:39:04 ‹Alessandra› "Although I have only your word on the matter, I have no reason to doubt you. Yes, I believe you." 12:40:15 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "Good though I don't believe I have been observed by either the scryers. I can assure you of my honesty." 13:42:43 * Cassie DuSollier takes Tarazz's arm and spins around. 13:43:33 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "The last hour has been fortuitous and horrific." 13:44:51 ‹Alessandra› Horrific? Taraz's dancing wasn't that bad! 13:45:09 ‹Alessandra› ...and we are all still alive. 13:45:21 * Cassie DuSollier laughs nervously 13:45:25 ‹Cassie DuSollier› Cassie pauses before looking at Taraz. "I am a Baner, or hunter. Whatever is your term." 13:46:46 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "I have travelled extensively and trouble seems to follow..." Cassie shrugs. 13:47:56 * Taraz the Wastrel Taraz gives Cassie a sidelong look.. 13:48:04 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "It seems that wherever I go, men (& women) want to kill me. So I have some defences of my own." 13:48:20 ‹Taraz the Wastrel› "Quite forthcoming, aren't we?" 13:48:38 * Cassie DuSollier flickers a high kick revealing leg and more importantly a pistol strapped to her thigh. 13:49:13 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "I have been too trusting, in some ways this is too all your benefit." 13:49:30 ‹Taraz the Wastrel› "And here I thought my charm was slipping." Taraz has an amused grin on his face. "Now at least I know why I didn't 'slay' you immediately upon our dance together." 13:50:07 * Taraz the Wastrel gives Alessandra a wounded look 13:50:23 * Alessandra offers no sympathy 13:50:29 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "You must have been looking elsewhere, imagine that?" she says wryly 13:50:43 ‹Taraz the Wastrel› "I noticed Ms. DuSollier says horrific, and the first thing you do is refer to my dancing." 13:51:04 * Taraz the Wastrel Taraz laughs. 13:51:33 ‹Alessandra› Yes, you would make this conversation all about you wouldn't you? It was a harmless joke, let it go. 13:51:37 ‹Taraz the Wastrel› "I was already admonished once for looking up a lady's skirts. Even if it was only by proxy." 13:51:40 ‹Alessandra› Alessandra looks quite concerned at Cassie's mention of being too trusting 13:51:58 ‹Alessandra› Did you say something... imprudent? 13:52:07 ‹Cassie DuSollier› .me shakes her head. 13:52:21 ‹Rashida› "Doubtless many things," Rashida drawls. 13:52:26 ‹Rashida› d'oh 13:52:42 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "Ryuko, has been more indiscrete, saying I am harmless." 13:53:11 * Cassie DuSollier Blanches slightly 13:53:29 ‹Taraz the Wastrel› "Cassie, hasn't said anything, you haven't heard before, dear Rashida." 13:53:51 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "Last night, I stopped the assassination. I stayed his h...hand." 13:54:02 ‹Rashida› "His words could be taken many ways, Cassie. Don't worry so much. When you have a guilty conscience, everything seems aimed at you." 13:54:08 * Cassie DuSollier looks down at her hand and the knife cut upon it. 13:54:31 ‹Rashida› "His blade." 13:55:14 * Cassie DuSollier gives Rashida a dark look for her double entendre 13:55:46 * Rashida blinks in surprise 13:56:22 ‹Cassie DuSollier› But it puts her more at ease. "I looked into his eyes as he did mine and saw only darkness. Then he was gone." 13:56:31 ‹Taraz the Wastrel› "Am I to understand that the assassins are given knowledge of who blocks they're attacks?" Taraz looks incredulous. "It was my understanding, no one learned anything except that an attack was stopped." 13:56:45 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "Yes." 13:57:05 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "He knows my name and whom I was protecting...." 13:57:48 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "He is their head. Of this I am certain.... not like those visions." 13:58:21 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "Then he whispered to me that we need to talk..." Cassie nearly misses a pass 13:58:32 ‹Rashida› "Then he must be stopped, now." 13:58:40 ‹Alessandra› Then our greatest hope is that he is not in contact with his associates, and may be stopped in time. 13:59:08 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "He contacted his first associate, in the first hour." 13:59:19 * Cassie DuSollier turns to Rashida 13:59:21 * Rashida looks surprised 13:59:29 ‹Rashida› "How do you know?" 13:59:42 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "Not you, silly girl." 14:00:18 ‹Rashida› "Ah, by associate you mean assassin or the traitorous devil amongst us?" 14:00:24 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "What else could he have done, unless the other Baner stopped him...." Cassie leaves it hanging in the air. 14:01:35 ‹Rashida› "Held his hand... but there is no reason for an assassin to do that. None at all. In fact... ah. This was a deliberate target. Else you would have known him to be the lurker." 14:01:40 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "I am not sure.... I can but hope a Devil in a Noble guise. Else I fear the Lead assassins vengeance even from beyond the grave." 14:01:41 * Rashida pales slightly 14:02:36 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "This is what I mean by being indiscrete. I have trusted you all with my life. Especially you last night Rashida." 14:02:49 * Cassie DuSollier looks around the group 14:03:17 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "For as I told her. I protected her from any assassins." 14:03:20 * Alessandra nods encouragingly, but doesn't interrupt Cassie's retelling of the events. 14:03:47 * Rashida accidentally steps on Cassie's toe 14:04:14 * Cassie DuSollier looks at Rashida with a slight smile 14:04:16 ‹Rashida› "Your pardon, Lady DuSollier. I am unfamiliar with this dance." 14:05:10 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "Excused, for if Rashida was to betray me she could have done." 14:05:49 ‹Taraz the Wastrel› [i]Taraz looks pointedly at the "Mason" on his pass around and hooks Cassie's arm.[i] "My, my. Did he just say dosey doe, or hose down hoes?" 14:06:15 * Cassie DuSollier shocked smile crosses her face. 14:06:26 * Rashida grins 14:06:47 * _Alessandra was consumed by the Chatbeast (NOM!)_ 14:06:56 ‹Rashida› "Incorrigible." 14:07:04 * Taraz the Wastrel Taraz calls for a soda spritzer can. 14:07:24 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "I am sure someone can easily encourage him." 14:10:08 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "I don't know how much you all wish me to share. For I am quite open." she quirks an eyebrow at Taraz. [b]"Not an invitation"[b] 14:10:49 * Taraz the Wastrel Taraz sighs as Cassie clarifies. 14:11:21 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "The Lead assassin is Jin." 14:11:25 * Taraz the Wastrel or perhaps h's just breathing heavy from the exertion of dancing? 14:11:34 ‹Alessandra› Alessandra says slowly... "I... I would like to know everything. I'll do all that I can to help- and that might be more than you imagine. 14:11:57 * Taraz the Wastrel Taraz looks sharply at Alessandra. 14:11:59 ‹Alessandra› Alessandra goes pale and falls down in the midst of the dance. 14:12:05 * Cassie DuSollier states it matter of factly. 14:12:09 * Rashida gasps 14:12:16 ‹Taraz the Wastrel› "Oh, I can imagine a whole lot." 14:12:28 ‹Rashida› "Alessandra?" 14:12:47 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "He must be lynched tonight, else someone will perish." 14:12:48 ‹Alessandra› (softly) That fool... I told him... he swore he'd be so careful... my love... 14:12:50 * Taraz the Wastrel Concerned, Taraz attempts to help her to her feet. 14:13:12 * Rashida groans 14:13:22 * Taraz the Wastrel in the act, Taraz stops dead. 14:13:28 * Cassie DuSollier laughs hard 14:13:30 ‹Rashida› "Not you, I feared it was you, but thought the Russian..."" 14:13:51 ‹Taraz the Wastrel› [b]"WHAT?!" Taraz bellows 14:14:06 ‹Alessandra› Quiet! 14:14:08 ‹Rashida› "Why did you not take advantage of the Dutchess' order? Why did you not tell him to hold his hand?"" 14:14:08 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "Shut Up fool. 14:14:17 ‹Alessandra› I... I'll explain it all. 14:14:59 ‹Cassie DuSollier› 'To think I thought it. That she loved the General.' 