Difference between revisions of "JesseLowe/PirateMonkeySession09"

Latest revision as of 21:48, 8 June 2010

Back to Session 8: The City of Many Gods

jetman has arrived.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yo ho! )

TonyC materializes out of thin air.

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Arrr, matey!

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( I expanded on the plan a bit, or made room for expansion... )

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Btw, I have a request. It's really hard to find the requisite downtime and experience both to up Monkey's attributes. With your permission, I'm going to start withholding XP (1 xp each per attribute per session) to raise Strength and Appearance. Let's just say that the training time is being incorporated into Monkey's day-to-day routine. In the case of App, it can even be just a matter of maturing.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( If the diversion works well and there isn't hot pursuit of the runaway wagons, we take the reins and drive them to the shore where the getaway yacht is, empty the contents and dump the wagons in the river. )

jetman [to Apollonian]: That's a good idea. If it's OK, I'd like to do that for the captain too (Raising App back to normal as a result of solar healing of his battered face).

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( And I'm just looking at Jesse's email of today now... )

You say, "Heya, all. Sorry I wasn't here immediately."

Monkey . o O ( Mmmm, iced mocha. )

You say, "As regards teh attribute raising: That's a good idea. We'll run with that as standard for Attributes. I might even consider it for Essence, but don't hold your breath."

TonyC [to jetman]: Okay, set the scene. Might as well get the debriefing out of the way.

The Storyteller . o O ( Today's mission is the caravan ambush, right? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yes. )

Captain Kaizoku seems a bit more at ease now that he has his daiklave restored. The morning after the return from the interesting trip to the smith, he calls Monkey to his room. "Now that there is not a very pressing issue, I want you to report on how you acquired the fragment from Barada. Did you learn anything useful about the man or his companion then?"

Monkey says, "Hmmmm, that was quite a while ago, Captain. Let's see...."

Monkey has the expression of someone who's thinking really hard.

Captain Kaizoku taps his index finger on the desk.

Apollonian [to TonyC]: By the way, I just finished reading Journey to the West...

Monkey says, "Well, Barada has this big scar down his back. Also, his friend the sorceress...."

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Now you know a lot about how I play Monkey.

jetman [to Apollonian]: Did you find a translation with all 100 chapters?

Captain Kaizoku perks up. "What of her? I suspect we will encounter her or her powers very soon Monkey."

Monkey says, "She's very pretty, but also quite nasty. Has this big demon thing, and is surprisingly fast."

Apollonian [to TonyC]: I rather doubt it. For one thing, it was readable. (I've tried reading Heroes of the Water Margin before, and after the sixteenth battle where the big hairy guy kills a hundred foes without breaking a sweat, it got boring.)

Captain Kaizoku says, "Keep going."

Monkey says, "I tried breaking into her room to look around for interesting stuffs since I thought you'd want to know more, and hey, I want to know more too, but she caught me. It was quite touch and go for a moment there, Captain."

Monkey says, "The big demon almost got me. He's big...."

Monkey proceeds to describe the demon.

The Storyteller . o O ( Which one are you talking about now? The ape or the fire-breather? )

Captain Kaizoku lifts an eyebrow at that. "Did I order you to search for 'interesting stuffs' in her room Monkey?" he asks archly before trying to identify the demon from Monkey's description.

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Actually, Journey to The West is, unlike Water Margin, a collection of apocryphal tales.

Monkey . o O ( The ape. )

Apollonian [to TonyC]: It was pretty damn entertaining.

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay, CK recognizes the description as a blood ape no problem. )

Monkey says, "Of course not, Captain. But the alternative is to not look around. Or to find you first and ask, but how am I supposed to know where you are?"

TonyC [to Apollonian]: There's no significant difference between the edited and unedited version. One is shorter. Presumably the editor feels that the reader could skip having Monkey rescue Pig and Monk and Sand yet again.

Captain Kaizoku narrows his eyes. "The alternative is to leave in accordance with the plan. What if you were captured, hmm? Where would I get a new first mate."

Monkey says, "Oh, there's no risk of me getting captured."

Monkey . o O ( This is Monkey being overconfident. )

Apollonian [to TonyC]: Probably. At least now I know why you went with the Ultimately Useful Tube instead of something... practical.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Oh, yes. )

Captain Kaizoku says, "Then how was it 'touch and go' for you Monkey? Did she use powers on you? Or did a demon attack you?""

Monkey says, "Oh, well, it's a bit, what's the word..., kinky. You see, when she first found me out, she tied my hands and was going to do, well, stuff. I was curious where she was going with it, especially since she was disappointed that I'm female. I figure discovering that I'm male would be a pleasant surprise to her, so I let her. But then she started pulling a knife and talking about drinking my blood and so on, so I got creeped out. And then it turns out not just her maids were watching, but there's also this black-clad guy."

Monkey starts describing the firebreather. "And the he goes VOOMSH and a gout of fire comes out from his mouth, like a dragon! Not a river dragon, mind you. One of the real fire dragon like in the stories!

The Storyteller . o O ( CK, make an Int + Occult roll )

Captain Kaizoku 's expression grows cloudy at the description of Monkey's exploits, but puts that aside at the description of the black-clad man. "Honestly, Monkey?" he asks.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 5 dice on Int + Occult >>> {5, 2, 2, 6, 7}.

Monkey says, "Oh, she's definitely a sorceress. She was talking about some kind of ritual. Not sure what kind though. Once she pulled the knife I kinda bugged out."

Monkey says, "Honest. On my honor as a pirate."

The Storyteller . o O ( Sounds like a neomah: A demonic courtesan with the ability to craft strange monsters from gathered scraps of flesh. )

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Aradia?

Captain Kaizoku says, "Do I need to remind you again about how dangerous it is to let a sorcerer get ritual samples of your flesh and blood Monkey? Someone could do far worse than you can imagine with that."

jetman [to Apollonian]: First Circle demon, or something more?

Apollonian [to TonyC]: No, the fire breather.

Apollonian [to jetman]: First circle only.

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Btw, about the Essence canon and implosion bow. Is the range also the maximum range? Or is it an optimal range beyond which you start getting penalties (like most thrown and archery weapons).

jetman [to Apollonian]: I think it's the optimal range, from what I've read. Only flame weapons seem to have the hard max range.

Apollonian [to jetman]: I think you're right.

Captain Kaizoku says, "Now, have you been sticking with your punishment Monkey? I think you may need added discipline to stay focused for the next operation..."

Monkey says, "Punishment? What punishment?"

Monkey rolled 2 dice on Punishment? >>> {2, 9}.

Captain Kaizoku 's eyes narrow. "The ban on all forms of liquor, Monkey? Have you been sneaking drinks behind my back?"

TonyC [to jetman]: Hmmmm, I don't think Monkey will bother sneaking around your back....

TonyC [to jetman]: And if it's right in front of Captain, you'll find out much sooner. So the only explanation that makes sense that he's been drinking at Impermanence but not afterward.

TonyC [to jetman]: Besides, there are plenty of other vices.

jetman [to TonyC]: No, probably not, but it's still something he has to ask. And he was just checking, not angling for the Impermeance in particular.

jetman [to TonyC]: And I think Monkey will like the discipline the Captain has in mind... :)

Monkey says, "Of course, Captain. I haven't been drinking since I left Impermanence. You have no idea how hard it was, Captain, especially when Master Jaff starts chugging in front of me and burping."

Monkey says, "The nerve!"

Captain Kaizoku says, "Master Jaff is your subordinate, so I suggest you deal with him as such. Now Monkey, you violated Suda's feminine privacy and you were nearly seduced by a Terrestrial sorceress. Clearly, you are distraacted by the needs of the flesh. Before the next operation, I want you to go find a nice, ordinary woman and woo her."

The Storyteller laughs out loud.

TonyC [to jetman]: Heh.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The question is, is this a order Monkey can obey, or will he subvert it like all the rest? )

Monkey says, "Errr, this is a one time thing only, right? Not a long-time commitment thing? Because I don't think I'm ready for that kind of stuff. I mean, being a pirate and all."

