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Thread: France: Waltz of Dust
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2008-02-13, 05:37 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Dec 2007
- Gender
Re: France: Waltz of Dust
Riq Kelborn
Ears pricking up at the mention of "Elaina", Riq pitches his voice so as to be heard by the laughing ladies.
"What am I looking at, sir? It appears that I'm looking at a rather rude 'gentleman.' At least, I think that's what I'm supposed to call you. It seems a bit of a loose term though, truth be told. Anyway, I should thank you. The party was rather dull below so I thought I'd escape for a moment. Look for peace and silence away from that dreary crowd. Now, I did not find my peace, but thanks to you I have found the most amusing incident of the evening. Still, I must ask you to leave. The Lady has asked that you do so and I don't intend to let you ruin her night or mine by making a further fool of yourself knocking at her door or bellowing for her to come out."
Riq speaks politely, his carefully cultured voice full of fading warmth. As he finishes speaking, he unconsciously rests his hand on his blade and shifts his feet towards a fighters stance.It ain't braggin' if you can back it up.
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2008-02-13, 08:36 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Sep 2005
- Location
- Edmonton, Canada
Re: France: Waltz of Dust
Guillaume
Mindful of the roles that he and Patrice had agreed to when they were first discussing this ruse - with Patrice the starry-eyed pupil and Guillaume the more politic pragmatist - the young priest reined in his desire to leap into conversation with de Noailles as soon as they reached the garden.
We appreciate your forebearance, Father, and assure you that we regret drawing you away from your discussion.
Leaving the next gambit to Patrice, Guillaume took a moment to enjoy the air of the garden, circling slowly to ensure that there were no untoward surprises.
SpoilerGuillaume is leaving the priest with Patrice as he goes around, searching for any spies, guards or other guests lingering among the rose bushes."We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be." Kurt Vonnegut
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2008-02-13, 11:10 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Aug 2005
- Location
- Lincoln
- Gender
Re: France: Waltz of Dust
Brother Patrice
The curtain is drawn, and the play begins. Act 1, in which a distraught young priest and his friend seek their elder's advice. Naberius, gild my tongue in silver and gold.The priest closes his eyes for a moment, and when he opens them, they are filled with concern and general worry. Father, it must be first said that we are big admirers of you. We have heard of your wisdom, and you seemed to be the best solution to the weighty problem we have, one that drags down on the heart and makes doing God's work hard. There is a conflict, in our hearts, as much as it hurts to say. He hangs his head, as if in shame, playing up the drama.
My Father, I must confess that we are torn between what we feel in our hearts and our heads. My companion and I, We are both men of France, and believe the best in her. But we are also men of God. This war... This war is not right. We shouldn't be fighting, but trying to make peace with our brother, no matter what their birth tongue is. I spent years in the New World, trying to convert the native. I admit fully that I didn't do as much good as I could have, because many died in war there. And why? They were pulled in due to fights here, between Christians who should know to love thy neighbor. Their violations and squabbles hurt the efforts of God all around the world. His voice is starting to take on the quiet hysteria of those truly distraught, and he starts to pace in a tight back and forth pattern.
He leaves a pause, waiting for Brother Guilluame to jump in as the voice of reason or for Father de Noialles to comment. If neither say anything, he will continue.
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2008-02-14, 10:25 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Sep 2005
- Location
- Edmonton, Canada
Re: France: Waltz of Dust
Guillaume
The man knows his rhetoric. Fine work, Patrice.
Confirming his solidarity with Patrice's statements, Guillaume completes his search and goes to stand by his companion, his face drawn and earnest. However, he says no more, waiting to guage the older man's reaction."We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be." Kurt Vonnegut
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2008-02-15, 08:46 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2007
- Location
- Boston
- Gender
Re: France: Waltz of Dust
Riq:
As you speak, you see the man grow angrier and angrier. For a moment he looks ready to fight, but when you move your hand to your sword, he backs off. When you finish, he raises his finger at you, face flushed, as if about to deliver some witty retort, but instead he storms off.
Patrice, Guillarme:
The priest looks surprised.