14:15:03 ‹Rashida› "I am not certain I want to hear excuses." 14:15:10 * Rashida turns red with anger 14:15:14 ‹Alessandra› [b]I had told him I wanted to, he either did not get my note or hadn't had the chance to decypher it and grasp its importance.[/b 14:15:36 * Cassie DuSollier put a restraining hand on Rashida 14:15:44 * Rashida fumes 14:16:00 ‹Taraz the Wastrel› "I also...suspected. But I imagined the adorbale cat!" Taraz says tightly, looking at Alessandra with an unreadable expression. 14:16:15 ‹Alessandra› Please, would you hear me out, just for a minute...? 14:16:34 * Rashida watches Alessandra coldly 14:16:45 * Cassie DuSollier somehow detached, as she had seen her death but now a glimmer of... 14:17:43 ‹Alessandra› Please, keep our secret and we can offer you the Devil, and Jin will keep the peace for the rest of the night" 14:17:48 ‹Rashida› "Not that I am entirely unsympathetic to your dilemma," Rashida murmurs, glancing at Taraz. 14:18:23 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "That would be nice...." Cassie says cooly. 14:18:40 ‹Alessandra› It's been such a mad, mad week with the voyage and this insane party... I know exactly how you feel right now, Rashida. 14:18:55 * Rashida laughs bitterly 14:19:02 ‹Rashida› "I think not." 14:19:04 ‹Cassie DuSollier› [i]'I thought I would be more sympathetic to true love, but why is it I only feel cold." 14:19:05 ‹Alessandra› I also looked death in the eye, and thought my time had come... 14:19:31 * Cassie DuSollier quirks her eyebrow. 14:19:52 ‹Taraz the Wastrel› Taraz meets Rashida's nervous look. "Tell me. Is the devil the cat?" Taraz spits this like a feline's hiss. 14:19:56 ‹Alessandra› It's only... it turns out its not so easy to kill someone once you've come to care for them and, well, I'm told I'm an easy person to fall in love with. She blushes slightly. 14:20:21 * Taraz the Wastrel Taraz bursts out laughing, but quickly gets himself under control 14:20:34 * Cassie DuSollier laughs so hard she splutters 14:20:51 * Rashida almost smiles. Almost. 14:20:53 ‹Alessandra› I was choking on the poison, gasping my last when he decided he'd rather face the 'difficulties' that would come with betraying the assassin's order and see me live through the trip. 14:22:13 ‹Alessandra› He gave me the antidote, and we arrived here with little more plan than somehow surving and managing to keep his family from killing us both. 14:22:27 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "The head assassin?" Cassie is incredulous 14:22:58 ‹Alessandra› What can I say? Love finds a way. 14:23:06 * Rashida turns away 14:23:21 ‹Alessandra› And no, the Duchess is not the devil. 14:23:56 * Rashida turns back. 14:24:03 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "I thought I was a romantic, with my French soul. Though I wish you happiness.... I just feel scorched." 14:24:25 ‹Taraz the Wastrel› Taraz face has become a mask. "I think we need to take this conversation off of the dance floor. Might I suggest a comfortable alcove." [i]It is obvious Taraz is not making a request. 14:24:28 * Cassie DuSollier just thinks of something 14:24:50 ‹Rashida› "Agreed, Taraz. Let's go." Rashida says tightly. 14:25:21 ‹Alessandra› Alessandra grabs Rashida's arm and begs with quiet urgency, "Please! Through prodividence and Cassie's vigilance, no harm came of this horrible miscommunication. I..." 14:25:24 ‹Rashida› "Can you rise, Lady?" Rashida asks Alessandra. 14:25:25 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "But Kimefe, she, she, she..." Cassie shuts up realising she is gibbering. 14:25:30 ‹Alessandra› Yes, of course, let's go. 14:25:46 ‹Alessandra› Alessandra is rather subdued. 14:26:20 * Rashida is struck by a thought. 14:26:31 ‹Cassie DuSollier› 'I...I...just said he had soulless eyes.' 14:26:55 * Rashida whispers to Taraz 14:27:45 ‹Alessandra› Emotion can color any experience. You were looking for a murder so that was what you saw. When I look at him, I see love and hope and pride and determination and so many other things... 14:29:32 ‹Cassie DuSollier› Smiling slightly; "He said - "Lady DuSollier, I think you and I need to talk. There is critical information you need before you say anything to others..." As the knife failed to meet it's mark in Rashid's back." 14:29:44 ‹Rashida› "I fear we are being rather obvious," Rashida says as they move towards the alcove. 14:30:37 * Cassie DuSollier is slightly pissed about the attempt on Rashida after becoming friends last hour. 14:30:40 * Alessandra sighs 14:30:45 ‹Taraz the Wastrel› "As is everything I do appears to be." A dark smile that does not reach Taraz's eyes has settled in place. 14:30:51 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "Yes, yes." 14:31:28 * Cassie DuSollier shakes her head slightly at Rashida and Taraz. 14:31:35 * Rashida looks at Taraz in confusion 14:31:56 ‹Alessandra› I suppose this must have been what he meant. I don't know what else he could consider worth mentioning 14:32:35 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "We need to talk to him." 14:32:42 ‹Taraz the Wastrel› "I will take my leave in person. However, this Serv-Bot," Taraz gestures to one standing in the alcove, "will be how we communicate for the duration of this conversation." 14:32:51 ‹Alessandra› I'm not worried about appearing obvious. Whatever we end up announcing after this, I think people will surmise that something momentous was discussed. 14:32:56 * Cassie DuSollier produces a fan???? 14:33:42 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "We have a assassin as well, though his identity is not as certain." 14:33:55 ‹Alessandra› Yes, yes we very much do. Alessandra's expression darkens somewhat. 14:34:15 ‹Rashida› "Wheels within wheels," Rashida mutters somberly. 14:34:27 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "No a second one. Let us hope your love has not talked to him. Else my life is forfeit." 14:34:57 ‹Cassie DuSollier› Rashida: Cassie looks somberly; "I have been honest." 14:35:07 ‹Alessandra› The only other assassin he has contacted is the Devil. 14:35:50 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "Yes, I have found another. Though he who stalks can still destroy us psychics." 14:36:07 ‹Alessandra› ...and I suppose at this point there's little point in being coy about the third mason. I'm trusting you with both Jin's life and my own already. 14:36:23 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "So we may have 3 out of the four!" 14:36:27 ‹Alessandra› Andrezi is the third mason. 14:36:45 * Rashida 's face clears somewhat 14:36:59 ‹Rashida› "Hence your apparent familiarity." 14:37:01 * Cassie DuSollier shakes her head and downs the glass of wine as she looks across at Rashida 14:37:12 ‹Alessandra› Exactly. And Jin should be able to subvert the mission of the final assassin... 14:37:29 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "Well the Russian court speak fluent French." 14:37:38 * Rashida looks stone-faced at Alessandra 14:37:56 ‹Rashida› "Who is the Devil?" 14:38:20 * Cassie DuSollier waits expectatantly 14:38:41 ‹Taraz the Wastrel› [i]A familiar voice comes from the Serv-Bot, "And why do you suddenly find me trustworthy, dear Alessandra. You speak before many when it seems Cassie is the only one to earn your trust." 14:40:05 * Taraz the Wastrel the Servbot whispers to Rashida 14:40:19 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "Dame, just wondering if you know who the other pair are?" 14:41:31 ‹Rashida› Rashida's face darkens at the Serv-Bot's whisper. 14:41:40 ‹Alessandra› I suspected one of them was an investigator, but I have no hard proof either way. 14:42:03 ‹Rashida› "Other pair?" 14:42:39 ‹Alessandra› Alessandra looks slightly panicked. Please, your word first. That information... it's the only thing we have left to trade upon. Give us your word that you'll keep our secret and the name is yours. 14:42:58 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "You and the wastrel my dear." Cassie puts her hand on Rashida's "I just wish to know what everyone says." 14:43:19 * Rashida is confused 14:43:27 * Cassie DuSollier looks at her practically 14:44:12 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "The Devil is of little consequence, we need His (Jin's) co-operation" Cassie spits 14:44:57 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "If he works with us then we can all survive." 