The Storyteller . o O ( No, the question is, With Monkey's luck, can he even _find_ a nice, ordinary woman? )

The Storyteller . o O ( 'sides... Heh. I have some spice to add to that assignment. )

Monkey . o O ( Dude, what you don't realize is, the nice ordinary woman will turn out to be Mnemon, on a secret mission in Threshold to ensure that the Lookshy Seventh Legion will back her up on her bid for the throne. )

Captain Kaizoku smirks ever so slightly. "Go talk to the rest of the crew about 'shore leave romances' Monkey, and learn how it is done. I think it will be some time before you can find your future wife."

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Okay, how do you want to handle this?

The Storyteller . o O ( Rather quickly, actually. I'm more tired than usual, and if I want to be any kind of alert for the caravan raid, we'd better get to it around or before midnight EST. )

jetman [to Apollonian]: The captain will be taking some of the crew up to Great Fork in disguise to get a yacht, leaving Monkey in Tender for at least a day or two, should the timing work.

jetman [to Apollonian]: And the Captain will be getting that yacht and having the carpenter build a mount on the bow for the Implosion Bow, and buying a coaster for the 50 merc unit to use for the diversion.

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay, let me think about how to divvy these tasks up. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( And the first ambush site is the desired one. )

TonyC [to Apollonian]: If nothing unusual happens, just chalk out some downtime gone, spent specifically to woo some girl. Exactly what game mechanics you use is up to you. I recommend the handwave mechanic, btw.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Or at least, nothing unusual happens at the time... )

Monkey . o O ( Good point. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay, Monkey's "punishment:" roll Charisma + Presence. The number of successes dictates how hawt (and appropriate) your partner is. Too many successes and she falls wildly in love with you... )

jetman [to Apollonian]: On a related note, a Solar pirate queen would be a good romantic interest/foil for the Captain, should you want to put one in, inspired by the one in the Zenith book.

Apollonian [to jetman]: We'll call her Belit, shall we?

Monkey rolled 4 dice on Cha + Pre >>> {7, 8, 2, 3}.

jetman [to Apollonian]: OK!

Monkey . o O ( Almost time to switch comp. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Roger. )

The Storyteller . o O ( For the captain's tasks: Is he buying the coaster and hiring the mercs before or after he leaves? )

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Solar Pirate Queen. Bah.

TonyC wouldn't settle for less than Roseblack for Monkey.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Before, and leaving some of the crew, like the Master at arms and Proerus, to work with them. )

The Storyteller . o O ( I might go for a Lunar Pirate Queen. A Dragon-blooded Captain who falls irrevocably in love with the Anathema her House demands she destroy might be more fun, though. )

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Logging out. Please delay anything involving Monkey for a few minutes.

The Storyteller . o O ( NP )

TonyC decides that saving the world takes priority over chatting and disappears.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Why not both? Then he could be torn and the captains could fight each other over him. )

The Storyteller . o O ( I'll ponder. We'll see what comes up. Incidentally, I'll probably pick up Houses of the Bull God in a few weeks. Do you think the Captain would have an interest in messing around the Southeast, esp. the trade routes between there and the Realm? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( And the captain will also have the carpenter work up a tripod mounting to use the light essence cannon on a ship and offset the strength shortfall. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( That's still House V'Neef doing the trading there, right? )

The Storyteller . o O ( I believe so. Also, the essence cannon can only be fired by Essence users, which limits it to you, Monkey, or White Soul Weeping. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay, for your tasks: )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( In that case, likely so, and it would help him make contact with other Solars as well. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( And the captain will go for a much more extensive disguise on the trip to Great Fork this time. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Buying the coaster: extended opposed roll of Wits + Bureaucracy (and yes, HPM is usable), four rolls. Each one takes an hour. This'll determine how much it costs you for the ship. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 10 dice on Wits Bur HPM >>> {3, 7, 5, 8, 1, 10, 8, 4, 8, 3}.

You rolled 5 dice on Ship-merchant's haggling roll >>> {7, 9, 4, 9, 9}.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 10 dice on Wits Bur HPM II >>> {5, 6, 2, 7, 10, 9, 10, 6, 2, 6}.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 10 dice on Wits Bur HPM III >>> {5, 3, 4, 4, 3, 9, 5, 2, 1, 1}.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 10 dice on Wits Bur HPM IV >>> {10, 5, 7, 7, 6, 1, 9, 6, 2, 3}.

You rolled 5 dice on Ship-merchant's haggling roll >>> {3, 7, 10, 2, 5}.

You rolled 5 dice on Ship-merchant's haggling roll >>> {8, 10, 6, 7, 8}.

You rolled 5 dice on Ship-merchant's haggling roll >>> {3, 1, 4, 3, 7}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Totting up... )

The Storyteller . o O ( at the end of it, you have a 5-success advantage. )

TonyC materializes out of thin air.

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Back.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( I can't believe that Monkey's lover is... Oh, wait. )

The Storyteller . o O ( The coaster costs you about half as much as it would otherwise: 1,000 dinars out of pocket. This is a small coaster (Savage Seas 55) with a minimum crew of 1 and a standard crew of 3. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Wait, no. My bad. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yeah, it'd have to be the large one to hold any number of troops. )

The Storyteller . o O ( 1,500 dinars, but it's a coastal trader. Same page, std/min crew of 10/4. Misread my notes. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Got it. )

TonyC busies himself updating Monkey's character sheet.

The Storyteller . o O ( For the mercenary company, same routine, except roll a Charisma + Performance roll first for your first impression on the whole company. Every success over 1 on that roll gives you 1 die to spend on any of the four rolls (in the same way your Tactical Instincts merit works). )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Spending one willpower for starters... )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 5 dice on Cha + Perf >>> {9, 3, 2, 3, 6}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay, roll the four Wits + Bureaucracy. Again, HPM counts. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 10 dice on Wits Bur HPM >>> {6, 7, 9, 3, 8, 7, 9, 8, 1, 7}.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 10 dice on Wits Bur HPM II >>> {5, 3, 4, 7, 3, 3, 7, 8, 4, 6}.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 10 dice on Wits Bur HPM III >>> {10, 1, 7, 5, 7, 1, 4, 6, 8, 8}.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 10 dice on Wits Bur HPM IV >>> {4, 7, 2, 5, 4, 7, 8, 7, 3, 2}.

You rolled 6 dice on Mercenary haggler >>> {7, 9, 3, 4, 2, 3}.

You rolled 6 dice on Mercenary haggler >>> {10, 5, 3, 9, 1, 2}.

You rolled 6 dice on Mercenary haggler >>> {8, 6, 3, 10, 5, 8}.

You rolled 6 dice on Mercenary haggler >>> {2, 8, 8, 1, 4, 8}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Hiring the company will cost you 250 dinars per month. How long do you want to hire them out for? The minimum is one month. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( One month would do it, right? It's less than a month until the ambush times, right? Well make it two. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. Two months, paid on this date every month. It's the 21st. )

The Storyteller . o O ( They're loyal until the 21st of Ascending... Fire, I think. Can never keep Creation's calendar straight. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( That covers their food expenses and other incidentals, right? Or are there hidden fees and roamning charges. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( roaming ch arges, that is. )

The Storyteller . o O ( That covers everything. Of course, they'll fight better with victory bonuses and the like. )

The Storyteller . o O ( and, of course, you could grab a couple Charms and turn them into devoted soldiers of the Sun if you felt like it. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( He'll indicate that if the first mission goes well, there will be a share of profits for all, and maybe continuing employment. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( those are level five Performance charms though, right? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Actually, no long-term Charms beyond Tiger-Warrior training technique are in the corebook. I'll have to poke around... and get the Caste books. )

Monkey . o O ( Bureaucracy has some long-term ones, but not permanent though. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Hmm. I'll ponder it. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Nothing troop or training related in the Zenith castebook. Well, moving on... )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The proreus will have the troops drill embarking and disembarking from the coaster. )

The Storyteller . o O ( anyway, make an Intelligence + Larceny roll for the Disguise. This is a joint effort, so any of your crew with larcenous leanings can contribute. All told, you'll need ten successes to look convincing. Nature calls, but I'll BRB. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Ten?! )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 2 dice on captain Int >>> {1, 1}.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 7 dice on Purser Int Larceny >>> {3, 1, 6, 4, 6, 5, 10}.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Well, so much for disguise. Captain fumbled and the purser only got 2... )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Who would have thought that Infamous flaw would be such a disadvantage!? :) )

TonyC [to jetman]: why are you in disguise?