Is that what this is about? Well, of course I agree completely, as I'm sure you already know. I've made no secret of my distain for warfare. I'm only sorry that you had to experience it first hand, brother.
Jacques:
The boy's response is changed.Click the spoiler to see all the great games I design:
Spoiler
Who Beats Who? the hilariously geeky game of hypothetical battles.
Who has two thumbs (up) and a board game coming out from Rio Grande? This guy. Gladiators (Rio Grande)
PIZZA IN SPAAAAACE! Cambridge Games Facotry and Spoiled Flush Games Cosmic Pizza coming soon.
Matrix Solitaire, likely the best Solitaire game you will ever play.
Spoiled Flush Games
Twitter... where I talk about game design and beer.
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2008-02-15, 11:32 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Sep 2005
- Location
- Edmonton, Canada
Re: France: Waltz of Dust
Guillaume
Licking his lips, Guillaume allows his very real nervousness show.
Of course, our prayers are also for peace. We are aghast that our beloved France should be so much the aggressor in this war.
My feeling is that, if in some way the Prussians can somehow gain an upper hand in this current battle, then France will be quick to sue for peace, and it will be the better for all. I'd hoped that you, with your clear and courageous stance against the war, might have some ideas on how we might help effect this.
I have been confessor to two officials in the War Ministry. While I currently know nothing of the current situation, we had discussed the possibility that, with the right encouragement, a few details might slip - outside of the confessional, of course - that would hasten the end of this hated conflict. My difficulty is that I would have no idea what to do with such information."We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be." Kurt Vonnegut
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2008-02-15, 12:46 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2007
- Location
- Boston
- Gender
Re: France: Waltz of Dust
Guillarme:
SpoilerPlease roll a bluff check.Click the spoiler to see all the great games I design:
Spoiler
Who Beats Who? the hilariously geeky game of hypothetical battles.
Who has two thumbs (up) and a board game coming out from Rio Grande? This guy. Gladiators (Rio Grande)
PIZZA IN SPAAAAACE! Cambridge Games Facotry and Spoiled Flush Games Cosmic Pizza coming soon.
Matrix Solitaire, likely the best Solitaire game you will ever play.
Spoiled Flush Games
Twitter... where I talk about game design and beer.
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2008-02-15, 02:15 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Aug 2005
- Location
- Lincoln
- Gender
Re: France: Waltz of Dust
Patrice
The priest chimes in. I know it is outside our purview, my Father... I know it breaks some of the rules. But we can't stand idly aside and let this unholyness continue. It comes down to our duty to France or our duty as priests... And we would really save more lives if we ended this quickly...
He hopes that he will add enough raw enthusiasm, moral confusion, and worry to make Guillaume's words more convincing
SpoilerCan I aid bluff and diplomacy? Tag teaming is an effective way to work persuasion, but I have had DM's rule both ways.
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2008-02-15, 02:15 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Oct 2007
Re: France: Waltz of Dust
"Ha Ha! Haha! Yes" Dr. Klein's forced laughter echos the General's own as he tries his best to be sociable. His tone eases up considerably walking with the General on the way to "That sounds like an excellent idea! The fine wines of France are treasures I shall greatly miss when I return home, whenever that might be. For now though, let us enjoy!"
He takes a drink and raises it up with General Dupont's, "Prost!"
SpoilerProtip: "Prost" is German for "Cheers"If RPG's have taught me anything, it's that all social and economic problems of the world can be solved through murder.
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2008-02-15, 02:41 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Dec 2007
- Gender
Re: France: Waltz of Dust
Riq Kelborn
Seeing the (other) fop making a hasty, and wise, withdrawal Riq knocks on the door that his near foe had just emerged from. Bowing first to Elaina, Riq rises and says,
"Ladies, I apologize for that gentleman's rudeness. Still, much as I regret his unfortunate choice of actions, I cannot blame his intent. He is young, and you are very beautiful. It is not an excuse, simply a fact. Men can be rather foolish, and forget that we are meant to serve the Lady, not to rule her. It was my honour to serve you. Is there any other way that I may be of service to you, tonight?"
Riq says this with an absolutely honest look upon his face, his voice grave and restrained. His eyes never leave Elaina's and he waits patiently for her response.
