I was just settling into my seat in the cabin. Across from me sat my assistant, Geoffrey. We had a deal, see? He kept my business afloat, and I kept bullets from getting intimate with him. I had been tracking the thief for too long. The scrolls owners had asked me to bring it home before it left England. I failed. I was going to find him on this train; I had a feeling. I'd get paid for this job, just like the others. But this one was personal. There had to be something else to this scroll. Yeah, it detailed mummification, but what's that worth? Historians want that kind of thing. But thieves? I'd have a look before it got home... I looked across at Geoffrey and shook my head. He never could keep awake when the car started rocking back and forth. A small smile crossed my face, and I fixed my stare out the window. [And fade into scene: bottom screen text: Time Summer 1891 -- Location: Orient Express somewhere in central Europe [More]] [The porter has knocked on each of your cabin doors and informed you that the train has finally picked up a dining and lounge car. [more]] [Unlike the trip so far meals will be in the car rather than brought to your room, to give you a chance to meet the other high class clientel the train is known for] [Session starts as characters walk into the car. They may choose their seating. Presently four empty tables seating four each. No seats are yet occupied.] [Tables: A and B on left C and D on right.] * Angel is famished, and seats herself and Geoffrey at B. * Geoffrey opens a ledger on the table and leans over it, crunching numbers * Eliana walks in, looks around, and seats herself at table D, closest to the window. She smooths her dress and sets her hat to one side. (He's such a *good* accountant.) * Takaar walks over to table A, places a small briefcase by his leg and picks up a menu * Cecilia walks in, accompanied by a middle-aged man and woman. They sit down at table C. * Cecilia looks curiously around the room at the other passengers, while the man and woman strike up a conversation with each other. * Takaar mutters to himself about the selection of food. * Geoffrey is a mousey little man in his early thirties, with tousled hair and thick glasses. He is oblivious to the goings-on around him. * Cecilia is a young woman in her late teens, fairly thin and a bit taller than average. She has black hair, currently pulled back in a bun, and deep blue, almost indigo, eyes. She is dressed conservatively in a white blouse, blue skirt, and blue jacket, with a silver brooch that contains a blue stone at the collar of her blouse. * Angel is a tightly wound individual, giving the outer appearance of calm, but darting her eyes around the room quickly. She is seated with her back to the wall, and seems perched on her chair as though she will fly away at any moment. * Eliana idly picks up her menu and drums her gloved fingers on the table. She's a frail woman in her mid to late twenties, with cultured features, dark eyes, and equally dark, curling hair. Most of it is in a bun, but some managed to evade it, spilling down to her shoulders. Her dress is simple enough, in a way designed to be good for traveling, not save money. * Angel is a late thirty-something with bobbed brown hair, and very simple clothing. She is modest in her dress, but there are no frills. * Takaar is a medium height man, slightly lanky, and wearing an odd assortment of clothing. It seems as though he woke up suddenly and threw on whatever he come across first. He is very tanned, has a dark moustache and a mop of unkempt hair. * Cecilia bears somewhat of a resemblance to the man seated beside her, although his hair is dark brown, rather than black. He's heavyset, has a mustache and beard, and is currently wearing a gray suit. The woman sitting across from him is petite, thin, and blond, and is wearing a simple dark green dress. [A uniformed waiter visits the tables in alphabetical order to take orders.] * Cecilia sees the waiter come in, and quickly stops her survey of the other passengers to pick up a menu. * Angel wears trousers and a man's shirt, and appears comfortable in this garb. (Welcome to the world of multiple windows, Greg!) Hello, I'll have the roast duck with orange sauce and a glass of red wine. ( You're doing it the hard way. =p ) [Waiter nods and moves on to table B, he doesn't need to write it down] * Eliana spins one of her curls around her gloved finger as she considers, then closes the menu. (Just say "waiter takes all the orders and leaves". Stupid waiters, making us think.) I'll have filet mignon. Whatever comes with it. You decide. * Takaar takes out a pad of papper and begins making some notations to himself. ( Heh. ) * Angel looks over to Geoffrey, taps her foot, then puts her hand over his ledger. "Geoffrey!" * Kirby is now known as Shiori * MaleNPCs waiter autopilots. * Takaar turns toward the loud shout. * Cecilia blinks, lowers the menu, and peeks at the occupants of table B. Oh, sorry. I'll just have whatever... (points to large man at C) ... what he's having. * Eliana looks startled and turns her attention to that table. (rude Americans! teehee) [Enter a tall sophisticated arabic man in a formal suit. He has tan skin, black hair, dark eyes, and a strim goatee. You'd guess he's in his early thirties. His english is impeccable. He sits at table D] * Takaar turns back to his table and opens a book to read (Goatee... but does he have a moustache?) (Nope) (Goateenomoustache! That's his name.) * Shiori enters the car. A young, pretty woman with black hair, dressed in a pleasant black dress with a sunflower hat, she looks up just for a second as she enters, then sits at the nearest available seat by the door without really looking at who she'd be sitting with. [That'd be table A] * Eliana blinks at the man. * Angel returns to darting her eyes around, focusing for several moments on each occupant of the room. If anyone looks at her, she fixes on them and stares them down. [Goateenomustache] Smiles at Eliana. "Good day, is this seat taken?" (WOOT.) (*snickers*) (His parents must have hated him. =p ) * Eliana looks up, then smiles slightly, folding her hands. "No, but I wasn't expecting dining company." She speaks with a noticeable, but not unpleasant, Italian accent. [GNM is shortly therafter followed by a middle aged man in business- like attire. He carries a small black case marked as a medical bag. Graying light brown hair and blue eyes as well as a small beard. He speaks with a noticeable but comprehensible German accent. He sits at table C] * Takaar makes eye contact with Angel and quickly averts his eyes after a short stare-down. [Doctor] Greetings, nice to finally be able to dine in a car isn't it? * Cecilia smiles shyly at the man as he sits across from her. "Good evening, doctor. Yes, it is." Her voice is soft, and she has a British accent. * Cecilia 's dining companions stop their conversation for a moment. The man holds out his hand to the doctor. "Good evening. I'm William Harrison, and this is my wife, Flora, and my niece, Cecilia. How do you do?" [A third person enters, this one a female (In case the nick didn't clue you off). And while rather tall, her feminity is in no way in question. She's got caramel-colored skin tone, black hair down to the middle of her back. She's dressed rather well, if perhaps obviously middle class.] * Angel looks at the new arrival, and glares. [GNM] Well, if I'm poor company I'll leave you be. By name is Memphis Ahmed, and it is a pleasure to make your acquantence. * Shiori looks up at the new arrival. Briefly. Then she turns her gaze back to the table top. * Eliana nods and holds her hand across the table to him. "Eliana Casale. I'm afraid I don't recognize your name, sir. Would you mind me asking where you're from?" * Takaar glances up at the new woman, grimaces, and puts his briefcase under the table [Memphis] Cario, I'm Egyption. Just returning from a diplomatic mission and thought I'd take the train. [Doctor] Pleasure to meet the three of you, my name is Dr. Henrick Meuller. * Eliana smiles, drawing her hand back. "A diplomat? How fascinating." * Takaar turns away from the woman with the caramel-colored woman and introduces himself to the woman sitting across fromhim. * Woman stares at table A for a minute before seating herself at D as well. * Takaar turns to Shiori and says with a mild arabic accent "Greetings, first time on the train?" * Memphis grins for a moment before adopting a slight smile. "Oh, it's mostly paperwork and talk, I certainly wouldn't say fascinating." * Eliana waves vaguely. "Oh, don't be so modest." She nods to the woman. "Good afternoon." * Cecilia takes another quick look around the room, then turns back to her dining companions. "This is my first time so far away from home. It's fascinating." Her uncle chuckles a bit, and her aunt smiles pleasantly. * Shiori looks up suddenly at Takaar, as though surprised he would notice her. She nods slowly. [Woman] * greets Memphis and Eliana. "Hello, I'm Fellah Hassan. Would either of you happen to be here for the convention in Istanbul?" [Waiter brings out food. Dining can begin] ( His last name should be Bell. ) * Takaar puts away his book. And begins to eat. * Eliana selects silverware, still not bothering to remove her gloves. "No. I'm on vacation, actually. But now I'm curious: I hadn't heard of a convention in Istanbul." [Doctor] * nods pleasantly at Cecillia's comment and then digs in. Where are you headed? * Angel stands and walks briskly to table D * Cecilia begins her meal, while her uncle addresses Doctor Meuller. "So, Doctor, if I may ask, where are you travelling?" [Fellah] * Oh... I'd rather hoped to meet a someone bound towards it. Well.. someone else. ::she glances over at table A again:: And if he's coming they must be casting a wide note. * Takaar continues to eat and only talks when in between bites. Memphis Ahmed?! Gracious! I've heard about you! * Shiori looks down as Takaar starts to eat. She looks up again and makes to motion towards one of the waiters, but at the last minute stops herself. She's just about to settle back down to her table-gazing when Takaar asks that, and replies. "Um... Istanbul." Despite obviously having an Asian appearance, her accent is small; almost unnoticable. * Cecilia watches the strangely dressed woman get up. [Memphis] * snorts softly and then glances up. He nods politely, "Then you have the advantage on me." * Eliana eats with ladylike precision. "He?" She looks up at the table. "The man with the ledger?" And now she notices Angel. [Fellah] * nods. "Oh.. I shouldn't really say anything. I'm sure he's managed to invent something of his own by now." Just the way I like it. But I was taught manners, let me assure you. I am Angel Crosse. * Angel takes the empty seat at D. [Doctor] I'm headed towards the Holy Land. I've saved up money for a while and thought I'd visit it. Do tell us, Mr. Ahmed, what role have you served for the great nation of Egypt abroad? Ah, a convention of inventors? * Eliana pauses, then chuckles. "Really, now. I had expected no company. This trip is more than I bargained for." What business do you have in Istanbul? Are you coming for the conference? Best be careful though, there are plenty of thieves around, and not just of the physical kind. (glances at table D) [Memphis] * nods politely. "A pleasure to meet you Angel. And as I've said, I'm a diplomat. Travelled to several European nations and met a great number of interesting people in these journies." * Cecilia 's uncle raises an eyebrow. "Really? How interesting. We're headed for the convention in Istanbul. Our Cecilia is gifted with quite the mind, you know." * Cecilia blushes slightly. "Uncle... honestly." 