14:45:44 ‹Alessandra› Taraz the Wastrel: Alessandra looks somewhat sheepish. You have to trust someone. If we're to escape this night alive we'll need to cooperate. 14:46:29 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "I am Cassandra the Seer. I know all. She laughs." 14:46:55 ‹Rashida› "We cannot speak for everyone. We cannot promise for everyone." 14:47:23 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "Ah hysteria, not good for ones complexion." 14:47:37 ‹Alessandra› Cassie DuSollier: He'll cooperate. Alessandra announces with certainty. The hint of a smile follows. "He won't like it, but he'll go along with it if it means he gets out of this alive and gets a share of those oilfields to proove himself to his family.. 14:48:18 ‹Alessandra› Alessandra's smile expands slightly. Cassandra? I hope not. She had rather bad fortune with her visions... 14:48:19 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "Alright then, the other assassin is..." 14:48:45 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "I know Ironic, eh?" 14:49:39 ‹Cassie DuSollier› ... 14:49:52 ‹Alessandra› As I said, your words. I don't ask you to speak for everyone, but I need to ask that you three promise to keep this secret and not speak of it until this party is but a distant memory. 14:50:48 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "You will survive this night" Cassie virtually spits "Isn't that enough" 14:50:56 * Cassie DuSollier slowly sobs 14:51:14 ‹Rashida› "I can't promise anything unless you are more specific. What do you want kept secret?" 14:51:20 * Cassie DuSollier pulls herself together 14:52:04 ‹Alessandra› Rashida: Jin's identity as the head assassin and my... relationship with him 14:52:32 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "It depends on our tactics, dear." 14:52:43 * Rashida glances out the alcove 14:52:53 ‹Rashida› "Do you really believe... " 14:52:57 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "We need to kill the second assassin..." 14:53:05 ‹Alessandra› Cassie DuSollier: Alessandra shakes her head. No, it's not. It's only been a short time, but if anything happened to Jin... I don't know if I could go on. 14:53:17 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "The Baron Von Zombi" 14:53:39 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "Don't worry, I won't lynch him." 14:53:51 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "Your love that is." 14:53:52 ‹Rashida› "I can understand that much, Alessandra," Rashida whispers. 14:53:54 ‹Taraz the Wastrel› The Serv-Bot does an excellent impression of Taraz's cocky stance. Why do I find some irony in the Head Assassin's lover asking for me to keep her secret when she was attempting to get the name of Investigator from me for him to kill just a short dance ago." 14:55:23 * Cassie DuSollier Ice cold practicality courses through her veins... 14:55:32 ‹Alessandra› Alessandra musters some indignity as she flicks the serv-bot off the table onto the bench. That was not wnat happened at all. If I was feeding names to Jin, wouldn't our dear Cassie have had a rather short career at this party? She contacted me quite early in the proceedings... 14:56:24 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "True, that I did. Although I also told you I was protecting myself." 14:56:44 ‹Alessandra› Nope, you told me you were investigating Bors 14:57:07 ‹Alessandra› Changing your story was one of the things that got me thinking something might be a bit off... 14:57:52 ‹Alessandra› As the serv-bot scurries its way back onto the table she looks to it and asks, What of you Taraz, will you give your word to keep me and Jin safe? 14:58:04 ‹Rashida› "Then why try to find the Investigator, Alessandra? What did you hope to gain?" 14:58:31 ‹Taraz the Wastrel› The Serv-Bot clambers back onto the table somewhat painfully. "It's shame I was right not to trust your leap forward at the beginning, my dear Diva." 14:58:51 * Rashida gives the bot a hand 14:59:39 ‹Alessandra› To place myself at the center of a web of information (and misinformation), to better protect my lover. 14:59:52 ‹Taraz the Wastrel› "That depends. Who else knows? The League? The other Masons? Just us?" 15:00:03 ‹Alessandra› Just the three of you. 15:00:23 ‹Rashida› "So that he could complete his mission." Rashida says it flatly, no question in it. 15:00:40 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "How to handle this... We lynch the Baron & hope the vision was right. Then Jin votes to assassinate no-one or else me. We can then find the last hunter." 15:01:03 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "Who is the Devil?" 15:01:40 ‹Alessandra› So we could buy ourselves enough time to come up with a plan. We were running blind once the baron locked those doors- we thought we were free and clear once we survived all the chaos on the airship. 15:01:47 ‹Alessandra› The Duke is your devil. 15:02:15 * Cassie DuSollier laughs until tears run down her face.... 15:02:17 * Rashida groans 15:03:34 ‹Taraz the Wastrel› "Hold on now Cassie. The plan was to draw out the investigator. Why would you believe she would let us off this easy? She suspects it to be Rashida or me if I recall correctly. You can't protect all three of us, and Jin already has one other assassin in his pocket." 15:03:35 ‹Cassie DuSollier› '....I....oh....he is. Oh God.' 15:03:40 * Alessandra looks from face to face, feeling that she's missed out on an inside joke... 15:04:28 ‹Alessandra› Actually, Jin only has made contact with the duke. The other assassins are still a mystrey to him. 15:04:31 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "The dance, my dear Dame, he courted me such that the wastrel would blush." 15:04:59 ‹Taraz the Wastrel› "By you two ladies' reactions, please don't tell me you have been 'too trusting' with the Duke. 15:05:21 * Taraz the Wastrel gives Cassie a wounded look. 15:05:28 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "No," she is indignant. 15:05:39 ‹Taraz the Wastrel› "you actually believe I can still blush?" 15:06:13 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "What he had strong arms, you seem more interested in Lady Rashida, not that I can blame you." 15:06:32 * Rashida starts 15:07:10 ‹Taraz the Wastrel› "As enlightening as this conversation may be, we must still consdier one thing. And I quote, 'To place myself at the center of a web of information (and misinformation), to better protect my lover.'." 15:07:11 ‹Alessandra› It occurs to me that the simplest way to confirm your investigation of Von Zombie is to have Jin check him out. We vote to lynch the Duke then Jin 'investigates' Von Zombie. If you're correct, then Jin can set him up for us to call him out in the next hour. 15:07:19 * Cassie DuSollier looks away 15:07:37 ‹Rashida› "If Alessandra is false and working with the assassins, then the ones she has named are innocent. Do you believe that she is in love, friends?" 15:08:12 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "Not if the Zombie goes for the same as the stalker." 15:08:32 ‹Rashida› "If she is not, then we lynch an ally and the assassins are free to move against us. She knows... she knows Cassie and suspects one of us, either Taraz or myself." 15:08:36 ‹Alessandra› The information I am giving you is easy enough to test. You can do nothing and investigate it yourself, while the bodies pile up, or you can act on it and come to know the truth of my words. If I'm lying, then my life is forefit. 15:08:47 ‹Alessandra› Yes... that is possible. 15:09:06 ‹Rashida› "The easiest way to act on it is to lynch you, Professor." 15:09:08 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "I believe her, but then my instincts are excellent but I am too easy." 15:09:39 ‹Alessandra› But I'd be the one assuming the risk in that case, as they'd be most likely to come after me if I publicly revealed an assassin. 15:09:48 * Cassie DuSollier winces 15:10:23 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "The only way is for me to do it then..." 15:10:38 ‹Taraz the Wastrel› "Excellent enough to 'dance with the Devil in the pale moonlight', dear Cassie?" 