SpoilerDiplomacy (d20+13)[32]It ain't braggin' if you can back it up.
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2008-02-15, 03:10 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2007
- Location
- Boston
- Gender
Re: France: Waltz of Dust
Klein:
Prost... yes, indeed. Dupont has clearly never heard that toast before, but he gets the spirit of it and gladly drinks with you as promised.
Have you been long in France then, Doctor?
As they talk, Klein spots a man over Dupont's shoulder, a colleague from the University. Professor Lemont, an old and bitter practictioner of magics, natural science, and philosophy. Ancient and comfortable with his tenure, he is open in his distain of "new blood" in Paris' scholarly circles. His eyes lock with Klein's and a sour expression appears on his face.
Patrice:
SpoilerYes, you may aid Guillarme- just succeed in a dc10 bluff check.
Riq:
SpoilerI will take that very good diplomacy check into account.
The girl grins mischievously. You recognize from description that this "Elaina" is Madamousielle DeChamps.
My word, we have a live one here. You seem a nice enough gentleman, but I already know how this will turn out, so thank you for the offer, but good night.
The other girl rolls her eyes. But this one is pretty...
My word, Anabelle! says Elaina. We have our pick of pretty men- I'd think you'd be used to seeing them by now. They treat my appartment like a tavern... but this one does seem at least to be less of a bore than usual.
I will permit you to come in and entertain us for a time until we grow weary of you, which I suspect will be presently.
She steps aside.
Come in!Last edited by Human Paragon 3; 2008-02-15 at 03:12 PM.
Click the spoiler to see all the great games I design:
Spoiler
Who Beats Who? the hilariously geeky game of hypothetical battles.
Who has two thumbs (up) and a board game coming out from Rio Grande? This guy. Gladiators (Rio Grande)
PIZZA IN SPAAAAACE! Cambridge Games Facotry and Spoiled Flush Games Cosmic Pizza coming soon.
Matrix Solitaire, likely the best Solitaire game you will ever play.
Spoiled Flush Games
Twitter... where I talk about game design and beer.
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2008-02-15, 03:55 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Aug 2005
- Location
- Lincoln
- Gender
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2008-02-15, 03:57 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Dec 2007
- Gender
Re: France: Waltz of Dust
Riq Kelborn
Feigning boredom Riq responds,
Well Madamousielle, in truth, I had been planning on heading out for some air. Still, I suppose it is my duty to serve your will. A true gentlemen never turns from duty, and you'll never find yourself a truer gentlemen than Riq Kelbor, the Rose Knight. Would it presumptuous of me to ask for your name? I don't believe we've met, being recently arrive from London I haven't yet had the pleasure of meeting such a rare flower of France.
Breaking from his disinterested facade, Riq winks at Annabelle,
It is a pleasure to meet you too, Annabelle. You're a very pretty girl, it's no wonder you have your pick of 'pretty men'.
Riq bows and kisses her hand, before rising with a white rose for her.
I pray I won't simply slip through your memory as just another 'pretty man'.
SpoilerRose Roll-(d100)[57]Last edited by Lepre_Khan; 2008-02-15 at 03:59 PM.
It ain't braggin' if you can back it up.
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2008-02-15, 04:08 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2007
- Location
- Boston
- Gender
Re: France: Waltz of Dust
Riq:
SpoilerPlease roll a bluff check.Click the spoiler to see all the great games I design:
Spoiler
Who Beats Who? the hilariously geeky game of hypothetical battles.
Who has two thumbs (up) and a board game coming out from Rio Grande? This guy. Gladiators (Rio Grande)
PIZZA IN SPAAAAACE! Cambridge Games Facotry and Spoiled Flush Games Cosmic Pizza coming soon.
Matrix Solitaire, likely the best Solitaire game you will ever play.
Spoiled Flush Games
Twitter... where I talk about game design and beer.
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2008-02-15, 04:22 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Dec 2007
- Gender
Re: France: Waltz of Dust
Riq Kelborn
SpoilerBluff(d20+11)[14]It ain't braggin' if you can back it up.