The Storyteller . o O ( stupid mexican food. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( To avoid any unpleasantness when buying a yacht in Great Fork. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Uh, that's an extended action. Each roll takes two hours. Sorry, should have made that clearer. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Ah, OK. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The captain will have Monkey practice running and shooting with the Essence Cannon in between his discipline sessions. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 2 dice on captain Int >>> {3, 10}.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 7 dice on Purser Int Larceny >>> {9, 2, 2, 7, 8, 2, 6}.

Monkey . o O ( There are sessions? Good Unconquerable Sun, Captain. What did those women ever do to you that you want Monkey to break their hearts? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( It's a small sacrifice to insure there's one less thing for Monkey to be distracted by during a critical misson. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 2 dice on captain Int >>> {4, 3}.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 7 dice on Purser Int Larceny >>> {10, 8, 7, 7, 3, 6, 1}.

Monkey spends the time (10 days) to learn another Dodge Charm.

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay, it takes several hours to come up with decent disguises for the captain and crew, but eventually, you get it done. It's now the 23rd, so are you heading up to Great Forks by Stormwind Rider? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yes indeed. It's the Kubernetes, Carpenter and Purser along for the trip. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( With the rest working with the mercs. )

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Note that there should be enough combined time before, during, and after Captain's trip to Great Fork for the study time.

The Storyteller . o O ( Naturally. What Charm? )

Monkey . o O ( Flow Like Blood. )

Monkey . o O ( Which Monkey shall rename... Seven After-images Method. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Which means that Monkey's all but mastered the Dodge tree, right? )

Monkey . o O ( Or maybe Can't Touch This <cue Hammer music> Hmmmm. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( "Monkey Spills the Expensive Wine?" )

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Technically incorrect, as only the MA charms have a definite tree, but yes.

The Storyteller . o O ( My goodness. I shall have to come up with undodgeable attacks to challenge him. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Hopefully, the captain will have time for some training once the buying trip is over. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Or just have him go up against a nasty grappler. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Like Barada? )

The Storyteller evil grin.

Monkey . o O ( You guys plot. It's my turn for the bathroom break. Pbhpt. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Right, for the rest of the buying trip: Make an extended Int + Bureaucracy roll to find a suitable ship for sale. You need 8 successes. Each roll takes one day. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Does HPM apply? )

The Storyteller . o O ( As usual. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 8 dice on Int Bur HPM >>> {7, 10, 9, 1, 3, 1, 4, 4}.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 8 dice on Int Bur HPM II >>> {6, 10, 10, 8, 7, 2, 6, 3}.

The Storyteller . o O ( After two days of searching you find the right boat in the right hands and prepare to to part hands from boat. Again, four rolls of Wits + Bureaucracy + HPM... )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 8 dice on Int Bur HPM >>> {6, 3, 5, 1, 5, 9, 4, 7}.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Whoops, wrong stat! )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 10 dice on Wits Bur HPM >>> {1, 1, 4, 6, 8, 3, 3, 3, 5, 1}.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 10 dice on Wits Bur HPM >>> {8, 9, 7, 1, 6, 2, 5, 7, 8, 7}.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 10 dice on Wits Bur HPM III >>> {8, 7, 1, 1, 3, 2, 2, 6, 4, 7}.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 10 dice on Wits Bur HPM IV >>> {10, 7, 8, 9, 1, 4, 9, 8, 3, 6}.

You rolled 8 dice on Yacht merchant's haggling >>> {4, 8, 2, 3, 5, 6, 10, 9}.

You rolled 8 dice on Yacht merchant's haggling >>> {3, 3, 7, 4, 3, 1, 1, 5}.

You rolled 8 dice on Yacht merchant's haggling >>> {2, 1, 7, 6, 1, 2, 1, 7}.

You rolled 8 dice on Yacht merchant's haggling >>> {5, 8, 4, 2, 9, 3, 1, 6}.

Monkey is back.

The Storyteller . o O ( Most fortunate: The yacht owner is apparently distracted by something and bargains poorly. You gain the yacht for a mere 1,000 dinars. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Pay him, get any materials the carpenter needs, a spyglass and then sail south with Calling the Wind's Kiss. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Need to establish a spy network, as infamy and tight schedules don't lead themselves to hanging out in bars for rumors... )

The Storyteller . o O ( Call that an extra 100 dinars and the voyage takes... checking map )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Sailing night and day between the Kub and captain if time is tight. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Two days of fast but moderately careful sailing. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( OK. How much time before the caravan reaches the first spot? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Oh, and this is a large yacht. It's presently set up as luxuriously as you might expect, but can be modified to make a good corsair. That will take at least a week's worth of work to rip out most of the luxury fittings, mess with the hull, install secret compartments, etc., etc. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Make it so. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Along with easily concealable or removable mounts for the Bow and Cannon. )

The Storyteller . o O ( It is presently the 1st of Descending Wood. The caravan should be setting out from Nexus today. It will arrive at the ambush point on the sixth. It will take three days minimum to sail there. )

The Storyteller . o O ( and I need to make some last-minute calculations. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( How does the Proreus think the mercs are doing? )

You rolled 8 dice on something >>> {4, 1, 2, 1, 10, 1, 5, 8}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Acceptable, but certainly not crack marines. They're regular infantry who are now familiar with how (and how not) to disembark without drowning. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Good enough. The two ships set sail for the ambush point. )

The Storyteller . o O ( It looks like this will be something we want to use Mail and Steel for, as it happens. How are you going to divide your troops and who will lead them? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The mercs are to make a splashy ambush on the front of the caravan, lead by the Proreus, Master at Arms and White Soul Weeping. Monkey makes the hopping canon flank diversion. )

Monkey . o O ( Essence Cannon does not require a mount. )

Monkey . o O ( Geh. There's going to be a lot of bodies. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( It'll help though, as it has a str min of 4. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The mercs aren't to engage heavily though. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Do you both have the Mail and Steel rules handy? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yep. )

The Storyteller . o O ( So, let's see... that's 1 Scale of regular Infantry led by the Proreus, 1 led by the Master at Arms, with Monkey and WSW acting as solo heroes. Correct? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Who's going to actually go in and raid the cookie jar? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Isn't that two scales? 50 men? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Yeah. One led by the Proreus and the second led by the Master at arms. Right? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The captain will be at the spot in advance in the steath armor, move to the treasure wagons and cast Commanding the beasts to get the Yeddim to "panic" and run to a designated spot, while any others he can effect scatter in other ways. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Whoops, skipped over that. My bad. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. Are you arriving ahead of time to scout the location? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yes, he's going to scout and then hide up a tree to take advantage of the armor's extra stealth for being still. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. Make an Intelligence + Lore check and add half the successes to your Stealth roll. )

Monkey . o O ( Does not have M&S rules handy. But given that Monkey's solo-ing, probably won't matter. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Are the mercs going to attack from ambush or just march up the road toward the caravan? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Ambush, one scale on each side of the road. They have bows, right? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Yes. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay... making notes. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( They're told to make it look like a botched raid, to "panic" and fall back after the wagons start to move. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Oh, and while I'm making notes, can CK explain the M&S rules to Monkey? Just the basics. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Long turns, 3 mintues long for starters. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Units are bases on their leaders, treated like single characters. )

TonyC [to jetman]: Any specific instructions for Monkey?

jetman [to TonyC]: Fire the first few shots at targets to cause disrutpion, say, near groups of horses or Yeddim, then aim at sorcerers or other very dangerous looking people.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Should I make a Tactical Instincts roll? )

Monkey . o O ( Behold my Google-fu. http://www.lensmen.net/wiki/exalted.pl?BrokenShade/MailAndSteel )

Apollonian [to jetman]: Definitely make the TI roll.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 6 dice on Wits + Lore TI >>> {2, 6, 3, 3, 6, 4}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Also look at http://www.lensmen.net/wiki/exalted.pl?JesseLowe/MilitaryOrganization )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Bleh. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Stats for each scale, but not for the leaders -- that's CK's job to put 'em together. I'm working on the caravan troops... )

Monkey . o O ( Look Ma! Armies! http://www.lensmen.net/wiki/exalted.pl?Armies )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Should I just use the mercenary army from that page? )

The Storyteller . o O ( No, it's much larger than what you've hired. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( OK )

Monkey . o O ( Adjust down. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Just take the stats on the page I gave you and add them to the Proreus' and MoA's stats. )