15:10:40 ‹Rashida› "To do what?" 15:11:23 ‹Alessandra› Perhaps, Alessandra meets Rashida's gaze without rancor, Is that what you truly want? I've been caught up in terrible things since I accepted the Baron's invitation... I feel like I've sold my soul a dozen times over. 15:11:32 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "I denounce, the Zombi, all the assassins go for me including Jin." 15:11:43 ‹Taraz the Wastrel› "My family tree has had dealings with one named Alessandra before...woman named such are very wily and good with words. I strongly suggest you consider this, Ms. DuSollier." 15:11:58 ‹Alessandra› Do you want to see me die? Do you want to strike the killing blow? Cassie's pistol is right there, and I'll not defend myself. 15:12:17 * Rashida considers it 15:12:32 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "I know, I believe her. Only two have to die this night." 15:12:58 * Cassie DuSollier whispers into Rashida's ear 15:13:18 * Cassie DuSollier and Taraz 15:14:24 ‹Alessandra› Alessandra blinks several times. Is that truly what you want, Cassie? I'd be willing to assume the risk that the announcement would bring. Indeed, I've already set myself up for it, counting on Jin's protection. 15:14:40 * Cassie DuSollier plucks a note from her pocket & examines it 115:16:48 ‹Taraz the Wastrel› [b]I still question the veracity of Alessandra's claims. She provides names but what proof is there for any of this? Would someone even be willing to claim being a lover in order to allow assassins to move freely? 15:18:17 * Taraz the Wastrel quit 15:18:27 ‹Rashida› "That is my worry. If we kill her... nothing personal, Professor... we eliminate a known threat - she is either the devil or in love with an assassin. 15:18:40 ‹Alessandra› The proof will come when we give a name to the crowd. If I lie, then I fully expect my name to be given next, along with what I have told you now. Truly, I can't imagine any way in which this could be considered beneficial for me. 15:18:56 * Taraz the Wastrel joins Hoe-Down 15:19:07 ‹Rashida› "She cannot get us all." 15:19:52 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "No I can declare myself the Seer. And protect myself." 15:21:28 ‹Alessandra› No offense taken, I've heard a lot of such talk lately. However, if you do that you also eleminate an ally... I'm at least as much a 'known ally' as a 'known threat' right now. I've bared my soul and trusted you with all I know, what more could I possibly do to prove my good intentions? 15:21:51 ‹Taraz the Wastrel› [i]The Serv-Bot looks at Cassie, "And we forever lose the chance to use your protection. But..." the bot places a mechanical limb to its chin. It actually looks cute all pensive. "It may work...if the others believe it." 15:21:51 * Rashida sighs 15:22:25 ‹Alessandra› Cassie DuSollier: As you wish. Alessandra states demurely. 15:22:32 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "Meowselsworth will, Eldon will" 15:23:28 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "Unfortunately, the Dame can do nothing more. But if she signs an Affidavit then we could ensure any btray, means the gallows." 15:23:34 * Rashida grits her teeth 5:23:54 ‹Alessandra› The masons as well. Ingilstadt and Vorian have also pedged to follow my vote. 15:24:04 ‹Rashida› "We lose one for certain next hour." 15:24:23 ‹Rashida› "Are we sure of Von Zombi?" 15:24:30 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "Only Baron Zombi." 15:24:43 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "One check." 15:25:03 ‹Rashida› "No, Jin's associates may still strike if he does not know them and cannot call them off." 15:25:24 ‹Rashida› "Correction: will strike." 15:25:29 ‹Alessandra› I think the more prudent route is to call out the Duke, and allow Jin to sort out the Zombi problem... but I no longer want anything to do with calling the shots here. Please, just tell me what to do and I'll help in any way possible. 15:25:39 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "Else we could have Jin strike at someone we protect or at an innocent." 15:26:21 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "That only works if they go for different targets...but it could work." 15:26:29 ‹Rashida› "Yes... protect yourself, Cassie, and Jin can have a shot at you, while we call out the Duke." 15:27:10 ‹Rashida› "But do not declare yourself Investigator." 15:27:12 ‹Taraz the Wastrel› "You realize for posterity's sake, I will have to challenge you openly, Alessandra." 15:27:55 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "If I call out the Duke. Then the 2 assassins will either attack me. Whilst I protect myself. Or they strike at different targets and Jin wins and identifies/kills the Baron." 15:28:10 ‹Cassie DuSollier› Taraz the Wastrel: "Why?" 15:28:27 ‹Rashida› "Ma'at will judge them in the end, Taraz. If this gets us out of our trouble with no loss of innocent life, can you not allow it?" 15:29:19 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "Yes, despite my better judgement. My heart melts at their plight." 15:29:26 ‹Rashida› "Cassie, the assassins have only one kill each hour, and Jin outvotes them all." 15:29:55 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "If they combine then they over-rule him." 15:30:06 ‹Alessandra› Taraz the Wastrel: Alessandra looks confused, That fairy tale you told me about? Surely you're joking. She groans slightly. If you must just... try not to be too convincing? Please? 15:30:41 ‹Taraz the Wastrel› "While my vote might fall the same, if I capitulate to the vote too easy, it compromise our secret alliance here." 15:30:55 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "So I will be the target if they combine. Otherwise, Jin will ensure the Zombi's identity" 15:31:41 ‹Cassie DuSollier› 'God help, me if the Zombi is innocent.' 5:32:40 * Rashida looks at the Serv-Bot queryingly "Fairy tale?" 15:33:06 * Cassie DuSollier mirrors Rashida 15:35:18 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "Alessandra, have you told Jin anything yet? If not don't yet. I will talk to him first. This should allow the others to have confirmation of your truth." 15:35:18 ‹Alessandra› Alessandra excuses herself in the ensuing silence. Unless... unless there's something else, I think I'd better take my leave now. Jin and I have a lot to talk about. 15:35:30 * Taraz the Wastrel the bot laughs heartily 15:35:36 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "No." 15:36:19 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "I'll talk to him first...." 15:36:35 ‹Taraz the Wastrel› "'The fairy tale' doesn't have anything to do with it. I just fear her bootlickers' reaction if I join their band wagon too easily. " 15:37:08 ‹Rashida› [b]"Agreed. And you and I have had our differences. The Professor has persuaded me here."[/b[ 15:37:50 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "We'll see how the wind blows. First I'll talk to Jin, then I'll denounce the Duke. Then...we'll see if you are needed Wastrel" 15:38:26 ‹Taraz the Wastrel› "You are so cruel, Ms. DuSollier." 15:39:00 ‹Cassie DuSollier› "Test me..." she vamps it up a bit as she returns to normal. 15:39:26 * Rashida offers her arm to the Professor 15:39:38 ‹Rashida› "Lean on me while we go back, if you are ready." 15:40:21 ‹Alessandra› Alessandra takes the proffered arm, [b]Of course, thank you. ...and from then on out the game was basically finished. Up 'till then I hadn't decided which way to go with the lover role, but I couldn't see any way out of it besides siding with the aristocrats. I admit, it would have been amusing to try to guide them toward finding the other assassins and leaving Jin since 'we know about him and can take care of him any time we need to' but I really didn't think I could pull that off. Rashida and I shared some words:
... whispering fiercely, "For the life of me, woman, I cannot under stand why, when you love a man who takes lives and are willing to do anything for him, you would see fit to denounce and physically attack a rogue who has done no harm more than mischief. All the while, you have been coordinating the 'defense' of the innocent with you and your lover's best interest at heart. Why, if you had any decency at all, you would encourage Jin to strike you down then end his own life. Now, with some wrangling, we may be able to save you two.. but at what price? If he does not do your bidding, people will die. I will never forgive you. Ma'at will find your hearts heavy and throw them to Ammit, Devourer of Souls."