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2008-02-15, 07:41 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Sep 2005
- Location
- Edmonton, Canada
Re: France: Waltz of Dust
SpoilerBluff (1d20+4)[13]
Don't suppose I can convince you to make this a diplomacy check? Because it's an extended period of conversation, rather than a verbal feint or misdirection? If so, add ten to the result rolled above."We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be." Kurt Vonnegut
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2008-02-18, 12:44 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Oct 2007
Re: France: Waltz of Dust
Dr. Klein
"Only a few Months now, but I've enjoyed my stay here so much that I've taken to all of France's bounty quite quickly." Dr. Klein answers in the moments before he notices Professor Lemont glaring at him from across the way. He's none too familiar with Lemont, only having seen him in passing or overheard his public tirades against him and other foreigners. Having had no pressing reason to confront him in the past, and still hoping he'll simply ineffectually bluster, he makes a note to avoid Lemont if at all possible.
He does give his fellow professor an acknowledging nod, the very least respect he could pay the man and not risk him storming over to make a scene. Afterwards, he turns back to the General and continues his conversation, with depressed words but with a certain perverse pride in his tone. "I'm not sure how long I'll be staying, but it's certain to be a little while longer. You see, a satirical play I wrote resembled too closely a certain oafish nobleman back home, and I'm forced to remain abroad until he forgets my work. This has been made doubly hard by its popularity with the rest of Munich I'm afraid."If RPG's have taught me anything, it's that all social and economic problems of the world can be solved through murder.
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2008-02-19, 10:56 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2007
- Location
- Boston
- Gender
Re: France: Waltz of Dust
Guillarme, Patrice:
The priest frowns. You are frightening me, brothers. I'm not sure what you are trying to involve me in...
He pauses and looks at the two younger priests, as if trying to evaluatie their innermost souls.
I'm sure you've no intention to misuse me, but this may not be the time or place, friends. You may have arrived here late, and so would not have heard, but this party is starting to become something of a hotbed for millitary secrets, especially now that you've made your startling claims, Guillarme. Some young captain, hot with too much wine, has been blathering about his marching orders: a secret, large scale mission to capture some high-profile Prussian ministers.
Something tells me that there's more going on tonight than we are aware of, but I should say that we would be unwise to say more about it here....
He motions skyward.
We are outside of the block. There could be demons observing us now, unseen.
Riq:
Oh, Mns. Kellborne! Anabelle swoons.
A pretty trick, sir, says Elaina. I suspect you're full of them. But do come in. There is wine enough and food. A warm fire. I dare say you have many stirring stories of your life in England.
Klein:
Oh, you are a playwright. How very exciting! Dupont bellows. No wonder you were so interested in my exploits, probably looking for inspiration for one of those Historicals or whatever it is you call them.
He pours a drink for you and a somewhat larger one for himself.
I expect you've been distilling a lot of inspiration from we noble Frenchmen. You could probably draw a dozen plays from the fat heads at this party alone!
Lemont returns the nod, a disturbed smile flashing across his face. Once the General has your attention again, you lose sight of the professor completely and do not see him again.Last edited by Human Paragon 3; 2008-02-19 at 11:03 AM.
Click the spoiler to see all the great games I design:
Spoiler
Who Beats Who? the hilariously geeky game of hypothetical battles.
Who has two thumbs (up) and a board game coming out from Rio Grande? This guy. Gladiators (Rio Grande)
PIZZA IN SPAAAAACE! Cambridge Games Facotry and Spoiled Flush Games Cosmic Pizza coming soon.
Matrix Solitaire, likely the best Solitaire game you will ever play.
Spoiled Flush Games
Twitter... where I talk about game design and beer.
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2008-02-19, 02:29 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Sep 2005
- Location
- Edmonton, Canada
Re: France: Waltz of Dust
Guillaume
Sensing de Noailles concern, Guillaume speaks softly and urgently, allowing his own agitation to show.