Monkey . o O ( Hmmm, -2 penalties for not-enough-strength. Oh well. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Hence the tripod for the one on the ship. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Proreus Unit Magnitude 2 Hand-to-Hand Attack Rating: 13 (Chopping swords) Hand-to-Hand Damage: 13 Ranged Attack Rating: 2 (self bows) Ranged Attack Damage: 2 Armor: 8 Drill: 3 (Crisp) Might: 0 Valor: 7 )

The Storyteller . o O ( Do you have the scales figured out? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Ach, I type too slow. )

The Storyteller . o O ( remember, the bonuses for the attacks are automatic successes, not extra dice. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Meanwhile, the damage bonuses are extra raw damage... )

The Storyteller . o O ( and Valor is separate from the commander's Valor. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( M-A-A unit Magnitude 2 Hand-to-Hand Attack Rating: 14 (Chopping swords) Hand-to-Hand Damage: 10 Ranged Attack Rating: 6 (self bows) Ranged Attack Damage: 6 Armor: 6 Drill: 3 (Crisp) Might: 0 Valor: 3 )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( OK. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The MAA's unit will do the archery, with the Kub's standing by for HTH. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Good plan. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay... )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( With some fire arrows mixed in. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Almost ready on my part as well. The ambush point is the road itself, about forty feet in width from brush-line to brush-line. The road is dirt, mostly, with logs pounded into it to act as metalling. This means that the surface is fairly level but not exactly pleasant. The road counts as clear terrain. The ten yards of brush on either side are 50% cover and count as rough terrain. The forest beyond is abatis terrain with 90% cover. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Good. Monkey knows the fallback point where the wagons should go, and the secondary point near the shore where the boats are. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Bear in mind that the wagons cannot move through the forest. Did your troops prepare a path for them? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yes, and disguised the entrance for a few yards after. )

Monkey whistles softly.

Captain Kaizoku says, "Monkey, are you clear on the plan? No diversions for other looting, clear?"

Monkey says, "Like spring water, Captain."

The Storyteller . o O ( Gotcha. Okay, the caravan approaches. Roll Dex + Stealth for the merc units, WSW, Monkey, and the Captain. Everybody adds dice equal to the Captain's tactics roll earlier -- oh, wait, he didn't roll that. Roll that first. Then roll stealth. )

Captain Kaizoku says, "I hope that's all you've been drinking, as well."

Captain Kaizoku rolled 6 dice on wits + Lore TI >>> {6, 4, 4, 3, 2, 4}.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( GAH. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Well, at least you didn't botch. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Roll that stealth. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 7 dice on stealth >>> {3, 9, 2, 3, 6, 8, 10}.

Monkey rolled 6 dice on Dex + Ste >>> {8, 2, 3, 7, 2, 6}.

You rolled 3 dice on WSW's stealth >>> {1, 2, 7}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Eh. )

The Storyteller . o O ( CK, roll once each for the Proreus' scale and the MoA's scale. )

Monkey looks for signs of the incoming caravan from his perch on the top of the tree.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Stealth? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Yes, Dex + Stealth. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 4 dice on Proreus Stealth >>> {7, 2, 10, 1}.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 5 dice on MoA Stealth >>> {4, 1, 6, 2, 1}.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Oh, dear. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( But it could work out OK... )

The Storyteller . o O ( I guess they might spot the archers... )

You rolled 4 dice on Gatash of Sijan's spot >>> {3, 10, 9, 4}.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( And be surprised by a melee charge. )

You rolled 6 dice on infantry spot >>> {2, 6, 5, 10, 2, 4}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Setting the scene... )

Monkey whispers, "Shhh, Master Jaff, you don't get the play with the Cannon."

Monkey takes a deep breath and concentrates, directing Essence to flow in a certain way in and around him.

The rumble of wagon wheels, the grunting and snuffling of yeddim, and the steady thunder of their hooves all announce the caravan well in advance. The first yeddim rounds a bend in the forest, an elaborate palanquin swaying gently on its broad back. The mahout atop it has a rather bored expression and glances idly from side to side. Soldiers in lamellar armor, bearing swords and bows, march along side in units of five, maintaining an alert watch born of long experience. The dust of the road boils behind the yeddim, swirling around the hooves of the next two, which draw a huge and unwieldy wagon behind them. To the right of the caravan can be seen horsemen, riding two abreast in a long column.

Captain Kaizoku concentrates on a vision of the open sea to remain motionless, hidden in a tree as the caravan approaches, planing the spells to use.

Monkey . o O ( Tell me when. )

The caravan passes by the concealed pirate captain without notice, and he is able to spot the leader of the caravan guard: A man in sturdy, workman-like armor with a banner on his back marked with the symbol of a stooping hawk. The lance he bears has Walker In Darkness' sigil on it, showing his client of the moment. He rides near the front of the cavalry scale on a brown destrier.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( We haven't seen the treasure wagon yet... )

As the caravan winds towards the waiting ambuscade, the morning sunlight catches the glint of arrowheads and armor. One of the infantrymen walking alongside a supply wagon sees it and waves his fang over to look. Reacting a shade too quickly, White Soul Weeping leaps from his treetop perch, grand daiklave ready to strike. Shouting in alarm, the infantrymen rush back to their comrades, who ready for an assault.

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay, here's how it is: )

The Storyteller . o O ( CK is unseen and can act pretty much as he wishes to start with. One scale of infantry, five wagons, and the front yeddim are all in ambushing range for the first round. On the second round, another scale of infantry will enter into the fray, as will the cavalry scale. The guards have not spotted the Proreus' unit, but will see Monkey almost immediately. They've already seen WSW and the Master at Arms' unit. Finally, the Captain has seen the first treasure wagon come 'round the bend, fifty or so feet away and guarded by (on this side) two fangs of infantry. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Roll for init? )

Monkey . o O ( Assume the following charms are active. Flow Like Blood (persistent dodge), Durability of Oak Meditation (12B soak), Iron Skin Concentration (sets L soak = B soak -> 12L soak). Motes and WP accounted for. All motes from personal. )

Monkey smacks his head because White Soul Weeping ruined his grand entrance. "Oh well, might as well start."

The Storyteller . o O ( Yes, roll for init, _but_: CK automatically goes first with a count one higher than the Proreus' unit, which goes second with a count one higher than the highest roller. )

Monkey rolled 1d10+6 and got 10.

On 1d10, you rolled 8.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 1d10+7 and got 10.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Rounds are the same as personal combat for using sorcery? So he could activate the Terrestrial Circle charm in this round, cast the next? )

The Storyteller . o O ( No, rounds are equal to 3 rounds of personal combat, I think. Checking. )

The Storyteller . o O ( So essentially, you can cast 1 1/2 spells per round. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Oh! Almost forgot: What order are the two scales in? Close, Relaxed, or Skirmish? )

Captain Kaizoku drawing on the power of the Sun, the captain calls the powers of Emerald sorcery to hand and unleashes the power of Commanding the Beasts, reaching out for the Yeddim of the treasure wagon and all the others beyond it he can control, urging them to buck wildly and head down the path, then begins thinking of the Death of the Obsidian Butterflies.

On 1d10+6, you rolled 15.

On 1d10+15, you rolled 19.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Relaxed on the melee unit, Skirmish on the archers. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. Heading things up, then... )

Monkey jumps out from his perch and sommersaults down in front of the caravan's path. He lands and stumbles a bit forward, being dragged by the bulky weight of the cannon. Recovering his pose, he says, "Ahem. You didn't see that." He continues on, "Well, ehm ehm, mateys! The plan goes like this. We raid your caravan for treasure, then we escape. This plan is guaranteed to succeed, so you might as well give it up right now. On the other hand, it's been a pretty boring day so far, so if you do want to resist, it'll be more entertaining for me." He pauses for a while. "Oh yeah, I'm supposed to shoot you too to prove that we're serious." He aims and fires the essence cannon at the foremost escorts. "Now, what will it be?"

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Wow, that's another standing order for Monkey's list... "Don't announce the plan to the enemy." )

Initiative order is this: Kaizoku 21, Proreus 20, WSW 19, 1st Scale 15, Monkey 10.

The Storyteller . o O ( First Combat Sequence: What's Kaizoku's action? Begin casting? )

TonyC [to jetman]: Consider writing the standing orders down and putting it up in the page.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yes, begin casting Commanding the Beasts. )

jetman [to TonyC]: It might take too much bandwith there...