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Eliana (2d6) and gets 6. [Doctor] Really? How fascinating. I'm just coming from England myself. Did you spend much time there? * Eliana moves her hat out of Angel's way, not that it's bothering the crazy American. * Shiori seems to have trouble finding her voice; this involves more than a one- word answer. "Ah, I'm going to, um... the convention." By the time she finishes the sentences, her eyes have drifted back down to the table. [Fellah] * nods at Eliana and looks over to Cecilia. "Oh... another female inventor. Lovely!" * Cecilia 's uncle continues to make small talk with the doctor, while Cecilia glances back at the commotion at table D. * Eliana glances around Memphis, then goes back to eating. [Memphis] Oh, yes, I was just on diplomatic duty there. Endevoring to secure the return of an artifact stolen from Egypt. Sadly another theif managed to acquire it, and one without an embassey to protest to.] * Angel turns to Eliana for a short moment. "My, my, miss. Lovely chapeau, if I may say so." Angel turns back to Memphis. Really? Quite fascinating. What manner of relic might this be? I'm a bit of a historian myself. * Eliana raises an eyebrow at the girl who thinks she's a man. "Yes, quite." * Cecilia blinks when Fellah looks at her and comments, but says nothing. She returns her attention to her meal, taking another small bite, but keeps her hearing focused on that conversation. [Doctor] * glances over at table D and then pales slightly. He returns to eating his food a bit faster. [Memphis] Scroll depicting the lost process of mummification. While we are aware of the general means by which it worked, modern man as yet to be able to replicate the specifics. * Cecilia says, quietly, "Is something wrong, Doctor?" * Shiori glances up at Takaar to see his reaction, briefly, then looks at Mr. Table again. Nice table. [Doctor] Glances up at Cecilia. "Oh.. no, I just remembered something I should get to." Well, actually, Geoffrey over there (indicates Geoffrey) is more the historian in our little outfit, but he's a little busy at the moment. Always is, actually, unless there's something else to keep his attention. * Angel smiles broadly. * Takaar was deep in though and is 'catching up on reality' * Cecilia nods, and continues eating. Interesting table, that table D... * Eliana glances at table C again, then goes back to eating in as unhurried a fashion as ever. [Memphis] Oh, really? And pray tell what is the nature of your outfit? ( It's made of wool. Are you blind? ) (Ha!) (*laughs*) To use an archaic term, I'm a bit of a sellsword. * Takaar lightly shakes his head to clear his thoughts and says to Shiori "I'm sure you'll enjoy yourself there. I have been to similar conventions in the past and they have always kept me rapt is interest." What people are paying for, I'm willing to do. * Memphis laughs. "A mercenary group of historians. Remarkable!" * Shiori nods and smiles slightly. And briefly, of course. It keeps me on my toes. Never can tell what I'll need to be ready for next. [Falaah] Looks over at Cecilia. "If you don't mind me asking, what sort of work do you do? I specialize in machinary. * Angel looks over at Henrick, stares for a while, then returns to converse with Memphis again. * Cecilia looks up at Falaah, startled. "Oh! Ah... actually, my interests lie in machinery as well." I'm wondering about this scroll. As long as the knowledge is obtained, and the artifact intact, does it really matter who has it? * Takaar wipes some orange sauce off his hand onto his jacket and reaches out to shake Shiori to shake. "I'm Takaar Malik. Been into the tinkering field for a while now." [Memphis] * raises his voice for just a moment. "Yes! It belongs in a museum, an Egyptian Museum! The British government would hardly allow documentation of the making of stonehenge to sit in Cairo." * Geoffrey notices that Angel has been absent for some time and looks up. Seeing her engaged in conversation, he turns several pages in his ledger and begins writing, glancing quickly between the conversation and the sheet in front of him. * Shiori hesitantly puts a shaky hand forward. "I-I'm Shiori. Shiori T- Tominaga." [Doctor] * finishes up his meal and then bows out politely saying his goodbye to the table. He scurries off with another glance at Table D. 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Eliana (2d6) and gets 8. * Takaar shakes Shiori's hand briskly "Pleased to meet you. Anything in particular that interests you about the conference?" * Cecilia 's uncle watches the doctor go. "Peculiar fellow." He resumes his meal and his conversation with his wife. * Angel glances up at Geoffrey, then shakes her head in the direction of the Henrick. * Geoffrey gets up and follows the doctor [Falaah] * slips over to Cecilia's table. "Really.. Any particular sort?" Are you not hungry? Riding on a train for the first time can do interesting things to one's stomach. Perhaps some chai tea? Well... I've actually brought one of my inventions with me for the convention. It's a portable sonic generator. Of sorts. * Shiori nods. "I'm just, um, waiting... for a waiter to, um..." My apologies, sir. I did not mean to offend. Of course, your analogy makes it quite clear. I hope that the British Museum can reacquire the artifact, then the governments can arrange to have it returned home. * Eliana sighs faintly and finishes her meal. Amazing, how one could eat so quickly while still not misplacing a crumb. She sets her silverware down. "If you'll excuse me." She picks up her hat, and with another ever-so-polite smile, leaves the car. * Takaar flags down a waiter for Shiori. [Memphis] No apology is necessary. "You are not an, theif who validates herself by proclaiming her occupation as Egyptologist." He sneers slightly at the term, but his voice is friendly. * Angel goes a bit pale, and covers her mouth with a nearby napkin. It seems the train does not quite agree with me this evening. I beg your forgiveness, Mr. Ahmed, if I must take my leave. [Memphis] * than grins. "Fare the well. I found our talking fascinating." And... Fellah, was it? A pleasure to sit with you. * Angel stands and leaves down the same hall as Eliana. [Fallah] * nods and smiles warmly at Cecilia. "My work has largely been in automation." d2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Grysar (d2) and gets 1. May I ask for what purpose? [Waiter shows up for Shiori and does whatever she wants[ [Fallah] Certainly, there are many jobs that are quite dangerous for humans to perform, automated machinary offers great potential in protecting humankind. (Shiori makes her dance.) * Shiori has him play the fiddle while standing on his head and drinking water. Well, not really. What she really does is order water and vegetables quickly so as not to take up too much of his time. Ah, I see! That's fascinating. Are you going to be making a presentation at the convention? That seems like a rather meager dinner Shiori. I don't mean to impose. [Fallah] * grins. "Oh yes! I rather think so. We even have quite an entrance plan. My friend Sir Anthony Wilcox has managed to arrange an entrance via an experimental lighter than air vehicle." * Cecilia 's eyes widen, and she smiles delightedly. "That's wonderful! I must say that I'm envious, although this trip so far has been quite interesting." * Shiori looks at Takaar. "Um, Well... I didn't want to t-take too long, and I couldn't, um, think of anything else..." [Falaah] * nods. "Well, if your family would prefer a less dreary means of crossing the last leg of the journey." [A ferry covers the very end of the trip] "You would be welcome to come. I'd also love to see your machine later. There are far too few of us in our calling." * Geoffrey returns and retakes his seat, pulls out his ledger, and reads numbers as he eats. Thank you so much for your offer, but I'm afraid I must decline. *her voice drops to a quiet tone* Aunt and Uncle would never approve. *her voice goes back to its normal volume* But I would be happy to show you my machine at the convention. And I hope to find other like-minded women there as well. [Shortly after Geoffrey enters a man in his thirties in slacks and a shirt with the top button undone walks through the car. He's fairly muscular and has a bit of a tan.] * Takaar finishes eating and taking out his notebook to scribble some stuff. * Shiori eats slowly; food is more interesting to stare at than a table. [Man] * waves as he walks through. "G'day mates. Pleasure to see you all. This fine cuisine's not really for me, but no worries, good drinks in the lounge." [Aussie] * heads for the other end of the car, towards the lounge/observation car. * Takaar looks over at Fallah and takes note of the people she is talking with. [Fallah] * scribbles down something as she speaks. "Hopefully, although do be careful, there are also some who would claim to welcome your modernity, only because they seek to take credit for your genius." ::she looks over at Takaar:: * Geoffrey looks up. "Drinks? Think I'll join you!" * Geoffrey gets up and jogs to catch up to the Aussie. * Cecilia blinks. "I see. I shall be careful, then." ( That guy is sooooo dead. ) (Yes.) [Geoffrey and Aussie both go in the lounge] * Takaar finishes writing and puts away his notebook. "I should be going now. It was a pleasure to meet you Shiori." [Memphis also finishes his meal and heads back to his room.] * Shiori looks up again and opens her mouth to reply, but not finding her voice, she just nods instead. [Falaah] * nods. "Good, it was a pleasure meeting you. I hope to see you there." She gets up and starts to walk back. 