Perhaps we should go in then, Father. Please understand that these are only the beginnings, the gropings of ideas. We sought your counsel as to whether to steer away from this course, or how to proceed. Isn't that right, Patrice?"We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be." Kurt Vonnegut
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2008-02-20, 03:21 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Aug 2005
- Location
- Lincoln
- Gender
Re: France: Waltz of Dust
Patrice
Yes, Guillaume. We will take your counsel into consideration Father. You are right. We shall be discreet and quiet. However, if you ever have any use for what we can provide... He shakes his head softly, sadly, whispering almost under his breath. I have come to the conclusion that we must be God's men first, and France's second. What a world we live in. May we all be protected from the wrath that is sure to come from this. He crosses himself, and raises his head. We shouldn't keep you any further. We have said our say, and I am sure your pupils are probably worried... I would prefer to walk for a bit and clear my thoughts. And pray, too, away from the party. He bows deeply to Father de Noialles. I am ever in your debt. If you have need of me for anything, do not hesitate to contact me. I am your man, and God's. With that, he excuses himself and heads further into the garden, away from the group.
Once he is sure he is out of earshot, he kneels, and quietly whispers the imp's name three times.
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2008-02-20, 09:21 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2007
- Location
- Boston
- Gender
Re: France: Waltz of Dust
Noailles nods, and returns to the party.
Guillarme:
SpoilerAt your option, you can either accompany him indoors or stay out with Patrice.
Patrice walks further into what is nominally the rose garden. In this cold month, the grounds are coated in snow, the pale moonlight reflecting off of it creating a vibrant glow. His boots crunch as he makes his way to a more secluded area, and calls for the imp, Lemac.
There is a soft sound, like a harpstring being plucked, and the imp appears, hovering just above the ground, his eyes level with Patrice's. His arms are crossed and his wings folded- evidently they are for show only, because he doesn't seem to need them to fly.Click the spoiler to see all the great games I design:
Spoiler
Who Beats Who? the hilariously geeky game of hypothetical battles.
Who has two thumbs (up) and a board game coming out from Rio Grande? This guy. Gladiators (Rio Grande)
PIZZA IN SPAAAAACE! Cambridge Games Facotry and Spoiled Flush Games Cosmic Pizza coming soon.
Matrix Solitaire, likely the best Solitaire game you will ever play.
Spoiled Flush Games
Twitter... where I talk about game design and beer.
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2008-02-20, 11:12 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Sep 2005
- Location
- Edmonton, Canada
Re: France: Waltz of Dust
Guillaume
The priest's voice is soft as Father de Noailles slips back into the party.
And so ends round one. Either our friend is cannier than his idealistic manner would suggest, or we are following a blind alley.
He turns to see Patrice walking further into the garden, and hastens to catch up. Guillaume was eager to compare notes. When Patrice knelt to pray, however, Guillaume took up a standing position opposite him, so as to be able to watch for activity from that direction.
When the imp appeared, he nodded to it, a bit uncertain of Patrice's next move."We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be." Kurt Vonnegut
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2008-02-20, 11:40 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Aug 2005
- Location
- Lincoln
- Gender
Re: France: Waltz of Dust
Patrice
Ah, there you are. He nods, satisfied. When the good Father mentioned Demons leaning in, it worried me slightly. I had two questions to ask. First, were you listening in. Second, are there any other demons around that might have overheard?
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2008-02-20, 11:55 AM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2007
- Location
- Boston
- Gender
Re: France: Waltz of Dust
Yes, Lemac states. As I was commanded by the master. I sense the presense of others, too, though most are well disguised.
Click the spoiler to see all the great games I design:
Spoiler
Who Beats Who? the hilariously geeky game of hypothetical battles.
Who has two thumbs (up) and a board game coming out from Rio Grande? This guy. Gladiators (Rio Grande)
PIZZA IN SPAAAAACE! Cambridge Games Facotry and Spoiled Flush Games Cosmic Pizza coming soon.
Matrix Solitaire, likely the best Solitaire game you will ever play.
Spoiled Flush Games
Twitter... where I talk about game design and beer.