The Storyteller . o O ( Right. Proreus? )

Monkey . o O ( Consider Monkey's described shot as a warning shot without any significant effect to the unit as a whole, although the individuals hit are not feeling well. However, the motes do make Monkey's caste mark glow brightly. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Being a little clearer: What does the Proreus' unit do now, Captain? )

The Proreus, Snarling Wolf, sees that steath has been lost from Monkey and White Soul's efforts and beckons her unit forward, behind the two superhuman fighters, staying behind them on the side of the road, out of the path that the MoA's arrows will take.

The Storyteller . o O ( Oy. Must learn patience, young GM. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Move and hold action, in short. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. )

TonyC [to jetman]: How are Monkey supposed to remember them then? :)

The Storyteller . o O ( Next is White Soul Weeping. He's off to the left side of the caravan, within striking distance. )

jetman [to TonyC]: Tattoos on his body.

The Storyteller . o O ( What does he do? )

TonyC [to jetman]: Hmmm, that attracts the wrong sort of ladies and scares away the right sort. Vetoed.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The leader is in striking range of WSW? )

The Storyteller . o O ( No, wrong side of the caravan. )

White Soul Weeping swings his mighty Daiklave at the nearest wagon wheel in an effort to shatter it.

Monkey . o O ( Besides, having to disrobe everytime Monkey must do something important will be very distracting to everybody present. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( And saves one action for defense. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay, roll that baby... Oh my. THere's an image. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 9 dice on WSW sword >>> {10, 5, 10, 6, 5, 5, 1, 2, 4}.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( It'd keep Monkey busy and out of trouble though. )

The Storyteller . o O ( He shears off part of the wheel, slowing the wagon severely, since it's one of the steering wheels. (There are 8 wheels on each wagon, 4 in the front on a pivot and four big ones in the back.) )

The Storyteller . o O ( Next is the infantry scale. They ready bows and fire at the Master at Arms. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( AT him?! )

The Storyteller . o O ( His unit. Bear with me. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Oh, for some reason I thought it was his scale firing at him, trying to frag him. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Oh, no! The _guards_. ) Captain Kaizoku . o O ( :nods. )

The Storyteller . o O ( What's his defense? He can abort to a dodge... I think. That's how I'm calling it this combat, anyway. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Erk. Dodge or take it, basically. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( In that case, he will. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 8 dice on Dodge >>> {6, 2, 8, 5, 10, 7, 8, 5}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. Roll it. )

Glint, the Master at Arms, sees his team has been spoted and calls out "Take cover!"

You rolled 5 dice on something >>> {7, 3, 2, 6, 9}.

The Storyteller . o O ( The Proreus' scale needs to make a hesitation check: Roll its Valor. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 3 dice on Valor >>> {1, 2, 5}.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Crap. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Oh, ouch. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( I think I used up all the good rolls doing negotiating earlier... )

It seems the Proreus has overestimated the valor of his men, or perhaps they simply took the Captain's orders to make this seem like a failed ambush too much to heart. To a man, they break and run, vanishing into the forest like dried leaves in a winter wind. (The scale is effectively gone. The Proreus can choose to fight on alone or head after his men and try to round them up.)

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Can he attach himself to the archery unit instead? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Sure. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Wait. Doh! )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( No? Then he'll head off to try and regroup them. 250 for this... )

The Storyteller . o O ( No, that's the Master at Arms' scale that's buggered off. The Proreus' scale -- the melee fighters -- are still in good order, and the Master at Arms can join up with them. I got confused... )

The Storyteller . o O ( In any case, it's... Monkey's action. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Fantastic... so much for cover fire. Then the MoA goes to regroup the archers. )

Monkey ignores the skirmish among the mercenaries. Instead, he runs up a nearby tree, grabs a tree limb, and swings from tree-branch to tree-branch, using hand and feet (the other hand's holding the cannon, y'see). Bypassing the first scale of caravan escort that way, he lands on top of the first wagon and starts shooting at the cavalry troops.

The Storyteller . o O ( Wotcher. Crane Stance is active? )

Monkey . o O ( Nope. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Ah, then make an Athletics roll and an Archery roll. No multiple action penalty though. )

Monkey rolled 10 dice on Athletics >>> {10, 8, 4, 4, 10, 10, 1, 4, 10, 4}.

Monkey rolled 5 dice on Arc >>> {2, 10, 7, 7, 2}.

Monkey rolled 1 dice on Accuracy >>> {1}.

The Storyteller sings, "The daring young Monkey flies through trees/brachiating with the greatest of ease..."

The Storyteller . o O ( Damn, that's a lot of successes. )

Monkey . o O ( One of these days, one of these days I will remember to add Accuracy before I roll. )

The Storyteller . o O ( and enough on the archery roll as well. Gatash can't dodge, so he's just gonna have to soak it. )

The Storyteller . o O ( what's your raw damage? )

Monkey . o O ( 15B. )

Monkey . o O ( Plus successes. )

The Storyteller . o O ( plus successes is... 19, minus 10 soak is 9 damage. Roll it. )

Monkey rolled 9 dice on Damage Woot! >>> {4, 2, 8, 5, 1, 8, 10, 10, 4}.

Monkey rakes the cavalry scale with Essence cannon fire, startling and bruising the soldiers.

Monkey says, "Tsk, tsk. This is way too easy."

The Storyteller . o O ( now they make a valor check... )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( C'mon botch! )

You rolled 4 dice on Elite cavalry valor check >>> {4, 2, 3, 3}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Well, not a botch, but... damn... )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Both sides forgot to make an offering to the Maiden of Battles, sounds like. )

You rolled 10 dice on Gatash's rallying cry >>> {3, 7, 2, 8, 8, 9, 7, 2, 1, 5}.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( If we run off the cav, things will work out OK, as the infantry won't pursue. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Actually, since you're heading into forest, the cav can't really pursue effectively either. )

Monkey glows brightly, casting flickering shadows amongst men, beasts, and trees alike.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Also a good point. )

His men hesitate at the unexpected attack, but the infantry commander shouts, "Come on, you bastards! Grow some balls!" and it spurs them back into action.

The Storyteller . o O ( Second action sequence: CK begins by finishing his spell. It'll affect up to six yeddim... I'm assuming you want at least two of those to be the ones drawing the treasure wagon, right? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yes, those two and the two wagons behind it... six total, presuming they're all two-Yeddim wagons. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Yes, though if I'd really thought about, they'd all be 1-yeddim wagons... oh well. Maybe next caravan. )

Monkey . o O ( Make sure you don't glow, El Kapitan. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Commanding the Beasts uses 10, and brings his personal to zero, so it's good. )

The yeddim hauling the treasure wagon and the two following it suddenly go wild, bellowing in a panic as they cut out of line and thunder toward the secret path near the Captain's hiding place. Their mahouts frantically and unsuccessfully try to control them, and they trample a scale or two of slow infantry in their rampage.

The Storyteller . o O ( Next, the Proreus. )

Snarling Wolf lunges forward for the shaky forces demoralized by Monkey's blast, swords flashing as they cut into the outer group of them.

The Storyteller . o O ( Roll the attack. They're blocking. Attack is at +1 difficulty due to shields. )

Monkey . o O ( Hmmm, infantry vs. cavalry. Well, you do have the advantage of initiative. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( And it's not like they can charge or use lances. )

Monkey . o O ( Oh wait, or are you charging the 1st infantry scale? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Oh yeah, cav. Still only +1 difficulty, since you've got spears. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 13 dice on Proreus Chop >>> {4, 10, 5, 5, 3, 10, 8, 8, 1, 10, 9, 10, 6}.

You rolled 5 dice on Cavalry defense >>> {6, 3, 7, 9, 7}.

The Storyteller . o O ( 8 successes... what's the raw damage, then? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( 13 )

The Storyteller . o O ( Including successes? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Oh, 21 then. )

The Storyteller . o O ( My goodness. Minus 8 makes 13. Roll it. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 13 dice on Horse meat making >>> {7, 2, 7, 9, 9, 5, 1, 4, 4, 6, 4, 8, 9}.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( One more and they'd have been finished! )

TonyC [to Apollonian]: Quick! Activate Dawn Caste Anima Effect!

The Proreus' scale surges forward, taking advantage of the cavalry's disorientation and stabbing at horses and men with ruthless courage. About half the cavalry fall under their spears.