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Shiori (2d6-2) and gets 6. * Cecilia looks over to make sure that her aunt and uncle aren't watching, then takes a small piece of paper from Falaah and tucks it away in her jacket. * Takaar leaves the room. * Shiori looks down again, then finishes her meal and leaves the room as well. * Cecilia finishes the last of her meal, then looks expectantly at her aunt and uncle. They finish as well, and get up and go as a group. [In the hallway Falaah is walking a bit ahead of the two PCs] Takaar is a bit ahead of her talking to a venerable looking English man and a nervous looking Turkish man who has a badge saying he's a convention represenative. * Takaar says to convention rep: "Based on what I've heard about this conference, you folks have certainly done an amazing job of organiuzing it" * Cecilia slows down and looks curiously at the convention rep. [Turk] Oh? Thank you, I appreciate that. Are you one of our guests? ::He looks at a clipboard he's carrying:: * Shiori slows down, too, mostly because they're in the way and she doesn't want to ask them to move. [Falah] * keeps walking, although she and the englishman exchange nods as she passes. She slips around Takaar doing her best to pretend he isn't there. * Cecilia watches Takaar as well. (Hearing checks everyone +4 modifier) 2d6+2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Shiori (2d6+2) and gets 13. 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Cecilia (2d6) and gets 6. 2d6+3 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Takaar (2d6+3) and gets 10. * Angel returns to the dining car, and sits at her less-than-hot meal. * Cecilia taps her chin with her finger, as if making a note of something. * Angel sits with her back to the wall again, and looks around the room after every bite. [Oh, people who didn't makje the hearing check, don't hear anything. Talk or move along. ^_~ ] [Falaah returns to her room.] * Cecilia looks at her aunt and uncle. "Uncle William? Aunt Flora? I'd like to speak to these gentlemen for a bit about the convention." Her uncle nods. "Very well, then. We'll return to our accomodations." And they do so. * Cecilia walks up next to Shiori and smiles at her. "Hello." * Shiori blinks a few times and looks at Cecilia. "Um... Hello." I'm Cecilia Harrison. Are you travelling to the convention as well? * Shiori nods. Are you an inventor as well? Um... Not... really. So you're going out of curiosity, then? I'm sorry, I'm not intruding too much, am I? * Shiori nods. N-No! No, it's fine. 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Eliana (2d6) and gets 8. * Cecilia smiles. "Good! It's nice to see more women taking an interest in technology! If you'd like a demonstration of my invention, I'd be happy to oblige once we arrive." * Angel finishes quickly in the abandoned dining car, and then rises and moves to the grouping in the hallway. * Shiori nods. "A-Alright." [English man moves on, slipping around the two women and the aunt in the Uncle as he goes. He passes Angel on his way.] * Cecilia motions to the Turkish convention rep. "I'd like to speak to him a bit about the convention, but it would be rude to interrupt his conversation with that... gentleman." She motions to Takaar. [Rep nods politely. "I intend to be in the lounge shortly. You're welcome to see me there." * Takaar says to the rep "Yes, I'm on the list. I RSVP'ed about two months ago. I'm quite looking forward too it." * Rep nods "Superb. Well do you have any questions?" * Angel sidles up to the ladies. "Well, we girls should stick together, eh?" Have you finalized the schedule yet? I was hoping to start planning my time as soon as possible. * Shiori blinks. * Cecilia looks startled for a second. "Hmm?" * Rep nods and hands a copy to Takaar. "It's still tenative, can't account for transportation break downs and such." Well, you two might need someone a little more world-wary with you; a sensitive girl like myself. Perhaps we could have a little chat? Someplace quieter? * Shiori stares down at the floor for a bit and is quiet ('cause I gotta afk for a bit). She does nod hesitantly and offers a slight smile to Angel before she does, though. She'll follow, really. Oh! Ah... where would this "someplace quieter" be, exactly? * Takaar looks over the schedule and hands it back. "You've certainly got it packed with activity. Well done my good man." One place is as good as another. My cabin is relatively empty. Plenty of room for three to sit comfortably. [Turk] *nods and still looks a bit anxious but is happy about the compliment. "Thank you." I think i'll hit up the lounge for a night cap before turning in. good night. * Cecilia nods. "Well... Aunt and Uncle aren't expecting me back for a while, and I'm sure there will be time for me to speak with that gentleman later. So, yes, thank you." * Takaar goes over to the lounge. [Turk and Takaar both go there. Together. #lounge] Excellent. Shiori was it? Care to join us? [Shiori nods and comes with] * Angel leads the way to her cabin, which is nigh empty except for three small cases in the rack over the seats. * Angel holds the door open and indicates that the girls should enter. * Cecilia enters and has a seat, smoothing her skirt down. "Well, Miss... ah, what was it again?" Miss Crosse. Call me Angel. Miss Angel, then. You're a... seeker of lost things, it seems? * Cecilia looks a bit sheepish. "I happened to overhear a bit of the conversation in the dining car." At the moment, yes. Sometimes I've been known to be a loser of sought things, however. * Angel flashes a big grin. So you must travel a great deal, then. Quite a bit. Not usually this side of the pond. It's somewhat of a pleasurable business trip, this. I've been a bit around Europe, but this will be the farthest I've ever been from home. I'm excited... and I admit, a bit nervous as well. 2d6+6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Eliana (2d6+6) and gets 15. A bit on edge? I'm used to that. Keeps you sharp. There's been a lot to take in so far. I will also admit to being somewhat overwhelmed. A little, at least. You mentioned that you overheard part of my earlier conversation. Shiori, did you hear anything? * Cecilia smiles shyly. 2d6+3 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Eliana (2d6+3) and gets 10. ("Shiori, did you hear anything [of my former conversation with Mr. Ahmed]?") Um... Just a bit. I didn't mean to overhear.... No, I don't mind. There's some news of a missing scroll of ancient Egyptian make. * Shiori nods. Being rather intelligent, you two, as I gather, I was wondering if you've seen anyone acting strangely, or heard anything of such an artifact? * Shiori shakes her head. "I'm not... that intelligent..." Well, the doctor who was eating at our table did seem to leave rather quickly... but that could be a coincidence. And, no, this is the first I've heard of an Egyptian scroll. (damn, I want a d20 sense motive check!) (Too bad!) Shiori, what brings you to this magnificent train? Um, the c-convention. Are you bringing something of your own make, or just examining the work of others? I'm not... ah, not really an inventor. So just looking around, eh? * Shiori nods. Where are you girls coming from? From England. Near London, to be more specific. Ah, France. I'm American myself, but you've probably gathered that. Have either of you traveled away from home before? 2d6-8 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Eliana (2d6-8) and gets -3. * Shiori nods. A bit around Europe, as I said. Ah, yes you did. With your families? [Hearing checks -4] Just me... Yes. 2d6-6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Shiori (2d6-6) and gets 5. 2d6-8 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Cecilia (2d6-8) and gets -1. [Everyone who makes it hears a loud thud from three doors down] * Cecilia jumps slightly. "What in the world was that?" * Shiori yelps and looks at the door. 2d6-8 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Angel (2d6-8) and gets 1. * Angel jumps up and looks out the window [Nothing unexpected out of the window.] Stay here girls. * Cecilia nods. * Angel opens the door, pulling a gun from nowhere and turns toward the source of the noise * Shiori looks at Angel and blinks, but nods. * Angel closes the door, and sneaks down the hallway, pulling another gun. * Shiori looks at the door. * Cecilia looks at Shiori, then silently creeps over to the door, opens it a crack, and looks out. * Shiori peeks out the door too. * Cecilia moves so that Shiori can see out more easily. 2d6-5 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Angel (2d6-5) and gets 1. I'm Angel Crosse, and there is a dangerous thief on board this train. There's no time to wait for the police. Angel Crosse? Yes, Angel Crosse. I'm the closest thing you'll have to police until we get to a station. [Oh and btw, windows open for those that didn't see it] * Eliana leans against the wall, possibly to steady herself. She watches the conversation. [Conductor] Do you have any identification showing that ma'am? My bags are back in my cabin. We'll return there momentarily. I want this area secured. 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Angel (2d6-2) and gets 6. * Angel sticks her head out the window and peers around for a few seconds. * Shiori moves closer towards the room so she can get a good look. [Conductor nods and turns to the rest] "Alright, nothing to see here, please move to lounge." He doesn't see Shiori slip past him. * Takaar arrives from the lounge * Eliana nods. She goes to her room - next door - and peers in, obviously troubled. * Cecilia hangs back in the hallway, unsure if she should come any closer. [Shiori see's what's already been described. Oh, and Angel doesn't see any open windows from the outside, nor anything else of note.] * Eliana changes her mind, closes the door and locks it, and walks off to the lounge. * Cecilia waits for Shiori to return so she can ask what happened. * Shiori doesn't see anything special, and returns! What's the hubbub all about? Yes, what's going on? I'll need help carrying this man to the lounge. He can't stay here. He may be in an unstable situation. [Conductor] * calls out "'ey! Larry, get over here." He then turns to the others. "Nothing to bother yourselves with, everyone to the lounge please." * Angel sets aside the material on top of the doctor in a pile away from everything else * Cecilia bites her lip. "Could I go check on my aunt and uncle first, or will they be sent there as well?" [Conductor tries to clear people away. "They'll be sent there. Larry.. please leave a note at the next opportunity to have the police meat us." * Conductor tries to clear people away as he carries the body. * Cecilia nods and starts heading for the lounge, casting nervous glances at pretty much everyone in the vicinity. * Shiori stays out of the way! She heads towards the lounge with everyone else. * Takaar follows the direction of the conductor. * Angel examines the materials under the doctor before heading to the lounge [FF: Everyone has been in the lounge for ten minutes. There are a good number of anxious looking NPCs who aren't gonna get described cause they all have alibis. The Doctor's body is on one end of the car.] (forensic check angel) 2d6-5 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Angel (2d6-5) and gets 1. [After a bit the Doctor is assured to be stabalized. A priest from the coach section is called in to look after him as it seems he's catholic. And you never know with last rites] [The conductor announces that he's going to leave inquires to Angel, but the police will be here soon to clear matters up] [Angel. Go for it] (Oh and time check everyone, yes I know how much time you have Ryan) Well, as Shiori and Cecelia were with me, and I know I didn't attack anyone, so I won't be addressing either of them. 2d6-5 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Angel (2d6-5) and gets 4. * Shiori seems pleased at that, if only because now she doesn't have to talk in front of everybody. Flora and William, I assume you were together at the time of the incident? And if so, where was that? [To save time. Memphis is the only NPC of note who wasn't in the lounge or having a fairly solid alibi.] * Cecilia moves to stand with her aunt and uncle. Her aunt puts a hand on her shoulder, while her uncle answers, "In our cabin." Fallah, where did you scamper off to just before the incident? * Cecilia looks up at them as her aunt gives her shoulder a squeeze. "I'm all right." [Fallah] I stopped back by my room before going over to the lounge. Wanted to change into evening dress. [She is wearing something more appropriate to the setting] Eliana, I know we spoke before in your cabin. Were you there until you heard the noise? Close to it. Like I said earlier, I stepped out... I was knocking on his door when I heard the noise. * Alvero is standing next to the American woman. He's a good height, just an inch shy of six feet, and has un-pronounced features. His skin's got a rough tan to it, and his fingers are long and skinny, but not unnaturally so. He is wearing a white shirt, which is covered with a tight green vest. He also wears practical black pants, and has a Spanish-style sombrero on his back. (Sombrero!) And you, Mr. Ahmed? You left the lounge just before the incident? You were in your cabin at the time of the incident? (American woman is a background NPC that isn't important at the moment) [Memphis nods] Eliana should be able to vouch for me. I had passed her in the hallway to go in shortly before the thud. * Eliana nods. "This is true." * Angel steps into the corner and retrieves a mechanical device, setting it on a table. Does this appear familiar to anyone here? [Fairly small device, it's made of metal and is reasonably thin. There's a hinge at the middle, presently it's fully extended. One half is thicker than the other] (What's a mechanical device? I only deal with BioPunk themed RPGs where all the devices are organic) * Cecilia stares at the device, trying to puzzle out what it might be. * Eliana shakes her head. [The thinner end actually swiung freely before it was put on the table] * Shiori peers at the device. * Takaar looks at the device and flips over some ideas in his head. (How long is it?) (mech checks for anyone who wants it) (8 inches each side) 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Shiori (2d6) and gets 8. (What specialty mechanics?) * Alvero forgot to mention that he has black hair, as well as black eyes. (traps) 2d6-3 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Cecilia (2d6-3) and gets 6. 2d6-5 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Takaar (2d6-5) and gets 5. Um... while it doesn't look familiar, I think I can figure a few things about it. Such as? * Shiori peers at the trap some more. "Um... me too... Maybe." Well, first off, I believe it should be closed first to make it work properly. And also, it looks like there's a lever on the back. [The device sits there] (it's a passive-aggressive trap!) (EVIL device.) (EVIL!) * Shiori nods at Cecilia, but doesn't say anything. Shiori, if you think it safe, perhaps you could show us how you think it works. 2d6-1 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Geoffrey (2d6-1) and gets 6. M-me? Um... I agree with Cecilia Still not sure of what it actually does though. * Shiori nods. "Um, I'll try." She steps up to the device and closes the hinge. [She can feel that it wants to swing open. She could feel increased resistance as she got it close to closed. * Shiori points the thing away from herself. <.< * Takaar steps out of the way in case it's pointed at him * Eliana is, hopefully, not in its path. [The device swings open again with some force, and hangs loose] [Nothing is launched, and the poison gas is invisible and can't be smelled] [Or nonexistant. :P ] Um, I think it launches something when you pull the lever on back. So, this probably launches something or lends strength to someone who doesn't have much themselves? Too much resistance for you to close it? * Eliana folds her hands and watches. * Cecilia watches intently. [The lever showed no sign of moving during that experiment. And it's on the back side of the thicker part of the device] Um... I'm not sure. [Shiori was able to close it fully, it didn't catch though.] * Angel takes the conductor aside. (Are there any visible latches?) [No controls other than the lever, and it's sorta subtle.] [There may be a latch inside the device that catches the thin side. But nothing visible] * Takaar takes out a pair of pliers from his coat. "Maybe it just needs a little more torque to fold it closed." do you mind if I try? (maybe I'm not understanding, but isn't this just a spring-loaded hinge with a free-swinging clip on it?) * Shiori stands back from the device. (Probably.) [One end of the hinge swings free once it's triggered. Basically the spring only applies to the first 45 degrees of the arc. The rest is just momentum] * Takaar picks up the device and wraps the teeth of the pliers in a napkin so they don't scratch the surface. He then closes it as much as he can be hand then uses the pliers to finish the job. [The device stays shut, but it wants to open. The lever on the side doesn't move] * Takaar slowly loosens the pliers. (Does it stay shut?) [No] (OK, gimme mechanics rolls) * Takaar fiddles with the lever trying to see if it will catch on something (Same specialty as before?) (yeah) 2d6-5 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Takaar (2d6-5) and gets 2. 2d6-3 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Cecilia (2d6-3) and gets 6. * Takaar puills the level while it's closed 2d6-1 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Geoffrey (2d6-1) and gets 7. (puills = pulls, level = lever) [Everyone who makes it has an idea somewhat like Takaars, though not as quickly] * Takaar and aims the device at a wall or something while he does it 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Shiori (2d6) and gets 10. [The device catches and stays shut. The lever slowly moves back to it's initial position. It goes about an inch every forty seconds. * Takaar loosens the pliers. It seems to be spring loaded with a timer of some sort. [The device stays closed] (about how long until the lever gets to the position it was at when it was open?) * Cecilia watches Takaar work and nods. He seems to have the right idea. [You moved it like a quarter of the way, after three minutes, it springs open] [The train halts briefly during this time and then gets moving again.] Would everyone please describe the sound they heard that brought them investigating? that was odd * Angel checks to make sure the doctor is still on his table maybe it was a coincidense, but it seemed like the device may have affected the train [Conductor] No, we stopped to pick up someone. Nothing that big. * Eliana rubs at her face. "It was a snap, then a thud. Perhaps the device and the man hitting the floor." All I heard was a loud thud. perhaps the man was using it near his head when it suddenly opened and struck him in the head? From what I saw in his room, the doctor was placed in his "precarious" position, rather than having fallen. He was also affected by some sort of mild poison, as he was breathing irregularly. I suspect that he set this device to make a thumping sound then for some reason took the poison and made the scene look like he was attacked. He attempted to distract us from the true crime. * Shiori points at the doctor. "But, ah... he's right over there." * Eliana says, hesitantly, "I hope I'm not interrupting, but it rather looked like his room was searched." Quite right. And he has the knowledge and access to materials to guarantee he made it out safe. Someone paid him to make such a distraction. But... what's really going on, then? This is about your scroll, isn't it? Mr. Conductor, I would like to have the police informed that both Memphis and Fallah are to be questioned and their baggage searched for the Egyptian mummification scroll which was stolen from the British Museum. The doctor is also suspect on secondary charges of knowingly aiding the true culprit. * Takaar put the device on the table if he hasn't already done so * Eliana lets out a slight huff and folds her arms, looking at the unconscious doctor. [A police officer walks in just in time to hear that. Memphis says something about diplomatic immunity and Fallah is taken off. Angel leaves with him] Thank you Takaar, and ladies for your help. * Eliana nods absently. (Oh, and give me spot checks everyone. Or police work rolls) * Cecilia blinks a few times, then nods. 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Shiori (2d6-2) and gets 5. This may sound a little odd, but what happened here? I was off in the lounge when the conductor came to round us all up. * Geoffrey leaves with Angel 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Alvero (2d6) and gets 7. 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Eliana (2d6) and gets 3. 2d6-8 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Cecilia (2d6-8) and gets -1. 2d6-8 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Takaar (2d6-8) and gets 2. [Conductor blocks the door to the lounge as the searches go on. Where is Fallah being taken off to? * Alvero stays standing and looking confused or whatever like most of the other passengers. * Eliana sighs and pushes aside her annoyance. She turns to Takaar. "Likely be questioned and searched." * Shiori stands out of the way, stealing occasional glances at the other passengers. [Conductor] Yes. * Takaar moves over to the conductor. Was that policeman picked up when the train stopped? [Conductor] Yes, him and a few others, apparently we're supposed to be met with more pretty soon to help in the searches. * Cecilia looks around the room some more. Her fingers twitch slightly. [Police officer returns] Alright, we're going to conduct more questioning, I'm going to need some of you to come with me to the dining room. * Takaar turns to the police officer. "Did he confess to anything?" [Police officer indicates] Cecillia's aunt and uncle, the Turkish represenative and a rather annoyed looking venerable Englishman. [This leaves the Aussie guy, the American woman, and the PCs] Most start moving. * Cecilia blinks and opens her mouth to protest, but her uncle shakes his head slightly, so she stays quiet. He and her aunt walk over to the policeman. * Eliana looks puzzled, but stands anyway. * Shiori stands back. Back! * Alvero shrugs and lets people pass him if need, yada yada, you know the drill. [Policeman turns to Takaar] He keeps talking about diplomatic immunity and some radical bullshit about how museums don't really own things. Have you had need to deal with his kind before? ( They're just on loan. From Kirby. Kirby owns everything. ) [Aussie guy goes behind the bar to get a drink, the American woman asks for permission to return to her private car but the conductor says no] * Eliana edges over to poor Mr. Henrick to get a better look at him. [Policeman] Punks that think they're entitlted to stuff because their ancestors did work? All the time. ::He then leaves to question people.:: * Cecilia watches her aunt and uncle follow the policeman out. She then leans against one of the walls and sighs. 2d6-5 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Eliana (2d6-5) and gets 1. I certainly didn't expect anything like this to happen. 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Eliana (2d6) and gets 6. * Alvero keeps quiet and to himself. (And someday, Alvero will officially be in the session! ;P) (Maybe! Eventually!) ( Silence ain't so bad :P ) (Damn straight!) * Eliana blinks, then shakes her head. She goes back to her seat. * Alvero looks out the train's windows at the rolling scenery. What country are those police from? I didn't recognize the uniforms. Likely whatever country we're in at the moment. Germany, perhaps? [You're now in the Austrohungarian empire. Foreign culture (Germany/Austrohungry/Eastern Europe) check for anyone who wants to evaluate that statement.] I'm not sure where we are long the tracks at the moment 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Shiori (2d6) and gets 5. 2d6-3 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Eliana (2d6-3) and gets 4. 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Cecilia (2d6) and gets 3. 2d6-3 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Alvero (2d6-3) and gets 3. (Oh yeah.) (Goooo Foreign Culture!) 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Takaar (2d6-2) and gets 6. [Everyone who makes by three or more thinks Takaar's got a definate point] * Cecilia looks at Takaar. "You know... there did seem to be something wrong about those police uniforms." * Shiori nods. "Ah, maybe... they're not... um. * Alvero walks up. "Sorry to interrupt, but... You have a point." He speaks with a thick Spanish accent. Maybe we should go follow them? [Police officer returns. You can see a few more behind him. First one has a holstered pistol and the other two have rifles] I'm afraid we're going to have to take you all in for questioning. No scroll has been found. * Eliana blinks. "Now, wait one moment. Why do we need to leave for questioning?" * Alvero nods. "What jurisdiction do you work under?" [Policeman] We don't really have the proper facilities on the train. We're also going to need to search your luggage. Um... What kind of facilities would you need for, ah, questioning? [Policeman] Uh... well.. the [substate within Austrohungry] police force. Can't you see the uniform idiot? * Eliana frowns. "There's no need to be insulting." * Cecilia frowns as well. "Why do you need to question us? Haven't our alibis already been established?" (do the uniforms of the two new police look as equally odd?) [Policeman] Well.. given the nature of the device, anyone could have been responsible.... But it's not up to you whether you come or not. Cecilia is right. Why do we need to leave the train. That will put as all behind schedule. Couldn't we use the dining car. * Alvero rubs his chin... [They're both lower ranking uniforms, they actually look more credible than the front one] (heheh, lower rank = easier to steal) (Ya think?) * Cecilia continues to lean against the wall. Her fingers twitch again. [Policeman] That is not an option, we've sent for more men who'll be here shortly to assist in the questioning. * Eliana stands near the doctor. She puts her hands on her hips. "So you're saying that you need a small army of men to question a few travelers." [The Aussie goes to dig something out from under the bar, the American Woman looks increasinly aggravated and fiddles with her handbag] * Alvero stands back from the policeman. (We're all speaking english right now, right?) (I assume so.) (Presumably.) * Takaar looks around the room for body language cues from other people. (yeah, english) [Policeman] * scowls "You may be some high up in Italy, but we aren't there anymore. You will show us your belongs in your rooms and in the baggage car, and then you will accompany me for questioning. [Policeman does have a moderately heavy accent that does fit this area] 2d6-4 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Takaar (2d6-4) and gets 3. * Cecilia looks nervously at the others. * Eliana gestures to the unconscious man next to her. "How about the doctor? What's going to happen to him?" ( He'll be ok. He's a doctor! :P ) * Shiori looks nervously not-quite at the policemen. * Alvero looks about the room somewhat nervously as well. * Takaar says something in spanish. [* Policeman steps forward and with a hand on his pistol. We will take him with us. Enough questions. Men search these people. Start with her. ::He points to Eliana:: * Eliana takes a step back, but doesn't resist at the sight of the pistol. [Policeman quickly frisks Eliana] * Eliana grimaces in disgust. Policeman seems rather disappointed to not find anything. "Alright, tell me your room numbers and my men will bring you baggages here for searching." * Shiori stares as the policeman does that, her face in shock. * Alvero softly utters a few words back in Spanish. * Eliana looks like she's barely restraining the urge to slap him. [Oh and just say [number] to indicate room number] [If you tell them] * Cecilia watches, her eyes wide. She presses herself against the wall. You will not touch my luggage out of my sight. Perhaps it would be best for us to go with you room to room to check the luggage? * Alvero nods. * Shiori nods rapidly. [Policeman "Alright... Let's go."] * Eliana hmphs and starts walking to her cabin. She glances at the poor doctor as she leaves. [Two policeman lead back to the cabins, the other one trails.. Let me know when you do anything but cooperate] (Is the train stopped, by the way?) (No, still running) * Cecilia follows the others. She looks scared half to death, poor thing. * Eliana opens her door, picking up her overcoat and putting it on, along with her hat. "Here." [No one is in the dinner or cabins, seems like they've been moved to the coach class] [They begin to search Eliana's room. They also begin try to enter the Aussie's room, which is between hers and the dining car] * Eliana folds her arms, watching the proceeds with proper indignation. [Aussie] No worries mate, but you aren't going in there. I am a legitimate Emu farmer and I will not be subjected to this sort of treatment. * Police officer scowls again. "I don't care if you're the god damned Queen. We're going in there." He moves to open the door and the Aussie blocks him. [Anyone else doing anything?] (Aside from standing around looking scared, no.) (nope, going along with the search at the moment) * Alvero lets them do their thing for now. * Shiori stands back and... uh, yeah (la-la-la! search-search-search!) * Aussie grumbles "Alright, but not just you. I will not consent to have my cabin searched by any less than an officer. [Policeman then smirks, leaves the front rifleman to search Eliana's room and he and the back officer go in the Russian's room to search it. [Aussie to guy in Eliana's room] Eh mate, you think that's a gun? (*sees what's coming and cracks up) [Searching guy looks confused] Damn straight, best in the business. Better than the real police use. [A very long second passes where I'm letting people pick actions] (Nice slip of the tongue, there. ;p) (is the police guy abou to open the Aussi guy's room?) * Alvero raises an eyebrow. Okay, now if that's not incriminating evidence, I don't know *what* is. (Two police in aussie's room. One in Eliana's) * Cecilia blinks. Okay. But they still have guns, and she doesn't, so for now, she's keeping very still. [last chance] * Eliana hears that, then scowls. She is *not* happy. * Shiori nods. [* Aussie slams shut the door to his room and draws a rather hefty looking pistol, probably weighs at least ten points] He then says, in flawless Russian for those that can understand it. "Cause this is what I call a gun." [Roll for init] * Alvero , now that Grysar has mentioned it, is actually wearing a long-ish overcoat that goes a little below his waist. As well as a fairly fancy rapier at his side. d6+6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Eliana (d6+6) and gets 8. d6+6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Alvero (d6+6) and gets 11. 2d6+8 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Takaar (2d6+8) and gets 18. d6+10 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Shiori (d6+10) and gets 15. d6+7 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Cecilia (d6+7) and gets 10. (The booklet says "Each player involved rolls two dice and adds attack combat value") d6+8 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Takaar (d6+8) and gets 14. (Does it, huh, well we'll go with one for now) (Really? Okay, original BESM only uses one, so that's what we're all used to.) (ok) ( Huh, they must've changed that. ) (...I somehow missed tht every time I've looked through...It's a good thing we're playing these things) (Makes init a little less... unpredictable.) [Shiori Takaar Alvero Cecillia Eliana] (You mean more unpredictable. :P) (That too. :P) [...Russian Mook Mook Mook] [Shiori] * Shiori goes wide-eyed at that. She doesn't make any sudden movements though (holding action) [Oh and the American woman goes between Alvero and Cecillia. Forgot about her] [Takaar] * Takaar feels for a vial in his jacket from the outside. doesn't go into jacket though [Alvero] * Alvero draws his rapier in a swift motion, guarding with it for the time being. (Total defense.) [* American Woman "Grab what you need and get to my car beyond the lounge and baggage car, we can hold them off there." She then runs that way. (Mook Mook Mook?) (Three mooks!) [Cecillia] * Cecilia looks around nervously, then takes off running in the direction of her cabin! [Eliana] * Eliana steps aside, giving the Aussie turned Russian a good shot at the fellow who was just pawing her belongings. (Consider it a held action, I s'pose.) * Aussie grins and blows the guy away. Anything towards the window is now sprayed in blood. Hope Eliana didn't store anything fashionable there. [Dead mook "Oh, that's a gun"] * Eliana wrinkles her nose in disgust. [Remaining mooks one guy starts pounding against the door and you can't hear what the other one is doing but he is cursing loudly in German. * Shiori winces. * Alvero comments back. "Well, that's one way of doing things." * Russian. "I've got these guys. But they said there was more coming. I'll not have you inventor types fall into their hands." Who's they? The 'cops'. * Russian nods as he's aiming is gun to the window of his room. [Shiori] [Actually, if people are just gathering stuff, can go out of init] More importantly, who are *you*? * Takaar runs off to his room and come back with his luggage. [Sudden glamor shot for the Aussie/Russian. Bottom of screen text reads Nikolai Petrov. His theme is "Back in the USSR" although that's not around yet.] * Shiori moves to her own cabin and grabs her things, returning shortly. She doesn't have a lot to bring with her. (Haw!) * Eliana looks around, then grabs one suitcase. "What about the doctor?" * Alvero doesn't look like he picked a single thing up. * Takaar is pulling the luggage on two small wheels in the back. The luggage looks more like a steam trunk and is covered in metal rivets. A shot goes through the door's window and out the window on the other side of the train, the Russian fires back in. "I don't care about him, do what you want. As for me, I'm just a fan of science." * Cecilia comes racing back down the hall, dragging a huge trunk behind her and with a small suitcase under her arm. Lovely. Where to now. This obviously isn't a safe place. * Eliana looks to Alvero. "You. If you're not getting anything, be a dear and grab the good doctor?" She doesn't seem quite so put out by blood being splattered over her former cabin. And what about those already taken by the "police"? Yes. What about my aunt and uncle? I can't just leave them! They're probably dead. * Cecilia pales and drops her luggage. "no..." * Shiori blinks at that. * Alvero sighs. "We'll check, though." They've probably not dead. the cops would try to use them as a bargaining chip to control you. * Alvero looks back. "Did anyone else bring a mount?" * Cecilia bites her lip and picks up her things, tears forming in her eyes. A mount? A horse. Yes, I have a horse. Are you going to get him or not? On a transcontinental trainride? ?? (Heck if I know. The GM never specified. :P) [Russian] They likely wouldn't be dead, this was a kidnapping attempt. There's no way any Austrians would have tha balls to pull something like this. He takes a shot in the shoulder but you can hear a groan from inside. * Alvero bows to Eliana. "Only if you'll accompany me. Sorry I haven't introduced myself. My name is Alvero da Luz. And you would take a horse if you wished to go somewhere else *after* you took the train." ( His name should be Alvero da Man :P ) (... <.< >.>) * Eliana sweeps out of the room and towards the lounge, suitcase in hand. "I always want to go somewhere else." I don't mean to be short, but now's not the time for formalities. We've got to decide what we're doing and fast. * Shiori nods. "Where, um... Where should we go?" [Hearing checks] 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Shiori (2d6-2) and gets 4. 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Alvero (2d6) and gets 7. 2d6-4 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Alvero (2d6-4) and gets 5. 2d6-8 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Cecilia (2d6-8) and gets -2. 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Eliana (2d6) and gets 4. 2d6-12 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Takaar (2d6-12) and gets -4. (Who rules? We rule.) [Alright, everyone hears horses over the din of the train. Takaar and Cecillia hear at least a dozen] [About a dozen rather] Horses! H-horses! *Lots* of them! Friend or foe, I don't know. * Eliana bites out a decidedly unladylike curse, but leads the way to the doctor anyway. [Russian kills the last guy in his room than rushes towards coach. "I'll make sure the passangers are safe, but for gods sake take care of yourself" * Alvero nods. "I'm going to get all the horses we can." * Takaar yells to the Russian. "Are those horses yours?" * Alvero goes off to do so! (... I'm confused.) (I thought I was leading Alvero to the doctor? Am I not doing that anymore?) (... I thought we were going to the horses...) [Same direction] Um... (You suck, you stupid wannabe Spaniard.) (Is there anyone not going to the lounge? (*smacks Eliana over the head with a rose.) (*takes the rose and impales Alvero with it.) * Takaar sucks at decision making and follows the mob. * Shiori turns to Takaar and gestures with her suitcase. "Could you, um.... Could you watch this for m-me? I need to check... something..." sure are you not coming with us? I'll... catch up. be quick. * Takaar puts Shiori's suitecaae on his trunk * Shiori partial smiles and nods, and heads towards the coach sections. [FF to lounge, everyone but Shiori is there] (Unconscious doctor guy, too?) (Yes) (And the horses? ;p) * Cecilia looks around for the woman who told them all to run. [Horses are in the baggage car. That's next. The last car is the private one belong to the American woman who's still nameless] * Eliana points him out. "There." [She isn't in the lounge] * Alvero picks up Dr. Unconscious! (Haw, that's his new name!) (Yes!) [Dr. Unconscious is picked up. Whatcha doing now?] * Eliana then keeps going. To the horses! * Alvero keeps going too! * Takaar follows (And so we can actually get something *done*.( * Cecilia gets a better grip on her stuff and keeps going! * Alvero is strong! No, really. (He's MANLY!) (MANLY!) (MANLY!) [In the baggage car. Anyone who has a horse as gear can have it here. It'll take a two minutes to get it open. You do hear the guys coming closer.] * Eliana sets her luggage down and gets to work on freeing her dappled mare. "Just the way I wanted to spend my vacation," she mutters. * Alvero calmly and deftly goes to work on freeing his horse too. * Cecilia pulls her baggage behind her and waits at the other end of the car for everyone to get their horses. * Shiori enters the car. * Eliana secures her suitcase on the horse, while she's at it. * Takaar hands the suitcase to Shiori * Shiori takes it. * Alvero puts Dr. Unconcious on his. any extra horses? (is the train still moving or has it stopped?) [Yeah, there's a couple. [Still moving] So, while we escape from the improper athourities, what exactly happened? I cannot say I understand the situation completly. I have no idea. * Takaar grabs an extra horse and attaches his luggage to the horse as though it were pulling a cart. Where do we go? I don't even know what part of the country we're in right now. Not to mention the fact that the train is still moving. How far off is Istanbul? We could head to the conference, but they're liable to find us there. Maybe... we could fight them... I'm not fond of bullets in my torso. * Cecilia sets her things down. Conveniently, the note that she stuffed in her jacket earlier comes sliding out. Nor am I fond of bullets in general * Shiori shrinks back. * Eliana nods. "If they're there for the conference, too, you can stop them." She tightens her grip on her horse's reins. "As far as I'm concerned, I'm a bystander, but I intend on going to Istanbul anyway." [American comes in from the back] "They'll be to the engine soon. You fighting or running? If you're fighting, I'd recommend you join me back here. If you're running, I'll try to give you a distraction." * Takaar bends down to pick up the note Cecilia dropped when a non-descript moment comes I'm not staying. Thank you. I'm not a fighter, I'm an inventor. * Cecilia looks around nervously. "If we *have* to fight... I have something that would help. But I'd really rather not." * Alvero looks back and forth... "Curse my conscience. It's going to kill me someday. You mind taking the good Doctor with you?" Not at all. I don't think... um, I... nevermind. [So everyone makes it to the back car. The woman Jessica Callahan, is there, along with two well armed men. What you see in the front part of the car is a luxurious office with a hallway leading back. Of note, there's a machine gun with wiring too it a fixed in the ceiling, aimed at guests] (are we the "guests"?) ("Guests" being who?) [There's a room on each side, but the back half of the car is convertabile and the sides flip open. Lots of crates and two weapon mounts] (Wah!) (... GAH!) (it's just for uncooperative customers, ,it's not on) [* Jessica sits behind a desk and gestures to the back. "I'd prefer to sit this one out here all told, but you fine people are welcome to anything back there, so long as you put it back." * Jessica grins. "I think the door is probably adequately covered." [So, set up RP while I roll init for mooks.] [Oh, and we'll do 2d6 this time] (What's going on? We're in a back car... uh, where's the bad guys?) * Takaar looks through the weapons cache. (what's available for use?) * Shiori looks at the weapons too. (Wow. My rapier isn't gonna get used at all. ^^;) * Alvero checks the guns out! * Cecilia drops her luggage, opens the trunk, pulls out a bunch of components, and begins assembly! [The gun seems to be an automated self defense system] (Automated self-defense... Wow, that's pretty high-tech.) * Eliana looks around, then walks over to one of the windows and peers out. "Lovely." (It's a machine gun that you hit the button for. It then sprays back and forth, no aiming) (Ah.) * Alvero observes people pulling guns out. [The weapons cache includes tin cans with an mechanical fuse (thrown), rifles, pistols, and two machineguns (heavy weapons gunnery. They'd take three turns to mount)] (Three turns after start of combat. * Takaar opens his suitcase and takes out a cube with lots of cables and various dials and knobs * Shiori looks everything over. "Um... This should be easy with all this... I think." * Takaar begins attaching the cables to the "automated self defense system" * Cecilia stands up, shuts the lid of her trunk, and picks up what she just put together. It's a large, unwieldy-looking piece of machinery with some sort of top-mounted flashbulb and a sizeable barrel. [Takaar it's not really possible to aim it out of the train car. Fair warning] (I brought my own! ^_^) * Eliana grabs some of the cans and looks them over. "What do these do?" (it's not? screw that idea then.) Pull and toss? [By mechanical fuse, I mean that you can pull something to light the fuse. No need for matches] * Alvero takes a rifle and points it around experimentally, being sure not to point at anyone. "First time for everything." He also grabs one of the pistols. I'd advise you *not* to look directly at this when I'm using it. And you may want to cover your ears if possible when I'm firing. (Can the two machine guns be pointed out the train car?) (Yes) * Shiori picks up one of the cans. She picks up a pistol, too, looks at it, and puts it back. (It'll just take three rounds to mount * Cecilia hefts it and flips a switch. Something starts whirring. * Eliana shrugs. Works for her. She makes a small pile, then feels over her coat and pulls something out from an inner pocket. * Takaar opens his luggage and takes out a bunch of cylinders. he begins affixing cables to them and loading the cylinders with vials. (Curse me for not being sensible and getting Gun Combat.) ( Pfah to gun combat :P ) (Gun Combat is lame!) (I mean, honestly. Real men use swords!) (or their brains) (Brains work too.) (I have brains and a large, unwieldy gun-like object.) (I'd use a whiteboard. Or just make it up as I went along.) (I prefer particle weapons) (*blasts Takaar away with a particle beam.) ( Just give me an ironing board, a piece of string, and a bunch of documents, and I'll have them all dead in no time. ) [Alright, let's do it. Roll for iniative victorians] 2d6+10 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Shiori (2d6+10) and gets 17. 2d6+7 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Cecilia (2d6+7) and gets 16. 2d6+8 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Takaar (2d6+8) and gets 17. 2d6+6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Eliana (2d6+6) and gets 13. [Alvero, you too] 2d6+6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Alvero (2d6+6) and gets 14. [Side windows are five feet off the ground and three feet high. They go around the whole back 2/3] [Any other questions?] * Shiori takes a deep breath. * Alvero takes a position to aim out the windows. * Takaar tosses a couple tethered cyclinders out the window and out the door. * Takaar sits down against a wall and place a box in front of him. [Alright, starting] G-Good luck, everyone. * Cecilia points her Big Cool Gun at the door. Order: [Shiori, Takaar, Cecillia, Rifle1, Alvaro, Sword1, Sword2, Eliana, Sword3, Car, Rifle2, Rifle3, Rifle4] Car? (We're fighting a car? ;p) ( Black model-T ) (The automated machine gun, right?) (Naw, automated machine gun isn't being accounted for yet. Only matters when someone comes in the front door) (Mooks on Horses!) [There are four horsemen behind you, half with rifles half without. Another one on each side, and two seem to be going for the engine. [In the distance you can see a primitive Sedan (err.. highly advanced Sedan) with a commanind looking guy driving and a bunch of mooks in the back] (That's a lot of mooks.) (How far in the distance?) (3 rounds away so long as the train keeps moving) (So long range. Everyone else is at short range) (let's rock) [Shiori] * Shiori takes another deep breath runs toward the windows. With one single motion, she throws off her dress as she leaps, revealing a loose purple-and- black Japanese outfit beneath. She speeds through the air and delivers an aerial kick to Rifle1 when she gets there. 2d6-3 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Shiori (2d6-3) and gets 4. (She is ninja!) (Ninja!) [Rifle1 almost moves out of the way, but his confusion about what hit him and how gets the better of him as he takes the kick to the chest] ... ... Now I've seen everything. umm, she certainly doesn't seem as meek when she's doing that. *gulp* * Shiori readies the 'splodie even as she's still in the air kicking Rifle1, and tosses casually it in Rifle2's lap as she lands. 2d6-3 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Shiori (2d6-3) and gets 7. ...uh, yes. I agree. * Rifle2 tries to catch it to knock it away. It was a bad decision. He miraculously manages to stay on his horse, but they fall back to two rounds away, and both have some nails in them. (Oh just so you know, sword4 and rifle 4 are the ones out of sight) [Takaar] * Takaar delays until any of the mooks are withing 5 meters of the tethered speheres he through out the window and the car in front. [Cecillia] Cover your ears! (oh, and i forgot sword4) he goes after sword 3) * Eliana blinks, then realizes what's going on and does that. * Cecilia points her weapon out the window, points at Sword3 and Rifle3, and pulls the trigger. A really loud noise eminates from the weapon. 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Cecilia (2d6) and gets 8. (Sadly, it misses.) (She needs practice firing weapons out of moving trains. ;p) * Alvero covers his ears! (Or firing weapons at all.) [Sword2 and sword3's horses rear up a bit, but they manage to keep control. They look a little freaked out though] (Speaking of which. What's the motion penalty, if there is one?) [Rifle1 takes a shot at the "Who the hell was that?!" That hit him and Shiorio needs a dodge roll. (From a *moving* train? I'm thinking +2 to +6) (Shirio! Like Cheerio!) (Right) (S'alright, it was a miss. It's +2) [Shirio, dodge!] 2d6-3 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Shiori (2d6-3) and gets 3. [Shirio elegantly moves out of the direction the guns pointing. The riflemen shouts, In german] [Alvaro] * Alvero aims at one of the horsemen! ( Kwit getting my name wrong ;_; ) (Aim action, end turn.) (I keep thinking your name's Shiho...) (But I'm getting it wrong in new and exciting way!) (But Shiori doesn't have the racoon.) [Sword1 rides closer and seems preparing to leap in, but not before Takaar gets to use his toy! Takaar!] * Takaar fiddles some buttons on the box in his lap. 2d6-6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Takaar (2d6-6) and gets 0. (12 dmg from pepper spray grenade) [Sword1 coughs madly as the pepper gas grenade explodes in his face. Covering his eyes he falls from his horse. In a heroic show of determination he tries to jump on the train from there, and completely misses] (check the rules under Irritant) (already did that I guess) (A heroic show of stupidity. Very nice.) [Sword2 rides up from the otherside and makes an impressive leap from his horse to the train car. Rolling to his feet in the car with the power of his momentum behind him he swings his sword at Cecillia who needs a defense roll] 2d6-3 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Cecilia (2d6-3) and gets 7. [Cecillia barely sees it coming and takes a nasty gash across the stomach, made worse by the momentum from the jump] [Eliana] (Need to stopping putting that extra l in Cecilia) * Cecilia makes a pained noise and fights back tears. * Eliana turns at the sound of someone jumping into the car, and her expression hardens. She glances at the contents of the vial in her hand and throws it at the man attacking Cecilia. 2d6-4 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Eliana (2d6-4) and gets 7. (... DR1) 2d6-4 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Eliana (2d6-4) and gets 1. [Swordman1 learns a lesson about a messing with the friend of a chemist woman. And burst into flames, he starts screaming his lungs out.] * Eliana smirks. "Serves you right." * Takaar cringes [Sword3 rides closer and gives a fierce slavic battle cry, leaping to the top of his horse and making a powerful jump... That slams him into the roof of the train which he bounces off of and lands in a hurting, but still living hump] (Good job!) [The car is slowly catching up with the train] [Riflemen2 and Riflemen3 both take shots at random at the train. Alvero and Takaar need a dodge roll] 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Alvero (2d6) and gets 8. (DR1.) 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Alvero (2d6) and gets 10. 2d6 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Cecilia (2d6) and gets 3. (Doesn't the train offer cover from that?) (Hmm... where are the cover rules? * Cecilia whimpers a little more. "...hurts... but not now..." (They're in the book. It adds a +2 to +8 penalty to hit. Considering they're *also* moving, the chances of them actually hitting us are probably very slim.) (They have steady hand. But yeah, those were both near shots cover would protect you) [Takaar hears a bullet and gets far from it, but Alvero gets to see close up a bullet ripping into the side of the train car. He's not hurt though.] [Shiori] [Oh, and the trains starting to slow down. You can hear the whine of breaks even from here. Penalities at +1 for this round.] (so, how do multiple weapons work. the spheres are tossed out an activate when something comes near. do those operate on my term or when something approaches?) [Poke poke Shiori] (Looking) * Shiori quickly chases after Rifle1, and I mean QUICKLY. She holds several small knives in her left hand, but when she leaps, a claw extends from the bracer she wears on her right; she slashes at the man as she passes overhead. 2d6-3 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Shiori (2d6-3) and gets 2. [Rifle1 tries to cleverly dodge the kinves and is utterly unprepared for the claw which gives him a rather nasty haircut] [Which is why trying to dodge them was a bad idea. :P The man slumps down on his horse and barely keeps a hold of his rifle. But in strictly technical terms he's alive.] [Shiori atk2] * Shiori tosses the knives at rifle2 before flipping and landing on her feet. 2d6-3 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Shiori (2d6-3) and gets 3. * Grysar rifle2 is a slow learner and tries to dodge the knives. Luckily for him, this time it was a good idea. [Cecilia and then Takaar] (Okay, who's left to aim at?) (The guy on fire.) (And, uh... other people! Like the car.) (rifle 3 and rifle2 are also both up) (the car is now at medium range) * Cecilia staggers to the window of the train, aims at the guy driving the car, and pulls a different trigger this time. A bright light flares from the bulb on top of her weapon. 2d6-1 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Cecilia (2d6-1) and gets 6. [The commander manages to stear the car to avoid full blast, but it takes a serious bulge in the side and three of the five mooks in the back are now bleeding from the eyes] [Takaar] (... Ewww?) (Bleeding from the eyes? Ow!) (But I blinded three mooks! Yay!) (Well, it is non-lethal, just very painful and permanent) (And it's your turn, Takster.) 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Takaar (2d6-2) and gets 7. * Takaar once again tasers the guy who's on fire for 12 dmg [Sword2 is busy trying to put himself out and so he doesn't see it coming. He screams just a bit louder, but only just a bit, cause he's already on fire.] [Rifle1 one limply fires his rifle in the general direction he thinks Shiori is in. He's off.] * Takaar waits for mooks to come closer to the spheres hanging out the train windows. [Alvaro!] * Alvero FINALLY gets his turn, and lets a shot fly off at one of the horsemen with rifles. 2d6-1 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Alvero (2d6-1) and gets 5. [There sometimes comes a time in a horses life when he or she is emancipated from human servitude in an instant. That time has come for rider1's horse, as he rolls off, quite dead] (That's nice and philosophical. Really.) [Sword1 tries to run after the train while rubbing his eyes but he loses ground as he's not fast enough. Sword2 takes out a flask of water and pours it over himself to extinguish the flames...] (You know, that's just gonna make it worse.) (Hahahahaa!) (Oh. 'Scuse.) (The Byzantines ruled, for the record.) (Mmmm... Greek Fire.) [Indeed it does. He screams.. "Damn you witch, I'll see you in hell!" As the flames flare a bit.] [Accused witch.. err Eliana :P] * Eliana rolls her eyes and pulls another vial from her coat, entirely unaffected. "You say that like I've never heard it before." She looks out the window. (Holding action for after the car gets a little closer.) (That. Is awesome. ^_^) (What can I say? I'm good.) (My comeback of choice is "Not if I see you first." But that's a great one too. :P ) (mmm, fire. how I have missed you.) [Sword3 manages to catch up with his horse and starts to remount her. But that's all he manages to do for the round] [Car moves into range... Eliana!] * Eliana throws the vial about as hard as she can, out the window and towards the car. The little glass thing sails through the air and... 2d6-3 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Eliana (2d6-3) and gets 5. [BOOOM! I think that says it all. Wait, not satisfying enough. The commander tries to desperately turn left to avoid the vial, this only succeeds in allowing it to fly into a car window.... ( I did that once. :P ) (Not pretty.) [Flames engulf the inside as two mooks desperately attempt to leap out the window, one still clawing at his eyes. Then the engine goes off in a secondary explosion incinerating both of them. A lone wheel bounces towards the train from the burnt out husk of a chassie.] [Haruko would reprimand you for that, but she's not here.. :P] (Okay, yeah, that's satisfying.) [Rifle2 and rifle3 fire at the train, but the shock of the explosion throws them off and they miss entirely] [Shiori!] ( who's uninjured? Anyone? ) [Train's still moving, but much slower. No penalty] * Takaar feels perfectly healthy [Rifle3 looks dapper and ready for a night on the town] * Alvero sees the explosion and winces. (He's all healthy, though.) (My original plan was to have you guys take the captured car to the next site. I **really** did not think that plan through) * Shiori sprits lightning quick towards Rifle3 and leaps, driving the claw into his back. (...) 2d6-3 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Shiori (2d6-3) and gets 6. (Well, uh... can't exactly take the car now.) (Ehh, we have horses. ;p) (And Shiori can run. Jesus.) ( Zoom! ) (Not a problem, just commenting on the silliness of that plan. :P) (Meanwhile, the American lady lounges behind the desk and smokes a cigar as she watches the show.) ( Someone shoot her or something. ) (Destruction? You betcha!) [Indeed it is, it goes through his stomach and you can see the front ends poking out. Nasty things those claws, still up though... Next attack] * Shiori isn't done with him yet; she wraps her free arm around his torso and, with her claw still in his back, leaps off the horse, taking him high into the air with her. She flips around in mid air so that he's beneath and drives him into the ground. (Piledriver!) (... He's DEAD already!) (He's MORE DEAD!) (See, we're just innocent, very very *not* bloodthirsty travelers.) ( Bah, he wasn't dead :P ) (mauraders always bring out the worst in people) 2d6-4 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Shiori (2d6-4) and gets 3. 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Shiori (2d6-2) and gets 6. (Innocent. Very innocent. Nothing to look at here. Please move along.) (Is there anyone left?) (Can't have returning mooks now.) [Rifleman3 is now rifleman3.0-3.5 and rifleman3.5-4. Both are incredibly bloody.] (...) [And as they are not starfish, oh so dead.] [Sword1:irritated, Sword2:still burning, sword3:mounted again. Sword4 and rifle4 unaccounted for] (You're having fun with this, Greg. Are you sure GMing isn't your calling or something?) (Need to be faster. ^^;) [Takaar] (That comes with practice. Or me yelling at you a lot.) 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Takaar (2d6-2) and gets 3. (taser for 12 dmg to the burning man) * Jessica is actually smoking a cigarette, she calls out to Eliana. "Two questions. How the *fuck* did you do that and how the *fuck* much do I have to pay you to answer question one?!" [Still frame of her with the autogun in the back Jessica Callahan. Theme: Lenny Kravitz - American Woman ] * Alvero laughs. (You've been calling her American Woman all night. I've already mentally associated her with that song. It's scary.) [He fails to dodge it, and he now burns in hell. Or he's just dead and there's nothing left but a smoldering corpse. I'm not commenting on the afterlife in this world] (It was intentional. ^_^ ) [Cecilia] * Eliana glances over at Jessica. "Trade secret and likely more than you have." * Cecilia fires out the window at Swordsman #3 this time! Bright flashy light! Let's see if it works. 2d6-2 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Cecilia (2d6-2) and gets 2. [Swordman3 is now blind and has his hands up] [Something about all the special effects moved him... to cowardice] [Alvaro] Are they trying to give up? [Swordman3] For the love of God, yes! [Swordsman2 and Rifle2 are still up though] [Alvaro....] * Alvero drops his gun and draws his rapier. (Swordman 3 is the guy in the cabin that's burning, right?) (Burning guy is dead.) (Naw, he's down. sword3 is on a horse. sword2 is on ground. and rifle2 is on horse) * Alvero just waits for a guy to come into the car so he can poke/slice them full of holes, then. (Holding/readying action.) [Sword1 leaps up to the back of the truck, though with his irritated eyes he just barely makes it. He seems about to attack Eliana when Alvero....] [And that's your cue, he's targetable] * Alvero swings his rapier as a slash right in front of him, an arc of fire shooting outwards from the hilt torwards the Sword-guy. 2d6-3 * Dicesuke throws the bones for Alvero (2d6-3) and gets -1, a CRITICAL SUCCESS!!! "I wish I got to hand out more of these, really." (Burn baby!) (What is it with you people and setting things on fire?) (Fire's COOL.) (Why can't you be civilized and deprive them of their primary senses like I do? ;p) (Yahahahaha! BURN BURN BURN!) (Oh. I can do that. Maybe.) ( I can do anything. I'm a ninja. ) (this reminds me of the characters in our DnD campaign) (Can you do six impossible things before breakfast?) ( Yes. 'Cause I'm a ninja. ) (Guess we'll just have to up the standard of 'impossible', then.) (I'm having a hard time finding a hole in Shiori's logic.) [Sword1 is about to swing for Eliana's neck as he screams in rage for his fallen friend. Those cries quickly turn to cries for himself as the blade pierces him through the heart, only to light his chest on fire. He lies limp and burng on the end of Alvero's sword.] ( ^^ ) (Impressive.) * Eliana takes an involuntary step back, blinks down at him, then looks to Alvero. "Thank you." [Eliana!] * Alvero kicks him off his sword when he has the chance. "Pleasure to help." [Sword3 falls off the railcar with a thunk] [Rifle2] * Eliana glances out the window, then walks over to Cecilia. She opens her purse and pulls a vial from it, checking its contents carefully before handing it to her. "Drink this." * Cecilia takes it. "Th-thank you." She opens it up and sips. [Finally rifle4 and sword4 burst through the front door to the car yelling "Hands up we've got you surrounded." Jessice extinguishes the her cigarette on the autogun trigger.] (And then spontaneously combusts, so that Eliana can get the gun. Oh, well.) [Rifle4 leaps to the side in time and puts his hand over his head. Sword4 is kibble] [Shiori. Kill him or let him surrender when his turn comes. Your call.] * Shiori will let him surrendur if he wants, kill him if not. [Rifle2 sticks his hands up] [Victory!] ... * Cecilia gags and coughs and is nearly ill, but forces herself to swallow the rest of the contents of the vial. * Eliana glances over to see people gunned down, then watches her swallow. She'd *better* swallow. Good. * Alvero swings his rapier to get blood off of it. "That was interesting, to say the least. Flirt with danger much?" Not often. [Session end!]