She tries to keep a calm expression, but her lips are white with anger and her grip on Alessandra's arm is painful. Rashida 2:
Alessandra whispers back with with no vitriol of intensity, she seems numb and overwhelmed. "Truly? Count yourself lucky if you've never suffered the attentions of a man who felt himself entitled to take more than you wished to give. I didn't want his machines rummaging around under my skirts; and I believe you 'physically attacked' the man and his machines for much the same reason."
She takes a few steps in silence before continuing, "Jin and I... we thought we had it all figured out. We survived the madness on the airship and thought all we had to do was present ourselves to Von Ryuko and claim the lands before we could leave. On a honeymoon of sorts... we had it all planned out- then, this." She gestures faintly at the locked door with her unrestrained arm. She begins to show a faint bit of passion as she answers Rashadia's accusations. "Yes, of course I had my best interests at heart! Can you claim otherwise? And while you damn me to Ammit, do you truly believe that you and your clan have kept your hands clean as you set to growing so very wealthy? I've traveled the world and see the misery that such injustice can cause- children starving in the streets so that the hull of another airship can be every so perfectly gilded. Ju-long and I... we had such wonderful plans. We were going to use the oilfields to build schools and orphanages, food and medicine for those in need- and when he returned home with the Baron's wealth and a bride, we hoped to be able to turn his family's business into a vehicle for social justice as well! In fact- ..." Alessandra cuts herself off abruptly and apologizes. "But you're not interested in any of that. I'm sorry. Something terrible almost happened and I don't blame you for bearing ill-will toward us. After a moment she asks quietly, "Please... you're hurting my arm." Rashida 3:
Rashida takes a deep breath and loosens her golden talons from Alessandra's arm, then sighs. "We work for the greater good. Feed every stray dog and you are overrun with dogs. When the gods return, they will make of this place a paradise for all, if we but prepare... But I digress."
"There is a difference between a machine and a man. He laid his hands on me. I had to respond. And if I had not, do you think any gentleman here would have refrained from calling him out? Half of them, even the ones who are not assassins, are chomping at the bit to do so. There would be more blood on the floor, uselessly, pointlessly. I did what I had to do." Another step closer to the wolf pack of nobles, and another. Rashida lowers her voice further and leans in to the Professor as a lover might. "Lest you think me heartless, I do understand. Your assassin-lover is a fine figure of a man. And I am certain a high-minded lady such as yourself sees much more in him to be so devoted. I pity you, I truly do. You two are victims of the Baron's scheming as surely as those Jin would have slain. If we manage to get through this with no deaths but the guilty, I pray you do as you intended and flee this place, do your good in the world, so your hearts will lift on the wind as a feather. I will pray for you, in case the gods listen." Next I got a message from Taraz about his reaction to the chat Taraz (secrets):
A military Serv-Bot approaches you. A laser rifle and a shoulder mounted single missile launcher are aimed at you. It raises the weapon, and you hear it pull the trigger. Of all things a single long-stemmed rose of palest yellow shoots out, and then the Serv-Bot removes the "missile launcher" to reveal it opens. The missiles are in fact chocolates. Nestled inside is a note.
My dear sweet Alessandra Devries, I am stunned at the turn of events this day. I would like you to know that I never pursue a woman who claims to be in love, so consider these gifts as an apology for inappropriate behavior towards one whose heart belongs to another. I am surprised Jin let me live after the affront I caused... I willingly admit that I think you are too clever to have gone down without a fight, and being at the moment where you had to make a tactical choice to save your lover, I find I do not believe that some misinformation was not provided. I will be safeguarding myself, a deadman's switch if you will. I didn't fully trust you from the beginning as I have said before, and I do not see any way to make that happen now. Cassie is too bold in her trust, and also in her assumptions. I will keep your secret, but only as long as its existence poses no threat. Cassie seems to think you cowed, but I do not believe you to be only the weak, lovesick woman you played for her today. I have given the little trust I have to one, and I will not be foolish enough to think that even there I have not taken risk. I am greatly disturbed you and I cannot be true allies in this. I had looked forward to being able to finally share my paranoia with someone else. I find nothing but regret in my heart that once again I must harbor distrust in my bosom like a mother does her hungry babe. It is strange to feel such disappointment in being right. I could weep for the shame I feel that I almost confessed what I know, and those whose lives would have been ended for my sin. I hope the chocolates are to your liking. As for the rose...I always liked yellow on black. It should suit. Taraz Rorenson
RE: Secrets:
Alessandra watches the serv-bot approach, her initial trepidation eventually turning to delighted laughter. She smells the rose and takes a minute to consider Taraz's words... he could be a bit of a cad, but his apology seemed to be in earnest. She twirls the rose idly as she considers her reply.
Alessandra seals the note with a bit of wax and stamps it with the seal of the Order of the Eastern star. She hands it over to the serv bot with a smirk and a languid salute, then stands up and steels herself to call out the Duke. The note is writ in a flowing (but still quite legible) hand, well practiced from writing a variety of treatises and research papers: Are matters of the heart 'tactical choices' now? I came forward to prevent the lynching of the man I love, and I'm surprised that you have so little trust of Cassie and her holiness Rashida Massri that you feel the need to spread my secrets to another... but I cannot change what has been done. I hope for all of our sakes that your trust is well founded. Indeed, were I in a mood to cast stones I would point out that you are the only member of our uneasy alliance who has not been thoroughly vetted*- but you know what they say about those who live in glass houses. I have bared my heart to the three of you in the hope that the man I love can come out of this with his life; why do you automatically associate love with weakness? You seem bent on the idea that I am a cruel woman. I am not. Everything Jin and I have done was for the sake of ferreting out the traitors and assassins amongst us. His methods may be crude but they are effective... as we are demonstrating with the Duke. The stalker's identity is still a mystery and every hour that you withold information that could help us track down the remaining assassins, you place Cassie at risk. If you are not a killer yourself, two of these people are assassins: Gigus von zombie
...only time will tell. You wrote that trust is a sin this night and an alliance was impossible- and there I must disagree. I believe that the trust I have shared with the three of you will allow us to pool our knowledge and survive the Baron's game with the smallest possible loss of innocent life. ~Alessandra P.S. The chocolates were divine. *I don't think there's any real doubt that I am a Mason. Cassie is obviously a baner, and Rashida is a valid target for the assassin- an aristocrat of some sort. You? Time will tell... Secrets 3: I smelled a setup after that, and felt it prudent to let Eldon know I was one of the lovers...
Your favorite Serv-Bot approaches you as Taraz's Serv-Suit forms. In the commotion of Serv-Bots, you are handed a note unseen.
Alessandra and Jin, I have kept your secret, even going as far to turn the eye of inquiry away from you to re-establish your credibility. I wish you had seen the sense in letting me name the next. I should have mentioned it before, but I didn't think you would move so quickly. They were only just now wrapping their heads around the Duke. I am now exposed as I knew it would be the only way to support your vote without destroying my own allegiances. Too many people would have turned my own bootlicking comments back at me, if I had not. I would recommend that you carefully make sure your story matches mine, and when speaking with your fellow Masons, dissemble for they will be wroth if they think you 'withheld' the Lover from them. Taraz Rorenson
Secrets 4:
Alessandra puts down the note, faintly astonished. The man wasn't just paranoid- he was scared. She supposed it made sense, and it was a measure of how involved she was with her own problems that she hadn't really considered how the Baron's game must be affecting Taraz. Not just him, everyone else probably felt that way to some extent. A hard bit of introspection made her admit that without the support of her fellow masons and her lover's assurances that he wouldn't let anything happen to her, she would probably be jumping at shadows too.
She does have to chuckle a little though, imagine- her and Cassie as lovers! She dearly hoped this fellow wasn't one of the remaining assassins; even after only having made his acquaintance just a few hours ago he seemed quite capable. She seals another note while the little serve-bot stands by with the occasional quiver and whine of not-quite-tuned gyros and servos. The sound is oddly like one a timid dog would make if it feared a beating. Odd coincidence, that. "Don't worry little one, you've done nothing wrong this time..." she murrmurs as she hands the letter over... Taraz, I'll admit, the show of emotion can sometimes be an element of a strategy- that does not imply that it is false. I find myself looking forward the following hours, though for both our sakes I hope events don't conspire to make you feel the need to outmaneuver me. Do you fancy yourself a chessplayer? I find the dances have grown rather tiresome and would welcome the distraction... Pawn to King's 4. ~Alessandra Eldon's message:
At the chess game, Alessandra opens with the Italian gambit and settles into an offensively focused game. She seems restive and is clearly distracted; about halfway through the game she leans in close and says "There is something I have to tell you..."
"As Ryuko intended, there were assassins on the ship that brought me to this party. It was- well, it was horrible. The suspicion, the paranoia, the blood... I had to trust someone or I'd have hurdled myself over the rail in despair. So, I picked someone and confided in him and worked with him to figure out who we could trust and who deserved to be lynched. It turns out I chose wrong- or maybe I chose right, I don't even know anymore. Everything happens for a reason, right?" "We'd shared so much with each other- our families, our childhoods, our hopes and dreams, what we'd do with our share of the money... we talked for hours and hours. When the time came and we shared that cup of wine, and I realized he'd poisoned the glass, my world collapsed. I don't know what he saw in me then or why he decided to give me the antidote, but when I woke we had a very long talk and neither of us could deny our love any longer." "When we arrived at von Ryuko's estate we thought we'd finally made it through the worst of it... then the baron locked the doors. We panicked, finding ourselves in another situation where we didn't know who we could trust or what was happening. In the first hour he made contact with the Duke. In the second hour he was closing in on Rashida- determined to get out of here as quickly as possible even if it meant the death of those who bore him no ill will... Cassie stopped his blade." "When Cassie came to me with the identity of the head assassin, I intervened on his behalf. I confessed my love for him and swayed her and Rashida over to our side. I now trust them completely and have also told them of the masons. The trouble is... Taraz. He was there as well. I think him trustworthy but I have no proof of it and the possibility that he could betray us, it nettles me-" Alessandra's words are cut off by the Baron's announcement and the gunshot. There was a bit more, but that's the lion's share of it.
POST MORTEM This is how the game went from my perspective... I'm sure everyone has their own interpretation of events but here's how my little corner of things happened. My role:
Hi Alessandra,
You have possibly the most complex role in the game. I was hesatant to allow this at first but because I was determined to hand out all roles at random, I've decided to allow it. You are both a Mason and one of the Lovers! Other Masons:
Other Lover:
Because you have such a strong role right from the start I'm going to encourage you and Jin to try for The Lovers win condition. In order to win, you must be the last 2 survivors. This is not mandatory, just a recommendation to keep things balanced. If you have any questions regarding the game or how your role works feel free to PM me at any time. After I went with my strategy of announcing my Mason role, Cassie was the only person with a 'special' role to approach me although I did get offers of support from several aristocrats. Meowmail 1:
Dear Professor Alessandrar Devries,
I am just an aristocat with little impurrt, now I would like to help you purrtect your own life meow that you have taken an ultimate risk. You are likely to be targeted by assassins, but you will have an advantage if my plan comes to furition. You will know two baners and to detectives: meow I need to help you to keep alive to keep your voting bloc. If I were an assassin, I would vote fur you. If I were a stalker, I would stalk you, thinking a baner would purrtect you. So if you know both of the baners, I would advise you have one purrtect you, and the other purrtect the first. Since I do not know the identities of the banyars, even if I am an assassin, they are purrtected and you are purrtected, so you can trust that meow words are fair, at least. The other possibility is that I will be targeted by the assassins. Furankly, this is the petpurr option, as my death revealing me to be innocat will show the honesty of my plans and the worthwhileness of following them. Do not have the detectives detect me yet, I would suggest that next mreownd that gets done, so you know whether you can trust me (unless I am dead, in which case I think I would be furry trustworthy). I will share any strategies I will use in the furture with you. Purrs and pets,
P.S. I apurrigize fur my mispurrable spellings. I have never know a helmetcat to have a working meowmail system. I will take it up with Tararz to consider having his company purrvide patches fur the system. P.P.S. I apurrigize fur always being so longwinded. :3 Taraz's first serv-bot:
As you stand in the midst of a whirlwind of rumors and well-dressed masked people all clamoring for your attention discreetly and openly, you notice a small robotic Serv-Bot winding it's way amongst the marvelous skirts and well-pressed pant legs. With as much boldness as only a robot could muster, it lifts the hem of your black mourning dress and disappears beneath! You feel the Serv-Bot quickly clambers up the naughty fishnet stockings you are hiding and stuff something into your garter. you suppose it must have let it go and soon see it re-emerge and scurry off.
"Dear Professor, "Forgive my hesitancy in regards to the league of like-minded individuals you are no doubt already forming. Having ducked the assassins of my loving family for many years now, I find myself in a position to little trust others. As stated, I feel your league is doomed to be plagued by inner distrust unless all members of significant value can be completely vetted. "If you would like my support I would need to confirm with you that you have in fact received communication from all of our fortune tellers and the protective detail assigned to this party. I would only feel comfortable following your lead if there truly is a concrete alliance and no 'extras' have surfaced. If you can guarantee this contact, then I offer myself to their scrutiny, and you will have my vote in this alliance. Failing that proof, I will be forced to make my own way, as I will not be able to trust those whom have 'confessed'." -Your rabbit, Taraz Rorenson
Taraz seemed to be playing it smart and attempting to bait me into saying I had the investigator and both baners on my side, and this made me strongly suspect that he held one of those roles himself. I decided to hold off on interacting with him for a while... Cassie told me that she believed Zombi to be the devil and that she was investigating Bors (she actually protected herself, to see if I was leaking information). Per Eldon, Inglilstadt send out messages that he/she was attempting to form another alliance but I'm not sure how far that got. Lover's chat 1:
Jin find a moment to pass Alessandra a napkin... it reads:
My Love.
I count the hours till we no longer have to hide our love.
Lover's chat 2:
As the band plays on, Alessandra takes a brief moment away from the chaotic swarm of rumors and conjecture that surround her to enjoy a brief dance with her lover. She passes him a note to surreptitiously discuss the latest happenings... Oh, how I despise these banal people! That feline has been alternately a blessing and a bit of a thorn in my side. She has quite a few plans in motion (like the Devil ploy) and while I think that she trusts me I doubt that she will be content to sit back and let me direct things to my liking once the blood starts to flow. She has helped me to put together quite a voting block which I should be able to use to steer the hysteria of the crowd to suit our ends, so I don't think it would be prudent to silence her just yet- but I imagine she will outlive her usefulness soon. Love,
P.S. What do you think of the Duke? He might be more valuable to us offered to the crowd as evidence that my "Mason's Alliance" is working as intended, rather than used for his investigatory skills Meowselworth's Devil message came out in the 2nd hour, causing a lot of chaos that was somewhat helpful to me. The big stack of printed meowmails was interesting reading... :3 Meowmails! :
As promised, the Duchess leaves a printoff of all communications she received under the table.