Apollonian [to TonyC]: Me?

The Storyteller . o O ( I'm just the GM. You do it! )

You rolled 4 dice on Cavalry Valor check >>> {1, 5, 10, 4}.

Monkey's anima banner flares up in a brilliant fire. Over there, on the top of the first wagon, a huge white gorilla stretches up and yawns before limbering up on his knuckles.

Snarling Wolf makes the noise of her namesake as she leads the mercs against the dazed cavalry, making an example of those before her so that those behind her won't try turning tail.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Test )

Despite their horrible casualties, the cavalrymen remain steadfast... but then they see the flare of an Exalted over their heads.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Dang, had some horrible connection lag there. )

You rolled 4 dice on Cavalry Valor check >>> {7, 9, 8, 5}.

Monkey . o O ( I do try to coincide the anima banner flare and anima effect although they. I like the image. )

Monkey . o O ( Drats. Accidentally hit the enter key. As I was saying, technically the two has nothing to do with each other, but I like the image. )

Their commander shouts defiantly into the noise and riot of battle, his words obscured by dust and screams. His men, confident in his leadership, rally to his banner and prepare to strike back.

Monkey . o O ( Ah, but the horses and remaining yeddim are not so fortunate. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay... WSW is next... oh, and good point. Well, let's see... the yeddim panic, all right, but the cavalry do get control rolls. )

You rolled 3 dice on Horsey valor >>> {9, 9, 3}.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Can a hero alone, ala WSW, attack a unit? )

You rolled 6 dice on Cavalry control check >>> {7, 6, 5, 7, 3, 2}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Yes, sure can. )

The cavalry steady their destriers among the churning battlefield, holding them against the terror atop the caravan.

White Soul Weeping takes the opportunty before him and charges at the cavalry, huge blade twirling over his head, making a terribly, ghostly noise before he drives it against the nearest trooper's flank.

The Storyteller . o O ( Poor cavalry... )

The Storyteller . o O ( Again, they block. Roll the attack. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Same as before, holding one action for defense. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 9 dice on WSW chop >>> {8, 10, 7, 8, 3, 5, 8, 3, 5}.

As White Soul Weeping charges, a woman clad in black veils vaults from her palanquin atop a fleeing yeddim...

Monkey . o O ( Nice cavalry. Now, Captain, why can't we get those kind of mercenaries? )

You rolled 5 dice on Cav block >>> {6, 3, 4, 9, 10}.

Monkey . o O ( Ah ha, finally, someone interesting. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The horses make a terrible mess on the deck of a ship, that's why. )

The Storyteller . o O ( raw damage 14 + 3 successes - 8 soak = 9 damage. Roll it. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 9 dice on WSW's terrible slash >>> {7, 10, 7, 8, 1, 5, 4, 3, 4}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Sufficient. )

Monkey . o O ( Ah. Good point there. The smell would be terrible. )

White Soul Weeping's blade grows rosy with the sheen of blood as he cleaves through the cavalry, ending his charge with a mighty overhand blow across their commander's chest...

Monkey . o O ( CK: What are the surviving units on both our side and their side? )

The commander slumps out of his saddle, breath coming in gasps, and as he falls to the ground, the veild woman alights beside him. She is beauty incarnate, a sculpture of ivory with scarlet lips and fine features of alabaster.

The Storyteller . o O ( Surviving units: 4 scales of infantry, now without a commander, on their side, and one scale of infantry on your side. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( We have one unit of melee infantry, they have two, one ahead of the other. And a bad-new death-related woman who will seduce Monkey, as he didn't use his discipline. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Dammit, brb. NC. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Whoops, 4 to one, not 2 to 1. )

The white gorilla raises an eyebrow at the woman's apperance on the scene.

Monkey . o O ( What does NC means? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( No Coffee would be my guess. )

The Storyteller . o O ( No, "Nature Calls." It's all the damn coffee I have to drink to stay awake... )

Monkey . o O ( No Coffee is a terrible thing indeed. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Anyway, Dramatic Moment ensuing... By the way, at this point, the enspelled yeddim are crashing through the concealed entrance. )

Time slows as the woman dips her right hand into the fallen commander's blood and scatters droplets of it into the air. The blood rises, slows, and drips off of nothingness, and in its wake an ellipse of darkness opens.

Monkey . o O ( CK should go from his hiding place, dispatch the yeddim drivers that is still clinging to those wagons, and find the puzzle piece. Leave Monkey. He'll survive. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( What formation are the caravan infantry in? Close? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Caravan infantry are in skirmish formation, except for the first scale, which is in Relaxed. )

Monkey . o O ( Heck, if the spell is still active, consider telling the yeddims to drag the wagons all the way to the ship. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Monkey would then have to give orders for the troops to retreat... unless he's distracted by some pretty woman. )

Monkey . o O ( Btw, Jesse, was that a spell the woman is casting? )

Through the ellipse, you can see a dark and grim vision of the road and forest, ashen and withered -- the Underworld. Through it blows a stiff, dank breeze, which quickly grows to a gale of decay and horror.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( And that's plan B, which we'll see about working. )

Monkey . o O ( Drats, there goes my hope of getting some privacy. ;) )

The Storyteller . o O ( Yes: Piercing the Shroud. )

Monkey . o O ( Does Monkey consider this to be enough of a threat that he should disrupt the spell? Or can I justify being intrigued by the whole thing? )

The gate to the Underworld opens in mere seconds, and through it steps a tall figure, blue-skinned and orange-eyed. He is clad in a soulsteel cuirass and in his left hand he lightly carries a soulsteel great axe of fearsome aspect.

The Storyteller . o O ( A: Can't interrupt the spell, she cast it a _lot_ faster than she should have been able to, and B: Both of you make Wits + Lore rolls. )

Monkey . o O ( Nevermind. I think this is interesting. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 7 dice on Wits + Lore >>> {4, 8, 3, 6, 9, 9, 10}.

Monkey rolled 4 dice on Wits + Lore >>> {6, 4, 9, 9}.

The Storyteller . o O ( By description and reputation you recognize the blue-skinned man: He is the Walker In Darkness. )

Monkey . o O ( Alright! Rock on! )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Well, this is a bit of a wrinkle... Did Glint get the archers back togetehr? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Sure. Next action sequence, last of this turn. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Walker goes first... )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( On the plus side, this gives the retreat a LOT of beleivablity... )

The Deathlord stands over the fallen mercenary and his kneeling servant. His lips move, though you cannot make out the words over the howling gale that whips his ashen hair and her black veils. The commander nods, once, and then the Black Exaltation is upon him. You can hear his scream even over the wind, and it cuts you to the bone.

The Storyteller . o O ( roll Valor not to beat feet. )

You rolled 4 dice on something >>> {1, 10, 9, 9}.

You rolled 3 dice on something >>> {9, 6, 2}.

Monkey . o O ( Who? Me? I'm insulted. )

Monkey rolled 5 dice on Valor >>> {1, 1, 2, 3, 2}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Ha! )

Monkey . o O ( I'm indeed insulted! )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Who? Everyone? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Yeah. Difficulty 3 for everyone, though 1 success lets you retreat in good order instead of running in a blind panic. )

Monkey . o O ( Okay, I think this justify raising my limit break. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 3 dice on Captain Valor >>> {9, 2, 10}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Probably, yeah. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 4 dice on Proreus Valor >>> {3, 10, 8, 10}.

Monkey . o O ( Hey, so, what can I say to convince you to let Monkey spend Willpower to be able to stay? )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 3 dice on Proreus's Troop Valor >>> {8, 2, 1}.

Captain Kaizoku rolled 3 dice on WSW Valor >>> {3, 2, 4}.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Hmmm. I suppose he has the most reason to run... )

Nice. The captain stands his ground, and is therefore the only one who sees Walker in Darkness reach out and take up the fallen commander in his arms, and step through into the Underworld. The portal closes behind him, and as it does, the fallen corpses of the cavalrymen begin to rise with the jerky, uncertain movements of the newly undead. The deathknight watches with a delighted smile on her face, idly licking the blood from her fingers. Meanwhile, White Soul Weeping has vanished entirely, fading into thin air.