-
2008-02-20, 12:21 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Aug 2005
- Location
- Lincoln
- Gender
Re: France: Waltz of Dust
Patrice
Well, that solves that issue. The priest suddenly feels very vulnerable. You may remain silent then. It is only important so far as your master knows we are doing the right then. If others know what we are doing... I am willing to take the risk to do right. And we are doing the right thing by God. With a nod, he stands. I am going back to the party. God's work must always be tended to, and just because Father de Noialles wasn't what we were hoping doesn't mean there won't be others. He is shaking slightly as he returns, real fear pervading him. Of all the stupid things I could do. Invisible bloody demons all over and I go blabbing my mouth like a gossipy street whore.
SpoilerBluff checks to make it sound like he is still talking about treason rather than spying, just in case other demons (specifically, ones belonging to de Noialles are there) are listening in right now. Using Naberius's ability to take 10 on bluff checks, for a total of 22
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2008-02-20, 01:36 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Sep 2005
- Location
- Edmonton, Canada
Re: France: Waltz of Dust
Guillaume
Shaking his own head but not wishing to gild the lily, Guillaume simply follows Patrice back inside. Once back indoors, he looks for a quiet corner where he and Patrice can pray in private."We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be." Kurt Vonnegut
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2008-02-20, 01:40 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Apr 2007
- Location
- Boston
- Gender
Re: France: Waltz of Dust
P&G:
Outside the main ballroom there is a hallway with rooms branching off of it. You find an unocupied drawing room with a few comfortable looking seats, and, further down the hall, a simiarly unocupied chappel.Click the spoiler to see all the great games I design:
Spoiler
Who Beats Who? the hilariously geeky game of hypothetical battles.
Who has two thumbs (up) and a board game coming out from Rio Grande? This guy. Gladiators (Rio Grande)
PIZZA IN SPAAAAACE! Cambridge Games Facotry and Spoiled Flush Games Cosmic Pizza coming soon.
Matrix Solitaire, likely the best Solitaire game you will ever play.
Spoiled Flush Games
Twitter... where I talk about game design and beer.
-
2008-02-20, 03:37 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Sep 2005
- Location
- Edmonton, Canada
Re: France: Waltz of Dust
Guillaume
Slipping briefly into the chapel and waiting for Patrice to join him, Guillaume crosses to the altar, praying very hard that there were not, at this moment, a dozen demons preparing reports on a possible traitor, to go to someone OTHER than the ministry of war.
Once Patrice is in and the room closed, Guillaume moves close, resumes an attitude of prayer, and murmurs.
Well. That could have gone better. What's your read of him?"We are what we pretend to be, so we must be careful about what we pretend to be." Kurt Vonnegut
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2008-02-20, 05:31 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Aug 2005
- Location
- Lincoln
- Gender
Re: France: Waltz of Dust
Brother Patrice
Yes indeed. I didn't even think of the demons when I brought him out there. And I had to cover my tracks to Lamac because De Noialles demon could have been listening in as well. So, yes. It gets better, because another demon might recognize Lamac and think the Minister is a traitor too. His voice is sour, and low. He starts pacing, making no indication he intends to go to the alter and start praying. As for the priest....We might have stumbled into something bigger than we knew previously. A captain is blathering about his orders foolishly, it sounds like Jaques's man. And this leads me to doubt him, as any spy could overhear him flapping his lips and report it. As for the Father, we might just have to wait for him to contact us.
SpoilerSense motive to evaluate the conversation in retrospect, especially the sincerity of Father de Noialles.
Sense Motive - (1d20+1)[19]
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2008-02-20, 09:51 PM (ISO 8601)
- Join Date
- Dec 2007
- Gender
Re: France: Waltz of Dust
Riq Kelborn
"Tricks, mademoiselle? I? Never. Tricks are for boys, 'noble' youth who pretend their own self-worth. I have no tricks."
As he speaks, Riq enters the room and seats (or least offers to help seat) the ladies. He then offers to pour each wine and, regardless of their answer, pours himself a glass. Once that is taken care of Riq, still standing, gestures towards Elaina,
"Mademoiselle Nameless, you have asked for stories from London? Well then, you shall have them. What do you wish to hear?? Lady G--'s latest ball? Or perhaps something less...cultured. My unfortunate altercations with Lord Hayward, and the resulting slander he spread against me? I am the ladies servant, command and I shall answer.It ain't braggin' if you can back it up.