Communications with Wowbagger W: This seems much like a form email to elicit information. As an Alien I have become very paranoid. And scans are not infallible. How do I know your claim is genuine? M: I can do nothing to guarantee, Mr. Wowbagger, as you understand. I would have been accused by now if this were a form message. Purrs,
W: If we are bad guys together, what is our next move? Communications with Cassie DuSollier: As the clock strikes Cassie drops her flute with a crash it falls to the floor. Using it as a distraction, with an elegant flick of Cassies wrist and a note shoots out to land beside Ms Meowselsworth. 'Intriguing, me petite cute dancer, yes that is a profitable idea. My hour was spend rather more futilely, well as far as death is concerned. Of course, we have a slight problem that one of the 4 of us is in love. And working against the greater good, as opposed to the Aristocrats who it's probably just a norm. Cassie' Communications with Taraz: Yet another Serv-Bot approaches you. This is like your standard robot style Serv-Bot carrying a large dish of milk. Once it sets it down, you see a small monitor on its stomach which displays the following: Sweet Duchess, T: I admit surprise to your contact, and that you may be one to aid the cause of the assassins. Before I admit anything of a damning nature, I must make a single inquiry. Why would you have instigated this Mason gambit with the Professor if you yourself root for those who would slay the nobles? Could your message to me not be a means of furthering that league by causing me to state openly that I seek the life blood of those who have come here? Answer to my satisfaction and you may have support in one form or another. Taraz Rorenson
M: Mr Tararz, I must approach this as though I am an aristocat so not to draw attention to myself. That is all. The cleverer I seem, the aliver I remain. Purrs,
T: You have MeowMail! A surprisingly clear message arrives. My wily kitty, Your logic is accepted. Forgive my slight doubt. I have it on good authority that you may be as clever as your late mother. Let us then proceed in an alliance together. Unfortunately, the most desirable targets for our endeavors seem well-protected. Perhaps we should instead consider trying to locate other like-minded entrepreneurs who seek the reward of noble deaths. I have heard whispers that Cassie or Andrezi may be of some interest in this regard. The reason they are suspected suggests that it can not be I that makes the move to discover them as if I choose poorly I will eliminate not one, but two conspirators whose aid could add to the success of the cause. Obviously, you see that I work to create alliances in both the public and private arena, but this league being formed by Devries is apparently closed to me on mere fickleness of the Dame. As it was your suggestion, perhaps it will be your infiltration of this group which will be less noticeable. As you say, if you appear as clever as they think you to be, they may clamor themselves to add you amongst them. Be wary of whom you trust. I suspect we will all discover some interesting truths err long. Taraz Rorenson
Eldon Gorski: An interesting circumstance, though I can assure you that I am indeed not an assassin. I understand that this puts me at risk, but it is a situation I am most comfortable with. The alliance will live on with or without your cooperation. After-
Baron Gigus von Zombi the Baron glances at you, and the false blue eyes of his half-mask flash red briefly. His normally booming voice is a cold, hissing whisper: "I do not know any other identities yet. I suspect that Devries was the primary target, but she was protected, with another watching the protector's back to keep stealth from claiming a victim either." "Taraz and Rashida Massri suspect that you are in league with the asssassins. Tread softly, Duchess." Vorian Ritter My, my, this is most unexpected! What do you have in mind? Duke Leto I hear you. Bors Bors looks up and whispers "How shall we work together?" Rashida After Rashida takes a seat and retrieves her snakes from the goblet, she appears to whisper to them for a moment, and Meowselsworth recieves a message through her helmet in Rashida's voice. "Forgive the delay, divine feline, but the cad would have overheard earlier, and I truly was overcome for a moment. I fear your scanner is broken. And one such as you, derived from the gods even as I, could never be a devil. If you are, only the gods can help you." Kimefe Ohh! That sounds like an excellent idea! Who should we destroy first? P.S. I was very impressed by your whole plan and whatnot, thought you were one of the enemy and were going to ruin us, but now I see how it will all help. How many of the investigators contacted you last hour? These are the messages I received purrior to making my public announcement denying that I am the Devil. Taraz, at his finest...:
A bottle of wine is brought by an actual human servant of the Baron's. Taraz inspects the cork and tastes the initial pour. Taraz gives a slight nod in satisfaction, and the waiter pours two glasses. A second waiter brings some rolls, a cheese platter and a fresh greens salad with carrots, cucumbers, tomatoes, and green peppers included. Taraz waits on Alessandra before resuming his meal. He studies her with a frankness. However, no sign of prurient interest fills his gaze, and it is clear he is taking a measure of her of a different sort.
The moment is interrupted when a small Serv-Bot with a helicopter rotor on its head lands on the edge of the table and hands Taraz a slip of paper. Taraz quickly scans it and pulls a another slip of paper out of his slightly disheveled waistcoat. He hands it to the small robot which takes off and flies away. Perhaps for the first time, Alessandra sees that there are no small number of Serv-Bots flitting amongst the party-goers and most return to Taraz with some kind of missive. Taraz sips the wine and says, "Let me be clear about somethiing immediately. You do not want to make me your enemy. I am in a position to say that I have some considerable influence at this party, and if you are who you claim, we will have quite an alliance if we settle things between us." Taraz takes another drink and lets that sink in. "I have several things that I know for a certainty, but I need assurances before I begin running my mouth and put others' lives at risk. As you claim you are working with an Investigator, I am surprised I was not your first choice for scrutiny. Let them check me now, and when you discover I am as clean and noble as they come these days," a wry smile plays on Taraz's lips, "I will expect an apology and messages from two other Masons confirming you. Then we will have an alliance for truly voting the first lynching which will be necessary next hour. You do not even understand the kind of power I can bring to bear on these proceedings. I truly have much knowledge to offer for the 'ludicrously specific terms' I demanded." Taraz watches Alessandra carefully and waits for her response. A light repast:
I wonder why he trusts those damned bots so much. Weren't they invented by the same father who supposedly wants him dead?
"To be clear, I don't want to make anyone my enemy. And this influence you speak of... well, I would have hoped a man like you would have learned not to take every flattering word at face value. When I can do so with a reasonable degree of certainty I will reveal the assassins amongst us, but I will be quite sure they bear the tattoos before I point my finger at anyone. Now, let me lay out the reason I'm willing to tolerate your unsavory façade." "I believe that you are the investigator that Von Ryuko spoke of." Alessandra takes another bite of her salad and sips on her wine after that declaration, studying the young man next to her for any subtle clues as to his reaction. "This really is an exquisite vintage." "Now, as I was saying, I never claimed to be working with an investigator. I am in contact with those whom I believe to be the baners, but despite their best efforts a situation like this... well, it was not what they have trained for. Working with a professional investigator would be quite the boon, as it would double the speed of our inquiries or allow the baners to focus on what they are best at- protecting innocents. My only plan was to quell the hysteria that Baron Ryuko was cultivating to give the professionals time to do their job. I offered myself as a trustworthy intermediary, to help speed the process of the investigations, announce results, and perhaps to save some time by vouching for my fellow masons so they need not be investigated." "Regarding your terms, perhaps a compromise can be reached. I take the confidence of my masonic oaths quite seriously. Do you truly believe that I am a fraud and that there are three masons out there maintaining their silence to conspire against the rest of us for some reason? Hogwash. And if I did give you two names, why do you suppose that you could trust that they were in fact masons? You commented on the loyalty of my "dogs"; I have a number of allies who have offered to announce themselves as any role necessary to promote the greater good. Why are you so insistent that I give up my confidences?" "As to the other matter, if I have offended your pride then I can certainly make amends." Dame Devries meets Taraz's gaze directly, her brown eyes lively and intense, "Taraz Rorenson, I apologize for striking you, for naming you a coward, and for anything else I may have done to impugn your honor." She takes a deliberate breath after this and sips her drink. "Consider carefully whether you'd like to ask for a public apology, as I think it might attract unwelcome attention on you if it seemed we had become too friendly..." Continuing the repast:
Taraz waves the apology away.
"While I appreciate the effort it must have taken to make such a statement to me, I do not require anything such as that. The slap? Totally earned. I almost find some pride in getting your...let's say undergarments in a bunch. I admit that I targeted you for selfish reasons, and you were the only one that suffered such an...indignity during my initial communications." "There is a family tale of some many-times removed cousin for whom I was named. Apparently he met his end at the hands of a woman named Alessandra who while being a wicked werewolf herself convinced the other villagers to burn my poor relative at the stake. They use the tale to inspire members of our blood to do greater things since the rumor is that Taraz was there in the village because he had been too lazy to leave." Taraz leans back into his chair sampling the Nikolaihof '99. He nods with raised eyebrows and an acknowledging twist to his lips. His eyes show that he is impressed. "Having the same name almost seemed like a stamp of destiny, and I was teased mercilessly by my siblings and cousins as a result. I found myself defiant and desired to prove that a man's endeavor to live in luxury is only a waste for those who will never enjoy the same." Taraz's dark eyes seem a mystery as he swirls the wine and inhales the bouquet. "So as for that, I admit I should offer an apology to you." Taraz's smile is enigmatic and complicated, and he leans forward and even closer to Alessandra's ear than he has been before. His voice is barely a whisper and she can feel the warmth of his breath. "I should have just come to you myself to find out what was under your skirts." And with that statement, Taraz blows softly on the skin just below and behind Alessandra's ear for but a brief second, then leans back in his chair once more. As if he had done nothing unusual, Taraz says simply, "As for your inquiry, I regret to say I can make no claim to be the Investigator." Taraz watches Alessandra's eyes. "However..." Taraz pauses dramatically to sip his wine and the hour chimes begin to ring. The announcement of the Baron is imminent. This will be concluded shortly in a second PM. The Baron's annnouncement was made while I was typing this and necessitated I interrupt our private repast for Wastrel-Approved action. I will continue to talk with you as we dance. ;-P Then we retired to the dance floor and had a rather momentous chat between sets...
@Vorian: I believe the lack of PMs will fix that. If it hadn't been for the chats and PMs in round 3, Jin would almost certainly have been voted out when Cassie revealed his identity publicly- or round 4 at the latest if I was very persuasive in casting doubt on her. I think that in most games the lovers will be a very difficult role, we just ran into a 'perfect storm' this time around.
The lovers were a certain mason and the dark, brooding man she was careful to only share one dance with...
Some people were under the assumption this game was competitive. Some even think so now. ::blinks:: I believe we've been trolled... ::shakes fist::
Even without any investigators or baners, with the collusion of the head assassin a win for the aristocrats would have been almost certain. With a mason vouching for him the group would have been very unlikely to vote for Jin without a good reason. I do wish the lovers hand hadn't been tipped quite so soon though... I think I might have been able to steer things toward a true lover's victory if Jin hadn't been a little too ambitious on the third hour ;) So, now I guess it's time to dig up the PMs and let everyone see what was happening outside of the gameplay thread... and why I decided not to allow PMs in the next game!
"Cassie! Are you sure you want to do this? The burden of taking a life is a heavy one- or so I've been told. Do you truly want to pull the trigger yourself rather than rely on our other methods? It will be a simple matter for our ally to unmask him..."
"This is ridiculous. I'll not see anyone innocent die tonight over my mistakes... I vote for Meowselsworth in the hope that we can tie the voting and show the Baron that we will not give in to this hysteria he's cultivating!"
I'm in favor of bringing it to a speedy conclusion. The only thing that would stop a guaranteed win is for the baners or head assassin to miss their PM. My eyebrows definitely raised when you were announced as dead...
Agreed, I would like to have an in-depth discussion about the chief assassin role and the lovers role after this game ends.
Yeah, I'm going to expand on the rules and background sections for the actual recruiting thread to make it a bit more friendly for anyone who is new to this sort of game. I was still under the edit window so I went ahead and bolded the part about a deleted program's roles. I'd prefer discussion happen on the other thread so we don't clutter things for those who are focusing on the current game.
Virus.obfuscated is a powerful role, and I wasn't sure whether to go with 50% or 25%. I was looking for a good way to balance the debuggers and it seemed like a good option... but the more sets of eyes the better. I'm also not sure whether I should give them a bonus against the forensics suite. Debuggers get one scan between them, the target of which is voted on.
For those who are interested, the first draft of the rules for my AI game is here. I've done a fair bit of tinkering with the rules and roles and would appreciate feedback on whether it seems balanced.
"Won't you and your coalition change their votes to not lynch anyone? Surely you see the reason in waiting? Why would we, who have been so patient, shed blood needlessly now?" Taraz's survival was a sort of omen. After all their successes and cautious planning, to have the man die was a crushing blow to morale. Alessandra was willing to throw caution to the winds and follow Cassie's new plan, but eventually cooler heads prevail. "I'd gladly see nobody die this hour. When I saw Taraz fall... I assumed the worst. You can imagine the thoughts that must have been racing through my head."
Alessandra looks between Vorian and her most recent dance partner morosely. "I'm not certain of your identity like I was of the late Duke and Baron, but Cassie hasn't led us astray yet and has done much to earn my trust."
I deleted mine, and held off on posting one about the hospital ship Alessandra flew in on... I'll wait until the official ruling.
I like Cassie's idea, if the vote goes in that direction.
Erm... I have something rather significant but not quite spoilerish to post in-character. Should I proceed then retcon if the vote is in Taraz's favor, or hold off until everyone has chimed in?
As presented it sounds like a fair ruling. Quite inconvenient for most of us, but fair and consistent with what you posted. When I was the werewolf I usually made a point of sending a PM with a target early in the round, then changing if I felt the need to in the next few days... that way I was covered if I couldn't post on the day the round ended.
Great, I'll start putting together a draft of the fluff for my game and the roles/rules I'll be using so we have plenty of time for discussion and inputs.
"Ah... General, Taraz, if you will excuse me? It seems I have a prior obligation but I am very much looking forward to completing our games!" Alessandra accepts Cassie's invitation and offers her some words of solace as she joins her in a dance. "Thank you, one must maintain appearances... but you mustn't be ashaimed of letting the night's events take their toll- they've been a trial for us all. The tears staining your collar? You should wear them as little badges of honor for they declare you are a woman of compassion and empathy and that is nothing to be ashamed of."
Tron meets shadowrun Exactly what I'm aiming for :D
Any thoughts on the next game? I'm sort of interested in running one, based on a bunch of artificial intelligences competing for resources in a virtual reality...
"Can anyone explain how the Devil was scanned twice, the Baron scanned twice, Meows was scanned, and the militants still protected the Masons during three rounds, all with only a single investigator?" "Some investigations are more direct than others. For example, when an assassin goes after a victim who is protected the person protecting that target and the assassin both learn each other's identity when the attack is foiled. There's no need for a protracted investigation when we've caught them red-handed..."
"Alessandra Devries, You Are No Mason. You Are an Assassin. You Fooled Us Into Believing That You Were True By Sacrificing Duke Leto, Who You Believed To Be The Lover And Thus Capable Of Betraying You. You Have Targeted Me Because You Knew I Feared You Would And You Needed To Keep Attention Off Of You While You Seek Out The Lover, Since Leto Was Not Your Turncoat!" Alessandra takes the accusation in stride, languidly moving a piece in her game with the General and asking "So, you are stating that the masons are working with the assassins? If I am not a mason then that would mean that there were three people in this room who knew of my supposed deception and were complicit in it. Why would you imagine they would let this go on?" "It would have been better to let me name them, for as the Baron von Zombi questioned you, and Ingilstadt withheld his vote, you should have been able to see the doubt had been spread already. After all, you made the first move." "Ah, but sounding out the doubt was part of the point. Those who pressed me to give up information that could make our investigators more vulnerable and those who chose to side with the assassin on this vote... well, I imagine they have given the detective a good starting point for revealing the identities of the remaining assassins." With an impish grin and a twinkle in her eye she declares in a stage whisper, "If it will make you feel any better, you can announce the next assassin we uncover."
"Goodness, did you think I was talking about you?" Alessandra asks, as she advances her queen's pawn forward one square. |