Monkey . o O ( Let's see, I'm supposed to roll Valor and count every successes as a limit break increase )

Monkey rolled 5 dice on something >>> {4, 6, 9, 7, 2}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Monkey can spend one Willpower point to firm up those watery bowels and stand his ground -- after all, he tells himself, what can one measly Deathlord _do_ to _him_? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Do the horses rise from the dead too? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Yup. )

Monkey . o O ( Consider it done! )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( All that work for nothing... )

The Storyteller . o O ( Whaddaya mean, nothing? You've got those three wagons. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( I meant in taking out the cavalry... now they'll pursue heedless of injury. )

The Storyteller . o O ( They're also just common zombies now. )

The white gorilla is gone. In its place, Monkey stands, quite surprised, but otherwise alright.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Whose action? )

Monkey . o O ( Who knows? Reroll initiative to see who recovers from shock first? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Hmmm. Actually, roll initiative. I think we've gone from Mail and Steel to standard combat, if you feel like it. You more or less own the field, since all that stands in your way now is a happy little deathknight and about twenty-odd zombies. The mercenary guards beat feet to, ah, guard the fleeing yeddim wagons. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Did the caravan's infantry also wet themselves? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Ah, guess so. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 1d10+14 and got 23.

Monkey rolled 1d10+6 and got 10.

Monkey . o O ( Now, this is a critical question. Does Walker in Darkness's entrance and exit counts as a scene change? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Not in terms of your Charms, no. )

Monkey . o O ( Good, although I wouldn't complain if you rule otherwise. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Hey, it's only the dead guy who had a change of scene... )

The Storyteller smacks the captain with a haddock.

On 1d10+5, you rolled 12.

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay, captain, what are you doing? )

Monkey . o O ( Fly, you fool! Fly! )

Monkey . o O ( Not literally, but _you_, of all people, should stick to the plan. )

Captain Kaizoku stands on the treebranch and pulls his daiklave from the sheath on his back, spinning it in a circle before him and then pointing back down the road, the designated fallback signal. Jumping down, he takes off at a full run to jump on the back of the last controlled wagon heading down the path.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( That's close enough to catch, right? )

The Storyteller . o O ( ayup. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( And every plan of the Captain's has a fatal flaw... depending on Monkey to act in a predictable fashion. )

Monkey . o O ( No one and nothing is perfect. Not even Captain's immaculate plans. )

Monkey . o O ( Jesse? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( You know, Monkey was the only one seen at this place too... More people to think he's the captain. )

The Storyteller . o O ( At this point, we can wrap up the scene, I think. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Doesn't that presume Monkey bugs out as ordered? )

The Storyteller . o O ( And does he? )

Monkey would like to introduce himself to the beaut. How she reacts are up to her.

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. )

The Storyteller grins very evilly.

Monkey . o O ( Can I at least get your phone number? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( I KNEW Monkey didn't follow the Captain's order about wooing to avoid distraction! )

The Storyteller . o O ( She's still standing among some slowly moving zombies, so you get to make the first move. )

Monkey jumps down from the top of the wagon and walks toward her. He gestures toward where the rift was and says, "Wow, was that Walker in Darkness? Man, I didn't know we got big enough to warrant his attention. I'm honored. Thrilled."

Monkey ignores the shambling dead and walks closer to her. "Incidentally, I'm called Monkey. And if I may be so honored, may I inquire milady's name?

The woman turns and walks towards Monkey, a graceful and controlled movement like the swaying of a tall ship in a stern breeze. Aside from the veils that drape her body, she's clad in silk pantaloons and long-sleeved blouse, and unarmed. Soulsteel bracers adorn her wrists, though, and you can hear the faint crying of tormented ghosts from them. She curtsies with the perfect depth for equals, and says, "Yes, that was my master. I am the Ambassador to the Unfortunate."

The Storyteller . o O ( Hmmm... )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Just for reference purposes, the Captain will jump from wagon to Yeddim and then cut away the straps on the trailing wagon (the one that's not the treasure one) to hopefully overturn it on the path. With no pursuit, he'll divert the middle one north and finally sieze the treasure wagon directly, ejecting the drivers and taking it to the ship, emptying it and then sinking the wagon in the river, letting the Yeddim go. )

Monkey says, "I hope you don't take that personally, but we're pirates, and this is what we do. May I suggest a bigger number and better-trained escorts next time?"

The Storyteller . o O ( Gotcha. The drivers are abandoning their wagons. You're pretty quickly successful -- do you take as much of the treasure as you can, or just the chest with the piece in it? You can't fit all the treasure in the one wagon into your ships. (They're _big_ wagons.) )

You rolled 10 dice on Ambassador's Man + Presence >>> {4, 2, 6, 3, 2, 2, 6, 4, 4, 4}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Ouch. )

Monkey . o O ( Is that Ouch, bad for you or Ouch, bad for us? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( All the best stuff that can fit in that case, and the rest goes in the river. No point in a Mission Impossible steathy removal of the one piece now... )

The Ambassador nods, gazing over the ruin of the caravan. She says, "I'm certain we'll have to be more careful next time... but I must arm myself as my liege commands." She shrugs, and Monkey's eyes are inevitably drawn to everything that moves along with her shoulders. "Still, perhaps we shall meet again, and perhaps not." She looks Monkey over, with a look of, perhaps, longing on her face.

Monkey . o O ( So, _I_ might be known to Walker In Darkness now. <sigh> The things I do for Captain Kaizoku. )

Apollonian [to jetman]: Got it. I'll work up a loot list sometime this week.

Monkey says, "I look forward to that, Lady. Hopefully it will be a friendlier circumstance next time."

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The captain didn't say "Don't wear a mask on this dangerous bandit raid" or anything. )

Monkey . o O ( I bet she gave that look to everyone. )

She says, "You fight bravely, Monkey. I would be honored to meet you again as a friend." She moves closer, hesitantly. "Would you clasp hands, then, and let us promise to meet again as friends?"

Monkey . o O ( Ooooo! )

The Storyteller . o O ( Subtle as a brick to the head, I know... )

Monkey says, "I would like to, but honestly, friendship is mutual. Do you think you can be one should _your_ master commands you to stand against me?"

Monkey . o O ( I remind you that the oath is binding both ways. )

The Storyteller . o O ( I know. )

You rolled 10 dice on Cha + Presence Seduction roll >>> {7, 1, 3, 5, 8, 2, 8, 10, 2, 6}.

Monkey . o O ( Spend Willpower for auto-success on that roll! )

The Storyteller . o O ( roll to resist a seduction attempt, if you want. Though I'm not sure what that ought to be... Willpower? )

Monkey . o O ( Up to you, but I'd like her to do the same for me. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Eh? Ah, then you should roll Cha + Presence as well. )

Monkey . o O ( If you don't mind, I'd like to channel Valor into this roll. The text says that Valor aids "feats of daring, physical or otherwise" and I argue that this counts as one. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Willpower or the seduction roll? Either way, it works. )

Monkey rolled 9 dice on Seduction >>> {3, 9, 2, 1, 8, 10, 7, 1, 6}.

Monkey rolled 9 dice on Willpower >>> {1, 9, 2, 6, 4, 9, 6, 8, 1}.

Monkey . o O ( Whatever the result is, Captain Kaizoku's life just got harder. )

You rolled 5 dice on something >>> {9, 1, 4, 2, 9}.

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The sun rose and the sky's blue too. )

Monkey . o O ( Not in the Underworld. :) And not if Walker In Darkness have something to say about that. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Monkey would be the worst Deathknight in history... )

The Storyteller . o O ( Well, there's a spark on both sides. As you clasp hands, runes of friendship swirl around with her anima flare -- something most unusual for an Abyssal... )

She steps back, letting her fingers brush across Monkey's hand a little longer than necessary. "I must gather my scattered baggage, Monkey. I think I will see you again, certainly, though the seas be stormy and the weather forbidding."

Monkey . o O ( Captain, don't think of it as losing your grip on Monkey. Think of it as getting an "in" on Walker In Darkness. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Monkey gets the last word and then we move on, okay? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( I see the Ransom of Red Chief in the offing. )

Monkey . o O ( Nah, move on. )

Monkey stands still for a moment before jumping up into the trees and disappearing, Tarzan-like.

Captain Kaizoku is manning the newly-mounted Implosion Bow, covering the shore until Monkey shows up.

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. Regrouping at the ships. The Master at Arms is giving his scale a _severe_ dressing down, and is about ready to start the flogging. (This is justified according to contract -- flogging the commander of each fang.) The Proreus, on the other hand, is passing out a bonus to the members of his scale. )

Monkey . o O ( Carrot and stick! )

Captain Kaizoku points out the brave unit to the cowardly one and intones "That is the benefit of following the Sun... there is only pain in fleeing from it."

The Storyteller . o O ( Captain, what's your next move? You have a small squadron of one yacht and one coaster, two pieces (three if you count Suda's) of the puzzle, and a force of about sixty including your mercenaries. Oh, and make a Cha + Performance roll. )

Captain Kaizoku rolled 5 dice on cha +Per >>> {3, 1, 3, 3, 7}.

The Storyteller . o O ( Bog-standard pep talk, then. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( What more do they need? They're all alive! ) Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Head back south. The plan will be to find Barada's squad at rest, attack, disable all the other ships rudders with the Implosion Bow and make off with the flagship. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Anyway. South? You mean west, downriver, right? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Whoops, yes, back in the direction of Lookshy. )

Captain Kaizoku says, "You're late Mr. Monkey. Were there troubles in withdrawing?"

The Storyteller . o O ( Good, 'cause you're way overdue to meet your crew. They rendesvoused at Lookshy on the 13th of Resplendent Wood. Hope they stayed out of trouble... )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( With a first mate like Monkey to keep them in line otherwise? )

Monkey . o O ( Heh. )

The Storyteller . o O ( When you put it like that... )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Given the math, how close is Barada's flotilla to the Inner Sea exit, ballpark? )

Monkey says, "Not at all, Captain. They are not pursuing. They seem to be content picking up the pieces and moving on."

Captain Kaizoku asks wryly "And you stayed longest to ensure the safety of the men?"

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Is WSW back with the rest of the outfit? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Can't really give you a ballpark. I'll have to figure out some travel times again. However, we can do the raid next session, regardless. Getting back to Lookshy, you're able to get together with your men, who have been working as laborers and the like, spreading the word and trying to recruit -- without much success. WSW is back -- he dematerialized when Walker showed up and made for the ships. )

Monkey says, "Well, that was my intent at first, Captain. I figure if they chose to pursue, I could distract them and still catch up with you before you set sail."

Monkey says, "But it ended up nothing like that. Their mercenaries fled. Well, some got turned into walking dead, but they were just standing there."

Monkey says, "So I talked to their leader. Well, not the warrior. He went with the Deathlord back to the Underworld. Speaking of which, did you see him?"

Monkey says, "He made me feel funny in the gut, like when you ate something bad, but different, because your stomach is empty."

Captain Kaizoku suspects Monkey is leaving some things unsaid, but lets it drop. "Yes, and we do not need the attentions of a Deathlord now. We do not have the forces to confront such an abomination... yet."

Monkey says, "Next time I see him I'd like to spar with him for a couple strikes. Whooo."

The Storyteller . o O ( Boy, I'd better get his stats sorted out then. )

Captain Kaizoku gets a bit cross at that. "What would you gain by doing that Monkey? We fight only when we have the advantage and can gain something we desire, tangible or intangible. That is the only way to win."

Monkey . o O ( No hurry. Let me master the Athletics tree and a MA tree or two. )

Monkey . o O ( Then we'll see. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Lessee... Handing out some XP for the moment: )

Monkey looks puzzled at this comment. "But winning is not the only thing, Captain. The very attempt itself is what counts in the eye of the sun. The result, that's the Maidens' purvey.

The Storyteller . o O ( 3 for attendance, 2 for mission, and... Hmmm. I think the story won't be done till after you raid Barada's fleet. )

Captain Kaizoku gives a "triumphant return" speech to his crew and assures them that everything is going to plan, and a mighter blow will be struck against the Realm with their help!

Captain Kaizoku says, "There is no substitute for victory Monkey. Many battles lay ahead to remake the world, and we cannot lose even one."

Think This would probably be a good time to call it quits for the night, then, so I have time to figure out next session!

The Storyteller . o O ( This would probably be a good time to call it quits for the night, then, so I have time to figure out next session! )

The Storyteller . o O ( Any questions or comments? )

Monkey . o O ( If Captain Kaizoku asks, Monkey will tell enough about his chat with Ambassador that Kaizoku should be able to figure the oath out. Monkey's probably reluctant to tell the details, but with Kaizoku's Lore and Occult, he should be able to deduce it. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Good session. Unexpected events abounded. I hope there wasn't too much setup and mechanical stuff at first Tony. )

Monkey . o O ( Nah. I used the time to make tea. )

The Storyteller . o O ( We should also use the upcoming week to review the naval combat rules... )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( There won't be any if the plan goes right though... set up the Bow on a hill to snipe the ships as they're grounded, then run off with the flagship. )

Monkey . o O ( Q: Do we go back to Tender first or do we go straight to Lookshy, attacking Barada's fleet along the way? )

The Storyteller . o O ( I can tell you this much about Ragara's fleet, if you like: )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Tender, no. Lookshy yes, and then back up the river some to attack the fleet, if the timing works. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( We need good sailors to seize the ship, after all. )

Monkey . o O ( Jesse, what kind of ship is the flagship and where can I find it? )

Monkey . o O ( I mean, in what book? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( I think it's a Trireme from Savage Seas. )

The Storyteller . o O ( It consists of at least the 5-trireme squadron and a trireme tender, plus a couple cargo support ships. The crews of the squadron are Veteran, possibly Elite, and there's a chance that he met up with his actual fleet. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( The Tender was going upriver with the rest? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( I only recall the description of the Triremes and cargo vessels, and thought the tender stayed at sea. )

The Storyteller . o O ( It is a trireme. At least, that's his personal flagship. The flagship of the "fleet" that he commands -- i.e., the portion of the Merchant Fleet that was not at his personal discretion but is under his command -- is a light First Age warship. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Yes, the tender stayed at sea. CK knows enough about the Merchant Fleet and Realm naval practices to deduce all this info. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( OK. The trireme will be easier to grab now, since the troops and crew will be on the riverbank at night. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( if it goes well, that ship will be used to seize the tender at sea. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Let me get back to you on that -- I think it's pretty likely the squadron's already at sea. Like I said, I'll have to calculate the travel times, though. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( OK. Then a new plan will be needed, of course. Is it two weeks after the Great Forks adventure though? )

Monkey . o O ( I'll update my character sheet to reflect new things. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( You said it'd take him two weeks to get to the sea after he left, the day after we robbed him. )

The Storyteller . o O ( I did? That's convenient. Checking... )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay, yes, it is 2 weeks and change after the Great Forks business. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( That's why we sailed the yacht night and day from Great Fork, to raid the caravan and be able to get into position before he got to sea. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Aye, but it was a question of waiting for the caravan to get in position: He left Great Forks on the 18th of Resplendent Wood. You ambushed the caravan on the 6th of Descending Wood, 16 days later. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Ah, oversight on my part, forgetting about the time/place lineup instead of "Whenever." )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Just have to steal one from the docks then... )

Monkey . o O ( I suggest leaving it be for the moment and let Jesse figure it out. Then he can mail us "You think he's here" and then we can plan from there. )

The Storyteller . o O ( That would be easiest. )

The Storyteller . o O ( Did you guys add that XP to your sheets? 5 total. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Well, his ships were jsut the most conveinent to steal, as we knew where they were. Any would be good. But that would be fine Jesse. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Yep! )

The Storyteller . o O ( Hmmm. I guess I'll be glancing over the Lookshy navy stuff, then. Has the captain any interest in capturing a skyship? )

Monkey . o O ( Yes, once I hit the save button. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( I know nothing about those... what book? Sounds good though! )

The Storyteller . o O ( Outcaste. You'd need a couple of Manses to power one, though. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Problematic, that... any Manse he got would get levelled in short order. )

Monkey . o O ( Unless it's a sekritz HQ/base manse! )

The Storyteller . o O ( Anyway, I'm logging off now. Any last minute notes? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( How do we find one, if it's a secret? )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Nope, I'm good. Thanks for the great game! )

Monkey . o O ( Obviously, by getting the Maiden of Secrets to spill it. )

Captain Kaizoku . o O ( Is Monkey going to charm her too? )

The Storyteller . o O ( Okay. See you guys in a week, and I'll be communicating over e-mail. )

@quit

On to Session 10: